Notes on Reagan and Conservatism (9.2)

Learning Objective: To examine the causes and effects of debates on the role of the federal government post-1980 with a focus on the conservative resurgence led by Ronald Reagan.

Goldwater Campaign (1964): The conservative movement's roots trace back to Barry Goldwater's presidential run, which reinvigorated conservative ideology, culminating in Reagan's eventual rise.
Ronald Reagan: An established figure through his acting career, he became known for his oratorical skills during the Goldwater campaign, leading to his governorship in California (1967–1975).

Election Context: Reagan's campaign capitalized on the perception of a weakened Democratic Party under President Carter, particularly addressing issues like the Iranian hostage crisis and economic distress expressed through the “misery index.”
Key Question: Reagan famously asked, "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" This rhetorical strategy aligned him with voters looking for change.
Electoral Victory: Reagan won with 51% of the popular vote and 91% of the electoral vote while Carter received 41% and an independent candidate garnered 8%.

Shift in Political Landscape: Reagan's election disrupted the New Deal coalition and marked a shift in the Democratic majority in Congress, leading to significant Republican gains in both the House and Senate.
Moral Majority: A coalition of conservative Christians influenced the election, contributing to Republicans gaining control of the Senate for the first time since 1954.

Inauguration Milestone: The release of American hostages coincided with Reagan's inauguration, enhancing the administration's initial public support.
Assassination Attempt: Reagan's handling of the assassination attempt showcased his charisma and strengthened his image as a relatable leader.
Conservative Goals: Reagan aimed to reduce the federal government's size, lower taxes, decrease welfare spending, and bolster military power.

Supply-Side Economics: This approach argued tax cuts would spur private sector investment, leading to job growth and overall prosperity, contrasting with the Keynesian approach of government spending during downturns.
Economic Recovery Tax Act (1981): Implemented significant tax reductions, notably a 25% decrease in personal income taxes and cuts in corporate taxes, which primarily benefited higher income individuals.
Spending Cuts: While social programs faced significant cuts, military spending soared; Reagan supported reforms to Social Security without cutting benefits.

Deregulation Efforts: The Reagan administration rolled back regulations on major industries, impacting areas such as environmental protections and labor unions.
Union Stance: Reagan famously fired striking air traffic controllers, which discouraged union membership and marked a shift in labor relations.

Recession of 1982: This recession saw unemployment peak at 11%, but inflation rates significantly dropped, leading to economic recovery by 1983, albeit with widening income inequality.

Judicial Appointments: Reagan appointed conservative judges, including the first female justice, Sandra Day O'Connor, shifting the Supreme Court's dynamics and impacting issues like abortion and affirmative action.
1984 Election: Reagan's campaign validated his presidency amid a recovering economy, winning a landslide victory against Walter Mondale while maintaining strong support from white male voters.

Deficit Growth: Federal deficits grew due to tax cuts paired with increased military spending; by 1986, the national debt had tripled during Reagan's presidency.
Trade Deficits: The U.S. faced significant trade deficits, leading to increased foreign ownership of domestic industries.

1988 Election: George H.W. Bush, Reagan's VP, won a decisive victory against Michael Dukakis but faced challenges such as economic downturns and deficit concerns during his presidency.

Growing Divisions: Political polarization intensified during the 1990s along ideological and geographical lines, leading to legislative gridlocks.

Civil Rights Issues: Movements for racial equality, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights emerged, highlighting continued socio-economic disparities and demands for legislative reforms.
The Role of Media: The growth of partisan media created environments fueling political divisions, complicating public consensus on various issues.

Impact of Reagan's Policies: The policies enacted during Reagan's presidency fundamentally reshaped political discourse for decades, prioritizing government cuts while emphasizing conservative values, laying the groundwork for ongoing debates about income disparity and the role of government in American life.