2000 Timeline (COMPLETE)

[California8429]

Go Richardson!!!!

[Bo]

Go Richardson 2008!

[GLPman]

The 2000 election between George W Bush and Tom Daschle was lost for Bush when he talked about how he was not worried about the election because of what had happened to George McGovern. Right?

It was a contributing factor, but definitely didn't at all cost Bush the election.

Anyway, thanks for the comments, guys. I'll working on the next update so it should be up within a few days.

[GLPman]

January 2008 (continued) Jesse Jackson hoped his victory in the Iowa Caucus, as well as his new title as the Democrats' Dark Horse candidate, could score him a victory in the New Hampshire Primary. Polls had shown Edwards in the lead. But, as the Iowa Caucus proved, polls couldn't always be trusted. How would the polls stand up this time around? All five Democratic candidates viciously campaigned in New Hampshire the five days before the Primary, hoping they could squeeze out a victory.

NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 30.3%
Richardson: 28.1%
Jackson: 27.5%
Gravel: 10.1%
Kucinich: 4.0%

Edwards had edged out both Richardson and Jackson. Kucinich, who had only gathered four percent of the vote, decided to drop out. Gravel announced he would stay in. Although Jackson had come in third, he was extremely close to Richardson and had gathered more support than polls had shown. Governor Richardson still had yet to win a primary or caucus, which concerned many of his supporters. Would the New Mexico Governor be able to grab Nevada?

Richardson reassuring his supporters

In Pakistan, US troops finally entered Multan on January 10th. Although they encountered little resistance, the US Army had identified the city as a key strategic point for holding Pakistan. Unfortunately, the lack of violence in Multan didn't give US troops a break, since more violence erupted along the Northern part of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Approval of the War in Pakistan among Americans was measured at 52%, which was an increase from previous months.

Drones were used to attack resistance along the border

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you approve of the War in Pakistan?
Yes: 52%
No: 48%

The troop surge in Iraq proved to be quite effective. Violence in Karbala and Al Kut dropped by 25% in the first two weeks. Nonetheless, NATO still had a lot of work to do and the Democrats back in the US utilized the longevity of the war to try and portray it as a pointless war.

The troop surge proved effective in Karbala and Al Kut

As the Nevada Caucus rolled around, Governor Richardson looked to bring his campaign back on track. He desperately needed a victory. He knew a loss could result in the suspension of his campaign. Edwards, on the other hand, hoped to ride the coattails of his victory in New Hampshire and score a win in Nevada. Jackson knew his chances weren't great in Nevada, but remained hopeful anyway.

NEVADA CAUCUS RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson


Results:
Richardson: 37.5%
Edwards: 32.1%
Jackson: 25.9%
Gravel: 4.5%

Richardson had snatched the victory he needed and walked away with 37.5% of the vote. Nevada's hispanics had turned out in large numbers to support him, too. Edwards came in second with 32.1%, while Jackson had only pulled off 25.9%. Gravel had only pulled in 4.5% of the vote, but kept his promise to stay in.

On January 21st, stock markets across the world plunge and fears of a US recession increase.

The South Carolina Primary was held on January 26th. Polls had shown a dead heat between Jackson and Edwards. Both men had only won one contest so far and desperatley needed a victory in South Carolina to pull away from the other candidates. John Edwards' southern ties as a North Carolina Senator aided him greatly, but Jackson's popularity among African-American voters could push the Illinois Representative to victory.

SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY - DEMOCRAT
Winner: Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr.


Results:
Jacskon: 42.9%
Edwards: 34.2%
Richardson: 19.7%
Gravel: 3.2%

Jackson emerged victorious with 42.9% of the vote. Edwards and Richadson weren't concerned, however, as they looked forward to Michigan and Florida.

