Here's a possible 2004 map for a world with no 9/11, no Iraq war and an economy that's chugging along at a rate not quite as good as the 90s but is still considered boom times.

People who I've spitballed with before on this may recognize this.

Hmm... Depends on whether or not we still would have invaded Iraq. I feel like Bush would have had a lot more push-back against any such actions in a world without 9/11.

Presume he doesn't invade Iraq, like I said in the OP.

But if we ban Mecha, who will I get blamed for my egregious trolling?

I don't think Kerry would have been the nominee in 2004 without 9/11. Different field of candidates

Why not? Without wars to oppose and a booming economy, even if it's not on par with the 90s the democrats would have the same incentive not to put their best up.

You'd be defriended from his FB, jmf.

Indeed. And rightfully so. Why should he consort with naysayers?

Ladytron - Zmeka

Drastically reduce licensing/credentialism requirements, end prescription drug laws, reform the medical lawsuit/tort legal system, end the patent monopoly system, restore the FDA more to 1960s standards, allow people and companies to deduct healthcare spending for their taxes, allow people with the money to buy whatever type of treatment they choose(essentially, letting rich people be the guinea pigs who discover what is quack medicine and what works) and establish singlepayer on top of it(people could buy their own plans, but there'd be a government floor)

This would mean sped up drug development, universal coverage and a drastic reduction of costs.

NY will go 55-60% dem

Why? The economy would be better than our 2004 and there wouldn't be wars to energize an anti-war movement.

Anti-racist conservatives also tend against war.

presume that this candidate is a generic establishment con in every other way for the purposes of this thread

How do the 2004, 2008 and 2012 presidential elections go without 9/11, the war on terror, War on Iraq?

Any effects on the two party's coalitions?

I support the mods in that particular decision.

Get some pizza in rome. When I was in Italy in 2000, I had some of the best thin crust pizza ever there.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/choice2000/tools/quiz3.html
    
You are a Staunch Conservative
Defining Values:
Pro-business, pro-military, pro-life, anti-gay and anti-social welfare with a strong faith in America. Anti-environmental. Self-defined patriot. Distrustful of government. Little concern for the poor. Unsupportive of the women's movement.
Who They Are:
Predominately white (93%), male (62%) and older. Married (74%). Extremely satisfied financially (54% make at least ,000). Fifty-seven percent are white Protestants.

Top Priorities for the Next President:
Morality (27%)
Taxes (21%)

Top Issues and Concerns in the 2000 Campaign:
Using payroll taxes for private retirement accounts (86%)
Eliminating the Inheritance Tax (85%)
Adding prescription drug benefits to Medicare (73%)

Analysis:
As in 1994, this extremely partisan Republican group's politics are driven by a belief in the free enterprise system and social values that reflect a conservative agenda. Dissatisfied with the state of the nation, Staunch Conservatives pay close attention to what is going on in politics and are highly vocal.

Defining Values:
Pro-business, pro-military, pro-life, anti-gay and anti-social welfare with a strong faith in America. Anti-environmental. Self-defined patriot. Distrustful of government. Little concern for the poor. Unsupportive of the women's movement.
Who They Are:
Predominately white (93%), male (62%) and older. Married (74%). Extremely satisfied financially (54% make at least ,000). Fifty-seven percent are white Protestants.

Top Priorities for the Next President:
Morality (27%)
Taxes (21%)

Top Issues and Concerns in the 2000 Campaign:
Using payroll taxes for private retirement accounts (86%)
Eliminating the Inheritance Tax (85%)
Adding prescription drug benefits to Medicare (73%)

Analysis:
As in 1994, this extremely partisan Republican group's politics are driven by a belief in the free enterprise system and social values that reflect a conservative agenda. Dissatisfied with the state of the nation, Staunch Conservatives pay close attention to what is going on in politics and are highly vocal.

So Bushie seriously removed all his Facebook friends who gave him smart advice and only kept the people who told him ON Company was an opportunity from God?

That's what I've heard. That struck me as an unusually poor choice even for him .

If he delays, he'll get tricked by a scam that costs him multiple grand and his current job which means no kenya trip.

I'm sure he'll add you as his FB friend for agreeing with his fellow whackos that he should go now

Lulz. After all, I'm merely looking out for him...

If he delays, he'll get tricked by a scam that costs him multiple grand and his current job which means no kenya trip.

Or in short: opebo could get some money.

Doubtful. This is Stark we're talking about.

I'd be amazed if Stark was mentally stable enough to hold on to employment at a pizza place for longer than a week. Opebo would win, but he'd get $5.43 and a box of gum wrappers.

How is it trolling to propose that BushOK should devote his efforts to spreading the teachings of Christ to Africa?

Keep in mind that the anti-racist conservative wouldn't be that different from your typical republican candidate. He'd still be anti-gay, anti-abortion, pro-war, etc.

The racist liberal would still be 'green', pro-choice, pro-welfare, etc and all the other trendy causes. He just doesn't think overly highly of the dusky hued peoples of the world.

Why so sure about a landslide?

it offends me

Out of these two, who do you support?

Racist Liberal: He'd be the perfect candidate of the left, except for one thing. He's a virulent racist who wishes to impose restrictions on non-white suffrage, supports south-africa style townships and reservations for minorities and all sorts of segregation-era petty humiliations. Justifies his  virulent racism by pointing out and citing differences in race and intelligence.

The anti-racist conservative: Largely a typical conservative, but in this election is the more open-minded one. Doesn't support any of the measures of the racist liberal and would oppose it. Supports ending all legislation and programs related to race. Justifies his hands off stances by pointing to the constitution and citing MLK's "I have a dream" speech.

Why didn't you choose Paul instead? He'd actually be conservative unlike Mittens.

Skip the degree and certifications and just go off to Africa now.

I've still got a lot of work to do in Oklahoma, first!

No. Bringing the word to the dark continent should be your first priority.

Have people from a local hipster church pray for you.