[1rudeboy]

It never fails to astound me that, people who are ostensibly protectionists cite to a Cato paper that argues Reagan was not enough of a free-trader. And usually after I point out that all Presidents, regardless of political affiliation, enact protectionist policies here and there.

[Pelham]

Probably because it counters the quotes that you love to post that give the impression that Reagan was a dedicated free trader.

As Sheldon Richman demonstrates in his Cato paper, Reagan’s actions didn’t match his rhetoric. Reagan governed as a nationalist rather than a free trade zealot.

The majority of examples that Richman cites concern Japan, the main problematic trade partner/rival during Reagan’s administration. Reagan wasn’t shy about enacting limits on them. Those who like to cite Reagan’s record would do well to read Clyde Prestowitz, Reagan’s trade negotiator.