Ford takes office January 1981

[YRABNNRM]

This isn't a timeline but merely a scenario intended to create discussion.

Let us say that by some stretch of the imagination that the Reagan/Ford ticket comes into fruition at the 1980 Republican National Convention. The ticket goes on to defeat Carter/Mondale in an election not too different from the one in real life. In early 1981, Hinckley assassinates President Reagan. Ford takes office and becomes President for the second time.

Now by 1985, Ford will have served about six and a half years as President of the United States (1974-1977, 1981-1985). With six and a half years under his belt, would Ford be able to run in 1984 and be President for over ten years by the end of his term? Would this create a constitutional crisis?

I suppose you could have Congress repeal the twenty second amendment but that's not quite as fun.

Anyway, what do you guys think a Ford Presidency from 1981 to whenever would look like?

Who would he pick as his VP? Dole? Bush?

Judging by your response to the question of Ford's ability to be elected in 1984, what would the election look like? Who would the Democrats nominate? If you don't believe that Ford could run, do you believe that his VP win?

I think this is a very interesting situation and I'll chime in with my thoughts later. I want to see what you guys have to say.

[YRABNNRM]

Ah! Two very different answers. I like it.