Talk Elections

Before I begin, I have a few notes.

1. This has been on my backburner for a while and because of the inspiration of our forum buddy Yates, I've gotten off my rear-end and finally typed this!
2.  This is not my first fiction story on the Forum.  If you wish to read my first story, which I did back in June, it is in the History section at https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=40448.0

DISCLAIMER

The events described in this story is totally fiction and are being written free from political bias but may not be 100% accurate.  Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Here we go… :)

07NOV00 - Election Day 2000: At 19:50, CBS calls Florida for Vice President Al Gore. The Bush camp are in total disbelief. CBS News stands by their projection. At 21:36, CBS announces it will NOT retract Florida from Gore citing Gore’s 24,000 vote lead. 

08NOV00 - At 02:07, CBS News awards calls Iowa’s 7 electoral votes for Al Gore giving him 275 electoral votes and the presidency. Gore wins Florida by 17,000 votes and later wins Wisconsin and Oregon to close out this close election.

()

Gore/Lieberman - 292
Bush/Cheney  - 246

Gore wins popular vote by 500,000+ votes.
As for the House and Senate Seats - No change from the actual 2000 results.

   At 03:15, Bush concedes defeat, in Austin, TX,  vowing that “even though we lost tonight, this campaign is far from over and we will continue to fight for what is right for America.”  Shortly after President-elect Gore claims victory, in Nashville, TN and proclaims “America’s best day are ahead of us, you have seen nothing yet!”

10NOV00 -Florida Governor Jeb Bush announces that he will seek, on behalf of his brother’s campaign, a statewide recount of Florida.  The recount proves worthless as Vice President Gore gains 23 votes.

15NOV00 - Texas Governor Bush, citing an illness (later to be a boil on his cheek) refuses to met with President-elect Gore.  Many are calling George W. Bush a “poor sport.”

Last we will hear about George W. Bush for now…As for President-elect Gore…

09NOV00-20JAN00 - President-elect Gore announces his cabinet. 
   State: Sandy Berger (Clinton National Security Advisor)
   Treasury: Summers (Clinton holdover)
   Defense: Sam Nunn (former GA Senator)
   Justice: Reno (Clinton holdover)
   Interior:  Tony Knowles (AK Governor)
   Agriculture:  Patricia Schroeder (former CO Rep)
   Commerce:  Mineta (Clinton holdover)
   Labor: Carl McCall (NY Comptroller)
   HHS: Howard Dean (VT Governor)
   Education: John Silber (President of Boston University)
   HUD: Anthony Williams (Mayor, Washington D.C) 
   Transportation: Gerry Studds (former MA REP)
   Energy: J. Bennett Johnston (former LA Senator)
   Veteran Affairs: West (Clinton holdover)

   Overall, Republicans, who will control the Senate (when Joe Lieberman resigns to become Vice President, CT Governor John Rowland appoints Republican Chris Shays to take his seat giving the Republicans a 51-49 majority), only announce their concern over Berger’s nomination citing his failure to inform President Clinton of China’s designs of a number of U.S. nuclear warheads. Berger was originally briefed of the espionage by the United States Department of Energy in April 1996, but did not inform the president until July 1997. Republicans were also disappointed that Gore, unlike Clinton, did not appoint a Republican to his Cabinet.  Vermont Republican Senator Jim Jeffords was offered Secretary of Interior but declined based on the balance of power in the Senate.

06JAN01 -- House and Senate convene in casting electoral votes.  FL Republican Joe Scarbough files an objection to awarding Florida’s 25 electoral votes to Al Gore citing “voting irregularities throughout the state.” Additionally, Representatives Claw Shaw and Mark Foley make similar objections to Florida’s 25 votes. None of them have a US Senator supporting them.  After nearly an hour delay, the voting continues with Gore being certified as elected the 43rd President of the United States.

20JAN01 -- Albert Arnold Gore, Jr. is sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States.  Gore’s inaugural address focuses on the peace and security “American has had and treasured for the past eight years.” And vows to continue the success of the Clinton years.  Overall, the inaugural runs smoothly despite about 300 protestor, mainly College Republicans, who are protesting the voting irregularities in Florida. 

Okay….that’s the start. Coming up, President Gore’s 1st year in office.

You've outlined this really well so far. Keep it up!

Thanks for a vote of confidence on this! Sometimes I need a kick in the boot to keep me going!

I should have the first year out tonight - or at least up to 9/11. 

Hope everyone is enjoying this! :)

President Gore’s first year   

22JAN01 -- Hearings for most of President Gore’s cabinet member go smoothly. However, Republican held hearings for Sandy Berger have been  more intense.  Many distrust Berger with National Security.   

25JAN01-- The Senate Foreign Relations committee vote 11-7 to bring the Berger nomination to the floor. 

27JAN01 -- Asking if Berger’s nomination will be filibustered, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott proclaims, “No, because we got the votes to outright reject the nomination.

02FEB01 --  A 51-49 vote confirms Sandy Berger as Secretary of State. All 49 Democrats Republican Senators Lincoln Chaffee and Jim Jeffords vote for Berger.

07FEB01 -- President Gore addresses the nation on primetime television to announce his economic plan.  He announces an increase in the Capital Gains Tax from 10% to 14% and the following changes in the income tax…
The 36% bracket would be increased to 38% by 2006
The 39.6% bracket would be increased to 41% by 2006
The tax increases will be used to create “the lockbox” for Social Security.  President Gore announces “By saving Social Security today, we are saving America’s future.”

15FEB01 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      52% Approve
      39% Disapprove

12MAR01 -- House passes Gore’s Economic Plan by one vote (218-217).  It passes the Senate, a week later, when Vice President Lieberman breaks a 50-50 tie.

01APR01 -- A Chinese fighter jet bumps into a U.S. EP-3E surveillance aircraft which is forced to make an emergency landing in Hainan, China. All US service members are detained.  12 hours after the incident, Secretary of Defense Sam Nunn publicly apologizes for the incident making clear that “we violated airspace, which we had no intention of doing.”

10APR01 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      59% Approve
      35% Disapprove
74% Approve of President Gore’s handling of the US Spy Plane Incident.

June 2001 -- Nobody switch parties. Balance of power in Senate is still 51-49. Remember Jim Jeffords actually did switch parties but not in this story.

09AUG01 -- In a prime-time speech, President Gore announces that he will ask congress to reverse the Clinton-era law which made it illegal for Federal money to be used for research where stem cells are derived from the destruction of an embryo.  It is expected to be a huge battle in the house and senate.

