Reagan's daughter says her father would be 'appalled' by today's politics

Patti Davis, the daughter of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, reintroduces America to her parents in her book “Dear Mom and Dad.” She joins Meet the Press to talk about her father’s legacy and her own.
» Subscribe to NBC News: / nbcnews
NBC News Digital is a collection of innovative and powerful news brands that deliver compelling, diverse and engaging news stories. NBC News Digital features NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, TODAY.com, Nightly News, Meet the Press, Dateline, and the existing apps and digital extensions of these respective properties. We deliver the best in breaking news, live video coverage, original journalism and segments from your favorite NBC News Shows.
Connect with NBC News Online!
Breaking News Alerts: link.nbcnews.c...
Visit NBCNews.Com: www.nbcnews.com/
Find NBC News on Facebook: / nbcnews
Follow NBC News on Twitter: / nbcnews
Get more of NBC News delivered to your inbox: nbcnews.com/newsletters
#PattiDavis #RonaldReagan #Reagan

[@sandralybrand9425]

Patty's relationship with her mother hits on target with me, except for the mental and physical abuse that went along with it. Out of 4 children,I was the only 1 that was there for her and cared for her until her death from cancer.We spent many middle of the nights talking.( Which was the 1st time in my 32 years) It was very healing and stressful at the same time. It was also the only time she ever told me dhe was proud of me and that she loved me. I'd already forgiven her,but the hurt I carried my whole life, dissolved.Forgiveness is healing! What helped me was looking at Her childhood,and that explained alot to me. I'd read alot of books that explained how your childhood experiences can explain alot of behaviors in adulthood. So I'd already forgiven her about 5 years Before the cancer,and that's why it was easy to be there for her when she became ill.❤

[@patricialavallee8286]

Adding again. This is one of the best interviews ive ever seen! Patti is such a warm, down to earth , intelligent woman. Bravo for this interview! I will be reading this book!

[@sfmediaapps]

To bad it only took 40+ years. She really handled it well, while her parents were alive.

[@deborahsmith934]

Loved Mr. REGAN AS PRESIDENT.

[@JJ-um5ec]

What a great interview, I have always admired Patti for speaking out about her imperfect parents

[@44excalibur]

And Patti is perfect? Why do we use the term “imperfect" as if there are those who are perfect?

[@JJ-um5ec]

Nope she isn’t perfect, but at least she speaks out. Imagine Chelsea speaking out. Never!

[@smallmeadow1]

I can relate to much of what she says re her relationship with her mother.

[@ellelorraine3540]

This is such a great interview. You asked very good questions. Patti has become wise and she was always brave.

[@Pug_Mom11]

Still waiting for those economics to trickle down there Ronnie. Thanks to him the 1% just keeps getting richer

[@Svensk7119]

Oh, poo-poo! You DO realize Reagan-omics weren't supposed to deliver a Promised Land where no one worked again? There're more wealthy today, and even the poorest (a shrinking group, worldwide) have more food, more clothing, and more housing! How often do you hear of people starving now? Actually starving, not "at risk of 'food insecurity' "? If Reagan-omics were so bad, WHY was he re-elected in the greatest political landslide, the greatest political tidal wave, in American history? Also, with due respect to President Carter's Christianity, economically, he was a horrible President.

[@Svensk7119]

Oh, poo-poo! You DO know that Reagan-omics weren't meant to bring us to a Promised Land where no one worked again, don't you? The number of wealthy has increased, and the poor (a shrinking number worldwide) have more food, more clothing and more housing. How long has it been since you heard of actual famine, instead of people at risk from "food insecurity"? If he were so bad, why did he get re-elected in the greatest political tidal wave in American political history? With respect to President Carter's Christianity, he was a horrible President economically.

[@Svensk7119]

Uoutube keeps dropping my reply. Come up with a better plan, rather than complain about something that worked... fairly well. Boo on uoutube! Censoring non-offensive comments! Boo! Hiss!

[@kimbruns2084]

How many jobs do you get from poor people?

[@Svensk7119]

@@kimbruns2084 Agree. And how.

