American Nightmare - Finished w/ epilogue

[sentinel]

Disclaimer: This is all fictional. I never want any of this to happen.

Let me know what you think. My Gary Hart in 1984 timeline didn't go over well, but I have some plans for this one.

November 11, 2011

The President’s Public Schedule

10:00 AM
Obama and Biden receive the presidential daily briefing.

10:30 AM
Obama meets with senior advisers.

12:30 PM
Carney briefs the press.

1:00 PM
Biden joins Obama for lunch.

3:15 PM
Obama and Biden meet with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

3 years prior to November 2011…

“Yeah, I got this to put in the draw under the register just in case some asshole tries to rob the store. Put one of these right between the eyes…”

2 years prior…

“We’re sorry, but we can’t afford to keep you on anymore. The stimulus money wasn’t enough…We’re going to have to let you go...”

1.5 years prior…

“Well, it was a good thing you got laid off when you did. The factory just closed.”
13 months prior…

“I can’t find a job…I haven’t had one in 7 months…”

11 months prior…

“I keep reading about all this socialism and fascism stuff online about the President, you think any of its true?”

“Boy, it’s all true. Listen to Limbaugh, I’ve never heard anyone tell the truth like he does. Tells it how it is. Socialism is the reason you can’t find a job right now. Let me tell you, without this President we’d be doing fine.”

7 months prior…

“Yeah, we can hire you –but we can only pay minimum wage…what you’ll take the job? Alright let me show you a few things…and in case of emergency…in this draw right here…yeah just take it out and put one right between the eyes…already loaded…”

November 11th, 2011

1:07pm


The President and Vice President enter a 5 Guys in Arlington, MD. A few minutes beforehand the Secret Service did a sweep of the building, patting people down and looking around quickly. Lucas Charley is the cashier on duty. He has been working at 5 Guy’s  for the past 7 months after been laid off of at a factory that later closed. While he was unemployed he became obsessed with anti-Obama websites, forums and gatherings. He lived in Virginia after all, it wasn’t that hard. The stress of not having a job had gotten to him had hit a nerve while he was unemployed…now he worked for minimum wage and wasn’t content with his life. Seeing the President walk in there that day struck a nerve with him. This guy was the cause of all his problems, the nations problems…he could end it right now. The Secret Service wouldn’t notice the cashier going into a draw. After all, the President did say put country first. Lucas, in his own mind, was about to do just that.

[sentinel]

1:07pm on November 11, 2011

Speaker of the House of Representatives John Andrew Boehner is in his office speaking on the phone with his wife…

“I’m going to miss my flight later, so I won’t be back until tomorrow. The President asked me to come to the White House to try to start negotiations again for the budget.”

“John, you better not cancel on taking me out again. We never go out anymore. The President goes out more than we do.”

“That’s because the President lets Congress do all the work. Maybe if the guy had a viewpoint and stuck to it he could get something done…”

“Are you going to be home in time or not?”

“I’m certainly going to honey.”

“You know, I would like it better if you and the President were actually friends. When you two went golfing I thought there was some hope…maybe he’d let you go home on time then.”
“After the deficit talks I can’t stand him anymore. He should have taken the deal we offered him. He looked weak having his “compromise” failing in the House. We raised the debt ceiling just to go through this entire process a few short months later…”

“Well, talk to him and then come home quick.”


1:09pm
Several communications heard at this time…

“Renegade is down. Celtic is down. I repeat Renegade and Celtic are down.”


“Secure the Speaker.”

“Threat eliminated. Renegade down. Celtic down. En route to George Washington Hospital.”

1:15pm
George Washington Hospital

“Code Eagle. This is not a drill.”

1:17pm

“Eric, do you think you can have your aides get that to me –oh sh**t”, Speaker Boehner is interrupted by the doors to his office flying open and several Secret Service agents rushing in. They push aside Majority Leader Cantor and grab Boehner by the cusp of his jacket and forcibly rush him from the room.

1:16pm in a classroom…

“Can anyone tell me what legislative body came after the National Assembly following the French Revolut--“ the teacher stops in awe as several agents rush into the room and yell for everyone to stay where they are. Two agents grab the daughter as they rush from the room. A similar situation occurs in a classroom not too far away.

[sentinel]

Disclaimer: This is all fictional. I never want any of this to happen.

Tell this to the Secret Service.

I made a comment like that to Yugi-Oh or whatever that kid's name was and got infraction points.

