America's Greatness And The Rise Of The Romney Dynasty

[Lincoln Republican]

WARNING!!!!

This thread is completely shameless.  It is not for the faint of heart. 

Exaggeration and embellishment will be employed from time to time, nay, almost all the time.

My main hope is that all who read it will enjoy it, maybe get a laugh or two. 

Your comments, pro, con, neutral, are always welcome.

Thank you, and I trust all who enter herein will find delight in the diversion. 

[Lincoln Republican]

Hey! I already had plans for a Romney in '68 Timeline!

Please proceed with yours.  I can assure you yours will be much more believable. 

[Lincoln Republican]

Kew Palace London 1784, King George III is feeling down.

Speaking to his chief advisor...

King George:  Pemberton, I have been feeling depressed of late, losing the colonies and all that.  I need something to cheer me up.  I have been thinking perhaps a marvellous portrait of myself I could share with the realm.  But this would require an absolutely gifted artist.  Someone genuinely outstanding, someone who has the capability to capture my true essence, who could bring out my inner soul, and make my likeness come to life on canvas.  But where can I find such an artist Pemberton?  Where, where?  I doubt such a genius exists.

Pemberton:  Ah, your majesty, there is but one such genius who could do your likeness justice, and only one, the brilliant and gifted portraitist George Romney.

King George:  Oh, you have captivated my imagination.  And where can we find this Romney fellow?

Pemberton:  I believe he resides right here in London your majesty, in Cavendish Square. 

King George:  Well, then send for him immediately.  Tell him his king awaits. 

Pemberton:  Of course your majesty.  I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.         

King George:  Pemberton, whatever would I do without you?

Pemberton:  I am humbled your majesty, and am but your devoted and dedicated servant.       

[Lincoln Republican]

Pemberton introduces artist George Romney to King George III.

Pemberton:  Your majesty, may I present to you the gifted portraitist George Romney.  This man, your majesty, is truly an artistic genius.

Romney bows before the king. 

King George:  Mr. Romney, it is a great pleasure to meet you at last.  I have heard wonderful things about you. 

Romney:  Your majesty, the pleasure is all mine, I assure you.  And thank you Mr. Pemberton for that introduction.  You flatter me.

King George:  As Pemberton has informed you, I would like for you to produce my portrait.  But not just any portrait, Mr. Romney, a truly magnificent portrait.  A protrait that will shout through the centuries, THIS is King George III.  Mr. Romney, can you capture my inner soul, and make my likeness come to life on canvas? 

Romney:  Indeed your majesty, it will be the epitome of my career to be of such service to so great a soverign as yourself.

King George:  When can you begin?

Romney:  Tomorrow morning your majesty.

Two weeks later, the portrait is complete.

King George, tears in his eyes:  Mr. Romney, this is truly the most magnificent portrait I have ever seen.  This likeness of me shall ring through the centuries.  You shall be receiving a sizeable bonus on top of the handsome fee already paid.

Not only that, Mr. Romney, but I shall like to bestow upon you a hereditary peerage.  You shall be created Baron Romney of Dalton-in-Furness.  You shall have a seat in the House of Lords and an income from the government.  Your male heirs shall inherit this title, position, and income in perpetuity.

Romney, bowing low before the king:  You honor me beyond words your majesty.

And so it is that the Romney family enter into the ranks of the titled British nobility.             

[Lincoln Republican]

Moar, please.

Also, was the painter George Romney even connected to the Romney family we're talking about?

Miles Romney (1806–1877) was born in Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire (now in Cumbria), on July 13, 1806. He was the son of George Romney, Jr., whose father, George Romney, Sr. was first cousin to the English portrait painter also named George Romney.

This Miles Romney was Mitt Romney's great-great grandfather.

[Lincoln Republican]

It is the summer of 1837.  As Miles Romney and his wife Elizabeth are walking to the market, they see a crowd gathered around a man who is speaking.  They move in closer to see what this is all about.

The man speaking is Orson Hyde, a Mormon Apostle.  The Romneys take a great deal of interest in his words, and their lives and as it would turn out, and the lives of their descendants would be changed profoundly forever.  That September, they and their children are baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and in 1841, they leave England for the United States of America to join the Saints.

