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The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Nov 5, 1984, Ronald Reagan Remarks at a Reagan-Bush Rally in San Diego, California. This is the last rally of my election campaign. And four years ago this particular day, it was also right here in this same place that we had that rally. But there s so much to do and plan for. These past few months have been really something. We took our campaign out to the country. We journeyed to the bright grid of the cities and the suburbs of the East and we went to the broad avenues of the sun belt. We talked to farmers outside of Des Moines and families in the shopping malls. On a whistle stop Tour in Harry Truman s old train, I went across Ohio and saw the people of that state spill out waving flags. We ve been to University and College campuses all across the country. And we saw a dazzling new generation coming to life with an honest love for America. Now a couple of weeks ago, I ran out of time on a debate. I didn t get to finish what I set out to say, I m going to say it here. All of us or most of us grew up in America where we took it for granted that we could dream and make our dreams come true, fly as high and as far as our ability and effort would take us. Then we came to a time not too long ago where people began telling us that those days were over, that we were in an era of limits. That there was a ceiling and we never again could have it as quite as good as they had been. Well don t you believe it. My generation and those other generations I mentioned, we have a sacred trust and we re going to fill that trust and that is, to see that when the time comes, to turn the reigns over to you, we re going to turn over to you a country that is free in a world that is at peace. And now just one last request. One last request. Don t read the polls, don t get complacent. The last time I looked at Mount Rushmore, President Dewey s face wasn t up there. We need every vote, so make up your mind your vote is needed. Get out there and vote, get your neighbors to vote. Go to the polls tomorrow. Our best days are yet to come. And now, for the last time in a campaign that I can say it, because I know it drives a certain candidate up the wall, I m going to say it, and that is, You Ain t Seen Nothing Yet.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Jan 21, 1985 Inauguration: RONALD REAGAN being sworn in as President by Chief Justice WARREN BURGER in the Capitol rotunda. Ron kisses wife NANCY REAGAN. Diss to speech. Four years ago I spoke to you about a new beginning and we have accomplished that. But in another sense our new beginning is a continuation of that beginning created two centuries ago. When for the first time in history, Government, the people said, was not our master it is our servant. Its only power, that which we the people, allow it to have. Let history say of us, these were Golden Years, when the American Revolution was reborn, when freedom gained New Life and America reached for its best.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Jan 25, 1985 Ronald Reagan Remarks at the 1985 Reagan Administration Executive Forum It s been a tremendous four years and I m feeling absolutely bullish on the next four. I was just thinking the other day that in our first administration we made history, and the second, we can change history forever. I think there s an understandable tendency when the second term begins, to think that all the great work is behind us, that the big battles have been fought and all the rest is anti-climax. Well, that s not true. What s gone before is prologue. Our greatest battles lie ahead. All is newness now and the possibility of great and fundamental change. We can change America, forever. And that s some great and beautiful music we been playing these four years, but the way I see it, from here on it s Shake Rattle and Roll. (Loud applause)
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Mar 11, 1985 press conference regarding the death of Soviet Head of State Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko, remaining optimistic that arms reduction progress with his sucessor will continue. Today we ve learned of a death of Head of State, Konstantin Chernenko. And I sent my condolences to the Soviet leadership and people. I want them to know that we will deal with Chairman s Chernenko successor with an open mind and will continue our efforts to improve relations between our two nations, to settle our differences fairly and particularly, to lower the levels of nuclear arms. Tomorrow in Geneva, American negotiators will sit down with their Soviet counter parts to begin the most important arms talks, in which our nation will likely to participate, for the rest of this decade. Press, Are you anxious to meet the new Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev? Reagan, Very much so. And I was with the previous three also. (Half laughing) I was ready to have a meeting, and as they themselves said, At such a time if you have a legitimate agenda and not just have a meeting to get acquainted .
