Obama now praises Reagan as inspiration; in '95, denounced his 'dirty deeds'

Washington Examiner ^ | 1/24/2011 | Byron York

[Qbert]

In an article published in USA Today, President Obama praises President Ronald Reagan as a man with a "unique ability to inspire others to greatness."  Obama also says of Reagan that "there is no denying his leadership in the world, or his gift for communicating his vision for America."  The late president, Obama continues, "understood that it is always 'Morning in America.' That was his gift, and we remain forever grateful."

Obama's view of Reagan today is far different from the discussion of Reagan in Obama's 1995 autobiography Dreams From My Father.  In that book, Obama says his strong feelings about the Republican president were part of the reason he decided to become a community organizer.   "When classmates in college asked me just what it was that a community organizer did, I couldn't answer them directly," Obama wrote.  "Instead, I'd pronounce on the need for change.  Change in the White House, where Reagan and his minions were carrying on their dirty deeds…"

In another part of the book, Obama criticized Reagan for "verbal legerdemain."  By that, he was accusing Reagan of intentionally maintaining a gap between his sunny rhetoric and the actions of his administration.  Now, President Obama praises Reagan's "faith in the American promise."

Obama's op-ed, published on the eve of the state of the union address and also in recognition of Reagan's upcoming 100th birthday, is written with today's politics in mind.  Without specifically mentioning the new Republican majority in the House and strengthened GOP contingent in the Senate, the president urges today's politicians to remember Reagan's ability to compromise and forgo angry words.  What Obama doesn't mention is he once had some angry words for Reagan himself.

[eater-of-toast]

If 0bama likes jelly beans, that’s all they have in common.

[RichInOC]

Since 1911...

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.

[Hypo2]

bmk

[pallis]

Barry is a fraud.

[WayneS]

Either that or he’ll finally admit that Bill Ayres wrote it.

[Liz]

Obama's on his knees all puckered up, in full reelection mode. A pathetic progressive who got shellacked by the nation.

Last year's DNC poster.

This year's DNC poster

Obama is baptized in the fire of faith.
Obama's been saved. Thank you, Jesus.

[VOA]

“
Obama now praises Reagan as inspiration; in ‘95, denounced his ‘dirty deeds’
“

I heard about this on The Rush Limbaugh Show.
IIRC, that book was actually written by Bill Ayers.

If true, Obama must be (under his breath) Mr. Ayers.
Even though it almost certainly spoke Obama’s opinion of The Late
Great Ronald Reagan.

[Catsrus]

I believe this should be sent to all conservative radio hosts asap. Tuesday evening is his “fate of the union address.” And, from where I’m sitting, with him at the helm, our fate is looker dimmer and dimmer.