Today in Wheeling History: May 3--Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan visited Wheeling, where he was greeted by supporters at the airport and later spoke at a rally, criticizing the federal government and emphasizing his positions on various issues (1976).
On May 3, 1976, Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan made a campaign stop in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he was greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport. Despite the chilly weather, Reagan spent time shaking hands and signing autographs for the approximately 125 people who had gathered to welcome him.
Later that evening, Reagan spoke at a rally attended by around 1,200 people at the Wheeling College Fieldhouse. In his speech, he criticized the federal government bureaucracy, gun control legislation, negotiations over the Panama Canal, government spending, and the Washington "buddy system." Reagan also emphasized his stance on law and order, supporting additional sentences for crimes involving firearms.
While the audience seemed receptive to Reagan's message, applauding at key points, the rally lacked the fervent enthusiasm often associated with presidential campaigns. Nonetheless, many attendees expressed their support for Reagan and his vision for the country, with some Democrats even crossing party lines to back the Republican candidate.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/4ran6b8r) (https://tinyurl.com/4h9tx66x) (https://tinyurl.com/44dee84m)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer
On May 3, 1976, Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan made a campaign stop in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he was greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport. Despite the chilly weather, Reagan spent time shaking hands and signing autographs for the approximately 125 people who had gathered to welcome him.
Later that evening, Reagan spoke at a rally attended by around 1,200 people at the Wheeling College Fieldhouse. In his speech, he criticized the federal government bureaucracy, gun control legislation, negotiations over the Panama Canal, government spending, and the Washington "buddy system." Reagan also emphasized his stance on law and order, supporting additional sentences for crimes involving firearms.
While the audience seemed receptive to Reagan's message, applauding at key points, the rally lacked the fervent enthusiasm often associated with presidential campaigns. Nonetheless, many attendees expressed their support for Reagan and his vision for the country, with some Democrats even crossing party lines to back the Republican candidate.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/4ran6b8r) (https://tinyurl.com/4h9tx66x) (https://tinyurl.com/44dee84m)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer
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