Goldwater and Reagan
With my morning coffee in hand, I glanced over at a stack of books near my desk and saw Reagan: A Life in Letters. After flipping through the pages, I found this nice exchange between Barry Goldwater and Reagan in 1988. The paragraph in italics below is how the book introduces Reagan's letter (p. 695):
Three days after Vice President George Bush defeated Governor Michael Dukakis in the presidential race, Senator Barry Goldwater wrote President Reagan and said, "I just wanted you to know...that I have appreciated your Presidency, I think you have done one hell of a job. You started the country on a new route, one it should not have deviated from in the first place. I hope, during the course of time, that we might have the pleasure of seeing each other, together with your wonderful Nancy. In the meantime, just know you have the undying thanks of this old American, and you always will." President Reagan sends a note of appreciation to the senator.
Senator Barry Goldwater
Scottsdale, Arizona
November 21, 1988
Dear Barry:
Just received your nice letter and I thank you for your generous words. They mean a lot to me.
As you can imagine I'm looking at January 20 with mixed emotions. There is of course anticipation about getting back to California and the ranch but then some regret because of things we didn't get done here.
I hope our paths will cross and Nancy joins me in this. She sends her love and from both of us warmest regards.
Again thanks --
Sincerely,
Ron