[@stephencerny4856]

thoughtful and inspiring to those of us who try to move on from family disappointments.

[@andrewvail5458]

Reagan didn’t sign the Fairness Doctrine and he let the evangelicals in. This has been decades in the making.

[@annemosbergen3951]

Reagan did not sign The FAIRNESS DOCTRINE - REAGAN SHREDDED THE FAIRNESS DOCTRINE which was to ENSURE AMERICA'S MEDIA REPORTED BALANCED NEWS & TRUTH. REAGAN had the luck of a revolving door of Russian Leaders - until Gorbachev. REAGAN, his White House. Etc. - DID NOT ENGAGE TO HELP RUSSIA - DURING GORBACHEV'S PERESTROIKA & GLASNOST programs. Reagan had to lead the rest of the world in helping Russia be a welcome country for social, culturally, & economically. Be join in the progress. Yes, there were Russian hard-liners. But there were avenues to develop lasting relationships with Rusdia and America, Europe, etc. Opportunities not seized become opportunities lost. Often with bitter tastes in mouths.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

he stopped enforcing it. Just like with the Anti-trust, etc.

[@patriciapetersen904]

Yup. Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority. The beginning of the end of the Republican party. It started here.

[@Sonicman415]

Being there in real time, I know this is true. Wishing her dad had had more compassion for Americans.

[@willmont8258]

The Fairness Doctrine made sure that only the political left got heard on TV and radio.

[@brigid.mckinney]

Thank you, Patty. Very eye-opening into your family and mine thank you❤

[@ddduva4440]

She appears to have really matured though. I appreciate that. And her work to help Alzheimers families is inspiring.

[@quinnmcdonald3763]

Reagan started this. Try to spin it however you like. We all know how his policies created modern Republican politics.

[@JJ-um5ec]

Started what? That we were stuck Trump and then Biden?

[@jude999]

Low taxes, presided over the ending of Communist Russia, proud of America, how horribe!

[@MichelleT-so4we]

Most children truly just want to go outside with their dad and fly a kite or kick a ball. That play is teaching them that they are important. That attention and approval will build self - esteem. My parents allowed me to have all kinds of pets and to care for them. Horses to wolf spiders ~ Geckos to rabbits ~ Sane enough to know food, shelter, and clothing matters to everybody. What is crazy about that?

[@MichelleT-so4we]

Most children truly just want to go outside with their dad and fly a kite or kick a ball. That play is teaching them that they are important. That attention and approval will build self - esteem. My parents allowed me to have all kinds of pets and to care for them. Horses to wolf spiders ~ Geckos to rabbits ~ Sane enough to know food, shelter, and clothing matters to everybody. What is crazy about that?

[@CabinFever52]

I think he would have been proud to have been the instigator of the downward spiral, with his Reaganomics/trickle-down economics DID start this. Same thing with Obama, their charisma covered up a lot of misdeeds.

[@robbriner9575]

I'm disappointed by the negative comments below. I read Patti's new book and admire it even though I never voted for her father and never would have. Every president exists in a maelstrom of current affairs and the historical moment, and snap total judgments lack modesty. Patti's point is perspective and sympathy (things TOTALLY absent from a certain ex-president). I read Patti's book in about 3 hours and found it laced with humanity and a path out of the political pathology that began in 2015.

[@TracyD2]

It is good we still are entitled to our own opinions. Whether someone thinks it’s well informed or not.

[@mattyo5022]

Started well before 2015. It was just seized upon and ramped up in 2015.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@robbriner9575 I agree that I am disappointed when I read negative comments that are simply meant to degrade a person without providing a reason for the attack. Civil debate has been lacking for years, and social media simply amplifies the nastiness in some people. I hope we can someday return to a place where people can have legitimate disagreements that foster better communication and can lead to better understanding between two opposing viewpoints. I often notice that KZbin groups the nastiest comments together towards the bottom of the comments section, and maybe that is exactly where they belong.

[@robbriner9575]

If we can survive 2024 and the current election cycle, hopefully the future will include turning the corner on civil discourse and honesty-based analysis.

