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A Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan's landslide victory over Carter (November 4th, 1980)
Ronald Reagan Foundation ^ | Friday November 4, 2005 | ajolympian2004

Posted on 11/04/2005 4:59:01 PM PST by ajolympian2004

Biography > A Rendezvous with Destiny



1964

Became host of Death Valley Days, replacing "The Old Ranger," Stanley Andrews. He appeared in or hosted twenty-one episodes, which were broadcast from 1965-1966.

Portrayed the villain in The Killers, his last motion picture. Originally made for television, it was too violent and was released in movie theaters.

October 27
Delivered televised speech, A Time for Choosing, for Barry Goldwater, which launched his political career.

November
"Friends of Ronald Reagan," a political support group, formed.

1965
Autobiography, Where's the Rest of Me, was published. Resigned as host of Death Valley Days.
1966
November
Defeated Edmund G. "Pat" Brown in a landslide. His success in the election and as Governor of California made him a leading presidential nomination contender in 1968.
1967
January 2
Was inaugurated as Governor of California.
1968 August
Waited until the Republican Convention in Miami Beach to announce his candidacy for President. Unsuccessful, he joined in the unanimous support for Richard Nixon for President.
1969 May 15
Sent in the National Guard to the University of California campus in Berkeley to restore order, after "a state of emergency" was declared in response to student unrest.
1970 November
Won re-election for Governor over Jesse Unruh, the Speaker of the State Assembly.
1971 Signed the California Welfare Reform Act, whose purpose was to reduce welfare rolls.
1974

Fall
A consulting and public relations firm, founded by Michael Deaver and Peter Hannaford, booked speeches, newspaper columns, and radio commentaries for Reagan.

Fall
Declined offers from the Ford Administration to become Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Secretary of Transportation and later, Secretary of Commerce.

1975

 

 

1976

November 20
Announced his candidacy for President for the 1976 election. He later lost the race for the nomination but his strong showing laid the groundwork for his 1980 presidential bid.

August 19
Addressed the Republican National Convention in Kansas City.

1979 November 13
Announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for President. He was the tenth and last Republican to enter the race.
1980

February 23
Participated in the "Ambush at Nashua" debate with George Bush. Debate also included Anderson, Baker, Crane and Dole.

March 18
Participated in the Republican debate in Chicago with Bush, Anderson, and Crane.

April 24
Participated in the Republican debate in Houston with George Bush.

July 16
Won the nomination for President at the Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan.

July 16
Following several unsuccessful attempts to reach an accommodation with Gerald Ford, Reagan selects George Bush to be his Vice President.

September 21
Participated in a debate with Anderson. Carter declined to participate.

October 28
Participated in a debate with Carter.

November 4
Was elected the 40th President of the United States, in a landslide victory.

 



TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 1980; 1980election; anniversary; conservative; gipper; gop; jimmycarter; peanutfarmer; presidents; reagan; republican; ronaldreagan; victory; winners; winoneforgipper
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Ronald Reagan Speeches

image of Ronald Reagan

Below are complete audio recordings of some of Ronald Reagan's most important speeches. When available, we have provided a transcript to accompany the audio files. We would like to extend special thanks to the Reagan Presidential Library for providing the Miller Center with audio copies of the speeches below. Recordings of nearly all of Reagan's speeches are available from the Reagan Presidential Library.

Trouble with Audio? Audio Help


"A Time for Choosing" (October 27, 1964)
In a speech supporting the Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater, Reagan speaks of big government, high taxation, and the "war on poverty." He addresses foreign policy issues including the risk of appeasement, "peace through strength," and the Vietnam War. The speech establishes Reagan as an important figure in the conservative wing of the Republican party.

Republican National Convention (July 17, 1980)
Broadcast from Detroit, Michigan.

First Inaugural Address (January 20, 1981)
Reagan focuses on the economy and ending inflation, while lessening the influence and growth of big government. He returns to passages in his 1967 inaugural speech for California 's governorship.

Address to the British Parliament (June 8, 1982)
Often considered the original "evil empire" speech, Reagan predicts that Communism will be left on the "ash-heap of history." He quotes Winston Churchill on numerous occasions and praises the British for the Falklands War. He concludes with a call for a "crusade for freedom."

