[Al B.]

In April 1979, they were counting Reagan out. He was a distant third in a poll of GOP activists. Craig Shirley wrote about this in his book on the 1980 campaign and U.S. News published a blurb in their 'Whispers' column that the Carter WH was saddened that Reagan was fading because they thought he'd be the easiest to beat.

In Sept. 1979, a CA Field poll had Reagan losing by 30+ points to Ted Kennedy in his own state and barely even with Carter in CA.

In January, 1980, Harris had a poll showing Reagan losing by 34 points to Carter.

In March, 1980, Harris showed that Gerald Ford would beat both Carter and Reagan. That same month Time Mag published a story citing a poll showing Reagan behind by 25 points. I don't have the link handy but it's been cited several times here. I'll find it if necessary.

It is true that polls were close and fluctuating during the general election campaign. 10 days before the election, Reagan was a few points behind and trending down. The debate sealed Carter's fate.

Your recollections are correct.

[hattend]

Seems like the media was just as conniving 30 years ago as they are now. Only difference now is they aren’t keeping it a secret...they let you know up front that they are on the socialists’ team.