re: #239 HappyWarrior

Yeah I think so too regarding Carter. I haven’t studied that primary and it’s also possible Ford retires too. If memory serves, he was going to retire from Congress the year he replaced Agnew. My understanding is Nixon wanted John Connally to replace him but judging by his 1980 showing and Connally being a recent Dem convert and lacking Reagan’s charismatic skills would struggle. It’s an interesting what if.

I haven’t read much on ‘76 either. But the wikipedia page is interesting, apparently it was the first election cycle with modern primaries in the Democratic Party and Carter was the first to recognize the value of winning primaries/caucuses to establish momentum. Still, still like the Nixon corruption played a big part in his wins any way.

Also didn’t realize Ford was reluctant to run in ‘76. In this counterfactual though, if he doesn’t run, it’s possible the Reagan/Bush battle of 1980 happens earlier with a different outcome?