Re: Uh, Robert
You might want to reexamine that theory based on what the Soviets and communists around the world were doing during the Carter administration. I'm not seeing the smooth multi-administration curve of Soviet decline and world influence that you imply existed.
Based on observations during Carter's term, and of 1980s-era Democratic ideas about not interfering with communists taking over other countries, somehow I doubt the results would have been the same with Carter and Mondale as presidents during the 80s.