Reagan's Legacy Hangs in the Balance as Republican Candidates Cling to His Name

Strategic Insights -

The forthcoming debate between Republican contenders John McCain and George W. Bush is set to dominate the stage, with both candidates eager to assert themselves as the rightful heir to Ronald Reagan's legacy. As the Republican primary heats up, McCain and Bush frequently invoke Reagan's name in their stump speeches, seeking to tap into the veneration surrounding the former president. However, McCain's recent public disagreements with key supporters of Reagan, including Pat Robertson and Rev. Jerry Falwell, have raised questions about his commitment to the conservative ideology.

Key Takeaways:

  • McCain and Bush have been actively claiming to be the candidate who most deserves to inherit Reagan's legacy, with both frequently evoking the former president's name in their speeches.
  • McCain has faced criticism for his recent break with the conservative Christian right, calling them "agents of intolerance" and predicting that Al Gore would win the election if the GOP was aligned too closely with them.
  • The Arizona Republic reported that McCain became irritated with conservative radio talk-show host Michael Reagan, son of the former president, over potential Supreme Court appointees and the role of McCain's adviser, former Senator Warren Rudman, in the selection process.
  • McCain has been accused of an erratic temperament, with Reagan publicly stating, "You just saw John McCain's temper."
  • Both candidates will participate in a breast cancer forum at the State University in Stony Brook, New York, on Friday after the debate.
  • McCain's claims of being a "loyal Reagan Republican" have been marred by controversy, with his move to attract moderate Republicans and independents seen as a calculated decision to distance himself from conservative Christian leaders.

Statistics:

  • 9 p.m. EST is the scheduled start time for the debate sponsored by the Los Angeles Times and CNN.
  • Bush will attend the debate in Los Angeles, while McCain will participate via a telecast from St. Louis.
  • McCain's candidacy has faced criticism over his stance on abortion, with his adviser, former Senator Warren Rudman, playing a key role in President Bush's appointment of David Souter to the Supreme Court.

Sources:

  • LOS ANGELES, March 2 (UPI) (no date provided)
  • The Arizona Republic (no date provided)
  • McCain's comments were made in a telephone exchange with Michael Reagan (no date or time provided)
  • Reagan's comments were publicly made after the exchange (no date or time provided)