Thread for "What If" stories.....

[Michael Z]

Here are my predictions for the looong long run. Hopelessly biased of course, with only a sprinkle of wishful thinking... honest. Sorry if this sounds desperately partisan, but after all it's just a bit of fun. Anyway, hope you can enjoy it even if you're not a crazy leftie like me.

2004
The surprise result...

(D) John Kerry/John Edwards 274
(R) George W Bush/Dick Cheney 264

2008
Foreign policy achievements 2004-2008: John Kerry pursues a lasting peace in Israel, brokering a deal between Israelis and Palestinians, with unfortunately only minor results - but it's a start. UN rule in Iraq achieved as a temporary measure to bridge the gap between occupation by coalition forces and establishing a fully fledged independent democratic state. Sends troops to Somalia to quell anarchy in the region (and succeeds, as opposed to the tragically disastrous campaign of 1993), thus eliminating a hotbed of terrorism. Capture of OBL, though Kerry doesn't take any of the credit and celebrates the capture alongside George W. Bush, giving due credit to his predecessors' policy of pursuing al-Qaeda. Generally restores some of the damaged diplomatic ties with traditional allies like France or Germany. Establishes a stronger US presence in eastern Europe, both militarily and economically.

Domestic achievements 2004-2008: Policies aimed at quelling the outsourcing of US jobs go through the newly appointed Democratic majority Senate in late 2006, thus giving Kerry's hithero crisis-ridden economic policy a well-needed boost.

Hillary Clinton is sensationally defeated in the 2006 senate elections by erstwhile rival Rudolph Giuliani, the latter becoming an immediate hero in Republican circles, even among the Religious Right (but more to that later). Clinton’s defeat gives a major dent to the campaign for nationalisation of the US health service, a big issue in post-GWB America thanks to a think tank formed by Howard Dean and Hillary Clinton, imaginatively (chuckle) titled Free Healthcare In America.

Republican Primaries 2008: The party is more or less split between moderates and neocons after GWB’s surprise defeat in 2004. McCain is seen as the initial favourite to represent the moderate wing of the party but rumours in 2004 surrounding a possible Vice Presidential campaign alongside John Kerry created major discontent amongst the GOP faithful. Additionally, McCain himself hints in numerous interviews throughout 2007 that he would rather not stand against an old friend and fellow Vietnam veteran. So no McCain in 2008. The eyes of the moderates therefore turn to Rudolph Giuliani. The neocons are represented by Jeb Bush, running primarily to avenge his brother’s defeat four years previously.

Both candidates have huge financial backing and the Republican primaries mesmerise the entire nation as Bush and Giuliani battle it out in the narrowest and possibly most suspense-filled Republican primaries since 1976, when Ford and Reagan faced each other in a clash of ideologies. And just like 1976, this is a contest between conservatives and moderates, the latter winning 2008 narrowly in the shape of Giuliani.

The Presidential campaign is a clash of the Titans, but a far cleaner one than the 2004 race (which was marred by negative campaigning from both sides, culminating in the infamous October 2004 “Kerry is a little girl and smells of wee”-advert). With polls predicting a narrow Giuliani victory, the world looks on aghast at the November campaign. Kerry has the edge in the debates, but Giuliani’s narrow lead isn’t dented. With all said and done, the result is…

(D) John Kerry/John Edwards 271
(R) Rudolph Giuliani/Bill Frist 267

2012
After a surprising Kerry victory in 2008, Democrats are optimistic. Unfortunately the first two years of a second Kerry administration are dogged by economic crises (some of which are a culmination of Bush's fiscal policies some seven years previously), and Kerry’s approval ratings slump. The Republicans regain control of the Senate in 2010. Things pick up for President Kerry in late 2010 when he, UN Secretary-General Joschka Fischer (recently appointed), and the Israeli government mastermind the creation of a Palestinian state, assured security for Israel, and possible lasting peace in the Middle East.

Democratic Primaries: Vice President John Edwards goes almost unopposed (with the exception of fringe candidates Kucinich and Jesse Jackson Jr), Evan Bayh challenging early on but dropping out of the race two months before the primaries go underway proper, sparking speculation of a behind-the-doors deal including a possible Vice Presidential bid. Lo and behold, the Democrats present a Edwards/Bayh ticket come Convention-time.

