newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The huge political battle between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan in 1980 is well known. It was a struggle between two very different men with two very different views of America and the world.
One believed in big government and one believed in small government. Some believed that we could work together and coexist with the Soviets, while others said, “Let it be the ashes of history.” One believed in individuals and another headed a political party that claimed the government was the major creator of jobs.
During the campaign, Reagan often enthused Carter, saying, “A recession is when your neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose your job. Recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his job.” Here it is!” Carter often attacked Reagan for his problems and his conservatism, doing good.
And the 1980 campaign had many personal clashes, culminating in a historic debate in Cleveland a week before the election. At the time, President Carter was leading and surging in several polls, but Reagan’s poise and command of the facts won the day and the debate for Californians.
Scholars recall Reagan’s vision as America’s moral fabric ‘fray’
As with most situations in his life, things went well when Reagan took command personally. This debate was the first that Reagan actually introduced to an entire nation. The Americans liked what they saw and rewarded him with a historic landslide victory over Carter on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
ATLANTA, OCTOBER 1986 It’s been six years since the October 1986 opening of the $25 million Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Both Gerald Ford and Nixon declined Carter’s invitation. But Reagan and Carter will prove there is something bigger than the ego.
Reagan gave the opening address. He began by saying, “Please know that I am often invited to dedications of libraries. Not many people know Andrew Carnegie personally yet!” Generous laughter was heard from the 9,000 crowd.
He delved into the content of his remarks, saying, “None of us today should, in the name of goodwill, belittle our differences. On the contrary, in a way, we are proud of our differences.” From a love of country, an interest in modern challenges, a respect for the democratic process of disagreement and debate, and of course, a total enjoyment of it.”
Reagan continued to praise. “Today, our very differences testify to the greatness of our nation. I don’t think there is a nation on the planet that can unite.To paraphrase Mr. Jefferson, we are all Democrats.We are all Americans, so we are all Republicans.”
Reagan went on to favorably review Carter’s record on race, science, and human rights around the world. Old houses are traditionally right and belong to all of us. ”
Click here to get the opinion newsletter
President Jimmy Carter and his Republican challenger Ronald Reagan greet each other and shake hands before a debate on stage at the Music Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. (Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Finally, Reagan said with a mean smile. Life begins at 70. Laughter overflowed again. Reagan was 70 at the time, and Carter was younger.
Carter introduced Reagan first, then stood up again to speak. He said, “Hearing you talk, I understand more clearly than ever in my life why you won and I lost in 1980.” I laughed at his humor.
Years later, Carter returned the favor and attended the opening of the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
Two presidents, two different political parties, two different backgrounds, two honors, two humility, and an extraordinary love for their country.
Click here to read more about Craig Shirley
