pt. 1. The view from the starting gate. pt. 2. The Democrats. Jimmy Carter : the incredible shrinking president -- Teddy Kennedy : uneasy runner -- Jerry Brown : California crude -- pt. 3. The Republicans. Ronald Reagan : rusty paladin -- John Connally : talking tall -- George Bush : politician as preppy -- Howard Baker : Tennessee stalking horse -- Waiting in the wings, Jerry Ford : beloved bumbler, Alexander Haig : Ike Redivivus? pt. 4. Odds, ends, creeps & veeps. pt. 5. Gentlemen, place your bets!