This F*cking Guy: Ronald Reagan
Summary
Hosts Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonico profile Ronald Reagan, exposing his history as an FBI informant who snitched on Hollywood figures while avoiding combat during WWII. They detail his rise from B-list actor to California governor, highlighting his role in deinstitutionalizing the mentally ill and signing gun control laws. The episode critiques his political career, focusing on his use of racist dog whistles, exaggerated welfare narratives, and a presidency defined by self-delusion and lying.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Reagan's early life and acting career
Reagan's WWII service and FBI informant activities
Hollywood Red Scare and SAG leadership
Nancy Reagan's background and early marriage
Political pivot and 1966 gubernatorial campaign
Sponsored segments: Helix, SimpliSafe, and Quince
Governorship: UC Berkeley, gun control, and mental health
1976 primary and 1980 presidential election
Presidential lies and the Iran-Contra affair
Foreign policy: Central America, Afghanistan, and AIDS crisis
Legacy, cognitive decline, and final thoughts
Outro and Crooked Con promotion
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