The President's Hardest Sell

Congress grumbles that trade, not tax reform, is the real issue

Only Ronald Reagan could turn a speech on tax reform into a roaring, foot- stomping pep rally. But last week at steamy Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, N.C., the President inspired cheerleaders in red miniskirts to strut and squeal as 14,000 North Carolina State students chanted, "U.S.A.! U.S.A. !" Reagan happily egged them on. "Do you want America's tax plan--a fair share for everyone?" he asked rhetorically. The bellowed affirmation brought an election-night grin. Said Reagan: "Something tells me I came to the right place."

Less heartening were the noises coming from Washington, where a steady procession of Congressmen complained that tax...

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