paul krugman, still ragging reagan.
i'm no republican, but a couple of things.
in 1980, the unemployment rate  averaged 7.1%. in 1988,  5.5 (though it ballooned to 9 in the recession of 1982-3).
in 1980 the prime interest rate was 13.5%. in 1990, 8.1.
in 1980 the inflation rate was also 13.5%. in 1988, 4.08.

now of course there is much more to be said. and the favorite leftist measure of economics - the relation of the very rich to the rest of us - got worse. but if you don't think 13.5% interest and inflation rates affect average people adversely, you're losing it. and the comparative measures are indices of envy. worry about whether you yourself have enough. if you do, congratulate the rich on their success.