alternatehistory.com


Jimmy Carter / Walter Mondale (D) 44.2%, 283 EV
Ronald W. Reagan / George H. W. Bush (R) 45.9%, 255 EV
John B. Anderson / Patrick Lucey (I) 8.1%, 0EV

In 1980, Ronald Reagan won the popular vote by a 1.7% margin. Republicans gained 4 Senate seats, as well as 28 seats in the House. However, due to Carter's slim victory in Illinois, Reagan was defeated in the electoral college. Republicans would regain both the Senate and the House in 1982, and would keep both of them until 1994.

However, given the economic recovery near the end of his term, Carter is now seen much positively. Indeed, Vice President Mondale defeated Senator Howard Baker in 1984 by narrow margins, but at least he won the popular vote. Mondale would win another close reelection in 1988, beating Jack Kemp by narrow margins. It would not be until 1992 when George Deukmejian regained the presidency for the Republicans. Deukmejian would be reelected in 1996, though his Vice President ___________ would be defeated in 2000 by _________ despite winning the popular vote, exactly a repeat of 1980:p:D Since then, the GOP has been trying to get the electoral college repealed, but with limited progress;)

What if Reagan was elected President in 1980? How would he try to fix the economy? Would he take a really harsh stance towards the Soviet Union, speeding up rearmament and, is it possible for a world war to happen under Reagan:eek: Would he get reelected in 1984, if the economy is, after all, going to get better?

POD: No presidential debates between Carter and Reagan. Reagan still won the popular vote, but by a much smaller margin. As well, on March 30, 1981, John Hinckley assassinated Robert De Niro instead of the President:eek:
Top