Redstate

By krempasky Posted in The White House — Comments (6) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Since Ronald Reagan passed away a few years ago, we have seen several members of his inner circle follow him once again. Lyn Nofzinger, Jeanne Kirkpatrick, and Cap Weinberger all helped craft and carry the Reagan message of hope, optimism, and freedom. But no helped the American people see Reagan’s sunny disposition and love of America more than Mike Deaver. No one helped the country get to know Reagan the man more than Mike Deaver. And as of this morning, Mike's race is over as he passed away, surrounded by his family.

One of the greatest opportunities I’ve had since joining Edelman has been the chance to spend some time and get to know one of the brightest and talented people I’ve ever met. Mike could give you thirty seconds of feedback or share twenty minutes of stories from his time in the White House and as part of the Reagan family – and you always realized that the former was exactly spot-on and the latter ended far too quickly.

Granted, when it came to his innate ability to show Reagan in Reagan’s best light there was nothing but praise for Mike, but a few conservatives parted company with Deaver through the years over policy or priority.

What were those priorities? One cab ride answered that question for me. Mike and I were heading to Capitol Hill – me only a few months on the job and a little nervous about spending time with a guy whose autographed book I would have happily stood in line to get. So lacking anything interesting of my own to offer, I instead just kept asking him questions about the White House.

Since most of the Reaganites I knew to date were policy warriors or activists, everyone of them could tell you which issue kept them up at night - which issue kept them out of the private sector. I hoped to figure out what made Mike tick – what drove him to serve. I can’t remember how it came up, but I asked him if Communism was his “issue.” Almost instantaneously, he responded, “Ronald Reagan was my issue.”

And that pretty much says everything. Our firm lost a tremendous colleague, but the country is far worse off. So wish Godspeed to Mike, and offer your prayers for his family.

(more below the fold)

UPDATE: Mike and Charlie Rose, reflecting on Reagan.

UPDATE: STATEMENT BY MRS. RONALD REAGAN ON THE DEATH OF MICHAEL K. DEAVER

Los Angeles, California – Mike was the closest of friends to both Ronnie and me in many ways, and he was like a son to Ronnie. Our lives were so blessed by his love and friendship for over forty years. We met great challenges together, not just in Sacramento during Ronnie’s years as Governor, but certainly during our time at the White House. I will miss Mike terribly.

I know Carolyn, Amanda, Blair and their entire family are devastated. My heart is broken for them and I send much love.
###