... But Reagan Was a Celebrity

Matt Lewis | August 05, 2008 8:34 AM

The "unofficial" "grassroots" Obama forces hit back at the celebrity ad, arguing that Reagan was, himself, a celeb ...

... Unlike some conservatives, I do not take this video -- or the comparison between Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan -- lightly. It is a very shrewd attempt to coopt Reagan's successes -- and may well convince

some voters who value symbolism ahead of substance.

Of course, while Obama is, like the Gipper, a great communicator, there are many differences -- namely, substance. Reagan wasn't great because he was a great communicator, he was great because of his ideas and character. The ability to communicate helps tremendously, of course, but, it is the substance of a leader's ideas -- not merely their style -- that makes for a great leader.