- From The Washington Post interview with Harry Turtledove, Jan. 4 1992
Louisiana Republican Presidential Primary, April 5 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 60%
Former President Gerald Ford - 36%
Governor John Connally - 4%
Pennsylvania Republican Presidential Primary, April 22 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 41%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 32%
Rep. John Anderson - 21%
Gov. John Connally - 6%
The New York Times, April 25 1980
MILITARY ATTEMPTS RESCUE OF TEHRAN HOSTAGES MEETS FAILURE
US-IRAN RELATIONS DETERIORATE
"A big step for the Reagan campaign was in Texas. Of course, Governor Connally was favored to win, despite losing every primary by pathetic margins, for the large state was his home state. It was apparent to Governor Reagan that, if he could win Texas, he could prove that he had momentum, which would carry him past Ford to the nomination."
- 1980: The Making of a President, John White, 1981
"... I learned of John's plan later that week. See, he wanted to be the decider at the RNC. He was almost correct when he told me that Ford and Reagan were going to fight for the win at the convention, that the rest of the primaries were going to be split evenly - with Texas as the decider. If John Connally could win the Texas delegation, he could set himself up for complete control of the Texas delegation, which could decide the nomination on a hypothetical second ballot.
Reagan really gave us a fight for Texas, though. He was constantly campaigning across the state, and he was even more charismatic than usual. Of course, John didn't expect to have to campaign as much as he did, and he let his pride get him - he refused to do the necessary campaigning. 'This is my state, dammit!' He would scream at me, and I remember that vividly. 'This is my state, and I'm gonna win my state! They elected me as their governor...' and on an on. I think that's why he lost Texas, and his hopes of being crowned Kingmaker."
- Anonymous Connally for President campaign worker interviewed for 1980: The Making of a President, John White, 1981
Texas Republican Presidential Primary, May 3 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 29%
Gov. John Connally - 26%
Former President Gerald Ford - 23%
Governor Bill Clements (write-in) - 10%
Director George Bush (write-in) - 7%
Rep. John Anderson - 5%
"After he lost Texas, he just erupted. He went crazy, and that went to show at his press conference the next day - the one that's become so infamous. It's weird; he and Reagan had gotten along so well for so long. And then, with this defeat, he just got really bitter towards him, and he hated his guts. Unfortunately, their relationship was never restored, and after that press conference, I can't blame either of them for not trying to restore it."
- Anonymous Connally for President campaign worker interviewed for 1980: The Making of a President, John White, 1981
Famous John Connally Press Conference
Houston, TX, 9:00 A.M., May 4 1980
JOHN CONNALLY: Good morning, y'all. I'd just like to tell y'all that I'm leaving the presidential race - no further comment. Obviously, Texas don't want me anymore, so I think it's obvious America don't want me. I'll take questions.
REPORTER #1: Who are you endorsing?
CONNALLY: I have no idea, but it sure as hell won't be that SOB Ronald Reagan!
REPORTER #2: Governor, do you have any hard feelings towards Governor Reagan?
CONNALLY: Yes I do - I think he's a lying SOB with fake charisma. I think he's a robber.
"I think Governor Connally's remarks were inappropriate. He and I have always gotten along, so I feel very surprised at his burst of anger this morning. Still, I think he is acting very immature, like a spoiled child who didn't get what he wanted for Christmas."
- Gov. Ronald Reagan (R-CA) at a press conference, May 4 1980
The New York Times, May 5 1980
KENNEDY ANNOUNCES RUNNING MATE: LLOYD BENTSEN JOINS DEM TICKET
Huntsville, TX - Standing before a crowd in front of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, shook hands with Sen. Lloyd Bentsen after announcing that Bentsen would be his choice for Vice President. "I believe Senator Bentsen is an opportunity for all Democrats to unite for a common cause, and that he will make an excellent Vice President," Kennedy said at the rally. Bentsen encouraged moderate voters to support Kennedy, saying, "1980 will be the year of unity, and Ted Kennedy is the candidate of unity ... they are a perfect match." Currently, general election polls are showing Kennedy slightly ahead of former President Gerald Ford and tied with Governor Ronald Reagan.
Washington, D.C. Republican Presidential Primary, May 6 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 90%
Congressman John Anderson - 10%
Indiana Republican Presidential Primary, May 6 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 48.3%
Former President Gerald Ford - 47.9%
Rep. John Anderson - 3.8%
North Carolina Republican Presidential Primary, May 6 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 70%
Former President Gerald Ford - 30%
Tennessee Republican Presidential Primary, May 6 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 66%
Former President Gerald Ford - 34%
"I told Ron that our recent victories were good; Texas had given us a huge boost, and even though it was expected, our landslides in North Carolina and Tennessee were also big boosters. 'Now we just have to win the next five primaries, and we'll have enough momentum to win the nomination.' Now, Ron spent so much time, so much money running ads in those states, and campaigning in a few of them. Unfortunately, the turnout on the 13th was wacky, and that's what cost us."
- Reagan for President campaign manager John Sears, interviewed for 1980: The Making of a President, John White, 1981
Maryland Republican Presidential Primary, May 13 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 42%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 38%
Rep. John Anderson - 20%
Nebraska Republican Presidential Primary, May 13 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 42.5%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 41.7%
Rep. John B. Anderson - 15.8%
FORD UPSETS REAGAN IN MARYLAND, NEBRASKA, AHEAD OF REAGAN IN DELEGATE COUNT
- The Washington Post, May 14 1980
"The fate of our campaign relies on May 20. We either win now, or concede to Ford."
