Peter B. Teeley calls out voodoo economics behind Reagan's policies

In the early days of the 1980s, political strategies and terms often played critical roles in shaping public perception. One such term was coined by Peter B. Teeley, who worked as press secretary for George H.W. Bush. During the 1980 presidential campaign, Teeley created the phrase 'voodoo economics' as a way to critique the economic policies proposed by his then-rival, Ronald Reagan. The term was inspired by an editorial that compared President Jimmy Carter's economic policies to those crafted by witch doctors. Its introduction had a lasting impact on the political landscape and the discourse surrounding economic policies in the United States. In fact, Teeley mentioned that the phrase quickly grew beyond what he intended and became a centerpiece of 1980s economic debate, particularly between moderate Republicans like Bush and more conservative factions like Reagan's supporters. It symbolized the tension within the Republican party itself around economic matters, as Bush, who had criticized Reagan during the primaries, would later serve as his vice president and be associated with the very policies he initially denounced. The controversy surrounding 'voodoo economics' continued to haunt Bush during his campaign, where he faced scrutiny from the press as he tried to reconcile his previous criticisms with his role in Reagan's administration. Beyond just political rhetoric, Teeley's life was marked by his eventual involvement in philanthropy, his challenges with cancer, and his multiple marriages, which left behind a complex legacy intertwined with significant and often contentious moments in U.S. history. His death at the age of 84 marks the end of an era for those who remember the impact of his words and the influence they had on American politics and policies throughout the 1980s and beyond.