...Ronald Reagan: Underrated, Overrated or Both Erica Boozer HIS/145 April 10, 2014 Tee Swan Ronald Reagan: Underrated, Overrated or Both Was President Reagan overrated or underrated? This is such a controversial question. Some believe he was overrated while others believe the latter. Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th president of the United States. Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois on February 6, 1911. In 1920, after living in a series of towns as a child, Reagan family settled in Dixon, Illinois. Here his father opened a shoe store (biography, 2014). Reagan graduated high school in 1928 and continued his adult education at Eureka College in Illinois. Here, he was an athlete and scholar. He played football, ran track, and was captain of the swim team. He also acted in school plays and was president of the student council (biography, 2014). Reagan graduated in 1932 and in the latter part of the thirties he signed a seven year contract with Warner Brothers studio. He starred in over 50 movies during his time as a Hollywood actor (biography, 2014). Political Career Reagan started his political ventures in 1964. He gave a televised speech for Barry Goldwater who was a Republican presidential candidate at the time. Two years later he became the governor of California and was re-elected for a second term in 1970 (biography, 2014). After two failed bids for the Republican presidential nomination, Reagan finally made it in 1980 when he beat Democratic incumbent and current...
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...Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States. Ronald Reagan lost the republican nomination to Gerald Ford in 1976. Reagan won the 1980 nomination and chose George H. W. Bush. Reagan and Bush ran against Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale. He was so great people began to ask if there was enough room for another face on Mount Rushmore. In 1985, the Iran-Contra Affair supplied weapons to a sworn enemy. The transactions that took place in the Iran-Contra Scandal were contrary to the legislation of the Democratic-dominated Congress and contrary to official Reagan administration policy. In 1985 Iran and Iraq were at war, Iran made a secret request to buy weapons from the United States. The scandal was almost the undoing of the Teflon President. Despite the damage to Reagan’s image, the president got off very easily. President Reagan came to the White House promising a major shift to conservative economic policies. His program included a supply-side revolution, a scaling down of wasteful government activity, lower taxes and less interference with the market economy. As a result, it was expected, the US economy would become more efficient, with faster growth and minimal inflation. Tax reductions would pay for themselves so that the budget would soon return to balance. Financial expansion did help bring down unemployment, but the administration soon learned that tax cuts led to trade and budget deficits. Though early dreams remain unfulfilled, the Reagan period...
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...1: Compare and Contrast Effective and Ineffective Leaders Ronald Reagan Ronald Wilson Reagan; (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was an American actor and politician. He was the 40th President of the United States (1981–89). Prior to his presidency, he served as the 33rd Governor of California (1967–75). Reagan had many achievements throughout his presidency. Two of which, are as listed: 1. Ending the Cold War: The Cold War had raged since World War II and communism‘s quest for world domination remained an existential threat to the United States when President Reagan took office. Reagan reversed the policy of detente and stood firm against the Soviet Union, calling it the Evil Empire and telling Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” in Berlin. He was relentless in pushing his Strategic Defense Initiative and gave aid to rebels battling Soviet-backed Marxists from Nicaragua to Angola. Those efforts were critical in the ultimate collapse of the Soviet empire and essentially ended the Cold War. 2. Reaganomics: Reagan’s mix of across-the-board tax cuts, deregulation, and domestic spending restraint helped fuel an economic boom that lasted two decades. Reagan inherited a misery index (the sum of the inflation and unemployment rates) of 19.99%, and when he left office it had dropped to 9.72%. President Obama take note: Under Reaganomics, 16 million new jobs were created. “In his lifetime, Ronald Reagan was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy...
