Lou Cannon: The Reporter Who Saw Reagan’s Presidency Before Anyone Else
Lou Cannon, a veteran journalist whose career spanned decades and intimately chronicled the rise of Ronald Reagan, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of insightful political reporting and definitive biographies. Cannon wasn’t just reporting on Reagan; he was one of the first to recognize the unique force of nature that would become the 40th President of the United States. This article delves into cannon’s life, his early encounters with Reagan, and the enduring impact of his work.
From New York Roots to the Heart of california Politics
Born in New York City and raised in Reno, Nevada, Cannon’s journey to becoming a leading political biographer began with a foundation in observation and storytelling. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and later San Francisco State Collage, before serving in the U.S. Army.
His career truly took off when he joined the San Jose Mercury News as a reporter, tasked with covering a relatively unknown Ronald Reagan as he began his foray into california politics. This early assignment proved pivotal. It allowed Cannon to witness firsthand the qualities that would define Reagan’s success.
The First Impression: Recognizing a Star
Cannon vividly recalled his first encounter with Reagan in 1965. It wasn’t a formal policy discussion, but a luncheon event for reporters and lobbyists. What struck him wasn’t Reagan’s political platform, but his sheer presence.
Reagan wasn’t simply reciting lines; he commanded the room, answering questions with a confidence that belied his background as an actor. As Cannon observed, the term “actor” was often synonymous with superficiality. But Reagan, he quickly realized, was anything but.
The surprise wasn’t just Reagan’s competence, but the immediate reaction of the attendees. Reporters and lobbyists, typically focused on policy details, mobbed Reagan for autographs. This wasn’t the behavior one would expect for a typical politician. Cannon, sensing something extraordinary, introduced himself.
He remembered being especially struck by Reagan’s eyes – “steely” and possessing a captivating intensity. This initial impression fueled a prediction to his editor: “If I were running this thing, why would anybody want to run against somebody that everybody knows and everybody likes?” He boldly predicted Reagan would become president, even before the governorship was secured.
Chronicling the Rise of a Political Phenomenon
Cannon’s instincts proved remarkably accurate. In 1966, Reagan was elected governor of California by a landslide - nearly a million votes. Cannon found himself writing about Reagan every day. He was uniquely positioned to observe and analyze the former actor’s political evolution.
he noticed a consistent pattern: Reagan’s opponents consistently underestimated him. They assumed his celebrity status would be a weakness,failing to recognize his determination and political savvy. Reagan proved them wrong, not onc, but twice, ultimately winning the presidency.
Cannon understood this dynamic. He described Reagan as a “celebrity, force of nature” – someone people genuinely wanted to connect with, reminiscent of the Kennedy era. It wasn’t just about policy; it was about the aura, the charisma, the feeling of being in the presence of someone special.
A Legacy of Definitive Biographies
Cannon’s deep understanding of Reagan culminated in two highly acclaimed biographies:
* “Reagan” (1982): A foundational work that established Cannon as the preeminent Reagan biographer.
* “President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime” (1991): Widely considered a thorough and definitive biography of the 40th president.
These books weren’t simply historical accounts; they were informed by years of observation, interviews, and a keen understanding of Reagan’s character. They offered readers a nuanced portrait of a complex and frequently enough misunderstood figure.
Beyond Reagan: A Career of investigative Journalism
While best known for his work on Reagan, Cannon’s journalistic career extended far beyond the White House.He demonstrated a commitment to uncovering meaningful stories, irrespective of the subject matter.
He authored a compelling book about the LAPD and the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles,shedding light on the systemic issues that contributed to the unrest. He also investigated and wrote about a 1970s heroin kingpin in Las Vegas,showcasing his ability to delve into the darker corners of American society.
A Personal Life Root
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