1976 and On

[Jerseyrules]

what a beautiful map! And a wonderful cabinet, too!

Indeed!  Great for the GOP in 1980/4!

[Jerseyrules]

And what does the Congressional composition look like?

[Jerseyrules]

In all seriousness, I look forward to a Bensen presidency.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I'm expecting to see Bentsen become a successful, hawkish Carter. Hard line on the Soviets, at home be socially & economically moderate, but probably focus mostly on making the New Deal more efficient & passing some of Carter's de-regulatory acts.

[NHI]

And what does the Congressional composition look like?

Democrats swept both Houses of Congress with super majorities.

[NHI]

The Presidency of Lloyd Bentsen: Prologue

Lloyd Bentsen became the 39th President of the United States, amid a growing recession. Unemployment was on the rise, spirits were low and though largely forgotten the infidelity of Pres. Brooke left a stain on the Presidency. Bentsen knew his task would be preventing the recession from worsening, and restoring trust in the President.

Bentsen took an unprecedented step, and decided to walk the route up to the White House following his inaugural. A determination to be a president of, by and for the people. Upon entering the White House he proudly declared, "We've got work to do, so let's not wait around here."

[Napoleon]

Continue.he please.

[Jerseyrules]

Continue. please.

[Jerseyrules]

And what does the Congressional composition look like?

Democrats swept both Houses of Congress with super majorities.

[NHI]

One of the first priorities of President Bentsen was to stabilize the economy and the way in which he saw this was reducing federal budget deficits. "We cannot pretending that this problem does not exist. We have to take needed actions in reducing the budget if we are to get America back on a path of fiscal solvency."

After meeting with leaders of both parties, Bentsen first appointed a few members of the Senate and the House to begin ways in seeing where the budget could be reduced. As the committee got to work Bentsen focused his next priorities on separating the Department of Health, Education and Welfare into two new agencies: The Department of Education and The Department of Health and Human Services.

As his first term continued the Democratic Majorities in both Houses looked to expand upon the Great Society of Lyndon Johnson, though much to their ire Bentsen was not on the same page. In a major speech in the spring, Bentsen addressed his vision for pursuing the Democratic Agenda,

"...our society must awaken to the new realities of the day. Deficits and budget crunches are not acceptable for the United States of America. Though with this new found reality we cannot shelf our commitment to building a society that encompasses all Americans, of every background.  The New Deal started the goal of creating a more perfect union, the Great Society carried it on, and now comes our task, not of reverting back to those, but instead looking forward. Programs will be pursued, so long as they do not conflict with my ultimate goal of bringing down the budget deficits and moving towards a balanced budget!"

Bentsen's speech received a lukewarm response from liberal Democrats, including Vice President Ted Kennedy, but from Republicans, moderate Democrats and everyday Americans the response was overwhelming positive. Bentsen's approval rating stood in the mid sixties throughout his first year, and though some Democrats were frustrated by some of Bentsen's proposals, they did not buck the President, upon receiving a promise from Ted Kennedy who in a speech, alluded to the passage of universal health care in a Bentsen Presidency.

The Committee Bentsen established provided some resolutions to the budget crunch, but not enough, so with his positions firm he took to the podium and announced a bold and daring plan to tackle the deficit.

"Tax increases of enormous proportions will stifle any economic growth and hurt our recovery, but we cannot needlessly cut programs reckless, though there will be a time to cut out the fat of government. There is a fear that deficit reduction too fast and too quickly will hurt the economy, and so that will not be our goal. I am proposing through tax increases on those who the earn the highest income, we can allow our nation to prosper and will be able to bring down the deficit.

Now, my friends on the Republican side will challenge me on the tax increases, but the mentality of this country has always been we all work together. During World War II, there were those who served abroad and those who served at home. Now our present crisis does not call that type of sacrifice to be made, but this is a time when where we as one people, united under God must come together to confront the present challenges of today."

As expected Republicans tore into Bentsen, but his response was always the same, "I welcome their discontent." Democrats however had something to smile about with Bentsen's proposal for deficit reduction. In the same breath, Democrats continued to pressure him on future legislation on health care, but Bentsen remained elusive on the subject.

In hopes to working with the Republicans, he met with Senate Minority leader Howard Baker and Majority Leader Robert Byrd, as well as with Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil and Minority Leader Gerald Ford, where he proposed his plan in greater detail. Essentially, you (Republicans) get spending increases, we (Democrats) get small tax increases. The Republicans continued to buck Bentsen, but he acknowledged that the Democratic Super Majorities would prevent any disruption by the Republicans.

"I want us to pass this together, in a show of bipartisanship." -- Pres. Bentsen.

