2004: Return of the Democrats.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

This timeline has been a lengthy project that has spanned just over a year. I had originally planned to take it to 2020, but I have at this point veered so far off the planned course that I have decided to end it a little bit earlier on inauguration day, 2017. I have tried to present this timeline in a manner that is as bias free and realistic as possible. Unfortunately, I sometimes feel that if I am not too close to what really happened in history, then I am too far away from reality. This has lead to some regrets about the later parts of the timeline, though I feel that this is generally a plausible timeline.

I must add that I know very little on economics, and that opinions of course differ on the market crash of 2008 and the following recession. I have tried to aggregate various opinions on these issues, but alas, I don’t blame anyone for criticizing the result.

I was a little liberal with butterflies, but seeing as the point of divergence is 2004, I do not see too huge of an effect on the rise and fall of certain politicians and the events that transpire. In conclusion, this is my first serious attempt at a timeline, and it will delivered in installments until the end; by the time I reach that point, I may have regained interest in continuing on. I am frequently noticing small errors that contradict various points of the story, and I may post an election result that is unrealistic or biased towards a certain person. Anyway, I will quit rambling and get on with the timeline now.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

The Presidency of John Kerry and Onwards
November 2nd, 2004: Senator John Kerry narrowly defeats President George Bush in an extremely close election.

Senator John Kerry (D-MA)/Senator John Edwards (D-NC)-272 EV, 49.07% of the popular vote.
President George Bush (R-TX)/Vice President Richard Cheney (R-WY)-266 EV, 48.53% of the popular vote.
Mr. Ralph Nader (I-CT)/Mr. Peter Camejo (I-CA)-0.53% of the popular vote.
Mr. Michael Badnarik (L-TX)/Mr. Richard Campagna (L-IA)-0.36% of the popular vote.
Mr. Michael Peroutka (C-MY)/Mr. Chuck Baldwin (C-FL)-0.28% of the popular vote.
Mr. David Cobb (G-TX)/Mrs. Pat LaMarche (G-ME)-0.12% of the popular vote.
Others (Reform, Socialist Workers, Natural Law)-0.11% of the popular vote.

R-Republican Party
D-Democratic Party
I-Independent
L-Libertarian Party
C-Constitution Party
G-Green Party
RF-Reform Party
C-Conservative
M-Marijuana
NL-Natural Law
AIP-American Independence Party
AI-Alaska Independence
PF-Peace & Freedom Party
PHB-Prohibition
V-Veterans
LU-Liberty Union
UC-United Citizens
SWP-Socialist Workers Party
CPUSA-Communist Party USA

2004 Senate Elections
2004 Alabama Senate Election
(R) Richard Shelby: 69.15%
(D) Wayne Sowell: 30.85%
(Republican hold)

2004 Alaska Senate Election
(R) Lisa Murkowski: 49.08%
(D) Tony Knowles: 48.88%
(I) Marc Millican: 1.28%
(AI) Jerry Sanders: 0.57%
(G) Jim Sykes: 0.19%
(L) Scott Kohlhaas: 0.08%
(Republican hold)

2004 Arizona Senate Election
(R) John McCain: 72.43%
(D) Stuart Starky: 25.76%
(L) Ernest Hancock: 1.81%
(Republican hold)

2004 Arkansas Senate Election
(D) Blanche Lincoln: 58.00%
(R) Jim Holt: 42.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 California Senate Election
(D) Barbara Boxer: 56.14%
(R) Bill Jones: 40.43%
(PF) Marsha Feinland: 2.18%
(L) James Gray: 1.04%
(AIP) Don Grundmann: 0.21%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Colorado Senate Election
(D) Ken Salazar: 49.92%
(R) Pete Coors: 48.37%
(C) Doug Cambell: 0.77%
(L) Richard Randall: 0.52%
(I) John Harris: 0.33%
(RF) Victor Good: 0.09%
(Democratic gain)

2004 Connecticut Senate Election
(D) Chris Dodd: 65.78%
(R) Jack Orchulli: 34.02%
(L) Timothy Knibbs: 0.11%
(C) Lenny Rasch: 0.09%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Florida Senate Election
(D) Betty Castor: 48.79%
(R) Mel Martinez: 48.61%
(V) Dennis Bradley: 2.60%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Georgia Senate Election
(R) Johnny Isakson: 56.34%
(D) Denise Majette: 40.30%
(L) Allen Buckley: 3.36%
(Republican gain)

2004 Hawaii Senate Election
(D) Daniel Inouye: 80.00%
(R) Campbell Cavasso: 17.60%
(I) James Brewer: 1.74%
(L) Lloyd Mallan: 0.66%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Idaho Senate Election
(R) Mike Crapo: 100.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 Illinois Senate Election
(D) Barack Obama: 80.62%
(R) Alan Keyes: 16.85%
(I) Albert Franzen: 1.89%
(L) Jerry Kohn: 0.64%
(Democratic gain)

2004 Indiana Senate Election
(D) Evan Bayh: 65.00%
(R) Marvin Scott: 34.00%
(L) Albert Barger: 1.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Iowa Senate Election
(R) Chuck Grassley: 70.44%
(D) Arthur Small: 29.34 %
(I) Christy Welty: 0.12%
(G) Daryl Northrop: 0.09%
(SWP) Edwin Fruit: 0.01%
(Republican hold)

2004 Kansas Senate Election
(R) Sam Brownback: 67.41%
(D) Lee Jones: 30.58%
(L) Stephen Rosile: 1.92%
(RF) George Cook: 0.09%
(Republican hold)

2004 Kentucky Senate Election
(D) Daniel Mongiardo: 50.01%
(R) Jim Bunning: 49.99 %
(Democratic gain)

2004 Louisiana Senate Election
(R) David Vitter: 64.50%
(D) Chris John: 30.00%
(D) Arthur Morrell: 5.50%
(Republican gain)
*Louisiana uses a jungle primary system. Vitter was able to win over two Democrats in the first round.

