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There you go again facts for kids

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Carter Reagan Debate 10-28-80
President Jimmy Carter (left) and former Governor Ronald Reagan (right) at the presidential debate, October 28, 1980

"There you go again" is a very famous phrase from a United States presidential election debate in 1980. It was spoken by Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan to his opponent, President Jimmy Carter, who was a Democrat. Reagan used this line in several debates over the years. He always said it in a way that aimed to make his opponent seem less serious or to gently point out a repeated argument.

What "There You Go Again" Means

The phrase "There you go again" is a polite but clever way to say, "You're repeating the same old argument." When Ronald Reagan used it, he was trying to show that his opponent, President Carter, was saying things that weren't quite right or were based on old ideas. It made people in the audience laugh and helped Reagan look calm and confident.

Who Said "There You Go Again"?

The person who made this phrase famous was Ronald Reagan. At the time, he was a former Governor of California and was running to become President of the United States. His opponent was the current President, Jimmy Carter. Carter was trying to win re-election for a second term.

The 1980 Presidential Debate

The most famous time Reagan said "There you go again" was during a debate on October 28, 1980. This debate was a very important event in the 1980 presidential election. Debates are when candidates for president talk about their plans and ideas. They answer questions and try to show why they would be the best leader for the country.

Why Was It Important?

During the debate, President Carter was talking about Reagan's past ideas on healthcare. Carter suggested that Reagan had once wanted to cut Medicare, a program that helps older people with medical costs. Reagan smiled and calmly said, "There you go again." This simple phrase made many people feel that Carter was exaggerating or not being completely fair. It helped Reagan connect with voters and showed his relaxed style.

Ronald Reagan's Speaking Style

Ronald Reagan was known as "The Great Communicator." He was very good at speaking to large groups of people. He could explain difficult ideas in a simple way. He often used humor and stories to make his points. His calm and friendly manner helped him win over many voters.

How Reagan Used Humor

Reagan often used humor to make his opponents seem less serious. The "There you go again" line is a perfect example of this. Instead of getting angry or arguing back, he used a lighthearted phrase. This made him appear strong and in control, while also being likable. It was a very effective way to handle tough questions during a debate.

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