American Dynasties: Camelot Rises 3.0

[DKrol]

1984 Congressional Elections

Senate
Republicans - 53 Seats (-3), Led by Sen. Howard Baker
Democrats - 47 Seats (+3), Led by Sen. Robert Byrd

House

Democrats, Led by Speaker Tip O'Neill - 244 (+13)


Republicans, Led by Minority Leader Trent Lott - 190 (-13)

Analysis

While electing a President from the Left wing of the Democratic Party, many centrist, Southern Democrats saw success in Congressional and Gubernatorial Elections. This split set the Democrats up for a future battle within their party over their ideological future, but that's a fight for another day. Ted Kennedy, a Liberal Lion, held a firm grip over the White House and he was going to go froward with his agenda.

Supreme Court, by Seniority
Chief Justice Warren E. Burger (Bush as A.J., Dole as C.J.)
Associate Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. (Eisenhower)
Associate Justice Byron R. White (Kennedy)
Associate Justice Robert H. Bork (Bush)
Associate Justice Harry Blackmun (Bush)
Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist (Bush)
Associate Justice Shirley A.M. Hufstedler (Bush)
Associate Justice Dallin H. Oaks (Reagan)
Associate Justice Richard M. Nixon (Dole)

[DKrol]

Thoughts, questions, comments, or concerns?

Also, please note I've gone back and edited in a list of Presidents in the first post of this TL.

[tmthforu94]

Disappointed that we aren't seeing another 4 years of Dole, but considering the title, another Kennedy administration makes sense!

Excited to see the hopeful emergence of Mitt!

[DKrol]

The E. Kennedy I Administration

The Executive Branch
President: Edward M. Kennedy
Vice President: Gary W. Hart
Chief of Staff: James T. McIntyre 1985-1988, Paul G. Kirk 1988-1989
Secretary of State: Warren Christopher 1985-1989
Secretary of the Treasury:  Jaime L. Whitten 1985-1988, James T. McIntyre 1988-1989
Secretary of Defense: Hans M. Mark 1985-1986, James M. Beggs 1986-1989
Attorney General: Francis X. Bellotti 1985-1986, Thomas Perez 1986-1989
Secretary of the Interior: Bruce Babbit 1985-1989
Secretary of Agriculture: Orville L. Freeman 1985, D. Wayne Owens 1985-1989
Secretary of Commerce: Ron Brown 1985-1989
Secretary of Labor: Thomas R. Donahue 1985-1987, Paul E. Tsongas 1987-1989
Commissioner of Transportation: Coleman A. Young 1985-1988, Frederico Pena 1988-1989
Secretary of Urban Affairs: Margaret Worley 1985-1988, Coleman A. Young 1988-1989
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Dora Hughes 1985-1989
Secretary of Education: Melody C. Barnes 1985-1989
Secretary of Energy: Charles W. Duncan, Jr. 1985-1989
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Richard H. Ellis 1985-1989


1985

• We Are the World is recorded
• USDEA Agent Enrique Camarena is captured and murdered in Mexico
• Israel begins their withdrawal from Lebanon following the Peace Plan that former President Dole brokered
• The FDA approves a blood test for AIDs
• Islamic cleric Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah is killed in a car bombing attack in Beirut. 200 civilians are also killed
• U.S. Major Arthur D. Nicholson is shot by a Soviet Agent while in Germany
• Coca-Cola releases New Coke. It is a massive failure
• The Soviet Union completes a nuclear test in Kazakhstan
• Women are granted the right to vote in Kuwait
• President Kennedy signs the Goldwater-Nichols Act into law, reorganizing the Department of Defense
• The FBI charges 5 Mafia heads in New York City
• Route 66 is decommissioned
• South African President P.W. Botha declares a state of emergency and uses the military to beat down black protestors
• In a televised address, President Kennedy announces heavy sanctions against South Africa for their continued practice of apartheid
• The NES is released in the United States
• President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev meet in Granada, the first meeting between the two leaders

