Sunday, February 6, 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of former president Ronald Reagan's birth. With a yearlong observance of his life and legacy under way, the NewsHour acknowledges the occasion with a brief look at his political instincts that made Mr. Reagan an effective presidential candidate in 1980.
NewsHour senior correspondent, Jim Lehrer interviewed Mr. Reagan in 1989 and discussed among many things debating President Jimmy Carter. At the time, President Carter went into that historic debate aiming to showcase Mr. Reagan's shortcomings on issues of national security and foreign affairs. To President Carter's surprise, Mr. Reagan was well versed on those topics as the governor of California and had traveled abroad as a representative for President Richard Nixon.
Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States winning the election in 1980 and serving two terms in office until 1989. He was also the 33rd Governor of California and an actor. Mr. Reagan died June 5, 2004.
Quotes
"My philosophy and my belief was that there was a long way for us to go in improving what we had ever known before, that this country of ours was a country of constant improvement. And so I thought that, well, what my whole approach was based on the promise of a better America." Former President Ronald Reagan
Warm Up Questions
1.Who was Ronald Reagan?2.What is a centennial celebration?3.What is a legacy?
Discussion Questions
1.What do you think are some of the most important aspects of former president Ronald Reagan’s legacy? 2.If you were president of the United States, what type of legacy would you hope to leave behind?
Additional Resources
