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[Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign That Changed America] [By: Shirley, Craig] [January, 2011]
“A first-rate work of insider history . . . A monumental accomplishment.” — National Review The election that changed Craig Shirley’s masterful account of the 1980 presidential campaign reveals how a race judged “too close to call” as late as Election Day became a Reagan landslide—and altered the course of history. To write Rendezvous with Destiny , Shirley gained unprecedented access to 1980 campaign files and interviewed more than 150 insiders—from Reagan’s closest advisers and family members to Jimmy Carter himself. His gripping account follows Reagan’s unlikely path from his bitter defeat on the floor of the 1976 Republican convention, through his underreported “wilderness years,” through grueling primary fights in which he knocked out several Republican heavyweights, through an often-nasty general election campaign complicated by the presence of a third-party candidate (not to mention the looming shadow of Ted Kennedy), to Reagan’s astounding victory on Election Night in 1980. Shirley’s years of intensive research have enabled him to relate countless untold stories—including, at long last, the solution to one of the most enduring mysteries in just how Reagan’s campaign got hold of Carter’s debate briefing books.
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First published August 15, 2008
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About the author
Craig Shirley
18 books51 followersCraigan Paul Shirley is an American political consultant and author of several books on Ronald Reagan.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 13, 2018
https://bestpresidentialbios.com/2018...
Craig Shirley’s “Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign That Changed America” was published in 2009. This is Shirley’s second-published book on Reagan but is third-in-sequence in his informal series of four books focused on Reagan’s national political career and retirement. Shirley is an author and pubic affairs consultant, a member of the Board of Governors of the Reagan Ranch and a Trustee of Eureka College (Reagan’s alma mater). His most recent book “Citizen Newt: The Making of a Reagan Conservative” was published in 2017.
With 600 pages (not including more than 100 pages of notes and bibliography) this is the longest of Shirley’s books on Reagan. In significant but not exhaustive detail it reviews Reagan’s effort to win the 1980 Republican presidential nomination as well as his subsequent campaign against Jimmy Carter for the presidency. A relatively brief epilogue covers the ensuing twenty-five years leading up to (and even somewhat past) his death in 2004.
Anyone who has read “Reagan’s Revolution” or “Reagan Rising” will recognize Shirley’s straightforward and comprehensible writing style. Readers who prefer serious, weighty history will appreciate that his literary voice is noticeably less “casual” here than in some of his other books. And, whether due to Shirley’s style or the topic itself, “Rendezvous with Destiny” moves at a consistently brisk pace while proving surprisingly hard to put down.
Although this book provides an often fascinating “behind the scenes” perspective it is at its best when analyzing tactical elements of the campaign and focusing on the individual personalities who made the 1980 political scene so dynamic. Portraits of James Baker, John Sears, Ted Kennedy, George Bush and John Anderson (among many others) are often entrancing. And Shirley proves adept at analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, mistakes and successes of the various candidates’ campaigns.
Despite the fact this is a biography of Reagan, the author does not ignore the battle between Jimmy Carter and Ted Kennedy for the Democratic nomination – a political contest which was often more riveting than the clash between Republican contenders. Other strengths of this book include an engaging blow-by-blow review of the October Reagan-Carter debate, the story behind Reagan’s selection of Bush as his VP, and coverage of election day itself.
But some readers will undoubtedly feel that Shirley provides too much detail and not enough “big picture” analysis. Despite an effort to steer the narrative away from a simple day-to-day recounting of events, this biography is more about what happened than why and the grind of the primary campaign can grow taxing for even ardent fans of the political process.
In addition, Shirley’s book is far less about Reagan and his particular brand of politics than it is about his campaign. Reagan’s personality, his character, his religious conviction, his family life and details behind his political perspectives must be inferred rather than absorbed. And the Epilogue tries to cover too much ground while exuding a needlessly defensive tone which leaves the chapter feeling oddly disconnected from the rest of the book.
Overall, however, “Rendezvous with Destiny” is a well-paced and often griping narrative of Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. Although it can be read and appreciated on a standalone basis by someone unfamiliar with Reagan and his political career, it is undoubtedly most valuable as a supplemental text for someone seeking to enhance an already well-formed perspective of the 40th president.
