2020: President Joe Biden vs. Ted Cruz

[President Johnson]

Joe Biden jumps into the 2016 presidential race and wins the nomination with Obama endorsing his friend early on. Subsequently, Uncle Joe defeats Donald Trump with this map (Democrats win the senate 50-50 by picking up Wisconsin and Pennsylvania as well):

✓ Vice President Joseph R. Biden (D-DE)/HUD Secretary Julian Castro (D-TX): 307 EV. (50.14%)
Businessman Donald J. Trump (R-NY)/Governor Michael R. Pence (R-IN): 231 EV. (45.23%)

In 2018, Republicans gain a few seats in the House and win the senate back. In 2020, Ted Cruz wins the Republican nomination to run against President Biden, who seeks a second term. The economy is still doing well. What happens?

[Medal506]

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)/Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) - 289 EV, 49.0% PV
Pres. Joe Biden (D-DE)/VP. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) - 249 EV, 48% PV

[President Johnson]

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)/Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) - 289 EV, 49.0% PV
Pres. Joe Biden (D-DE)/VP. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) - 249 EV, 48% PV

Cruz isn't winning Wisconsin and Nevada in a general election unless his opponent is complete nuts.

[Medal506]

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)/Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) - 289 EV, 49.0% PV
Pres. Joe Biden (D-DE)/VP. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) - 249 EV, 48% PV

Cruz isn't winning Wisconsin and Nevada in a general election unless his opponent is complete nuts.

Cruz beat Trump by double digits in Wisconsin so he has appeal there despite not having any appeal in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

[vanteran]

Cruz has appeal among Republicans in Wisconsin, not necessarily the citizens as a whole. Biden would have a much greater appeal to the working class than Cruz would in a general election, especially if the economy is still doing well. Although there may be some Democratic fatigue (12 years of White House control), I see Biden winning 278-260 (Medal's map + NV, WI, and VA) because of the strong economy as mentioned, Biden's likability advantage over Cruz, and incumbency. Nevada + Virginia may be pretty competitive because of Cruz's Latino roots, but chances are those states will just tilt even further to the left come 2020. As well, Julian Castro would be Biden's VP, who would help with the Latino vote.

[bagelman]

It would be a pretty miserable election but Biden would survive against Cruz. Expect 2024 to be like 1980 though.

291-247 D