Speaking To America
Domestic Policy Speeches
1980-1988

[]As the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan earned his nickname "The Great Communicator" because of his unprecedented ability to convey his beliefs concerning economic and domestic policies to the American public.

Reagan used his speaking ability to explain the important policies of his administration. Speaking directly To America, President Reagan delivered addresses that conveyed his views of the federal budget, economic policies, and the nation's war on drugs. Delivered with a sincerity uncharacteristic of the stereotypical politician, Reagan's speeches profoundly influenced the nation's confidence not only in themselves, but also in the President's own ideologies and leadership abilities.

The most important addresses made by the President of the United States include his inaugural address(es) and annual State of the Union addresses. Ronald Reagan utilized these opportunities to introduce his administration's goals and influence the direction toward which he believed America should move.

Ronald Reagan also led the nation through some of its most challenging times in recent history, including the explosion of the space shuttle Reagan's First Inaugural Address, delivered to the American public January 20, 1981.





One of Reagan's first speeches as President, this speech on economic recovery, delivered on April 28, 1981, outlines Reagan's plans for the nation's fiscal programs.



Reagan's first State of the Union address repeated and elaborated upon his message of reform. January 26, 1982.




Although he was inaugurated on January 20, 1985, the ceremonies were preempted by Super Bowl Sunday. Reagan re-enacted the inauguration and all the ceremonies, including delivering his second inaugural address, on January 21 for a national audience.



Reagan's initial televised remarks on the night of the Challenger disaster, January 28,1986.




Reagan's eulogies for the Challenger Seven at Johnson Space Center on January 31,1986.




The Reagans often appeared together in public, but on the evening of September 14, 1986, they spoke together on national television to combat the war against drugs.




The Iran-Contra speech represents an anomaly for Ronald Reagan's rhetoric. Despite Reagan's best efforts, the polls indicated that his popularity continued to fall. Reagan's skills as a "great communicator" failed when the content of his message did not coincide with the President's particualr ideological beliefs.



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