The Contender

[Blackacre]

Some observations and questions.

First, Franken's PV lead will probably grow in the coming months. He'll probably end up with roughly a 3% lead in the PV, considering this seems to be a 1% almost universal shift from 2016.

Holy Iowa Swinging Batman.

This would be the first time Ohio is wrong since 1960 and the first time Florida got it wrong since 1992. With that, there remains not a single state that has voted with the winner of every Presidential election since before the 21st century, or even a single state that has voted with the winner every time IN the 21st century. Michigan and Pennsylvania and Wisconsin last got it wrong in 2004. Iowa last got it wrong in 2000 and currently holds the longest getting-it-right streak in the country. Virginia, Colorado, and Nevada broke their streaks in 2016. New Mexico is special, however, because it has voted with the winner of the popular vote in every election since 1976.

The question is, what do the 2018 and 2020 Senate races look like? What kind of Congress is Franken working with?

[R/H]

The USA is saved! Great timeline. Edge-of-your-seat election.

[NHI]

2020 U.S. Presidential Election

✓ Senator Al Franken: [284] 68,591,011 (49.49%)

President Donald Trump: [254] 65,009,001 (46.90%)

Other:[0]4,985,999 (3.61%)

Closest States:

Iowa: 0.001%
✓ Al Franken: 49.250%
Donald Trump: 49.249%

Michigan: 0.19%
✓ Al Franken: 49.30%
Donald Trump: 49.11%

Ohio: 0.20%
✓ Donald Trump: 49.55%
Al Franken: 49.35%

Pennsylvania: 0.21%
✓ Al Franken: 49.63%
Donald Trump: 49.42%

North Carolina: 0.62%
✓ Donald Trump: 49.72%
Al Franken: 49.10%

Florida: 0.70%
✓ Donald Trump: 49.74%
Al Franken: 49.04%

Arizona: 0.98%
✓ Donald Trump: 49.87%
AL Franken: 48.89%

Wisconsin: 1.05%
✓ Al Franken: 49.84%%
Donald Trump: 48.79%

Georgia: 1.99%
✓ Donald Trump: 50.08%
Al Franken: 48.09%

Missouri: 3.51%
✓ Donald Trump: 51.39%
Al Franken: 47.88%

New Hampshire: 3.99%
✓ Al Franken: 50.99%
Donald Trump: 47.00%

Maine: 4.13%
✓ Al Franken: 51.08%
Donald Trump: 46.95%

[Blackacre]

Wow, 9 states within 2 points!

[UWS]

Just wondering, how does the 2020 Senate map look like?

[NHI]

Just wondering, how does the 2020 Senate map look like?

2018:

Prior to the Election
Republicans: 52
Democrats: 46
Independents: 2

Post Election
Republicans: 52
Democrats: 46
Independents: 2

Arizona: Democrat Pickup
Krysten Sinema: 49.44%
Jeff Flake: 49.20%

Indiana: Republican Pickup
Jim Banks: 49.59%
Joe Donnelly: 47.19%

North Dakota: Republican Pickup
Rick Becker: 51.47%
Heidi Hietkamp: 48.22%

Nevada: Democrat Pickup
Aaron Ford: 48.50%
Dean Heller: 47.47%

2020:

Prior to Election
Republicans: 52
Democrats: 46
Independents: 2

Post Election
Democrats: 49
Republicans: 48
Independents: 2

Maine: Democratic Pickup
Chellie Pingree: 51.11%
Bruce Polquin: 39.94%
Other: 8.95%

Colorado: Democratic Pickup
John Hickenlooper: 51.00%
Cory Gardner: 47.95%

Montana: Democratic Pickup
Steve Bullock: 50.55%
Steve Daines: 48.02%

North Carolina: Republican Hold
Thom Thillis: 50.07%
Kay Hagan: 48.99%

New Hampshire: Democratic Hold
Ann Kuster: 50.81%
Dan Innis: 46.93%

Iowa: Republlican Hold
Joni Ernst: 51.02%
Chet Chulver: 47.85%

[The Other Castro]

We can only hope that Trump reacts as calmly as that four years from now if he loses.

[Pericles]

Great Election Night, glad Franken won! Surprised Trump reacted so well, and upset that Congress is still Republican. Hopefully Franken is a good President.

