Original subtitles

I believe the republican party has a platform that is a

party has a platform that is a banner of bold, unmistakable

banner of bold, unmistakable colors with no pale pastel

colors with no pale pastel shades.

Shades. They call it the gaze.

They call it the gaze. A look of adoration so

a look of adoration so compelling, even the cameras

compelling, even the cameras can't break away.

Can't break away. Do I remember the gaze?

Do I remember the gaze?

It was a talent.

It was a talent. Because she looked at him as

because she looked at him as though he were a god.

Though he were a god. It was almost hypnotic, that

it was almost hypnotic, that gaze.

Gaze. She just saw in her husband

she just saw in her husband somebody who should be

somebody who should be president.

President. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. Her husband's glory would be

her husband's glory would be their glory.

Their glory. The reagans were the first

the reagans were the first show business family to inhabit

show business family to inhabit the white house.

The white house. But Nancy was more than just

but Nancy was more than just Ronald Reagan's co-star.

Ronald Reagan's co-star. She wanted him to be the

she wanted him to be the front man.

Front man. And she wanted to be the

and she wanted to be the producer, director behind the

producer, director behind the scenes.

Scenes. How do you feel about that?

How do you feel about that? I agree with everything you

I agree with everything you said.

Said. He would have never been

he would have never been elected without Nancy.

Elected without Nancy. He would have never been elected

he would have never been elected governor without Nancy.

Governor without Nancy. In return she gave him strength,

in return she gave him strength, encouragement, she gave him

encouragement, she gave him hell.

Hell. Are you asking me?

Are you asking me? I consider Nancy to have been

I consider Nancy to have been in some ways the most powerful,

in some ways the most powerful, the most influential, the most

the most influential, the most indispensable partner in the

indispensable partner in the modern presidency.

Modern presidency. Why don't you ask him first?

Why don't you ask him first? Do you want to get your story

do you want to get your story straight?

We're talking on Mrs. Vague Reagan.

Reagan. We have two more quotes here.

We have two more quotes here. Would you be a forceful first

would you be a forceful first lady in your opinion?

Lady in your opinion? I -- it depends what you

I -- it depends what you mean by forceful.

Mean by forceful. It's 1980 and with her

it's 1980 and with her husband running for president,

husband running for president, Nancy Reagan was in the

Nancy Reagan was in the spotlight.

Spotlight. I have a feeling president

I have a feeling president Carter doesn't have a foreign

Carter doesn't have a foreign policy.

Policy. Nancy is tuflt more than an

Nancy is tuflt more than an adoring wife.

Adoring wife. I don't think I'm tough.

I don't think I'm tough. Where some see a good wife

where some see a good wife standing by her man --

standing by her man -- she's always pushing to make

she's always pushing to make sure that he succeeded.

Sure that he succeeded. As any good wife would do.

As any good wife would do. We can make america great

we can make america great again.

Again. Others see her as the power

others see her as the power broker in the relationship.

Broker in the relationship. All right.

All right. Go on.

Go on. The brains behind her husband.

The brains behind her husband. You've read that.

You've read that. No.

No. My husband is the brains of the

my husband is the brains of the family.

Family. Nancy Reagan was seen as a

Nancy Reagan was seen as a retro grade traditional figure.

Retro grade traditional figure. Yet, it is hard to think of

yet, it is hard to think of someone who was just so

someone who was just so comfortable with her own power

comfortable with her own power and so unafraid to use it.

And so unafraid to use it. Speaking of Nancy, she's been

speaking of Nancy, she's been the first lady in my life for a

the first lady in my life for a long time.

Long time. Nancy Davis and Ronald Reagan

Nancy Davis and Ronald Reagan met in Hollywood in 1949.

Met in Hollywood in 1949. Nancy was an ambitious young

Nancy was an ambitious young actress.

Actress. Nancy arrived in Hollywood

Nancy arrived in Hollywood during is the time of the red

during is the time of the red scare.

Scare. There was a lot of concern that

there was a lot of concern that communists were infiltrating

communists were infiltrating Hollywood.

Hollywood. She sees the name Nancy Davis

she sees the name Nancy Davis on a list of supposed communist

on a list of supposed communist sympathizers.

Sympathizers. This was a career killer.

This was a career killer. So she went to her director

so she went to her director and he said, look.

And he said, look. I have a good friend, Ronnie

I have a good friend, Ronnie Reagan, the president of the

Reagan, the president of the screen actor's guild, look into

screen actor's guild, look into this for you.

This for you. He says no, it's another

he says no, it's another Nancy Davis.

Nancy Davis. Don't worry.

Don't worry. We'll stand behind her.

We'll stand behind her. But Nancy says, you need

but Nancy says, you need engineer a chance for me to meet

engineer a chance for me to meet him face to face.

Him face to face. Ronald Reagan, ten years

Ronald Reagan, ten years Nancy's senior, was a well known

Nancy's senior, was a well known actor and a staunch

actor and a staunch anti-c

anti-c anti-communist.

Anti-communist. I think the list was a

I think the list was a pretext to get to know Ronald

pretext to get to know Ronald Reagan who was now a divorcee.

Reagan who was now a divorcee. They made it sound like they

they made it sound like they got married a week later.

Got married a week later. But he was still playing the

but he was still playing the field after his disastrous

field after his disastrous divorce from Jane Wyman.

Divorce from Jane Wyman. It was really three years later

it was really three years later before they actually tied the

before they actually tied the knot.

Knot. Their wedding was also

their wedding was also hastened by the fact that she

hastened by the fact that she discovered that she was

discovered that she was pregnant.

Pregnant. On that spring day in 1952,

on that spring day in 1952, Nancy set aside her Hollywood

Nancy set aside her Hollywood dreams to take on the role of

dreams to take on the role of Mrs. Ronald Reagan.

Mrs. Ronald Reagan. They needed each other.

They needed each other. They made each other possible.

They made each other possible. And they played on the world

and they played on the world stage together very well.

Stage together very well. I vague Reagan do solemnly

I vague Reagan do solemnly swear --

swear -- almost 30 years later, Nancy

almost 30 years later, Nancy holds the Bible as her husband

holds the Bible as her husband is sworn in.

Is sworn in. It is the first inauguration to

it is the first inauguration to be held on the West Side of the

be held on the West Side of the capitol closer to California.

