No Chappaquiddick, Kennedy v. Nixon in 1972

[Lincoln Republican]

This map is what I believe would be the absolute best result that Senator Ted Kennedy could  have achieved against President Richard Nixon in 1972.  In reality, Nixon's win would likely have been larger.

Nixon had tremendous support in the country in 1972 and his accomplishments on the world stage were unequaled. 

No Democrat, including Ted Kennedy, would have defeated Nixon in 1972.

Nixon                          336
Kennedy                      202

[Lincoln Republican]

Had Ted Kennedy run and won the nomination in 1976, he most likely would have become President.

Neither 1972 nor 1980 was Kennedy's year.

Bottom line, he waited four years too long.