Famous actor Dennis Quaid, who portrayed Ronald Reagan in the upcoming film “Reagan,” recently offered his insight on the current state of American politics while discussing the former Republican president’s inspiring legacy. During an appearance on Fox News’ “The Bottom Line” at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Quaid noted definite parallels between now and the political climate of the late 1970s.
“They exemplified the way we would like to get this nation back to, as far as the unity and working it out with one another,” recounting how Ronald Reagan collaborated with a Democratic Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neil, to restore cohesion in the United States. Such a message certainly applies to American politics, which is embroiled in division and polarization.
Quaid illustrated how the political environment is very reminiscent of the times just before Reagan served in the Oval Office. “These days remind me very much of 1978, ‘79 in the country, with the economy, the Middle East, Iran. There was a malaise during the Carter administration that was admitted, and along came Mr. Reagan. And he asked people: Are you better off than you were four years ago? And I think you can ask the same question today.”
“Reagan” co-star Dan Lauria, illustrated how Tip O’Neil, a Massachusetts Democrat, worked with Ronald Reagan to bring unity to the troubled nation. “That’s always the key of getting anything done, even a movie, is being able to work together,” he said. “And Tip O’Neill and Ronald Reagan, they didn’t really know each other that well before Ronald Reagan became president. But they found a common ground, they worked together, and what I love about it, they actually became friends.”
Quaid further illustrated that O’Neil cared deeply for Reagan despite their political differences. “Tip O’Neill was, outside of Nancy, Ronald Reagan’s first visitor to the hospital after the assassination attempt on him,” Quaid pointed out. “In fact, I think the first thing he said, as I told people, [was] to keep the Democrats at least 150 yards away.”
Highlighting their mutual faith, the actor continued, “They prayed together and they changed history together,” he continued, “working with Congress during that time, and the nation came together, united.” Quaid told Fox News Digital, “I didn’t say no, and I didn’t say yes because, really, fear. Reagan was my favorite president personally, and he was also such a recognizable figure around the world, sort of like Muhammad Ali.”
Watch the interview from the RNC below:
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The American Tribune reported on previous comments from Quaid who blasted the “weaponization of the justice system,” while stating he would vote for Trump. During an interview on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” the “Reagan” actor said, “People might call him an a-hole, but he’s my a-hole.” He added, “I think I’m gonna vote for him in the next election,” he told Piers Morgan. “It just makes sense. I was ready not to vote for Trump, until what I saw is, more than politics, I see a weaponization of our justice system and a challenge to our Constitution.”
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.