No on 22

[TX Conservative Dem]

Giuliani would bring up Edwards sex scandal in his negative TV Ads, justifying it as Family Values.

[MATTROSE94]

Giuliani would bring up Edwards sex scandal in his negative TV Ads, justifying it as Family Values.

The sex scandals with John Edwards might have been butterflied away if he did not run for the Democratic nomination in 2004.

[NHI]

Giuliani would bring up Edwards sex scandal in his negative TV Ads, justifying it as Family Values.

The sex scandals with John Edwards might have been butterflied away if he did not run for the Democratic nomination in 2004.

That's the angle I'm going with in this TL, also for those curios the economic meltdown does not happen as it did in 2008.

[badgate]

Is today election day? I'm excited.

[NHI]

Is today election day? I'm excited.

I'll have a post up tomorrow. Been away all weekend.

[badgate]

Is today election day? I'm excited.

I'll have a post up tomorrow. Been away all weekend.

Me too. I was at this.

[NHI]

Is today election day? I'm excited.

I'll have a post up tomorrow. Been away all weekend.

Me too. I was at this.

[NHI]

Rudy Looks To Lock up Election

Giuliani continued to hold onto his lead, after a non-decisive first and second debate between he and Senator Edwards. Giuliani continued to argue for experience, over change and rebuffed Edwards' claim of change for change sake. The soaring economy and relative stability over the War in Afghanistan made Giuliani a strong contender for reelection and he looked to seal the deal, by launching a tour across the country in the final weeks of the campaign; hitting the battlegrounds and many states not generally keen to voting Republican.

Edwards Continues the Fight

Trailing by an average of 3 points Edwards focused his campaign on the message, which won him the nomination; focusing on the divide in America between rich and poor. "We need not be an America of two. There are two cities, but we can once again be a great, united shinning city on a hill where all Americans are sharing in the wealth and prosperity. We were this society once and we can be again -- but I need your help to make it happen."

Who Won The Vice Presidential Debate?

Vice Pres. Sam Brownback: 49%

Sen. John Kerry: 37%

Tie: 14%

Who Won the Third Presidential Debate?

Pres. Rudy Giuliani: 48%

Sen. John Edwards: 32%

Tied: 20%

Election Night: 2008

President Rudy Giuliani: 0 (0%)

Senator John Edwards: 0 (0%)

"Good evening and welcome to CBS' election night coverage. I'm Dan Rather and tonight Rudy Giuliani, President of the United States is trying for his reelection in what has been a fairly tilted battle against Senator John Edwards. Polls at this hour have President Giuliani ahead by two to three points, but the Edwards' campaign is confident that tonight this could be a Dewey Defeats Truman moment tonight.

We do have some states to project now, no surprise Indiana will go for Giuliani and Vermont for Edwards. Also the state of Kentucky a Clinton state in 1992 and 1996, and one John Edwards hoped to pull back in the D column goes for Giuliani tonight." -- Dan Rather

Indiana:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 55%

John Edwards: 44%

Vermont:

√ John Edwards: 56%

Rudy Giuliani: 43%

Kentucky:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 54%

John Edwards: 45%

President Rudy Giuliani: 19 (50.7%)

John Edwards: 3 (48.3%)

"Two reliable states for either party. We cannot project a winner in Virginia Georgia or South Carolina at this time. We cannot project a winner in the states of Ohio, West Virginia or North Carolina at this time. North Carolina being the home of Senator John Edwards, where he served as a Senator for six years." -- Dan Rather

North Carolina: 3% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 50.5%

John Edwards: 48.8%

Georgia: 5% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 53%

John Edwards: 45%

West Virginia: 7% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 52%

John Edwards: 46%

Ohio: 1% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 55%

John Edwards: 43%

Virginia: 2% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 52%

John Edwards: 47%

"An interesting tidbit to report to you now. Early this morning after midnight the little town of Dixville Notch in New Hampshire cast their ballots for President. A small population in the Granite State and the results were as follows:" -- Dan Rather

Dixsville Notch Results: 2008

Rudy Giuliani: 13 (52%)

John Edwards: 12 (48%)

"Twenty-five votes cast and a one vote advantage for Mr. Giuliani, so heaven knows how to read this and if we're in for a long election night, we shall see." -- Dan Rather

[Senator Cris]

Go Rudy!

Great timeline!