[@lisalivingston6473]

@@robbriner9575 Amen to that!!!

[@jeremyhodge6216]

Patti and Ron were always open about their family "Secrets" 🤔

[@1992TheHurricane]

Pres Ronal Reagan and SOH Tip O’Neil. Opposite but yet communal, civilized and respectful political discussions on the table whether lunch or dinner .

[@rubbersoul3723]

Watching from the State of Rhode Island-kudos NBC for the interview-& kudos to you Patti for the reveal-you just helped lots who've had similar parent experiences who can identify with yours-much peace.

[@Nebula37]

Interesting interview. I like her introspection and awareness.

[@tysona23]

Watching from the UK. A great interview. She seems very grounded and nice.

[@pkknight4413]

I was definitely not pro Reagan at the time or even now, but he never projected the negativity of Trump! He never went on hateful rants! He would never be welcomed in today’s GOP!

[@janicethomas3278]

It is true, Reagan did give a drop of sugar with his poison, but sweet poison is just as lethal as bitter poison.

[@Lovewins0356]

Great interview. Dr. Gabor Mate' has talked about how many of people in power including our world leaders are highly traumatized individuals, many had very tragic childhoods like Ronald Reagan. This is why they engage in wars and are totally fine invading other nations i.e. Netanyahu. Inner Healing from childhood trauma is so important to be able to forgive, give love to others, see love in others and be truly compassionate.

[@marybrand1977]

Very good interview. I voted for Ronald Regan and went from Democrat to Republican because I liked his love for America. Now as an Independent that is the way I vote. Who demonstrates their Love for America. Thank you for your insights. I have looked at my family from your perspective for years and it has helped forgive those whom I love.

[@29mirstudio]

Excellent talk. Thank you for sharing. I can relate

[@cherin5892]

I understand your personal journey with your Dad and that makes sense. He was apart of how things are today.

[@Capwell83]

I loved her. Thank you so much for doing this interview I didn’t know I needed to see.

[@pkstiever]

I had the same relationship with my mother. I was the oldest girl (out of 4) and my 5 brothers could do no wrong. But there was nothing I ever did that was good enough and my siblings were all puzzled by that too.

[@Marie-oy1bd]

Sounds like you were the scapegoat. 😢

[@ZOIZENWRITER]

WAR IS DUMB

[@annemosbergen3951]

War is dumb - but it doesn't stop anyone from waging it. History's replete with it. Some think war is good as it cleans the slate & allows Victors to wipe out the culture before & stamp the conquered with the Victor's View of how His (Always a He, btw) new Conquest is to behave.

[@terrykelley9404]

It makes me sick

[@lesleyatcofo]

I can identify with getting to know someone more during the dementia process. I'm working as a CNA and their is a tenderness in the honesty and vulnerability.

[@GladBurgio]

"People are more complicated than they appear to be." -Patti Davis I'll remember that.

[@JoeHarkinsHimself]

duh

[@Marie-oy1bd]

Patti was at the Peace Sunday anti-nuke rally at the Pasadena Rose bowl. She impressed me then when I was a 16-year-old & now as an almost 60-year-old. Hoping she has her own supportive loving people in her life. ❤️.

[@dubsar]

Reagan started this. He knew what could happen.

[@inkedmoonstudio]

How exactly did he start this?

[@katzgar]

@@inkedmoonstudio When Carter put solar panels on the White House and Reagan removed them he started the pander to the low IQ republican schtick.

[@historyisthebestmyfans2094]

@@inkedmoonstudio Cough Cough, he gave birth to "Make America Great Again", who Trump tried to carry on.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

@@historyisthebestmyfans2094 I would go back to Nixon's Southern Strategy. Since the old Dixiecrats were triggered over the Civil Rights plank in 48.

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

Tax cuts for the rich...

[@29mirstudio]

She said she hasn’t really forgiven her father for the way he handled Gays/AIDs. Give her credit for that.

[@renealexander2703]

What about how AIDS and coronavirus is being ignored today?

