Opinion of Theodore Roosevelt

[Goldwater]

FF (racist, imperialist, conservative nutjob)

...
As to your conspiracy theory about the left "claiming any and all past Republicans who are remembered fondly by history", you don't see a lot of Democrats placing dibs on Reagan and Eisenhower.

Actually, I have seen Democrats claim that Eisenhower would be one if he was alive today.

[Goldwater]

FF (racist, imperialist, conservative nutjob)

...
As to your conspiracy theory about the left "claiming any and all past Republicans who are remembered fondly by history", you don't see a lot of Democrats placing dibs on Reagan and Eisenhower.

Actually, I have seen Democrats claim that Eisenhower would be one if he was alive today.

Not saying I necessarily believe in that claim, but there is evidence in favor of the argument. Eisenhower was a moderate, coveted by both parties for a presidential run, who preserved and in some cases expanded New Deal ideas, enhanced government spending and created various agencies (Highway System, NASA, etc.), criticized growing military spending, etc. Combine that with the hard evidence that the Republican Party is more conservative than its 1950s counterpart and you have a compelling argument.

Here's a more compelling argument: how many Presidents who have lived decades after leaving office and watched their parties change significantly have ever switched parties?

TBF, I think he's just talking about a theoretical modern politician with Eisenhower's views, not the actual Eisenhower if he somehow was still alive in his 120's.