Reagan Election Factors

"New Right" and conservatism was growing rapidly

Economy was in a bad state

Moral Majority wanted to fulfill religious goals

Wanted religious teaching in schools

Registered many new voters who didn't typically vote

People who lived in suburbs were facing economic problems

Opposition to big government

Support for strong military

Faith in traditional values

"New era of prosperity and patriotism"

War and riots unraveled Democratic party

Counterculture alienated many Americans MOSTLY SOUTHERNERS

Conservatives believed liberal policies were the root of the economic problems

"Sagebrush rebels" believed federal government had too much land

Reagan had gifts as a communicator

Seemed friendly to voters watching the debate