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The Mayor of Candor Lied
The Mayor of Candor Lied
At first, they appeared quite similar, approaching the same subjects and political topics, but if one was to take a close look at the campaigns of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan in 1976, one would see the fundamental difference between them. The former was focused on the past, the latter on the future. – John E. Bush
Election year was looking good for the Republicans. The economy was tanking, the oil crisis was still dying down, the tension was high, and the Democrats were tearing each other apart. It was the perfect time for the Republican Party to unite behind one strong figure. A charismatic veteran politician critical of the present administration who could capitalize on the current climate. They had that figure, trouble was, they had two of them.
Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan were the two titans of the Party. Ford was an influential powerbroker in the Legislative, while Reagan was serving his third term as governor of California. For almost two decades now, they had witnessed one Democrat after the other sit in the White House, passing legislation that was fundamentally contrary to their views. Nixon and Rockefeller had for years been the two fundamental pillars of the Party, one conservative and the other a so-called “Progressive”. Both had run for the Presidency and both had been defeated. Nixon had been the first to leave the picture, and now Rockefeller had publicly announced he would not run. This left a power vacuum in the leadership that was filled by these two men.
Gone were the days of Rockefeller and his moderation, for both Ford and Reagan were significantly hostile to the present Administration. They both attacked Kennedy’s policies, both domestic and foreign, as well as the current candidates. Both were based on conservatism, pulling the party back to its Nixon era politics, and away for Rockefeller’s Progressive stance in the early 1970’s.
Ford and Reagan disliked each other, that was well known, but the campaign was marked by relative civility between both of them. They simply couldn’t allow another 1968, when the two former leaders of the party smashed each other campaigns to bits. Then June came and Harry Byrd was killed. The entire scandal involving McGovern was just gold for the Republicans. The Democratic Party had been thrown in absolute chaos, and it feed the Republicans with all the ammunition needed to win a trench war. McGovern was devoured in a sea of criticism by Reagan, who called the man “a Stooge and an opportunist that could not be trusted to run a restaurant, much less the free world”. Ed Muskie was part of the Administration, and so was another easy target.
Both the Governor of California and the House Minority Leader traveled extensively, living on the campaign trail and giving speeches in any town they could find. But in the end, Reagan had one thing Ford didn’t. He had acting skills.
The former Hollywood actor could give speeches and look like a leader in a way few ever could. While Ford attacked intricate fiscal policies, Reagan smiled and attacked tangible Democratic figures directly. When Ford spoke of how much the government was currently spending on social services, the Californian spoke of how little the government would take from the people in his administration. The Soviet Union? Ford was going to ease relations, Reagan was going to beat the bloody reds out of Afghanistan and put America back on top. American pride? Family values? Cheap Oil? Reagan was going to bring all of that back.
His focus on the future of the country under his administration was broad and optimistic enough that it simply captivated many. The ease with which the 65 years old Governor of California spoke of the future just inspired confidence in many. Reagan was not just a American, he was what Americans aspired to be.
It was that inspiration that placed him in front of Gerard Ford in almost every state. During the primaries, Reagan carried California and then the Midwest with ease. Most of the Rust Belt followed suit. This did not leave that much for Ford, but it didn’t secure the nomination either. Like so many times before, it would be up to the Convention to choose the nominee.
The 1976 Republican Convention in Kansas City was a grand affair. It was, after all, the bicentennial of America. Great displays of patriotism were not only expected, but almost required.
With both candidates still having strong chances of winning, the campaign managers got on to work with the delegates. It would be a close affair, most likely.
The field soon divided in two. The more moderate wing under Ford, and the larger Conservative force behind Reagan. It was fair game, as many delegates were undecided between both camps, and provided more than enough votes to tip the balance.
The voices heard on the convention varied greatly, but among them one must point out Nelson Rockefeller. The former Presidential Nominee urged unity for the party, and a support for more moderate policies, before openly throwing his support behind Ford. It was a move that gained the House Minority Leader a moment of hope, before backfiring on him. Few moderates were not already on his camp, but plenty of conservatives decided to leave his side for Reagan’s, fearing Ford might adopt a more Progressive approach.
The Keynote speech however was that of CIA Director George H. W. Bush. The figure was highly critical of President Kennedy’s policies, and believed a lot more should be done concerning foreign policy. His remarks about how Reagan would “Bring back American Hegemony”, were loudly applauded. His speech was certainly an essential point in giving Reagan enough votes. From that moment on, many speculated Reagan would pick Bush for the V.P. slot.
With victory guaranteed and counted, Reagan proudly accepted the nomination, promising to bring back morning to America, and restore morality to the nation. His pick for V.P. would surprise many, as he chose former Mayor of New York John Lindsay. The man was in many ways a liberal, who had briefly considered switching, parties in the early 1970’s. The choice was made clearly to attract more liberal voters that might be upset by Reagan’s conservatism.
In the end, Ford had to swallow the bitter pill and accept his defeat, promising to support Reagan in his campaign.