By joining the Mormon Church, Miles and Elizabeth Romney are to shape the outlook of current and future generations of the Romney family, and by moving to America, they are to lay the foundation by which their descendants would profoundly  impact the future destiny of a great nation, and have an influence that would be felt the world over.

Never did Miles and Elizabeth Romney ever dream the implications that their trans Atlantic voyage would have on America and on the world.    

The Romneys had arrived in the United States of America.

[Lincoln Republican]

To clarify with reference to the artist George Romney, his uncle, Thomas Romney, (1709-1776), was a great grandfather of Miles Romney, (1806-1877).  Miles Romney was a great great grandfather of Mitt Romney. 

[Lincoln Republican]

To put things into perspective, I will outline the players in this political drama. For clarity, I will state their relatiionship to Mitt Romney, since he is the one that is most familiar, and most beloved , to anyone on this board.

All of these may not appear in the story.

Miles Romney (1806-1877), great great grandfather of Mitt Romney, established the Romney family in America.

Miles Park Romney (1843-1904), son of Miles Romney, great grandfather of Mitt Romney.

Gaskell Romney (1871-1955), son of Miles Park Romney, father of Michigan Governor George Romney, and grandfather of Mitt Romney.

George W Romney (1907-1995), son of Gaskell Romney, father of Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney (born 1947).

Scott Romney, son of George W Romney, brother of Mitt Romney.

Lenore Romney (1909-1998), wife of George W Romney, mother of Mitt Romney.

Ronna Romney (born 1943), former daughter in law of George W Romney and Lenore Romney.

Kevin Romney (born 1964), son of Scott Romney and Ronna Romney, nephew of Mitt Romney.

Ann Romney (born 1949), wife of Mitt Romney.

Edward Roderick Davies (1915-1992), father of Ann Romney, father in law of Mitt Romney.

Sid Lambourne (1898-1984).  Miles Park Romney's second wife, Caroline Lambourne Romney, was a grand aunt of Sid Lambourne.

L.C. Romney, kinsman of Mitt Romney.

John P Romney, business executive, kinsman of Mitt Romney.

David T Romney, lawyer, kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Larry Romney, kinsman of Mitt Romney.

G. Ott Romney (1892-1973), kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Miles Romney Sr. (1872-1943), kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Miles Romney Jr. (1900-1976), kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Daniel T. Romney (1926-2008), kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Clyde Anderson Romney (1943-2006), kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Vernon Romney (1896-1976), kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Helen Brown Romney (1917-2004), kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Vernon B Romney (born 1924). kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Keith Bradford Romney II (born 1955), kinsman of Mitt Romney.

Children of Mitt Romney and Ann Romney

Tagg Romney (born 1970).

Matt Romney (born 1971).

Josh Romney (born 1975).

Ben Romney (born 1978).

Craig Romney (born 1981).

[Lincoln Republican]

For a political dynasty that was destined to span generations, and one which was to have such a dramatic impact on the future of America and the world, it had humble beginnings.

Ironically, this great dynasty, which was to become one of the paramount strandard bearers of Republicanism, had its beginnings within the Democratic Party.  Miles Romney Sr. (born 1872, a nephew of Miles Park Romney), was born in the small town of Hamilton, Montana.  He became a member of the Montana State Democratic Central Committee, wherein he served with distinction.  

Montana Democratic Governor Robert Burns Smith:  Miles, I do not know how you've done it, but you have managed to revitalize the Montana Democratic Party, and make it possible for me to win election as Governor.  For that, I will be forever greatful.  

Miles Romney Sr.:  It is my privilege to be of service, Governor.  I am pleased that my talents have been beneficial to you and to this state.

Following his remarkable contribution to the Democtratic Party in Montana, Miles Romney Sr. went on to become Mayor of his hometown of Hamilton, Montana, 1902 - 1904, Montana state senator from Ravalli County from 1906 to 1910. He was the State director of the National Recovery Act, organized the Federal Housing Administration in Montana and the National Emergency Council, which became the U.S. Office of Government Reports, and served as President of the Montana Press Association.

