Reagan reached out to Allen shortly after a connecting flight in Chicago, curious about someone he had heard about. The conversation began with Reagan's inquiry about a person named Jeane Kirkpatrick, demonstrating his interest in her identity. Allen, puzzled by the question, sought clarification on who Reagan was referring to.

When he finally understood that Kirkpatrick was a woman, it added a layer of surprise to the conversation. This exchange reflects the emerging recognition of women in prominent political roles during that era, highlighting Kirkpatrick's significance in the conservative movement of the 1980s.