2004 Maryland Senate Election
(D) Barbara Mikulski: 60.00%
(R) EJ Pipkin: 40.00%
(Democrat hold)

2004 Missouri Senate Election
(R) Kit Bond: 57.68%
(D) Nancy Farmer: 41.53%
(L) Kevin Tull: 0.49%
(C) Don Griffin: 0.30%
(Republican hold)

2004 Nevada Senate Election
(D) Harry Reid: 59.56%
(R) Richard Ziser: 37.48%
(L) Tomas Hurtst: 2.64%
(C) David Schumann: 0.24%
(NL) Gary Marinch: 0.08%
(Democratic hold)

2004 New Hampshire Senate Election
(R) Judd Gregg: 70.00%
(D) Doris Haddock: 30.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 New York Senate Election
(D) Charles Schumer: 75.47%
(R) Howard Mills: 19.86%
(G) David McReynolds: 2.05%
(L) Donald Silberger: 1.62%
(SWP) Martin Koppel: 1.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 North Carolina Senate Election
(D) Erskine Bowles: 51.06%
(R) Richard Burr: 48.00%
(L) Tom Bailey: 0.94%
(Democratic hold)

2004 North Dakota Senate Election
(D) Byron Dorgan: 70.00%
(R) Mike Liffrig: 30.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Ohio Senate Election
(R) George Voinovich: 65.00%
(D) Eric Fingerhut: 35.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 Oklahoma Senate Election
(R) Tom Coburn: 53.00%
(D) Brad Carson: 45.29%
(I) Sheila Bilyeu 1.71%
(Republican hold)

2004 Oregon Senate Election
(D) Ron Wyden: 64.48%
(R) Al King: 34.07%
(G) Teresa Keane: 0.94%
(C) David Brownlow: 0.51%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Pennsylvania Senate Election
(R) Arlen Specter: 55.44%
(D) Joe Hoeffel: 39.42%
(C) Jim Clymer: 4.94%
(L) Betsy Summers: 0.20%
(Republican hold)

2004 South Carolina Senate Election
(R) Jim DeMint: 50.00%
(D) Inez Tenenbaum: 47.76%
(C) Patrick Tyndall: 1.55%
(L) Rebekah Sutherland: 0.33%
(UC) Tee Ferguson: 0.29%
(G) Efia Nwangaza: 0.07%
(Republican gain)

2004 South Dakota Senate Election
(R) John Thune: 50.98%
(D) Tom Daschle: 49.02%
(Republican gain)

2004 Utah Senate Election
(R) Robert Bennett: 65.66%
(D) Peter Van Dam: 30.64%
(C) Gary Van Horn: 3.28%
(L) Joe Labonte: 0.42%
(Republican hold)

2004 Vermont Senate Election
(D) Patrick Leahy: 69.49%
(R) Jack McMullen: 28.99%
(M) Cris Ericson: 1.11%
(G) Craig Hill: 0.25%
(I) Keith Stern: 0.13%
(LU) Keith Mitchell: 0.03%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Washington Senate Election
(D) Patty Murray: 57.27%
(R) George Nethercutt: 40.05%
(L) Bruce Guthrie: 1.88%
(G) Mark Wilson: 0.80%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Wisconsin Senate Election
(D) Russ Feingold: 54.0%
(R) Tim Michels: 44.56%
(L) Arif Khan: 0.79%
(I) Eugene Hem: 0.65%
(Democratic hold)

Senate results.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

2004 Gubernatorial Elections
2004 Delaware Gubernatorial Election
(D) Ruth Minner: 51.48%
(R) William Lee: 48.02%
(I) Frank Infante: 0.50%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Indiana Gubernatorial Election
(R) Mitch Daniels: 49.96%
(D) Joe Kernan: 49.19%
(L) Kenn Gividen: 0.85%
(Republican gain)

2004 Missouri Gubernatorial Election
(D) Claire McCaskill: 50.50%
(R) Matt Blunt: 48.89%
(L) John Swenson: 0.48%
(C) Robert Wells: 0.13%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Montana Gubernatorial Election
(D) Brian Schweitzer: 49.39%
(R) Robert Brown: 45.88%
(G) Bob Kelleher: 3.73%
(C) Stanley Jones: 1.00%
(Democratic gain)

2004 New Hampshire Gubernatorial Election
(D) John Lynch: 52.00%
(R) Craig Benson: 48.00%
(Democratic gain)

2004 North Carolina Gubernatorial Election
(D) Mike Easley: 54.00%
(R) Patrick Ballantine: 44.00%
(L) Barbara Howe: 1.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 North Dakota Gubernatorial Election
(R) John Hoeven: 70.00%
(D) Joe Satrom: 29.00%
(L) Roland Riemers: 1.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 Utah Gubernatorial Election
(R) Jon Huntsman: 54.00%
(D) Scott Matheson: 45.00%
(L) Ken Larson: 1.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 Vermont Gubernatorial Election
(R) Jim Douglas: 57.59%
(D) Peter Clavelle: 38.33%
(M) Cris Ericson: 1.83%
(I) Patricia Hejny: 1.48%
(L) Hardy Machia: 0.39%
(LU) Peter Diamondstone: 0.38%
(Republican hold)

2004 Washington Gubernatorial Election
(R) Dino Rossi: 49.09%
(D) Christine Gregoire: 49.07%
(L) Ruth Bennett: 1.84%
(Republican gain)

2004 West Virginia Gubernatorial Election
(D) Joe Manchin: 75.40%
(R) Monty Warner: 19.20%
(G) Jesse Johnson: 5.40%
(Democratic hold)

Gubernatorial results.

