2000 Timeline (COMPLETE)

[GLPman]

July 2005: July was an extremely eventful month for not only the United States, but the entire world. The month began with mourning and anger as Pakistani and British Muslim terrorists targeted London in one of the most devastating terrorist attacks of the decade. On July 7th, ten suicide bombers, most of whom were identified as Pakistani nationals, carried out attacks on the London's underground train system. An additional bomb was detonated on a double-decker bus, as well.  A total of 80 people were killed, with hundreds injured. A video was produced by the suicide bombers and sent to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, in which the terrorists not only denounced the UK's presence in Pakistan, but said that "other Western nations [would] face similar attacks in the upcoming months."

The 7/7 London terrorist attack

In response to the attack, the United States increased security in airports and harbors to levels equivalent to the day after September 11th.

On July 8th, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced that she would resign her position upon the confirmation of a successor. Days later, President McCain announced his nomination of Judge Edith Jones from the Fifth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals. Jones still had yet to be confirmed by the Senate, however.

Edith Jones was nominated to replace O'Connor on the Supreme Court

On July 12th, former presidential candidate and Texas Governor George W. Bush announces that he will run for the Senate seat formerly held by Vice President Hutchison.

Governor Bush and wife Laura, following his announcement

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you support the War in Pakistan?
Yes: 63%
No: 37%

July 20th marked the conclusion of US' intervention in Iraq. President McCain called a meeting for all the members of NATO to discuss a strategy for Iraq. The President was hoping that the recent attacks in London had been enough to prove to the members of NATO that terrorism was still an issue four years after 9/11. In an address to the members of NATO, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair explained, "Let me remind you that an attack against one of us is an attack against all of us. Many of us have been attacked and we have the duty - the obligation - of preventing that next attack. We must rid these nations of their tyrannical and dangerous leaders." Days later, NATO decided that it would intervene in combat operations in Iraq with the objective of capturing Saddam Hussein.

The Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on July 26th. On the same, former Vice President Howard Dean explained in an interview on CNN that he had no interest in running for President in 2008. Dean had formerly been considered the frontrunner of the Democratic candidate field in 2008.

On July 31st, NATO operations to overthrow and capture Saddam Hussein begin. President McCain addresses the American people that night, explaining that NATO has commenced its strategy to overthrow Saddam and bring stability to Iraq. The Maverick quickly saw his approval rating rebound back to 60%.

McCain's approval rating went up to 60%

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you approve of President McCain?
Yes: 60%
No: 40%

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you approve of Vice President Hutchison?
Yes: 58%
No: 39%
Unsure: 3%

August 2005: A wave of confidence had swept the Republican Party and the American people. Americans felt much safer at home than compared to several months ago, plus the wars abroad were going quite well. The War in Afghanistan had concluded almost two months ago and the Afghan Guard Force had done an excellent job in upholding the peace of the nation. Pakistan raged on, but progress was being made. Furthermore, NATO had met little resistance in their strike operations to capture Saddam, although he still had not been captured.

The confidence of the American people would soon be debased.

On August 3rd, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is elected the President of Iran.

On August 6th, the United Nations formally declares Iraq as an "unstable nation." The non-NATO members of disagreed with the actions of NATO, with several speaking out against it. Russia was also a critic of NATO's mission in Iraq, as well as the United States' intervention in Iraq prior to NATO's involvement.

On August 9th, Pakistani suicide bombers attack the Bella Ragazza, a famous hotel in Rome. 40 people are killed and over 100 are injured. The terrorist faction is later identified as the same one that is responsible for the London attacks.

One week later, on August 18th, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security track another terrorist cell in Las Vegas. The four men, who were identified are Pakistani also, were staying at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. As the FBI moved in to arrest the terrorists, one of them detonates a bomb, killing himself, two other terrorists, and an FBI officer. The remaining terrorist is taken into custody as fire erupts on the floor and the Monte Carlo is evacuated.

