Letter from America: From Nixon to Carter (1969-1980)

Chrysler financial crisis deepens

26 Dec 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Auto workers call on Reagan's help as jobs are threatened by Chrysler cash crisis.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of t...

Haig joins Cabinet

19 Dec 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Nixon's top aide is offered senior post - but the hearings on his fitness to serve could be damaging. The sound quality on this recording is variable/...

John Lennon’s assassination

12 Dec 1980

Contributed by Lukas

The shooting of John Lennon on the 8th December 1980 sparks a debate over the need for national gun control law in America.

The waiting game

05 Dec 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Hostages and the growing Polish crisis will prove to be among Reagan's first presidential headaches.This archive edition of Letter from America was re...

Reagan's charm offensive

28 Nov 1980

Contributed by Lukas

President-elect Reagan wins over Washington with his charm offensive. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Let...

Reagan's political honeymoon

21 Nov 1980

Contributed by Lukas

President-elect Reagan turns his honeymoon period into a Washington courtship ritual.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one o...

Why the pollsters got it wrong

14 Nov 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Humiliation for pollsters who made completely wrong call on the presidential election.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one ...

Ronald Reagan’s victory, 1980

07 Nov 1980

Contributed by Lukas

As Ronald Reagan wins the 1980 US presidential election, Alistair Cooke reflects on the causes of Jimmy Carter's downfall.

The World Series gets the vote, 1980

17 Oct 1980

Contributed by Lukas

The World Series gets the popular vote while the presidential candidates get mean with each other.This archive edition of Letter from America was reco...

The book-selling business

10 Oct 1980

Contributed by Lukas

How the book-selling business creates a bestseller from a book which isn't selling.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of ...

Independents switch to Reagan

03 Oct 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Campaign sees Carter's support slipping as independent voters switch to Reagan.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two ...

Candidates claim victory in TV debate

26 Sep 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Polls will chart Carter's performance in TV debate while the other two candidates both claim victory.This archive edition of Letter from America was r...

Small car sales boom

19 Sep 1980

Contributed by Lukas

US car makers to concentrate on making smaller cars as sale of thrifty foreign imports boom.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...

Candidates consider TV debate

12 Sep 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Three-way TV debate for presidential candidates could leave Carter at a disadvantage.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one o...

American know-how

05 Sep 1980

Contributed by Lukas

America's lead in the technological revolution has been lost during the past thirty years as Europe and the Far East steam ahead.This archive edition ...

Energy assistance bill

29 Aug 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Surprise swing of Republican voting in favour of the cold north over energy assistance bill.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...

America's Electoral College

22 Aug 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Why size matters when it comes to vote-counting by the US Electoral College.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two lis...

Jimmy Carter is nominated for re-election

15 Aug 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Edward Kennedy makes the best speech of his career at the Democratic Party conference, after losing his challenge for the party's nomination to incumb...

Covering the 1980 presidential campaign

08 Aug 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Cooke looks back at his own coverage of previous Democratic nomination campaigns including Truman and Dewey in 1948; and the current battle between Ji...

Carter ratings lowest ever

01 Aug 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Democrat convention faces disarray over lowest-ever popularity ratings by sitting President Carter.This archive edition of Letter from America was rec...

Bush to be Reagan's running mate

25 Jul 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Ford loses out to Bush as running mate for Reagan in race for the White House.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two l...

Reagan wins Republican nomination

18 Jul 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Republican convention endorses the nomination of 70-year-old Ronald Reagan as its presidential candidate.This archive edition of Letter from America w...

Row over abortion ruling

11 Jul 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Ruling over whether abortions should be state-funded is likely to spark further equal rights amendments. The sound quality on this recording is variab...

The Supreme Court

04 Jul 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Cooke reflects on the wide-ranging functions of the US Supreme Court which has ultimate jurisdiction in America and takes its authority from ...

Unemployment looms in Hollywood

27 Jun 1980

Contributed by Lukas

As the recession begins to bite, even Hollywood is facing the prospect of rising unemployment. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.Th...

Isao Aoki, golfing hero

20 Jun 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Unusual technique of Japanese champion Isao Aoki gives hope to millions of golfing duffers.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by...

Carter's visits fail to ignite campaign

13 Jun 1980

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter's flying visits to crisis-torn areas seen only as political and fail to boost his standing.This archive edition of Letter from Americ...

Republicans solid for Reagan

06 Jun 1980

Contributed by Lukas

For once, the Republican party is solidly united for one candidate while the Democrats lose backing for both Carter and Kennedy.This archive edition o...

Puerto Rican immigration

30 May 1980

Contributed by Lukas

The 1950s flood of Puerto Ricans to New York should act as a warning over the new arrivals from Cuba. The sound quality on this recording is variable/...

Mount St Helens erupts

23 May 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Mount St Helens eruption blights farming across north and west while the southern state of Florida erupts into race riots over Cuban refugee influx.Th...

Car sales slump

16 May 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Massive slump in US-made car sales signals recession is biting.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who b...

Recession may finish Carter

09 May 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Recession timing bad for Carter's hopes of a second term. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Letter from Ame...

