Reagan: Man of Principle

By: John Harmer

Much has been written about the remarkable accomplishments of Ronald Reagan as President of the United States. This book addresses more than his triumphs, it tells about the inner workings of a man who, keeping true to his principles, forged into the world of politics to make a lasting impression on the citizens of California, the nation’s most populated state, and then moved on to the White House, to become one of the greatest world leaders in modern times.

The author's relationship with Ronald Reagan begins in 1962, four years before Reagan's election as Governor of California. In personal conversations and correspondence with the author, Reagan defines the principles that will ultimately guide him as Governor and President. Through a series of personal experiences and private moments with Reagan, the author allows the reader to see Reagan "as he really was." Further insights are offered by Edwin Meese and Judge William (Bill) Clark, two of Reagan's closest advisors in California and Washington D.C.

It was in California as Governor that Ronald Reagan first experienced the conflict between principle and power in politics. The author provides examples of how Reagan's unyielding faithfulness to his principles became the most essential facet of his political power. As he experienced the opposition and criticism of the liberal media and his political opponents, Reagan's capacity to continue on an undeviating course to his ultimate objective was refined and confirmed.

The author's premise is that it was in the iron furnace of Sacramento's political heat that Ronald Reagan prepared himself for the ultimate victory of his presidency, the end of the Cold War. What makes this book so unique is that one is given the privilege of sharing private moments of soul-revealing and soul-stretching challenges, in which this man of principle defined himself. The reader will find how Ronald Reagan became the man of wisdom and courage who ultimately prevailed over his opponents' predictions of defeat and failure.

This book is not the final answer to the search for understanding Ronald Reagan, but it is an important step toward the successful completion of that search.