I think Ronald Reagan was one of the great presidents, period, not just recently. I thought he had the demeanor. I thought he had the bearing. I thought he had the thought process.

In this quote, Donald Trump expresses his admiration for Ronald Reagan, declaring him to be one of the great presidents in history. Trump highlights Reagan's demeanor, bearing, and thought process as key aspects that contributed to his greatness. By using the word "period," Trump emphasizes the strength of his opinion, suggesting that Reagan's qualities made him stand out not just in his time, but as a timeless figure in American politics.

The mention of demeanor and bearing suggests that Trump admires Reagan's ability to carry himself with confidence and composure, which were vital to his image as a leader. Reagan was known for his charisma, which allowed him to connect with both the public and political leaders, making him a highly effective president. Trump's reference to thought process indicates that he valued Reagan’s approach to governance—his ability to make decisions that resonated with the American people and aligned with the nation’s broader values.

This quote also reflects Trump’s own views on leadership and what it takes to be a great president. By drawing a parallel between Reagan’s leadership style and his own, Trump highlights the qualities he admires in the former president, such as a strong, relatable presence and the ability to think strategically. It underscores Trump’s belief in the importance of having a clear vision and a strong personal presence in political leadership.

Ultimately, this quote serves as a reflection of how Trump views Reagan’s legacy, seeing him as a model for successful presidential leadership. It connects to his own self-perception as a leader, suggesting that Reagan's strengths were qualities that he also valued in himself, and that both presidents shared a certain charismatic and decisive style of governance.