Death of A Statesman

[DKrol]

--

^ I let a major plot point out.

[DKrol]

Garner Takes Early Electoral Lead

President John Nance Garner/Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (D) - 47
Former President Herbert C. Hoover/Governor Alf M. Landon (R) - 3
New York Times, Special Edition - November 3, 1936

    The first results of the 1936 Presidential election have come back to us, via telegram, and we can publish the following: President John Nance Garner will win the states of Massachusetts (17), New Hampshire (4), Indiana (11), and Georgia (12). This gives him a total of 47 electoral votes. Former President Herbert C. Hoover will win the state of Vermont (3). This gives him a total of 3 electoral votes. Mr. Garner has a large, early lead over Mr. Hoover in the electoral vote and the popular vote, but the night is young yet. The biggest blow to Mr. Hoover is the loss of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, both states where he had hoped to win.

Garner Continues Electoral Lead

President John Nance Garner/Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (D) - 151
Former President Herbert C. Hoover/Governor Alf M. Landon (R) - 8
New York Times, Special Edition - November 3, 1936

    More results of the Presidential election are flooding in,via telegram, at this moment. We can publish that President John Nance Garner will win the additional states of Virginia (11), North Carolina (13), South Carolina ( 8 ), New Jersey (16), Pennsylvania (36), Arkansas (9), Iowa (11). This gives him a total of 151 electoral votes. Former President Herbert C. Hoover will carry the state of Maine (5). This gives him a total of 8 electoral votes. Mr. Garner’s lead is continuing to grow as Mr. Hoover is failing to gain any major traction. Many Americans still blame Mr. Hoover for the current recession. They may not like Mr. Garner, but they dislike Mr. Hoover even more.

Garner On Cusp of Victory

President John Nance Garner/Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (D) - 238
Former President Herbert C. Hoover/Governor Alf M. Landon (R) - 8
New York Times, Special Edition - November 3, 1936

    More results of the Presidential election are flooding in, via telegram, at this moment. We can publish that President John Nance Garner will carry the states of Ohio (26), Maryland ( 8 ), West Virginia ( 8 ), Tennessee (11), Alabama (11), and Texas (23). This gives him a total of 238 electoral votes. Former President Herbert C. Hoover has failed to carry any state, that we have results in about. He remains with 8 electoral votes. Polls have closed in Michigan, New York, Connecticut, and Delaware but we cannot call a winner in those states. These calls put Mr. Garner only a few states away from securing a second term as President. A White House spokesman has announced, as we are just finding out, that  Mr. Garner says that this will be his last campaign for “national office”. Mr. Garner has always been a supporter of term limits for the President and this decision is not unexpected.

[DKrol]

Garner Crushes Hoover

President John Nance Garner/Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (D) - 411
Former President Herbert C. Hoover/Governor Alf M. Landon (R) - 21
New York Times, Special Edition - November 3, 1936

    More results of the Presidential election are flooding in, via telegram, at this moment. We can publish that President John Nance Garner will carry the states of Florida (7), Kentucky (11), Lousiana (10), Missouri (15), Mississippi (9), Michigan (19), Connecticut ( 8 ), Rhode Island (4), Illinois (29), New York (47), and Minnesota (11). This gives him a total of 411 electoral votes, well over the 266 needed for victory. Former President Herbert C. Hoover has won the states of Kansas (9) and South Dakota (4). He now has 21 electoral votes. Polls are closed in the states of Oklahoma, California, and Wisconsin but we cannot say who’s won any of those states. Mr. Garner has secured a second term as President, the American people have voted overwhelmingly in his favor. Joining him in the White House is Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., now the Vice President-elect.

