The 1980 presidential debate: Carter vs. Reagan
The 1980 presidential debate: Carter vs. Reagan
Ultimately, Reagan won more than 50 percent of the popular vote.
National Archives/Department of Defense
Transcript
RONALD REAGAN: Gerald Ford left a five-year projected plan for a military build-up to restore our defenses, and President Carter's administration reduced that by 38%. Cut 60 ships out of the Navy building program that had been proposed, and stopped the B-1, delayed the cruise missiles, stopped the production line for the Minuteman missile, delayed the Trident submarine.
And now he's planning a mobile military force that can be delivered to various spots in the world, which does make me question his assaults on whether I am the one that is quick to look for use of force.
HOWARD K. SMITH: President Carter, you have the last word on this question.
JIMMY CARTER: Well, there are various elements of defense. One is to control nuclear weapons, which I hope we'll get to later on because that's the most important single issue in this campaign. Another one is how to address troubled areas of the world. I think habitually, Governor Reagan has advocated the injection of military forces into troubled areas, when I and my predecessors, both Democrats and Republicans have advocated resolving those troubles and those difficult areas of the world peacefully, diplomatically, and through negotiation.
In addition to that, the buildup of military forces is good for our country because we've got to have military strength in order to preserve the peace. But I'll always remember that the best weapons are the ones that are never fired in combat, and the best soldier is one who never has to lay his life down on the field of battle. Strength is imperative for peace, but the two must go hand in hand.
And now he's planning a mobile military force that can be delivered to various spots in the world, which does make me question his assaults on whether I am the one that is quick to look for use of force.
HOWARD K. SMITH: President Carter, you have the last word on this question.
JIMMY CARTER: Well, there are various elements of defense. One is to control nuclear weapons, which I hope we'll get to later on because that's the most important single issue in this campaign. Another one is how to address troubled areas of the world. I think habitually, Governor Reagan has advocated the injection of military forces into troubled areas, when I and my predecessors, both Democrats and Republicans have advocated resolving those troubles and those difficult areas of the world peacefully, diplomatically, and through negotiation.
In addition to that, the buildup of military forces is good for our country because we've got to have military strength in order to preserve the peace. But I'll always remember that the best weapons are the ones that are never fired in combat, and the best soldier is one who never has to lay his life down on the field of battle. Strength is imperative for peace, but the two must go hand in hand.