Jim Leach is a former Republican congressman from Davenport, Iowa. He's a professor at Princeton University now, and earlier this month he gave a speech there on the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates.
Here's a small excerpt of what he said, which the Quad City Times published today:
Most of the Republican candidates seem intent on identifying with the legacy of Ronald Reagan. Whether the public sees a similarity of articulated charm is yet to be seen. But for what it is worth, my sense is that our times demand more a reconsideration of the Eisenhower than Reagan legacy. Dwight David Eisenhower is the most underestimated President of the 20th century, and the one whose judgment most fits the challenges of this early part of the 21st century. It was IKE, after all, who ran on the pledge to end a war (Korea); it was IKE who called for an end to colonialism and backed the British and French out of Suez. It was IKE who refused to start three wars in three places (Central Europe, China, and Vietnam) despite vibrant advocacy by ideologues far outnumbering the small band of neo-cons who played such a role in this Administration. And it was IKE who quietly integrated the D.C. public schools system and not so quietly that of Little Rock. Republican candidates would be wise to take note.
My take is that there is nothing wrong with a Republican candidate tying himself to the Reagan legacy. Comparing oneself to Reagan is bound to fail because there will never be another Reagan, just as there won't be another Washington or Lincoln
As for Eisenhower, the 34th president had a lot in common with the Gipper. Both leaders were steadfast in their beliefs--and didn't change them to please the fickle beast of public opinion.
That's the type of president we need.
Related post:
My Kansas Kronikles: The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
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Eisenhower 
Reagan 
history 
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elections 
2008 
Republican 
Ronald Reagan 
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