"The Sunday Political Brunch" -- December 20, 2015

Dr. Mark Curtis, Ed.D., is a nationally-known political reporter and analyst, now based in West Virginia.

(Charleston, West Virginia) – As I watched the fifth Republican presidential debate the other night – and as I pondered Donald Trump’s continuing popularity – I thought, “Is Trump trying to channel Ronald Reagan?” The answer, I believe, is yes! Let’s “brunch” on that this week:

“I’m Paying for this Microphone” - The other night when discussing strategies to destroy ISIS in a world filled with “political correctness,” Donald Trump fired back at fellow candidate Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), “So it’s okay if they kill us; but we can’t kill them?” Trump asked. It reminded me of New Hampshire in 1980, when they tried to shut off Ronald Reagan’s microphone during a candidate forum that he actually sponsored. “I am paying for this microphone, Mr. Green!” Voters love candor, defiance, and unscripted moments! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO2_49TycdE

“Outsiders” – Both men came into the race as party outsiders. In 1980 a lot of the party hierarchy preferred Senator Howard Baker (R-TN), Senator Bob Dole (R-KS), or former Ambassador to China and CIA Director George H.W. Bush. Many thought Reagan’s tough 1976 primary fight ultimately caused President Ford to lose his reelection bid to Jimmy Carter. Today, many party elders prefer a conventional party standard bearer such as former Governor Jeb Bush (R-FL), Governor John Kasich (R-OH), or Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), over the maverick Trump, who is a relative party newcomer.

“Fears of Opponents” – Back in 1980, Reagan’s opponents worried this his harsh rhetoric would lead to nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Today, many of Trump’s opponents worry he’s going to provoke World War III in the Mideast. In Reagan’s case, the tough talk probably intimidated the Soviets (although the collapse of their unsustainable economic system, helped undermine the communist union, too).

“Products of Hollywood” – Critics thought Reagan was a shallow, B-movie actor, who relied on tough talk and good looks. Beyond that they felt he was an empty suit. Fast forward to 2015 and many criticize Trump for being a star of the “Reality TV” genre that has given us, “The Kardashians,” “Survivor,” and a host of other shows. Trump, too, is viewed by many as an empty suit. In reality, Reagan served as a two-term Governor of California, which if it was a stand-alone country would be the world’s fifth largest economy. He was also president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Trump’s political experience pales, and is limited to negotiating the terms and taxes of his real estate deals.

“Confidence versus Arrogance” – If I had to compare personalities, there are similarities and differences. Both men could be bold and brash in what they say, but Reagan came across as more genial and confident, whereas Trump has a habit of being more brusque and arrogant. Both men – unlike your typical professional politician – speak more off the cuff, making them prone to great one-liners that are memorable, but also prone to making gaffes. They are gamblers in a world where many politicians play it safe.

“Make American Great Again” – Both men struck a nerve with voters who felt the nation was in decline; that America’s best days were behind her. The above photo is one of only a few that exist depicting Reagan and Trump together. The Trump campaign captioned it with quotes from both men, in trying to make their candidate more “Reagan-esque.” So far in campaign 2016 Trump has been more inflammatory, compared with the often-inspiring Reagan. Will Trump polish the rough edges, or will he “sharp-elbow” his way to the nomination? We’ll see. Campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire is true retail politics, where you go to peoples’ homes for small group coffees, and appeal to voters one on one. You simply have to be a kinder, gentler candidate.

“Why All of this Matters?” – If the two men share one trait in common, it’s that people greatly underestimate them. Democrats – and lots of Republicans, too – thought Ronald Reagan was a lightweight, and could never win. It wasn’t too long before people were calling him, “Mr. President!” There jury is still out on whether Donald Trump can work the same kind of magic on American voters.

Who would you like to see in the White House? Let us know by clicking the comment button at www.MarkCurtisMedia.com.

© 2015, Mark Curtis Media, LLC.

Photo courtesy: DailyMail.co.uk