1976 and On

[NHI]

Michigan:

Reagan: 51.2%

Bentsen: 47.7%

We just projected Ronald Reagan to be the winner in the state of Michigan. That now brings his electoral total to 224 electoral votes, to President Bentsen 118.

We can now project that Pres. Bentsen will win the crucial battleground of Illinois. The President needed a boost and this state certainly will give him one.

Illinois:

Bentsen: 50.3%

Reagan: 49.1%

Reagan: 224

Bentsen: 142

Now all eyes are remaining on the states of Florida and Texas. Bentsen holds a narrow lead in Florida, but Reagan has surpassed him in Texas, though we cannot project a winner yet.

With over sixty percent of the vote counted we still cannot project a winner, and that is because of the narrowest of leads by Ronald Reagan.

Texas: 67% Counted

Reagan: 49.89%

Bentsen: 49.81%

Over fifty percent is counted in Iowa and at this time we are projecting that Ronald Reagan will win the state which holds the first caucuses.

Iowa:

Reagan: 49.94%

Bentsen: 49.76%

Reagan: 232

Bentsen: 142

As a commentator I am amazed and frankly stunned at the reversal many of the states have done tonight. Reagan has swept the deep south and looks poised to take Florida based on the current polling. Pres. Bentsen, elected by a landslide mandate four years ago finds himself on opposite end tonight as he faces an increasingly likely defeat against his Republican opponent seventy-three year old Ronald Reagan.

The polls have just closed in two states and we are now projecting that Ronald Reagan will be the winner in Wyoming and in Colorado based on the data at this time.

Wyoming:

Reagan: 66.6%

Bentsen: 33.0%

Colorado:

Reagan: 59.8%

Bentsen: 39.2%

Reagan: 243

Bentsen: 142

Reagan is doing well in the west, I expect that trend to continue for him as more states fall into line.

Looking back to the state of Florida which has been contested throughout the night, Ronald Reagan's lead is now holding and Bentsen's is slipping.

Florida:

Reagan: 49.99%

Bentsen 49.64%

If Ronald Reagan is able to hold that state, then he'll be much closer to the number needed to be elected President.

Is it over? I mean looking at the states left, this is only a matter of time before Reagan is able to cross the line.

I never deal in absolutes, especially in politics, but the math is becoming increasingly unlikely for Bentsen to mount at this point. He has failed to carry the key states needed to win the Presidency.

We will just say no one will be projected to win the Presidency, until they have collected the needed delegates, 270, needed to become President of the United States.

We are now comfortable to project that Ronald Reagan will win the state of Florida.

Reagan: 264

Bentsen: 142

It's over. It's only a matter of time now.

Well the time has come, you've seen the map, we've looked at the figures and we can now project that Ronald Reagan, a former actor, a screen guild present, Vice President of the United States is our projected winner for the Presidency. Ronald Wilson Reagan will be the next President of the United States of America.

Reagan Elected!

Reagan: 293

Bentsen: 142

The state of Texas, the home state of Pres. Bentsen and Governor Bush, it returns to it's Republican Roots, for the first time since Richard Nixon in 1972, and puts Ronald Reagan over the top tonight.

Epilogue:

Ronald Reagan/George H.W. Bush: 382 (53.6%)

Lloyd Bentsen/Geraldine Ferraro: 156 (44.9%)

Close States:

New Mexico: (R) 49.69% - 49.53%

Texas: (R) 49.92% - 49.87%

Oregon: (R) 50.41% - 48.89%

Florida: (R) 49.97% - 49.69%

Washington: (D) 49.91% - 49.52%

Wisconsin: (R) 50.97% - 48.25%

Illinois: (D) 50.00% - 49.49%

Pennsylvania: (D) 50.01% - 49.47%

Coming up next: The Presidency of Ronald Reagan

[Stand With Israel. Crush Hamas]

I can't imagine Reagan running for a second term at that age, so this may turn into the era of the one-termers, at the rate this is going.

Great timeline! Very unpredictable.

[NHI]

The Reagan Cabinet

Pres. Ronald Reagan
Vice Pres. George H.W. Bush
Chief of Staff: James Baker

Sec. of State: George P. Shultz (1985-1987) , Jeane Kirkpatrick  (1987-)
Sec. of the Treasury: Nicholas Brady
Sec. of Defense: Casper Weinberger 
Attorney General: Edwin Meese
Sec. of the Interior: William P. Clark
Sec. of Commerce: Jack Kemp
Sec. of Labor: Elizabeth Dole
Sec. of Health and Human Services: Margaret Heckler
Sec. of Education: William Bennett
Sec. of Housing and Urban Development: Samuel R. Pierce
Sec. of Transportation: James Burnley
Sec. of Education: Donald Hodel

Dir. of CIA: Dick Cheney
Ambassador to the UN: Jeane Kirkpatrick (1985-1987) , Donald Rumsfeld (1987-)
Trade Rep.: Clayton Yeutter
 

Coming up: The Presidency of Ronald Reagan

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Yes! Dick Cheney's heading the CIA! Should be quite interesting, though I wasn't expecting Reagan to win.

