Harry Parker, A Humble Farmer from Missouri

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker holds large rally in Charleston
March 7, 1980

Republican US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker has done a massive rally in Charleston, South Carolina, one day before the statewide primary.

10,000 people are estimated to have attended, mostly middle-class urbanites and some rural voters who support Parker.

In the rally, Parker gave a speech lasting for one hour and five minutes where he talked at length about his early life and "somewhat" difficult childhood, later mentioning his war record as an infantryman in Italy, and entry in politics as an alderman and mayor of Springfield. The climax was when Parker mentioned his actions as Governor of Missouri: When the Senator mentioned civil rights, it was impossible not to notice the tears on his eyes.

Parker ended the speech by focusing on his Senate career, role in exposing Richard Nixon during Watergate, and his support for energy independence and healthcare reform.

According to a journalist, the energy in the rally's audience was palpable. "Parker has energized his base one day before a crucial contest" said a journalist.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Reagan wins South Carolina primary; Connally suspends campaign
March 9, 1980

Yesterday, members of the South Carolina Republican Party voted to choose the party's nominee for President. Former Governor of California Ronald Reagan defeated US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker and former Secretary of Treasury John Connally, who dropped out afterwards.

This defeat is yet another setback for the Parker campaign, which began to fade following a defeat in New Hampshire, and humiliating losses in Massachusetts and Vermont. Former CIA Director George Bush finished a devastating fourth.

With all ballots in the Palmetto State now counted, the results are:

Ronald Reagan 32%
Harry Parker 27%
John Connally 20%
George Bush 14%
Howard Baker 5%
Phil Crane <1%

Parker has expressed sadness at the news, but said "this fight will continue no matter what"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker flooding Florida, Alabama, Georgia airwaves with ads
March 10, 1980

With Florida, Alabama and Georgia holding Republican presidential primaries tomorrow, the fading presidential campaign of US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker has stepped up its advertising efforts on these states, while Parker holds a whistle stop tour of Georgia.

In total, five television ads, which have been broadcasted before, are being aired in these three states. They focus on healthcare, education, foreign policy, Parker's record as Governor of Missouri and US Senator, and energy. The ads feature charts and data followed by Parker speaking. They last for one minute, 45 seconds, one minute and 15 seconds, one minute and half, and 54 seconds.

Three radio ads on healthcare, energy and foreign policy, each lasting for one minute, are being broadcasted.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Republican Florida, Alabama, Georgia primaries held: Reagan wins
March 11, 1980

Today, the Republican organizations in Alabama, Georgia and Florida voted to choose a nominee for President. Former Governor of California Ronald Reagan has won with relative ease in yet another defeat for US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker.

Harry Parker's candidacy for President appears to be in sharp decline in spite of his campaigning and popular policies on healthcare and energy. Now, let's get to the statewide results:

Florida

Ronald Reagan 42%
Harry Parker 31%
George Bush 16%
John Anderson 5%
Howard Baker 3%
John Connally 2%
Uncommited <1%

Georgia

Ronald Reagan 41%
Harry Parker 32%
George Bush 18%
Howard Baker 4%
Phil Crane 2%
Uncommited 1%
John Connally 1%

Alabama

Ronald Reagan 39%
Harry Parker 36%
George Bush 12%
Uncommited 5%
Howard Baker 3%
Phil Crane 2%
John Connally 1%
Uncommited 1%

Pundits have said Parker has done so well in Alabama but poorly in other states due to his appeal to rural voters and resolute social conservatism.

Parker said in his campaign headquarters: "Don't worry my people, there's still hope!"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Primaries on March 12, 1980

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

I'm getting bored again. Should I skip to when Reagan selects Parker as his running mate?

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Skipping a few months...

Harry Parker suspends presidential campaign, endorses Ronald Reagan
May 29, 1980

US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker has withdrawn his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, and pledged his 494 delegates to Ronald Reagan, who thus becomes the presumptive Republican nominee.

After Parker's defeats in Idaho, Kentucky and Nevada (states where he previously led in the polls) and severe lagging in the remaining nine states, his situation became untenable.

"I've done the math. Reagan's lead in delegates is such, there's no way we can win the nomination by this point. Ronald Reagan is a smart, engaging guy who has the right intentions. I am suspending our campaign and pledging my delegates to Reagan" said Parker in his final rally (held in Springfield, Missouri).

Reagan has thanked Parker for his support, and praised him back. "Harry Parker is an interesting and intelligent man, who stands for the American people, from farmers to suburbanites. He definitely ran a good campaign during these primaries"

The competitive part of the Republican primaries is over.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker asked to be chosen as running mate, wife says
June 12, 1980

Denise Parker, the wife of Republican US Senator for Missouri and former presidential candidate Harry Parker, was interviewed in Larry King Live, and said her husband had asked Ronald Reagan to choose him as the Republican Party's vice-presidential nominee, and that Reagan did not respond.

