2036: Reflections from our Presidents

[Reaganfan]

An airplane flies in clear, dark night skies. Looking out of a window, a man, elderly, face worn, hair white as snow, looks out over the dark skies above the clouds. He thinks back to a time 35 years earlier, flying over a city devastated by colossal terror. The man was then only 55 years old. This night however, the man has just turned 90. His name is George Walker Bush.

He presses a button on a speaker. "Can I have some coffee, please?" The person on the receiving end swiftly replies, "Yes, Mr. President."

George W. Bush had the distinction of being President of the United States for eight years, from 2001 until 2009. He was elected at the start of the 21st Century, and now the century is closing in fast on it's midway point. The 2000s or, "turn of the century" as it is more commonly referred to, coincided with the biggest changes in American history in more than a half century prior to that. On the morning of September 11, 2001, America was attacked. The perpetrators were 19 terrorists associated with a radical group hellbent on destruction. Despite a Civil War, two world wars, an attack by the Japanese in 1941, and a long dark cloud of tension known as the Cold War, nothing had an impact as immediate and overwhelming on the American public as did what those 19 men did one Tuesday morning in September, 35 years ago.

After the attack, it seemed as though the dark cloud of terror would reign over America for generations to come. Nothing would ever be the same, and it wasn't. Security changed, America became united in ways not seen since after World War II ended, then became sharply divided almost as fast as it was united. Politics became a never ending game more than ever before, with Americans voting in massive numbers more and more almost every election since, but also having a near-constant disdain for the politicians they elected. In the year 2001, America was prosperous, peace was found in most places in the world, Governmental disputes were meager at best and the booming economy and the new wave of technology carried along by the internet seemed to have the world headed in one direction. The other direction was one of surprise and sudden attack, wars, recession, and a baffled American public trying to figure out what had transpired. As George Bush sat back that quiet September night headed to Florida for the dedication of a Presidential Library, the elder statesmen looked deep in thought. Had America been at a crossroads in 2001? Or for that matter, the year 2000? Did he help push it in the right direction? Had his opponent in the year 2000 won, would the Gore era of the 2000s ushered in something better than the deal America had during the Bush era? Did George Bush move America backwards instead of forward? Or had George Bush made decisions that saved countless lives while having the grim reality of sacrificing others?

This was all heavy on George Bush's mind. After all, he was the last living U.S. President to remember what life in America was like in the 1950s, considered idyllic by some and oppressive by others. He became an adult throughout the 1960s, which saw cultural change that was unprecedented. He saw the Presidencies of Ronald Reagan and his father, George Herbert Walker Bush. Both men now etched in American history like carvings in stone, historians judging how they led through their terms as President and how they changed America. Bush 43, as he was known, understands the grasp of history and how his Presidency surpasses his father's in historical significance. Truth be told, by 2036, most Americans who have any memory of Ronald Reagan's Presidency or even Bush 41's for that matter are at the youngest, nearing middle age. George W. Bush was once said to be one of the fittest men ever to occupy the White House, and indeed at 90, George W. Bush still exercises daily and keeps an active routine. His wife Laura still remains the love of his life. His twin daughters, both now in their 50s, successful in their careers and for the most part out of the public eye. An amazing life, thinks George W. Bush. But what impact did he have on the rest of America, or even the world for that matter? With this on his mind, George W. Bush prepares to stand side by side with his four successors the next morning, no doubt, the conversations will be interesting...


TO BE CONTINUED

[Reaganfan]

George Bush and his wife Laura stand inside a room, freshly painted, the glass ceiling allowing the bright Florida sun to shine through. A young man in a suit walks inside the room, and moves to the side, setting the security scene. Behind him walks in a man with white hair, towering over the 43rd President. The man smirks at President Bush, and jolts out a handshake. "George, how wonderful to see you today!"

Never faltering his mellow voice, Rick Santorum's smile and charm helped him in every campaign he ever had. Twice elected by the American people, he ushered in an era of economic recovery, something typically seen under Democratic Administrations. President Santorum is not without the critics, however. Many claim that his predecessor brought on changes that led to the recovery that began in 2014 and brought unemployment down and helped rebuild a nation scarred by economic turmoil. At 76 and widowed, President Santorum is still a force to be reckoned with 15 years after leaving office. He is loathed by liberals throughout America who from the beginning of his National political career ridiculed him. Of course, some 27 years after leaving office, George W. Bush and Santorum have that in common. After all, Santorum and Bush have a close relationship going back to the 2000s.

