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Ronald Reagan, too, narrowly escaped death in 1981 when John Hinckley Jr. opened fire outside a Washington hotel. Reagan was hit by a ricocheted bullet that pierced his lung. What followed became part of Reagan’s enduring legend—his resilience, calm demeanor, and even his wit while recovering. His quip to surgeons, “I hope you’re Republicans,” captured the nation’s imagination and demonstrated how humor and strength can reassure a country even in its most vulnerable moments.