[sentinel]

1:21pm…

“Breaking News…We are getting word that an assassination attempt has been made on the President and Vice President while they ate lunch at 5 Guys in Arlington, Virginia. No word from the White House yet. Sources say that both the President and Vice President are being rushed to George Washington Hospital. The Secret Service and FBI have secured the premises of the attack. We have no other information at this time but all our prayers are with the President and Vice President and their families…We do not know the motive of the attack…”

1:33pm…

“More breaking news…We are currently getting word from White House Press Secretary, who gave an impromptu press conference, James Carney, that the President and Vice President are both at George Washington Hospital…their condition is critical…he says he’ll have more information soon…Speaker Boehner is en route to the White House…the FBI and Secret Service are both on the scene…”

2:00pm…

“Secretary Salazar, here it is for your signature. They need it back immediately.”
“As your General Counsel, I urge you to sign this immediately. It was the President’s wish that in this situation that the Cabinet act with haste.”
“It hurts me to do this, but it needs to be done.”

Around the same time...

A man turned on the news to his television somewhere in western Virginia --at once he knew that he'd have to contact his colleagues --tonight's meeting would be celebratory. Unbeknownst to the man the assassin that he admired was his friend Lucas Charley.

[sentinel]

Salazar?

It'll make sense in the next update. Imagine that dialogue as only a small piece of the big picture.

[sentinel]

2:07pm

Somewhere in Ohio…

She left for the dress shop. She had picked one out just for this occasion. As she drove, she imagined how her long overdue night out with her husband would go. He had been working too hard for far too long. It was trying to support someone like him from so far away. She suddenly woke up from her day dream to see an 18-wheeler barreling straight for her…

2:11pm…

“Breaking News: The Cabinet has unanimously invoked Section 4 of the 25th Amendment, as per President Obama’s request in a written document that he signed when he initially took office. A few minutes ago, Speaker John A. Boehner was sworn in as Acting President of the United States. We’re told that Acting President Boehner is will be addressing the nation shortly…we are getting word now…I am sorry to report that the President has passed away due to a gunshot wound to the head…we do know that the Vice President is still alive…”

“The Secret Service and FBI are  not releasing information on the shooter yet but they said that information will be released soon.”

2:15pm

In the Situation Room…

“How is Biden?”
“Sir, doctors say it doesn’t look good…”
“Damnit. Is this a lone assassin?”
“So far, we believe so. We closed down the restaurant and are questioning everyone who works there. There are no indications that this is a larger terrorist scheme.”
“Is he part of any organizations..?”
“We’re looking into it…we’re raiding his home as we speak. We literally had nothing on this guy prior to today.”
“Keep me updated on that as often as possible. I want our troops on high alert. Do we have any international threats that have sprung up in the past hour as a reaction to this?”
“We’re on high alert and watching for anything. Nothing so far.

2:40pm

“Breaking News: We have received word from the White House that the Vice President passed away a few moments ago. Acting President John Boehner, under the 25th Amendment, is now the President of the United States.”

John A. Boehner is now the 46th President of the United States*

*Technically after the President passed, the Presidency passed to Vice President Biden making him the 45th President of the United States.

[sentinel]

4:27pm

President Boehner is informed by Chief of Staff William Daley that his wife has died in an unrelated car accident in Ohio.

9:00pm

“My fellow Americans, it is with great sadness that I come before you today. At 1:07pm today President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden were shot and killed by a lone assassin while stopping in Arlington, Maryland…Today America has lost two giants…we will not falter to violence…we will not cave into enemies foreign or domestic…we will not give in to extremism no matter where the origin…On this tragic day, we are reminded of what unites us not what divides us… Over the coming days, months, and even years, remember that like President Obama and Vice President Biden –we are all Americans…those responsible for today’s attack will be punished with all of America’s might…”

With whispered voices the media reports that President Boehner’s wife was killed the same day. One Democratic source within the new White House reports that he was “impressed with how he handled it, but he seems very overwhelmed…it hasn’t hit him yet…like this is very surreal to him…hell its surreal to me too..”

The FBI releases details about Lucas Charley including several provocative communications from online that he had sent including anti-Obama messaging and activity on websites known to promulgate hate, extremism and fear. They say that Lucas Charley is loosely linked to groups that are known to have some level of association with the Ku Klux Klan but it is still unknown if he was actually a member. The FBI Director says that “if he was part of the KKK, he wasn’t very active or high up.”

