This could be a real possibility. Look into the theory that Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates Reagan and Bush made a deal with Iran to continue holding hostages to sour the public on reelecting Carter. I am not sure what the payoff for Iran was, probably some financial gain or arms deal.
Then, right after Reagan was sworn in, the hostages were released. Numbers fans will note that they were held 444 days.
The only thing that makes me dismiss the theory is that Carter did not need much help in losing the election. Inflation and the gas crunch were most on people's minds. Iran was probably more frightened of a President who would be willing to drop some bombs.
This could be a real possibility. Look into the theory that Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates Reagan and Bush made a deal with Iran to continue holding hostages to sour the public on reelecting Carter. I am not sure what the payoff for Iran was, probably some financial gain or arms deal.
Then, right after Reagan was sworn in, the hostages were released. Numbers fans will note that they were held 444 days.
The only thing that makes me dismiss the theory is that Carter did not need much help in losing the election. Inflation and the gas crunch were most on people's minds. Iran was probably more frightened of a President who would be willing to drop some bombs.