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Apr 16, 1985, Ronald Reagan Remarks at a Conference on Religious Liberty. He addresses the controversy re: his visit to the Bitburg war cemetery. Now let me turn to an issue if I could for just a moment that has provoked a storm of controversy. My decision to visit the war cemetery at Bitburg and my decision on the state visit to Germany and not to visit the site of the Concentration Camp at Dachau. It is to cement the 40 years of friendship between the free Germany and the United States. Between the German People and the American People, that Chancellor Kohl and I agreed together, to lay a wreath at the cemetery for the German war dead. That s why I accepted the invitation to Bitburg and that s why I m going, to Bitburg. As for the decision not to go to Dachau, one of the sites of the great moral obscenity of that era, it was taken because of my mistaken impression that such a visit was outside the official agenda. Chancellor Kohl s recent letter to me however has made it plane that my invitation to visit a Concentration Camp was indeed a part of his planed itinerary. So, I have now accepted that invitation and my staff is in Germany exploring a site that will fit in to our schedule there. (Applause)
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
May 5, 1985, Remarks at a Joint German-American Military Ceremony at Bitburg Air Base in the Federal Republic of Germany. Ronald Reagan speaks about touring World War II sites. I have just come from the cemetery where German war dead lay at rest. No one could visit there without deep and conflicting emotions. I felt great sadness that history could be filled with such waste, destruction and evil. But my heart was also lifted by the knowledge that from the ashes comes hope and that from the terrors from the past we have built 40 years, of peace, freedom and reconciliation among our nations. This visit has stirred many emotions in the American and German people too. I ve received many letters since, from first deciding to come to Bitburg Cemetery. Some supportive, others deeply concerned and questioning, and other opposed. Some old wounds have been reopened. And this I regret very much, because this should be a time of healing. Twenty two years ago President John F. Kennedy went to the Berlin Wall and proclaimed that he too, was a Berliner. Today freedom loving people around the world must say, I am a Berliner, I am a Jew in a world still threaten by anti-Semitism, I am a Afghan, and I am a prisoner of the gulag, I am a refugee in a crowded boat floundering off the cost of Vietnam, I am a Laotian, a Cambodian, a Cuban and a Mosquito Indian in Nicaragua, I too am a potential victim of totalitarianism. The one lesson of WW II, the one lesson of Nazism, is that freedom must always be stronger than totalitarianism and that good must always be stronger than evil.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
June 20, 1985: Ronald & Nancy Reagan award the Medal of Freedom to MOTHER TERESA (of Calcutta) in the White House. All of us know of that wonderful individual, Mother Teresa, that living Saint. If you ever met Mother Teresa, you know what I mean. She s probably trust into hand to pamphlet, telling you to love Christ. She wouldn t mind my saying that she s no longer young. If she were here, she d say, look who s talking. (Laughter)
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
June 30, 1985 Ronald Reagan Remarks Announcing the Release of the Hostages From the Trans World Airlines Hijacking Incident (TWA hijacking). The 39Americans held hostage for 17 days by terrorists in Lebanon are free, safe, and at this moment on their way to Frankfurt, Germany. They ll be home again soon. This is a moment of joy for them, for their loved ones and for our nation. And America opens its heart in a prayer of thanks to Almighty God. We can be thankful that our faith, courage and firmness have paid off. This is no moment for celebration. Let it be clearly understood that the seven Americans still held captive in Lebanon must be released, along with other innocent hostages from other countries. The United States gives terrorists no rewards and no guarantees, we make no concessions, and we make no deals. Nations that harbor terrorist undermine their own stability and endanger their own people. Terrorists be on notice. We will fight back against you in Lebanon and elsewhere. We will fight back against your cowardly attacks on American citizens and property.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
July 8, 1985: Ronald Reagan Remarks at the Annual Convention of the American Bar Association. He discusses terrorism. It will not surprise any of you to know that in addition to Iran, we have identified another nation, Libya, as deeply involved in terrorism. We have evidence which links Libyan agents or surrogates to at least 25 incidents last year. Colonel Khadafy outrages against civilized conduct are of course infamous as those of the Ayatollah Khomeini. So the American people are not, and I repeat, not, going to tolerate intimidation, terror and outright acts of war against this nation and its people. And we re especially not going to tolerate these attacks from outlaw states, run by the strangest collection of misfits, looney toons and squalled criminals since the advent the Third Reich.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Oct 24, 1985, Ronald Reagan Address to the 40th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, New York He speaks about impending Geneva Talks w/ Mikhail Gorbachev. C/As politicos EDOUARD SHEVARDNADZE, GEORGE SCHULTZ. When Mr. Gorbachev and I meet in Geneva next month. I look to a fresh start in a relationship of our two nations. We can and we should meet in the sprit that we can deal with our differences peacefully. And that is what we expect. The United States never saw Treaties merely to paper over differences. We continue to believe that a nuclear war is one that cannot be won, and must never be fought. And that is why we have sought for nearly 10 years, still seek and will discuss in Geneva, radical, equitable, verifiable reductions in these vast arsenals of offensive nuclear weapons.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
