RONALD REAGAN KNEW...

... Even back then. Check out this gem from the 1961 Operation Coffee Cup Campaign against Socialized Medicine as proposed by the Democrats. Then a private citizen, Ronald Reagan spoke out against socialized medicine. There is no video because this was an LP sent out by the American Medical Association.

Read More

RON REAGAN STILL A RATINGS KING

Preliminary Nielsen estimates show that 29.2% of U.S. households were watching the presidential inauguration -- easily the largest in decades but below the 37.4 household rating for Ronald Reagan. Obama's figures include viewership on roughly 15 broadcast and cable networks, while the Reagan ceremony was viewed only on ABC, CBS and NBC; also, they do not include the huge online viewing this time around, with CNN.com, FoxNews.com and MSNBC.com all reporting record streaming video traffic.

Read More

McCAIN NEEDED A NASHUA MOMENT

While I'm high (sort of) on wacky meds for my Bronchitis, one thing is certain. John McCain needed a "Nashua moment" in last night's debate -- a split-second where he projects that he has brass balls. In the end, that what the country needs from him. Stature, confidence... It's all about being presidential.

Unclear? Watch this...



It was a single symbolic act that dramatized the the debut of Ronald Reagan's new image as a bold, standout candidate and the demise of George Bush's presidential hopes.

It occurred during what was scheduled to be a two-person debate between Bush and Reagan in Nashua, New Hampshire, on February 23, 1980, the Saturday before balloting. As it turned out, Bush crumpled under pressure orchestrated by Reagan's camp.

When the moderator ordered Reagan's mic turned off, Reagan responded, "I'm paying for this microphone, Mr. Green." The fact that the moderator's name was Breen seemed to matter little -- the crowd cheered.

It was with that single solitary act, Reagan's prospects had been boosted, Bush's buried. Reagan carried New Hampshire 50% to Bush's 23%.

McCain needed a Nashua moment...

Read More