The Republican Primaries are a different story. Giuliani's shock defeat moved Republican senators to push for a Constitutional amendment ensuring that foreign-born naturalised citizens can run for President, well aware of the fact that the most popular Republican in the country is California's Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger (who changed state law in 2009 to ensure that the Govenor is chosen via means of a death match, therefore making his re-election a certainty every time... even at the ripe old age of 65). Unfortunately such efforts are stalled by an alliance of Democrats and Republicans (including or supporting potential Presidential candidates).

The Republican primaries are fought between Bill Frist, Rick Santorum, Roy Moore, Lamar Alexander and Chuck Hagel. All said and done, Senator Hagel sensationally wins the nomination (partially due to Santorum and Moore splitting the religious right's vote), choosing Alexander as his running mate.

Riding high on the Kerry legacy of a peace deal in the Middle East, an Edwards/Bayh ticket proves unbeatable against Hagel/Alexander.

(D) John Edwards/Evan Bayh 316
(R) Chuck Hagel/Lamar Alexander 222

2016
The Edwards era is running fairly smoothly, apart from one incident in 2013, when Vice President Evan Bayh runs out of the White House blubbing and crying after Secretary Of State Abizaid makes fun of his haircut, never to be seen again. Harold Ford Jr is duly chosen as his replacement.

In 2015 a history-changing moment occurs when Republicans finally get the amendment they wanted - that foreign-born citizens can run for President. This automatically makes Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger a shoo-in for Presidential candidate.

Much sning ensues when Schwarzenegger chooses equally old ex-General Tommy Franks as his running mate, but they prove a tough double to beat as they manage to ensure victory against Edwards/Ford, albeit by a narrow margin.

(R) Arnold Schwarzenegger/Tommy Franks 274
(D) John Edwards/Harold Ford 264

2020
Harold Ford chosen via nigh-on coronation process. Arnold wins 2020 election, simply because he's Arnold.

(R) Arnold Schwarzenegger/Tommy Franks 375
(D) Harold Ford/Stephanie Herseth 163

Coming Up: A Nym90/Demrepdan Administration, and the success of a Reaganfan/GWBFan ticket in 2032…

[Reaganfan]

Are you serious?

[7,052,770]

How about I post a map for an election, and someone else comes up with a story.

2028:

[dunn]

Good God, you too are imperialist

[Ben.]

Are you serious?

Are you?... come on it was funny... as was yours...

PS: I'm NOT being intentionally mean here!... but then having read this you know proably know how every one else reacted to your Alternative History...

[Filuwaúrdjan]

How about I post a map for an election, and someone else comes up with a story.

2028:

Saskatchewan would not vote Republican.
Nice map though

[© tweed]

How about I post a map for an election, and someone else comes up with a story.

2028:

The image take WAAAAAYYY too long to load...dO NOT save in .bmp format ever again!

[7,052,770]

Saskatchewan would not vote Republican.
Nice map though

Maybe you could make a scenario in which it does. . . .

and BTW is Sasketchewan not like Alberta?  Is it centrist?

[PBrunsel]

           President George Armstrong Custer

In July 1876 Colonel George A. Custer looks out over the Battle Field at the Little Big Horn. He has just won one of the biggest military victories in U.S. history. Colonel Custer decided to bring more men and several Gattiling Machineguns to the battle. He is hailed as a hero from Maine to California. Custer now knows that he will run for president this year.

The Republican National Convection in Baltimore, Maryland, knew exactly who to nominate. The Republicans chose the Hero of the Little Big Horn, Colonel George Armstrong Custer of New York for president. The Republicans then chose a man who was regarded as a good honest man, Ohio Governor Rutherford B. Hayes, for vice president. Hayes was nominated due to Maine Senator James G. Blaine’s statement that only a ticket with a war hero and an honest governor can win in November. The GOP celebrated a sure victory over the Democratic nominee New York Governor Samuel Tilden and his running mate Indiana Senator Thomas A. Hendricks.

The 1876 Election hinged on three things, the Grant Administration’s scandals, Southern Reconstruction, and the tariff. Custer was seen as just as corrupt as the men Grant had chosen to lead his cabinet, but Governor Hayes was seen as an honorable man who would keep the Custer Administration honest.  Governor Tilden was a reformer who wanted Civil Service exams and a clean up of government waste. Both Custer and Tilden wanted to pull the troops out of the South and give the state governments back. Custer wanted a high tariff to protect American jobs; Tilden wanted free trade between England, France, and the United States. Even the Democrats knew Tilden was going to get defeated. On Election Day Custer won 252 electoral votes to Tilden’s 117.

