Reagan Wins '76, Teddy Wins '80 Who Wins '84?

Say Reagan was able to get the GOP's nomination in 1976 select Schweicker as VP and go on to beat Jimmy Carter. Looking further ahead, let's also say he was beaten by Ted Kennedy and his running mate Lloyd Bentsen in 1980 as his administration was not successful. What would Kennedy's prospects look like in 1984? Keep in mind that Reagan would probably not nominate Volcker to the Fed.
 
Say Reagan was able to get the GOP's nomination in 1976 select Schweicker as VP and go on to beat Jimmy Carter. Looking further ahead, let's also say he was beaten by Ted Kennedy and his running mate Lloyd Bentsen in 1980 as his administration was not successful. What would Kennedy's prospects look like in 1984? Keep in mind that Reagan would probably not nominate Volcker to the Fed.

I would have a difficult time seeing a different result than a Gary Hart presidency. Teddy was his own worst enemy a lot of the time; the Michael Kelly type hit pieces would come out; and he would have a CONSIDERABLE (bigger than Clinton) bimbo parade; and the uber shakeyness of his marriage would get a lot more play than it did in otl
 
I would have a difficult time seeing a different result than a Gary Hart presidency. Teddy was his own worst enemy a lot of the time; the Michael Kelly type hit pieces would come out; and he would have a CONSIDERABLE (bigger than Clinton) bimbo parade; and the uber shakeyness of his marriage would get a lot more play than it did in otl

Ted admits in True Compass that he knew that he and Joan were incompatible as early as the late '60s but thought it would somehow work itself out in the end. Then there's the alcohol problem, ultraliberal problem (expect a botched attempt at single-payer that's shot down by Bo Weevils and Republicans) and a parade of family scandals. David's drug overdose, RFK Jr.'s narcotics felonies, etc. Of all the brothers, he had the least, that is to say zero self-discipline.

'84: Bush might get it if he runs again, though his lack of elective experience on a statewide level will hurt. More likely are Dole or Baker, with a young firebrand like Bob Kasten or Jack Kemp as their running mate. Hell, maybe Pete DuPont. A monetarist or Austrian fiscal policy rather than voodoo will be a great boon for the GOP, that much is for sure.
 
Given, 1980 was a must-change for presidential party, given the economy. But the factors that made Reagan undefeatable would do well for a Democrat in 1984. Inflation would drop dramatically, not because of Volker, the Fed, or supply-side, but because petroleum and real estate/housing prices would fall or level as a result of supply and demand. If Hart is president, his infidelity might be delayed or concealed into the 1984 campaign, allowing re-election.
 

bguy

Donor
'84: Bush might get it if he runs again, though his lack of elective experience on a statewide level will hurt.

What role would Bush have in a '76 Reagan Administration? He seems like he would be a reasonable pick for Secretary of State. If so then his '84 prospects would depend on how well Reagan's foreign policy went. If Secretary of State Bush is able to help negotiate something like the Camp David Accords and also ensures the Iranian embassy is evacuated in time (thus avoiding the hostage crisis), he would be a pretty strong candidate in '84.
 
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