This is exactly what I first thought of. I didn't think you were old enough to get this.

I remember a turning point in that primary when Reagan funded a debate that was supposed to be between him and Bush, but unknown to Bush, Reagan had arranged to have the other candidates to crash the debate. Bush threatened to walk off the stage, and while Reagan was explaining himself, the moderator curtly said,to turn off Reagan's microphone whereupon the Gipper yelled, I'm paying for this microphone, Mr. Green (the guy's name was Breen, btw). That was