The investigation continues as the media covers the tantalizing events of November 11th, 10 years and 1 month after the September 11th attacks...All of the Republicans campaigning for President in 2012 suspend their campaigns immediately and send their wishes to the Obama and Biden families.  At this time, all the candidates only have nice things to say about the fallen.


“You need to come home now. I know whats happened but we need you here.”

“I’m sorry, I want to come home, but the country needs me in Washington. You don’t know how much it hurts me to say that.”

“Maybe if you came home on time mom wouldn’t have died like this. You were putting this off for so long.”

“Do you think I want to be sitting in this office? This is any Speaker’s nightmare…ending up here.”

“You don’t have to do this –there are others.”

“I can be home for the funeral…I’m sorry that I can’t help plan it or be there..”

“But we need you here...”

“I’m sorry…”

[sentinel]

In a time between Obama's death and his own, Biden was technically 45th President. Succession is automatic and taking an oath is merely a ceremony.

Yup, you're right. Quick fix.

[sentinel]

“John, I’m going to need your help in the next few days. We need to take advantage of this situation…Rogers and King might try to block me –so you’ll need to tell the Conference to back me…”

“Eric, I appreciate you calling to see how I am, but I can’t do this now…”

“When can you talk to them? I want to have this wrapped up by –“

“Eric,not now. I have to go.”

November 12th 2011

President Boehner meets with Chief of Staff William Daley, senior administration officials as well as his own advisors first thing in the morning. President Boehner also receives his first Presidential debriefing in which he learns more about

Two State funerals are in the process of being planned for later that week.

The FBI also reports, midday, that they can confirm that Lucas Charley was part of right-wing organization that had loose connections to the KKK. It is unknown if he actually attended any meetings. The FBI reiterates that if Lucas was a member, he was not in a leadership position. When a reporter asks why they don’t know if he was a member for certain the FBI Director responds “It’s not like we can pull up a roll call of their last meeting, although we do have significant information about the group and these meetings.”

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney is questioned on if President Boehner will appoint a Democratic Vice President and then resign. Carney responds “This isn’t the time for politics –the time to talk about that will come but it’s not now.”

“I know you’re overwhelmed with what’s happened. The staff here is here to help you, they’ve agreed to stay on for the time being.”

“I appreciate that Bill”

“At the press briefing today, someone asked what your plans were…will you appoint a Democratic Vice President and then resign…we need to talk about the future…”

“We can talk about it after the funerals. Thank you Bill.”

“Thank you Mr. President.”

It goes without saying that the prominent media coverage is the Presidency and life of Barack Obama, as well as the service and life of Joe Biden.

[sentinel]

 November 17th 2011

New York Post: President John Boehner attended his late wife’s funeral today in Ohio…he was seen sitting with family…oddly his children sat on the other side of the aisle sparking rumors about problems in the Boehner clan…

November 18th 2011

New York Times: Washington DC was flooded today with millions of people who wished to see the former President and Vice President lying in state…

November 19th 2011

Washington Post: Today we saw Malia Obama give the speech of her young life…paying tribute to her fallen father…a beautiful service...millions in attendance…nearly every Governor in the country and the majority of Congress…noticeably, Secretary Tom Vilsack, the designated survivor since the rest of the Cabinet was present, was absent as well as select Congressman and Senators…

November 21st 2011

Gallup: The first numbers come in – President Boehner’s approvals are at 73% with disapproval in the single digits. People approve of his effort to unite the country in these difficult times…we also polled on what voters think President Boehner should do now that he is President…39% say appoint a Democratic Vice President and resign giving Democrats back the White House for the rest of what was supposed to be President Obama’s term…27% say serve out the rest of the President Obama’s term and 34% are unsure or have no opinion…the President has not commented on this matter yet but it is bound to be talked about in the coming days…

November 25th 2011


“I can’t get through to the President. We need him to win this. I can’t believe that King is challenging me.”

“He’s called you a baby in grown up clothes to much of the Conference.”

“Outrageous…”

POLITICO Headline later that night: KING CHALLENGES CANTOR FOR SPEAKER; NO BOEHNER IN SIGHT

[sentinel]

November 28th 2011
Eric Cantor wins a tough vote for Speaker in the Republican Conference and then is elected as Speaker by the House of Representatives. Democrats vote in bloc for Nancy Pelosi. A handful of Republicans vote for Peter King even against King’s wishes.

