Carter vs. Reagan 1976

[memphis]

Reagan defeats Ford in the Republican primary due to a conservative resurgance in the party and Ford's association with the disgraced Rishard Nixon. Let's see maps for this election. If Reagan wins, how does he handle the hostage crisis?

[Lincoln Republican]

Ronald Reagan/Richard Schweiker            315
Jimmy Carter/Walter Mondale                   223



With the Iran hostage crisis, if initial negotiations do not produce any results, Reagan gives Iran an ultimatum, that they have 48 hours to release the hostages, unharmed, or face the consequences.  If no results, he commences military action.  Iran would know enough not to mess with Reagan, and they would know that he means business, and they would have released the hostages, unharmed.   

[Ronald Reagan]

Carter - 215
Reagan - 323

[Michael Z]

I don't think Reagan could have beaten Carter in '76. The concensus in 1976 was very much that America needed a change from the Republicans, plus Reagan was still seen as a bit too extreme by the majority (it was actually on that basis that Ford managed to secure the GOP nomination, in that he was able to exploit fears within his party over Reagan not being "mainstream" enough). It wasn't until four years later that the center of gravity in American politics would shift in Reagan's favour.

[opebo]

I'm convinced the working class was not sufficiently deluded yet to vote for an extremist like Reagan in 1976, so he would do worse in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin, etc.  He would of course do somewhat better among the Southern racists, and best Ford's showing in Texas, Mississippi, Florida, etc. 

[Michael Z]

I'm convinced the working class was not sufficiently deluded yet to vote for an extremist like Reagan in 1976

LOL. You've basically said the same thing as me, just slightly more, erm, direct.

[opebo]

I'm convinced the working class was not sufficiently deluded yet to vote for an extremist like Reagan in 1976

LOL. You've basically said the same thing as me, just slightly more, erm, direct.

Yes, Micheal Z.  In 1976 a lot of workers were still in unions and had fairly good pay and benefits, and an understanding from whence those came.  A guy like Ford was not much of a threat to this, but Reagan was.

Of course by 1980, they were deluded by the nationalist/xenophobic/intolerant agenda that has ruled America pretty much ever since.  Funny thing how much American politics was effected by the 'gas crisis' and the 'hostage crisis'.