Reagan-era nostalgia, unfortunately, is not much of a superpower. Without recognition that new economic challenges require new thinking and new solutions, this tired GOP sequel is unlikely to attract much of an audience.
He refers to the manifesto entitled Reform, Restore, Modernize. I also find it unsatisfying, but I think James is too quick to dismiss it the way he does. My main problem is that the “specifics” in the manifesto are mere bullet points stating wished-for policy achievements. Until they drill down into “how,” they have not done enough.
Looking at this manifesto and at “Room to Grow,” I am happy to see this sort of ferment but disappointed with what i see so far. Of course, as long as SNEP remains vaporware, I have to be cautious in my criticism.
What WAS the underlying feature of Reaganism? The actual (or nearer-actual) public good of common defense.
It seems like Democrats are shooting for 51% of the vote (even if their marketing claims the 99%). Some party who shot for 100% of the vote might have some success.
In other words, we are going over 10 years (just since I’ve been paying attention) of the Republican party needing to modernize by…[insert]
Where [insert] has seemed to mean compete with Democrats on the quid pro quo paradigm of democracy.