What would have been the best Democratic Ticket in '88?

[GLPman]

I'm thinking about starting a TL (after I finish my current one) about a Democratic victory in '88. As well all know, Dukakis was crushed by Bush in '88, and I'm trying to research what pair of Democrats would have had a better shot at victory. Of course, it's very possible that a Democrat victory in '88 would have been impossible since Bush was riding on Reagan's popularity, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks. Any thoughts?

[Sewer]

Cuomo

Hart (No affair)

Gore

Gephardt

Babbitt

Bumpers

Clinton lol

Are all good candidates.

[hcallega]

It's a common misconception that Dukakis was going to loose from the onset. In fact he lead by DOUBLE DIGITS during the summer over Bush. It was a perfect storm that doomed him: Willie Horton Ad, Sitting in the Tank, and his bad debate performance. If you look at the 1988 map, it is very easy to see how Dukakis could have won. Here is one potential map with a +/- 4 point swing in favor of Dukakis:

Dukakis/Bentsen: 280
Bush/Quayle: 258.

Remember: the economy wasn't doing well at all and Iran-Contra was still an issue. But if you were to choose someone else, probably have Mario Cuomo run for President. He was a much better campaigner and probably could have won.

[Dr. Cynic]

Cuomo
Simon
Dukakis
Bumpers
Gore
Clinton
Gephardt
Biden
Hart
Babbitt

[Speaker Perez]

The best Democratic ticket in 88' could've been Gore/Jackson. Gore was more center- left young and received major endorsements during the primaries, Jackson was popular with african Americans and Liberals. Both were from the south. it would have been close.

Gore/Jackson- 294
Bush/Quayle - 244

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[Dr. Cynic]

The best Democratic ticket in 88' could've been Gore/Jackson. Gore was more center- left young and received major endorsements during the primaries, Jackson was popular with african Americans and Liberals. Both were from the south. it would have been close.

Gore/Jackson- 294
Bush/Quayle - 244

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I don't think Jesse Jackson would be the running mate... Never saw it.

[CPT MikeyMike]

The best Democratic ticket in 88' could've been Gore/Jackson. Gore was more center- left young and received major endorsements during the primaries, Jackson was popular with african Americans and Liberals. Both were from the south. it would have been close.

Gore/Jackson- 294
Bush/Quayle - 244

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Jackson would have been a liability in the '88 campaign. He would have lost the election for Gore, or for any Dem.

[RIP Robert H Bork]

^^^^ Last two comments.

Jackson on the ticket would basically be conceding the election before it even happened. Dukakis would be crushed even worse than in real life had he selected Jackson; that alone would lose him the election.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Gary Hart/Dale Bumpers

If no affair ensues, he would, in my opinion cruise to the nomination. He wouldn't drop a double digits lead over Bush like Dukakis did, and, as a result succeed Ronald Reagan in the White House in January 1989.

[Dr. Cynic]

Gary Hart/Dale Bumpers

If no affair ensues, he would, in my opinion cruise to the nomination. He wouldn't drop a double digits lead over Bush like Dukakis did, and, as a result succeed Ronald Reagan in the White House in January 1989.

I would've liked that ticket...

[Robespierre's Jaw]

I would've liked that ticket...

Damn Gary's inability to keep it in the pants.

I see you have returned Cynic. Where have you been and how have you been?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Cuomo/Bumpers.

[Psychic Octopus]

Cuomo/Gore

[Historico]

Cuomo/Gore

Yeah I would agree that Cuomo after the 1984 Convention Speech would be ur best bet, as the pool of candidates in 1988 was so poor for the Democrats. Cuomo might need to pick someone like Bumpers or Dellums to shore up his lack of considerate foriegn policy expeirence.  If you wan't to keep to pool the same I would have to say either run Gore at the top of the ticket, or possibly Gary hart.

[RosettaStoned]

Cuomo/Gephardt.

[bhouston79]

Gore/Gephardt

Electoral Vote

Gore/Gephardt  293
Bush/Quayle     245

Popular Vote

Gore/Gephardt  50.1%
Bush/Quayle     49.4%

[pragmatic liberal]

I'd say Cuomo would have been the best presidential nominee, assuming Hart still has his monkey business.

Running mates? I'm guessing Sam Nunn or Lloyd Bentsen. But if he decides to go for a Midwestern strategy as opposed to a Southern one, then he probably goes with a relative moderate. I know people are saying Gephardt, but I don't see it. I would imagine Gov. Jim Blanchard of MI, Gov. Dick Celeste of OH, Sen. John Glenn would all be good choices.

One intriguing possibility would have been Bill Bradley. Yes, he represented NJ, but NJ was a big swing state, and Bradley also was popular with moderates nationwide and was actually from Missouri, which was also a swing state.

all things considered, maybe Cuomo-Blanchard?

[Хahar 🤔]

Bentsen-Dukakis

[Bo]

Hart-Cuomo or Hart-Gore assuming Hart keeps it in his pants.