June 26, 1985, Ronald Reagan Remarks to the Finalists in the Teacher in Space Project. When one of you blasts off from Cape Kennedy next January, you ll be representing hope, opportunity and possibility. You ll be the emissary, to the next generation of American heroes. And your message will be one our progress impressive as it is, is only just a beginning.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Jan 28, 1986 Ronald Reagan Address to the Nation on the Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger. I planned to speak to you tonight to report on the State of the Union. But the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning and remembering. Nancy and I are pained to the core of the tragedy of the shuttle, Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss. And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle s take off. I know it s hard to understand but sometimes painful things like this happen. It s all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It s all part of taking a chance and expanding man s horizons. The future doesn t belong to the faint hearted, it belongs to the brave.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Jan 31, 1986 Remarks at the Memorial Service for the Crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger in Houston, Texas. President Ronald Reagan delivers a eulogy for the heroes. C/A Camelot kids JOHN F. KENNEDY, JR. (JFK, Jr., John F. Kennedy Jr.) and CAROLINE KENNEDY seated in crowd, listening to speech. C/As of the bereaved listening to the President speak. We come together today to mourn the loss of seven brave Americans. To share the grief we all feel, and perhaps in that sharing to find the strength, to bare our sorrow, and the courage to look for the seeds of hope. Our nation is indeed fortunate, that we can still draw on immense reservoirs of courage, character and fortitude. That we re still blessed with Heros, like those of space shuttle Challenger. Dick Scobee knew that every launching of a space shuttle is a technological miracle, and he said, That if something ever does go wrong, I hope that doesn t mean the end to the space shuttle program. Every family member I talk to, ask specifically that we continue the program that is what their departed loved one would want, above all else. We will not disappoint them.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
June 11, 1986 Ronald Reagan Remarks to Participants in the Young Astronauts Program. So yes, were going ahead with a space program worthy of the memory of the Challenger Seven. Their commitment to excellence will guide us on to new and even greater achievements and conquests. For our journey into space, we have a co-pilot now, the memory, the sprit of the Challenger Seven.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
November 13, 1986 Address to the Nation on the Iran Arms and Contra Aid Controversy (Iranian arms for hostages deal). Ronald Reagan tells the "truth", opting to discuss the "facts" about the secret initiative with Iran before the rumors grew into groundswells; denies allegations about trading arms for hostages or any ransom schemes of the sort; says that those who think we've gone soft on terrorism should consult with Mommar Khadafy. Iran-Contra scandal. "Good evening. I know you've been reading, seeing and hearing a lot of stories the past several days that have been attributed to Danish sailors, unnamed observers at Italian ports and Spanish harbors and especially unnamed government officials of my administration. Now you're going to hear the facts from a White House source, and you know my name. I want at this time to talk with you about an extremely sensitive and profoundly important matter of foreign policy. For eighteen month now, we have had underway a secret diplomatic initiative to Iran. That initiative was undertaken for the simplest and best of reasons, to renew a relationship with the nation of Iran, to bring an honorable end to the bloody six year war between Iran and Iraq, to eliminate state sponsor terrorism and subversion, and to effect the safe return of all hostages. Without Iran's cooperation we can not bring an end to the Persian Gulf war. Without Iran's concurrence there can be no enduring peace in the Middle East. For 10 days now, the American and world press have been full of reports and rumors about this initiative and these objectives. Now my fellow Americans, there is an old saying that 'nothing spreads so quickly as a rumor.' So I thought it was time to speak with you directly, to tell you first hand about our dealings with Iran. As Will Rodgers once said, ' Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth.' So let's get to the facts. The charge has been made that the United States has shipped weapons to Iran as ransom payment for the release of American hostages in Lebanon. That the United States undercut its allies and secretly violated American policy against trafficking with terrorists. Those charges are utterly false... Our government has a firm policy, not to capitulate to terrorist demands. That no concessions policy remains in force. In spite of the wildly speculative and false stories about arms for hostages, and alleged ransom payments, we did not, repeat, did not, trade weapons or anything else for hostages. Nor will we. Those who think we have gone soft on terrorism, should take up the question with Colonel Qaddafi."
