Exclusive Interview: Brian Mulroney remembers his friend Ronald Reagan

National Post ^ | February 4, 2010 | Tasha Kheiriddin

[Squawk 8888]

Interview of the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney in Palm Beach, Fla., conducted by Tasha Kheiriddin on Feb 1, 2011.

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Q: By 1984, the year you were elected, the relationship between Canada and the United States had become frosty, to put it politely. How did you set about to change that?

The first time I met Ronald Reagan was in June 1984, when I was leader of the opposition. I met him for 45 minutes in the Oval Office, and he was very impressive. He had a very good command of the Canadian files that I raised, everything from acid rain to protectionism to steel imports from Ontario, and it looked very promising if I could win the election, which was clearly upcoming.

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Q: How will history remember him?

He is on a short list of the greatest presidents of the history of the republic. His greatest achievement was the inspiration he provided the American people and the leadership he provided the American government. It was best demonstrated in the manner in which he challenged all of the shibboleths, and led the U.S. and the NATO alliance to a position where we witnessed the implosion of the Soviet Union, the end of the Warsaw Pact, the reunification of Germany, and the ushering in of a new and peaceful era. I consider myself privileged to be able to serve at a time when Ronald Reagan was on the scene and to be viewed by him as a friend. That meant a lot to me, still does and always will.

[FlingWingFlyer]

I liked the world better when adults were running the place. Right now, the whole world has become a global freak show. Too many clowns. Way too many clowns.

[Lazlo in PA]

Mulroney was a good leader. Especially after the POS Trudeau that he took over for. Every once in a while the Canadians pick a real leader like Mulroney and Harper.

[American in Singapore]

Back in the time when I lived in Canada and I was a brainwashed leftist, Mulroney was derogatorily called “Mulronnie” because of their close ties.

Boy was I stupid then...