Final Vote in the Republican Conference for Speaker…
Cantor: 121
King: 119
After losing, King pledges to back Eric Cantor in the House although insiders say that the debate between both sides was bloody with King accusing Eric Cantor of adding to the rhetoric that got Congresswoman Giffords shot and the President killed. Cantor’s campaign for Speaker was based on a “return to Reagan-esque values” and keeping Republicans in power both “in Congress and in the White House.”
Republican candidates for President are still sitting on the sideline unaware of who they are campaigning against.
At a private Cabinet meeting…

“John, I speak for everyone here when I ask ‘What do you plan to do?’”

“We’re going to put the country back on track, back on sound fiscal footing…”

“John, you know exactly what I mean.”

“The Constitution and the laws of the United States have made me President. I plan to serve to the best of my ability.”

“Are you going to appoint a Vice President?”

“Yes. My aides will start looking into a selection soon.”

“You’re going to appoint a DEMOCRATIC Vice President, right John?”

“This meeting is over. Thank you.”

A few minutes later in the Oval Office…

“Mr. President, Secretary Clinton is right. I would recommend appointing a Democratic Vice President and then resigning. The people elected a Democratic President in 2008.”

“And the people elected a Republican House of Representatives by a large majority in 2010 –a clear backlash at the direction your people brought this country in. I plan to continue what the people asked for in 2010 and bring sound fiscal footing back to our country. If you don’t you can serve as my Chief of Staff..”

“Consider this my resignation.”

The next morning’s Wall Street Journal Headline: FIRST OBAMA AIDE TO GO: DALEY QUITS

Quote “The White House released a statement this morning stating that Chief of Staff Bill Daley, who was appointed by President Obama in early 2011, has quit after “irreconcilable differences with President Boehner.” The move itself is not surprising, Daley being a staunch Democrat, but no one expected him to leave this soon…”

President Boehner has quickly appointed Barry Jackson as his new Chief of Staff.

“Sir, thank you for letting me serve. I will be doing a staff shakeup very soon…”

“Ok, thank you…”

“Sir, are you okay? You seem a ltitle aloof today…”

“I’m fine, thank you Barry. That will be all.”

“Thank you Mr. President.”

“Margaret, could you try to get one of my children on the phone?”

[sentinel]

November 30th 2011

New York Times Headline: BOEHNER GIVES PINK SLIP TO OBAMA SENIOR ADVISORS; BOEHNER TO STAY?

SUBHEADLINE IN WALL STREET JOURNAL: CANTOR TO BOEHNER: “APPOINT A REPUBLICAN VICE PRESIDENT!”


“John, what do you think you’re doing? You need to appoint a Democratic Vice President, get him or her confirmed, and then resign.”

“If you haven’t noticed Hillary, it’s Mr. President to you now."

“Do you have any idea what you’re doing? The people will hate this. You’re single handedly circumventing the will of the people.”

“The will of the people was to put Republicans in power last November, and I sit in this office not because I want to, but because I have to. I have to get the country back on track…”


Later on…

“Barry, you need to urge the President to appoint a Democratic Vice President.”

“I’ll let him know your concerns.”

“Are we on the same page Barry? What are you telling him to do?”

“Leader Reid, I assure you I know what I’m doing…”

“If you know what you’re doing then you’ll appoint a Democratic Vice President…anything else won’t get past the Senate…”

December 15th 2011

Gallup: “With the Republican campaigns waiting for some sign from the President, they’re still on hold as the caucuses and primaries fast approach.

Should President Boehner run for President in 2012?
Yes: 26%
No: 56%
Not sure/don’t know/no opinion: 18%

Do you approve or disapprove of the job that President Boehner is doing?

Strongly Approve: 9%
Approve: 39%
Disapprove: 30%
Strongly Disapprove: 22%

Is President Boehner a strong leader?

