Inside the Beltway: Ronald Reagan’s real rendezvous with destiny

NEWS AND OPINION:

Five decades ago, Ronald Reagan delivered a speech titled “A Time for Choosing” that shook up Republicans and introduced the nation to then-presidential hopeful Barry Goldwater. It was a visceral, telling moment. “I think it’s time we ask ourselves if we still know the freedoms that were intended for us by the Founding Fathers,” Reagan told the 1964 Republican National Convention, later framing the Grand Old Party’s ultimate journey as “a rendezvous with destiny.” The Grand Old Party got a little grander that day.

“It is one of the most important speeches in American history, as it changes radically the arc of Reagan’s career. It set him on a path toward the California governorship, and from there eventually to the White House. And from there, into the history books. Reagan’s presidency bent light — and thus altered the future. It was that speech which changed Reagan instantaneously from being an actor to a national political leader,” historian Craig Shirley tells Inside the Beltway. He is, in fact, author of multiple Reagan books including one titled “Rendezvous with Destiny.”

Mr. Shirley is also on his way this weekend to “Rancho del Cielo,” Reagan’s beloved ranch in Santa Barbara, California. The author will be among the luminaries poised to parse the speech for enthusiastic young audiences assembled at the historic spot by Young America’s Foundation, an organization devoted to conservative causes on college campuses. Also among those appearing: Washington Times opinion editor David Keene, Heritage Foundation scholar Lee Edwards, radio host Lars Larson and Fox News regulars Kate Obenshain, Ainsley Earhardt and James Rosen. Live online video broadcasts of the big doings abound through Saturday at YAF.org.

On Monday — the actual anniversary of the speech — Mr. Shirley heads to Yale University for a forum with Barry Goldwater, Jr. But wait. Reagan, conservatives and (meaningful pause) Yale? Why, uh, yes. The program is being offered under the William F. Buckley Jr. Program, founded four years ago by Yale undergraduates “to promote intellectual diversity” on the campus.

AND ONE MORE THING

“Why did Ronald Reagan win those landslides? Why did George W. Bush have such a difficult time winning and keeping the White House? Why did Mitt Romney and John McCain lose? Why is the tea party so powerful?” demands American Spectator columnist Jeffrey Lord. “All one has to do to understand is re-visit that ’Time for Choosing’ speech from fifty years ago this month. It’s all right there — if one cares to look.”

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SEE ALSO: Author calls for South to secede and form country called Reagan

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Take a look here: ReaganFoundation.org, under the Ronald Reagan heading titled “The Great Communicator.”

TRUMPED

Donald Trump was actually in the nation’s capital this week, checking the construction progress on his new hotel project just down the street from the White House and receiving an award from the Wharton School of Finance. The billionaire still pines for politics, however — and still has much to say. These tweets have all appeared in the last 48 hours:

“If Mitt Romney were in the private sector and he suffered the horrendous loss of 2012, do you think he’d re-hire himself for 2016? I don’t.”

“Tremendous pressure on President Obama to institute a travel ban on Ebola stricken West Africa. At some point this stubborn dope will fold!”

“Why are we letting the three girls, who left the U.S. to join ISIS, back into our country? How stupid has our once respected country become?’’

CANADA AT THE READY

“The heroic sergeant-at-arms who shot dead a lone gunman in Canada’s Parliament on Wednesday has been greeted back to work with a lengthy standing ovation. Kevin Vickers, 58, struggled to contain his emotions as members of the House of Commons paid tribute to his bravery, which put an end to Michael Zehaf-Bibeau’s shooting spree.”

“Rousing footage shows Vickers leading a ceremonial parade into the chamber on Thursday morning and being greeted by enthusiastic applause from the members of Parliament. He managed to stay mostly expressionless throughout the standing ovation — simply nodding in thanks several times — but as the cheers continued, he appeared to tear up with emotion.”

And so says a Daily Mail report in the aftermath of the Ottawa terrorist incident, which is causing self-examination on this side of the border as well.

“The United States must wage a robust effort here at home to combat violent Islamist extremism by working with local communities to intervene when we see signs of it, fighting against online Islamist propaganda, and providing ways to stop individuals lured into the ’jihadi cool’ subculture before they act,” says Rep. Mike McCaul, Texas Republican and chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

ONE FOR JAMES FOLEY

A somber recognition this week: the annual Oxi Day Award, granted to those “who took courageous action in an effort to protect or acquire freedom and democracy” was given posthumously to James Foley, who was publicly executed by the Islamic State in Syria on August 19. His parents Diane and John Foley, brothers Michael and John and other family members were there to stand for the fallen journalist, nominated for the award by former President Bill Clinton. Behind the moment: The Oxi Day Foundation is a nonprofit founded to honor the courageous actions of Greeks against Axis Forces during the Second World War.

“Foley, the first American citizen killed by ISIS in response to American airstrikes in Iraq, was selected for this award because he showed the same extraordinary David-vs-Golliath courage for freedom and democracy against ISIS that Greece showed against the Nazis in World War II,” the organization says. Also honored: the “soul of Ukraine’s revolution” Ruslana Lyzhychko and former President of Israel Shimon Peres.

WEEKEND REAL ESTATE

“The New Monticello,” built earlier this year in Somers, Connecticut, was modeled after the historic estate of Thomas Jefferson. The main mansion is 10,000 square-feet, with five bedrooms, nine baths, plus horse facilities on nine acres. Constructed from brick handmade in Virginia, soffits and balustrades designed after the 18th-century originals. Double staircase, seven fireplaces, soaring ceilings with period lighting, custom cabinetry, flooring, woodwork, marble; a “stunning replica” built by Prestley Blake, co-founder of Friendly’s Ice Cream. Priced at $6.5 million through WilliamPitt.com, property listing No. N355823.

POLL DU JOUR

• 71 percent of Americans support continued airstrikes against Islamic State factions; 79 percent of Republicans, 70 percent of Democrats and 73 percent of independents agree.

• 68 percent of Americans do not approve of the way Congress has handled the conflict; 78 percent of Republicans, 60 percent of Democrats and 73 percent of independents agree.

• 57 percent overall do not have confidence in current U.S. policy in the matter; 82 percent of Republicans, 40 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of independents agree.

• 55 percent overall do not approve of President Obama’s policies in the conflict; 82 percent of Republicans, 30 percent of Democrats and 61 percent of independents agree.

• 48 percent say the situation is getting worse; 67 percent of Republicans, 36 percent of Democrats and 50 percent of independents agree.

• 40 percent would support sending ground troops; 56 percent of Republicans, 32 percent of Democrats and 39 percent of independents agree.

Source: A Harris Poll of 2,205 U.S. adults conducted April 15-20.

• Petulant decrees, polite applause to jharper@ washingtontimes.com.