In 1913, Miles Romney Sr. realized his life's ambition, winning election as Montana Governor, serving from 1913-1921.  Governor Romney presided over unprecendented economic growth in the state, credited to his aggressive leadership.

The Romneys of Montana were successful in establishing their own mini political dynasty of sorts.  The son, Miles Romney Jr., also a Democrat, born 1900, late in life, decided to follow in his father's footsteps and enter the field of public service.  

He was elected to the Montana House of Representatives in 1966, serving until 1969. In 1968 he was elected Governor of Montana, reelected in 1972, serving 1969 to 1976, and died in office.   Miles Jr. was noted for his wisdom and carefully thought out positions on the issues of the day.  

The Romneys of Montana have left a lasting impact on the state that shall long be remembered fondly by the people of Montana.

[Lincoln Republican]

In 1928, Gaskell Romney, born 1871, son of Miles Park Romney, is 57 years of age.  He had just been elected as a County Commissioner one year before, in 1927, and was having tremendous success in this office.  Against the advice of his family, friends, and contrary to what common sense was saying at the time, Gaskell Romney threw his hat into the race for Governor against popular, successful, respected, intelligent, hard working incumbent Democratic Governor George Dern.

To the surprise of everyone, himself included, Gaskell Romney wins the Republican nomination for Governor over much more politically experienced opponents, and, even more surprising, in a tough fight for Governor, somehow manages to win the Governorship over the popular incumbent.  Some credit Romney's win to the fact he is a devout Mormon in a Mormon state, whereas Dern is a Congregationalist.

Romney sets right to work in his new position, attacking the duties and responsitilities as Governor with enthusiasm.

Then, 1929.

The world, including the state of Utah, is hit with the worst economic depression in memory.  Governor Romney delivers a major address to the Utah State Legislature.

Governor Romney:  There are things we can do to improve the lives of those in this state.  I propose a New Deal to get our unemployed back to work, to get the economy moving again.  We will put government funds into public works projects, transportation, railroads.  We will provide relief to struggling farmers, as farming is a major component of this state.  This will provide jobs for the unemployed and stimulate the economy. 

November 9, 1932, the day after the Presidential election, and the day after Governor Romney had been reelected as Utah Governor, the phone rings in Governor Romney's office. 

Romney's Secretary:  Governor Romney, I have, well, it's President Elect Franklin D. Roosevelt on the line.

Romney:  What?  Roosevelt?  Are you sure? 

Secretary:  Yes sir.

Romney:  Well, put him through.

Romney:  Mr. President Elect , what a surprise.  This is a deep honor.  Congratulations on your overwhelming victory.

Roosevelt:  Thank you Governor.  And congratulations on your big reelection win.

Romney:  Thank you.  And you can call me Gaskell.

Roosevelt:  Only if you call me Franklin.  Gaskell, I am most impressed with your back to work program.  I am going to propose an extensive economic stimulus program when I take office as President.  Would it be okay with you if I call my program the New Deal?  I know this is the name you came up with in 1929, but I like it so much I would like to use it as the name of my economic recovery program, and I would like to institute some of your economic ideas into my own program.

Romney:  Mr. Roosevelt, I would be most honored.

And so it is that Governor Gaskell Romney and President Franklin Roosevelt come to be on a first name basis, and a Romney economic innovation, expanded and added onto on a federal level, named by Governor Romney as the New Deal, a name used by President Roosevelt, with permission, becomes the basis for America's economic recovery, and a lasting bond of friendship is forged between the Utah Governor and the U.S. President.     

[Lincoln Republican]

February 16, 1933, the office of Utah Governor Gaskell Romney.  Romney is meeting with Utah state legislators.

Secretary:  Governor, President Elect Roosevelt on the line for you.

Romney:  Gentlemen, you will have to excuse me.  FDR is on the line.

Of course Governor.

Romney:  Thank you, put him right through.

GR:  Franklin, how nice to hear from you. The transition going well?

FDR:  Just great Gaskell.  I would like to invite you and Amy to be Eleanors and my special guests at the inauguration.  The two of you will be seated immediately behind  myself and Eleanor.  I would as well like to ask you to be the speaker at the major Presidential dinner following the inauguration.  It will show a spirit of bipartisanship, and besides Gaskell, you are one of the best public speakers I know.  