Why Vance quit

02 May 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Point of principle lay behind resignation of Secretary of State Cyrus Vance following secrecy over hostage rescue attempt.This archive edition of Lett...

Iranian hostage rescue attempt, 1980

25 Apr 1980

Contributed by Lukas

How will President Carter's failed attempt to rescue the Americans being held hostage by Iran affect the forthcoming election?

Kennedy's last stand

18 Apr 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Senator Kennedy talks tough as he faces last major showdown in the Democrats' primaries. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This arc...

New York transport strike

11 Apr 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Bargaining details behind the transport strike which has left New York train-free for days.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by...

Extension of primary elections

04 Apr 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Bid to curb power of the party bosses led to extension of primary elections - with the result that this year's presidential race faces 38 primaries. T...

Kennedy's brief triumph

28 Mar 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Surprise at Senator Kennedy's landslide win at the New York Democrat primary.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two li...

Illinois crucial in presidential race

21 Mar 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Why the Illinois 'beauty contest' is so important to those aiming for the White House in a presidential election year.This archive edition of Letter f...

Inflation fuels alarm over policies

14 Mar 1980

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter not suffering primary defeats, despite fears over raging inflation. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor. . Programme...

Foreign policy wobbles

07 Mar 1980

Contributed by Lukas

New foreign policy wobble as US cites 'mistake' on voting intentions over Israel. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive ed...

Iran hostage crisis goes on

29 Feb 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Iran refuses negotiation attempt over US hostages the country is holding.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listen...

New Hampshire, the political weathervane

22 Feb 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Why the weather is a factor in the New Hampshire primary 'beauty contest' stakes. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive ed...

Carter's ultimatum under fire

15 Feb 1980

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter's Olympic boycott threat over Soviet invasion comes under fire. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edi...

The Canadian Caper in Tehran, 1979

08 Feb 1980

Contributed by Lukas

America shows gratitude to Canada after it was revealed that the Canadian embassy in Tehran rescued six US diplomats during the seizure of the US emba...

Carter steals rivals' thunder

01 Feb 1980

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter's annual speech turns into a 'state of the world' triumph. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition ...

UN vote condemns Soviets

25 Jan 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Hopes that massive UN vote against Soviet invasion could sway diplomatic solution. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive e...

Call for Olympics boycott

18 Jan 1980

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter considers pros and cons of boycotting the coming summer Olympics in Moscow. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This...

Carter boosts arms budget

11 Jan 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Carter changes liberal policy re arms spending following Russian invasion of Afghanistan.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by o...

Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

04 Jan 1980

Contributed by Lukas

Russia's invasion of Afghanistan shakes President Carter's belief in détente.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two l...

Iran sanctions stalled in UN

28 Dec 1979

Contributed by Lukas

American patience eroding over slow-moving resolution to hostage crisis.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listene...

Cambodian refugee crisis

21 Dec 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Cambodian refugees face starvation as Russian- and Chinese-backed regimes block humanitarian aid.This archive edition of Letter from America was recor...

US and Iran

14 Dec 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Need for oil wipes out any backing for US response to Khomeini's takeover of Iran.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of t...

Public back Carter on hostage crisis

07 Dec 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Kennedy blasts Shah while public back President Carter's careful handling of the hostage crisis.This archive edition of Letter from America was record...

Bungle claim over Iran hostage crisis

30 Nov 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Carter now accused of 'bungling' decision to allow Shah into US for medical treatment, prompting hostage seizure.This archive edition of Letter from A...

American embassy hostages stalemate

23 Nov 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Diplomacy rendered impotent by success of Iran's terrorist seizure of US hostages.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of t...

Tehran hostage crisis

16 Nov 1979

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter's standing as statesman rises after response to Tehran hostage crisis.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one...

Pork barrel politics

09 Nov 1979

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter uses presidential patronage to counter Kennedy's challenge for leadership.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by...

Interest rates rise

02 Nov 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Interest rates rise to 15% amid worldwide claims of 'economic nationalism' by the US.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one o...

No more nukes

26 Oct 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Anti-nuclear power protests strengthen in wake of Three Mile Island accident.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition...

New York Times mistake

19 Oct 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Mistaking a neutron for a neutrino, the New York Times has to apologise for its reporting of the Nobel Prize; and marking the death of Uncle Tom, acto...

A common language?

12 Oct 1979

Contributed by Lukas

The many differences between the American and English languages.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who ...

Pope John Paul II's visit

05 Oct 1979

Contributed by Lukas

The national rejoicing during Pope John Paul II's visit to the US, the biography of the Pope, and Catholicism in America.

Dubious poll results

28 Sep 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Doubt cast on polls which give widely differing results of President Carter's standing with the general voter.This archive edition of Letter from Amer...

Jean Seberg and the FBI, 1979

21 Sep 1979

Contributed by Lukas

The detestable confession that confirms that the actress Jean Seberg's life was destroyed by J Edgar Hoover's 'dirty tricks' branch of the FBI.

