The Great Primary: Republicans

[Einzige Mk. II]

Imagine if you will a world in which the spirits of the dead have returned to make visitations upon us, the living. The dead - and the politically dead, who are often the same - have decided to return to their past vocation. Towards this end every President of the 20th century has been allowed the opportunity to enter into the ranks of his Party and compete for the nomination of that Party for the Presidency of the United States in 2012.

The rules are these: the world has changed; these men have not. They are re-emerging in history exactly as they were as they left it, and may have a Hell of a time adjusting to that fact.

With that in mind, Republicans, these are your candidates:

William McKinley
Theodore Roosevelt
William Howard Taft
Warren Gamaliel Harding
Calvin Coolidge
Herbert Hoover
Dwight Eisenhower
Richard Nixon
Gerald Ford
Ronald Reagan
George Herbert Walker Bush
George Walker Bush

Every man will compete in this primary, and every man is for himself. Each will campaign fully for the nomination regardless of ties of family or friendship. I leave the arrangements for the maps up to you.

[tpfkaw]

Assuming name recognition stays the same, Reagan wins every primary in a landslide.

[Einzige Mk. II]

Assuming name recognition stays the same, Reagan wins every primary in a landslide.

Name recognition stays the same, but all candidates have access to modern media. Also, just because they may be stuck in the 20th century doesn't mean that their campaign managers have to be as well.

[tpfkaw]

Reagan is probably more popular than George Washington among Republicans.  None of them would even come close.

[CatoMinor]

Blue - Reagan; Green - Roosevelt; Red - Lincoln

[tpfkaw]

Blue - Reagan; Green - Roosevelt; Red - Lincoln

Lincoln isn't a candidate, Roosevelt is too liberal.

[Phony Moderate]

Roosevelt would be the early frontrunner, but his campaign would meet a similar fate to that of Giuliani's in 2008. It would end up being a close race between Eisenhower and Reagan, with W. Bush a strong third (with most of his support coming from the 'national security' types and those on the Religious Right who consider Reagan to be too soft on social issues). Harding and Coolidge would spilt the 'internet libertarian' vote. As for the others....well....they'd have a better chance in the Democratic version.

[Einzige Mk. II]

Roosevelt would be the early frontrunner, but his campaign would meet a similar fate to that of Giuliani's in 2008. It would end up being a close race between Eisenhower and Reagan, with W. Bush a strong third (with most of his support coming from the 'national security' types and those on the Religious Right who consider Reagan to be too soft on social issues). Harding and Coolidge would spilt the 'internet libertarian' vote. As for the others....well....they'd have a better chance in the Democratic version.

As with the other, any thoughts on a map?

[Niemeyerite]

reagan wins iowa, and eisenhower new hampshire with reagan finishing 3rd there after roosevelt.
reagan wins nevada and michigan goes to ford. then, SC goes to reagan with bush jr. coming 2nd.
hoover, taft, harding, coolidge, McKinley and nixon support reagan. bush sr. supports eisenhower.
reagan wins every state because eisenhower and ford spplit the "moderate" vote.

[Einzige Mk. II]

hoover, taft, harding, coolidge, McKinley and nixon support reagan. bush sr. supports eisenhower.

I'd suggest that Hoover and Taft would endorse Roosevelt - both being significantly to the left on issues of economics and foreign policy than Reagan - and McKinley would probably throw his weight behind George W. Bush. Harding and Coolidge would probably strike a deal between themselves, and Nixon would never bow out.

My view is that the race would come down to six men:

Theodore Roosevelt
Warren Harding or Calvin Coolidge
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Richard Nixon
Ronald Reagan
George W. Bush

Which offers up a lot of possibility for conservative vote splitting.

[tpfkaw]

Hoover would endorse Ford, Ike, or Harding/Coolidge.

[Einzige Mk. II]

Hoover would endorse Ford, Ike, or Harding/Coolidge.

Ford is a distinct possibility, but I should think that Hoover's background as a non-interventionist during the Great War would make him leery of Ike. And Hoover was a break from the Harding and Coolidge years, so I can't quite see that, either, though I must admit it remains possible, if not, to my mind, plausible.

[tpfkaw]

Well, Hoover's economic philosophy would be most similar to Ike or Ford, but his philosophy towards governance (views on the constitution and decentralization) are by far the most similar to Harding/Coolidge.  (Hoover probably had the most "unique" ideology of any president).  Plus there's the whole "familiarity" effect.

[Stranger in a strange land]

Blue - Reagan; Green - Roosevelt; Red - Lincoln

Lincoln isn't a candidate, Roosevelt is too liberal.