2004 Noticeable House Races.
Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District Election 2004.
(D) Ken Salazar: 50.03%
(R) Scott McInnis: 48.90%
(I) Jim Krug: 1.07%
(Democratic gain)

Georgia’s 12th Congressional District Election 2004.
(D) John Barrow: 51.04%
(R) Max Burns: 48.96%
(Democratic gain)

Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District Election 2004.
(R) Chris Chocola: 52.38%
(D) Joe Donnelly: 46.33%
(L) Douglas Barnes: 1.29%
(Republican gain)

Michigan’s 11th Congressional District Election 2004.
(R) Thad McCotter: 55.62%
(D) Kevin Kelley: 42.08%
(G) William Boyd: 2.30%
(Republican gain)

Virginia’s 5th Congressional District Election 2004.
(R) Virgil Goode: 59.00%
(D) Meredith Richards: 41.00%
(Republican gain)

Senate before 2004 Elections
Republicans: 51
Democrats: 48
Independent: 1

Senate after 2004 Elections
Republican-54 (+3)
Democrat-45 (-3)
Independent 1 (-)

Senate Majority Leader-elect: Bill Frist (R-TE)
Incumbent Senate Majority Leader: Bill Frist (R-TE)
 
Senate Minority Leader-elect: Harry Reid (D-NV)
Incumbent Senate Minority Leader: Tom Daschle (D-SD)

House of Representatives before 2004 Elections
Republicans-229
Democrats-205
Independent-1

House of Representatives after 2004 Elections
Republicans-230 (+1)
Democrats-204 (-1)
Independent-1 (-)

Speaker-elect of the House: Dennis Hastert (R-IL)
Incumbent Speaker of the House: Dennis Hastert (R-IL)

House Minority Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
House Minority Whip: Steny Hoyer (D-MY)

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

November 3rd: John Kerry is confirmed winner of Ohio (and thus the election) after a recount. President Bush gracefully concedes, and Kerry celebrates victory with supporters in Boston a few hours later. Mary Beth Cahill, Kerry’s campaign manager, is tapped to be White House Chief of Staff. Bob Shrum is announced as the head of the transition team.

November 4th: Kerry is rumored to be considering Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), former UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke (D-DC ), Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM), Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), and former Clinton administration Susan Rice (D-DC) for Secretary of State. Others receiving speculation for the position are former President Bill Clinton, his wife Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), and former Secretary of State Collin Powell (R-NY). The Massachusetts State Legislature passes a bill requiring a special election to be held within 160 days of the election. It is scheduled for the first Tuesday in March, which would be March 1st, 2005. Businessman and former state official Charles Baker is the first Republican to declare for the seat. The primaries are scheduled for January 21st, 2005.

November 5th: James Johnson, head of Kerry’s vice presidential search team, and former CEO of Fannie Mae, is named by President-elect Kerry as his choice for Secretary of the Treasury, the first named official to the cabinet. The nomination is controversial, as Johnson was discovered in September of 2004 to have significantly underreported his salary by fourteen million dollars. Congressman Stephen Lynch (D) announces he will seek President-elect Kerry’s Senate seat.

November 6th: Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) is announced as Kerry’s choice for Secretary of Agriculture. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is coy on whether or not he will appoint a Republican to the seat. Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) appoints his Democratic opponent for the governor’s office in 2002, Shannon O’Brien, to the seat.

November 8th: A force comprising of 2,000 American soldiers and 600 Iraqi soldiers launch a massive assault on the town of Fallujah in Al Ambar province, to root out insurgents. Using aerial bombardment, the Coalition Force is able to force its way into the center of the city with 12 Americans killed, and 32 injured.

November 9th: At a press conference, Chief of Staff designate Mary Beth Cahill states that “Iraq will be key in our decision” regarding the appointments to the State and Defense Departments. Merrill McPeak is appointed head of the National Security Agency. Michael Hayden is named as the next director of the CIA.

November 10th: The Kerry transition team announces that former Senator Chuck Robb (D-VA) will serve as Secretary of Defense in the incoming administration.

December 9th: Jamie Gorelick is named by President-elect Kerry as his choice for the office of Attorney General. John Kitzhaber (D-OR) is announced as Secretary of the Interior.

December 11th: Former Governors Howard Dean (D-VT), and Gary Locke (D-WA) are announced as the future Secretaries of Health and Human Services, and Commerce, respectively, by the Kerry transition team.

December 15th: Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) is appointed Secretary of State. Eleanor Mariano is announced as the next Surgeon General. Governor Ruth Minner (D-DE) appoints Joe Biden’s son, Beau Biden, as his replacement in the Senate. A special election is scheduled for November, 2006.

December 26th: A massive earthquake and tsunami rocks much of the Indian Ocean. Thousands are dead in multiple countries.

Next: January 2005-June 2005.

[badgate]

This is great! +1

[Enderman]

YAY! I was always wanting to see both Bush and Kerry being trolled in '04 and '08...

[Flake]

I love this timeline tho

[PPT Spiral]

This is quite good. Keep at it, man.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

2005
January 1st: The world celebrates the new year. Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) is announced as President Kerry’s choice for the position of Secretary of Labor. Congressman Bob Matsui (D-CA) dies. His wife Doris will succeed him in Congress.

