Book claims real Reagan hot tempered, headstrong

Washington Times ^ | January 22, 2005 | Donald Lambro

[buckeyesrule]

Craig Shirley learned two things when writing his book about Ronald Reagan's unsuccessful 1976 campaign to take the Republican nomination away from Gerald Ford: Mr. Reagan's explosive temper in private, and the depth of his self-confidence -- his "utter belief in his abilities."

[buckeyesrule]

Don't be fooled by the article title. This book is about the 1976 Reagan campaign. Article points out that back then very few people would say they were republicans (I remember in my high school govt class in 1979 almost none of us said we were republicans-only republican was the teacher). Nowadays most productive people will say they are republicans and to a very large part the reason is Reagan.

I disagree with the authors assertion that if Reagan had not run in 1976 he would not have run in 1980.

[Non-Sequitur]

I disagree with the authors assertion that if Reagan had not run in 1976 he would not have run in 1980.

Perhaps a better question is if Reagan had not run in 1976 could he have been nominated in 1980? Even in a losing effort, '76 went a long way to showing that there was depth to the man, and that he wasn't just an second rate actor.

[NCPAC]

Agree or disagree with some of his conclusions, more often than not Craig Shirley is a man who knows of what he speaks. Shirley is one of the more underrated and insightful Republican strategists out there. I, for one, eagerly anticipate reading his take on Reagan's '76 campaign.

[BradyLS]

Reagan's explosive temper in private, and the depth of his self-confidence -- his "utter belief in his abilities."

"Explosive temper" is a matter of opinion. On the other hand, I don't see how a person who doesn't have utter faith in his abilities can become President. If you didn't, you simply wouldn't run.

[Liberator]

This is nothing...

In 50 years, they'll be books and movies based upon "Reagans' homosexuality and cowardice."

[sgtbono2002]

Aks Mr. Shirley how many White ash trays Reagan threw at Nancy.

If Reagan were that hot-tempered he would have shot Nancy for giving birth to Ron Jr.

[rcocean]

If Reagan had not run in 1976, he would have lost leadership in conservative movement. Because he ran in 1976, everyone was behind him in 1980.

I'll read the book. It's been almost 30 years but I still get angry when I think that the Republicans nominated that blockhead Ford instead of Reagan.

It should be remembered that Dole, Bush I, Jim Baker, Gergen, and all the others were all running around in 1976 calling Reagan a "RIGHT WING EXTREMIST".

[verity]

Shirley, you jest! ;~)

[Spok]

"the depth of his self-confidence--his "utter belief in his abilities."

This description applies equally to Alexander the Great. Hardly a criticism.

[Cowboy Bob]

The title brought back memories of the old Saturday Night Live skit that showed the "real" Reagan. Among other things, he could speak German... It was one of the best skits I ever saw on SNL.

[rcocean]

Not just German- but he could tell jokes and cut deals in Iranian and arabic (!)

[Swiss]

Well there you go again, I know another book says that Jesus Christ was Hot Tempered and Headstrong by throwing vendors out of the temple and refusing to compromise with the religious leaders of the day.

I still like the guy.

[snugs]

Explosive temper is all a matter of opinion if you are naturally quiet anyone who raises their voice is considered bad tempered. So it would depend on who writes/reports the comments on Reagan were they first hand experiences or is Shirley reading accounts later and maybe getting a coloured impression.

[ambrose]

That may be so, but I find it very difficult to trust a man whose last name is really a first name.

[ambrose]

Michael Deaver's book certainly showed some incidents where Reagan's Irish temper showed itself at times.

[WestTexasWend]

I was a Reagan volunteer in 1976 and was lucky enough to shake his hand on one of his early campaign stops. The way the RNC and the Ford family and campaign treated Ronald Reagan was enough to make the Pope cuss. I give to candidates directly, but will never give a dime to the RNC. Reagan did far more for the party than it ever did for him.

[Meldrim]

"It's been almost 30 years but I still get angry when I think that the Republicans nominated that blockhead Ford instead of Reagan. "

Yes, and the numbskulls did it despite the fact Reagan actually won the popular vote over Ford.