"Well George, looks like it's one beautiful day for a dedication, isn't it?" Bush smiles. "Yeah, Mr. President, I was telling Laura that when my library was dedicated we had to deal with nice weather but some protesters that weren't so nice." Santorum grins, "Ahh I saw them with their stupid signs when the motorcade pulled up...they're here, too."

President Santorum wasn't joking. During his dedication, George W. Bush had protesters outside the event which also made the evening news. Bush had gotten used to protesters during his Presidency, as had his predecessors. As President Santorum once said during his administration, "It comes with the job."

Bush and Santorum walk outside onto a patio with the searing Florida sun basking them. Both men elders but in good physical shape, both men with strong ties to Florida. For George Bush, the state was critical to his election as President in 2000. Santorum's Florida victory in 2012 also allowed him the Presidency. Bush's mind goes back to another sunny September morning in Florida in 2001 when he learned about the devastating attack on the United States. The then Texas-talkin' tax cutter suddenly found himself thrust into history beyond being "just number 43". Perry also thinks about Florida often, for it to, was a critical part of his electoral success. Suddenly a deep booming voice familiar with nearly every person in the world speaks out, "Hey fellas, how are you!?"

Barack Obama, 75, skinny with gray hair, lights up his thousand watt grin as he shakes hands with Bush and Santorum. Despite bitter campaigning against the policies of both Bush and Santorum, Obama has since become friendly with the two former Presidents over the last 25 years. Barack Obama made history that cannot be taken away by any pundits or critics, as he served as the first African American President in United States history. His wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, greeted by Laura Bush, still strong at Barack Obama's side, considered to be a very influential first lady for the nation during Barack Obama's tenure. Obama has a reason to smile. During his Presidency, he set forth liberal policies that despite Republican predecessors still have impact in 2036, and he helped deliver a crippling blow to terrorism by finishing what George Bush started and killing Osama bin laden, a speech seared into the History Channel video archive sure to be seen for years and years to come. Indeed, Bush's bullhorn speech from New York atop the rubble of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center from 2001 is no doubt to be used in history documentaries in the year 2100 when looking back at the 21st century. Presidents Bush, Obama and Santorum all exchange small talk and kind words, awaiting two more successors.

Of course, one reason why these men continued to talk so kindly to each other were because their campaign days were over. The last time either one was running for President was 20 years ago, and now they sit on the sidelines while the open Presidential Election of 2036 rolls into the final month and a half.

[Reaganfan]

By 2036, the country was riding a wave of happiness. The oldest of Generation X (born 1961 to 1981) were reaching their mid-70s in age, and Generation Y (born 1981 to 1995) was reaching their 40s and 50s. The New Silent Generation, born after the September 11th attacks, into a world of technology and computers from birth, are now making up most of the electorate, many in their 30s, marrying, starting families and helping bring economic successes to the United States. They seem to have the strongest ties with the Silent Generation (born 1925 to 1945), as they were born into a time of war, change, and had to adjust and grow up very quickly.

The Middle East is about as stable as it can be, despite the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Ties between the United States and Israel have never been stronger, and although violence has flared up in the Palestinian territory over the last ten years, no significant attacks have occurred. Indeed, the 9/11-style attacks carried out in the 2000s against the United States and countries in Europe were last seen nearly 20 years ago, and it seems radical Islamic groups are no longer capable of those types of attacks due to overwhelming security put forth under Bush, continued under Obama, and solidified under Santorum.

