1976: Ford/Dole (R) vs. Glenn/Bumpers (D)

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Let's say in 1976, former Astronaut and now Junior Senator from Ohio, John H. Glenn decides to run for the 1976 Democratic Nomination. After winning Iowa and New Hampshire by solid margins, Glenn is soon after able to wrap up the Nomination by February. For Vice President, Senator Glenn selects fellow Senator and former Governor of Arkansas Dale Bumpers.

Whilst on the Republican side, President Gerald Ford is narrowly nominated on the first ballot after being challenged for the nomination by former Governor of California, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Like in RL, President Ford selects Senator Bob Dole of Kansas to be his running mate.

How would this election turn out? Discuss with maps.

[gorkay]

Ford vs. Glenn would be one of the most mind-numbingly dull Presidential races imaginable, although Dole and Bumpers would've livened it up a bit. Glenn would have won easily, I think.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

[Lincoln Republican]

Fading astronaut turned mediocre Senator, Glenn, falls short in his quest for the brass ring.

Dole helps Ford in the midwest, plains states, mountain states, and the west.

Bumpers helps Glenn in the south.

Ford/Dole                  271
Glenn/Bumpers         269

[HappyWarrior]

Fading astronaut turned mediocre Senator, Glenn, falls short in his quest for the brass ring.

Dole helps Ford in the midwest, plains states, mountain states, and the west.

Bumpers helps Glenn in the south.

Ford/Dole                  271
Glenn/Bumpers         269

You predicting a Republican win?  How odd.

[Lincoln Republican]

Fading astronaut turned mediocre Senator, Glenn, falls short in his quest for the brass ring.

Dole helps Ford in the midwest, plains states, mountain states, and the west.

Bumpers helps Glenn in the south.

Ford/Dole                  271
Glenn/Bumpers         269

You predicting a Republican win?  How odd.

Yes, but look at how close it is. 

(BTW, if I believe a Democrat would win the race, that is how I will call it.  And that has happened.)

[HappyWarrior]

Fading astronaut turned mediocre Senator, Glenn, falls short in his quest for the brass ring.

Dole helps Ford in the midwest, plains states, mountain states, and the west.

Bumpers helps Glenn in the south.

Ford/Dole                  271
Glenn/Bumpers         269

You predicting a Republican win?  How odd.

Yes, but look at how close it is. 

(BTW, if I believe a Democrat would win the race, that is how I will call it.  And that has happened.)

Well how could the Democrats lose in this one?  John Glenn may have been a mediocre senator, but he was still considered an American hero.  At the same time, Americans were still dealing with the memory of Watergate.  Jimmy Carter was'nt any better of a candidate.  And he also had the baggage of a largly liberal VP.  I would predict a bigger Democratic win.