Modern Presidents 1970s 1990s

In America, anyone can become president In America, anyone can become president. That's one of the risks you take. -Adlai E. Stevenson, 1952 Democratic candidate for president Ronald Reagan 1981-1989 Gerald Ford 1974-1977 Bill Clinton 1993-2001 Jimmy Carter 1977-1981 George HW Bush 1989-1993

Ford Most Memorable Moments: 1974-1977 “The biggest and most difficult decision in my life was the Nixon pardon. Of course, I caught unshirted hell for it. But I thought it was the right thing to do for the country, not for Mr. Nixon. I would have been paralyzed as president if I had not granted the pardon. The press was asking me about what I was going to do with Mr. Nixon, what I was going to do with his tapes, what about his papers. I just decided the way to clean the mess up was to pardon him, close the issue, keep the tapes and papers in the custody of the White House, and move forward.” - Gerald Ford, 2002 Most Memorable Moments: Officially withdraws troops from Vietnam, communist victory in SE Asia Signed Helsinki Accords in 1975 to try to ease tensions between the west and the communist bloc Tax cuts, deregulation of the stock market, antitrust law reform http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhUCmarpJV0

“America did not invent human rights “America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense human rights invented America.” – Carter Farewell Address, 1981 Jimmy Carter 1977-1981 Most Memorable Moments: On his first day in office, he pardoned anyone who dodged the draft during Vietnam Panama Canal Treaty 1977- Gave control of Panama Canal back to Panama Camp David Accords 1979- helped negotiate peace between Egypt and Israel Iranian Hostage Crisis 1979- unable to rescue American hostages, later released after an oil embargo cut off money to Iran Created the US Dept. of Energy Jimmy Carter aspired to make government "competent and compassionate," responsive to the American people and their expectations. His achievements were notable, but in an era of rising energy costs, mounting inflation, and continuing tensions, it was impossible for his administration to meet these high expectations. The url takes you to the living room candidate where you can listen to Ike for President

Ronald Reagan Most Memorable Moments: “Trickle-down” economics At the end of his two terms in office, Ronald Reagan viewed with satisfaction the achievements of his innovative program known as the Reagan Revolution, which aimed to reinvigorate the American people and reduce their reliance upon Government. He felt he had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore "the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism." "Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look." “Above all, we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.” - Reagan, First Inaugural Address, 1981 Ronald Reagan 1981-1989 Most Memorable Moments: “Trickle-down” economics Ended Cold War Increased military spending and strength Strategic Defense Initiative (“Star Wars”)- ground and space-based defense systems

“Read my lips: no new taxes.” Bush Sr. 1989-1993 George Bush brought to the White House a dedication to traditional American values and a determination to direct them toward making the United States "a kinder and gentler nation." In his Inaugural Address he pledged in "a moment rich with promise" to use American strength as "a force for good." “Read my lips: no new taxes.”     “This is America ... a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” Most Memorable Moments: Passed Americans with Disabilities Act Liberated Kuwait in 100-hour Desert Storm War Sluggish economy led to defeat after one term

Bill Clinton Most Memorable Moments: During the administration of Clinton, the U.S. enjoyed more peace and economic well-being than at any time in its history. During his time in office, the US enjoyed the lowest unemployment rate in modern times, the lowest inflation in 30 years, the highest home ownership in the country's history, lower crime rates in many places, and reduced welfare rolls. Bill Clinton 1993-2001 “America just works better when more people have a chance to live their dreams.” “The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change.” “If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person.” Most Memorable Moments: Balanced the budget and achieved a budget surplus Monica Lewinski scandal Expanded environmental regulation and increased money for education Attempted universal health care