History at a Personal Level principles and decisively win against the rising star of the Kennedy family. RFK is even rumored to have commented after the debate, “Never put me on television with Reagan again; it is impossible to match him.” Over the next few decades, as a member of Congress, I had the chance to work with both candidate Reagan and President Reagan, but now that I was at his home, I suddenly began to reassess some
of my assumptions about the man and to deepen my understanding of his character. The Ranch is small and simple, with a level of intimacy and comfort that makes it a stark contrast to the White House. When walking around the living room, kitchen, family room, bedroom, etc, I knew that I was in a place where this very famous, busy couple retreated to simply be themselves.
Talk radio host Mark Larson greets Speaker Gingrich prior to emceeing the breakfast in the David Louis Bartlett Visitors Center.
Clearly, the Reagans were unique people—there is a pattern of western pictures, gear, and furnishings throughout the Ranch that testifies to Reagan’s bond with the American West and the traditions of the cowboy, the Native American, the working man, and the cavalry. In fact, I learned that Reagan himself had served in the cavalry in the Army reserve and that his horsemanship owed a considerable debt to the U.S. Army.
Speaker Gingrich visits Rancho del Cielo to tour the President’s home and film part of his forthcoming film, Rendezvous with Destiny.
Reagan could have continued the movie star lifestyle, moving among the great, the rich, and the powerful. Instead, he chose a small ranch house—a home that many would call small, quaint, or humble. Callista and I highly recommend a visit to the Reagan Ranch. It will have a significant part in our film, Rendezvous with Destiny, and it will help anyone who visits better understand one of our greatest presidents.
Newt and Callista Gingrich stop near the entryway to the Reagan Ranch.
Young America’s Foundation • Libertas
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