[Jerseyrules]

Yes! Dick Cheney's heading the CIA! Should be quite interesting, though I wasn't expecting Reagan to win.

I was.  What's congress looking like?

[NHI]

Republicans retain control of both Houses, but Democrats made some gains compared to their 1982 losses.

[NHI]

Reagan is sworn in as President.

Ronald Reagan took office amid a time of great economic uncertainty and in his speech to the nation Reagan decried the efforts of big government and called forth a shrinkage in the size of government. "It is time for the American people to reclaim their independence. For a government not to spend more than it takes in. Now it is not my intention to do away with government, but it is my intention to make it work, work with us, not over us. With all the creative will at our command, let us unleash a new error of freedom and prosperity never before seen on this Earth."

"Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem," Reagan said in a meeting with Speaker of the House Gerald Ford and Minority Leader Tip O'Neil. Reagan's prepared three legislative goals to accomplish in the first term.

1. Tax Cuts
2. Reduction in Government Spending
3. A Balanced Budget

With the Republicans still controlling Congress, he was able to back Tip O'Neil and the Democrat against the wall, forcing them to cave on spending cuts. Wanting to work ing unison Reagan struck up a friendship with the former Speaker which eased the tensions. Though Ford found some of Reagan's goals as too ambitious, particularly the Balanced Budget proposal. But, Reagan did not consider his proposals too lofty, with Republican control in both Houses Reagan knew he had a limited window to act, not just for the midterm election, but also for his own reasons.

While he did not comment on it publicly, Reagan doubted that he would mount a reelection bid in '88. As he said to Vice President Bush, "I've got to get this done now."

One of Reagan's top goals was a change in policy with the Soviet Union, Reagan not only pushed for a military buildup, but also a much more aggressive tone with the Soviets. He felt Bentsen had started the ball in the right direction, but he felt The Soviet Union needed to be called out for what it was, as he put it, "An Evil Empire."

"They are an Evil establishment, but their last pages, the last pages of their sad history are being written. In the end I believe by the grace of God and by the sheer will and strength of freedom and liberty we will see the Iron Curtain Fall, we will see the communist regime end and crumble into the ash heap of history."

Reagan's harsh criticism of the Soviet Union provoked many Americans, causing them to wonder if he was pushing towards an engagement with the Soviet Union. Coupled with his proposed military buildup, Americans began to fret over the possibility of a nuclear provocation between the two powers. However in March of 1985, the world saw a new leader emerge, Mikhail Gorbachev. Unlike the previous Soviet leaders, Sec. of State George Shultz began pushing Reagan towards engaging in talks with Gorbachev by the end of 1985.

In a briefing by CIA Director Dick Cheney in 1985, he confirmed what many in the Administration had been speculating, the Soviet Union was in the midsts of economic disarray.

"They're collapses internally Mr. President, their military spending is consuming them and if we push this them in the direction we're taken, they won't last." -- CIA Dir. Cheney

"What about Gorbachev? Do you think he'd be up for talks?" -- Pres. Reagan

"Push the military buildup and then he'll come crawling. The fact is sir, even at our current rate they can't compete with us. You push it even up by .1%, they'll never make it." -- CIA Dir.  Cheney

"Then we'll carry on and let Gorbachev make the first move." -- Pres. Reagan

The military buildup went on as planned and the Reagan Administration waited for any response from Gorbachev, but even as he took power Reagan saw that in this new leader there existed possibilities never before realized in US/Soviet relations.

On the Domestic Front Reagan pushed ahead for his economic packaged and by the Fall Congress Passed The Economic Recovery Act. The packaged included sizable tax cuts, as well as reductions in spending to meet the cuts. The policy resembled similar actions taken by Pres. Coolidge in the 1920s. At the same time some Democrats began to protest the leadership in Congress, particularly Ted Kennedy who appeared to be mounting a bid to run for Governor of Massachusetts in 1986.

"...and they call themselves Democrats? My, what a long road we've traveled. This country is being taken down a path of mutually assured destruction, and I don't mean that of nuclear bombs, but when you have Democrats caving to Republican wishes, just because Pres. Reagan is a nice guy there is something clearly wrong! It's time for Democrats to start acting like Democrats and to fight for social programs, fairness, equality of opportunity!"

