1980: Kennedy/Udall VS Dole/Laxalt

[Dr. Cynic]

Chappaquidick doesn't happen, so Ted Kennedy wins the Democratic Party's nomination for Presidident after a long bitter primary fight against incumbant Jimmy Carter and Senator Henry Jackson. Kennedy chooses Arizona Representative, Morris "Mo" Udall for the VP slot. Both candidates are Charismatic and Udall posesses a witty sense of humor, which Kennedy feels will help the ticket on the campaign.

The Republicans had sensed victory with the ineffective Carter in office, but the Democrats had repudiated the administration, and offered forward the charismatic Kennedy and the popular Udall who offer a different vision apart from Carter. The Republicans, believing that they can still scapegoat Carter, nominate Kansas Senator Bob Dole, the Vice-Presidential candidate of 1976, after Ronald Regan refuses to be considered for the Veep slot, so Nevada Senator Paul Laxalt, an intelligent campaigner, is tapped for the spot.

The campaign is a lively affair as the Republicans, without as dynamic a ticket as the Democrats, focus on Carter's ineffectualness. The Democrats denouce the Administration as well, and offer to take the nation in a more positive direction.

Who do you vote for and who wins? Maps?

[Lincoln Republican]

1980 was a bad year for any Democratic Presidential nominee.  Udall goes over better than Kennedy on the campaign trail.

Although Kennedy and Udall try to distance themselves from the failed Carter administration, Dole and Laxalt go on the attack, which they could do very well, and make sure the voters believe that with Kennedy they will only get more of the same.     

Dole and Laxalt campaign on restoring a healthy economy, bringing inflation under control, and restoring America's prestige abroad. 

Campaigning in behalf of Dole by Ronald Reagan in California helps deliver California to Dole and Laxalt.

Dole/Laxalt               327
Kennedy/Udall          211

[Bacon King]

If it weren't for Chappaquidick, Kennedy would have probably ran for president sometime before 1980.

[The Dowager Mod]

If it weren't for Chappaquidick, Kennedy would have probably ran for president sometime before 1980.

'76

[TomC]

Ugh! What a boring race. I'm sorry; I just can't see Dole winning.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Without Chappaquiddick, Kennedy is a very dangerous political adversary.

Dole is steady and dependale... no doubt, but how does he match Kennedy - name, charisma?

[Dr. Cynic]

I think the only way Kennedy wins nomination realistically is without Chappaquidick. And, without that, that makes him far more of a political asset. He had charisma, and the Kennedy name... Even in this scenario, he made a politically ingenious move by selecting the best possible candidate in the witty Mo Udall...

I think Dole would put up a fight, and Laxalt is a big help, it's close, but I see Kennedy taking every northeastern state, as well as a majority of the industrial midwest, especially the important state of Illinois.... Enough to swing the election his way.