AllMovie

In this documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace explores the life and presidency of Ronald Reagan and how his years in office spawned Republican leadership throughout the country. This episode goes back to the early days of Reagan's public life, when he was a movie actor. In California, he began to enter politics, but it was his moving speech for presidential nominee Barry Goldwater that allowed Reagan to quickly rise to political fame. After years as Governor of California, he was elected to the presidency in 1980, beginning his eight years in office. His popularity resulted in an increase in the Republican Party. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with some Reagan-era insiders, including speechwriter Peggy Noonan, analyst Kevin Phillips, and aide Mike Deaver.