Final Results Come In

President John Nance Garner/Secretary of State Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (D) - 498
Former President Herbert C. Hoover/Governor Alf M. Landon (R) - 33
New York Times, Special Edition - November 4, 1936

    The final results of the 1936 Presidential Election have come in to us, in New York. President John Nance Garner won the remaining states of Washington ( 8 ), Idaho (4), Nevada (3), North Dakota (4), Wisconsin (12), New Mexico (3), Arizona (3), Utah (4), California (22), Montana (4), Wyoming (3), Oklahoma (11), and Colorado (6). Mr. Garner received a final Electoral Vote tally of 498. Former President Herbert C. Hoover carried the states of Oregon (5) and Nebraska (7). Mr. Hoover received a total of 33 Electoral Votes.

[Earthling]

Again a great timeline.

[DKrol]

Again a great timeline.

Thanks, I'm glad you like it.

[DKrol]

Social Security Becomes Law

Washington Post, Evening Edition - December 11, 1936

    After months of debate and procedural votes the Social Security Act has been signed into law. The bill passed with a large margin in the Senate two months ago but barely scraped by in the House this morning. President John Nance Garner signed the bill immediately. Mr. Garner hailed the bill as “the most basic assistance we can give to our hardworking seniors and the unemployed”. A poll from Harvard University found that 43% of Americans support the program, 21% oppose it, and 36% are unsure of the program.

75th Congress Takes Office

Washington Post, Special Edition - January 3, 1937

 The 75th Congress took their seats this morning. In the Senate,  The Democratic Party gained 3 seats (Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey), the Republicans gained 1 seat (Massachusetts), and the Farmer-Labor Party gained 1 seat (Minnesota). The Progressive Party failed to gain any seats. This puts the balance of power at 70 seats for the Democrats, 22 for the Republicans, 2 for the Progressives, and 2 for the Farmer-Labor Party. In the map above, red indicates a Democratic hold. Light blue indicates a Republican pick up, blue indicates a Republican hold. Light green indicates a Farmer-Labor pickup. Senator Alben W. Barkley, a Democrat of Kentucky, will serve as Majority Leader and Senator Charles L. McNary, a Republican of Oregon, will serve as Minority Leader. In the House of Representatives, the Democrats will remain to hold 320 seats, the Republicans 106, the Progressives 8, and the Farmer-Labor 3. Representative Samuel T. Rayburn, a Democrat of Texas, will serve as the Speaker of the House.
Garner, Kennedy Sworn In

Washington Post, Special Edition - January 20, 1937

    President John Nance Garner was sworn in for his second term as President, this afternoon, by Chief Justice Charles E. Hughes. Mr. Garner’s speech was drowned out by the sharp, icy winds that howled around the Capital, but the message was clear - help is coming. Mr. Garner laid the groundwork for his policies over the next four years, announcing his intent to establish an agency to hire the unemployed for infrasture projects, a board to review and monitor the stock market, and a program to help put artists to work. Also sworn in today was Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., Mr. Garner’s former Secretary of State. A White House spokesman told us that Mr. Garner would nominate Joseph C. Grew, Ambassador to Japan, fill Mr. Kennedy’s post at the State Department.

War Rages in Asia

New York Times, Evening Edition - July 7, 1937

    A report today was released from the War Department informing Americans that war was raging in Asia. The Japanese Empire began an invasion of China this morning with an attack on the Marco Polo bridge in Peking, the Chinese capital. Japanese forces peppered the city with mortar shells and machine gun fire, killing some 300 Chinese soldiers. The Chinese Army, un-organized and confused, retaliated with a weak effort and failed to repel the Japanese Army. Secretary of War Louis Ludlow announced that the Chinese government “has likely fallen” but the United States cannot confirm that. In an impromptu radio address, President John Nance Garner urged caution when “evaluating our Japanese neighbors” and went on to say that he was monitoring the situation closely, adding “we do not have plans for involvement” in the Asian continent.

[DKrol]

Vice President Kennedy Meets with Hitler

New York Times, Afternoon Edition - September 21, 1937

    Not fully giving up his former role of Secretary of State, Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. is currently in Berlin, with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, to meet with German Fuhrer Adolf Hitler. Mr. Kennedy is acting as President John Nance Garner’s official envoy to Mr. Hitler and is in Berlin to discuss the conflicts between Germany and Czechoslovakia. Mr. Kennedy, a strict isolation, has said that his goal is to “avoid armed conflict at any cost”. Mr. Chamberlain, fearing the horrors of the Great War, has also stated that his is seeking a non-violent solution to the border disputes. Mr. Kennedy is expected back in Washington next week.

