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The Reagan Enigma: 1964-1980 Paperback – October 28, 2014

by Thomas C. Reed (Author)

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In a revealing new book, Reagan insider and former adviser, Thomas Reed gives us the definitive treatise on Reagan's mind. Reed, who managed and worked closely with Reagan during the complex leader's politically formative years, reveals untold tales that bring new clarity to understanding Reagan. The Reagan Enigma takes students of politics one step closer to understanding the emergence of a great leader.

On the golden anniversary of Reagan's A Time for Choosing speech in support of Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign, which launched Reagan s political career, this groundbreaking book reveals:

Reagan's mind was focused and decisive. He was a political grand master, a dozen moves ahead of every opponent at every turn. His mind was lightning-fast, with an immense capacity for facts and history. Reagan was more than an actor; he was a master of the stage.

Reagan's conversion, from FDR-supporting Democrat to Eisenhower Republican had multiple roots: WW-II experiences; threats of violence from communist Screen Actors Guild infiltrators; the war in Korea; to name a few.

Reagan was not ambitious for high office. Yet whatever he did in his life, he had to be the best at it. The idea of having power or being the President was entertaining, but it was Nancy who provided the burning ambition. At the same time, as Mike Deaver noted, Reagan was the fiercest competitor I ever knew. A strange divergence.

Why Robert Kennedy was the supreme villain in Reagan's life.

Now is the right time to open my archives, to collect the insights of my surviving peers, and to weave all of this into an unexpected but accurate explanation of Reagan's mind, Reed said. What follows may provide the perspective that many have sought but few have found.

Print length

288 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Figueroa Press
Publication date

October 28, 2014
ISBN-10

0182181693
ISBN-13

978-0182181698
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Editorial Reviews

Review

The Reagan Enigma is an interesting and well-written book. It explains a lot I did not understand when serving as Reagan s JCS Chairman. Gen. Jack Vessey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1982-'85

The Reagan Enigma is absolutely great, very special. The author really comes to life. So does Reagan in a fascinating way. He comes across as real, but not entirely predictable at the core. This is a great book. --JDirector of Central Intelligence, 1995-"96

The Reagan Enigma deftly intertwines documentation of Reagan s little-remembered 1968 presidential run with a unique exploration of his mind. . . . An insightful appreciation without lapsing into hagiography. Reagan s strengths are on full display along with his often-disabling weaknesses. --Will Inboden, Foreign Policy

The Reagan Enigma, 1964-1980 , by Thomas C. Reed is the best book I have read about Reagan, the man. It reaches as deep as anyone has gotten to the core of what made this unique man. --Cal Thomas, National Review

Tom Reed has decrypted the Reagan enigma marvelously well. He s done a great job of analyzing the Reagan persona. Reed understood what made Reagan tick as only a handful of others were able to do. --Edwin Meese, Attorney General of the US, 1985-'88

About the Author

Thomas C. Reed is a former Secretary of the Air Force, having served in that capacity during the Ford and Carter administrations. During the mid sixties and early seventies, Reed managed and directed Reagan's gubernatorial campaigns along with the 1968 presidential nomination drive. During the eighties, Reed served as Special Assistant to President Reagan for national Security Policy.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Figueroa Press (October 28, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0182181693
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0182181698
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds

Best Sellers Rank: #3,054,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Curtis C. Patrick, author

Reed's Book Opens Decades of Sealed Vaults

Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2014

Verified Purchase

This book is cram-packed with little known facts, figures, names dates, strategy and tactics, not only employed by Ronald Reagan's Top Staff---both good for Reagan the candidate, RR as governor as well as president, but also bad, and potentially fatal, politically. Even those employed by RR himself.

Reed opens the "sealed vault" and finally (since his credibility is unimpeachable) he reveals the sometimes agonizing process which Reagan went through to arrive at his decisions. Reed saw the difference between the Tortoise & the Hare. RR just kept going, and going and going; to the goal line. In his own words: "We Win-They Lose." No matter how long it took.

Don't be fooled by the rather bland title, cover and presentation of chapters. It is indicative of Reed's secretive mentality. This book is power-packed with information not generally known in the public domain. A key to understanding the complete Ronald Reagan. We always thought we were working on some Special Forces Team when reporting to TCR. We also felt supremely honored to be in that small group which was chosen to help RR achieve his goals! Reed believed in the same Principles RR did. He was always there to back up his Team!

