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As Reagan was to Carter …
… So Obama is to McCain.
Remember that single 1980 Reagan-Carter debate? Jimmy droned on, eyebrows furred, jaw clinched. In turn, Reagan repeatedly smiled and responded, melodically: “There you go again.”
The tension dissipated, the clouds lifted, and you could almost feel the collective, slow exhale of a frustrated nation.
Whether you loved Reagan or not, I don’t care. It was political theater at its best, and he was the grand master of the stage.
Now, it seems Obama has learned more from “The Great Communicator” than the Kos crowd might want to admit.
6 Responses to “As Reagan was to Carter …”
I always had “there you go again” as against Mondale. Did Reagan pull that line out again 4 years later, or did I just confuse my Reagan opponents?
Might have done it again with Mondale, but if you watch the included video, you can here it in the very first exchange.
pacatrue, I think you have them mixed up. On Mondale (who had just accused him of being too old) Reagan used the line, “I don't hold his youth and inexperience against him.” HAHAHAHA!!! Great line.
Oh definitely, I'm just messed up. Like I'm putting off very important work now in order to be on TMV.
I love Obama's push back line.
Very clever and appealing.
The cheerleaders are overreacting but dispassionately, Obama did the right thing. It's actually sound against his campaign in general, not only against the celebrity ad. (He could also joke about it, saying something about how the audience should now bow to him — or when he enters a room sometime soon, begin by saying “You may remain seated.”)