Civilian Conservation Corps Signed Into Law

Washington Post, Evening Edition - January 13, 1938

     President John Nance Garner, holding true to a pledge he made last year in his Inaugural Address, signed into law the Civilian Conservation Corps Act of 1938 this morning. The C.C.C. is designed to employ young, unmarried, unemployed men with unskilled labor on Federally owned land. Mr. Garner hailed the C.C.C. as “the first step in long-term employment” for the young men it will help. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced yesterday that unemployment was down to 21%. Secretary of Labor William Green sighted Mr. Garner’s renewed vigor for government assistance as “the base cause” of the lowered unemployment rate.

Germany Annexes Austria, Moves Towards Czechoslovakia

The Daily Telegraph, Morning Edition - March 12, 1938

    Hours ago, Austrian Chancellor Arthur Seyss-Inquart dissolved his government and submitted to the Nazi Regime of Adolf Hitler, days after Mr. Hitler’s troops marched Austria. Mr. Seyss-Inquart is a member of the Austrian Nazi Party and is expected to be appointed as the Nazi Governor of new German-Austrian State. Mr. Hitler’s troops were met with massive support from the Austrian people, who saw them as liberators and saviors. The German Army now appears to be building up along the German/Austrian-Czechoslovakian border. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain issued a statement immediately, saying that his government hoped that “this act of aggression is the last use of violence by the Nazi government” and that he would be returning to Berlin for “further meetings” with Mr. Hitler.

[DKrol]

Garner Re-Affirms Neutrality

Washington Post, Evening Edition - March 13, 1938

    President John Nance Garner spoke, via radio, to the American people. He spoke mostly about the chance of war with Germany or Japan, as it appears that a German invasion of Czechoslovakia could come any day and the Japanese are continuing their conquest of Southeast Asia. “My government has pledged, and will continue to pledge, our absolute neutrality in the conflicts of foreign nations” Mr. Garner said, going on to say definitively “Soldiers of the United States will not be sent overseas under my administration”. A Harvard University poll shows that most Americans support Mr. Garners statement, 53% saying that they do not support foreign intervention and 43% saying that it is our duty to protect the citizens of oppressed nations.

Germany Takes Czechoslovakia

The Daily Telegraph, Special Edition - September 30, 1938

    After months of speculation, German Fuhrer Adolf Hitler launched his army into Czechoslovakia. A statement from the War Office announced that the Nazi Army has stormed into the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia early this morning. “It is likely,” the statement read “That the Nazi Army will halt it’s expansion at the border of the Sudetenland and peace will return to the region”. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain addressed the House of Commons regarding the annexation of the Sudetenland his afternoon. “The Fuhrer and I spoke at length about the Sudetenland earlier this month. We came to the agreement that Germany would take the Sudetenland and any further land disputes are to be decided by an international council. This agreement has created peace for our time”.

Churchill Calls for Resistance, Garner Rejects

The Daily Telegraph, Special Edition - October 16, 1938

    While Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain has been seeking to avoid armed conflict, MP Winston Churchill has been doing the opposite. Mr. Churchill, in a radio address, advised His Majesty’s government and the government of President John Nance Garner, in America, to prepare for armed resistance against Adolf Hitler. “He seeking to conquer Europe, America, and the world. Mr. Chamberlain said “We must be ready to meet him in resistance and defend our homes”. Mr. Garner responded, through a White House Spokesman, and said “Mr. Churchill does not understand the intricacies of diplomacy” and that he would not take the advice of “a member of a foreign Parliament” when crafting American policy.

