My first as well. It was an amazing feeling to feel actual pride in a President. What he did in 8 years after Carter was amazing. Even in my little hick town people had a sense of purpose. a belief that it WAS getting better for a reason. And we were lousy with Dems up there!
Everything the cheshires is about works to ensure that never happens again. Everything. Thus the loathing.
One of the things Reagan said stuck with me all of my life.
“I didn’t leave the Democrat Party; the Democrat Party left me.” as he realized how far left they were going (or were).
He radiated optimism. And that is a virtue and a blessing, to be able to do that.