The writing, the decades of copious note-taking exhibited in "The Reagan Enigma" paid off for TCR in this SUPERB BOOK! It is Accurate and True! It puts many issues, falsehoods and misconceptions to rest. An easy MUST READ for any Reagan historian or anyone with doubts or questions about what actually happened behind ALL those locked doors. Thanks, Tom, for shining the light on those indelible memories of The Glory Years!

Curtis Patrick, author, Reagan: What Was He REALLY Like? Morgan-James, New York

4 people found this helpful

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C. Robert Barnum

An historical record

Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2014

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The phenomenal journey of Ronald Reagan from Hollywood actor to become one of the most influential and powerful world leaders of the twentieth century began in 1965. Thomas C. Reed's association with Reagan began during those formative days. He managed Reagan's campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 1966 and then the overwhelming victory against the popular Democratic incumbent. As appointment secretary during the organization of Reagan's first administration he was instrumental in managing the competing special interest groups seeking favors from the new administration. Reagan focused first on his long term vision of California and the nation and avoided if possible personnel controversies within his administration and the annoying details of administration. Reed's leadership during the critical first two years was a great help in setting up the efficient workings of the new Reagan administration.

Reed's later career with the Defense Department and as Secretary of the Air Force extended his relationship with President Reagan from his first thoughts of running for the governorship of California to the fall of Russian Communism and the Berlin Wall.

Thomas C. Reed is a man of unique personal accomplishments of his own and a gifted writer and historian. No one else could have written this account.

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William Inboden

Even as the Reagan presidency continues to be evaluated more ...

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2014

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Even as the Reagan presidency continues to be evaluated more and more favorably by historians and the general public alike, the man himself remains an elusive puzzle. Tom Reed helps solve that puzzle, and with this book he offers an entirely new dimension to our understanding of Ronald Reagan -- as a leader, as a politician, as an American, and as a thinker. Based on the singularly effective combination of previously unrevealed primary sources and Reed's own decades-long work and friendship with Reagan, this book provides an indispensable contribution to our understanding of one of the most consequential presidents in American history. It is written with elegance and wit, and causes the reader to turn the pages eagerly while hoping the book never ends.

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James E. Mckinney

You will also learn a good deal about Ronald Reagan himself and be treated to ...

Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2014

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This is an absorbing book. In it the reader will learn how political campaigns are run or should be run. You will also learn a good deal about Ronald Reagan himself and be treated to some wonderful vignettes of wonderful people. Who else would compare Nancy Reagan to Eva Peron? Reed is fair in his appraisals of persons and events and is not ashamed to admit his own mistakes in plotting and managing political events. Like all of us Reagan was a complicated man but you will probably learn more about him in this book than anywhere else.

6 people found this helpful

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Nan15f

Fascinating Book

Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014

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“The Reagan Enigma” is a fascinating book. It pulls no punches and reveals the true nature of the Reagans’ relationships with other people as well as with each other. Many biographers unwittingly, would have sugar-coated the details. The veracity of Tom Reed’s reporting makes the book a must for those who want to know what really goes on in the process of an important election.---Tom Leon

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Karen Spencer

Tom does a good job capturing the President's personality and temperament

Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2014

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The Reagan Enigma is exactly how I remember those Reagan years. I also worked for President Reagan and traveled with him after his Presidency. Tom does a good job capturing the President's personality and temperament. I've read many books about President Reagan. This book is right up at the top.

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Bill Tucker

I found the book very interesting and informative and I would recommend it to anyone interested in Ronald Reagan

Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2015

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I was a regional political director in the Reagan campaign, one of 3 attorneys in the Reagan transition and worked in the White House Counsel's office after Reagan became President. I have read most of the books on Reagan and "The Reagan Enigma" had material that no other book contained. I found the book very interesting and informative and I would recommend it to anyone interested in Ronald Reagan.

2 people found this helpful

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garrett Cuneo

It was terrific. I was privileged to work at the 1968 ...

Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2015

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It was terrific. I was privileged to work at the 1968 Convention and Tom Reed's description of events was how I recall those special days. Reagan came much closer to getting the nomination than most historians have depicted it. Tom did a great job.
Gary Cuneo

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