[DKrol]

92 Jews Killed in Germany/Austria
 
New York Times, Morning Edition - November 10, 1938

    A report has come in that terror is reigning in Germany and Austria. Last night, anti-semitics burned numerous synagogues, Jewish businesses, and killed 92 Jews. Nearly 30,000 Jews were arrested on minor charges and incarcerated in Fuhrer Adolf Hitler’s concentration prison camps. Secretary of State Joseph C. Grew decline to comment on the events, as did Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. and President John Nance Garner. Many take this as a sign that government is re-thinking it’s policy of absolute isolationism. A report, from a confidential source, tells us that British MP Winston Churchill has been invited to the White House but a government source has not yet confirmed that.

New Congress Sworn In

Washington Post, Special Edition - January 3, 1939

 The newly elected, 76th Congress took their seats this morning. In the Senate, the Republicans gained 7 seats (South Dakota, Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire), and the Progressive Party gained 1 seat (Wisconsin). The Democratic Party and Farmer-Labor Party failed to gain any seats. This puts the balance of power at 64 seats for the Democrats, 27 for the Republicans, 3 for the Progressives, and 2 for the Farmer-Labor Party. In the map above, red indicates a Democratic hold. Light blue indicates a Republican pick up, blue indicates a Republican hold. Pale yellow indicates a Progressive pickup. Senator Alben W. Barkley, a Democratic of Kentucky, will serve as Majority Leader and Senator Charles L. McNary, a Republican of Oregon, will serve as Minority Leader. In the House of Representatives, the Democrats now hold 256 seats (-64), the Republicans 159 (+52), the Progressives 13 (+6), and the Farmer-Labor 9 (+6). Representative Samuel T. Rayburn, a Democrat of Texas, will continue to serve as the Speaker of the House for the new Congress.

PM Chamberlain, Pres. Garner Reverse Policies on Germany

The Daily Telegraph, Special Edition - February 6, 1939

    Speaking to the House of Commons today, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain officially revered the government's stance on Germany. Discussing a report that Fuhrer Adolf Hitler is setting his sights on France. Mr. Chamberlain warned that “any German action against will be sign as a Declaration of War against the United Kingdom”. Many people have begun to prepare for war, making plans to send children away and stocking up on canned goods. The War Office told The Daily Telegraph that enlistments for the Air Force and the Navy are “at all time highs”. If Mr. Hitler comes knocking, the Isles will be ready. American President John Nance Garner has also moved away from his isolationist policies; ordering the production of more firearms and armaments, more airplanes, and more tanks. His Department of Defense has said that these are “ordinary measures for the protection of the United States” by experts all agree that Mr. Garner is slowly preparing for a war.

New Hope Agenda Takes Effect

Washington Post, Morning Edition - February 16, 1939

    President John Nance Garner promised that his New Hope Agenda would spur the economy and create jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has proven him right, unemployment is below 20% for the first time in nearly ten years. A spokesman for the Bureau announced, this morning, announced that the unemployment rate was down to 18.7%. He went on to say that much of the recovery is thanks to the numerous recovery and relief programs Mr. Garner has created in the past year. “We cannot discuss this recovery without giving most the credit to [Mr. Garner] and the New Hope Agenda”. It was also announced the economy only shrunk 1% over the past year. A Harvard University poll shows that Mr. Garner is one of the most well-liked politicians in the country, with 57% of Americans saying that they are happy with his handling of the country, 40% say they are unhappy with his leadership, and 3% who are unsure.

[DKrol]

Cardinal Pacelli Elected Pope

Il Piccolo, Special Edition - March 2, 1939

    Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, Bishop of Sardis and Cardinal Secretary of State, has been elected the 260th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Pacelli is a known anti-Nazi and will surely use his position in the Church to try and curb the German expansion. Cardinal Pacelli has taken the regnal name of Pius XII. American Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., a devout Catholic, will be traveling to Italy to attend the Papal coronation on behalf of President John Nance Garner.

