A New Day: 2004 And On

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

"We're just getting word that, yes, Howard Dean has won the Iowa Democratic Caucus. He will defeat Senator's Edwards and Kerry with 38 percent of the vote, compared to their 32 and 18 percent respectively. We go now, to Governor Dean in Cedar Rapids."


"We just sent a message to President Bush in the White House. Its time for a change, America. We are tired of the status quo. We are tired of the wars and out of control spending. We are tired of the tax cuts for the wealthy, while the middle class gets the good ol' Texas shaft. Its time for A New Day!"-Governor Howard Dean

Senator Kerry, hoping for a better performance in New Hampshire, was met by more bad new on the 27th of January. Howard Dean narrowly edged out the Massachusetts Senator 39-37. And the next day, did what his campaign thought only weeks ago would never happen.

"Today, i'm formally suspending my campaign for the Presidency and endorsing my great friend and the next President of the United States. Howard Dean."-Senator John Kerry


Gov. Dean quickly dispatched of the rest of the field on Super Tuesday. Next he set his sights on the Republican incumbent.
"President Bush, what do you have to say about Gov. Dean wrapping up the Democratic Nomination?"-Reporter
"Bring it on."-President George W. Bush

Polling Numbers- Bush 47 Dean 46

Bush 202 Dean 217 Toss-Up 119

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

The Race for the White House was on. Both Republicans and Democrats were fired up well into the hot long summer months. The Bush and Dean campaigns were firing blow after blow to each other. Democratic registration was soaring. It appeared that Dean's ground game was revolutionary. But the Bush campaign had the incumbent's advantage- and weaknesses. The situation in Iraq was stabilizing, but the economy was slowly on the wane, and the Dean campaign seased upon this,

"Unemployment is up nearly 3 percentage points since this President took office. And the incumbent says and I quote "Unemployment always goes up a little, before a recovery begins." Well, unemployment only has to go up by one more person before a real recovery can begin. And Mr.President, You Are That Man!"-Governor Howard Dean[/b]

As the end of July and the beginning of the Democratic National Convention came, the choice of a running mate was necessary. And media had their choices.

Governor Phil Bredesen (D)Tennessee
Governor Ed Rendell (D)Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Vilsack (D)Iowa
Governor Mark Warner (D)Virginia
Governor Bill Richardson (D)New Mexico
Senator Evan Bayh (D)Indiana
Senator John Breaux (D)Louisiana
Senator Hilary Clinton (D)New York
Senator Tom Daschle (D)South Dakota
Senator Joe Biden (D)Delaware
Senator John McCain (R) Arizona
Senator Russ Feingold (D)Wisconsin
Senator Jay Rockefeller (D)West Virginia
Senator Bill Nelson (D)Florida
Frmr. Senator John Glenn (D)Ohio
General Wesley Clark (D)Arkansas

But Dean had narrowed the names to a shortlist of a few Governors, Senators, and Officials.
Governor Mark Warner

Senator Evan Bayh

Senator John Breaux

Senator Tom Daschle

Senator John McCain

General Wesley Clark

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

I think Kerry should have picked Tom Daschle. Its almost a logical choice for that year especially, takes Daschle out of a stiff race for the united states senate.

But then it puts the South Dakota Democratic Party in the position of finding a nominee to replace Daschle and all but hands over the senate seat to John Thune.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

After scanning over all of those on the shortlist, Governor Dean made his choice.
"Ladies and gentleman, I give you the next Vice-President of the United States, Governor Mark Warner!" -Governor Howard Dean[/b]

"We face hard times and challenges. They are serious, and they are many. They will not be met easily, or in a short span of time. But know this America, they will be met."- Governor Mark Warner[/b]

At The convention, the Democrats used the stage and press attention to offer an assailing view of the Bush Administration's economic policies and excessive use of war powers. Governor Mark Warner gave a very rousing speech.