Big issues in this new campaign include reforming the tax system in America, energy conservation, and competition with China. China is, by 2036, capable of being considered the strongest nation in the World, but no leader of the West would ever openly admit that. Fears are abound of a new technological and economic Cold War with China. The bird flu never came, nor did the "big one" for Los Angeles or the great East Coast tsunami. The polar ice caps didn't melt, and oil drilling is still a wealthy business to be in by 2036. Music changed significantly, by 2030, instrumental tracks were played over the radio. Long guitar solos, indie rock bands, and techno still are heard, although both rap and country music have been on a decline since the 20s. Americans took pride in a 4.5% unemployment rate during the 100th anniversary of the Stock Market Crash of 1929, and the general issues of the 2036 campaign resonate as familiar with George Bush as he thinks back to the year 2000. After all, the 2000 election was not about whether to cut taxes or not, but whether one tax cut would only help the wealthy or not.

The New Silent Generation is more conservative than Generation X, but far more liberal than Generation Y. Indeed, by 2016, President Santorum's vote share was nearly triple the amount of young men than young women. Women tend to be pro-choice, liberal, and more progressive towards social issues, while the men of the new Silent Generation seem to be more reserved, traditional, and conservative. In all, maybe not that much has changed in all these years.

Inside the patio area, President Obama turns around to see a smiling man, 65 years old, walking towards him. "Here's the man we're here to see!" Obama proclaims. Marco Rubio and Barack Obama had common elements that propelled both of them to the Presidency. They embodied charisma, attractive characteristics, youthful exuberance, and both broke barriers. Marco Antonio Rubio served as the 46th President of the United States. An orator unmatched during his tenure in the U.S. Senate, President Rubio's campaign brought the Republican Party the largest increase in Latino voters in it's history, and also the largest Republican Victory since 1988.

Alongside his wife former First Lady Jeanette Rubio, the 46th President looks tanned, confident, and upbeat. At 65 but looking younger, Rubio hardly looks like a man retired and out of the spotlight. Indeed, the energy Marco Rubio brought to his eight year Presidency and the glamour Jeanette Rubio brought to the helm of First Lady, were not seen since the days of John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie. The images of father Rubio, husband Rubio, and most importantly, President Rubio, brought home an image of America's first Hispanic President being one of comfort, confidence, and strength.

Santorum and Rubio shake hands, they look at each other with pride knowing that what they accomplished brought home years of conservative ideas, and conservative action. Perhaps an offset to the policies of Barack Obama's Presidency, or perhaps just a new, conservative path brought upon by the Santorum and Rubio era in America. Rubio has reason to be warm towards the elder Santorum. After all, had Santorum's popularity been low at the time of the election, it is quite likely that Marco Rubio wouldn't have been able to cross the finish line. In an odd twist of fate of history, perhaps, the man whom the world saw as the new President to usher in change and unity, ended up losing to the man who seemed to carry that banner better than his predecessor. Indeed, it was Marco Rubio's leadership that was compared in ways to how Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill would disagree but still get things done for the nation. Of course, as George Bush shakes hands with Rubio and Barack Obama pats the 65 year old former President on the back, they are all thinking the same thing....one more successor to go...and this time it's a doozy.

[Reaganfan]

I typed more, but I had so much more to add that I will post tonight after work. I should note, I'm considering following Election 2036 as well. Comments welcome!

[Reaganfan]

As the motorcade pulls up, the sun reflects off it. Presidents Obama and Santorum make their way down the steps, followed closely behind by Presidents Rubio and Bush. Secret Service agents come up alongside the limousine, and out steps the 47th President of the United States.

Matthew Hamlin was a man of irresistible charm, charisma and style. Exiting his Presidential limousine, the man who had spent eight years defining and changing politics in America seemed unaged, still as youthful and exuberant at 45 years old as he was eight years before. His slicked back blond hair and trademark sunglasses were a part of President Hamlin's adept, polished, albeit often flamboyant look that he carried throughout his Presidency.

Born in Blacksburg, Virginia in 1991, Matthew Ryan Hamlin embodied everything the Democratic Party was looking for in order to reclaim the White House after 16 years of Republican rule. Indeed, the closet Republicans had come to having 16 years in the White House in more recent history had been the period of the 1980s and 1990s with Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Of course, Bush lost the election way back in 1992, ending the hopes of 16 years of GOP rule.