31AUG01-- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      51% Approve
      43% Disapprove

11SEP01 -- 9/11 happens as it actually does with attacks on the WTC and Pentagon.  President Gore, who is in the Oval Office when the attacks happen, is immediately placed into hiding by the military.  Throughout the day, the media is asked about the President’s whereabouts.  The White House Press Secretary has made clear that the president is in a “safe and undisclosed location.” At 20:30, President Gore addresses the nation in his “undisclosed location” (now known to be NORAD in Colorado).  Gore’s speech in nothing but uplifting and urges all America’s to “unite together in our mourning and unite together to find who committed this horrible crimes and bring them to justice.”

12SEP01 -- President Gore returns to Washington D.C.  Vice President Lieberman visit’s the Pentagon.

14SEP01 -- President Gore visits NYC.  President Gore spends over 3 hours at the World Trade Center site.  Earlier in the day, the President attends a Memorial Service in Washington D.C.  Noteworthy was the presence of Texas Governor George W. Bush who warmly embraces President Gore in their first meeting since their third presidential debate in 2000.  Several photos are taken from the incident.

15SEP01 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      79% Approve
      11% Disapprove

18SEP01 -- In a press conference, Texas Governor George Bush states “President Gore IS my president and I am united behind him.”

01OCT01 -- In a prime-time news conference, President Gore announces that “The Taliban is responsible for 9/11. I want to avoid war at any cost however, if we need to overthrow them, we will.” He further discusses that he would go to the United Nations about overthrowing the Taliban.”

20OCT01 -- A day after President Gore and Secretary Berger present a case for action against the Taliban, the UN Security Council votes unanimously to execute force to overthrow the Taliban.

23OCT01 -- In the Washington Post, a memo sent out by  Secretary of State Berger to his staff (dated 03JUL01) stating that terrorist from the Taliban are plotting attacks on “major economic and military sites within the next 90 days.”  Berger denies ever seeing or sending this memo.

25OCT01 -- Speaker Hastert and Senator Majority Leader Lott publicly calls for Sandy Berger’s resignation.  Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson asks “What did Secretary Berger know and when did he know it?”

27OCT01 -- Three Democrats, Georgia Senator Zell Miller, New York Senator Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt all call on Secretary of State Sandy Berger to resign.

29OCT01  -- Secretary of State Sandy Berger resigns.

31OCT01 -- Secretary of Defense Nunn announces that the U.S. will send 5,000 troops to Afghanistan in order to overthrow the Taliban.
 
02NOV01 -- President Gore chooses former UN Ambassador  Richard Holbrooke to replace Berger at the State Department.

10NOV01 -- With help from WV Senator Jay Rockefeller, Holbrooke is easily confirmed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (12-6) and  is confirmed by the Senate (84-15)

13NOV01 -- Just two months after the 9/11 attacks, Republicans are beginning to criticize the Gore administration again.  Senator John McCain questions, “Has the past eight years of Clinton and Gore caused a lapse in our National Security?”  Governor Jeb Bush states “Having Sandy Berger resigned right after 9/11 is a key that this administration knew something and did not act.”

15NOV01 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      67% Approve
      26% Disapprove

16NOV01 -- 5,000 US forces, including assistance from the UK, Germany, and the Afghan Northern Alliance, benign their attack on the Taliban.

10DEC01 -- Secretary of Defense Nunn announces he is pleased with the progress of the War on the Taliban however he addresses the need to add more forces in Afghanistan.  Nunn suggests adding another 5,000 more for a total of 10,000.  President Gore rejects it.

21DEC01-- As the final economic report comes out for the year, it has not been a great year economically, clearly, the United States has fallen into a recession. Unemployment has gone over 5% and the DJIA fell to 8,500.  Republicans immediately point out  that Gore’s Social Security plan has caused the recession to deepen and is hurting the economy more than helping it.

30DEC01 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      60% Approve
      32% Disapprove

How’s it sounding so far?

Up next - the mid-term elections and the battle over the War on the Taliban.

Pretty good, though Gore's approval seems a little low.  By the end of 2001, Bush's approval was still in the 70s I believe.

Pretty cool! Keep it up!

Gentlemen - Thanks again for your votes of confidence!

Sadly there will be no update today.  I'm taking my wife for her late X-Mas gift: Front row seats to the Nuggets/Celtics Game! Get to see AI in his second game with the Nuggets!

Never fear, I will have 2002 done sometime tomorrow.  I will put the '02 election results in a seperate post!

Intersting scenario, keep it up!

Please continue this, it's very well done.

Thanks for your wait guys!!

2002 - The Second Year

29JAN02 -- In the State of the Union address, which was expected by everyone to be about the War on the Taliban and the sagging economy, President Gore surprised everyone by discussing the “silent threat to the world - energy.”  President Gore announces major initiatives to eliminate the countries national dependence on foreign oil by the end of 2015 as well as set major tax breaks for companies that create alternative means of energy.  Despite, the outstanding initiatives for energy, the public is outraged over the lack of focus about terrorism and the slumping economy.  Polls taken the next day show only 24% approve with the President’s State of the Union while 66% disapprove of the message.

01FEB02 -- A public rift begins to appear in the Gore White House.  Vice President Lieberman, in a press conference, replies “I would have focused (the State of the Union) on the War on the Taliban and how our country needs to improve it’s homeland security.”

03FEB02 -- New England Patriots win Super Bowl XXXVI 20-17!!!!!
Sorry, couldn't help rub in the day an NLF Dynasty is born! :)

10FEB02 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      48% Approve
      45% Disapprove

22FEB02 -- Legislation is introduced by Maine Senator Susan Collins and Georgia Senator Zell Miller to create a Department of Homeland Security.  Senator Collins states “The silent threat is still terrorisms and we need to take our security seriously.”

01MAR02 -- After 5 months in Afghanistan and with little progress being made, the Defense Department is successful to pressure President Gore in expanding troop strength from 5,000 to 10,000.

19APR02 -- Thanks to the strength of troops in Afghanistan, the Taliban government is finally overthrown. President Gore declares victory and announces that 8,000 troops will withdraw from Afghanistan within the next 45 days.

25APR02 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      58% Approve
      37% Disapprove

02MAY02 -- In a narrow victory, the House and Senate approve President Gore’s energy plan.

23MAY02 -- President Gore signs into law the Department of Homeland Security. 

17JUN02 -- After months of public outcry over  the 9/11 attacks and the background of it, a bipartisan group of Senators send a letter to President Gore to create an independent panel to investigate the 9/11 attacks.

30JUN02 -- All economic indicators point to the continuing recession DJIA is down to 7,500 and unemployment rates continues to climb.  Several Republicans are pointing out that the president is losing focus.