[@29mirstudio]

@@renealexander2703 AIDS is under control. Biden made sure everyone had access to C.Virus vaccines. What are you talking about? Your info is outdated.

[@valeriepickens2533]

Give her credit for what!? Attempting to clean up the name of a pig! You forget how much this lowlife will lie to decive their voters. It's all about imagine, please don't forget that.

[@willmont8258]

Looks like she bought into the lies about her father then.

[@simpleplanfan011]

@@willmont8258She knows her father better than anyone.

[@mJ-sm4ss]

Her father started and fueled all of this to happen.

[@Seekthetruth3000]

Nope! Your Democrat Party started the whole thing.

[@katzgar]

@@Seekthetruth3000 When Carter put solar panels on the White House and Reagan removed them he started the pander to the low IQ republican schtick.

[@saraburns7340]

​@@Seekthetruth3000 EXACTLY

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

@@Seekthetruth3000 based on nothing...

[@keetonplace]

@@Seekthetruth3000 And in the last 3 years are dragging this country down the drain. My border has had 10 million come. @childtrafficking a HUB now in my city.Youth deaths many thousands by fentanyl. Cartels rule. I pay more for everything. Whole world is exploding. Reagan didn't do that.

[@tbyrd7893]

He’s the reason why all this is happening. The nerve.

[@r-uu2qi]

no he's not

[@jimedge8301]

Only the brainless say crap like this 🤡.tbyrd7893

[@nicolasdelaforge7420]

The "type" the "mentality" that Reagan was, today Trump and MAGA, came into being around 1890, and politically motivated in the 1930's. Reagan was not some isolated figure; he was an American type. But America has many cultures, many "mentalities". It doesn't help that Trump is also depraved- unhinged- demented. But this type runs patrols throughout the US today, and engages in psychological torture across the country. Such terror may be 'new' - but it's similar to the KKK chasing Blacks.

[@Helmuesi911]

@@r-uu2qi Ronald Reagan was a linchpin of partisanship in America.. he started the fire that gave way to Newt Gingrich and the Republican hyper partisan gutter politics of the 90s. The rest is history.

[@damham5689]

​@@r-uu2qiYes he is

[@jsetennis9224]

Wonderful interview.

[@ReneeNassif]

What a beautiful soul! ❤️

[@CreaticityIsLife]

Considering that the turning point towards today's politics WAS Reagan's policies and strategies, I think Patti's in some denial.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

Some of it goes back to Nixon's Southern Strategy... In that era.

[@dt8762]

You forgot everything's Trumps fault.😂

[@davidmontgomery4696]

@@onomatopoeia162003you mean the President that started affirmative action in federal government and created the EPA?

[@onomatopoeia162003]

@@davidmontgomery4696 Thank god what I learned in a documentary. I believe. If it wasn't for Watergate. Post the 1972. The EPA would have been going backwards. That was the era where the progressive in congress was still strong.

[@onomatopoeia162003]

@@davidmontgomery4696 well well well. Back when progressives were strong.... And I remember watching a documentary. And if it wasn't for Watergate. He would have went backwards on it. If I recall. And how are some reacting to the EPA today? lol

[@naDu4653]

One of the few gems to come from my walk with my mom and her alzheimer’s is that she is telling me stories from her childhood I’ve never heard before.

[@melissamiller2696]

Right. He would be appauled, having totally forgotten his forgetfulness toward the end of his time in office. He would totally deny any responsibility for what his party has become, too.

[@Svensk7119]

I doubt it.

[@marthacanady9441]

His party will save this country from the progressive lunatic left. They are our only hope now.

[@edgaracajabon9522]

That party and the other party he once was a member to the Democratic party is disgusting. Both of them are equally as bad

[@AskAlex1999]

Appalled.

[@tundrawomansays694]

I don’t care what caused my “mother” to become an abuser: She had choices. She had available help that she refused to accept. She destroyed our family and severing ties completely was one of the most life affirming decisions of my long life.

[@Saraa79887]

It sounds very healing to be able to have compassion and forgive.

