In 1980, unemployment was 7.6%, inflation was 13.5%, and national pride was at an all time low. By 1988, unemployment had fallen to 5.5%, inflation was 4.1%, and national pride had never been as high as it was (Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library). This drastic change in America can be credited to Ronald Wilson Reagan and his presidency. Many people thought that the former actor could not lead the nation into a time of prosperity, let alone become president. Ronald Reagan was the most successful president of the modern area. Ronald Reagan was a hard worker, who followed his gut, allowing him to become the one of the most productive presidents in all of American history. Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911. …show more content…
(Sidey). As a young child, Ronald’s father gave him the nickname, “Dutch”, a nickname that stuck with him through his whole life. Reagan’s childhood challenging. His family experienced many moves, due to his father’s inability keep a job as an alcoholic. Dutch coped well with the moves and was always popular in the schools he moved to. When young Ronald reached high school in Nixon Illinois, he discovered a love for three things. The three things that arose to dominate were, “sports, drama, and politics,” (Anderson). He was a member of the football team, swimming team, and was involved in drama club. After high school he attended Eureka College. Throughout school, he never cared much about grades, but “passed courses by using his ‘photographic mind’ to memorize lessons shortly before exams,” (Marsico). Reagan was an outspoken student at Eureka, and gave speeches against the cut in budget which he believed would result in the loss of many required classes. Ronald Reagan obtained a degree in sociology and economics, but had no interest in starting a real political career (Marsico). Dutch’s dream was to become a radio announcer …show more content…
His biggest competition was from George H.W. Bush. Ronald Reagan picked Bush to be his running mate, which sealed the deal for Reagan and placed him as the Republican candidate against President Jimmy Carter. His campaign for the White House was not as easy as the campaign for the nomination. Most people in the media were leery about Reagan becoming President, Reagan was said to be “totally lacking experience in national affairs, in dealing with Congress, and especially in foreign policy,” (Linden). Many underestimated Reagan, saying, “Reagan’s actions often came as a surprise and either took time to sink in or were misunderstood because they were unconventional,” (Hannaford). A few people, such as Congressman Jack Kemp, were supportive of Reagan’s run. Kemp, who introduced legislation in the 70s that influenced that of what Reagan introduced as President, said to the media that “[Reagan was] such an optimist, a positive, an activist,” and that Reagan advocated “[doing] what’s good for the people will be good for labor and business, black people and white people, blue-collar and white-collar workers,” (Linden). Despite the views from the media, Reagan pointed to his time as Governor of California as proof he had what it takes to lead. He also created his campaign as very patriotic, wanting to bring pride back to America which he said Carter had lost. The voters were troubled by inflation and the ongoing Iran hostage