GR:  Franklin, Amy and I would be most honored to be your guests at the inauguration, and I will be most pleased to speak at the dinner.  And I promise, Franklin, not to extol the virtues of what we have accomplished here in Utah, at least, not too much.

GR and FDR:  Hahahahaha!

FDR:  Gaskell, I know that you have led Utah with great skill and success during this depression and continue to do so through these tough economic times, with great success, so please talk about that for a bit.  That will show America there is hope.  But don't lay it on too thick.  I don't want to be completely overshadowed on my own inauguration day.

FDR and GR:  Hahahahahaha!

GR:  Don't worry about that Franklin.  There is not a soul in the entire nation that could overshadow you on that day, or any other day for some time to come I'm sure.

FDR:  Gaskell, you are too kind.  That is one reason you have been so successful in public life, and one reason I have so much respect for you.  Now, Gaskell, there is something I want to ask you, something I feel very strongly about.  I want to put America back to work.  I know that you have just recently been reelected Governor, but I want the best people in my administration.  I want you to head up the major economic post in the United States government.  I want you to be Secretary of the Treasury.  You will be my principal economic advisor, and will play a critical role in policy making for the United States economy.

GR:  Franklin, I cannot express how humbled I am by your request.  You know, when the President calls, as a citizen, I listen.  I will discuss this matter with Amy, and call you back.

FDR:  Thanks Gaskell.

Romney calls his wife Amy.

GR:  Amy, Franklin wants me to be Secretary of the Treasury.  This will of course require us to leave our beloved Utah and move to DC.  

Amy:  Gaskell, I have had a feeling for some time now that you are destined to accomplish great things, not only for Utah, which you already have, but for the nation as well.  This is the Lord's answer to what you should be doing at this stage in your life.  I will support you completely in your new responsibilities.

GR:  Yes Amy, I have had a feeling as well that being Governor of Utah was not the only contribution that I would be making to public life.

Romney calls FDR back.

GR:  Franklin, I have discussed this matter with Amy, and we both feel strongly that I accept your invitation to become Secretary of the Treasury.  I accept in all humility and look forward to serving in your administration, and serving the American people.

FDR:  (tears in his eyes) Thank you Gaskell.  You have made me very happy.

And so it is that Governor Gaskell Romney of the small state of Utah heads up America's most important economic office as Secretary of the Treasury, making a major contribution, some say the major contribution, to pulling the United States of America out of the devastating economic depression of the 1930's, and going down in American history as the most influential and greatest Secretary of the Treasury the nation has ever known.      

[Lincoln Republican]

Gaskell Romney is succeeded as Governor of Utah by Utah Secretary of State Charles Mabey in March of 1933, upon Romney's confirmation to become U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.  Charles Mabey is himself a former Utah Governor who was now serving as Secretary of State in the Romney administration.  Mabey completes the remainder of the term.

In the 1936 election for Utah Governor, the oldest son of Gaskell Romney, Miles Pratt Romney, decides to seek the office.  In the election, Miles Pratt Romney sweeps into office.  Miles Pratt Romney seems to have inherited his fathers' gifts of leadership as well as his charisma, and serves two spectacular terms as Utah Governor.

After having completed his two terms as Governor of Utah, Miles Park Romney is talking with his younger brother, George W. Romney.

Miles:  You know George, I have really enjoyed serving two terms as Governor of Utah, and being able to make a meaningful contribution to the betterment of the lives of the people of Utah.

George:  Yes, you know, I plan on becoming a Governor someday, and helping people improve their lives.  And then, after that, I plan on going all the way to the top, and becoming President of the United States, so I will be able to help the entire nation, and the world.

Miles:  George, if anyone can do it, you can.  Our family should contribute another great President to this nation, and you have the abilities to become a great President.

[Lincoln Republican]

Tuesday, January 9, 1940, the Oval Office.  President Franklin Roosevelt meets with Secretary of the Treasury, Gaskell Romney and his wife Amy.

