Republican leaders are gathering in New Orleans to honor Ronald Reagan on the 100th anniversary of his birth, recognizing him as one of the most popular, influential, and successful U.S. presidents who is widely credited with helping end the Cold War by defeating Soviet communism. Reagan switched from Democrat to Republican before being elected governor of California, gaining respect from conservative leaders and launching his successful campaign to become president in 1980 after losing his first bid for the office in 1976.