Customer Reviews

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

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If you want something real, warm, and informative, this book is for you. You will come to understand more about a truly great man, President Ronald Reagan, and why he was so popular. Anyone who ever saw Ronald Reagan speak will remember his easy smile and the way he enthralled us with his singular approach and charm. This delightful book delves into the depths of Reagan's character, his ability to communicate with any group, and the reasons for his success in the political world. Warm and personal, it's a tribute to the man Reagan was, both in his public and private moments. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Dick Wirthlin's myriad experience with the Reagan presidency, including a three-decade relationship with the "Greatest Communicator," is eloquently recounted by Wynton Hall, Wirthlin's co-author and an expert in presidential rhetoric. To say that this book is a must read for anyone wanting to know the man behind the politician is an understatement. Read Chapter 7, "Three Goodbyes," for a poignant and uplifting account of Reagan's bravery in his battle with Alzheimer's.

This author does a great job of putting us beside him as he interacts with President Reagan. What surprised me most was how different Reagan really was compared to the image the "drive-by media" gave us.

Wirthlin is someone who's name we've heard but this reallly solidifies him as an important insider and confidant to the greatest president in the 20th century.

Well done Mr. Wirthlin!

THIS BOOK WAS VERY INFORMATIVE. I LEARNED PRINCIPLES THAT HELP ME IN MY COMMUNICATIONS. I BOUGHT IT AS A GIFT FOR A GRADUATE SO THEY COULD LEARN, LIKE I DID.

I purchased this book ages ago and finally read it. I'm sorry I took so long to pick it up, and once I did I couldn't put it down. Wirthlin brings does an excellent job explaining what happened, why it happened, the decision making process, and the individuals who were involved. Reading it I felt I was in the room with Reagan and Wirthlin. If you're a fan of the political process, not just a fan of Reagan, read this book and don't wait as long as I did.

I learned about this book from a "progressive" operative's book that I read to get intel on the mind of our opposition. Found Dick Wirthlin's insights into the impact and staying power of RR to be outstanding and enjoyed every word in this book. For anyone who loved RR or wants to understand why he is so deeply respected this is a must read!

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it really held my attention throughout. It is a personal portrayal of a man that provides unique insight into how his values truly drove his behavior and how his personality and vision built the foundation for successful communications. Dick Wirthlin does a wonderful job of communicating friendship and of creating a very human connection in the reader's mind with President Reagan.

I don't care if you're a political junkie or just an average American who admired the actions and legacy of President Reagan, this is a touching, personal, and powerful account of what was happening day-to-day before and long after Reagan was in the White House. I've studied Reagan's life from various authors, pro and anti Reagan, and Wirthlin's connection is very different than others you've read. He really has nothing personal to gain from these stories, but the reader has everything to learn about what drove this great American president. And the stories about the small and simple things that happened at different times in the time Wirthlin worked by Reagan's side are awesome! Great read... recommend it to anyone interested in seeing the difference between hired hands and true friends when it comes to the politics of winning elections and guiding this country.

This was a fascinating account about the rise to the US presidency, and what drove his policies of one of the greatest world leaders of his century. This book lays out clearly the vision Reagan had when he came to office, and how his policies and actions, fit into that aspirational goal/vision. Younger people may lack the vantage point that those of us who grew from childhood with the threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union as a daily and real threat to our existence and life itself. Reagan's leadership and legacy is that he may have perhaps eliminated that threat. Wirthlin's insight and record from his proximity to the decisions and what drove them provides yet another glimpse of the character and leadership principles that guided Ronald Reagon's policies and actions. While we stuggle again today with threats and challenges to our democracy and freedom around the globe, the lesson here is that we should not underestimate the good that can come from a bold vision and dedication to a noble cause even if it may take sacrifice and overcoming significant adversity, and time to achieve it!

Most reviews submitted are friends of the author or work for him. This makes their reviews a bit unfair to the rest of the reading world. However, the book was well written and interesting. I love Reagan and always enjoy reading about him. It's interesting to see from an insider's point of view.