[elbucko]

"The Russians did plan a nuclear first-strike..

That's when RR put the Pershing II nuke missle in Europe, much to the wails of the Left at home and abroad. This move, essentially, checked the Ruskies.

Even if they shot first, we were closer.

[Bush2000]

Even if they shot first, we were closer.

The libs always like to knock Reagan as a thick-headed old man. But the truth of the matter is that he surrounded himself with smart people, outspent and outsmarted the Russkies at every turn. The Berlin Wall would not have collapsed without his forethought: "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

[GOP_1900AD]

A critical element of strategy indeed. Now, let's bring on Pershing III. Plus, a whole new series of tactical nukes, and, a new, road mobile ICBM, for good measure. Peace through strength.