"Depending on November's outcome, just imagine how you personally would feel if you woke up, and it was cold, gray and raining. You walk to the front door with sleep still in your eyes, your having trouble waking up and you pick up the news paper and it says 4 More Years of The Same Old Thing."Boos from the audience
"The numer of wars have gone up; Veteran access to healthcare has gone down;Unemployment around the country has gone up; the number of jobs has gone down. The trade deficit has gone up; personal income has gone down. The budget deficit has gone up; consumer confidence has gone down. Poverty has gone up; the number of jobs has gone down. Bankruptcies have gone up, jobs, down; fear, up; hope, down; everything that oughta be down is *up*, everything that should be up is *down*; they've got it upside down, and we're gonna turn it right side *up!*" -Governor Mark Warner


And then came the speech from Governor Dean. The governor did what none could believe. He praised the President on his handling of the terrorist attacks of September 11th. But then he went about giving a description of his own policies and why he thought they'd be better. He took President Bush's best attack, and threw it back at him.

"I have great respect for the President's handling of those terrible attacks. He did what any of us would do and I respect the office. But nearly everything he's done since, he's messed up and made the wrong decision. Be it from those tax cuts for the very wealthy to that War in Iraq. It's time for new leadership America. It's time for a change. It's time for A New Day!" -Governor Howard Dean


The Democrats got an immediate bounce in the polls, pushing some states into their column and pulling others into the tossup column away from the President. And the following Friday, the Employment Situation Report further buoyed Dean-Warner's chances at the White House
Unemployment Rate Spikes To 7 Percent. 60,000 Jobs Lost In The Month Of July.Polling Numbers- Bush 43 Dean 50

Bush 189 Dean 272 Toss-up 77

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

President Bush's approval ratings were mediocre at best, and his polling numbers were falling. But at the Republican National Convention, he showed no signs of any of these things.

"We are making progress. We are making progress. And there is more to do. We have seen a shaken economy rise to its feet. And we have seen Americans in uniform storming mountain strongholds and charging through sandstorms and liberating millions with acts of valor that would make the men of Normandy proud. But a certain former Governor seems to think that we should not support our troops in their fight for justice."-President George W. Bush[/b]
Bush 47 Dean 49
The President got a small bounce in the polls after his speech, but someone was noticeably missing from the RNC. Arizona Senator John McCain had not attended. He would go on NBC's Meet The Press  in mid September to explain his absence.

"I do not agree with President Bush on a lot of his policies, especially on the deficit which has ballooned in his four years. I feel the Republican Party which I have so loved has lost their fiscal responsibility. So Tim, I could not attend a celebration of these policies. I could not endorse someone voluntarily leaving trillions of dollars in debt for our children to bear."- Arizona Senator John McCain
"So are you going to endorse anyone in the race for the White House?"- Tim Russert[/b]
"I like a few of the things that Governor Dean is saying on fixing the economy, but he could do a little better on national defense."- Senator John McCain
"So is that an endorsement?"- Tim Russert
"Take it as you wish Tim."- Senator John McCain

And the media did.
Senator John McCain (R)Arizona Endorses Democratic Nominee, Governor Howard Dean, For President

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

The first Presidential debate was held on September 30th and focused on the War on Terror.
"Has the War In Iraq been worth all the lives lost?"- Moderator

"If you're asking me whether it was worth it to go into Iraq and depose an evil dictator, abusing his power and murdering his people, then I would have to say without a doubt, yes. We need to stay the course and rebuild Iraq."- President Bush

"What happened to the WMDs Mr. President. You said Iraq had WMDs. That's why we went into Iraq, not to overthrow Saddam Hussein. You lied to the UN Security Council, and you lied to the American People. We need to bring our troops home and rebuild America, not some foreign country."-Governor Howard Dean

The debate was seen as a draw with a slight Bush advantage. And it helped the President regain some ground in the polls.
Polling Numbers- Bush 48 Dean 48

Bush-Cheney 204 Dean-Warner 231 Toss-Up 103

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

The Vice-Presidential Debate between Vice-President Cheney and Governor Warner was anything but cordial. Cheney fired shot after shot at Warner about Howard Dean's liberal leanings. But Warner shot back at Cheney about the US's presence in Iraq and their failure to shield the economy from downturn.