Soviet troops in Cuba

14 Sep 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Arrival of 3,000 Soviet troops in Cuba seen as provocation to US and could stall SALT talks.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded b...

Dalai Lama visits US

07 Sep 1979

Contributed by Lukas

No official recognition for Dalai Lama's first visit to US.

Murder of Lord Mountbatten

31 Aug 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Murder of Lord Mountbatten prompts need for clearer understanding of the Irish troubles among US voters.This archive edition of Letter from America wa...

Stagnant economy warning

24 Aug 1979

Contributed by Lukas

US Congress warns of economic stagnation as productivity declines.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, wh...

Young's final diplomacy

17 Aug 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Resigning Andrew Young's last act of diplomacy before leaving his UN ambassadorial role.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by on...

Small earthquake in 'Frisco

10 Aug 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Small San Francisco earthquake sparks big headlines. Small announcement of Irish peace talks sparks Whitehall annoyance.This archive edition of Letter...

The politics of plain speaking

03 Aug 1979

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter talks to the people on US tour, and shows why, when times are tough, it pays to speak plainly.This archive edition of Letter from Ame...

Carter reshuffles his team

27 Jul 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Carter reshuffles his closest advisers amid speculation he is preparing his election campaign team.This archive edition of Letter from America was rec...

Cabinet resignation call

20 Jul 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Carter calls for US Cabinet resignations in bid for fresh thinking.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, w...

Skylab crash lands

13 Jul 1979

Contributed by Lukas

US Skylab crash lands into ocean after Western Australia fears of impact.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listen...

Carter silent on oil crisis

06 Jul 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Lost for words? President Carter cancels planned nationwide TV speech on oil crisis.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of...

Gromyko's threat to SALT treaty

29 Jun 1979

Contributed by Lukas

US Senate fury over Soviet foreign minister Gromyko's threat to sink SALT treaty.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of tw...

The murder of Bill Stewart in Nicaragua, 1979

22 Jun 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Seeing Bill Stewart, a news reporter, shot dead in Nicaragua in front of TV cameras, brings home the horror to Americans.

John Wayne obituary, 1979

15 Jun 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Remembering John Wayne, the actor who came to stand for something fundamentally good - and American.This archive edition of Letter from America was re...

Pope visits Poland

08 Jun 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Pope John Paul II returns to his Polish homeland.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them ta...

O.J.Simpson, sports star

01 Jun 1979

Contributed by Lukas

The 20,000-to-1 chance of becoming a black sports star like O.J.Simpson.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listene...

Harvey Milk killing

25 May 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Gay outrage at lenient sentence for killer of Harvey Milk.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who betwee...

Petrol shortage in US

18 May 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Nationwide petrol shortage blamed on US oil companies.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Letter from America...

William Safire on Thatcher

11 May 1979

Contributed by Lukas

US columnist William Safire satirises what Thatcher's election victory will mean for Britain.The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This...

US v UK elections

04 May 1979

Contributed by Lukas

UK elections become 'Americanised' as the public relations men move in.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listener...

Press freedom

27 Apr 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Press freedom challenged as CBS 'Sixty Minutes' programme is sued for libel.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two lis...

Lee Marvin property suit

20 Apr 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Film star Lee Marvin sued by ex-partner citing California property rights.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two liste...

Government unable to vouch for nuclear safety

13 Apr 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Government admits being unable to guarantee nuclear reactor safety. Public support for nuclear power industry slumps.This archive edition of Letter fr...

Three Mile Island Accident

06 Apr 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has an opinion on nuclear energy now. The political fallout of the Three Mile Island nuclear accident on March 28, 1979, and how it might imp...

Inflation at 14.4 per cent

30 Mar 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Rising inflation hits Carter's poll ratings, despite uplift from signing of Egypt-Israeli peace deal.This archive edition of Letter from America was r...

How Texas became American

23 Mar 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Why Mexico still resents losing Texas and her western territories to the US.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two lis...

Carter's popularity slumps

16 Mar 1979

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter losing support of both public and his own party.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who...

Mexico strikes oil

09 Mar 1979

Contributed by Lukas

US eyes vast new oil finds in Mexico.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labe...

Jane Byrne voted Chicago mayor

02 Mar 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Surprise win for Democrat outsider Jane Byrne in Chicago mayoral vote.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners...

Freedom of Information Act

23 Feb 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Freedom of Information Act reveals government is collecting computer data on US citizens.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by o...

Oil rationing threat

16 Feb 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Threat of oil rationing as Ayatollah Khomeini takes over as Iran leader.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listene...

Chinese visit rattles USSR

09 Feb 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Chinese deputy premier's visit to US threatens detente with USSR.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who...

Chinese state visit

02 Feb 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Carter welcomes Deputy Premier Deng on first Chinese state visit to US for 30 years.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of...

Carter's austere budget

26 Jan 1979

Contributed by Lukas

President Carter unveils austerity budget in bid to curb inflation.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, w...

Shah flees Iran

19 Jan 1979

Contributed by Lukas

Shah of Iran loses power, flees country with famaily. Exiled Ayatollah expected to return from Paris.This archive edition of Letter from America was r...