Governor Branstad today praised the political instincts of former first lady Nancy Reagan who died this weekend at the age of 94.
Branstad recalled the 1980 Iowa caucus campaign when Ronald Reagan lost to George H.W. Bush. Branstad says the campaign chairman was fired after ignoring Branstad’s advice, and Nancy Reagan played a role in that.
“She had a good political antenna,” Branstad said. “She wasn't afraid to whisper in the president’s ear if there were changes that should be made or she felt were not being loyal to the president.”
Back in 1980, Branstad says he tried to advise campaign chairman John Sears that Reagan should visit all 99 counties. Instead, Sears was scheduling rallies in each of Iowa’s congressional districts.
“I could see that wasn't working,” Branstad said. “He would not return my phone calls. As soon as Iowa was over, and Nancy played a role in this, Sears was fired.”
Branstad says George H.W. Bush, with the help of his wife and sons, did visit all 99 counties. Bush won the Iowa caucuses. But Reagan won the nomination, and chose Bush as his running mate.
Later, after Branstad became governor, he and his wife were annual guests at the Reagan White House during the National Governors Association winter meeting in Washington.
"That is always a wonderful experience and Nancy Reagan was always a great host," Branstad said.