NBC News Decision 1980 Reagan Wins

NBC news projects at about 8:15 PM that Ronald Reagan is elected President. The early NBC projections sparked controversies inside and outside the media. A mayor protested that it "effectively ended the races even before the polls in her area are closed." A CBS commentator called it "small beer." ABC was caught under pressure and Walter Cronkite was forced to explain to viewers what was happening. Also, this was the first time that exit polls were used by a network as the sole basis for projecting a winner for a state.

Later on, David Brinkley will call it a "suburban swimming pool," while others call it "Lake Reagan." And of course, NBC News team was more than happy to have that win as the earliest network to announce a winner at the time they are facing problems with Chancellor being defeated by Reynolds and Cronkite.

Also, America saw three generations of NBC anchormen. David Brinkley of Huntley-Brinkley Report fame, his successor (and sometimes co-anchor) John Chancellor, and in turn Chancellor's successor Tom Brokaw (who was then announcing the Today show).

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[ironcitydevildog]

GOD HOW I MISS ROCKIN RONALD REAGAN!!!!! THE GREATEST OF AMERICAN PRESIDENTS!!!!!!

[Texfield91]

Imagine, earlier in March of 1980 Reagan was trailing Carter by 25 percentage points! 5 weeks before the election Reagan and Carter were tied at 39% each. they said he was unelectable. Good reason not to listen to the establishment hacks who say certain candidates are "unelectable" in this next election.

[tigerblood1993]

Ron Paul

[ironcitydevildog]

@zazozung Actually I'm poor and don't kiss ass to the union I work for and drink the liberal media kool aid about how the Dems are for the working man. They just take our dues and we get fucked!!! Quit acting like a sheep moron!!!! RON PAUL 2012!!!!!

[Texfield91]

@lovetheheard Exactly! I see them too, and who knows? Gingrich might be just what you said. We'll have to wait and see.

[lovetheheard]

@Texfield91 EXCELLENT POINT!!! I see many parallels from the 1980 election to this years republican primaries. Is it possible Newt could be the 2nd coming of Reagan? It all rings familiar to me.

[somebody331000]

@Texfield91 Ron Paul 2012!

[veronicanbetty69]

How I miss those days...

[luzzgn8a]

@zazozung i love how people think there are no Rich Democrates. please, do some research will ya !!!!

[luzzgn8a]

@Klaus1386 great post !!!!!!!!!! totally agree