JFK Lives

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Since I have now completed my TR Wins in 1912 timeline, I shall be moving on to write a timeline on what would happen if President John F. Kennedy survived his 1963 assassination attempt.  I hope to have the first update ready by Monday.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

A dream day had turned into a nightmare.  In two separate hotel rooms in Dallas, the President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and the Governor of Texas, John Bowden Connally fight for their lives following a shooting while the President, Governor, Vice President Johnson, Senator Yarborough and their families ride through Dallas.

In the late hours of the evening, word leaks out that Governor Connally, despite the best efforts of his doctors, had died from bullet wounds to the arms, chest, and legs.  A distraught Vice President Johnson openly weeps at the loss of one of his closest and oldest friends.  No word is sent about the President, other than that he is in critical condition, and hovering between life and death.

All across the country, business grinds to a halt as people await news on their fallen leader.  In the late afternoon of the next day, it is reported that the President, although alive, was in weak condition, and would return to the White House to rest.

On November 26, the President is seen returning to the White House, appearing worn and haggard.  In a statement to the press, the President jokes about the assassination attempt, attributing his wounds to his forgetting to duck.   He announces that he will spend the next several weeks recovering, and will most likely return for his State of the Union address.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Are we to assume, then, that Oswald's bullet struck Kennedy somewhere other than his head?

That bullet actually missed Kennedy completely.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Are we to assume, then, that Oswald's bullet struck Kennedy somewhere other than his head?

That bullet actually missed Kennedy completely.

Where was he wounded, then?

He was wounded in the hip and arm.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

On January 8, 1964, President Kennedy, for the first time since the assassination attempt, appears before Congress.  He starts off by paying tribute to the late Governor Connally, calling him “A truly great American.”  He asks the Congress to pass his Civil Rights Act, which had been bottled up in the Rules Committee by Chairman Howard Smith (D-VA), since before the assassination attempt.  “It is an unholy calumny that some Americans, because of the accident of birth, are not able to seek the fullest opportunities that the good Lord has offered to them.”

The day following the speech, the President gathers a meeting of top Congressional leaders in the House and Senate, as well as Vice President Johnson, to discuss how to get the Act out of Smith’s committee.  At the suggestion of Congressman Emmanuel Celler (D-NY), the House would be presented with a petition to discharge the bill from the Committee. Only if a majority of members signed the discharge petition would the bill move directly to the House floor without consideration by Smith's committee.  Despite reservations about the effectiveness of the petition, Kennedy tells Celler to introduce it.

For several weeks, the petition languishes in Congress, with some members refusing to go against typical procedure and sign the petition.  However, after an intense lobbying campaign by Vice President Johnson, as well as massive letter writing campaign by constituents, Congressman begin signing on.  In order to avoid the embarrassment of the petition, Smith agrees to discharge the Act on February 19.  On March 1, by a vote of 290-130, the Act passes, and is sent to the Senate.

Following the Senate vote, Kennedy meets with Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D-MT), to try and find a way to avoid the Act being bottled up in the Judiciary Committee.  After several days, Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN), comes up with a novel solution.  Instead of initially waiving a second reading of the bill, which would have led sent it immediately to Judiciary, Mansfield would give the Act a second reading, which he did on March 27.

Mansfield proposed that, in the absence of precedent for instances when a second reading did not immediately follow the first, that the bill bypass the Judiciary Committee and immediately be sent to the Senate floor for debate.  Despite several Southerners wanting to filibuster the motion, Senator Richard Russell (D-GA), decides to let the Act come to the floor, which it does on April 8.

As long expected, the South filibusters, with Senator Russell declaring, “We will resist to the bitter end any measure or any movement which would have a tendency to bring about social equality and intermingling and amalgamation of the races in our states.”  The longest speech of the filibuster is given by Senator A. Willis Robertson (D-VA), who speaks for 19 hours and 28 minutes.

On the June 25, Senators Everett Dirksen (R-IL), Thomas Kuchel (R-CA), Humphrey, and Mansfield introduce a substitute bill, hoping to attract enough Republican votes to end the filibuster.  The strategy works, and on July 8, after a 13 hour speech by Senator John McClellan (D-AR), the Senate agrees to grant cloture, by a vote of 70-30, the first time cloture had ever been imposed on a civil rights bill.  Three days later, by a vote of 72-28, the Senate passes the Civil Rights Act of 1964; it is passed by the House on July 9, and the next day, in a grand ceremony, President Kennedy signs the legislation.  During the ceremony, though, Vice President Johnson remarks to an aide that, “We have lost the South for a generation.”

With the legislation finally passed, President Kennedy begins, in earnest, his campaign for reelection.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Democratic Nomination

On March 17th, President Kennedy announces that he will seek a second term in 1964.  He says that he hopes to have the Vice President run again, but that he will let Johnson make his own plans.  Three days later, Vice President Johnson addresses the press, “On November 21, 1963, I was resolved to seek a second term as Vice President.  However, following the death of my good friend, Governor Connally, I have decided to not seek a second term as Vice President.  I will, however, campaign very hard for the President, and I hope he is reelected.”

