In a recent conversation, author Max Boot shared insights from his biography of Ronald Reagan, portraying the former U.S. president as a self-described “Mr. Norm.” Boot suggests that while Reagan may not have had deeply held political convictions, he did exemplify a kind of decency.

“We often view the U.S. as a republic, but it functions more like an elective monarchy,” Boot remarks. “Presidents campaign with partisan support, but once in office, they’re expected to rise above politics, embodying the American spirit. In a less divided past, Reagan personified this ideal as a conventional, non-hyphenated American from the Midwest.”

However, Boot questions whether Reagan’s friendly demeanor was truly unremarkable or just skin-deep. He proposes that Reagan was emotionally distant, remaining an enigma to everyone except for his second wife, Nancy, whom he fondly referred to as “Mommy.” Despite his advocacy for “family values,” Boot points out that Reagan often overlooked his own children, using home movies as a means to defend his parenting style against his daughter’s grievances.

Boot acknowledges Reagan’s compassion, noting his impressive record as a lifeguard in Illinois, where he saved 77 swimmers. Yet, he believes Reagan struggled to connect with others, which limited his versatility as an actor—often playing versions of himself—and also contributed to a significant presidential shortcoming: the neglect of the AIDS crisis.

Reflecting on Reagan’s political journey, Boot discusses how he evolved from a New Deal Democrat to someone skeptical of welfare, influenced by a disheartening experience filming in post-war London. “He associated socialism with bleakness and rationing, and his love for fine dining meant he could easily sidestep austerity.”

When it came to governing, Boot notes that Reagan showed little interest in the details of executive responsibilities, opting instead to leave policy discussions to aides he affectionately called his “fellas.” He recalls lighter moments amidst crises, such as during the assassination attempt by John Hinckley in 1981, when Reagan used humor to ease the tension while his life was in jeopardy.

On the international front, Boot shares stories of tense moments, including significant nuclear summits with the Soviets that Nancy Reagan’s reactions to Raisa Gorbachev often influenced. He also reflects on the absurdity surrounding Colonel Oliver North’s attempts to charm Iranian officials with a chocolate cake, highlighting the bizarre nature of some events.

Despite being a reformed conservative, Boot expresses frustration with today’s political climate, especially the strong influence of MAGA Republicans. Still, he acknowledges that Trump’s notorious slogan can be traced back to Reagan’s earlier call to “make America great again.” Though Reagan often pretended not to notice the political maneuvering around him, Boot presents him as someone more self-deluded than outright deceitful.

In a poignant moment, Boot discusses Reagan’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, emphasizing a heartbreaking admission from the former president—that he no longer belonged to the bright future he had once envisioned for America. “As he wandered through his neighborhood, uncertain of his own identity, he wondered, ‘How do they know me?’ It serves as a reminder that even Mr. Norm, in his anonymity, ultimately became a stranger to himself.”

Max Boot’s “Reagan: His Life and Legend,” published by WW Norton, offers a multifaceted view of a leader whose legacy continues to resonate, yet often remains perplexing.