I was only 12 in '76 so I wasn't paying much attention to politics. However, I can't imagine anyone was "shocked" by Jimmy Carter's victory over President Ford, coming as it did right after Watergate, and with the specter of Nixon's pardon hanging over Ford. In fact, the only thing shocking to me is that Carter didn't win in a landslide. That alone should have been an early indicator of just how bad his Presidency (the worst in American history, bar none) was going to be.
>>>>In fact, the only thing shocking to me is that Carter didn't win in a landslide.
Reread your history. There was no way Carter was gonna win in a landslide in 76. Geez. The man came outta nowhere. Proof positive, Ford was a lousy candidate.