Yes:33%
No: 44%
Not sure/don’t know/no opinion: 23%

Gallup: With a 48% approval rating, an over 20% drop since he took office, President Boehner is nearing the end of whatever honeymoon he might have had…a plurality of voters do not see him as a strong leader…his lagging approvals are most likely results from the rumors of tension between the Cabinet and the President –and as well as tension between the Speaker, who was expected to be strongly backed by the President –and was not…the President is expected to name a Vice President soon…

December 24th 2011

NEW YORK TIMES HEADLINE: BOEHNER’S X-MAS PRESENT – NOMINATES  GOP GOV FOR VP, OBAMA CABINET RESIGNS EN MASS


“President Boehner today submitted his choice for Vice President to Congress – Republican Governor Robert J. Bentley of Alabama. Bentley was elected to Governor in 2010 with 58% of the vote...in defiance of the President’s nomination of a Republican for Vice President the entire Obama Administration Cabinet has resigned putting the confirmation of a new head to these positions in the Democratic Senate’s hands Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking for the entire cabinet, said today that “President Boehner is ignoring the will of the people. The people elected a Democratic President in 2008 and expect a Democrat to finish out the term regardless of who is elected in 2012. We have plead with President Boehner to do just that and he has refused. It is why Chief of Staff William Daley resigned and it is why we have all resigned today.”

POLITICO: GOV CHRISTIE’S WIFE SAYS HE TURNED DOWN VP OFFER

NEW YORK POST: RUMOR: BUTCH OTTER TURNED DOWN VP OFFER

DRUDGE REPORT: BOEHNER OFFERS VP TO EVERYONE!

“Governor Bentley will not be confirmed in the Senate.” – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
“Governor Bentley will be confirmed in the House –with many more votes than needed…” – Speaker Eric Cantor

In the Oval Office...

"You still can't get a hold of my children?"

"Well, sir, I did get hold of one of them. I'm not sure you'll like the message."

"What is it?"

"He said they'll speak to you when you come home and stay home."

[sentinel]

I remember your previous TL with President Spitzer. Spitzer at least understood the problem and stepped down in favor of a Republican replacement, after he handled an emergency.

Yes, that was one of my first timelines, the original Spitzer one. He loses in the end too but he does manage to make the comeback.

[sentinel]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

[sentinel]

January 2012
The Republican campaigns restart, although a bit awkwardly given the absence of a Democratic nominee or a Democrat in the White House…

The FBI says it is finalizing its report on the assassinations. The report will say that the FBI has found no strong or compelling evidence that Lucas Charley was part of an organized plot to kill the President and Vice President and that Charley suffered from severe psychological issues.
Many Americans feel unsatisfied by the report –this feeling like there was more to it and that this horrible act couldn’t just be a random act of violence. Americans had heard Lucas Charley’s story but it was not a unique story in the Great Recession. Many Americans had lost their jobs and resorted to working below their pay grade –but they didn’t turn to violence.

President Boehner’s approval continues to fall –he is now overwhelmingly disliked by a majority of independents and Democrats. His support amongst Republicans is barely at a majority. 62% of adult Americans say that Boehner should have appointed a Democratic Vice President…18% think he did the right thing by appointing a Republican and the remainder have no opinion or are unsure.

Both domestically and internationally there are crises looming on the horizon that President Boehner has yet to address. The initial shock from the assassination, while still a horrible image in everyone’s mind, is beginning to wear off.

“The President needs to appoint a Democrat and then step down. This is nothing personal against Governor Bentley –but I will not vote to confirm a Republican Vice President.” – Senator John McCain, 2008 Republican Nominee for President.

January 4th 2012

President Boehner attends his first event outside the White House that isn’t a funeral a reporter yells “WILL YOU RUN FOR PRESIDENT?!” President Boehner stops, looks at the reporter and replies “You know what, I have nothing left to lose. Why not?”

Boehner’s Press Secretary quickly hears about the comment and approaches Chief of Staff Barry Jackson

“You need to walk him back Barry. He can’t run for President. He’s in such emotional turmoil –its obvious to everyone who works here, it’s obvious to the Press that come in and out of the White House –and the only reason they haven’t hit him on it is because they feel bad.”

“If the President wants to run for President then we’re going to help and guide him.”

“You hired me telling me that this was a temporary gig. You said it would last a few months –tops. I don’t want any part of the sh**t-storm that’s going to come.”

“If you feel you can’t serve…”

“Feel I can’t serve? HE CAN’T SERVE! Are you completely ignorant? You couldn’t find a Vice President, and now you’re having trouble finding anyone willing to be in the Cabinet. Take the hint. I quit”

A little while later Hillary Clinton sits down for a scheduled interview…

“Madam, thank you for your time. Finally I want to ask you –who do you think the President’s nominee for Vice President should have been?”

“First and foremost it should have been a Democrat because President Obama was a Democrat. I worked closely with him for three years and I know that he would have wanted it that way. President Boehner knew Barack’s wishes as well but he ignored them.”

“Any names in mind that would have been good?”

