Harry Parker, A Humble Farmer from Missouri

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker endorsed by several key figures
June 22, 1979

Several major political figures have announced their endorsements of Republican presidential candidate and US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker.

They are:

Parker's Senate colleague John Danforth
House Minority Leader Bob Michel
Representative for California John G. Schmitz
Governor of Connecticut Lowell Weicker Jr.
Governor of Ohio Jim Rhodes

These endorsements are expected to slightly help Parker.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker promises federal network of trade schools
June 27, 1979

Republican US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker (R-Missouri) has given a speech in Iowa City where he said his Administration will create a federal network of trade schools funded by the federal government.

"Trade schools are underrated by politicians, and important to prepare youths to the labor market. My Administration will promote them by creating a national network of trade schools, funded by the federal government. We are going to construct fifteen publicly funded trade schools by state, focused on manufacturing jobs, to reduce unemployment. As President, I will fight for YOU, not special interests"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker challenges Ronald Reagan, Howard Baker to debate
June 30, 1979

Republican US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker has challenged primary opponents former Governor of California Ronald Reagan and Senate Minority Leader Howard Baker to a debate during a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.

"I am hereby challenging Ronald Reagan and Howard Baker to a primary debate, so us three can discuss America's issues and how to solve them. May the best win" said Parker to a cheering crowd of 1,500."

Their campaigns have yet to reply.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Howard Baker, Ronald Reagan refuse to debate Harry Parker
July 1, 1979

The presidential campaigns of former Governor of California Ronald Reagan and Senate Minority Leader Ralph Jenkins have refused Senator for Missouri Harry Parker's request for a presidential primary debate.

Reagan called Senator Parker. According to Parker's wife Denise, Reagan said he'd love to debate him but that it was too early in the primary season.

When asked about the debate request during a town hall in Cedar Rapids, Baker replied he would debate Parker if it wasn't for the Minority Leader's busy schedule.

It's unclear how this will affect the race.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Gallup poll for the 1980 Republican primaries
July 2, 1979

Ronald Reagan 30%
Gerald Ford 25%
Harry Parker 11%
Howard Baker, John Connally 8%
Others 5%
John Anderson 2%
George Bush 1%

Howard Baker is slipping in the polls due to Harry Parker's surge.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker says he'll defend American interests "no matter the cost"
July 13, 1979

Republican US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker has said his Administration will defend American interests worldwide "no matter the cost" during a speech in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

(I ran out of ideas)

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

I might abandon the TL

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Actually, I'm skipping to January 1980

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

1980 Republican Iowa Caucus held: Harry Parker wins
January 22, 1980

A Republican presidential caucus was held in Iowa yesterday. Senator Harry Parker, from neighboring Missouri, was the winner, with former Governor of California Ronald Reagan coming in second and former CIA Director George H. W. Bush eking out a strong third.

Parker had campaigned heavily in the Hawkeye State by focusing on his priorities: healthcare reform and energy independence. His campaign aired advertising focusing on his record as Governor of Missouri and US Senator, mentioning his policies, and attacking Ronald Reagan.

With all ballots counted, the results are as follows:

US Senator Harry Parker 32%
Fmr. Governor Ronald Reagan 27%
CIA Director George Bush 21%
Senate Min. Leader Howard Baker 7%
RNC Chair John Anderson 5%
Fmr. Secretary John Connally 4%
Representative Phil Crane 3%

This morning, Parker gave a victory speech in his Springfield, Missouri campaign headquarters. In front of a cheering crowd, the "humble farmer from Missouri" said: "Americans are waking up to the damage liberal elites have done to our great country. We will go straight to Washington and retake America from [Jimmy] Carter and his liberal gang"

Ronald Reagan said he'd always be grateful for the people of Iowa for giving him the "kick in the pants" he needed.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker campaigns for Arkansas state convention
January 23, 1980

Republican US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker has traveled to Arkansas to campaign for the state's convention, to be held in nine days.

Although the convention does not include a popular vote, Parker hopes to attract its 22 delegates. He was seen given a speech to three of them:

"Our campaign has common-sense fixes for healthcare, energy, foreign policy, crime and a litany of other issues. As President, I will create a healthcare tax credit and provide healthcare vouchers for those in need, take a tough stance on Iran and Russia, lower taxes across the board, focus on trade schools, curtail drug smuggling, growing and dealing, and ratify a constitutional amendment banning abortion, unlike the Hollywood actor who violated gun rights and the right to life as Governor of California" said Parker, in reference to Ronald Reagan.