President McCain, Secretary of Defense Ridge, and Secretary of Homeland Security Cheney held a press conference an hour after the attack. Cheney took the spotlight with the media. During his response to the incident, he explained, "We are thankful that further damage was not caused and that the guests of the Monte Carlo were evacuated promptly. The brave and heroic actions of the FBI saved many lives today. The President and I send our condolences to the family of Agent Gonzalez."

The deadliest attack that month didn't come from terrorists, though, but from Mother Nature. On August 29th, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Southeastern Louisiana as a Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane's storm surge caused extensive damage along the Gulf Coast - from Texas to Alabama. The most damage was done in New Orleans, however, where almost 2,000 people were killed and thousands more were missing. 80% of the city had been flooded. The United States had not witnessed such a catastrophic natural disaster in decades.

Hurricane Katrina had devastated New Orleans

[Bo]

Great timeline. I can't wait to see how McCain handles the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I think he will handle it much better than Bush did in RL.

[GLPman]

I've decided to continue this TL up until the 2008 presidential election. Due to the fact that I want to begin my other TL, though, I've decided to jump from August 2005 until January 2007. Below is an update of what events occurred in the United States and throughout the world from August 2005 to January 2007. Following the update below, I will revert back to my month-by-month updates. Furthermore, I assure you that there are still many surprises left in this TL, and that the primary season and 2008 election will truly be a grand finale to this TL.

August 2005 - January 2007: The damage caused by Hurricane Katrina ended up exceeding $150 billion. Tens of thousands of people were stranded and violence, as well as looting, immediately developed. President McCain immediately responded to the crisis, and announced that F.E.M.A. (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) would bring relief to those devastated by the hurricane. Furthermore, McCain ordered the National Guard to move into New Orleans to rescue those who had been stranded and to secure peace. Border Patrol forces from Texas were also dispatched to combat the violence. President McCain and Secretary of Homeland Security Cheney immediately flew down to New Orleans, too. "I am doing everything in my power to make sure every man, woman, and child is taken care of," the President announced. In an address to Congress, the President also asked for $70 billion as aid for victims, which Congress approved. Of the 60,000 stranded people, it is estimated that around 50,000 were rescued.

National Guard troops in New Orleans

Throughout the nation, people praised McCain's quick response to the disaster. The President rode a 65% approval rating into the first few weeks of September. In early September 2005, Edith Jones was confirmed as a replacement to Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Oddly enough, only one day later, Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist died. McCain nominated J. Harvie Wilkinson, a conservative justice on the Fourth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals, to be the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Weeks later, Wilkinson was confirmed.

J. Harvie Wilkinson, 17th Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court

French President Jacques Chirac declared a state of emergency in France when civil unrest and rioting broke out. In Germany, Angela Merkel was elected Chancellor of Germany. Relations with the United States and Russia continued to deteriorate. In Iran,

By the time December of 2005 rolled around, American troops had secured the majority of Northern and Central Pakistan. Operations had also commenced in Southern Pakistan, around the cities of Bela and Pansi. It was still widely believed that Osama bin Laden was in Pakistan. The military continued to introduce new strategies and progress reports to Congress in efforts to get funding, which was always given. Ground combat operations in Iraq continued, as well, as American troops searched for Saddam.

Gen. John Abizaid explaining operations in Pakistan

Discussion of the 2006 elections began promptly as soon as January arrived. Democrats were determined to get a majority in the Senate. Although the Democrats held a majority in the House, the Republicans had +2 seats in the Senate. While many people claimed that 2006 would be the year that the Democrats took back the White House, others believed that President McCain's popularity would result in the Republicans holding onto the Senate. US troops captured Saddam in late February. A new democratic government was installed in Baghdad, too. The former Iraqi president would be brought before the government in July for a trial, which resulting in the new government sentencing Saddam to be hanged in August. The capture of Saddam was viewed as McCain's biggest achievement for the year.