[@sandralybrand9425]

Something that a segment of our population needs to learn or relearn.

[@rlud304]

Preaching forgiveness is some highly misguided toxic positivity

[@rlud304]

@@sandralybrand9425I think not being self-righteous and judgmental is something a self-important segment of our society really needs to learn

[@victirynom]

It is.

[@andrewheydt2179]

@@sandralybrand9425 we can not and should not forgive reagan for all the horrible things he did.

[@fishdude666ify]

I'd be more interested in what Ron Jr. has to say on the subject.

[@sarasmith4021]

He's an angry man living in Boulder City, NV.

[@Colt-ii4qn]

Fairy dust boy 👦

[@jamiefarrar5662]

​@@sarasmith4021 How do you know that?

[@sarasmith4021]

@@jamiefarrar5662 I lived there for a year. Small town.

[@keetonplace]

@@sarasmith4021 I can never remember him not being angry. At some point you'd think you'd move away from anger. It's so toxic. I remember Patti as quite angry also. I felt the Reagan's loved each other so much, there was no room for anyone else. But I still thought the kids went a bit overboord with it. There's some really bad parents out there that would make the Reagans look good.

[@g00.41]

This is a good and captivating intrrview to me. Asking the right question and the answers straight and to the point. Thank you.

[@billycaldwell6531]

Blah, blah, blah ~ she seems to have spent her entire life stuck in her childhood. There comes a time when we must be accountable for our own lives, rising above the circumstances of our youth. Until that is accomplished, we perpetually remain the sad observers of other people’s lives. Depressing.

[@billycaldwell6531]

@@Bonobos922 Awww!

[@Bonobos922]

@@billycaldwell6531 Thanks Billy.!I just want clear up that I am not Patti Reagan, just someone who does exactly what you said above. It greatly helped me, so thank you again. 😇

[@loristromski1334]

One of the presidents in my lifetime that did the most damage.

[@sandralybrand9425]

He also started the Union busting crusade that continues to this day! People don't understand that Unions made it possible for Americans to achieve middle class status and a better life! From Reagan on, to this day, the middle class is all but gone! My husband and I were considered middle class or close to it in the early 70s but before my husband died, we were just barely above the poverty level in earnings and lifestyle. Now I'm just making it! I have to budget closely to save for the couple of months when my outlay of money exceeds my monthly income, due to insurance and taxes !

[@tom4wlt]

Wrong. One of the best presidents of the 20th Century actually. You must be living in an alternate universe.

[@chicagomike]

Hated him. Only for the rich.

[@lucirolopez1418]

No! Obama is the worse as biden is in 1st place as the worse president coming in 3rd is J.Carter

[@Sonicman415]

Absolutely

[@aimeesflavour]

I enjoyed this interview very much. I grew up in America feeling safe as a child largely because of your father. I look forward to reading this and the other books you’ve written in my future. Best- Aimee💜

[@patrarus6097]

Thanks; I really enjoyed this excellent interview!

[@tenacious1]

Her dad was a forefather of all this nonsense.

[@chatryna]

I remember this troubled child. It also got around that her mother was into the occult/astrology.

[@jjrr2273]

Nancy apparently hollywood famous for oral olympics too

[@BarrettDCarroll]

What child wasn’t troubled in some way? Seems like despite being “troubled” she lived with integrity and followed what she believed in. And sure her mom was into astrology….and? Freedom of religion.

[@chatryna]

@@BarrettDCarroll All things might be permissible, but not all things are profitable or wise.

[@BarrettDCarroll]

@@chatryna True. Just like I have far more issues with how horrendously her father handled the HIV/AIDS epidemic than her protesting at the rose bowl and being anti war. I think we all should be anti war unless strictly self defense. The US has been a part of far too many regime change wars. I think everyone is sick of it.

[@VW613]

We are appalled by your dad . Taxing Soc Sec is the worst thing any pres has done

[@vss519]

Dear Patti, Your dad was one heck of an a-hole!

