I was listening to Reagan’s farewell address to the nation, and it struck me. For all Obama’s rhetorical splendor, he’s always talking about himself, government or criticizing Americans who “cling to guns or religion. Reagan always spoke of America.
He seems to be speaking right to us in 2008 when he says “This national feeling is good, but it won’t count for much, and it won’t last unless it’s grounded in thoughtfulness and knowledge.” Modern translation: Before we say “yes we can,” we better know who we are and why.