Matt Hamlin's swift election in 2028 brought an end to a Republican Party which had seen progress that was for the most part unchallenged since the beginning of the 2010s. Of course, the Democratic Party was growing in strength by the mid-20s, and after eight years of Marco Rubio, whose charisma and style of his own began to wear on the American public, Hamlin represented a new, younger generation of Americans born in the late 2000s and 2010s who were just for the first time able to vote.

Hamlin had been elected Governor of Virginia at the age of 31, and pundits quickly labeled him a "rising star" of the Democratic Party. Indeed, when he finished his four year term as Governor in 2026, he was at the ripe age of 35, just barely old enough to seek the office of President. He spent the following two years campaigning hard for Democrats and visiting key election states, eventually becoming the frontrunner for the Democratic Nomination. In general, Hamlin went from rockstar to frontrunner to nominee to President. The Rubio Administration was beginning to tire the American electorate. Many voters in their 40s had been in their early 20s the last time a Democrat was President, and some of their children began to vote for the first time in 2028, which only helped thrust Matt Hamlin even further to victory. Pundits saw the victory of Hamlin, and his running mate, Senator Brad Lawton of New Jersey (the first Jewish American Vice President), as a new era in American Politics. Indeed, it was a new era. The Hamlin/Lawton administration did best it could to repeal many policies that had been enacted under the Santorum and Rubio administrations.

Re-elected easily four years ago, the open 2036 election was hot on every one of the President's minds. After all, each man had their own opinions on the candidates and campaign, which currently show a dead heat between the two nominees.

[Reaganfan]

Obama shakes hands with Hamlin, smiling and being courteous. President Obama's political career had ended on a low note, following his re-election defeat. Indeed, he had been the first President to lose re-election since George Bush's father in 1992, and it was said that the 41st President actually called President Obama following his defeat and had a long phone conversation with him, clearly discussing the pain that comes with defeat. Barack Obama has an improved relationship with both Bush and Santorum, but clearly holds some ill will. After all, deep down Obama believes he inherited the recession from George Bush that cost him re-election some 20+ years ago. You'll never hear that coming from the mouth of President Santorum, however. During his campaign he was unrelenting on criticizing Obama's spending policies as deepening the double dip recession of 2012, and touting his record as Senator from Pennsylvania, successfully pushed a narrow majority of Americans into his category. Perhaps sobering of all for Barack Obama was the fact that despite his best tries, he could never reclaim the majesty of his epic 2008 campaign, which brought him a widespread and historic victory.

Barack Obama and George Bush's father had many parallels. Both were seen as very legislative Presidents, both had a major foreign policy achievement during their third year in office, and both loss to a Southern Governor due to an economic recession. Although he would never state so in public, Former President Obama believes his policies that he enacted during his term helped the recovery, which President Santorum trumpeted as his own accomplishment. Indeed, the relative prosperity by 2016 allowed President Santorum a somewhat easy and uneventful re-election.

President Hamlin was different, however. He was much more of a "Teflon" President than Obama had been. Unlike his Democratic predecessor, he would call out those who criticized him, often in vicious, Agnew-like form. However, the majority of Americans tended to side with the President, thus allowing his appeal and charm to win over not only those on Capitol Hill in Washington, but those critical independent voters in swing states. Even today, the battle for the White House remains trying to court undecided voters. Many who voted for President Hamlin in 2028 and 2032 voted for President Rubio as well, so they are open to the idea of voting for a candidate from either party.

MORE LATER

[Reaganfan]

Enter the 2036 Democratic Nominee for President: Senator Manny Delgado of New Mexico. At only 40 years of age, Senator Delgado is trying to win over younger voters as well as Hispanics and trying to recapture the youthful pageantry that helped propel Matt Hamlin to the White House eight years ago. Alongside his wife Julia and their two small children, Senator Delgado is also hoping to win over Hispanics the same way President Rubio did 16 years ago, by trying to relate. This comes at a cost, however.

Republicans mock Delgado by showing the facts about the homes he owns. He owns a mansion outside Santa Fe, a home in Alexandria, Virginia and a summer home in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Republicans ask Hispanics how can Senator Delgado truly relate to a middle class Hispanic household when he himself owns three homes, one of which is a summer home, the other a mansion. Delgado tries to push it aside, focusing on key states and voting groups. With less than two months until Election Day, Senator Delgado is hoping that he can bridge the gap and win over voters in the swing states of Arizona, Colorado and Florida. Delgado chose New Hampshire Senator Cindy Tenish as his running mate. The 50 year old mother of three is known as a fierce liberal, and as Delgado moves to the center, she is trying to keep the liberal Democratic base fired up. Manny Delgado also hopes to attract a large amount of the female vote, also crucial to President Hamlin's victories.

