In my lifetime, I would say 1996 followed closely by 1988. However, 1988 has become a very interesting and intriguing election over time because of the fact that it was an election that was showing the beginning of the realigning of certain states and demographics for both sides. Historically, I would say 1792, 1820, 1908, 1944, and 1956 were all very predictable and boring.
I'd argue that 1980 was the real beginning of realignment, as John Anderson voters were predominately ancestral educated Northern Republicans making their shift to the Democratic party.
