One way that 2016 is much like 1980 is that weakness by a couple leftist presidents toward Iran contributed in Republicans winning the election.
Also, both Reagan and Trump are good at arguing on their own terms, not allowing the media, and therefore the left, to define the debate. Bypassing the media and talking directly to the electorate. Also, not beholden to monied cronies and hesitancy to rock the political boat that country club R’s have.