Who was a worse Opponent for Nixon in 1972?

[Huey Long is a Republican]

In 1972, the Democratic Primaries were, in some ways, manipulated by Nixon in such a way that McGovern, not Muskie, would win the primary, mainly because McGovern was seen as the far weaker candidate to run against Nixon that year and that proved to be true. However, my question is, could anyone have been a worse candidate that year that held federal office, someone even more left wing and gaffe prone than McGovern who otl didn't consider running? What would've been the map like had they run for the nomination and somehow won? How could they have won the nomination?

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Shirley Chisholm would have done worse, unfortunately for quite obvious reasons.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Shirley Chisholm would have done worse, unfortunately for quite obvious reasons.

Yeah, I had a feeling it would've been Chrisholm but the real question is how could Nixon manipulate the DNC to get her in as the nominee. Maybe Wallace is assassinated and the scheme done by Nixon to link the assassination to McGovern's Campaign via planted evidence of Bremer supporting McGovern in his apartment works to discredit McGovern's campaign more (and maybe Nixon works a bit harder, ensuring Muskie loses NH and Chrisholm does better than expected in FL, TN, and NC and maybe somehow get her a win in IL (a loss for Muskie in NH would probably seriously hurt his campaign going forward). From there, try and get a new brokered convention and the Democrats, realizing that 1968 might happen all over again, pick Chrisholm to appease the more left-wing elements of the base and as a sacrifical lamb against Nixon. No idea who her VP would be tho

[Vice President Christian Man]

I think Chishom was the only one who would've done worse than McGovern in terms of the PV, although I think that the EV would've looked the same.

[Fuzzy Bear]

I think Chishom was the only one who would've done worse than McGovern in terms of the PV, although I think that the EV would've looked the same.

Shirley Chisholm would not have carried Massachusetts.  Just DC.  And her nomination, unfairly, would have cost Democrats the control of the House, and, possibly, the Senate.

[TimeUnit2027]

I doubt that GOP would flip both chambers if Chisholm is nominated. Only Senate is likely.

[ReaganLimbaugh]

With Chisholm at the top of the ticket for the Democrats, the GOP easily wins the Senate and US House.  Additionally, they make major strides and make Massive gains in southern legislatures.  Democrats nationwide are completely demimated outside of ghetto areas.

[Prez_zf]

If something had happened to McGovern sometime between July 13 and August 1, then I suppose Eagleton would have been the nominee....And I doubt he'd be able to get more than a third of all votes.