- Quote attributed to Reagan campaign manager John Sears, May 15 1980
"It was on May 16, 1980, that Sears would receive an important phone call. Gerald Ford had called the campaign office for the first time, and asked to talk to Reagan himself. Fortunately, the Governor was available, and the call was redirected to Reagan's private office. The call was 'icy,' as Reagan would later describe; there seemed to be 'no emotion' in Ford's voice as he asked his opponent if they could meet in private. It was arranged that Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford - two enemies - would meet privately in Ford's private hotel room in Salem, Oregon. And it was this conversation that decided the fate of the Republican presidential nomination."
- 1980: The Making of a President, John White, 1981
"Governor," Gerald Ford said to Reagan as he closed the door to his private office, ''Long time, no see. We've been having quite the primary fight, haven't we?"
"We have, Mr. Ford," Reagan said icily.
"It's a shame," the former president said as he walked over to the windows. "Back in '76, I thought it would be nice to see you on the ticket. I really thought it would be good to have you on as Vice President. It truly would have been a collaboration of ideas. Shame it didn't happen. Instead, we ended up with Carter."
"1976 was four years ago," Reagan replied. "Everything is different now, with Carter in the White House. Neither of us are the incumbent - not anymore. That's why I'm confident that I will win, Gerald."
"I understand," Ford said. "But I would like to point out that I am ahead of you in the delegate race, and we're polling dead even in the May 20th polls. If I win, it could be curtains for you. Could. Governor, I wouldn't be so sure."
"In any event, let the best man win," Reagan said with a fake smile on his face, outstretching his hand towards the president. I hope this ends soon, he thought to himself. "Or at least, the man with the best chance at beating Kennedy."
"We have a lot of differences," Ford told him. "But we have two things alike that I believe are important to understand. First and foremost, we both understand the need to defeat Kennedy - he cannot become president."
"Agreed," Reagan replied, unsure of where the conversation was going.
"Two," Ford continued with a grin, "We want our policies to take effect - neither of us will be do-nothing presidents."
There was a brief silence, until Ford broke it. "What if I told you," Ford said slowly, "that we could both work together to defeat Kennedy, and get done exactly what this nation needs?"
Reagan's jaw almost dropped. That's what he wants, he thought to himself. He's not getting it - period. "Mr. President, if you are asking me to be your running mate, I decline. I will not just give up on a race that I can win."
"I'll give you many benefits," Ford told him with an almost-genuine-looking smile on his face. "I'll give you control over half the Cabinet, maybe more, and we can initiate several of your policies along with mine. We would be a presidential duo that America has never seen before!"
"The answer is still no," Governor Reagan told him flatly. "Now, I don't believe we have much more to discuss. Good day, Mr. President," he told him as he left the office.
- Anonymous novelization of the Reagan-Ford meeting on May 17, 1980
Michigan Republican Presidential Primary, May 20 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 71%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 29%
Oregon Republican Presidential Primary, May 20 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 35%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 34%
Rep. John B. Anderson - 31%
FORD TAKES MICHIGAN, OREGON, CONNALLY ENDORSES FORD; REAGAN VOWS TO 'STAY IN RACE'
- The New York Times, May 21 1980
The New York Times May 22 1980
WALLACE DECLARES SURPRISE SENATE CANDIDACY
Montgomery, Alabama - Former Governor George Wallace today declares his surprise candidacy for a seat in the United States Senate, where the Democrats are facing a tight primary between incumbent Senator Donald Stewart and challenger Jim Folsom. "My state and my country is in peril," Governor Wallace said at his announcement conference today. "My state's Democrats are divided over a Senate seat; the Republicans are bitterly divided between Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford; and my nation as a whole is divided between the dangerous liberalism of Ted Kennedy and the Republican Party. And that is why I am running as a compromise candidate in the Democratic primary for the Senate, and as a candidate for the health and safety of America and Alabama."
Arkansas Republican Presidential Primary, May 27 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 59%
Former President Gerald Ford - 41%
Idaho Republican Presidential Primary, May 27 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 58%
Former President Gerald Ford - 42%
Kentucky Republican Presidential Primary, May 27 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 56%
Former President Gerald Ford - 44%
Nevada Republican Presidential Primary, May 27 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 60%
Former President Gerald Ford - 40%
"Everything depended on June 3 now. Nine states were holding their primaries that day, including the Governor's home state. By then, all hopes of clinching the nomination on the first ballot were gone. We just had to make a second ballot victory as likely as possible, and the key to that was through a decisive victory in the June 3 primaries."
- Reagan Campaign Manager John Sears interviewed for Rolling Stone, May 1981
"Let us not follow in the old footsteps of the failed policies of the New Deal, the proposed policies of Edward Kennedy. Instead, let us go with a policy of morning for America."
