Demagogue

I had no idea who Ronald Cass was when I stumbled upon this column. Turns out he served on the U.S. International Trade Commission during the Reagan administration. And Cass wants us to know that this election is somehow an up-or-down vote on Reagan's vision for America.

But Cass should stick to international economics and leave the syrupy, overdone prose to others. His column is one great big, Montana-sized homage to Reagan -- a.k.a., the Gipper. In Cass's world, Reagan not only shines like a "sun" on America, but he is also an "apostle." (In da Vinci's "The Last Supper," Ronnie's the one seated next to Bartholomew.)

Cass writes:

Ronald Reagan, though derided endlessly by Democrats and media elites, won the presidency not just as a consummate showman but as the apostle of three big ideas.

... Reagan's optimism about America and devotion to freedom fueled his belief that it was necessary to defeat communism .... His vision of "morning in America" resonated with us, and his call "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall" inspired victims of abusive, totalitarian governments around the world.

Next week, Americans have the opportunity to reaffirm President Reagan's vision or to take a step back toward the vision of government and of America he fought against ...

Next Tuesday, Ronald Reagan's sun can continue to shine on America. But conservatives must be willing to make that happen. They must embrace the mantra that partial sunshine is better than rain any day of the week. It's a good time to remember Reagan's optimism, his pragmatism, and his values. And it would be enormously gratifying to win this one for the Gipper.