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Goldwater and Reagan — The Conservatives
Sometimes a losing candidacy can alter the political landscape irrevocably. Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater’s visionary conservatism lost in 1964 but it would influence the Republican Party for half a century. Goldwater’s heir apparent, California governor Ronald Reagan’s own unsuccessful 1976 campaign helped to lay the groundwork for his presidency during the 1980s.
Episode Clips
Barry Goldwater Before the Senate
Barry Goldwater's early background is discussed up until he was elected to the Senate.
Barry Goldwater's defiant 1964 Convention Speech
Goldwater's defiant 1964 Convention speech ultimately scared off voters.
Ronald Reagan's Emergence as "The Great Communicator"
Reagan's speeches on the economy, shrinking government, and optimism won over voters.
Ronald Reagan's loss at the 1976 Republican Convention
Though Reagan lost, his gracious comments after his defeat made a lasting impression.
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