"Mr. Vice-President, the gap between rich and poor is growing wider. More people are dropping into poverty. Yet, the rich are getting tax cuts, why is that?"- Moderator

"By giving across the board tax cuts, we are giving people more money to spend in the economy. High tax rates harm job creators, so with lower taxes, they will invest in the economy."- Vice President Cheney

"Dick, trickle-down didn't work under Reagan, didn't work under the first Bush, and it sure as heck ain't working now. The rich aren't the ones who invest and create jobs, as this President's record has shown. The middle class, who the Bush administration has given the shaft, create jobs. They go out and buy goods, which in turn gives companies the incentive to make more of them, so they hire more workers. The 2001 and 2003 tax cuts disproportionately favor the rich, and look where that's got us, the highest unemployment rate and and deficit since 1992. You've squandered a 127 billion dollar surplus on tax cuts for the rich and a reckless war, while shafting working families. Howard Dean and I will raise taxes on the top 2 percent to close the deficit, cut taxes for 98 percent of Americans, and end this reckless war. "- Governor Mark Warner

Polls conducted after the debate showed most thought Governor Warner won by a 57-40 percent margin over Vice-President Cheney. Moreover, after the debate 55 percent said that Warner was at least "qualified" to assume the responsibilities of president (a eleven percent rise) with 41 percent saying "very qualified". 47 percent said the same of Vice-President Cheney (no change).

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

With Dean either tied with them or ahead of them in the polls, the Bush-Cheney Campaign launched a new force of attack ads on the Dean-Warner ticket, orchestrated by Karl Rove. They attempted to portray the Governor as the second coming of Jimmy Carter. The ads said that with the election of Dean, America would lose its leadership role in the world and that he would bow to foreign leaders while being soft on terror and cutting the millitary. And on the domestic front portraying him as the typical tax and spend liberal who wants to over regulate small buisness, take away your guns, and socialize medicine. Needless to say, the attacks seemed to be working. But the Dean campaign wasn't having that, and in a blitz, doubled the money the Bush campaign was spending on the ads and split on positive ads and attacks on Bush's stewardship on the economy and negative campaign tactics.


"Americans will not be swayed by these negative attacks. They want a change. We are tired of the out of control spending and these out of control wars, we want something new. I decry these negative tactics Mr. president. These attacks are below the noble office you hold. Americans have prided themselves on knowing that if we work hard, tomorrow will be better than today. This awful economy, and this incumbent are making it harder for us to live by this American Creed. Well I promise you, with a Former President Bush, and a Dean Administration, tomorrow will be a better and new day."- Governor Howard Dean

"Now Governor Dean, doesn't want to talk about what he'd do in office. He knows American won't like it. So im gonna tell you. America is the greatest country in the world. But Howie, thats my nickname for 'em, Howie thinks we should downsize the budget if the military. This is after the worst terrorist attack in our nations history. How is he gonna explain that to the families that lost loved ones on that fateful September morning?"- President George W. Bush

The a President was immediately jumped upon by the media for his using the September 11th Attacks for his political gain. His support tumbled in the polls, and for the first time, despite the attacks on Dean's foreign policy stances, Bush was behind in the polls on terrorism. And even worse, he was beginning to lose Republican support. While 79 percent of GOP voters still intended to vote for the nominee, a whopping 18 percent were jumping ship for Dean. While Dean got 91 percent of Democratic support and only 7 percent went for Bush. Independents were split 48-42 Dean. And national polls showed it.

Poll Numbers- Bush 42 Dean 49
Electoral College- Bush 170 Dean 270[/b] Tossu-Up 98

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

While the race for the White House seemed to be slipping away from the Republicans, they were still keeping it close in the Race for Congress.
In the Race for The Senate, the GOP battled to hold their slim majority in the senate, while Democrats fought to pick up the two seats needed to regain the majority.