George A. Custer chose James G. Blaine to be Secretary of State and John Sherman to be Secretary of the Treasury. The Custer Administration repealed all federal troops from the South, but openly supported equal rights for African Americans. The tariff was raised to its highest point in history, but American industry grew. An economic boom made Custer extremely popular. In an unexpected move, George A. Custer allotted a large part of Washington to be Nez Pierce reservation. He worked hard to make good relations with Native Americans.

In 1880 the Democrats chose to counter General Custer with another general- Genera; Winfield S. Hancock. Hancock chose New York Governor Grover Cleveland to be his running mate. The Democrat’s tactic backfired when Custer-Hates was swept back into office by a landslide. Election Day gave Custer 307 electoral votes to Hancock’s 62. Custer broke the Solid South to win Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

Custer’s presidency is now known as the presidency where big business grew to it’s strongest point and would not die until Theodore Roosevelt became president. Custer’s Administration remained free from any large scandals. As every president, a few minor ones popped up, but were never taken very seriously.
In 1884 The Republicans Nominated Vice President Hayes for President and James G. Blaine for Vice President. The Democrats nominate New York Governor Grover Cleveland for President and Indiana Senator Thomas Hendricks. The 1884 election seems more like Blaine vs. Cleveland then Hayes vs. Cleveland. Blaine leads dirty tricks and Democrats chant, “Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine. The Continental Liar from the State of Maine.” The campaign quickly becomes a mudslinging event. In the end the U.S. gets tired of Republican Administrations and chooses Grover Cleveland to be their president by a vote of 226-212.

The Remaining Elections: Winner will be on top.

1888:
In 1888 Grover Cleveland was reelected on a platform of low tariffs and open immigration. He defeated Republican Governor Benjamin Harrison in a close election. Harrison won the popular vote, but lost the electoral vote.

Grover Cleveland (NY)-Adlai Stevenson (IL): Democratic
Benjamin Harrison (IN)-Levi Morton (NY): Republican

1892:
Known as the “Year of the Jims”, the 1892 Election led to the surprise election of Governor Jarvis of North Carolina. At the Democratic Convention, Bryan was chosen to appease Silverites. The Republicans turned to former Secretary of State James G. Blaine. Even the honest Ohio Representative James A. Garfield couldn’t take away the stench of scandal off of Blaine. Jarvis won by a comfortable margin. He did win 301 electoral votes, but only 43% of the popular vote. Populist General Weaver won 22 electoral votes.

Thomas J. Jarvis (NC)-William J. Bryan (NE): Democratic
James G. Blaine (ME)-James A. Garfield (OH): Republican
James B. Weaver (IA)-James G. Field (VA): Populist


1896:
A depression gripped the U.S. when the Republicans nominated Ohio Governor William McKinley in 1896. McKinley ran a front porch campaign. President Jarvis was re-nominated, though even he knew he was doomed to defeat with the bad economy. After the Democrats voted down a free silver plank, Vice president Bryan left the ticket. He joined the Populists and ran a great campaign. He campaigned in every state, but was still crushed. In the end McKinley was swept into office by angy unemployed voters.


William McKinley (OH)-Garret Hobart (NJ): Republican
Thomas J. Jarvis (NC)-Allen G. Thurmond (OH): Democratic
William J. Bryan (NE)-Thomas Watson (GA): Populist

1900:
In 1900 President McKinley had to choose a new running mate. Vice President Hobart had died in office and the obvious choice was the progressive New York Governor Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt was a Spanish-American War hero and loved by the nation. The Democratic Convention nominated Party Chairman Allen Thurmond for president. Thurmond had narrowly defeated William J. Bryan for the nomination. McKinley won reelection without even leaving the White House lawn.

William McKinley (OH)-Theodore Roosevelt (NY): Republican
Allen G. Thurmond (OH)-Adlai Stevenson (IL): Democratic
Eugene Debs (IN)-Job Harriman (CA): Social-Democratic


1904:
The Democrats nominated New York Times Publisher William Randolph Hearst for president. Hearst was no match for the charismatic Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt had assumed the presidency upon McKinley’s assassination in 1901. Roosevelt was swept into office winning all but the Solid South.

Theodore Roosevelt (NY)-Charles Fairbanks (IN): Republican
William R. Hearst (NY)-Henry Davis (WV): Democratic
Eugene Debs (IN)-Benjamin Hanford (NY): Socialist

[Blerpiez]

(for the map of North America)(very unrealistic)
In 2005, the US annexed Haiti and a disease spread among the trees of the world, making the trees remaining get greater support, increasing the Green Party (green on the map)s numbers.  Pressure from the EU and other bodies around the world cause the North American Alliance to form in 2009, with all countries giving up their self rule.  Before this merger, the Democrat and Republican Parties agreed to form the American Party (red) in an attempt to rule the NAA.  Many conservative Christians are upset about this, and form the Conservative Party (blue).  In latin america, the Spanish-American Party (yellow) forms, and because of the new alliance, the seperation movement gets stronger in Quebec (purple).  

