I'm pretty sure Reagan knew age was going to be an issue and had his response thought out in advance. Similarly I recall in 88 when GH Bush was on with Dan Rather and Rather got ugly, Bush nailed Rather on walking off the news room floor. It was great, but again IMHO, thought out in advance.
Not all good thinkers are quick wits and not all quick wits are good thinkers. But that dear in the headlights look is a killer. I think the lesson to be learned is, if at all possible be ready to fire back against any media person that attacks you in an interview (alla Bush 88) and be ready with a response to any know or perceived weakness (alla Reagen 84).
Great points. All of the potential and declared GOP candidates need to be aware of the potential traps that are waiting for them and have a response ready for what may come up. Being genial yet pointed in response disarms the question and makes you seem above the idiocy.
And maybe Reagan told Jim Lehrer a flat-out lie in retrospect.
I just think it's been so long since we've seen someone worth a damn like Reagan on our side of the stage that we, first, reflexively defend bad candidates, and second, have started to assume that the real-deal like Reagan was just another plotting pol cobbling soundbites and zingers in advance.
1984: Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale - PBS Documentary Interview
PRESIDENT REAGAN: I couldn't believe that question when it came at me from that press board that was there.
HENRY TREWHITT, Panelist: You already are the oldest president in history and some of your staff say you were tired after your most recent encounter with Mr. Mondale. I recall yet that President Kennedy had to go days on end very little sleep during the Cuba missile crisis. Is there any doubt in your mind that you would be able to function in such circumstances?
PRESIDENT REAGAN: Not at all. And, Mr. Trewhitt, I want you to know also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience.
JIM LEHRER: Was that one you were laying for?
PRESIDENT REAGAN: I never thought about it until I got that was really off the top of my head.
JIM LEHRER: Did that strike you as obviously a pre-programmed line?
VICE PRESIDENT MONDALE: Well, I'll tell you, if TV can tell the truth, as you say it can, you'll see that I was smiling. But I think if you come in close, you'll see some tears coming down because I knew he had gotten me there. That was really the end of my campaign that night, I think.
JIM LEHRER: Is that right?
VICE PRESIDENT MONDALE: That's what I thought.
JIM LEHRER: And did you know that, that night, when it was over?
VICE PRESIDENT MONDALE: Yes, I walked off and I was almost certain the campaign was over, and it was.
JIM LEHRER: Did you say that to anybody?
VICE PRESIDENT MONDALE: My wife.