Tuesday, 11 January 2005 | The Gipper sings

In the summer of 1985, my brother David and I interviewed President Ronald Reagan, with the help of Top 40, a silver boom box, and a cassette tape. (David was 16, and I was 10, with a twangy southern accent that I lost immediately after we finished the interview.) The recording of it is quiet, so I'm including a transcript of the questions we asked Mr. Reagan. For the President's answers, however, you will need some speakers.

Click here to listen to the interview with Ronald Reagan.

David: Well... Here we have Ronald Reagan. And we intend to interview him.

Lisa: How did you console Walter Mondale after winning the election?
[response from Reagan]

David: What did you tell the people so they would elect you?
[response from Reagan]

Lisa: How did you feel when you won the election?
[response from Reagan]

David: Why don't you attend church?
[response from Reagan]

Lisa: How do you feel toward defense spending?
[response from Reagan]

David: How often do you cut social programs?
[response from Reagan]

Lisa: When you said on the radio that we will begin bombing Russia in five minutes, what did you want to do?
[response from Reagan]

David: What is your advice on eating jelly beans?
[response from Reagan]

Lisa: What is your final word to all those Democrats?
[response from Reagan]

David: How did you feel when you had just gotten shot?
[response from Reagan]

David: When you see Richard Nixon, what do you say to him?
[response from Reagan]

Lisa: In three words, describe what kind of person you are.
[response from Reagan]

David: What would you say if I suggested some budget cuts?
[response from Reagan]