1988: Laxalt/Kemp (R) vs Clinton/Bradley (D)

[Historia Crux]

The sequel to the 1980: Baker vs Carter election what if -  https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=96835.0

After eight years of Howard Baker, Baker had done much during his tenure. He had worked with Congress with enthusiasm, what was called "Getting down to business" with the USSR, and being hailed as a major leading figure in the international community. In general, the Baker Administration is very popular.

The Republicans easily nominate Vice President Laxalt with ease after no major names took on the incumbent VP in the primaries. Laxalt would then choose Representative Jack Kemp as his VP candidate.

The Democrats didn't have as much luck at nominating and in their primaries. The Democratic Primaries were characterized as "War" with Dukakis, Gephardt, Gore, Jackson, Simon and Clinton fighting for the nomination. In the end though it came to a fight between Governors Dukakis and Clinton with Clinton winning it eventually. Clinton would then pick Senator Bill Bradley as his VP candidate.

So how does the election play out? Who does America choose to succeed Howard Baker as President? Discuss, with maps if you wish.

[Lincoln Republican]

From the scenario, Baker was an extremely popular President, and ran a very successful administration.  The Republicans enter the campaign enthusiastically behind incumbent Vice President Laxalt.

The Democrats, on the other hand, had a very divisive primary campaign, which would likely have left wounds in the party.

Clinton, although a gifted politician and campaigner, was not quite ready for a Preisdential run in 1988.

Vice President Laxalt wins the election, as Vice President Bush did in real life in 1988, following 8 years of a very popular President.  Laxalt wins with a much smaller margin than Bush did, however, he does win. 

Enthusiastic campaigning by popular former Governor Reagan helps deliver California to Laxalt. 

More importantly, solid campaigning and endorsement from successfull and popular President Baker helps Laxalt seal the election.

Both VP nominees, Kemp and Bradley, campaign well, and are good picks.       

Laxalt/Kemp                      278
Clinton/Bradley                 260

Laxalt may not win reelection in 1992, but he does win in 1988.