Campaign Notes

You have our solemn pledge that we will never quote George Santayana on the subject of history, but the campaign just completed did yield nuggets of wisdom that presidential aspirants will ignore at their peril.

1. Don’t forget to play your high card. One of the many things we missed in the Reagan campaign was the centerpiece of his other campaigns, both state and national: stemwinding patriotic orations. Ronald Reagan may be the only man in America who can moisten the eyes of the citizenry with his call to duty and country. (The speech was drafted. Brilliantly drafted. An eye-moistener.)

About the Author

Neal B. Freeman

Neal B. Freeman, businessman and journalist, was a director of National Review Inc. for 38 years.

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You have our solemn pledge that we will never quote George Santayana on the subject of history, but the campaign just completed did yield nuggets of wisdom that presidential aspirants will ignore at their peril.

1. Don’t forget to play your high card. One of the many things we missed in the Reagan campaign was the centerpiece of his other campaigns, both state and national: stemwinding patriotic orations. Ronald Reagan may be the only man in America who can moisten the eyes of the citizenry with his call to duty and country. (The speech was drafted. Brilliantly drafted. An eye-moistener.)