Saddam was captured

Unfortunately, the capture of Saddam did not ensure stability in Iraq. Beginning in April, several attacks were made against the occupying NATO forces and the new government. CIA reports showed that several terrorist factions aligned with al-Qaeda were responsible for the attacks. Democrats used the attacks as their ammo for attacking the President's foreign policy decisions. Prominent Democrat Harry Reid stated during an interview that President McCain was "throwing this country's diplomatic relations down the drain." Republicans pointed to the success in Afghanistan as a response, explaining that Iraq and Pakistan could follow the same path. In July, war between Israel and Hezbollah. The war would last until August, when a peace agreement would be sponsored and reached by the UN Security Council, and would prove increasing instability in the Middle East. North Korea would test more missiles, as well.

2006 Lebanon War

On the Congress front, the 2006 Debt Reduction Act was narrowly passed in August. Democrats continued to attack McCain's spending on foreign wars, though. Congress would also pass various tax relief acts. In early September, Senate Minority Leader Ted Kennedy announced he would be stepping down from the position and that his successor would be Delaware Senator Joe Biden. Kennedy, who had been the Democrat's leader since the election of former President Daschle, would remain a Senator.

October was around the time that the President's shine began to wear off. Polls showed that the Democrats stood to gain at least four seats in the upcoming Senate races, and three more states were in a dead-heat. Furthermore, North Korea claimed to have conducted its first-ever nuclear test. Popularity showed that the War in Pakistan was becoming increasingly unpopular as it waged on, too - only 55% approved. Democrats continued to use this to their advantage as the elections grew closer, with several Democrats supporting a withdrawal option from Pakistan. The President's approval rating remained at 62%, however.

The War in Pakistan was becoming increasingly unpopular

[GLPman]

August 2005 - January 2007 (continued) In early November, President McCain was seen leaving the George Washington University Hospital with bandages on his face. Two days later, it was revealed that the President had had cancerous cells removed. Media networks immediately introduced an idea that many Americans had not thought about: was President McCain too senile to be President? What if the President's health got in the way of his job? Several criticisms floated around for days, with one reporter even openly asking Vice President Hutchison if she thought the President was too old for the job. Democrats unofficially launched their platform for the 2008 presidential election, with leaders encouraging younger candidates to run. The President insisted that his health was good.

Was the President fit to be Commander-in-Chief?

Senate Election Results, 2006:
Arizona - John Kyl (R) is re-elected over Jim Pederson (D)
California - Dianne Feinstein (D) is re-elected over Dick Mountjoy (R)
Connecticut - Joe Liberman (I) defeats Ned Lamont (D)
Delaware - Tom Carper (D) is re-elected Jan Ting (R)
Florida - Bill Nelson (D) is re-elected over Katherine Harris (R)
Hawaii - Daniel Akaka (D) is re-elected over Cynthia Thielen (R)
Indiana - Richard Lugar (R) is re-elected over Steve Osborn (L)
Maine - Olympia Snowe (R) is re-elected over Jean Hay Bright (D)
Maryland - Ben Cardin (D) defeats Michael Steele (R)
Massachusetts - Ted Kennedy (D) is re-elected over Kenneth Chase (R)
Michigan - Debbie Stabenow (D) is re-elected over Mike Bouchard (R)
Minnesota - Amy Klobuchar (D) is re-elected over Mark Kennedy (R)
Mississippi - Trent Lott (R) is re-elected over Erik Fleming (D)
Missouri - John Ashcroft (R) is re-elected over Claire McCaskill (D)
Montana - Conrad Burns (R) is re-elected over John Tester (D)
Nebraska - Ben Nelson (D) is re-elected over Pete Ricketts (R)
Nevada - John Ensign (R) is re-elected over Jack Carter (D)
New Jersey - Bob Mendez (D) is elected over Thomas Kean, Jr. (R)
New Mexico - Jeff Bingaman (D) is re-elected over Allen McCulloch (R)
New York - Hillary Clinton (D) is re-elected over John Spencer (R)
North Dakota - Kent Conrad (D) is re-elected over Dwight Grotberg (R)
Ohio - Sherrod Brown (D) defeats Mark DeWine (R)
Pennsylvania - Bob Casey, Jr. defeats Rick Santorum (R)
Rhode Island - Sheldon Whitehouse (D) defeats Lincoln Chafee (R)
Tennessee - Bob Corker (R) is elected over Harold Ford, Jr. (D)
Texas - George W. Bush (R) is elected over Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D)
Utah - Orrin Hatch (R) is re-elected over Pete Ashdown (D)
Vermont - Bernie Sanders (I) is elected over Richard Tarrant (R)
Virginia - George Allen (R) is re-elected over Jim Webb (D)
Washington - Maria Cantwell (D) is re-elected over Mike McGavick (R)
West Virginia - Robert Byrd (D) is re-elected over John Raese (R)
Wisconsin - Herb Kohl (D) is re-elected over Robert Lorge (R)
Wyoming - Craig Thomas (R) is re-elected over Dale Groutage (D)

