Eldergays: What was the 1980 election like?

For me it was exciting I just turned 21 that summer it was my first presidential election! I went with my parents to the polling place. The old ladies working there applauded me for being a new voter !! My parents were so proud, we all voted for Carter and went to Ronnie's for milkshakes to celebrate! At home we started watching the returns. The Iran stuff did Carter in. I left and went to the Parliament House and danced the night away and got some "balcony bingo" in after the bar closed.

John Anderson was the darling of college towns and wealthy suburbs.

Reagan was a bullying mannequin of lies, like an animatronic Disney ride through hell.

I pissed off my hometown by wearing my John Anderson button everywhere.

It was my first election vote and yes, it was a big deal. Looking back, I think Americans just wanted something cozy and comforting and that is what Reagan offered. Growing up in a solid GOP household I auto-pilot voted for Reagan (gulp). This was the last election I voted for an R.

I was dumbfounded that Reagan won in a landslide. Goes to show, voters are stupid enough to go with celebrities.

It must have been shocking when Carter conceded before the polls even closed in a lot of states. Really screwed the down ballot dems.

Of course it was a given, gas outrageously high, groceries thru the roof.

Carter was an inept politician, so yes. John Anderson was a "protest vote" and helped Reagan further. His supporters were nicer versions of the Nader and Kucinich people---delusional and naive.

my ERA supporting mom voted anderson thinking that third party was "enlightened" but then regretted it immediately and died years later hating the fact that she helped elect reagan

Reagan did surprisingly well in 1980. However, his landslide in 1984 was expected. There will never be another blow out like 1984.