Bob Dole: “16 years ago, America was flat on her back. Our economy was a disaster. The only things up were inflation, interest…”

“16 years ago, America was flat on her back. Our economy was a disaster. The only things up were inflation, interest rates, and unemployment--all in or near double digits. Abroad, our resolve was questioned by our allies and doubted by our adversaries. Many so-called experts--including some in the Government--surveyed the situation, wrung their hands, shook their heads, and pronounced that the United States was in decline: That our best days were far behind us. But one man knew better. And that man was Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan knew that power belonged with the people, not with the Government. He knew that the best solutions to our problems came not from bureaucrats on the Potomac, but from men and women on the Mississippi, the Colorado, and the Columbia. Ronald Reagan knew that economic recovery could be achieved not through regulations and redtape, but by allowing the magic of the marketplace to work its wonders. Ronald Reagan knew that America was right far more often than she was wrong. Ronald Reagan knew that military strength was not the means to war, but the key to peace. Ronald Reagan knew that world respect came not from appeasement, but from standing by your friends, by speaking up for freedom, and by drawing the line against dictators. Ronald Reagan knew that America was still a shining city on a hill, and that our Nation's best days were truly yet to come. It was this vision that Ronald Reagan presented in 1980 and 1984.”