TOTAL SEATS
Republicans - 47
Democrats - 53 (including 2 independents)

The Democrats had regained control of the Senate. 2006 came to a close shortly thereafter. January marked the first session of the 110th Congress, as well as the State of the Union address by President McCain. In the address, the President urged for the continuation of support for NATO's intervention in Iraq, as well as the War in Pakistan. Many people still worried about the President's health and if he was fit for the job. The health concerns had reduced the President's approval rating back down to 60%. As January concluded, Americans knew that Democrats across the country would begin announcing their candidacies for the presidency soon enough.

[Historico]

Hmm...Sound's like the 2K's will see another One Term Presidency with question's over McCain's Health and Age...Not to mention what will happen once the economy falls off the cliff...Can't wait to see who gets the Democratic Nod ITTL, Keep it comming

[tmthforu94]

Very good!
One little correction: It was Jim Talent in Missouri, not John Ashkroft.

[GLPman]

Thanks for the comments, they really keep this thing going!

Very good!
One little correction: It was Jim Talent in Missouri, not John Ashkroft.

ITTL, Jim Talent never became a Missouri Senator because Ashcroft kept his seat

February 2007: "I hereby declare my candidacy for the presidency!" Such words were spoken by former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel on February 2nd. Gravel was the first Democrat to declare his candidacy. Despite Gravel's enthusiasm, however, critics were quick to point out that Gravel was older than McCain. "Mike Gravel is a great guy, but he doesn't deliver the youth the American people are looking for," former President Bill Clinton commented.

Gravel declared his candidacy in early February

Democrats continued to criticize McCain's leadership over NATO operations in Iraq. The new government was consistently under attack in Baghdad by terrorist factions. Many military commanders continued to suggest new strategies. Far-right Republicans pushed for an agenda that advertised complete control of Iraq, instead of major cities. The President refused to budge for the critics on both sides of the isle, however. During the second week of February, McCain hosted a series of town-hall discussions throughout the country to address the significance of NATO's operations in Iraq.

McCain during a town-hall discussion

Operations in Pakistan continued to move forward, on the other hand. The majority of the country was now under US control, and al-Qaeda resistance was dwindling. Despite the success, polls proved that only 55% of Americans approved of the war.

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you support the War in Pakistan?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%

On February 24th, former Secretary of State John Kerry announced that he would not be seeking the 2008 Democratic nomination.

March 2007: President McCain also came under fire from several economists, who voiced their concerns about the collapse of the housing bubble. Many economists also theorized that if the government's spending continued along with the tightening of credit, a recession would not be far away.

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you approve of President McCain?
Yes: 58%
No: 42%

Several people continued to voice concern about the President's health. "Has anyone seen this guy with a smile on his face the past few weeks?" late night host Jay Leno remarked. The two wars, along with domestic issues, were definitely taking their toll on the President. Rasmussen released a poll in mid-March, examining if people thought that the President's age was a concern.

