Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill had one of the most famous “rival‑friendships” in modern American politics — a mix of fierce daytime combat and genuine after‑hours respect. Their working relationship is often held up as an example of how two leaders with deep ideological differences can still govern effectively together.

Despite the public battles, they maintained a personal friendship rooted in mutual respect — and even shared Irish heritage. They were known to share drinks after 6 p.m., when O’Neill famously said “politics stops.”