The Rest Is Politics: US Ronald Reagan: Heir to The Republican Throne (Part 2)
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Sep 11, 2025 Explore Ronald Reagan's transformation from Hollywood star to political powerhouse amid the turmoil of the 1960s. Discover how he maneuvered through student protests and crime waves, and his strategic ties with Nixon during the Watergate scandal. The podcast highlights Reagan's 1976 presidential run and the lessons learned from his defeat, paving the way for his eventual win in 1980. Delve into the contrasting styles of Reagan's optimism versus Nixon's paranoia, illuminating a pivotal era in American politics.
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Reagan Misread The Watergate Aftermath
- Reagan assumed he would follow Nixon into the presidency and was surprised by Watergate's fallout.
- He initially supported Nixon but gradually realized the depth of Nixon's involvement as events unfolded.
1968 Primary: A Rift With Nixon
- Reagan ran in the 1968 primaries then withdrew to support Nixon, which Nixon never forgot.
- That rivalry and jealousy shaped their later interactions and Nixon's dismissive view of Reagan.
Charm Over Confrontation
- Reagan used charm and persistence to manage a tense relationship with Nixon rather than confrontation.
- He repeatedly showed up for Nixon despite private slights, leveraging likability over conflict.
