Presidential Election 1988

1988 U.S. Presidential Election: Bush Defeats Dukakis

Republican Vice President George H. Bush Elected 41st President

Open Primaries, Incumbent President Vacating Position

The 1988 United States presidential election, held on Tuesday, November 8, 1988, marked the 51st quadrennial presidential election in American history. The Republican candidate, Vice President George H. Bush, defeated the Democratic candidate, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.

This election was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it featured open primaries for both major parties. Secondly, the incumbent President, Ronald Reagan, was vacating the position, making this an open race.

In the end, Bush emerged victorious, capturing the popular vote by a margin of 54% to 46%. He also won the electoral vote by a comfortable majority of 426 to 112.

Bush's victory was attributed to several factors, including his strong economic credentials and his foreign policy experience. He was also able to capitalize on the popularity of the incumbent President, Ronald Reagan.

Dukakis, on the other hand, was hampered by a number of factors, including his liberal views and his perceived weakness on national security issues.

The 1988 presidential election was a major turning point in American politics. It marked the end of the Reagan era and the beginning of a new era under George H. W. Bush.