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The GOP loves them some Reagan.
Reagan of course, saved Social Security, negotiated with the Soviets, added the Department of Veteran Affairs (one of the largest government agencies) and raised taxes. He would never win the party's nomination for 2012, but they love the Gipper.
Which is why they talk about him so much.
Smart Politics has been tracking this, so add this to your list of 2012 minutiae.
Of course, it's the annoying history nerd who has invoked Ronnie's name the most so far in debates- 21 times (almost half of the total mentions by all candidates- 53). Santorum, Paul, Huntsman, and Bachmann have all got 6 mentions in each (although Santorum has mentioned Dubya - 7 times -more than he has Reagan).
Only one candidate hasn't mentioned Reagan, but then again he's the one they all hate- the one who is so hated that he has inspired the Not Mitt Romney website.
Smart Politics has also tracked the number of mentions of all past Presidents in debates. Gingrich, no surprise, is first with the most mentions (32) and the most Presidents referenced (Reagan, Lincoln, Carter, Washington, Ike, Dubya, LBJ, and Clinton). Although, you do have to give Santorum (who finishes second with 16 mentions of 5 ex-Presidents) credit for working in a James Madison namecheck.
Reagan of course, saved Social Security, negotiated with the Soviets, added the Department of Veteran Affairs (one of the largest government agencies) and raised taxes. He would never win the party's nomination for 2012, but they love the Gipper.
Which is why they talk about him so much.
Smart Politics has been tracking this, so add this to your list of 2012 minutiae.
Of course, it's the annoying history nerd who has invoked Ronnie's name the most so far in debates- 21 times (almost half of the total mentions by all candidates- 53). Santorum, Paul, Huntsman, and Bachmann have all got 6 mentions in each (although Santorum has mentioned Dubya - 7 times -more than he has Reagan).
Only one candidate hasn't mentioned Reagan, but then again he's the one they all hate- the one who is so hated that he has inspired the Not Mitt Romney website.
Smart Politics has also tracked the number of mentions of all past Presidents in debates. Gingrich, no surprise, is first with the most mentions (32) and the most Presidents referenced (Reagan, Lincoln, Carter, Washington, Ike, Dubya, LBJ, and Clinton). Although, you do have to give Santorum (who finishes second with 16 mentions of 5 ex-Presidents) credit for working in a James Madison namecheck.