Britain Ready for War, America on Defensive

The Daily Telegraph, Evening Edition - August 24, 1939

    The House of Commons voted today to grant Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain the ability to go to war. The War Powers Resolution was rushed through this morning, following a hasty debate, and given Royal Assent this afternoon. Mr. Chamberlain has order the Royal Navy to “to be ready to send out” on an hours notice and all soldiers on leave have been called back into service. American President John Nance Garner has openly called for the American Navy to “be at full readiness, in order to provide for the security” of the United States. A spokesman from the American Department of War told us that the build-up of arms and the preparation of the Navy is strictly for defensive purposes, with “no plans for an offensive assault”.

Hitler Invades Poland, Europe At War

New York Times, Special Edition - September 1, 1939

    In the early hours of the morning, the Nazi Army advanced into Poland. Long viewed as the next target of Fuhrer Adolf Hitler’s expansion, war is raging along the Polish-German border. Thousand of German troops and tanks are working their way into the Polish countryside but the Polish Army is putting up a fight. We’ve been told, from a source within the War Department, that hundreds of German soldiers have been killed by the Polish, but the Germans are gaining land. We’ve also received reports that scores of Polish citizens have been killed in the crossfire, and dozens more have been taken prisoner by the Nazis. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain has declared war on Germany, as has France, Australia, Nepal, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. The Empire of Japan has announced it’s support for Germany, and has allied itself with the regime of Mr. Hitler. President John Nance Garner is in meetings with Congressional and Military Leaders. He is expected to address the nation in the coming days.

[DKrol]

Garner Declares Neutrality in European War

Washington Post, Special Edition - September 5, 1939

    Four days after the Nazis launched their invasion of Poland and Europe took up arms, President John Nance Garner addressed the nation in a radio address. “My fellow Americans, war is upon us. But we will not allow it to permeate our peace, our sanctity, and our calm. The United States is, and will remain, neutral in any and all European conflicts”. To further his point, Mr. Garner announced that Congress had passed The Neutrality Act of 1939, barring commerce with belligerent nations in the European conflict. “The neutrality of the United States must be full, complete, and total” Mr. Garner said.

Poland Annexed by Germany, Soviet Union

New York Times, Evening Edition - October 8, 1939

    It is official, Poland is no longer a sovereign nation. The government in Warsaw surrendered to both the Nazis and the Soviets this afternoon. In a joint, two-pronged invasion, Poland was swiftly annexed by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, a well-planned and well-executed operation. The two nations agreed to divide Poland between them following their annexation. As the rest of Europe is preparing to fight of the Germans, many American military experts say that the real threat is coming from the Soviet Union. “They’re building up troops along the Finnish border,” Lt. Daniel Fitzpatrick, our military expert says “The Soviets are going to try and take Scandinavia”. Mr. Fitzpatrick also advised not to ignore Japan, who are slowly building up an empire in Southeast Asia.

Conventions Gearing Up

Washington Post, Evening Edition - January 7, 1940

    Although they are months away, both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions are underway. Multiple candidates, on both sides, have launched campaigns and are actively seeking the nomination. For the Republicans, Senator Robert A. Taft, of Ohio, is leading the pack, with Attorney Thomas A. Dewey, of New York, Businessman Wendell L. Willkie, of New York, and Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, of Michigan, also in the running. The Democratic field is less crowded. Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., of Massachusetts, is the front-runner for the Democrats. Also running are Secretary of Agriculture Henry A. Wallace, of Iowa, and Congressman James Roosevelt II, of New York. The key point of the election, no matter who the candidates are, will be the War in Europe.

[Dancing with Myself]

Go Willkie!

[DKrol]

Denmark Falls of Germany, Finland to the Soviet Union

New York Times, Special Edition - April 9, 1940

    After barely six hours of fighting, the government of Denmark surrendered to the Nazis. King Christian X met with the German General in charge of taking the small nation and officially handed his nation over to Fuhrer Adolf Hitler. To the north, the government of Finland also fell to the Soviet Union. Finnish President Kyosti Kallio signed a document giving up his authority to govern the Scandinavian nation. Lt. Daniel Fitzpatrick, our military expert, told us that “this should be very worrying. With the Germans and the Soviets competing for ‘King of Europe’, we should all be afraid of what will happen when they reach the France or the British Isles”.  Mr. Hitler has been reported to be gearing up for an invasion of France and the Low Countries. President John Nance Garner signed into law the “Naval Expansion Act of 1940”, which requires the Navy to increase it’s tonnage by 11% over the next two years. A White House spokesman said that the Naval Expansion Act and the events in Europe are “unrelated”, but it is unlikely to be true.