January 2nd: Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) appoints his Lt. Governor, Winthrop Rockefeller, to Blanche Lincolns Senate seat. A special election is scheduled for November, 2006.

January 3rd: The 109th Congress opens.
Sitting US Senators, as of Spring, 2005.
Alabama: Richard Shelby (R), Jeff Sessions (R)
Alaska: Ted Stevens (R), Lisa Murkowski (R)
Arizona: John McCain (R), John Kyl (R)
Arkansas: Mark Pryor (D), Winthrop Rockefeller (R)
California: Dianne Feinstein (D) Barbara Boxer (D)
Colorado: Wayne Allard (R), Ken Salazar (D)
Delaware: Tom Carper (D), Beau Biden (D)
Florida: Bill Nelson (D), Betty Castor (D)
Georgia: Saxby Chambliss (R), Johnny Isakson (R)
Hawaii: Daniel Inouye (D), Daniel Akaka (D)
Idaho: Larry Craig (R), Mike Crapo (R)
Illinois: Richard Durbin (D), Barack Obama (D)
Indiana: Richard Lugar (R), Evan Bayh (D)
Iowa: Chuck Grassley (R), Tom Harkin (D)
Kansas: Sam Brownback (R), Pat Roberts (R)
Kentucky: Mitch McConnell (R), Daniel Mongiardo (D)
Louisiana: Mary Landrieu (D), David Vitter (R)
Maine: Olympia Snowe (R), Susan Collins (R)
Maryland: Paul Sarbanes (D), Barbara Mikulski (D)
Massachusetts: Ted Kennedy (D), Stephen Lynch (D)
Michigan: Carl Levin (D), Debbie Stabenow (D)
Minnesota: Mark Dayton (D), Norm Coleman (R)
Mississippi: Thad Cochran (R), Trent Lott (R)
Missouri: Kit Bond (R), James Talent (R)
Montana: Max Baucus (D), Conrad Burns (R)
Nebraska: Chuck Hagel (R), Ben Nelson (D)
Nevada: Harry Reid (D), John Ensign (R)
New Hampshire: Judd Gregg (R), John Sununu (R)
New Jersey: Jon Corzine (D), Frank Lautenberg (D)
New Mexico: Pete Domenici (R), Jeff Bingaman (D)
New York: Charles Schumer (D), Hillary Clinton (D)
North Carolina: Elizabeth Dole (R), Erskine Bowles (D)
North Dakota: Kent Conrad (D), Byron Dorgan (D)
Ohio: Mike DeWine (R), George Voinovich (R)
Oklahoma: James Inhofe (R), Tom Coburn (R)
Oregon: Ron Wyden (D), Gordon Smith (R)
Pennsylvania: Arlen Specter (R), Rick Santorum (R)
Rhode Island: Jack Reed (D), Lincoln Chafee (R)
South Carolina: Lindsey Graham (R), Jim DeMint (R)
South Dakota: Tim Johnson (D), John Thune (R)
Tennessee: Bill Frist (R), Lamar Alexander (R)
Texas: Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R), John Cornyn (R)
Utah: Orrin Hatch (R), Robert Bennett (R)
Vermont: Patrick Leahy (D), James Jeffords (I)
Virginia: John Warner (R), George Allen (R)
Washington: Patty Murray (D), Maria Cantwell (D)
West Virginia: Robert Byrd (D), Jay Rockefeller (D)
Wisconsin: Herb Kohl (D), Russ Feingold (D)
Wyoming: Craig Thomas (R), Michael Enzi (R)

Sitting State Governors as of Spring, 2005.
Alabama: Robert Riley (R)
Alaska: Frank Murkowski (R)
Arizona: Janet Napolitano (D)
Arkansas: Mike Huckabee (R)
California: Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)
Colorado: Bill Owens (R)
Connecticut: Jodi Rell (R)
Delaware: Ruth Minner (D)
Florida: Jeb Bush (R)
Georgia: Sonny Perdue (R)
Hawaii:  Linda Lingle (R)
Idaho: Dick Kempthorne (R)
Illinois: Rod Blagojevich (D)
Indiana: Mitch Daniels (R)
Iowa: Tom Vilsack (D)
Kansas: Kathleen Sebelius (D)
Kentucky: Ernie Fletcher (D)
Louisiana: Kathleen Blanco (D)
Maine: John Baldacci (D)
Maryland: Bob Ehrlich (R)
Massachusetts: Mitt Romney (R)
Michigan: Jennifer Granholm (D)
Minnesota: Tim Pawlenty (R)
Mississippi: Haley Barbour (R)
Missouri: Claire McCaskill (D)
Montana: Brian Schweitzer (D)
Nebraska: Mike Johanns (R)
Nevada: Richard Bryan (D)
New Hampshire: John Lynch (D)
New Jersey:  Richard Codey (D)
New Mexico: Bill Richardson (D)
New York: George Pataki (R)
North Carolina: Mike Easley (D)
North Dakota: John Hoeven (R)
Ohio: Bob Taft (R)
Oklahoma: Brad Henry (D)
Oregon: Ted Kulongoski (D)
Pennsylvania: Ed Rendell (D)
Rhode Island: Donald Carcieri (R)
South Carolina: Mark Sanford (R)
South Dakota: Mike Rounds (R)
Tennessee: Phil Bredesen (D)
Texas: Rick Perry (R)
Utah: Jon Huntsman (R)
Vermont: Jim Douglas (R)
Virginia: Mark Warner (D)
Washington:  Dino Rossi (R)
West Virginia: Joe Manchin (D)
Wisconsin: Jim Doyle (D)
Wyoming: Dave Freudenthal (D)

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

January 4th: Max Cleland is confirmed as Veterans Affairs Secretary by a vote of 13-1 by the Senate Veterans Affairs committee. The Senate then votes to confirm him 90-10. Ali al-Haidari, governor of the Iraqi province of Baghdad, is assassinated.

