Michael Reagan on Finding the Right President
Written on January 27, 2012 by Ann-Marie Murrell
Last year I attended a lecture at the Reagan Library given by Reagan’s son, Michael. I wrote an article about my experience for RedWhiteBlueNews.com; it caught the attention of the Reagan Group and soon after I found myself writing for Michael Reagan’s Reagan Report. Following is a portion of that article, which I think is still very timely today. Ann-Marie Murrell
My thoughts going into Michael Reagan’s lecture was, “WHERE is our President Reagan for 2012? Who will save us from Obama?” Within the first few minutes of Michael Reagan’s speech, I got my answer. It wasn’t necessarily the one I expected (or wanted) but something that’s haunted me ever since.
Michael talked about ‘perfection,’ and the dangers of placing regular men so high up on pedestals because– as we all know–when you’re that high up, there’s only one other way to go from there. He told us his father had been far from perfect; he divorced movie star Jane Wyman when Michael was only 8 and was a stern disciplinarian. Later, Ron married Nancy and they had Ron Jr. and Patty, creating two blended, somewhat broken Beverly Hills families.
Through it all, Michael remembered his father as being a good, decent (albeit tough) man; a man of very strong moral principles and rare work ethic. He raised his children to understand the value of the American dollar and didn’t just give it to them–they had to earn it. And in Beverly Hills, no less, where they lived next door to the “Crosby, Crawford and Hope kids” who were given anything and everything they ever wanted.
Michael said his father got involved in politics partly out of boredom, ironically when Bobby Kennedy canceled Reagan’s GE-sponsored television program. Newly unemployed, he had a lot of free time on his hands so he started reading history and government books and got involved with Barry Goldwater’s campaign—and voila, an amazing political career was born.
Throughout Michael’s speech, he continuously mentioned our perfection perception regarding his father.
“People keep asking ‘Where’s the next Reagan?’” Michael said. “I keep saying, where are their original voices? Why is everyone repeating the words my father said when they should be out there finding their own voice? What are they afraid of?”
His answer was that, unfortunately, many of the better men are afraid to run for President because of the constant scrutiny of the media in which not only will their life be torn to shreds daily but the lives of their families will as well.
Michael also reminded us that as great as his father was and despite how people now praise his presidency, if Reagan were running for president today he might not even win the GOP nomination.
Hard to imagine, isn’t it? But think about it. In today’s hypercritical Conservative political climate, President Reagan would probably be considered even more ‘extreme’ than liberals think of Sarah Palin.
During his presidency he wrote a book called Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation. He signed an amnesty bill that allowed millions of illegal’s to live in the US. And before cutting all those taxes people praise him for, he also raised them. He negotiated with world leaders. He was a divorced man, a former actor, and two out of four of his children were ‘troubled.’ He was in a movie about a chimpanzee, for goodness sakes!
So interestingly, by 2011’s critical scrutiny and unreachable standards of perfection, even President Ronald Reagan wouldn’t be considered “Reagan Republican” enough!
Michael’s talk caused me to really re-think my own personal stances on some of our Conservative Republican leaders.
We’re a tough bunch; we are demanding perfection from them that few—even President Reagan—could withstand today. If we have to consider that President Reagan wasn’t perfect, it’s no wonder that others like Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin and basically everyone else aren’t living up to our 2012 standards either.
THIS is what the ‘other guys’ are counting on, that we’ll implode from within. They don’t need to tear us down; we’re doing a good job of that ourselves–and I’m as guilty of it as anyone.
Michael said that his father knew he couldn’t win over 100% of the people but he had a very thick skin and didn’t really care. He was able to laugh off his detractors and didn’t get upset at his haters. He believed in compromise, giving and taking, and knew when to draw hard lines as well as soft when needed.
Ronald Reagan didn’t care if people liked him or not—he wanted their RESPECT, but he knew he had to EARN it.
Most of all, President Ronald Reagan loved America like nobody’s business. He loved Americans and everything we stand for. When you see videos of his speeches, he is completely engaged with his audience; he looks you directly in the eyes, almost into your soul—no Teleprompters anywhere and as Michael said he rarely even used his own note cards.