“Well, here’s one worth discussing –although I’m unsure if he’s eligible or not under the Constitution –but the 22nd Amendment allows someone to serve 10 years as President…less than half of one President’s term and two more elected terms as President…my husband would be a great choice to finish out President Obama’s last year in office. Not only does he have the experience to do it –it would be the safest thing anyone could do. You know exactly what you’re getting and he doesn’t need training wheels.”

“Who would you support for the Democratic nominee then in 2012?”

“Gosh, I don’t know but it would allow for a competitive primary.”

[sentinel]

Yup. Whoops. Fixed.

[sentinel]

Night of January 4th 2012

John Boehner didn’t feel Presidential. He hadn’t slept well since before he became President. He missed his home, he missed his children. The emotional toll on this was destroying his mind. He couldn’t keep his mind off his late wife, and how his children were giving him the cold shoulder. At a time like this, children should need their father –but they didn’t need him. Even as President of the United States –arguably the most powerful man in the world and in the nation, he realized he was powerless to get close to the ones who could help him. He couldn’t think of anything else…in meetings with senior advisors he kept thinking about her –and his family. Maybe if he earned the prestige of the Presidency in his own right they would come back to him. If he couldn’t earn their love back as President then he was worthless. Boehner never realized how alone a person could feel. These were only some of the thoughts Boehner had as he tossed and turned and failed to sleep well or sleep at all…

Sometime later…

Aide 1: “Did you see the President today? He didn’t look good.”
Aide 2: “Stressful job, what do you expect?”

New York Times Headline on the morning of January 5th : BOEHNER TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT?

Wall Street Journal Headline: STOCK MARKET TUMBLES AS BOEHNER MULLS RUN

Washington Post Headline: DEMOCRATS IN DISARRAY – WHO DO THEY TURN TO?

New York Post: BOEHNER TO STAY, HARD-ON FOR PRESIDENCY

“Mr. President, we need your approval for confirmations for the Cabinet…we have some names…”

“Could you bring it by me later? I’m reading an old letter right now.”

“Certainly sir.”

January 6th 2012:

“George, there’s something wrong with this guy. We have to speak up.”

“There are times where the future seems as thick as the fog, you hope the mist will lift and reveal a path…Bill we need to help reveal a path for the President. We’re the only ones who may know anything close to how he feels.”

“You want to meet with him? I don’t even think he should be President.”

“We’ll have more credibility if we meet with him first.”

“Is your son going to come?”

“Might as well. Couldn’t hurt.”

“You’re not seriously contemplating replacing him though…right?”

“No, that was just Hillary running her mouth again.”

[sentinel]

Karl Rove on Fox: This President is obviously not fit to serve. My sources in the White House are telling me that he is emotionally distraught…there’s a reason he’s rarely been seen in public…the nation is leaderless right now…it’s a testament to the Obama Administration that the Executive Departments are running without a President or any Secretary’s.
Anchor: Couldn’t the Cabinet have invoked the 25th Amendment and removed the President?

Karl Rover: There would have been a nightmare Constitutional crisis. The Cabinet took the higher road by just resigning in my opinion.

Later…

Anchor: Governor Romney, what would you have advised President Boehner to do? Appoint a Democratic Vice President or Republican…something different?”

Romney: What happened to President Obama and Vice President Biden is a crime against the entire nation –let me say that first. I would have advised President Boehner to appoint a Democratic Vice President. Someone with experience who could be a caretaker for the Presidency for the next year.

Anchor: Any names in mind?

Romney: I’m not going to speculate on names –but appointing Governor Bentley was not the right move for the nation.

January 7th 2012

Associated Press: A meeting between former Presidents Bush, both Senior and Junior, Clinton and President Boehner will occur on January 8th 2012. The White House has not released the meeting and is not commenting.

January 8th 2012

“President Clinton, President Bush, President Bush, nice to have you here.”

“John, we have to talk” the most senior former President cut straight to the point “We can help you. We know how you feel, it’s a hard job.”

“You gotta turn to God –“ the younger Bush interrupted

“George.” The father said quickly and his son quieted up. Bill smirked.

“I’m handling this fine. We’re going to be moving ahead with our legislative agenda shortly.”
“You don’t have a legislative agenda, who are you kidding?” Bill interrupted.

“You don’t speak to the President like –“ Barry Jackson interrupted

“Who are you? Get out of here.” The eldest Bush snapped at the Chief of Staff
“It’s fine Barry, you can go.” Boehner spoke up
.
“Sir, it would be best if I stayed…” Barry said quietly but Boehner waved him off and Barry exited the room.

