2004: Al Gore (won in 2000) vs Rick Santorum

[Wrenchmob]

Suppose Al Gore had won in 2000 and Rick Santorum was his opponent. How would things have turned out?

And would Santorum have won Pennsylvania?

[Non-consecutive Two Term Floridian]

He'd do considerably worse than Bush and no, he would not win PA

[President Johnson]

Al Gore winning in 2000 probably involves another running mate; and if not, I could see Lieberman stepping down due to differences on foreign policy. Anyway, Santorum is a weak candidate and would lose to incumbent president, who handles post 9/11 considerably better. I think John McCain would have given President Gore a run, better otherwise he should be on track for reelection.

✓ President Albert Arnold Gore (D-TN)/Vice President Robert Graham (D-FL): 311 EV. (50.84%)
Senator Richard Santorum (R-PA)/Governor Marshall Sanford (R-SC): 227 EV. (47.42%)

[darklordoftech]

It would be easy for Gore to tie Santorum to the most unpopular elements of the Religious Right.

[Adjective-Statement]

President Al Gore (D-TN) / Vice President Joe Lieberman (D-CT) ✓
Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) / Fmr. Senator Connie Mack (R-FL)

Santorum is good for riling up the base on the Federal Marriage Amendment, but weak on foreign policy and as a personality. On the other hand, you have a lot of angry Republicans who feel 2000 was stolen if it came down to Florida. If the Democrats become the party of the neocon war effort after 9/11, then there's a stronger push in the GOP to be different, similar to the one that fueled the resurgence of progressives among the 2000s Democrats. I suspect we get an earlier right-wing populist element claiming Gore invaded Iraq to drive up gas prices and force a "green agenda". Santorum's failure to connect to and energize these elements prevents a proto-2016. Virginia is the surprise flip of the night due to military and suburban support for the incumbent. Florida goes Republican with Santorum campaigning heavily there and because, y'know, Jesusland.

[NYSforKennedy2024]

Gore 314 - Santorum 224

[NewYorkExpress]

A President Gore probably is capable of losing in 2004 to a competent opponent (Jeb Bush, John McCain, Terry Branstad).

Rick Santorum is not that person.

Al Gore/Joe Lieberman 52% 317 EV
Rick Santorum/John Ashcroft 46.7% 221 EV