[Al B.]

Ronald Reagan's poll numbers for a potential 1980 presidential run were dismal as late as 1979. He was a distant third in Republican preference polls at that time and in a head-to-head matchup against Ted Kennedy in his own state, he was behind 63-30.

These media polls so far out are designed to drive public opinion, not reflect it.

[WVNan]

Thank you for the positive reminder. I also remember Goldwater and that makes me less positive. However, I don’t recall that he was as charismatic as Sarah.