When President Reagan spoke, he believed what he was saying because it came from his heart; he believed we could be the greatest country on earth but then, he also reminded us that ‘Freedom is but a generation away from extinction.’ We have to work at it constantly, never ceasing.
With that, Michael said he’s worried lately that his father’s warnings haven’t been taken; that our generation may have allowed the very freedom his father spoke of to be taken away by the progressives currently in office. He said they are chipping away at our foundation every day and the ONLY way we can prevent it from getting worse is to get involved; be engaged and find a good, decent man to run in 2012—not a ‘perfect’ man, but someone who loves America enough to do whatever it takes to get her back on course.
We all need to remember this while we’re dissecting every aspect of every prospective Conservative Republican out there. If you really want another Reagan you’re going to have to take him (or her) with all their mortal, human flaws intact.
How will we know if they truly care about America if we chop them to bits before they ever even get up to bat? Whether we completely agree with them on every issue or not, if they’re good, decent Americans, they are going to do whatever needs to be done to get our country back. Just like President Reagan did—flawed as he was.
No, we don’t have another Ronald Reagan for 2012; we had the best one of those already.
What we need is for our next Presidential candidate—mortal flaws and all–to be Reagan-esque in that he’ll will have enormous love for the foundation of America and the heart to put her back on course.
THAT is what we need and should be looking for. Forget perfect; leave that to God. For now, let’s follow Michael Reagan’s lead and become unified in finding an intelligent, good ol’ normal guy to lead us back home.
And while we’re at it, let’s not forget what an exceptional home we have at that.
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Tax Cuts –
If you don’t understand the Democrats’ version of tax cuts (and you are not alone), maybe this will help explain it:
The Difference Between Republicans and Democrats
A Republican and a Democrat were walking down the street when they came to a homeless person. The Republican gave the homeless person his business card and told him to come to his business for a job. He then took twenty dollars out of his pocket and gave it to the homeless person.
The Democrat was very impressed, and when they came to another homeless person, he decided to help. He walked over to the homeless person and gave him directions to the welfare office. He then reached into the Republican’s pocket and got out twenty dollars. He kept $15 for administrative fees and gave the homeless person five.
Now you understand the difference between Republicans & Democrats.
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I’d love to, daves! It’s been done and guess what? Conservatives give way more to charity than liberals! Proven over and over! And they give more blood! And they give more time to charity!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/opinion/21kristof.html?hp
Tax returns? Fine. Millionaire vs. 100aire? The point is, the democrat gave NOTHING of himself. The only charity he knows is in giving to others, only from what he took from others, keeping a portion for his fatass bureaucratic self.
What has tax returns got to do with it. It’s not about taxes- it’s about the social programs that the democrats keep creating to keep the public dependent on the government so the government can control them. The Republicans want people to work and be able to support them selves and their families without government help, to prosper and live the American dream. With the Democrats social programs it’s an American nightmare. We can’t afford them any more. Time for work instead of welfare.
omg, are you back again………give it a rest and go back to sleep, hopefully till after nov.
Actually, daves, I think you should compare military service with Raymond.
Got the gonads for it?
Excellent analogy!
Very well put Raymond & true also.
May I share this comment?
An excellent article from a person who was totally opposed to Mr. Reagan way back when! Maturity is a strict teacher, and she has presented a stellar case for a step back and a second look at the quagmire of the current nominating structure. It has become truly impossible for everyone’s voice to be heard and the absolutely 100% agreement of the voters on the final choice. There are some really good reasons for keeping the door open longer for more diverse and perhaps worthier men and women to step up. I am entirely disgusted with all of the remaining “choices” and praying for someone to come in and lead us, the united GOP to speak with one voice and accomplish the defeat of the socialist morphing to dictator who sits in the teleprompter seat now.
