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AmSpecBlog
Happy Birthday Ronald Reagan
President Reagan would have been 98 today. Tonight, I'm attending a screening of "Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous With Destiny," a new Citizens' United documentary featuring Newt Gingrich. I thought, to celebrate his birthday at AmSpecBlog, I'd post a clip from this May 15, 1967 debate that Reagan had with Robert F. Kennedy about the Vietnam War. For as much as liberals wanted to portray Reagan as an intellectual lightweight who was only comfortable when reading from a script, this demonstrates that even a few months into his time as governor, he was able to debate international affairs with confidence and command of the facts.
Paul Kengor wrote of the debate:
Reagan performed so well that his presidential boosters sought to use clips from the debate during the 1968 Oregon presidential primary, and requested a copy from CBS. Kennedy, however, reportedly did not want the video to be made available; CBS, naturally, acceded to his request. Kennedy himself conceded defeat to Reagan, telling his aides after the debate to never again put him on the same stage with “that son-of-a-bitch.” Kennedy was heard to ask immediately after the debate, “Who the f—- got me into this?” Frank Mankiewicz was that aide, as Kennedy was quick to remind him a few weeks later: “You’re the guy who got me into that Reagan thing.”
In this clip from the town hall meeting, Reagan mixes it up with an angry British student. A full transcript of the debate is available here.
Comments
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Reagan's Ghost| 2.6.09 @ 11:36AM
As many accolades are now turned my way, let me say once again that it was the indomitable spirit of American exceptionalism and individual liberty, and the blessings of Almighty God, not any one man, that has brought America to the forefront on the world stage. May God continue to bless America!
Basil Plumley| 2.6.09 @ 12:43PM
@Reagan's Ghost
Happy Birthday Mr. President
A nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Your post is awesome.
Reagan's Ghost| 2.6.09 @ 12:46PM
Thank You, Mr Plumley!
ruth| 2.6.09 @ 1:52PM
God bless you in your sweet repose, Mr. President.
ruth| 2.6.09 @ 1:53PM
Oh, and happy birthday, Sir.
Pingback| 2.6.09 @ 2:24PM
The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Happy Birthday Ronald Reagan links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Janis| 2.7.09 @ 1:10AM
Happy Birthday Mr. President.
Today's my birthday too.
The stars must have been magically aligned when you came into the world as they were when I was born.
I send my greatest respect and admiration to you. where you rest with the angels. If you look down on your wonderful country on your 98th birthday you will cry at what it is becoming.
But your legacy lives on in Americans, who, like me, love freedom and we will prevail.
May your star in heaven always shine brightly.
ruth| 2.7.09 @ 2:54AM
Nice, Janis. Happy birthday to you, too.
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