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Today in History: Ronald Reagan's Goldwater Speech Sparks Presidential Rise

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC · How we work

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On October 27, 1964, actor Ronald Reagan aired “A Time for Choosing,” a televised address backing Republican Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign. The antithetical, rhetorically charged speech thrust Reagan into national politics, cementing his reputation as a conservative voice. That exposure paved the way for his 1980 election and two presidential terms.

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Story summary

On October 27, 1964, actor Ronald Reagan aired “A Time for Choosing,” a televised address backing Republican Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign. The antithetical, rhetorically charged speech thrust Reagan into national politics, cementing his reputation as a conservative voice. That exposure paved the way for his 1980 election and two presidential terms.