In March of 1980, the Republican elite was very angry at the voters for favoring the unelectable Ronald Reagan, and held secret meetings considering a “stop-Reagan drive.” They wanted Bush in the White House.

18 Mar 1980, Page 9 – at Newspapers.com

In May 1980, National Review was busy trashing him for his “inaccuracies” and was afraid he would be called “dumb.”

8 May 1980, Page 6 – at Newspapers.com