The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Tape 654 Part 1 Edited compilation of speeches by Ronald Reagan made during his Presidency.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Mar 30, 1981, Washington Hilton Hotel: newsreel of RONALD REAGAN and JAMES (JIM) BRADY being hit by John Hinckley's bullets.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
DO NOT USE CU NY Times headline announcing assassination attempt.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
CU of Reagan
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
DO NOT USE Still photo.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
1981 CU Reagan recounting the experience of the assassination attempt, whimsically says that when he was surrounded by staff doctors at the hospital, he hoped they were all Republicans. MS Reagan leaving the hospital, joking with reporters. Tight LS's Ron and Nancy Reagan arriving at the White House to cheers and banners welcoming him home.
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Apr 28, 1981. Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress. Reagan speaks to Congress after the assassination attempt. He reads get-well letter from 2nd grader, which contains a joke about making speeches in pajamas. "I'd like to say a few words, directly to all of you, and to those who are watching and listening tonight. Because this is the only way I know to express to all of you on behalf of Nancy and myself, our appreciation for your messages and flowers, and most of all your prayers, not only for me, but for those others who fell beside me. The warmth of your words, the expression of friendship, and yes love, meant more to us than you can ever know. You have given us a memory that we'll treasure forever. And you have provided an answer to those few voices that were raised saying that what happened is evidence that ours is a sick society. The society we heard from is made up of millions of compassionate Americans and their children from college age to kindergarten. As a matter of fact as evidence of that, I have a letter with me. The letter came from Peter Sweeney, he's in the 2nd grade in Riverside school in Rockville Center. And he said, 'I hope you get well quick or you might have to make a speech in your pajamas.'" Laughter from everyone, including TIP O' NEILL. Nice tight LS of Congress applauding and laughing with Reagan. "And he added a post script, 'P.S. If you have to make a speech in your pajamas, I warned you. Sick societies don't produce young men like Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy (applause) who placed his body between mine and the man with the gun simply because he felt that's what his duty called for him to do. Sick societies don't produce dedicated police officers like Tom Delahanty (applause) or able and devote public servants like Jim Brady. (Applause and shot of Sarah Brady in rafters) Sick societies don't make people like us so proud to be Americans and so very proud of our fellow citizens."