“John, you need help. You’re have almost zero public events, you have no Cabinet, your Vice President pick is a joke, all because you’re not well. You’re sick John.” Bill said bluntly.
“He’s right. We all agree that you need help. You need to be home with your family.” The eldest Bush chided in.

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine. My family will help me when I run for President. You’ll see.”

“John, let me ask you something. When you’re in meetings what are you thinking about? You need to be focused to do this job.” The youngest Bush questioned the sitting President
“I can focus –“

“You’re full of it” Bill cut him off “This is going to damage your reputation, your party, and the nation.”

“Bill –“ the eldest Bush tried to cut off his successor

“The Presidency won’t fix your problems, it will just make your problems public and then it’ll be worse than ever. You can get out of this now.” Bill continued

“I can’t believe the three of you come here and speak to me like this. I bet you’d like me to appoint one of you three Vice President.”

“No, we don’t want –“ the eldest Bush tried to interrupt

“We’re done here.”

Outside the White House a few minutes later…
“What next?”

“We go public.”

“He’s out of his mind.”

“Not so hard, we need to push him to step down before this gets worse.”

“God forbid we have a catastrophe in the next few days, he can’t handle it.”

“If we say he’s incompetent to lead won’t our enemies take advantage of that?”

“Which is why we need to be rational about this.”

[sentinel]

Any thoughts on the last two updates or where this is going? I'll have another posted tonight (if not then tomorrow morning).

[sentinel]

Quick update.

----

January 9th 2012

“…It’s time for a Democrat to step up to the plate and to finish what President Obama started…we don’t have time to idly sit around. We need a leader in the White House. We need a Democrat to finish out President Obama’s term and if the Republicans are not going to let that happen then we’re going to take the next four years from them…today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States” –  Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley


Wall Street Journal Headline: Stock Market dropped 10% under Boehner

A bit later in January…

“Sir, we’re working on getting your name on the ballot in Iowa and New Hampshire…with the primary a month away, we’re close on time…”

“How am I polling?”

“Not as well as we liked but there’s room for growth”

Gallup: Mid January 2012 Republican Presidential Nomination Poll (National)
Romney: 27%
Perry: 23%
Bachmann: 15%
Paul: 10%
Cain: 7%
Huntsman: 6%
Boehner: 5%
Gingrich: 3%
Pawlenty: 3%
Santorum: 1%

Gallup: President Boehner’s Approval Ratings:
Approve: 39%
Disapprove: 52%

Gallup: “President Boehner’s popularity has deteriorated rapidly over the past few months.”

[sentinel]

This is truly phenomenal. I had an idea for an "Obama Assassination" timeline, during a campaign stop in Delaware in 2012. Joe Biden survived, but Obama and Beau Biden were killed. Obviously nothing came of it, and this was better anyway.

Please tell me Andrew Cuomo is running for president for the Dems.

I'd like to see Cuomo run in reality, but he won't for 2012 in this timeline.

[sentinel]

This is truly phenomenal. I had an idea for an "Obama Assassination" timeline, during a campaign stop in Delaware in 2012. Joe Biden survived, but Obama and Beau Biden were killed. Obviously nothing came of it, and this was better anyway.

Please tell me Andrew Cuomo is running for president for the Dems.

I'd like to see Cuomo run in reality, but he won't for 2012 in this timeline.

Damn you! Just kidding, but seriously, why not? Martin O'Malley is rather underwhelming.

O'Malley is in his second term and was/is the DGA Chairperson. Plus he wants to run

[sentinel]

I hope I assume correctly O'Malley won't be a sole candidate, right?

Correct. Just the first official candidate.

[sentinel]

“Mr. Speaker, have you spoken with the Senate Majority Leader?”

“Yes, unfortunately Leader Reid is considering tabling all bills until the President appoints a Democrat. We’ll make sure the American public knows that the Democrats are clogging up the works in Congress and wasting taxpayer money.”

“Are we starting the confirmation hearings for Bentley on Monday?”

“Yes, with or without the Senate.”

Somewhere in Chicago, Illinois
In her first interview since the assassination…

“Last question Mrs. Obama…and thank you for letting us speak with you today…do you anticipate running for office in 2012 or in the future?”

“No, I don’t think so. I need to focus on raising Malia and Sasha.”

