Tom Fudge: The name Barry Goldwater is a touchstone for any discussion of the past century of American politics. He was a Republican senator from Arizona who ran for president in 1964. That year, he was trounced by Democratic incumbent Lyndon Johnson. But, it wasn't the end of Goldwater's political career, and it certainly wasn't the end of his influence on public affairs. Goldwater is considered to be the founder of the modern American conservative movement. A limited role for government, lower taxes, strong national defense, and encouragement of individual freedom and initiative. Those were the things Goldwater stood for.
Today, the election of Republican presidents in five out of the last seven American elections is part of Goldwater's legacy. But what would he think of today's politics, with its sharp partisan differences and the lack of unity that they've brought to this country?
Former Congressman Barry M. Goldwater, Jr. will present a lecture/book signing and book discussion tonight, Wednesday, June 11th, at 6pm at the La Jolla/Riford Library Center (7555 Draper Ave. in La Jolla). A question and answer session and book signing will follow the event. Books will be available for purchase. This event is free. For more information, call (858) 552-1656.
Guests
- Barry Goldwater, Jr ., former congressman from California, son of the late Senator Barry Goldwater, and co-author of
- John Dean , columnist, former counsel to President Richard Nixon, and co-author of Pure Goldwater .