"Harry directly reached out to Ronald Reagan to see if Reagan would choose him as his running mate. Apparently, he did not respond, but I think Reagan will go with my husband" she told Larry King.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker writes bill freezing Iranian assets in America
June 16, 1980

US Senator Harry Parker (R-Missouri) has submitted a bill freezing the assets of the Iranian government in the United States, and restricting travel of Iranian government members.

Parker showed the bill draft during a press conference in his home town of Springfield, Missouri, where he gave a speech criticizing the Iranian government for taking American hostages.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

I'm running out of ideas

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Undermine America's Enemies Act passes Senate
June 19, 1980

The Undermine America's Enemies Act, a bill written by US Senator Harry Parker (R-Missouri) which freezes the Iranian government's assets in the US and restricts travel of their leaders, has passed the Senate.

The UAEA was passed with 53 aye, 45 nay and 2 abstain votes, getting almost unanimous support from Senate Republicans and relatively little from the Democratic caucus.

A spokesman for the bill was Parker himself.

A spokesman against was William Proxmire, a Wisconsin Democrat

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Undermine America's Enemies Act fails to pass House of Representatives
June 23, 1980

The Undermine America's Enemies Act, a bill freezing Iranian government assets in the US and restricting the travel of Iranian leaders, has been voted down in the House of Representatives by a 238-190 margin.

Representative John Dingell (D-MI) gave a speech against it which swayed many representatives in both sides of the aisle. Thus, the UAEA failed to pass.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

I don't know what to do

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ronald Reagan selects Harry Parker as his running mate
July 8, 1980

Former Governor of California and Republican nominee for President Ronald Reagan has selected US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker as his presidential running mate. The two appeared at a joint press conference in St. Louis, Missouri, where Reagan announced his choice.

"Harry Parker has served his state of Missouri well for decades, and is the most able man to hold the office of Vice President. Furthermore, he ran an amazing campaign during the primaries, becoming our second highest vote-getter. His input will be taken very seriously by me" said Reagan during the press conference.

Some pundits have criticized the choice of Parker, as he's ideologically near identical to Reagan, and has little to offer to these considering to support independent George Bush. But some said Parker will provide experience and credentials to the ticket, while potentially helping Reagan in states such as Minnesota and Michigan.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker to be keynote speaker at RNC
July 11, 1980

US Senator for Missouri and GOP vice-presidential nominee (confirmed by Ronald Reagan) Harry Parker will be a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention, to be held three days from now in Detroit.

This was confirmed by the RNC chairman, Bill Brock during a press conference.

"Parker is a rising star in the GOP, an experienced politician and a fighter. Ronald Reagan definitely made the right choice in choosing Parker to be his running mate" said Brock.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Republican National Convention opens in Detroit; Harry Parker gives keynote speech
July 14, 1980

The Republican National Convention has begun today in Detroit, at the Joe Louis Arena. It will certainly nominate former Hollywood actor and Governor of California Ronald Reagan for President and US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker for Vice President.

Parker, the keynote speaker at the convention, has given a rousing speech where he focused on the Republican Party's history of struggles for the American people, from the Civil War to now, especially the party's role in the abolition of slavery. The Senator also explained how the Republican Party is a big tent for everyone who wanted to work hard to get forward in America, ending the speech –which lasted for one hour and 6 minutes – by calling for Middle America to vote Republican.

The speech was received with lots of cheering from the crowd, but had a mixed reaction elsewhere. Some pundits have pointed out Parker's condemnation of Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election as a sign he had shifted to the right.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Republican National Convention nominates Ronald Reagan for President, Harry Parker for VP
July 17, 1980

Today, the 1980 Republican National Convention, held in Detroit was finished with the nomination of former Governor of California Ronald Reagan for President of the United States and US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker for Vice President.

The nomination of Reagan and Parker is seen by pundits as the completion of the Republican Party's takeover by conservatives that began in 1964, when the Republicans nominated Barry Goldwater. While many moderates remain in the party (particularly in the Northeast), they might bolt in the future, and a considerable number of them might vote for independent George Bush.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker begins tour of the Northeast
August 5, 1980

US Senator for Missouri and Republican vice-presidential nominee Harry Parker has gone in a whistle-stop tour of the Northeast to promote Ronald Reagan's candidacy for President.

According to an anonymous campaign worker, Parker will begin in Pennsylvania, then go to New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont. He is expected to give speeches related to taxes, energy and foreign policy – the main issues of the campaign.

The Senator is considered to be charismatic (albeit less than Reagan) and to have common touch when interacting with people.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker gives speech in Pittsburgh about energy
August 8, 1980

US Senator for Missouri and Republican vice-presidential nominee Harry Parker has given a speech today in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he talked about what the Reagan Administration's energy policies will be.

