Udall vs. Ford 1976

[Peter the Lefty]

Mo Udall manages to beat Carter in the primaries and win the nomination.  Would he have beaten Ford.  I realize he was far more to the left, but I'm sure he would've been a better debater than Carter was. 

[Dr. Cynic]

Mo's biggest problem was money and name recognition. I think being on the left might have been a plus because he could truly carry a reformist mantle as Carter did. I think it would be a close election and hopefully Udall's western roots help him do a bit better there than Carter did to make up for losses in the south.

If Udall had gotten in, I feel he would have made a much better President than Carter. He would have known how to work with Congress. He was witty and would have sold his policies much better than the humorless Carter. I think he would've had at least a moderately successful Presidency.

But it would have been tougher getting in. I think it's possible, but it would be difficult.