For Lack of a GOP Disraeli/RFK

When could a Republican President post WWII face significant opposition to renomination except Ford in '76? The Dems have had that problem since 1952, Kefauver vs. Truman, the four year drama culminating in Mar. 31, 1968: "I shall not seek, and shall not, accept a nomination for another term as your President." "... And the American people, swayed by the magic of the name, were dancing in the streets." '80 with Ted Kennedy vs. Carter. All Democratic Presidents since 1945 except Clinton have had to fight for renomination . Two lost. Can anyone explain why this is a Democratic phenomenon? I'd say because their tent is too large (esp post '68), but that's a view from the other side...
 
well I could roll out the old favorite, Reagan dies in 1981, GHW Bush, after a little lip service to RR, goes on a rules as he sees fit, the conservatives of the GOP are unhappy with moderate George and run some one against him
 
well I could roll out the old favorite, Reagan dies in 1981, GHW Bush, after a little lip service to RR, goes on a rules as he sees fit, the conservatives of the GOP are unhappy with moderate George and run some one against him

And that's what exactly happened during his RL re-election bid in 1992 when he was challenged by Pat Buchanan, who some how managed to lose to the incumbent President by only 18 points in New Hampshire.

Another possibility of such a challenge occurring would be if Senator John McCain was elected President in 2000 after surprisingly defeating Governor Bush in the South Carolina primary. Considered too "liberal" by conservatives, in particular the Religious Right, President McCain is challenged by the likes of former Missouri Senator John Ashcroft, etc in the 2004 Republican primaries, however prevails and goes on to win re-election.
 
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