Life and Times of President Ronald Reagan

     President Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of United States of America. He was born on February (6, 1911). His term of office was from (1981 to 1989), under the Republican party. His Vice President was George Herbert Walker Bush. He Later got married to Lady Nancy Davis Reagan.

     President Ronald Reagan  once said, "What I really like to do is go down in history as the President who made Americans believe in themselves again". His term in the White House went a long way towards that goal As the oldest President ever elected (at age 69), Reagan focused on several key issues, such as making government smaller and improving relations with the Soviet Union. Reagan accomplished much, but some of his solutions created more problems, such as a large national debt. 

     Reagan grew up in a small town in Illinois.  An outgoing and handsome boy; he attend a small Illinois college. After graduation,  Reagan worked as a sports caster in radio. Then he went to Hollywood and hosted two popular television shows and appeared in movies.

     While an actor, Reagan got involved in politics. In 1966, he became governor of California and then served another term. In 1980, Reagan ran for President and defeated Jimmy Carter (the 39th President). In Office Reagan wanted to improve the economy, he cut taxes and lowered some government spending. But he increased military spending to defend against the "Evil Empire", as he called the Soviet Union. Reagan held talks with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and relations between the two nations improved. There where problems with other nations though. Some Americans had been kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon. Although Reagan said that the United States would not bargain for their release, the nation learned that some U.S. officials had sold guns to Iran in trade for the hostages. Reagan was not directly involved, but some of his staff resigned because of the scandal.

      Reagan led the country through some difficult times. Just few months after he was elected, Reagan was shot, but he recovered fairly quickly. In 1983, terrorists bombed a U.S building in Beirut. In 1986, the space shuttle challenger exploded and the crew  was killed.
     Reagan had a big impact on the courts during his presidency. He appointed many federal judges. Reagan's appointment of Sandra Day O'connor added the first woman to the country's highest court.
     Reagan is the only President who was once an actor. Reagan appeared in over 50 films. During World War II, Reagan's war effort involved movies-he made training films. In one movie, Bedtime for Bonzo, Reagan even acted with a chimpanzee. Nancy Reagan also acted in Hollywood before she became First Lady. The two starred together in one film about World War II.
     Because of his experience in television and films, Reagan was a skilled speaker. People called Reagan "The Great Communicator", and many credit his speaking ability for much of his success. He inspired the nation with sayings such as; " America is too great for small dreams".

     Reagan knew how to handle the media. To keep some interviews with the press short, Reagan would take questions from reporters with his helicopter thundering in the background. Major things the Reagans' liked was to spend time at their California ranch, Rancho del cielo, or "Ranch in the Sky". President Reagan often cared for the horses and enjoyed trail rides.
     After two terms, Reagan retired to California. Several years later the country learned this popular president had Alzheimer's disease, an illness that affects memory.
     Lastly, President Ronald Reagan was a man with great leadership potentials and full of charisma. He was a legend worthy of emulation in all ramification of life. Especially for those inspiring for leadership positions.