January 13th: The Senate Foreign Relations committee begins holding confirmation hearings for Joe Biden regarding his appointment.

January 14th: Joe Biden is confirmed Secretary of State by a 17-1. The Senate votes to confirm him 88-12.

January 20th: John Kerry is sworn in as 44th President of the United States.

“My fellow Americans: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed in me, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors, for it was by their struggles and sacrifice that we are able to have such a peaceful transition. History shows that the United States is a testimony to the superiority of the ballot over the bullet.

President Bush; I thank you for your service, loyalty, dedication, and unwavering love for this country.

Before me, forty three great Americans have taken this oath. After me, forty four Presidents would have taken this oath. Such is the challenge of history. These forty three men before me have seen triumph and tragedy. They have seen change and challenge. President Roosevelt was witness to tragedies, such as Pearl Harbor, and challenges, such as the invasion of Normandy. He saw triumph, when the American flag flew above Iwo Jima, and when our soldiers marched triumphantly through Paris, bringing liberty to France once more. President Nixon saw his challenge in the form of the war in Vietnam, and his triumph in placing an American on the moon, an achievement never thought possible until only a decade before it happened.

Like every President before me, and like every President to come after me, I hope to meet the challenges, to overcome the tragedies, and celebrate the triumphs. It was once said by President Nixon that the greatest title man can bestow is “peacemaker”. I hope that history will judge me, and my administration in such a way.

We must not be mistaken; our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Every day, our brave soldiers are shot at and bombarded in foreign lands. I know what it is like to carry an M-16. I know what it is like to fear for my life. I know what it’s like to wonder if I will leave a strange land alive.  I know war. And I hate it. My experience in Vietnam will play a role in my administration, because at the end of the day, the lives and safety of our brave freedom fighters will be held in the hands of my decisions. The troops will be a number one priority while we fight the fight against terrorism. The advice of our Generals and military leaders will be taken seriously in my administration. The long term goals of my administrations military policy in Iraq will be based solely upon facts, and I promise the American people that facts will not be tainted by petty politics.

Of course politics has its place will have its place in our democracy. We are Republicans and Democrats, Liberals and Conservatives, Moderate and Extremist. But in times of crisis, we all are equally endangered by the forces that seek to do us and our democracy harm. We must pull together, as our nation did on the quiet, mournful morning of September 12th, 2001, thanks to the courageous and inspiring leadership of President Bush, and stand up for our liberties, our fellow citizens, and our way of life.

Unity can bring us many things. United, we will see the implementation of freedoms yet to be enacted. The freedom from hunger, the freedom from want, and the freedom from fear are not guaranteed across the world, not even in this nation. Whether it is in the next four years, or in the next four centuries, I hold no doubts about the eradication of these fears, and I have no doubt America will be the first nation in the history of civilization to achieve their eradication. These will be the goals of my administration, and they will be the goals of administrations to come as America ventures into the mist of the 21st century.

Earlier generations were able to face down Fascism and Communism. They could never do it with bombs and tanks alone. They had courage and convictions. They had sturdy alliances, and a credible government. Our enemies knew that our power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy, guided by these principles once more; we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We'll begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. We will counter the nuclear threat with the strongest weapon of all-diplomacy.

So let us mark this day in remembrance. Let us remember those who have died for our freedoms. Let us remember their sacrifices, for without them, we would not be engaged in a peaceful transition, as we are doing now. Let us also remember our principles. Peace and Democracy are the two most important agents of change in the world. Let us utilize them, along with the sword of diplomacy, so we can make America, and the world as a whole, a better place for future generations of Americans. Sixty years ago, President Franklin Roosevelt stated in his last inaugural address that “Our Constitution of 1787 was not a perfect instrument; it is not perfect yet. But it provided a firm base upon which all manner of men, of all races and colors and creeds, could build our solid structure of democracy.” This is just as true today. Progress has been made in the five last decades. And it will be made in the next five decades. My administration will strive for that progress.

Thank You and God Bless America!"

[progressive85]

Excellent work!  Please continue!

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Very good work. On a very insignificant note, interesting choice for Arkansas Senator. A Republican Rockefeller back up on the national stage for the first time since 1977 (if I'm correct)? Not that Winthrop Jr. will likely be much of a game changer or that mavericky a voice (possibilities?), but interesting. As I recall, he likely won't even live to see the special election in 2006, sadly.

[PolitiJunkie]

Why are Kerry's Cabinet nominees being confirmed before he is even inaugurated?

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Why are Kerry's Cabinet nominees being confirmed before he is even inaugurated?

You know, I caught that error only a few nights back. I remember some of Obama's nominees being confirmed before his inauguration, but that was also after the opening of Congress. They may be confirmed before the inauguration, but may not take office until the President takes office, IIRC.

Very good work. On a very insignificant note, interesting choice for Arkansas Senator. A Republican Rockefeller back up on the national stage for the first time since 1977 (if I'm correct)? Not that Winthrop Jr. will likely be much of a game changer or that mavericky a voice (possibilities?), but interesting. As I recall, he likely won't even live to see the special election in 2006, sadly.

Thanks . Rockefeller is among scores of others who will see their careers change paths in the next thirteen years of the timeline (it is 100% complete, so it will be finished) and you will notice some more than others.

Excellent work!  Please continue!

Thank You .

This is quite good. Keep at it, man.

I love this timeline tho

YAY! I was always wanting to see both Bush and Kerry being trolled in '04 and '08...

