Episode Details

Extending courtesy to those who need it most

By Ron Ciancutti

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.