2016: Trump (R) vs Sanders (D) vs Webb (I)

[Deblano]

I understand this scenario is unlikely, but based on the title, what would the electoral map look like if Donald Trump became the Republican nominee, Bernie Sanders became the Democratic nominee, and Jim Webb launched an independent run?

[Coolface Sock #42069]

I would vote for Webb, and if someone as far right as me won't vote for the Republican over a Democrat who voted for the law I hate more than any other (ACA), that Republican isn't winning.

Webb actually would have a legitimate shot. I think he'd get the tacit backing of much of the GOP and probably a good portion of the Democrats, but with how much liberals and conservatives hate each other these days, I could be wrong.

[BigVic]

Sanders/O'Malley 263 (48.9%)
Trump/Haley 257 (47.8%)
Webb/Manchin 18 (3.3%)

A hung electoral college with Webb winning the two Virginias. How will the House and Senate vote for the President and VP

[Clark Kent]

Independent: Jim Webb (Virginia)/Jon Huntsman (Utah) - 40.12%, 423 EVs
Republican: Donald Trump (New York)/Ted Cruz (Texas) - 39.82%, 105 EVs
Democratic: Bernie Sanders (Vermont)/Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) - 6.01%, 10 EVs
Libertarian: Gary Johnson (New Mexico)/Rand Paul (Kentucky) - 13.94%, 0 EVs

[bagelman]

Here's my crazy (edit 2020: gadawful) map:



242-230-66

[Ariosto]

I think it would ultimately depend on how many of the big donors would be alienated by Sanders rhetoric and move and decide to put their money behind Webb, or hold back entirely. Part of me has come to view Sanders as a William Jennings Bryan kind of figure in that he is able to, in spite of his political views, attract a large constituency within his party and nationally but not among the big donors that traditionally fund the party. What it would come down to is how powerful the loyalty of his supporters is, whether the small donations can make up for the lack in big donations, and whether the big donors choose to support Webb, Trump, or hold back altogether on the Presidential race.

On the face of it I think Webb would ultimately draw more voters away from Sanders then Trump, maybe enough to hit double-digits but certainly not enough to win any states, and Trump would carry the electoral college by a respectable margin. Sanders however would now have a strong following within the Democratic Party, and could certainly make another go should he so choose in '20, sans the issues of age of course. That or a protege could take the mantel in his stead.

[RFK Jr.’s Brain Worm]

I doubt Sanders would run in 2020. I could see Warren or Feingold running in his place though.

[Orthogonian Society Treasurer]

Webb probably does respectably in Appalachia and the midwest among ancestral Democrats but not well enough to tip any states.

[Sir Mohamed]

Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT)/HUD Secretary Julian Castro (D-TX): 304 EV. (48.9%)
Businessman Donald Trump (R-NY)/Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX): 234 EV. (47.0%)
Fmr. Senator Jim Webb (I-VA)/Fmr. Governor Jon Huntsman (I-UT): 0 EV. (3.5%)