The Biggest Landslides in Amerian Presidential Elections

Every four years, Americans elect their president. Sometimes the vote is close (re: 2000) and sometimes not so close (re: 2008). Every now and then, the result is so lopsided that it is almost laughable (except for the loser, of course). Let's take a look at five of the biggest blowouts in our electoral history. Keep in mind that this is a subjective list, and is based entirely on my own opinion.

Note 1: Michael Sheppard of Michigan State University has done some great work on American presidential elections. Check it out here.

Note 2: this article only includes elections since 1840.

Landslide #5: 1956

Winner: Dwight D. Eisenhower (incumbent Republican)
Loser: Adlai Stevenson (Democrat)
Popular Vote Tally: 57.4% to 42%
Electoral Vote Tally: 457 to 73

This was a rematch, as the same two candidates had squared off in 1952. That year, General Eisenhower had soundly beaten Stevenson, the governor of Illinois. The rematch was even bloodier, as Stevenson's popular vote percentage dropped significantly the second time around.

In his first term, Eisenhower had ended the Korean War and presided over a solid economy. He was a popular, grandfatherly figure and a political moderate who had the complete trust of the American people. Stevenson was a respectable man and a strong speaker, but he was also regarded as an egghead who talked down to people.

The only real knock on Eisenhower (known affectionately as "Ike") was his health. He had suffered a heart attack in 1955 and had undergone major surgery in 1956. However, he was given clearance by his doctors and the health issue ended up falling by the wayside.

The final tally was an embarrassment for the Democrats. Stevenson won only 7 states, all but one of which was in the Deep South, which was at the time a reliably Democratic region.

Landslide #4: 1936

Winner: Franklin D. Roosevelt (incumbent Democrat)
Loser: Alf Landon (Republican)
Popular Vote Tally: 60.8% to 36.5%
Electoral Vote Tally: 523 to 8

FDR scored the second highest popular vote percentage since 1820 in this election, which was never in doubt. Roosevelt's second election victory came over Kansas governor and businessman Alf Landon.

While the country was still in the depths of the Great Depression, Roosevelt had taken unprecedented steps towards relieving the burden on the American people. His New Deal programs, including Social Security and benefits for the unemployed, were generally popular with the public, and his fireside chats had calmed people and instilled them with hope.

The Republicans were so damaged from the election of 1932, and so pessimistic about their chances in 1936, that they nominated a liberal governor who actually supported many of FDR's programs. Alfred "Alf" Landon of Kansas was the only Republican governor who had won reelection in 1934, and he was a centrist who appealed to middle class voters.

Still, poor Alf never had a chance. For the last two months of the contest, he virtually disappeared and made few appearances. In the end, FDR won a resounding victory, with over 60% of the popular vote. Landon won only two New England states totaling a paltry 8 electoral votes.

Landslide #3: 1964

Winner: Lyndon Johnson (incumbent Democrat)
Loser: Barry Goldwater (Republican)
Popular Vote Tally: 61.1% to 38.5%
Electoral Vote Tally: 486 to 52

Have you noticed a trend? The biggest landslides in American history have all involved incumbent presidents, and 1964 is no exception. Johnson, however, had taken office only a year before election day after John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

At this point, LBJ was mainly riding on his predecessor's popularity, and on his plan to institute more social programs much like the New Deal ventures of the 1930's. He also benefited from his weak opponent. Barry Goldwater was a highly respected senator from Arizona, but he was a staunch conservative who wanted to get rid of the New Deal programs, not add to them.

In 1964, the country was in no mood to go backwards. The economy was strong and the nation was at peace. Goldwater's conservative agenda never caught on, and Johnson won easily. His popular vote total, over 61%, is the highest even seen in modern times.

After his victory, Johnson would implement his social agenda with considerable success. However, just four years after this landslide, he would leave the White House as a defeated man due to America's continued involvement in the War in Vietnam.

Landslide #2: 1984

Winner: Ronald Reagan (incumbent Republican)
Loser: Walter Mondale (Democrat)
Popular Vote Tally: 58.8% to 40.6%
Electoral Vote Tally: 525 to 13

1984 featured another popular incumbent beating down a hapless challenger. Ronald Reagan had taken office in 1981 during a period of high inflation, energy shortages, and popular pessimism. By election day in November 1984, the mood of the country had changed drastically.

Reagan had ushered in a new conservative movement in America, emphasizing small government and a big military. In his first term, he had lowered taxes and social spending, while significantly increasing the defense budget. The result was a massive deficit, but a steadily growing economy. And Reagan's optimistic style and considerable communication skills made him a very popular figure. The American people felt comfortable with him at the helm, and they felt good about the direction the country was taking.

His opponent was Walter Mondale, who had been Vice President under Jimmy Carter. Carter's presidency had been forgettable, and the voters were in no mood to go back to the Democrats at that time.

Mondale fought hard, but he could never get close to Reagan. In November, he got trounced. Reagan won 49 states, and very nearly took all 50, as Mondale's home state of Minnesota gave him a razor-thin victory. Reagan would go on to a rocky second term, but he remains one of the most popular presidents of the twentieth century.

Landslide #1: 1972

Winner: Richard Nixon (incumbent Republican)
Loser: George McGovern (Democrat)
Popular Vote Tally: 60.7% to 37.5%
Electoral Vote Tally: 520 to 17

No election signifies the advantage that incumbents hold better than 1972. Richard Nixon used the powers of the presidency to smother his opposition and he rode that power to a historic victory.

Nixon had enjoyed a good first term as president. The economy was rolling and the American people were generally happy. Plus, he had managed some considerable foreign policy achievements. Most notably, he was the first president to visit China, and he had significantly improved relations with that country.

The biggest problem facing Nixon's reelection bid was the Vietnam War. Although he had promised to bring "peace with honor" there, the war was still raging in 1972. Nixon, however, ended up using his power as commander in chief to his political advantage. As election day drew closer, he began drawing down the American presence in Southeast Asia and announced that peace was near.

Nixon's opponent was George McGovern, who wanted to end the war immediately. Since that was his only effective argument against Nixon, it fell apart when it looked like peace was at hand. Thus, McGovern was destroyed on election day. Nixon took in over 60% of the vote and every state but McGovern's home state of South Dakota.

Of course, it would later be revealed that some of Nixon's victory was due to his criminal activities, which included wiretapping his enemies and breaking into the headquarters of the Democratic Party. Still, history cannot be changed, and the election of 1972 remains the biggest landslide in American history.