By mid 1986 the recession had subsided and Reagan's economic package was credited greatly. As one economist put it looking back years later, "And so began a new era of prosperity." Reagan's next plan was to push for a balanced budget amendment to the constitution, and by all measures have the budget balanced by the election of 1988, but he found Congress a little more reluctant in 1986. With the midterm approaching, Speaker of the House Gerald Ford said to Reagan, "Mr. President we don't want to bloody the waters. The economy is booming, we'll win in larger numbers in November and then we'll tackle the issue."

"We can't wait, aside from that who knows if I'll still be here come 1988, let alone 1989." Reagan often joked about his age, but he knew should he decide to seek reelection that he could not laugh off it like he did in '84. A reelection bid at the age of 77 would be next to impossible. Though in some early trial fires Reagan bested potential opponents, including former Vice President Ted Kennedy.

Reagan v. Kennedy:

Reagan: 56%

Kennedy: 42%

Around the spring of 1986, a full year and half into Reagan's Presidency, the aging President made a bold move and decided to engage with his Soviet counterpart in a meeting. The proposed meeting was set to include discussions about arms reduction. Though many were excited about the venture, some in Reagan's Administration, including CIA Dir. Dick Cheney felt the President was making a mistake by proposing talks with Gorbachev.

"He sees something in Gorbachev that he did not see in other Soviet leaders. He saw someone who he could have an honest, frank discussion with about nuclear weapons, the arms race and the state of the Cold War between the two powers." -- Sec. of State Shultz.

In the late summer Reagan agreed to formally meet with Gorbachev in Reykjavik, Iceland for the first of their many summits.

Reagan Approval Rating: August 1986

Approve: 58%

Disapprove: 36%

Unemployment Rate: 6.5%, down from 7.4% on Election Day 1984.

[Jerseyrules]

Interesting

[GLPman]

Go Ronny Go!  Go!  Go Ronny Go!

[Jerseyrules]

Very good so far, but I must ask: what does congress look like after 1984?  Also, I like Ford, but he admitted that had he not been offered the VP spot by Nixon, he would've retired in 74.  He also said if he had become speaker, he may have retired as early as 1970

[NHI]

Very good so far, but I must ask: what does congress look like after 1984?  Also, I like Ford, but he admitted that had he not been offered the VP spot by Nixon, he would've retired in 74.  He also said if he had become speaker, he may have retired as early as 1970

Ford is retiring after the midterms. Republicans control both Houses, though Democrats will have some pick ups in '86, but not enough to take control. However '88 will of course be up the air, as a lot will depend on what Reagan decides....

[Jerseyrules]

Very good so far, but I must ask: what does congress look like after 1984?  Also, I like Ford, but he admitted that had he not been offered the VP spot by Nixon, he would've retired in 74.  He also said if he had become speaker, he may have retired as early as 1970

Ford is retiring after the midterms. Republicans control both Houses, though Democrats will have some pick ups in '86, but not enough to take control. However '88 will of course be up the air, as a lot will depend on what Reagan decides....

Interesting...

[NHI]

Reagan's first summit with Gorbachev involved the two leaders discussing the arms race at great length. Gorbachev asked "Why must you continue to build up? Are you preparing for war or peace?" Reagan insisted his buildup was for peaceful measures and alluded to his campaign phrase, 'peace for strength.'

Though their first meeting ended with no firm policy, only that they would meet more in the future; in both Washington and Moscow. But perhaps the biggest achievement of the summit was the agreement and acknowledgement from both leaders, "A nuclear war could not be fought and could never be won."

Reagan headed home to great fanfare from the American public, though some within his party frowned at Reagan's engagement with Gorbachev.

"Let's just hope this doesn't become they get, we don't diplomacy." -- CIA Director Dick Cheney.

Reagan's popularity remained high and the in the midterm election of '86 the Republicans went on to maintain control of both Houses of Congress, though the Democrats did have a few pickups, including Geraldine Ferraro who won the Senate Seat in New York. But even with Ferraro it was not enough to swing back into power. The biggest headline of the night was former Vice President Ted Kennedy's victory as Governor of Massachusetts. The liberal icon looked to be in a position to set himself up to go against Reagan or any Republican in 1988.

With the Republicans still in the majority Reagan pushed for a balanced budget and looked to accomplish it by the end of his first term.

"We won't be fortunate forever to have Republican Majorities, that is why we must put measures in place now so that when our Democratic friends are given the keys back to the shop they don't go raiding the cashbox again and again. We will have a balanced budget and then we will begin the push to have a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, so that America is never on the side of deficits and debt again."

Another proposal by Reagan included making modifications to Social Security. With the program running in the red, Reagan's proposal included raising the retirement age, as well as removing the government hand from the system and moving towards privatization. The proposal received mixed responses and Reagan dropped the latter part.

As 1987 moved along Reagan reunited with Gorbachev for a meeting at the White House. It would be here the two leaders would discuss plans towards limiting and ultimately stopping the arms race.

