One way Reagan was able to avoid direct blame for the Iran-Contra affair was by delegating tasks to his subordinates and remaining intentionally uninformed about the details of the operation. Reagan often relied on his national security advisor, John Poindexter, and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North to handle the day-to-day operations of the covert operation. This allowed Reagan to maintain plausible deniability and distance himself from any illegal activities that may have occurred. Additionally, Reagan consistently emphasized his belief in the importance of fighting communism and supporting anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua, which helped to shift focus away from the illegality of the operation. Reagan also employed skilled speechwriters and public relations advisors to help shape the narrative around the Iran-Contra affair, portraying it as a well-intentioned effort to protect American interests. By carefully managing his image and public statements, Reagan was able to effectively deflect blame for the scandal and preserve his legacy as a strong and principled leader.
