Was Reagan A Realist

Reagan was ideological. He liked to delegate via his cabinet. He was a staunch anti-communist and wanted to place the pro-American spirit back into the people. He told his cabinet what he wanted done, and they did it their own way to get there. He not only increased the defense budget, he doubled it. Reagan was a realist. He supported rebels fighting communists known in the Reagan Doctrine. He was also around during the red scare, influencing his beliefs as well. He believed in returning to containment like after WWII. It would be contained by force if necessary. Reagan was also against the SALT treaty because Reagan wanted to negotiate from a place of strength. He engaged in proxy wars most notably in Nicaragua. He supported the contras, who
were anti-sandanista rebels. Reagan didn't want communism spreading into El Salvador. The congress did not back his plan however. So in complicated turn of events involving many countries, Reagan recieved funding from a rogue deal with the Iranians. Countries involved include Iran, Israel, the U.S., and a Swiss banker. This was all to free American hostages. With doing so, Reagan transferred money from this deal to the Contras in South America. This was one of a few of his scandals during his presidency. I think there are worse things Reagan could have done, but the President is held to the highest standard (or supposed to), therefore needs to abide by the law. With him going around congress, he broke the law.
I don't think Reagan is as hero-like as we make him out to be. I know conservatives idolize him, but he wasn't conservative in all aspects. For example he was pro-illegal immigration. That is not a conservative principle. He was loved by many liberals as well. I do think he made efforts to go across the partisan lines and try to reach agreements with the left. I think that that is needed in a good president. However, as I said in class, as time passes a past President's approval ratings increase. Add that to him "ending" the cold war and you have yourself a demi-god. I do not believe he is our best president, not do I think he is top 5. I do think he was calculated and cared about the United States. In my opinion he was a good president, just not to the level he has been made out to be.