1980 Nomination Acceptance Address

In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention on July 17, 1980, Ronald Reagan outlines his vision for a new consensus centered on shared values like family, work, and freedom. He identifies three critical threats to the nation: a weakening economy, inadequate defense, and an ineffective energy policy, attributing these issues to Democratic leadership. Reagan proposes immediate federal hiring freezes, a thorough review of government agencies, and a significant tax cut aimed at revitalizing the economy. Emphasizing the importance of a strong military, he argues that a robust defense is essential to deter tyranny and advocates for limiting federal spending and reducing reliance on imported oil.