1986

• President Kennedy, through Senate Minority Leader Robert Byrd, reintroduces the Equal Rights Amendment in Congress
• The Space Shuttle Challenger, carrying schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe, disintegrates 74 seconds after take off. All 7 crew members are killed
• The People Power Movement, supported by President Kennedy's State and Defense Departments, overthrows Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos
• Former United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim is indicted on War Crimes charges by the International Criminal Court due to his service with the Wehrmacht
• Geraldo Rivera leads an ABC special regarding a secret vault, reportedly belonging to Al Capone. After much hype and publicity, all that is found inside of the vault are empty bottles
• The Statue of Liberty is re-opened to public tours, following several years of renovations
• Prince Andrew, Duke of York, marries Sarah Ferguson. Andrew is third in-line to the British throne, behind his nephews William and Harry
• Patrick Sherill, a Post Office employee, opens fire in the Edmond, Oklahoma Post Office. He kills 14 of his co-workers before turning the gun on himself
• Desmond Tutu becomes the first black Anglican bishop in South Africa
• President Kennedy and Premier Gorbachev meet for the second time, this time in Reykjavik, for talks on a nuclear reduction. The talks end without an agreement being reached
• The Lebanese magazine Ash-Shiraa reports that the United States has been selling arms to Iran, in exchange for the release of American hostages in Lebanon
• The 1986 Elections are held
• President Kennedy strongly denies any knowledge or involvement in the sale of arms to Iran
• Attorney General Francis Bellotti announces that funds from the sale of arms to Iran were directed, illegally, to anti-Communist rebels in Nicaragua. President Kennedy appoints Florida Attorney Janet Reno as Special Counsel for the scandal and gives her wide-reaching access into Executive Documents

Supreme Court, by Seniority
Chief Justice Warren E. Burger (Bush as A.J., Dole as C.J.)
Associate Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. (Eisenhower)
Associate Justice Byron R. White (Kennedy)
Associate Justice Robert H. Bork (Bush)
Associate Justice Harry Blackmun (Bush)
Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist (Bush)
Associate Justice Shirley A.M. Hufstedler (Bush)
Associate Justice Dallin H. Oaks (Reagan)
Associate Justice Richard M. Nixon (Dole)

[DKrol]

1986 Congressional Elections

Senate
Democrats - 53 Seats (+6), Led by Sen. Robert Byrd
Republicans - 47 Seats (-6), Led by Sen. Howard Baker

House

Democrats, Led by Speaker Jim Wright - 218 (-27)


Republicans, Led by Minority Leader Trent Lott - 217 (+27)

Analysis

The breaking of the Iranian Arm Sales scandal just days before the election was able to galvanize the House races against the President and the incumbent Democrats. The Senate races, which required Republicans to defend a large number of freshmen elected on Dole's coattails, took longer to shift - the dynamics of those races had been set earlier and would take longer to change. Opinion polls did show a drop in Democratic support across the country after the scandal and the 6 seats won by Democrats in the Senate were won by narrow margins.

Supreme Court, by Seniority
Chief Justice Warren E. Burger (Bush as A.J., Dole as C.J.)
Associate Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. (Eisenhower)
Associate Justice Byron R. White (Kennedy)
Associate Justice Robert H. Bork (Bush)
Associate Justice Harry Blackmun (Bush)
Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist (Bush)
Associate Justice Shirley A.M. Hufstedler (Bush)
Associate Justice Dallin H. Oaks (Reagan)
Associate Justice Richard M. Nixon (Dole)

[DKrol]

The E. Kennedy I Administration Part Deux

The Executive Branch
President: Edward M. Kennedy
Vice President: Gary W. Hart 1985-1987, Mario M. Cuomo 1987-1989
Chief of Staff: James T. McIntyre 1985-1988, Paul G. Kirk 1988-1989
Secretary of State: Warren Christopher 1985-1989
Secretary of the Treasury:  Jaime L. Whitten 1985-1988, James T. McIntyre 1988-1989
Secretary of Defense: Hans M. Mark 1985-1986, James M. Beggs 1986-1989
Attorney General: Francis X. Bellotti 1985-1986, Thomas Perez 1986-1989
Secretary of the Interior: Bruce Babbit 1985-1989
Secretary of Agriculture: Orville L. Freeman 1985, D. Wayne Owens 1985-1989
Secretary of Commerce: Ron Brown 1985-1989
Secretary of Labor: Thomas R. Donahue 1985-1987, Paul E. Tsongas 1987-1989
Commissioner of Transportation: Coleman A. Young 1985-1988, Frederico Pena 1988-1989
Secretary of Urban Affairs: Margaret Worley 1985-1988, Coleman A. Young 1988-1989
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Dora Hughes 1985-1989
Secretary of Education: Melody C. Barnes 1985-1989
Secretary of Energy: Charles W. Duncan, Jr. 1985-1989
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Richard H. Ellis 1985-1989


