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The 1981 attempt on Ronald Reagan’s life added another chapter to this saga, one defined by the resilience of the office. Reagan was hit by a ricocheted bullet that nearly proved fatal, yet his calm demeanor and humor in the face of death—quipping to his surgeons that he hoped they were Republicans—became a defining moment of his presidency. It demonstrated that while a leader is vulnerable, the strength they project during a crisis can serve as a stabilizing force for a frightened nation. This resilience is a vital component of the American story, illustrating how the office itself can survive the physical wounding of its occupant.
