Why did US President Reagan collect Russian jokes about himself, and How acting helped him in politics
Why did US President Reagan collect Russian jokes about himself, and How acting helped him in politics

Video: Why did US President Reagan collect Russian jokes about himself, and How acting helped him in politics

Video: Why did US President Reagan collect Russian jokes about himself, and How acting helped him in politics
Video: Bubble Gum Sculptures | euromaxx - YouTube 2024, November
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The 40th President of the United States will be remembered by descendants as the first actor in this high post, a loyal family man and an ardent anti-communist, who once announced during a weekly radio address that in five minutes he would start bombing Russia. Of course, it was a joke that from this side of the ocean still seems completely unfunny, but at the time most Americans did not think so. Small "humorous inserts" became a characteristic feature of Ronald Reagan's speeches and brought him immense popularity. For his ability to find a common language with the common people, Reagan was nicknamed "The Great Communicator."

Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan

Historians continue to debate today about Ronald Reagan's role in ending the Cold War. Many are still firmly convinced that it was this person who caused the collapse of the Soviet Union, although this version is not generally accepted. The president's position on the "Red Question" was clear from the very first election campaign - vivid statements that, or, brought Reagan fame as the main fighter against the "Soviet threat". However, at the same time, Reagan collected Russian jokes for many years, and with special pleasure - about himself. So, for example, the following was a favorite example of Russian humor in this collection:

Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev
Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev

By the way, “not ready” was really a nightmare of the former actor. It is known that one of the secrets of Reagan's success was the ability to properly prepare for speeches. Even as an experienced politician, he never allowed himself to go out to people only with a printed speech. Before each meeting, he not only learned his words (fortunately, the memory was excellent - the acting habit affected), but also carefully thought out possible questions from the audience. The president was very afraid that one day he would not be able to respond quickly, so he tried to predict the future moves of political opponents and journalists and prepared for them in advance. According to his own statistics, out of ten invented questions, four were really usually asked, so this method should not be considered excessively anxiety at all.

Shot from the movie with the participation of the young Ronald Reagan
Shot from the movie with the participation of the young Ronald Reagan

Ronald President, in addition, did not hesitate to use the "professional baggage" left over from Ronald the actor: stage skills, the ability to keep the audience's attention, a carefully thought-out and rehearsed type, even some phrases from old roles that he often used in speeches - all this helped to create the image of a great politician and a "good grandfather", the country's favorite. According to public polls, most ordinary people around the world still rank this historical figure on a par with America's greatest presidents.

Until his death, Reagan tenderly and tenderly loved his wife. The future first lady of the United States in 1949 came to see him with a small question as the president of the actors' guild. Since then, this couple has been inseparable. As noted by everyone who saw the presidential couple together, their relationship never grew into routine. Reagan once wrote about his wife:

Ronald Reagan with his wife Nancy
Ronald Reagan with his wife Nancy

According to the recollections of contemporaries, even convinced political opponents could not resist the personal charm of the oldest president of America, who in his old years remained sincere and benevolent in communication, like a child. A perfectly honed sense of humor is still considered his main weapon.

As you know, behind every successful man is his wife. For women whose husbands became presidents, a life full of media attention has come since the elections. The style of the first lady also became an important detail. In one of our reviews, you can read what the wives of US presidents wore at the inauguration of their husbands.

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