Light Blue - Jackson
Dark Blue - Edwards
Purple - Richardson

[Historico]

Very Interesting, So will Michigan and Florida still actually count ITTL or did the DNC punish them for moving their dates up before Super Tuesday like IOTL? If not I perdict that high black voter turnout will narrowly throw Michigan to Jackson and Florida will be a squeeker highly competetive with Richardson locking in the Cuban vote, Jackson locking in the Black Vote, and Edwards with White Blue Dogs...Can't wait to see what happens during super tuesday keep it comming

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Go Jesse!

[GLPman]

February 2008: The beginning of February hosted the Michigan and Florida primaries. Both Michigan and Florida had attempted to move their primaries to late January instead of Super Tuesday on February 5th. The DNC decided, in turn, decided that both primaries would be held on February 1st. Top Republicans criticized the change in schedule as unorganized.  Jackson was favored to pull out a slim victory over Edwards in Michigan, while Florida was a dead-heat between the top three candidates. Richardson pulled the Latino vote, Jackson was popular among Blacks, and polling showed that Edwards was extremely popular in the I-4 corridor.

Michigan voters on February 1st

MICHIGAN PRIMARY RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr.


Results:
Jackson: 37.6%
Edwards: 33.1%
Richardson: 26.5%
Gravel: 2.8%

FLORIDA PRIMARY RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 35.1%
Richardson: 32.7%
Jackson: 32.2%
Gravel: 3.2%

Edwards had walked away with Florida and Jackson had captured Michigan. There was no doubt that Richardson's campaign was in trouble as Super Tuesday approached. Both Edwards and Jackson had collected the momentum they needed.

Edwards following his victory in Florida

On February 4th, Iran opened its first space center and tested the international community by launching a rocket into space. The same day, the US stock market plunges 3%.

Super Tuesday was only one day away. Across the country, people prepared to cast their votes. Would the Democrats find their candidate after the results of Super Tuesday? Furthermore, as the economy continued to decline, Americans couldn't help but wonder if a recession inevitable.

[Historico]

Looks like itll be a Jackson/Edwards slugfest from here on out...Can't wait for Super tuesday

[Ike56]

Great TL.  Over the entire decade, there isn't really much to quibble about, though I wonder how Frank was appointed to Kerry's Senate seat since Paul Celucci (R) was still Governor.  I'd have thought he'd appoint Mittens or Jane Swift (though probably not Joe Malone since they had that heated primary in '98).

BTW, thank you for sparing my beloved home state a full term of Cruz Bustamante; Simon was a terrible candidate, but an infinitely better executive than Cruz could hope to be.

[GLPman]

Thanks for the comment. They really keep this old bird going!

February 2008 (continued) Super Tuesday had arrived. Across the country, Americans scrambled to thir nearest voting stations to cast their votes. Political strategists predicted that Super Tuesday would most likely define the Democratic nominee. Both the Edwards and Jackson campaigns were hopeful of achieving victories in crucial states. Support for Richardson had withered as Edwards and Jackson picked up momentum.

Jackson making a final speech before Super Tuesday

NATIONWIDE POLL - FEBRUARY 4th 2008
Which Democratic candidate do you support for President?
Edwards: 37.1%
Jackson: 33.4%
Richardson: 27.4%
Gravel: 2.1%

FEBRUARY 5th "SUPER TUESDAY" RESULTS - DEMOCRAT:

Alabama Primary Results:
Jackson: 43.6%
Edwards: 37.2%
Richardson: 16.0%
Gravel: 3.2%

Alaska Caucus Results:
Edwards: 41.6%
Jackson: 25.9%
Richardson: 18.0%
Gravel: 14.5%

Arizona Primary Results:
Richardson: 38.6%
Edwards: 33.1%
Jackson: 26.1%
Gravel: 2.1%

Arkansas Primary Results:
Edwards: 36.2%
Jackson: 33.2%
Richardson: 27.6%
Gravel: 3.0%

California Primary Results:
Edwards: 35.9%
Richardson: 32.5%
Jackson: 29.5%
Gravel: 2.5%

