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Miles Archer

(23,497 posts) Wed Jan 7, 2026, 03:01 AM Jan 2026

13

Michael Reagan, dead at 80. I've held one indelible, overriding image of him for decades, courtesy of Nancy.

It was at Saint Ronnie the Gipper's funeral. Michael approached Nancy, apparently to console her. I can't remember if he placed his hand on her shoulder or just stood there next to her. But she looked up at him, FROZE, GLARED at him without saying a word, and he withdrew. It was a genuinely chilling moment.

So, whatever reputation he had as a "conservative commentator," when I learned of his passing, I could see that image in my head as if it were appearing on my TV right now.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/michael-reagan-ronald-reagans-eldest-son-dies-at-80/

Ronald Reagan’s Eldest Son Dies at 80
‘STEADFAST GUARDIAN’
The eldest son of the former president was best known as a conservative commentator.

7 replies

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Michael Reagan, dead at 80. I've held one indelible, overriding image of him for decades, courtesy of Nancy. (Original Post) Miles Archer Jan 2026 OP

There's got to be a story behind that. I wonder what is is. NBachers Jan 2026 #1

I remember that but I don't think it meant much more than she was in grief and she wasn't his mother JI7 Jan 2026 #2

It was more than grief. GoCubsGo Jan 2026 #5

I don't recall Michael Reagan criticizing TSF one time for killing no_hypocrisy Jan 2026 #3

St. Ronnie had 5 children?? Freddie Jan 2026 #4

Four with Nancy. Michael was adopted by Reagan and Jane Wyman when they were married. WhiskeyGrinder Jan 2026 #7

IOW, another coat-tail-riding dead grifter. harumph Jan 2026 #6

NBachers

(19,454 posts)

1. There's got to be a story behind that. I wonder what is is.

Reply to Miles Archer (Original post)

Wed Jan 7, 2026, 04:17 AM

Jan 2026

JI7

(93,671 posts)

2. I remember that but I don't think it meant much more than she was in grief and she wasn't his mother

Reply to Miles Archer (Original post)

Wed Jan 7, 2026, 04:33 AM

Jan 2026

So he probably wasn't close to her .

GoCubsGo

(34,937 posts)

5. It was more than grief.

Reply to JI7 (Reply #2)

Wed Jan 7, 2026, 08:24 AM

Jan 2026

They didn't like each other, for whatever reasons. They were frequently at each other's throats while Brain-dead Ronnie was still alive.

no_hypocrisy

(55,005 posts)

3. I don't recall Michael Reagan criticizing TSF one time for killing

Reply to Miles Archer (Original post)

Wed Jan 7, 2026, 05:35 AM

Jan 2026

Classic Conservatism.

Coward.

Freddie

(10,113 posts)

4. St. Ronnie had 5 children??

Reply to Miles Archer (Original post)

Wed Jan 7, 2026, 05:43 AM

Jan 2026

Per the article. I thought there were 4 - Maureen, Michael, Patti and Ron.

WhiskeyGrinder

(26,990 posts)

7. Four with Nancy. Michael was adopted by Reagan and Jane Wyman when they were married.

Reply to Freddie (Reply #4)

Wed Jan 7, 2026, 08:37 AM

Jan 2026

harumph

(3,296 posts)

6. IOW, another coat-tail-riding dead grifter.

Reply to Miles Archer (Original post)

Wed Jan 7, 2026, 08:29 AM

Jan 2026

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