It's pretty clear than a more moderate republican could easily have done better. Remember that at the beginning of the campaign polls were quite close
despite Carter's unpopularity and all the problems.
Except he actually lost.
Anyways, 2-term incumbent parties rarely hold power, and Gore's campaign sucked anyways.
Really...
Really ? 
Not a "moderate" in the time's context.
Didn't he win in 1988 ? After 12 years of republican power, voter fatigue and a bad economy explains 1992.
Watergate anyone ? It's a miracle Ford did so well.