Colorado Caucus Results:
Richardson: 33.4%
Edwards: 32.3%
Jackson: 29.7%
Gravel: 4.6%

Connecticut Primary Results:
Edwards: 36.5%
Jackson: 32.1%
Richardson: 28.2%
Gravel: 3.2%

Delaware Primary Results:
Edwards: 35.0%
Jackson: 33.5%
Richardson: 30.1%
Gravel: 1.4%

Georgia Primary Results:
Jackson: 38.6%
Edwards: 35.6%
Richardson: 24.5%
Gravel: 1.3%

Idaho Caucus Results:
Richardson: 34.0%
Edwards: 32.0%
Jackson: 25.5%
Gravel: 8.5%

Illinois Primary Results:
Jackson: 47.5%
Edwards: 30.2%
Richardson: 20.8%
Gravel: 1.5%

Kansas Caucus Results:
Edwards: 38.9%
Jackson: 30.1%
Richardson: 26.5%
Gravel: 4.5%

Massachusetts Primary Results:
Edwards: 36.3%
Richardson: 32.0%
Jackson: 29.7%
Gravel: 2.0%

Minnesota Caucus Results:
Edwards: 35.0%
Jackson: 33.5%
Richardson: 28.0%
Gravel: 3.5%

Missouri Primary Results:
Edwards: 34.2%
Jackson: 33.8%
Richardson: 30.8%
Gravel: 1.2%

New Jersey Primary Results:
Edwards: 35.2%
Jackson: 34.1%
Richardson: 28.7%
Gravel: 2.0%

New Mexico Primary Results:
Richardson: 50.4%
Edwards: 23.5%
Jackson: 22.8%
Gravel: 3.3%

New York Primary Results:
Edwards: 34.1%
Jackson: 33.0%
Richardson: 31.6%
Gravel: 1.3%

North Dakota Caucus Results:
Edwards: 35.6%
Jackson: 31.3%
Richardson: 31.0%
Gravel: 2.1%

Oklahoma Primary Results:
Edwards: 33.8%
Richardson: 32.0%
Jackson: 29.3%
Gravel: 3.9%

Tennessee Primary Results:
Edwards: 35.8%
Jackson: 33.8%
Richardson: 28.6
Gravel: 1.8%

Utah Primary Results:
Edwards: 35.7%
Richardson: 35.0%
Jackson: 25.3%
Gravel: 4.0%

Edwards' campaign claimed victory following the results. Edwards' biggest wins were in California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. Political analysts commented on how race seemed to play a big card in the vote breakdown. Jackson had managed to carry the Black vote, which in turn helped him win contests over Edwards in the Deep South. Latino turnout for Richardson was extremely high, especially in the Western states. Jackson knew that Edwards had managed to win the majority of the contests, but the Illinois Representative still finished in a close second several times, most notable in New York and New Jersey. Jackson therefore vowed to stay in the race. Gravel announced he would drop out.

Edwards deliver a victory speech in Los Angeles

Despite Richardson's victories in Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, the New Mexico governor did not receive the support he had wished for. In Sante Fe, Richardson announced he would be suspending his campaign.

Richardson suspends his campaign

With both Gravel and Richardson out, the race for the Democratic nomination was between Jackson and Edwards. Although Edwards was ahead, there was no proving that Jackson couldn't deliver a comeback. Jackson hoped he could pick up Richardson's support.

Light Blue - Jackson
Dark Blue - Edwards
Purple - Richardson

[SvenssonRS]

If Edwards is as much of a spectacular a-hole ITTL as he is IRL, I see a victory for Hutchison/Gregg in the works.

Keep it up.

[GLPman]

February 2008 (continued): With Richardson out, Jackson and Edwards were the only two remaining candidates. Although Edwards had managed to deliver the most victories on Super Tuesday, Jackson had come in a close second several times in extremely important states. On news channels, many top Democrats explained the possibility of a Jackson comeback in the new few weeks.

Could Jackson make a comeback?

