In a shrewd political move, triumphant Republican Presidential nominee, Congressman John Anderson of Illinois, picks moderate Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee for Vice President. Baker is popular in the party, and this helps greatly in solidifying Republican support behind the Anderson candidacy.
They face off against incumbents President Jimmy Carter of Georgia and Vice President Walter Mondale of Minnesota.
Anderson and Baker capitalize on the nation's disenchantment with Carter and his leadership, and promise to lift America from the "malaize" into which the nation has sunk under the Carter Presidency.
This proves to be a winning strategy.
The Republican ticket taps into a strong belief in the country that the nation is adrift, and that a change in administration is needed to move America forward.
Anderson and Baker are able to hold the Republican vote intact, for the most part, and score well amongst independents, as well receiving votes from disenchanted Democrats.
The Republican ticket succeeds in keeping southerner Carter from sweeping the south, with Anderson and Baker taking the upper south states of Virginia, Kentucky, and Baker's home state of Tennessee. They take Oklahoma as well. Even in parts of the south, the desire for change proves to be a strong factor.
The result is a convincing win for the Republican ticket.
Anderson/Baker 338 EV
Carter/Mondale 200 EV