[TX Conservative Dem]

If Giuliani was President, would we have ever seen the likes of Mark Warner, Jim Webb and Tim Kaine in VA politics ?

[NHI]

"...and we're back. Here are the results as they look on our map. It is now at twenty-two minutes after eight o'clock. The President is holding onto a narrow lead in the electoral college, but still none of those big states, the states were all the money is being bet have fallen yet. Giuliani looking to counter a possible Edwards' push in the south. So far he's held onto Tennessee and Kentucky, two states that were a slight Edwards' lean, but we don't know yet on Virginia, West Virginia or South Carolina or even Florida and Georgia yet. Same in the Northeast with Connecticut and Pennsylvania and New Jersey, all three states Rudy Giuliani would like in his column tonight." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 52 (46.9%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (51.9%)

"Senator Edwards holds a pretty substantial lead in the popular vote, up by five percentage points over the President. No one has speculated or mentioned this but there is always the possibility of one candidate winning the electoral vote and losing the popular vote. We thought it might have happened four years ago when President Giuliani, then Mayor defeated President Al Gore in a nail biter of an election. We are watching this one closely, especially which way those big state are leaning."-- Dan Rather"

Pennsylvania: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 51.0%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.7%

New Jersey: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 52.0%

Rudy Giuliani: 47.9%

Delaware: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 52.8%

Rudy Giuliani: 46.9%

Connecticut: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.9%

John Edwards: 47.9%

Illinois: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.3%

John Edwards: 48.1%

Missouri: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.9%

John Edwards: 47.4%

Florida: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.1%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.5%

[NHI]

"We're back and we're joined now by Chief Speechwriter for The President and Press Secretary on the Campaign, John Avalon. John, as you watch the results come in tonight, you must have some trepidation, maybe too strong a word, but certainly there are some states outstanding that should be in the Giuliani camp?" -- Dan Rather

"We always believed it would be a close race, even with the benefits of a strong economy on our side. Senator Edwards is a strong campaigner, his supporters are passionate, so I'm not surprised by the results we're seeing. I do believe in the end, though it maybe close Rudy Giuliani will be reelected." -- John Avalon

"Many have been predicting a Dewey beats Truman moment tonight. In fact a fellow by the name of Nate Silver, at the New York Times predicted a nail biter of an election, saying there is a 49 percent chance that this election is 270-268, now that's a squeaker." -- Dan Rather

"With respect to Mr. Silver, I don't think it'll be that close, it may not be quite the spread we had in 2004, but I do believe Rudy Giuliani will be reelected." -- John Avalon

"Well, maybe you're onto something there. CBS can now project the state of Georgia for President Giuliani." -- Dan Rather

Georgia

√ Rudy Giuliani: 51.9%

John Edwards: 46.9%

President Rudy Giuliani: 67 (47.6%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (51.2%)

"Another big state to call. The time is 8:51 here on the east coast. We project the state of New Hampshire for President Giuliani. The Granite State continues it trend now for the third straight election voting for the Republican candidate, it did vote reliably Republican, but swung for President Clinton in both his '92 and '96 campaigns." -- Dan Rather

New Hampshire

√ Rudy Giuliani: 51.5%

John Edwards: 47.0%

President Rudy Giuliani: 71 (47.9%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (50.9%)

North Carolina: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.2%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.4%

South Carolina: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.9%

John Edwards: 48.1%

Virginia: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.3%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.1%

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51.0%

John Edwards: 48.7%

Illinois: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.6%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.0%

Pennsylvania: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.8%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.8%

Delaware: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.9%

New Jersey: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.5%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.8%

Connecticut: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.5%

John Edwards: 48.4%

Missouri: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.8%

John Edwards: 48.5%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51.1%

John Edwards: 48.5%

Maine CD 2: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 49.6%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.4%

[TX Conservative Dem]

Why is Illinois too close to call?

I also wonder if Edwards being on the ballot in NC, helps Bev Perdue win the governorship in the Tar Heel State.

[NHI]

"It is now nine o'clock here on the east coast and we can project the following states." -- Dan Rather

Kansas:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 60%

John Edwards: 39%

Nebraska:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 59%

John Edwards: 40%

South Dakota:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 58%

John Edwards: 41%

North Dakota:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 59%

John Edwards: 40%

Wyoming:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 61%

John Edwards: 38%

Texas:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 56%

John Edwards: 43%

Louisiana:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 57%

John Edwards: 42%

"All these states are going solidly for President Giuliani, and we can now project Arkansas will be won by the President too." -- Dan Rather

Arkansas:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 54%

John Edwards: 45%

President Rudy Giuliani: 140 (51.1%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (47.8%)

"And here is the map. The states of Michigan, Wisconsin and New York are all too close to call. New Mexico remains too early to call, the same for Colorado and Minnesota.

