IPFS
"A Time for Choosing" - Ronald Reagan October 27, 1964 (TV)
Written by Ernest Hancock Subject: Politics: Republican CampaignsBelow are complete audio recordings
of some of Ronald Reagan's most important speeches. When available, we
have provided a transcript to accompany the audio files. We would like
to extend special thanks to the Reagan Presidential Library for
providing the Miller Center with audio copies of the speeches below.
Recordings of nearly all of Reagan's speeches are available from the
Reagan Presidential Library.
October 27, 1964
President Ronald Reagan
"A Time for Choosing"
In
a speech supporting the Republican presidential nominee Barry
Goldwater, Reagan speaks of big government, high taxation, and the "war
on poverty." He addresses foreign policy issues including the risk of
appeasement, "peace through strength," and the Vietnam War. The speech
establishes Reagan as an important figure in the conservative wing of
the Republican party.
Audio:
Speech Transcript:
July 17, 1980
President Ronald Reagan
Republican National Convention
Republican National Convention
Audio:
Speech Transcript:
January 20, 1981
President Ronald Reagan
First Inaugural Address
Reagan
focuses on the economy and ending inflation, while lessening the
influence and growth of big government. He returns to passages in his
1967 inaugural speech for California 's governorship.
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Speech Transcript:
June 08, 1982
President Ronald Reagan
Address to the British Parliament
Often
considered the original "evil empire" speech, Reagan predicts that
Communism will be left on the "ash-heap of history." He quotes Winston
Churchill on numerous occasions and praises the British for the
Falklands War. He concludes with a call for a "crusade for freedom."
Audio:
Speech Transcript:
March 08, 1983
President Ronald Reagan
"Evil Empire" Speech
Address
to the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida that
would come to represent Reagan's view of the Soviet Union. Reagan
defends America's Judeo-Christian traditions against the Soviet Union's
totalitarian leadership and lack of religious faith, expressing his
belief that these differences are at the heart of the fight between the
two nations.
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Speech Transcript:
June 06, 1984
President Ronald Reagan
40th Anniversary of D-Day
Address
in Normandy, France to the American Rangers who fought on D-Day. After
recounting events from D-Day and commending the those who fought in
World War II for their service, Reagan uses the speech to make a
comparison between the Allied fight against fascism and the current
fight against communism.
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August 23, 1984
President Ronald Reagan
Republican National Convention
Broadcast
from Dallas, Texas. Reagan reflects on taxes, poverty, and foreign
policy. He criticizes the Democrats for high taxes, liberal policies
and a lack of concern for the American family. He closes with words on
the Cold-War with the Soviet Union.
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Speech Transcript:
May 05, 1985
President Ronald Reagan
Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp
In
an address to the leadership of Germany, the German people and
survivors of the Holocaust, Reagan remembers those who were lost, the
pain the survivors still feel, and the lessons to be learned from the
Holocaust. He speaks of Anne Frank who perished at Bergen-Belsen.
Reagan concludes with the words "we can and must pledge, never again."
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January 28, 1986
President Ronald Reagan
Address on the Space Shuttle "Challenger"
An
address to the nation from the Oval Office on an evening scheduled for
the State of the Union address. The space shuttle Challenger was
supposed to be the first mission to put a civilian into space. He
reminds his audience of the bravery and dedication of those who were
killed on the shuttle.
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March 04, 1987
President Ronald Reagan
Address to the Nation on Iran-Contra
Broadcast
to the American people from the Oval Office. Reagan promises to tell
the nation the truth regarding the Iran-Contra scandal and admits to
making mistakes. He introduces new personnel and processes put in place
to ensure the integrity of future national security decisions.
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June 12, 1987
President Ronald Reagan
Address from the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin Wall)
In
one of his most famous statements, Reagan declares "Mr. Gorbachev, tear
down this wall!" He speaks of future peace with the Soviet Union, and
encourages the Soviet government to work on bringing East and West of
Berlin together.
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May 31, 1988
President Ronald Reagan
Address at Moscow State University
Reagan
speaks of specific freedoms in America that he hopes Russians
themselves will be able to experience. He introduces the possibilities
of greater exchange programs between American and Russian students,
future tourism, and economic exchange between the two nations. He
speaks of strategic arms reductions, the withdrawal from Afghanistan
and the hope for future peace in African nations. He ends the speech
with a question and answer session with the faculty and students.
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November 11, 1988
President Ronald Reagan
Remarks at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Remarks
at a Veterans Day Ceremony. Reagan praises those who fought in Vietnam,
thanks the families that sacrificed their loved ones, and reminds the
audience that despite the divisions of the War, the nation was
ultimately strengthened.
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January 11, 1989
President Ronald Reagan
Farewell Address
Broadcast
to the American people from the Oval Office. Reagan mentions two
triumphs from his presidency: the economic recovery and the recovery of
American morale. He discusses America 's changing relations with the
Soviet Union and shares his regret for the deficit that deepened during
his time in office. He concludes by addressing America's sense of
patriotism and refers to the nation as "a shining city on a hill."
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Speech Transcript:
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