Nancy Reagan’s Catalytic Role
Whatever else can be said about Nancy Reagan, I find it incredible that she is being so maligned for her catalytic role in Donald Regan’s departure as White House chief of staff.
Pundits within and outside the Washington Beltway agreed he had to go, and soon, for the good of the presidency and the nation. That she was a force in getting her reluctant husband to accomplish the inevitable is commendable.
Why could not the President give her the credit she was due? She is observant, astute, experienced and concerned, and her counsel and advice to the President is surely as valuable as that of his many cronies who provided input on this subject.
Instead of expressing appreciation, an angry President decried the reports of her active role in the removal process as “despicable fiction.” Then along comes Regan’s replacement, former Sen. Howard Baker, with his derogatory characterization of her as a “dragon” lady.
It is a shame that in this day and age the First Lady, a person of the female sex, cannot receive the merit she deserves in the still macho game that is presidential politics.
JOAN DEMPSEY KLEIN
Los Angeles
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