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...Kimberly L. Hansen 03/17/2014 HIS/135 Carol Jordan Political Commentary Interview Week 7 My interview regarding Ronald Reagan was with my father Dennis Smith. I asked him the following questions and these were his responses. “When you think of Ronald Reagan and the policies under the New Right during his time as President how effective do you think they were?” D. Smith: “ If I remember correctly his attempt at cutting government spending as well as his attempt at downsizing the government didn't work out as planned. As a matter of fact the national debt tripled during his time in office and the government downsizing that he had in mind mainly dealt with social security and medicare cuts.” I think Reagan's intentions were on the right track but you are right his actions helped steer us toward the recession of the 1990's. D. Smith “That is true, Reagan was definitely a for the people president and he had a way with words, he was able to reach out to people everywhere.” How important of a role did President Reagan play in the Cold War finally coming to an end? D. Smith “It is true that some of the ground work was laid out by previous presidents but Reagan was instrumental in the end of the cold war. Reagan spoke to people everywhere, proclaiming independence and freedom from communism.” D. Smith “After all he was the one that finally people to understand ...
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...Ronald Wilson Reagan, born February 6, 1911, served the United States as the 40th president from 1981 to 1989. Reagan was the first and only movie actor elected to office. During his two-terms in office, Reagan had many accomplishments; cutting taxes, strengthened and increased national defense spending, and through foreign policy pursued “peace through strength.” (Freidel & Sidey, 2006). The primary strength Reagan possessed in office was his oratory skills, in which he was dubbed “The Great Communicator”. The presidency of Ronald Reagan corresponded with a “long period of dramatic economic growth and the beginning of a momentous change in international relations.” (Brinkley, 2002). Through legislation, Reagan stimulated the economic growth, curbed inflation, and increased U.S. employment. By cutting taxes and Government expenditures Reagan overhauled the income tax code. By which, he removed many deductions and made exempt millions of low-income people. As the end of his term neared, our nation enjoyed “its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without recession or depression.” (Freidel & Sidey, 2006). Another achievement of Reagan was his plan, Supply Side Economics. In a plan, he felt in order to improve the economy, the industries needed to be built up through “entrepreneurial skills” and the corporate wealth would “trickle down to the people.” (The 40th US President - Ronald Reagan). Raised in the small town of Dixon, Illinois, his parents Jack...
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...Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan spent two terms in office in the White house. He was the 40th American President and he served from 1981-1989. His campaign was known as the ‘Reagan Revolution’ which aimed to reduce peoples’ reliance on the government and grow the country’s economy. He was born on February 6th 1911 in Illinois and his parents were Nelle and John Reagan. After his graduation Reagan became a sports commentator and following this became an actor. He had two children with Jane Wyman Maureen and Michael. In 1952 he married Nancy Davies who was also an actress and they had two children Patricia Ann and Ron Prescott. He won the republican vote to stand for president and chose George W Bush as his running mate who was already UN ambassador he duly won the election by a landslide 489 electoral votes to 49 for the current president Jimmy Carter. 69 days after he took up presidency he had an attempted assassination but his actions during and after this event won him much popularity. He dealt well with congress he passed many bills to stimulate economic growth and strengthen national defence these included cutting taxes to pay for the growing defence. George H. W. Bush George Herbert Walker Bush served one term in presidency. He said he wanted to use American strength as a ‘force for good.’ He was born on June 12th 1924. His family had a tradition working in service industry. He enlisted in the armed forces after graduating in 1942. He flew 58 combat missions and was the...
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...Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. Ronald Reagan, a former actor and California governor, served as the 40th U.S. president from 1981 to 1989. He became a Hollywood actor in his 20s and later served as the Republican governor of California from 1967 to 1975. President Reagan advanced policies that reduced social programs and restrictions on business. Tax cuts were implemented to stimulate the United States' economy. He also advocated for increases in military spending, reductions in certain social programs and measures to deregulate business. By 1983, the nation's economy had begun to recover and, according to many economists, entered a seven-year period of prosperity. Critics charged that his policies had actually increased the deficit and hurt the middle class and poor, however. In 1981, Reagan made history by appointing Sandra Day O'Connor as the first woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ronald Reagan was a true hero to many Americans. He was a strong president who cared for this country dearly, and Reagan really proved this by his actions during his presidency. He also proved his love for country by serving in the U.S Army during World War II. Ronald Reagan also came through as a hero by fixing the American Economy that was heading for disaster just like today’s. If you can reflect on what he had accomplished throughout his administration you can clearly see why he was a popular two term president. Ronald Reagan took on many challenges...