[Reaganfan]

Now enter the 2036 Republican Nominee for President: Governor Nathan Coolidge of Pennsylvania. Only four years older than Delgado, the 44 year old Coolidge is hoping to carry his message of smaller Government, lower taxes and conservative social values to victory in November.

Twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania, he enjoys high popularity in the state, and Delgado's campaign has begun allocating resources to other states and away from Pennsylvania, considered a "safe" Republican state. Indeed, in the last 25 years, the Southwest has trended very heavily Democratic, while the Rust Belt has trended to the right. Coolidge hopes that by taking Pennsylvania, Ohio Texas (where Delgado is spending a good amount of resources courting the Hispanic vote) as well as Florida, that he can put together the electoral votes needed for victory.

Governor Coolidge selected Senator Tom Burton of Florida as his running mate, surely with taking the state of Florida in November in his mind. Burton, a 55 year old solid conservative and very popular in the state, hopes to bring Florida into the Coolidge column. The Coolidge/Burton ticket has led in polls most of the Summer, although the Delgado/Tenish ticket has gained lost ground in the past several weeks. President Hamlin's approval rating stands at 45% in the latest polls, and the general election polls vary. One poll shows a 46-46 race, the other a 48-46 lead for Coolidge, the other a 45-45 race.

Coolidge hopes that by taking Pennsylvania and Ohio (which has trended right the last decade) and then grabbing Florida and Texas and a smattering of the swing states, he can get to the White House.

[Reaganfan]

Hackery to the max.

The President is a successful two term Democrat and the race is even. How is this hackery?

[Reaganfan]

Well I had an idea. Allowing the readers on the forum to "elect" the next President....

[Reaganfan]

"and under the leadership of Marco Rubio, prosperity continued to reign in America during the roaring twenties." President Bush proclaimed this to a great deal of applause at the Rubio Presidential Library Dedication. As President Bush sits down at the Rubio dedication, President Hamlin is deep in thought. Not about the Marco Rubio Presidential Library, but about the current Presidential campaign. Hamlin has spent the summer months campaigning hard for Senator Manny Delgado, but strongly disagrees with his choice of Senator Cindy Tenish as his running mate. Hamlin, although candid on his opinion, favored Governor George Venson of Missouri. Venson had strong support during the Iowa caucuses, which was offset by Delgado's victories in other primary states, thus allowing him to gain the nomination. Deep down, Matt Hamlin saw George Venson as his heir apparent.

All of this comes at a price for Matt Hamlin, though. If Manny Delgado wins the election, Delgado will be inheriting a Washington deeply affected by the eight years of Hamlin's Presidency, one where liberal policies were initiated, and Hamlin fears that Delgado may stray away from the extreme liberal policies in order to offset negative political effects. However, if Nathan Coolidge wins the White House, all of Hamlin's efforts the last eight years will come to an end. Hamlin himself fears that a Coolidge Administration will do to his policies what the Bush Administration did after eight years of Bill Clinton. In this regard, Matt Hamlin is banking hard on a Delgado Presidency.

President Rubio looks up at the sunny Florida sky, aware that in 24 hours, he will be attending a rally with Governor Coolidge. Rubio has been painstakingly campaigning for the Coolidge/Burton ticket over the Summer, hoping to carry Florida, which President Hamlin won by seven points four years ago. Like most politicos, Rubio knows Delgado's Hispanic support in Florida and the Southwest jeopardizes Coolidge's chances at the Presidency. Indeed, the current electoral map even shows Texas as a close state, although it is still expected to break for Coolidge. Rubio himself won the Presidency 16 years ago by taking Florida, and much of the southwest. Hispanic turnout was at an all-time high for Republicans and he fears Delgado may be better positioned to win than the pundits give him credit for.