10JUL02 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      50% Approve
      43% Disapprove

01AUG02 -- Time magazine releases an article called Mutiny in the White House?  A couple of inside sources point out relations between the President and Vice President are strained over the issue of troops in Afghanistan.  Vice President Lieberman has been advocating for increase of troops in Afghanistan and to have troops there until al-Qaeda  is taken out and Bin Laden is captured.  Sources also say Secretary Nunn has been extremely frustrated over President Gore’s micro-managing of the Defense Department and President Gore’s unwilling to listen to the Defense Department’s suggestions of increasing troops in the Middle East. 

25AUG02 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      46% Approve
      46% Disapprove
Polls are also showing that if the presidential election was held today, Gore’s 2000 opponent, George W. Bush would defeat President Gore 48%-41% and in a second poll, John McCain would defeat the President 50%-44%.

01SEP02 -- In anticipation of the 2004 elections, a poll is released of potential Republican nominees…
   G.W. Bush: 43%
   Giuliani: 22%
   McCain: 14%
   Jeb Bush: 5%
   Several candidates have less than 2% to include GEN Powell, New York Governor Pataki, Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge and Texas Senator Phil Graham.

26SEP02 -- Secretary of Defense Sam Nunn announces that violence is plaguing Afghanistan and troops need to be sent in  in order to quell the potential of a Taliban comeback.  President Gore announces that he will send 3,000 troops, a total of 5,000 troops to Afghanistan though the Defense Department wanted a total of 15,000 troops.
 
10OCT02 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      41% Approve
      55% Disapprove
The poll shows that the public is frustrated over the changing numbers of troops in Afghanistan.  Also, the public is demanding more answers to 9/11 and the struggling economy.

15OCT02 -- The economy, which President Gore was hoping for some improvement before mid-term election, disappoints the President.  Unemployment rate is up to 5.8% and there is no signs of an economic turnaround.  Republicans hammer home the fact that the President “has not been a tax payer’s friend.”

05NOV02 --  Republicans make huge gains in the mid-term election.  Republicans gain 28 seats in the House to take a  249-185-1majority, their biggest majority since 1946.  In the Senate, Republicans gain 4 seats to have a 55-45 majority.

I will post more about the ’02 results in a separate posting. 

15NOV02 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      37% Approve
      59% Disapprove
In addition to the approval ratings, a poll showed that if there was a rematch between George Bush and Al Gore, Bush would win 54%-34%.

18NOV02 -- In a stunning announcement that sends political shockwaves.  Texas Governor George W. Bush, whose approval ratings as Governor of Texas is an astounding 75%, announces he will sign a 7 year deal to become Commissioner of Baseball and will not run for president in 2004. Bush states “Well my dream was to always be Willie Mays and not President of the United States. I guess this (job) is the closest thing to it. Besides, I got a little brother that would make a great president.”

03DEC02 -- After a long and lengthy wait, President Gore announces an 8-man bi-partisan group to investigate the 9/11 attacks.  The group is as follows…
   Lee Hamilton  - former U.S. Representative from the 9th District of Indiana
   Bob Kerrey - former U.S. Senator from Nebraska
   Ed Koch - former NYC Mayor
   Timothy Roemer - former U.S. Representative from the 3rd District of Indiana
   Fred Thompson - outgoing Tennessee Senator
   Bill Weld - former Governor of Massachusetts
   John Lehman - former Secretary of the Navy
   James Thompson - former Governor of Illinois

President Gore, allowed the committee to select their own committee chairman. While President Gore privately campaigned for Kerry, Thompson is selected by the group.  The press immediately being to dub the group “The Thompson Commission.”

Note: With the exception for Koch, Weld and Thompson, the remaining  were actually on the real 9/11 Committee. Also, Fred Thompson does not return to acting. After negotiations for a contract for the role of D.A. Arthur Branch on NBC’s Law and Order come to a stalemate between NBC and Thompson, the role is given to T.V veteran John Goodman.

10DEC02 -- With G.W Bush no longer running, a poll is released of potential Republican nominees…
   Giuliani: 25%
   Jeb Bush: 22%
   McCain: 19%
   Santorum: 4%
   Pataki: 3%
   Keyes: 1%
   Cellucci: 1%
   Buchanan: 1%
   Others: 8%
   Undecided: 16%

Currently, only Dr. Alan Keyes has announced his candidacy.  Several people including McCain, Pat Buchanan and Jeb Bush have formed exploratory committees.  Also, as a result of the ‘02 elections, names like George Pataki (61% of the vote in NY),  Paul Cellucci (58% in MA) and Rick Santorum (he did not compete in any election) are appearing as a possibility for the nomination in’04.

Up next - a breakdown of the 2002 mid-term election.

2002 mid-term election

As said in my last post, Republicans make huge gains in the mid-term election.  Republicans gain 28 seats in the House to take a  249-185-1majority, their biggest majority since 1946.  In the Senate, Republicans gain 4 seats to have a 55-45 majority.  A few things to note about the election:
   1. Senators Tim Hutchinson, Max Cleland and Jean Carnahan do go down in defeat with Carnahan by a wider margin.  Also going down in defeat are South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson, Louisana Senator Mary Landrieu and Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone (Wellstone does not die in his tragic plane crash because he was campaigning with Vice President Lieberman on that faithful day and did not fly).
   2. One other Senate races play out a lot closer. Massachusetts Senator John Kerry squeezes out a narrow victory over former Olympic Chairman Mitt Romney (49%-47%).  Romney does not run for governor as Paul Cellucci, who was appointed Ambassador to Canada by President Bush, runs for a full second term and is elected easily (58-38).
   3. In California, Arnold Schwarzengger decided to run against Governor Gray Davis and defeats Davis by a narrow margin (50-47).

Here are some of the critical Senate Race Breakdowns:
   AR: Pryor defeats  Hutchinson, - no change to actual result
   GA: Chambliss defeats Cleland  - 51-47 (slightly closer)
   LA: Suzanne Haik Terrell defeats Landrieu - (51-48, no runoff)
   MA: Kerry defeats Romney - (49-47)
   MN: Coleman defeats Wellstone (53-45)
   SD: John Thune defeats Tim Johnson (51-48)

Some post notes from the 2002 election race…
   1. Mississippi Senator Trent Lott makes his know error regarding Strom Thurmond and his 1948 election.  Senate Republicans do force Lott to step down as Senate leader however, instead of Bill Frist becoming Majority Leader, Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison becomes the Republican leader with Ohio’s Mike DeWine as the Whip.
   2.  House Democrat Minority Leader Dick Gephardt remains as the Democratic leader in the House.

Up next (tomorrow perhaps) -- the candidates line up to challenge for the Republican nomination and a shakeup in the White House that could make an impact in the 2004 race.

Hope you guys are enjoying this!

Very good job. However, I doubt that Johnson would lose. Thune came close because he was heavily supported by and campaigned for by the popular Bush. Without Bush, I don't think he would have won.

