2004: Wellstone/Dean (D) vs. Bush/Cheney (R)

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Lets say in 2002, Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota dosen't die in a plane crash. In 2002, Wellstone is narrowly re-elected over the Republican candidate Norm Coleman.

In December 2003, Senator Wellstone announces his candidacy and in January wins the Iowa Caucus. From Iowa on Wellstone wins most of the primaries to become the 2004 Democratic nominee.

For Vice President, Senator Wellstone selects liberal former Governor of Vermont, Howard Dean. The ticket excites many liberals but is dissaproved of by conservative Democrats.

How would this election turn out? Would the Wellstone/Dean ticket had have been able to win in 2004?

[Lincoln Republican]

This ticket would be an unmitigatged disaster for the Democrats.  Ultra liberal Wellstone, who never even kept his word on not seeking another term for the U.S. Senate, would be defeated decisively in this election.  His extreme liberalism would frighten many Democrats into voting for Bush, and independents would break overwhelming for Bush.   

The Democrats would only salvage the most die hard Democratic states in this election.

Dean does not help at all, a total lightweight.   

In short, no contest, a decisive and clear win for Bush and Cheney.

Bush/Cheney          360 EV  58% PV
Wellstone/Dean      178 EV  42% PV   

[CPT MikeyMike]

This ticket would be an unmitigatged disaster for the Democrats.  Ultra liberal Wellstone, who never even kept his word on not seeking another term for the U.S. Senate, would be defeated decisively in this election.  His extreme liberalism would frighten many Democrats into voting for Bush, and independents would break overwhelming for Bush.   

The Democrats would only salvage the most die hard Democratic states in this election.

Dean does not help at all, a total lightweight.   

In short, no contest, a decisive and clear win for Bush and Cheney.

Bush/Cheney          360 EV  58% PV
Wellstone/Dean      178 EV  42% PV   

Yep

[Kaine for Senate '18]

This ticket would be an unmitigatged disaster for the Democrats.  Ultra liberal Wellstone, who never even kept his word on not seeking another term for the U.S. Senate, would be defeated decisively in this election.  His extreme liberalism would frighten many Democrats into voting for Bush, and independents would break overwhelming for Bush.   

The Democrats would only salvage the most die hard Democratic states in this election.

Dean does not help at all, a total lightweight.   

In short, no contest, a decisive and clear win for Bush and Cheney.

Bush/Cheney          360 EV  58% PV
Wellstone/Dean      178 EV  42% PV   

[gorkay]

They would have lost by a larger margin than Kerry did. It's too liberal a ticket.