"Evil Empire" Speech (March 8, 1983)
Address to the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida that would come to represent Reagan's view of the Soviet Union. Reagan defends America's Judeo-Christian traditions against the Soviet Union's totalitarian leadership and lack of religious faith, expressing his belief that these differences are at the heart of the fight between the two nations.

40th Anniversary of D-Day (June 6, 1984)
Address in Normandy, France to the American Rangers who fought on D-Day. After recounting events from D-Day and commending the those who fought in World War II for their service, Reagan uses the speech to make a comparison between the Allied fight against fascism and the current fight against communism.

Republican National Convention (August 23, 1984)
Broadcast from Dallas, Texas. Reagan reflects on taxes, poverty, and foreign policy. He criticizes the Democrats for high taxes, liberal policies and a lack of concern for the American family. He closes with words on the Cold-War with the Soviet Union.

Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp (May 5, 1985)
In an address to the leadership of Germany, the German people and survivors of the Holocaust, Reagan remembers those who were lost, the pain the survivors still feel, and the lessons to be learned from the Holocaust. He speaks of Anne Frank who perished at Bergen-Belsen. Reagan concludes with the words "we can and must pledge, never again."

Address on the Space Shuttle Challenger (January 28, 1986)
An address to the nation from the Oval Office on an evening scheduled for the State of the Union address. The space shuttle Challenger was supposed to be the first mission to put a civilian into space. He reminds his audience of the bravery and dedication of those who were killed on the shuttle.

Address to the Nation on Iran-Contra (March 4, 1987)
Broadcast to the American people from the Oval Office. Reagan promises to tell the nation the truth regarding the Iran-Contra scandal and admits to making mistakes. He introduces new personnel and processes put in place to ensure the integrity of future national security decisions.

Address from the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin Wall) (June 12, 1987)
In one of his most famous statements, Reagan declares "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" He speaks of future peace with the Soviet Union, and encourages the Soviet government to work on bringing East and West of Berlin together.

Address at Moscow State University (May 31, 1988)
Reagan speaks of specific freedoms in America that he hopes Russians themselves will be able to experience. He introduces the possibilities of greater exchange programs between American and Russian students, future tourism, and economic exchange between the two nations. He speaks of strategic arms reductions, the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the hope for future peace in African nations. He ends the speech with a question and answer session with the faculty and students.

Remarks at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (November 11, 1988)
Remarks at a Veterans Day Ceremony. Reagan praises those who fought in Vietnam, thanks the families that sacrificed their loved ones, and reminds the audience that despite the divisions of the War, the nation was ultimately strengthened.

Farewell Address (January 11, 1989)
Broadcast to the American people from the Oval Office. Reagan mentions two triumphs from his presidency: the economic recovery and the recovery of American morale. He discusses America 's changing relations with the Soviet Union and shares his regret for the deficit that deepened during his time in office. He concludes by addressing America's sense of patriotism and refers to the nation as "a shining city on a hill."


1 posted on 11/04/2005 4:59:02 PM PST by ajolympian2004
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To: ajolympian2004

Proof positive that God gives us the right leaders at the right time!


2 posted on 11/04/2005 5:01:03 PM PST by pissant
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To: ajolympian2004
Thank You, Very Much...All in one thread. :D
3 posted on 11/04/2005 5:04:18 PM PST by skinkinthegrass (Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get you :^)
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To: pissant
I miss him. Been reading a good book lately called "Riding With Reagan", by the SS agent who rode horseback with RR on his ranch.

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

4 posted on 11/04/2005 5:05:07 PM PST by IndyTiger
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To: IndyTiger

I've probably read 6 books on Reagan. But my fave is the one of his own writings.


5 posted on 11/04/2005 5:07:18 PM PST by pissant
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To: skinkinthegrass; All
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)


USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), May 27, 2004 - Sailors man-the-rails as USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) transits Chesapeake Bay. The ship departed Naval Station Norfolk for the final time to circumnavigate South America on its way to its new homeport of San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class (NAC) James Thierry

6 posted on 11/04/2005 5:07:42 PM PST by ajolympian2004
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To: ajolympian2004
Poor Jimmy.
He was so out classed, I doubt if he knew what hit him.
In the 76 election, I really doubt if we even got the pick of the litter from the Carter clan.
Billy would have been better IMO.
7 posted on 11/04/2005 5:11:04 PM PST by labette ("When policemen {judges} break the law, there isn't any law. Just a fight for survival".-Billy Jack)
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To: All

8 posted on 11/04/2005 5:13:32 PM PST by ajolympian2004
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To: IndyTiger
I miss him...So do I... :^)

I saw the frm. SS Agent giving a talk on C-Spam about his book; Riding with Reagan, It was great/very humorous.

