Extending courtesy to those who need it most
Doctors agreed that, after President Ronald Reagan survived a 1981 assassination attempt, his memory was diminished. (Years later, he was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.) As his term continued, his staff prepared remarks and speeches that were short and to the point. Though his negotiation and leadership skills were still sharp, his memory sometimes failed him, and the rumor-hungry press seized upon the occasional gaffe to question his fitness to serve.
Towards the end of his presidency, Reagan appeared at an informal picnic, mostly attended by his cronies and peers. After a round of golf and a steak lunch, he was encouraged to make a speech. The Gipper, always ready for an audience, squared his shoulders to the podium, delivered some witty remarks and sat down to rousing, supportive applause. “The old man still has it,” smiling onlookers said, elbowing each other and nodding their heads. The applause went on, so Reagan rose from his chair to take a bow and, to the horror of his staff, returned to the podium to give the same speech again.