[Reaganfan]

As Marco Rubio sits and listens to his predecessors and successors speak fondly of him, he recalls Election Night 2020. After eight years of a Republican President, the Democratic Party had the edge. Indeed, President Santorum was popular but not overwhelmingly so, and the Democratic Campaign had been a thrilling roller coaster for America. Rubio won his home state of Florida, as well as Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada and thus won the Presidency. Amazingly, he won without carrying the state of Ohio, the first for a Republican President. He also lost Virginia, although it had been trending towards him in the final days of the campaign.

Marco Rubio defeated New York Governor Andrew Cuomo 271 electoral votes to Cuomo's 267. In the end, Rubio won the popular vote by just over 700,000 nationally. In general, Republicans felt as though Rubio's victory was much smaller than anticipated, and contribute that to eight years of the Perry Presidency and the general popularity of both Rubio and Cuomo. Of course now Former President Rubio is stumping hard for the Coolidge/Burton ticket, especially in Florida where polls are neck and neck.

Barack Obama smiles as the Florida sun glares over the 44th President. At 75, Barack Obama is fit, in shape, and enjoying retirement. Of course, retirement came early for the nation's first African American President. Barack Obama once said he would rather be a good one term President than a mediocre two-term President. In the end, his policies and killing Osama bin laden are seen as President Obama's greatest accomplishments. Although he never got in the race, the idea floated around of a rematch in 2016 against President Santorum. Barack Obama knew that this would require another grueling primary campaign against Hillary Clinton, and at the time, President Santorum's approval ratings were near 60% and Obama felt as though he might end up losing to Santorum again if he ran.

Indeed, in 2018 the then-57 year old Obama flirted with the idea of running in the 2020 election, but he knew Marco Rubio would be a very strong contender. The 2012 election was depressing for Barack Obama and his supporters. 18 months prior, Barack Obama told the world that he authorized a mission that killed the mastermind of the deadly 9/11 attacks. Despite this, his approval ratings barely ticked up before falling again. The fall didn't stop until 2012 and by then, it was too late. Bad news on the economic front inside America and worldwide only created a sense of malaise that resonated within the White House itself. For many liberal supporters, Obama had not been liberal enough or aggressive enough during his Presidency, and indeed, the magic of his 2008 campaign disappeared in 2012, and youth turnout and black voters were not out in the same numbers they had been four years before.

Obama tried different tactics against Rick Santorum during the campaign. He tried to identify Santorum as George W. Bush, but by 2012, the nation cared more about the economy at the present than who had been President four years before. Santorum touted his record and conservative credentials, and evangelical support swelled, especially in the South and Midwest, contributing to Obama's loss in the electoral vote. But in general, Barack Obama likes to look at the glass half full and admits that while 2012 hurt him badly, he sees his Presidency being judged on the positives. Indeed, more Americans in 2012 voted for Barack Obama than Rick Santorum even though Santorum won the White House.

[Reaganfan]

Rick Santorum never expected to be President of the United States. In January 2011, he figured his run would go overlooked and get him nowhere. Two years later, he was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. Serving as Senator from Pennsylvania, Santorum soared in primary polls and captured the Republican nomination in 2012, and became the alternative to the weakened Barack Obama. Capturing some undecideds, rallying the Republican base, and receiving more evangelical voters across the country than any Presidential candidate in history, Santorum won the election and unseated a President for the first time since 1992.

Santorum knew that Presidents who had defeated battered incumbents included Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan. Each of those men had a generally strong lasting legacy in American History, and Rick Santorum was determined to try and capture that. Indeed, he was loathed by the left-wing establishment in America. His strong Christian Conservatism seemed like a played-up version of George W. Bush, and this caused a great deal of anxiety in the Democratic Party. They quickly flocked to 2016 frontrunners to try and unseat the President. During the 2015 Iranian Conflict, President Santorum's popularity shot-up by 15 points. Suddenly, Democrats found it difficult to attack Santorum with his strength showing up on the foreign policy front. So they switched to economic issues, but by 2016, the economy, while still weakened, was much stronger than it had been prior to Santorum's election to the Presidency.

