Ronald Reagan, Reagan by Lou Cannon Essay -- essays research papers

shank, Lou. Reagan. refreshing York Putnam, 1982.     Lou Cannon has c overed Ronald Reagan for thirty-six days, first as a reporter for the San Jose Mercury spick-and-spans, later as the White suffer correspondent for the Washington Post. He began with covering Reagans first campaign for regulator of California in 1966 and continued until Reagans recent death in 2004. His otherwise books on Reagan include Ronnie and Jesse A Political Odyssey, Ronald Reagan The Presidential Portfolio, President Reagan The intention of a Lifetime, Governor Reagan His Rise to Power, and several others.     After following and operative closely with Reagan, Cannon forms an obvious relationship and opinion of him. Cannon admits that he "like(s) and respect(s) Ronald Reagan while remaining skeptical that his actions will achieve the results he intends," (Cannon, 1981, 15). Cannon writes that he was at first skeptical of Reagans abilities to perform as death chair specifically with foreign policy and his economic theories. However, Cannon argues that Reagans presidency may mirror his governorship, "he started ineptly but soon evolved into a fitted governor who was willing to sacrifice ideology for political achievement," (Cannon, 1981, 15). Because this book was indite during Regans first year as president, Cannon is unable to record effect evidence to support his own theory, although he accomplishes this in his following books just about President Reagan. Cannon, an obvious conservative supporter of Reagan, includes criticisms and shortcomings of Reagan as well as praise. Cannon does non let his individual(prenominal) relationship skew his books and has thus become known as Reagans definitive biographer.      Cannons mission to allow for an in depth biography of the nations fortieth president and his ability to lead, begins by tracing Reagans origins, his hopes and dreams, fears, achieveme nts and failures. Cannon provides the reader with insight to Reagans childhood and adolescent years and attempts to explain the beginnings of Reagans motivations, optimism and determination. Cannon argues that much of Reagans optimism, determination and political motivation prick from living through the Depression. Reagan sees the Depression as a national tragedy, not a personal one, and forever becomes enthralled with Presi... ...f Reagans life including those listed previously.     Reagan offers an insight into the occasion presidents life and presidency prior to 1982. It is well written, providing colorful anecdotes which keep the readers interest. The personal stories give vivid insight into Reagans childhood, young adult life and primordial political career. Although intended to support the idea that Reagan was prepared and qualified for the presidency, Reagan is comprised of over four hundred pages describing Reagan as ill-equipped for the job. Cannons overcompensation for detachment contradicts his argument that," He (Reagan) belonged in the White House. He had every right to dream gilded dreams," (Cannon, 1981, 411). Though the book is well researched and organized its evidence overwhelms its conclusion.     ReferenceCannon, Lou. Reagan. New York Putnam, 1982.Cooke, Allistair, "Reagan." Review of Reagan, by Lou Cannon. New Yorker, March 14, 1983,      148.Wilkie, Curtis, "Reagan," Review of Reagan, by Lou Cannon. New York Times Book Review,      October 3, 1982.