Following Johnson’s announcement, Kennedy begins searching for a new Vice President.  With the conventional wisdom being that Kennedy would need a Southerner, the Kennedy short list includes only members from Confederate and border states.  By early July, the President’s shortlist has been narrowed down to three people: Senators Ralph Yarborough of Texas and George Smathers of Florida, and Governor Terry Sanford of North Carolina.  After conferring with Vice President Johnson, Kennedy decides to select Senator Smathers, making the decision public on July 24, one month before the Democratic Convention begins in Atlantic City.

The Convention opens with a moving tribute to Governor Connally, delivered by a very emotional Vice President Johnson.  The convention nominates Kennedy and Smathers by acclamation, and Kennedy, in a rousing address, promises a victory in November.

The Republican Nomination

As the election season opened, the Republicans faced a looming civil war between the liberal and conservative factions of their party.  Following the announcement of former Vice President Nixon that he would not seek the nomination, several candidates from both sides declare for the nomination, with the frontrunners seemingly being Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York, representing the liberals, and Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona standing for the conservatives.

The first primary, in New Hampshire, goes to Governor Rockefeller by a substantial margin, as expected.  The next primary, on April 7 in Wisconsin, goes to Senator Goldwater by a narrow margin.  On April 14, Goldwater scores a major victory in Illinois, and then rolls off consecutive wins in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, and West Virginia, before finally losing in Oregon.  The defeat comes too late, and Goldwater has the nomination wrapped up by that point.  On May 19, after losing in the Maryland primary, Rockefeller ends the active stage of his campaign, and focuses on securing delegates at the convention in San Francisco.

At the convention, Rockefeller insists on a roll call vote, despite Goldwater having more than enough delegates to win the nomination.  Midway through the vote, however, Rockefeller concedes, and Goldwater is nominated by acclamation.  He selects Governor William Scranton of Pennsylvania, a Rockefeller supporter, as his running mate.

The General Election

Throughout the campaign, both candidates maintain a very positive attitude.  The two friends debate each other in numerous televised, town hall debates, which are evenly split between the two candidates.  The final debate, held on October 25, is held on Air Force 1, in one of the most watched broadcasts of the year.

During the campaign, Kennedy appeared to have maintained a solid lead, and on election night, he is reelected by a comfortable margin.

John Kennedy/George Smathers: 54% PV, 337 EV
Barry Goldwater/William Scranton: 44% PV, 201 EV
Others: 2% PV, 0 EV

The Congressional Elections

Despite Kennedy’s landslide, the Democrats suffer minor losses in the House, owing to their already strong majority.  In the Senate, they maintain their previous numbers.

Senate Results

Democrats: 64 (-)
Republicans: 36 (-)

House Results
Democrats: 250 (-9)
Republicans: 185 (+9)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Another masterpiece from the great Ben Constantine? We shall see. It looks very good so far.

It's actually Constine, and thank you

[Kaine for Senate '18]

It's good, but how do you have a presidential debate on an airplane?

I read about it in a book on Goldwater, so I included it.

Great Installment on the election, I think the results were very probable, and i think we can say a GOP victory in 68. Does Reagan still give "The Speech" in TTL? Can't wait to see what you have in store for us soon...Keep it comming

Reagan does indeed give his famed speech, and he campaigns very hard for Senator Goldwater.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Another masterpiece from the great Ben Constantine? We shall see. It looks very good so far.

It's actually Constine, and thank you

I knew that. Its just whenever I see your Display name I think of Ben Franklin and Constantine the Great. This is one of those cases where my brain and my fingers are not on the same wavelength.

Ah, of course.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

LBJ was going to seek another term, but Connally's death had a major impact on him, and he just couldn't go again.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Second Term of John F. Kennedy

“This country demands action, and it demands action now!  I am asking Congress to pass the complete legislative package that I am sending them, so that we may achieve our Great Society!”

The first piece of legislation Kennedy sends to Congress in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Written by Attorney General Bobby Kennedy, and introduced into the Senate by Senator Ralph Yarborough (D-TX), the Act would outlaw the practice of requiring otherwise qualified voters to pass literacy tests in order to register to vote, a principal means by which southern states had prevented African-Americans from exercising the franchise.  It would also establish federal oversight of elections administration.

From the beginning, it became clear that the South intended to filibuster the legislation.  Deciding against utilizing the tactic used to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Kennedy asks Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D-MT), to allow the South to filibuster, while working behind the scenes to gain Republican support.  On March 23, Mansfield decides he has enough votes, and calls for cloture.  By a vote of 69-31, cloture is achieved, and on March 30, by a vote of 67-33, the Senate passes the Voting Rights Act.

When the VRA reaches the House, though, it encounters even more difficulty, as Congressman Smith bottles it up in the Rules Committee.  By early June, the VRA had been in the Committee for 2 months, with no action being taken.  Finally, on June 12, the VRA is reported out, and is passed by the House on June 29, 320-115.  It is signed by President Kennedy on July 1.