Chamberlain Out, Churchill In as France Comes Under Attack

The Daily Telegraph, Special Edition - May 10, 1940

    Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain handed in his resignation to His Majesty this morning, citing a lack of confidence from Parliament. “I no longer feel confident in my ability to govern the nation,” Mr. Chamberlain said in a national radio address “And, given our current position in the European War, I effectively end my tenure as Prime Minister.” Conservative MP Winston Churchill was invited to Buckingham to form a government, which he accepted promptly and set to work. Mr. Churchill is very pro-intervention and we expect that British involvement in the War is going to increase under his Premiership. He is expected to address the Empire tomorrow. This change in leadership comes at a poor time, as the Nazis launched another wave of invasions this morning. Fuhrer Adolf Hitler ordered attacks to begin on France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. This is seen as the beginning of a new phase of the war, one much closer to home.

Italy Declares War on France, U.K.

New York Times, Evening Edition - June 10, 1940

    The State Department announced today that the Fascist government in Italy, strong supporters of the Nazi regime in Germany, has joined in on the War in Europe. Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini today declared war on France, the current target of Fuhrer Adolf Hitler, and the United Kingdom, Mr. Hitler’s biggest threat. President John Nance Garner did not comment on these new declarations of war, but Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., campaigning for President in California, said “an attack on Britain... is an attack on the United States”.  This will likely have little impact on officially policy, at least under Mr. Garner’s administration, as Mr. Kennedy has been removed from most policy making decisions due to his Presidential campaign. Many have taken this as a sign that Mr. Garner favors Secretary of Agriculture Henry A. Wallace as his successor over Mr. Kennedy.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I'm sure this would be an interesting timeline if I actually read it. Nevertheless, in my old age, I have little patience for much more than skimming to look at maps. That said, at least visually, it looks like a good timeline, and if you can do only one thing, at least have it be that. Carry on, my wayward son.

[rpryor03]

I'm really enjoying this Krol. Keep it up.

[DKrol]

Sorry guys, I know that it has been a while since an update but I promise one will be out tonight. I've started a new job and have a lack of time, but an update is coming.

[DKrol]

First Ballot of Republican National Convention Results, 1940

Washington Post, Special Edition - June 24, 1940

   The Republican National Convention began today in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results of the first ballot are as follows: Senator Robert A. Taft, 326; Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, 211; Businessman Wendell L. Willkie, 210; Former Governor Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., 187; Senator Charles L. McNary, 43; Attorney Thomas A. Dewey, 23. Mr. Taft led the Convention with a rousing speech advocating for American isolationism in the European War. Mr. Roosevelt campaigned for American intervention in the War, citing his experience as a military leader as his reasoning that he would be the best candidate to lead the nation through a war. Mr. Vandenberg and Mr. McNary were not present at the convention to make a speech, but their supporters made the case that they were both experience politicians who understood how Washington worked. Also absent were Mr. Willkie and Mr. Dewey, but their surrogates preached them as “Washington Outsiders” who could objectively change Washington.


