The Brothers Corleone - a Godfather Timeline
       |           

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?
March 28, 2024, 12:08:32 PM
News: Election Simulator 2.0 Released. Senate/Gubernatorial maps, proportional electoral votes, and more - Read more

  Talk Elections
  Presidential Elections - Analysis and Discussion
  Election What-ifs?
  Alternative Elections (Moderator: Dereich)
  The Brothers Corleone - a Godfather Timeline
« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2
Author Topic: The Brothers Corleone - a Godfather Timeline  (Read 10269 times)
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« on: February 19, 2012, 09:23:58 PM »
« edited: February 29, 2012, 12:46:29 AM by Jerseyrules »

Well, guys, since I've completed my other TL, here's a new one!  It's based on the Godfather, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this fan history!

1950:
Michael Corleone returns to New York, to find that his brother and the new Don of the Corleone crime family, Sonny, has been assassinated.  His other brother, Fredo, has taken his place, and murdered the men responsible.  Michael is encouraged by his aging father and brother to enter politics, which has long been a dream of his.  He decides to run for governor in 1954 as a Republican.

1951:
Michael marries his old girlfriend, Kay, his second bride.  They are a happy couple, and have their first child together shortly afterwards, the first of six.  They name him Anthony.

1953:
Kay Corleone gives birth to her second child, Mary Corleone.  She and Michael lay the groundwork for a campaign, shaking hands, kissing babies, and stumping across the state.  Michael vows to end corruption, which he privately believes in as well, though his brother hopes otherwise.  Fredo is transferred full control over the Corleone family, while Vito goes into semi-retirement.  Fredo begins to focus his efforts on expanding operations, creating a foothold in Chicago, Vegas, Boston, and Florida and buying off famed singer Frank Sonatra.

1954:
Governor Thomas Dewey announces his retirement from politics, leaving the GOP primary wide open.  Michael seizes the new power vacuum and begins a blitzkrieg across the state, promising tax cuts, reform, and government efficiency.  He will win the GOP primary easily, and turns his focus to the Democratic nominee, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr.  The star power and name of the Roosevelt's is remembered fondly by New Yorkers, however heavy campaigning by John F. Kennedy, Sonatra, and President Eisenhower keep the battle between the two war heroes very competitive.

11-2-1954:
Michael Corleone defeats Roosevelt in a landslide, 56-42.  Although the results are astonishing, they are not reflective of reality; the buying-off of officials, ballot-stuffing, and thuggish tactics employed by Fredo carry the day for young Michael; at 34 years old, he is easily the youngest governor New York has elected in quite some time.  He quickly becomes a rising star in the state and national GOP.

1955:
Governor Corleone is sworn in at the Capitol in Albany.  In his inaugural address, he promises an agenda including a decrease in taxation, spending, and curbing union power, special interests, and crime.  Later that year, he spends some of his political capital getting the New York Congressmen and Senators in line to ensure the successful promotion of General Douglas MacArthur to the rank of General of the Armies, making him a "6-star general."

General of the Armies Douglas MacArthur

                                        

Logged
FEMA Camp Administrator
Cathcon
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 27,284
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2012, 09:30:36 PM »

I'll be watching this...
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2012, 09:32:56 PM »


Thanks, I just saw the movies and felt like doing something with it
Logged
FEMA Camp Administrator
Cathcon
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 27,284
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2012, 09:42:42 PM »


Thanks, I just saw the movies and felt like doing something with it

I'm gonna have to see those again. Been a long time and I wasn't able to appreciate them when I saw 1-3 all the way through as I was one I more recently saw part of 1.

Anyway, I should think the Corleones would be more inclined towards the Democrats. Regardless of policy ideas, they are white ethnic Catholics in New York City and the Dems tend to have the shadier type of people with them in urban machines anyway. Will this start as merely a chance for the Corleones to gain more power and evolve from there, or is this purely an ideological thing?
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2012, 09:48:02 PM »
« Edited: February 28, 2012, 08:02:50 PM by Jerseyrules »


Thanks, I just saw the movies and felt like doing something with it

I'm gonna have to see those again. Been a long time and I wasn't able to appreciate them when I saw 1-3 all the way through as I was one I more recently saw part of 1.

