[a fool in paradise]

The Left in the US and UK were certain that Ronald Reagan was going to launch a nuclear war.

It was the Soviets who were a fingerstroke away from launching a Mutually Assured Destruction attack in late 1983. The order had been given and was refused.

[dfwgator]

The Left in the US and UK were certain that Ronald Reagan was going to launch a nuclear war.

Yep. Had a heck of an "Armageddon Soundbook" from the 80s:

Two Tribes - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
99 Luftballoons - Nena
Stand or Fall - The Fixx

among others.