[BigVic]

Hope Trump is classy in RL if he loses. A classy concession speech from President Trump. Disappointed that Franken will have to face Congressional gridlock in his first term.

[Blackacre]

Hope Trump is classy in RL if he loses. A classy concession speech from President Trump. Disappointed that Franken will have to face Congressional gridlock in his first term.

Did NHI ever say that Rs had the house? Ds have the Senate after all

[Littlefinger]

How did the Governor races in '18, '19, and '20 go. Will there be any significant changes in redistricting for 2022?

[Hoosier_Nick]

I could not be happier by the election results

[NHI]

How did the Governor races in '18, '19, and '20 go. Will there be any significant changes in redistricting for 2022?

2017

Republicans: 32 Governorships - Post Election (-1)
Democrats: 17 Governorships - Post Election (+1)

2018

Republicans: 27 Governorships - Post Election (-5)
Democrats: 22 Governorships - Post Election (+5)


2019

No Change

2020:

Republicans: 26 Governorships - Post Election (-1)
Democrats: 23 Governorships - Post Election (+1)

[NHI]

President Al Franken
Epilogue

Alan "Al" Franken, immediately entered the pantheons of presidential history, following his win over President Donald Trump in the 2020 Election. In no short order, despite dealing with a divided Congress, the new President began to undo the policies and pracitices of his controversial predecessor. His first action was an Executive Order, similair to President Obama's 13658, establishing the minimum wage to $15.00 for all federal service and construction workers.

Unlike, President Trump, who failed to pass a siginificant infrastructure bill, because the Republican Control Congress, President Franken was able to cut a deal with House Republicans to ensure its passage. The result a nearly $1 Trillion dollar package aimed at fixing the nation's roads, bridges and airports. Franken called the ultimate passing and his signing, "a highlight of my presidency". Still, much of Franken's agenda was stymied in the House, however the political upside allowed Franken and the Democrats to campaign against the Republicans in 2022, thus allowing Democrats to reclaim the House of Representatives for the first time since 2008.

Tim Ryan, of Ohio would go onto become Speaker of the House, giving Democrats complete control of the government for the first time in twelve years.  The new President wasted little time, enacting much of his agenda, including the reinstating of Glass-Stegal. President Franken, also saw the removal of Marijunana being listed as Schedule I drug at the federal level; allowing for future decriminilization of it.

President Franken, saw two Supreme Court Vacancies during his life. The Court had shifted to the Right after Trump was able to nominate two members, giving the Court a 5-4 edge with Justice Kennedy remaining more in the middle. However, in 2022, Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement, allowing Franken his first nomination. The President nominated Sri Srinvasan. He was confirmed 64 to 33. The second appointment came in 2024, and became a point of contention during the Presidential Election. The failing health of Stephen Breyer prompted his resignation and Franken put forth Patricia Millett as his nominee. The nomination remained in limbo throughout much of the year as Republicans put forth every effort to block the appointment, however Millett was eventually confirmed in late spring. Only three Republicans voted in favor of Millett. None of the 2024 Presidential candidates from the Senate voted for the nominee.

An effort was tried for Universal background checks, following a string of violent shootings, but the measure never it made it to the President's desk. The President made efforts to repair relationships abroad, following a strain during the Trump Administration. He also, appointed Vice President Booker to a task force, aimed to 'address the issue of climate change: once and for all'.

On the political front, Franken, was able to cultivate relationships on the Hill, far better than President Trump or Obama; allowing for greater passage of his agenda and a more harmonious relationship overall.

Throughout his term, the President enjoyed favorable approval ratings, allowing him to push through his agenda. In 2024, he stood for reelection, and with the economy strong he was in a strong position. Republicans tried to use his attempts at 'gun control' as an issue in the campaign; as well as the Supreme Court nomination, but the attacks fell short. While, Franken was criticized at times for appearing too coozy with Republicans on the Hill, most progressives embraced the Presidents and divisions in the Republican Party, helped fuel his eventual reelection over Senator Marco Rubio.

The 2024 Republican Primary was one of the most divisive in history. Numerous Republicans declared their candidacies including 2016 runners, Marco Rubio and Rand Paul. Newcomers were Senator Ben Sasse, Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. Republicans, eager to avoid the mishap of 2016, circled early around the Florida Senator as the Party's best hope, but a base, still equally divided between conservative philosophy and what was now dubbed "Trump-hilosophy." Leading, the so-called Trump wing of the party was Former Vice President Mike Pence, who entered the race in late September of 2023, and while his status as a former Vice President elevated him, there were many in the party looking to move beyond the Trump years.

