1976 without Roe v. Wade

[MATTROSE94]

Probably not much of an impact to alter the overall results of the 1976 election, as (if I recall correctly) Jimmy Carter ran as a pro-life candidate whereas Gerald Ford was ambivalent regarding the issue of abortion rights. Down the line however, if abortion remained a state issue, it is likely that the Democrats would have retained slightly more support among white Catholics and Evangelical Protestants in the South and Midwest. More Democratic support amongst those groups, in turn, might have been enough to alter the results of several close Presidential elections such as 2000, 2004, and maybe 2016.

[MATTROSE94]

Come to think of it, there is one significant way Roe v Wade probably made a difference:

Without it, the pro-life movement isn't so energized to help Bob Dole get re-elected in his close Senate race in 1974.   Thus he wouldn't be Ford's VP candidate.   Whoever Ford picks instead could have an impact on the result.

Interesting. If Bob Dole lost re-election, it is possible that Gerald Ford would have kept Nelson Rockefeller on board as his running mate. A Ford-Rockefeller would have definitely lost Virginia and Oklahoma, but would have had a strong chance at picking up New York and Wisconsin, which would have secured Gerald Ford a narrow victory.

[MATTROSE94]

Come to think of it, there is one significant way Roe v Wade probably made a difference:

Without it, the pro-life movement isn't so energized to help Bob Dole get re-elected in his close Senate race in 1974.   Thus he wouldn't be Ford's VP candidate.   Whoever Ford picks instead could have an impact on the result.

Interesting. If Bob Dole lost re-election, it is possible that Gerald Ford would have kept Nelson Rockefeller on board as his running mate. A Ford-Rockefeller would have definitely lost Virginia and Oklahoma, but would have had a strong chance at picking up New York and Wisconsin, which would have secured Gerald Ford a narrow victory.

I expect Ford would still try to pick a VP that conservatives would feel okay about.

Maybe Gerald Ford would have picked Ronald Reagan as his running mate. A Ford/Reagan ticket would have likely lost Maine, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and possibly Vermont, but would have likely won Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, and maybe Ohio if they played their cards right.