As the summer of 1980 approached, the Reagan Revolution began to sweep the country. While the media made him out to be a power-hungry, nuclear bomb crazy political leader, many citizens were more fed up with high inflation, high interest rates, hostages in Iran, and the USSR seemingly ascendant.
They saw Reagan as a potentially strong leader who would combat the malaise that had enveloped the US. He effectively utilized his sunny disposition and positive attitude in articulating America’s potential, and many Americans preferred this type of leader.
As it turned out, many elected officials felt the same way and began to tout themselves as potential running mates. At one point, it was thought that former President Gerald Ford was going to go on the ticket, but that possibility fizzled when Ford said it would have to be a co-Presidency.
Senator Dick Lugar of Indiana was believed to be one of the possibilities for Vice President, and his campaign hurriedly printed up buttons in an effort to get support at the Republican Convention. Congressman Jack Kemp of Buffalo, New York, went even further, setting up an actual storefront right outside convention headquarters to persuade convention delegates to support him.
At one point, his buttons were seen throughout the convention halls. Others had buttons printed up as well, in an attempt to attach themselves to Reagan and the ticket. The buttons above demonstrate one of many ways in which “hopefuls” advertise themselves as possible choices for office.
Ultimately, Reagan chose former congressman, CIA director, and Republican National Committee Chairman, George H.W. Bush, as his running mate. The Reagan Revolution went into overdrive, and on Election Day, Reagan swept the country, winning 489 electoral votes to President Carter’s 49.
Author: matthewrosedev
Matthew Rosenbaum is a Rochester lawyer who collects multi-partisan political buttons. He visits political conventions and his outstanding collection is respected throughout the country.
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