"Mr. President, may I remind you that this is September and there is an election one year from now." -- Howard Baker.

"I realize that, which is why we must act now." -- Pres. Bentsen.

"Either you're with us or you're not." -- Speaker Tip O'Neil.

Republican efforts were futile and they ultimately agreed to the package and in December, right before Christmas Bentsen signed into the law the The Deficit Reduction Act of 1981. Though Republicans promised to use it in November of '82, Bentsen had the wind at his back, with over a majority of the public supporting the package.

"America can sleep sounder and live better. At this special time of year we must be thankful for all we have look to the future with great confidence of what may still come. I believe that by the grace of God and by our commitment to one another we can and will succeed and this great and powerful nation will no longer set limitations. America is on the upward swing, and there is no stopping us..." -- Pres. Bentsen, December 22nd, 1981, after the signing of the The Deficit Reduction Act of 1981.

Bentsen Approval Rating:

Approve: 60%

Disapprove: 36%

Though the election of '84 was an eternity, pundits began to speculate against possible challengers to Pres. Bentsen, and former Vice President Ronald Reagan's name emerged as possibility, though some speculated the 70 year old, who would be 73 on the election day would likely pass on the chance to run. Though in trial heats Reagan performed the best against Bentsen, though still could not defeat him.

Bentsen v. Reagan:

Bentsen: 51%

Reagan: 44%

Bentsen v. Baker:

Bentsen: 56%

Baker: 37%

Bentsen v. Kemp:

Bentsen: 58%

Kemp: 35%

Bentsen v. Dole:

Bentsen: 57%

Dole: 38%

Bentsen v. Ford:

Bentsen: 53%

Ford: 39%

Though important, the Republicans hoped to regain control of Congress in 1982, while Vice Pres. Ted Kennedy continued to lobby President Bentsen to push for health care legislation in the second year, but Bentsen continued to avoid the subject; finally telling Kennedy, "I don't think we're there yet."

Kennedy and Bentsen seemed to be a disagreement over health care and politely as he could, Kennedy reminded Bentsen that, "The Democratic Party is the champion of the poor, the forgotten and those who haven't gotten a fair share." To which Bentsen replied, "And I'm President."

The tensions between Kennedy and Bentsen continued as '82 got underway, and in an effort to suppress his voice, Bentsen excluded Kennedy from most meetings, and used him an envoy on trips abroad. Kennedy, frustrated with his lack of authority with the Vice Presidency, began to contemplate about resigning and running for his old senate seat in the fall.

But, his advisors bluntly told Kennedy, no. "You'll hurt Bentsen in '84 and you'll be finished for '88." At the same time Kennedy's personal life began to crumble. The troubles had been building for a while, with Kennedy and Joan separating in 1978, the two reunited in 1979 as Kennedy began his campaign for President and after being nominated and elected Vice President, they kept up the facade, though Joan spent most of her time in Massachusetts, while Kennedy remained in Washington.

As their troubles began to spill out Bentsen made a phone call to Kennedy while he was on a trip to China, where he said, "Take care your mess, but don't let it become a public annoyance." Though Bentsen made no public acknowledgment or discussed it with many in his Administration he was contemplating taking Kennedy off the ticket in 1984.

Coming next: Dealing with Soviet Union, The Midterm Results, and Campaign '84

Bentsen Approval Ratings:

Approve: 59%

Disapprove: 38%

[SUSAN CRUSHBONE]

Bentsen v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 51%

Reagan: 44%

Bentsen v. Reagan

You must be logged in to read this quote.

, but don't let it become a public annoyance.

This is an awesome and interesting timeline, though.

[Pingvin]

Instead of many words....

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Very good work.

[Jerseyrules]

Instead of many words....

[NHI]

The policy of the United States with the Soviet Union, going back to Nixon had been detente. With their being a lull Bentsen decided to take an opportunity and mark a new direction.

"It's time for us to realize that we'll outlast them, and that they will collapse." -- Sec. of State Muskie

"The question is how to exploit that downfall." -- Pres. Bentsen.

"Detente is finished, I believe it's time for us to reaffirm ourselves in a much stronger position." Sec. of Defense Brown.

"The first step is calling them out on their economic system, then human rights, their nuclear capabilities, then we talk." -- Pres. Bentsen.

"One strategy could be a quid pro quo. We build down, they build down." -- Sec. of State Muskie

As Bentsen began to reformulate his policy towards the Soviet Union, the midterm elections started to gain ground. With the Republicans hoping to regain control of Congress, they ran against the Administration on the tax increases, and former Vice President Ronald Reagan who campaigned for Republican candidate around the country, said, "One tax increase is like a leaky faucet, it's starts off small and then it continues to leak and leak, getting bigger and bigger until you flood completely."

