ABSTRACT
Ronald Reagan’s revival of old-fashioned patriotism and dedication to country was an example of conservatism’s longing to bring a higher, spiritual or moral message into political life. As Ronald Reagan boarded the plane for his return to California on January 20, 1989, he left behind a triumphant political movement. Although some were pleased to see him depart, his conservative allies could take pride in the Reagan years. Reagan had restored faith in the American system of government. His simple message proclaimed that the days of confusion, distrust and malaise were gone; “America was back.” People responded to Reagan, for even when he bumbled, he was too affable to dislike. Critics characterized him as an absentee president. He delegated much of his authority to subordinates and almost never rebuked them. This made it nearly impossible to enforce discipline on the bureaucracy. Beyond the problems of leadership, there were other unsettling difficulties facing the political Right.
