Tip and the Gipper : when politics worked
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

This book relates a personal history of a time when two great political opponents served together for the benefit of the country. The author was a top aide to Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill, who waged a principled war of political ideals with President Reagan from 1980 to 1986. Together, the two men forged compromises that shaped America's future and became one of history's most celebrated political pairings: the epitome of how ideological opposites can get things done. The two leaders fought over the major issues of the day including welfare, taxes, covert military operations, and Social Security, but maintained respect for each other's positions and worked to advance the country rather than obstruct progress. This is the story of the friendship between President Reagan and the Speaker of the House. They were the political odd couple, the two most powerful men in the country. For six years the author was on the inside, watching the evolving relationship between Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill. Their philosophies were miles apart; Reagan intent on scaling back government, O'Neill fervent in defending it. Yet there was commonality: long lunches shared on St. Patrick's Day and a mutual respect, political and personal.