1976
Senator L.D. Smith (D-VA) / Senator Walter Mondale (D-MN) 53% 380EV
Senator Thomas S.N.J (R-NJ) / Congressman John Schmitz (R-CA) 43% 158EV
With president Ford's popularity waning, the staunch conservative Thomas S.N.J. challenges him in the republican primary, stressing a return to morality after the fall of Nixon and opposition to the turbulent social movements of the 1960's and 1970's. His mobilization of the religious right lead to a tsunami in the primary and the shocking defeat of president Ford, to the dismay of establishment and moderate republicans.
With the spectre of Watergate and a candidate who seemed to many as reactionary, it was an ideal time for the Democrats to retake the White House. They nominated L.D. Smith of Virginia, who could advocate for staunchly progressive economic policy without coming off as the candidate of acid and abortions as McGovern had. While Democrats feared that Mormonism would overshadow Smith's qualities, during the campaign he downplayed his religious differences and emphasized how he shared the values of most Americans.
The defection of moderate Republicans allowed him to sweep the Northern states and most of the West, giving him a clear victory. Despite being a populist representing a southern state, his religious differences and the fact that he was a transplant limited his appeal to southern whites.
