Reagan could have and should have chosen hos close friend Paul Laxalt of Nevada.
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Does anyone remember that Gerald Ford was being offered as a co-president by the GOPe? Reagan had to placate the establishment by picking someone like Ford or GHWB. Even though Reagan won, he still had to make deals. At least that’s my theory. I don’t think Reagan cared much for GHWB. Remember he’s the one who turned off Reagan’s microphone, and then when he was VP Reagan kept sending him to funerals.
“Even though Reagan won, he still had to make deals. At least that’s my theory.”
I suspect you’re right. People too young to remember seem to think that Reagan was a typical Republican when he was anything but. He was bitterly opposed by the GOP establishment, the same crew who have been running the show since Reagan left office. The mystery is why conservatives continue to put their hopes in a party that despises them.