A conversation between S.J. Arnold and former President Ronald Reagan in 1989 in his political career, and his vision for America's future.
Title: A Final Reflection: An Exclusive Interview with Ronald Reagan by S.J. Arnold
S.J. Arnold: President Reagan, it’s an honor to speak with you today as you reflect on your time in office and your impact on the country. Now that you’ve left the White House, how does it feel to look back on your eight years as President?
Ronald Reagan: Thank you, S.J., it’s wonderful to be here with you. Looking back, I feel a great sense of pride and gratitude. Serving as President was the greatest honor of my life. We faced many challenges, but I believe we made a real difference. From turning around the economy to standing up to communism, we brought the American spirit back. I’m proud of what we accomplished, but I’m also grateful for the incredible people who helped along the way, from my advisors to the American people who believed in our vision.
S.J. Arnold: Your presidency is often credited with revitalizing the American economy after a period of stagnation. What do you consider your most significant achievements in economic policy?
Ronald Reagan: When I took office, the country was struggling with high inflation, high taxes, and a lack of confidence. We knew something had to change, and we had to make some tough decisions. Cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and promoting free-market principles were at the heart of our strategy. We believed that by unleashing the power of the American people, we could turn things around, and that’s exactly what happened. The economic boom of the 1980s, the creation of millions of jobs, and the restoration of confidence in our future—those are achievements I’m very proud of.
S.J. Arnold: You often spoke about the need to reduce the size of government. How do you feel about the progress you made in that regard?
Ronald Reagan: I came to Washington with a simple belief: government isn’t the solution to our problems; government is the problem. We worked hard to reduce the size of government, cut spending where we could, and empower the private sector. Of course, there’s always more work to be done, and I wish we could have made more cuts in some areas. But I believe we shifted the national conversation and showed that the American people, not the government, are the true engine of our prosperity.
S.J. Arnold: One of the defining moments of your presidency was your stance against the Soviet Union and your role in ending the Cold War. What was your approach to dealing with such a formidable adversary?
Ronald Reagan: From the very beginning, I knew that we had to stand firm against the Soviet Union. Peace through strength was our motto. We rebuilt our military, strengthened our alliances, and made it clear that the United States would not back down. But it wasn’t just about military power; it was also about showing the world the strength of our values—freedom, democracy, and human dignity. When I called the Soviet Union the “evil empire,” it wasn’t just rhetoric; it was a statement of truth. And when I stood at the Berlin Wall and said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” it was a call for change. I believe those moments helped push the Soviet Union toward reform and ultimately, toward collapse.
S.J. Arnold: Your relationship with Mikhail Gorbachev was a crucial element in easing tensions between the two superpowers. How do you view your interactions with him now?
Ronald Reagan: Mikhail Gorbachev was a different kind of Soviet leader. He was willing to talk, to negotiate, and to listen. We didn’t agree on everything—far from it—but we built a relationship based on mutual respect. Our meetings in Geneva, Reykjavik, and Washington were pivotal moments. We were able to negotiate significant arms reductions, and I think we both recognized that the Cold War could not go on forever. Gorbachev showed courage in pursuing reforms, and I respect him for that. Our dialogue proved that even the deepest divisions could be bridged through open communication.
S.J. Arnold: The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), often called “Star Wars,” was one of the most ambitious defense projects of your presidency. What do you think its legacy will be?
Ronald Reagan: SDI was a bold idea, and many people were skeptical. But I believed it was our responsibility to explore every possible means of protecting the American people. The idea was to develop a missile defense system that could make nuclear weapons obsolete. While the technology wasn’t fully realized during my time in office, the concept changed the strategic landscape. It sent a message to the Soviets that the arms race couldn’t continue as it had, and it contributed to the broader push for arms reductions. I think history will view SDI as an important step toward a safer world.
S.J. Arnold: One of your most enduring legacies is your ability to communicate with the American people, often referred to as “The Great Communicator.” What was your approach to connecting with the public?
Ronald Reagan: I’ve always believed that the American people deserve to hear directly from their President, in plain and honest terms. Whether it was a speech, a press conference, or a fireside chat, I always tried to speak from the heart and say what I truly believed. I think people appreciated that. I never saw myself as speaking down to anyone; I was speaking with them, as one American to another. It was important to me that people felt involved and understood what we were trying to do, even when the decisions were difficult.
S.J. Arnold: The Iran-Contra affair was a significant controversy during your administration. Looking back, how do you reflect on that period?
Ronald Reagan: The Iran-Contra affair was a very difficult time, and it’s something I regret. Mistakes were made, and I take full responsibility for them. Our goal was always to support our allies and promote freedom, but the execution was flawed. I learned a lot from that experience, and it reinforced the importance of transparency and oversight. The key lesson is that even the best intentions can go astray if not carefully managed. I worked hard to regain the trust of the American people, and I hope they know that everything we did was always intended to serve the greater good.
S.J. Arnold: As you leave public office, what do you hope your legacy will be, and what advice would you give to future leaders?
Ronald Reagan: I hope people remember me as someone who loved this country deeply and who fought every day to make it better. I tried to restore faith in America, to show that we are a shining city on a hill, and that freedom is worth defending. My advice to future leaders is simple: never lose sight of the values that make this country great. Be optimistic, believe in the power of the American people, and always stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. America’s best days are always ahead of her, as long as we stay true to who we are.
S.J. Arnold: Mr. President, thank you so much for your time and for sharing your reflections with us. It’s been a pleasure.
Ronald Reagan: Thank you, S.J. It’s been a joy to look back and share these memories. God bless you, and God bless America.
This concludes our exclusive interview with Ronald Reagan, providing a rare glimpse into the thoughts and reflections of a man who shaped a pivotal era in American history. His words continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of leadership, conviction, and hope.
