Ronald Reagan Dies

President Ronald Reagan passed away today at age 93. Native of Illinois, son of Hollywood, and father of modern America, Reagan managed to be a galvanizing and charismatic leader during his two terms as president. While his policies and dealings ("Reagonomics" and domestic policy, "Star Wars," Iran-Contra) have a number of pros and cons, Reagan remained one of the most popular presidents. He certainly looms large in Gothamist's mind because he's the first President we remember distinctly. Most of the coverage notes how the country felt very nostalgic about Reagan, whose larger-than-life demeanor seemed very Presidential and very appropriate for a time when America was beaten down (the economy, the hostage crisis).

Here's the NY Times obituary, as well as the Times' extensive Reagan article archive, including an interesting interactive feature about Reagan from Times reporter Steven R. Weisman. Check out the Washington Post's coverage, including articles about his legacy as the Great Communicator, as the White House's best actor, as an optimist, as the key in the rebuilding of the GOP.

President Reagan's body will lie in state at the Ronald Reagan Library in California, then lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Building. A funeral service will be held at the National Cathedral, then a sunset burial in California.

Read President Bush's statement about Reagan's passing and Mrs. Reagan's statement; you can also sign the condolences book at the Ronald Reagan Library. The White House biography of Ronald Reagan: At the end of his two terms in office, Ronald Reagan viewed with satisfaction the achievements of his innovative program known as the Reagan Revolution, which aimed to reinvigorate the American people and reduce their reliance upon Government. He felt he had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore "the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism."

Not to be forgotten, Ronald Reagan's filmography, including Bedtime for Bonzo, in which he co-starred with a chimp and was directed by Fred DeCordova, later the producer of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.