Second Ballot of Republican National Convention Results, 1940

Washington Post, Special Edition - June 25, 1940

    The second day of the Republican National Convention yielded no candidate. However, a clear front-runner has risen. The results of the second ballot are as follows:  Senator Robert A. Taft, 421; Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, 300; Businessman Wendell L. Willkie, 253; Senator Charles L. McNary, 14; Former Governor Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., 11; Attorney Thomas A. Dewey, 1. Party leaders, hoping for a short convention, are coalescing around Mr. Taft, a galvanizing isolationist from an electoral vote-rich state. There is also a close competition for second, between Mr. Vandenberg and Mr. Willkie. Mr. Vandenberg is staging his campaign around isolationism, while Mr. Willkie is focusing on reforming and repurposing the New Hope Agenda programs. Mr. McNary, Mr. Roosevelt, Jr., and Mr. Dewey have all suspended their campaigns. Mr. Roosevelt, Jr. offered Mr. Willkie his endorsement, while Mr. Dewey and Mr. McNary have not given any candidate an endorsement.



Third Ballot of Republican National Convention Results, 1940

Washington Post, Special Edition - June 26, 1940

    A very close race is splitting the Republican Party for it’s nomination. The results of the second ballot are as follows:  Businessman Wendell L. Willkie, 410; Senator Robert A. Taft, 384; Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, 206. Most of former Governor Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.’s supporters shifted to Mr. Willkie after Mr. Willkie announced that Mr. Roosevelt would be his proposed running mate. However, Mr. Taft has declared that Senator Charles L. McNary would join him on the Republican ticket, winning him much support from the establishment. Mr. Vandenberg held on narrowly on the third ticket and announced he would drop off of further votes.

[Jahnson]

Really enjoying this timeline, Krol!

[DKrol]

Fourth Ballot of Republican National Convention Results, 1940

Washington Post, Special Edition - June 27, 1940

    In one of the longer conventions of recent memory, Senator Robert A. Taft, of Ohio, has secured the nomination of the Republican Party. The results of the final ballot are as follows: Senator Robert A. Taft, 653; Businessman Wendell L. Willkie, 347. After an evening of backroom deals and power-brokering Mr. Taft emerged as the clear and definitive victor. Mr. Willkie conceded the race and pledged his full support to Mr. Taft. Mr. Taft nominated Senator Charles L. McNary, of Oregon, as his running mate and the convention nominated him by acclamation.


First Ballot of Democratic National Convention Results, 1940

Washington Post, Special Edition - July 15, 1940

    Although the Republican National Convention dragged on for four ballots, the Democratic National Convention was short and to the point. The results of the first ballot are as follows: Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., 638; Secretary of Agriculture Henry A. Wallace, 322; Former Senator Huey P. Long, Jr., 133. Although there has been some doubt as to whether President John Nance Garner supported Mr. Kennedy, it all but vanished when Mr. Garner endorsed Mr. Kennedy on the eve of the convention. In his speech at the convention, Mr. Kennedy called for “cautious isolation” in the European War, while still advocating for the special defense of the United Kingdom., as well as the “expansions and continuation of the New Hope Agenda”. Mr. Kennedy nominated Senator Sherman Minton of Indiana as his running mate, which the convention happily agreed to.

Kennedy Leading Taft, Poll Shows

New York Times, Evening Edition - July 20, 1940

    A new poll from Harvard University shows that the electorate is favoring Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. The poll, released this morning, gives Mr. Kennedy 53% of the vote, over 47% for Senator Robert A. Taft. When asked who they trusted more to handle the War in Europe voters chose Mr. Kennedy (52%-48%), as they did when asked who they felt would better manage the New Hope Agenda (56%-44%). Mr. Taft, however, led when voters were asked who they would rather have a cup of coffee with (53%-47%).

[DKrol]

Bombs Fall on London, Kennedy Calls for Draft

New York Times, Evening Edition - September 7, 1940

    In the cover of darkness German warplanes soared over London and the British Isles, dropping scores of bombs on high population centers. The British government has not released a figure on how many civilians were killed, but the Red Cross estimates that nearly 300,000 Londoners may have been killed or injured because of the Nazis. Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., keeping true to one of his campaign promises, met with President John Nance Garner and asked that he pursue “a peacetime draft to prepare for the coming war”. This makes Mr. Kennedy the first government official to say that the War in Europe is making it’s way across the Atlantic. However, Mr. Garner rejected the proposal and, by association, rejected the notion that the European War could spill over into our country.