John McCain and Al Gore run for the Americans in 2009 and win, while the Americans also get a plurality in both houses.  Many states are split between the Americans and Conservatives, and the Green Party, which is popular everywhere, takes those states.

[Reaganfan]

Kerry Era Pt. 2: Giulaini.
After President Clark took office opon the death of US President John F. Kerry, he had chosen Governor Ed Rendell as his Vice President after a fight to try and get a Vice President Breaux. Of course, Breaux declined, and Rendell excepted. At one point, Vice president Rendell had a 71% approval rating while Clark had a 34% rating. Many compared the Clark Administration a mix of Johnson/Humphrey and Carter/Mondale. Mixing sorrow from a late president with High inflation. Giuliani was the Reagan type who brought in many democrat votes. He decided to run for the nomination after a tough primary battle. For the nomination, he fought four other Republicans:

Senator Norm Coleman
Senator James Inhofe
Governor Dirk Kempthorne
Former Vice President Dan Quayle

Iowa showed a shocking win:
Quayle-48%
Inhofe-47%
Giuliani-5%

New Hampshire:
Quayle-56%
Giuliani-43%
Coleman-1%

Kempthorne who many thought would win the nomination, thus beat the very unpopular incumbant President Clark, dropped out the next day. Many thought that they would have a President Quayle in a year's time. But soon, it looked like a President Inhofe would win. March showed Coleman would beat Clark in a race: 70% to 30% By April, Giuliani barley recived the nomination in a close battle with Jim Inhofe. Although many talked of Giuliani/Kempthorne and Giuliani/Quayle, a Giuliani/Rice ticket was unexpected. Giuliani won although Vice President Rendell recived some write-in votes.

Popular:
Giuliani-60%
Clark-35%
Other-5%

Electoral:
Giuliani-500
Clark-38

Giuliani was in office ten months when another terror attack occured on November 15, 2009. President Giuliani took action. His approval rating soared to 87%, and america loved him like Reagan. On June 23, 2011 Giuliani got news his cancer had popped up again. Urged to resign, Giuliani called off his speech to announce his bid for re-election. To be continued...

[Reaganfan]

Rudy continues on, but by January 2012, his cancer worsens. He decides to step down on May 3, 2012 and give the presidency to Rice. Rice appoints Governor Bill Owens to be her new VP. President Rice and her new Vice president Owens give the former Preisdent their best, and decide to run for their own term.

Continued....

President Rice and Vice President Owens have two main opposistion trying to get the democratic nomination: Senator John Edwards and Former VP Ed Rendell. Rendell barley gets the nomination and chooses Edwards as his running mate. With a booming economy, many jobs, and a good national defense, Rice/Owens win by a 315 to 223 vote count.

So I have gone through:

The Kerry Era
The Clark Era
The Giuliani Era
The Rice Era continues...

[PBrunsel]

“Truman Defeats Dewey”
1948-1968: Part I

1948:

The now famous picture of Governor Thomas Dewey holding up the Chicago Tribune can be laughed at for ages. The New York governor has a huge smile on his face as he holds the newspaper over his head that’s headline reads, “Truman Defeats Dewey.” The now famous bluff is a mere bump in the 1948 Election. Thought Dewey was ahead in the polls, toward early November his campaign had been stopped, and the momentum belonged to Truman. After one of the longest elections in history, 3 days after the voting booths closed, Dewey was declared the victor in Illinois, Ohio, and California. Dewey had defeated not only President Truman, but also Dixiecrat J. Strom Thurmond and Progressive Henry A. Wallace:

Thomas Dewey/Earl Warren: 253
Harry Truman/Alben Barkley: 239
J. Strom Thurmond/Fielding Wright: 39
Henry Wallace/Glen Taylor: 0  


1952:

President Dewey’s first term was a success. He had kept out of Korea, witch angered hard right-wingers in both the Democratic and Republican Party, and his economic plan of ending the New Deal was a success. Senator Barry Goldwater stated in 1951, “The Democratic idea that big government will help solve your problems is dead. We now know a government big enough to give you everything is also big enough to take it all away.” President Dewey faced the challenge of Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson and Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver in 1952. Outraged over Dewey’s “surrender to Communists in Korea,” Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy and Virginia Senator Harry F. Byrd decided to run an independent campaign as members of the American Freedom Party. President Dewey and Vice President Earl Warren ran on the success of the Dewey Administration. McCarthy received support from the far-right wing of American politics. Election Day gave Dewey a clear mandate:

Thomas Dewey/Earl Warren: 426
Adlai Stevenson/Estes Kefauver: 78
Joseph McCarthy/Harry Byrd: 27

Joseph McCarthy was able to win three anti-Communist Middle Western states (Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin) and take 6.5% of the popular vote.