The next piece of legislation on Kennedy’s agenda is the Economic Opportunity Act of 1965.  Written by Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN), the EOA would be implemented by the Office of Economic Opportunity, and include social programs to promote the health, education, and general welfare of the poor.  The EOA faces little opposition in either House, and is signed by Kennedy on August 6.

When Congress returned in September, it was presented with two pieces of legislation for education: the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and the Higher Education Act of 1965.  The Elementary and Secondary Education Act would fund primary and secondary education for professional development, instructional materials, resources to support educational programs, and parental involvement promotion.  Written by Francis Keppel, the U.S. Commissioner of Education, the ESEA faced little opposition, and was signed by President Kennedy on December 9.

The Higher Education Act of 1965 also written by Keppel, would increase federal money given to universities, created scholarships, give low-interest loans for students, and establish a National Teachers Corps.  Like the ESEA, the HEA faced little opposition, and was signed by President Kennedy on January 7.

In his State of the Union Address in 1966, President Kennedy announces a massive troop escalation in Vietnam, in order to, “Put an end to the Communist threat to South Vietnam and ensure that the North Vietnamese adhere to the treaties which they have signed.”  Not mentioned by Kennedy, though, is any attempt to move into North Vietnam.  Acting on the advise of military officials, as well as Senator Richard B. Russell (D-GA), Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Kennedy makes the decision that a ceasefire similar to the one in Korea was the best possible outcome.

Not everyone, however, approves of the decision.  Senator Henry M. Jackson (D-WA) calls it, “A sellout to the South Vietnamese, as well as all the American soldiers who have worked to prevent the spread of Communism.”  Senator John Tower (R-TX) chides the President for, “Doing what was politically expedient, instead of doing what was right.”  However, Kennedy defends his decision on national television, saying that it was the best conceivable result.

That statement is challenged by General William Westmoreland, the chief leader of troops in Vietnam.  In a speech on February 10, 1966, Westmoreland criticizes Kennedy’s leadership, and asks Congress to give him more troops.  Three days later, Kennedy fires Westmoreland, replacing him with Maxwell D. Taylor, a Kennedy ally.

The Westmoreland firing raises hell amongst Republicans and hawkish Democrats, with the Congress actually passing a resolution condemning Kennedy for the decision.  Kennedy stands by his choice, though, and the fighting in Vietnam continues under new leadership.

In early April, Kennedy submits to Congress two amendments to the Social Security Act, establishing Medicare and Medicaid.  Medicare would serve as government-funded health care for the elderly, while Medicaid would be government-funded health care for the poor.  Despite charges from some conservatives that Medicare and Medicaid amounted to socialism, the Congress passes both amendments easily, and the first cards are given to former President Harry Truman and his wife Bess at the Truman Library.

On June 4, Justice Hugo L. Black dies of a stroke at his home in Washington, DC.  To replace him, Kennedy follows through on a previous statement and appoints William H. Hastie to replace Black.  Hastie, the first African-American ever nominated to the Supreme Court, faces intense opposition from Southerners, including James Eastland (D-MS), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.  After more than two months of grueling hearings, Hastie is finally confirmed by the Senate, 78-22, and becomes the first African-American Justice on the Supreme Court.

The Congressional Elections

As expected during the final election of a two term Presidency, the opposition makes gains in Congress, with the GOP picking up several Senate seats, and a fair chunk of House seats.

Senate Results

Democrats: 60 (-4)
Republicans: 40 (+4)

House Results
Democrats: 238 (-12)
Republicans: 197 (+12)

Green equals one GOP and one Democratic hold.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

As President Kennedy enters the final two years of his term, his approval ratings stand at an all time low, hovering in the mid 40’s.  This is mostly attributed to the situation in Vietnam.  Despite the massive troop increase, the North Vietnamese refused to allow for a ceasefire, despite failing to inflict any sort of damage to the American troops.

Many members of Congress begin calling for a decisive blow in the war.  Senator Henry M. Jackson (D-WA), says that, “We have an opportunity to win this war now.  With one fell swoop, we can end the threat of North Vietnam permanently.”  Senator John Tower (R-TX) says, “The President is putting his poll numbers ahead of national security.”  Despite the increased pressure, Kennedy does nothing to troop levels.

In a speech on January 29, 1967, President Kennedy boasts that wages were the highest in history, unemployment was at a 13-year low, and corporate profits and farm incomes were greater than ever.  Following the speech, he sends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; written by his brother, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), the ADEA would prohibit employment discrimination against persons 40 years of age or older.  It would also set standards for pensions and benefits provided by employers, and requires that information about the needs of older workers be provided to the general public.  This legislation, like many of Kennedy’s key programs, passes with little opposition, and is signed into law on May 1, 1967.

On June 5, President Kennedy is confronted with a foreign affairs crisis, when Israel launches a pre-emptive attack against the Egyptian air force. Jordan, which had signed a mutual defence treaty with Egypt on May 30, responds by attacking western Jerusalem and Netanya.  Despite calls from Senators such as Henry Jackson, Hubert Humphrey, John Tower, and other hawks, President Kennedy does not respond immediately, allowing Israel to take its own path.

