Nation: Keeping It in the Family

Reagan is careful to share his trust with only a select few

Although he has few intimate friends, Ronald Reagan does have an inner group of longtime political associates to whom he offers the ultimate accolade: "They are family." What they have in common is loyalty to the candidate and a lack of intrusive personal ambition. Collectively they offer Reagan something he prizes highly: a sense of security and serenity. Four who are all in the family:

Ed Meese. Soft-spoken and self-effacing, Edwin Meese III, 48, is the man who influences Reagan the most on...

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