This is great! +1

I appreciate your comments.

On another note, there will be very few pictures in this timeline. I had a few at the begining  (like Gerald Ford's funeral, etc) but I stopped midway through 2007 and have since deleted them to keep things consistant. In my next timeline, I will try to include them more, so you don't have to deal with walls of text.

[badgate]

Interesting that you make McCaskill governor. Why

[NHI]

Great timeline!!

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Interesting that you make McCaskill governor. Why

She ran in 2004 and lost by a single point. I thought a Kerry win would change things. Some races, like the Daschle-Thune race, were tight but remained unchanged.

[badgate]

Interesting that you make McCaskill governor. Why

She ran in 2004 and lost by a single point. I thought a Kerry win would change things. Some races, like the Daschle-Thune race, were tight but remained unchanged.

Gotcha. I remember her losing by one point but I thought there was some nefarious Machiavellian reason you made her Gov.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

January 21st: The Massachusetts Senate primaries are held. Charles Baker easily wins the Republican primary, while Congressman Stephan Lynch beats out interim Senator Shannon O’Brien in a bitterly contested primary. Caroline Kennedy is announced as President Kerry’s choice for the position of Ambassador to the United Nations.

January 22nd: The Senate Agriculture Committee confirms Blanche Lincoln as Secretary of Agriculture 11-9. Jane Garvey is confirmed Secretary of Transportation 70-30.

January 23rd: Chuck Robb is confirmed Secretary of Defense 22-2 by Senate Armed Services Committee. The Senate votes 89-11 to confirm Blanche Lincoln as Secretary of Agriculture.

January 25th: The Senate confirms Chuck Robb as Secretary of Defense 98-2.

January 26th: Cameron Kerry, brother of President Kerry, is tapped to be Ambassador to Israel, generating a minor controversy.

January 30th: The first free parliamentary elections are held in Iraq. Secretary of State Biden hails the elections as a “great step” in Iraqi history.

February 2nd: Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) introduces the Social Security Restructuring Act of 2005 to the House of Representatives. The plan would allow younger workers to invest some of their income into the stock market instead of payroll taxes. President Kerry delivers his first State of the Union speech, highlighting his administration’s plans for the coming years. The Republican rebuttal is given by Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH).

February 6th: The Philadelphia Eagles defeat the New England Patriots 24-21 at Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Florida.

February 7th: Former Vice President Dick Cheney (R-WY) shuts down all possibilities of running for President in 2008, stating “Not only no, but hell no.”

February 10th: North Korea announces it is in possession of nuclear weapons. The United States condemns North Korea, and Secretary of State Biden offers to hold high level talks. 

February 11th: Jim Johnson’s confirmation as Secretary of the Treasury is deadlocked by a Senate vote of 10-10 of the Senate finance committee.

February 12th: The Election Uniformity Act is introduced to the House of Representatives. The bill would mandate that every state hold primaries for Gubernatorial, House and Senate elections on the first Tuesday of August. State level offices other than gubernatorial races are not required to abide by these regulations.

February 14th: Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is injured in an assassination attempt in Beirut by a suicide bomber. President Kerry issues an executive order suspending military discharges based upon sexuality, effectively repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). He promises to seek a full repeal of DADT later on in his term.  Jim Johnson’s nomination for Secretary of the Treasury is defeated 53-47.

February 15th: Tom Daschle confirmed by the Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee by a vote of 15-5. Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) strongly condemns President Kerry, declaring his executive order against DADT “unconstitutional and dictatorial.”

February 16th: The Death Penalty Reform Act of 2005 is introduced to the Senate by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Beau Biden (D-DE). The law will end all federally administered executions, except on those convicted of treason, or terrorism. Foreign nationals are made exempt from the death penalty under the law if they are on the run in foreign countries to make extradition easier for countries that refuse to extradite convicts to countries with the death penalty. Rand Beers is confirmed Secretary of Homeland Security by a vote of 16-0 by the Homeland Security Committee. The Senate confirms him 99-1 as Homeland Security Secretary.

February 17th: The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee takes up the Death Penalty Reform Act of 2005. Ron Sims is confirmed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development by a vote of 11-8 by the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) is confirmed Secretary of Energy by a vote of 15-7.

February 18th: John Kitzhaber (D-OR) withdraws his name from consideration for being appointed Secretary of the Interior. President Kerry announces Robert Stanton, former Director of the National Parks Service, as his choice. President Kerry vetoes the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, heavily supported by Republicans and Tort Reform activists. Tom Daschle is confirmed Labor Secretary 81-19 by the Senate.

February 21st: President Kerry announces the selection of Stuart Eizenstat as his nominee for the position of Secretary of the Treasury. Eizenstat served as Ambassador to the European Union and Deputy Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton.

February 20th: Ron Sims is confirmed Secretary of HUD 60-40, and Ed Markey is confirmed as Secretary of Energy 54-46 by the Senate.

February 21st: Robert Stanton is confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of the Interior 93-7. President Kerry announces that the Department of Defense is “reassessing” Iraq strategy.

February 22nd: A massive earthquake rattles Iran and kills over 500 people.

March 1st: Massachusetts holds a special election for its Senate seat.
2005 Massachusetts Senate Special Election.
(D) Stephen Lynch: 58.33%
(R) Charles Baker: 38.03%
(L) Michael Cloud: 3.64%
(Democratic hold)

March 2nd: Howard Dean confirmed 11-9 by the Senate Health, Education, and Labor Committee. The Senate Finance Committee begins hearings for Stuart Eizenstat’s nomination as Treasury Secretary.