- Gov. Ronald Reagan (R-CA) campaigning in New Jersey, June 1 1980
California Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan (native) - 75%
Former President Gerald Ford - 20%
Rep. John Anderson - 5%
Mississippi Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 81%
Former President Gerald Ford - 19%
Montana Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 60%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 35%
Rep. John Anderson - 5%
New Jersey Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 54%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 46%
New Mexico Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 57%
Former President Gerald Ford - 43%
Ohio Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 50.7%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 48%
Rhode Island Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Former President Gerald Ford - 76%
Rep. John B. Anderson - 18%
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 6%
South Dakota Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 88%
Former President Gerald Ford - 12%
West Virginia Republican Presidential Primary, June 3 1980
Gov. Ronald Reagan - 80%
Former President Gerald Ford - 20%
REPUBLICANS HEAD INTO CONVENTION DEADLOCKED, NO CLEAR NOMINEE; RUMORS FLOATED ABOUT 'SHOTGUN WEDDING' BY GOP OFFICIALS
- The Washington Post, June 4 1980
"The Governor got very depressed just after the last primaries. The news articles were screaming about a repeat of 1976, and how the Republican nomination mattered no longer - Kennedy was going to win, they said. Of course, Ford was off doing his own thing, campaigning across the country like he'd been doing, trying to gather enough support to win the nomination at the convention. But the day after the last nine primaries, Ron told me, 'I'm going to stay home, John. I need time to think things through.'
"So that's what he did. He returned to his ranch in California. I remember the press; God, they just wouldn't get over it. I had to tell them that Ron was staying home, and I told them he was exhausted, which he was. But they kept asking, 'What's wrong with Ron?' 'Why's he staying home?' That was when, I think, Reagan's presidential candidacy in 1980 was doomed.
"After he died in '93, I talked with Nancy Reagan a lot. She told me that, while he was staying home, he talked to her about the race. He mentioned withdrawing more than a few times, and he ranted about Gerald Ford more than a few times. Ironically, they just didn't get along well. And at the end of those rants, Nancy told me, the Governor would tell her that he was going to fight tooth-and-nail at the convention, and he was determined to beat Gerald Ford. But at the end of June, he stopped ranting. And the day before he went back into politics, he told Nancy, and I'll never forget the exact words Nancy told me: 'It's over. I won't be president. But maybe that's a good thing.'
"The next day, while I was relaxing at my own house, I heard that Reagan was making a surprise press conference. I watched it. I saw my own candidate - the candidate I believed was going to be the next President of the United States - coolly and calmly announce his withdrawal and endorsement of Gerald Ford. I could see it in his eyes - how he hated to be endorsing Ford again.
"I called him up that same day, and he told me that he was ending the campaign. He thanked me for everything I had done for the campaign, and he told me that his retirement was permanent.
"The Reagan for President campaign was finally over."
- Reagan Campaign Manager John Sears interviewed for TIME Magazine, July 2004
The Los Angeles Times June 30 1980
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REAGAN ENDORSES FORD
Former President Gerald Ford (R-MI), Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee
"George Wallace's decision to run for Senate wasn't as sudden as most people think it was. In reality, he'd been planning it for a few months; he saw this year as the perfect year to go into the Senate. He'd already formed a committee and a campaign staff - made up mostly of the campaign workers who had worked on his campaigns for governor - and his campaign really was in full gear by the time he announced his actual candidacy. That was why he afforded to make his next stunt move so suddenly."
- Former Sen. George McGovern on George Wallace, 1983
"The Democratic primary will be unquestionably close, and regardless of the victor, I believe the result will be the same: A Republican victory in Alabama. I know what the state of Alabama needs, and it isn't a contested primary. Because I want to give Alabama a clear choice when it elects a new senator, I'm leaving the primary. That's right, folks - I'm forming a new party!"
- George Wallace at a press conference, July 1 1980
The Birmingham News July 2 1980
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WALLACE FORMS INDEPENDENT CAMPAIGN, "WALLACE FOR ALABAMA" PARTY
The Birmingham News - Editor's Opinion
June 30 1980
PREDICTIONS FOR AL SEN. ELECTION
The 1980 Senate election in Alabama has gained nationwide fame since the entrance of former Governor and four-time presidential candidate George Wallace into the Democratic primary, and even more since his departure from it. The Senate election in Alabama has now turned into a three-way race between independent George Wallace, the Democrats, and the Republicans - and polling has them dead even. And the question of whether George Wallace can win depends on his opponents.
The Democratic primary is now back to its former structure of one incumbent - Senator Donald Stewart - and only one challenger - Jim Folsom, Jr., son of Governor Jim Folsom, Sr. Currently, using his grassroots campaigning and Alabama political roots, Folsom has been leading Senator Stewart in most opinion polls, though it is possible for the incumbent to survive the challenge in an upset. And in the Republican primary, Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton (USN, Ret.) is unopposed and guaranteed the Republican senatorial nomination.
If Senator Stewart should win an upset victory in the primary, the race will likely be fought between Wallace and Denton. If there is one thing that is clear in this election, it is that Alabama will not re-elect Senator Donald Stewart. From there, it would be too close to call, but being a legend of Alabama politics, Wallace is slightly favored to win in that situation.
If Folsom should win the primary, then it truly will be a three-way contest - after all, he is the son of a popular governor. From there, it is impossible to say who will win - it depends on Alabama's mood in November 1980.
In any event, Alabama's Senate election will be the most interesting we have seen in a while.
The Republican National Convention, July 14-17 1980
"There was quite a bit of commodity occuring in the Joe Louis Arena during the balloting. Everyone was tense. As the delegates had started arriving, there were several arguments that started between Ford and Reagan delegates for several different reasons. And of course, no one was sure that Ford was the right way to go in 1980. Being a former Reagan delegate, I of course was sure that Ford was going to lose to Kennedy. Reagan had charisma, while Ford didn't.
In any event, when Bill Brock announced Ford's nomination, there wasn't as much cheering for Ford as there would have been if Reagan was nominated - again, it was the doubt that came from half of us.