1987

• A New York Times article implicates Vice President Hart in the sale of arms to Iran
• Senator Bill Bradley, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Executive Activities, subpoenas Vice President Hart, Secretary of Defense Beggs, former Secretary of Defense Mark, National Security Advisor John Poindexter, and NSC Executive Liason Lt. Oliver North to testify before the committee
• Chrysler buys out American Motors
• Portugal agrees to return Macau to China in 1999
• During testimony to the Bradley Committee, Vice President Hart declares "I have engaged in extra-marital, sexual affairs" after Senator Chuck Grassley calls Hart's character in to question. In his second day of testifying, Hart admits to having "advanced knowledge" of the sale of arms to Iran
• In Texas v. Planned Parenthood, the Supreme Court votes 6 (Chief Justice Burger, with Justices White, Bork, Rehnquist, Oaks, and Nixon) to 3 (Justices Brennan, Blackmun, and Hufstedler) to uphold the Roe v. Wade ruling that the Constitutional right to privacy does not cover abortions
• In a second Canadian Referendum, voters approve an independent union with the United Kingdom
• In Edwards v. Aguillard, the Supreme Court votes 5 (Chief Justice Burger with Justices Brennan, White, Blackmun, and Hufstedler) to 4 (Justices Bork, Rehnquist, Oaks, and Nixon) that Louisiana's's requirement for creationism to be taught alongside evolution is unconstitutional
• Chief Justice Burger announces his retirement from the Supreme Court
• The Bradley Committee releases its final report on the sale of arms to Iran, finding that Vice President Hart directed Lt. Oliver North to lead the sale, in exchange for the release of American hostages. The report finds that President Kennedy had no knowledge of the sale but formally rebukes the President for "improper management"
• Vice President Hart resigns. President Kennedy nominates liberal New York Governor Mario Cuomo to replace the Vice President. He also nominates former Chief Justice of the First Circuit Frank M. Coffin to replace Chief Justice Burger
• Televangelist Pat Robertson announces his campaign for president
• In the Iran-Iraq War, Iraqi warplanes drop mustard gas on civilian targets in Iran
• Pope Gregory XVII meets with several AIDs victims in Rome
• The Senate confirms Coffin as Chief Justice in a party-line vote
• The Dow Jones crashes 22% in one trading session, losing over 500 points
• After only recovering 72 points, the Dow Jones crashes another 137 points
• Many Romanian workers rebel against Nicolae Ceausescu
• The House of Representatives, by a 3 vote margin, deems President Kennedy "ultimately responsible" for what is now being called the Iran-Contra Scandal
• President Kennedy and Premier Gorbachev sign the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty at the White House
• Mario Cuomo is confirmed and sworn in as Vice President

1988

• President Kennedy and CBS News' Dan Rather clash over the President's role in Iran-Contra
• Gary Hart and Lt. Oliver North are indicted on charges of treason
• The state Department declares Austrian President - and former UN Secretary-General - Kurt Waldheim as a persona non grata
• Governor Evan Mecham of Arizona is convicted and impeached from office
• Pop Star Sonny Bono is elected Mayor of Palm Springs, California
• President Kennedy orders a series of air strikes against Iranian oil platforms in response to the Iranian bombing of U.S.S. Samuel Roberts
• Premier Gorbachev agrees to a gradual withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, promisng all troops will leave before 1990
• Surgeon General C. Everett Koop states that nicotine is just as addictive as heroine
• The Supreme Court rules 9-0 in California v. Greenwood that police do not need a warrant to search through trash that has been put out
• At President Kennedy's urging, Congress passes a massive expansion of Medicare in order to avoid "massive" hikes in healthcare costs. President Kennedy uses this as a rallying point for a new push for healthcare reform
• Marcel Lefebvre is excommunicated by Pope Gregory XVII over his un-authorized ordination of four bishops
• The group Al-Qaeda is founded in Saudi Arabia by Osama bin Laden
• The Iran-Iraq War ends, after the loss of a million lives
• NASA resumes the Space Shuttle Program
• The 1988 elections are held
• A proto-type for the B-2 stealth bomber is unveiled in Southern California
• Pan Am Flight 103, flying over Lockerbie, Scotland, is destroyed by a terrorist's bomb

