When Reagan ran in 1980, his economic policy of Kemp-Roth was important because he was running against George H. W. Bush, who did not support or understand supply-side economics.
Democrats held the House and Senate going into 1980, so the only voice for the GOP on economic policy would be the president’s.
Today, all the presidential candidates are for lower rates and for tax reform that is not a Trojan horse for tax hikes.
And after the 2012 elections the GOP will be led from the House majority and the incoming Senate GOP majority. They have already tipped their hand: They will pass the Ryan Plan, which includes spending restraint, broad welfare/Medicaid block grants, entitlement reform, and tax reform, beginning with top rates dropping to 25 percent.
The debate about 9-9-9 or Huntsman’s plan or Romney’s plan or Perry’s upcoming plan helps pass the time if Netflix hasn’t arrived. But the only real question is whether each candidate has a working thumb and forefinger and can sign the legislation Boehner and McConnell pass. We are not looking for a fearless leader. We are looking for signer in chief.