[Captain Jack Aubrey]

I can remember watching this live back in the day and concluding
that man should be president.

[iowamark]

Admiral John McCain (d. 1981) was close to Reagan. Reagan’s relationship to politician McCain was more difficult because of McCain dumping his semi-disabled first wife for rich mistress who became his financier/second wife. Ronald and Nancy Reagan supported McCain after he won the GOP House primary in 1982 but they also remained close to his first wife who they made director of the White House visitor center.

[Stepan12]

That was the first time I got a glimpse of Reagan's intellect.

I had thought that Buckley would cream him because he is so brilliant. That is not at all what happened. How anyone can call our 40th President stupid after hearing that debate is beyond me.

[IrishCatholic]

bookmark.

[steelyourfaith]

That was a treat.

[time4good]

Well, I couldn't wait and am cutting off at about 1:34 of 1:55 hours into this - just as Reagan is giving his closing remarks. Man am I amazed at Ronaldus Magnamus' passion and conviction. Sure, Buckley is slick, a little too slick and sarcasticly condescending if you ask me, but I'm totally refreshed by the words of Reagan that were quick, well thought out and most of all, cut through the hype and spoke of the best thing for America, not just some good deal on a piece of land.

I'd be very curious, although probably making a totally ignorant statement - is it safe to say that Reagan was proven right after all these years? Who's run the canal for a while now? The Chicoms?

[Pelham]

bookmark

[WinOne4TheGipper]

I read about this debate in Buckley's The Reagan I Knew. It is incredible how two titans of the conservative movement can have such a huge disagreement over an issue this important and still remain the best of friends, plus the ribbing that the Gipper gave Buckley over it was quite enjoyable to read about.