Anyway, I should think the Corleones would be more inclined towards the Democrats. Regardless of policy ideas, they are white ethnic Catholics in New York City and the Dems tend to have the shadier type of people with them in urban machines anyway. Will this start as merely a chance for the Corleones to gain more power and evolve from there, or is this purely an ideological thing?

He pulled a Bloomberg; Roosevelt's star power convinced him he had a better chance in the GOP primary, and he was a military vet, who are 80% republican.  Plus the Corleones are not very political to begin with, so I see it going either way.  Also, from 2, he heard of a workers strike for higher wages: "What, they're trying to pull that commie crap here?  I'll f^**kin show 'em!".  And yes, the reason for the Corleones' strong backing of Michael was their belief he would be easy to control, though he clearly has other plans.  And I would strongly recommend watching them again; I'm in the middle of the third one now.  And for the record, I'm a white Italian-German Roman Catholic, and I turned out alright Wink
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2012, 01:47:50 AM »
« Edited: February 26, 2012, 02:31:57 AM by Jerseyrules »

1956:
Fredo Corleone succeeds in assassinating the leaders of the Five Families and the Chicago Outfit, planting a bomb during a Comission meeting in Albany, thus consolidating his power.  He was warned by Michael not to do anything so ambitious, though with expanded operations in Vegas, Las Angeles, and San Francisco, the future of the Corleone family has never looked brighter.  Michael begins to send out lawyers to hunt for evidence that may incriminate his brother, and he has been largely successful at cleaning up petty crime, especially in the city.

1957:
Governor Corleone swings through New York City to campaign for Republican candidate John Marchi, a little-known state senator.  Against Michael's wishes, Fredo begins to "pull some strings" around town, and throws a lot of money at Marchi as a private donor.  Michael orders FBI to bug his brother's office as he works on the campaign.  Governor Corleone continues to make speeches, tirelessly on the stump for Marchi, and in the end, after shepherding him through the primary (and Fredo "clearing the field" for him), he prevails over incumbent Mayor Wagner by a razor-thin .6% margin of victory.

1958:
With Governor Corleone tirelessly traversing the state, the New York GOP makes inroads in the state legislature, as well as picking up a handful of federal-level House seats.  Michael is re-elected with 62% of the vote in a fairly Demcratic year, with a recession and a hunger for change, although the Conservative Coalition, (led by Governor-elect William Knowland (who was given heavy support from all Corleones), Governor Corleone, and Senators Thurmond and Byrd on the other side of he aisle), will retain a firm grip on the reigns.  Meanwhile, Don Fredo Corleone "knocks off a few rebels in Havana"; he detonates a car bomb which kills all inside, including Soviet-backed revolutionary Fidel Castro.  Although Fidel lives, his brother, Raul, still lives, and becomes the driving force behind a peaceful, pro-classical liberal movement, called the Pink Guard, as many socialists also join the fold.  However, the pro-revolution faction of Cuba has died with Fidel Castro...

1959:
Vice President Nixon is assassinated by "Soviet spies", who were given some "assistance" by the Corleone family (firmly behind Kennedy, who, although a Democrat, was much more open to the "family business".).  This prompts a constitutional amendment, to be ratified quickly, which allows the President to appoint a Vice President in the event of a vacancy in the office.  Meanwhile, Kay gives birth to the third Corleone child, a girl, named Sarah.  She, like her brother, seeks to follow in her father's footsteps as a legitimate politician.

1960:
Governor William Knowland of California is nominated for president by the Republican Party, and selects Senator Barry Goldwater as his running mate; his first choice was Governor Corleone, who turned him down.  Meanwhile, the Democrats nominate Kennedy for President and Hubert Humphrey for Vice President.  Governor Corleone is collecting evidence against his brother, and putting the finishing touches on a possible prosecution trial.  Fredo has ignored Michael's pleas to legitimize the business, instead expanding operations into Cuba, Sicily, and Hawaii (travel).  Privately, Corleone was in favor of Kennedy, who he believed was more consistent and anti-communist than Knowland, whom he believed was too old for the top job.  Kennedy narrowly defeats Knowland on election night, but you have not heard the last of William Knowland, or Goldwater....  Meanwhile, the GOP makes big gains in the House, and some small gains in the senate.

