Presidential election
1988 presidential election
George H.W. Bush defeated Michael Dukakis, winning 426 of 538 electoral votes and 53.4% of the popular vote.
Results
50.2%
Turnout rate
91.6M
Total votes cast
182.0M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| California(CA) | 47 | RepublicanBush | +3.6% |
| Texas(TX) | 29 | RepublicanBush | +12.6% |
| New York(NY) | 36 | DemocraticDukakis | +4.1% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 25 | RepublicanBush | +2.3% |
| Ohio(OH) | 23 | RepublicanBush | +10.9% |
Candidates
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Dan Quayle
Home state
Texas
Age at election
64
Previous position
Vice President of the United States
Campaign slogan
"Kinder, Gentler Nation"
Popular vote
48.9M
(53.4%)
Electoral votes
426
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Lloyd Bentsen
Home state
Massachusetts
Age at election
55
Previous position
Governor of Massachusetts
Popular vote
41.8M
(45.6%)
Electoral votes
111
White Voters
Bush
59%
Southern Whites
Bush
67%
African Americans
Dukakis
89%
Key events
Willie Horton Ad
Controversial attack ad on Dukakis's furlough program
Tank Photo Disaster
Dukakis looked ridiculous in military tank photo op
Issues & context
Third Reagan term in effect. Bush ran as Reagan's heir. Willie Horton and tank ads destroyed Dukakis. 'Read my lips: no new taxes' became famous pledge (later broken).
Continued prosperity. Peace and growth. Reagan policies continued. Some concern about deficits and trade.
Bush as sitting VP benefited from Reagan popularity. Dukakis's technocratic style didn't connect. 'Massachusetts liberal' label stuck.
Bush broke 'no new taxes' pledge. Iraq War would define term. Reagan coalition held. 1992 would be different.
Did you know?
- 1.'Read my lips: no new taxes' pledge later broken
- 2.Willie Horton ad most controversial in history
- 3.Dukakis tank photo was communications disaster
- 4.Bentsen's 'You're no Jack Kennedy' to Quayle
- 5.Last time California voted Republican