Capitol closer to California. I will to the best of my

I will to the best of my ability --

ability -- it was very glamorous and

it was very glamorous and very Hollywood.

Very Hollywood. All these social people with

all these social people with their fur coats and their big

their fur coats and their big jewelry.

Jewelry. I think something like 700

I think something like 700 corporate and private jets

corporate and private jets landed over the weekend.

Landed over the weekend. She wanted him in a morning

she wanted him in a morning suit and she was in a very

suit and she was in a very expensive dress.

Expensive dress. So yeah, it might have been a

so yeah, it might have been a little overdone but Nancy did it

little overdone but Nancy did it her way.

Her way. Watching the new first lady

watching the new first lady so comfortable and elegant on

so comfortable and elegant on the world stage, few could

the world stage, few could imagine how far she had traveled

imagine how far she had traveled to get here.

To get here. Nancy was born in 1921 in

Nancy was born in 1921 in flushing, queens.

Flushing, queens. Her mother was an actress

her mother was an actress named Edith luckette.

Named Edith luckette. Her father was Kenneth Robins.

Her father was Kenneth Robins. A sort of aimless car salesman.

A sort of aimless car salesman. They divorced when she was

they divorced when she was quite small.

Quite small. The mother struggled for two

the mother struggled for two years.

Years. Nancy would be in a bassinet

Nancy would be in a bassinet backstage and finally she

backstage and finally she realized, this wasn't working.

Realized, this wasn't working. So she leaves Nancy with

so she leaves Nancy with relatives in Bethesda, Maryland.

Relatives in Bethesda, Maryland. And thus begins a six-year

and thus begins a six-year period where her mother

period where her mother essentially abandoned her.

Essentially abandoned her. 3 years old is not the age

3 years old is not the age when you want to see your mother

when you want to see your mother driving off to the big city,

driving off to the big city, leaving you behind.

Leaving you behind. When Nancy was 8, hadder

when Nancy was 8, hadder mother settled down and married

mother settled down and married a distinguished neuro surgeon.

A distinguished neuro surgeon. Nancy joined the couple in

Nancy joined the couple in Chicago.

Chicago. There for the first time in

there for the first time in her life, she does get a sense

her life, she does get a sense of security.

Of security. She also learned to navigate the

she also learned to navigate the social elite.

Social elite. Nancy's mother loved social

Nancy's mother loved social life.

Life. She would organize the dinner

she would organize the dinner party with the top will doctors,

party with the top will doctors, the mayor of Chicago who was

the mayor of Chicago who was also a democrat.

Also a democrat. The governor of Illinois who was

the governor of Illinois who was always republican.

Always republican. This couple comes out of

this couple comes out of nowhere and becomes a couple

nowhere and becomes a couple that everyone in Chicago has to

that everyone in Chicago has to pay attention to.

Pay attention to. She always said to me, a lot

she always said to me, a lot of things happen at dinner

of things happen at dinner parties, Bob.

Parties, Bob. That was a lesson that she

that was a lesson that she carried to Washington.

Carried to Washington. Ladies and gentlemen, the

ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States

president of the United States and Mrs. Reagan.

And Mrs. Reagan. President Reagan and first

President Reagan and first lady Nancy made the rounds in

lady Nancy made the rounds in Washington to a series of

Washington to a series of inaugural balls.

Inaugural balls. There are ten of these.

There are ten of these. You are number seven.

You are number seven. We're going to get to all of.

We're going to get to all of. They no.

They no. Number eight.

Number eight. After dancing their way

after dancing their way through nine vip balls, the

through nine vip balls, the reagans finally make it back to

reagans finally make it back to their new home.

Their new home. Nancy recalls that night in her

Nancy recalls that night in her memoir.

Memoir. As I close my eyes, I

as I close my eyes, I remember thinking, my lord, here

remember thinking, my lord, here we are.

We are. Sleeping in the white house.

Sleeping in the white house. And here I am, sleeping with the

and here I am, sleeping with the president of the United States.

President of the United States. But I found out the hard way

but I found out the hard way that nothing, nothing prepares

that nothing, nothing prepares you for being first lady.

The reagans now live in one of the most famous homes in the

of the most famous homes in the world.

World. Their every move under scrutiny.

Their every move under scrutiny. Fortunately this is something

fortunately this is something they've both trained for.

They've both trained for. Good evening.

Good evening. I am Ronald Reagan speaking for

I am Ronald Reagan speaking for general electric trick.

General electric trick. In 1954 two years into their

in 1954 two years into their marriage, Reagan signed on to

marriage, Reagan signed on to host a new have the have the

host a new have the have the show called general electric

show called general electric trick theater.

Trick theater. Once upon a time there was a

once upon a time there was a girl and a boy who fell in love

girl and a boy who fell in love with her.

With her. You know, Nancy, we'll see

you know, Nancy, we'll see Patty later on.

Patty later on. It was meant to be the show

it was meant to be the show house for general electric

house for general electric trick.

Trick. Appliances and lights and

appliances and lights and everything.

Everything. We had more switches and gadgets

we had more switches and gadgets in that house than could you

in that house than could you shake a stick at.

Shake a stick at. Most of which we never used.

Most of which we never used. It is too complicated for me

it is too complicated for me but do I know that our heat pump

but do I know that our heat pump is amazing and wonderful.

Is amazing and wonderful. My sister had more of the ge

my sister had more of the ge commercial.

Commercial. There is another one you

there is another one you ought to know.

Ought to know. I got a little more of the

I got a little more of the crest toothpaste commercial.

Crest toothpaste commercial. Come meet the younger members

come meet the younger members of the Reagan family.

Of the Reagan family. I'm Patty.

I'm Patty. Now the reagans have a new

now the reagans have a new family home.

Family home. But Nancy is disappointed to

but Nancy is disappointed to find it needs a little work.

Find it needs a little work. Floors and doors needed

floors and doors needed refinishing, the plumbing system

refinishing, the plumbing system needed repair.

Needed repair. There was a lot of mold on

there was a lot of mold on the walls in the private

the walls in the private residence.

Residence. Some of the curtains were

some of the curtains were rotted through from the sun.

Rotted through from the sun. It was shameful.