Reagan continued to deny speculation about a possible run in '84. "I'm not commenting on 1984. It's 1982, let's worry about the present, today and the future tomorrow."

Reagan v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 50%

Reagan: 44%

As 1982 ticked away Kennedy who had attempted to keep his marriage problems covered, turned his energy on persuading Bentsen to press for health care legislation. Though reluctant at first, he finally conceded and in his state of the union announced his intentions to push for a health care bill that would provide universal coverage to all Americans.

"We may never get another chance like this." -- Vice Pres. Kennedy at a Press Conference.

Kennedy was responsible for leading the task force on health care reform, a decision Bentsen would come to regret. The health care push was a debacle with Republicans bucking Democrats at every turn. Cries of socialism echoed throughout the country. At the forefront was Reagan who chided the Democrats and Bentsen for pursuing such legislation.

"Socialized medicine will lead to government to telling what can and can't be done. The doctor patient relationship will crumble as bureaucrats decide what is right and wrong. For socialism and all its ilk has destroyed nations fiscally and morally and that cannot be the fate of the United States. -- Former Vice Pres. Ronald Reagan.

It became clear to Bentsen that the health care law was damaging his party's chances in '82 as well as his own in '84. He looked to stall the efforts until after the election, but the public perception of the bill was already disastrous and in November the Democrats lost control of the House of Representatives, making Gerald Ford, Speaker of the House.

Ford and his wife Betty on Election Night.

Republicans used the health care law to their advantaged and made it politically toxic for the Democrats, and turned Election Night 1982 into a strong night. Though Democrats kept control of the Senate, the Republicans improved their numbers and in December the health care law went down in close defeat. Following it Vice Pres. Kennedy complained to his staff that Bentsen did not push stronger enough for the law and that, "If I'd been President we'd have universal health care."

In 1983 Bentsen hoped to forge a working coalition with The Republican House, and Speaker of the House Gerald Ford seemed interested in working, though he denounced any future efforts for universal health care on the basis that Bentsen had proposed.

"I look forward to working with Speaker Ford and pursuing common interests for America." -- Pres. Bentsen.

As 1983 Congress made minor acts, though the efforts seemed to stall all major legislation until after the 1984 election. The overreach on health care had impacted Bentsen and in 1983 the economy took a small dip with the stock market taking a major hit.

This looked to impact the reelection efforts of Bentsen, and many began to wonder if he was headed for a rough patch.

Bentsen Approval:

Approve: 48%

Disapprove: 49%

As 1983 moved along the Republican race began to open up, but with an economy lagging many Republican operatives believed there was a clear opening to winning back the White House, but announced field of candidates failed to incite enthusiasm.

The Republican Contenders:

Howard Baker announces his campaign.

Bob Dole's entry made him a strong contender for the nomination.

Pete Dupont was the first Governor to enter the Presidential race.

Rep. Jack Kemp's entrance sparked enthusiasm from the GOP Conservative Base.

Polling:

Other: 50%

Baker: 16%

Dole: 13%

Kemp 13%

Dupont: 8%

The dissatisfaction with the prospective candidates gave the GOP reason to worry. The focus shifted to Ronald Reagan, the former VP seemed to be the only candidate who could unite the party against Bentsen, but many questioned if his age would prevent him from being elected President.

Gerald Ford, another Republican who was courted to run, declined and endorsed Howard Baker. However in the fall of 1983 the race received an unexpected entrant when Gov. George H.W. Bush of Texas announced his campaign. Bush had served as Ambassador to the UN under Nixon from '71-73, then as CIA Director from '73-76, and finally Sec. of State under Brooke from '77-78. In '78 he stepped down from his post to run for Governor of Texas won, 53%-45%.

He ran for reelection in 1982 and won in a landslide, cementing his case as a presidential candidate.

Bush enters the race, propelling him past Baker for the spot of frontrunner.

Polling:

Bush: 24%

Baker: 20%

Dole: 14%

Kemp: 13%

Dupont: 8%

Other: 21%

However, the question still lingered over whether Ronald Reagan would enter the race. In the fall of 1983, Reagan still had yet to announce and some believed he was going to miss his chance. Finally in October of 1983, after much of speculation Reagan finally announced his campaign for President and positioned himself as the candidate capable to defeat Bentsen in 1984.