But keep up the good work!

Well done Mike, looking forward to the rest!

2003 - I focused more on the candidates lining up for the Republicans in this year but I have some stuff President Gore did here and there…

10JAN03 -- Florida Governor Jeb Bush announces he will run for the Republican nomination.

31JAN03 -- Rudy Giuliani announces that he will not run for President in 2004. Instead he will challenge Chuck Schumer for the New York Senate seat.  Polls in New York show a dead heat (42%-41% in favor of Giuliani).

03FEB03 -- In his second State of the Union address, President Gore announces that he is pleased with how our American Forces defeated the Taliban however he makes clear that he is against “nation building.” Gore also touts how  Social Security will be saved and believes his “lockbox” will be beneficial for the future.  Overall, the response by most Americans is more positive than last year’s with 49% approve with the President’s State of the Union while 37% disapprove of the message.

07JAN03 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      45% Approve
      45% Disapprove

09FEB03 -- Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci, who formed an exploratory committee in late December decided not to run for President.

16FEB03 -- Arizona Senator John McCain announces he will run for the Republican nomination.

02MAR03 -- Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum announces he will run for the Republican nomination.

15APR03 -- New York Governor George Pataki announces he will run for the Republican nomination.  Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani announces that he will endorse him.

01MAY03 -- Public Polls for the party nominations
      Republican
      McCain: 23%
      Bush: 19%
      Pataki:  18%
      Santorum: 16%
      Keyes: 2%
      Others/undecided: 22%

13MAY03 -- While in San Diego and in a off-mic comment, Rick Santorum mutters in reference to San Francisco, “There is no way I’m visiting that f****t land.”  Immediate uproar comes about from both parties.  Senator McCain was quoted “That comment makes me sick to my stomach!  My respect for Rick has been lost.”

16MAY03 -- Shortly after retuning to Washington D.C,  Santorum is approached by Massachusetts Congress Barney Frank confront Santorum about his remarks. Trying to ignore Franks, Santorum attempts to side-step Frank only to bump into him and a small scuffle occurs.  Police break-up the scuffle without anyone being injured however, a CSPN camera catches the incident.   

19MAY03 -- Public Polls for the party nominations. Clearing Santorum is losing a lot of support.
      Republican
      McCain: 25%
      Pataki:  23%
      Bush: 20%
      Santorum: 7%
      Keyes: 1%
      Others/undecided: 24%

26MAY03 -- After 2 weeks of pressure from all parties, Santorum withdraws from the race however he refuses to apologize for any of his actions.

02JUN03 -- With the economy still slumping and unemployment rate above 7%, President Gore announces a new economic plan.  The plan includes to cut two of the middle class tax brackets however, it also calls for a second increase in the Capital Gains tax from 14% to 17%.  The increase will support a National Employment Center, run by the Labor Department to foster job growth.

10JUN03 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      44% Approve
      48% Disapprove
Polls show that Americans are divided over their primary concern. 32% feel the economy while 30% feel national security is the objective.  37% of Americans approve of the President’s handling of the economy while 44% of Americans approve of his handling of national security.

11JUL03 -- Iowa Straw Poll: Arizona Senator John McCain wins the Iowa straw poll however, in a stunning move, a write-in campaign led by  Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci and New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg , has former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson finishing a very strong second.  The disappointing candidates were Governor Pataki who finished with less than 6%.  When asked why the write-in campaign, Senator Gregg was quoted “Right now Senator Thompson is leaving a very difficult task in “The Thompson Report.” He is a leader that the Republican party needs.  Our current cast of candidates are good men however, we need the tough, honest and clean leadership like Fred Thompson.”

15JUL03 -- Former Senator Fred Thompson makes it clear that “I have no intention to run for president. Not this year, not in 2008, NEVER!”

26JUL03 -- Vice President Lieberman, citing “personal reasons” announces that he will not run with President Gore for a second term.

01AUG03 -- “The Thompson Commission,” which is due for release on 01DEC03, requests and is granted a 60 day extension citing “we’re working hard but this is very time consuming” quotes Committee member Bill Weld.

04AUG03 -- Republicans in the House and Senate partially approve of the President’s economic plan. It calls for the middle class tax cuts but does not call for an increase to the Capital Gains Tax.

05AUG03 -- President Gore vetoes the Senate’s economic plan.  Overriding the veto fails by a 62-38 vote.
 
07AUG03 -- Fred Thompson announces that he is  withdrawing from “The Thompson Commission.” citing a potential conflict of interest.  Rumors are circulating that Thompson may run for President which he has constantly denied.

19AUG03 -- Fred Thompson, on his 61st birthday, announces he will run for the Republican nomination.

02SEP03 -- President Gore taps Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords to replace Fred Thompson on “The Thompson Commission.”  Jeffords is ironically tapped to chair the commission by the panel which the media dubs “The Jeffords Commission.”

05SEP03 -- Public Polls for the party nominations. Thompson’s name recognition is making headways in the polls.
      Republican
      McCain: 24%
      Thompson: 24%
      Bush: 19%
      Pataki: 13%
      Keyes: 2%
      Others/undecided: 18%

01OCT03 -- In National Review Magazine, there are grumblings within the Democratic Party over President Gore’s foreign and domestic policy.  Several conservative Democrats, who are unnamed believe that the solution may be to run Vice President Lieberman against the President in the primaries.

03OCT03 -- Vice President Lieberman responds to the article as “a piece of garbage.  I am confident that the President will be re-elected and he has my full support in the campaign.”

13OCT03 -- Defense Secretary Sam Nunn announces he will resign as Defense Secretary.  President Gore immediately nominates another former Georgia Senator Max Cleland to replace him.

16OCT03 -- Economic figures still show a deepening recession.  Unemployment has hit 7.5% and the DJIA remains around 7,500.  Recent polls show that 28% approve of the President’s handling of the economy.

24OCT03 -- In a stunning announcement, Georgia Senator Zell Miller announces he will challenge President Gore in the Democratic Primaries. Miller states, “Our Democratic values are slipping away. We need a better national security plan, we need to jump start the economy, we have a lot of work to do!”

28OCT03 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      38% Approve
      59% Disapprove
American by a 53%-40% margin feel that the United States has not done enough to combat the War on the Taliban.  66% feel that victory would be the capture of Bin Laden.  Also a poll for the Democratic nomination shows President Gore leading Senator Miller 52%-40%. However, polls show that the President would lose to McCain, Thompson, Bush or Pataki in a general election. Each man would beat Gore by at least 8% points.  Miller, on the other hand would lose to McCain, Thompson or Bush but would defeat Pataki (42%-41%).