On June 8, Israel captures the Sinai by sending infantry units to Ras-Sudar on the western coast of the peninsula. Sharm El-Sheikh, at its southern tip, had already been taken a day earlier by units of the Israeli Navy.  By June 10, following the capture of the Golan Heights, Israel signs a ceasefire.  During the fighting, Israel had seized the Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank of the Jordan River (including East Jerusalem), and the Golan Heights.  During peace negotiations, Israel votes to return the Sinai to Egypt and the Golan Heights to Syria in return for peace agreements. The Golans would be demilitarized and special arrangement would be negotiated for the Straits of Tiran. The government also resolved to open negotiations with King Hussein of Jordan regarding the Eastern border.  Despite the favorable result, Kennedy is still criticized for his failure to send in troops to help Israel.

On June 29, Chief Justice Earl Warren and Justice Tom Clark both announce their retirement from the Supreme Court.  To replace him, President Kennedy nominates David L. Bazelon of the DC Court of Appeals.  Bazelon is confirmed without any controversy.  Clark is replaced by his fellow Texan John Robert Brown.

On 14 July, 1967, the voters in the United Kingdom give a major boost to incumbent Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his Labour Party, giving Labour a gain of 54 seats, giving him a majority of 102 seats.

In September, though, Kennedy asks Congress to pass the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1968.  The INA would abolish the national-origin quotas that had been in place in the United States since the Immigration Act of 1924.  Strongly supported by liberal Democrats and Republicans, it passes the House on October 17, by a vote of 280-129; on December 12 it passes the Senate, 68-32, and is signed by President Kennedy.

In early February, Kennedy asks Congress to pass legislation increasing funding for NASA, saying that it was possible to reach the moon by the end of 1968.  Congress, however, refuses to pass the spending bill, instead making cuts to the NASA budget, overriding Kennedy’s veto on April 25.

On April 4, 1968, in Tennessee, the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray.  Following King’s death, Kennedy gives a speech on national television, mourning that slain leader, and ending any possible threat of riots throughout the country.  King’s funeral is Alabama is attended by the President, Vice President, every member of the Cabinet, House and Senate Leaders, and several Presidential candidates, preparing for the campaign.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Democratic Nomination

With it being taken for granted that Vice President Smathers would seek reelection, the major question was who, if anyone, would run against him.  Early attention centered around Senator Henry M. Jackson, of Washington.  A prominent hawk who enjoyed support in every major Democratic constituency, Jackson was considered a premier choice to run for President.  On January 17, Jackson announces that he will indeed seek the nomination.  On February 2, Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin announces that he will seek the nomination, with support from the small, dovish wing of his party.

On March 12, the first primary of the year is held in New Hampshire.  As expected, Vice President Smathers wins an easy victory, garnering 61% of the vote.  Senator Proxmire finishes second, with 23%, and Senator Jackson gets 16%.  On April 2, in Wisconsin, Senator Proxmire wins 67% in his home state, with 23% going to Smathers, and 10% going to Jackson.  Three weeks later, Smathers wins 70% in Pennsylvania, Jackson wins 21%, and Proxmire wins 9%.  On April 30, Smathers wins 72% in Massachusetts, with Jackson getting 23%, and 5% going to Proxmire.  Smathers continues his winning streak on May 7, taking Washington DC, Indiana, and Ohio by large margins.  Jackson drops out following those primaries, and endorses Smathers.  On May 14, Smathers wins Nebraska and West Virginia; he wins Florida and Oregon on May 28; on June 4 he wins California, New Jersey and South Dakota, and ends the primary season with a win in Illinois.

Entering the Convention, Smathers already holds a majority of delegates.  However, Proxmire insists on a roll call vote, which ends with him only winning in Wisconsin.  Smathers selects Senator Jackson as his running mate, much to the anger of the dovish wing of the party.  Smathers and Jackson both give rousing speeches, and march on to the November election.

The Republican Nomination

Following Goldwater’s defeat in 1964, the GOP looked to the moderate wing of the Party, and the first candidate to declare is moderate Nelson Rockefeller, who failed to gain the nomination in 1964.  Shortly after Rockefeller’s announcement, Senator John Tower of Texas, a conservative, announces his bid for the nomination.  An attempt to draft Richard Nixon fails, and on February 23, Nixon endorses Tower for the nomination.

Rockefeller, as expected, wins the New Hampshire primary by a large margin; Tower responds by winning Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, before Rockefeller takes Massachusetts and DC.  Tower responds by winning Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, West Virginia, Florida, Oregon, and California, ending with a Rockefeller victory in New Jersey; Tower ends the primaries with a win in Illinois.

The RNC opens in Miami without a clear nominee.  The first ballot shows a slight lead for Tower, with Rockefeller in second.
Senator John Tower (TX): 623 votes
Governor Nelson Rockefeller (NY): 600 votes
Governor George Romney (MI): 74 votes
Former Vice President Richard Nixon (CA): 35 votes
 Senator Hiram Fong (HI): 1 vote

Shortly before the second vote, Tower makes Rockefeller an offer: if Rockefeller withdraws, then Tower will let him name the Vice President.  Rockefeller accepts, Tower wins the nomination, and Rockefeller supporter Governor Spiro Agnew of Maryland is named the VP nominee.

