Final answer:
Ronald Reagan is the president known for acting like a gun slinger while promoting old-fashioned virtues, with a presidency focused on opposing communism and building military strength.
Step-by-step explanation:
The president who acted like a gun slinger but spoke of old-fashioned virtues was Ronald Reagan. Reagan, who was a Hollywood actor turned politician, served as the 40th President of the United States. His presidency was characterized by a strong stance against communism, often referring to the Soviet Union as the "evil empire." He believed in negotiating from a position of strength and is known for seeking a major buildup of U.S. military capabilities. Reagan's tenure also included sweeping economic changes and a focus on conservative values. He managed to remain a charismatic figure, often seen as a strong leader, despite controversies such as the Iran-Contra affair, where he escaped impeachment by denying any knowledge of the weapons sales.
In contrast, his predecessors like Jimmmy Carter and Gerald Ford faced their own unique challenges. Carter's administration started with promise but faced criticism over economic and foreign policy issues while Ford had to deal with the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and Nixon's pardon, which negatively impacted his presidency.