Early Political Career
Reagan began his political career as a Democrat, and strongly opposed the use of nuclear weapons. Reagan supported Harry Truman, a Democrat, but later voted for Republican presidents such as Eisenhower and Nixon. Reagan eventually became a conservative, influenced by the television channel he was hosting a show for. In 1962, he officially left the Democratic Party to join the Republican Party. As a Republican, he showed his strong opposition to government intrusion on citizen’s personal liberties. Reagan strongly supported presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, speaking for him on live television. He gave a rousing speech, known as a Time for Choosing, and collectively called, The Speech. “You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream – the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order – or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism.” This event was the kick-off to Reagan’s political career, and the speech brought over 1 million people to support Barry Goldwater for his election.
The Republicans of California were impressed with Reagan’s speech, and decided to support his run for Governor. Reagan ended up defeating former San Francisco Mayor George Christopher in the election for Governor. Reagan accomplished many things during his time as governor, including approving tax increases to stabilize the state budget, and using the National Guard to disperse protesters in Berkeley Reagan was a huge advocate for states’ rights, and showed support for divorce reform. He was also a believer in many Republican ideas, such as the desire for a smaller federal government. Reagan was re-elected to Governor of California in 1970. Reagan decided not to run for a third term 1974, and was succeeded by the California secretary of state, Jerry Brown.
The Republicans of California were impressed with Reagan’s speech, and decided to support his run for Governor. Reagan ended up defeating former San Francisco Mayor George Christopher in the election for Governor. Reagan accomplished many things during his time as governor, including approving tax increases to stabilize the state budget, and using the National Guard to disperse protesters in Berkeley Reagan was a huge advocate for states’ rights, and showed support for divorce reform. He was also a believer in many Republican ideas, such as the desire for a smaller federal government. Reagan was re-elected to Governor of California in 1970. Reagan decided not to run for a third term 1974, and was succeeded by the California secretary of state, Jerry Brown.