1988: George H.W. Bush (R) vs. Joseph R. Biden (D)

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Let's suppose that accusations of plagiarism never bombard Senator Joe Biden's 1988 presidential campaign in September 1987 and because of it, Senator Biden continues his run for the White House without any other controversies. Come to the Democratic Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, Senator Biden wins almost unanimously on the first ballot after blitzing his opposition throughout the 1988 Democratic primaries.

Thus, this leads me to ask, how would the 1988 Presidential Election turn out if these were the tickets nominated by both the Republican ticket led by Vice President George Bush, and the Democratic ticket led by Senator Joe Biden.

Republican
Vice President George H.W. Bush of Texas
Senator J. Danforth Quayle of Indiana

Democratic
Senator Joseph R. Biden of Delaware
Senator Bob Graham of Florida

How would this Bush/Biden match up turn out in 1988? Discuss with EV maps if you wish.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Still a strong win for Bush, but not nearly as big, 344-194:

[bhouston79]

Biden loses narrowly.

Electoral Vote

Bush   286
Biden  252

Popular Vote

Bush   50.9 %
Biden  48.0 %
Other    1.1 %

[Daniel Z]

Biden wins

Biden: 288
Bush: 250

[The Populist]

Still a strong win for Bush, but not nearly as big, 344-194:

Looks right to me.