[x]

People knew where Reagan was coming from when he started running for President. They knew exactly what he believed and why. And they could see Reagan's skills as a communicator from the beginning. It's harder to say that about Fred (Reagan also had had administrative experience as Governor of the largest state).

It's commonplace to see Reagan as an actor, and he was that, but his evolving role as a "spokesman" involved more than that. If Fred had more of that kind of experience -- not playing a role, but communicating a message -- people would feel more comfortable with him now.

[samtheman]

x, I think you marked the spot. Exactly right.

Fred can’t measure up to Ronald the Great. It’s doubtful if anybody every will.

But that’s not the point. The point is who is our best candidate to go up against the Beast. My personal opinion is that it’s Fred, with all his flaws, and all his strengths. And one of his strengths is that people are even asking this question about him — is he a Reagan?

Who else out there, on either side, would evoke that question from anyone?