Campaign Hinges on War

Washington Post, Afternoon Edition - October 22, 1940

    With the War in Europe raging, and numerous nations falling to Fuhrer Adolf Hitler each month, the Presidential election will likely be decided by the voters’ opinion on U.S. involvement. Senator Robert A. Taft, the Republican Nominee, is a staunch isolationist and believes that we must fix our problems at home before even looking abroad. Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., the Democratic Nominee, has advocated for American “preparedness” for intervention and the defense of the United Kingdom. Mr. Kennedy said, at a campaign event, that the U.K. “is our greatest ally and deserves our strongest support”. This stance has alienated Mr. Kennedy from the Administration of President John Nance Garner, who is more isolationist. A poll from Harvard University found that 53% of Americans favor isolationism, while 42% are in favor of intervention and 5% are unsure. Going into the election, it appears that Mr. Taft has a slight lead over Mr. Kennedy.

[badgate]

Krol is on a roll!!

Been sitting on that for a few days.

[DKrol]

Krol is on a roll!!

Been sitting on that for a few days.

Haha thanks for that!

Sorry about the lack of updates, I've started a new job and have had a lack of time to write.

[DKrol]

Kennedy Starts With Small Lead

Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr./Senator Sherman Minton (D) - 23
Senator Robert A. Taft/Senator Charles L. McNary (R) - 8
New York Times, Special Edition - November 5, 1940

The first returns of the 1940 Presidential Election are coming in from across the nation. We can report at this time that Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. has won the following states: Maryland ( 8 ), Florida (7), and West Virginia ( 8 ). This gives him a total of 23 Electoral Votes. We can report that Senator Robert A. Taft has won the states of: Vermont (3) and Maine (5). This gives him a total of 8 Electoral Votes. Polls have closed in New Jersey (16), Virginia (11), and Pennsylvania (36) but we cannot report results from these states yet.


Taft Takes Lead

Senator Robert A. Taft/Senator Charles L. McNary (R) - 172
Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr./Senator Sherman Minton (D) - 121
New York Times, Special Edition - November 5, 1940

    More returns of the 1940 Presidential Election are coming in from across the nation. We can report at this time that Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. has won the following states: South Carolina ( 8 ), Illinois (29), Oklahoma (11), and Alabama (11). This gives him a total of 121 Electoral Votes. We can report that Senator Robert A. Taft has won the states of: Ohio (26), New York (47), Pennsylvania (36), Wisconsin (12), and Minnesota (11). This gives him a total of 172 Electoral Votes. Polls have closed in California (22), Oregon (5), Wyoming (3), Colorado (6), Texas (23), Indiana (14),Massachusetts (17), Michigan (19), and we cannot report results from these states yet, and we still cannot call Virginia (11).

Taft Holds Onto Lead

Senator Robert A. Taft/Senator Charles L. McNary (R) - 227
Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr./Senator Sherman Minton (D) - 220
New York Times, Special Edition - November 5, 1940

    More returns of the 1940 Presidential Election are coming in from across the nation. We can report at this time that Vice President Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. has won the following states: Texas (23), Virginia (11), Tennessee (11), Louisiana (10), Iowa (11), Arkansas (9), and Missouri (19). This gives him a total of 220 Electoral Votes. We can report that Senator Robert A. Taft has won the states of: Indiana (14), Michigan (19), Massachusetts (17), and Oregon (5). This gives him a total of 227 Electoral Votes. Polls have closed in the rest of the country, but no states can be called. Our analysts are telling us that although a win by Mr. Taft looks certain at this point that is is unlikely. Mr. Kennedy is expected to sweep the rest of the West Coast and make a strong showing in the Mid-West.

[Captain Chaos]

Kennedy could not win his home state?

[DKrol]

Kennedy could not win his home state?

It's not his home state in this TL. He lost Massachusetts by .7% and excelled in the Boston area but he lost most of his favorite son charm when he became Secretary of State in 1933 and relocated the Kennedy family from Hyannis Port to Norfolk, Virginia in 1935.