The triumph of both Reagans is explored as Ronald sets about undoing the New Deal and Great Society, setting off a political chain reaction that reverberates to this day. Nancy struggles with her image, as does Ronald. As they seem to care more about the rich and the military industrial complex than the poor, the fallacy of trickle-down economics is revealed.
The rise of Ronald Reagan from liberal movie star to an unlikely conservative politician who shocked the nation by capturing the governorship of the largest state. Closely examining American myths and the myth-making so expertly exploited by the Reagans to seize power, episode one also looks at the ruthless rise of the corporate political right, which led Reagan to become an evangelist for small government.