A different path - the changing lives of John Tower, Dick Cheney and America

[CPT MikeyMike]

Part I – The 17th Secretary of Defense – John Tower

The battle over the John Tower nomination for Secretary of Defense was one of the most violate debates regarding a cabinet nomination in recent history.  The Tower confirmation was in serious doubt.  Finally on 09 March 1989, after a lengthy debate, former Texas Senator John Tower is confirmed by the United States Senate to become the 17th Secretary of Defense.  The vote was 51-49, with all 45 Republicans and six Democrats voting in favor of Tower.

The six Democrats that broke ranks, and voted in favor were Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Alabama Senator Howard Heflin, Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, Alabama Senator Dick Shelby,  Louisiana Senator John Breaux and, Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman.  

Cabinet meeting with Secretary of State Baker, President Bush, and Secretary of Defense Tower

The first year of John Tower as Secretary of Defense is generally uneventful.  Tower, seeing the collapse of the Soviet Union and the arms race, began to downsize the military and work on cutting the military budget.  However, at the same time, Secretary Tower was working on expanding projects like B-2 stealth bomber, the V-22 Osprey tilt-wing helicopter, the Aegis destroyer and the MX missile.  With Tower’s past relations, with the United States Senate, Tower is successful in balancing these programs with a downgrade in the defense budget.

However, Secretary Tower will be most remembered for his part in Operation Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait.  The National Security Team of President Bush, Secretary Baker, Brent Scowcroft and Secretary Tower were crucial in implanting, first a diplomacy approach and then, a military strike after the diplomacy route failed.  Secretary Tower generally left the issue of US military operations, to General Powell and General Schwarzkopf.  Operation Desert Storm is executed successfully, as in RL.  On 27 February 1991, President Bush declares a suspension of the UN Coalition of the ground war in Iraq.  At a duel press conference, with the President, Secretary Tower responded to the following question regarding overthrowing the Iraqi Regime:

Overthrowing the Iraqi regime was not our end state in this operation.  Our operation was the liberation of Kuwait, from Iraqi forces.  By conducting an invasion of Iraq, and overthrowing the current regime, we would be responsible for the consequences.  It’s simple, if you break it, you bought it.

Approval ratings for President Bush reach nearly 90%.  Secretary Tower’s approval ratings are nearly as high.  Along with General Powell and General Schwarzkopf, Secretary Tower receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  However, despite the political success of John Tower, his personal life takes a huge hit on 05 April 1991 when his daughter Marianne was killed in a plane crash in Georgia.  The death of Marianne shatters Secretary Tower, privately, but not publicly.   Then on 25 June 1991, Secretary John Tower announces his resignation as Defense Secretary.  Despite citing his desire to return to teaching, at Southern Methodist University, the death of Tower’s daughter from a May 1991 plane crash also played a factor in Tower’s decision to step down.

President Bush and Secretary Tower outside the Defense Department after Tower announces his resignation

04 September 1991, by a 92-8 vote, Deputy Secretary of Defense Donald J. Atwood, Jr is confirmed as the next Secretary of Defense.

The 18th Secretary of Defense – Donald J. Atwood, Jr

Already a different path has been created.  The effects of it will be seen in the House of Representatives as a Dick Cheney rises to power in congress.

[Psychic Octopus]

This is great. I see a major Newt vs. Dick contest... I am looking forward to it.

[Lincoln Republican]

Very good!

It is great to hear from you again on the forum.

Great story line.

[CPT MikeyMike]

Part II - The Congressional Rise of Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney’s rise in congress was considered rather fast.  Within 10 years of entering congress, Cheney had become House Minority Whip.  Cheney is now seen as the heir-apparent to Bob Michel, the House Republican Leader.  Cheney, with a wealth of experience from both congress and as Gerald Ford’s White House Chief of Staff, is widely respected and sought out by both congressional leaderships and is perceived as a pragmatic whip however is able to keep Republicans in line.

After President Bush is defeated, by Bill Clinton, in the 1992 elections, several House Republicans are concerned over the Michel/Cheney duo.  Several Republicans, led by Georgia Representative Newt Gingrich, want to see a more forceful Republican leadership.  Even though Gingrich does not challenge either Michel or Cheney directly, Gingrich does obtain the Chairmanship of the House Republican Conference on 03 January 1993.  

Gingrich takes President Clinton head on by challenging the President on gun control and nationalized health care.  Despite the fact that Michel and Cheney are against Clinton’s policies, they are far less vocal than Gingrich.  However, Gingrich is seen as an effective organizer and his 1994 plan, for Republicans to take over the House is effective.  Contract with America, is endorsed by both Dick Cheney and Bob Michal, however Gingrich is in the forefront of the campaign.  

Just two days after the Republican win 54 seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, for the first time in over 40 years; there is a struggle over who will become the next Speaker of the House.  With Republican Floor Leader, Bob Michel retiring, Dick Cheney announces immediately that he will seek the Speaker spot.  However, within hours of Cheney’s announcement, Gingrich also announces that he will run for the speaker spot.   With the addition of 54 Republicans to the congress, many of the freshman congressman won based off of Gingrich’s help and are expected to back Newt.  

However, in a Republican Caucus vote, Dick Cheney edges out Newt Gingrich in becoming the Republican nominee for the Speakership for the 104th Congress.  Cheney beats Gingrich by a vote of 119 to 111.  

A dejected Newt Gingrich after losing the Speakership to Dick Cheney

Gingrich then announces that he will challenge Cheney ally Dick Armey for House Majority Leader.  In a stunning 116-113 vote, Gingrich defeats Armey to become Majority Leader.   Armey instead is elected Majority Whip.  On 04 JANUARY 1995, Richard Bruce Cheney becomes the 58th Speaker of the House of Representatives.  He already knows the power he has as the Speaker of the House, however, he realizes that Gingrich is still a threat to his power and is very cautious of the new Majority Leader.  

President and Mrs. Clinton congratulate Speaker Cheney