02NOV03 -- Max Cleland is confirmed as Secretary of Defense by a 90-10 margin.  Cleland after being sworn is says “I will urge caution in sending troops into harms way.” Many are speculating that unlike Nunn, he will not support sending more troops to fight insurgents in Afghanistan.

15NOV03 -- In his first interview after resigning, Sam Nunn announces that he will be endorsing Zell Miller for the nomination citing “Senator Miller has stood up for a strong national defense and he will make this country safer.”

28DEC03 -- Public Polls for the party nominations
      Republican
      McCain: 25%
      Thompson: 22%
      Bush: 20%
      Pataki: 14%
      Keyes: 2%
      Others/undecided: 17%

      Democrats
      Gore: 56%
      Miller: 40%
      Others/undecided: 4%

Up next -- The primaries, a national crisis and President Gore makes a deal!

2004 will be a multi-part story.

Good stuff! Keep it up!

2004 -- Before I continue, I will repost my disclaimer: The events described in this story is totally fiction and are being written free from political bias but may not be 100% accurate. 

19JAN04 -- In the Republican caucus, McCain finishes first. As expected but both Jeb Bush and Fred Thompson are right on his tail. Pataki, who figured to do well, finished a distant fourth.  Meanwhile, President Gore beats Miller by a decent margin.
      Republicans
      McCain: 31%
      Bush: 27%
      Thompson: 26%
      Pataki: 11%
      Keyes: 1%
      Others: 4%

      Democrats
      Gore: 57%
      Miller: 37%
      Others: 6%

25JAN04 -- Released a week earlier than expected, “The Jeffords Report” is released to the public.  The panel explains that “Intelligence weakening over the past 8 years” caused significant impact into the 9/11 attacks.  The only person identified to have blame placed was former Secretary of State Berger who “withheld information that could have prevented the 9/11 attack.” The solution suggested was to over hall the CIA and develop a National Intelligence Agency. It also called for increasing troop strength at home to increase our national security and also suggests for the national military to continue fighting al-Qaeda cells in Afghanistan.

The media in general place blame on the Clinton/Gore administration for being weak on intelligence and national defense.   When asked by CNN, who in the commission,  lead the commission to creating the recommendation, committee member Ed Koch replied “It was Thompson, 100%. By the time he left, nearly 80% of the investigation and recommendation was completed.” Senator Jeffords also agreed with Koch saying “All I did was the ‘gut check’ on the report.  The report is, in my opinion, straightforward and I think it presents a clear vision to the president on what should be done. Now, we hope he will follow our suggestions.”

27JAN04 -- New Hampshire Primary:  Zell Miller stuns the Democratic party.  He does not win the caucus but he proves he is a major player in the primaries.  For the Republicans, thanks due to the publishing of “The Jeffords Report” and the late support of Paul Cellucci and Judd Gregg, Fred Thompson scores a huge win in New Hampshire.
      Republicans
      Thompson: 39%
      McCain: 29%
      Bush: 21%
      Pataki: 6%
      Keyes: 1%
      Others: 3%

      Democrats
      Gore: 50%
      Miller: 47%
      Others: 3%
      
29JAN04 -- Pataki drops out and refuses to endorse a candidate however, Rudy Giuliani, who backed Pataki, immediately endorses Thompson.

30JAN04 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      28% Approve
      67% Disapprove

03FEB04 -- For the Republicans on Mini Tuesday (MO, ND, OK, SC): Fred Thompson took a significant lead with wins in the Missouri and South Carolina Primaries with McCain winning the Oklahoma primary and Bush winning in North Dakota. Meanwhile the Democrats Mini Tuesday (AZ, DE, MI, NM,ND, OK, SC), President Gore captures all states EXCEPT South Carolina where Miller defeats the President by 15,000 votes.

07FEB04 -- President Gore wins the Michigan and Washington primaries however Miller does get 40% of the vote in each state. 

10FEB04 -- Coming as no surprise, Thompson wins his home state primary with nearly 80% of the vote.

14FEB04 -- President Gore defeats Senator Miller (54%-41%) in the Nevada caucus. 

17FEB04 -- Wisconsin Primary: Polls showing a tight three way race.  Shortly after 2AM, Thompson is proclaimed the winner, defeating Bush by 7,000 votes and McCain finishing third with 300 votes behind Bush.  President Gore defeats Miller (52%-44%).

22FEB04 -- Reports are speculating that President Gore and Senator Miller are meeting at the President’s home in Nashville. There is speculation that “a political deal” might be in the making.

26FEB04 -- In Atlanta, Senator Miller holds a press conference to announce he is withdrawing from the race.  Senator Miller spoke with the President and President Gore has agreed to expand the party platform for rebuilding the national defense and allowing Miller a keynote spot during convention night.  Some conservative Democrats feel that Miller is being a “sell out” while a majority of the party feels that Miller’s decision to drop out is for the sake of party unity.

28FEB04 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      33% Approve
      63% Disapprove

29FEB04 --Public Polls for the Republican Party nomination
      Thompson: 34%
      McCain: 28%
      Bush: 25%
      Others/undecided: 13%

02MAR04 -- Super Tuesday.  With no more opposition, President Gore locks up the Democratic Nomination with a sweep of all ten primaries/caucuses. Meanwhile, for the Republicans, Thompson wins 8 out of the 10 primaries only losing RI and VT to McCain.  Jeb Bush bows out that night and endorses Thompson.

09MAR04 -- Thompson basically locks up the Republican nomination with a sweep of 4 southern primaries to include Florida and Texas.  Senator McCain drops out the next day and endorses Thompson.

10MAR04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson:  41%
   Gore: 36%
   Undecided: 23%

11MAR04 -- Exactly 30 months to the day of the 9/11 attacks, a series of  coordinated bombings against the commuter train system in Washington D.C.  Attacks happen during the afternoon rush hour causing 277 deaths and over a thousand injuries to include Delaware Senator Joe Biden, who suffered a mild concussion, while preparing to travel home to Delaware.

12MAR04 -- President Gore addresses the nation and gives nearly an identical speech to the 9/11 attacks by “urging all America’s to unite together in our mourning and unite together to find who committed this horrible crimes and bring them to justice.”  Senator Thompson’s only comment about the speech “It was done well.”

20MAR04 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      44% Approve
      46% Disapprove
Most point our President Gore’s life in the polls is over the D.C attacks however, one polls says that 65% disapprove of President Gore’s handling of national security.  And polls showed no movement for the President in this re-election bid.

03APR04 -- A tape of Bin Laden appears with Laden claiming responsibility for the D.C attacks and that  the United States is “opening the doors for more spectacular attacks.”