On their barnstorms throughout the nation, both Edwards and Jackson capitalized the sinking economy. Following Super Tuesday, the US stock market plunged over 3%, further indicating that a recession was on the horizon. "Republican economic policies during the past several years, including the ones that are employed under President Hutchison, are responsible for this country's economic downturn," Senator Edwards explained before a rally in Seattle, Washington. While Democrats blamed Republicans for the economic troubles, Republicans pointed their fingers to the Clinton and Daschle administrations. At Camp David, President Hutchison delivered a speech on the economic downturn, in which she stated, "Our economy continues to falter as the weeks progress. There are those who assert that our government's current policies are to blame for this - an inaccurate and speedy conclusion. Our economy, like all those of capitalist, has its ups and downs. There is no proof yet that we are on track for a full-blown recession."

Hutchison's economic speech at Camp David

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you approve of President Hutchison?
Yes: 56%
No: 44%

On Feburary 7th, the Louisiana Primary, Nebraska Caucus, and Washington Caucus were held. The media gave little attention to the contests in light of the recent economic developments.

LOUISIANA PRIMARY RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr.


Results:
Jackson: 54.9%
Edwards: 45.1%

NEBRASKA CAUCUS RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 57.8%
Jackson: 42.2%

WASHINGTON CAUCUS RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 51.2%
Jackson: 48.8%

The results of the contests proved the rifts between supporters of each candidates. Jackson carried Louisiana by over 8 points due to the black voter turnout. In Nebraska, however, Edwards had won with a 15 point lead because of his popularity among Democrat Midwestern farmers. In Washington, Edwards had barely nudged Jackson out. Democrat strategists explained that February 9th could be viewed as a tie between the two candidates: even though Edwards had crushed Jackson in Nebraska, Jackson had won in Lousiana, which was a more populous state, and Washington was extremely close.

One day later, the Maine Caucuses were held. Polls found that Edwards and Jackson were virtually tied in the state. Both men spent the entire afternoon of February 9th and day of February 10th campaigning in the state, hoping to squeeze out extra votes at the last second.

MAINE CAUCUS RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 52.1%
Jackson: 47.9%

Once again, Edwards had emerged victorious. Jackson reassured voters that Virginia and Maryland would prove more successful, while Edwards asserted that victory in the battle for the nomination was near. Analysts predicted that by late February or early March, the race for the Democratic nomination would be over.

Light Blue - Jackson
Dark Blue - Edwards
Purple - Richardson (out)

[GLPman]

February 2008 (continued) February was finally beginning to wind down. Five contests remained for the Democratic candidates: DC Primary, Maryland Primary, Virginia Primary, Hawaii Caucus, and Wisconsin Primary. Democrats across the nation knew it was extremely important to select a candidate as quickly as possible. Edwards remained in the lead nationally over Jackson by an average of eight points. Although it will still early on in the primary season, Republicans quickly capitalized on the divisions within the Democrats. During an press interview, Vice President Gregg, who had mostly remained off the political stage is prior months, stated, "The divisions that we see among the Democrats right now are nothing more than typical."

Vice President Gregg speaking out against Democrats

NATIONWIDE POLL
Which Democratic candidate do you support for President?
Edwards: 54.0%
Jackson: 46.0%

In order to take advantage of his lead over Jackson, Edwards increased the number of attack ads on Jackson. Jackson, Edwards argued, lacked the experience needed to not only win the election in the fall, but to be a successful commander-in-chief. "We need to get this guy out of the race as soon as possible," Edwards commented to an advisor, "or we're going to have a harder time taking down the GOP."

One of Edwards' new ads

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PRIMARY RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr.