It was shameful. The Carters wouldn't spend any

the Carters wouldn't spend any money and she knew how to make

money and she knew how to make it right.

It right. Nancy turns to private donors

Nancy turns to private donors seeking tax deductible

seeking tax deductible contributions.

Contributions. She caught a lot of flak for

she caught a lot of flak for it.

It. Nancy tried to be jacky

Nancy tried to be jacky Kennedy this is white house.

Kennedy this is white house. The '80s were not the '60s.

The '80s were not the '60s. Nancy did all of this against

Nancy did all of this against a back drop plunging into a

a back drop plunging into a recession.

Recession. Names are on the list of

names are on the list of donors.

Donors. The biggest checks come from

the biggest checks come from people nagsy has known since the

people nagsy has known since the reagans first entered politics.

Reagans first entered politics. They were all from

they were all from California.

California. And they were all her friends.

And they were all her friends. She knew what she was doing.

She knew what she was doing. These women all had husbands who

these women all had husbands who were not only powerful but

were not only powerful but conservative Republicans.

Conservative Republicans. She had become sort of a

she had become sort of a queen bee of the set.

Queen bee of the set. And that becomes very important

and that becomes very important when her husband starts to

when her husband starts to launch a political career.

Launch a political career. You and I have a rendezvous

you and I have a rendezvous with destiny.

With destiny. Nancy's friends were

Nancy's friends were impressed.

Impressed. They come and say you've got to

they come and say you've got to run for governor.

Run for governor. You believe in your right to

you believe in your right to control your own destiny.

Control your own destiny. She was involved never

she was involved never campaign meeting from the first

campaign meeting from the first and Stewart Spencer said she had

and Stewart Spencer said she had in a way better political

in a way better political instincts than him.

Instincts than him. Her modus operandi was this.

Her modus operandi was this. We do campaigning.

We do campaigning. And eight clog in the morning

and eight clog in the morning she would call her friends and

she would call her friends and get the feedback.

Get the feedback. You have to do this and that.

You have to do this and that. Ronnie has to do this and that.

Ronnie has to do this and that. Women have more time to

women have more time to devote to politics.

Devote to politics. Obviously, their husbands are

obviously, their husbands are working.

Working. In some ways, she wanted to

in some ways, she wanted to win more than he did.

Win more than he did. Her work paid off.

Her work paid off. The Hollywood power couple

the Hollywood power couple became the first couple.

Became the first couple. He became a hell of a

he became a hell of a politician with her help.

Politician with her help. To show how well they're

to show how well they're settling into Washington, the

settling into Washington, the reagans take a stroll across

reagans take a stroll across Lafayette park.

Lafayette park. I remember, I had the news.

I remember, I had the news. On I thought, this is great.

On I thought, this is great. The Reagan there's get out.

The Reagan there's get out. They won't be in a bubble.

They won't be in a bubble. We're off to a great start.

We're off to a great start. And then lo and behold the next

and then lo and behold the next day --

we were at that hospital in three minutes.

Three minutes. And she went racing toward the

and she went racing toward the door.

Door. In her memoir,

in her memoir, Nancy,confusion and fear.

Nancy,confusion and fear. I stammered, where?

I stammered, where? Where was he hit?

Where was he hit? They don't know.

They don't know. They're looking for the bullet.

They're looking for the bullet. Looking for the bullet?

Looking for the bullet? I have to see him, I said.

I have to see him, I said. Wait, they're working on him.

Wait, they're working on him. I was holding her hand.

I was holding her hand. I kept saying, it's going to be

I kept saying, it's going to be all right.

All right. It's going to be all right.

It's going to be all right. She was just lost somewhere.

She was just lost somewhere. She was in shock.

She was in shock. The secret service came and

the secret service came and told US that shots had been

told US that shots had been fired.

Fired. Go upstairs.

Go upstairs. Turn on the TV and there is the

turn on the TV and there is the scene being played out.

Scene being played out. The president has gone to

the president has gone to George Washington university

George Washington university hospital.

Hospital. As has first lady Nancy Reagan.

As has first lady Nancy Reagan. We got a lear jet.

We got a lear jet. She was terrified that she was

she was terrified that she was about to lose her husband.

About to lose her husband. And then they wiehled him out

and then they wiehled him out and he looked pretty did for a

and he looked pretty did for a guy who was shot nearly in the

guy who was shot nearly in the heart.

Heart. In our top story, president

in our top story, president Reagan's temperature is back to

Reagan's temperature is back to normal today.

Normal today. He continues to make

he continues to make satisfactory recovery.

Satisfactory recovery. The president recovers.

The president recovers. But the scars will stay with

but the scars will stay with Nancy for years to come.

Nancy for years to come. The impact of the shooting

the impact of the shooting never left Nancy Reagan.

Never left Nancy Reagan. Having seen how close he came to

having seen how close he came to dying, she determined she

dying, she determined she wouldn't let that happen again.

Wouldn't let that happen again. It then became a problem

it then became a problem whenever he went out.

Whenever he went out. Somebody could come out of

somebody could come out of nowhere.

Nowhere. Bullets could fly out of

bullets could fly out of nowhere.

Nowhere. Washington seemed a darker

Washington seemed a darker place.

Place. And this of course leads to

and this of course leads to the famous astrology business,

the famous astrology business, which I'm sure you would have

which I'm sure you would have gotten to eventually.

Gotten to eventually. This astrologer lets her know, I

this astrologer lets her know, I could have predicted this.

Could have predicted this. I knew that was not a good day

I knew that was not a good day for him to be out of the house.

For him to be out of the house. Is the plane going to take

is the plane going to take off for Europe at 3:00 A.M.

Off for Europe at 3:00 A.M. sunday or 7:00 P.M. Saturday?

Sunday or 7:00 P.M. Saturday? Those kinds of decisions were

those kinds of decisions were put to the astrologer.

Put to the astrologer. The problem of course was, in

the problem of course was, in retrospect, she was telling

retrospect, she was telling someone who didn't have security

someone who didn't have security clearance about his schedule.

Clearance about his schedule. She was very scared.

She was very scared. And she had some crutches that

and she had some crutches that she needed.

She needed. Nancy's consultations with

Nancy's consultations with her astrologier are kept secret

her astrologier are kept secret from all but her inner most

from all but her inner most circle.

Circle. They would continue for many

they would continue for many years.