Polling:

Reagan: 40%

Bush: 23%

Dole: 14%

Kemp: 13%

Dupont: 9%

Reagan v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 49%

Reagan: 45%

Bush v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 50%

Bush: 45%

Dole v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 50%

Bush: 39%

Kemp v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 50%

Kemp: 40%

Baker v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 49%

Baker: 40%

[Jerseyrules]

good so far; looking forward to it

[NHI]

Early Polling:

Iowa:

Reagan: 42%

Baker: 16%

Bush: 14%

Dole: 14%

Kemp: 10%

Dupont: 4%

New Hampshire:

Reagan: 42%

Bush: 20%

Baker: 18%

Dole: 7%

Kemp: 8%

Dupont: 4%

Polling:

Reagan: 44%

Bush: 16%

Baker: 14%

Dole: 12%

Kemp: 9%

Dupont: 4%

After months of polling in last and failing to gain traction Dupont ended his campaign and endorsed Reagan for the nomination. At the same time Reagan's momentum continued to build and Bush hoped to offset Reagan by showing strong, if not winning Iowa. While subtle in his attacks he tried to make Reagan's age a liability, but the horseback riding 73 year old sportsman proved to be in sprier than many of his opponents, but Bush still persisted.

At the same time Bentsen made subtle jabs about Reagan's age in his first press conference of 1984. "This is a tough job and though I'm not as youthful as I used to be, you've still got to have a strong footing to deal with this job."

In the closing days of Iowa Reagan looked to be headed for a slam dunk against his opponents. However in a surprising upset Bush managed to defeat Reagan by three points, trumping his momentum going into New Hampshire.

Reagan's Concession Speech in Iowa. "The work goes on from here."

Iowa:

Bush: 40%

Reagan: 37%

Dole: 10%

Kemp: 8%

Baker: 4%

The Iowa Caucuses results saw the end to Howard Baker's campaign, the Minority Leader bowed out and endorsed Reagan upon his return to New Hampshire. Kemp was determined to remain through New Hampshire and Dole at least past New Hampshire, but most pundits saw the race shaping up between Reagan and Bush. Going into Iowa Reagan led Bush in New Hampshire by more than twenty points, but with the Governor's win in Iowa Reagan's lead crumbled.

"Frankly, I'd rather have us run against Reagan, I was quite disappointed with the results in Iowa, I thought the Gipper would pull it through." -- Vice Pres. Reagan.

"The White House is afraid of my campaign, because they know I can win." -- Gov. George Bush.

In the sole debate before New Hampshire, financed by Reagan's campaign, the former Vice President and Governor of Texas faced off, with Kemp and Dole trying to get a word in edgewise. The debate remained largely forgettable, save for one line by Reagan against Bush. In the final minutes Bush slipped up and attacked Reagan on his age. "I just don't see how a 73 year old is going to go up to the leaders of the Soviet Union and wave them down without worrying about worrying about his bingo game."

Bush attempted for his remark to come off as a joke, but the audience responded in Reagan's favor and the former movie actor responded in trade mark style, "Just a moment, please Mr. Breen. Now we've got a long campaign ahead of us and I do hope the candidates can keep up, because I am not going to make age an issue of this campaign, and I am not going to exploit for some political gain the youthfulness and inexperience of my opponent."

The line was a political home run for Reagan and a few days later the Gipper scored a victory over Bush in the Granite State.

A victorious Reagan makes his statement.

New Hampshire:

Reagan: 45%

Bush: 39%

Dole: 11%

Kemp: 4%

As the race narrowed to a two man contest between Reagan and Bush, with Dole and Kemp bowing out and endorsing Reagan, Pres. Bentsen gave a speech where he announced his deregulation plan that included his proposal to deregulate government control over aviation.

"I wish I could sit back and wait until November for my Republican candidate to catchup, but I've got a job to do."

Reagan v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 47%

Reagan: 45%

Bush v. Bentsen:

Bentsen: 48%

Bush: 45%

Bentsen Approval Rating:

Approve: 46%

Disapprove: 51%

As the economy continued to lag and in some instances worsen, the Bentsen campaigned started to panic, but the Reagan comeback in New Hampshire the White House briefed a sigh of relief.

"This is not the Reagan of '76, or even of '80. He's been stained by defeat, he's getting up there in age and has been out of the public eye. If it's him, then we win, easily." -- Vice Pres. Ted Kennedy.

As the year moved on Kennedy continued to chide the President to take bigger steps on traditional liberal proposals, but the President refused to cave, citing stabilizing the economy was priority number one. Again, Kennedy and Bentsen butted heads and the friction between the two reached a boiling point.

"I'm thinking I won't be able to stand four more years of him, then have to deal with him running in '88." Pres. Bentsen to Sec. of State Muskie.