FDR:  Gaskell, I have something of major importance to discuss with you, something that will affect your family, and that is why I have asked to meet with both you and your dear wife Amy.  We live in challenging times.  The world is at war.  This is an election year.  I intend to seek an unprecendented third term as President.  The Vice President John Garner has served well and faithfully, but I have decided that I will be choosing a new Vice Presidential running mate for the election, and I want you to become my Vice President.  I have gone over and over possibilities and your name keeps coming up.  I am more convinced than ever that you are the man for the job.      

GR:  Franklin, (the President and Secretary continue to be on a first name basis in private conversations) I am deeply honored, however, I am not so sure if that would go over so well within the Democratic Party.  After all, I am a Republican, and I intend to remain a Republican.

FDR:  Gaskell, that is the beauty of this whole thing.  In this time of world conflict, I intend to run a national unity ticket, to unite the nation, to bring us together like no time in our history.  You will remain a Republican.  That is as it should be.  And the nation will, I believe, respect that as well.  The convention will ratify my decision, I can assure you.  We do not know if we will be drawn into the war, I suspect we will, and when that time comes, and come it will, I want you to be the one next in line.  Gaskell, I am not well, and should I not survive this coming term, I want you to be the one to succeed me.  The nation would be in very capable hands with you.

GR:  Franklin, I will be honored to accept your generous offer, providing of course Amy is in agreement.  After all, this will be affecting her life tremendously.  Amy, your thoughts?

Amy:  Gaskell, I stand behind you completely.  I know you will be a great Vice President.

GR:  So, it's official then.  I accept.

FDR smiles broadly.

FDR:  Thank you so much Gaskell, and thank you Amy.  I know I have made the right choice.  

FDR proved to be right.  His choice of a Republican running mate united the nation as never before.  The nation is very confident in the ticket of Roosevelt and Romney.  After all, Romney brings to the ticket an extremely successful performance as Secretary of the Treasury, and receives much of the credit, along with the President, for leading the nation out of the economic depression.  The Democratic National Convention in 1940 overwhelmingly approves of FDR's selectiion of Romney for Vice President.

The National Unity ticket of Roosevelt and Romney go on to win the 1940 Presidential election in a landslide, by an electoral vote of 449 to 38 over the Republican ticket of Wendell Wilkie and Charles McNary.

And so it is that a Romney is sworn in as Vice President of the United States, in a momentous time of international conflict and war, a heart beat away from the Presidency itself.  

[Lincoln Republican]

I assume FDR would like to keep Romney as running-mate in 1944, which would led him directly to the White House in April 1945, but there's one problem with such speculation: Wallace was dropped because Democratic leader feared he may become, in a light of FDR's health, next President. So wouldn't they (assuming we follow this speculation) want a Republican out of ticket in 1944?

Just my two cents.

Ah, we shall soon see what becomes of the indomitable Vice President Gaskell Romney.

[Lincoln Republican]

Good updates, though, as you admitted, far to biased towards the Romney family.

Yes, that is absolutely true.  No doubt about it.

And so it is that this thread is completely shameless.    

That is the intent.  

[Lincoln Republican]

Winfield, I have to admit I'm enjoying this story so far.
Do not disappoint

I shall do my best.

Never in the field of human history has so much bias been written about so many by so few. 

(with thanks to WC)

[Lincoln Republican]

Never in the field of human history has so much bias been written about so many by so few. 

(with thanks to WC)

I'm sure Polish airmen would appreciate this.

Translation of my entry:

Never in the field of human history has so much bias been written about so many (the Romneys) by so few. (me) 

[Lincoln Republican]

Just a note on the 1940 Presidential campaign.

Vice Presidential nominee Gaskell Romney made a point not to demean or attack the Republican ticket or party during the campaign.  Instead, he campaigned on the benefits and virtues of a national unity administration in this time of international conflict.  He wanted to maintain his standing in the Republican Party, and that of the Romney family within the Republican Party as much as possible.

[Lincoln Republican]

December 5, 1941

President Franklin D. Roosevelt falls ill and is rushed to Walter Reed Medical Center.  First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is at his side.  Immediately upon hearing about the situation from a senior Roosevelt aide, Vice President Gaskell Romney and his wife Amy are speedily driven to the hospital.  They greet the First lady with a hug.  Other members of the Roosevelt family are in the room.  The Romneys greet each of them warmly.