It's unknown how this will affect the convention.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Parker launches ad blitz in New Hampshire
January 26, 1980

The presidential campaign of Republican US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker has flooded the airwaves of New Hampshire with radio and television advertisements in favor of the "Humble farmer from Missouri" as Parker calls himself.

In total, four television and three radio ads have been produced by Parker's campaign.

The first television ad, named "Roy and Jane" shows the story of a fictional, underinsured lower middle-class couple, and their struggles to treat their two sons with hemophilia. It then mentions how Parker is the only candidate with a plan for comprehensive healthcare reform, and urges Americans to vote for him.

The second, named "Paycheck" shows a graph about the United States' tax system, which according to Parker's campaign hurts poor and rich Americans alike, and statements from economists about the need for "common sense" reform. Parker mentions his plan for tax cuts, the deregulation of industry and agriculture, and the creation of a negative tax for small businesses.

The third, titled "Global Humiliation" focuses on the Iranian Revolution and Soviet-Afghan War, showing scenes of Anti-American protests in these countries, and the Iranian hostage crisis. It ends with Parker mentioning how he will "Restore American Pride".

The final television ad, named "Record" shows Harry Parker's record as Governor of Missouri, crediting him with public works, rural electrification, civil rights laws, a predecessor of Medicare, a negative tax for small businesses, and free school textbooks, and as a Senator, with Parker being for Richard Nixon's impeachment, Medicaid expansion, energy independence and healthcare reform. Parker then says these will be his policies as President.

The untitled radio ads mention Harry Parker's policies and his record.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ronald Reagan wins Arkansas state convention
February 2, 1980

Republican Former Governor of California and presidential candidate Ronald Reagan has won the state convention held today in Arkansas, winning by a delegate over Senator for Missouri Harry Parker.

As the early frontrunner and a staunch conservative who mounted a strong primary challenge to Gerald Ford during the 1976 Republican primaries, Reagan has a strong base in the South.

The results are:

Ronald Reagan: 8 delegates
Harry Parker: 7 delegates
Uncommited: 5 delegates
George Bush: 2 delegates

Reagan has responded to his victory with a modest statement, thanking the seven delegates who voted for him.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker holds televised town hall in Nashua; answer interpreted as gaffe
February 10, 1980

Republican US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker has held a town hall in Nashua, New Hampshire, which is being televised nationwide by CBS.

During the town hall, Parker took questions from 21 inhabitants of Nashua, about issues ranging from crime to primary education.

One of his answers (calling the theft of a handbag a "minor" crime) has been considered a gaffe by some.

This message will focus on Parker's answers to these:

Middle-Aged Woman: "My eldest son attends a primary school in Nashua. The school's walls are broken and the books are dirty. I thought of transferring him to a private school downtown, but the tuition fee is too much for our family. What will you do to help my son?"

Parker: "I legitimately feel bad for that boy. My Administration will provide school vouchers directly to parents like you, so they can decide what school their kid goes to. We are going to expand the number of them in circulation. Furthermore, we are going to double pay for public school teachers across the board, so they are motivated to help students even under these conditions. As President, I will fight for all Americans, especially the vulnerable"

Elderly Man: "My wife's handbag was stolen yesterday at night by two men, who forcefully took her transistor radio as well. One of my neighbors had her credit card stolen as well. What are you going to do to reduce crime?"

Parker: "I hope these thieves go to jail. My Administration will provide grants to city police departments so they can put criminals behind bars with more ease, while implementing mandatory rehabilitation for minor crimes such as this one. We are also going to protect the Second Amendment so people can defend themselves and their property"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker, George Bush putting effort into winning Puerto Rico
February 14, 1980

In three days, the Puerto Rico Republican Party will hold a presidential primary.

Ronald Reagan, the frontrunner has boycotted it. Given PR's low profile in comparison to Iowa and New Hampshire, and his "above-the-fray" strategy, perhaps this is justified.

Given this, US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker and former CIA Director George Bush are campaigning in the state instead.

Parker has not campaigned in person due to the distance, but his campaign has produced and aired television ads with Spanish subtitles, and distributed Spanish-language campaign material in the island. His campaign volunteer operation is also reaching out to Puerto Rican voters in their native language.

Bush has personally flown to Puerto Rico and given two speeches in Spanish.

Which of them will get over the top?

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

1980 Republican Puerto Rico primary held: Harry Parker wins by a considerable margin
February 17, 1980

Republican voters in the territory of Puerto Rico have gone to the polls to choose the party's nominee for President. US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker has defeated former CIA Director George H. W. Bush by ten percentage points.

