Behind the gigantic jet at the 2015 Republican presidential debate
When viewers tune in to Wednesday's Republican debate, hosted by CNN at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, they'll see the GOP's presidential candidates set against a colossal backdrop: a retired Air Force One that first served President Richard Nixon.
It's a great piece of presidential aviation history. Not surprised if the debate audience eyeballs the plane more than the GOP candidates.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 16, 2015
White House hopefuls are fielding questions on a stage that's wing-level with the private jet -- a modified Boeing 707 commonly called by its call sign SAM 27000 -- most used by President Reagan.
"Ronald Reagan is patron saint of the modern Republican Party," CNN's Washington bureau chief Sam Feist told WIRED. "It's not just visually interesting, but I think as we talk about where the Republican Party is going... it's also politically and editorially significant."
The Air Force One that now occupies space in Reagan's library officially retired in 2001 after a run with seven U.S. presidents. For its last journey, President George W. Bush flew the plane to Texas in 2001.
CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller was in the press pool for the jet's final flight:
Was reminded I was in the press pool for the last flight of the Air Force One now on display in the Reagan Library. pic.twitter.com/CVRcFimal1
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 16, 2015
Then Pres GW Bush interrupted his ranch vacation for a speech to the American Legion in San Antonio on August 29, 2001.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 16, 2015
Pres Bush was given to option that day of flying aboard the historic 707 - tail #27000 - before it was retired from the presidential fleet.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 16, 2015
That 707 served as Air Force One for 444 missions and 1 million miles, Pres Bush noted at a retirement ceremony back in Waco that day.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 16, 2015
The 707 has played a major role in history, flying Reagan to Berlin for his famous speech to "tear down this wall" at the Brandenburg Gate. It also flew Nixon home to California after he resigned from the presidency amid scandal in 1974.
27000 was the aircraft Reagan flew to Berlin for his "tear down this wall" speech. It flew him home to California on his last day as Pres.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 16, 2015
But despite its historical significance, Knoller recalls that it wasn't a very comfortable plane.
The press section on that plane was cramped. Seating was 3 across. Not nearly as comfortable as press cabin on the 747s.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) September 16, 2015