Ehlert: GOP wannabes will channel Reagan

There are three words to consider as the GOP presidential debate moves to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (Wednesday night) in Simi Valley, Calif. Trust, but verify. I don’t often make predictions, but I’ll wager a hill of jellybeans most of the 11 to 16 Republican candidates invited— whatever number and tier to which they belong — won’t miss an opportunity to co-opt, pay homage, quote, champion and maybe even compare themselves to Dutch/The Gipper/The Great Communicator Reagan. That said, the brash frontrunner Donald Trump already has made a few comparisons between himself and our 40th president. Though they both have entertainment backgrounds, some found it mostly show biz when Trump announced last week that the four Americans presently being held by the Iranians would be released before he even took office if he is elected president/Robert Ehlert, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Would Ronald Reagan be welcome by the Tea Party today?