Reagan vs. Carter In the 1980 campaign, Ronald Reagan (Republican) ran against Jimmy Carter (Democrat). Furthermore, the exact amount of Ronald Reagan's campaign budget for the 1980 presidential election is private, but it is estimated to have been around $29.4 million (Archive, 2021). On the other hand, Carter spent $1 million less than Reagan did on his campaign (Weaver, 1980). Reagan’s overall message was centered around the theme of "making America great again." According to The Reagan Presidency (n.d.), Ronald Reagan ran on a platform of smaller government, lower taxes, and a more robust military. He argued that the country was facing an economic crisis due to high inflation, high unemployment, and high taxes, and he promised to restore prosperity and national pride. Reagan emphasized the importance of individual freedom and personal responsibility, and he spoke out against what he saw as excessive government regulation and intrusion into people's lives. He also stressed the need for a strong national defense and a more assertive foreign policy to counter the Soviet Union's influence and aggression. …show more content…
He highlighted his accomplishments in areas such as energy policy, environmental protection, and human rights, and he portrayed himself as a leader willing to make tough decisions for the country's good (Britannica, 2023). Carter also highlighted his work to secure peace agreements in the Middle East and his commitment to arms control and nuclear disarmament. He criticized Ronald Reagan's positions on these issues as reckless and dangerous. However, Ronald Reagan won the 1980 election winning the popular vote in 44 states (World Population Review,