Ronald Reagan “Outlaws Russia“ on August 11 1984 - Live Mic “Joke“

During the height of the cold war, on August 11, 1984, President Ronald Reagan and crew were in the middle of a sound check for his regular weekly radio address. Never one to miss an opportunity to amuse an audience with a simultaneously beguiling yet menacing quip, during said sound check, Regan smoothly announced into the live microphone: “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.“ The clip was leaked and it caused quite a stir everywhere. Oops!