WAMC's Ian Pickus and resident quizzer Mike Nothnagel focus on the 40th president.
Last week's challenge
Start with the words BEFORE and AFTER. Rearrange the letters to spell a two-word phrase (6,5) that names a type of marketing promotion that can help you get money back. What is it?
Answer: The phrase is REBATE OFFER.
THIS WEEK'S CATEGORY: RONALD REAGAN
On-air questions: On February 6, 1998, President Bill Clinton signed legislation changing the name of Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan National Airport. The name change didn't sit well with local officials, who argued that Reagan already had a major federal office building named for him, and that the airport was already named for a U.S. president. To honor that name change, this week I've brought questions about former President Ronald Reagan.
1. In 1940, Reagan starred in the film Knute Rockne, All-American opposite Pat O'Brien, who played the title role. Reagan played a player named George Gipp, who was known in the film by a nickname that Reagan himself was later known by. What nickname was it?
2. In the 1984 presidential election, Reagan received a record 525 electoral votes, the highest number ever received by a presidential candidate. Reagan carried 49 states, losing only Washington, D.C., and Minnesota, the home state of his opponent. Who was the Democratic candidate in the 1984 presidential election?
3. In 1981, an assassination attempt was made on President Reagan. Also injured in the incident was Reagan's press secretary, who became an ardent advocate of gun control as a result, and a 1993 handgun control bill was named in his honor. Who was Reagan's press secretary at the time?
4. In the late 1940s, Reagan and his wife Jane Wyman provided the FBI with names of fellow actors they believed to be Communist sympathizers. He later testified on the subject in front of what Congressional committee?
5. What four words finish this statement given by Reagan in front of the Brandenburg Gate in June of 1987: "General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, ..."
Extra credit
1. During his presidency, Reagan lowered tax rates – most notably those of the highest wage earners – with the idea that it would spur investment, which would in turn lead to increased wages and higher employment for all workers. By what phrase did this idea become known, especially to critics?
2. Considered to be the event that launched Reagan's political career, a speech known as "A Time For Choosing" was delivered in October of 1964 and highlighted Reagan's desire for smaller government. The speech was given in support of what presidential hopeful?
This week's challenge
Start with the name REAGAN. Add a letter and rearrange the result to spell the name of a country that made the news during Reagan's presidency. What is it?
ANSWERS
On-air questions
1. "The Gipper"
2. Walter Mondale
3. James Brady
4. House Un-American Activities Committee
5. "...tear down this wall!"
Extra credit
1. "Trickle-down economics"
2. Barry Goldwater
