Bluey Blog - Official Blog of Robert B. Bluey

The Role of Reagan in 2008 and Beyond

When a group of conservative members of Congress led by Sen. Jim DeMint and Rep. Jeb Hensarling launched a new group named after former President Ronald Reagan, probably the last thing they expected was to hear criticism from their friends on the right. But that’s exactly what happened shortly after the formation of the Reagan21 caucus.

Two young conservatives, Patrick Ruffini and Erick Erickson, were quoted in The Hill last week voicing their complaints. Patrick’s were focused on the lack of a web strategy for Reagan21 (it still doesn’t have a website), but Erick’s addressed a more touchy subject.

“I think the intentions are good, but I seem to remember Reagan being dead,” stated Erick Erickson, editor of RedState.org. “Basically, what it says is ‘We’re completely unoriginal and uninspired, so let’s go back to the old playbook.’”

Erickson stressed the principles behind the group are sound: “I think their heart is in the right place … but they need to re-brand.”

I’m glad Erick is in good standing with the vast right-wing conspiracy because any negative talk about Reagan can usually get you run out of the movement. But what Erick had to say is actually good point that many young conservatives are trying to express — just perhaps a little more politely.

It’s interesting that this debate is taking place now, just months before voters will pick the Republican nominee for president. All of the candidates are doing their best to convince voters they’re the second coming of Reagan, but no one has come close to sealing the deal.

Krissah Williams writes in today’s Washington Post about Reagan’s impact on young conservatives — albeit some of the most politically active students on the planet. I’m quoted in the piece along with my Heritage Foundation colleague Lee Edwards.

While I was asked specifically about the 2008 race and why no candidate can truly say he embodies all the characteristics of Reagan, Lee shares an important point that older conservatives need to remember about us enthusiastic youngsters.

“They are somewhat like so many other, more senior conservatives — a little disillusioned right now,” said Lee Edwards, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation. “To quote Reagan: ‘What we need is a party of bold colors, not pale pastels.’ Young people love bold colors, God bless them.”

Lee is absolutely correct. We do love bold colors. We also love Reagan. But as Erick expressed in the context of Reagan21, we also don’t identify with Reagan the same way as DeMint and Hensarling’s generation. I’m a huge Reagan fan, but I was only 9 years old when he left office.

At a time when fewer young people are identifying themselves as conservatives or Republicans, I think this conflict threatens to do significant damage to the movement in 2008 and the years to come if we don’t find a way to appeal to conservatives who are both young and old. Clearly there’s a place for Reagan, but I’d argue that we should focus less on his image and put a greater emphasis on his principles.