John Harmer, author of REAGAN, Man of Principle witnessed the man who governed California from 1967 to 1975 and would go on to become 40th President of the United States, from the unique perspective of Lt. Governor. The author"s relationship with Ronald Reagan begins in 1962, four years before Reagan"s election as Governor. In personal conversations and correspondence with the author, Reagan defines the principles that will ultimately guide him as Governor and President. It was in California as Governor that Ronald Reagan first experienced the conflict between principle and power in politics. John Harmer provides examples on how Reagan"s unyielding faithfulness to his principles became the most essential facet of his political power. As he experienced the opposition and criticism of the liberal media and his political opponents, Reagan"s capacity to continue to his ultimate objective was refined and confirmed.
Of the book Edwin Meese III, Attorney General to President Reagan said:
"I truly believe this small book has captured the essence of Ronald Reagan"s character. Every person who reads this book will have a better understanding of how it was that Ronald Reagan"s loyalty to the fundamental principles enabled him to become one of the greatest men of the twentieth century. I am grateful to John Harmer for giving us the privilege of sharing these private moments with Ronald Reagan, in which his greatness was so quietly but clearly revealed."