The talk of replacing Kennedy had been batted around the Bentsen reelection team before, and replacing him with a much more stable running mate. Names that included, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, Minnesota Sen. Walter Mondale and New York Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro, though the team worried disrupting the flow might cause a blowback in the fall.

However, the team worried about scandal, particularly with Kennedy and his wife Joan. Winning reelection was one thing, but supposing they won, the fear of a Kennedy scandal would tint any successes of a second term. Bentsen contemplated the choice and decided to wait until it became clear that Reagan would be the nominee.

[NHI]

The Final Primaires and The Nominee:

Bush reorganized his campaign and hoped to pull an upset on Reagan in Vermont and Wyoming, the two states following New Hampshire. However, Reagan could not be stopped and carried both states easily.

Vermont:

Reagan: 53%

Bush: 46%

Wyoming:

Reagan: 55%

Bush: 44%

Following three losses to Reagan, Bush contemplated leaving the race, but his staff persuaded him not too and he carried on for the South Carolina Primary. Reagan was seen to have had a lock on the states, but Bush hoped to make a strong showing in the state of South Carolina, with the the hopes of upsetting Reagan in Florida on Super Tuesday. His strategy failed and Reagan swept the state.

South Carolina:

Reagan: 57%

Bush: 41%

With support waning and money running low, Bush headed into the March 13th primaries where many delegates were at stake. He made a play for states in the northeast and tried to get Florida, but it was a failed effort. Bush only carried the state of Connecticut.

Florida:

Reagan: 59%

Bush: 40%

Georgia:

Reagan: 67%

Bush: 31%

Alabama:

Reagan: 70%

Bush: 29%

Massachusetts:

Reagan: 54%

Bush: 44%

Rhode Island:

Reagan: 55%

Bush: 44%

Connecticut:

Bush: 49%

Reagan: 48%

After Super Tuesday Bush was out of money and energy. His campaign was folding and Reagan had the momentum going all the way to Dallas for the convention.

"I can't believe this guy, I've never seen anyone like it." -- Gov. Bush.


Reagan's age which Bush and others tried to make an issue never hurt the candidate, if anything Reagan's age drew people to his campaign. Despite having been the Vice President to defeated Pres. Brooke the stain of the past Administration did not effect him. As Gov. Bush would later put it, "His nickname should be Mr. Teflon."

Bush remained around for the Illinois primary, his final one. He was crushed by Reagan in his worst defeat and following it he ended his campaign and endorsed Reagan for President.

Illinois:

Reagan: 78%

Bush: 21%

The Bushes and The Reagans following Gov. Bush's endorsement of the Presumptive Republican Nominee.

[NHI]

The Republican Ticket: Reagan/Bush

Reagan selected Bush to be his running mate, a pick that united the party for victory in 1984. At the same time the Democrat Ticket seemed to be crumbling. Kennedy's scandals continued to plague The Administration, and it soon became apparent that an affair was possible. With Reagan now the nominee, Bentsen asked Kennedy to step aside for the sake of the party and while angered Kennedy stepped down on the ticket and Bentsen chose New York Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro.

The surprise pick was seen a bold move by Bentsen, and one that received criticism.

Bentsen's ability to criticize Reagan diminished with the pick of Ferraro. While she brought excitement to the ticket and enthused voters many questioned whether or not she was ready to be President should the event occur.

"I thought it was the mistake of his life. Kennedy had his foibles, he had his own agenda, but Bentsen should have left him on the ticket." -- Sec. of State Muskie.

The choice for Kennedy to step aside was seen as a shock to the party, but Kennedy downplayed the news by saying, "In going forward with a Republican House I am better suited outside of the Washington bubble, especially in helping Pres. Bentsen in the second term." Kennedy alluded to running for Governor in 1986, but never commented on it fully. Though never acknowledged by the President or Kennedy, the marital problems of the Vice President were seen as the real reason he stepped down as Vice President on the ticket in '84.

Ferraro on the stump.

"Ferraro brought passion to the ticket and the pick was seen a great barrier breaker for women", a Bentsen staffer would later say, "But her pick was done in haste and put the spotlight on us entirely, especially when the opponent was Ronald Reagan."

Reagan at the Convention in '84.

Reagan's conservative rhetoric appealed to many Americans and his desire to see America return to her "Pristine greatness" as he put it. Though some Americans did worry about the age factor and whether or not a 73 year old man was up to the task of being president. But to Reagan's advantage the same questions fell to Congresswoman Ferraro and many speculated if she was too wet behind the ears.

Following the Republican Convention for the first time Reagan led Bentsen in all national polls, and the Bentsen campaign shifted into panic mode. While Ferraro went on the attack, Bentsen tried to focus on governing and refrained from engaging Reagan directly, saying, "We'll have a great debate." By not engaging Reagan on the stump rhetorically, Reagan was able to define the issues of the campaign and with a weakening economy, Bentsen was vulnerable.

