“Politics is just like show business. You have a hell of an opening, coast for a while, and then have a hell of a close.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“Politics is just like show business. You have a hell of an opening, coast for a while, and then have a hell of a close.”
Explanation
With this quote, Ronald Reagan draws a vivid and humorous parallel between politics and entertainment, reflecting his unique background as both a Hollywood actor and a political leader. By saying politics starts and ends with dramatic impact, but involves a period of “coasting” in between, Reagan highlights the performative nature of political leadership—where timing, messaging, and public perception often shape success as much as policy details. It’s a candid acknowledgment that charisma and communication are central to political influence.
Reagan’s own career exemplifies this dynamic. His rise to the presidency involved captivating speeches, strategic image-building, and moments of high drama, such as the 1980 campaign and his powerful addresses during the Cold War. Once in office, his style leaned on delegation and big-picture vision, allowing trusted aides to manage daily governance while he remained the symbolic communicator-in-chief. The “hell of a close” reflects how leaders are often remembered for their final legacy or defining actions, much like a powerful final act in a performance.
Today, the quote resonates in an age where media, branding, and optics dominate political life. It underscores the importance of narrative control, emotional connection, and public image in shaping how leaders are received and remembered. Reagan’s insight reminds us that politics isn’t just about policy—it’s also about how the story is told, how the audience feels, and how the show ends.
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