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...Previously a radio broadcaster, actor and governor, in 1981 Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the 40th president of the United States. As a teen, Ronald Reagan lifeguarded, a job that his son believes formed his role in the United States government in years to come; he always wanted to save people. As a lifeguard, he protected and saved the lives of swimmers. As president, he took on a different role, saving the vitality of the nation. In 1962, despite the fact that he had been a Democrat his whole life, he became a Republican, believing the Democrat party left him. Some may have argued that he was not cut out to take on such a demanding role within the government, but many people fully supported his campaign, seeking a leader who could get them through tough times, especially because the election was going on simultaneously with the Iran Hostage Crisis. Stressing principles of low taxes and a strong defense, Reagan won the election. In a nation where the political pendulum was stuck to the left for the past 30 years, Reagan was able to shift it right, taking control over his nation with his charisma and political promises. Whether it was negative or positive, Reagan had a tremendous influence in America. The figure of the pendulum is a basic allegory for the American public opinion since the 1930s, and is especially affected by the life and career of Ronald Reagan. The entire pendulum is a representation of the atmosphere of America since the 1930s; this atmosphere includes...
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...Running head: THE OVERRATED RONALD REAGAN The Overrated Ronald Reagan Kirston Gardner University of Phoenix Carole Lormand September 28, 2013 The Overrated Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan, the nation’s 40th president is one of the most overrated men in history. Americans did not forget all the broken promises and dishonesty they dealt with while Reagan was in office. For many reasons he would be considered a good President but there are many more reasons that he would not. Reagan’s ratings were higher than the averages of his three immediate predecessors, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Richard Nixon (Frank Newport, 2004). When rating Reagan, many factors show that he is indeed overrated, not only as a president but an individual as well. During Reagan’s term in office Americans faced recession, debt, high unemployment, questionable foreign policy and wasteful spending among other things. As Reagan was sworn, one of the first incidents, which were the release of the 51 hostages from the American Embassy in Tehran, occurred. It seemed as if the Iranians feared the win of future President Ronald Reagan. However, there were a few incidents that occurred prior to the inauguration of Reagan that actually set the stage for the emanate release of the hostages (United States History). The Shah of Iran died right before the presidential rae was over. Shah’s return, one of the requests in negotiations with the Iranians, was neutralized. The negotiations were now closer to closure...
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...Some say Ronald Reagan was the most skillful and greatest president of the United States. Others claim the nation would have been better without him. Regardless, Ronald Reagan made a tremendous impact in the 1980’s following a unique path to the presidency and faced many obstacles while in office. Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. He grew up in a poor family with his parents, Nelle and Jack Reagan. Despite this economic hardship, he graduated from high school earning a football scholarship to Eureka College. After graduating from college, Ronald Reagan moved to Hollywood to pursue an acting career. He signed a seven year contract with Warner Bros., and starred in over fifty movies. While in Hollywood, he became president of the Screen Actors Guild, an organization committed to removing all suspected Communists from the film industry. Becoming president of the Screen Actors Guild is where Ronald Reagan found his passion for leadership and politics. In 1964, Ronald Reagan spoke about the then-current presidential candidate, Barry Goldwater, on live television. This political discussion afforded him attention as more than just an actor and inspired him to speak about American issues on a regular basis, advocating for a stronger national defense, reduction of taxes and keeping a watchful eye on...
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...Running head: THE OVERRATED RONALD REAGAN The Overrated Ronald Reagan University of Phoenix Carole Lormand September 28, 2013 The Overrated Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan, the nation’s 40th president is one of the most overrated men in history. Americans did not forget all the broken promises and dishonesty they dealt with while Reagan was in office. For many reasons he would be considered a good President but there are many more reasons that he would not. Reagan’s ratings were higher than the averages of his three immediate predecessors, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Richard Nixon (Frank Newport, 2004). When rating Reagan, many factors show that he is indeed overrated, not only as a president but an individual as well. During Reagan’s term in office Americans faced recession, debt, high unemployment, questionable foreign policy and wasteful spending among other things. As Reagan was sworn, one of the first incidents, which were the release of the 51 hostages from the American Embassy in Tehran, occurred. It seemed as if the Iranians feared the win of future President Ronald Reagan. However, there were a few incidents that occurred prior to the inauguration of Reagan that actually set the stage for the emanate release of the hostages (United States History). The Shah of Iran died right before the presidential rae was over. Shah’s return, one of the requests in negotiations with the Iranians, was neutralized. The negotiations were now closer to closure. Iraq then invaded...