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
December 12, 1986 Remarks at a White House Briefing for the American Legislative Exchange Council, regarding the Iranian arms for hostages deal. Ronald Reagan admits that mistakes were made, but says it shouldn't interfere with the business of governing. "Let me just add a few words about the contreversey concerning Iran. Or haven't you heard about it? (laughter) I said in my radio speech last Saturday, there is no doubt mistakes were made. And I'll not be satisified until all the facts are before the Amreican people. That's what we've pledged to do and we can be proud that the Constitutional process is working. But let me say this, we can not and we will not, let this stop us from getting on with the business of governing." (Applause)
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
March 4, 1987 Address to the Nation on the Iran Arms and Contra Aid Controversy. (Iran-Contra scandal) Ronald Reagan says that as unaware as he was of the disgraceful activities surrounding the scandal, he should still be held accountable for his actions, as well as those under his administration. "First let me say that I take full responsibility for my own actions and for those of my administration. As angry as I may be about activites undertaken without my knowledge, I am still accountable for those activities. As disappointed as I may be in some who served me, I am still the one who must answer to the American people for this behavior. And as personally distasteful as I find secret bank accounts and diverted funds, as the Navy would say, this happened on my watch. Let's start with the part that is the most contreversial. A few months ago I told the American people I did not trade arms for hostages. My heart & my best intentions still tell me that's true, but the facts & evidence tell me it is not. As the Tower Board reported, what began as a strategic opening to Iran deteriorated in its implementation into trading arms for hostages. This runs counter to my own beliefs, to adminstration policy, and to the original strategy we had in mind. There are reasons why it happened. But no excuses. It was a mistake. Now, what should happen when you make a mistake is this. You take your knocks, you learn your lessons, and then you move on. That's the healthiest way to deal with a problem. This in no way diminished the importance of the other continuing investigations, but the business of our country and our people must proceed. I've gotten this message from Republicans and Democrats in Congress, from allies around the world, and if we're reading the signals right, even from the Soviets. And of course, I've heard the message from you, the American people. You know, by the time you reach my age, you've made plenty of mistakes and if you've lived your life properly, so you learn. You put things in perspective, you pull your energies together, you change, you go forward. My fellow Americans, I have a great deal I want to accomplish with you and for you, over the next 2 years. And the Lord willing, that's exactly what I intend to do."
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Jan 25, 1988 Ronald Reagan Address Before a Joint Session of Congress on the State of the Union. "When we first met here seven years ago, many of us for the first time, it was with the hope of beginning something new for America. We meet her tonight, in this historic chamber, to continue that work. If anyone expects just a proud recitation of the accomplishments of my administration, I say let's leave that to history. We're not finished yet." applause. "Tonight then, we're strong, prosperous, at peace and we are free. This is the State of our Union. And if we will work together, this year, I believe we can give a future President and a future Congress, the chance to make that prosperity, that peace, that freedom, not just the state of our Union, but the state of our world."