With today's Republican electorate, this is the only possible result, though GWB might win Texas. He's still very popular among Republicans there. He'd probably be able to come in first in a crowded field.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I can see the isolationist Coolidge winning New Hampshire and Maine, TR takes New York, Vermont, and the other Liberal states, while Reagan beats out everyone else in all the other states. Coolidge wins Massachusetts because he was Governor there.

[Yelnoc]

Teddy PWNs all

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

As I'm in a map-making mood...

Blue-Reagan
Green-Roosevelt
Red-Dubya
Gray-Coolidge

Best chance for Coolidge and TR, against Reagan, Bush fails but is able to carry pieces of the South. Coolidge manages to win New Hampshire as New England's favorite son, as well as it bieng the "Live Free or Die" state. He also manages a win in Maine, which is up North, and Massachusetts where he was Governor. TR wins a number of Liberal states, however Liberal states don't do anywhere near assuring victory. Ford would have done well in NorthEast states, as well as Michigan, however he fails in a crowded field and drops out before the Michigan Primary. Other moderates such as Bush Sr., Eisenhower, Hoover, and Nixon meet similar fates. Harding endorses Coolidge while the rest are split. Bush41 endorses his son out of nepotism.

[feeblepizza]

Reagan wins in a landslide and chooses one of the Bushes, Lincoln, or Coolidge as his veep.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

CALVIN COOLIDGE CALVIN COOLIDGE CALVIN COOLIDGE CALVIN COOLIDGE CALVIN COOLIDGE

[Elyski]

Reagan
Roosevelt
Eisenhower
Nixon
Grey is Dubya

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Bump. I wanted to use the old thread for this as I'm planning on making a date-by-date version for 2008.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

The Candidates


William McKinley of Ohio


Theodore Roosevelt of New York


William Howard Taft of Ohio


Warren G Harding of Ohio


Calvin Coolidge of Massachusetts


Herbert Hoover of California


Dwight D Eisenhower of New York


Richard Nixon of California


Gerald R Ford of Michigan


Ronald Reagan of California


George HW Bush of Texas


George W Bush of Texas

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

NOTE: I like a lot of these Presidents, so a number might perform beyond expectations, especially with the grueling schedule of a primary campaign and with so much depending on momentum. I'd like actually for a majority of these dudes to take a state, but alas, 'aint happening and this scenario will be unrealistic enough as it is given how many people do take states.

January 3rd, 2008-Iowa
In the first in the nation caucus, the twelve Republican candidates have gone barnstorming in order to get votes. Despite Ronald Reagan having the vast majority of the Republican buzz, all other eleven candidates have worked hard to attempt to build their own coalitions. Very few have attacked Reagan directly, the loudest critic being that of the inimitable Teddy Roosevelt, with other voices coming from Dwight D Eisenhower and, surprisingly, the usually silent Calvin Coolidge. Despite these two, the second place winner is predicted to go to Iowa native Herbert Hoover who seems to be racking up impressive numbers among businessmen and farmers alike in the state. With results coming in, the winner is...

Coming out of right field, Hoover took advantage of his native Iowa roots, built support with members of the Religious Right, and also successfully sold his economic moderation. With a well staffed campaign and Reagan taking victory for granted, Hoover is able to win his home state. In this caucus, underdogs made unusually good showings with the three Ohio Republicans getting above five percent.

January 5th, 2008-Wyoming
In the Wyoming State Republican Convention, Reagan is near unanimously nominated, with Coolidge coming in second place.

January 8th, 2008-New Hampshire
In the granite state, candidates have set up to campaign in the biting winner. However, one man has the advantage. Calvin Coolidge, by default the most favored in the "Live Free or Die" state, also has the regional advantage given having been Governor in Massachusetts, just below New Hampshire. This advantage serves Coolidge well as he carries the state.

Coming in second is Reagan, followed by Hoover thanks to momentum, followed by a gaggle of moderates and then mid-westerners.

January 15th, 2008-Michigan
In President Gerald Ford's home state, the former President wins easily enough. He is able to carry a large amount of the suburbs and major cities, such as his home of Grand Rapids. Reagan does well among some of the more traditionalist blue collar, socially Conservative Republicans. Among the main people frustrated are Richard Nixon, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight D Eisenhower, and George W Bush at their apparent inability to take states, losing to people like Hoover and Coolidge who can easily be credited with the Great Depression. Both Bushes are considering dropping out while Nixon, Roosevelt, and Eisenhower remain committed to fighting it out. Eisenhower begins re-asserting resources to Florida and Maine, while Roosevelt is putting money into Hawaii and Maine. Nixon is looking at Nevada as a potential breakthrough state.

