The leader that Reagan had most in common with was Clinton, though Reagan wasn't nearly as bright. (A political debate between them would be like a sprinkler against a fire hose). He had charisma, though, and knew how to rally his party and win elections. Slaughter opponents is more like it.
I remember vividly how artfully he gave the Republicans a little glamour while in power, which is something they are not used to experiencing. Safe to say that none of them alive now have seen it before or since. You may downplay this analysis, but its effect is huge on party loyalists who vote, you can see it here (and elsewhere) where people canonize the guy; he was a mediocre actor who found the role of a lifetime and sunk his teeth into it like a stage door Betty. He won an Oscar from his sheeple, and a "give me a fking break" from everyone else. He was an empty suit. Chauncy Gardner.