[@Sonicman415]

Yes 😂

[@earlusmcdivett]

Reagan was appalling in his handling of AIDS. When i think of him, it’s all i think of .

[@renealexander2703]

What' about people ignoring AIDS and coronavirus of today?

[@willmont8258]

Blaming Reagan for AIDS is silly. It is another example of people blaming someone else instead of taking responsibility for their own lifestyle choices.

[@MattGleason1]

We’re all appalled… those of us with the sense to be appalled anyway. That said, loved Reagan as a man… his policies though stuck the first major blow to the middle class. First blood drawn.

[@drewdicicco5503]

I’m appalled by her plastic surgeon.

[@bryanspindle4455]

What is it with women in the public eye who seem to go overboard with plastic surgery? You would think they would learn from other's mistakes with excessive plastic surgery.

[@rebekkad.2092]

I am so thankful she is speaking out. I remember as a young adult how the Reagans made me feel damaged. The way they seemed to live in their own bubble was frustrating because it felt like they had no understanding of those on the outside - i.e. the citizens of our country. I always felt like they were entombed in some kind of selfish container. They were always espousing family values but I always understood that their version of family was nothing close to how I picture family. Although I understand no family is perfect they seemed like the very definition of dysfunction. Patti could easily gloss over the hurtful details but she tackles it head on - and for that I admire her. I also have a fondness for her brother - Ron Reagan Jr.

[@lucianeedgington9421]

I don’t think this is necessary, to expose your parents like this, especially when they are not here to defend themselves.

[@JM-im6ep]

Very good discussion. I have appreciated both the questions and the answers.

[@sandyweaver9701]

It was a different time.

[@lordemed1]

Patti Davis, please get out there and let people know this.

[@edwardcolgan6105]

She “ran a support group for 6 years”. When the relevance of her project wears away, she spins a new sob story about how bad either she or her parents “had it”. Cry me a river. We all have dysfunction and BS growing up. You’re not unique. You’re whole work history has been you telling stories about your family. Put them to rest. You’re a polished Grifter.

[@Xztjh53]

Maggie Thatcher n him were 2 of a kind.

[@christinanielsen1917]

Margaret Thatcher did NOTHING for working class in England ESPECIALLY women. We now know that Reagan aided Thatcher in STEALING the Falkland islands that belonged to Argentina. He lied and said he wasn't involved.

[@Sonicman415]

Both horrible for their countries.

[@willmont8258]

@@Sonicman415 Both great for the countries.

[@kraekennedy]

This is such a trivial comment to make, but I can't help myself. I think Kristen Welker is so strikingly beautiful. There is nothing more formidable, than a beautiful woman with a brain.

[@sharkfintech5893]

I agree 💯. 👍🏻 And as a former journalist myself, she's underrated professionally IMO.

[@AVOWIRENEWS]

It's always intriguing to hear perspectives from those with close connections to historical figures, especially when it relates to current events. The evolution of politics over the years is indeed a captivating subject. It's fascinating to think about how leaders from the past might view today's political landscape, and it often sparks insightful discussions and reflections on how politics have changed over time. What an engaging topic to explore! 🌟

[@patricialavallee8286]

Patti has written some beautuful books. Ive read the long goodbye, and another regarding her fathers alzheimers. Absolutely, beautifully written. She has a gift, for sure. She highly intelligent and very deep. There is so much truth in whats she speaks of. Its in alot of familiar. Please write more, Patti, youre amazing!

[@marjglin]

If he would be appalled you know it’s really bad.

[@tenacious1]

Lol😂

[@44excalibur]

You obviously don't remember the 1980s. Politics were different then. Democrats and Republicans could get along and there was less ideology.

[@marjglin]

@@44excalibur no I remember Reaganomics and the dismantling of unions that crushed the middle/ working class and wondering how these people sleep at night. It’s just more obvious now how little they care .

