Presidential election
1972 presidential election
Richard Nixon defeated George McGovern, winning 520 of 538 electoral votes and 60.7% of the popular vote.
Results
55.2%
Turnout rate
77.7M
Total votes cast
140.0M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| California(CA) | 45 | RepublicanNixon | +14.8% |
| New York(NY) | 41 | RepublicanNixon | +17% |
| Texas(TX) | 26 | RepublicanNixon | +33.3% |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 14 | DemocraticMcGovern | +8.2% |
| District of Columbia(DC) | 3 | DemocraticMcGovern | +55% |
Candidates
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Spiro Agnew
Home state
California
Age at election
59
Previous position
37th President of the United States (Incumbent)
Popular vote
47.2M
(60.7%)
Electoral votes
520
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Sargent Shriver
Home state
South Dakota
Age at election
50
Previous position
U.S. Senator from South Dakota
Popular vote
29.2M
(37.5%)
Electoral votes
17
White Voters
Nixon
68%
Catholic Voters
Nixon
59%
Young Voters (18-21)
McGovern
52%
Key events
Watergate Break-In
Burglary that would eventually destroy Nixon's presidency
Eagleton Affair
VP nominee dropped after electroshock therapy revelation
Issues & context
Nixon landslide. McGovern too liberal for electorate. Watergate break-in occurred but wasn't major issue yet. 'New Politics' Democrats crushed. Vietnam winding down.
Inflation becoming problem. Nixon imposed wage-price controls. 'Nixon Shock' ended gold standard. Economic unease despite growth.
Nixon positioned as moderate, skilled diplomat. Vietnam 'peace at hand' helped. McGovern seen as too radical. Democratic establishment abandoned him.
Nixon resigned 21 months later. Watergate destroyed presidency. McGovern loss pushed Democrats toward center. 18-year-old vote first applied.
Did you know?
- 1.Nixon won 49 states - second-largest margin ever
- 2.McGovern won only Massachusetts and D.C.
- 3.First election with 18-year-old voting
- 4.Watergate break-in had already happened
- 5.Nixon resigned less than 2 years later