Governor Knowland campaigns in Texas



John F. Kennedy / Hubert H. Humphrey (D): 48.9% PV; 275 EV
William F. Knowland / Barry M. Goldwater (R): 48.8% PV; 254 EV
Unpledged electors: 0.3% PV; 8 EV
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2012, 02:27:47 AM »

And yes, Batista is still in charge in Cuba, with heavy U.S. support.
Logged
FEMA Camp Administrator
Cathcon
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 27,284
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2012, 11:33:15 AM »

Is Michael actively working behind the scenes against his brother?
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2012, 01:11:51 PM »
« Edited: February 26, 2012, 01:33:13 PM by Jerseyrules »

Is Michael actively working behind the scenes against his brother?

Perhaps Wink.  More to come.
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2012, 04:05:40 PM »
« Edited: February 26, 2012, 04:15:00 PM by Jerseyrules »

1961:
Operations in Cuba were great.  President Batista was giving organized crime a free ride, and the Corleones kept most petty criminals at bay.  Miami was even better, with drug money pouring in with shipments from their footholds in South and Central America.  Times were never so great for the Corleone Family, and yet....  Fredo was resentful of his brother's life, despite the fact that he had acquired all the money he could ever have wanted.  The death of his father (of a heart attack, while playing in the yard with young Vincente and even younger Michael Junior) hastens his decision to seek a successor.  He believes that Vincente will make a good successor, and begins to groom him for the job, despite the fact that he is the bastard son of his elder brother.  Meanhwhile, the Attorney General, Robert Kennedy, pledges to crack down on organized crime, and begins to target the Corleones specifically (with express permission from Michael, and perhaps even a little bit of help from the inside...)

1962:
Michael is easily re-elected as Governor of New York, receiving the nominations of both parties (New York Democrats wanted to spend their time on unseating Senator Javits, and would have succeeded had they nominated someone without the damaged record of Franklin Roosevelt Jr.  The Corleone crime family also has maintained a firm hold on Tammany Hall dating back to Prohibition, part of the reason why Michael wanted to run as a Republican.  Michael has succeeded in getting his brother to stop violence, and with Fredo's iron rule of gang activity, crime is at an all-time low in the state and in New York City.  Michael begins to focus his attention on national politics, and his tireless cross-country barnstorming for the GOP has helped them to gain 4 senate seats and 30 house seats in the midterms, and a handful of governorships as well, in addition to the reelection of many incumbent GOP governors, including Scranton and Knowland.

1963:
Michael begins to get calls from Republican Elders attempting to recruit him for the nomination in 1964, but Michael firmly maintains his endorsement of Barry Goldwater, and disavows any interest in the GOP nomination next year.  He begins to traverse the country campaigning for Goldwater in critical states like New Hampshire, California, and Florida.  Surprisingly, William Knowland announces his own campaign for the presidency, saying "if I was an inch away from victory last time, why can't I win four years later, after America has gotten a taste of old Johnny."  Many conservatives in the GOP are agitated by this, and liberal Republicans see an opening; Congressman Nelson Rockefeller of New York convinces Senator Jacob Javits (who won reelection the year before), to announce his campingn for president.  Javits will be the party's liberal candidate, and the moderate wing unites behind him, much to Michael's disdain.  Meanwhile, Fredo begins to expand the Corleone holdings in corporations, business, and real estate, including a 20% stake in Pan Am, a big boost for the company.  All the while, the Attorney General continues building his case against the young mobster, with some help from a certain Governor...

1964:
Michael visits the Corleone Compound in Sicily, which he inherited from his father.  It is a beautiful estate, spanning dozens of acres, and boasting a classic Italian villa.  Kay loves Sicily, and looks forward to spending more time there.  While in Italy, she gives birth to their fifth child, a girl they name Connie, after Michael's sister.  Back in America, Fredo finally comes under trial by the American government for several counts of murder, arson, organized crime, racketeering, embezzlement, bribery, insider trading and more.  He defends himself as an innocent businessman, but there is little doubt by the jury.  He is sentenced to death by the court.  However, before his execution, he escapes prison, fleeing to the Corleone Compound in Miami.  Governor Corleone dispatches FBI agents, authorizing the use of CIA as well.  Fredo holds a shootout with the police and agents, and he is nearly detained when he lobs a grenade into the stairwell while he takes cover in his office.  Governor Corleone orders his execution, saying "Get him.  Whatever means necessary."  Fredo is found dead in his office, rosary in hand.  He never finished saying his last "Hail Mary."