Then it was time for the vice presidential selection.
Now, no one knew who Ford was gonna select. Realistically, we figured, he was going to choose a moderate and keep to his base. Someone who had been a great asset to his presidency. That was the opposite of our hopeful - Ronald Reagan.
Like every other time a candidate is nominated, the new Republican presidential nominee stepped onto the stage with Betty Ford, waving to us. It was time for his selection. The applause ended early, and the arena became tense once again. Gerald Ford stepped up the stadium, and he said, "Delegates to the Republican National Convention, and Chairman Brock, I thank you for nominating me as your candidate for the presidency in November 1980. I suggest to the delegates for the vice - "
And then came the most historic moment of the 1980s. This is what caused everything that happened.
"Reagan!" A group of delegates from California shouted.
What Ford should have done was kept on going, and announce his running mate. But he stopped. They shouted again, and this time, there were others from other delegations that shouted Reagan's name. Then more. And during the fifth chant, I was among the delegates chanting Ronald Reagan's name.
Twenty seconds after Gerald Ford was supposed to announce his running mate, more than half of the convention was shouting for Reagan.
Twenty more seconds later, Ford tapped the microphone. He had a look on his face that showed he was a mix of being impressed and horrified. Now, I don't know everything that there is to know about the human mind, but something connected in Ford's. Something showed him that he was going to lose if he didn't put Ronald Reagan on the ticket.
Sounding weaker than before, Gerald Ford said to the convention, "I endorse Governor Ronald Reagan for the Vice Presidency of the United States."
That did it. The place erupted in cheering. A lot of us were giving high-fives to each other. We'd done it. We had just made an extraordinary mark on the 1980 presidential election.
At 10:05 in the morning on July 14, 1980, the Republican National Convention nominated Ronald Reagan for the vice presidential nomination. Two hours later, a very shocked Reagan arrived, showed up on the stage with Gerald Ford - his two-time opponent - and announced his acceptance of the nomination. For the next two months, the words Ford/Reagan tasted so strange to say.
Later on - I think it was about three years later - we heard that Gerald Ford was originally going to choose Charles Mathias as his running mate. Just think about that. If that one group of delegates hadn't decided to interrupt Gerald Ford, we would have ended up with President Charles Mathias. President Mathias! Ha!
Speaking of the moderates... The Anderson delegates really put on a show afterwards..."
- Anonymous RNC '80 Delegate interviewed for the biographical documentary FORD: His Story

"After the balloting, the Anderson delegates - including the Anderson-dominated Vermont delegation - literally walked out of the convention. It was quite a scene as every delegate, including Ford and Reagan, and everyone watching the event on TV watched them walk out the front door. After the last one left, Brock announced that Congressman Gingrich of Georgia would give his speech, and the convention went on. Still, Anderson left his mark."
- House Minority Leader Bob Michel on the RNC
"It is my great honor tonight to inform the world that I am running for the presidency of the United States as an Independent."
- Rep. John B. Anderson (I-IL) announcing his independent candidacy, July 14 1980
CARTER ENDORSES KENNEDY IN MIDDLE OF REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
- The New York Times, July 15 1980
CONVENTION CLOSES, GOP BOOST IN POLLS
- The Washington Post, July 17 1980
"1980 was a fascinating year in Alabama ... The Senate election was very important that year, and the weeks before the Democratic and Republican primaries were very intense. The Democratic primary was a close race between the incumbent Senator, Donald Stewart, and the son of a previous governor, Jim Folsom Jr. It seemed likely that Folsom would win, as he was leading in the polls, but some wondered if Stewart could possibly survive the primaryIn the Republican primary, Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton was certain to win. And then there was former Governor George Wallace, the three-time presidential candidate, running as an Independent under the official 'Alabama for Wallace' Party. It was fascinating to watch."
- Anonymous Alabama citizen on the 1980 Alabama Senate Election
Alabama Republican Senatorial Primary, August 1 1980
Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton (USN, Ret.) - 95%
Other - 5%
Alabama Democratic Senatorial Primary, August 1 1980
Sen. Donald Stewart - 51.3%
Jim Folsom Jr. - 48.7%
STEWART SURVIVES PRIMARY, TO FACE DENTON (R) AND WALLACE (I) IN NOV.
Democratic National Convention, August 11 - 14 1980
"I declare that Senator Edward Moore Kennedy of Massachusetts, brother of the great President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and the late Senator Robert Francis Kennedy of New York, has been nominated by this convention for President of the United States." Chairman John C. White watched as Senator Kennedy entered the stage to give his recommendation for the vice presidency.
"Thank you, thank you," a visibly beaming Kennedy boomed to the convention. "It is my privilege to endorse Senator Lloyd M. Bentsen for the Democratic vice presidential nomination!"
"This convention shall vote on a vice presidential nominee by voice vote," Chairman White announced. Very shortly, the voice vote made it clear that Bentsen won the nomination. Senator Bentsen entered the stage.
Later that day, President Jimmy Carter gave his farewell address to the convention. "Many expected me to run," Carter said. "Many expected me to stick through and fight tooth-and-nail to keep the Oval Office. But like any loyal Democrat, I saw that the challenges my office faced and currently faces has been unprecedented, and I saw that it was like no other occasion. And on this occasion, America required me to do my job thoroughly. And that's what Democrats are all about, and I know that's how well Ted Kennedy will do as the 40th President of the United States!"
