paul simon vs. george bush 1988

[WalterMitty]

discuss w/maps.

[Rob]

Bush wins, but it's pretty damn close.

[Dr. Cynic]

Keep in mind the huge lead the Dems had... That election was really Dukakis' to lose. Paul Simon was smarter than that, and in my opinion, would've won.

[TomC]

While Dukakis was kinda nerdy, Simon was nerdy and kooky, though not as aloof as Dukakis; he wouldn't have been accused of not having heart. Still, too old school liberal to bring all the Reagan Dems back.

I like Rob's map except I'd give Mo. to Bush and Maine and Conn to Simon.

[True Democrat]

While Dukakis was kinda nerdy, Simon was nerdy and kooky, though not as aloof as Dukakis; he wouldn't have been accused of not having heart. Still, too old school liberal to bring all the Reagan Dems back.

I like Rob's map except I'd give Mo. to Bush and Maine and Conn to Simon.

Maine voted for Bush by more than the national average.  I highly doubt any Democrat could have won it in a close election.  As for Missouri, if Dukakis could make it that close, I too believe that Simon could win, albeit closely.  I'd consider giving New Mexico to Simon also, though possibly taking away Michigan.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Bush wins 276-262.

[Undisguised Sockpuppet]

Bush wins. I don't even know who Paul Simon is.

[Lincoln Republican]

Likely outcome:

Simon had less charisma than Dukakis.  I never that was possible.  However, Simon was more intelligent and more politically savvy than Dukakis.

Simon's liberalism shuts him out of the south and most of the west, and seals his defeat.

Simon finishes better against Bush than Dukakis did, however, Bush still wins comfortably.

Bush              331
Simon            207

[Lincoln Republican]

Possible outcome, if Simon has a flawless campaign, Bush fumbles badly, all the chips fall Simon's way, and all the stars are aligned.

Simon                 270
Bush                   268

[Sensei]

Bush wins, but it's pretty damn close.

Pretty much what I thought of.

Simon loses many votes because he refuses to be called Al by supporters.

[gorkay]

Bush wins. I don't even know who Paul Simon is.

Well, that's certainly a good enough reason for me.

Seriously... I doubt that Simon would have won. He was seen during the nomination campaign as being more liberal than Dukakis, and the national ideology was still pretty far to the right in '88. He wasn't very telegenic either, although I could see him doing quite well in the debates, where his calm and reasoned demeanor might contrast well with Bush I's Liberace voice and nervous tics. Provided that he ran a better campaign than Dukakis, and I can't imagine him (or anyone else) running a worse one, he would have done better in the PV and EV, though not well enough to win.