1988 Party Nominations

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

While the recovery of the mid-eighties was able to grant the Democrats a fifth term in power, the recession of the late eighties may be their undoing. While his party celebrated President Bayh's election to a first full term, the next four years would prove harder than he'd hoped. With the energetic Kemp campaign, while Democrats retained both houses of Congress, their margins were thinner than usual. Thus, any new steps the administration hoped to make on domestic policy would be harder to push through than previously. Bayh, due to his background as a Senator from an ordinarily Republican-leaning state, was ready and willing to sit down with leaders of the other party. However, many of those who had helped re-elect him were unhappy with this decision. "The Republicans are a dying breed, and due to slightly reduced numbers in Congress Bayh's ready to work with them?" said one activist. Nevertheless, Bayh worked tirelessly and it seemed to be paying off. However, Democrats were met with larger losses in 1986 due to party fatigue and the gains made in 1980 expiring. The stock market crash of '87--while well handled--renewed criticisms from both sides of the aisle over economic policy. Meanwhile, in foreign affairs, Bayh lacked the skill of Church, and handled the issue of the Soviet Union less subtly.

In this context, President Bayh finds himself besieged on all sides, most notably by Reverend Jesse Jackson, last election's runner-up for the nomination. The Republican field, meanwhile, is lacking in greater candidates due to Jack Kemp's decision to run again, clearing the way of several "serious contenders". Kemp had previously come closer than any Republican before to winning the Oval Office since Margaret Chase Smith's re-election in 1964. With Bayh's renewed troubles, Republicans are hoping for him to lead the party to victory in 1988.

[TNF]

No reason to ditch the nation's foremost constitutional reformer. Bayh '88

[RogueBeaver]

Kemp, with DuPont as my second choice.

[Maxwell]

Kemp/Paul

[DC Al Fine]

Meant to vote for Ron Paul. Somehow managed to click Pat Robinson

[Hatman 🍁]

As much as I want to say "Rock us, Dukakis", my support is still with Rev. Jackson.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Birch Bayh/Mario Cuomo! 

[Supersonic]

Kemp/Bush.

[LastVoter]

Jackson/Dukakis

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Birch Bayh/Mario Cuomo! 

[Cory]

Jackson/Dukakis

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Bayh/Dukakis

[Donerail]

Paul/Means

[Cryptic]

Bayh/Cuomo

[Lief 🗽]

Jesse Jackson! Let's take back the Democratic party.

[OAM]

Don't ditch sitting VPs either people.

[Indy Texas]

Does Gary Hart pull any "Monkey Business" in this scenario?

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Does Gary Hart pull any "Monkey Business" in this scenario?

Why wouldn't he?

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Guys, do you really think Jesse Jackson can handle the Soviets?

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Kemp/Danforth

[Dr. Cynic]

I'd like Paul Simon, but this thing's history has told me I will NEVER get anything I've wanted.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

I'd like Paul Simon, but this thing's history has told me I will NEVER get anything I've wanted.

Paul Simon supported a balanced budget amendment. Do you want that?

[Dr. Cynic]

I'd like Paul Simon, but this thing's history has told me I will NEVER get anything I've wanted.

Paul Simon supported a balanced budget amendment. Do you want that?

Paul Simon supported PAYGO. I'd have no problem with PAYGO.

[Negusa Nagast 🚀]

Biden/Brown

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

The Doctor.