Carter's campaign for re-election in 1980 was one of the most difficult. He faced strong challenges from the right (Republican Ronald Reagan), the center (independent John B. Anderson), and the left (Democrat Ted Kennedy). His campaign manager and former appointments secretary, Timothy Kraft, stepped down some five weeks before the general election because of an allegation of cocaine use. On October 28, Carter and Reagan participated in the only presidential debate of the election cycle. Though initially losing to Carter by several points, Reagan had a surge in polling following the debate. 