After producing over 400 training films for the military during World War II, Reagan dipped a toe in politics as President of the Screen Actors Guild and defended union members against Joseph McCarthy's charges that Hollywood had become infested by Communists and "fellow travelers". He hosted long-running drama and western television series into the 1960s, but became increasingly involved in politics, dropping his former loyalty to New Deal Democrats and campaigning for right wing Republican Presidential nominee Barry Goldwater in 1964, agreeing with the candidate's opposition to Civil Rights legislation, Medicare for seniors, and other government programs. He won consecutive terms as Governor of California in 1967 and 1971, gaining support from conservatives nationwide for his criticism of student activism on California campuses. He lost a bid for the Republican Presidential nomination in 1976 to incumbent Gerald Ford, but won the nomination and election against Jimmy Carter in 1980.
Source: Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
2 окт 2024