Alaska- Frmr. Governor Tony Knowles vs Senator Lisa Murkowski
Colorado-  Attorney General Ken Salazar vs Pete Coors
Kentucky- Senator Jim Brunning vs Dan Mongiardo
Florida- Betty Castor vs Frmr. Secretary Mel Martinez
Louisiana- David Vitter vs Chris John
North Carolina- Erskine Bowles vs Richard Burr
South Carolina- Jim DeMint vs Inez Tenembaum
South Dakota- Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle vs Congressman John Thune

6 out of 8 of the Toss-Ups are going to be decided almost completely on the performance of the top of the Democratic ticket, the Dean-Warner ticket. The Governor had a lot riding on his performance.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

NOTE: For time's sake, i'll be skipping straight to the final Presidential Debate and go through to election night. I may have set this election up one way, but it will surprise you. This is gonne be a long post.
Unemployment Rate At 7.9 Percent For Month Of SeptemberThe third and final presidential debate held at Arizona State, focused entirely on the economy. This was the President's last chance to turn the tide in the election. He spent the night hitting Dean on his budget proposals and how he would raise taxes. But Dean wasn't having it.

"Governor Dean will do nothing but take us backwards. He wants to raise taxes. You don't raise taxes in the middle of a recession. We can't raise taxes on the job creators."- President George W. Bush
"There you go again, repeating the GOP mantra, we can't raise taxes on job creators. Mr. President, if irresponsible tax cuts on the rich worked, we wouldn't be in this mess. We can't keep doing the same thing with the same people, and expect different result. While you were spending money on tax cuts George, China and Germany were spending it on educating their children. They were spending it on modernizing their infrastructure. That's how we get out of your mess. We need to invest in the people of the United States. We've been down before, but we always pick up and get ahead of the competition. This time is no different."- Governor Howard Dean

Polls conducted after the event showed that the people believed Dean won by a wide margin. 63 percent said Dean, only 26 percent said Bush. Dean had the momentum going into election day. One way or another, the election was over.

Election Night 2012

It's 8 PM on the East Coast and we have a round of projections to make. The states of Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Oklahoma for President Bush. We can also project Vermont, Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New Jersey for Governor Howard Dean. The states of Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee are too close to call.- Keith Olbermann

"It's not starting off well for the President. There are 5 states that should have been called for him by now. And, the battlegrounds of Virginia and New Hampshire were called rather quickly for Dean, and its barely even dark outside. He's gon-"- David Gregory

"Sorry to interrupt Dave, but we've got a few states to call. In a surprise twist, 5 states that went for Bush four years ago, shall be going to the Democrats tonight. That's right, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, North Carolina, and Indiana, which make up a combined 63 electoral votes, shall go to Vermont Governor Howard Dean. West Virginia shall go to Bush."- Chris Matthews

"Unless the President can come back with an extremely strong showing in the west, we are probably going to be swearing in a new President come January"- Keith Olbermann

"Don't be so quick Keith, it's only 9:27. And the president has a few projections coming his way. Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Louisiana, and Wyoming will go for Bush. Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Florida, Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio for Dean. That's 312 electoral votes for Dean, and 112 for Bush. And with that NBC News can project that Vermont Governor Howard Dean shall be the nation's 44th president."- David Gregory

Vermont Governor Howard Dean Elected 44th President of the United States.

"We're getting reports that President-Elect Dean shall speak tonight at 11:00 after the west coast is called. President Bush has yet to call and concede."- David Gregory

"All I can say is it's a great day for America. At 11 we can also project Iowa, Nevada, Montana, Washington state, Oregon, Arizona, Hawaii, and California for Dean. Idaho and Utah shall go to Bush."- Keith Olbermann

"Apparently the economic news and his poor performance in the debates have allowed the president to suffer the same fate of his father back in '92. And ironically, this is the largest landslide since Bush vs Dukakis in 1988. A Texas Republican and a North Eastern Democrat."- Chris Matthews

Final Map

"We go now to the Dean campaign headquarters in Montpelier, Vermont where the President-Elect is speaking."- David Gregory

"I congratulate President Bush on a hard fought campaign. But the American people wanted a change. And I propose to you A New Day. A day where America is respected around the world. Where we invest in our people and our future. And I say to you America, we face many challenges. But we will face them, and tomorrow will be better than today."- President-Elect Howard Dean

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

[color=navy][i][b]The President-Elect announced his Cabinet picks in mid-December. And there were a few surprises in there, in that almost half of them were republicans. GOP attacked the picks as attempting to get rid of competition for 2008. But the public sided with Dean and saw them as bi-partisan by a margin of 54-41.[/b][/i][/color]