Supreme Court, by Seniority
Chief Justice Frank M. Coffin (E. Kennedy)
Associate Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. (Eisenhower)
Associate Justice Byron R. White (J. Kennedy)
Associate Justice Robert H. Bork (Bush)
Associate Justice Harry Blackmun (Bush)
Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist (Bush)
Associate Justice Shirley A.M. Hufstedler (Bush)
Associate Justice Dallin H. Oaks (Reagan)
Associate Justice Richard M. Nixon (Dole)

[DKrol]

The 1988 Democratic Nomination

President Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts
Rev. Jesse Jackson of Illinois

Following the Iran-Contra Scandal, there was talk of ditching President Kennedy in 1988. Reverend Jesse Jackson, a far-left Civil Rights leader, personally challenged Kennedy in the nomination, saying that the party need to "remember its liberal roots". Jackson never intended to win the nomination, he was simply out to push Kennedy's agenda to the left.

The 1988 Republican Nomination

Televangelist Pat Robertson of Virginia
Congressman Jack Kemp of New York
Mr. Pat Buchanan of Virginia

1988 was set to be a year for conservatives within the Republican Primary. George H.W. Bush, son of former President Prescott Bush and former Texas Senator, was widely considered to be the front runner for much of the year prior, but he had just been appointed Director of Central Intelligence and refused to hear any talk about running. Televangelist Pat Robertson then stepped up, using his wide publicity on CBN and connections as the son of a senator to push his far-right agenda. He was challenged by Jack Kemp (a fiscal conservative) and Pat Buchanan (a social conservative) for the nomination. The combination of all three men running against each other pushed Robertson, the eventual nominee, to make his platform even further right.



Thoughts, questions, comments, or concerns?

[DKrol]

The '88 Conventions


President Kennedy embraces his nephew and quasi-son John F. Kennedy, Jr. (who is a Congressional candidate in New York)

Four years prior, Mario Cuomo had been snubbed at the DNC for opposing Bobby Kennedy within New York. In 1988, Cuomo was snubbed again. Appointed by President Kennedy, at the behest of DNC leadership, to replace Gary Hart as Vice President, Cuomo was denied renomination as Vice President. Instead, President Kennedy chose New York City Mayor Ed Koch as his running mate at the Atlanta Convention. The Party's Platform that was adopted at the Convention was notably more left than prior platforms, including calls for appointing pro-choice Supreme Court justices, the implementation of affirmative action in federal hiring, and support for gays.

Pat Robertson prepares to give a firey speech

Pat Robertson was used to speaking in front of large groups of people, giving powerful oratory on the relationship of Jesus and America. His speech to the New Orleans Republican National Convention was no different. Robertson invoked the name of God 31 times in his 49-minute speech, as well Jesus 22 times. He proclaimed "the Supreme Court's decision on the banning of abortion - or, as God would call, 'murder' - was clearly divinely inspired". For his running mate, the RNC suggested liberal businessman Donald Trump to balance the ticket. However, Robertson tapped North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms. Democratic operative Larry Rasky called the Robertson/Helms ticket "the most Conservative pair since Hitler and Goring".

Polling, Post Convention
President Ted Kennedy (D-MA)/Mayor Ed Koch (D-NY) - 37%
Unsure - 32%
Televangelist Pat Robertson (R-VA)/Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) - 31%

[DKrol]

Author's Note: I've decided that Election 2000 will be the end of this TL. On current trends, we're looking at an end within the next two weeks.