"Together we're going to begin the job of shutting down the Cold War once and for all." -- Pres. Ronald Reagan.

At the same time prospective Democratic candidates began to emerge. With high approval ratings and booming economy the Democrats found it difficult to attack the President on the state of domestic or even world affairs. Their only hope was that Ronald Reagan might not run and they would face his Vice President, George H.W. Bush.

Among the prospective candidates included little know Senator Gary Hart, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Governor Mario Cuomo, Governor Bill Clinton, and Senator Geraldine Ferraro. With Kennedy's absence Ferraro rose to the top of the pack, proclaiming, "1988 will be the year a woman in nominated at the top of the ticket and wins."

Candidates:

Ferraro: 39%

Cuomo: 20%

Clinton: 9%

Jackson: 7%

Hart: 6%

Other: 19%

Prospective Matchup: Reagan v. Ferraro:

Reagan: 56%

Ferraro: 41%

Prospective Matchup: Reagan v. Cuomo:

Reagan: 56%

Cuomo: 40%

Prospective Matchup: Reagan v. Clinton:

Reagan: 60%

Clinton: 37%

Prospective Matchup: Reagan v. Jackson:

Reagan: 60%

Jackson: 36%

Prospective Matchup: Reagan v. Hart:

Reagan: 57%

Hart: 39%

[Jerseyrules]

Uh oh...please tell me Al D'Amato or Daniel Patrick Moynihan is holding the other NY Senate seat...and Wilson in CA...  Please?

[NHI]

Uh oh...please tell me Al D'Amato or Daniel Patrick Moynihan is holding the other NY Senate seat...and Wilson in CA...  Please?

Moynihan and Wilson.

[NHI]

Reagan and Gorbachev meet in the Oval Office

[centerReagan and Gorbachev's meeting in Washington concluded with the two leaders agreeing on a nuclear arms treaty that would reduce and eliminated nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles. The move was seen as the beginning of the end of the Cold War. Their meeting took place in the early spring of 1987 and the signing would be held in August of that year, a month after Reagan's visit to the Soviet Union.

"It just goes to show that the power of cooperation still exists. Though our countries have differences, we both can agree that the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons is the greatest and highest priority." -- Pres. Reagan.

"At that moment we blinked and the Cold Warrior, Ronald Reagan, the ardent anti-communist was gone." Sec. of State Jeanne Kirkpatrick.

"It was the triumph of his presidency. He had backed the Soviets into a corner, but he still wasn't finished. He had one last fight left him. He had won the arms fight, now he wanted to win the peace fight." -- Nancy Reagan.

In June President and Mrs. Reagan travled to the Soviet Union, en route Reagan made a stop at the Brandenburg Gate, commemorating the 750th Anniversary of Berlin. As he made his speech a line which had originally been taken out by Reagan's staff, he decided to put back in, as a way to put a rhetorical jab at communism once and for all.

"He truly believed that by the power of those words he could coax Gorbachev into doing the unthinkable. Coupled with the policies he had implemented inside the Soviet Union Reagan saw the final pages of the Cold War and Soviet Union as being written, and be believed that with the right edge he could bring it about." -- CIA Dir. Dick Cheney.

At the gate Reagan spelled out once and for all his call for Gorbachev to destroy the Berlin Wall.

"There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"][/center]

The next day Reagan and Gorbachev met in Moscow, where Reagan spoke nothing of his speech, but instead on the great work they had achieved and how together they had 'forged a new era of peace and stability.'

Reagan returned home to Washington and in August Reagan and Gorbachev met in the East Room of the White House where they signed the I.N.F. Treaty.

On the political side of things the Democratic race had gotten off to a rather slow start, with the only big names being Mario Cuomo and Geraldine Ferraro. The list was filled with many unknowns that included Gary Hart, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson and new entrant Al Gore. With Reagan's popularity high and the economy soaring, many Democrats were choosing to stick it out, including Governor Ted Kennedy who announced in March that he would not be a candidate in 1988.

Ferraro became the solid frontrunner for the Democrats

Ferraro emerged as the top contender, with Mario Cuomo trying to make a name for himself. Despite being the popular Governor from New York he had a difficult time catching on. There was a period of time where a number of Democrats looked to recruit former Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter into the race, but he declined and offered his endorsement to Geraldine Ferraro.

Lower tier candidate Bill Clinton focused his energy on Iowa and New Hampshire, but with low fundraising  and name recognition the Democratic Governor of Arkansas called it quits in September. The struggle for a strong alternative to Ferraro was tough. With Kennedy opting out of the race, she seemed to be unstoppable.

"There was nobody else. They weren't going to give it to Jackson. They weren't going to give it Gore. Hart had potential, but he could barely break out of the single digits. Cuomo was a possibility, but he seemed to lack the fire in the belly. Ferraro seemed to be like a locomotive, plowing through to the end." -- Democratic Party Chairman Paul Kirk.