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you think President McCain's health is an issue?
Yes: 46%
No: 51%
Unsure: 3%

At the end of March, only a little more than one month after Mike Gravel announced he would be running for President, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson declared his candidacy in Sante Fe. Richardson held an impressive resume, which included his tenure as Secretary of Energy under President Clinton, as well as US ambassador to the United Nations. The Democrats now had two men in the field for the 2008 nomination.

Gov. Richardson was now a candidate for the Democratic nomination

[Vosem]

GLPman leaves hole in his TL

But GLPman update his TL!

Keep this coming.

[Bo]

This really is a great TL. You really seem to have put a lot of effort into this. This timeline is probably the most detailed I've read yet. I hope that either Hillary or Gore wins in 2008. Gore should be considered a much more credible candidate in 2008 since he became governor of Tennessee and since he did not lose in 2000 like in RL.

[Free Palestine]

Mike Gravel!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Go Gravel!

[Historico]

Who else is going to through their hats in the ring for the Democratic side? and Are you planning on taking this up to just 2008 or maybe go to 2012?

[GLPman]

April 2007: At the beginning of the month, former Vice President Al Gore announced that he would not be seeking the 2008 Democratic nomination, much to the dismay of many people. Gore explained that he would continue his environmental activism, instead. "I will strongly support the Democratic candidate for the 2008 presidential election," Gore claimed.

Frmr. Vice President Al Gore would not seek the 2008 nomination

On April 6th, President McCain hosted the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, at the White House to discuss the War in Pakistan, as well as future hopes for the region.

Controversey over the NATO's presence in Iraq continued to escalate. Many Democrats insisted that the war was unnecessary and wasteful. Most Republicans defended the President's decision to invade, and pointed to the toppling of Saddam's regime and capture as proof that the war had been successful. The President himself also responded to the attacks, saying, "When I took the oath of office, I assured the American people that I would be protecting them. Today, we face a world blackened with terrorist threats. We will not sacrafice our liberties and give into the demands of these mad men. Never before have we done so, and we certainly will not under my administration."

Unfortunately, war was not the only thing that the President had to respond to - a sinking economy was beginning to worry many Americans. The President's approval rating remained at 58%, despite the unstable economy, but many pundits began wondering how the Republicans' majority in the Senate would fair in 2008.

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you support President McCain?
Yes: 58%
No: 42%

May 2007: In wake of the calls of withdrawal from Iraq, the President's advisors strongly suggested that the President put forth a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. Although the President initially refused, it became increasingly obvious as the month carried on that establishing a timetable would make sense, even if it wasn't followed.

On May 6th, Nicolas Sarkozy is elected President of France.

On May 14th, John Edwards, who had been a North Carolina Senator since 1999, announced that he would be running for President in 2008. "This country is being led down the wrong path. We can still save it and return power to the people," Edwards stated. "My campaign to restore this country's sense of pride will begin immediately." Edwards was immediately declared the front-runner by several organizations.

Edwards was considered the front-runner

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you support the War in Pakistan?
Yes: 53%
No: 47%

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you support NATO's intervention in Iraq?
Yes: 48%
No: 52%

On May 19th, former Secretary of State John Kerry restated that he had no intention of running for President in 2008.

On May 21st, President McCain announced during a press conference that NATO forces would begin withdrawing from Iraq in November 2008. The President had no intention of following the plan, and purposefully scheduled it the same month as the 2008 election so that his opponent would not be able to attack him for inaction. McCain was later said to have told one of his advisors, "I gave the people what they expected, Jim." Indeed, McCain saw his approval rating jump to 60%.

But then something happened that nobody expected; something that shook the American people. On May 25th, at approximately 11:00 in the morning, the President suffered a stroke. While there had been debate in previous months about whether the President was fit to stay in office, this incident left no room for debate - the stroke was fatal. The President was pronounced dead. The White House immediately issued a statement about the tragic loss. Vice President Kay Bailey Hutchison was also sworn in as President.