Years. In all the time I worked with

in all the time I worked with her, I never, ever knew about

her, I never, ever knew about the astrologer.

The astrologer. None of US did.

None of US did. But the astrologer wasn't the

but the astrologer wasn't the only person Nancy was calling.

Only person Nancy was calling. I learned early on that I

I learned early on that I needed to keep her informed

needed to keep her informed about everything.

About everything. Somehow through her network, and

somehow through her network, and her network was extensive, she

her network was extensive, she would hear.

Would hear. She was the classic

she was the classic old-fashioned, almost corporate

old-fashioned, almost corporate wife who did everything behind

wife who did everything behind the scenes.

The scenes. And the telephone was her sort

and the telephone was her sort of weapon of choice.

Of weapon of choice. She once joked to me that she

she once joked to me that she wanted to be buried with the

wanted to be buried with the phone.

Phone. Just in case.

Just in case. She didn't go down to the

she didn't go down to the cabinet room and sit in on the

cabinet room and sit in on the meetings.

Meetings. She didn't go into the oval

she didn't go into the oval office and take part in a

office and take part in a dialogue.

Dialogue. But she was watching from above.

But she was watching from above. She would ask questions.

She would ask questions. What happened here?

What happened here? What went wrong here?

What went wrong here? What are we doing about this?

What are we doing about this? She stepped up when she saw

she stepped up when she saw things were going the wrong

things were going the wrong direction for her husband.

Direction for her husband. If you valued your life, you

if you valued your life, you didn't want Nancy Reagan coming

didn't want Nancy Reagan coming after you with a hatchet.

After you with a hatchet. You might lose something.

You might lose something. She basically started calling

she basically started calling me about two things.

Me about two things. One, to discourage Ron from

one, to discourage Ron from giving up his secret service

giving up his secret service detail.

Detail. She said gadhafi and the puerto

she said gadhafi and the puerto rican liberation front were

rican liberation front were trying to kidnap him.

Trying to kidnap him. And why does the press hate me

and why does the press hate me so much?

So much? Nancy knows how to keep the

Nancy knows how to keep the people around him

people around him during her first year in the

during her first year in the white house, Nancy seems to be

white house, Nancy seems to be in a constant battle with the

in a constant battle with the press.

Press. They were used to getting

they were used to getting Hollywood attention.

Hollywood attention. Politics brings a different kind

politics brings a different kind of attention.

Of attention. A different kind of scrutiny.

A different kind of scrutiny. The white house disclosed

the white house disclosed today the president's wife does

today the president's wife does not own all of her clothing.

Not own all of her clothing. I got a heads up that it was

I got a heads up that it was coming.

Coming. I walked down to the oval

I walked down to the oval office.

Office. And I explained you might want

and I explained you might want to give Nancy a heads up.

To give Nancy a heads up. And he looked mat he and said,

and he looked mat he and said, why don't you tell her?

Why don't you tell her? And she was livid.

And she was livid. And I said, you have to go

and I said, you have to go through your wardrobe and start

through your wardrobe and start picking out some of these

picking out some of these dresses and return them.

Dresses and return them. She borrowed and still has

she borrowed and still has not returned more than 100,000

not returned more than 100,000 worth of jewelry.

Worth of jewelry. There are very strict

there are very strict regulations over reporting

regulations over reporting gifts.

Gifts. And Nancy really didn't feel

and Nancy really didn't feel like she always had to follow

like she always had to follow the rules.

The rules. The camera's eye focused on

the camera's eye focused on her lavish redecoration of the

her lavish redecoration of the living quarters and her $209,000

living quarters and her $209,000 set of China.

Set of China. It was Nancy has to have this

it was Nancy has to have this and Nancy has to have that.

And Nancy has to have that. She took a real beating.

She took a real beating. I would get to work in the

I would get to work in the morning and I would read some

morning and I would read some dreadful piece on the front page

dreadful piece on the front page of the "New York times," or the

of the "New York times," or the "Washington post" about, Mrs.

"Washington post" about, Mrs. Reagan.

Reagan. And I would be almost stock my

and I would be almost stock my stomach.

Stomach. The president and the first

the president and the first lady generally don't both get

lady generally don't both get bad press simultaneously.

Bad press simultaneously. They kind of take turns.

They kind of take turns. And Nancy really was the

and Nancy really was the lightning rod.

Lightning rod. And that enabled Ronnie to play

and that enabled Ronnie to play the doting, protective husband

the doting, protective husband which played well in the media.

Which played well in the media. No one would say how many

no one would say how many items Mrs. Reagan received.

Items Mrs. Reagan received. In her memoir, Nancy admits

in her memoir, Nancy admits that the attacks got to her.

That the attacks got to her. Everything did I or said was

everything did I or said was instantly open to criticism.

Instantly open to criticism. My clothes, my friends, my taste

my clothes, my friends, my taste in decorating.

In decorating. The way I looked at my husband.

The way I looked at my husband. Let's set that straight once

let's set that straight once and for all.

And for all. Nancy has taken a bit of a bum

Nancy has taken a bit of a bum rap.

Rap. Reporter: These stories not

reporter: These stories not only hurt.

Only hurt. They also made me damn mad.

They also made me damn mad. She was turning into a

she was turning into a political liability.

Political liability. Nancy was never popular with

Nancy was never popular with the press because she didn't

the press because she didn't trust the press.

Trust the press. She didn't like the press.

She didn't like the press. She was very controlled.

She was very controlled. And that is not unusual for

and that is not unusual for someone from Hollywood.

Someone from Hollywood. They learned very early on not

they learned very early on not to say anything.

To say anything. You're rate hurt by some of

you're rate hurt by some of the press that you've been

the press that you've been getting.

Getting. I mean, hurt.

I mean, hurt. Yes.

Yes. I guess what you really want

I guess what you really want for Christmas is for the press

for Christmas is for the press to take a fresh look at you.

To take a fresh look at you. That would be nice.

That would be nice. To turn the tide of hatred,

to turn the tide of hatred, Nancy tries a new tactic.

Nancy tries a new tactic. She was scheduled to speak at

she was scheduled to speak at the al Smith dinner back in new

the al Smith dinner back in new York.

York. There is now a picture post

there is now a picture post card of me as queen.

