Ep 12. Reagan (Part 2)

In American Experience season 10 episode 12, viewers are taken on a journey through the second part of Ronald Reagan's presidency. From the Iran Contra scandal to his famous "Tear Down This Wall" speech, this episode dives deep into the highs and lows of Reagan's presidency.

The episode begins in the midst of the Iran Contra scandal, where Reagan was accused of illegally selling arms to Iran in exchange for hostages and then funneling the profits to the Contras in Nicaragua. Through interviews with key players in the scandal, viewers gain a better understanding of what happened and how Reagan responded.

The focus then turns to Reagan's commitment to American exceptionalism and his firm stance against communism. The episode covers his famous speech in which he implored Mikhail Gorbachev to "Tear down this wall" in Berlin, as well as his efforts to modernize America's military and covert operations. Viewers hear from Reagan's inner circle as they discuss his foreign policy decisions and how they were received by the American public.

We then learn about Reagan's second term, which was marked by growing concerns about his age and health. The episode explores Reagan's relationship with his wife Nancy, as well as the impact of his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are given an in-depth look at Reagan's legacy. They learn about the ways in which he changed American politics forever, including his emphasis on conservative values and his ability to connect with voters on a personal level.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to rare footage and photos of Reagan, as well as interviews with those who knew him best. They get a sense of what it was like to live through this fascinating and often controversial period in American history, and how Reagan's presidency influenced the course of our nation.

Overall, Reagan (Part 2) is a gripping and insightful episode that gives viewers a front-row seat to one of the most influential presidencies in American history. Whether you lived through this era or are simply interested in learning more about it, this episode is sure to provide a fascinating and thought-provoking viewing experience.