The Reagan video was extraordinary: “The media despised him,” the narrator said. True — but somewhat startling, to hear it said straight out. They called him “a California nutcase” — true. In recent years, the Gipper has been in soft focus — a kind of goo surrounds him. Tonight’s video reminded us what a political warrior he was, and what ferocious passions — for and against — he aroused.

At the end of the video, I thought Nancy Reagan would emerge, to wave at the crowd. But no: I wonder whether she was watching, at 668 St. Cloud. (A lovelier street you have never seen.)