This speech launched Reagan's political career “...[and] might have done more [for Reagan] than it did for Goldwater...” Reagan had never held a political office, he was only in his political party for two years but with one speech, he became “the most attractive Republican in America” When it was time for the election, Reagan made his platform issues clear. Jimmy Carter’s platform included issues such as protecting the environment and protecting abortion rights. Reagan made his opposition to abortion clear, but this was not his focal point. He also believed that the efforts made in protecting the environment were harming the nation's economy. Reagan promised to provide things such as tax cuts, a smaller federal government, and to keep the federal budget under control and balanced. Reagan had advantages over Carter. He was new to Washington D.C. like Carter was in 1976. People had also seen what Carter was capable of in his previous presidency. He had made promises that were left untouched and he was to blame for the current economic situation at the