9 posted on 11/04/2005 5:17:27 PM PST by skinkinthegrass (Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get you :^)
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To: ajolympian2004

BUMP for later reading/research


10 posted on 11/04/2005 5:17:31 PM PST by Mr_Moonlight
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To: ajolympian2004
That's Great...Got the '84. hehehe. :D
11 posted on 11/04/2005 5:20:05 PM PST by skinkinthegrass (Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get you :^)
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To: IndyTiger

So how is the book?


12 posted on 11/04/2005 5:29:26 PM PST by peter the great
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To: ajolympian2004
The original election map of 1980 actually had Reagan as blue and Carter as red.
The color of the incumbent party's candidate alternates between red and blue from election to election.


Year

Incumbent
Party

Incumbent
Color

Challenger
Color

1976

Republican

Blue = Ford

Red = Carter

1980

Democratic

Red = Carter

Blue = Reagan

1984

Republican

Blue = Reagan

Red = Mondale

1988

Republican

Red = Bush

Blue = Dukakis

1992

Republican

Blue = Bush

Red = Clinton

1996

Democratic

Red = Clinton

Blue = Dole

2000

Democratic

Blue = Gore

Red = Bush

2004

Republican

Red = Bush

Blue = Kerry



One thing I don't understand about the 1980 election map is how Carter still managed to win the westernmost state, Hawaii, even after conceding to Reagan before the polls on the west coast had closed.

 
13 posted on 11/04/2005 5:29:42 PM PST by counterpunch (~ Let O'Connor Go Home! ~)
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To: pissant

In Church, being Eastern Orthodox, as I am and of Russian heritage more specifically, during Bible Study I remember looking at the life of St. Constantine and asking questions and comparing St. Constantine to the late President Reagan and asking whether or not their could be a St. Ronald in the making and my Priest replied had he been Orthodox it would have been a possibility.


14 posted on 11/04/2005 5:38:40 PM PST by peter the great
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To: peter the great

I like that sentiment!


15 posted on 11/04/2005 5:41:40 PM PST by pissant
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To: counterpunch

Reagan didn't lose Hawaii by very much, only 45%-43%. Hawaii was and still is a Democratic state. It only tends to flip for a Republican incumbent that's winning re-election, such as Nixon in 1972, Reagan in 1984, and Bush closed the gap in 2004, though he still failed to carry the state.

Interestingly, both Reagan and Bush got a near identical share of the popular vote. Reagan's share in 1980 was 50.75%, while Bush's total last year was 50.73%.


16 posted on 11/04/2005 5:49:09 PM PST by Galactic Overlord-In-Chief
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To: ajolympian2004

High Water mark for both California and the USA was REAGANS terms in office

California is a disaster and the USA is holding on by one state electoral college victories in Presidential elections


17 posted on 11/04/2005 5:56:17 PM PST by uncbob
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To: ajolympian2004

I remember Carter conceding by dinner time (in the Midwest). Wow! What a wonderful night! Imagine America today had it not elected Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1984! It's difficult to fathom -- and thankfully, we don't have to.


18 posted on 11/04/2005 5:59:04 PM PST by ReleaseTheHounds
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To: ajolympian2004

Hey Jimmmah...remember that overwhelming defeat for you but victory for Ronald Reagan??????

WE do!!!!!


19 posted on 11/04/2005 6:23:39 PM PST by cubreporter (I trust Rush. He has done more for our country than any of us will ever know. God bless him.)
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To: ajolympian2004

BOOKMARKED!

Thank you.

I vividly remember election night 1980.
I was so happy and so proud, after 4 years of total embarrassment... that whole Carter clan.


20 posted on 11/04/2005 6:32:50 PM PST by onyx ((Vicksburg, MS) North is a direction. South is a way of life.)
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