Reagan had been the front runner for some time and when he lost it took the steam out of his engine. Which he was so eager to have a debate in NH. and play for it out of his own pocket. The Bush camp tried to avoid it but once Reagan said he was willing to pay he more or less had to go along. I forget the others there.
Ok, well, I can’t find the polls so I’ll take your word for it.
Bob Dull and Howard Baker were there, the two later majority “leaders”. Maybe Phil Crane too