06APR04 -- In his first speech attacking President Gore, Former Senator Thompson states “My biggest frustration is that we have made several recommendations to the President to improve our national security. He has turned a blind eye. The 3/11attacks has proved again that the President is asleep at the wheel!” Republicans praise the speech as a “slap of reality” while Democrats claim Thompson is “using a national tragedy to unfairly slam the President.”

15APR04 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      32% Approve
      63% Disapprove
One poll has 72% of Americans believing that the attacks on D.C could have been prevented had President Gore took a more proactive approach to national security.  In the election race, Thompson had an eleven point lead over Gore (44%-33%).

Coming up - The conventions and who will President Gore and Senator Thompson select as running mates?

Anybody want to predict? :)

How about Florida Senator Bob Graham as Gore's running mate, and maybe former Pennslyvania Governor  Tom Ridge as Fred Thompson's running mate. Keep up the good work CPT MikeyMike!

Great job, MikeyMike!  I am quite enjoying this.

Great stuff here! Especially like your polls!

Sorry Guys...I've been shamming this week at home trying to find out where there Army is going to be sending me next.  I will post some more info either tonight or tomorrow. I still got another 10 days of leave so I would like to finish this up.

Thanks to everyone who has read and enjoyed this!

Note: This only comes up to the convention.

25APR04 --  A new social issues begins to emerge over the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling of allowing homosexuals to marry.  Both President Gore and former Senator Thompson have been silent on the issue.  Both parties are frustrated over their candidates being silent.  The Republicans wanted to push the Defense of Marriage act while the liberal Democrats want the President to push for, at the minimum, Civil Union rights for homosexual couples.

03MAY04 -- Vice President Lieberman has asked to be withdrawn from any obligations from the Democratic National Convention.  Lieberman wants “to focus on the future for the party.” Many are speculating  that Lieberman is on the verge of breaking from the Democratic party. Lieberman makes clear that “I have always been a Democrat and will remain one until I die.”

10MAY04 -- Senate Republicans, led by Senators Rick Santorum and Jim Bunning introduce legislation for a halt to all homosexual marriages and have the Senate investigate the legitimacy of gay marriages.

15MAY04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson:  42%
   Gore: 34%
   Undecided: 24%

24MAY04 -- Led by Senators Kerry and Mikulski, a filibuster is launched to block the Santorum/Bunning investigation into gay marriage.  The breaking the filibuster fails by a 58-41 vote and the legislation basically dies however several states have begun to place Defense of Marriage acts on the November ballot.

26MAY04 -- While taking a “short break” at Camp David, President Gore and his advisors begin a search for a Vice Presidential running mate.  Several advisors suggest that the President force Vice President Lieberman to resign and appoint a new VEEP right away in order to prevent any  rancor in the White House during the campaign.  President Gore rejects the offer and Vice President Lieberman makes clear that “nobody is going pressure me to do anything.”

01JUN04 -- President Gore announces that he will appoint Vice President Lieberman to investigate the  3/11 attacks. 

02JUN04 -- Vice President Lieberman officially breaks with the President when he turns down the President’s offer citing “we know that our weak national security is why these attacks happen.” Meanwhile a poll gives Vice President Lieberman the following on his approval:
      58% Approve
      26% Disapprove

It is a sharp difference on President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      29% Approve
      66% Disapprove

However there is little movement in the Presidential election poll
      Thompson:  43%
      Gore: 31%
      Undecided: 26%

05JUN04 -- Former President Ronald Reagan passes away at the age of 93.  Both the Gore and Thompson camps suspend campaigning until after Reagan’s burial on 11JUN04.

13JUN04 -- The White House has listed the President’s possible running mates…
   1. MO Representative Dick Gephardt
   2. MA Senator John Kerry
   3. Secretary of Defense Max Cleland
   4. WA Senator Patty Murray
   5. NC Senator John Edwards

Most Democrats feel that the President needs to select a running mate that would be strong on national defense and homeland security which would suite Kerry or Cleland though many liberals want to expand their agenda with a VEEP like Murray.

15JUN04 -- President Gore announces that Massachusetts Senator John Kerry will be his selection to be his running mate.  The President nearly selected Kerry in 2000 and announces that Kerry will make the nation “strong at home and respected abroad.”

Democrats hail the VEEP pick with 59% approving the President’s pick however, it gains little ground for the President who still trails former Senator Thompson
      Thompson:  44%
      Gore: 34%
      Undecided: 22%

16JUN04 -- As soon as the President made his VEEP selection, Thompson is in Nashville deciding on his running mate.  Thompson taps former Vice Presidential Candidates Dick Cheney and Jack Kemp to list  possible candidates.  The list (in random order):
   1. NY Governor George Pataki
   2. CO Governor Bill Owens
   3. SC Senator Lindsey Graham
   4. MA Governor Paul Cellucci
   5. NH Senator Judd Gregg 
   6. ME Senator Susan Collins
   7. Former PA Governor Tom Ridge
Also immediately after the names a released, both Pataki and Gregg announce that they do not wish to run for Vice President.  Most Republicans list Ridge or Owens as their preference.   

17-18JUN04 -- Both Governor Owens and Senator Graham are seen at Thompson’s home for several hours in a private meeting.  Speculation is growing over which of those two may become Thompson’s running mate.  At 2230 on the 18th, Thompson is seen leaving Nashville on a flight  to Boston.

19JUN04 -- Thompson is seen entering the MA State House at 1030 to meet with Governor Cellucci.  Also that morning, the New York Post announces that Thompson has selected Owens to be his running mate.  Thompson’s campaign staff deny that Owens has been selected.  Owens further backs that up that afternoon in Denver “I have not been asked at all by Fred.”

At 1830, on the steps of the State House, Thompson announcers that Massachusetts Governor A. Paul Cellucci will become his running mate. Thompson maintains that Cellucci’s “experience working with a highly opposite legislative with outstanding results” made Thompson’s decision.  The press is overall a bit puzzled over Thompson’s selection.  42% of Republicans approve of Thomson’s decision while 35% disapprove of Thompson’s selection but it has no effect of Thompson in the polls.
      Thompson/Cellucci:  43%
      Gore/Kerry: 33%
      Undecided: 24%

24JUN04 -- Time magazine’s front cover is a picture of Vice President Lieberman titled  An Independent Joe? with inside sources stating that Vice President Lieberman may challenge the President and run as an Independent. Lieberman calls the article “ridiculous” but also says “I would love to be President.” Many, including Lieberman’s family are uncertain of his future plans.

25JUN04 - 25JUL04 -- Both teams hit the campaign trail aggressively.  The highlight is not focused on Gore or Thompson, it is the Presidential running mates trading nasty barbs.  Cellucci slams Kerry over his military record while Kerry slams Cellucci over his personal finances while Lt. Governor of Massachusetts from ’91-’97 (he had a debt of $750,000).   