Governor Corleone after ordering his brother's execution.

In the political ring, Jacob Javits narrowly clinches the Republican nomination despite a rousing speech for Goldwater by actor and senatorial candidate Ronald Reagan.  Javits will pick William Scranton of Pennsylvania as his running mate.  The Democrats will renominate President Kennedy, despite a primary challenge by Virginia Senator Harry F. Byrd.  Corleone begrudgingly supports Kennedy's reelection.  Kennedy will narrowly win reelection, despite an energetic campaign by Javits and large inroads made by Republicans in Congressional elections, including the victory of Ronald Reagan in California.



John F. Kennedy / Hubert H. Humphrey (D): 49.2% PV; 276 EV
Jacob K. Javits / William W. Scranton (R): 48.3% PV; 245 EV
Unpledged electors: 0.4% PV; 17 EV
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2012, 04:15:23 PM »

What do you guys think so far?
Logged
FEMA Camp Administrator
Cathcon
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 27,284
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2012, 06:33:58 PM »

FYI: I've added this, 1960, Drink too Much, and Grand Old Whig to the Timeline Index at the top of the Election What-ifs? page. If there are any others that you've done, or you'd like the links for any versions on alternatehistory.com put up, you need but ask.
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #12 on: February 27, 2012, 01:22:11 AM »
« Edited: February 27, 2012, 01:25:46 AM by Jerseyrules »

FYI: I've added this, 1960, Drink too Much, and Grand Old Whig to the Timeline Index at the top of the Election What-ifs? page. If there are any others that you've done, or you'd like the links for any versions on alternatehistory.com put up, you need but ask.

Thanks Cathcon! Smiley

Could you add Miracle in Iowa?  Thanks:

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=146386.0
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #13 on: February 27, 2012, 08:16:19 PM »

1965:
Governor Corleone and his wife, Kay, visit red China on a trade mission.  While there, they fall in love with a Chinese baby girl, Mei Ling, and decide to adopt her.  When asked by a reporter if this was a political move, Michael responded "bite my chinck-adopting ass.  We love this girl, and if you think otherwise, you're a stupid prick."  As usual, the governor's straight-talking nature is relished by Americans, who are always interested in what he has to say.  His popularity among Americans is clear, and according to Gallup, 61% of New Yorkers approve of the job he is doing, and 59% of Americans hold a positive view of "America's Governor."

1966:
Governor Corleone charges through America, crusading with the GOP banner being hoisted above dozens of new Congressional and Senate seats, some of which have not been held by Republicans in decades.  The Republicans gain over 50 seats in the house and five in the senate, enough to take back both houses for the first time since 1954.  There are also some new GOP governors, including Senator Ronald Reagan in California, who succeeds outgoing Governor William Knowland.  Meanwhile, Michael Corleone is clearly the frontrunner going into the 1968 election.  He himself coasts to re-election to a fourth consecutive term, something not accomplished by any New York governor since George Clinton.  He declairs his candidacy for president shortly afterwards, and is promptly endorsed by Governors Knowland and Reagan, as well as Senator Goldwater.

1967:
Logged
FEMA Camp Administrator
Cathcon
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 27,284
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #14 on: February 27, 2012, 08:42:05 PM »

What's happened to Nelson Rockefeller's career? Maybe Secretary of State after Dulles' death & then some run for Senate? He's limited in his options as Republicans hold both Senate seats & the Governorship are held by Republicans. Maybe some ambassadorship in the Kennedy Administration?
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #15 on: February 27, 2012, 08:42:54 PM »

What's happened to Nelson Rockefeller's career? Maybe Secretary of State after Dulles' death & then some run for Senate? He's limited in his options as Republicans hold both Senate seats & the Governorship are held by Republicans. Maybe some ambassadorship in the Kennedy Administration?

