Unfortunately Reagan was showing signs of the onset of dementia at the time he was voted back in. Apparently he was very close to being removed from office towards the end of his days. Although Trump appears to be showing advanced signs already...
Reagan was missrepresented by the British media, he was far from stupid, and probably the most popular President of modern times. So this does seem like deja vu.
Not saying he was stupid. I have no knowledge or opinion on that. However, it does seem that he was developing alzheimers even in the early days of his Presidency. In hindsight, some of his policies have caused the problems now that are leading to a backlash against the ruling elite - by voting in the party that put them in place in the first place...