I was thirteen years old when Ronald Reagan was first elected. I had already become interested in politics before that time — I remember rooting for Ford in the 1976 election — but because Reagan’s time in office spanned my teenage years, he’s the President who most influenced me as I was growing up.
What I remember most about him was the optimism he brought regarding the world situation. Back in 1980, it looked like communism was on the rise and democracy was floundering. But Reagan had confidence in the future of the United States in particular, and freedom and democracy in general. And the course of events since he was elected have proved him right.
Thank you, President Reagan.