Excerpt from Michael Reagan's 2010 book "The New Reagan Revolution". 

The morning after the 1976 convention, I was in the hallway headed for Dad's hotel room.  I thought he might need some cheering up after the disappointment of the previous day.    Or maybe I thought he could cheer me up.

Before I reached the door, he emerged from the room, jauntily attired in a white linen jacket, tan slacks, shirt & tie.  The ever present Reagan twinkle was in his eye.  He hardly looked like a defeated candidate.

Good morning, Michael, he said.

Good morning Dad.  How are you today?

Fine, FINE!  I just had a meeting with three Republican fellows.  They wanted to start a third party--and they wanted me to run against Jerry Ford and Jimmy Carter.

What did you tell them?

I turned them down, he said.  I told them that President Ford had won the nomination fair and square.  The point of a primary campaign is to choose the standard bearer, and the party chose Ford.  The rest of us need to get behind our nominee and support him.  Had I beaten Ford, I would hope he'd support me.  But, you don't pick up your marbles and go home just because you lost.  You just have to come back with a better message next time.  Michael, I won't have anything to do with a third party movement.

Dad was right, of course, That's what our two party system is all about.  If you're not happy with the candidate your party nominated, find a better candidate next time.

Ronald Reagan supported Gerald Ford in the general election.  He campaigned hard on Ford's behalf, visiting 25 states to stump for the GOP ticket.  He made a number of TV appearances in support of the Ford/Dole ticket, including a half hour speech that aired on NBC.

I'm just saying..........