Overall rating: 4 stars
Craig Shirley’s “Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign That Changed America” was published in 2009. This is Shirley’s second-published book on Reagan but is third-in-sequence in his informal series of four books focused on Reagan’s national political career and retirement. Shirley is an author and pubic affairs consultant, a member of the Board of Governors of the Reagan Ranch and a Trustee of Eureka College (Reagan’s alma mater). His most recent book “Citizen Newt: The Making of a Reagan Conservative” was published in 2017.
With 600 pages (not including more than 100 pages of notes and bibliography) this is the longest of Shirley’s books on Reagan. In significant but not exhaustive detail it reviews Reagan’s effort to win the 1980 Republican presidential nomination as well as his subsequent campaign against Jimmy Carter for the presidency. A relatively brief epilogue covers the ensuing twenty-five years leading up to (and even somewhat past) his death in 2004.
Anyone who has read “Reagan’s Revolution” or “Reagan Rising” will recognize Shirley’s straightforward and comprehensible writing style. Readers who prefer serious, weighty history will appreciate that his literary voice is noticeably less “casual” here than in some of his other books. And, whether due to Shirley’s style or the topic itself, “Rendezvous with Destiny” moves at a consistently brisk pace while proving surprisingly hard to put down.
Although this book provides an often fascinating “behind the scenes” perspective it is at its best when analyzing tactical elements of the campaign and focusing on the individual personalities who made the 1980 political scene so dynamic. Portraits of James Baker, John Sears, Ted Kennedy, George Bush and John Anderson (among many others) are often entrancing. And Shirley proves adept at analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, mistakes and successes of the various candidates’ campaigns.
Despite the fact this is a biography of Reagan, the author does not ignore the battle between Jimmy Carter and Ted Kennedy for the Democratic nomination – a political contest which was often more riveting than the clash between Republican contenders. Other strengths of this book include an engaging blow-by-blow review of the October Reagan-Carter debate, the story behind Reagan’s selection of Bush as his VP, and coverage of election day itself.
But some readers will undoubtedly feel that Shirley provides too much detail and not enough “big picture” analysis. Despite an effort to steer the narrative away from a simple day-to-day recounting of events, this biography is more about what happened than why and the grind of the primary campaign can grow taxing for even ardent fans of the political process.
In addition, Shirley’s book is far less about Reagan and his particular brand of politics than it is about his campaign. Reagan’s personality, his character, his religious conviction, his family life and details behind his political perspectives must be inferred rather than absorbed. And the Epilogue tries to cover too much ground while exuding a needlessly defensive tone which leaves the chapter feeling oddly disconnected from the rest of the book.
Overall, however, “Rendezvous with Destiny” is a well-paced and often griping narrative of Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. Although it can be read and appreciated on a standalone basis by someone unfamiliar with Reagan and his political career, it is undoubtedly most valuable as a supplemental text for someone seeking to enhance an already well-formed perspective of the 40th president.
Overall rating: 4 stars
February 2, 2015
I am always surprised at how easy it is to think of the outcome of historical events as somehow foregone conclusions. Of course, the Allies won WWII. Of course, the Civil Rights movement succeeded. Of course, Abraham Lincoln held the Union together. Of course, a handful of colonists successfully threw off British rule. They happened, therefore they were inevitable.
Part of that is that we look back with clearer vision. But another part is that we determine what is significant from the outcome. Those living before the outcome, however, had no such guide.
So of course, it is tempting to say that Ronald Reagan had to beat Jimmy Carter in 1980. Carter was weak, Reagan was, well, Reagan. But to say that would be to let the outcome determine how we view the campaign.
Read the rest here.
Part of that is that we look back with clearer vision. But another part is that we determine what is significant from the outcome. Those living before the outcome, however, had no such guide.
So of course, it is tempting to say that Ronald Reagan had to beat Jimmy Carter in 1980. Carter was weak, Reagan was, well, Reagan. But to say that would be to let the outcome determine how we view the campaign.
Read the rest here.
May 25, 2024
Craig Shirley does another fantastic job writing about Reagan. I'm always deeply impressed with the work that he got. My only gripe about this particular work was that there was a lot of focus on other candidates during the 1980 presidential election. Granted I understand why Shirley took this route but overall I expected this to be more of a focus on Reagan's particular campaign than a insight into the campaigns of Carter, Anderson and Kennedy. However I really really enjoyed the epilogue as surely dealt with many myths that have surrounded The Gipper throughout the years. All I can say is that now Reagan has finally had his rendezvous with Destiny.
