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The Reagan movie is a timely reminder of why leadership matters

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In terms of national security, the situation was equally bleak. In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, U.S. military capabilities were at a low ebb. Deficiencies in manpower, equipment, and morale plagued the armed forces. 

Ronald Reagan said the country must return to the foundational principles espoused in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the precepts of the Founders. (Universal History Archive/Getty Images)

The result of these conditions at home and abroad had affected the thinking of the American people. Faced with all of the problems, many citizens had lost confidence in America and its institutions. 

Mr. Reagan’s predecessor had said that the nation was in the state of "malaise." Some pundits had predicted that capitalism had reached its peak and was in a downhill slide. Others said the free world would have to live side by side with totalitarianism in a perpetual state of tension. 

Republican candidate for president Ronald Reagan shakes hands with President Jimmy Carter before their debate in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 28, 1980. (Getty Images)

On the basis of these basic concepts the president and his team developed a series of strategies to revive the economy, rebuild national security and restore the confidence of the American people. 

To reinvigorate the economy, President Reagan worked with Congress to reduce taxes across the board. He led regulatory reform, eliminating the unnecessary rules and requirements that were strangling businesses and industry. He also worked with the Federal Reserve to maintain stable monetary policies, and he slowed the growth of federal spending.

President Ronald Reagan stands with Attorney General Edwin Meese III after announcing Judge Anthony M. Kennedy's nomination to the Supreme Court. (Dirck Halstead/Getty Images)

He also directed development of a ballistic missile defense system, the Strategic Defense Initiative, as a counter to the threat of nuclear attacks. Ronald Reagan also engaged the Soviets on a moral plane, halting further aggression, and supporting freedom fighters throughout the world. 

To deal with the concerns of the country’s citizens, the president spoke directly to the nation in televised talks from the White House and in speeches throughout the country. He explained why reasserting the basic truths and founding principles was critical to our progress and spoke candidly about the changes being made and the need for new policies throughout the government. His optimism and candor encouraged the American people to regain the "can do" spirit that had distinguished our citizens over the years. 

President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev after finishing their two days of talks in Reykjavik, Iceland, Oct. 12, 1986.  (Reuters/Nick Didlick)

Ronald Reagan also accomplished many other beneficial changes in our national government. He appointed justices and judges who were committed to constitutional fidelity, who would interpret the laws as they are written rather than substituting their own personal ideas, political biases or political preferences, and thus restored the integrity of the federal judiciary. 

President Donald Trump awards the National Medal of Freedom to former Attorney General Edwin Meese during a ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House, Oct. 8, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The president also took steps to restore the balance of authority and power between the states and federal government. In addition, his administration championed the cause of religious liberty and the protection of the family from undue government interference. 

Throughout his eight years as president, Ronald Reagan proved to be what historians describe as a "transformational president," restoring hope and patriotism to a responsive people. His presidency was described at its conclusion in these terms, "He came to change a nation, and he changed the world."