Thirty years ago tomorrow, Ronald Reagan left the White House for the last time as president of the United States. On that relatively mild January morning he was, as usual, in a good mood — for the most part. Although proud of what he had accomplished and looking forward to being back home in California, Reagan did not like saying goodbye to the people who had become so important to him and Mrs. Reagan during their eight years in Washington.
But making things easier was the fact that Reagan was being succeeded in office by his hand-picked successor, George H.W. Bush, whom he liked and respected, and who he knew would be a great president in his own right.
Besides, it was not in Reagan’s nature to be sad. He was always thinking about the future. Not only that, but Reagan believed in the idea of a citizen-politician — a man or woman who would come to Washington to serve for a while, but not forever. He came, he served, and now it was time to go home.
Even though there was not really much work to do on that last day, Reagan came to the Oval Office for a little while. Just before it was time to leave, he handwrote a brief note to his successor wishing him well, then stood up and headed toward the door. Always a master of the moment, and having an uncanny sense of history and a knack for stagecraft, Reagan paused and wistfully looked back over his shoulder at the Resolute Desk for the last time. The room was silent, save the whir of cameras as photographers captured the moment. Then, as he had so many times before, Reagan opened the door leading to the iconic colonnade and walked to the residence.
There, in the Blue Room, he joined his wife, Nancy, to host the traditional preinaugural coffee for the incoming first and second families. It was not a party per se, but it was a festive and celebratory affair. The Reagans were genuinely happy to be returning to warm weather and life out of the fishbowl, and the Bushes and Quayles were excited about what was ahead.
Shortly after Bush took the Oath of Office as the nation’s 41st president, the Reagans boarded a waiting Marine Corps helicopter at the Capitol to take them to Andrews Air Force Base for the flight home to Los Angeles. In keeping with tradition, on the way to Andrews, the chopper flew low over the White House so the Reagans could have a last glimpse. When their former residence came into view, Reagan looked out the window, gently tapped Mrs. Reagan on the knee and with a smile said, “Look, honey, there’s our little shack.” Mrs. Reagan took her husband’s hand and smiled. Others of us on board the helicopter reacted a bit more emotionally.
Once back home, the Reagans quickly and easily settled into their new/old life. Although neither were native Californians, they loved living there. Reagan often described California as “not a place, but a way of life.” They were delighted to be able to go to church again, to see their family and friends without “all that commotion,” as Reagan called the motorcades and entourage that a sitting president required, and to be spending more time at their ranch near Santa Barbara.
For a while, they lived “happily every after” until the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease cruelly robbed the Great Communicator of his ability to communicate and eventually claimed his life. After more than a decade of loneliness without her beloved “roommate,” Mrs. Reagan joined him in heaven.
In less than three weeks — Feb. 6 to be exact — Reagan fans will mark what he would have called the 69th anniversary of his 39th birthday. In his honor, we will have a slice of chocolate cake, which was — jellybeans notwithstanding — his favorite sweet.
Coincidentally, on the very next day, the country will no doubt be tuned in to the congressional testimony of the longtime personal attorney of one of Reagan’s successors. It is widely expected that the attorney — who will soon enter prison for committing felonies — will paint a picture of a candidate and later president whose conduct was reprehensible, perhaps even criminal.
A greater contrast to Reagan there could not be.
Were he here, Reagan would be deeply troubled — perhaps even angry — by what has happened in our country, in Washington, and especially at the White House. It would disappoint him that the presidency is not today an office to which our citizens can look as an example of civil, selfless, and moral behavior. No longer can parents urge their children to “be like our president.”
Ever a gentleman and optimist with an unmatched magnanimity of spirit, Reagan would be reluctant to harshly criticize the current occupant of the Oval Office. But he would not hesitate to make his views known. Indeed, he would likely express his regret about the deterioration of our political discourse and urge his current successor to conduct himself in a way that is worthy of the office he holds.
To Reagan, that meant always putting the country’s best interests first, treating everyone, even political opponents, with respect and vigorously supporting the institutions that are the foundation of our democratic republic, especially our criminal justice system, our free press, and our welcoming spirit.
Reagan did exactly that, which is why, 30 years ago tomorrow, he walked out of the Oval Office for the last time with his head held high. The nation was sorry to see him go.
Two or six years from now, President Trump will also have his last day in the Oval Office. Whether the nation will be sorry to see him go is up to him.
Mark Weinberg is a communications consultant, speechwriter, and the author of Movie Nights with the Reagans (Simon & Schuster). He served as special assistant to the president and assistant press secretary in Ronald Reagan’s White House and as director of public affairs in former President Reagan’s office.
