The death of President Reagan has triggered a national outpouring of affection for a man who changed the course of politics in the United States. That is entirely appropriate. Funerals are a time to pay respects and honor the dead.

Decades from now, historians will decide where Reagan stands in the pantheon of presidents. Was he the chief protagonist in bringing an end to the Cold War? Or was he just one of many supporting actors? Were tax cuts and deregulation a net benefit? Or, did they inflict greater harm by laying the groundwork for Wall Street ripoffs, S&L meltdowns and large budget deficits?

What cannot be disputed is how beloved Reagan is among conservatives, whom he led from the political wilderness to the halls of power. Reagan’s 1980 ascent to the presidency was the culmination of a revolution begun by Barry Goldwater in the early 1960s. Republicans also gained control of the Senate, proving that the country longed for a break from the 40-year reign by Democrats in Congress. Twelve years later, Republicans would control both houses — and still do.

So conservatives can be forgiven as they airbrush the portrait of his presidency. At some point, though, they would be wise to look at the real Reagan record, because it carries important lessons.

Reagan had an amiable relationship with Democratic leaders, such as Tip O’Neill and Dan Rostenkowski. He could call them into the Oval Office and work things out.

He was willing to change his mind when the facts changed. After cutting taxes in 1981 and seeing the deficit grow, Reagan signed off on “revenue enhancers” the following year. He went from calling the Soviet Union the “evil empire” to cordially agreeing to an arms-reduction pact when it became apparent that the nation’s new leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, was serious about reforms.

He kept relatively quiet on divisive social issues, such as abortion, guns, school prayer and the Equal Rights Amendment, that were out of his sphere of influence.

He had a simple, compelling communication style that made it seem as if everything would be OK. He could speak to Democrats without insulting their intelligence. Today’s candidates appear distant and uncomfortable, and too often their messages carry a tone of partisanship, pessimism and fear.

True, the country has been through some traumatic times in the past six years: impeachment, a bitter presidential election, terrorist attacks and a controversial war that is still being waged. But those issues pale in comparison with the Great Depression and World War II, or the civil rights struggles, Watergate and Vietnam.

Whoever emerges as the nation’s leader in November, should steal from Reagan what Reagan stole Franklin Delano Roosevelt: optimism and faith. The American people can’t be brought together by ideology, but they can be inspired by the universal values of character, responsibility and hard work.

Ronald Reagan, may he rest in peace, understood that America works best when Americans believe in themselves.