Where would the GOP go if Carter won in 1980?

[Prez_zf]

Just like the title, what direction do you think the Republicans would have gone after Reagan loses to Carter? Would they go MORE conservative, and nominate someone like Pat Robertson, or would they go more liberal, and nominate somebody like Bush, Mathias, or Percy? Or some new direction altogether? Discuss below, and feel free to share maps!

[ClassicElectionEnthusiast]

Just like the title, what direction do you think the Republicans would have gone after Reagan loses to Carter? Would they go MORE conservative, and nominate someone like Pat Robertson, or would they go more liberal, and nominate somebody like Bush, Mathias, or Percy? Or some new direction altogether? Discuss below, and feel free to share maps!

I think much of that might depend on how big a margin of defeat it would have been. If it was a close defeat, the GOP might go with a not-as-polarizing conservative like Jack Kemp; while they might go much more moderate-to-liberal if Reagan were blown out a la Goldwater?

[dw93]

I think someone to the right of Nixon but to the left of Reagan would be the nominee and likely win the general election in 1984. Howard Baker kind of fits this description from what I understand.

[Samof94]

I think someone to the right of Nixon but to the left of Reagan would be the nominee and likely win the general election in 1984. Howard Baker kind of fits this description from what I understand.

Can Dole be that candidate?

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

I think someone to the right of Nixon but to the left of Reagan would be the nominee and likely win the general election in 1984. Howard Baker kind of fits this description from what I understand.

Can Dole be that candidate?

I could see Baker or Dole.