From 1876 to 1900 (which just missed by a little, similar to 1868) all the Presidential elections were within five points in the popular vote. Two (1876 and 1888) had the electoral college winner lose the popular vote. One (1880) was effectively a tie. One (1876) was even an election that really had no victor and required a special commission to decide, which along partisan-lines gave it to the actual loser. The North was dominated by Republicans, the South by Democrats, the midwest/rustbelt was the deciding swing factor.
Ironically, despite the locked regions, the parties were much closer together on issues then than they were both before and after. Much like today I'd argue, but many would disagree because they're too focused in the moment.
Ironically, despite the locked regions, the parties were much closer together on issues then than they were both before and after. Much like today I'd argue, but many would disagree because they're too focused in the moment.