Cabinet of Howard Dean

President of the United States: Howard Dean (D)
Vice President of the United States: Mark Warner (D)
Secretary of State: John Kerry (D)
Secretary of the Treasury: Warren Buffett (I)
Secretary of Defense: John McCain (R)
Attorney General: John Edwards (D)
Secretary of the Interior: Bill Owens (R)
Secretary of Agriculture: Debbie Stabenow (D)
Secretary of Labor: Paul Krugman (I)
Secretary of Commerce: Mitt Romney (R)
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Barbera Mikulski (D)
Secretary of Transportation: Jimmy Duncan (R)
Secretary of Energy: Jeff Bingaman (D)
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Tom Daschle (D)
Secretary of Education: Jeb Bush (R)
Secretary of Veteran's Affairs: Max Cleland (D)
Secretary of Homeland Security: Rudy Giuliani (R)
Chief of Staff To the President: Joe Trippi

The most surprising of all was the choice of Florida Governor Jeb Bush for Secretary of Education. Bush, the brother of George W. Bush whom Dean had defeated for the Presidency, had this to say a his Senate confirmation hearing.

"When the President calls on you to serve, you serve. Education reform is very dear to me. My brother made great strides and accomplished a lot in his term on this front, and I'm gonna make sure even more is done for the good of the future of this country."- Florida Governor and Education Secretary Nominee Jeb Bush

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

The Congressional Elections came with sharp gains for the Democrats. President Dean had large coattails. In the House of Representatives, for the first time in 10 years, the Democrats were in the Majority. And for the first time in US history, a woman would hold the Speaker's Gavel.

Nancy Pelosi, The 60th Speaker of The House of Representatives

House of Representatives
Democrats: +27, 232
Republicans: -27, 203
In the Senate though, the Democratic Leader, Tom Daschle, was narrowly defeated by John Thune. But the Democrats netted 10 seats, defeating GOP incumbents in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Missouri, and Iowa, while picking up open seats in Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado,Florida, and South Carolina. But with John McCain selected as Secretary of Defense, the Governor of Arizona, a Democrat, selected Democratic Attorney General Terry Goddard to replace McCain in the Senate. Bringing the Democratic total to a net 11 seats.

Democrats: +11, 59
Republicans: -11, 41
The incoming majority leader would be Deleware Senior Senator Joe Biden, and as minority leader Tennesse Senator Bill Frist.
[

January 2005

And as President Dean's first act, he sent a bill to congress calling for withdrawal of US Troops. By New Years 2006. Republicans, outraged, vowed to filibuster. But one Republican crossed party lines to vote for withdrawal, Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chaffee just might have saved his chances of re-election in his blue state. The President's HOME Act, passed by a margin of 60-40.

Do you approve of the President Dean's decision to withdraw all troops from Iraq?
Yes- 52
No- 47
Don't Know/No Answer- 1
Do You approve of the job President Dean is doing?
Yes-66
No-23
Don't Know/No Answer-11

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

February 2005

President Dean called Republican Congressional Leaders to the White House for a conference on what they believed should be done about the economy at 7:00 am. The meeting lasted over three hours before Senate Minority Leader Grist came out for a Press Conference.


"The White House and my caucus have come to a bi-partisan agreement on tackling the issue of the economy. The plan, which we call the RECOVERY Act, uses a mix of half tax cuts to the middle class and increased spending on infrastructure projects and giving money to state governments to hire more teachers and first responders. The RECOVERY Act shall go to an immediate vote in the Senate."- Senator Bill Frist

"I don't know what President Dean did to get the GOP to support this bill, but I'm glad that Congress is working with the White House. Still though, he has a near super majority in the House, and only one vote away from a filibuster-proof senate. I think he's up to something, he's not expecting to keep those supermajorities in the midterms. He's getting on the GOP's good side." - Chris Matthews

The RECOVERY Act passed the Senate by a vote of 79 to 21. It's expected to easily pass in the House.
After the vote, the President called a Press Conference where he was expected to speak about the bill. But the President was did not speak, it was Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Daschle who made the announcement.

