Social conservatives were highly disenchanted by the choice between an openly gay social democrat and a socially liberal libertarian in the mold of Gary Johnson. Naturally they decided that a straight social liberal was better than an open homosexual, and that a diehard supporter of the free market was far preferable to a man more left-wing than any American President in history. Yet liberals were energized by Peter the Lefty's candidacy, and many pundits viewed his decision to campaign on pocketbook issues as a wise choice. Moderate voters found both of their economic views uncomfortable to contemplate.
Maxwell was able to sway affluent and educated voters, helping him to win New Hampshire and Virginia. Ohio and Florida swung simply because of the closeness of the race. Yet this combination was enough to win Maxwell 270 electoral college votes compared to Peter's 268. Some say that Pennsylvania itself could have swung had it not been Peter's home state. Socially conservative, Republican-leaning voters ultimately decided it to be necessary to vote for a straight social liberal to prevent the election of an openly gay social liberal, and social democrat. This factor combined with Maxwell's appeal to educated, affluent suburbanites outside of Philly and Pittsburgh would probably have been enough to deliver him a winning coalition had the home-state effect not energized Pennsylvania Democrats to elect Peter. Colorado also came extremely close, but its youthful population voted for Peter due to his promise to abolish public university tuition fees. Yet it wasn't enough.
By one electoral vote, Maxwell defeated Peter to become President of the United States for reasons which he himself would never have wanted.
