Answer: Weakening of the liberal agenda in the late 1970s is inextricably tied to some political missteps and American dissatisfaction with presidential leadership. In the '70s, citizens longed for an America that prospered and was a cut above other countries. Liberal leadership that began in the '60s by President Kennedy was not successful. The combination of a struggling economy, social activism and international crises influenced people of both parties to yearn for a change.