“I believe our first priority must be world peace, and use of force is always, and only, a last resort.” (Ronald Reagan’s opening answer on Oct. 28, 1980)

I’m watching the Carter/Reagan presidential debates back in 1980, and I’m fascinated that an actor is on stage representing his party. I mean seriously, the guy who starred in “Bedtime for Bonzo” is the Republican candidate?

But by the end of the debate he had me sold. I liked his ability to maintain decorum, remain fluid in answering complex questions, and the fact that I felt he was a decent human being.

I liked Carter, too, but I was becoming increasingly aware that his idealism, his desire to believe in the best of human nature, was not going to work in the world that I saw. (By the way, isn’t that just sad?)

The debate began with Reagan walking up to shake........

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