Let’s examine two indisputable landslide elections and compare them to Trump’s 2024 win to show just how weird it is that Trump flipped 88 counties to Republicans while Harris flipped 0 to Democrats.

In U.S. presidential history, landslide victories are rare but unforgettable. Richard Nixon in 1972 and Ronald Reagan in 1984 didn’t just win – they dominated, and these Republicans flipped A LOT of counties to their respective party – but their opponents still were able to flip some to theirs. Fast forward to 2024, and this election has an anomaly that sticks out like a sore thumb: Trump flipped 88 counties from blue to red, while Kamala Harris flipped zero from red to blue. What are the odds?

Let’s break down how Trump’s 2024 win stacks up against these historic blowouts – and why the 88-0 flip is so unlikely.

The Nixon Landslide of 1972: A True Sweep

Richard Nixon’s 1972 re-election is the gold standard for landslides. He won:

  • 49 states
  • 520 electoral votes
  • 60.7% of the popular vote

His dominance was fueled by foreign policy wins (like his China visit), his appeal to the “silent majority,” and a weak opponent in George McGovern. Nixon flipped hundreds of counties, including long-time Democratic strongholds.

But here’s the key: even in this blowout, McGovern still flipped a few counties. Despite Nixon’s grip on the nation, localized factors – like strong Democratic turnout in urban pockets or regional loyalties – allowed McGovern to pick up some ground. It wasn’t much, but it wasn’t zero. The 1972 presidential election was a true landslide, but while overwhelming, it was not total.

The Reagan Landslide of 1984: “Morning in America”

Ronald Reagan’s 1984 re-election was another masterclass in dominance. He won:

  • 49 states
  • 525 electoral votes
  • 58.8% of the popular vote

His “Morning in America” message, economic recovery, and conservative values crushed Walter Mondale, who was tied to the failures of the Carter years.

Yet, even in this historic rout (an overwhelming, one-sided victory where one candidate or party dominates across a vast majority of the country, leaving the opponent with little to no significant wins. It’s not just a win—it’s a blowout that shows a clear, widespread rejection of the losing side and a surge of support for the winner, often reflected in both the popular vote and the electoral map), Mondale flipped a handful of counties. Again, local dynamics – like Democratic loyalty in certain rural or industrial areas – gave Mondale a few wins. Reagan’s victory was massive but not absolute. The map still had a few blue dots amid the sea of red.

Trump’s 2024 Win: Big, But No Landslide

Now, let’s look at 2024. Trump won:

  • 31 states
  • 312 electoral votes
  • 49.8% of the popular vote

It’s a solid victory but nowhere near Nixon or Reagan’s sweeps. Yet somehow, he flipped 88 counties from blue to red, including surprises like Miami-Dade, Florida. While Harris flipped zero counties from red to blue. Not one.

As I’ve pointed out, in a typical election – even a landslide—the losing side usually flips some counties. It’s just how local politics work. People move, turnout shifts or a candidate clicks with a specific community. So, why didn’t Harris flip even a single county in 2024? And why is this 88-0 split so much stranger than what happened in 1972 or 1984?

The Key Differences: Scale and Context

The 2024 election wasn’t a landslide on the scale of Nixon or Reagan’s wins – and that’s what makes the 88-0 flip so odd. Let’s compare the numbers:

  • Electoral Votes:
    • Nixon: 520
    • Reagan: 525
    • Trump: 312
    • Trump’s win is significant, but it’s not a blowout.

  • Popular Vote:
    • Nixon: 60.7%
    • Reagan: 58.8%
    • Trump: 49.8%
    • Trump’s margin was much closer, meaning the country was more divided.

  • County Flips:
    • Nixon and Reagan flipped hundreds of counties, but their opponents (McGovern and Mondale) still managed to flip a few.
    • Trump flipped 88, and Harris flipped zero.

In 1972 and 1984, the sheer scale of the landslides made it nearly impossible for the opposition to compete – but they still scraped together a few county wins. In 2024, Trump’s win was decisive but not overwhelming. The country was split, yet Harris couldn’t flip a single county. That’s the red flag.

Why 88-0 Is So Unlikely in 2024

Let’s put this in perspective. Even in Nixon and Reagan’s historic landslides, their opponents flipped some counties because:

  • Local Factors Matter: Every county has its own vibe – local issues, turnout, or candidate appeal can tip the scales.
  • Pockets of Support: Even in a national rout, the losing side usually has strongholds or areas where they outperform.

In 2024, with a closer election, you’d expect Harris to flip at least a few counties – maybe in Democratic-leaning suburbs or areas hit hard by Trump’s policies. But zero? That’s like playing a full season of baseball, and one team wins every single game. It just doesn’t happen naturally.

Here’s another way to think about it: in 1972, McGovern was crushed, but he still flipped counties because Nixon’s dominance wasn’t total. Same with Mondale in 1984. In 2024, Trump’s win was big but not total – so why couldn’t Harris flip even one county? It defies the logic of how elections work.

The Bottom Line

Trump’s 2024 victory was significant, but it wasn’t a landslide like Nixon’s or Reagan’s. Those elections were defined by overwhelming national support, yet even then, the opposition flipped a few counties. In 2024, with a much closer race, Harris flipping zero counties is bizarre – and historically unprecedented. It’s not just unusual; it’s a statistical head-scratcher. When you add that to the other oddities of the 2024 election, it’s clear something doesn’t add up. The 88-0 flip isn’t proof of foul play, but it’s enough to make you wonder: was this election really on the level?