The Cool Texan: Master of the Game

May 1980. With only a few primaries remaining, Ronald Reagan had the Republican nomination sewn up. Yet one challenger, George Bush, doggedly stayed in the race. Bush's campaign manager and best friend, James Baker, pleaded with him to withdraw. Bush refused. Finally Baker announced at a press conference that Bush was pulling out of the California primary because of lack of funds. Bush, in New Jersey, was shocked when he learned from reporters of Baker's statement and immediately flew to Houston to confront his campaign manager. The incident came close to ending Bush and Baker's friendship. But Bush's retreat ultimately helped...

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