Card of me as queen. Now, that's silly because I

now, that's silly because I would never wear a crown.

Would never wear a crown. It messes up your hair.

It messes up your hair. The room went nuts.

The room went nuts. They just had a ball.

They just had a ball. She had seemed so icy and so

she had seemed so icy and so unapproachable.

Unapproachable. That was a brilliant move.

That was a brilliant move. It demonstrated that she had

it demonstrated that she had a sense of humor about herself.

A sense of humor about herself. Which I don't think she did.

Which I don't think she did. But it did the trick.

But it did the trick. Now she needs a cause to get

now she needs a cause to get behind.

Behind. I asked her what she was

I asked her what she was interested in being involved in.

Interested in being involved in. And she said youth drug abuse.

And she said youth drug abuse. And I remember at the time

and I remember at the time thinking, that is sort of a

thinking, that is sort of a downer.

Downer. I'm saying that if you're a

I'm saying that if you're a casual drug user, you're an

casual drug user, you're an accomplice to murder.

Accomplice to murder. It was a way to push back

it was a way to push back against the '60s.

Against the '60s. Feminism, rock 'n' roll, smoking

feminism, rock 'n' roll, smoking pot, clearly something was very

pot, clearly something was very wrong here.

Wrong here. And needs to be put right.

And needs to be put right. Tonight there is something

tonight there is something special to talk about and I've

special to talk about and I've asked someone very special to

asked someone very special to join me.

Join me. Nancy?

Nancy? Thank you.

Thank you. Today there is a drug and

today there is a drug and alcohol abuse epidemic in this

alcohol abuse epidemic in this country and no one is safe from

country and no one is safe from it.

It. Because it is aimed at

because it is aimed at destroying the brightness and

destroying the brightness and life of the sons and daughters

life of the sons and daughters of the United States.

Of the United States. Did all of you start first on

did all of you start first on pot?

Pot? There is no more middle

there is no more middle ground.

Ground. She is making drug abuse her

she is making drug abuse her personal crusade.

Personal crusade. Indifference is not an

indifference is not an option.

Option. Telling kids to stay off

telling kids to stay off drugs.

Drugs. Stay in school.

Stay in school. What should you do when

what should you do when someone offers you drugs?

Someone offers you drugs? When it comes the drugs and

when it comes the drugs and alcohol --

alcohol -- just say no!

Just say no! It is almost like saying, if

it is almost like saying, if you remain celibate, you won't

you remain celibate, you won't get a convenient venereal

get a convenient venereal disease.

Disease. Too simplistic.

Too simplistic. Just say no and throw people

just say no and throw people in prison.

In prison. What a waste, what a wasted

what a waste, what a wasted life.

Life. There was of course, the

there was of course, the irony that her two kids

irony that her two kids certainly had smoked pot.

Certainly had smoked pot. So none of.

So none of. Was particularly popular with

was particularly popular with me.

Me. Though it is true that every

though it is true that every first lady needs to have a

first lady needs to have a cause, in my view, Nancy's

cause, in my view, Nancy's chosen cause was her husband.

Chosen cause was her husband. Good morning.

Good morning. Go out and talk to the press

go out and talk to the press about something that was very,

about something that was very, very difficult.

Very difficult. We worked it out with Nancy to

we worked it out with Nancy to get a birthday cake.

Get a birthday cake. When it got to the point, we're

when it got to the point, we're in deep water.

In deep water. Let's get him out of here.

Let's get him out of here. We are at 7%.

And two days early. Aren't they coming fast enough

aren't they coming fast enough without moving it up?

Without moving it up? Make a wishful.

Make a wishful. Two years into his first

two years into his first term, the question of whether

term, the question of whether the 72-year-old president should

the 72-year-old president should run again is on everyone's mind.

Run again is on everyone's mind. Maybe this would be a good

maybe this would be a good time for to you tell him whether

time for to you tell him whether you think he should run again.

You think he should run again. No.

No. The Nancy, the protector in

the Nancy, the protector in chief, won't show her hand.

Chief, won't show her hand. How would you like a piece of

how would you like a piece of cake, Sam?

Cake, Sam? She was worried about his

she was worried about his physical safety.

Physical safety. He was in his mid 70s.

He was in his mid 70s. He had been shot and nearly

he had been shot and nearly killed.

Killed. I asked him not to run.

I asked him not to run. Here, take mine.

Here, take mine. No, no, no.

No, no, no. That's bad luck.

That's bad luck. My view is that Nancy Reagan

my view is that Nancy Reagan would have been very happy to go

would have been very happy to go home after one term.

Home after one term. Think back on their successes.

Think back on their successes. And look ahead to the future.

And look ahead to the future. I have learned not to argue

I have learned not to argue with her superstitions.

With her superstitions. But I think she also realize

but I think she also realize that had President Reagan's work

that had President Reagan's work was not done.

Was not done. Of course he's going to run

of course he's going to run and he's going to win

it's the summer before the 1984 election.

1984 election. The reagans are on vacation at

the reagans are on vacation at their ranch.

Their ranch. A report he asks the president

a report he asks the president about a potential meeting with

about a potential meeting with the Soviets.

The Soviets. Doing everything we can.

Doing everything we can. And it took some prompting

and it took some prompting from wife Nancy for the

from wife Nancy for the president to acknowledge --

president to acknowledge -- that was her being his

that was her being his protector.

Protector. Him stumbling for the right

him stumbling for the right words.

Words. And taking a pause and her

and taking a pause and her feeling that the pause was

feeling that the pause was uncomfortable.

Uncomfortable. With the election if full

with the election if full swing, the president's age has

swing, the president's age has become a major issue.

Become a major issue. He was the oldest president

he was the oldest president ever at that point.

Ever at that point. He was slowing down.

He was slowing down. And she was right by his side

and she was right by his side trying to, you know, keep it all

trying to, you know, keep it all afloat.

Afloat. President Reagan's challenger

President Reagan's challenger is former vice president Walter

is former vice president Walter mondale.

Mondale. A relative youngster at 56.

A relative youngster at 56. Famously his first debate

famously his first debate with Walter mondale did not go

with Walter mondale did not go well.

Well. To try to say that we were

to try to say that we were taxing the rich and not the

taxing the rich and not the other way around --

other way around -- he seemed kind of out of

he seemed kind of out of sorts, slow.