The General Election

As the campaign gets underway, the race is dead even between Smathers and Tower.  The race changes, though, on September 5, when General William Westmoreland, angry at both candidates for their perceived dovish views on Vietnam, announces his candidacy for President, as the nominee of the American Independent Party, running with Governor Lester Maddox of Georgia as his Vice President.

Westmoreland’s entry into the race radically alters the dynamics of the campaign.  Running to the right of Tower, Westmoreland appears to have thrown the election to Smathers.  During the debates, Westmoreland pounds both candidates on national defense, and jumps in the polls, garnering nearly 25% in early October.  However, Westmoreland is hit hard by the media on his running mate’s segregationist past.  Westmoreland, however, states that his running mate should not effect voter’s views on him, which gets him hit even harder by the media.

On election day, Tower pulls out an extremely narrow victory, with Westmoreland taking a significant chunk of the vote, despite not winning any states.

John Tower/Spiro Agnew: 41.7% PV, 317 EV
George Smathers/Henry Jackson: 41.1% PV, 221 EV
William Westmoreland/Lester Maddox: 16.1% PV, 0 EV
Others: 1.1% PV, 0 EV

The Congressional Elections

Despite the close Presidential race, the Republicans make major gains in the Senate; in the House, however, their gains are much smaller.
Senate Results

Democrats: 53 (-7)
Republicans: 47 (+7)

House Results
Democrats: 232 (-6)
Republicans: 203 (+6)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Great last two installment...I would think Westmoreland's third party run would split the conservative vote esp in the South with Tower, enough so to possibly shift the election to the house? I guess not, It is interesting to see what position the Democrats will take in OTL esp if Support the war Tower in OTL does a Johnsonesque escalation of the war. Perhaps this will allow former Attorney General Bobby Kennedy(Does he still go for the New York Senate seat?) or Mass Senator Teddy Kennedy to run an "We told you so" campaign in '72 or '76 as leader of the growing peace wing? Also picking Agnew is a powder keg waiting to happen, so itll be interesting to see who he nominates if Agnew resigns. Btw what is Tower's stance going to be on the Negative Income Tax and can he bring up enough clout in Congress to get it passed?

Any answers for some of the questions I posted a few day's ago? and how's the next installment coming along? lol

My apologies   An update will appear in the next several minutes.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The First Term of John Tower

In his Inaugural Address, continuing on the themes of his campaign, Tower promises for a strong military, including victory in Vietnam.  Tower promises for a bipartisan administration, and his Cabinet reflects that.

Secretary of State: William P. Rogers (R-NY)
Secretary of Treasury: George P. Shultz (R-NY)
Secretary of Defense: Olin E. Teague (D-TX)
Attorney General: Richard Kleindienst (R-AZ)
Postmaster General: Winton M. Blount (R-AL)
Secretary of the Interior: Don Samuelson (R-ID)
Secretary of Agriculture: Robert Docking (D-KS)
Secretary of Commerce: Elliot Richardson (R-MA)
Secretary of Labor: James D. Hodgson (R-MN)
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: Caspar Weinberger (R-CA)
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Frank E. Curran (D-CA)
Secretary of Transportation: John A. Volpe (R-MA)

Upon taking office, one of Tower’s first actions is to call for a massive troop increase in Vietnam.  He also asks Congress to pass a military pay raise, in an attempt to draw more people into the military.  He does, however, reject a suggestion from hawks such as the recently reelected Barry Goldwater (R-AZ) for a draft, saying it would only have a negative impact on the morale of soldiers.

In deciding to focus on the military, Tower decides to cut spending on numerous domestic programs, including NASA.  The decision, however, raises hell amongst Congressional liberals.  Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), says, “The President is trying to gut all of the programs that have been so beneficial to the American people, simply so he can pay for a foreign war.”  Senator Henry M. Jackson says, “We do not have to sacrifice butter for guns.  The President’s budget has been starved to death, and it does not need to be so.”  On February 12, Congress passes a budget that includes only minor cuts in social spending, and barely any increase in military spending.  The next day, President Tower vetoes the bill, and announces that he will veto any spending bill that lacks major increases in military spending, and major cuts in social spending.

Four days later, though, the Congress votes overwhelmingly to override the President’s veto.  In a statement, the President blames Congress for endangering the American military presence in Vietnam.

On May 12, 1969, Congress passes the Environmental Protection Act of 1969.  Written by Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN), the EPA would establish an Environmental Protection Agency, giving the Agency a large amount of control over the country’s environmental programs.  Despite facing strong opposition from conservatives in Congress, the EPA passes on June 27 in the House, 300-135, and passes the Senate on July 18, 57-43.  Following his stinging spending defeat, Tower signs the legislation on July 19.

In early September, Congress begins debate on the Civil Rights Act of 1969.  Written primarily by Senator Hubert Humphrey (D-MN), the Act would prohibit discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, and national origin.  For the first time since the Voting Rights Act, the South filibusters.  Not all Southerners join in, though.  Senator Al Gore of Tennessee announces he will vote for cloture, as does Ralph Yarborough of Texas and both Senators from Florida, Spessard Holland and LeRoy Collins.