GR and Amy to Eleanor Roosevelt:  We are so sorry, so very sorry.

ER through her tears:  Thank you.  Thank you.

GR to FDR, gripping his hand tightly:  Franklin, you are going to be fine, I know it.  I just know it.

FDR, struggling to speak:  Gas    kell,    these    are    troub    ling    times.    You    can    do    the    job.    I    know    you    can.    That's    why    I    picked    you    for    VP.

GR:  Franklin, just relax, everything will be alright.

With that, President Franklin D. Roosevelt lapses into unconsciousness, breathing but unconscious.

At this point, there is nothing more the Romneys can do at the hospital.  They warmly bid goodbye to the First Lady and the other members of the Roosevelt family, and are escorted from the room by Presidential security.  They are taken back to their residence, where increased security is put in place.

Vice President Gaskell Romney becomes Acting President of the United States, as the President is incapacitated, but is still alive.  The Chief Justice of the United States, Harlan Fiske Stone, is immediately sent for, and administers the oath of office to Romney.  Gaskell Romney assumes full Presidential powers.

Gaskell and Amy Romney hug each other, with Amy whispering quietly to her husband

It's all up to you now, it's all up to you.

Acting President Gaskell Romney fully realizes the enormity of the challenges that now face him and the nation in the turbulent and troubled times ahead.  

[Lincoln Republican]

December 6, 1941

Acting President Gaskell Romney begins the day by talking by phone with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.  Romney then meets with the cabinet, top military leaders, and then with Congressional leaders.  Top of the agenda, the world situation.

December 7, 1941

The Acting President is advised of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  After meeting with military advisers, Romney writes a speech he will deliver to a joint session of Congress on December 8.

December 8, 1941, 12:30 pm, Acting President Gaskell Romney begins his address to a joint session of Congress.

(With acknowledgment to FDR speech)

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And, while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has therefore undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

The Senate and House of Representatives approve the war declaration almost unanimously - the pacifist Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin of Montana votes against the resolution.  At 4pm, Romney signs the declaration of war on Japan.

Three days later, December 11, Japan's allies, Germany and Italy, both declare war on the United States. The U.S. Congress responds immediately by declaring war on them.

The United States of America is now at war, and Acting President Gaskell Romney dedicates himself to leading the nation to victory.

[Lincoln Republican]

Acting President Gaskell Romney rallies the nation behind the war effort.

In a series of radio adresses, Romney inspires the nation to move forward with renewed determination to preserve freedom and democracy, and the American way of life.

(With acknowledgment to FDR addresses)

There are many among us who in the past closed their eyes to events abroad--because they believed in utter good faith what some of their fellow Americans told them -- that what was taking place in Europe was none of our business; that no matter what happened over there, the United States could always pursue its peaceful and unique course in the world.

Obviously, a defense policy based on that is merely to invite future attack.

In some quarters, with this rude awakening has come fear, fear bordering on panic....It is whispered by some that, only by abandoning our freedom, our ideals, our way of life, can we build our defenses adequately, can we match the strength of the aggressors.

Today we are more realistic. But let us not be calamity-howlers and discount our strength.

Today's threat to our national security is not a matter of military weapons alone. We know of other methods, new methods of attack.

The Trojan Horse. The Fifth Column that betrays a nation unprepared for treachery. Spies, saboteurs and traitors are the actors in this new strategy. With all of these we must and will deal vigorously.

But there is an added technique for weakening a nation at its very roots, for disrupting the entire pattern of life of a people. And it is important that we understand it.

The method is simple. It is, first, discord, a dissemination of discord. A group--not too large--a group that may be sectional or racial or political -- is encouraged to exploit its prejudices through false slogans and emotional appeals. The aim of those who deliberately egg on these groups is to create confusion of counsel, public indecision, political paralysis and eventually, a state of panic.

For more than three centuries we Americans have been building on this continent a free society, a society in which the promise of the human spirit may find fulfillment. Commingled here are the blood and genius of all the peoples of the world who have sought this promise.

We have built well. We are continuing our efforts to bring the blessings of a free society, of a free and productive economic system, to every family in the land. This is the promise of America.

