As I got the umpteenth computer phone call from John and Mitt making their case as true “Reagan Republicans” it dawned on me that the Democrats have no equivalent debate going on. Conservatives hold dear to a few strong principles embodied by Reagan: limited government, lower taxes (a means to limited government as well as the key to economic prosperity) and a strong national defense.

Reagan also appealed to Americans who, while understanding that our nation isn’t perfect, believe it remains an exemplar for the rest of the world — the shining city on the hill.

But who do the current Democrat candidates aspire to be? Who is their Reagan? Bill Clinton? No, even Hillary has already indicated she’d govern to the left of her husband. Jimmy Carter? No one is dumb enough to aspire to Carter’s record as a pious sap.

That leaves JFK — the last Democrat to get folks all fizzy inside with promises of a New Frontier, Camelot etc. Today’s Democrats present a gauzy, fake version of JFK because they’ve strayed so far from his ideas.

JFK Idea #1
Tax cuts benefit everyone. JFK said: “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Today’s Democrats: tax cuts only benefit the rich.

JFK Idea #2
America was an example to the world, “…we have to demonstrate to the people of the world that we’re determined in this free country of ours to be first - not first if - not first but - not first when - but first. And when we are strong and when we are first, then freedom gains; then the prospects for peace increases; then the prospects for our society gain.”

Today’s Democrats: who made us boss of the world?

JFK Idea #3
America would help people suffering tyranny, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

And “To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required—not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”

Today’s Democrats: those people aren’t ready for democracy, we can’t win, it’s a civil war, quagmire, we’re the problem, it’s all about oil, we had it coming… etc.

JFK Idea #4
“As not what your country can do you for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Today’s Democrats: we deserve free health care, free housing, free college tuition, a free lunch etc. Do what for my country? They owe me.

Which is why I doubt I’ll get any robocalls from Barack or Hillary pretending to be JFK.