On October 23, by a vote of 79-17, the Senate approved cloture on the bill.  On October 30, they pass the Civil Rights Act of 1969, 73-27.  Upon reaching the House, the Act is bottled up in the Rules Committee by Chairman William Colmer (D-MS), a strong opponent of civil rights legislation.  For nearly a month, pro-civil rights Congressman try to get the Act discharged from Committee, without success.

On December 10, though, Colmer inexplicably releases the Act from Committee, sending it to the full House.  On December 19, by a vote of 280-155, the House passes the Civil Rights Act of 1968, and sends it to the President.  After several days of internal wrangling, the President signs the Act on December 22.

In his State of the Union Address on January 22, 1970, Tower calls for yet another increase in military spending.  He also comes out strongly in opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment, despite strong support amongst the voters.

By early February, the situation in Vietnam seems to have deteriorated since Tower took over.  On February 16, General Taylor resigns, and is replaced by General Westmoreland, after serving for a little over a year as Tower’s National Security Advisor.  Westmoreland, speaking to Congress in early March, says that he needs at least 50,000 more troops in order to win the war fully.

Following Westmoreland’s statement, though, criticism of the war effort begins to increase.  Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) says, “We have been in Vietnam for over a decade.  The time has come to pull out, and allow the Vietnamese to handle their own affairs.”  Even hawks such as Henry M. Jackson (D-WA) begin to move towards peace, with Jackson declaring, “There’s no point in spending an extra 5 years to overcome North Vietnam, when we can have a peaceful coexistence.”

Despite the calls, Tower refuses to cut back on troop levels, and begins suggesting that America may remain in Vietnam well into the 1970’s.

On June 3, Justice John Marshal Harlan dies of a heart attack.  To replace him, Tower nominates Clement Haynsworth of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.  However, the Haynsworth nomination runs into opposition from liberals, as well as unions and the NAACP.  On June 20, the Senate rejects Haynsworth’s nomination, 53-46, the first nominee to be rejected in 40 years.  On June 28, Tower nominates Bailey Aldrich of the 1st Circuit; on July 15, Aldrich is confirmed 97-2.

On August 3, Tower leaves for a tour of Europe.  He meets with every major European leader, including newly elected British Prime Minister Edward Heath, just several weeks after his Conservative Party regained the majority in Parliament.  Throughout Europe, Tower is criticized for his position of Vietnam.  Pope Paul VI spends nearly an hour lecturing Tower on the sanctity of life, as protesters rant outside of the Palace.  When Tower returns to the US on August 25, his approval rating stands at an all time low of 42%.

The Congressional Elections

With Tower’s approval ratings sinking very low, the Democrats make major gains in both Houses of Congress, giving them an impressive majority to confront Tower with.

Senate Results

Democrats: 59 (+6)
Republicans: 41 (-7)

House Results
Democrats: 260 (+28)
Republicans: 175 (-28)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Hmm...It seems someone had to suffer the fate of LBJ ITTL, I just hoped it wouldn't be another Texan lol An interesting twist since we don't have a JFK assasination, would be for Arthur Bremer to actually succeed in killing the president or even causing him paryalsis in a manner like George Wallace. That might boost the GOP's chances of winning the '72 election, if not I can see Ted Kennedy(Assuming there was no Chappaquidick ITTL),George Mcgovern Eugene McCarthy, or even Shirley Chisholm taking over as the Dove wing of the Democrats gain control of the Party. It will be interesting to see where you take this...

In this timeline, actually, the dovish wing of the party is much weaker, since Vietnam did not prove such a divisive issue for the Democrats.  In January, 1971, the leading candidates for the Democratic nomination, all Senators, are (in no particular order):

Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (Minnesota)
Senator Edward M. Kennedy (Massachusetts)
Senator George McGovern (South Dakota)
Senator Henry M. Jackson (Washington)
Senator LeRoy Collins (Florida)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

So when can we expect the next installment?

In the next day or two.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

By all means, speculate.  I have absolutely no problem with speculating, unless I already told you.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

By all means, speculate.  I have absolutely no problem with speculating, unless I already told you.

When does the timeline end, exactly, if it is present day I have a feeling about who it is.

I'll probably end it with the 2008 elections.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

No, it will not be Jim Webb.  PBrunsel already did that.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I can't wait for the next update................................

In his State of the Union Address on January 23, 1971, President Tower declares that, “We have nearly won the war in Vietnam.  I can safely predict that by the end of 1973, Ho Chi Minh will be forced to sue for peace.”

However, shortly after the speech, Tower’s facts are disputed.  In testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Secretary of the Navy John W. Warner says that, “Unless we have a drastic troop increase, and step up our bombing campaign, there will be no definite victory in the foreseeable future.”  In separate testimony, General Westmoreland confirms Warner’s statement.

