A Time For Choosing Speech

Viewed as one of the great orators, Ronald Reagan had a gift for captivating Americans. Before his days as a politician in California and eventually Washington, Reagan was a successful actor and social figure in America. Appearing in dozens of movies and television shows, he was a household name in the film industry. In 1964, he was called upon by Barry Goldwater and the Republican Party to speak on behalf of the presidential candidate hoping to acquire some momentum as the elections neared. In an era dominated by liberal rule, the move was desperate, yet calculated as Republicans called upon one of the most influential men in America. While Reagan himself had not yet entered the political arena, his astounding film career gave him both favor and distinction in the eyes of Americans. Although he was not able to assist Barry Goldwater in winning the 1964 election, his “A Time for Choosing” speech is remembered as one of the greatest speeches of all-time. His oratory eloquence, combined with his passion for American politics, cemented his speech in
The emotions he unveiled were backed by chilling facts and a level of honesty that began to establish a trust amongst Americans. He pointed out facts about the government collectivizing the people into ‘The Great Society’ and ‘The Masses’ when the government should be serving every individual member of society. His hope to stop the liberal movement was his answer for preventing the government from acquiring an overwhelming sense of centralized power and authority. On this he rallied Americans of all parties who believed in their personal freedoms, and disapproved of government intervention. Establishing a level of trust amongst Americans that conservatism would be the answer. However, Reagan needed much more than an emotional connection to win Barry Goldwater the