We can now project the Land of Lincoln for Senator Edwards. There was some concern that it might, swing for Giuliani tonight, but it stays red again this election and we can now also project Minnesota for Senator Edwards." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 140 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (48%)

"We can now make a major projection in the state of North Carolina. We are calling the Tar Heel State for Senator Edwards." -- Dan Rather

North Carolina:

√ John Edwards: 51%

Rudy Giuliani: 48%

"A big for the North Carolina Senator as he looks to make up ground in the electoral map. All polls should him being competitive in the south and up until now he's failed to flip a single state, but North Carolina is a start. It voted for Bill Clinton in '96 in his reelection landslide and narrowly went for Hutchison in 2000. Tonight it goes red again.

Adding more red to the map, Democrats can breathe a sigh of relief both the state of Delaware will stay Democrat again. Giuliani thought he could flip it into the Republican column, but it remain solidly Democrat again." -- Dan Rather

Delaware:

√ John Edwards: 51.3%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.4%

President Rudy Giuliani: 140 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 84 (48%)

New Mexico: Too Early to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50%

John Edwards: 49%

Colorado: Too Early to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 52%

John Edwards: 47%

Wisconsin: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51%

John Edwards: 49%

Michigan: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51%

John Edwards: 48%

New York: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51%

John Edwards: 47%

"At this time we can project that Rudy Giuliani will win South Carolina. He keeps The Palmetto State blue again for the GOP." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 148 (51%)

John Edwards: 84 (48%)

[NHI]

"...and the Edwards' camp is keeping hope alive tonight, and it appears that maybe truer that thought because now CBS is calling the Keystone State, the battleground of Pennsylvania for the Democrat. It is twenty minutes past ten here on the east coast and we are projecting Pennsylvania for John Edwards." -- Dan Rather

Pennsylvania:

√ John Edwards: 50.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.4%

President Rudy Giuliani: 165 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 121 (48%)

"Twenty-one electoral votes for John Edwards now, he is within a good throwing distance of the President in the electoral map and all eyes remain on the big states left to call." -- Dan Rather

Florida: 85% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 50%

John Edwards: 50%

"In Florida, a state that has been close the last two election is essentially a dead heat tonight between the Democrat and the Republican candidate. Al Gore won it narrowly both in 2000 and in 2004, but it did not help him secure reelection four years ago. It remains too close to call. Another state we're keeping our eyes on very closely in the state of Virginia where Senator Edwards holds a narrow lead over the President." -- Dan Rather

Virginia: 96% Reported

John Edwards: 50.1%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.4%

West Virginia: 99% Reported

√ Rudy Giuliani: 50.6%

John Edwards: 48.9%

"CBS has just projected West Virginia for the President. Rudy Giuliani wins the state of West Virginia." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 170 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 121 (48%)

"Turning now to Bob Schieffer, moderator of Face the Nation on CBS, Bob as we look at the map who has the advantage at this point?" -- Dan Rather

"Well, the President's total is 170, he needs 270 to win, so he needs only a hundred more delegates and he's done. For Senator Edwards it's a little harder, but not impossible. For him it's keeping Florida, a Gore state, holding onto Michigan another Gore state. He also needs to hold onto New Mexico's 5 electoral votes and Iowa. Now all three states were won by Gore four years ago.

From there it's winning California, Hawaii, Washington and Oregon, which have voted Democrat in the last few cycles and no one expects much change there. Oregon was close in 2000 and 2004, but it is expected to go for Edwards. He wins all those states it's a 132 electoral votes, add that to his current total he's at 253." -- Bob Schieffer

Edwards: States Needed to Win

Florida: 27

Michigan: 17
New Mexico: 5
Iowa: 6
California: 55
Oregon: 7
Washington: 11
Hawaii: 4

