To average voters, does Reagan make Bush look even worse?

[fujiyama]

I was just wondering about whether the death will help Bush, and I really doubt it. Several polls also seem to show little if any impact on the race.

I think it really has to do with Bush's hopeless communication skills. Personally, I think Reagan was one of the worst presidents of the last century. However, one area I'll give him credit is his political skills.

He was able to relay a positive vision across and when necessary was able to give comforting speeches such as after the challenger disaster (will anyone remember the Columbia speech Bush gave? Did he give one?)...Even his post 9/11 speeches which are claimed to be his better ones, have failed miserably and will be forgotten in the long run.

Reagan could also relate with the press in a somewhat jovial way, and even when he was stonewalling, he could make some funny or witty comment and laugh.

Bush doesn't have these skills. He hasn't the same charm. There is a certain arrogance about him -- that smirk, that condescending walk of his. Sure some people buy his fake Texan cowboy BS, but a lot of people see through it...

[Ganja Ninja]

1. More accurately Bush makes the Gipper look mediocre.

Bush is that bad.

[TexasProgresive]

2. Raygun put a happy face on Fascism

He was like the salesman who convinces you that he's looking after your interests when he serving himself and those he represents. With Chimpski we are luckier because he may try to model himself on the great pretender but doesn't have the skill to be even a b movie actor. * espouses Reagan ism for what it is - Fascism. This is becoming more evident to more people. Ironically * may be the salvation of the republic because he is such a lousy salesman. With his tactic of getting revenge on anyone who disagrees with him, no matter how minor, he will eventually alienate even his supporters in the legitimate media.

[Lindsey]

3. That's what I'm thinkin'

..it really illustrates how horrible * is regarding his communication skills.

[DoYouEverWonder]

4. Just wait until tomorrow

when Bu$h delivers the eulogy. No one will be able to deny the contrast. Even dead Reagan has more charisma in his pinky, than Dim Son.

[Zero Gravitas]

5. Yes

The fascist Bush-slime will try and hitch the image of their "Great Leader" to the propaganda version of Reagan. We need to set aside our dislike of Reagan and use it to our advantage. Compare and contrast the Corporate Media image of Reagan with Bush*.

Reagan was optimistic, Bush is a fear-monger.
Reagan was the "Great Communicator", Bush can barely speak English.
Reagan was the nation's Grand Father, Bush is our collective crazy drunken asshole black-sheep Uncle.
The Reagan Administration would change policy if needed, Bush won't admit to any mistakes.

etc.

[snippy]

6. Yes. A pretzel never kicked Reagan's ass. n/t