1976: Jackson (D) vs Ford (R)

[jokerman]

Jackson 366
Ford 172

Jackson runs about even with Carter in the South, even increased margins in some areas because of Hawkish stance on foreign policy, swing Virginia.  He then also brings to the Democratic column the very close states of Iowa, Illinois, Oregon, New Mexico, and South Dakota.

[jokerman]

Jackson wasn't exactly a national democrat as we would classify it now.  He was certainly of the populist-leaning oldstyle democrat mold, and his hawkish stances would also garner support for him in the South.  Don't forget this is against Ford, who did well in suburban areas but collapsed in rural areas (especially Southern) and many cities.  I see no reason why the South, which parts of went for landslides for Carter, would swing all the way to Ford.