Total: 132

+Current Total: 121
= 253

"Now from there is where the difficulty lies. He needs twenty-three delegates to reach 270. Now winning New York gets him there. He gets New York he's at 284 and the race is done. Now assume Connecticut remains Democrat, though it is leaning Giuliani, those 7 votes get him to 260. He could take Wisconsin, but it's voted Republican the last two times. Truly it comes down to Ohio. He could lose Wisconsin and New York and if he wins Ohio, that's the ballgame. He's at 273 and he's President-Elect." -- Bob Schieffer

10:53 pm EST

"We are now projecting the state of Michigan for Senator Edwards. Edwards wins Michigan." -- Dan Rather

Michigan:

√ John Edwards: 50%

Rudy Giuliani: 48%

President Rudy Giuliani: 170 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 138 (48%)

11:00 pm EST

"The time is eleven o'clock here on the east coast and we can project the following states:" -- Dan Rather

California:

√ John Edwards: 58%

Rudy Giuliani: 41%

Hawaii:

√ John Edwards: 59%

Rudy Giuliani: 40%

Washington:

√ John Edwards: 55%

Rudy Giuliani: 44%

Idaho:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 62%

John Edwards: 37%

Oregon: Too Early To Call

John Edwards: 53%

Rudy Giuliani: 46%

Senator John Edwards: 208 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 174 (50%)

"There is the map. Oregon is too early to call, but Senator Edwards is in the lead. We can now project for President Giuliani, the state of Arizona, another Republican state, so no surprise there tonight." -- Dan Rather

Senator John Edwards: 208 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 184 (50%)

"And at this time we are now projecting the state of Iowa for Senator Edwards." -- Dan Rather

Iowa:

√ John Edwards: 51%

Rudy Giuliani: 48%

"Here is the map in Virginia, with now 99 percent of the precincts reporting CBS news is now projecting Virginia to be won by Senator Edwards." -- Dan Rather

Virginia: 99% Reported

√ John Edwards: 50.3%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.1%

"A big and important win for Edwards tonight. He's now carried two states that have not voted for the Democrats since Bill Clinton's reelection in 1996." -- Dan Rather

Senator John Edwards: 228 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 184 (50%)

[NHI]

12:01 AM EST

Connecticut:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 50.0%

John Edwards: 48.9%

"CBS can now project that the state of Connecticut will be won by President Giuliani." -- Dan Rather

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 199 (49%)

"This has been quite a night and it's far from over yet. Rudy Giuliani, the incumbent President is facing quite a challenge from Senator John Edwards. Many pundits expected, while it would be a close race, no one predicted the night we've seen thus far. President Giuliani's team expected him to be accepting his victory speech around this hour, but it seems to resembling four years ago." -- Dan Rather

New York: 89% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.9%

John Edwards: 49.0%

Ohio: 99% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 50.8%

John Edwards: 48.7%

"And we're getting ready to make another major projection. CBS News is now calling the key state of Ohio for President Giuliani. Hope is still alive in the Republican camp tonight. This is a needed win for the President and definitely takes some wind out of the Edwards' sails tonight. The question now remains can John Edwards turn this thing around or is he up the river so to speak without a boat or a paddle. We'll watch and see." -- Dan Rather

Wisconsin: 95% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.7%

John Edwards: 49.5%

New Mexico: 98% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.8%

John Edwards: 49.6%

Florida: 99% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.9%

John Edwards: 49.8%

Missouri: 99% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.6%

John Edwards: 49.5%

"It is closer than a razor's edge in the remaining states and we could, emphasis on the word could, be looking at possible recounts, especially in a state like Florida, where is there is as 0.5% or less difference there is an automatic recount triggered.

President Giuliani continues to hold onto his narrow leads in the important states of Florida and New York, if he can carry those two states he's won reelection.

And it appears CBS can now make a major projection in the race for President. CBS News is now projecting the state of New York for President Giuliani. He wins New York." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 250 (49%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

"This changes the map considerably and puts the President is a better position. He is twenty votes shy of winning reelection for a second term." -- Dan Rather

BREAKING NEWS: EDWARDS CAMPAIGNING CONSIDERING RECOUNT PROCESS

1:08 AM EST

"...and the state of Wisconsin has gone for President Giuliani."

