I was just thinking, the Republicans have Reagen, who was considered the beacon of the current party (and considered by Republicans one of the greatest), and they have Barry Goldwater. Who do the Democrats have? What was the best Democratic president? Who is considered their leaders? Bill Clinton (Third way moderate?), Jimmy Carter? FDR?

I'd say FDR.

And lol aplenty at Reagan.

George Bush.

Kind of like an anti-symbol.

But for real, I would say Ted Kennedy, or their whole family.

Yeah, I guess Ted Kennedy and JFK are some big ones.

JFK would be their patron saint/martyr and Clinton would be the man who could do no wrong.

Ted Kennedy is respected but not really looked to as the future of the party, he's more that pillar of the left that drinks a lot and is kind of past his prime.

Since when has Goldwater EVER been iconic to the Republican party? He was awful, fuck my dad claims the only time he didn't vote Republican in a Presidential election was when Goldwater was running. Nixon and the Republican party had to distance themselves from his brand of bullshit to win their elections.

Reagan was basically Goldwater II.

I said of the current Republican party. Also, Goldwater paved the way for Reagen, who paved the way for the "Conservative revolution". I mean, in the current party (at least those who are holding office), these two people are like gods. I was just curious what is considered the equivalent to the Democratic party.

Probably FDR and JFK...FDR with the economics, JFK with the social stances.

And for the helping cripples, amirite?

While that may be true, noone holds him up like that. Its just Reagan really since Goldwater's name is synonymous with defeat. Of course that doesn't take moderate or fiscal conservatives into account so thats why I don't think he is an icon to the party at all.