American WI!

As I'm gradually starting to become a tad more interested in U.S Politics, here's one for you all. What if in 1968, Nixon chooses Ronald Reagan as his running mate? For yet more fun, let's assume this butterflies the Watergate scandal. In a world where Nixon remains POTUS until 1977, can Reagan win the 1976 election?
 
Nixon wouldn't choose Reagan as VP: he wasn't even on Nixon's shortlist. Can Reagan win? I don't think so, because he ran on his successful two-term governorship of California in 1976, and Nixon didn't give a damn about any Cabinet members except Kissinger, Finch and Shultz. Nixon's victory would be even bigger because it would drain away Wallace votes in the South to the GOP. They might even capture Texas, Louisiana and Georgia. That leaves the electoral map as follows...

P.S.: Picking Reagan guarantees a Nixon win, against either Kennedy or Humphrey, though it would be closer with Kennedy (industrial states go Dem) as the Democratic nominee.

Some 1968 advice for you...

Humphrey v. Nixon: Strong Nixon advantage, though it could go to the House depending on the Veep pick for Nixon.
Humphrey v. Reagan: Reagan wipes the floor with Hubert.
Kennedy v. Nixon: Toss-up, take your pick.
Kennedy v. Reagan: Advantage Reagan due to the Southern states, but still will be won or lost in Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina and California.

genusmap.php


(R) Richard M. Nixon/Ronald W.Reagan: 355 EV, 45.3%
(D) Hubert H. Humphrey/Edmund S. Muskie: 166 EV, 43.1%
(AIP) George C. Wallace/Curtis E. Lemay: 17 EV, 12.5%
 
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