[DKrol]

The General Election

President Kennedy ran an aggressive campaign. He hired Democratic Super-Strategist James Carville, who carpet-bombed TV ads across the nation. The ads hailed the Kennedy Record as "the new, American Renaissance" - a recovering economy, a stable foreign policy, and a more efficient military. Mayor Koch campaigned hard in large metropolitan areas, rallying college Democrats around liberal causes (healthcare reform, tuition freezes, green energy).

Pat Robertson's campaign revolved around large, boisterous crowds. He often held rallies in sports stadiums packed to the brim and gave fiery speeches, lambasting the "Godless Society" of President Kennedy. Lee Atwater, Republican strategist, was hired as Campaign Manager and ran a ruthless campaign, pinning Kennedy to Iran-Contra and highlighting that a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives labeled the President "ultimately responsible" for the scandal.

The Debates

One debate was held, because Carville and Atwater couldn't agree on the terms. The sole debate, held at Saint Anselm College by PBS, was moderated by Jim Lehrer and covered a narrow set of topics, as dictated by the campaigns. Robertson threatened to walk off the stage several times during the debate, because of Kennedy's "hatred for God" in his position on abortion. Kennedy continued to fight for abortion rights and disagree with the Supreme Court's decision. The two also clashed over their extreme positions of gays and Iran-Contra. The debate pulled only 7 million viewers as apathy for the two candidates and their extreme positions peaked.

Notable Clip
Kennedy: Mr. Robertson, you directly sent funds to the Contras while running ads attacking me for something an upstart staffer did. This is just hypocrisy at its finest!
Robertson: As a private citizen, I can whatever I like with my money! The President is held to a different standard.

Polling, November 1
Televangelist Pat Robertson (R-VA)/Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) - 41%
President Ted Kennedy (D-MA)/Mayor Ed Koch (D-NY) - 39%
Unsure - 20%

[An American Tail: Fubart Goes West]

Robertson as the nominee? Yikes. Hopefully it'll be a blowout for Kennedy.

[DKrol]

Robertson as the nominee? Yikes. Hopefully it'll be a blowout for Kennedy.

With Kennedy pushed to the left by Jackson and Robertson being Robertson, voter apathy in the race is high. Who turns out to most to vote when apathy is low? They'll decide the race, unless there's a shake up.

[tmthforu94]

Robertson for President! I haven't seen a timeline with him as President - this could be interesting.

[NHI]

Love this TL!

[DKrol]

Robertson for President! I haven't seen a timeline with him as President - this could be interesting.

He's certainly interesting!

Love this TL!

Glad you like it!

Just so you all know, there will be a little delay before the next update. I've strayed away from the intent and purpose of this TL and begun rewriting much of the forthcoming posts.

[CapoteMonster]

I hope the facists lose .

[DKrol]

Election Day 1988

√ Televangelist Pat Robertson (R-VA)/Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) - 271
President Ted Kennedy (D-MA)/Mayor Ed Koch (D-NY) - 267

1988 was a strange year. The extreme ideological differences between the two candidates put many voters off - leading to a very low turnout of 47.2% of the VAP. In that low turnout election, Robertson's fiery speeches galvanized his supporters and drove them to the polls. The election was one of the closest by Electoral Vote Margins and served as an expression of the dissatisfaction with the current electoral system, which allowed two people with extreme positions to be the nominees. With the inauguration of Pat Robertson, a new dynasty was born in American politics: From Senator A. Willis Robertson to President Pat Robertson.

[tmthforu94]

Exciting stuff! Ready to see how this plays out.

[DKrol]

I've had to change the format rather dramatically, due to a decline in my personal interest towards the niche basis of this TL. I have another idea in my head and the two TLs are clashing.


1988 Congressional Elections:

Senate
56 DEM (+3)
44 GOP (-3)

House
234 DEM (+16)
201 GOP (-16)

The Robertson Administration (1989-1990)

