Best decisions made by losing campaigns?

[Podgy the Bear]

I would agree that Ford 1976 would be the "best" losing campaign in recent history.   No one gave him a chance in July-August 1976.  It was remarkable that he was able to beat back a very strong primary challenge from Ronald Reagan, unify the Republicans, and pick up considerable independent strength to come as close as he did. 

I would say that Kerry 2004 would be next.  The country turned rightward after 9/11 and the 2002 midterm results (and actually, the 2004 results as well) reflected that.  Kerry didn't run a very good personal campaign.  But the Democrats consolidated the base and targeted the swing states well--especially Ohio where Kerry came very close.  I maintain that if it weren't for Amendment 1 (Defense of Marriage) on the same ballot where 62% voted in the affirmative, Kerry would have pulled it out.

[Podgy the Bear]

In some ways, the 2004 result may have been even more remarkable than 1976.  Ford had the power of incumbency and used it to great effect (his campaign ads and posters always presented it as "President Ford '76").  Kerry had no such benefit.