Ronald Reagan at 1980 GOP debate: 'I am paying for this microphone'

In this clip from a 1980 GOP primary debate in New Hampshire, Ronald Reagan scolds a debate organizer after the organizer tries to cut off his microphone.

[gabe]

For those who don’t know, in the 1980 Republican Presidential Primary, they weren’t going to invite many of the candidates. Reagan, the front runner, didn’t appreciate that, so he ran his own debate. He did literally pay for the microphone.

During the debate, they were going to only allow some of the candidates closing statements and not allow them equal speaking time. That is what he is so furious about in this clip.

[nedh.]

The moment the 1980 election was settled.

[MasonsFunhouse]

How ironic that now they are talking about cutting the microphones off in the next presidential debate

[SlimThrull]

Ah, those were the days. When the leading GOP candidate demanded others treat his opponents fairly. I miss those days.

[NoName-nqvc]

0:21 The bad mics make the crowd sound like a horde of demons screaming for your soul

[w]

Love him or hate him, he was an EXTREMELY charismatic person

[ocdoc]

This needs to get back into the cycle of recommended videos

[Zoofactory]

Been watching this clip since I was a kid. Never gets old.

[elhijodelchupacabra]

0:25 WOW, Mr. Breen lost the rest of the hair and one ear after that look. George Bush is like "WTF just happend !?" lol
Many punks tried to mess up with the Gipper, from Mr. Breen to the Soviets, all of them went down in flames.

[tammybrook]

I registered to vote because of Reagan!! I wanted to make sure he got my vote!! Loved him!!

[brianarnold]

He was one of a kind !!! God we surely need him NOW RIP.. President Ronald Reagan ..

[somebody]

One of the greatest, he will be missed forever.

[someone]

I have the line memorized, I just like hearing it.

[briansaben]

…and he expressed himself without making childish insults.

[paulhoffman]

I WAS AT HIS FUNERAL MR REAGAN 😢 YOU ARE MISSED.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[killacamfoo]

Trump is about to have this same moment in the next debate.

[reddot]

One of the greatest US Presidents to have ever been elected

[darryl]

Iron Lady: Margaret Thatcher
Iron Man: Ronald Reagan

[kylewilliams]

The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.

Ronald Reagan

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Ronald Reagan

We need him now more then ever
R.I.P. Reagan

[cg.]

God really blessed this man a gift in speaking.