The election of 1980 was between Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and John Anderson. Jimmy Carter was trying to run for his second term but it would not turn out so well because the people didn't like what he did as president so that hurt him. Ronald Reagan dominated the electoral votes with 489 votes, Carter with 49, and Anderson had 0.
In 1984, Ronald Reagan went up against Walter Mondale. It was a blow out with Reagan winning with nearly 60 % of the vote and in electoral votes with 525 against 13. Mondale only won one state and that was his home state of Minnesota. Reagan was favored simply because he did really good as president his first term.
In my opinion, Reagan won the 2 elections by a wide margin because he was well favorited. I also think that his vice president, George Bush, helped a lot in his success as well.
election of 1980 on top
election of 1984 on bottom
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1980
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1984
Comments
Brief overall.