Results:
Jackson: 67.2%
Edwards: 32.8%

MARYLAND PRIMARY RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 53.6%
Jackson: 46.4%

VIRGINIA PRIMARY RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 54.9%
Jackson: 45.1%

Jackson's campaign was dealt a devastating blow. Although Jackson had won DC, his monumental losses in Maryland and Virginia resulted in many delegates going to Edwards and a complete loss of momentum. Edwards' new ads had worked effectively. On February 14th, new polls showed Edwards was in the lead in both Wisconsin and Hawaii - states that had previously showed strong support for Jackson.

Meanwhile, on February 17th, President Hutchison's immigration bill was introduced to Congress. Polls showed that Republicans were strongly in favor of the bill, while Democrats were strongly opposed. Independents, on the other hand, seemed to be evenly split. Both Jackson and Edwards campaigned heavily against the bill while barnstorming. At a rally in Milwaukee, Jackson explained, "This bill is just one more piece of the Republican agenda that is sending this country spiraling in the wrong direction."

HAWAII CAUCUS RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 52.9%
Jackson: 47.1%


WISCONSIN PRIMARY RESULTS - DEMOCRAT
Winner: North Carolina Senator John Edwards


Results:
Edwards: 55.3%
Jackson: 44.7%

Jackson's campaign had lost all momentum. In what had been an extremely competitive state, Jackson was defeated by 11 points. With a lack of momentum and quickly declining support, Jesse Jackson knew it was time to suspend his campaign. On February 21st in Chicago, Jackson announced he would suspend his campaign. "I thank all of you who poured all your hard work into this campaign. While this is not the outcome I had hoped for, I am glad that I was bested by such a respectable and qualified candidate. John Edwards has my support in the battle for the White House, and I ask that you give him yours." John Edwards was now the Democratic nominee for the 2008 presidential election.

Edwards was the Democratic nominee for President

Final 2008 Democrat Primaries Map

Light Blue - Jackson
Dark Blue - Edwards
Purple - Richardson

[Historico]

It seems like the Democratic electorate seems more nostalgic for a Clintonian style, DLC Democrat Edwards rather than a history-making Daschlite Progressive like Richardson or Jackson. Can't wait to see who old Johnny Boy picks as his running mate and if Rielle comes out of the woodworks...Keep it comming.

[ej2mm15]

Keep it coming! =D
Wonder what'll happen in the General election if Edwards wins the nomination.

[liberalkid]

It seems like the Democratic electorate seems more nostalgic for a Clintonian style, DLC Democrat Edwards rather than a history-making Daschlite Progressive like Richardson or Jackson. Can't wait to see who old Johnny Boy picks as his running mate and if Rielle comes out of the woodworks...Keep it comming.

that was bogus.
Richardson was a Clinton loyalist who was also corrupt. Edwards fought for poor people
this is ITTL

[GLPman]

March 2008: John Edwards had emerged victorious. In the days following his victory in the Democratic Primaries, the North Carolina Senator was hosted on several interviews - both on television and the radio. During an interview with Larry King, Senator Edwards stated that his goal was to "restore America to the people." The North Carolina Senator had a long road ahead of himself, though, and he knew it. Edwards established his campaign for the White House on two main principles: the declining economy and dwindling support for the wars abroad. When addressing a crowd of several thousand students outside of NYU, Edwards spoke out against President Hutchison's economic policies and cited a rising job-loss rate.

President Hutchison meanwhile found her approval ratings still hovering around 55%. The economy's downward spiral continued to plague her presidency, but there was no visible solution. Over in the Middle East, NATO's operations in Iraq continued to progress smoothly. The troop surge in October 2007, which President Hutchison had ordered and largely advocated for, had proven extremely successful, despite criticism from Democrats. The majority of Iraq was under NATO control by the middle of March, but insurgencies continued. A meeting between the key members of the military operation would be held at the conclusion of the month. As a result of the success, polls showed the approval of NATO's intervention back up to 52%, which was seven points higher than the last poll.

