Reagan myth has grown over time
As the late President Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday is observed, historians point out that his political successes, not his persona, have been mythologized over the years.
"Today's Republicans created this fantasy role of Reagan as anti-government," said presidential historian Douglas Brinkley. "He was really Reagan of government efficiency."
Brinkley, who edited the best-selling book "The Reagan Diaries," which is based on the 40th president's diary accounts, said Reagan mainly wanted to roll back the "excesses of the 'Great Society' domestically, not abolish them."
Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_allpolitics/~3/lkGIN1SgW8U/index.html