John Anderson’s 1980 run for President, Part 1

The Georgia Politics Podcast

Welcome to the Georgia Politics Podcast! On today’s show we are joined by Mark Bisnow to discuss John Anderson’s unique and in some ways ground breaking run for President in 1980.

John Anderson, a Republican congressman from Illinois, ran as an independent candidate in the 1980 U.S. presidential election. Dissatisfied with the conservative shift of the Republican Party under Ronald Reagan, Anderson campaigned on a platform of fiscal responsibility, social liberalism, and bipartisan cooperation. Despite initial enthusiasm, his campaign struggled to maintain momentum against the major party candidates, Ronald Reagan and incumbent President Jimmy Carter. Anderson proposed a 50-cent gas tax to reduce dependence on foreign oil and supported the Equal Rights Amendment. Ultimately, he garnered 6.6% of the popular vote, showcasing the challenges third-party candidates face in U.S. elections.

Mark Bisnow is an entrepreneur, author, and was Anderson’s Press Secretary for the 1980 campaign. He founded Bisnow Media, a commercial real estate news and events company. His ventures emphasize innovative media approaches and dynamic event hosting within the business community.

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