Hartman was freakin’ brilliant...read some where that Reagan actually loved this skit.
From what we have learned about Reagan’s deep and personal knowledge was revealed in a large discovery of handwritten notes, that skit is accurate.
The Secret Service also says that after the genial Reagan was finished with his public day he would spend much of his private time studying and reading work-related materials.
Looking at Reagan’s life and career there was much going on behind his public charm, his degree in economics, his hidden years as a Cavalry officer, 6 years as a union leader during the communist investigations, his adoption of carrying a pistol, 2 terms as California Governor during its wild 1960s era, and his ability to confound his critics by pulling victory out of negotiations with foreign leaders while the media would always portray him as outclassed.