Beschloss: Reagan Likely Wouldn't Have Become President Without Nancy

Ronald Reagan probably never would have become president without his wife, Nancy, presidential historian Michael Beschloss told MSNBC Sunday.

"One thing you ask about a historical figure is, would history have been different if this person had not been there?" Beschloss said. "Would Ronald Reagan have become president if he had not married Nancy? Probably not."

For that matter, Reagan wouldn't have been seen as near the historical figure as he was without her influence, he said. "This is someone who did change history and all of our lives."

Nancy Reagan is credited with pushing her husband into foreign policy talks with the Soviets and encouraged him to stand up to them, leading to the end of the Cold War.

"It had a lot to do with the fact that she was there so strong," Beschloss said. "We all owe her a huge debt for that."

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