I think Regans presidency was most consequential in the sense that he was able to create a collation that combined all different types of conservatism. He also helped define what government influence meant to the Republican Party. It's hard for be to talk subjectively about Reagan cause I reject a lot of his fundamental ideals but he did have a huge impact on modern day conservatism for better or for worse.
I think much of the reason that he was so consequential in uniting conservatives was due to his remarkable ability to communicate with the public and relentless optimism. Reagan condemned welfare cheats, bussing, unions, taxes, and affirmative action while emphasizing states rights and “family values.” He also appealed to the white backlash against the strides that African Americans had made during the 1960s. I think that he was most consequential in defining the meaning of freedom. Freedom is an American ideal and we spend billions of dollars attempting to free other countries from “tyranny”, however, what it actually means to you largely depends on your political beliefs.
Is freedom a lack of government intervention or government protection from inequality?
For most republicans the answer to that question is the former and this ideological emphasis on little government intervention is much a result of the presidency Ronald Reagan.
Comments