Not only was I alive during Reagan’s rise, I lived in CA at the time. I became a Republican for Reagan and voted for him in every election he ever ran in — 4 times in CA and then 5 times nationally when I lived in TX.
I can assure you that nobody near where I lived either place thought Reagan had a chance. I lived in N. CA at the time he became governor and nobody would admit to supporting him. He received an overwhelming vote from S. CA. But, upon analysis, the vote showed considerable support in N. CA too — it just was silent.
I was alone again in TX because favorite sons, John Connelly and George H. W. Bush, were both challenging Reagan — at least in the first election. The big knock on Reagan was that he was “too old” and I heard that even from older ladies. He was an indefatigable campaigner and he sure didn’t look old in person. He always had a quip, in every speech.
People forget that the aura of “St. Reagan” did not arise until after he left office.
Two things similar about Reagan and Scott Walker is that they both battled excesses in their respective University cabals. And they both battled unions and won.
“Two things similar about Reagan and Scott Walker is that they both battled excesses in their respective University cabals. And they both battled unions and won.”
BUMP!
And I love hearing your real-life experiences. :)
I lived in So CA, San Diego to be exact, but I couldn’t vote for Governor Reagan until he ran for his second term in ‘70, given that the voting age was still 21, “way back then.”
My parents both voted for Reagan, just like you.
It seemed that almost everyone was thrilled to get rid of G. Edmund Brown or was it Edmund G. Brown? I remember he went by the name of “Pat.”
I didn’t know you lived in TX after Northern CA.
!!!!!!!