Following these statements, Senate opposition to the war intensifies.  On March 1, a resolution introduced jointly by Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN), and Charles Mathias (R-MD), calls for a complete withdrawal of troops from Vietnam by December 31, 1972.  The resolution is filibustered, and fails to gain cloture, failing 55-45.

On March 10, the Senate votes on the Equal Rights Amendment.  That same day, a poll showed that 71% of voters wanted the ERA passed, including a majority in 30 states.  However, the ERA fails to gain the necessary votes, getting just 59 in favor, to 41 against.  The vote is seen as a victory for Tower, who had strongly opposed the Amendment.

On April 3, the Senate votes on an Amendment to lower the voting age to 18.  On this Amendment, Tower had not taken a position, as he didn’t want to be seen opposing the right to vote for any group of people.  The Amendment passes, 83-17, and on April 29, it passes the House 374-61, and is sent to the states for ratification.

In the second week of April, Tower begins yet another international tour.  While in England, he meets once again with Prime Minister Heath who, less than 2 years after taking office, appears likely to be voted out in the next election.  Tower, who hasn’t had approval ratings above 50% since early 1970, sympathizes with the Prime Minister, and tells him to ignore the polling, and do what he thinks is best.

On May 4, the Senate begins debate on the Freedom of Information Act.  Written by Senator Humphrey, the FIA would require full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States Government.  The legislation is filibustered in the Senate, due to strong opposition from conservatives, as well the President, FBI, CIA, and other executive departments.


Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC) filibustering the Freedom of Information Act

On June 17, the Senate votes on cloture.  In a surprise, the motion passes, 60-25.  On June 26, the Senate passes the FIA, 62-38.  It is then sent to the House, where it moves quickly, due to the illness of Rules Chairman William Colmer (D-MS).  It passes the House on July 25, 234-200.  It is, however, vetoed by President Tower, but on August 25, the Senate votes 70-30 to overrule the veto, and the House follows on September 16, 300-135.

On October 4, former President Eisenhower dies of congestive heart failure at his home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  The funeral is attended by the President and his family, the Vice President and his family, President Pro Tempore of the Senate Richard B. Russell (D-GA), Speaker Carl Albert (D-OK), former Presidents Kennedy and Truman, and former Vice Presidents Johnson and Nixon, Nixon now serving as Governor of California.

In his State of the Union Address, President Tower pays tribute to Eisenhower, calling him “A true American hero.”  He also announces that he plans to up the troop levels in Vietnam, and repeats his statement from 1971 that the war will be over by 1973.

On February 4, 1972, the UK holds elections, and the results are a stunning defeat for incumbent Prime Minister Heath, as former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the Labour Party regain their majority status.


Prime Minister Wilson waving to supporters following the election returns

On February 19, former Vice President Johnson dies of a heart attack at the Johnson Ranch, after being in poor health for several years.  The former Vice President is eulogized by his good friend Richard B. Russell, who calls him, “One of the greatest men to ever serve in the United States Senate.”

On March 5, in a 6-3 decision written by Chief Justice Bazelon, the Supreme Court rules in Roe v. Wade, that states cannot prohibit the right to an abortion.  The decision immediately causes controversy, with conservatives, both Democrats and Republicans, condemning the decision.  President Tower, however, comes out in support of the decision, angering the conservative base as Tower prepares to seek a second term in office.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Excellent update, as always Ben .

With Richard Nixon now Governor of California, what's going on with Ronald Reagan? Was he elected Governor in 1966 as he was in RL or did he lose the Republican Primary to the former Vice President? Anyway, I hope he will not make appearance in this timeline. However, I would be pleased if he made a miraculous political comeback and lost whatever political office he were perusing.

Thank you   Ronald Reagan lost the GOP primary to Richard Nixon in 1966, and was appointed US Ambassador to the United Kingdom by President Tower in 1969, a role he has held ever since.  He has a gentleman's agreement with Governor Nixon that Nixon will step down in 1974, and Reagan will run again.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Democratic Nomination

On March 4, 1971, the first Democrat declares his candidacy for President.  Speaking in Philadelphia, the city that first put him on the national stage, Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota promises, “A brighter future for America.”  On March 22, Senator LeRoy Collins of Florida announces for the Presidency.  Three weeks later, Governor Kenneth M. Curtis of Maine declares his candidacy for President.

Almost immediately, it becomes clear that Humphrey has the edge.  On May 3, Senator Ed Muskie of Maine becomes the first major politician to endorse a candidate, when he announces his support for Humphrey.  Four days later, Senator George McGovern of South Dakota follows, and endorses Humphrey.  By the end of June, Humphrey has been endorsed by 19 Senators, 9 Governors, and 28 Congressman.

During the summer, though, all the talk centers not on Humphrey, but on two non-candidates: Senator Scoop Jackson of Washington, and Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.  Although the polls show Senator Humphrey with a large lead amongst the declared candidates, his lead disappears once Jackson and Kennedy are factored in.

On September 5, Kennedy calls a press conference.  He announces that he will not seek the Presidency, and is instead endorsing Humphrey.  Three days later, Jackson does the same.  By the middle of September, Humphrey appears to have the nomination locked up.

