First lady's death stirs memories of Reagan era

First lady's death stirs memories of Reagan era

The death of Nancy Reagan at 94 has rekindled memories of a presidency passed, when the "Reagan revolution" reshaped American politics, ushered in the end of the Cold War and telegraphed a cheery optimism to supporters that's little more than a distant echo in the tumult and tawdriness of the 2016 presidential campaign.

Though Reagan was a Republican icon, Richard Venn remembered the 40th president as a unifier known for his humor who could find friends among political rivals.

James A. Baker, who served in the Reagan administration, and former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw also will give remarks during the private ceremony officiated by the Rev. Stuart Kenworthy, vicar of Washington National Cathedral.

[...] mourners at the library Thursday did not dwell on political battles on Capitol Hill, or darker moments.

Foy Curry, who runs a home for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts in Pasadena, couldn't put a finger on why, but he said the country just seemed to be in a better state of mind during the Reagan years.