What was GHWB's appeal in 1980?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

So we have a guy whose entire electoral record consisted of two terms in the House ten years prior, and who twice lost in his Senate bids. While he did hold notable government posts, a U.S. Ambassador and CIA Director aren't exactly what you'd consider a stepping stone. Due to his poor electoral record and long absence from Texas he had little base on his own and his only strength seemed to be being born into the Eastern Establishment. And yet GHWB mounted a strong run, finishing ahead of such people like most recent VP nominee, Senate Majority Leader, former Governor and Secretary of the Treasury, and becoming Vice President. Also, he was already seriously considered for the post by Ford in 1974.

What was his appeal?

[darklordoftech]

I think HW was popular with Ford 1976 voters who thought Reagan was too conservative on foreign policy and social issues or that Reagan's economic ideas didn't make sense.

[Del Tachi]

Establishment choice, you can't underestimate the importance of the invisible primary.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Establishment choice, you can't underestimate the importance of the invisible primary.

Reagan pretty much dominated the invisible primary . He was the huge favorite to win the primary thoughout 1979 and if Reagan didn't get to overconfident Bush probably loses Iowa thus he never gets to be as close to being as competitive as he became later.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I can only speculate on this point, but he may have been buoyed by his own prominence--being considered to various extents for Vice President in 1968, 1973, 1974, and 1976 might do something to raise one's profile.

[Lincoln Republican]

After the ill conceived Ford deal fell apart, fortunately, Reagan was quick to settle on George H W Bush for Vice President.

Bush had a name, vast experience in various public offices at different levels, domestic and foreign, was respected as a man of integrity, was considered to be more moderate than Reagan, and was intelligent and capable.

Not to mention his admirable success in the business world and in academia, his distinguished service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, and the fact that he was Yale educated.

If there was such a thing as the ideal pick for 1980, then George H W Bush came as close to that ideal as anyone.

[136or142]

After the ill conceived Ford deal fell apart, fortunately, Reagan was quick to settle on George H W Bush for Vice President.

Bush had a name, vast experience in various public offices at different levels, domestic and foreign, was respected as a man of integrity, was considered to be more moderate than Reagan, and was intelligent and capable.

Not to mention his admirable success in the business world and in academia, his distinguished service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, and the fact that he was Yale educated.

If there was such a thing as the ideal pick for 1980, then George H W Bush came as close to that ideal as anyone.

Yes, he was basically 'the resume candidate.' 

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Establishment hack whom Nixon owed his whole political career to the father of.

[HisGrace]

An abundance of foreign policy experience. He was very qualified.