1956:

President Dewey’s second term was plagued by Communist threats from abroad. In early 1956 Soviets had invaded Czechoslovakia and caused great international outcry. The People’s Republic of China (Red China as it was called in the United States) demanded entry into the United Nations or it would invade Taiwan. In 1958, President Dewey had to give into the threat from Korea and send troops to the peninsula. General MacArthur was able to save the Republic of Korea from invasion, but not able to unite Korea. The economy was strong, so Dewey hoped to keep the Republicans in the White House. In 1956 the Republicans nominated Vice President Earl Warren for President and Minnesota Senator Harold Strassen for Vice President. The Democrats rallied behind Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson and Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy.  McCarthy chose to sit this one out and support Earl Warren. The Election of 1956 focused around two things, both of little importance, Kennedy’s Catholicism and Earl Warren’s health. It was rumored that Warren had some liver problems, and many Americans did not want a sick president in office. The Republicans chose to capitalize on Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee John F. Kennedy’s Catholicism. The dirty campaign was close. Johnson was elected president by only 100,000 votes. Many were rumored to have been bought by Joseph P. Kennedy, John Kennedy’s father:

Lyndon Johnson/John Kennedy: 312
Earl Warren/Harold Strassen: 219


1960:

President Johnson entered the 1960 race with high popularity. He had passed Civil Rights reform and was able to pass major spending incensement through the Democratic controlled Congress. Johnson’s “War on Poverty” was widely popular in 1960. To make matters better the Republicans had nominated California Senator Richard M. Nixon for President in 1960. Nixon had defeated Governor Nelson Rockefeller for the nomination and wanted the White House. The Republican Convention in Chicago selected Senator Nixon for President and Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge for Vice President. The American Freedom Party nominated Virginia Senator Harry F. Byrd for President and South Carolina Senator J. Strom Thurmond for Vice President. Nixon was behind the entire election, but was not one to turn down a fight. He was able to close the gap in the first televised debates against President Johnson.  The election would be a landslide for “Landslide” Lyndon Himself:

Lyndon Johnson/John Kennedy: 349
Richard Nixon/Henry C. Lodge: 148
Harry F. Byrd/J. Strom Thurmond: 40


1964:

In 1964 the Democrats were expecting an easy victory with Vice President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy had been an active vice president and had chosen to participate in several important decisions, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1963. He was expected to be swept into office in 1964. The republicans were going to make it easy. “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice,” Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater boomed to the Republican Convention in 1964. Goldwater had been nominated on a staunch Conservative platform. He opposed the Great Society, civil rights, bussing, and any type of government intrusion into the states. He had selected New York Representative William E. Miller to be his running mate. Kenney selected Minnesota Senator Hubert Humphrey as Vice President. Kennedy was able to slam away at Goldwater’s many bluffs and baffles. He said that we should not hesitate to use nuclear weapons in Vietnam. The Goldwater-Kennedy debates ended in Kennedy victories. Election Day was another Democratic landslide:

John Kennedy/Hubert Humphrey: 285
Barry Goldwater/William Miller: 72

1968:

The Kennedy Administration was going badly. Troops had been sent into Vietnam and the war was a stalemate. Race riots occurred when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy was caught in an act of bugging the republican National Headquarters. President Kennedy’s presidency was falling in around him. When things couldn’t get any worse, the Tett Offensive began and the 1968 Election approached. The Republican front runner was Richard M. Nixon. He was more prepared then the man who had lost in 1960. Nixon had traveled the world and strengthened his grasp of foreign policy by traveling the world. Other republicans were Governor Rockefeller of New York and Governor Romney of Michigan. In July 1968, Richard Nixon was nominated for president. He called on the “Great Silent Majority” to stand up for America and elect strong leaders. Governor Romney was nominated for vice president. After a tough primary with Senator Eugene McCarthy, President Kennedy was re-nominated by the Democrats. He and Humphrey faced a strong challenge from Nixon and the American Freedom candidate, Alabama Governor George Wallace and General Curtis E. LeMay. The election hinged on the Vietnam War. Nixon promised “peace with honor, not surrender.” Kennedy wanted to stay the course in Vietnam. Wallace wanted to bomb North Vietnam into the Stone Age. He violently opposed integration, bussing, Social Activism, and hippies. His campaign appealed to blue collar workers all over the country. Election Day showed a Nixon landslide:

