Reagan Wins Republican Nomination 1976!

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Yup, Reagan winning in '76 pretty much guarantees Kennedy winning in '80.

[TommyC1776]

On January 3, 1983 the 98th Congress starts.  Republicans start urging Democrats to bring up legislation that would repeal the healthcare and gun control bills passed in the last Congress.  Over 87% of Democrats oppose it's repeal.  They will need a few Republicans to help it not pass.  President Kennedy said "If it passes both House's then I will veto it.  There's too many families without insurance that need Universal Healthcare to stay around."  Congressman John Anderson (R-IL), Benjamin Gilman (R-NY), Eric Shaw (R-FL), Marge Roukema (R-NJ), Ralph Regula (R-OH), Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and Jim Leach (R-IA) all helped the Democrats stop repeal with a vote of 225-209.  Some Democrats who supported it before were reluctant to support it now for fear or losing election in 1984 as they either had primary challengers in the 1982 midterms or won in a very close race.  However this vote could haunt John Anderson with conservative voters if he jumps in the 1984 GOP race.

[TommyC1776]

The TV show M*A*S*H airs it's last episode in February.

M*A*S*H


On the gun issue Tip O'Neill leaves that off the table right now.  He starts debate on the Budget Act of 1983 which would have more domestic spending than military spending.  It would be relooked at in 3 years with some modications allowed.  The House passed it 235-200.  Then it passes the Senate 58-42.  President Kennedy signs it into law on March 20th.

[TommyC1776]

By mid April CA Senator Barry Goldwater, Jr. enters the GOP Presidential race for 1984.  "I pledge to never raise anyone taxes and have less government spending.  We need to get rid of the healthcare and gun control laws that passed the last Congress.  I'm a big advocate for repeal.  I'm not sure where Congressman Bush stands on this but I know where I stand.  Thank you."

[CathKhan]

Did Bush serve in any position in Reagan's cabinet? He after all was in Ford's, his last position being Director of Central Intelligence. Does he stay on there, move somewhere else (maybe National Security Adviser) or leave the cabinet altogether?

[TommyC1776]

Did Bush serve in any position in Reagan's cabinet? He after all was in Ford's, his last position being Director of Central Intelligence. Does he stay on there, move somewhere else (maybe National Security Adviser) or leave the cabinet altogether?

He was actually Reagan's National Security Advisor from 1977-1980 and then for about the last couple months served as Secretary of State.

[TommyC1776]

By early summer of 1983 Senate Minority Leader Howard Baker decides to jump into the Presidential race for the GOP in 1984.  "Today Americans I feel I must put my hat in the ring for the Republican nomination next year.  The Democrats are ruining the country.  They didn't want to compromise on any of the legislation passed in the 97th Congress.  Speaker O'Neill and Senator Byrd have been hesitant to bring up repeal on the Gun Control Act of 1981.  That's not the America we need where you can take away someone's right to bear arms.  Therefore I leave you with these words: Say no to the liberals in Washington next year."

[TommyC1776]

In late summer Senator Bob Dole announces he will be a candidate for the GOP nomination in 1984.  "Today Americans I feel I must enter the race for the Presidency of the United States.  I feel that I'd make a better President than Secretary Bush, Senator Baker or Senator Goldwater.  Let's show America I'm better than the 3 of them."

President Kennedy's approval rating: 45%.

On September 1, 1983 Vice President Henry "Scoop" Jackson died.  President Kennedy says "He was a great man and loved his country.  We will miss Old Scoop."

Vice President Henry "Scoop" Jackson

[TommyC1776]

A few weeks later the Congress passes the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Act overwhelmingly.  President Kennedy signs it into law on October 1, 1983.

Later that month Lloyd Bentsen is confirmed as Kennedy's Vice President after the death of Vice President Jackson.  Bentsen says "I'm glad to serve with a man who's shown great leadership.  President Kennedy may have addressed some controversial issues but he did  so because he believed in them."

Bentsen is one of the Democrats to vote against the Gun Control Act of 1981.  Kennedy figures this can give him support from conservatives and Southerners in 1984.

[TommyC1776]

With Lloyd Bentsen leaving the Senate to become Vice President the Senate now has 56 Democrats, 43 Republicans and 1 vacancy.

On October 25th TX Governor Mike White (after long speculation) picks former Congressman Bob Krueger to fill Bensten's shoes.  This gives the Democrats back their 57-43 majority in the Senate.

There will be a Special Election on March 25th, 1984.  Senator Krueger will be the Democratic nominee for Senate and James Collins will most likely be the GOP nominee.

[CathKhan]

Are there any other leading candidates besides Goldwater Jr. and Bush? Also, now, three years in, how is Reagan perceived? Are there any "miss me?" signs like George W Bush supporters have put up?

[TommyC1776]

Are there any other leading candidates besides Goldwater Jr. and Bush? Also, now, three years in, how is Reagan perceived? Are there any "miss me?" signs like George W Bush supporters have put up?

There's Bush, Goldwater Jr. and Baker.  I will add Bob Dole as a candidate for the GOP too.  The American people want someone like Reagan now and that's why Goldwater Jr. could get the nomination in my TL.

