2000: Ted Bundy (R) vs. Charlie Manson (D)

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Three days.

With the end of the Clinton era in sight, both parties looked for new standard bearers under which to enter the 21st Century. For the Republicans, with the conservative members of the House looking more and more unpopular following the failed impeachment, the moderate Senator Ted Bundy was chosen. A long-time associate of more liberal members of his party, Bundy succeeded his mentor Daniel J. Evans in the Senate in 1989. Since then, with the party's overton window having shifted slightly, he has maintained a center-right though "maverick-y" voting record. With his breakout win in the New Hampshire primary, he went on to barely edge out a win in a three-way South Carolina primary race which gave him enough momentum to take the nomination. In order to appeal to conservatives, take away a Clinton '96 state, and make amends with one of his primary opponents, Bundy chose Florida Governor Jeb Bush for Vice President.

In the same way that the Republicans rejected the absolutist conservatism of their congressional leaders, the Democrats would toss aside the moderation of their President. Instead of choosing his heir apparent, Vice President Gore, the base, fueled by rhetoric from the activist left, instead voted for Congressman Charlie Manson. A 1970's musician of moderate fame, he joined Congress in 1982. Term the "Death Valley Democrat" by some, Manson made himself known as an unorthodox and anti-establishment left-winger. He has previously been a candidate for his party's nomination in 1988. As Bundy chose a conservative new to the national scene for his Vice President, Manson has chosen a moderate elected in the same year as Bush. Senator John Edwards, though wary of being associated with Manson, gladly accepted the nomination as the next step on a fast-paced political rise.

Who do you vote for? Maps?

[H. Ross Peron]

I'd probably actually vote for Nader in this case

[Goldwater]

I'd probably actually vote for Nader in this case

So, the Democrats nominating an "anti-establishment left-winger" causes you to vote for Nader?

[H. Ross Peron]

I'd probably actually vote for Nader in this case

So, the Democrats nominating an "anti-establishment left-winger" causes you to vote for Nader?

I prefer that the Leaders of the Free World in commander of a massive nuclear arsenal to not be psychotic...

[Goldwater]

I'd probably actually vote for Nader in this case

So, the Democrats nominating an "anti-establishment left-winger" causes you to vote for Nader?

I prefer that the Leaders of the Free World in commander of a massive nuclear arsenal to not be psychotic...

I assumed that Congressman Manson wasn't psychotic ITTL. Of course, I could be mistaken...

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I'd probably actually vote for Nader in this case

So, the Democrats nominating an "anti-establishment left-winger" causes you to vote for Nader?

I prefer that the Leaders of the Free World in commander of a massive nuclear arsenal to not be psychotic...

You're making the mistake of thinking about this poll seriously, which is unsurprising given how awful the atlas reacts to attempts at humor.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I'd probably actually vote for Nader in this case

So, the Democrats nominating an "anti-establishment left-winger" causes you to vote for Nader?

I prefer that the Leaders of the Free World in commander of a massive nuclear arsenal to not be psychotic...

I assumed that Congressman Manson wasn't psychotic ITTL. Of course, I could be mistaken...

Obviously he's psychotic, he's a left-winger!

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Manson was and is entertaining, at least. Who would say something this interesting?

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[Goldwater]

I'd probably actually vote for Nader in this case

So, the Democrats nominating an "anti-establishment left-winger" causes you to vote for Nader?

I prefer that the Leaders of the Free World in commander of a massive nuclear arsenal to not be psychotic...

I assumed that Congressman Manson wasn't psychotic ITTL. Of course, I could be mistaken...

Obviously he's psychotic, he's a left-winger!

Good point.

[SWE]

I'm ready for Manson

[Mechaman]

I'm ready for Manson

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Bundy and Manson make me want to Ralph!

Though if I had to choose, it would be Bundy.

[TNF]

Nader

[Potatoe]

Ready 4 Manson

[Antonio the Sixth]

At least Manson didn't discriminate in his killings.