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...Ronald Wilson Reagan 2. Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, USA 3. Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911 and died on June 5, 2004 4. Ronald Reagan was a famous movie star and a politician; Governor of California and then President of The United States of America. 5. Ronald Reagan’s parents were John Edward (Jack) Reagan and Nellie Wilson Reagan. Jack opened a shoe store in 1920 in Dixon, Illinois and was also an alcoholic. 6. During Reagan’s early years, they lived in several towns but ended up moving to Dixon, Illinois in 1920. In 1928, Ronald Reagan graduated from Dixon High School; he was a star athlete and also student body president. During his summer vacations, Ronald Reagan made money working as a lifeguard in Dixon, Illinois. 7. Ronald attended Eureka College in Illinois on an athletic scholarship. He studied and majored in economics and sociology. He also played football, ran track, was captain of the swim team, served as student council president and acted in several school productions. He graduated in 1932 and then worked as a radio sports announcer in the state of Iowa. 8. President Reagan was able to reduce social programs and place restrictions on businesses. He also lowered taxes in order to help the economy get stronger. He also increased military spending while reducing some social programs and measures to increase business. In 1981, President Reagan elected Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman to the U.S. Supreme Court...
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...Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Regan In today’s extremely volatile political climate it has become important for us to view the past to see what great men have accomplished during hard times. President Abraham Lincoln and President Ronald Reagan are two men who I believe were two of the most influential people in the world. While these two men shared many similarities in their life, presidency, and influence, they were also different in many ways. They both achieved what many believed to be the impossible. Maybe by looking at the past and these two great men, we can learn about perseverance in hard times. President Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He spent most of his early childhood years on a farm his parents owned. His father was one of the richest men in the area. In 1816, his father lost the family farm in a court decision and the family moved to Indiana. He spent all of his early years in a region of the United States in non-slave states. When he left home he went to New Orleans, Louisiana and saw slavery for himself first hand. He joined the militia in 1832 and served three months as a Captain during the Black Hawk War. President Ronald Regan was born February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois. Unlike President Lincoln, President Reagan spent his early childhood in many cities away from the farms. His father was a salesman and moved the family numerous times. President Reagan attended Eureka College where he was involved...
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...Ronald Wilson Reagan, born February 6th, 1911, was the son of Nelle and John Reagan. He was born in Tampico, Illinois, but moved repeatedly throughout his childhood. His mother was very religious, while his father was an alcoholic. Ronald Reagan’s religious views and acting skills were developed during these years as he participated in church activities, along with maintaining a relationship with the pastor’s daughter. He attended high school in Dixon, eventually enrolling at Eureka College as a freshman in 1928 (Thill, Scott). Ronald Reagan attended Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. Although he was active in the drama society and played gridiron football, he only received passing grades. He was elected class president his senior year due...
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...At the very onset of President Ronald Reagan’s speech, the gravity of the situation is made clear through the tone and demonstrated priority to speak words of bereavement before other pressing national matters. Reagan’s words, “Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country,” (Zarefsky, 2017, p. 372) creates rhetoric that levels with fellow Americans, validating the intended audience, and even the omission of formal titles to bring a common human bond to the message. Carefully catering his word choice to connect with children and adults alike, Reagan’s plain style illustrates immense care in the selection of words, maintaining clear progression, and use of familiar terms without creating any sense of condescension. Avoiding the application of government jargon, Reagan recognizes that the wounds from previous shuttle mission losses are still fresh for some, but upholds these sacrifices as important steps in progressing humanity – much like 17th Century explorers before them. By focusing on the sacrifices not only of the lives lost, but of their family members, he acknowledges the character and bravery of the astronauts which ignites the child-like wonder in everyone....
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