Sorts, slow. The system is still where it

the system is still where it was with regard to -- the --

was with regard to -- the -- he stumbled and fumbled and

he stumbled and fumbled and that was because his debate

that was because his debate preparation was just too detail

preparation was just too detail oriented.

Oriented. Too many numbers, too many

too many numbers, too many facts.

Facts. He did not do any of his

he did not do any of his homework.

Homework. So he stunk.

So he stunk. I thought I'm glad I'm not in

I thought I'm glad I'm not in louisville.

Louisville. Somebody will have to deal with

somebody will have to deal with Nancy Reagan tonight.

Nancy Reagan tonight. She wanted heads, she wanted

she wanted heads, she wanted bodies, she wanted it all.

Bodies, she wanted it all. Nance country is describes

Nance country is describes her reaction in her memoir.

Her reaction in her memoir. There was no way around it.

There was no way around it. The debate was a nightmare.

The debate was a nightmare. What have you done to my

what have you done to my husband?

Husband? I said to Mike at the hotel.

I said to Mike at the hotel. Whatever it was, don't do it

whatever it was, don't do it again.

Again. As she would say all the

as she would say all the time, you need let Ronnie be

time, you need let Ronnie be Ronnie.

Ronnie. Just let ronaldie believe

just let ronaldie believe Ronnie.

Ronnie. He knows what to do.

He knows what to do. The second debate came

the second debate came around.

Around. He had done some reading, he

he had done some reading, he rested up, he walked in and he

rested up, he walked in and he mastered.

Mastered. I.

I. I will not make age an issue

I will not make age an issue of this campaign.

Of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for

I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's

political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience.

Youth and inexperience. At that point the debate was

at that point the debate was over.

Over. And in many ways, the election

and in many ways, the election was over.

Was over. Reagan carries an

Reagan carries an unprecedented 49 states in the

unprecedented 49 states in the '84 election.

'84 election. And Nancy's eye goes toward

and Nancy's eye goes toward securing his legacy.

Securing his legacy. In 1997, I asked her, was

in 1997, I asked her, was there some area that you felt

there some area that you felt you had an effect?

You had an effect? And she said, no, no.

And she said, no, no. Ronnie knew exactly what he

Ronnie knew exactly what he wanted to do from the moment he

wanted to do from the moment he was elected.

Was elected. Then she paused and very, very

then she paused and very, very softly added, well, maybe the

softly added, well, maybe the whole Russian thing.

Whole Russian thing. And I was like, the whole

and I was like, the whole Russian thing some you mean the

Russian thing some you mean the main thing of his

main thing of his administration?

Administration? We will meet with the

we will meet with the Soviets, hoping that we can

Soviets, hoping that we can agree on a way to rid the world

agree on a way to rid the world of a threat of nuke destruction.

Of a threat of nuke destruction. He had a lot of people on his

he had a lot of people on his right saying, arms control is

right saying, arms control is only for fools and don't get

only for fools and don't get into negotiation.

Into negotiation. The Soviets will always cheat

the Soviets will always cheat you.

You. She was much more main stream.

She was much more main stream. She didn't want her husband

she didn't want her husband going down in history has the

going down in history has the man many built this huge arsenal

man many built this huge arsenal and possibly touched off a war.

And possibly touched off a war. She believed very much in

she believed very much in Reagan's slogan.

Reagan's slogan. Peace and strength.

Peace and strength. She felt they had double the

she felt they had double the strength side.

Strength side. It was time to do the peace

it was time to do the peace side.

Side. In November 1985 the moment

in November 1985 the moment finally arrives.

Finally arrives. The u.S. And Soviet leaders to

the u.S. And Soviet leaders to meet for the first time since

meet for the first time since the start of the cold war.

The start of the cold war. Reagan had his team on his

Reagan had his team on his side of the table.

Side of the table. Nancy knew that wasn't enough.

Nancy knew that wasn't enough. She knew that Ronnie was going

she knew that Ronnie was going to be best one-on-one along with

to be best one-on-one along with gorbachev as much as she could

gorbachev as much as she could get him.

Get him. So she said, honey, what you

so she said, honey, what you really ought to do is take

really ought to do is take gorbachev for a walk.

Gorbachev for a walk. President Reagan proposed the

President Reagan proposed the two leaders walked from the 18th

two leaders walked from the 18th century villa they were meeting

century villa they were meeting in to a village on the edge of

in to a village on the edge of the lake.

The lake. They decided they didn't even

they decided they didn't even need to go into the group

need to go into the group meeting.

Meeting. They had made so much head way

they had made so much head way alone.

Alone. General even a was an

general even a was an incredible break through.

Incredible break through. On the policy but also the

on the policy but also the personal relationship.

Personal relationship. You could tell there was a

you could tell there was a chemistry between two of them

chemistry between two of them that began that day.

That began that day. Everything happens the way

everything happens the way Nancy Reagan had planned it.

Nancy Reagan had planned it. It was a great summit.

It was a great summit. She had her finger prints all

she had her finger prints all over it.

Over it. The bond forged in generva

the bond forged in generva that effectively ends the cold

that effectively ends the cold war.

War. Just the legacy Nancy was after.

Just the legacy Nancy was after. But this diplomatic triumph is

but this diplomatic triumph is about to be

about to be in November, 1986 a story

in November, 1986 a story breaks.

Breaks. The u.S. Government has Ben

the u.S. Government has Ben selling arms to Iran.

Selling arms to Iran. Apparently in exchange for the

apparently in exchange for the release of American hostages.

Release of American hostages. Reagan never felt it was

Reagan never felt it was trading arms for hostages.

Trading arms for hostages. It was just, we'll send these

it was just, we'll send these arms and by the way, if we get

arms and by the way, if we get our hostages back, at the same

our hostages back, at the same time, wouldn't that be good?

Time, wouldn't that be good? The president said no law has

the president said no law has been or will be violated.

Been or will be violated. Then it is revealed money

then it is revealed money from the arms sale was used

from the arms sale was used illegally to send weapons to a

illegally to send weapons to a right wing rebel group in

right wing rebel group in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua. Was to death watch.

Was to death watch. Nancy Reagan felt the

Nancy Reagan felt the president has not been served

president has not been served well.

