Strengthening Constitutional Self-Government

No Left Turns

Defending the Gipper--Again

Over at NRO, I offer an extended rant in response to yesterday’s New York Times piece on "Rethinking [meaning--abandon] the Reagan Mystique."

Which gives me another opportunity to ask: Have you pre-ordered your copy yet?

Discussions - 2 Comments

Mr. Hayward, I know that this question is a bit beyond the timeframe of your new book, as the event in question supposedly occurred at the end of '92, but considering how timely and pertinent it is to both the Harwood article and the current, intense conservative vacillation on the extent to which Limbaugh should be shunned or embraced (tied to whether he does or should lead the conservative wing/heart of the GOP), I've got to ask.

My question is this: Can you confirm that Ronald Reagan sent this unsolicited note to Rush Limbaugh in December of '92? The note saying this:

==


Dear Rush,

Thanks for all you're doing to promote Republican and conservative principles. Now that I've retired from active politics, I don't mind that you have become the Number One voice for conservatism in our Country.

I know the liberals call you "the most dangerous man in America," but don't worry about it, they used to say the same thing about me. Keep up the good work. America needs to hear the way things ought to be."

Sincerely, Ron


--

If the letter and its contents are accurate my follow-up query is, was Reagan correct about Limbaugh being the number one voice for conservatism in America, and is Reagan still correct?

I can't guarantee a pre-order of the book, but I'll see if my hometown library system gets it.

Craig:

I don't know, but I'll be seeing Jim Bowman (author of the article where this factoid is cited) next week and will ask him about its provenance.

I suspect it is genuine, though, for one simple reason: Reagan loved radio, as we know, and probably admired the skill Limbaugh showed.

As for today, well, a tougher question. I still think Limbaugh is the best and smartest of the talkies, but I usually turn the channel in my car after about 45 seconds.

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