Reagan’s cowboy masculinity made him the Religious Right’s ideal heroic figure.

Evidence

Reagan didn’t just speak the language of the Right, he looked the part. In contrast to Carter, Reagan emanated a firm, masculine strength. Fresh off his California ranch, he looked to be a real cowboy—and, thanks to his films, a war hero. With his ruddy face, easy manner, and staunch conservatism, he was perfectly cast for his role as hero of the Religious Right. — Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Jesus and John Wayne, 239

Categorization

• XREF: Core evidence for the book’s thesis that militant masculinity, not theological doctrine, was what won evangelical allegiance — same pattern later applied to Trump.
• ADDENDUM: Directly extends the reader’s interest in the masculinity-through-consumer-culture mechanism: Reagan’s films and ranch image functioned as commercial masculine artifacts.