November 9, 2017
"this nation has a rendez-vous with destiny" cosi, citando il più grande presidente Democratico, FDR, di cui era l'erede morale diretto, ancorchè repubblicano, Reagan prende la guida del GOP, trasformandolo radicalmente e , altresi trrasformando l'america e il Mondo.....
October 7, 2012
I found this to be wildly encouraging up to the point that it wasn't. What an amazing human being Reagan was. His stamina and conviction were inspirational, and yet he was very clearly flawed, as are all of us. It's odd to read an account of a historical event and feel that clutch of suspense when you already know the outcome.
The epilogue made the sad but true point that Reagan's party has drifted far from the convictions of his era since he left office. I try not to be cynical about the current election, but having now read about this epic one, it will be harder. We need another leader as able and passionate as he was. We need both of these qualities at once.
January 13, 2020
An excellent history of the 1980 presidential election, including the events leading up to it (the 1976 election where Reagan ran against incumbent Ford, and lost narrowly). There are many great facts, and the story is told in chronological order, from the primaries in each state up to the day of the election. As we enter this year's presidential election, it's a great reminder that no one knows what's going to happen, and we focus far too much on day-to-day movements. There's a lot of inside baseball here, which political junkies will love. Shirley did his homework, and I've enjoyed all his books on Reagan. Well worth reading.
December 21, 2018
Almost gave this 3 stars because of the length and sometimes repetitive information. I started to read this around the time of George H.W. Bush's death and since this book covers the long nomination process for the 1980 Presidential nomination (both parties) and of course the election with all the politics behind the scenes, etc., I found it fascinating and very timely! And of course I am a huge fan of the late Ronald Reagan! This is 618 p. (not counting notes and index) and some chapters I read very fast...but this has a lot of great content!
May 23, 2025
Heaviest, physically most uncomfortable book I’ve ever read but worth it for a blow-by-blow telling of the 1980 Reagan-Carter presidential election that changed the country. The author, who worked in the campaign and later for the Republican Party, is partial to the 40th president, but he says the facts are partial to him, which is true. It’s doubtful anyone will ever write a more exhaustive but accurate book on the campaign. Worth reading (if you can hold the book).
July 21, 2025
Simply the best account of the 1980 Presidential Campaign. I learned so much about the 40th President and the men and women who fought to help him defeat the forces of pessimism and despair. Love this book!
I had the opportunity to vote in my school's mock election that year and voted for Reagan. He won the mock election by taking over 55% of the vote.
I had the opportunity to vote in my school's mock election that year and voted for Reagan. He won the mock election by taking over 55% of the vote.
December 29, 2017
I felt like I’d lived the 1980 campaign after finishing this book. “Rendezvous with Destiny” is chock full of behind the scenes stories and accounts of how one of the greatest Presidents in American history defied the odds, assumed the Presidency, and got America back on the right track.
December 24, 2019
Powerful retelling of the campaign that finally launched Ronald Reagan into the Oval Office. Most work is done specifically about the presidency itself - this book is what's been missing in the Reagan volumes. Great work!
May 20, 2021
Well-written campaign biography but a Reagan apologist. Shirley, has written better (see my review of 1941)but he is on a mission to capture the rise of Reagan and with this his third entry. I love campaign bios but found his depiction of other candidates to be shsded through the Reagan lens.
March 19, 2019
Great book!!
September 4, 2020
Lapses into hagiography at times, but still an interesting behind the scenes look at a pivotal presidential campaign.
November 10, 2021
Interesting information, but spoiled by its pro-Reagan bias
April 16, 2015
I grew up enthralled with Theodore White’s Making of the President series. Shirley’s book does not measure up to White, but that has more to do with White’s mastery than with Shirley’s shortcomings. With White no longer with us, I’m glad Shirley has picked up the mantle—at least for Ronald Reagan’s campaigns.
This is a thoroughly researched book, with a 32% of the contents dedicated to notes, bibliography, and acknowledgments. Rendezvous with Destiny offers a blow by blow narrative of the 1980 presidential campaign. And there were some roundhouse slugfests to be sure.
