In 1980, he was nominated the Republican candidate for president. His running mate? George H W Bush, the present US president's father.

On January 20, 1981, Reagan took office as the 40th president of the United States. At 69, he was the oldest person ever to be elected president, and he lived longer than any other chief executive.

Barely two months into his new job, he was shot and his humorous responses -- 'I forgot to duck,' and telling his doctors, 'I hope all of you are Republican' -- endeared him to many Americans who hadn't quite taken to him. He easily won a second term in 1984, defeating Walter Mondale.

Widely acknowledged to be the most popular post World War II president, his death has generated an outpouring of grief unprecedented in contemporary America.

President Ronald Reagan dances with First Lady Nancy Reagan.

External Links:
'My first fan letter was signed Reagan'
Ronald Reagan: The man who created Saddam
The terrible legacy of the Reagan years

Also see: Peshawar