On August 11, 1984, United StatesPresidentRonald Reagan was getting ready to make his weekly Saturday radio address on National Public Radio.[1] He was running for re-election at the time. He was testing the microphone before he started to talk, then Reagan made this joke to the radio workers:
My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.[1]
The joke was based on the start of that day's speech:
My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you that today I signed legislation that will allow student religious groups to begin enjoying a right they've too long been denied — the freedom to meet in public high schools during nonschool hours, just as other student groups are allowed to do.[2]
Many Americans and Soviets were scared about a nuclear attack. Reagan said it was a joke.[3] Though this was not the first time Reagan had joked before giving a speech or address, the Soviets were offended. They started making fun of Reagan.
