Ronald Reagan presided over the United States from 1981 to 1989. Even though the country was experiencing major economic and social problems, he was popular for the majority of the time he was in office. Throughout his presidency, he and his administration worked continuously to build his image as a true American. Partially because of his image, the public ignored the rise in unemployment, the drop in salaries, the increase of people living in poverty, the increase of children born out of wedlock, and the rising number of people in jail. Reagan was popular because the public was focussing on his image and his promises, not what was actually happening.
             Ronald Reagan's inaugural speech had a patriotic theme. In it, he stated that the country, which had unlimited potential, was limiting itself by jeopardizing its future. Striving to create a sense of confidence, he pledged to "cut taxes and end deficit spending" and to restore the glory of the United States (35). He sensed what the public wanted, and he promised to achieve it. Throughout his terms, he wanted them to feel that life was improving, whether it actually was or was not.
             Reagan's image played a key role in his popularity. To his oath taking on inauguration day, he wore a formal suit. The public approved of his formal attire; his glamorous image seemed to promise that prosperity and security were in store. His good looks and sense of humor won over the public, and his self-confidence persuaded them to trust in him. His acting ability allowed him to convince his audience that everything he said would happen; the audience automatically trusted him to take care of them. To give him the appearance of a hard worker, his staff released a daily schedule that showed him working long hours. To protect his image, his staff allowed him to take part in few news conferences. His strong, self-confident image would be shattered if the public saw his confu...