Sold – Reagan Looks to Leading California With “Mixed Emotions”

California Republicans were impressed with Reagan’s political views and charisma after his “Time for Choosing” speech for Barry Goldwater in 1964 and nominated him for Governor of California in 1966. In Reagan’s campaign, he emphasized two main themes: “to send the welfare bums back to work,” and in reference to burgeoning anti-war and anti-establishment student protests at the University of California at Berkeley, “to clean up the mess at Berkeley.” He was effective on the campaign trail and was handily elected, defeating two-term governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown. The new Governor would be sworn in on January 3, 1967. As he readied himself for his inauguration, he was absorbed with the preparation and his mind was burdened by knowledge of the tasks and responsibilities just ahead. He confided this to an old friend, Charles W. Horn, who was former NBC Director of Research and Development and was involved in developing television in the same era that Reagan was a film star.

Typed Letter Signed on his governor-elect letterhead, California, December 5, 1966, to Horn. “Can’t tell you how good it was to hear from you and how much I appreciate your generous words. You make me very proud. I’ve already discovered the one thing harder than campaigning is winning and facing the chores. I must say the challenge is great and exciting and I look forward to it with mixed emotions.”