Is it Ted Kennedy's fault that we're in this mess?

[Sephirstein]

Didn't he betray his party and cause Democrats to flock towards Reagan after Carter won the nomination again in 1980?

[Loyal]

1. Nope

n/t

[HFishbine]

2. No

.

[wyldwolf]

3. It wasn't that simple...

... Reagan would have won anyway but Kennedy's behavior presented an image that the Dems were weak and not unified. It certainly strengthened Reagan's support who was campaigning as a stronger leader.

I remember it well. It got a lot of press and network TV play.

[jenk]

4. no Anderson & Ted Kennedy

and that election could've been a lot closer, electorally at least.

Anderson taking votes away from Carter and Kennedy with his "no more jimmy carter" stuff really hurt.

[Sephirstein]

5. Anderson?

Wasn't he a Rockefeller Repuke before running as an indie?

[wyldwolf]

7. You know what? I think you're right...

...I seem to remember that about him, although I didn't follow his campaign.

[jenk]

8. he took far more votes from Carter

.

[wyldwolf]

6. True, but we're talking AFTER Carter won the nod and Kennedy acted like...

...a child about it.

[papau]

9. I don't have to kiss Kennedy ass to get his support - I can win without it

Seems Carter was a bit at fault also.

And in the General, Anderson ran as an independent.

[Junkdrawer]

10. LOL - No, I blame Teddy Roosevelt for creating the Bull Moose Party..

It set the stage for all these third party runs we see today. ;)

[Cocoa]

11. No

not exactly sure what you mean, but I'm pretty confident it's wrong.

[Rowdyboy]

12. Actually, I've never completely forgiven Kennedy

for his disgraceful behavior in 1980. He is as much at fault as Nader was in 2000. And I've held that grudge for 23 years so you can imagine how long I'll detest Nader.