With Ronald Reagan refusing to campaign or even appear in the ballot in PR, the territory was left for Parker and Bush to campaign in, although the former only campaigned through advertising and volunteering. A Hispanic candidate, Ben Fernandez also focused on the state, but the media completely ignored his efforts.

With all ballots in Puerto Rico counted, the results are:

Harry Parker 46%
George Bush 36%
Howard Baker 12%
Ben Fernandez 4%
Uncommited 2%

After his victory there, Parker said during a press conference:

"Americans not just in the 50 states, but also in faraway territories are waking up to the change this country needs. We will retake the White House to serve the people, not the other way around. Arriba!"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker floods Alaska airwaves with energy independence ads
February 19, 1980

Republican US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker has energy independence as one of his priorities.

This message appeals to Alaskan voters. The Alaska presidential caucus will be held three days from now.

Given this, the Parker campaign is relentlessly broadcasting two advertisements about Harry Parker's energy policies throughout radio and television stations in Alaska; his promise of offshore drilling is particularly popular in the state.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker wins Alaska Caucus against Reagan, Bush
February 22, 1980

Today, Republican voters in Alaska participated in the party's process of selecting a nominee for President. They voted for Senator for Missouri Harry Parker, who narrowly defeated former Governor of California Ronald Reagan.

With all ballots now counted, the results are as follows:

Harry Parker 32%
Ronald Reagan 29%
George Bush 24%
Howard Baker 9%
Uncommited 3%
Phil Crane 2%
Harold Stassen 1%

Parker was happy at the results, saying "I am proud to be the frontrunner. This proves there's a high demand for immediate and positive change among the GOP in particular and America in general"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Nashua Telegraph invites Reagan, Parker and Bush to debate
February 23, 1980

With the New Hampshire primary due to be held on three days, newspaper The Nashua Telegraph has invited Republican presidential candidates former Governor of California Ronald Reagan, Senator for Missouri Harry Parker, and former CIA Director George Bush (the only presidential candidates polling in double digits) to a presidential debate.

Parker has already accepted the offer, while the other candidates have yet to respond.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Reagan campaign organizes own debate, invites other candidates to participate; Parker refuses
February 24, 1980

Worried that a newspaper-sponsored presidential debate might violate electoral law, Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign has organized a self-funded presidential debate with its own campaign money.

Harry Parker, George Bush, Howard Baker, John Anderson and Phil Crane have been invited to the debate.

Parker has refused to debate anyone but Bush and Reagan. "These lads have no chance of pulling through" he said in the debate stage.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Three-way debate held in Nashua; Bush seen as the winner
February 25, 1980

A Republican presidential debate was held today in Nashua, New Hampshire, with the three candidates polling in double digits involved. It was hosted by the Nashua Telegraph newspaper.

The candidates participating in the debate were:

Former Governor of California Ronald Reagan
US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker
Former CIA Director George Bush

The topics discussed were abortion, healthcare and crime.

As to abortion, Ronald Reagan said his Administration would ratify a constitutional amendment leaving the issue is p to the states to decide, while implementing common-sense restrictions on the federal level. Harry Parker said his Administration would ratify a constitutional amendment banning abortion except in cases of rape, incest and threat to the mother's life. Bush said his Administration would protect reproductive rights at the federal level, putting up strong arguments as to why banning abortion was ineffective. Parker argued with Reagan over his legalization of abortion as Governor of California, with Parker saying "dozens" of women had died from legal abortions and that Reagan was a "flip-flopper".

The debate moderation moved the topic to healthcare. Parker boasted of being the only candidate with a comprehensive plan on the issue: the deregulation of insurance markets, creation of a tax credit, provision of healthcare vouchers, malpractice reform, the extension of sick leave, and so on. George Bush said his Administration would increase pay for nurses and hospital staff while adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare, and Ronald Reagan said America's healthcare system was already "outstanding" and would continue to be so in the future.

Finally, the three candidates debated over education. George Bush promised to increase funding for the Department Education and pay for teachers, while implementing standardized testing to identify poor performers. Ronald Reagan promised to expand the use of school vouchers and charter schools while ending the Department of Education, and Harry Parker promised to create a federal network of trade schools while doubling teachers' wages across the board and increasing the number of school vouchers in circulation. Bush managed to defeat Parker on standardized testing.

