Reagan Rising: The Decisive Years, 1976-1980

Event Conservatism
Event Conservatism

May 2, 2017 Reagan Rising: The Decisive Years, 1976-1980

At a time when conservatives are seeking to redefine their identity in light of the Donald Trump phenomenon, Reagan Rising offers insight into the development of Reagan’s optimistic and unifying philosophy and lessons for both established political leaders as well as emerging hopefuls.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

The Heritage Foundation

214 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC
20002

Featured Speakers

Craig Shirley

Craig Shirley, President of Shirley & Banister Public Affairs, is the author of three critically praised bestsellers about Ronald Reagan – "Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign that Changed America"; "Reagan’s Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All"; and" Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan". His book "December 1941: 31 Days that Changed America and Saved the World" appeared multiple times on the New York Times bestselling list in December 2011 and January 2012.

Description

In 1976, when Ronald Reagan lost his second bid for the GOP presidential nomination (the first was in 1968), most observers believed his political career was over.  Yet one year later, at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, Reagan sounded like a new man.  He introduced conservatives to a “New Republican Party” – one that looked beyond the traditional country club and corporate boardroom base to embrace "the man and woman in the factories ... the farmer ... the cop on the beat.  Our party,” Reagan said, “must be the party of the individual.  It must not sell out the individual to cater to the group.”  Reagan’s movement quickly spread, championed by emerging conservative leaders and influential think tanks.  Meanwhile, for the first time in modern history, Reagan also began drawing young people to American conservatism. 

But it was not only the former governor's political philosophy that was changing.  A new man was emerging as well: The angry anti-communist was evolving into a more reflective, thoughtful, hopeful, and more spiritual leader.  Championing the individual at home, rejecting containment and détente abroad, and advocating for the defeat of Soviet communism, his appeal crossed party lines.  At a time when conservatives are seeking to redefine their identity in light of the Donald Trump phenomenon, Reagan Rising offers insight into the development of Reagan’s optimistic and unifying philosophy and lessons for both established political leaders as well as emerging hopefuls.