WI: Reagan Dies In Car Accident?

Max Rakus

Banned
What if Ronald Reagan had died in a car accident in 1976?
who would be the Republican frontrunner in 1980?, and in 1985?
and what would be any other effects of this car accident that will change America?
 
Gerald Ford almost certainly, and it would be a virtual walk to the nomination, depending on when he finally decides on running. Those conservatives who would be opposed to him don't have the kind of candidate to rally around to win, unless you count Phil Crane who might gather some small support. The Moderates would be fine with him, as would most Liberals.

If not Ford, then probably George Bush, in the sense that he had developed a campaign that was far more effective than that developed by his opponents, and Reagan's death shouldn't effect that eventual outcome. It may be more of a fight, with Baker and Connally the other two main contenders, but I see Bush taking the prize.


 
OTL George HW Bush won Iowa and became Reagan's challenger. sSo I assume he would win the nomination and the election. I don't he would alienate most of the Republican Party by not introducing the tax and budget cuts. hHe and Secretary of State Kissinger would engage the Soviets and we get an earlier IMF Treaty.
 

Max Rakus

Banned
So Ford could do a Cleveland in 1980, Could Bob Dole be on that ticket?
but could Ford run against Carter again? and Win this time?, Has that even happened before where there were 2 Candidates who ran against each other consecutively?
 
So Ford could do a Cleveland in 1980, Could Bob Dole be on that ticket?
but could Ford run against Carter again? and Win this time?, Has that even happened before where there were 2 Candidates who ran against each other consecutively?

Cleveland against Harrison.

And yes, he could win. Probably not by the margin Reagan got mind you, but a comfortable win.
 
So Ford could do a Cleveland in 1980, Could Bob Dole be on that ticket?
but could Ford run against Carter again? and Win this time?, Has that even happened before where there were 2 Candidates who ran against each other consecutively?

Cleveland won a rematch against Benjamin Harrison in 1892. Dwight Eisenhower beat Adali Stevenson twice in a row in 1952 and 1956.
 
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