In 1980, Ronald Reagan (Republican) won 489 of 538 electoral votes, defeating Jimmy Carter by 440 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: 54.2% vs 61.6%.
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.
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.