This is a button from the John Anderson for President campaign in 1980. Anderson was a Republican congressman from Illinois who lost to Ronald Reagan in the Republican primaries that year. He decided to run as an Independent or in some states a National Unity, candidate. Anderson polled very well in the Summer and early Fall of 1980, but as the campaign inched closer to November, Anderson faltered. His campaign finished third behind Reagan and President Jimmy Carter. Why is it difficult for Independent candidates to win the Presidency? (None have.)
Politics Matters 