The big question that had remained throughout the spring was whether or not Ronald Reagan would run again. He had remained mum since '86, but in early '87 said he would have an answer by summer. Only his top advisors knew his choice and on the side many candidates began organizing campaigns for potential runs. Those include Jack Kemp, Bob Dole, Pete Wilson and Governor of Texas Ron Paul.

Reagan's announcement in July

To great sadness from the party and the country Ronald Reagan announced he would not be a candidate in the 1988 election. While he did not cite age as a factor, many believed had he run he would have faced a tougher battle than in 1984. He called for a new era of leaders and leadership, and then you can't have the same face again and again. In trademark style Ronald Reagan went out with a laugh, "Now don't get discouraged. This isn't the end of world, for some this is the greatest day of their political lives. But we'll remain focused to carrying on the work which we started, for it is on going."

Following Reagan's announcement candidates began popping up: Sen. Bob Dole, Rep. Jack Kemp, Sen. Pete Wilson, Gov. Pete Dupont, Gov. Ron Paul, Sec. of State Jeanne Kirkpatrick and Gov. Tom Kean. The one candidate who had not yet announced was Vice President George Bush, who many believed would be the frontrunner and most likely win the nomination.

It was not until October when Bush finally announced his intentions to run, a full two months after candidates like Bob Dole and Jack Kemp declared their candidacies.

"There existed this feeling that his heart really wasn't in it. He had hoped, frankly prayed that Reagan would run so he would be spared the duty of having to run as the successor to Ronald Reagan. He was boxed into a corner with Reagan bowing out, he had no choice but to run." -- Chief of Staff James Baker.

Republican Nomination: Poll

Bush: 29%

Dole: 27%

Kemp: 20%

Dupont: 10%

Kirkpatrick: 4%

Wilson: 3%

Paul: 2%

Bush became the frontrunner, but he was a weak frontrunner at best. As the race shifted towards Iowa the Vice President seemed to take the race for granted and believed he would win automatically.

On the Democratic side Ferraro seemed to have a lock on the nomination as the race shifted towards Iowa. Shortly before Christmas an effort began to draft a new candidate into the race, and the most sought after was New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley. Bradley had what the Democrats were looking for and in a matchup in the general they saw him as electable, whereas Ferraro, not so much. He remained mum on the subject, but in a surprise move right before the Iowa Caucuses he announced his insurgent bid for the Democratic Nomination.

Bradley enters, three days before Iowa.

His entrance scattered the Democratic Race, causing the Ferraro campaign to panic. Though some believed he would not qualify to make the ballot in New Hampshire, having past the deadline. Unable to meet the deadline, Bradley launched an improbable write-in bid in the New Hampshire Primary.

"I'm in this to win. I ask for your help in getting me there. I win this nomination we leave the convention ready to take on whatever the Republicans throw at us and believe me we'll win."

Bradley's campaign championed some liberal platforms as universal healthcare, gun control, and a return to the New Deal style politics. "We can have an efficient government, we can provide services and create a society that is the marvel of the world."

As Bradley became the new force within the Democrat's race, the Republican Race seemed to be shifting towards Dole. In a crushing defeat, Bob Dole won the Iowa Caucus, sending George Bush to an incredible fourth place behind Jack Kemp for second and surprisingly Gov. Ron Paul for third.

Bob Dole after his crushing victory over Bush in Iowa

Iowa:

Dole: 45%

Kemp: 22%

Paul: 16%

Bush: 10%

Kirkpatrick: 3%

Dupont: 1%

Wilson: 1%

Dole immediately assumed the mantle of frontrunner, with Kemp looking to make a strong showing in New Hampshire. However, perhaps the biggest shocker of the night was the third place finish of Governor Ron Paul, someone who had been single digits. Paul had served as a Representative from 1977 to 1985, before running for Governor in 1986, beating out Republican Bill Clements in the primary and Democrat Mark White in the general. His views were more libertarian and most pundits declared him a non-viable candidate for the nomination, but his third place finish shocked the political establishment.

"We will never again write off a candidate, especially after what happened tonight." -- Tom Brokaw.

On the Democratic side Ferraro made history by winning the Iowa Caucuses, but her win was overshadowed by Bradley's growing presence in the race. She claimed victory and proclaimed the race would go onto New Hampshire and beyond.

Ferraro wins The Iowa Caucuses

Iowa:

Ferraro: 35%

Cuomo: 29%

Hart: 9%

Jackson: 4%

Gore: 4%

Other: 19%

[NHI]

Bradley on the trail in NH.

Following Iowa both sides saw candidates dropout. Al Gore ended his bid, and Dupont and Wilson both ended their own bids for President.

