# 4078 FDC - 2006 39c Ronald Reagan
39¢ Ronald Reagan
City: Washington, DC
Quantity Issued: 50,000,000
Printed by: American Packaging Corporation for Sennett Security Products
Printing method: Photogravure
Perforations: Die cut 10 ¾
Color: Multicolored
On October 27, 1964, Ronald Reagan delivered his “A Time for Choosing” speech for Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign, making him a national name.
Even as a young man, Reagan showed an interest in acting and politics. He appeared in school plays throughout his high school career and was elected president of the student council. And in college he participated in many different sports, played the lead role in several school productions, and served as the president of the student body.
By 1964, Reagan was co-chairman of Californians for Barry Goldwater, the Republican candidate for president that year. He traveled up and down the state delivering stirring campaign speeches. One night, a group of Republican leaders were in the audience and approached him after the speech. They asked if we would deliver that speech on national T.V. He agreed, and suggested that they film him in front of a live audience, which they agreed to do.
In contrast to Goldwater’s combative slogans, Reagan shared emotional stories. He strongly opposed big government and criticized its increasing expansion, saying “No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. So, government’s programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”
Reagan’s speech is often considered one of the most effective ever made for a candidate. His biographer, Craig Shirley, said that the speech “defined conservatism for 50 years.” Though Goldwater lost the election, Reagan became a national political figure. He was asked to run for Governor of California and began his ascent to the presidency.
39¢ Ronald Reagan
City: Washington, DC
Quantity Issued: 50,000,000
Printed by: American Packaging Corporation for Sennett Security Products
Printing method: Photogravure
Perforations: Die cut 10 ¾
Color: Multicolored
On October 27, 1964, Ronald Reagan delivered his “A Time for Choosing” speech for Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign, making him a national name.
Even as a young man, Reagan showed an interest in acting and politics. He appeared in school plays throughout his high school career and was elected president of the student council. And in college he participated in many different sports, played the lead role in several school productions, and served as the president of the student body.
By 1964, Reagan was co-chairman of Californians for Barry Goldwater, the Republican candidate for president that year. He traveled up and down the state delivering stirring campaign speeches. One night, a group of Republican leaders were in the audience and approached him after the speech. They asked if we would deliver that speech on national T.V. He agreed, and suggested that they film him in front of a live audience, which they agreed to do.
In contrast to Goldwater’s combative slogans, Reagan shared emotional stories. He strongly opposed big government and criticized its increasing expansion, saying “No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. So, government’s programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”
Reagan’s speech is often considered one of the most effective ever made for a candidate. His biographer, Craig Shirley, said that the speech “defined conservatism for 50 years.” Though Goldwater lost the election, Reagan became a national political figure. He was asked to run for Governor of California and began his ascent to the presidency.