The Greatest Communicator What Ronald Reagan Taught Me About Politics, Leadership, and Life

by Wirthlin, Dick; Hall, Wynton C.

• ISBN13: 9780471736486
• ISBN10: 0471736481
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-18
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

The outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes following Ronald Reagan's death demonstrated the love and admiration people still have for our nation's 40th president. Now, in this affectionate memoir, Reagan's chief political strategist and friend for 36 years offers a fascinating close-up portrait of the Great Communicator. Taking us inside the 1980 and 1984 presidential campaigns and beyond, Dick Wirthlin shares illuminating anecdotes, off-the-record remarks, and private moments that reveal the true Ronald Reagan. Through it all, Wirthlin points out the unique qualities and talents that made Reagan such a strong leader-and such a great communicator. For anyone who has fond memories of the late president, this admiring reminiscence brilliantly conjures up the strong values, gregarious charm, and all-American optimism that made Ronald Reagan great.

Author Biography

DICK WIRTHLIN masterminded Ronald Reagan's 1980 and 1984 presidential campaigns. He is currently a member of the board of directors of Harris Interactive. Wirthlin has appeared on virtually every news and television program, including FOX News, Larry King Live, and Hardball with Chris Matthews.

WYNTON C. HALL is an award-winning presidential scholar and speechwriter. His work has appeared in the New York Times, USA Today, and the Washington Times.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Prologue: ``Great''' versus ``Greatest'' Communicators	1	(6)
The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship: Meeting Ronald Reagan, 1968	7	(10)
``I Shall Rise and Fight Again'': The 1976 Presidential Run	17	(18)
``Are You Better Off . . .?'' : The 1980 Landslide	35	(54)
``Do You Know What I Really Want to Be Remembered For?'': The White House, 1980--1984	89	(42)
``You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet!'': The 1984 Landslide	131	(34)
The Best and Worst of Times: The White House, 1984--1988	165	(40)
Three Goodbyes	205	(18)
Epilogue	223