I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

One of my grandpa's closest friends was Tip O'Neill - Speaker of the House under Ronald Reagan. They grew up together in Boston. O'Neill was as far to the left politically as Reagan was to the right. As my family has always loved talking politics, Tip's name was mentioned all the time, as my Grandpa was very proud of him.

I should mention that to the best of my knowledge, no one on in my dad's family voted for Reagan. Yes - they voted for Mondale.

Anyway - as a kid who loved politics, I used to ask my grandpa all the time about his friend Tip who worked for the president. One of the things I never forgot was my Grandpa telling me that at the end of every work week, Tip O'Neill - the big old liberal, and Ronald Reagan, the big old conservative, would have a drink together in the office and put politics aside. They would talk about their families, their wives, their children, etc.

As heated as their exchanges got during the work day, they remained friends with the utmost respect for one another.

I think it's something we could use a bit more of. I know we're all passionate about what we believe - and while I might disagree with some of you regarding politics - I'd love to have a drink with any of you.

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

awww that was a nice story and a good lesson as well!!

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Its actually funny to me how many functions I went to when I worked in DC where Senators and Representatives who would battle to the death on the Floor would be best of friends outside their office.

Great story!! A little bit of perspective can be a great thing!!

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Great story!!!!

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Message edited 11/22/2011 5:55:06 PM.

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Thanks for sharing!

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Wow, that's a poignant story. Thanks for sharing it.

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Great story!! Honestly for the most part, everyone on this site is pretty good at being able to speak their opinions and political views without it getting ugly.

But there are always a few rotten apples....

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Great story...

And oh, hell, I'll just about drink with anyone so I say lets all go out for a drink!!

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Great story.

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

what a nice story!

kinda reminds me of Boston Legal - at the end, when Denny (William Shatner) and Alan (James Spader), sit out on the balcony smoking cigars!


thanks for sharing!

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

good story and a point to always remember!

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

Posted by Jennie0898

Great story...

And oh, hell, I'll just about drink with anyone so I say lets all go out for a drink!!

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

that was a nice story! thanks for sharing

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

what a great story..

Re: I've been thinking about a story my grandpa always told about Reagan

what a nice story

another history fact on Reagan, he would never take his jacket and tie off in the oval office, he thought the oval office deserved that much respect.