The White Pill: A Tale of Good and Evil

by Michael Malice

Nine days later President Reagan took part in his second and final debate against the Democratic nominee, Jimmy Carter’s Vice President Walter Mondale. The first debate had gone poorly for Reagan, who nevertheless maintained a massive lead in the polls due to a surging economy and his unflagging optimism. Yet Reagan’s age had been a factor in 1976 and 1980, and now his age seemed to have visibly affected his performance. The moderator addressed this issue head on, giving Reagan an opportunity to respond. He brought up the example of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, where Khrushchev had placed nuclear missiles pointed at the United States mere miles from Florida. Eventually President Kennedy got the Soviet Union to back down in exchange for quietly disarming America’s own nukes in Turkey. Yet for two weeks the world came closer to nuclear war than at any time previously. “You already are the oldest president in history and some of your staff say you were tired after your most recent encounter with Mr. Mondale,” said the moderator. “I recall yet that President Kennedy had to go for days on end with very little sleep during the Cuban missile crisis. Is there any doubt in your mind that you would be able to function in such circumstances?” “Not at all Mr. Trewhitt, and I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign,” Reagan replied. “I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” The actor delivered the line ...