Autumn 1979 - Ted Kennedy launches the "Coast to Coast for Kennedy", giving over 400 speeches all over the country. In Iran, the Shah is overthrown by an Islamic revolution, 55 American ambassadors are taken hostage in Tehran. January 1980 - Carter's approval ratings are at an all time low of 37%, Carter loses the Iowa Democratic Primary to Kennedy. Ronald Reagan leads in the Republican Primaries. July 1980 - George Bush and Howard Baker are nominated as the Republican Candidates in Detroit. September 22 1980- Iraq invades Iran starting the Iran Iraq War