• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The History Junkie
  • Military History
    • Revolutionary War
    • War of 1812
    • Mexican-American War
    • Civil War
    • World War 1 Timeline
    • World War 2 Timeline
  • Presidents
  • Age of Exploration
  • Native Americans
  • The West
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Presidents
  • Wild West
  • Military
  • Native Americans
  • Age of Exploration
  • Civil War
  • Revolutionary War
  • Mexican-American War
  • War of 1812
  • World War 1
  • World War 2
  • Family Trees
  • Explorers and Pirates
  • About Me
search icon
Homepage link
  • Presidents
  • Wild West
  • Military
  • Native Americans
  • Age of Exploration
  • Civil War
  • Revolutionary War
  • Mexican-American War
  • War of 1812
  • World War 1
  • World War 2
  • Family Trees
  • Explorers and Pirates
  • About Me
×
Home » Political History

Presidential Election of 1980 Facts and Outcome

Published: Jun 4, 2020 · Modified: Nov 5, 2023 by Russell Yost · This post may contain affiliate links ·

The Presidential Election of 1980 was the 49th presidential election of the United States and would usher in a new era into American politics. 

Presidential Election of 1980 Electoral Map

Jimmy Carter was an unsuccessful president and very unpopular even within his own party. He was opposed in the primaries by Ted Kennedy, the younger brother of the late John F. Kennedy. He managed to secure the nomination, but the Democratic party was divided. They were limping into the election.

Jump to:
  • Platforms
  • Outcome

The Republican party had rallied from the corruption left behind by President Richard Nixon during the elections of 1972 and 1976 and nominated the popular governor from California, Ronald Reagan. 

The candidates and their running mates were as follows:

  • Republicans: Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H. W. Bush
  • Democrats: Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale

Platforms

Republicans: Ronald Reagan campaigned for increased defense spending, implementation of supply-side economic policies, and a balanced budget. His campaign was aided by Democratic dissatisfaction with Carter, the Iran hostage crisis, and a worsening economy at home marked by high unemployment and inflation.

Democrats: Jimmy Carter tried to paint Reagan as a right-wing extremist who would cut Medicare and Social Security. However, he was a lame-duck president, as many within the Democratic party did not support him. 

Outcome

Ronald Reagan won in a landslide.

Jimmy Carter could not overcome incompetence and a general feeling that he was not up for the job. He carried the states of Georgia, West Virginia, Minnesota, and some others, but Ronald Reagan would take most states along with California, Texas, New York, and most of the South. 

The inflation also hurt Carter as he did not seem to have any answers, while Ronald Reagan had a plan. 

Ronald Reagan also championed women's rights and promised to appoint a female Supreme Court judge if elected. Feminists had become frustrated with Jimmy Carter and deserted him during the election.

Reagan also possessed a likability that Carter did not. He was an excellent orator and able to connect with many Americans.

The Presidential Election of 1980 would be the largest victory in United States Presidential history by a candidate who was not an incumbent. 

Despite Jimmy Carter's incompetence as the Executive Officer in America, he would go on to leave a lasting legacy for his Humanitarian efforts.

Primary Sidebar

Categories

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About Me

Popular

  • Revolutionary War
  • Colonial America
  • Political History
  • Native American History
  • Presidents of the United States
  • Civil War
  • Famous Family Trees
  • Explorers and Pirates
  • The West
  • Ancient History
  • Sport History
  • Holiday History
  • State History

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 The History Junkie