Ronald Reagan was a Republican politician who served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He gained popularity with his conservative views and gave speeches supporting Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign. Reagan defeated incumbent Jimmy Carter in the 1980 election campaigning on a platform of tax cuts, reduced spending, and a stronger national defense. As president, Reagan implemented supply-side economic policies known as "Reaganomics" and advocated for a reduced role of government intervention in the economy. His presidency marked a conservative realignment in American politics and culture.