TLS signed “Dick,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, February 24, 1967. Letter to "The Honorable Ronald Reagan, Governor of California," in full: "Through my private intelligence, I have learned that you will be the speaker at the Gridiron Dinner on March 11. The purpose of this note is to wish you well and to tell you how sorry I am that I will be in Europe on that date on the first leg of my two-month round-the-world tour. The Gridiron speech, as you know, is quite a treat for the average political figure. My guess is, however, that this white tie audience will present no significant problem for you. After the battle of Berkeley, everything else should seem easy. Pat joins me in sending our best to Nancy and you." Stamped at the head: "Received, Governor's Office, 1967 Mar 2." In fine condition.
Ronald Reagan was chosen as the Republican speaker for the annual dinner of the Gridiron Club—one of the oldest journalistic societies in Washington—only two months after Reagan was sworn into office as governor of California. In his speech, he poked fun at Washington insiders and the presidency, saying: 'I've been surprised since I've been here, how everyone is speculating about who's going to be the next Pres.—well almost everyone. And why not, after all this is a country where any Tom, Dick or Harry can run for Pres. And come to think of it one of them made it…Just the thought of being Pres. is frightening. Imagine being the most powerful man in the world—next to Robt. MacNamara.' For his part, Nixon had attended the Gridiron Dinner every year during his vice presidency, where he endured jokes at his expense because most refused to take on Ike. During his presidency, Nixon would attend the dinner just twice. An interesting piece of political history, connecting two Republican presidents.
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