Michael Reagan, the oldest son of former President Ronald Reagan, called the current hostility between political parties “sad,” adding that his father’s biopic film is a “history lesson” on the importance of congeniality.
The biopic film Reagan details the life of the late president, journeying from his small-town roots to Hollywood before going toe-to-toe with communism on the world stage as the 40th president of the United States.
In reflecting upon the film and its success, Michael Reagan praised the display of his father’s leadership style that found a place for camaraderie and respect among people regardless of differing political views.
“[The film] really is a history lesson for people,” Michael Reagan told the Washington Examiner. “It’s a history lesson of what we’ve lost, and that’s what’s really sad.”
“My dad had negatives against him. My gosh, when he ran for governor, he was called a racist and everything else. When he ran for president, he was gonna ruin Social Security. He was a racist. He was going to get rid of Medicare, and he’s gonna, you know, he’s going to start World War III,” he added. “All these things, but it’s all in how you handle it. He didn’t let those things determine what his goals were. He didn’t react to it in a negative way. He just didn’t react to it. He just went on with his job, what he wanted to accomplish. And I think that’s important as you watch and see the movie. That’s exactly what he did.”
Michael Reagan recalled a scene in the film that showed former Democratic Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neill visiting Ronald Reagan in the hospital after an assassination attempt against the former president.
“One of the most poignant parts of the movie — because it wouldn’t happen today in the world that we live in — is after my dad is shot,” Michael Reagan said. “When he wakes up in the hospital, who’s sitting in the chair with a rosary praying for him and with him? Tip O’Neill, speaker of the House. And you look back and say, ‘Do you think that would happen today in the world that we live in?’ Probably not. And that’s really unfortunate.”
The former president’s son pointed to social media as the primary culprit for today’s divisive rhetoric, also warning today’s politicians to find camaraderie with and talk to those who are not necessarily supporters.
“It’s easy to talk to those who are applauding you. That’s easy. The hard part is talking to people who don’t applaud, right? And having a message that’s going to involve those people and bring them to the table,” Michael Reagan said. “Ronald Reagan won because he was able to do that. He was able to garner independents, conservatives, Democrats, Republicans, and what have you.”
Michael Reagan also praised Dennis Quaid’s performance in his role depicting the former president, calling it “great.”
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Reagan debuted in theaters in August, earning a 98% Popcornmeter score via Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is now available via digital download and video on demand. It will be released via Blu-ray and DVD on Nov. 19.
