As far as how Reagan might do it . . .
Alright, the Soviets reached nuclear parity in the 1970s. And by '79 and '80, many Americans were feeling weak, not so much for overall defense levels and strategic balance of powers. But primarily for Vietnam and Iran, that is, for messy, convoluted situations which didn't go our way. And the problem may have been more on the goal-setting end, rather than the operational end.
When Brezhnev passed away on Nov. '82, that was two years after Reagan's election. Two years after the military build-up, which actually started under Carter. Is that enough time for Americans to feel strong again?
Reagan doesn't need to come to an immediate answer. He can take a read on the situation. The first call might be to his wife. They have a good marriage and if he's going to go, he needs her there as a person who genuinely thinks it's the right thing to do. And one lesson from West Wing is that you don't staff out informing the spouse. Then Reagan might talk to his own chief of staff, his best allies in Congress, Congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle, and our NATO allies, maybe starting with Margaret Thatcher in the UK.
Ooooh, that's a lot of people to call. Okay, Ronnie going to tell people he's considering going and keep it relatively brief. He does need to call NATO allies and out of respect talk to each head of state himself, including smaller nations like Belgium and even Luxembourg.
If less than one third of people think it's a good idea, the public's not ready. Reagan would be leading from three miles down the road.
If it's between one-third and two-thirds, it could go either way. Ronnie would probably be well advised to ask people if he can count on them to publicly support him, and if they're in a position with their constituents to do it.
And let's say Ronnie eventually asks House Speaker Tip O'Neill and his wife and Senator Majority Leader Howard Baker and his wife to attend with him. Baker begs off, saying it's not good if it's two Republicans and one Democrat, that it would be better if Reagan and O'Neill just go.
So, President and First Lady Reagan and House Speaker and Mrs. O'Neill attend funeral services for Comrade Secretary General Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev.
President Reagan has made a conscious decision not to talk politics. He and Nancy are simply there to pay their respects in a low-key, understated, and dignified manner. And then they fly home.