Presented as part of the McCloskey Speaker Series.
Featuring Max Boot, historian, foreign policy analyst, and best-selling author, in conversation with Elliot Gerson, executive vice president, Policy Programs and International Partners, the Aspen Institute. In his latest book, “Reagan: His Life and Legend,” Boot offers a definitive look at the 40th president of the United States—examining his leadership, policies, and the myths that shaped his legacy. Boot will delve into Reagan’s economic philosophy, the impact of “trickle-down” policies, his role in the Cold War’s conclusion, and the controversies surrounding the Iran-Contra affair. He will also explore how Reagan, a Hollywood actor turned politician, redefined the conservative movement and left an enduring mark on American politics.
Paepcke Auditorium, doors at 5:30 pm

While attendance at the event is free and open to everyone, registration is required, and capacity is established on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.

Parking
Parking is very limited. Please carpool, walk, bike, or ride RFTA.

You can purchase his latest book “Reagan: His Life and Legend” here. Books will also be available for purchase at the event. Book signing to follow.

“This elegant biography of the 40th president stands out for its deep authority and nimble style…. A landmark work.” —New York Times, “10 Best Books of 2024”

“Reagan: His Life and Legend aims to be the definitive biography, and it succeeds.” —New Yorker

“Magisterial…. Important…. Vivid… Splendid.” —Washington Post

Max Boot is a best-selling historian, biographer, and foreign policy analyst. He is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a columnist for The Washington Post. His new book, “Reagan: His Life and Legend,” is a New York Times bestseller. It was named one of the 10 best books of 2024 by the New York Times, which described it as a “landmark work.” It has also made best-of-the-year lists at The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The Economist, and Air Mail. His previous biography, “The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam,” was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in biography.

Elliot Gerson is the Executive Vice President at The Aspen Institute responsible for its Policy Programs, which conduct most of the work of the Institute, and its International Partners. Along with Walter Isaacson and Kitty Boone, Mr. Gerson launched The Aspen Ideas Festival in 2005, and continued to oversee it and other Public Programs  until 2023. The Institute has 14 International Partners and Initiatives, in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. They engage in non-partisan dialogue and action to address the world’s biggest challenges.

Support Aspen Community Programs

Did you know that we host more than 70 days of public programming each year? If you appreciate what we do for the Aspen community, we invite you to become more involved with the Institute by joining as an Aspen Community Donor today. Your contribution will support affordable year-round programming for the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond, as well as scholarships for those in need. Learn more here.