Re: Reagan
You wrote:
"The man was wellspoken on many topics and had a keen intellect."
Margaret Thatcher said (of Ronald Reagan): "The poor dear; he's got nothing between the ears."
She is also reported to have characterized Mr. Reagan thusly:
"An amiable dunce."
To be fair, Ronnie was a nice guy who was resonably glib when he had prepared lines, cue cards, or Nancy to help him along. However, he was primarily interested in the ceremonial duties of the presidency. In other areas, I think it's fair to say that he was asleep at the wheel. Meanwhile, others with access to the dozing Chief Exec's rubber stamp were free to run loose with their illegal schemes.
Poindexter, North, Casey....the list goes on.
sp