Manhattan, NY

“General Powell is speaking up about John Boehner’s two month old Presidency for the first time since the assassination…”

“President Boehner is incompetent to lead…he’s emotionally distraught…he’s ascended to the Presidency and done nothing with it. The American public is furious that he’s holding the Presidency hostage. I’d go as far to say that he’s holding the country hostage. He says he will run for President –but his idea of a campaign team is a joke.”

“Were you approached by President Boehner for the Vice Presidency?”

“No, I was not.”

Majority Leader Reid moves up the vote on the Vice Presidential nominee...Vote in the Senate on the confirmation of Governor Robert Bentley of Alabama to be Vice President of the United States…the vote fails 92-8, the “Yes” votes are listed below.

1.   Richard Shelby
2.   Jeff Sessions
3.   Jon Kyl
4.   Dan Coats
5.   Jerry Moran
6.   Pat Roberts
7.   Thad Cochran
8.   Roger Wicker

Speaker Eric Cantor vows to hold a vote sooner instead of Monday in defiance of the Senate, on confirming Robert Benteley anyway and urges the Senate to reconsider.

“Mr. President.”

“Yes, Barry?”

“The Senate has just denied your appointment of Governor Benteley as Vice President 92 to 8.”
“They didn’t even hold a hearing. They’re not giving Robert a fair shake.”

“Sir, the House wants to bring it up. The Majority Whip says that they don’t have the votes but the Speaker wants to push it to the floor anyway. This could be a very bad defeat for us…I recommend you withdraw your nomination now...”

“I have faith in Eric…he’ll get it to pass, then maybe the Senate will take it up again…”

“Sir, the Senate isn’t going to…”

“Eric’s done it before, we got the votes on the deficit package back in July when everyone else said we didn’t..”

“Sir, that was less than 20 votes…this is…well…more…Have you spoken with the Speaker?”

“Not since November.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Don’t forget who you’re speaking to.”

Washington DC

Washington Post Newsroom…

“Just got a release from…oh wow…look at this Stanley.”

“Hmm –oh wow. We need to get on this now.”

“What happened guys?”

“Both former Presidents Bush and Clinton just called for Boehner to resign.”

[sentinel]

January 10th 2011

HEADLINE: FORMER PRES BUSH SR, CLINTON, BUSH JR CALL FOR BOEHNER TO RESIGN

HEADLINE: BOEHNER VP NOMINEE DEFEATED IN SENATE 92-8

Drudge Headline: HOUSE VOTES DOWN BENTELEY – 356 – 79

” I have not been in Washington long, but long enough to know it is broken. As I travel across New York, the people I meet are focused entirely on jobs and economic security for their families. Congress should take this charge as its own. In my career in the Senate, I have looked for bipartisan ways to reduce the debt in a responsible way and create jobs in this struggling economy. I’ve looked for ways to protect the middle class against corporations and big oil.  President Boehner is incompetent and the Republican prospects do not look much better. We need someone who is willing to lead the charge, and to protect the middle class and all Americans –this is why, today, I announce my candidacy for President of the United States – Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York



Wolf Blitzer: “Unusual seeing a freshman Senator seeking the Presidency but its definitely not unheard of. We’ll have to wait and see how the Senator fares.”

In Ohio…

“So, lets cut straight to the point: Do you want your father to resign?”
“I’m glad you asked. I do. I don’t think he was ready to be President, and we need him here at home. I’m not sure if anyone else can tell, but he’s emotionally distraught over my mother’s death. Every day he’s not home it hurts us more..”

Drudge Headline: BOEHNER DAUGHTER CALLS FOR HIS RESIGNATION

(New) White House Press Secretary: We’re not going to comment on family issues…”

Reporter: “This is a national issue…his family doesn’t think he’s able to serve…should  the American public be worried that those people who know him best don’t think he’s sit to serve?”

White House Press Secretary: “The President has lead the country steadfastly in the past few months. Everyone was shaken by the events in November but we need to continue doing what is right for the country…”

Reporter:  “Do you think the President is fit to serve?”

White House Press Secretary: That’s all the time we have for questions today

Somewhere in the United States...

“Honey, you’re frustrated with the gridlock and process in Washington. You’d have a chance to change that.”

“Barack felt the same way. That’s why he ran. Even he couldn’t change it and now its too late”

“But its not too late for you. You have nothing to lose. We’ll all be behind you.”

“I’ll sleep on it.”