1976: Carter/Udall vs. Ford/Reagan

[barfbag]

Ronald Reagan would've probably been a better running mate than Bob Dole so it's very tempting to give the election to Ford in this case. We can also debate whether or not Reagan would've accepted being a running mate if asked. No one can be sure if he had a conversation with Ford about these things or not. However, I gave Carter a better running mate too in order to make it interesting.

[President Johnson]

My suggestion:

President Ford / Gov. Reagan: 278 EV.
Gov. Carter / Rep. Udall: 260 EV.

The GOP carries WI and TX, while the rest remains the same.

I'm sure the Republican ticket would have won with Reagan as running mate, at least with the 278-260 margin. Ford carries TX because Reagan did extremely well in the GOP primaries and he might also win Wisconsin which is a neighbor state of his native Michigan.

With President Ford term-limited in 1980, I assume Reagan to be the Republican nominee that year, likely against Ted Kennedy. Reagan is going to win with a closer margin than in RL, but loosing reelection in 1984 because Americans are tired of republican presidents since 1969.

Because I am a new member, I am not allowed to post links, so I can't add a map.

[barfbag]

Reagan would be one of a few running mates to actually make a big difference. People loved Reagan and might vote for Ford just to make sure Reagan won in 1980.

[President Johnson]

^^ Well, that's a little to optimistic. However, I am a Democrat, but in 1976 I would vote for Ford.

Map:

President Gerald Ford/Former Governor Ronald Reagan: 303 EV. - 51.6%
Former Governor Jimmy Carter/Senator Udall: 235 EV. - 47.0%

However, I'm not sure about Florida. Carter wins it in my scenario by a 49-48% margin. The GOP ticket wins anyway, with Vice President Reagan being elected in 1980 (as Pres. Ford is term limited).

Reagan would then go on the win in 1984 while 1988 would be democratic again. It's amazing, that we would have a republican White House for 20 years (1969-1989) despite of Watergate.

[whanztastic]

Ford would squeak by but the GOP would be doomed in '80 no matter the candidate.