Governor Reagan

by Cannon, Lou

• ISBN13: 9781586482848
• ISBN10: 158648284X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-02-28
• Publisher: Public Affairs

Summary

InGovernor Reagan, Lou Cannon offers--through recent interviews and research drawn from his unique access to the cabinet minutes of Reagan's first years as governor of California--a fresh look at the development of a master politician. At first, Reagan suffered from political amateurism, an inexperienced staff, and ideological blind spots. But he quickly learned to take the measure of the Democrats who controlled the State Legislature and surprised friends and foes alike by agreeing to a huge tax increase, which made it possible for him to govern for eight years without additional tax hikes. He developed an environmental policy that preserved the state 's scenic valleys and wild rivers, and he signed into law what was then the nation's most progressive declaration on abortion rights. His quixotic 1968 presidential campaign revealed his higher ambitions to the world and taught him how much he had to learn about big-league politics. Written by the definitive biographer of Ronald Reagan, this new biography is a classic study of a fascinating individual's evolution from a conservative hero to a national figure whose call for renewal stirred Republicans, working-class Democrats, and independents alike.

Author Biography

Lou Cannon covered Reagan for thirty-six years, first as a reporter for the San Jose Mercury News, later as The Washington Post White House correspondent. He is the author of four other books on Reagan including Ronnie and Jesse: A Political Odyssey, Reagan, and President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime, widely regarded as the definitive biography and as "the best study of that enigmatic presidency " (New York Times Book Review). He lives in Summerland, California, near Santa Barbara.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
The Rise of Ronald Reagan
California	p. 3
Optimist	p. 10
Lifeguard	p. 17
Storyteller	p. 24
Announcer	p. 37
Actor	p. 51
Family Man	p. 62
Politician	p. 82
Company Man	p. 103
Visionary	p. 115
Governor Reagan
Candidate	p. 129
Winner	p. 149
Adversary	p. 162
Novice	p. 171
Pragmatist	p. 185
Conservative	p. 206
Leader	p. 226
Survivor	p. 238
Noncandidate	p. 256
Regent	p. 271
Conservationist	p. 297
Incumbent	p. 322
Reformer	p. 348
Salesman	p. 368
Achiever	p. 380
The Pursuit of the Presidency
Challenger	p. 393
Contender	p. 416
Heir Apparent	p. 437
Debater	p. 451
President	p. 477
Notes	p. 513
Bibliography	p. 548
Index	p. 557
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