Barack Obama versus Ronald Reagan

[Sir Mohamed]

If it was possible, how would an election between the two presidents of the last 50 years each party admires the most turn out? Both keep their former VPs.

My suggestion:

✓ Former President Barack Obama (D-IL)/Former Vice President Joe Biden (D-DE): 279 EVs.; 50.0%
Former President Ronald Reagan (R-CA)/Former President George Bush (R-TX): 259 EVs.; 48.5%

[Canis]

Heres Obama 08 vs Reagan 80 by percentage

Obama only carries Georgia and North Carolina because of Carters strength in the south
this is a Obama 284 to Reagan 254
Reversely here's Obama 12 vs Reagan 84 

Yeah its pretty much a wash Reagan wins 389-149 at least Obama outperforms Mondale by a lot  but yeah just a little electoral comparison.

[Mail-order President]

Heres Obama 08 vs Reagan 80 by percentage

Obama only carries Georgia and North Carolina because of Carters strength in the south
this is a Obama 284 to Reagan 254
Reversely here's Obama 12 vs Reagan 84 

Yeah its pretty much a wash Reagan wins 389-149 at least Obama outperforms Mondale by a lot  but yeah just a little electoral comparison.

For Reagan 1980, you have to take Anderson into consideration.  Reagan would've probably gotten a higher percentage in each state had it just been a Reagan-Carter H2H.

[Progressive Pessimist]

Reagan's cult status helps him dogwhistle his way to victory.

[NewYorkExpress]

Assuming Reagan was completely healthy, and both Reagan and Obama were at the peak of their popularity?

Reagan keeps it close, with his superb acting and communicating skills (there's a reason he's known as the great communicator)

Obama is great at speeches, but he can fall flat in debates, something Reagan didn't do (except for that one time with Mondale). Both candidates keep the running mates they ran with IRL.

Ronald Reagan/George H.W Bush 51%, 254 Electoral Votes
Barack Obama/Joe Biden 49% 229 Electoral Votes
Tossup 55 Electoral Votes (So basically, whoever wins California wins the election).