The next day, Vice President Walter Mondale addressed the convention. "I thank President Carter for all that he has done for the nation and myself over the last four years. I have read about my predecessors to the vice presidency, and I was treated the best of all the vice presidents by our president. And I know that Teddy Kennedy will do the same for Lloyd Bentsen."
It was on the last day of the convention that Senator Kennedy gave his acceptance speech. "There's a long road ahead of us," Kennedy boomed to the convention. "I can only promise that I will try to my utmost ability to win. But in the case that America should reject my promises, keep in mind that the dream is out there. And when the dream is out - when the dream is alive - the dream shall never die."
"I understand that there has been much anxiousness over my running mate. There were a few under consideration, but the one that struck me the most as vice presidential material is the one that I have chosen. He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination, and he has promised to help me do what is considered impossible, and that is to win the two highest offices in the land on an independent ticket. Governor Cliff Finch of Mississippi is my running mate."
- Rep. John Anderson announcing his running mate, August 20 1980
Rep. John B. Anderson (I-IL), Independent candidate for President of the United States. Congressman Anderson was a former candidate for the Republican presidential nomination who won victory in Vermont, and had his delegates walk out of the Republican convention to support Anderson's independent bid. He has been representing Illinois's 16th District since 1961, elected in 1960 as a Republican.
Governor Cliff C. Finch (I-MS). Governor Finch, a former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, joined Congressman Anderson's independent presidential campaign as Anderson's running mate. Governor Finch was Governor of Mississippi from 1976 - 1980, elected in 1975 as a Democrat.
The Campaigns of 1980 - Part One[1]
THE KENNEDY FOR PRESIDENT 1980 CAMPAIGN
Senator Edward Moore Kennedy of Massachusetts, Democratic Nominee for President of the United States in 1980
Senator Lloyd Millard Bentsen, Jr., of Texas, Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States in 1980
Platform of the Campaign
Kennedy/Bentsen largely ran a campaign focusing on a strong foreign policy focusing on Theodore Roosevelt's theory of "Speak softly and carry a big stick." On the issue of the Iranian Hostage Crisis, Kennedy promised to continue negotiations with Iran but would "not be afraid to use military force to retrieve the hostages if all negotiating techniques failed," as he said at a rally in New York City on September 15, 1980. Kennedy lightly criticized President Carter for his handling of Operation Eagle Claw earlier that year.
Economically, Kennedy ran on a "New Deal Democrat" platform, promising to raise taxes but also ran on a "Free Trade" campaign.
Techniques of the Campaign
The campaign was broken up evenly into two parts: Daily political rallies and advertisement.
Nearly every day of the campaign between September 1 and November 4, Kennedy and Bentsen spoke at nationwide political rallies. Half of the rallies were in battleground states such as California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Ohio, and the other half were spent in other, even somewhat smaller states. For example, despite the endorsement of native Vice President Walter Mondale virtually locked up the state of Minnesota for Kennedy, the Democratic campaign made two rallies in Minneapolis and Duluth in early October. Kennedy benefitted from his public speaking during the campaign.
The Democrats also spent much of the campaign on television, newspaper, and radio advertisements. Mainly, the advertisements were positive, though a good number of ads attacked Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan on their own accusations against the Democratic campaign.
The Campaigns of 1980 - Part Two
THE FORD FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN
Former President Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr., of Michigan, Republican nominee for President of the United States in 1980
Former Governor Ronald Wilson Reagan of California, Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States in 1980
Platform of the Campaign
Because the Republican ticket in 1980 was a result of a down-to-the-wire primary fight between Ford and Reagan, the official Republican platform was a hybrid of the two primary campaigns.
Economically, the campaign promised to institute the same economic policies that had been in effect during Ford's presidency from 1974 - 1977. Both candidates, carefully avoiding making statements contradictory to the other's, mutually attacked President Carter for his policies and continually claimed that Carter was responsible for the failing economy. Furthermore, they stated that Ted Kennedy's policies would be worse, and that to elect Kennedy as president would be to "drive the nail even deeper into the thumb," a phrase that would be common in later years.
On the issue of foreign policy, the Republican ticket more or less adopted Reagan's stance: A strong stance with "no concessions" to the Soviet Union, China, and every Communist nation, and using military force to retrieve the hostages in Tehran. Famously, Reagan, despite being only the vice-presidential nominee, often went rogue on this issue, and attacked Kennedy and Carter in each of his campaign speeches for a "weak-willed foreign policy."
Techniques of the Campaign
The Ford/Reagan campaign is historical because of its miraculousness. Traditionally, ever since Reagan had challenged then-President Ford for the Republican nomination in 1976, Ford and Reagan had been political archnemies within the party, making the conjoining of the two on one ticket in 1980 profoundly amazing. Furthermore, there was never an obvious moment of contempt shown by Ford or Reagan for the other at a campaign event. It is said that Reagan, despite not wanting to be the Vice President under Gerald Ford, had been overpowered by his dedication to the Republican Party and their wishes in deciding to accept Ford's vice-presidential invitation.
To heal the wounds from the Republican primary, television ads were often shown with pictures of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan together at a rally, hands held high in the air, with huge smiles. Never a word was said about the division caused by the Republican primary, and so the wounds were minimized.
As previously stated, Ford and Reagan never ceased to attack Kennedy and even more so President Carter. It was to their benefit when, in late October, President Carter appeared on the air and defended himself and, to the Democrats' misbenefit, Senator Kennedy. Hunter S. Thompson, in his book 1980: The Making of a President, stated that: "... It was truly a campaign fought between Reagan, Kennedy, and Carter."