Democratic Nomination: Poll

Ferraro: 33%

Bradley: 33%

Cuomo: 20%

Hart: 8%

Jackson: 3%

Republican Nomination: Poll

Dole: 35%

Bush: 30%

Kemp: 20%

Paul: 10%

Kirkpatrick: 3%

Ferraro worried that a Bradley upset in New Hampshire could end her bid. With the Senator running a write-in campaign many believed he was shooting himself in the foot, and that he would never win the primary; those pundits guessed wrong.

Bradley made history by winning his successful write-in campaign, beating Ferraro the New Hampshire Primary. With Bradley's win he established himself as a frontrunner in the race. While Cuomo, Jackson and Hart remained in, the race now focused on the top two candidates.

New Hampshire;

Bradley: 34.8%

Ferraro: 33.9%

Cuomo: 21.0%

Hart: 6.6%

Jackson: 2.1%

On the Republican side things kept getting worse for Vice President Bush. Despite his best efforts to catch Dole in New Hampshire, the Vice President was bested yet again by the Kanas Senator. [/i]

Dole, following his victory in the New Hampshire Primary

New Hampshire:

Dole: 35%

Bush: 26%

Kemp: 19%

Paul: 17%

Kirkpatrick: 2%

With Bush's second straight defeat there were many who wondered if his campaign had reached it's end, but the Vice President insisted and remained in the race. "We closed a fifteen point lead by Sen. Dole down to a nine point lead, not bad my friends, not bad."

"There was this feeling that if he couldn't win New Hampshire, then where else was he going to win." Chief of Staff James Baker.

"He had to stop Dole in New Hampshire and he didn't, and it was quite upsetting and embarrassing for a sitting Vice President to be rejected in the way that he was." -- Howard Baker.

"His heart wasn't in it and that's it. He didn't want to run, he didn't want to have to run as the Reagan heir. He couldn't he was trapped by events and he projected a message that I'm not into this, but elect me anyway." -- Jack Kemp.

The campaign headed into Nevada, where the Vice President faced his third defeat at the hands of Sen. Dole. With his staff demoralized and his campaign failing, Bush headed into Minnesota and South Dakota contests where he pegged his remaining hopes on a comeback, but it was not meant to be. Dole trounced Bush in both contests.

Minnesota:

Dole: 47%

Kemp: 23%

Bush: 17%

Paul: 12%

South Dakota:

Dole: 49%

Kemp: 20%

Paul: 16%

Bush: 14%

Bush endorses Dole.

With his crushing defeats Bush conceded and endorsed Bob Dole for President. Jack Kemp bowed out of the race as well. However, Governor Ron Paul remained in the race, providing a slight challenge to Dole. Paul surprisingly upset Dole and won the Wyoming and Maine contests. Dole took the Paul wins seriously and campaigned heavily.

Going into Super Tuesday, Dole swept the majority of the states, save for Washington and and Paul's home state of Texas. Though Paul's wins were not enough to overtake Dole and the Senator won the nomination in late April of 1988.

"We're on the road to victory!"

As Republicans united behind Dole and moved towards the Conventions, the Democrats were far less united. The Democrats were torn between three candidates, original frontrunner Geraldine Ferraro, late entrant Bill Bradley and surprise insurgent candidate Mario Cuomo.

Ferraro won Iowa. Bradley won New Hampshire. Cuomo won Nevada. The Democratic Race was turned on it's head the New York Governor made a surprise comeback to beat both Ferraro and Bradley in Nevada by fifteen points.

Nevada:

Cuomo: 40%

Bradley: 25%

Ferraro: 24%

Hart: 6%

Jackson: 3%

Hart and Jackson soon found themselves out of the race and the three main contenders squared off for the nomination.

"It was quite a fight. Here you have Cuomo you comes out of nowhere and wins Nevada, completely changing what many people thought was just going to be a Ferraro and Bradley race. Now you had a three man race and it was anybody's game." -- Bill Clinton.

"I think Cuomo got the kick in the pants he needed after Iowa and New Hampshire. In Iowa he comes in second to Ferraro and finishes third in New Hampshire. He wasn't a Senator or Congressman, he was a sitting Governor and he realized that he wanted to win he had to fight for it, so he did." -- Cuomo Staffer.

Democratic Nomination: Poll

Bradley: 33%

Ferraro: 33%

Cuomo: 33%

[Jerseyrules]

Very interesting, THANK YOU FOR GOVERNOR PAUL .  Maybe this campaign will give him some publicity for a later run.

[NHI]

The Democratic Race shifted into Minnesota and South Dakota. Heading into the two contests Gary Hart endorsed Cuomo for President, calling him the most prepared to be lead. Most polls showed the race in Minnesota was a tossup between Bradley and Cuomo, while Ferraro and Bradley were fighting for first in South Dakota.