Richard Nixon/George Romney: 343
John Kennedy/Hubert Humphrey: 141
George Wallace/Curtis LeMay: 54    

[PBrunsel]

"Truman Defeats Dewey"
1972-1988

1972:

With the Republicans in the White House after 16 years, Richard Nixon tried hard not to botch it up. In 1971, President Nixon ended all U.S. ground combat in Vietnam. In early 1972 he visited China and the Soviet Union, thus starting to thaw the Cold War. A strong economy and a proud nation gave Nixon the one of the biggest landslides in American history. In 1972 Nixon was opposing another Kennedy. This time it was Senator Edward Kennedy and Missouri Senator John Eagleton. Vice President Romney had sadly died in early 1972, so Nixon chose House Minority Leader Gerald Ford to be his new running mate. The American Freedom Party made its worst attempt for office in 1972. It nominated Georgia Governor Lester Maddox for President and Californian Representative John Schmitz for Vice President. The election went quickly that year. Richard Nixon was able to tote his foreign policy victories and slam away at Kennedy’s ultra left wing ideas. The American Freedom party barely got 5 million votes in 1972, and it soon faded out of history.
Election Day showed the results of:

Richard Nixon/Gerald Ford: 520
Edward Kennedy/John Eagleton: 17
Lester Maddox/John Schmitz: 0  


1976:

Knowing that he would crush Kennedy, Nixon did not allow CREP (Committee to Re-elect the President) to form. No Watergate Scandal occurred and Richard Nixon is now known as one of America’s greatest presidents. In 1976, Gerald Ford did not run for president, but supported Kansas Senator Bob Dole. Governor Ronald Reagan of California entered the race. Reagan won the Republican Nomination in 1976 and chose Pennsylvania Senator Richard Schreiker for Vice President. The Democrats nominated dark horse Jimmy Carter and Minnesota Senator Walter Mondale. Reagan easily defeated Carter in the debates and went on to defeat Carter in the election:

Ronald Reagan/Richard Schreiker: 371
Jimmy Carter/Walter Mondale: 167


1980:

Although few remember, there was a presidential election in 1980. Ronald Reagan’s tax cuts had made an economic boom and the Iranians dared not to mess with, who they called, “That trigger happy cowboy in the White House.” Reagan’s opposition would be Walter Mondale and Ohio Senator John Glenn. With no real competition to Reagan, Ronald Reagan decided to run adds that had his campaign slogan, “its Morning Again in America”, said in everyone. Mondale promised to raise taxes and decrease nuclear weapons. Mondale’s liberalism was out of touch with 1980’s America, and so he lost the election by the biggest margin in U.S. history:

Ronald Reagan/Richard Schreiker: 535
Walter Mondale/John Glenn: 3

Mondale only won Washington, D.C.


1984:

The “Reagan Revolution” spelled another landslide for the Republicans Party. They now controlled Congress and the Presidency. Robert Bork was appointed Chief Justice of the United States and abortion had been outlawed. The Republican heir apparent was Vice President Schreiker. He was challenged by Ambassador George Bush of Texas and Senator Dole. Schreiker would win the nomination and select George Bush as his running mate. The Democrats chose to nominate Colorado Senator Gary Hart for President and New York Governor Mario Cuomo for Vice President. The Election of 1984 also introduced another minor party. The Libertarian party had run a presidential candidate for president since 1972, but in 1984 its ideas were being accepted by Americans. Libertarian nominees David Bergland and Jim Lewis were expected to get at least one million votes in 1984. The low key election gave the Republicans another easy victory. The Libertarian party did manage 2,345,671 votes. Not a mandate, but quite a strive for such a small party:

Richard Schreiker/George Bush: 355
Gary Hart/Mario Cuomo: 183
David Bergland/Jim Lewis: 0


1988:

In early January 1988, President Schreiker announced he would not seek a second term as president. He decided to endorse Vice President George Bush. Bush easily won the Republican Nomination for President and chose Senator Dole to be his running mate. The Democrats turned to Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen for a victory. It turned out to be too hard to defeat the Conservative Revolution of the 1980’2. The Libertarians failed to get one million votes this time:

George Bush/Bob Dole: 435
Michael Dukakis/Lloyd Bentsen: 103

[PBrunsel]

"Truman Defeats Dewey"
1992-2004

1992:

In 1992 the economy was in a slump. President Bush had hoped to use his victory in the Persian Gulf War to boost his chances of re-election; he had to go to a desperate measure. He approved of a balance budget amendment, and this led to the withdrawal of Independent H. Ross Perot. The amendment was up for voting in the House and Senate by August 1992. Both houses passed it and it was off to the states. Even without Perot Bush now faced Democrats William J. Clinton and Albert A. Gore. The American Freedom Party nominated Patrick Buchanan and Howard Phillips in 1992. With the right wing for Buchanan-Phillips, Bush needed to appeal to moderate voters, he decided to do this by passing bills raising the minimum wage and supporting mandatory gun locks. The Reaganites felt betrayed by Bush and left to support Buchanan. The debates were three way ties between the three major candidates, and the election was too close to call on November 3rd, 1992. The results showed it was the one of the narrowest election in American history:

George Bush/Bob Dole: 285
William Clinton/Albert Gore: 242
Patrick Buchanan/Howard Phillips: 11


1996:

In 1996 the country was tired of 20 years of Republican rule and elected a Democrat in the form of Tennessee Senator Albert “Al” Gore. Gore was able to defeat the Republican Nominee, Vice President Dole, by harping on Dole’s age of 70 years. Another reason was Gore’s running mate, New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley. Dole was a respected Senator and Vice President, but many thought he was too old and out of touch with the “new” America. Dole’s Vice Presidential choice of Chief Justice Bork didn’t help him at all. Bork was an extreme right winger who was nominated to pull support away from American Freedom Candidates Howard Phillips and Dr. John Hagelin. The election’s major issue was NAFTA. The American Freedom Party opposed it and made that well known at it’s huge anti-NAFTA rallies. Dole and Gore both supported NAFTA. The debates did not include Phillips who was only at 9% in the polls and needed 15%. Election Day showed a change in leadership for America:

Al Gore/Bill Bradley: 293
Bob Dole/Robert Bork: 245
Howard Phillips/John Hagelin: 0


2000:

The 2000 Election proved to be a referendum on the Gore Administration, The Republican Nominee, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi, wanted to lead an attack on Gore that would cripple his administration for the campaign. He Vice Presidential Running Mate, Senator John McCain of Arizona, wanted to focus on Gore’s opposition to the Balance Budget Amendment. The campaign turned into one of the most issue oriented campaigns in history. Lott concentrated on a balanced budget and the deficit while Gore ran on the Drug War and campaign finance reform. The debates excluded American Freedom Party Candidate J. Curtis Frasier. The first election of the new millennium gave President Gore a clear mandate:
Al Gore/Bill Bradley: 392
Trent Lott/John McCain: 146
J. Curtis Frasier/Ezola Foster: 0


2004:

In 2004 the Gore Administration had botched up both the economy and the War on Terror. Several tax hikes on business during a recession only hurt the economy more. When poverty rates increased, President Gore just taxed the wealthy and middle class more to pay for social welfare. After the tragic September 11th attacks on New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, President Gore sent troops to Afghanistan. After the death of 200 soldiers he pulled out and used the U.N. to find Osama Bin Laden. They couldn’t find him and left within only three months. Iraq was known to harbor terrorists, but Gore chose to leave it alone due to the U.N. not supporting an attack. Saddam Hussein is still threatening the world when the 2004 Election approaches. The republicans nominate Texas Governor George W. Bush for president and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for Vice President. The Democrats reluctantly nominate Vice President Bill Bradley for president and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle for Vice President. The American Freedom Party made history by nominating the first woman the party ever nominated. It was Ezola Foster of California. She chose Virginian Herbert Titus for vice president. The recession and botched War on Terror spelled a landslide victory for Bush-Giuliani in November:

George W. Bush/Rudolph Giuliani: 449
Bill Bradley/Tom Daschle: 89
Ezola Foster/Herbert Titus: 0      

[Reaganfan]

GREAT! EXCELLENT! SPECTACULAR! TERRIFIC! I LOVED THOSE STORIES! WRITE MORE! GO TO 2050 IF YOU WANT! TERRIFIC! THAT'S WHAT I MADE THIS THREAD FOR. EVERYBODY WRITE!

[PBrunsel]

Thanks for starting this thread.

