In 1976, Jimmy Carter (Democratic) won 297 of 538 electoral votes, defeating Gerald Ford by 57 EV during the Cold War Realignment era. In 2008, Barack Obama (Democratic) won 365 of 538, defeating John McCain by 192 EV during the Modern Polarization era. Turnout: 54.8% vs 61.6%.
vs
1976
Cold War Realignment
Jimmy Carter
Democratic
Electoral votes
297 of 538
EV margin
57
Popular vote
50.1%
Turnout
54.8%
Runner-up
Gerald Ford (Rep)
Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, a post-Watergate outsider who had never held national office, narrowly defeated incumbent Gerald Ford. Ford was damaged by his controversial pardon of Nixon and Reagan's strong primary challenge had exposed his vulnerability. Carter ran as a Washington outsider of integrity and won Southern states that had been going Republican. The debates saw Ford claim that Poland was not under Soviet domination — a gaffe that hurt him badly. Carter won the Electoral College 297-240.
2008
Modern Polarization
Barack Obama
Democratic
Electoral votes
365 of 538
EV margin
192
Popular vote
52.9%
Turnout
61.6%
Runner-up
John McCain (Rep)
Barack Obama made history as the first African American elected president, defeating Senator John McCain in an election dominated by the 2008 financial crisis. The economic collapse in September 2008 destroyed McCain's lead and tied him to the unpopular Bush administration. Obama's grassroots fundraising and organizing shattered records. McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as running mate initially boosted his campaign but her interviews raised doubts about her preparedness. Obama flipped key states including North Carolina, Indiana, and Virginia.