Well. She took it to heart.

She took it to heart. Will they impeach my husband?

Will they impeach my husband? Is this an impeachable offense?

Is this an impeachable offense? That's where you see Nancy

that's where you see Nancy Reagan spring into action to

Reagan spring into action to rescue her husband.

Rescue her husband. She knew I had had the role.

She knew I had had the role. It wouldn't be Ronnie's.

It wouldn't be Ronnie's. And she had to go after

and she had to go after somebody.

Somebody. And that somebody was Don Regan.

And that somebody was Don Regan. He had replaced James baker

he had replaced James baker as chief of staff at the start

as chief of staff at the start second term.

Second term. He and Nancy did not get along.

He and Nancy did not get along. I honestly tried help him be

I honestly tried help him be a good chief of staff.

A good chief of staff. Like lesson number one, how you

like lesson number one, how you handle Nancy.

Handle Nancy. He wasn't an ego maniac.

He wasn't an ego maniac. I'd better will listen.

I'd better will listen. She had a certain radar.

She had a certain radar. If she sniffed out that there

if she sniffed out that there was someone in his circle who

was someone in his circle who wasn't 1,000% loyal to Ronnie,

wasn't 1,000% loyal to Ronnie, they were toast.

They were toast. She said, you know, Jim,

she said, you know, Jim, we're going to have to make a

we're going to have to make a change here.

Change here. Don Regan will have to go.

Don Regan will have to go. You know, Ronnie can't fire

you know, Ronnie can't fire anybody.

Anybody. He didn't like to get rid of

he didn't like to get rid of anybody.

Anybody. But she did.

But she did. She had no hesitation

she had no hesitation whatsoever.

Whatsoever. It didn't go well.

It didn't go well. The first lady was asked if

the first lady was asked if the president had demanded she

the president had demanded she get off his back firing him.

Get off his back firing him. How can the president deal

how can the president deal with the Soviets if he cannot

with the Soviets if he cannot settle a dispute between his

settle a dispute between his wife and the chief of staff?

Wife and the chief of staff? She called me ten times a day

she called me ten times a day to talk about it.

To talk about it. One day, Don Regan came down

one day, Don Regan came down to my office.

To my office. He looked at me and said, I

he looked at me and said, I think I made a big mistake.

Think I made a big mistake. And I am, what was that?

And I am, what was that? And he said, well, I was talking

and he said, well, I was talking to the first lady and she was

to the first lady and she was really pushing me.

Really pushing me. And I lost my cool and I hung up

and I lost my cool and I hung up on her.

On her. And I said, Don, you what?

And I said, Don, you what? You don't cross her like

you don't cross her like that.

That. At the end of the day, the

at the end of the day, the president goes back to the

president goes back to the living quarters and gets into

living quarters and gets into bed with this personal you just

bed with this personal you just hung up on.

Hung up on. And she gets the last word.

And she gets the last word. The latest on the strain

the latest on the strain between Mrs. Reagan and Regan.

Between Mrs. Reagan and Regan. Chris wall is leaving the

Chris wall is leaving the white house one day and Nancy

white house one day and Nancy Reynolds, close to Nancy Reagan,

Reynolds, close to Nancy Reagan, comes up to him and tells him,

comes up to him and tells him, do you know Don Regan hung up on

do you know Don Regan hung up on the first lady today knowing

the first lady today knowing that Chris Wallace then at nbc

that Chris Wallace then at nbc will go right on the air that

will go right on the air that night in the newscast and say

night in the newscast and say that.

That. And two sources tell me that

and two sources tell me that the chief of staff again hung up

the chief of staff again hung up on the first lady.

On the first lady. They have not --

they have not -- you didn't hang up on Ronald

you didn't hang up on Ronald Reagan's women.

Reagan's women. That is is a bad mistake.

That is is a bad mistake. That was curtains for Don

that was curtains for Don Regan.

Regan. He finally bowed to intense

he finally bowed to intense pressure --

pressure -- Regan is out.

Regan is out. A year later he gets his

a year later he gets his revenge.

Revenge. Regan reveals Nancy's best kept

Regan reveals Nancy's best kept secret.

Secret. The astrologer she's had on her

the astrologer she's had on her pay roll since the shooting.

Pay roll since the shooting. I called the press office

I called the press office right away.

Right away. What's going on?

What's going on? We think it is a one day story.

We think it is a one day story. Are you out of your mind?

Are you out of your mind? Reagan is asked if he still

Reagan is asked if he still allows astrology to play a part

allows astrology to play a part in the make-up of his schedule.

In the make-up of his schedule. .

.I can't I never did.

I can't I never did. The president's approval

the president's approval ratings are sinking fast.

Ratings are sinking fast. His overall approval rating

his overall approval rating is down 17% in less than two

is down 17% in less than two months.

Months. Nancy believes to win the

Nancy believes to win the country back, her husband must

country back, her husband must apologize for Iran-contra.

Apologize for Iran-contra. He is resisting admitting the

he is resisting admitting the obvious.

Obvious. That he has been trading arms

that he has been trading arms for hostages.

For hostages. She knew she had to get him to

she knew she had to get him to this place where he could say

this place where he could say what he needed to say to rescue

what he needed to say to rescue his presidency.

His presidency. So many people walk into the

so many people walk into the oval office and tell president

oval office and tell president what he wants to know.

What he wants to know. Not what he needs to know.

Not what he needs to know. Very few people are willing to

very few people are willing to be the reality therapist.

Be the reality therapist. And Nancy was willing to do

and Nancy was willing to do that.

That. A few months ago, I told the

a few months ago, I told the American people I did not trade

American people I did not trade arms for hostages.

Arms for hostages. My heart and my best intentions

my heart and my best intentions still tell me that's true.

Still tell me that's true. But the facts and the evidence

but the facts and the evidence tell me it is not.

Tell me it is not. He gives a speech.

He gives a speech. He gives at this time way Nancy

he gives at this time way Nancy wants it.

Wants it. You take your knocks.

You take your knocks. You learn your lessons and then

you learn your lessons and then you move on.

You move on. All of a sudden, you saw the

all of a sudden, you saw the American people going, that's

American people going, that's our president.

Our president. And his approval ratings just

and his approval ratings just skyrocket overnight.