On January 24, the Iowa Caucuses are held.  The result is a resounding win for Humphrey, with 59% of the vote; Collins gets 31%, and Curtis gets 10%.  On March 7, the New Hampshire primary is held.  Humphrey wins, with 50% of the vote; Curtis receives 37%, and Collins receives 13%.

On March 14, Collins wins 98% in the uncontested Florida primary.  A week later, though, Humphrey wins 60% of the vote in Illinois, with Collins getting 26% and Curtis getting 14%.  On April 4, Humphrey wins 67% in Wisconsin, compared to 24% for Collins, and 9% for Curtis.  Following the defeat, Curtis drops out of the campaign, and endorses Humphrey.

On April 25, Humphrey clinches the nomination, with big victories in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.  Collins drops out, and endorses Humphrey.

As the DNC gathers in Miami, several names are floated for Humphrey’s Vice President.  Among the names are Senators Muskie, Kennedy, and Collins, along with Governors Warren E. Hearnes of Missouri, Robert W. Scott of North Carolina, and Mills E. Godwin, Jr. of Virginia.  The day the convention convenes, Humphrey announces his choice: Governor Hearnes.  The speech by Senator Humphrey is widely regarded as one of the best in party history; he delivers a blistering attack on the last 4 years, and promises “Peace with honor,” in Vietnam.

The Republican Nomination

Throughout 1971, there are rumors that Tower will receive a primary challenger.  However, the only candidate to declare is Congressman John M. Ashbrook of Ohio.  Tower, however, easily beats back the Ashbrook challenge, and after failing to reach 10% in any of the first five primaries, Ashbrook drops out, but refuses to endorse Tower.

At the RNC in Dallas, Tower once again promises victory in Vietnam.  The convention in notable for Vice President Agnew’s attack on Senator Humphrey, saying that he stand for just three things: “Acid, amnesty, and abortion.”  The attack fails, however, and comes off as exaggerated.

The General Election

On September 1, the general election moves into full swing.  As in 1968, the American Independent Party nominates a candidate – their 1968 VP nominee, former Georgia Governor Lester Maddox.  As his running mate, Maddox selects Congressman Ashbrook, bringing bipartisanship to the ticket.

On September 20, the first debate is held.  Tower spends the entire debate attacking Humphrey, while Humphrey maintains a positive tone.  Maddox attacks both candidates equally, calling Humphrey a “Soviet spy” and Tower a “Chinese tool.”  The second debate, on October 9, is mostly occupied by Humphrey attacking the failures of Tower’s first term, including his budget cuts for NASA.

Despite the controversy, the election is close until, on October 6, reports break that Vice President Agnew was under investigation by the United States Attorney’s office in Baltimore, Maryland, on charges of extortion, tax fraud, bribery, and conspiracy. On October 19, he was formally charged with having accepted bribes totaling more than $100,000, while holding office as Baltimore County Executive, governor of Maryland, and Vice President of the United States.

Immediately, the numbers swing in Humphrey’s favor.  The Tower charge that the investigation was a political ploy organized by the Democrats does little to help Agnew, and on election day, Humphrey wins a major victory.

Hubert Humphrey/Warren Hearnes: 52.6% PV, 336 EV
John Tower/Spiro Agnew: 37.4% PV, 202 EV
Lester Maddox/John Ashbrook: 8.7% PV, 0 EV
Others: 1.3% PV, 0 EV

The Congressional Elections

At the Congressional level, Tower’s low approval ratings bring down numerous Congressional candidates, with the Republicans suffering massive losses in the House and Senate.  The margins in several of the losses is attributed directly to Tower’s loss, and he is blamed by Republicans for the Congressional defeats.

Senate Results

Democrats: 66 (+7)
Republicans: 34 (-7)

House Results
Democrats: 288 (+28)
Republicans: 147 (-28)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

1.  Basically, yes.  The primaries are starting to play a bigger role, but they are still not the only way of choosing delegates.

2.  Actually, Senator McGovern and Senator Humphrey got along very well before Vietnam became an issue; HHH got McGovern a job with the Peace Corps, and campaigned for him in 1962.  In this TL, then, the two men are still close friends.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Thanks for clearing that up .

I must admit, my queries regarding the friendship between Senators McGovern and Humphrey was purely based on the McGovern/Humphrey relationship seen during the 1972 Democratic primaries, in particular during the time between June and August of that year. However, a bit of anti-Humphrey bias, inspired by the writings of Hunter S. Thompson did also provoke me to ask such questions.

Also, why did President Tower lose the typical Republican strongholds of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to Senator Humphrey? Surely Governor Maddox's campaign wouldn't have had such drastic consequences in the results of those three states. After all, Governor Wallaces' RL 1968 campaign failed to receive more than four percent in those states in question.

Indeed, Governor Maddox had very little support; 3.8% in VT, 4.4% in NH, and 3.3% in ME.  Those three states were the three closest in the country: 0.29% in NH, 0.86% in VT, and 1.08% in ME.  The Agnew scandal caused a major backlash against Tower in those states, and it appears that there was a large number of Republicans voting for HHH at the Presidential level, but staying GOP at the Congressional level.