"He came in not as a Kennedy Democrat, a liberal in every sense of the word, but a moderate conservative Democrat, but the Republican managed to trap him in the corner and make him out to be a 'dirty, rotten, weak liberal', and when dealing with someone with Reagan's acting skills and powerful rhetoric the image stuck." -- Attorney General Walter Mondale.

The country was long for solution and while Bentsen knew there was very little he could do to solve the ailing economy, by looking defenseless his reelection problems were not getting better. Outmatched by Reagan's campaign presence, Bentsen welcome Yuri Andropov, General Secretary of the Soviet Union to the United States, in hopes to help his campaign.

The meeting reaffirmed in the minds of voters Bentsen's role as a tough talker with the Soviets, but also one who was willing to sit down with them as well.

"In that meeting our campaign changed and we were back. Bentsen led Reagan, in spite of the economy, and we really thought things were looking up." -- Geraldine Ferraro

Things were looking up, but less then two weeks after The General Secretary left the United States The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, and Bentsen was caught unaware by the march.

"The Soviet's invaded, and we just looked around like confused little children. We had no plan, we had no response, and we allowed Reagan to get the message, and he made us look weak. 'How could the United States let this happen' he charged, and we got hit pretty badly." -- Sec. of State Muskie.

Bentsen on the stump in Ohio, looking spent.

With the embarrassment in Afghanistan and the weakening economy, Bentsen headed into the one and only Presidential Debate, to which the largest audience ever tuned in; over 85 million.

Reagan attacked Bentsen throughout the night and the once distinguished statesman was left without an opening. Finally seeing an opportunity he took it and flubbed. Bentsen criticized Reagan's age and hoped it would stir in voters' minds who seemed not be taken with the idea of electing the nation's oldest president.

In trademark Ronald Reagan fashion he responded to Bentsen with a smile and a quip, "I believe I answered that question back in New Hampshire, and the answer is still true today!" Bentsen tried to interject, but Reagan responded once more, "Excuse me Mr. President, but there you go again."

Reagan delivers a homerun performance.

Reagan v. Bentsen:

Reagan: 49%

Bentsen: 46%

"We're going to win a victory, from sea to shinning sea."

"The nation wanted something different, they wanted someone who didn't quite fit into the traditional perceptions and Ronald Reagan came along just at the right time." -- Howard Baker.

"Bentsen represented the old way." -- Gerald Ford.

Does Ronald Reagan's Age Influence Your Decision in Voting?

Yes: 29%

No: 69%

[Jerseyrules]

Interesting update!

[NHI]

Ronald Reagan and Pres. Bentsen fought back and forth over a lead going into the weekend before Election Day. The once promising prospects of a second term looked to be unhinged by a weakened economy and a charismatic former movie actor.

"I can't believe how close he is running, Bentsen should be five to ten points ahead." -- Geraldine Ferraro.

While helpful on the stump Geraldine Ferraro did not inspire confidence in the public that she would be able to succeed Bentsen should something happen to the President. Her debate performance with Bush was mixed at best. While on domestic issues she could hold her on, the matters of foreign policy Bush mopped the floor up with her.

Ferraro received praise for her comeback, but she failed to followup with substance.

"I mean no disrespect Congresswoman, but the world is changing rapidly. The Soviets are on the move in Afghanistan and the present Administration has remained flatfooted about the whole ordeal."

"Mr. Bush, I resent your patronizing attitude, and that you have to almost lecture me about foreign policy, so let's not try to present yourself as the informant on these matters."

The confrontation between Bush and Ferraro did not effect either campaign, in the moment that became known as "The Stumble". While campaigning in Texas at a rally, Bentsen was walking the rope line, when he tripped and went falling to the ground. He recovered and finished his campaigning, but the incident made national headlines and put Bentsen's age in question.

"We had been trying to make Reagan's age an issue and it did not stick and now we have this and everyone says Bentsen is too feeble and if he dies Ferraro becomes President, and she's not ready." -- Sec. of State Muskie.

Bentsen closed out his campaign with a final stop in the state of Ohio, before returning to Texas to cast his ballot on Election Day, and then returning to Washington to watch the results with his family. Once back at the White House Bentsen met with his staff and headed into the private residence, unsure of what the results would be.

"We either win by a little, or we'll you can figure the other result." -- Pres. Bentsen to Attorney General Walter Mondale.

