gainingPage147 Reagan has been labeled “The GreatCommunicator”. Because of one single broadcast of a fund- raising appeal, Reaganbrought in a cascade of contributions. Republicans formed an organization dedicated toadvancing his political future. He speaks with an ease and fluency that is derived fromhis years as a public speaker. Because of that ease, California businessmen urged him torun for Governor in 1966, and he did. Page 148Reagan’s leadership had a distinct pattern that helps explain how he could havehad such a great historical impact despite his remoteness from the specifics of politics andpolicy. First, because he had strong general convictions, Reagan was able to set hisadministration’s overall priorities. He placed the defense buildup and his economicprogram ahead of everything else. Second, he was tactically flexible, showing no regretwhen he had to adjust to political opposition or to changed circumstances. Third, he wasa good negotiator, setting his demands higher than the minimum he would accept, andaccepting what he could get. Fourth, he made decisions easily and promptly. Page 150and 151. Public Communication —He was the first White House occupant who had been a careerpublic communicator before entering politics. His aides were masters at the atmosphericsof presidential communication, consistently providing television with irresistible imagesthat dominated the evening news. Page 155Reagan was not well endowed with logical abilities, he was gifted at interpersonalrelations and strategic use of verbal and body language. These are traits that are morecommon with actors than politicians. Reagan succeeded in turning them to good politicaleffect. Page 157George Bush—Like Roosevelt, he was the product of a privileged upbringing thatinstilled in him the ideal of public service. Page 160 Like other vice presidents, Bush cultivated the impression that he was a force in ...