25JUL04 -- On the evening of the Republican Convention, an update to the 2004 Election Poll.
   Thompson/Cellucci:  43%
   Gore/Kerry: 36%
   Undecided: 23%

Coming up - the conventions. Does Thompson blow the lead wide open or does he simply blow it?

Like GORE would be that terrible! Keep going!

It's very well done,keep it up!

Well done. Miller/Thompson/Gore's approval ratings seem off, but whatever.

Sorry all - I've kind of dropped the ball on this. I'm about to PCS to Oklahoma so I've been busing clearing. I will do some writing this weekend.

I'm debating to either end at Gore's Presidency (whenever that date is) or continue through 2012 or 2016. What do you guys think?

The Conventions

26-29JUL04 -- The Republican National Convention  is held in New York City.   Republicans from all spectrums to include John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Arnold Schwarzengger give uplifting prime-time speeches praising Thompson. The party platform slams President Gore’s “mishandling of the economy and homeland security.” The platform calls for “significant tax cuts and cutting  the “government waste” to improve our national defense.” 

Thompson is officially the Republican Nominee for President on Wednesday night with Cellucci nominated at the Vice Presidential Nominee. Thompson’s acceptance speech Thursday night is well received.  Thompson comes across polished and professional but does hit the President hard on his record.

Parts of Thompson’s Acceptance Speech…

“I am humbled and honored tonight to accept your nomination.  I am here because I offer a chance of hope. A chance of promise. A chance to build our nation back to hope and promise…four years ago, President Gore promised a vibrant economy. An economy he and Clinton were proud to take credit for. But today, President Gore has taken this economy of which he was so proud of, and has run it into the ground… he promised to keep us secure, and promised a strong militarily and he has failed to provide us security…Ronald Reagan once asked this country ‘are you better off than you were four years ago?’ Clearly, we are not…As President, we will strengthen our security, protect our borders and stimulate our economy with tax cuts.”

The morning after the convention (30JUL04), Thompson has his biggest lead on the President…
   Thompson:  54%
   Gore: 30%
   Undecided: 16%
Many point out of how the President came back from a double-digit deficit in 2000 to defeat Bush however, many see the 24% lead as almost a “slam dunk” for Thompson.   FOX News proclaims President Gore as “a lame duck President even before the election.” CNN’s Wolf Blitzer admits,  President Gore is “in the worst shape for an incumbent since 1932.” 

01AUG-27AUG04 -- During the time between conventions, the Thompson/Cellucci ticket campaign hard throughout most of the mid-western states to large and enthusiastic crowds. Meanwhile President Gore and John Kerry stump throughout the New England states and the west, trying to secure the solid Democratic states which are beginning to fall towards Thompson.

19AUG04 -- Polls release a map of the electoral college outlook
()
Keys: Dark colors are Solid states, light are leaning one way or another, gray is a tossup.

Thompson/Cellucci: 240
Gore/Kerry: 140
Toss-up:158

28AUG04 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      30% Approve
      66% Disapprove

29AUG04 -- Election Poll
   Thompson:  53%
   Gore: 33%
   Undecided: 14%

30AUG-02SEP04 -- The Democratic National Convention is held in Boston.  The party platform take a liberal tone with keynote speeches from Howard Dean, Barbara Boxer and Rev. Jesse Jackson, who tout President Gore’s virtues.  Zell Miller does make a passionate plea for the convention to strengthen homeland security. “If we do not act, we will fail as a party and as a people for a generation.”  President Gore is re-nominated although Zell Miller does receive nearly 300 votes.  Miller is seen hugging President Gore before the President makes his acceptance speech. 

Many pundits, predicted a cold and unemotional President, are amazed over the President’s speech. Mainly his tone, Gore is emotional when mentioning 9/11 and 3/11, “Every day goes by without thinking of  those innocent civilians who have died on my watch…I was the President when this happen and I, alone take the responsibility for those people…for all those who rallied to the causes when these acts occurred, we need to rally again to foster a stronger homeland security and a stronger economy.” The speech is a rousing success and the convention floor gives the President a 26 minute standing ovation after the speech.  MSNBC’s Chris Mathews comments, “President Gore tonight, may have saved his Presidency.

05SEP04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson:  49%
   Gore: 41%
   Undecided: 10%
Most of the press is shocked. Bill O’Reilly quoted “I’d figured last week that President Gore was a lame-duck but now, he may pull another career life-saving comeback for him.”

More encouragement comes to President Gore over his Approval Ratings:
      43% Approve
      50% Disapprove

Coming up - the debates and will President Gore continue his comeback?

mm

Gporter: Thanks for your interest. I seriously thought interest died out on my story.

Anyhow, I just moved from Colorado to Lawton, OK and I just got my computer back. I'll see if I can continue this very shortly.

Folks - it’s been a long wait. Thanks for your patience.

11SEP04 -- On the third anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, President Gore address a memorial service in NYC addressing the tragedy of the event. Meanwhile, sparks fly when Thompson’s running mate, Paul Cellucci comments that day that “President Gore is using  the deaths 9/11 for his own political gain.” The Gore camp calls Cellucci’s comments “Extremely insensitive.“ Even Thompson is angry over this and rumors fly that Thompson privately berates Cellucci for his actions and is threatening to drop Cellucci from the ticket.

13SEP04 -- Cellucci holds a press conference to publicly apologize for his actions. ‘I was out of line with my thoughts and I made a mistake.” Furthermore, Thompson, separately makes clear that he will not drop Cellucci and also apologizes for any comments that may have offended the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

17SEP04 -- President Gore’s Approval Ratings
      44% Approve
      46% Disapprove

28SEP04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson/Cellucci:  48%
   Gore/Kerry: 44%
   Undecided: 8%

30SEP04 -- First Presidential Debate (Miami, FL) The debate is held in a traditional style format focusing on domestic issues.  Senator Thompson won points citing the President’s inability to control the rising unemployment and the recession claiming that “tax hikes are the problem and tax cuts are the solution.” Meanwhile President Gore scored points with his expansion of saving social security while Thompson scared some people off by his plan to privatize parts of social security.   

Polls taken right after the debate show almost a draw: 33% felt that President Gore won the debate while 32% felt that Thompson won.  Meanwhile 25% polled agreed that the debate was a tie.

03OCT04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson/Cellucci: 47%
   Gore/Kerry: 45%
   Undecided: 8%

05OCT04 -- Vice Presidential Debate (Cleveland, OH) The debate started off well with both sides clearly defending their party’s policies however John Kerry opens a can of worms by questioning  Celucci outright about his personal finances. “How can Paul Cellucci speak of balancing budgets when he can’t budget his own finances?” Cellucci simply responds with “I could comment on Senator Kerry’s military record but I’m above the personal attacks.” Quickly the moderator, Gwen Ifill cuts off the attacks and moves back to the debate. Even though the spat lasted less than 30 seconds, it cost Kerry the debate.

