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The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast

Episode 60: Write and Ron

May 2, 2024
Peter Robinson, speechwriter for President Reagan, discusses writing the iconic 'Tear Down This Wall' speech. They talk about Reagan's working style, the intense atmosphere before the speech, and reflections on women in power and societal shifts.
01:12:12

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ronald Reagan preferred crafting speeches alone to infuse personal touch.
  • Reagan's demeanor exuded warmth yet maintained an inner reserve.

Deep dives

Reagan's Influential Speechwriting Style

Ronald Reagan's unique approach to speechwriting involved working on speeches alone in the evenings, rather than collaborating with writers directly. His Hollywood background instilled a process where he received scripts and made edits independently. Despite having crucial meetings and briefing sessions with speechwriters, the actual crafting of speeches occurred during his private time in the White House residence. This approach allowed Reagan to infuse his personal touch and perspective into his speeches, showcasing his individuality in relaying messages effectively.

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