The majority of Iraq was under NATO control by mid-March

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

The immigration bill was still making its way through Congress, where Democrats greeted it with a great amount of opposition. The majority of the GOP supported the bill - close to 95% - while only 5% of the Democrats approved of it. Republicans quickly realized that since Democrats had the majority, there was simply no way that the bill would pass. Some Democrats called for edits on the bill, while others wanted to vote down the bill completely. Senate Majority Leader Biden explained on MSNBC, "There is nothing good about this bill." Nonetheless, President Hutchison encouraged her fellow Republicans to amend the bill, but warned, "Let us not allow the partisanship of our legislative brach water down the bill so that we hand the American people a worthless piece of legislation."

NATIONWIDE POLL
If the United States Presidential Election was held today, who would you vote for?
Hutchison: 52.1%
Edwards: 46.2%
Other: 1.7%

[Dancing with Myself]

Very Good TL. i wish the World is as good as this in RL

[Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey]

Go KBH! Keep it coming!

[GLPman]

April 2008: Politically, April was a relatively quiet month. The Immigration Bill was still making its way through Congress and wasn't expected to be completely done until at least late April or early May. Polls continued to indicate strong GOP support for the bill, while the majority of Democrats opposed it. The media regarded the Immigration Bill, whether it passed or not, as a major cornerstone of the Hutchison Presidency. The President knew that if the bill did not pass, she would lose political capital and face strong criticism. Beginning on April 9th, the President began a week-long tour of the country, where she promoted the legislation. Various stops included California and even her home state of Texas.

President Hutchison campaigning for the Bill in San Diego

On April 12th, a car bomb killed 10 US soldiers in Islamabad

On April 15th, the DNC privately recommended to Senator Edwards that he avoid campaigning with former President Daschle.

Edwards campaign continued full-swing through the US. In San Francisco, Edwards bashed President Hutchison for "attempting to eliminate the rights of millions of Americans within our borders," referring to the Immigration Bill. Edwards' campaign was also characterized by his support for healthcare reform and an end to poverty within the United States. Edwards unveiled his proposal for a project he termed "Equal Housing," in which he advocated for the construction of thousands of new public living buildings for those in poverty.

Edwards answering a question about "Equal Housing"

By the end of April, a team of six moderate Democrat senators announced they would support the Immigration Bill if certain clauses restricting public educational and health benefits to illegals were eliminated. Facing a Democrat majority in the Senate and a re-election year, President Hutchison agreed. The Immigration Policy Reform Bill of 2008 was signed into law on April 31st.

NATIONWIDE POLL
Do you approve of President Hutchison?
Yes: 59%
No: 41%

May 2008: The President saw a brief surge in the polls but, as political commentators would point out, the surge would not last too long. The economy was still in decline and Democrats continued to campaign viciously against their GOP opponents, especially in the wake of the Immigration Bill.

On May 7th, Dmitry Medvedev becomes the President of Russia, replacing Vladimir Putin. Relations between the US and Russia remain frosty, yet President Hutchison calls Medvedev to congratulate him anyway.

Dmitry Medvedev

The Edwards campaign, having just finished a West Coast tour, began to campaign in the Midwest, beginning in Iowa and Minnesota. Edwards used political capital to criticize the President's Immigration Bill and attempted to tie the GOP to the withering economy. "Come November, not only will the economy be worse if the current trends continue, but our children will be left to pay the debt of two wars," Edwards explained at a rally in St. Paul. Beginning on May 12th, a series of initial state polls were released.

CALIFORNIA POLL - MAY 12 2008
Which presidential candidate will you support in the 2008 Presidential Election?
Edwards: 51.8%
Hutchison: 45.8%
Other: 2.4%

FLORIDA POLL - MAY 12 2008
Which presidential candidate will you support in the 2008 Presidential Election?
Hutchison: 51.2%
Edwards: 47.5%
Other: 1.3%

MICHIGAN POLL - MAY 13 2008
Which presidential candidate will you support in the 2008 Presidential Election?
Edwards: 51.6%
Hutchison: 46.5%
Other: 1.9%

