Interestingly, excluding 2000 (where Gore arguably won anyway), and 1992, being the most disliked means you win... From that, I would take that firing up your

Interestingly, excluding 2000 (where Gore arguably won anyway), and 1992, being the most disliked means you win... From that, I would take that firing up your base (and thus making the other side dislike you more) is more effective than being moderate and trying to appeal to both sides.