Democrats had a slew of possible candidates. Some wondered if Former Vice President Joe Biden would make a run for the job. He declined. Some were curious as to whether or not the vanquished 44th President Barack Obama would try for a rematch against Rick Santorum. He did not. However, with her adamantly determined passion to be President, Hillary Clinton won the nomination and at 73 years old went toe to toe with President Santorum. Santorum won re-election, although the gender gap was the greatest seen in American politics. The running joke in the election was that if you were a woman, you were voting for Hillary Clinton. If you were a man, you were voting for President Santorum. Indeed, the 2016 Presidential campaign became a race between two different visions of the future. Either you were voting for "Hillary" or "the President". The election loss for Hillary Clinton ended her nearly 25 years in the national spotlight, and solidified Rick Santorum as a two-term President, the first since George Walker Bush.

[Reaganfan]

How bad was 2016 for Hillary?

It wasn't as close as President Santorum's first election. By the way, using projections for future electoral votes, that is how I come up with the numbers for the elections in the 2020s and 2030s.

[Reaganfan]

September 26, 2036.

Good evening, live from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, I'm David Gregory of NBC News and I welcome you to the first Presidential Debate sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates between the Democratic Nominee, Senator Manny Delgado of New Mexico and the Republican Nominee, Governor Nathan Coolidge of Pennsylvania. Direct exchanges between the candidates and moderator follow-ups are permitted after each candidate has two minutes to answer the lead question in an order determined by a coin toss.

The audience here has agreed to remain silent except for now, as we introduce Senator Delgado and Governor Coolidge.

(AUDIENCE APPLAUSE)


(D-NM) Senator Manny Delgado (left) and (R-PA) Governor Nathan Coolidge

The first question was determined by the flip of a coin and goes to Governor Coolidge. Governor, you have campaigned strongly against the policies of President Hamlin. However, over the last eight years, America has seen relatively low unemployment and general economic prosperity. Is criticizing the President a valid argument?

Well, first I want to thank you David and Florida State University for hosting the debate here tonight. I also want to thank Senator Delgado for participating in this discussion tonight. I have criticized the liberal policies put forth by President Hamlin and the effect they have had on this country. Whether it be the Federal Aid act that allocates tasks from state governments to the federal government, or the tax hike that middle class Americans have had to endure during his Presidency, especially the last two years, President Hamlin's policies have had an impact on America that I find to be disheartening. I strongly feel that Senator Delgado and Senator Tenish will continue policies similar to that of President Hamlin and that will increase burdens on middle class families working hard to find and hold jobs and take care of their households. It will be the job of my administration to put forward a new approach, and a new, strong conservative agenda in the White House and for America. An agenda that will help lead to the United States once again reclaiming economic ground in the world, and an agenda that will strengthen our military, restore our values and increase prosperity for all Americans.

Senator Delgado?

Well thank you David and FSU, thank you Governor Coolidge. I want to begin tonight by offering a promise to America. If I am elected President, I will lower the rhetoric, lower the sense of urgency, and lower the partisanship in Washington, D.C. Now, many will naturally assume this is just a politician giving a standard talking point, but on the contrary, I'm running on results. I've been a Senator for six years. In those six years I have voted on issues facing our country and I have always kept the cares and needs and concerns of my fellow citizens close to my heart while casting my judgment on what I felt was necessary and right for the American people. I was born in Hurley, New Mexico on a hot summer night in 1996. My mother worked as a cashier, my father a truck driver. I saw as I grew up my parents struggle to help make ends meet. I saw my parents work tirelessly to make sure my two sisters and I grew up with a good education. I can say now, at 40 years of age, I have lived the American dream. The fact that I was born in a small town in New Mexico with the hopes and dreams of every young child in America, and that I now stand as a Senator representing the people of that state is the greatest honor of my life. So let's forget about that rhetoric, and let's get down to the truth. I understand the needs the American people have, and should I become President of the United States, I will work tirelessly to assure that all children born in this great country also have a shot at that American dream.