[7,052,770]

I'm going to write an post a super-imperialist USA timeline beginning in 1848.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

and BTW is Sasketchewan not like Alberta?  Is it centrist?

Saskatchewan is Socialist/Populist

[ilikeverin]

Spectacular Story, PBrunsel (if a bit slanted )

[Ben.]

Maybe i should post this in its own thread, I dont want to try and distract from PBrunsel's Timline... which is good if partisan...

[7,052,770]

I'm working on my TL.  I've gone though 1864.  Shall I post what I have here or wait until i'm done?

[JohnFKennedy]

1968:

The Kennedy Administration was going badly. Troops had been sent into Vietnam and the war was a stalemate. Race riots occurred when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy was caught in an act of bugging the republican National Headquarters. President Kennedy’s presidency was falling in around him. When things couldn’t get any worse, the Tett Offensive began and the 1968 Election approached. The Republican front runner was Richard M. Nixon. He was more prepared then the man who had lost in 1960. Nixon had traveled the world and strengthened his grasp of foreign policy by traveling the world. Other republicans were Governor Rockefeller of New York and Governor Romney of Michigan. In July 1968, Richard Nixon was nominated for president. He called on the “Great Silent Majority” to stand up for America and elect strong leaders. Governor Romney was nominated for vice president. After a tough primary with Senator Eugene McCarthy, President Kennedy was re-nominated by the Democrats. He and Humphrey faced a strong challenge from Nixon and the American Freedom candidate, Alabama Governor George Wallace and General Curtis E. LeMay. The election hinged on the Vietnam War. Nixon promised “peace with honor, not surrender.” Kennedy wanted to stay the course in Vietnam. Wallace wanted to bomb North Vietnam into the Stone Age. He violently opposed integration, bussing, Social Activism, and hippies. His campaign appealed to blue collar workers all over the country. Election Day showed a Nixon landslide:

Richard Nixon/George Romney: 343
John Kennedy/Hubert Humphrey: 141
George Wallace/Curtis LeMay: 54    

I have to disagree with you here, JFK wouldn't have handled the war anything like LBJ, JFK was a serious hawk, he wouldn't have sat around on the defensive, he would have been seriously aggressive with Vietnam and it wouldn't have been anything like that sort of disaster, Kennedy would have won it by 1972 and with things going strongly there and his economic policies and the such would have won him re-election.

[PBrunsel]

Maybe i should post this in its own thread, I dont want to try and distract from PBrunsel's Timline... which is good if partisan...

Partisan? I let both Democrats and Republicans win. Not like my "What if JFK Was Not Murdered" one where republicans controlled the government from 1965-2013.

[PBrunsel]

1968:

The Kennedy Administration was going badly. Troops had been sent into Vietnam and the war was a stalemate. Race riots occurred when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy was caught in an act of bugging the republican National Headquarters. President Kennedy’s presidency was falling in around him. When things couldn’t get any worse, the Tett Offensive began and the 1968 Election approached. The Republican front runner was Richard M. Nixon. He was more prepared then the man who had lost in 1960. Nixon had traveled the world and strengthened his grasp of foreign policy by traveling the world. Other republicans were Governor Rockefeller of New York and Governor Romney of Michigan. In July 1968, Richard Nixon was nominated for president. He called on the “Great Silent Majority” to stand up for America and elect strong leaders. Governor Romney was nominated for vice president. After a tough primary with Senator Eugene McCarthy, President Kennedy was re-nominated by the Democrats. He and Humphrey faced a strong challenge from Nixon and the American Freedom candidate, Alabama Governor George Wallace and General Curtis E. LeMay. The election hinged on the Vietnam War. Nixon promised “peace with honor, not surrender.” Kennedy wanted to stay the course in Vietnam. Wallace wanted to bomb North Vietnam into the Stone Age. He violently opposed integration, bussing, Social Activism, and hippies. His campaign appealed to blue collar workers all over the country. Election Day showed a Nixon landslide:

Richard Nixon/George Romney: 343
John Kennedy/Hubert Humphrey: 141
George Wallace/Curtis LeMay: 54    

I have to disagree with you here, JFK wouldn't have handled the war anything like LBJ, JFK was a serious hawk, he wouldn't have sat around on the defensive, he would have been seriously aggressive with Vietnam and it wouldn't have been anything like that sort of disaster, Kennedy would have won it by 1972 and with things going strongly there and his economic policies and the such would have won him re-election.

I have to say that my facts may have been off, but I wanted Nixon to be president. I should of waited until 1976, but then Reagan would of never been president.