The Campaigns of 1980 - Part Three
THE ANDERSON FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN
Congressman John Bayard Anderson of Illinois, Independent candidate for President of the United States
Former Governor Charles Clifton "Cliff" Finch of Mississippi, Independent candidate for Vice President of the United States
Platform of the Campaign
Congressman Anderson, who had served in the House of Representatives for twenty years and ran for president that same year as a Republican, had a campaign platform similar to the campaigns of Former Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, a hero to moderate Republicans (in fact, Anderson would claim during the campaign that Rockefeller was "his idol").
Techniques of the Campaign
As an independent campaign, it seemed likely that Anderson, though popular with the so-called Rockefeller Republicans, would face difficulties from the outset. However, it was just after the Republican convention that he bolted that he placed a very distant third place with 25%, with Ford/Reagan at 29% and Kennedy/Bentsen at 33%. Kennedy, the Democratic candidate, had promised earlier in the campaign to debate Anderson as well as Ford, and got his wish in having the first major party candidate since George Wallace attending the presidential debates. Ford, the Republican candidate, also accepted.
Anderson would put three major television commercials on the air during the campaign: One attacking Ford, one attacking Kennedy, and one solely focusing on Anderson and the impressive endorsements he had received. Among these endorsements were journalist Arthur Schlesinger, Garry Trudeau, Gore Vidal (who made several appearances at Anderson rallies), and Democratic Governor Patrick Lucey of Wisconsin (which gave Anderson a great boost there). All the children of former Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, who had died in January 1979, appeared at a press conference in which they endorsed Anderson. It is rumored that Jackie Kennedy, the wife of the late President John F. Kennedy, also voted for Anderson, though she did not publicly endorse him.
On October 1, Anderson and Finch held a massive rally in Los Angeles, which he would later call a "pseudo-convention." All those that had endorsed Anderson appeared at the rally along with others who wished to speak in favor of Anderson. Among those that spoke at the rally were Ed Clark, the former Libertarian candidate who had dropped out to endorse Anderson solely to promote political independence (despite some of their political differences); and Ralph Nader, the later perennial presidential candidate and Senator from Connecticut. Although he did not give a speech, future president Harry Turtledove, who lived in Los Angeles at the time, attended the rally and allegedly carried an Anderson for President sign. Turtledove would later admit during his 1984 Senate campaign that he had voted for Anderson.
The rally gave Anderson a huge boost in popularity, and on an October 10 poll, Anderson polled at 30%, only one point behind Ford and two points behind Kennedy.
House, Senate, and Governor Elections in 1980
House Elections
In General - The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) campaigned with a main theme of attacks on President Carter and Senator Edward Kennedy, the Democratic nominee for president that year. Republican House Leader Robert Michel of Illinois, who would be certain to become the next Speaker of the House in the event of a Republican takeover, mainly promised a "strong foreign policy, a strong economic policy, and a congressional majority that will either work with President Ford on the issues or keep a President Kennedy in check," as he summarized in late August of 1980. Among the incumbent Democrats targeted by the Republicans were Ron Dellums of California, Tom Harkin of Iowa, and Al Gore of Tennessee.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee took a defensive position on President Carter, claiming that "the president has performed his duty to the best of his ability." They also charged Rep. Michel and the House Republicans for "trying to shut down the government and kill the middle class."
Senate Elections
Alabama Senate Election - In Alabama, former Democratic Governor and four-time presidential candidate George C. Wallace ran for Senate as an Independent. The Republican primary saw an easy victory for a former Navy Rear Admiral, Jeremiah Denton, and the Democratic primary saw the narrow survival of incumbent Senator Donald Stewart over the son of former Governor Jim Folsom. Many powers in the Alabama Democratic Party abandoned Stewart and endorsed Wallace, while most Republicans endorsed Denton. Thus, Senator Stewart never rose above 20% in the polls, while Wallace and Denton stayed within three points of one another. Wallace ran a campaign based on grassroots and his experience of over twenty years in politics, while Denton campaigned on "Alabama's longing for a new political figure."
Arizona Senate Election - Incumbent Republican Sen. Barry Goldwater (R) ran for re-election against Democrat Bill Schulz. Goldwater had first been elected to the Senate in 1952, re-elected in 1958, and forego re-election to a third term to focus on a disastrous presidential campaign in 1964. In 1968, Goldwater returned to the Senate through Arizona's other Senate seat, and was re-elected by a large margin in 1974. However, this most famous Republican senator faced a tough re-election bid in 1980 as he consistently tied with the Democratic candidate in the polls. The Democratic Senatorial Senate Committee donated the most money to the Schulz campaign, while the National Republican Senatorial Committee donated the most to Goldwater's re-election campaign. Among Senator Goldwater's most frequent campaigners was his son, Republican Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr. of California.
South Dakota Senate Election - Three-term incumbent Democratic Senator and 1972 Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern ran for re-election to a fourth term in 1980. However, as South Dakota's political climate changed, so did Senator McGovern's chances at re-election. Though he tied with Republican opponent James Abdnor in the spring, Abdnor began to lead McGovern in most of the polls in the fall of 1980. Ted Kennedy, while campaigning in South Dakota for his presidential campaign, made several stops to campaign for Senator McGovern.
