He became a senior adviser and member of Reagan's inner circle and is known to have helped him shape his political message and strategies, both in presidential campaigns and in the White House.

Wirthin was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Madeline Bitner and Joseph L. Wirthlin, who later served as presiding bishop of the LDS Church.

[6] In 1980, when California governor Ronald Reagan decided to run for president, he turned to Wirthlin for political advice.

[7] After Reagan won the 1980 presidential election, Wirthlin moved to Washington, D.C. and continued to assist the president and the Republican National Committee.

[9] In addition to consulting work, he was the author of two books and at least one podcast: Among many other ecclesiastical assignments over the years, Wirthlin served for a time as a bishop in the LDS Church.

Wirthlin died of renal failure[1] in his Salt Lake City home one day after his eightieth birthday.