It isn't too complicated. In 1984, inflation went from 13.5% to 3.9%. Unemployment was down 3% from its peak. All Americans marginal tax rates were reduced roughly by 23%-25% overall. And even with all the tax cuts for all Americans tax revenue for the federal government increased 18.9%. We went from a recession to a rapidly growing economy. Reagan rebuilt the military forcing USSR to compete which they were unable to do. Because of this he could stand up to the USSR and forced them to come to the table and have talks. Iran released our hostages after Reagan took office. Signed bipartisan legislation in 1983 to rescue the social security trust fund and ensure the program's financial solvency. Appointed the first female Supreme Court Judge. And he was extremely likable and gave great speeches. American was at an all time high and people felt proud. He won the popular vote 58% to 40%.
I was 10 when Reagan won. These are the things I remember happening personally for my family during the first term of Reagan. My parents were able to buy a much larger house. We got cable installed. My parents got new (used) cars and bought my brother a car. My mom stopped working and could be a stay at home mom. We were just a middle class family, but life had gotten a lot better.
When Reagan ask are you better off than you were 4 years ago the vast majority of Americans said yes. People can debate if his policies helped or hurt the country long-term, BUT no one knows what will 100% happen in the future. Most every election is based on how are things today compared to 4 years ago. That is how people vote. And in 1984, America was peak. You can even see that in the cultural. The music, tv shows, and movies at the time are still considered great today.
