Lot 122
Reagan, Ronald. President Reagan's last convention speech as sitting President, with over 130 words added in his hand, 17 typed pages, 11" x 8½", n.p., n.d. This is the Presidential address given at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana on Monday, August 15, 1988. The speech was written in collaboration with Ken Khachigian, his former Chief of Speechwriting. The President made additions and corrections in both black and blue ink, indicating that corrections were made on two different occasions. This was the final draft of the speech before it was prepared in final form for the teleprompter which he used at the convention. Fine condition; one crease at lower right corners and two paper-clip marks on first page. Truly a unique document.
The President pays tribute to his wife, Nancy, and endorses the candidacy of George H.W. Bush. He looks back on the country and the world when he came into office, remembering the summer of 1980 as "a summer of discontent for America around the world." He said "We rolled up our sleeves and went to work in January of 1981; we focused on hope, not despair….we believed that a society is great, not because of promises made by its government, but only because of progress made by its people. That was our change…" He goes into detail about domestic and international events, including his signing "the first treaty in world history to eliminate an entire class of U.S. and Soviet nuclear missiles." After praising George Bush at length, he asks him to "Go out there and make it one more for the Gipper," then he bids a fond farewell, made all the more poignant by what was to come.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
From a former member of President Reagan's staff.
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| Realized $2,875 |