George Bush is widely seen as having won the debate.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ronald Reagan wins New Hampshire primary
February 27 1980

Yesterday, Republican and independent voters in the state of New Hampshire went to the polls to participate in choosing the Republican Party's nominee for President. Former Hollywood actor and Governor of California Ronald Reagan won by a decisive margin, with US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker finishing second and CIA Director George Bush ending up in third.

Pundits credit Ronald Reagan's victory to his support among grassroots conservatives, and the refusal of Harry Parker to debate candidates other than Reagan and Bush. Parker still put up a strong showing, however.

With 100% of ballots cast counted, the results are:

Ronald Reagan 31%
Harry Parker 27%
George H. W. Bush 25%
John Anderson 9%
Howard Baker 4%
John Connally 2%
Phil Crane 1%
Harold Stassen <1%

Parker gave a concession speech where he said "This setback for our campaign is only temporary. The American people are waking up, and we are going to take back the White House for the people"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker goes in whistle stop tour of
Massachusetts
February 28, 1980

Republican US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker, who has suffered a damaging loss in the New Hampshire primary, has began a whistle stop tour of Massachusetts to promote his populist candidacy.

Parker has scheduled the following speeches:

A speech in Lowell about education reform (February 29)
A speech in Boston about energy independence (March 2)
A speech in Worcester about the hostage crisis (March 3, one day before the primary)

Parker's conservative stances on social issues are unpopular in the Northeast; he might lose several states in the region to Carter if nominated. Will this tour of Massachusetts be enough?

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker gives major speech in Lowell about education
February 29, 1980

Republican US Senator and presidential candidate Harry Parker (R-Missouri) has given a major speech in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts about his Administration's education policy.

In the speech, Parker declared his "conditional" support for the Department of Education, but said it must work with, not "against" state governments to help American children succeed. To this effect, Parker doubled down on his promise to "expand" the number of school vouchers in circulation.

"I support the Department of Education, conditionally. The federal government must work with, not against the state to help America's kids succeed. Therefore, my Administration will work to expand the number of school vouchers in circulation, so parents can choose what school their children goes to. This is a big opportunity to improve education in America"

Parker also said he will double pay for public school teachers across the board while increasing funding for the Department of Education:

"My Administration won't just decentralize the education system – the wages of teachers in public schools are going to be doubled across the board. The Department of Education is going to get a boost in funding to help our struggling schools improve. Pell Grants will be increased, as college is increasingly unaffordable"

Parker also laid a focus on trade schools.

It's unlikely the speech will have significant effect in the race, but these are popular policies.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

I will skip Harry Parker's speeches, but they were slightly successful due to being repetitive.

Republican primaries held in Massachusetts, Vermont; Bush wins in an upset
March 5, 1980

Yesterday, Republican Party members in Massachusetts and Vermont went to the polls to participate in the Republican presidential primaries. Former CIA Director George Bush earned upset victories in interesting contests.

US Senator for Missouri Harry Parker had gone in a whistle stop tour of Massachusetts, and gave three long speeches, but his repetitive messaging and social conservatism worked against the Senator, and he ended up in third place, in front of Ronald Reagan but behind the rising John Anderson.

Ronald Reagan focused more on winning Vermont, but finished in second place; Harry Parker ended up in an humiliating fourth; Representative for Illinois John Anderson experienced a surge, ending up in third place.

All ballots have been cast and counted in both states. The results in Massachusetts are:

George Bush 29%
John Anderson 24%
Harry Parker 22%
Ronald Reagan 20%
Howard Baker 2%
John Connally 1%
Uncommited <1%
Harold Stassen <1%

And in Vermont:

George Bush 31%
John Anderson 25%
Ronald Reagan 22%
Harry Parker 18%
Howard Baker 2%
John Connally <1%
Phil Crane <1%

Bush's candidacy, which had been damaged by repeated victories, has gained some brand new momentum with these wins. An emboldened George Bush said in a press conference: "I thank the people of New England for this victory. Americans are standing up for the right values"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Harry Parker heavily campaigning in South Carolina
March 6, 1980

US Senator for Missouri and presidential candidate Harry Parker, a moderately conservative Republican, has flown to South Carolina after very disappointing performances in Vermont and Massachusetts. Parker has given four thirty minute speeches today, focusing on healthcare, education, foreign policy and energy.

The Parker campaign is broadcasting three television and two radio ads statewide, about his plans and record as Governor of Missouri and US Senator.

Parker faces competition from Ronald Reagan, who leads in the polls, and to a certain extent John Connally, who has the endorsement of Senator Strom Thurmond.

The Senator calls himself "the right man to lead America" in his stump speech.