The Republican nomination for the Presidency found President Ford under attack from the Republican right, led by Governor Ronald Reagan. Ford was able to turn back the Reagan attack. The Republican platform, however, reflected the views of the Reaganites: increased defense spending, retention of the Panama canal, opposition to busing and abortion.
The Democratic nominee, Governor Carter of Georgia, was an almost totally unknown. He started out early and campaign in each and every primary, eventually winning so many delegates that he was totally unbeatable.
The general election campaign began with Ford trailing by over 30 points. Ford managed cut Carters lead after the first debate Carter's lead was cut by 10 points. In the second debate Ford made a major mistake in the second debate by sayinng that Eastern Europe was free from Soviet domination. Carter got into problems after giving a Playboy interview in which he talked candidly about desire in his heart. Carter campaigned as an outsider intent on cleaning up Washington. Carter won a very narrow victory over Ford, due to his support from the south, labor, blacks and white ethnics.
Participation of Eligible Voters: 53.6%
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