Nation: They Thought They Were Better

The men beaten by Reagan reflect on the lessons of losing

A leader is one who, out of madness or goodness, volunteers to take upon himself the woe of a people. There are few men so foolish; hence the erratic quality of leadership in the world.

—John Updike

As the Republican Party plays out the final ceremony of nominating Ronald Reagan this week, there will be supporting roles for the handful of men who fought against him and lost. The television cameras will again broadcast their images, they will make their speeches, and one of...

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