[@44excalibur]

@@marjglin And I remember cars lined up for miles at gas stations, an oil shortage and energy crisis, a huge recession, inflation and stagnant wages, rampant unemployment, the Iran hostage crisis, and a majority of Americans saying that America's best days were behind it and that the next five years would be worse than the past five years. Then Reagan was elected, and by the end of the 1980s, the US economy rebounded with the longest peace time expansion on record, and both the Cold War and the Soviet Union had come to an end, and Regan left office with the highest approval rating of any president in US history.

[@marjglin]

@@44excalibur all short lived progress because in doing so tripled the national debt , increased income inequality,stock market crash of 87, Bush era recession of 92 ..

[@jeffzimmers9301]

Reagen was the one who pushed “if you want to spend money, you have to also forecast the financial/social affects”.

[@margaritahibbs2156]

Her father and mother did a ton of evil harm of their own, too. My God, the harm he did to victims of the AIDS epidemic, the dissolution of the Air Traffic Controllers, the dissolution of the entire mental health care infrastructure, and of course, who can forget the horrible example he gave his party in raiding the Social Security Fund. They demonstrated to the GOP how to continue propagating exclusion and classism and the horrible entrance of the Religious Right into our political world. This issue alone has done more harm than anyone ever imagined. I believe her mother's abandonment became justification for her callous disregard for so many in our country. We may be able to intellectualize the tragedy of these things, but there was a ton of controlling cruelty. I'm not capable of forgiving her parents for the evil and suffering they left behind. I'll leave the forgiving to God.

[@kendram1893]

I am a McCain conservative and have no place to go at this time in our country. Just sad and frustrating that both parties have been overtaken by extremism

[@mithulahiri4105]

As much as there is extremism on the Far Left side, the extremism on the Far Right is truly toxic. Any toxicity on the Left can be tamped down by moderates because it hasn't grown to the level of what it has on the Right, with craven sycophants and the blatant support of a wanna-be despot.

[@Sonicman415]

Her dad’s policies lead us here. We all know this. Reagan ‘grappled’ w aids by NEVER mentioning it publically. A grossly negligent leader in that respect. Bless this woman.

[@lindagrigsby3699]

I think Patti has finally grown up and feels a bit guilty

[@rockrecordreport7136]

She admits that forgiveness is not her strong suit. Yeah, she's damaged and at least admits that much.

[@willmont8258]

Guilt for what?

[@user-qg5wg9ut2o]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. It explains some things 🎉🎉🎉

[@Dont_insult_people]

He practically started it all

[@gwp5066]

She looks and speaks a lot like her mom. She appears to know her lane and offers insight into her parents without any self-importance.

[@bsrk3170]

The country didn’t take away her father. Her father did that willingly.

[@humbertomartinez8897]

Who are all these people bad mouthing such a great president?

[@stephencerny4856]

my mom adored the regans. my mom was a force of nature. this interview is blowwing me away. i will be reading this book. thank you. alot of people can relate to her perspective.

[@CornellBentley]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😭 stop it, your daddy started these problems …

[@ritazita1111]

Thank you for this lovely interview. Patti speaks wisdom about herself and her family. I didn't realize how articulate she is. I'm older than she is, but I too have wished I could have had meaningful and more open conversation with my parents.

[@lindaporter3726]

I appreciate and find this testimony to be familiar. My 91 y.o. Mother, also child of an alcoholic, adored Ronald Reagan, the actor/president. She carries the same admiration forward to mafia don. It's a struggle to be a more liberal daughter.

[@LadylvGod]

This just tells of the human condition and family dynamics, and how much we are similar from the White House to the poor house, the external environment may be different but the matters of the heart are the same .

[@dianemadsen8189]

The transcription of this video must have been done by a machine. I am watching the video and reading the transcription, there are just so many errors that are are totally unacceptable and distracting. It would have been helpful to have a transcript with fewer or no errors.

[@dgaydos]

As a boomer lib who certainly didn't have much in common with Ronald Reagan's POV and politics, I must say I loved this interview. Kristen Welker did a great job and Ms. Davis certainly came across as a very authentic and deeply thinking woman. Not an easy life for her, though I'm sure she never lacked any creature comforts. Bottom line: tRump must be stopped.