Gubernatorial Elections
Arkansas Gubernatorial Election - One-term incumbent Governor William J. "Bill" Clinton ran a narrow re-election campaign against Republican Frank D. White. One of the main reasons for Clinton's unpopularity and White's support was the passing of a bill raising gas tags that had been signed into law by Governor Clinton in 1979. Also, an escape of Cuban refugees in 1980 had frightened the Arkansas population and had a negative effect on Governor Clinton's re-election campaign.
Election Results, November 4 1980
(R) Former President Gerald R. Ford (R-MI) / Former Gov. Ronald W. Reagan (R-CA) - 273 EVs, 44.34% PV
(D) Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) / Sen. Lloyd M. Bentsen (D-TX) - 258 EVs, 43.89% PV
(I) Rep. John B. Anderson (I-IL) / Former Gov. Cliff Finch (I-MS) - 7 EVs, 11.77% PV
Incumbent President: Jimmy Carter (D-GA)
President-Elect: Gerald Ford (R-MI)
Incumbent Vice President: Walter Mondale (D-MN)
Vice President-Elect: Ronald Reagan (R-CA)
House of Representatives Standings, Jan. 3 1981
Democrats: 244 (-33)
Republicans: 190 (+32)
Continuing Speaker Tip O'Neill (D-MA)
Senate Standings, Jan. 3 1981
Republicans: 50 (+9, VP Majority on Jan. 20)
Democrats: 50 (-9) (Two Independents in Caucus)
Georgia Senate Election, 1980
Sen. Herman Talmadge (D) - 50.9% PV
Mark Mattingly (R) - 49.1% PV
Incumbent Senator: Herman Talmadge (D)
Senator-Elect: Herman Talmadge (D)
Seat Status: Democratic Hold
South Dakota Senate Election, 1980
Sen. George McGovern (D) - 48.3% PV
Rep. James Abdnor (R) - 48.2% PV
Incumbent Senator: George McGovern (D)
Senator-Elect: George McGovern (D)
Seat Status: Democratic Hold
Alabama Senate Election, 1980
Former Gov. George Wallace (I) - 41% PV
Adm. James Denton (R) - 38% PV
Sen. Donald Stewart (D) - 21% PV
Incumbent Senator: Donald Stewart (D)
Senator-Elect: George Wallace (I)
Seat Status: Independent Pick-Up
Arkansas Gubernatorial Election, 1980
Gov. Bill Clinton (D) - 51% PV
Frank D. White (R) - 49% PV
Incumbent Governor: Bill Clinton (D)
Governor-Elect: Bill Clinton (D)
"I was certainly more attentive to politics than I had been. They made a big deal about Anderson winning two states, and there was all the talk about Anderson running again in 1984. Although I considered volunteering for a political campaign in '82, I hadn't considered running for office on my own. I didn't get that idea for another year."
- Harry Turtledove
"I wanted to do the most with my last few months in the presidency. A few weeks after the election, I flew to Italy, where the disaster of a magnitude seven earthquake killed thousands. I volunteered American aid to help the Italian government recover the area; I oversaw the the flight of Voyager I ; I signed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, which improved the situation with hazardous waste; and I continued to negotiate on the issue of the Tehran Hostage Crisis. I was weary of the crisis. My approval ratings had plummeted because of it, and the Republicans had criticized my policy of peace the entire year.
The transitional meetings with President-Elect Ford and Vice President-Elect Reagan were kept to a minimum. It was awkward as I gave Ford a tour of his former home, which I did only for the purpose of tradition. Unsurprisingly, I had the most transitional meetings with Reagan, who had never before held a national office and was about to be the nation's Vice President on January 20 the next year. Walter was very generous to his successor, despite their ideological differences. Regardless of what was said in 1984, Walter never had the deep hatred of Reagan the person that the public suspected. It was the Reagan policies that Walter and myself despised."
- The Memoirs of an Ex-President, Jimmy Carter, 2008
The Announced Cabinet Selections of President Ford, December 5 1980
President of the United States: Gerald R. Ford
Vice President of the United States: Ronald W. Reagan
Secretary of State: George Herbert Walker Bush
Secretary of the Treasury: Don Regan
Secretary of Defense: Donald Rumsfeld
Attorney General: James Baker
Secretary of the Interior: Thomas Kleppe
Secretary of Agriculture: John R. Block
Secretary of Commerce: Howard Baldridge
Secretary of Labor: John Dunlop
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Richard S. Schweiker
White House Chief of Staff: Alexander Haig
Ambassador to the United Nations: Colin Powell
"I guess I can explain the Cabinet nominations.
"I was one of the lucky ones - Ford and Reagan were agreed on having me on as the Attorney General. I guess I was lucky. I had worked against both of them in the primaries, running the Bush campaign. I was also known for being an attorney. I guess I was chosen to be Attorney General for the same reason that George Bush got to be Secretary of State: Compromise.
This was the same for Colin Powell and Al Haig. Powell had become a Brigadier General in June '79, but his resume was excellent. He'd been in Vietnam and South Korea, in the military since '58, and he had recommendations from many of the influences in the military to bring Colin Powell into the administration. And that's how he got to be Ambassador to the United Nations.
Reagan won over Ford for Secretary of the Treasury - that's why Don Regan got it. I know that if Reagan had been elected president in the first place, Regan would still have been the nominee for SecTreas.
Now, Reagan wasn't crazy about Rumsfeld, but Don had his qualifications. He'd had the position in the first Ford administration, and he'd done a good job. So Ford won that one.
