Huntsman Is On
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is telling reporters that he plans to formally enter the presidential race next Tuesday.
No surprise there. But what is interesting is Huntsman's choice of a launch pad: instead of some nice snowy-peaked backdrop in his home state, he'll make the announcement in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty at Liberty State Park, NJ. Reagan aficionados might recall that the Gipper launched his fall campaign against Jimmy Carter at the same site on Sept. 1, 1980.
Here's the video of Reagan's speech (click here if you prefer the text version).
What stands out is the timelessness of those remarks. Reagan brilliantly explains the failures of the Carter years, the listlessness of the nation, and neatly lays out his priorities as a candidate.
Nothing tepid, nothing apologetic. Just crisp, declarative language.
To me, this was what was missing from last night's debate in New Hampshire. We lack a 21st Century version of "Reaganism" -- offering conservatism in a way that is both heartfelt and optimistic.
The hunt is on for that one candidate who can wrap it up, in a single bow, as did Reagan. Explain how Obama has failed, how you intend to lead, and how you will inspire the nation to again believe in its greatness.
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Re: Huntsman Is On
A week or so ago, I asked folks how Reagan was able to attract the so-called "Reagan Democrats" to his coalition. (I wasn't born until the middle of his second term).
By and large, the answer I received was that Democrats voted for Reagan out of desperation. Things had gotten so bad, and Jimmy Carter only promised to make things worse, that many Democrats had no choice but to jump their party's ship.
I take it for granted that that answer is probably most of the story. But the other part of the story is told by the first couple minutes of the clip you've posted. Reagan really welcomed Democratic voters. He was able to mop the floor with Democratic politicians while at the same time making an appeal to the rank and file Democrat voter that welcomed them as friends and allies in a larger, common cause. His success on that front is pretty remarkable. I can't see any Republican pulling that off today.
Re: Huntsman Is On
The lines that stand out, to me: "This administration in Washington has betrayed the working men and women of this country" and "I have talked with unemployed workers all across this country"
Reagan was able to explain how Carternomics were poison to blue-collar Americans. And he effectively portrayed Jimmy Earl as aloof, intellectual, more interested in semantics than solutions. Seems to me that Obama has the same vulnerability -- if the Republican challenger can come across as more in touch with regular folks.
Talk about a race tailor-made for Chris Christie!!
Jun '10
Re: Huntsman Is On
Standing on the same spot as Reagan doesn't turn you into Reagan.
Huntsman is no Reagan.
Nov '10
Re: Huntsman Is On
Thanks for bringing this speech to our attention. I was active on the local level in the Reagan campaign and remember some of his speeches, but not this one.
His words could almost fit today's campaign to a "T". Change the names to include the current guilty, and it's "good to go", to use the current slang.