In 1980, Ronald Reagan (Republican) won 489 of 538 electoral votes, defeating Jimmy Carter by 440 EV during the Cold War Realignment era. In 1984, Ronald Reagan (Republican) won 525 of 538, defeating Walter Mondale by 512 EV during the Cold War Realignment era. Turnout: 54.2% vs 55.2%.
vs
1980
Cold War Realignment
Ronald Reagan
Republican
Electoral votes
489 of 538
EV margin
440
Popular vote
50.8%
Turnout
54.2%
Runner-up
Jimmy Carter (Dem)
Ronald Reagan swept to a landslide victory over incumbent Jimmy Carter, transforming American politics with a conservative revolution. Carter was battered by the Iranian hostage crisis (444 days), stagflation, and the energy crisis. Reagan's optimistic message — 'It's morning again in America' — and his reassuring debate performance ('There you go again') dispelled fears that he was an extremist. Independent John Anderson won 6.6% of the popular vote. Reagan's victory realigned working-class Democrats ('Reagan Democrats') toward the GOP.
1984
Cold War Realignment
Ronald Reagan
Republican
Electoral votes
525 of 538
EV margin
512
Popular vote
58.8%
Turnout
55.2%
Runner-up
Walter Mondale (Dem)
Reagan won a massive re-election landslide, carrying 49 states with the 'Morning in America' campaign amid robust economic recovery. Walter Mondale, Carter's VP, made history by choosing Geraldine Ferraro as the first female VP nominee of a major party. Mondale's straightforward promise to raise taxes damaged his campaign. Reagan won 525 electoral votes, the most ever won by a candidate in an election with a major-party opponent. Mondale carried only his home state of Minnesota (by 3,761 votes) and DC.