Posted 6/6/2004 7:49 PM

Nothing stuck to 'Teflon' president
As a young congresswoman, I got the idea of calling President Reagan the "Teflon president" while fixing eggs for my kids. He had a Teflon coat like the pan.

Why was Reagan so blame-free? The answer can be found in the label that did stick to him — "The Great Communicator."

Reagan's ability to connect with Americans was coveted by every politician. He could deliver a speech with such sincerity. And his staff was brilliant in playing up his strengths. They made sure the setting for any speech perfectly captured, re-emphasized and embraced the theme of that speech. And, let's be honest, Reagan told people what they wanted to hear.

Remember how we were promised a big tax refund, a huge increase in military spending and a balanced budget? Selling that was like selling a hot-fudge-sundae diet. When the national debt grew during his administration, you couldn't blame Reagan. He came across with that Irish twinkle.

Americans are optimistic by nature, and they loved that Reagan believed to his core in the American Dream. If someone accused him of hurting college students by cutting loans, President Reagan could be seen on the nightly news writing a personal check to a struggling student.

Hey, I'm a liberal Democrat, and I believe the president often didn't understand the impact of many of his administration's actions.

But Reagan's incredible ability to communicate and his staff's genius in exploiting that ability are the reasons his presidency will be sealed forever in a Teflon coat.

Patricia Schroeder is president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers.