Reagan's Nashua Moment

Feb 23, 1980.

In the New Hampshire primary, a single symbolic act dramatized the debut of Reagan's new image as a candidate and the demise of Bush's presidential hopes. It occurred during what was scheduled to be a two-person debate between Bush and Reagan in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Feburary 23, the Saturday before balloting. As it turned out, Bush crumpled under pressure orchestrated by Reagan's camp.

Initially, both Reagan and Bush had seen advantages in a two-person debate sponsored by a local newspaper. When the FEC ruled that newspaper sponsorship of the debate amounted to an illegal campaign contribution and when Bush refused to pay half of the debate's cost, Reagan agreed to underwrite it himself.

Reagan then moved to include the other five contenders - a move that identified him both as a candidate and a unifier. When the other candidates showed up on stage, Bush froze.

As Reagan made his case for inclusion of the other candidates, the moderator ordered Reagan's mike turned off. Reagan responded, "I'm paying for this microphone, Mr. Green." The fact that the moderator's name was Breen seemed to matter little. The crowd cheered. When neither newspaper hosting the debate nor Bush would accede to the inclusion of the others, the other candidates left the stage. Reagan's prospects had been boosted, Bush's buried. Reagan carried New Hampshire 50% to Bush's 23%.

(Excerpted from "Packaging The Presidency: A History and Criticism of Presidential Campaign" by Kathleen Hall Jamieson)

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[gorangers94cup]

As far as I am concerned Mr. Reagan is America's eternal President. Past, present, or future. He will forever symbolize ALL the qualities that a President should have.

[Boredonthejob]

You know, I'm no big fan of Reagan, but when you watch this clip, you can understand why he is a beloved President. So often I think people feel like their given the shaft, just like he was here. You pay for something, you try to play fair ball in the interest of the common good, and a couple idiots (the moderator here) just can't be bothered to go the extra mile. I think that's why you see the response here that you do. Its like he was taking one back for the rest of us.

[MrWhamma]

I, personally, am democratic. But Reagan was one of our greatest presidents. There is no one like him, he is one of a kind, ad he will not be forgotten... (1911-2004)

[Eidelmania]

Why do yo people lionized this goofball? His an eternal nitwit, playing the figurehead.

[Bryan Hubacheck]

Damn. How long has the media been against Republicans?

[Bob Mclightning]

Except the Great Depression started in 1929 and FDR wasn't president until 1933. It was Hoover's idiotic fault.

[larryup4play]

You are Kidding right? FDR was not in office when the GD hit. it was hoovers policy who screwed things up.

[EnzoGriffen]

+1

[NSaynKnutt]

I always find it funny when any video featuring a political figure develops several debates in the comments:

HE WAS RETARDED

NO HE WASN'T HE WAS THE BEST

YOU'RE AN IDIOT

YOU'RE A BIGGER IDIOT

Out comes the popcorn...