[@katefernstrom2490]

Her father is the reason for today’s politics AND while she seems to have forgotten, I have not, that she spoke out QUITE LOUDLY against him when he was in office.

[@lesleyatcofo]

This is a good conversation about learning to truly emphasize with people.

[@sandralybrand9425]

Empathy is what's missing in almost half of our society today. This includes the a evangelicals!

[@christinanielsen1917]

It's unfortunate that the Reagans couldn't empathize with working class Americans. Nancy Reagan erased her biological father and extended family because her " new" life as a doctors daughter ( he hated Roosevelt and anyone who wanted to help working people) fit better into her upper class new image.

[@katgirlblue]

First of all, that botched plastic surgery is hard to look at. Many years ago she had her nose fixed, and no one understood why, and it left her with this scooped out strange looking nose. Now she can hardly move her mouth on top, she only seems able to move her lower lip. Aside from that, this is kind of hard to listen to. If I hear one more person say - "I wanted to help people!" I'm going to be sick. Why did you write this book now? "Well I thought that if I could help people going through the same thing....." And she's still complaining about the fact that her parents' marriage was so strong that she didn't feel loved enough. I just stopped watching when she complained that when watching old movies her mother seemed to say something harsh to her to protect her brother - OMG!! What a terrible and difficult childhood! What she had to endure! Give me a break.

[@pashalippitt2402]

What a wonderful interview. Thank You!

[@lakid9749]

Please, he created the policies that make this possible. He/they were a horror and she knows it. She used to dislike their politics

[@Sonicman415]

True.. brother Ron has always Ben vehemently against his parents’ politics.

[@thomasdenney4931]

We have lost our ability to look at each other as human beings, I think we can blame that on social media.

[@OinariKanji]

Reagan paved the way for today's politics, so I doubt he'd be surprised

[@tjj5337]

Everyone’s Dad would be appalled by the Democrats of today

[@rsenior7140]

Patti has always been off her rocker. This interview proves she's still there. She never knew President Reagan. She wasn't even sober at the time.

[@dianekelly3452]

Congratulations Patti! I’m glad you found a venue to reminisce and come to terms with personal conflicts and family relationships. It’s difficult to do because you have to realize parents are people, too. They’ve got past experiences a child is not privy to know. As an adult you can weave a tale to understand the behaviors of another.

[@tom4wlt]

Patti Davis is a Democrat through and through. I'm not sure what authority she has to write about her father's legacy. We're going to get a biased opinion. She has been on record on how vehemently she despised her father's policy.

[@Sonicman415]

Her father’s policy was despicable.

[@atlaustell]

Kristen Welker is obsessed with talking about Biden’s age instead of focusing on the threat of another Trump presidency. I refuse to watch Meet the Press because of that.

[@johnjackson8401]

Your Biden is melting down in front of the American people with his dementia and you don't want Welker to address it? Welker and NBC should have been addressing it for the past three years. Instead, NBC and the rest of the mainstream media gave Biden a pass and protected him. You need to get your head out of the sand.

[@ZacharySkipworth]

Her dad was the original populist. This is so dumb. She’s a grifter.

[@WildWest144]

People who hero worship Ronald Reagan have no idea what that man was truly involved in. I've read some accounts lately that show him squarely in the middle of truly abhorrent behaviour both personally and professionally. There is no politician worthy of high praise and certainly not Reagan. Both Patty & her feckless brother Ron have grifted off the Reagan name since their dad's presidency. If it wasn't for their relationship to Ronald the world wouldn't have given either of them the time of day.

[@user-uz5ko8sv2f]

Excellent interview, great conversation.

[@chicagomike]

I can’t listen to this all. I am kind of tired of hearing her complain about dad and mom.

[@kc-xb9dr]

Good interview and I'm glad that I found it here. I didn't credit her for much before, that has now changed.

[@gailthompson9005]

Patti Davis continues to obsessively over analyze her parents and herself. And she has found a way to make money off of this dysfunction.

[@patriciamiller7133]

I like Patty. ❤

[@Lilahlu13]

Loved this interview.