Wisconsin: 100% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.8%

John Edwards: 49.5%

President Rudy Giuliani: 260 (50%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

BREAKING NEWS: FLORIDA TOO CLOSE TO CALL
GIULIANI: 49.9% EDWARDS: 49.8% (DIFFERENCE: 0.1%)

"Now with the recount process in Florida that appears likely given the results, we may not know the winner for probably a couple of days, that puts into question the state of this race. President Giuliani is ten votes shy of reelection. The Edwards campaign is considering contesting the results in Missouri, again that takes away eleven electoral votes, which could put this election in a deadlocked state for a few days or possibly weeks." -- Dan Rather

1:55 AM EST

"Based on our reporting and projections CBS is now calling the state of Missouri for President Giuliani." -- Dan Rather[/i]

BREAKING NEWS: GIULIANI RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT

√ President Rudy Giuliani: 271 (50%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

"Now this is a projection. Based on where the numbers stand we are projecting the state for the President and thus with it he is reelected for a second term as President of the United States. No word from the Edwards' campaign, no sign of concession, Florida remains in limbo and New Mexico is still out, so the Edwards' campaign is showing no sign that this race is over as of yet.

But it appears we can now project the state of New Mexico for President Giuliani. He takes New Mexico. He is now well over the needed hurdle with 276 electoral votes." -- Dan Rather

√ President Rudy Giuliani: 276 (50%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

2:15 AM EST

"CBS has just learned Senator John Edwards has in fact called President Giuliani and conceded the election. He has conceded, this race is over, Rudy Giuliani has been reelected President of our United States, in a very close election, arguably one of the closest we've seen in a long while folks, but the votes are essentially in and Giuliani is reelected." -- Dan Rather

[NHI]

EDWARDS CONCEDES

John Edwards ended his bid for President in a concession speech at 2:45 from Charlotte, North Carolina. In a narrowly close contest he bowed to the inevitable reelection of Rudy Giuliani. Many supporters and Democratic pundits hoped Edwards would contest the election, but with Giuliani ahead in the popular vote and enough in the close states the Edwards' campaign realized it was not meant to be. He sounded an optimistic note, calling for the country to unite behind the President. He wished Giuliani well and pledged his support.

Many pundits speculated given the closeness of the vote that Edwards could arguably make a comeback in 2012, if he decided to run again. Though he offered no plans of a future bid for President, all eyes are looking at other prominent Democrats including both Sen. Hillary Clinton and Former President Bill Clinton as possible candidates in the 2012 race.

President Giuliani, thanked his supporters in New York City and the rest of the country for reelecting him. He acknowledged the closeness of his victory and promised full cooperation between Democrats and Republicans; wanting the Country to "Work right and work best." Giuliani offered no hint of his plans for the future, though many speculate he will mount a bid for a third term in 2012.

2008 Presidential Election: Turnout: 57.8%

√ President Rudy Giuliani: 303 (50.4%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (48.7%)

Close States:

Florida: DIFFERENCE 0.11%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.88%

John Edwards: 49.79%

New Mexico: DIFFERENCE: 0.14%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.81%

John Edwards: 49.67%

Wisconsin: DIFFERENCE: 0.18%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.77%

John Edwards: 49.59%

Missouri: DIFFERENCE: 0.41%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.90%

John Edward: 49.49%

North Carolina: DIFFERENCE: 1.0%

√ John Edwards: 50.10%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.10%

New York: DIFFERENCE: 1.0%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.94%

John Edwards: 48.94%

Virginia: DIFFERENCE: 1.1%

√ John Edwards: 49.91%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.80%

Coming up next: The Concluding Chapter: 2012

[TX Conservative Dem]

Who the Democrats turn to now in 2012 ?

[badgate]

Who the Democrats turn to now in 2012 ?

Rick Perry.

[NHI]

The second term of Rudy Giuliani began with great promise, though he scored a narrow victory in his reelection, strong economic news, followed by the successful mission of Seal Team Six, boosted his popularity to record highs. By his inauguration Giuliani's approval rating stood at 71 percent, the highest of his Presidency. This new found glow gave the President confidence as he headed into his second term. Republican retained control of Congress following the 2008 elections, but the House and Senate slipped back into the hands of the Democrats after an overreach by Republicans in 2009 and 2010 to reform social security.

In working with the Democratic Congress, Giuliani was willing to cut deals, though he never wavered on his position not to raise taxes. However the large increases in spending irked many conservative, who quietly bit their tongues during his '04 and '08 campaigns, but as Giuliani appeared to be nothing but a big government spending liberal the base eventually cracked and by 2011, prominent conservatives were calling for a primary challenge against the incumbent President.