It is this that we must continue to build--this that we must continue to defend.

It is the task of our generation, yours and mine. But we build and defend not for our generation alone. We defend the foundations laid down by our fathers. We build a life for generations yet unborn. We defend and we build a way of life, not for America alone, but for all mankind. Ours is a high duty, a noble task.

[Lincoln Republican]

Acting President Gaskell Romney spends almost his entire time directing the war.

June 5, 1942, President Roosevelt's bedside at the Walter Reed Medical Center, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt sitting next to her husband, hears stirrings.

Eleanor, in a voice of complete surprise:  Franklin?  Franklin?  Can you hear me?
FDR, in a weak yet audible voice:  Eleanor, Eleanor, I hear you.  I hear you.
Eleanor: Oh Franklin, Franklin, (breaking into tears) you've come back, you've come back.

Eleanor rings frantically for the doctor.  A doctor and three nurses come rushing into the room.

Doctor:  Mrs. Roosevelt, what's the matter?
Eleanor:  Doctor, Franklin has come back.
Doctor:  What?  Are you sure?
Eleanor:  Yes, he was just speaking with me.

The doctor goes to FDR's side, grasping his hand.

Doctor:  Mr. President, can you feel my hand, and can you hear me?
FDR, still not opening his eyes:  Yes, I can, I can.
Doctor:  Mr. President, can you open your eyes slowly, slowly?

FDR slowly begins opening his eyes.

Doctor:  That's right, slowly.  What do you see?
FDR:  The lights.  Doctor, is that you?
Doctor:  Yes, Mr. President, it's me.

The doctor motions for the First lady to come over close to the bed and to sit beside her husband.  She takes his hand in hers.

Eleanor:  Franklin, can you see me?
FDR:  Yes.  Eleanor, Eleanor, how I love you so.

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt see each other for the first time in six months.

Acting President Romney has been sent for.  A few minutes later, Gaskell and Amy Romney quietly enter the room.  Eleanor motions them over to the bedside.

GR:  Franklin, can you see me?  Can you hear me?
FDR:  Yes Gaskell.  Who else has a voice like that?

Everyone in the room chuckles.

GR:  Franklin, I knew everything was going to be fine.  I always knew it.  This is truly a miracle, a gift from God, and I believe in miracles, and in God's goodness.

All in the room shed a tear or two.

(Too much melodrama?)
  

[Lincoln Republican]

Two weeks after his miraculous recovery, President Franklin D Roosevelt is back behind his desk at the Oval Office and back in charge.  Acting President Gaskell Romney reassumes the office and responsilities of Vice President.

President Roosevelt addresses the nation over national radio

My fellow Americans, as you are aware, six and a half months ago, I became ill and fell into unconsciousness.  I am pleased and thankful to report to the people of the United States of America that I have been given a clean bill of health by the doctors.  To say that there have been some extremely important and historical developments since my illness have occurred would be an under statement.  America has been provoked and attacked and we are a nation at war.

I would like to thank Vice President Gaskell Romney, who has held the office of Acting President for the past six months, for the courageous and exemplary leadership he has provided America during the opening six months of this conflict.  He has lifted and inspired the nation with his words and deeds.  Thank you Vice President Romney.  I am pleased to have the Vice President as an integral part of my administration in these perilous times.

My fellow Americans, right will endure, and we will win the ultimate victory over the forces that would subvert democracy and enslave the world to their evil ideologies of nazism and facism.  

[Lincoln Republican]

Still reading!

Thanks Cathcon.

Your Second Chance timeline is very good.  Disappointed George Romney lost in '68. 

Another update coming Monday.

[Lincoln Republican]

President Roosevelt and Vice President Romney meet in the Oval Office after FDR's radio address to the nation.

GR:  Franklin, you have inspired the nation today with your courage and determination in the face of illness and world war.

FDR:  Thank you Gaskell.  I would like to personally thank you for picking up the reins of the Presidency and so ably leading the nation in this time of crisis.

GR:  Thank you Franklin.  I want you to know that Amy and I prayed fervently every day for your recovery.  We give thanks for your return.

FDR:  Thank you Gaskell.  That means so much to Eleanor and I.