In the closing days of Minnesota former Senator and Attorney General Walter Mondale endorsed Ferraro for President, saying "It's time for a change and Geraldine Ferraro not only represent it, she embodies it!"

Ferraro wins Minnesota.

In an upset Ferraro beat Cuomo in Minnesota, but Bradley took South Dakota. The campaign shifted next to Michigan, Hawaii, Kansas, Wyoming and Maine. Cuomo knew if his campaign was to remain viable he needed to rack up some wins. His campaign focused on Michigan and Maine, but Bradley was polling strong in both states, causing the campaign to worry.

Minnesota:

Ferraro: 40%

Cuomo: 38%

Bradley: 21%

South Dakota:

Bradley: 37%

Ferraro: 32%

Cuomo: 29%

In the first serious of multi-state contests Cuomo and Bradley came out ahead. Ferraro finished third in all the states, save for Hawaii, which she came in a close second to Cuomo. From there the narrative shifted again that the race now belonged to Cuomo and Bradley, but Ferraro refused to quit and vowed to stay in.

Kansas:

Bradley: 45%

Cuomo: 38%

Ferraro: 16%

Hawaii:

Cuomo: 36%

Ferraro: 34%

Bradley: 29%

Michigan:

Bradley: 39%

Cuomo: 35%

Ferraro: 25%

Wyoming:

Cuomo: 37%

Bradley: 36%

Ferraro: 26%

Maine:

Cuomo: 42%

Bradley: 39%

Ferraro: 18%

Ferraro
Bradley
Cuomo

A few days later Cuomo carried Alaska, with Ferraro finishing a distant third. She went onto lose Vermont to Bradley and South Carolina to Cuomo. As Super Tuesday approached the Ferraro campaign went for broke. Do well here, or end the campaign. She focused her resources on Massachusetts, Florida, Washington, Texas, Maryland, Kentucky and Virginia. She along with her opponents lobbied hard for the endorsement of former President Bentsen who decided against endorsing Ferraro.

Many believe by him not endorsing her effectively ended her bid for the Presidency. Three days before Super Tuesday Bentsen did make an endorsement and it was for Governor Cuomo. On Super Tuesday the race narrowed to Bradley and Cuomo, with Ferraro being driven from the race. She only carried Massachusetts.

Ferraro
Bradley
Cuomo

The race headed to Illinois where the state became a make or break moment for either candidate.

"Cuomo needs a win there to remain viable. Bradley has the edge in states won and delegates."

Illinois Poll:

Bradley: 48%

Cuomo: 46%

[NHI]

Illinois:

Bradley: 54%

Cuomo: 45%

Ferraro bowed out of the race and offered her endorsement to Cuomo. Cuomo hoped to combine her support with his, and then propel to a victory in Illinois. However Bradley's support continued to build and many believed a win in The Land of Lincoln would prevent Cuomo from ever overtaking him.

"The Democratic Base has seen the candidates, they've made their choice and Mario, they're not a fan of you!" -- Bradley on the stump in Chicago.

"We're going up against some tough fighters on the Republican side. We need a candidate who can win. I can win. Senator Bradley's experience has been in the United States Senate, riding on celebrity, and playing basketball."

Though he narrowed the gap Bradley had going into the primary, Cuomo still came in second and there were calling asking him to bow out.

Bradley; victorious in Illinois.

Illinois:

Bradley: 50%

Cuomo: 48%

Cuomo remained in the race, but he carried only one state; Colorado by less than half a point. By early May coupled with wins in Ohio, Indiana and the District of Columbia, Mario Cuomo ended his challenge to Bradley and the Senator from New Jersey became the Democratic nominee.

Bradley:

Cuomo:

Ferraro:

Bradley v. Dole:

Dole: 54%

Bradley: 41%

The first head to head after we became the Presumptive nominee was disastrous. I thought to myself, no way in hell." -- Bradley Campaign Manager.

[NHI]

The Republican Ticket: Dole/Kemp

The Republicans left their convention in Louisiana united behind their ticket, however the news came amid great shock and sadness. Days before the start of the Democratic Conventions, Democrats and the country received a horrible shock, as they learned the Presumptive Nominee Bill Bradley had suffered a massive heart attack. The Senator survived, but his condition remained unclear.

The first day of the convention Bradley announced in a written statement that he would not be the nominee for the Democratic Party. His exit threw the Democrats into chaos as a new nominee was sought.

Bradley Bows Out, Party Without Nominee

The obvious candidate was seen as Mario Cuomo, the once mentioned Vice Presidential Nominee, but never announced. As the Democrats went into panic mode the media speculated on the possible replacement candidates: Ted Kennedy, Geraldine Ferraro

The reluctant Mario Cuomo stepped up to the plate a possible replacement, though in his speech he said, "I seek the nomination not as a replacement, but as someone who will champion the vision of what Bill Bradley stood for, for his vision is my vision, your vision, our vision."