NORTH CAROLINA POLL - MAY 14 2008
Which presidential candidate will you support in the 2008 Presidential Election?
Hutchison: 55.6%
Edwards: 43.1%
Other: 1.3%

The polls showed evident signs of confusion among voters. Of the four polls taken, three showed close races. The outlier, oddly enough, was Senator Edwards' home state of North Carolina, where the Senator was behind by more than 12 points. As the time to begin compiling a short list of VP picks arrived, top Democrat strategists met with Edwards. President Hutchison would most likely bring the women's vote, they argued. If Edwards wished to remain competitive, he would have to select someone that would make the Democratic ticket stand out.

Possible VP picks - DEMOCRAT

Jesse Jackson, Jr. - Former Presidential Candidate and Illinois Representative

Barbara Mukulksi - Maryland Senator

Joseph Lieberman - Connecticut Senator

Barack Obama - Illinois Senator

Janet Napolitano - Arizona Governor

Debbie Stabenow - Michigan Senator

Robert Cortez "Bobby" Scott - Former Sec. of Health & Human Services

As May came to a close, Edwards did not have the slightest idea of whom he would choose as his VP candidate. Although the economy was still in the tubes, President Hutchison maintained a steady lead.

NATIONWIDE POLL
If the United States Presidential Election was held today, who would you vote for?
Hutchison: 53.0%
Edwards: 45.5%
Other: 1.5%

[Niemeyerite]

Obama for VP!!!!!!!!!!

This TL is great, congratulations

[Ameriplan]

Great timeline.

I recommend Edwards pick Obama. He will revolutionize the campaign.

[GLPman]

June 2008: A small, radical Islamic group linked to the Taliban attempted to assassinate Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul. The attempt was unsuccessful because the bomb failed to detonate. Five of the seven perpetrators are arrested following the attack. When asked of their motives, one of the terrorists remarked his goal was to "restore Islam to Afghanistan." 

President Hutchison, who had initiated her reelection campaign in the beginning of the month, utilized the assassination attempt on the campaign trail to emphasize the United States' continuous battle against terrorism. "Our safety at home comes at the price of battling abroad. We fight to protect what is ours - the freedom that our wonderful country is established on. Our foes will continue to attack democracies across the world, as evidenced by the recent assassination attempt on Hamid Karzai, until we have defeated them," President Hutchison explained to a crowd in Tampa. A few days later, Edwards responded to the speech, "Nobody is doubting that the United States needs to combat terrorism. But our fight needs to be more efficient - more planned out - if we hope to succeed. We need to refocus our priorities."

President Hutchison on the campaign trail

Between June 12th and June 16th, several more state polls were released, showing the results of the Hutchison-Edwards match up.

MINNESOTA POLL - JUNE 12 2008
Which presidential candidate will you support in the 2000 Presidential Election?
Edwards: 50.3%
Hutchison: 48.1%
Other: 1.6%

NEW HAMPSHIRE POLL - JUNE 12 2008
Which presidential candidate will you support in the 2000 Presidential Election?
Hutchison: 51.8%
Edwards: 47.3%
Other: 0.9%

OHIO POLL - JUNE 13th 2008
Which presidential candidate will you support in the 2000 Presidential Election?
Hutchison: 51.0%
Edwards: 47.0%
Other: 2.0%

WASHINGTON POLL - JUNE 16th 2008
Which presidential candidate will you support in the 2000 Presidential Election?
Edwards: 53.7%
Hutchison: 44.4%
Other: 1.9%

Towards the end of the month, enough polls had been collected for analysts to make a battleground map.

Red - Safe Democrat
Pink - Lean Democrat
Gray - Battleground
Light Blue - Lean GOP
Blue - Safe GOP

[Niemeyerite]

Oh, KBH will win =( ... Keep it coming

[Historico]

Go, Kay Bailey Hutchinson...I just can't wait till all the skeletons start strolling out of Edwards' closet, especially if its before the convention...Keep it comming GLP