President Pat Robertson launches an ambitious "social renewal" program. Through executive orders, he ends all federal funding for abortions and contraceptive services. He pushes a ban on gays in the military through Congress, as well as heavy sanctions against Iran, Syria, and Iraq. Through Attorney General Dick Thornburgh, charges are pressed against former Vice President Gary Hart, Lieutenant Oliver North, and former Defense Secretary Hans Mark. All three are found guilty to varying degrees by juries. A massive ethics scandal drags down several top House Democrats, including Speaker Jim Wright. After several meetings between East German leaders and Vice President Helms, the Berlin Wall is torn down. The U.S. invades Panama, in an effort to remove dictator Manuel Noriega from power - he capitulates after three weeks. President Robertson orders cutbacks to NASA, citing its missions as "ungodly". In early 1990, the United States enters a recession. Citing a moral requirement, President Robertson's administration announces an investigation into the sex life of Congressman Barney Frank. Iraq invades Kuwait, leading President Robertson to launch a massive, multi-national invasion of Iraq. South African President F.W. de Klerk is invited to the White House and receives a glowing endorsement from President Robertson. Both Orrin Hatch and Elizabeth Dole are appointed to the Supreme Court, replacing William Brennan and Byron White respectively. The Civil Rights Act of 1990 is vetoed by the President, as it would have expanded rights based on gender and sexual identity. The Clear Air Act of 1990 is also vetoed.

1990 Congressional Elections:

Senate
58 DEM (+2)
42 GOP (-2)

House
245 DEM (+11)
190 GOP (-11)

The Robertson Administration (1991-1992)

President Robertson ignores the voters repudiation of him in the midterms and pledges "a new, moral era" in America. He continues a massive military invasion of Iraq and Kuwait, which has now received a U.N. Authorization. In response to race riots breaking out across L.A. after the beating of Rodney King, President Robertson says "Let it burn. The Lord will provide." After two weeks of riots, death, and looting, Governor Pete Wilson defies federal orders and uses the National Guard to restore order. The U.S. recognizes the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from the Soviet Union as the communist power begins to collapse. Boris Yeltsin takes power as President of Russia and announces an end to nuclear missiles aimed at the U.S., President Robertson responds by warning caution of the "suddenly democratic" communists. Sinead O'Connor received a reprimand from the Robertson Administration after she tears a picture of Pope Gregory XVII up while singing on Saturday Night Life. Two weeks later, the Pope dies from natural causes. Cardinal William Wakefield Baum is elected as his successor, taking the name John Paul III. Although Saddam Hussein withdrew all troops from Kuwait, President Robertson continues an air campaign against the Muslim Nation. 

The 1992 Presidential Election

With an approval rating of 21%, President Robertson announces he is seeking a second term as President. Vice President Helms leaves the ticket and is replaced by Pat Robertson. On the Democratic front, former California Governor Jerry Brown wins the nomination and chooses Reverend Jesse Jackson as his running mate. Seeing massive voter dissatisfaction with the extremist candidates for a second election in a row, the calls for an independent candidate are strong. Businessman Mitt Romney, son of former President George Romney, takes up that call. He is joined on an independent ticket by General Colin Powell.

√ Businessman Mitt Romney/General Colin Powell (I) - 307
President Pat Robertson/Mr. Pat Buchanan (R) - 135
Former Governor Jerry Brown/Reverend Jesse Jackson (D) - 96

[DKrol]

1992 Congressional Elections:

Senate
55 DEM (-3)
39 GOP (-3)
6 IND (+6)

House
233 DEM (-8)
185 GOP (-5)
13 IND (+13)

The Romney Administration (1993-1994)

President Romney's election ushered in a new era of bipartisanship. Early on in his tenure, he signs the SALT II Treaty with Russian President Boris Yeltsin. Following the death of HIV Activist and tennis star Arthur Ashe, President Romney reverses the Robertson Administration's policy against HIV/AIDs treatment. A car bomb detonates under the World Trade Center. Seeing the repeal of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, President Romney ends the Gulf War - deeming it "a stellar success". Women are formally allowed to fly war planes in the Air Force. In a 6-2 decision, the Supreme Court rules that evidence gained during a pat down is inadmissible in court. A man - code named Unabomber - is identified as the source of scores of bomb attacks dating back to the Bush Administration. The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, laying out military procedure with respect to gays, is implemented by the Romney Administration. Four officers from the LAPD are convicted in the beating of Rodney King. President Romney leads a successful peace summit between PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, he joking calls it "the most stressful business conference I've ever had". The North American Free Trade Agreement is ratified by the Canadian, Mexican, and American legislative bodies. Attorney General Janet Reno opens an investigation into the Savings and Loan Crisis in an effort to "purge the system" of corruption. After several months, Senators Alan Cranston (D-CA), Dennis DeConcini (D-NM), John Glenn (D-OH), John McCain (I-AZ), and Donald Riegle (I-MI) are all found at fault. In a series of high-level negotiations, Presidents Romney and Yeltsin agree to the nuclear disarming of the Ukraine. A no-fly zone of Bosnia is instituted by the U.S. and NATO. Supreme Court Justice Richard Nixon dies, President Romney selects New Hampshire State Chief Justice David Souter to replace him. President Romney signs the Federal Assault Weapons Ban into law, citing the "growing epidemic" of gun violence. Former President Ronald Reagan announces that he has Alzheimer's disease. Tupac Shakur is shot dead in a drive-by shooting.

