Reply #22: The breakdown for that race gave John Anderson c. 6 or 7 percent, [View All]

[saltpoint]

but that still would not have been enough from the "middle" to defeat Reagan.

My guess is that the left-leaning voters went for Carter in unenthusiastic percentages, with some going for Barry Commoner.

Democrats coast to coast went for Reagan in significant numbers. The specific reason or reasons are always up for debate for why they'd choose Ronald Reagan over Jimmy Carter, but I'd list widespread dissatisfaction with the Carter administration's refusal to align with traditional liberal constituencies, the public relations fall-out over the Iranian crisis, and a tendency on the part of the electorate to prefer "Daddy" candidates who talk tough.