Politics With Peyton: Ronald Reagan, My Favorite President

On a warm day in West Berlin, a 6-foot-1-inch man confidently stood addressing the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. On June 12, 1987, thousands gathered to hear this man deliver a speech that left the world in awe of his leadership and public speaking prowess. When the crowd’s applause died down in the middle of the speech, President Ronald Reagan stood up straight and firmly directed, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” 

President Reagan left a legacy that not only impacted the U.S. but the whole world. Feb. 6 was his birthday, and I thought what better time than now to address why I believe he is the best president in American history. 

There are three aspects that shaped Reagan’s life — likability, policy and family. These three aspects shortly summarize why he is not only the greatest president to date, but why even his rivals could not speak against his character. Reagan was one of kind. 

Beginning his life in the film scene, most are surprised to hear Reagan was not always the conservative he is noted for being. While a B-list actor in Hollywood, Reagan left the screens and became the 33rd governor of California — as a Democrat. It wasn’t until 1962 that he began emerging as a conservative.

When Reagan first entered the presidency, he was faced with the worst economy since the Great Depression, record high inflation and massive unemployment. This all created a misery index of unprecedented proportions. 

These conditions may sound familiar to that of President Trump, however Reagan had something Trump did not — likability. 

Reagan was known for being the funniest person in the room. His humor dictated many of his speeches, and simple one-liners would leave a crowd erupting in laughter. 

Reagan was giving a speech shortly after an assassination attempt. While speaking, a balloon popped in the audience. Without missing a beat Reagan stopped speaking, looked at the crowed and said, “Missed me.” 

Aside from his likability, the policies he implemented — Reaganomics — revolutionized American politics. His trickle-down economics system highlighted many traditionally conservative topics and implemented them better than any other president had, resulting in lower taxes, limited government, peace through strength, anti-communism and belief in the individual. 

According to Reagan.com, throughout his presidency, he helped conquer the Cold War, brought inflation from 4% to 2%, created more than 16 million jobs and appointed Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia all over the course of eight years. Some presidents pray for just one of these achievements during their four years. Reagan set a new standard. 

Despite being likeable and implementing policies that have done wonders for America, my favorite aspect of Reagan’s life is his heart for the family unit. More specifically, his heart for his wife. 

Nancy Reagan — Ronald Reagan’s second wife — released a book titled “I Love You, Ronnie” where she published nearly every single love letter her husband had written to her. Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and it consumed the last 10 years of their marriage. In the preface, Nancy explained that this book was a way for them to relive memories his mind had forced him to forget. 

“Dearest Nancy poo, This has been the longest week in world history. Already I walk out the door and don’t even bother to look at the scenery. The only scenery I want to see is a nursery window framing two faces … I’m lonesome and miss you both until it hurts … I love you so very much and miss you every minute. Be careful of you. I love you, Ronnie,” wrote Ronald Reagan in, “I Love You, Ronnie.”

Now, it has been nearly 19 years without the Great Communicator. Despite being nearly four years old when he passed, he has taught me a lot when it comes to being a leader. He taught me to lead with the convictions of my heart, to research and question my most basic beliefs and most of all, to not get consumed by the world of politics. 

Happy Birthday, Reagan.  

MacKenzie is the opinion editor. Follow her on Twitter