[TommyC1776]

Republican Nomination Poll:
Goldwater Jr. 30%
Baker 26%
Bush 22%
Dole 15%
Undecided 7%

[TommyC1776]

Iowa: February 20th

Republican: 37 delegates
Goldwater Jr. 39%-14 delegates
Bush 31%-11 delegates
Baker 21%-8 delegates
Dole 9%-4 delegates

Senator Barry Goldwater Jr. states "Thank you Iowa.  You've helped our campaign move forward.  We now go forward and hope to win in New Hampshire.  Thanks again and God Bless America."

[TommyC1776]

New Hampshire: February 28th

Republican: 22 delegates
Goldwater Jr. 40%-9 delegates
Baker 28%-6 delegates
Bush 17%-4 delegates
Dole 15%-3 delegates

Goldwater stated "Thanks to New Hampshire for making me the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for President in 1984.  Now we must continue to win the rest of the primaries."

[TommyC1776]

Vermont: March 6th

Republican: 19 delegates
Bush 38%-7 delegates
Baker 32%-6 delegates
Dole 19%-4 delegates
Goldwater 11%-2 delegates

Goldwater finished 4th which isn't a good sign for his campaign.  Bush stated "Thank you Vermont.  You've given my campaign some light."

In the TX Senate race Collins is leading Kreuger 52%-45% with 3% undecided.

[CathKhan]

Go Goldwater! I wouldn't mind Dole, but a Goldwater would be so much more badass.

[TommyC1776]

March 13th Primaries:

Alabama:

Republican: 38 delegates
Goldwater 40%-15 delegates
Baker 25%-10 delegates
Bush 23%-9 delegates
Dole 12%-4 delegates

Florida:

Republican: 82 delegates
Bush 45%-37 delegates
Baker 37%-30 delegates
Goldwater 15%-12 delegates
Dole 7%-3 delegates

Georgia:

Republican: 37 delegates
Goldwater 42%-16 delegates
Baker 30%-11 delegates
Bush 19%-7 delegates
Dole 9%-3 delegates

Massachusetts:

Republican: 52 delegates
Bush 43%-22 delegates
Baker 27%-14 delegates
Dole 18%-9 delegates
Goldwater 12%-7 delegates

Rhode Island:

Republican: 14 delegates
Bush 40%-6 delegates
Dole 25%-4 delegates
Baker 24%-3 delegates
Goldwater 11%-1 delegate

Bush wins 3 and Goldwater wins 2.  Senator Bob Dole decides to drop out of the race after only coming in 2nd in one state.  He states "Today I decide to drop out of the race for the Republican nomination.  Therefore I endorse Senator Barry Goldwater Jr. for President.  Thank you and God Bless America."

[TommyC1776]

Total delegates so far:
Goldwater-110 delegates (w/ all of Dole's)
Bush-103 delegates
Baker-88 delegates.

The TX Senate race is Collins 55% to Krueger 43% while 2% undecided.  President Kennedy goes down there to campaign for Kreuger and says "He's better than the Republican Collins.  Collins won't represent the little man like Krueger has the last few months.  Thank you."

[CathKhan]

Green-Senator Barry Goldwater Jr. of California (110 delegates)
Blue-Former Secretary of State George Bush of Texas (103 delegates)
Red-Senator Howard H Baker Jr. of Tennessee (88 delegates)

[I Am Feeblepizza.]

Barry!

[TommyC1776]

Green-Senator Barry Goldwater Jr. of California (110 delegates)
Blue-Former Secretary of State George Bush of Texas (103 delegates)
Red-Senator Howard H Baker Jr. of Tennessee (88 delegates)

Thanks Cathcon.

[TommyC1776]

Former President Ronald Reagan comes out and endorses Senator Barry Goldwater, Jr.  He says "Today Americans I feel it's time to support a leader that wants less government and not interfere.  That's why we need Senator Barry Goldwater Jr. for President.  He's a proven conservative and will continue my policies when he's elected President this November.  Thank you and God Bless America."

Former President Gerald Ford endorses former Secretary of State George Bush for President.  Ford states "I believe in George Bush as a courageous leader and a man of the people.  A man who can work with Democrats when it's necessary and disagree when it's appropriate.  Thanks and Goodnight."

[TommyC1776]

Puerto Rico: March 18th

Republican: 14 delegates
Bush 45%-6 delegates
Goldwater 30%-4 delegates
Baker 25%-4 delegates

With just a week until the Texas Special Election, Collins is ahead of Kreuger 55%-43% with 2% undecided.  This would give the Republicans 44 seats if they win.

Illinois: March 20th

Republican: 93 delegates
Goldwater 43%-40 delegates
Bush 37%-34 delegates
Baker 20%-19 delegates

In 5 days Texas holds their Special Election to see who will fill Vice President Bentsen's Senate seat.  Who will win?

Candidates:
Sen. Bob Kreuger (Democrat)
Congressman James Collins (Republican)

[TommyC1776]

Texas Special Senate Election: March 25th

Congressman James Collins beats current (placeholder) Senator Bob Krueger 56%-44%.

Collins states "Thanks Texans.  You've helped put a bump in the road for this administration.  Once I'm inaugurated we'll have 44 Republicans in the Senate almost certainly blocking a majority of the President's agenda."

He will take office April 25th.