Most media retrospectives on President Reagan will emphasize that he was the “great communicator,” but pay little attention to the message he communicated. Yes, Reagan was effective on television and before an audience. Yes, he conveyed optimism to his audience. But he also communicated an extremely powerful, and substantive, message. Throughout his career he ephasized freedom and faith, the deense of free enterprise and opposition to communism. Unlike many contemporary leaders, he united the broad conservative movement behind a coherent and principled agenda. Yes, he was the “great comunicator,” but he also communicated a message the country needed — and wanted — to hear.