The result, was a bitter primary, and the epicenter was in Iowa. Pence and Sasse traded barbs over conservative credentials, while Paul and Rubio duked it over the direction of the party's foreign policy. Pence would ultimately win the Iowa Caucuses, but his margin was extremely narrow 26.10% to Ben Sasse's 26.07%, and the result was not certified for two days. In New Hampshire, Florida Senator Marco Rubio reclaimed his frontrunner status narrowly losing the state to Rand Paul. He would recover fully with a double digit win in South Carolina, following by a landslide in Florida. Pence would be out by Super Tuesday, and Rubio remained in a fierce battle with Paul and Sasse, right up until the end of April. Rubio, would win the nomination, but he found it extremely difficult to piece together the party after the primary.

Senator Marco Rubio: 41.8%

Senator Rand Paul: 31.9%

Senator Ben Sasse: 20.5%

Former Vice President Mike Pence: 3.5%

Rubio, selected Former Colorado Senator Cory Gardner as his running mate, while both President Franken and Vice President Booker were easily renominated. The result was never in doubt. Rubio, landed a few punches on the President, with regards to foreign policy, but a strong economy, a divided GOP base, and a series of gaffes made by Rubio ensured the President's reelection.

✓ President Al Franken: 315 (51.0%)
Senator Marco Rubio: 223 (46.9%)

The President's second term, saw Democrats retain control of both Houses of Congress. On the Domestic front, innovations in technology paved the way for a new frontier economy, and on the political front the President fulfilled a major campaign promise, campaign finance reform, culmulating in the the overturning of Citizen's United. Another significant change occurred during his second term; the abolishment of the Electoral College. 2024, would be the last election using the system, and beginning in 2028, President would be elected by popular vote.

By the end of his term, Franken had guided the nation through relative peace and stability abroad, as well as a vibrant economy, reductions in the national debt. In 2028, his Vice President Cory Booker would succeed him, ensuring his legacy. Booker defeated Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse 48.5% to 45.1%.

President Franken was regarded as a highly successful and popular President. He presided over a good economy, oversaw innovations in technology; helped usher in sweeping political change and restored the dignity and promise of America. To his critics he was a typical Democrat. "Tax and spend", but to his supporters and even those in the middle, he was a contender, determined to achieve greatness on behalf of the American people. Whether his legacy holds up will be left to future historians, but for his contemporaries, Al Franken ranked near the top.

2028 Presidential Election Map; First without the Electoral College

✓ Vice President Cory Booker: 48.5%

Senator Ben Sasse: 45.0%

Congressman Justin Amash: 6.0%

[NHI]

2032 Presidential Election

✓ Senator Nikki Haley: 46.9%

Vice President Gavin Newsome: 46.7%

Other: 6.4%

2036 Presidential Election Map:

✓  President Nikki Haley: 50.0%

Senator Chelsea Clinton: 29.1%

Senator Tim Ashe: 15.8%
Other: 4.2%

[America Needs R'hllor]

Amazing timeline, loved every part of it! The election night and epilogue were particularly fun reads.
Hoping for more of these from you!

[NeverAgain]

Amazing timeline, loved every part of it! The election night and epilogue were particularly fun reads.
Hoping for more of these from you!

[NHI]

Amazing timeline, loved every part of it! The election night and epilogue were particularly fun reads.
Hoping for more of these from you!

Thank you so much!

[Hoosier_Nick]

Amazing timeline, loved every part of it! The election night and epilogue were particularly fun reads.
Hoping for more of these from you!

[Pericles]

Good ending glad that Franken is successful!

[MAINEiac4434]

Fantastic TL. Hope it happens in real life.

[UWS]

Fantastic TL. Hope it happens in real life.

[jaichind]

Impressive writeup.  So it seems that in this future

Trump = Carter
Franken = Reagan
Booker = Bush I
Haley = Bill Clinton

[NHI]

New Hampshire: Democratic Hold
Ann Kuster: 50.81%
Dan Innis: 46.93%

This TL is now my favorite. #Kusty4Life

Ha! Thanks!!

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Amazing timeline, loved every part of it! The election night and epilogue were particularly fun reads.
Hoping for more of these from you!