As Kennedy watched the results from Massachusetts he began plotting his own political comeback and saw the governorship as a way to make it happen. Michael Dukakis had ran and won for Kennedy's old seat seat in a special election and now Governor John Kerry was running for his own senate seat. With Kerry suspected to win the election and with Evelyn Murphy the Lieutenant Governor not planning on running in '86, Kennedy looked to make his move.

"Whatever happens tonight will not prevent me from running and winning in '88." Kennedy to a friend on Election Night.

[NHI]

Good Evening and welcome to Coverage of Campaign '84, Election Night. The polls have closed in a number of states and we're ready to make some early projections. In the state of Tennessee Ronald Reagan in the projected winner tonight.

Tennessee:

Reagan: 53%

Bentsen: 45%

Reagan: 11

Bentsen: 0

The President carried the state four years ago and by Jimmy Carter eight years ago and tonight it goes Republican, the first time since 1972. Only one state, but certainly one of interest.

Well, we can now project that the President has carried the state of West Virginia, an old Democratic stronghold stays in their column tonight.

West Virginia:

Bentsen: 51.7%

Reagan: 47.2%

Reagan: 11

Bentsen: 6

Now a decision was made tonight in not using exit polls to project winners. We are going to wait until we have enough results in to make a projection. For example in the state of Ohio, Mr. Reagan is holding a lead over the President in the exit polls, but we don't have in any votes to make a projection in the state yet.

One state we can project a winner in is Kentucky, it will go for Mr. Reagan tonight, and while we're at it we can project the state of Indiana as well.

Kentucky:

Reagan: 54.4%

Bentsen: 43.9%

Indiana:

Reagan: 57.0%

Bentsen: 41.8%

Reagan: 32

Bentsen: 6

As you can by the map now, three states for Mr. Reagan, and one for President Bentsen. Many more to call as this night goes on, but by all accounts Ronald Reagan is doing much better than expected.

[NHI]

There is the map at this hour, Ronald Reagan leads Pres. Bentsen by ten electoral votes. He has swept the south save for Florida, Virginia and North Carolina, but he is leading in the two of the three, with Bentsen leading narrowly in the sunshine state.

Reagan: 103

Bentsen: 93

Florida:

Bentsen: 49.7%

Reagan: 49.5%

We are ready to project that Mr. Reagan has won the state of New Hampshire, the Granite State returns to the Republican Column tonight.

New Hampshire:

Reagan: 55.0%

Bentsen: 44.9%

Reagan: 107

Bentsen: 93

Reagan has carried one of the districts in Maine, and is currently leading in the other two districts.

We are now turning to Reagan campaign advisor Jim Baker, who is live from California where the polls are still open, Jim what is your feeling from the former Vice President's end tonight?

"Well, we're certainly very happy with the results so far and I do believe by the night's end Ronald Reagan will be the next President of The United States. The results are going in the direction we predicted in Ohio, as is the results in North Carolina and Virginia."

What do you equate to your success tonight, or success so far?

"I think the people are looking for someone who is strong on their convictions, is a natural leader and will unite this country. I mean we've been through eight years of a Democrat and Republican President. If Ronald Reagan is elected tonight, then he will be denying a second president reelection in such a short span of time."

"Hold on Jim, you'll want to here this, we now project that Ronald Reagan has won the state of North Carolina.

North Carolina:

Reagan: 56.1%

Bentsen: 43.4%

Reagan: 120

Bentsen: 93

"That's great news, a big mandate from almost the entire south and gives us great confident as we move to the western states later."

Thank you Jim Baker, Advisor to the Reagan campaign.

...

Reagan: 167

Bentsen: 118

...And Pres. Bentsen will win the state of Pennsylvania, although by a narrower margin than what he won it by four years ago.

Now Reagan has taken New Jersey and is leading in Ohio, is this a sign of things to come or can Pres. Bentsen pulls this out?

Bentsen is leading in Illinois at the moment, so that bodes well for him, he has a narrower lead in his home state of Texas, also the home state of Vice Presidential candidate George Bush. Now he needs to take Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan and Texas. He can loses Ohio, but the math becomes much more difficult for him. He needs to carry western states like New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado. If that strategy goes accordingly then Bentsen wins 276-262, a narrow win.

What about California though? Reagan was the Governor, but Bentsen did very well there four years ago.

Well California would be a great victory for him, it would make up for a loss in Ohio, Florida and even Texas. Bentsen focused much of his energies on Ohio, Florida, Texas states in the west like Nevada. He knew the south would be lost to Reagan, but I don't think they expected to loose Maine and New Hampshire tonight, as well as New Jersey. Three big losses tonight.

