Spending under Reagan averaged 21.6% GDP, roughly tied with President Obama for the highest among any recent President. Reagan did not reduce government spending as he had promised to do. He actually spent more than his predecessors. Reagan tripled the federal debt from $900 billion to $2.7 trillion. For comparison presidents Ford and Carter in their combined terms could only double it. It took 31 years to accomplish the first postwar debt tripling, yet Reagan did it in eight years.
Both Obama and Reagan were big spenders who champion free market rhetoric. Obama pursued major free trade agreements with 11 Pacific Rim countries (not including China) and the EU. He stayed in NAFTA. His economic advisers published a report concluding — as nearly all economists do — that reducing trade barriers raises living standards here and abroad, boosts productivity, fosters innovation and expands employment in high-paying sectors. Contrast this with someone like Donald Trump who does not believe in free trade and wants everything made in the US or he will impose tariffs.
So I will ask you again how Obama and Reagan are very different. Unfortunately buzz word and one-liners aren't gonna cut it.
Obama actually inherited a much worse economy than Reagan did too so I'm curious what your perspective is.
