2008: Webb v. McCain

[Kaine for Senate '18]

In 2006, Jim Webb wins a resounding victory over George Allen.  Soon, he is mentioned as a possible Presidential candidate, and in February, 2007, he declares for the Presidency.  His populist/blue collar campaign allows him to win the nomination in an upset over Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and he selects Senator Bill Nelson of Florida as his running mate.

On the GOP side, things go essentially the same as they really did, except McCain picks Mike Huckabee instead of Palin.  So, the tickets are:
John McCain/Mike Huckabee v. Jim Webb/Bill Nelson.

[big bad fab]

What do you think of this one ?

McCain 221 - 317 Webb

If, of course, Webb had not made one gaffe a day.

Webb would have been attractive in eastern MidWest, Appalachia and in northern South. Florida would have been won by Nelson.

McCain would have regained his mavericky appeal among independents in New England, Wisconsin and in the Pacific Coast. Huck would have locked rural Plains (Missouri, even Iowa).
McCain would have done better in the South West.
The eastern South would have been a main battleground: GA, NC.

[AndrewTX]

Ehhh. no. I dont think that Nelson on the ticket would help Webb carry FL either. I havent seen polls as of recent, but last I knew Nelson wasn't that popular down there.

[auburntiger]

Ehhh. no. I dont think that Nelson on the ticket would help Webb carry FL either. I havent seen polls as of recent, but last I knew Nelson wasn't that popular down there.

We can thank Katherine Harris for his re-election.

[Lincoln Republican]

Maverick McCain crushes crank Webb.

Horrible VP choices.

Nelson fails to deliver Florida.

McCain/Huckabee                    321
Webb/Nelson                           217

[Dr. Cynic]

Maverick McCain crushes crank Webb.

Horrible VP choices.

Nelson fails to deliver Florida.

McCain/Huckabee                    321
Webb/Nelson                           217

There's only one "maverick" and his name is James Garner... (Actually, count Mel Gibson for those that saw the movie)

Also, everytime McCain calls himself maverick, I get the image of that Bugs Bunny cartoon where they're in Texas and this Oilman who was remarkably like Yosemite Sam had this miniature assistant named Maverick that he always bellowed out for. The little guy's hat came down over his face and his pants and jacket were too big... I might be the only one who remembers seeing it.

[Psychic Octopus]

narrow Webb win. 276-262