"For decades, the United States has relied on unstable Middle Eastern countries for oil. This will change under a Reagan Administration. We will work together to reduce government intervention in the oil sector by eliminating price controls on oil – which are economically awful – and repealing the windfall profits tax, which is absolutely pointless. Plus, we are going to drill oil in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico and Carolinas, while importing Canadian and Norwegian oil instead of the one from Saudi Arabia" were Parker's words.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker gives speech in Scranton about taxes
August 10, 1980

Republican US Senator for Missouri and vice-presidential nominee Harry Parker has given a speech in Scranton, Pennsylvania about the tax policies of a Ronald Reagan administration. He said Reagan will lower taxes for all Americans who pay taxes, while expanding tax breaks for businesses to "reward" these Americans for their work

"Since the 1930s, taxes have been too high in America due to the socialist Democrats and their puppet "Republicans". Under the Reagan Administration, that will change. I will work with the future President to lower taxes on all hardworking American families who pay taxes, while expanding credit for business big and small to reward these Americans for their work. The people know how to spend money better than the government, after all."

Some liberals have been alarmed by Parker's speech; he confirmed the Reagan Administration will not touch Medicare and Social Security.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker gives speech in Allentown about foreign policy
August 13, 1980

US Senator for Missouri and Republican vice-presidential nominee Harry Parker has given a speech in Allentown, Pennsylvania about the foreign policy of a Reagan Administration.

During the speech, Parker excoriated Jimmy Carter for his Administration's failures, which he attributed to its focus on human rights instead of anti-communism.

"The President has focused his foreign policy on "human rights", which led to disaster in Iran as we stopped supporting the Shah against religious extremists. He also gave away the Panama Canal to a weak, borderline communist country. Ronald Reagan, on the other hand, will return to the policy of defending American interests, no matter the price, no matter the cost. I will work together with the President in foreign policy" he said, to a cheering crowd.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker gives speech in Buffalo, NY about education
August 16, 1980

US Senator for Missouri and Republican vice-presidential nominee Harry Parker has given a speech for Ronald Reagan in Buffalo, New York about education and the Reagan Administration's policies on the area.

Parker said he would work with the President to provide school vouchers directly to parents, so they could choose what school their children went to, and increase teachers' wages. He did not mention the Department of Education, in part due to Parker and Reagan disagreeing on the issue.

"As Vice President, I am going to work together with Ronald Reagan to provide school vouchers directly to parents, so they could choose what school their children attend. This policy has been proven to work elsewhere, and has lots of potential. We are also going to double wages for public school teachers across the board, as teachers aren't adequately paid in this country. Every American child deserves an amazing school to attend"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker gives speech in Rochester, NY about African-American issues
August 19, 1980

US Senator for Missouri and Republican vice-presidential nominee Harry Parker has given a speech in downtown Rochester about a Ronald Reagan presidency's policies in regards to African-Americans. Said days after Reagan committed a gaffe widely seen as a racist dogwhistle, the speech is probably meant to calm the fears of African-American and moderate voters about Reagan's intentions

"When Ronald Reagan said "I believe in states' rights" he wasn't referring to the dogwhistle used by segregationist Democrats a few decades ago, but his policy to return wealth and power from Washington to the states, where they belong. We both are strongly against racism. If Reagan was a secret racist, I wouldn't be his running mate, as I have fought for racial equality since I was Mayor of Springfield in the 1950s. The Reagan Administration is going to create free enterprise zones to help with urban development and developing business intiative among black, Hispanic and Native American business owners. We are going to fight for all Americans"

[MATTROSE94]

Harry Parker is a very strong Vice Presidential choice for Ronald Reagan and is a compassionate conservative in the mold of John Kasich if I had to guess. I would say that the Reagan/Parker ticket will win by about a 10% margin in the popular vote and a 489 or 499 margin in the Electoral Vote.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker gives speech in Syracuse, NY about women's rights
August 24, 1980

Republican US Senator for Missouri and vice-presidential nominee Harry Parker has given a major speech for Ronald Reagan today in Syracuse, NY. In the speech, Parker explained what a Reagan Administration will do to "help" women.

Parker, who supported the Equal Rights Amendment during the primaries, has said Reagan will name women to his cabinet and the Supreme Court.

"The majority in both parties strongly support women's rights. They often disagree about issues such as abortion and the Equal Rights Amendment, but pretty much everyone agrees they deserve equality of opportunity and the same rights as men. America was built on the principle of equal rights, after all. I will work with the President to implement equal pay FOR EQUAL WORK in the workforce and federal government, and name the first women to the Cabinet and Supreme Court. A Reagan Administration will see a return to peace and prosperity" were Parker's words during the speech, which attracted some media attention.