Reagan: The Life (132 page)

Reagan’s GE job required meeting company employees. The female workers usually outnumbered the males in the get-to-know-you sessions.

His breakthrough to the political world occurred when he campaigned for Barry Goldwater in 1964. Goldwater lost the election, but Reagan won conservative hearts.

He proved a natural, easily winning his first race, for California governor. Nancy joins him at the inaugural ball.

His children sometimes felt forgotten amid their father’s celebrity, but they knew how to smile for the camera. From left: Patti, Nancy, Reagan, Michael, Maureen, Ron.

On January 20, 1981, Reagan stepped onto his largest stage. Here he is about to address the world for the first time as president of the United States.

The new president disappointed Edwin Meese, here at his right hand, by giving the job of White House chief of staff to James Baker, at his immediate left. Meese grudgingly became counselor to the president. Michael Deaver, who had a special bond with both Reagan and Nancy, became Baker’s deputy.

Secretary of State Alexander Haig, at the far left, is not sharing the laugh; he rarely did, for he often thought the laughs were at his expense. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger is pointing to something the president likes. James Baker is closely monitoring what Weinberger is telling Reagan; he always did.