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Ronald Reagan
President Ronald Reagan [1981–1989] rivaled Franklin Roosevelt as the greatest rhetorical American
president. His speeches featured appeals to an idealized history and a common national purpose, instead
of any deliberate debate or rational discussion of issues. Featuring brief passages instead of lengthy
analysis, his speeches were perfect for television usage. Ronald Reagan was also an expert at infusing
his speeches with powerful national symbols such as the Washington Monument or Arlington National Cemetery.
As his primary source of evidence Reagan preferred to use stories, although these stories were often incorrect
in fact or detail. (Such was the case with his Martin Treptow story in the inaugural.)
As the most conservative president elected since Herbert Hoover, Reagan wanted to establish his agenda
in this inaugural address. To do this he focused on two issues: economic recovery and enhanced military
power. What does Reagan see as the state of the economy, and how does he believe it arrived there? What
is the "proper role of government" in this crisis? What will bring America out of the economic
mess, according to the president? Ronald Reagan always tied freedom to his calls for increased military
strength. How does he apply this to our friends and enemies around the world? How do his views compare
with Theodore Roosevelt’s?
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