[Reaganfan]

Update coming soon

[Reaganfan]

The election was as tight as ever. By Halloween, Delgato and Coolidge were literally tied at 46-46 in national polls. States like New Mexico and Arizona were strong for Delgado, while Coolidge had strengths in areas like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The swing states included Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, and especially the state of Florida, considered crutial to victory for both campaigns. The Coolidge/Burton campaign hopes that with Florida being Senator Burton's homestate, that will help propel them to victory. However, the Delgado/Tenish campaign is hoping for strong Latino turnout, similar to what swept President Rubio into office.

Election Night goes mostly as planned. Coolidge quickly wins everything from Indiana to Virginia to Georgia to Ohio. His homestate of Pennsylvania and the swing state of Michigan also go into his column. He knows, however, that Delgado's strengths are in the Southwest. Delgado wins the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada as soon as the polls close.

By 3am, the electoral map shows only three states remaining too close to call. Montana, Iowa and Florida.

Coolidge has a modest electoral vote lead, but Florida will put one of them over the top.

As he watches from his Texas home, Former President George W. Bush calls out, "Hey Laura...come get a load of this..."

[Reaganfan]

For Nathan Coolidge, this moment is as somber as ever. His wife Emily, a stunningly beautiful brunette, sits at his side. He can recall just 20 years ago meeting her in college, and the journey they have taken together has been as he once described, "Magical". After being unable to conceive for five years, Emily gave birth to twins. A boy named Mitch and a girl named Hope.

Now only five years old, both the twins have become a source of entertainment during the campaign, especially for the press pool surrounding Governor Coolidge. As he sits in the Governor's Mansion in Harrisburg, he watches the popular vote count. He leads by less than 500,000 votes. He can't believe how close the race is.

Neither can Senator Delgado, at a hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His wife Julia, whom he met just seven years ago, sits on a couch watching returns. His two daughters Grace and Paulina play nearby, both ages 4 and 6 respectively. At 40 years of age, Delgado wouldn't be the youngest President, as that honor was bestowed upon incumbent President Matt Hamlin. Nonetheless, Delgado was young enough and still enough of a force within the United States Senate that, if he were to lose, a re-match against Coolidge in 2040 would certainly be a strong possibility.

His advisers pull him aside. He asks them to be candid with him. They tell him their opinions. "If Coolidge takes Florida, we're toast. Period." Another disagrees, "If that's the case, we just go to court." Delgado is adamantly opposed to the idea. His one adviser agrees, "Look, Senator, way back in the year 2000 we had a similar situation in Florida. Remember what happened to Al Gore?" Delgado laughs. "I was four years old, Tom."

[Reaganfan]

For Nathan Coolidge, this moment is as somber as ever. His wife Emily, a stunningly beautiful brunette, sits at his side. He can recall just 20 years ago meeting her in college, and the journey they have taken together has been as he once described, "Magical". After being unable to conceive for five years, Emily gave birth to twins. A boy named Mitch and a girl named Hope.

Now only five years old, both the twins have become a source of entertainment during the campaign, especially for the press pool surrounding Governor Coolidge. As he sits in the Governor's Mansion in Harrisburg, he watches the popular vote count. He leads by less than 500,000 votes. He can't believe how close the race is.

Neither can Senator Delgado, at a hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His wife Julia, whom he met just seven years ago, sits on a couch watching returns. His two daughters Grace and Paulina play nearby, both ages 4 and 6 respectively. At 40 years of age, Delgado wouldn't be the youngest President, as that honor was bestowed upon incumbent President Matt Hamlin. Nonetheless, Delgado was young enough and still enough of a force within the United States Senate that, if he were to lose, a re-match against Coolidge in 2040 would certainly be a strong possibility.

His advisers pull him aside. He asks them to be candid with him. They tell him their opinions. "If Coolidge takes Florida, we're toast. Period." Another disagrees, "If that's the case, we just go to court." Delgado is adamantly opposed to the idea. His one adviser agrees, "Look, Senator, way back in the year 2000 we had a similar situation in Florida. Remember what happened to Al Gore?" Delgado laughs. "I was four years old, Tom."

Sounds great.  Not to be a broken record, but, as they're likely dead, what happened to Carter, Bush I, and Slick Willy?

What do you expect? LOL

[Reaganfan]

Lol at Naso editing Perry out and replacing him with Santorum.

I guess he'll replace Rick with President Romney soon.

Zip it, Hank.