He was assigned by the DS to keep an eye on Reagan. Reagan did not want him. It was obvious when he introduced him, too.
That's what happened. Watch the video, research Reagan's comments prior to announcing Bush as his VP. I watched it live and will never forget. Reagan was an outsider, like Trump, but without the benefit of allies like Trump has.
I don't know for sure. Offiicially, Ford, but any sauce on that today is likely compromised. I wasn't tuned in enough at the time to really understand, I just remember how it went down on TV. It was just before my 12th birthday.