Reagan Presidency 1981 - 89 (1)
Reagan's Strengths
His 1980 win - 50.7 % votes
Charismatic and attacked Carter's perceived and real failings
Used his experience as an actor - political campaigner
Offered an end to economic hardship (Raegonomics), support from women
Reduce taxes by 30% and balance budget, cuts in 'big government'
The Election
Both had $29 million to spend and used $15 on TV advertising
Used the media and his radio broadcasts to show Carter as ineffective
Reagan: upbeat, optimistic, increase defence expenditure
October 28th 1980 - second pre
Reagan wanted to restore autonomy to the US, social policy power
Carter refused to do televised debates if Anderson was there - Reagan gave in, key debate - Clevaland where Carter said he got advice from his 12 year old on nuclear weapons - destroyed credability
Carter lost by 18%, biggest since 1932
Reagan in Power
Focused on domestic issues and based traditional values
Never used over complicated politics
Wanted to curb the influence of federal government to work with us
Supported 'supply side' economics based on incentives for the people to produce more by cutting taxes (income and capital gains)
He had plenty of rhetoric but not enough action, evident in his 100 days
1984 second term
Defeated Mondale. 58.8%
He economically achieved well in his first term
Reagan used the media well, 'Morning in America'
Targeted Mondale for raising taxes and being a 'big government'
Mondale challenged Reagan's unfair economic policies and wanted equal rights
He used his age well, saying he will not exploit Mondale's inexperience and youth
Democrat support from economic recovery
His style was vital, everything public wanted in a leader - strong, charming, communicator, brave, convincing, delegator
Hands off approach - left reading and writing to others, but public loved him
Offered simple policies, spoke briefly
He was able to make light of his defeats
It was a personal victory, support from southern whites, catholics
Rarely attended church but preached catholic values