2004: Powell/Webb (D) vs. Bush/Cheney (R)

[bhouston79]

Here's the scenario.  In the lead up to the Iraq war, General Colin Powell learns of the Downing Street Memo, and he learns that he is being used by Bush to make a case for an unjust war.  Instead of giving his now infamous speech before the U.N., he turns in his resignation in protest of Bush's Iraq policy.  He becomes an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq.  After things start to turn for the worse in Iraq in late 2003, he announces that he is going to run for President as a Democrat.  He explains his switch in political parties based upon the fact that the Republican party has become captured by the NeoConservatives, whom he loathes.  He wins a tough primary battle and is nominated by the Democratic party as their nominee.  He selects the former Naval Secretary from the Reagan administration, Jim Webb, as his running mate.

Who wins?  Discuss with maps if you like.

[Nixon in '80]

Powell wins 335-203.

[Lief 🗽]

Yeah, Democrats aren't going to nominate two Republicans for President.

[Хahar 🤔]

Yeah, Democrats aren't going to nominate two Republicans for President.

For thhat matter, they won't nominate two of anything for President.

[bhouston79]

Here's my best guess:

Electoral Vote
Powell  327
Bush     211

Popular Vote

Powell   51%
Bush     48%

[WalterMitty]

Yeah, Democrats aren't going to nominate two Republicans for President.

correct.  so there would be a liberal third party.

lowell weicker, anyone?