Thank you for giving such a intelligent response! So many, many people throw in disgusting language. YES, we really need to find someone who, not only the Republicans want to elect, but that the “other” people who believe will be a good President. God help America if Obama is elected again!! That’s my biggest fear. I truly don’t want my America to become what seems to be inevitable with Obama in charge. I am concerned for my children and grandchildren. They may not be able to enjoy the America we have grown to love!!!!j I’m amazed how many Americans have been “snowed” by Obama. They just really don’t see what is happening to our America!
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WOW. Thanks for that insight!
I disagree, the facts speak for themselves
Coming after Jimmy Carter, Reagan was more than a breath of fresh air, he was the wind in the sail of recovery that blew away our economic malaise.
If Reagon did so little and was not a great president then why while he was pulling use out of a liberal recession and doing well I might add ,Better than OBY . could he convence Russia we were building a missel defence system and satilite cervailence system so big it bankrupted the USSR trying to compete and they tore down the wall .
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And you, Winston? You are a person of many words- with nothing in them? And empty suit, as they say?
You write like a true Lib. And like the rest of them, say nothing.
Go back to HuffPo where you are among your own kind.
I love your analogy, Raymond.
How come Micheal turned out so smart,and his brother Ron Jr. turn out so dumb.And I think Micheal has found a candidate closer to his dad then the rest and that’s Newt.It sure isn’t Romney.
Ron Jr. is an arrogant dummicrat donkey. One would thnk he was the adopted one. Mike is a grateful person who appreciates all that his adopted parents taught him and gave him.
Why do we allow the lamestream media set the agenda with irrelevant drivel to distract us from dealing with very serious matters that involve the survival of our nation and way of life. At the same time they give a free pass to the creators of the problems that have placed us in this position. WAKE UP AMERICA, you have the power to control your destiny but you must fight to make your wishes known by whatever means is necessary as our founders and subsequent generations have done before us.
I agree Jerry.
Right on!
Great words that discrib the truth Michael. I remember when Nancy Reagen that the “The City On That Shining Hill” was to carry on w/the one Man that would continue with the concervative strong policies that has always kept America Strong. And that Man is Newt Gingrich. America needs a strong leader with past experience to Make America great again.Newt The only Leader that can get the job done. Newt in 2012
Perfect analogy Raymond.
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Reagan was not an isolationist fool.
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Let’s just pray you’re kidding about the “none at all.” If Paul doesn’t win the nomination, I certainly hope you won’t stay home and let Obama walzt back into office.
No matter what you think, Newt, Mitt, and Santorum will NOT be as bad as Obama. Why? Because of two main things:
1) the House, Senate, governorships, and state legislatures all tend to go the same direction as the presidency in a presidential election year. In other words, people tend to pull the lever straight-party, so if Obama is re-elected, we’re going to see a Democrat take-over of Congress, the governorships across the nation, and the state legislatures (and even the city hall). But if people pull the lever for the GOP candidate, we’ll see a conservative wave across the nation. No matter which GOP candidate is the nominee, if people support him, it will affect Congress, governorships, and the state legislatures.
2) whichever GOP candidate ends up as the nominee, if he becomes president, his party will hold him accounatable. Look at Bush and illegal alien amnesty: he supported it and said he’d sign the bill, but the GOP Congress refused to pass it when the voters yelled NO. The same will be true no matter which Republican wins the nomination: a GOP congress will not let him stray too far.
The reason OBama has been able to do so much harm to America is that he had a Democrat House and Senate for 2 years, so they ran roughshod over America together.
Don’t stay home on election day, even if your favorite candidate is not the nominee. I certainly won’t. I will do my part to stop Obama.
You kinda forgot Eric HOLDER as the leagle eagle eating anything that stood in the way .
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“there you go again” You are sooo wrong!
Yeah youre rite he’d give ol Ron Paul a tip for shing his shoe’s if he could do that rite.
I believe-wasn’t that what Obama said? Ron Paul is NOT the answer.