Skyrocket overnight. The nation's faith in

the nation's faith in President Reagan is restored.

President Reagan is restored. It has been a difficult term for

it has been a difficult term for Nancy.

Nancy. And she has one year left to

and she has one year left to write the

write the I've been busy with arms

I've been busy with arms control and -- all right the imf

control and -- all right the imf treaty and the Russians.

Treaty and the Russians. I actually covered their 1988

I actually covered their 1988 visit to Moscow.

Visit to Moscow. There was a sense of hope that

there was a sense of hope that had been missing since the

had been missing since the second world war.

Second world war. In Moscow, the two leaders

in Moscow, the two leaders finalized their nuclear treaty.

Finalized their nuclear treaty. The highlight of the trip is a

the highlight of the trip is a dramatic piece of street theater

dramatic piece of street theater orchestrated by Nancy.

Orchestrated by Nancy. Invited him to Washington.

Invited him to Washington. He walked down Connecticut

he walked down Connecticut Avenue through the throngs of

Avenue through the throngs of people.

People. It was great footage.

It was great footage. It took the show that day.

It took the show that day. The guy is a PR genius.

The guy is a PR genius. Nancy found that --

Nancy found that -- once in Moscow, Nancy reveals

once in Moscow, Nancy reveals her plan.

Her plan. We got to the house and Nancy

we got to the house and Nancy and I shared with the president

and I shared with the president the idea and it was "sounds good

the idea and it was "sounds good to me."

To me." Let's run it past the secret

let's run it past the secret service and the secret service

service and the secret service said absolutely not.

Said absolutely not. So I went to the president and

so I went to the president and Mrs. Reagan in the bedroom.

Mrs. Reagan in the bedroom. Nancy is lying on the bed with

Nancy is lying on the bed with her feet on the pillows propped

her feet on the pillows propped up.

Up. Reagan is walking around the

Reagan is walking around the bedroom.

Bedroom. Secret service they're making

secret service they're making their case.

Their case. They're saying if you the

they're saying if you the reagans go where we want to go a

reagans go where we want to go a that you cannot protect them?

That you cannot protect them? And the lead person said, "no,

and the lead person said, "no, that's not what they're saying".

That's not what they're saying". Nancy sat up and said, fine,

Nancy sat up and said, fine, let's go.

Let's go. We went to the place which is a

we went to the place which is a shopping area.

Shopping area. All of a sudden it was full

all of a sudden it was full much people applauding and

much people applauding and cheering.

Cheering. They all wanted to see.

They all wanted to see. They were nervous as all get

they were nervous as all get out.

Out. Nancy spotted some old

Nancy spotted some old carriage sitting there and she

carriage sitting there and she grabbed Reagan's hand and pulled

grabbed Reagan's hand and pulled him on the carriage.

Him on the carriage. After decades of this frozen

after decades of this frozen relationship between the two

relationship between the two super powers, to see this

super powers, to see this American president arms held out

American president arms held out for the poor Soviet people who

for the poor Soviet people who have never been anywhere near an

have never been anywhere near an American president, much less

American president, much less one that looked like Ronald

one that looked like Ronald Reagan.

Reagan. It made the Gulf war seem like

it made the Gulf war seem like ancient history.

Ancient history. We got our footage.

We got our footage. Nancy just took over.

Nancy just took over. I thought, wow, she never ceases

I thought, wow, she never ceases to impress me.

To impress me. Some things I'll be glad --

some things I'll be glad --

we'll miss you.

We'll miss you. I thought you'd never say

I thought you'd never say that.

That. And just like that, eight

and just like that, eight years are over.

Years are over. The reagans leave the white

the reagans leave the white house flying high.

House flying high. The oldest u.S. President has

the oldest u.S. President has survived an assassination

survived an assassination attempt and a major scandal.

Attempt and a major scandal. He will go down in history as a

he will go down in history as a peacemaker.

Peacemaker. All under the eye of the first

all under the eye of the first lady.

Lady. On the last trip, the

on the last trip, the administration back home to

administration back home to California on the floor of air

California on the floor of air force one, Sam donaldson, bill

force one, Sam donaldson, bill clancey of CBS were all three

clancey of CBS were all three collaborating to write the last

collaborating to write the last full report of the Reagan years.

Full report of the Reagan years. And who was overseeing it as

and who was overseeing it as they were typing on the floor?

They were typing on the floor? Not the president.

Not the president. Nancy!

Nancy! It's been eight years but a

it's been eight years but a big chunk of your life you've

big chunk of your life you've been the first couple in the

been the first couple in the white house.

White house. All the important stuff swirling

all the important stuff swirling around you every day.

Around you every day. Now that's going to go away.

Now that's going to go away. And you will leave the stage.

And you will leave the stage. She said we thought we have our

she said we thought we have our golden years.

Golden years. We would reminisce about, you

we would reminisce about, you know, our lives.

Know, our lives. Sorry.

Sorry. So then they leave and within

so then they leave and within four years, yeah, four years.

Four years, yeah, four years. He's been diagnosed with

he's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's. He now has dementia, you know.

He now has dementia, you know. That's a whole different phase

that's a whole different phase of their life, of course.

Of their life, of course. Now she's not going to be fancy

now she's not going to be fancy Nancy anymore.

Nancy anymore. She's going to be this new

she's going to be this new character, you know, and so just

character, you know, and so just continued through the rest of

continued through the rest of her life.

Her life. When Nancy Reagan died on

when Nancy Reagan died on march 6th, 2016, tributes came

march 6th, 2016, tributes came from all corners.

From all corners. Her support for her husband

her support for her husband through his illness and her work

through his illness and her work to legalize stem cell research

to legalize stem cell research softened her image but her

softened her image but her greatest legacy remains, the

greatest legacy remains, the protective power she wielded for

protective power she wielded for eight years as a formidable

eight years as a formidable first lady.

First lady. When I think of her, I often

when I think of her, I often think of her as a child and

think of her as a child and frightened.

Frightened. She can be fierce when she

she can be fierce when she wanted to be.

Wanted to be. But, yeah, I think tlfsz still a

but, yeah, I think tlfsz still a little 3-year-old girl whose

little 3-year-old girl whose mother was gone away.

Mother was gone away. People were frightened and go

people were frightened and go ahead anyway.

Ahead anyway. That's a certain