Chatter: Ronald Reagan Reassessed, with Max Boot

Sep 10, 2024

Max Boot, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Washington Post columnist, discusses his comprehensive biography of Ronald Reagan. He reveals Reagan's transformation from a New Deal Democrat to a conservative icon, shaped by his Hollywood experiences and public speaking mastery. Boot explores Reagan's complex leadership style, highlighting his pragmatism and reluctance to engage in conflict. The conversation also touches on Reagan's nuanced foreign policy, particularly his cooperation with Gorbachev, which contrasts with his public image, illustrating the layered legacy of a multifaceted figure.