Many conservatives urged for Vice President Brownback to run against Giuliani, but he refused, though he did announce in early 2011 that he did not intend to run for a third time as Vice President, once it became clear that Giuliani would run again. In early spring of 2011, Giuliani announced his bid for reelection, wanting to be the first President since Reagan to win a third term. By the summer no conservative opposition formed to challenge Giuliani and he was renominated without question. For his running mate he selected Indiana Senator Mike Pence, a move which pleased the conservative base.

The race for the Democratic nomination, again like in 2008 was wide open and many prominent Democrats turned again to a Clinton, though in 2009 Former President Bill Clinton decided to rule out a third bid, saying he was content and believed it was time for new leaders to step up. Interestingly the one to step up was a Clinton. After having won an impressive reelection in 2006, Hillary Clinton announced in June of 2011 that she would not be seeking reelection to the United States Senate in 2012, but instead running for President; saying "I'm in and I'm in to win it."

The Clinton Candidacy was met with overwhelming excitement from the Democratic base, who yearned for a Democrat able to take on Rudy Giuliani. In the wake of her announcement many Democrats, who considered entering the race declared their support for Clinton. Among them included, John Kerry and John Edwards, Massachusetts Senator Deval Patrick, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Virginia Governor Mark Warner. Though, Clinton did face some challenges from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.

She maintained a huge lead in the polls heading into the primary contests, but she faced an unexpected challenge from Brian Schweitzer, who upset Clinton with a win in the Iowa Caucuses.

Iowa Caucuses

Brian Schweitzer: 38.1%

Hillary Clinton: 36.4%

Bernie Sanders: 22.9%

Other: 2.6%

Clinton Rebounds in New Hampshire and Wins The Nomination

Hillary Clinton rebounded with the First in the Nation Primary and from there went on to secure the Democratic nomination, though Brian Schweitzer did carry a few more primary states and secured a spot on the ticket with Clinton as the VP. Heading into their convention in August, Clinton closed the gap with President Giuliani, prior to her securing the nomination she trailed Giuliani by an average of 6 to 8 points.

√ Hillary Clinton: 13,222,055 (55.4%)

Brian Schweitzer: 9,524,000 (40.0%)

Bernie Sanders: 1,111,098 (4.6%)

President Giuliani took aim at Senator Clinton, attacking her record in the United States Senate and calling her a "classic tax and spend liberal, who has no new ideas for America." In the presence of a somewhat strong economy, Giuliani managed to maintain a narrow lead over Clinton, but most pundits predicted the race would be even tighter than Giuliani's reelection in 2008.

2012 Presidential Election Poll: Giuliani +3

President Rudy Giuliani: 47%

Senator Hillary Clinton: 44%

Undecided: 9%

[RR1997]

What about the 2008 financial crisis?

[Potatoe]

What about the 2008 financial crisis?

Uh, this starts in 1988, the Financial Crisis wouldn't happen here.

[RR1997]

What about the 2008 financial crisis?

Uh, this starts in 1988, the Financial Crisis wouldn't happen here.

What? I don't understand what you are trying to tell me. Yes this timeline started in 1988, but now it is passed 2008, and I want to if the Financial Crisis still happened, or is going to happen, because in real life, the Crisis would've still happened even if Bush was elected president or not.

[Potatoe]

What about the 2008 financial crisis?

Uh, this starts in 1988, the Financial Crisis wouldn't happen here.

What? I don't understand what you are trying to tell me. Yes this timeline started in 1988, but now it is passed 2008, and I want to if the Financial Crisis still happened, or is going to happen, because in real life, the Crisis would've still happened even if Bush was elected president or not.

You do know how the butterfly effect works?  If something major happens in 1988, like Reagen getting a third term, it usually goes to reason that the Fincancial Crisis IRL would be butterflied away. Something like the Real Financial Crisis could've happened here, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

[RR1997]

What about the 2008 financial crisis?

Uh, this starts in 1988, the Financial Crisis wouldn't happen here.

What? I don't understand what you are trying to tell me. Yes this timeline started in 1988, but now it is passed 2008, and I want to if the Financial Crisis still happened, or is going to happen, because in real life, the Crisis would've still happened even if Bush was elected president or not.

You do know how the butterfly effect works?  If something major happens in 1988, like Reagen getting a third term, it usually goes to reason that the Fincancial Crisis IRL would be butterflied away. Something like the Real Financial Crisis could've happened here, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Oh! Makes sense.