Party of Reagan is now a party of one

So the Republican presidential contenders are gathering for a debate tonight, the first to include Rick Perry. The scene: Ronald Reagan's presidential library in Simi Valley, Calif. Extravagant hosannas will be sung and garlands thrown in honor of the man who, as LA Times reporter Mark Z. Barabak wrote, is "a sainted figure within the GOP." The irony of course is that Reagan would not get to first base in today's GOP. The "Gipper" was way too reasonable and, perhaps worst, rational. Barabak reminds us that the "conservative icon approved several tax increases to deal with a soaring budget deficit, repeatedly boosted the nation's debt limit, signed into law a bill granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants and, despite his anti-Washington rhetoric, oversaw an increase in the size and spending of the federal government. Before that, as California governor, he enacted what at the time was the largest state tax increase in American history. He also signed into law one of the nation's most permissive abortion bills ... At bottom, Reagan was a pragmatist, willing, when necessary, to cut a deal and compromise." Given the cast of clowns who will take center stage tonight, I wonder if even Reagan is spinning in his grave.