Michael K. Deaver

Oral History detailed view.

Speaker: Michael Deaver

Date: September 12, 2002

Description:

Michael Deaver tells the story of his thirty-year professional relationship with Ronald Reagan, and his service as one of Reagan's closest advisors during his gubernatorial and presidential years. Deaver begins with his initial contact with Reagan as a member of the California Republican Party in the 1960s, and how he came to join the Governor's staff from 1967 to 1975. He delves into a detailed account of his role in the 1976 and 1980 presidential campaigns, where he served as a top advisor to Reagan. Deaver's tenure as Deputy White House Chief of Staff from 1981 to 1985 is closely examined, particularly his perspective on the White House staff and the so-called troika arrangement, and his famously close relationship with the First Lady. He also discusses many of the key events that occurred during his service, including the assassination attempt, the air-traffic controllers' strike, the war in Grenada, and the terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut. As one of Reagan's closest advisors, Deaver offers a wealth of insights into the President's sense of humor, faith, intelligence, and several other facets of a personality that continues to fascinate historians.

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