Nation: Dueling over Defense

Carter and Reagan argue about who favors a stronger military

"We have strengthened every element of our strategic deterrent ... no potential enemy of the U.S. should anticipate for one moment a successful use of military power against our vital interests."

—President Carter

"Every single analysis of which I am aware directly contradicts this Administration's smug assertion that the U.S. is and will remain militarily superior, or at least 'second to none.' We are already second to one."

—Ronald Reagan

Scarcely pausing for the customary post-convention breather, the presidential candidates clashed last week over what could become a major issue of the campaign: national defense. The...