The Denver Post - Right yearns for new Reagan

The Denver Post - Right yearns for new Reagan: "national politics Right yearns for new Reagan The popular conservative president offered clarity, humor and grit many say the '08 GOP hopefuls lack. By Matt Stearns McClatchy Newspapers Article Last Updated: 04/12/2007 03:08:44 AM MDT Washington - Conservative leaders know whom they really want for president in 2008. Alas, he's dead. 'I still think what most conservatives around the country are looking for ... is the next Ronald Reagan,' said Gary Bauer, president of the socially conservative group American Values. 'I don't think people are looking for a continuation of the Bush era. They're looking for somebody who resembles more clearly what they remember from the Reagan era.' Much as memories of John F. Kennedy cast an intimidating specter over Democratic presidential contests for decades, so Reagan does now among Republicans seeking an electoral Messiah during the party's darkest time in years. They miss his sunny optimism; his appeal across the conservative spectrum, uniting social conservatives, economic conservatives, and national security conservatives; his communication skills; and his true-grit combination of toughness and humor. "