he left that job when jimmy carter became a president and a player in national republican politics. running against ronald reagan in the 1980 primary. winning some but withdrawing when it became clear he wont be the nominee. reagan believed he could help him win the party moderates and named him running mate. vice president bush spent time on the road. he was reagan's air apparent in 1988. >> i was a kinder and gentler nation. like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky. >> reporter: he made a campaign promise that would come back to haunt him. >> read my lips. no new taxes. >> reporter: selection of a running mate surprised many. >> my choice for the vice president. is senator dan quail of indiana. >> voters supported the ticket. the nations 41st president bush