1980 if the GOP nominated Gerald Ford for a non-consecutive second term

[President Johnson]

Gerald Ford in 1980 would have handily defeated Carter, who only does slightly better in the South than he did against Reagan. I think Ford would have picked a more conservative running mate. John Tower seems like a good choice: He was more conservative, but supported Ford in 1976 primary. He's also from a southern state, helping to win Texas.

✓ Former President Gerald R. Ford (R-CA)/Senator John Tower (R-TX): 450 EV. (54.73%)
President James E. Carter (D-GA)/Vice President Walter F. Mondale (D-MN): 88 EV. (43.91%)

[President Johnson]

I think Ford would pick a running mate that he'd want to succeed him in 1984 seeing as how he'd be term limited.

Who? Poppy? Or Howard Baker?

[President Johnson]

I think Ford would pick a running mate that he'd want to succeed him in 1984 seeing as how he'd be term limited.

Who? Poppy? Or Howard Baker?

Howard Baker wouldn’t say yes cause VP would be like a step down from Party Leader in the Senate . That’s why he said no to being Reagan’s vp because it’s a step down and not only is that true , it became even more true when he became not only party leader but the Senate Majority Leader as well.


As for succeeding to the Presidency, Van Buren was the last sitting vp to be elected President at that point so the VP job wasn’t viewed as a direct line to the Presidency either

Well, he mas only minority leader, which is a job you can give up for the vice president (with a good shot at becoming president after one term). LBJ even gave up Majority Leader for the vice presidency. And he was probably the most powerful Majority leader in senate history.