January 16th, 2008:
Both Harding and Taft announce they shall drop out from the race. Harding endorses Coolidge while Taft withholds on an endorsement saying he "shall have to see" which candidate he feels matches his views. Many are already counting it won't be Roosevelt.

January 19th, 2008-Nevada and South Carolina
Reagan immediately has the advantage in these two states. While only four people are putting money into Nevada including Reagan, South Carolina is a true battleground states as all candidates have their eyes on the primary which usually determines the eventual winner of the nomination. From Nixon speaking in front of a Strom Thurmond statue to George W Bush swaggerin', touting his Southern accent, to Eisenhower talking to veterans, every candidates deeply wants this state. Finally, results come in. in South Carolina, George W Bush is able to claim victory.

George W Bush won by slamming Reagan on not doing enough for the social conservative base, not "staring down terror", and feeling he has the right to the nomination automatically. He did not like to go against Reagan, but felt he had to to win the primary. Meanwhile, in Nevada, former California Governor and "cowboy actor" Ronald Reagan is able to do very well. Coming in second is Hoover, followed by Coolidge.

January 22nd, 2008-Louisiana
In the Louisiana caucus, no victor is declared. Instead, convention delegates are voted for and they shall determine who receives Louisiana's delegates.

January 25th, 2008-Hawaii
The Hawaii caucuses start. This is marked by Theodore Roosevelt flying down there to get out the vote among moderate Hawaii Republicans. Roosevelt is frustrated by his string of losses. It is clear he has to change campaign tactics. In the future, his speeches shall focus on national security, gun rights, and other issues where he and the Republican base are actually in agreement with.

January 29th, 2008-Florida
The Florida contest proves to be even more contentious than South Carolina. However, the senior vote proves to be the decider as Ike, the man who claimed only a foolish Texas cowboy would dare talk about changing social security, and a man whom many seniors can easily identify with for, well, obvious reasons, takes the day.

Following this, McKinely formally withdraws as does George HW Bush. Ford, Hoover, Reagan, and the others vow to stay in the race. McKinley endorses Reagan while George Bush endorses his son, also named George Bush.

February 1st, 2008-Maine
The Maine caucuses begin. The main competitors are four people: Calvin Coolidge, the favorite; Dwight D Eisenhower; Gerald Ford; and the apparently never surrendering Theodore Roosevelt.

February 3rd, 2008-Maine
The Maine caucuses are closed, and the winner, after much competition between the four main candidates in the state is Calvin Coolidge. Apparently, his New England conservatism and his New England roots are winning it for him up North.

February 5th, 2008-Hawaii
Teddy Roosevelt finally breaks through in a state, winning the liberal state of Hawaii by a good chunk of the vote with Eisenhower coming in second and Reagan third. Apparenlty, the old Bull Moose still has some in him.

Meanwhile, results from Super Tuesday are beginning to come in...

Map So Far

Light Blue-Hoover
Dark Blue-Reagan
Yellow-Coolidge
Blue-Ford
Red-W. Bush
Green-Eisenhower
Green-Roosevelt

[Pingvin]

Coolidge/Reagan!

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

February 5th, 2008-Super Tuesday
With results pouring in from nearly half the nation's Republicans, a lot hinges on the results. While Reagan early on was seen as the front-runner, this status is called into serious question and other candidates are attempting to knock him out for good.

Light Blue-Hoover
Dark Blue-Reagan
Yellow-Coolidge
Blue-Ford
Red-W. Bush
Green-Eisenhower
Dark Green-Roosevelt
Orange-Nixon

Following the results, it seems some will have to drop out just so a proper race can be conducted. Nixon is the first to finally concede he will not be the nominee. "I have never been a quitter. This goes against every instinct in my body. However, I must end my run for President of the United States and endorse my colleauge Ronald Reagan." George W Bush endorses Reagan. Hoover and Ford both endorse Eisenhower. Despite Coolidge seemingly left without a friend, the Conservative New Englander positioned as a Libertarian, he seems to be left as Teddy Roosevelt is, who despite being quite an authoritarian, is positioned as the Liberal in the race. This leaves four candidates: Reagan, Coolidge, Eisenhower, and Roosevelt. While Reagan has a clear advantage, it is believed Coolidge could beat him, while Eisenhower might just be able to, and Roosevelt doesn't have a chance despite his fighting spirit and lack of ability to give up.

February 9th, 2008-Kansas, Louisiana, and Washington
It is apparently a three-way split as the three leading candidates are each able to take a state. In the Southern state of Louisiana, Reagan without the presence of Dubya, has the advantage. Getting over 50% of the vote, and thus the 20 delegates up for grabs, it is a victory for him.

