He would have been 99-years-old on Saturday. Ronald Reagan passed away five years ago this June….he may be gone, but he is hardly forgotten. The former president left office 22 years ago, but his leadership style and his policies are still influencing the political debate in 2010.
His ability to communicate optimism and ideals of freedom still have an impact on present day politicians and political movements. Many tied to the Tea Parties say Ronald Reagan and his mantra of cutting taxes are part of the inspiration behind the rallies that have taken hold across the country.
And look for many Republican candidates who are running for election in 2010 to rely on Reagan’s name and image to help them win back seats this fall.
But it’s not just Republicans, Democrats are also quick to use the R word if they think it can help them. Just the other night President Barack Obama mentioned the former president in his State of the Union speech, and lifted a classic Reagan theme when he told the country to stay the course during these tough economic times.
Proof perhaps that the Reagan Legacy is alive and well for people on both sides of the political aisle.
Saturday there will be quite a party at the Reagan Library to commemorate the president’s birthday. Expect the works, a band, a 21 gun salute, a military fly-over and a keynote address by Reagan former Transportation Secretary and close friend Elizabeth Dole.
It’s hard to imagine that next year could be an even bigger celebration, but there’s a committee already planning a shin-dig for the big 1-0-0.