Democratic National Convention Presidential Vote: 1988

Mario Cuomo: 3,040

Ted Kennedy: 882

Geraldine Ferraro: 330

Jesse Jackson: 56

Other: 14

It's Mario!

The Vice Presidential Nominee

"There was the chaos following Bradley's departure, but within two days everything was resolved, and the solution was Cuomo and Clinton teaming up." -- James Carville

"I was honored to be asked. I certainly did not expect it, but the party need stability and unity and the country needed a winning team. I gladly stepped up." -- Gov. Bill Clinton.

Though Bradley's tragic departure hung a cloud over the convention, Cuomo's passionate speech dubbed "Two American Cities" united and rallied the party.

"A shinning City is perhaps all President Reagan sees from the White House or from his ranch, but there is another city. A city where trickle down economics hasn't quite trickled. A city on the verge of collapse. A city that is crying out for help and a President responds by saying government is not the solution. We'll I'm here tonight to say that government can be efficient, government can be effective and we can care about every America, of every income, of every background. We don't speak for the few elites, we speak for the average, true blue American!"

Dole: 255

Cuomo: 144

Tossup: 139

Cuomo/Clinton v. Dole/Kemp

Dole: 50%

Cuomo: 46%

[Jerseyrules]

Kemp / ? 1996!

[NHI]

Dole v. Cuomo: Poll

Dole: 51%

Cuomo: 46%

Dole concludes a campaign stop in Ohio.

The Dole campaign touted the successes of the Reagan Administration, and pledged to continue the same policies and agenda.

"America is better off, it's morning in this great country again. We've come through the dark times of economic recession, inflation, and lack of confidence. Our nation is stronger and better. Why would we ever want to return to where we were four years ago?"

The Cuomo campaign continued to trail in the polls, but the liberal Governor of New York grew more excited and passionate each day, traveling the country.

"This nation has been run adrift by policies that have left the select few with more and all of us with less."

Cuomo's attempt to evoke fair taxation was decried as class warfare and the Dole campaigned seized upon it, panting Cuomo as a big government liberal.

"Even President Bentsen wasn't this overt." -- Jack Kemp.

With the economic prosperity in the country, and confidence up Americans had faith in Bob Dole's flag draped rhetoric and conservative policies, and while he gave it a good run, Mario Cuomo could not overtake him and went down in defeat.

The political verdict on Mario Cuomo was a shinning star that burnt out too quickly. His running mate Bill Clinton was seen to have a future, though many doubted he would be a candidate in the 1992 election.

Cuomo concedes after a bruising defeat to Dole.

The Doles on Election Night.

Results:

[

Bob Dole/Jack Kemp: 424 (55.7%)

Mario Cuomo/Bill Clinton: 114 (42.4%)

Close States:

Pennsylvania:

Cuomo: 49.76%

Dole: 49.75%

Arkansas:

Cuomo: 49.99%

Dole: 49.77%

Minnesota:

Cuomo: 49.89%

Dole: 49.64%

West Virginia:

Cuomo: 49.71%

Dole: 49.57%

Oregon:

Cuomo: 49.81%

Dole: 49.77%

New York:

Cuomo: 51.07%

Dole: 47.95%

Robert Dole: 41st President of The United States

The Dole Cabinet:

Pres. Bob Dole
Vice Pres. Jack Kemp

Sec. of States: Lawrence Eagleburger, (1989-1991) James Baker (1991-)
Sec. of Treasury: Nicholas Brady
Sec. of Defense: Donald Rumsfeld
Attorney General: William Barr
Sec. of Interior: William P. Clark
Sec. of Commerce: Pete Dupont
Sec. of Labor: Margaret Heckler
Sec. of Health and Human Services: Louis Sullivan
Sec. of Education: William Bennett (1989-1991)
Sec. of Housing and Urban Development: Samuel R. Pierce
Sec. of Transportation: Samuel Skinner
Sec. of Energy: James Watkins

Dir. of CIA: Dick Cheney (1989-1992) Jeane Kirkpatrick: (1992-)
 

Four Main Goals:

-Passing and Signing of The Balance Budget Amendment (Begun under The Reagan Admin.

Abolishing the Depart. of Education

Welfare Reform

Tax Cuts/Reductions in Spending

Reagan Approval Rating:

Approve: 57%

Disapprove: 38%

Reagan bid farewell, amid a booming economy and restored national confidence. "We kept the faith, we kept them free, and we left this nation in good hands."

[Jerseyrules]

.  Why must the old be forced into retirement!

[NHI]

.  Why must the old be forced into retirement!

I know, but I have some ideas for the future of this timeline that make this necessary...