Quote by James Wolcott
The days when the words 'Hollywood actor' framed Ronald Reagan like bunny fingers as an ID tag and an implied insult seem far-off and quaint: nearly everybody in politics - candidate, consultant, pundit, and Tea Party crowd extra alike - is an actor now, a shameless ham in a hoked-up reality series that never stops.
Summary
This quote suggests that the notion of being labeled a "Hollywood actor" used to be seen as an insult when Ronald Reagan was in politics. However, nowadays, the quote states that almost everyone in politics, from candidates to consultants to pundits, behaves like actors. It implies that the political sphere has become akin to a never-ending reality show, where individuals shamelessly play exaggerated roles for personal gain. The quote highlights the shift in perception of actors in politics and the perception of politics itself, characterized as a spectacle rather than genuine governance.