Reagan Campaign

In the 1970's America experienced an end to the era of post WWII economic growth, and entered as President Carter called a "crisis of confidence". The Watergate scandle caused citizens to lose faith in the intentions of their government. At the same time, America entered a period of Stagflation where unemployment increased and inflation skyrocketed. President Carter attempted to restore faith in his people through his "Malaise" speech, however, his claims on how objects did not matter drove him further away from his people. Overall, the nation needed a change that would boost their morale, and President Reagan was that change.

President Ronald Reagan used his campaign as a means to boost the morale of the American People. His use of the song “Born In the USA” which blasted on radios across the United states projected the idea of patriotism and a greater America. “America’s future rests in a thousand dreams inside our hearts,” Ronald Reagan said. “It rests in the message of hope in the songs of a man so many young Americans admire: New Jersey’s own Bruce Springsteen.” In the song's chorus the line “Born In the USA” repeats. The repetition of the chorus makes the song an ear worm, playing in your head in repeat. The upbeat tempo of the song evokes positive emotions among listeners.