Was 1976 being as close as it was more stunning than 2020 being as close as it was

[Liberalrocks]

Ford coming so close to winning I think was more stunning, considering the Nixon pardon and his early polling deficit. His debate gaffe "No Soviet Domination in Eastern Europe" proably cost him Ohio and Wisconsin and thus the election.  I think if the vote was maybe even a few days later, Ford proably wins the electoral vote, but not the popular vote.

[Liberalrocks]

Absolutely. I think either without the "no Soviet domination" gaffe or if the campaign just went on for another week, Ford would have probably have won the election. At least enough electoral votes. Or if Ford just picked another running mate, either keeping Rocky on the ticket or going with Reagan (Rockefeller secures at least New York, Reagan may have delivered Texas and Florida).

Not sure you can really cite the polls, as they were often far less accurate than today. Ford was never going to lose by 33 points, obviously. Or take 1980, Reagan was still trailing 39-45% in an October survey.

No offense against Jimmy Carter as person, but really wish Ford would have won this election.

Agreed Jerry Ford was a good guy overall and a moderate. Ford in 76 proably means no Reagan in the 80’s and maybe a more centrist GOP less dominated by the Religious right.