Polls taken after the debate gave Cellucci a slight edge over Kerry. 46% felt that Cellucci won while 39% thought Kerry won.

07OCT04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson/Cellucci: 48%
   Gore/Kerry: 45%
   Undecided: 7%

08OCT04 -- Second Presidential Debate (St. Louis, MO) - In the town hall style debate, many of questions were focused on the economy and terrorism. President Gore was hit hard with several questions regarding  “the inability to handle” economic and security issues.  President Gore spent most of the night on defense as Senator Thompson commented that President Gore has “made more excuses than actions” causing several members of the audience nod their heads in agreement.   

Polls taken after the debate gave Thompson a clear win with 53% polled agreed that Thompson won while 41% thought Gore won.

11OCT04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson/Cellucci: 49%
   Gore/Kerry: 43%
   Undecided: 8%

13OCT04 -- Third Presidential Debate (Phoenix, AZ)  In the third and final debate, neither side scored much of an advantaged until the end of the debate. In his closing remarks however, Senator Thompson takes a page out of Ronald Reagan.

“Twenty-four years ago, Ronald Reagan asked, ‘are you better off than you were four years ago?’ Tonight, I would like to ask you that again. Do you feel safer now? Do you feel financially secure? Do you trust your government? Do you trust your President?”  A shot on President Gore shows that he knows that Thompson may have ‘put the nail in his coffin.’

Post-debate polls give Thompson another clear win with 52% giving Thompson the winner with 37% thought Gore won.

15OCT04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson:  51%
   Gore: 43%
   Undecided: 6%

20OCT04 -- Economic figures are released  and it doesn’t look good. Unemployment has hit 8.5% and there is almost no economic growth. To further complicate the issue, inflation has beginning to become a concern again as the rate is over 6%.  Senator Thompson takes a page out of Jimmy Carter’s ‘76 campaign to state how the “misery index” is plaguing the administration.

23OCT04 -- 2004 Election Poll
   Thompson:  50%
   Gore: 40%
   Undecided: 10%

Most that are polled are beginning to express doubts over the President. With his approval rating dropping 4 points in the last month, Americans are concerned over the latest economic news and feel that the President has not done enough to revive the economy.

29OCT04 -- A new video of Osama bin Laden is released, addressing the American people directly. Bin Laden acknowledges responsibility for the September 11, 2001 attacks, criticizes President Gore, and notes to Americans that "Your security is not any hands. Your security is in your own hands and you are not safe today or tomorrow.”

Thompson immediately points out “This is who the President has failed to capture for the last four years. His leadership has kept this madman loose and terrorizing the world.”

Meanwhile President Gore’s campaign defends that “He (Bin Ladin) is on the run. He is scared and we will capture him.”

01NOV04 -- In the final poll taken before the election, MSNBC’s Chris Matthews asks to a Democratic Strategist “has the roof has caved in on the President?” “Chris, I’m afraid so..”  Also, polls are showing Thompson with a strong chance of carrying traditional Democratic states such as California, New York, Connecticut and Illinois. 
   Thompson/Cellucci: 54%
   Gore/Kerry: 41%
   Undecided: 5%

Other networks are also pointing out the polls and begins President Gore’s political obituary.

CBS News Dan Rather: "After a valiant career, fighting for the common man, President Gore is at the end of his rope and probably at the end of his hard working presidency.”

FOX News Sean Hannity: “This is 1980 all over again for the Democratic Part.”

CNN Bill Schneider: “The polls are clear - America wants change and will give Fred Thompson a chance.”

02NOV04 -- Election day.  Exit polling is show no significant changes in the polls but turnout is over 60%.

Coming up -- election night. Any surprises???

How mean of you to stop before election night!!!
Can't wait for the update!

Election Day and Election Night.

DISCLAIMER Just as a gentle reminder! :)

The events described in this story is totally fiction and are being written free from political bias but may not be 100% accurate.  Constructive criticism is always welcome.

President Gore, voted absentee two weeks earlier finished the last 48 hours with stops in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Missouri and returns to the White House at 15:30 on election day.

Senator Thompson ended his campaign with a midnight rally in Nashville and voted first thing on election morning. Neither candidate makes comments throughout election afternoon.  There are some claims of voting regulates in Ohio and Florida but deemed as minor glitches.

At 19:00, as the first states close their polls,  NBC News begins Election Night and Tom Brokaw opens with a stunning announcement

 “Good Evening.  NBC News is projecting that former Tennessee Senator Fred Dalton Thompson will defeat President Al Gore and become the 44th President of the United States.” 

Other networks are not as bold as NBC however FOX News’ Brit Hume does admit “I would bet my house and car that Thompson wins tonight - there’s no way he can lose now.”

The Thompson campaign, in Nashville are silent.  President Gore’s campaign team, in the White House proclaim, “The election isn’t over until it is over. We are confident, the President will be re-elected.

However by 1930, clearly Thompson has won some key “swing states” like OH, NH and FL with ease.

()
Thompson/Cellucci: 126
Gore/Kerry: 3

By 2030 Thompson is inching closing to a victory with Gore struggling.

()
Thompson/Cellucci: 225
Gore/Kerry: 28

By 2115 - As CBS News Dan Rather puts it: “By now the fat lady is warming up and is about to bust the note out.”

()
Thompson/Cellucci: 254
Gore/Kerry: 32

At 2142, the state of Michigan is called as Peter Jennings calls it “Sealing the victory for Fred Thompson.”

()
Thompson/Cellucci: 271
Gore Kerry: 32

Within 10 minutes, all the networks proclaim Fred Dalton Thompson as the 44th President of the United States. 

The question is now when will President Gore concede?  At 2210, the Gore Campaign staff announced that President Gore did call President-elect Thompson to congratulate him (which the Thompson campaign confirms) but will not give a formal concession until 2300 when the polls close on the West Coast. 

At  2315, in the East Room of the White House, President Gore concedes defeat.

At 2345, President-elect Thompson address a huge crowd in Nashville accepting the victory.

By 0530 on 03NOV04, the final result - an electoral punishment for President Gore:

()

Thompson/Cellucci: 474EV, 67,702,869 (55.36%)
Gore/Kerry: 64EV, 53,076,310 (43.40%)
Others: 0EV, 1,516,466 (1.24%)

Next I will produce a breakdown of each state and how they voted  - to the tenth of a percent for Thompson and Gore.

Also - House and Senate results.

Job will done MikeyMike! Also how do the Senate races turn out?