In the Conservative state of Kansas, Eisenhower is able to beat Reagan in an upset. Despite the state's lean for Reagan, this is Ike's birthplace and he wins the endorsement of former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, a fellow monetarist.

Finally, in Washington, a state that on the national level is Liberal, but in the primary can actually vote Conservative, the Paleo-Conservative Coolidge wins in an upset against Pacific Coast Governor Reagan.

While Teddy is furious as seems rather usual nowadays, he promises himself to stay in until February 12th. If he can not capture both Maryland and DC, he will drop out.

February 11th, 2008:
Former candidate William Howard Taft announces his endorsement of Eisenhower for the nomination. This is a blow to the Roosevelt campaign as Taft used to be a Roosevelt protege. "After all, sir, it's the same back-stabbing move you pulled on him almost a hundred years ago." says an aid to the frustrated Bull Moose.

February 12th, 2008-The Potomac Primary
Referred to as the Potomac Primary due to the three races' closeness to the Potomac River, races are held in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
In Virginia, the home of Washington and Jefferson and the place Coolidge and Reagan as the Conservatives are battling hard for, Reagan pulls it off by a bigger than expected margin.

Maryland is the state Roosevelt has staked his campaign on. If he can't win it, he has vowed to himself he will drop out. As for Ronald Reagan, despite the endorsement of Spiro T Agnew, that will prove no help in the state as Eisenhower carries it.

In Washington DC, the last of the three races, Roosevelt is able to pull off a win. However, it is not large enough a win as he is still one of the last placing candidates and all others close to him have already dropped out. "I guess it's time to concede", he says disappointedly to himself.

However, in his announcement of the discontinuing of his primary campaign, he announces a third party bid in the name of national security, the American way of life, the protection of the poor, the closing of the income gap, and the end of free trade. "How creative", a sarcastic Eisenhower aid comments, "It's not as if we couldn't have seen that coming."

February 19th, 2008-Washington and Wisconsin
Instead of the earlier Washington Caucus, the Washington Primary is now held. With Coolidge's crew barnstorming the state, Reagan is intent on not suffering a repeat defeat from  ten days ago. At last, after many recalls, the primary is called for Reagan.

In Wisconsin, Eisenhower is able to soar to the front of the pack with over 40% of the vote. In this three-way race, the moderate to liberal Wisconsin is his.

Despite being doubly defeated tonight, Coolidge remains determined to press on. "Under my term, prosperity reigned, the budget was balanced, and America experience a period of peacetime. None of the two other candidates have that record."

March 4th, 2008-Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont
Today's races have the possibility of going any way. While it is practically assured Reagan will win Texas, the other three states are up for grabs by any of the three candidates, and it could be a very contentious night for the Republican Party. The first state of the night called is Vermont, with Coolidge winning a good 53% of the vote.

Shortly following that is Texas, where Reagan is assured at least 57% of the vote. The endorsements of the Bushes, Rick Perry, and several other Texas politicians easily allows him to carry the state.

Rhode Island is the third state to be definitively called. While Reagan has the support of Catholics, Coolidge is a New England native, and Eisenhower is loved by the moderates of the state. However, the same luck that allowed Coolidge to carry all other New England states wins him the day in this one as well, just barely edging out Eisenhower.

Finally, the pundits' gaze shifts to Ohio. If Reagan can take it, then he practically has the nomination. Eisenhower and Coolidge, however, as well have good shots at taking the state. In the wee hours of the morning as the Republican Party waits with baited breath, Reagan is declared the winner.

Finally, both Coolidge and Eisenhower (who had gone to sleep before the results were final), agree to end their campaigns for the nomination.

March 5th, 2008:
Former Presidents Coolidge, Eisenhower, and Taft all endorse Ronald Reagan for the party's nomination.

June 3rd, 2008:
The final Republican primaries are held and without any candidate to oppose him, Reagan sweeps them with nearly 100% of the vote, save for write-ins.

September 3rd, 2008:
Former President Ronald Reagan of California is nominated by the Republican Party for President of the United States. The Vice-Presidential nomination did not prove as difficult a selection as the Presidential Primaries. Former Vice-President Charles Curtis of Kansas is nominated.

Republican Primary Map

Dark Blue-Ronald Reagan
Green-Dwight D Eisenhower
Yellow-Calvin Coolidge
Dark Green-Theodore Roosevelt
Blue-Gerald R Ford
Red-Geroge W Bush
Light Blue-Herbert Hoover
Orange-Richard M Nixon