Ronald Reagan

On August 23, 1984, at the Dallas Convention Center, Reagan accepts the presidential nomination of the Republican party. Reagan reminds Democrats of the high inflation and interest rates when he took office in 1980 and claims Democrats “never met a...

Ronald Reagan hosted the General Electric Theater TV series which ran from 1953 to 1962. During this time Reagan visited GE’s 135 plants across the country and spoke to audiences of GE’s 250,000 employees. Reagan’s speech focused on the growing power...

On February 18, 1981, Reagan laid out his economic recovery program before a Joint Session of Congress. Reagan had previously outlined his recovery program in an Oval Office address on February 5, 1981, in which he displayed a dollar bill and 36 cents...

On January 11, 1989, Reagan gave the following farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office. The two things I’m proudest of are the economic recovery which created 19 million new jobs and that America is respected again in the world.In 1980...

On August 15, 1988, in the Louisiana Superdome, Reagan delivered a message for economic freedom. We transformed our government from one that was consuming our prosperity into one that would get out of the way of those who create prosperity.Reagan...

On January 20, 1981, Reagan began his first presidential inauguration address by thanking Carter for his “gracious cooperation in the transition process”.Reagan notes “one of the worst sustained inflations in our national history. It distorts our...

On May 31, 1988, at the request of General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, and standing below a bust of Lenin, Reagan spoke to and answered questions from a large audience of students and teachers at Moscow State University.Reagan says “I wish you...

On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan gave an address to the nation from the Oval Office challenging “the scientific community … to turn their great talents … to the cause of mankind and world peace, [and] to give us the means of rendering …...

The only debate between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter was held in Cleveland, Ohio on October 28, 1980, just days before the election on November 4, 1980. The debate, broadcast live on radio and television, was one of the most-watched presidential...

The first of two debates between President Ronald Reagan and former Vice President Walter F. Mondale was held in Louisville, Kentucky on October 7, 1984. Barbara Walters was the debate moderator. James Weigart, Diane Sawyer, and Fred Barnes were the...

The second of two debates between President Ronald Reagan and former Vice President Walter F. Mondale was held in Kansas City, Missouri on October 21, 1984. Edwin Newman was the debate moderator. Georgie Anne Geyer, Marvin Kalb, Morton Kondracke, and...

Because of extreme cold weather, Chief Justice Warren Burger administered the official oath of office in the White House on January 20, 1985. A public administration of the oath of office and the inaugural address were delayed until January 21, 1985,...

In 1961 Reagan spoke out against socialized medicine. Since 1965 when Medicare and Medicaid were enacted, the federal government controls payment for most U.S. healthcare: hospitals, drugs, doctors, nurses, and so on. Has this been a blessing or a...

In the 1982 State of the Union address on January 26, 1982, Reagan invokes his self-deprecating humor and calls for “a new spirit of partnership between this Congress and this administration”. Reagan cites the “stagflation” of the 1970s: double digit...

The 1983 State of the Union address, delivered January 25, 1983, focuses on “what we can do together -- not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Americans -- to make tomorrow's America happy and prosperous at home, strong and respected abroad, and at...

The 1984 State of the Union address, delivered January 25, 1984, praises “bipartisan cooperation” and says: “For a time we forgot the American dream isn't one of making government bigger; it's keeping faith with the mighty spirit of free people under...

The 1985 State of the Union Address delivered February 6, 1985, on Reagan’s 74th birthday, reports the strongest economic growth in 34 years, 3-year inflation of 3.9%, and more citizens working than ever before. Despite progress Reagan notes “millions...

The 1986 State of the Union Address delivered February 4, 1986, was delayed following the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster which killed its seven crew members. Reagan reports the U.S. is the economic miracle to which the world once again turns, with...

The 1987 State of the Union Address delivered January 27, 1987, in the 200th anniversary year of the U.S. Constitution, notes dramatic improvements in the inflation rate, interest rates, housing starts, and the unemployment rate. Reagan regrets the...

The 1988 State of the Union Address delivered January 25, 1988, extols individual rights, the free market, and the value of work, family, and religion, resulting in “the longest peacetime expansion in history”. Reagan stresses unity and common goals,...

From his very first day in office Ronald Reagan endeared himself to millions of Americans with his affable, fun-loving personality. Now, for the first time, his most humorous tales and most amusing anecdotes are combined on one delightfully...