"Ronald Reagan had his hand on the nation's pulse." (C.Dodd on Imus)

[keithyboy]

Yes, RR could decide policies based on his closeness to the pulse of the nation. But it was simple: he knew they were basically racist and fearful. All he had to do was base his policies on those two facts and you could win the hearts and minds of most Americans. Appeal to their fears (that you have carefully crafted) and appeal to their own prejudices and the Republicans will try to re-name a planet after you. It's too bad the people like Chris Dodd take part in the charade.