March 5th: Jeanne Shaheen is confirmed as Secretary of Education by the Senate, Health, and Labor Committee.

March 7th: Jeanne Shaheen is confirmed by the Senate 53-47.

March 9th: Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduces the Political Campaign Information Act of 2005 to the Senate. The law bans all political advertising from airing on radio or television during the last week of the election. The Senate confirms Howard Dean 51-50, after Vice President Edwards is forced to cast a tie breaking vote. Stuart Eizenstat’s nomination for Secretary of the Treasury is confirmed by the Senate Finance Committee 12-8.

March 12th: Stuart Eizenstat is confirmed Secretary of the Treasury 58-42.

March 15th: The Senate Commerce Committee confirms Gary Locke 12-10 as Secretary of Commerce.

March 20th: Education Secretary Jeanne Shaheen proposes the Education Funding Reform Act. It is later introduced to the House of Representatives by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). The law will require the Federal government to fund schools up to the required level, filling in funding gaps that states either refuse or are unable to pay.  Gary Locke is confirmed by the Senate 52-48.

March 21st: In his first post presidency interview, former President George W. Bush appears on Meet the Press, but refuses to criticize President Kerry, though expresses his hope that “we will stay the course in Iraq.” In a rebuttal appearance, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) strongly pushes for President Kerry to adopt healthcare reform as a priority, and lauds the Kerry administrations “common sense solutions” to foreign policy.

March 22nd: Secretary of State Biden makes his first visit to Afghanistan, where he reiterates the administrations “desire to root out terrorism all over the world.”

March 23rd: Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) introduces the “Children’s Care Act” to Congress. The bill would grant Medicare subsidies to all US citizens under the age of 18. Conservatives strongly push back against it.

March 24th: Secretary of Defense Chuck Robb promises to investigate former Bush administration officials over claims of torture at the Abu Graib prison. In an event known as the “Tulip Revolution”, protestors pressure Kyrgyzstani President Askar Akayev to resign.

March 29th: The Department of Defense announces a plan to expand the military by 50,000 soldiers, which would decrease the Department of Defenses reliance on National Guard Units in Afghanistan.

March 31st: Terry Schiavo dies after her feeding tube is removed. Pro life groups blast the Kerry administration and the court system for the decision to remove her feeding tube.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

April 1st: Second Lady Elizabeth Edwards announces that she has breast cancer.

April 2nd: Pope John Paul II dies in Vatican City. Millions around the world mourn. President Kerry releases a statement, stating “As a Catholic, and as an American, I am greatly saddened by the death of his Holiness Pope John Paul II. His Holiness was dedicated to God, and to advancing peace and justice in the world, which is a darker place today without him.” Former President Bush also releases a statement, stating that “Pope John Paul was dedicated to freedom around the world, from Poland to Tibet, and everywhere in between. He will be greatly missed.”

April 9th: Prince Charles of Wales marries Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony in London. Camilla Bowles becomes Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

April 10th: The Social Security Restructuring Act of 2005 is passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 229-207.

April 11th: Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduces the Social Security Restructuring Act of 2005 to the Senate. President Kerry threatens to veto the bill if it is passed by the House of Representatives.

April 13th: President Kerry announces that all National Guard units will be brought back from Iraq by early 2006, while a bigger withdrawal of troops will not come until later. Liberals strongly criticize the President for not doing enough, while Republicans attack the President for “cutting and running.”

April 16th: The Political Campaign Information Act of 2005 passes the Senate 52-48. It faces an uphill battle in the House of Representatives.

April 19th: Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany is elected Pope Benedict XVI. Leaders around the world congratulate him.

April 20th: President Kerry signs the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act into law.

April 23rd: “The Children’s Care Act” fails in the House of Representatives 229-207. The bill is later introduced to the Senate in its original form by Senator Betty Castor (D-FL).

April 25th: The Social Security Restructuring Act of 2005 passes the Senate 51-49.

April 26th: President Kerry vetoes the Social Security Restructuring Act of 2005. Republicans strongly condemn the administration. Senator Joe Lieberman introduces the “Social Security Restructuring and Preservation Act of 2005” into the Senate. Under this plan, the Federal government would provide each Social Security recipient over 65 with an extra $1,000.00 per year to privately invest or spend as they see fit. If the amount of money earned in the stock market is greater than their social security allowance for the month, they will only get half of the money usually sent to them. If they do not earn money, or lose their yearly bonus, they still get regular benefits. The Republican caucus is divided on the plan.

April 27th: The White House announces that a commission will be established to investigate torture at Abu Graib. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), and Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA) will be the Republican members. Senator  Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY), and Congressman Dan Boren (D-OK). Congressman Peter King (R-NY) strongly criticizes Congressman Paul and Senator Hagels inclusion on the committee.

April 28th:  The Senate passes the Death Penalty Reform Act of 2005 by a close vote of 52-48. The bill is later introduced to the House of Representatives.

April 29th: Secretary of State Biden announces a “roadmap to peace” in Iraq that will include bringing in more coalition forces from outside the US to help in the reconstruction of post Saddam Iraq.

May 1st: The Election Uniformity Act is passed by the House of Representatives 322-113.

May 5th: British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Labor government holds off the Conservatives and manages to retain government. President Kerry congratulates Blair’s victory. Prime Minister Blair and Liberal Democratic leader Charles Kennedy agree to form a coalition. The Death Penalty Reform Act of 2005 is passed by a vote of 301-134.

