American Experience | The Presidents | Ronald Reagan

The Election of 1984
Ronald Reagan, buoyed by a vigorous economic recovery and a renewal of America's stature internationally, ran for re-election in 1984. Walter Mondale, former vice president and senator from Minnesota, was his Democratic opponent.

Here are some of the hot issues in the 1984 election... Choose the positions you favor:

Balancing the Federal Budget
As the nation's deficit grew, debate ensued over how best to balance the federal budget.

	Candidate #1: Openly admits that taxes will have to be raised in order to balance the budget.
	Candidate #2: Contends that continued reduction in government programs and "waste" will provide the funds to balance the budget.

Central America
What role, if any, should the U.S. play in the politics of Central American nations?

	Candidate #1: Criticizes the methods of the so-called "freedom fighters" who are trying to oust the Marxist government in Nicaragua.
	Candidate #2: Maintains that the Contras are the "moral equivalent of our founding fathers," and that their cause is vital to preserving democracy in the Western hemisphere.

The Strategic Defense Initiative (S.D.I.)
The feasibility and necessity of a space-based defense system drew varied opinions.

	Candidate #1: Charges that deployment of such a defense system will only serve to accelerate the arms race between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
	Candidate #2: Refers to S.D.I. as the "peace shield," and contends that it will hasten an end to the arms race.

Now find out which candidate you agree with most, and see how your opinion stacks up to the popular and electoral vote tallies for the 1984 election.

I do not wish to vote but would like to see the current results