Ever since JFK this country has been divided. We can’t look back to any of what we thought were good Presidents. No one cares about the past. We must look forward,not for a President,but rather a good Congress that can actually get something done. We don’t need a Presidency. It just adds to the gridlock and takes a 2/3 majority to over rule.
The division came when the liberals dared the conservatives to go after Slick Willie and he lied and the liberals accepted it and said everybody lies about sex . Begin a new era , The liberal press built a story of falcehoods around Clinton and they tore a conservative apart for lesser crimes .Example ,Newt gingrige wrote a childrens book and used the proceeds for campain funds .He was centured .Hilliary wrote a biography of her life in the white house and used the proceeds to get elected NY senator .The same medias that bashed Newt and wanted him lynched didn’t write astory about Hillary and not one screaming liberal that bashed newt said a word . That was the beginng of the DC grand canyon .
This is a bit of wisdom for all us right wingers (whatever and who ever that refers to) to keep in mind. There wasn’t one of the original GOP candidates that couldn’t have beat BHO and stopped the socialist hordes. Perhaps BHO won’t make it to the election when the left comprehends his unelectability in 2012. They are not above resorting to something we couldn’t imagine.
Michael is right and who else could endorse a choice that was close to his father like his choice, Newt Gingrich. I have been following Ronald Reagan and Newt for a long time now and I agree with Michael that Newt is the only one who can take up the torch and lead us out of the darkness that the Democoms have drug us into.
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Both Newt and Santorum are the ONLY good ones in the pot. Paul smokes too much pot and Romney will make sure all our money goes to the Mormon Church.
You progressive liberals just amaze me that you can’t see the writing on the wall; your heads are in a hole or in space; I guess you haven’t noticed how many are now saying some of the same things as Ron Paul; even Obama in his speech. They just don’t like Paul because they don’t want their apple carts upset and taken away. SHEEPLE
No they don’t like Ron Paul,because he is a loonie,and if you would come up out of the smoke you would see that,come on breath some fresh air.
I am not a Romney supporter, nor do I agree wtih the teachings of the Mormon church, but I must condemn your disgusting bigotry. Obviously Romney won’t send taxes to the Mormon church—he never did as governor of Massachusetts. Your bigoted blather is just a disgusting attempt to denigrate this man. What are you going to do if he becomes the nominee—join Obama in attacking him, assuring Obama of a victory?
Didn’t your mother ever teach you that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all?
What is going on in the GOP camp is Mitt Romney is a liberal leaning to the right but a liberal .Newt is a conservative and tried to get respect by not bashing the gop hopfuls .Mitt took Iowa by bashing and won New Hampshire by bashing so the rules changed for Newt in South Carolina , He bashed Mitt and won so let the bashing begin , it isn’t good for the party because it supplies amo for the left but the don’t have much to go on either.
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Many of the same things that are being said about Newt Gingrich now were being said about Ronald Reagan in 1980. Including what your saying. Although I have not heard anyone yet call Newt a hot headed cowboy who would shoot from the hip. Reagan was also married more than once. For that matter over 50% of Americans are married more than once in their life. So your morality (if in fact that is why you do not like Newt), is off bas. Of course I will support anyone of the four who happen to become the Republican nominee. Any intelligent conservative will do the same. If not and obama can get on enough state ballots he will be reelected and serve four more years. How would you like that?
Hello !! The whole bunch of you would make a good crew on a Pirates of the Caribean ship!
Saludos del Sombrero, Vatos……
And you, Boletero, esta’ un hijo de cingada. Phonetically, of course.
Oops! Sorry Bolero. Forgot the ‘h’. You, of course, know where to put it.
Evan: El chingado Boletero is a legit immigrant with 33 years of US military service!! And I do know how and when to display the Stars and Stripes!!
As far as my comments: Granted they where quite a bit in generic terms. Not all of you would make a good pirate of the Caribean. Especially those AH who voted for Oboomer. Some of you who voted for the turkey would not make good bait for alligator trolling!!
Saludos del Sombrero, Vato
PS. As for the “H”, put it at the bottom backend of your shirt and wipe!! Nicely do it !!!!!