ronald reagan
ronald reagan was a hollywood actor turned republican politician known for his sunny optimism and gifted salesmanship . he entered the white house in 1981 a time when many americans were wondering if their countrys best days were behind them . but things had changed by the time he left office the economy was thriving and the cold war was coming to a close . br the child of an alcoholic he was an intensely private man yet he was so charming that he routinely befriended even his enemies . reagan was both a complex man and political figure and his legacy strongly influences politics today .