Favorite Son

Abstract

Chapter Six covers the Republican National Convention in Miami, concentrating on the behind-the-scenes campaign of Ronald Reagan. The new governor of California communicated the principles of the New Right in a more genial, telegenic way than the disastrous 1964 nominee, Barry Goldwater. Conservative delegates at the convention adored Reagan. But thanks to a deal with South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond, Nixon held off a last-minute defection of southern delegates, ensuring his nomination. His vice-presidential selection of Spiro Agnew further signaled the Republican’s emerging base in the suburbs and New South.