2008 Edwards Vs McCain

[IceSpear]

If Obama didn't run, Hillary probably would have defeated Edwards in the primary. But assuming that didn't happen, Edwards, like Hillary, would've done much better in Appalachia. But he'd do even better than she would have since he's white AND male AND Southern. After the economic crash, it would be a landslide.

Edwards - 426
McCain - 112

[IceSpear]

Edwards won't win New Hampshire, Connecticut, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware or Maine that way, stands to lose Florida.

All of the South and Flyover Country are Solidly Atlas Blue, and Schweitzer is a foot-in-mouther.

And McCain is moderate, so he'll probably pull out and get Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

No, Edwards is the worst choice against McCain.

Your map fits a Mit Romney vs John Edwards campaign better.

Did you forget about the economic crash? After that, a piece of dog sh**t (D) would've crushed McCain in states like CT, NJ, DE, ME, etc.

[IceSpear]

I'm sorry, but there's no way that 08 would have been the wave year it was with Edwards on the ticket and the Rielle Hunter thing breaking as an October surprise.  Republican turnout disaffected with Bush would've skyrocketed and socially independants would swing hard towards McCain.  That's enough for, if not a reasonable victory, at least a respectable defeat for John McCain.  Not only that, but I think it's fair to assume close down-ballot races elections otl (NH, MN, and NC senate, plus a few house races) swing the other way.  Still comfortable control of Congress for Dems, but nowhere near otl's landslide

The hypothetical says the affair never happened.