Reagan and Conservatism

AP US History· difficulty 3/5

Election of 1980: Electoral Vote Reagan (R) 489 44 states South + West + most NE 50.7% pop. Carter (D) 49 GA, MN, RI, MD, HI, WV, DC 41.0% pop. Anderson (Independent): 0 EV / 6.6% pop. Issues: stagflation, Iran hostage crisis, Soviet invasion of Afghanistan 270 electoral votes needed for victory "Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?" — Reagan, debate Oct 28 1980 Carter: 444 days Iran hostage crisis unresolved at vote

The lopsided result above is best explained by which combination of issues?

  • A

    Opposition to NAFTA and concerns about deindustrialization

  • B

    Stagflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and a 'New Right' coalition mobilizing evangelical voters

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  • C

    Public outrage at the end of the gold standard and Watergate fatigue

  • D

    A backlash against the Persian Gulf War and budget surpluses

Explanation

Carter's reelection bid was crushed by 13% inflation, 7.5% unemployment, the Iran hostage crisis, and a New Right coalition that mobilized evangelicals (Moral Majority), defense hawks, and tax-cut conservatives behind Reagan.

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