He's a representative, currently in his seventh term as of 1967
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #16 on: March 01, 2012, 12:15:07 AM »
« Edited: March 10, 2012, 02:02:56 PM by Jerseyrules »

1967:
Michael continues to lay the groundwork for a national campaign, lining up delegations across the south, endorsements from party bigwigs, including Governors Knowland, Reagan, Connally (a Democrat), Senators Hatfield (who supports his social libertarianism and progressivism on Civil Rights), Goldwater, Bush, Tower, and more.  He leaves much of the campaigning to surrogates, who will crisscross the nation carrying the Corleone banner.  Meanwhile, Vice President Humphrey is clearly the Democratic frontrunner, despite a strong primary challenge from Senators Harry F. Byrd, Jr. of Virginia and Strom Thurmond of South Carolina.  Meanwhile, President Kennedy continues his battles with the Congress, with Republican majorities and even stronger conservative supermajorities.  Governor Corleone finishes dismantling the last of the Corleone crime family, rubbing out the last remnants of insurgent organized crime elements throughout New York, working closely with Massachusetts Governor Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. and New Jersey Governor Richard Hughes.

1968:
Vice President Humphrey locks up the nomination after three ballots and a failed "Stop Humphrey" movement after neither Byrd nor Thurmond would withdraw their candidacies.  Governor Corleone wins the GOP nomination easily, his only major challenger being Michigan Governor George Romney, who destroyed himself because he was given a mouth which was a locked-and-loaded gaffe machine, self-destructing on the issue of Vietnam.  He receives the party nomination on the first ballot, winning over 700 delegates of 1000.  Corleone pledges to cut spending, taxes, and government regulation, saying "While the Kennedy administration has been no pushover on Vietnam and has cut taxes greatly, there is still more to be done.  All cards are on the table.  We must consider resuming bombing in Vietnam if that is what it takes, but we must also make sure that no American boys are sent to die in that festering mudhole.  We must go forth from here united, as this is not just a competition between two candidates.  This is a race between everything good about America and big government.  You know, some have suggested there is a right and left in American politics.  Well, I would like to suggest there is no such thing as a left or right.  There is only an up or down.  Now, would you like to tell your grandchildren that you cast your vote for America to soar to greatness, or would you like to tell them it's your fault that the America they inherited from you is worse than when you started?  Answer carefully; you only get one shot."  After 8 years of Democratic administration, the Kennedy charm is wearing out, and finally the Fifth Party System of American politics collapses with the election of President Corleone and Vice President Reagan.



Logged
FEMA Camp Administrator
Cathcon
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 27,284
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #17 on: March 04, 2012, 07:03:21 PM »

Watching Pt. 2 right now. More!
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #18 on: March 05, 2012, 02:30:27 AM »


I'll update this tomorrow or Tuesday.  Thanks for your interest! Wink
Logged
FEMA Camp Administrator
Cathcon
Atlas Star
*****
Posts: 27,284
United States


Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #19 on: March 08, 2012, 09:02:00 PM »

Update por favor! I'd like to see how Fredo who's the weakest brother, led the Corleone Family, and if he now has any relationship with his brother. (Cabinet would be cool too) I wonder if a moment like the end of Godfather Part II might happen with Fredo's quiet assassination, only this time it's Michael's final farewell to the crime family (ironically, happening in the form of a crime). After seeing Godfather II last Sunday, I'm now a fanatic. I gotta read the book now.
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #20 on: March 09, 2012, 07:54:49 PM »
« Edited: March 09, 2012, 08:21:38 PM by Jerseyrules »

Update por favor! I'd like to see how Fredo who's the weakest brother, led the Corleone Family, and if he now has any relationship with his brother. (Cabinet would be cool too) I wonder if a moment like the end of Godfather Part II might happen with Fredo's quiet assassination, only this time it's Michael's final farewell to the crime family (ironically, happening in the form of a crime). After seeing Godfather II last Sunday, I'm now a fanatic. I gotta read the book now.

Oh it did, didnt you see it Wink?  He had an intentionally Scarface-esque shootout in Miami in which state troopers were sent by Michael, leading to the overall collapse of organized crime (as the Corleones had greatly increased in size.  I made Fredo rule as Sonny would've, due to his father recognizing Michael as focused on legitimate work, and Sonny's earlier death.  And I've gotta get the books too Wink.  Btw, would you have any interest in something similar to this, but with Denny Crane from Boston Legal?  I've jut had that idea fermenting in my mind for a while now...
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #21 on: March 09, 2012, 07:59:02 PM »
« Edited: March 10, 2012, 01:00:06 PM by Jerseyrules »

Presidential Cabinet:

President: Michael Corleone
Vice President: Ronald Reagan
Secretary of State: George Shultz
Secretary of Defense: John Tower
Attorney General: William Rehnquist
Secretary of Commerce and Labor: Paul Volcker
General-in-Chief: Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Of course, one of the first decisions President Corleone was faced with was who to appoint Chief Justice.  With Republican majorities in Congress, he could appoint virtually anyone he wanted for the job.  Now, the President was obviously a very conservative man, but he wasn't going to appoint anyone perceived as too extremist, which is why he was interested in James Buckley, brother of famed conservative author William L. Buckley, as well as Paul Laxalt.  He would then turn to Solicitor General Robert Bork and Attorney General William Rehnquist.  He decided to go with the more pragmatic Rehnquist due to his more unknown yet kind and gentle nature, and because he privately had reservations about how extreme many of Bork's views were.  Yet the President's interest in me was really what kicked off my political career."

- My Life: a Story of my Journeys in Life, Political and Elsewhere, by James L. Buckley

"Of course, we were all shocked that the President picked Eisenhower for his General-in-Chief.  He was aging well, and the public still adored him, but there was still some grumbling from the Joint Chiefs of Staff about his, shall we say, ripened condition.  [laughs].  But you know, he did a great job, and he also helped get my career off the ground.  And his confirmation was never in doubt, with Senate Majority Leader Goldwater herding all the Republicans into line.  He really was a great leader, and really a soldier's soldier, unlike any I've ever seen.  He was very similar to Winfield Scott in a lot of ways...."

- Colin Powell, January 17, 2000

"We've got to streamline command, Mr. President.  I think the best way to do it would be to combine the Chairman of Joint Chiefs and CG into one office, with the powers of both."
"Wouldn't that be a bit controversial, Mr. President?"
"Please, sir, call me General [both exchange a laugh].  But seriously, I think that that's one way to not only cut one check from the payroll, but also to show the public that there's gonna be some changes around here."
"I'll do it by executive order, we'll have you in that corner office by tomorrow morning [laughs]."
[salutes] "Will do, Mr. President.  Now, get to bed or that lady o' yours is gonna wake up next to a very cranky commander-in-chief!"  [both laugh as Ike exits].



"Apollo 9 landed on the moon, as all school kids are taught, the first ever manned mission to the moon.  John Glenn, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are the first men to walk on the moon.  It's a huge success, and a huge morale boost for the country.  On the international level, President Corleone show that he's been hauling ass in the space race.  Meanwhile, Senators Strom Thurmond and Harry Byrd, Jr. (who both converted to the GOP in support of the President's conservatism), meet with the president to discuss a political career for all the astronauts, particularly Glenn, who will be forever known as the first astronaut ever to walk on the moon..."

- Interview with George Shultz, 1991

"We all knew what we were getting into with Michael.  He was tough, strong-willed, and would bring Premier Brezhnev to the negotiating table.  He was critical in maintaining international support for the Batista regime, which was heavily corrupt, but showing some signs of improvement.  He also gave heavy support for the developing Turkey, and promised his support to Suharto in Indonesia.  He had his coalition at home, now he was building up an international coalition as well."

- Interview with John Tower, 1987

"If they want an arms race, we will have an arms race!  [cheers].  If they want a Cold War, we'll damn well give it to 'em!  By God, we will prevail over these ruthless, Godless, disgusting animals who plauge the international stage!  Because America is a shining city on a hill, and we've got to work hard to make sure this city is the only one!  [cheers and applause].  We must take back this glorious city that is our planet as well, and restore it to the way it used to be, with just subjects of liberty.  No dukes or earls or kings or queens!  Retake THIS CITY! [CHEERS] YOUR CITY!  OUR CITY!"

- Michael Corleone before embarking on a summit with Premier Brezhnev, flanked by Secret Service

Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #22 on: March 10, 2012, 03:59:56 AM »

Thoughts?
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #23 on: March 21, 2012, 12:52:20 PM »

Bump for the wind
Logged
Jerseyrules
Sr. Member
****
Posts: 2,544
United States


Political Matrix
E: 10.00, S: -4.26

Show only this user's posts in this thread
« Reply #24 on: April 21, 2012, 03:55:59 PM »

Anybody reading?
Logged
Pages: [1] 2  
« previous next »
Jump to:  


Login with username, password and session length

Terms of Service - DMCA Agent and Policy - Privacy Policy and Cookies

Powered by SMF 1.1.21 | SMF © 2015, Simple Machines

Page created in 0.074 seconds with 14 queries.