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
May 17, 1988 Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session With Reporters. A reporter asks Ronald Reagan if he denies using astrology to help scheduling presidential events. Popular belief in pseudoscience. Reporter, "Do you deny that either you or Mrs. Reagan used astrology on any occasion during your time here at the White House to help set the schedule for trips or the signing of the INF treaty. I must say this goes against what a lot of aids are telling us, sir." Reagan, "Well. I'm only going to tell you one thing. And that is, after I had been shot, which was quite a traumatic experience for my wife. And though I was confident that I was going to be alright, other people can't know that. A friend, now she was getting a great many calls from friends, and a friend called and said that he'd known what I was going to do that day and so forth because, he mentioned someone who had said that all the signs were bad and everything else. And Nancy was, well it was a trauma that didn't go away easily. And when suddenly things of the same kind, just for a short period there, when I was booked for something of the same kind as the accident occurred, why she would ask, what does it look like now. And no changes were ever made on the basis of whether I did or did not conduct this." Reporter, "What about the changes to the signing of the INF treaty?" Reagan, "No, it wasn't. Nothing of that kind was going on. This was all, once again smoke and mirrors."
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
May 11, 1988 Remarks at the Annual Republican Congressional Fundraising Dinner. Ronald Reagan says he's going to work hard to make VP George Bush the next president of the United States. "If I may, I'd like to take just a moment to talk about my future plans. In doing so, I'll break a silence I've maintained for some time with regard to the Presidential candidates. I'm going to work as hard as I can to make Vice President George Bush, the next President of the United States." Applause. People stand and cheer. LS of GEORGE BUSH and BARBARA BUSH walking onstage to join hands with the Ron and NANCY Reagan, red white and blue balloons falling about them.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
May 31, 1988, Ronald Reagan visits Moscow, Russia for Summit Meeting: MS/TLSs of Reagan and MIKHAIL GORBACHEV (and entourage) touring the streets of Moscow.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
June 2, 1988 Remarks Following the Soviet-United States Summit Meeting in Moscow. Mikhail and RAISA Gorbachev wishing Nancy and Ron Reagan well in their future endeavors. Gorbachev, "I wish you a good journey back home, Mr. President and Mrs. Reagan. To you and to all members of the US delegation, I wish good health. Good bye." They shake hands. Reagan assumes podium, thanks them tenderly. "Mr. General Secretary and Mrs. Gorbachev, this is an emotional moment for Mrs. Reagan and me. We have been truly moved by the warmth and the generous hospitality we've received from all of our Soviet hosts during this brief visit. But most especially from the two of you."
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
June 3, 1988, London, England. Remarks to Members of the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London. Ronald Reagan praises Gorbachev before praising British PM MARGARET THATCHER. "Imagine the President of the United States and the General Secretary of the Soviet Union walking together in Red Square, talking about a grown personal friendship and meeting together average citizens, realizing how much our people have in common. It was a special moment." "So let me discharge my first official duty here today. Prime Minister, the achievements of the Moscow Summit, as well as the Geneva and Washington Summits, say much about your valor and strength and by virtue of the office you hold, that of the British people. So let me say simply at this hour in history, Prime Minister, the entire world salutes you and your gallant people and gallant nation."
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Nov 16, 1988: Ron & Nancy welcome PM Margaret Thatcher to the White House. Informal Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. MS Margaret Thatcher discussing the end of Reagan's administrative term, praising him and his efforts. "They're mixed obviously. I'm so pleased to see him and have the chance of thanking him, everything he's done for freedom in the world. But of course I'm sad that I'll not sit in this position, with him sitting in that chair again. Because we knew one another before he was the President and before I was the Prime Minister, and we had the same political dreams and the same ways of achieving them. And we were both just recalling a moment ago, I remember a time Governor Reagan came to see me in my room in the House of Commons when I was leader of the opposition. So, there are lots of times to recall. But I think the nicest thing of all, its a very different world now and a very much better one. And a very much more hopeful one then it was then." Zoom out to MS of her and Reagan sitting in White House, talking with reporters, Reagan reciprocates the feeling. "There are some things she says about the state of the world, she has played a major role in bringing those things about, and these improvements. And when you stop to think today that the unity we have with the united allies in NATO. I don't think very much of the world can remember when more than four decades of peace have followed as a result of that." Thatcher, " That was staunch and consistent leadership. The President staked out the ground on which he wished to fight, he stood on that ground and he fought and he won."