Challenge: Bush '80

[RogueBeaver]

With a POD of December 1979, have George H.W. Bush be the Republican presidential nominee in '80. Ronald Reagan cannot be killed, injured or incapacitated in any way. Bonus if Ted Kennedy, like his brother, denies a Southern incumbent renomination.

[Metalicon]

That's a tough one. I believe the turning point was the New Hampshire primary. Bush had won Iowa previously by a narrow margin. I say if Bush lets the other candidates debate with him and Reagan, it might be possible that the others take votes away from Reagan instead of the Reagan landslide that it was. Of course, it could also have the opposite effect and give Bush less than 23% of the vote.

[Paul V McNutt]

When Reagan and Bush have their one on one debate, Reagan does not bring the other candidates. There is no I paid for this microphone! More importantly, the media is starting to pay attention to Reagan's gaffes. so Reagan overstudies like he did with his first debate with Mondale. Bush wins New Hampshire by a wide margin. Reagan loses support other conservative Craine and Conally drain away some of Reagan's votes and allow Bush to win Southern primaries. To get Kennedy the nomination butterfly away the hostage crisis.