1994 Congressional Elections:

Senate
41 DEM (-14)
32 GOP (-7)
27 IND (+21)

House
201 DEM (-32)
173 GOP (-12)
57 IND (+44)

The Romney Administration (1995-1996)

The second half of the first term of President Romney saw an interesting dynamic emerge in Washington. After years of Democratic Dominance in Congress, the surge in Independent Senators and Congressmen forced the Democrats to build coalitions to govern. One British journalist said "America is now the example of how our Parliament is supposed to work."

Pulling on his business roots, President Romney authorizes a $20 million bailout to Mexico following a financial collapse. The DJIA closes above 4,000 for the first time ever. 168 people are killed in a bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City. With a wide multi-party coalition, President Romney signs a massive tax cut for families and businesses. Congress passes strict regulations on pornography production. President Romney vetoes the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. The DJIA closes above 5,000 for the first time ever. Vice President Powell leads successful negotiations to end the War in Bosnia and NATO involvement in it. The U.S. condemns Chinese aggression off the coast of Taiwan. Unabomber Ted Kaczynski is arrested by federal officials. Citing "similar practices in the business world", President Romney signs the Line Item Veto Act. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein refused to cooperate with international observers to their disarming process. A bomb detonates at the 1996 Summer Olympics only hours after President Romney opens the Minneapolis games. President Romney signs massive welfare reform into law, placing several work requirements on welfare recipients. President Romney, acting on advice from Vice President Powell, launches a series of airstrikes against key Iraqi targets in response to an attack on Iraqi Kurdistan. the DJIA closes above 6,000 for the first time.

The 1996 Presidential Election

President Romney and Vice President Powell are wildly popular with the public and announce they will run for a second term in 1996. Seeing the errors of going to the fringes for their candidates, the Republicans nominate New York Governor George Pataki and Ohio Congressman John Kasich (an independent in Congress but a registered Republican) as their ticket while the Democrats chose two moderate Southerners - former Texas Governor Ann Richards and Tennessee Senator Al Gore. richards is the first female to either appear on or top a major party ticket.

√ President Mitt Romney/Vice President Colin Powell (I) - 345
Governor George Pataki/Congressman John Kasich (R/I) - 118
Former Governor Ann Richards/Senator Al Gore (D) - 75

Supreme Court, by Seniority
Chief Justice Frank M. Coffin (E. Kennedy)
Associate Justice Robert H. Bork (Bush)
Associate Justice Harry Blackmun (Bush)
Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist (Bush)
Associate Justice Shirley A.M. Hufstedler (Bush)
Associate Justice Dallin H. Oaks (Reagan)
Associate Justice Orrin G. Hatch (Robertson)
Associate Justice M. Elizabeth Dole (Robertson)
Associate Justice David H. Souter (Romney)

[DKrol]

1996 Congressional Elections:

Senate
44 DEM (+3)
27 GOP (-5)
29 IND (+2)

House
193 DEM (-8)
175 GOP (+2)
63 IND (+6)

The Romney Administration (1997-1998)

