early and awkward

Why Ronald Reagan’s Jelly Beans Were So Much More Than Jelly Beans

Yesterday was Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday, which means it’s time for tributes both insightful — see “Five Key Moments From the Great Communicator” — and utterly inane. For the latter, we turn to freshman Arizona congressman Ben Quayle, writing in Politico:

When I was a child, President Ronald Reagan was the nice man who gave us jelly beans when we visited the White House.

I didn’t know then, but I know it now: The jelly beans were much more than a sweet treat that he gave out as gifts. They represented the uniqueness and greatness of America — each one different and special in its own way, but collectively they blended in harmony.

Nope. They were just jelly beans. Reagan really liked jelly beans.

President Reagan’s jelly beans [Politico]

Nope. They were just jelly beans. Reagan really liked jelly beans.

President Reagan’s jelly beans [Politico]

Why Ronald Reagan’s Jelly Beans Were So Much More Than Jelly Beans