President McCain's funeral

Two hours later, President Hutchison issued a statement: "Let us carry on the great legacy that President John McCain established; let us not fear our enemies; let us stand up for the ideals set forth by our Constitution; let us celebrate our freedom as it was protected by the great man named John Sydney McCain." These words marked the beginning of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Presidency.

[Historico]

All the way with Kailey Bay!!!Although under very sad circumstances, with the first sitting Presidential death 35 years. I guess the 2k's will be known as the decade of the Four Presidents(Clinton, Daschle, McCain and Hutchinson) and it's still not a guarantee if Kay wins a second term with the economic downturn....Keep it comming.

[tmthforu94]

Well, this is very sad.
Kay Bailey would be an excellent President. I wish she hadn't ran for Governor and instead prepared for a `12 run. I think she could win.

[Free Palestine]

First woman president!  Under such unfortunate circumstances, though.  Will Hutchison seek a full term?

[Bo]

Here's hoping for a Democratic victory in 2008. How does McCain handle the Iranian nuclear threat and the Israel/Palestine conflict?

[GLPman]

June 2007: The summer of 2007 began in the wake of President McCain's death. Newspapers continued to publish articles and various news networks aired specials on McCain's presidency. Reports of violence of Iraq and Pakistan were blocked out for the time being, but the wars continued to rage on.

On June 9th, Dennis Kucinich announced his bid for the presidency in Lakewood, Ohio. Kucinich criticized Republicans for "distancing the United States from its goals." Kucinich also spoke out against both the Pakistan and Iraq wars, saying that immediate withdrawal was necessary. The Ohio Representative was seen as the favorite candidate for far left voters.

Kucinich making his announcement

Following Kucinich's announcement, Gallup released a poll on the candidates that had entered the Democratic field so far. Edwards was still the front-runner, but Richardson had picked up some momentum. It was still extremely early on in the primary season, however.

NATIONWIDE POLL
Which candidate do you support for the Democratic nomination?
Edwards: 46%
Richardson: 32%
Kucinich: 13%
Gravel: 9%

The most awaited announcement came on June 18th, when President Hutchison announced that she would be running for re-election in 2008. "Together, you and I have the duty to finish the agenda put forth by President McCain. Our great nation has made great strides since 2004 as we combat conflicts both abroad and at home." Vice President Hutchison also announced that she would select her Vice President by the end of July or early August.

President Hutchison would seek re-election in 2008

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you support President Hutchison?
Yes: 61%
No: 37%
Unsure: 2%

Meanwhile, Senator Edwards began campaigning in Iowa. At a rally in Des Moines, Edwards called for a "return to principles." Edwards knew it was early on in the primary season, but hoped he could maintain his lead.

[Historico]

Hmm...Might TTL's 2008 General Election be Hutchinson vs. Edwards?, Can't wait to see what happens in the Democratic Primaries...GLP, Keep it comming

[Bo]

Does Edwards still have his affair in this TL? If so, things could get pretty nasty.

[Historico]

I think we need to add some color(I'm Black, don't get ofended) to the rather lilly white, Democratic Field lol...Maybe Governor Bill Richardson still decide to dump his hat into the race, former Secretary Carol Mosley Braun? Secretary Bobby Scott? Governor Cruz Bustamante of California etc...Lol, are all the major leaders of the party like former Vice President Dean, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barack Obama steering clear of the election due McCain's death an Kay's popularity?....Keep it comming

[tmthforu94]

Can we expect an update soon? This is really really good.

[Conservative frontier]

Can we expect an update soon? This is really really good.

^^^^^^^^^

This

[Bo]

Can we expect an update soon? This is really really good.

^^^^^^^^^

This

[GLPman]

I've been extremely busy recently, I'll try and deliver an update soon!