The last big one that I'll talk about was Dick Schweiker. Now, there was a fight. Ford had Mathias to appease, and Reagan still had Schweiker to appease. They had the same reasons: a promised spot on a hypothetical ticket that didn't come to be. I guess that the runnerup for Attorney General was Senator Mathias, but because he didn't get that, the next logical choice was Health and Human Services. At the same time, Senator Schweiker was pressuring Reagan to give him a spot in the Cabinet, and Reagan couldn't exactly tell him "no" after what happened in '76.
Someone tipped off Mathias about the discussions. When Ford broke the rules and asked him if he would be up for HHS, Mathias, not wanting to get into the White House wars, said he would like to remain in the Senate for another six years: After all, he had just had been re-elected to the Senate, and by a landslide at that. That left Schweiker, and he accepted.
Yeah, that's the Cabinet, for all it's worth."
- Former Attorney General Jim Baker interviewed for The '80s
JOHN LENNON SURVIVES ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AT NY HOME, NEAR-ASSASSIN ARRESTED
- The New York Times, Dec. 8 1980
"I, Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr.;"
"I, Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr."
"Do solemnly swear to faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States,"
"Do solemnly swear to faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States,"
"And will to the best of my ability protect, defend, and preserve the Constitution of the United States,"
A look of confusion appeared on the President-Elect's face.
"And will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States,"
Chief Justice Burger's face turned pink as he said, "So help you God?"
"So help me God."
"Congratulations, Mr. President."
President Gerald Ford retaking the Oath of Office in the Chamber of Congress, Jan. 21 1981. Former President Richard Nixon was invited to attend the inauguration and can be seen standing behind President Ford.
Q: What did you think about President Ford when he was inaugurated?
A: Well, I was still naive politically. Like I've said, I went from supporting Kennedy to Anderson in 1980, and after Ford's inauguration, I decided to support my President, which I do believe is a good thing to try and do.
Q: Now, Gerald Ford wasn't President very long after his inauguration, which is seen as one of the great tragedies in recent history...
A: Agreed, it was.
Q: ... Did you pay much attention to Ford's presidency?
A: Look, before 1980, I wasn't interested in politics at all. Most people become politically aware when they're... what, twelve, thirteen. The first campaign I really remember was Jack Kennedy's in 1960. I vaguely remember LBJ's campaign, then that tragedy of an election in '68, and I remember McGovern in '72 and of course Carter in '76. I remember all of these campaigns, but I wasn't involved. I had sentiments of anarchism in my youth, and I didn't really change my mind until twelve years ago.
Q: What did you like about President Ford?
A: I do remember watching the inauguration on TV periodically on Inauguration Day. I thought it was interesting that Ford would just leave the inaugural parade as suddenly as he did. The media made such a big deal about it, but all was forgiven when they found out that the hostages had come home and he was going there with Reagan to greet them. I also liked his economic program that he introduced a week later. It was moderate, which is what I liked. It didn't take too much money from the taxpayers, but it didn't set the scene for a bankrupt government later in life. Being the semi-activist that I was at the time, I... advocated the budget program at work.
Q: Now, before you ran for Congress, you moved to Kentucky. Tell me why you did that. Why didn't you go into California politics?
A: It wasn't so much that I didn't like California politics as that I just wanted a change. I mean, I didn't like my current job, which was writing for the Los Angeles Board of Education. I was writing, which I've always enjoyed, but I just didn't like my job. Laura and I discussed the topic for a long time, but we didn't really make our decision until after Gerry Ford's assassination.
Q: Why Kentucky?
A: I don't know; I've always answered that question by asking: Why not Kentucky?
Q: What did you remember about President Ford's assassination?
A: I remember a lot about it, naturally.
- The Washington Post Interview with Governor Harry Turtledove, Jan. 4 1992
Ted Turner, CNN, reporting on the Assassination of President Gerald Ford, Mar. 29 1981
2:32 P.M. EST: "... We have a shocking report coming from Washington, D.C.; according to our local sources, President Ford was shot an hour ago outside the Watergate Hotel Complex on his way to the Presidential Limousine. There are reports that President Ford was shot three times. He is currently unconscious and is on his way to the nearest hospital..."
2:55 P.M. EST:"... We have more reports coming in that the President is being operated on... The hospital has released a statement that not three, but four bullets were found by surgeons. One bullet skimmed a blood vessel in President Ford's neck, and there is heavy bleeding there. If not stopped, the heavy bleeding could become fatal...
3:01 P.M. EST: "More news from Washington: Vice President Reagan has been informed of the shooting at his residency in Number One Observatory Circle. And he is about to address the press live. We go to Vice President Reagan's press conference now...
VICE PRESIDENT REAGAN: Well, I heard about what's happened to President Ford. I don't really... have... much to say, except that I wish the President good luck on his surgery. I certainly hope that he will live and continue his service to the United States. Until Gerry can regain consciousness and resume his duties as the head of state, I am now Acting President. Again... I wish for the best.
Ted Turner, 3:21 P.M. EST: "We have... very tragic news from George Washington University Hospital in Washington. The hospital has declared that President Ford died of internal heavy bleeding at 3:04 P.M. EST, while in surgery. Vice President Reagan has been notified, and is currently on his way to the Capitol building to succeed the late President Ford.
"I, Ronald Wilson Reagan, do solemnly swear to faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God."
COMING UP: HARRY TURTLEDOVE!!!