Although told more from of a Reagan perspective, Shirley tries to describe the ups and downs, successes and failures of Reagan’s and Carter’s campaigns with the disinterest of an impartial observer. Perhaps Rendezvous with Destiny would have been a better read if Shirley had allowed his inner-Reagonite to cut loose a bit more. The book’s major failing is that it does not present new or deeper insights into Reagan’s character. For example: the reader does not learn how much the candidate interjected himself at key moments in the campaign. I suspect much more than Shirley was able to document with authoritative citations. Here and there, properly noted guesswork and opinion would have raised the drama of the story closer to how it was felt by the participants.
This is a thoroughly researched book, with a 32% of the contents dedicated to notes, bibliography, and acknowledgments. Rendezvous with Destiny offers a blow by blow narrative of the 1980 presidential campaign. And there were some roundhouse slugfests to be sure.
Although told more from of a Reagan perspective, Shirley tries to describe the ups and downs, successes and failures of Reagan’s and Carter’s campaigns with the disinterest of an impartial observer. Perhaps Rendezvous with Destiny would have been a better read if Shirley had allowed his inner-Reagonite to cut loose a bit more. The book’s major failing is that it does not present new or deeper insights into Reagan’s character. For example: the reader does not learn how much the candidate interjected himself at key moments in the campaign. I suspect much more than Shirley was able to document with authoritative citations. Here and there, properly noted guesswork and opinion would have raised the drama of the story closer to how it was felt by the participants.
January 19, 2013
Shirley takes on the incredibly challenging task of accurately summarizing the 1980 Presidential campaign between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, and is tremendously successful. Beginning with the heated primaries on both sides, Shirley sheds light on the relationships of all the major challengers. For instance, I was pleased to learn much more than expected about George H.W. Bush and Ted Kennedy. Shirley doesn't shy away from the "mess"iness of the campaign life, taking the time to give thorough representations of the candidates' lives and organized (or disorganized) campaigns. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Reagan and his campaign that really did leave a mark on America for the following 25 years. It's an enjoyable read and full of fascinating history.
April 4, 2010
I was initially skeptical of reading another Reagan book, but I knew I had to read this one after reading Craig Shirley's "Reagan's Revolution." This is a great account of Reagan's journey through the 1980 election. The bulk of the book is spent covering the tumultuous primaries (for the Republicans, Reagan vs. Bush; for the Democrats, the incumbent Carter vs. Teddy Kennedy). Lots of great anecdotes and reflections from insiders involved through the entire process. The most interesting chapter has to be about Paul Corbin... and how the Reagan campaign acquired the Carter campaign's briefing books...from the White House.
July 14, 2012
Rendezvous with Destiny is a minutely researched history of the 1980 campaign. Well footnoted and drawn from exhaustive interviews and archival research, Mr. Shirley has produced the definitive account of the Reagan/Carter election. Inter alia, Mr. Shirley breaks down the canard that President Reagan was an essentially unknowable quantity. My full review is available here.
March 30, 2015
An Incredible campaign, An Incredible President!
Mr. Shirley takes you behind the scenes of the most important Presidential campaign in modern history. This book illustrates two fundamental truths, campaigns are messing and fraught with intrigue, incompetence, and perseverance; and Reagan did have a destiny.
Mr. Shirley takes you behind the scenes of the most important Presidential campaign in modern history. This book illustrates two fundamental truths, campaigns are messing and fraught with intrigue, incompetence, and perseverance; and Reagan did have a destiny.
January 12, 2011
This book is very slow to develop. It is very detailed...but moves tooooo slow for me. I give up after 385 pages.
May 31, 2011
This is an excellent book. Tons and tons of detail, which could bog me down sometime, but it was worth slogging through the detail. Shirley is an excellent author!
May 12, 2012
I was there.
February 4, 2020
Amazing read!!
April 28, 2015
Shirley does a great job detailing Ronald Reagan's campaign for president.
June 13, 2016
Insider's look at the 1980 Reagan campaign.
June 29, 2016
Enjoyed Inside Storries
Some parts of this was a lot of names of those in the campaign but as I kept reading, a lot of interesting insight that I had not read before.
Some parts of this was a lot of names of those in the campaign but as I kept reading, a lot of interesting insight that I had not read before.
Want to read
January 14, 2010A Christmas gift from Luke
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews