Say what you will about his politics and legacy, Ronald Reagan was authentic. At 93, he certainly had among the fullest of lives imaginable. My reaction to his Presidency is one of the bases for my current political leanings.

Watching the ABC News coverage, they're showing Reagan on his ranch chopping wood and riding his horse. He was a Hollywood cowboy, but likeable. It's amazing how much similarity there is in imagery and cast of characters between Reagan and Bush (43).

To paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen, "I remember Ronald Reagan and George, you're no Ronald Reagan." From communications skills all the way down to his scandals, Bush doesn't reach the bar that Reagan set for conservatives in any category.

Thoughts and prayers to the family, but to Ron, that final bedtime.

EDIT: I've edited this post. My last line was not intended as an insult in any way and I don't believe it reads that way, but I wanted to be clear. Phil Carter of Intel Dump says something similar to what I intended, just better said.