Texas:

Bentsen: 49.80%

Reagan: 49.79%

Ohio:

Reagan: 50.1%

Bentsen: 49.4%

Illinois:

Bentsen: 50.0%

Reagan: 49.1%

Michigan:

Reagan: 50.7%

Bentsen: 48.8%

Wisconsin:

Reagan: 50.9%

Bentsen: 48.2%

Iowa:

Bentsen: 49.72%

Reagan: 49.69%

Florida:

Bentsen: 49.69%

Reagan: 49.65%

We can now project that Ronald Reagan will win the state of Wisconsin, setting up a major blow for the Bentsen campaign tonight.

Reagan: 178

Bentsen: 118

...

We can now make a major projection. Ronald Reagan has won the state of Ohio. Repeat, Ronald Reagan has won the state of Ohio.

Ohio:

Reagan: 50.4%

Bentsen: 48.6%

Reagan: 201

Bentsen: 118

[Jerseyrules]

Go Ronny Go!  Go!  Go Ronny Go!

[NHI]

Michigan:

Reagan: 51.2%

Bentsen: 47.7%

We just projected Ronald Reagan to be the winner in the state of Michigan. That now brings his electoral total to 224 electoral votes, to President Bentsen 118.

We can now project that Pres. Bentsen will win the crucial battleground of Illinois. The President needed a boost and this state certainly will give him one.

Illinois:

Bentsen: 50.3%

Reagan: 49.1%

Reagan: 224

Bentsen: 142

Now all eyes are remaining on the states of Florida and Texas. Bentsen holds a narrow lead in Florida, but Reagan has surpassed him in Texas, though we cannot project a winner yet.

With over sixty percent of the vote counted we still cannot project a winner, and that is because of the narrowest of leads by Ronald Reagan.

Texas: 67% Counted

Reagan: 49.89%

Bentsen: 49.81%

Over fifty percent is counted in Iowa and at this time we are projecting that Ronald Reagan will win the state which holds the first caucuses.

Iowa:

Reagan: 49.94%

Bentsen: 49.76%

Reagan: 232

Bentsen: 142

As a commentator I am amazed and frankly stunned at the reversal many of the states have done tonight. Reagan has swept the deep south and looks poised to take Florida based on the current polling. Pres. Bentsen, elected by a landslide mandate four years ago finds himself on opposite end tonight as he faces an increasingly likely defeat against his Republican opponent seventy-three year old Ronald Reagan.

The polls have just closed in two states and we are now projecting that Ronald Reagan will be the winner in Wyoming and in Colorado based on the data at this time.

Wyoming:

Reagan: 66.6%

Bentsen: 33.0%

Colorado:

Reagan: 59.8%

Bentsen: 39.2%

Reagan: 243

Bentsen: 142

Reagan is doing well in the west, I expect that trend to continue for him as more states fall into line.

Looking back to the state of Florida which has been contested throughout the night, Ronald Reagan's lead is now holding and Bentsen's is slipping.

Florida:

Reagan: 49.99%

Bentsen 49.64%

If Ronald Reagan is able to hold that state, then he'll be much closer to the number needed to be elected President.

Is it over? I mean looking at the states left, this is only a matter of time before Reagan is able to cross the line.

I never deal in absolutes, especially in politics, but the math is becoming increasingly unlikely for Bentsen to mount at this point. He has failed to carry the key states needed to win the Presidency.

We will just say no one will be projected to win the Presidency, until they have collected the needed delegates, 270, needed to become President of the United States.

We are now comfortable to project that Ronald Reagan will win the state of Florida.

Reagan: 264

Bentsen: 142

It's over. It's only a matter of time now.

Well the time has come, you've seen the map, we've looked at the figures and we can now project that Ronald Reagan, a former actor, a screen guild present, Vice President of the United States is our projected winner for the Presidency. Ronald Wilson Reagan will be the next President of the United States of America.

Reagan Elected!

Reagan: 293

Bentsen: 142

The state of Texas, the home state of Pres. Bentsen and Governor Bush, it returns to it's Republican Roots, for the first time since Richard Nixon in 1972, and puts Ronald Reagan over the top tonight.

Epilogue:

Ronald Reagan/George H.W. Bush: 382 (53.6%)

Lloyd Bentsen/Geraldine Ferraro: 156 (44.9%)

Close States:

New Mexico: (R) 49.69% - 49.53%

Texas: (R) 49.92% - 49.87%

Oregon: (R) 50.41% - 48.89%

Florida: (R) 49.97% - 49.69%

Washington: (D) 49.91% - 49.52%

Wisconsin: (R) 50.97% - 48.25%

Illinois: (D) 50.00% - 49.49%

Pennsylvania: (D) 50.01% - 49.47%

Coming up next: The Presidency of Ronald Reagan