by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright June 9, 2004
All Rights Reserved.

ourning the death of President Ronald Wilson Reagan, a nation shares its gratitude to the 40th president. Few presidents have had such a profound impact, rescuing the country from “malaise,” moving boldly into a hopeful future. Reagan's formula was simple: “We The People.” He never forgot that greatness lied not in Washington but in hard-working heroes on American streets. Reagan's own story was living proof of America's promise. His patriotism revived faith in what Lincoln called “the last best hope of man on earth.” From his humble roots in Tampico, Ill. to his storybook Hollywood career, to California governor's mansion and eventually to the White House Reagan lived the American dream. His success was forged not of privilege but the irrepressible truth that hard work paid off. Reagan's legacy—and political agenda—was about preserving the American Dream.

      Causing a tectonic shift in the political landscape, Reagan single-handedly resurrected the Republican Party. Reagan's talking points gave the foundation of modern conservatism and paved the way for today's talk radio. After recovering from Nixon's Watergate disgrace, Reagan reinstated integrity to the Grand Old Party. Jimmy Carter's 1976 victory over President Gerald Ford was no accident, mirroring the public's disgust for Nixon. Reagan revived the Republican Party by boiling down modern day Republicanism into few catchy slogans. From the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, Reagan derived his conservative principles. He believed the federal bureaucracy had grown beyond the “consent of the governed,” promising to return power to the people. Reagan's appeal stemmed from his rock-solid belief and reaffirmation of basic constitutional principles.

      Reagan transformed the Republican Party into one less related to privilege than entrepreneurship and opportunity. Through Reagan's voice, Republicans became associated with upwardly mobile individuals seeking the bounty of hard work and prosperity. Tax cuts became the centerpiece of Reagan's platform not because of some esoteric economic theory but precisely because it gave individuals and business more incentives to succeed. His oratorical skills stemmed less from his Hollywood career than his silky smooth voice and vibrant style of delivery. Few politicians sold ideas with such conviction and enthusiasm. Dubbed “the great communicator,” Reagan's speeches used powerful images and rich metaphors. He learned to keep things simple, hammering away at basic ideas. Whether talking about defense, the economy or foreign policy, Reagan insisted on nothing short of American superiority.

      Reagan's background in film and television no doubt honed his skills in front of the camera. Hollywood is filled with politically savvy actors. But acting skills alone can't explain Reagan's phenomenal ability to sell even the most unpopular ideas. It was his experience coming up from the bottom, hunger to succeed and deep familiarity with a variety of topics that enabled him to clearly articulate his views. Like the pioneers heading West, Reagan also found his fortune out West, especially in the image-driven film industry. From Westerns and War movies Reagan learned idealistic themes that became an integral part of his stump speeches. He saw the American character as competitive yet big-hearted, adventurous yet family-oriented but most of all indomitable and courageous. Reagan's common themes involved scaling new heights, breaking new records and blazing new trails.

      When Reagan campaigned against Jimmy Carter in 1980, it was more than a run for national office. His speeches started a national movement eventually known as the “Reagan revolution.” Reagan's message of smaller government, less taxes and more freedom resonated with voters fed up with an insensitive and bloated federal establishment. Minutes after his inauguration, the hostages were released by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, signaling renewed credibility and a new era of American power. Reagan promised to restore not only economic prosperity and military power but American pride. With interest rates and gas prices through the roof, he reminded voters that America's best days were still ahead, giving hope and reassurance. At age 69, Reagan became America's benevolent father figure, giving needed reassurance about economic prosperity and national security.

      Reagan's legacy involves the restoration of revolutionary optimism about the promise of America. He created the “Reagan revolution” not to advance some fringe philosophy but to celebrate principles set forth by the founding fathers. Less government, lower taxes and more power to the people represented radical ideas to a country reeling from domestic problems and a global loss of prestige. Reagan restored confidence by reminding voters that “We The People” were capable of solving our own problems. That government by an overgrown federal bureaucracy was not the solution. Unlike past administrations, Reagan treated Americans to “common sense,” empowering ordinary citizens to become part of the solution. Cheerful and optimistic, principled and confident, Reagan encouraged Americans to take control of their lives, start dreaming again and shoot for the moon.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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