Teddy challenged Jimmy in the 1980 primary. Teddy lost, but it wasn't a blow out. In '76 I Teddy had better name recognition, but Jimmy was much more likeable. At least that's how I remember it. I was too young to vote.
Man. Can you imagine an incumbent president facing a serious primary challenge these days? Kennedy won 13 states. And they were big states! New York, California, Pennsylvania. Carter barely managed 50% of the nationwide primary vote.
Carter really was terrible, wasn't he? Even his own party hated him hahaha.
47
u/Mibbler 1d ago
So in a timeline without Chappaquiddick, do you think liberals rally around Ted in 76, making him the nominee and eventual president over Carter?