Killing Reagan (37 page)

Authors: Bill O'Reilly

BOOK: Killing Reagan

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ââ
9
.âThe enmity between Reagan and Ford only grew in the months leading up to the convention. Ford cleverly hired Stuart Spencer to run his campaign, well aware that Spencer managed both of Reagan's gubernatorial victories in California. This insider knowledge of Reagan's rhetoric helped Ford win the opening primary in New Hampshire by painting Reagan as keen to levy taxes. Should Ford have lost in New Hampshire, the election might have been over. Yet he continued his string of victories in Massachusetts, Florida, and Illinois. Then, just as Reagan's staffers were suggesting their candidate quit the race, Reagan won the North Carolina primary. He accused Ford of letting the United States fall behind the Soviet Union in the global arms race, which played into America's mourning over the loss in Vietnam. Ford countered with an attack ad suggesting Ronald Reagan would be quick to start a nuclear war. Ford also sowed seeds of discontent among Reagan backers by inviting influential delegates to the White House, campaigning for delegates seeking political office, and allowing key delegates to be seen with him at important celebrations, such as the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial gala in New York.

Chapter Twelve

4
.âJust as they did with Ford's pratfalls,
Saturday Night Live
was quick to spoof Carter's gaffe. In a skit that aired the night of October 16, 1976, Dan Aykroyd played the part of Carter in a mock interview with a female journalist, Liz Montgomery of the
New York Post
, played by Jane Curtin.

MONTGOMERY:
Governor Carter, you have said that the
Playboy
interview may have been a mistake. Do you think you are being too honest with the American people, and do you still lust after women?

GOVERNOR CARTER:
Well, I don't think there's such a thing as being too honest, uh, Ms. Montgomery, and just to prove it I'm going to answer honestly how I feel right nowÂ â¦ I want to say that you're a very attractive woman, and your hair looks kind of silky and kind of soft and, uh, at this moment, in my heart, I'm wearing a leather mask and breathing in your ear.

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

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