President Romney's second term began with the DJIA closing above 7,000 for the first time. Rapper Notorious BIG is killed in a drive-by shooting. Using an Executive Order, President Romney bans the use of federal funds in the research of human cloning. Unemployment falls below 5% for the first time in nearly a decade and a half. A new, harder to counterfeit $50 bill is unveiled. The DJIA closes above 8,000 for the first time. First Lady Ann Romney is diagnosed with M.S., leading President Romney to invoke the 25th Amendment and have Vice President Powell take office as Acting President. Following Saddam Hussein's continued defiance of international laws, Acting President Powell orders scud missile attacks against Iraq. The DJIA closes above 9,000 for the first time. In Romney v. City of New York, the Line Item Veto Act is found unconstitutional. More than 200 Americans are killed in the twin bombings of the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Nairobi. In response, Acting President Powell begins a series of air strikes against Al Qaeda camps in Afghanistan. The Iraq Liberty Resolution - calling for the removal of Saddam Hussein from power - is passed by the Senate. President Romney returns to office after the First Lady receives a "positive" report from doctors. Iraqi anti-aircraft guns fire on and destroy two American war planes in the Iraqi No-Fly Zone.

1998 Congressional Elections:

Senate
38 DEM (-6)
32 GOP (+5)
30 IND (+1)

House
197 GOP (+22)
174 DEM (-19)
60 IND (-3)

The Romney Administration (1999-2000)

Following Harry Blackmun's resignation from the Supreme Court, President Romney appoints Solicitor General John G. Roberts to the seat. In response to the downing of two American planes in Iraq, President Romney orders a ground invasion of Iraq. The British, French, Italians, and Germans join the Americans and form a "grand coalition" in the invasion. In Colorado, two students open fire and kill 12 students and a teacher before turning the guns on themselves. After a little over a month, Saddam Hussein flees Baghdad as it falls to Grand Coalition forces. The deposed President flees to Yemen and establishes a Government-in-Exile. President Romney installs former CIA Director George H.W. Bush as Administrator of the American Territorial Government in Iraq, to oversee the establishment of a democracy in the nation. The DJIA closes above 11,000 for the first time. Author Steven King is killed in a car crash in Maine. Alan Greenspan is nominated for a fourth term as Chairman of the Fed. The NASDAQ reaches an all time high of 5,048. Unemployment drops to 3.4%. The Supreme Court orders the break up of Microsoft for breaking federal anti-trust laws. The USS Cole is badly damaged by an Al Qaeda suicide bomber off the coast of Yemen.

The 2000 Presidential Election

Facing a term limit, President Romney could not run in 2000. Although many saw Vice President Powell as the natural choice, Romney never fully trusted Powell and considered him too aggressive on foreign policy. Instead, President Romney urged Iraqi Administrator George H.W. Bush to run as "the great statesmen of our time" - having served in every Presidential Administration since his father's. After a year and a half as Administrator, Bush resigned that post to run for President. Although an independent, he ran as a Republican. He chose former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander to balance out the ticket. Vice President Powell ran as an independent and chose Senator John McCain as his running mate. The Democratic ticket saw two Southerners - Senator Al Gore and HUD Secretary Bill Clinton.

√ Administrator George HW Bush/former Governor Lamar Alexander (I/R) - 299
Senator Al Gore/Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Bill Clinton - 174
Vice President Colin Powell/Senator John McCain (I) - 65

Supreme Court, by Seniority
Chief Justice Frank M. Coffin (E. Kennedy)
Associate Justice Robert H. Bork (Bush)
Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist (Bush)
Associate Justice Shirley A.M. Hufstedler (Bush)
Associate Justice Dallin H. Oaks (Reagan)
Associate Justice Orrin G. Hatch (Robertson)
Associate Justice M. Elizabeth Dole (Robertson)
Associate Justice David H. Souter (Romney)
Associate Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. (Romney)


And this has been American Dynasties:Camelot Rises 3.0. I hope you've all enjoyed.

Any questions, comments, or concerns before I begin with the new TL I've got in the pipeline?

[tmthforu94]

A really great ending - this timeline was fantastic. Especially love how popular Romney was.

Excited to see what your next timeline is about.

[DKrol]

A really great ending - this timeline was fantastic. Especially love how popular Romney was.

Excited to see what your next timeline is about.

Glad you said that - YOU can help decide what my next time line is about by voting here!

My top two at the moment at Team of Rivals and So Help Me God, but I've got ideas - good ideas - for all of them.