1996 sees a split on the right, & a diverse set of candidates distinguished by their views on trade, immigration and abortion.
The nomination of Gov. Pete Wilson as the Republican nominee is deeply controversial. Wilson's record on immigration, crime and fiscal issues attracts many on the right, but for those energized by opposition to abortion, his nomination is a betrayal. Wilson attempts to heal division by reaching out to the heartland with popular pro-life Gov. Brandstad of Iowa. But Pat Buchanan bolts and is nominated by the Taxpayer's Party.
Soon
Book of Virtues author Bill Bennett steps forward with his friend Jack Kemp, joining the race to represent the vision of Reagan's "city on a hill," criticizing Wilson and Buchanan for harsh stances toward immigrants, and Clinton for a lack of moral leadership. The "Empower America" duo gains the support of many moral conservatives who see little difference between Clinton and Wilson, but find Buchanan too extreme.
Ross Perot returns, but doesn't get anywhere near the support of 4 years earlier. He, Buchanan, and the Green Party's Ralph Nader all stand against the global trade policies favored by the other candidates, but from very different ideological positions.
With so many candidates and Democrats largely united behind the incumbent president, Clinton wins by a large margin.
Bill Clinton (AR) / Al Gore (TN) - Democrat - 45.6% - 522 EVsPete Wilson (CA) / Terry Branstad (IA) - Republican - 25.5% - 11 EVsBill Bennett (MD) / Jack Kemp (NY) - Empower America - 15.6% - 5 EVsPat Buchanan (VA) / Herb Titus (OR) - U.S. Taxpayer's - 6.9%Ross Perot (TX) / Pat Choate (DC) - Reform - 3.9%Ralph Nader (DC) / Winona LaDuke (MN) - Green - 1.4%Others - 1.1%
