Pastor Tracy Reads | Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan by Del Quentin Wilber

November 17, 2025 | Pastor Tracy Troxel

I remember well the moment I heard that President Ronald Reagan had been shot in Washington, D.C. in the spring of 1981. I was a senior in high school in Miami, Florida. It was interesting to read the account again after forty years.

Here are the reasons why you should read this account. And, it has nothing to do with your alignment or non-alignment with the policies of Ronald Reagan. First, the book captures in part the tragic unravelling of John Hinckley’s (the perpetrator) mental and emotional state. Life is fragile, and the eroding of mental well-being can have tragic consequences. Second, multiple people made quick decisions that decided the fate of President Reagan that fateful day in March of 1981. Secret Service Agents, along with medical personnel, rallied to save Reagan’s life. Again, it illustrates the fragile and temporal realities of life. Third, Ronald Reagan’s humor throughout the ordeal helped to buoy the spirits of all those around him and the American people as well. This reminds me of the character quality of endurance. Enduring hardship with a smile is a particularly important character quality. Fourth, you see how different people manage the stress of the moment. Some fared well. Others, not so well. What is apparent, however, is how bipartisan support for Reagan was maintained throughout Reagan’s recovery. These acts of goodwill were shared by most politicians, no matter their party affiliation. This is instructive. The author does an excellent job of taking you through the moment-by-moment account of this event. This book takes you into the story and I think you will find that you want to keep reading to know what happens next.

Pastor Tracy Troxel