2005 British General Election-All 646 Members of the House of Commons up for election, 324 seats needed to form a government.
Labor (Tony Blair)-46.69%- 312 seats.
Conservative (Michael Howard)-39.15%-263 seats.
Liberal Democrats (Charles Kennedy)-7.30%-47 seats.
Scottish National (Alex Salmond)-1.40%-9 seats.
UK Independence (Roger Knapman)-1.45%-0 seats.
Green (No party leader selected)-1.02%-0 seats.
Democratic Unionist (Ian Paisley)-0.79%-4 seats.
Plaid Cymru (Jill Evans)-0.78%-2 seats.
Sinn Fein (Gerry Adams)-0.59%-5 seats.
Ulster Unionist (David Trimble)-0.43%-1 seat.
Social Democratic & Labor (Mark Durkan)-0.40%-3 seats.

May 6th: President Kerry signs the Death Penalty Reform Act of 2005 into law.

May 7th: Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy, Prime Minister John Howard of Australia, and President Roh Moo-hyun of South Korea join President Kerry at the White House to announce that more coalition forces will be deployed in Iraq. The goals of the so called “Biden roadmap” include massive reconstruction of the country, combating terrorism, training Iraqi security forces, and eventually withdrawing by the end of 2006.

May 8th: In defiance of the NATO allies, several Islamist insurgent groups in Iraq launch offensives. A car bombing in Baghdad is the most notable attack. The first round of the Los Angeles, California mayoral election is held.

2005 Los Angeles Mayoral Election
(D) Antonio Villaraigosa: 40.19%
(D) James Hahn: 23.88%
(D) Robert Hertzberg: 16.62%
(D) Bernard Parks: 10.47%
(D) Richard Alarcon: 4.36%
(R) Walter Moore: 1.18%
(PF) Wendy Lyons: 1.12%
(I) Addie Miller: 1.09%
(RF) Martin Aubrey: 0.55%
(R) Bill Wyatt: 0.42%
(SWP) Bruce Darian: 0.11%
(AIP) Ted Crisell: 0.01%
(Winner to be determined in a runoff)

May 10th: A modified version of the Children’s Care Act of 2005 is passed by the Senate 52-48. Senators Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) are the two crucial votes needed vote. The modified version of the law provides Medicare for all under the age of 18 for American families with a household income less than $30,000 per year. All other minors will be mandated to have health insurance. The law opens up state lines, creating a national market for health insurance as well.

May 11th: The Children’s Care Act of 2005 is once again introduced to the House of Representatives. It receives lukewarm support from moderate Republicans. Conservatives strongly oppose it.

May 13th: The Uzbek military opens fire on demonstrators in the city of Andijan. Reports of torture and mass graves make their way across the world, with several world leaders condemning the violence. Uzbek President Islam Karimov denies the reports, but promises to crackdown on “lawlessness” in Uzbekistan.

May 16th: Political Campaign Information Act of 2005 passes the House of Representatives by a margin of 278-157. President Kerry signs the law. Many Republicans voted for the measure citing a desire to curb “union power” in elections.

May 17th: The Los Angeles Mayoral runoff election is held.
2005 Los Angeles Mayoral Election Runoff
(D) Antonio Villaraigosa: 61.28%
(D) James Hahn: 38.72%
(Democratic hold)

May 20th: Ethnic violence between Afghans and Tajiks breaks out in northern Afghanistan. Pentagon officials blame Al Qaida “agitation” for the riots.

May 24th: The Children’s Care Act of 2005 is defeated by Republicans in the House of Representatives by a margin of 230-205.

May 26th: The Election Uniformity Act is passed 74-26 by the Senate. President Kerry signs the bill into law.

May 29th: The White House announces President Kerry will travel to Iraq on June 3rd, and tour the country through the 6th.

[CnstutnlCnsrvatv]

thar9s ios ridiculosu!!! you revisionist commie hippie moocher gangbangers really think anyoneoutsiode this forum when you deny that bush served two terms and pretend john kerry was very president? give me a breatk!

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

thar9s ios ridiculosu!!! you revisionist commie hippie moocher gangbangers really think anyoneoutsiode this forum when you deny that bush served two terms and pretend john kerry was very president? give me a breatk!

So, socks and trolls have reached into this side of the forum now? Good Lord, what has this world come too?

[Lumine]

thar9s ios ridiculosu!!! you revisionist commie hippie moocher gangbangers really think anyoneoutsiode this forum when you deny that bush served two terms and pretend john kerry was very president? give me a breatk!

My eyes! My eyes! Must... stand... horrible... grammar...

But seriously, this timeline is surprisingly detailed, excellent work!

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

thar9s ios ridiculosu!!! you revisionist commie hippie moocher gangbangers really think anyoneoutsiode this forum when you deny that bush served two terms and pretend john kerry was very president? give me a breatk!

My eyes! My eyes! Must... stand... horrible... grammar...

But seriously, this timeline is surprisingly detailed, excellent work!

I prefer more detailed timelines. I don't care for timelines that just brush over the presidency and focus only on elections. Part of the reason Cathcon is one of my favorite timeline writers is because he focuses on the actual actions of the presidency, and his "A Second Chance" timeline is the best timeline on here.

[PolitiJunkie]

thar9s ios ridiculosu!!! you revisionist commie hippie moocher gangbangers really think anyoneoutsiode this forum when you deny that bush served two terms and pretend john kerry was very president? give me a breatk!

My eyes! My eyes! Must... stand... horrible... grammar...

But seriously, this timeline is surprisingly detailed, excellent work!

I prefer more detailed timelines. I don't care for timelines that just brush over the presidency and focus only on elections. Part of the reason Cathcon is one of my favorite timeline writers is because he focuses on the actual actions of the presidency, and his "A Second Chance" timeline is the best timeline on here.

I'm guessing you aren't a fan of gporter's timelines then?