"As of today, there are tens of millions of Americans without Health Insurance. The US has the most expensive health care system of any modernized nation, but this administration intends to change that. Medicare is the most popular program in US history. And so, President Dean and I are sending a bill to the congress giving all Americans access to Medicare. And I say to both parties, get your asses in line and vote for this bill."- Secretary Tom Daschle

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

April 2005

The debate went on for months with Republicans calling the bill "The Path to Europe" and "Socialized Medicine". There was a lot of doubt about how this bill, the Affordable Care Act (dubbed DeanCare by the GOP), would pass the Senate without Republican votes. Moderate Dems were also on the fence about passing it too. And the public also seemed torn on the bill also.

Gallup Poll
Do You Support President Dean's Affordable Care Act?
Yes- 36
No- 43
Don't Know- 23

Seeing that the work of his life might fail, President Dean set out on a nationwide tour targeting the home states of moderate Republicans and Democrats explaining the bill to Americans and calling for them to call their Congressmen and Senators and make them "Pass This Bill". He was joined by Massachussetts Senator Ted Kennedy and Secretary Tom Daschle. The government also blanketed the airwaves with ads promoting DeanCare also.

"My colleagues across the isle like to call this bill "socialism". Is your Medicare socialism? All this bill does os open up Medicare to you and your families. So instead of paying huge corporations tens of thousands of dollars for crap insurance, you will only pay what is already payed for Medicare, except you get benefits immediately. Sounds great doesn't it? Now call your Congressmen and Senators and tell them to pass this bill! There are millions of our fellow Americans without insurance. We can't wait!"- President Howard Dean

"These Republicans don't care about you or your health care. We have the most expensive insurance with the lowest return rate of any modern country. We need to change that. Tell my colleagues to pass this bill immediately!"- Senator Ted Kennedy

"46 million. Let that sink in. 46 million of us are uninsured. 46 million men, woman, children. But Republicans don't think it matters. They say that the free market will take care of them. Now I believe in the free market. But that's what we've relayed on to insure ourselves since World War II. Every President since Harry Truman has been trying to insure America. But the Republicans always say, "The free market will take care of it.". Well, we've tried that. And every year, the number grows, and now it sits at 46 million. Tell them to pass this bill!"- Secretary Tom Daschle

And it seemed to be working. Now, according to a new Gallup Poll, a majority of Americans now supported the Affordable Care Act.

Gallup Poll
Do You Support President Dean's Affordable Care Act?
Yes- 56
No- 33
Don't Know- 11

And the calls seemed to be working, the moderate Democrats of the south and Midwest were solidifying their support of the bill, and moderate northeastern Republicans began voicing  their support also. Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, along with Vermont Independent Senator Jim Jeffords announced they would vote for it. And so, on May 2nd, Illinois Senator Barack Obama co-sponsored the bill along with Xavier Becerra, and it was brought to the floor for a vote in the House and Senate.

May 2005

Senate Vote on the Obama-Becerra Affordable Care Act

Yay- 62
Nay- 38

Hiuse Vote on the Obama-Becerra Affordable Care Act

Yay- 227
Nay- 208

The Affordable Care Act passed, and would be signed immediately. Speaker Pelosi would personally carry the bill to the White House.

Presidential approval rose to a new high for Dean.

Do You approve of the job President Dean is doing?
Yes-73
No-20
Don't Know/No Answer-7

August 2005

Unemployment Drops To 7.2 Percent

After the bill signing, Dean would have an economic briefing by Secretary of Treasury Warren Buffet, Secretary of Labor Paul Krugman, and Secretary of Commerce Mitt Romney. Krugman warned of an impending housing and financial crisis. The recommendation of Secretaries Romney and Buffet that new regulations should be instated protecting the economy from dangerous bets by Wall Street. Buffet believed that Glass-Steagal should be reinstated, but outdated regulation should be cut so as to gain GOP support. The bill, Dodd-Frank, would pass with near unanimous support, but celebration was short lived, as meteorologists forecast a powerful Hurricane would hit New Orleans.

Dean immediately mobilized FEMA and the National Guard to New Orleans to make sure an evacuation plan was carried out and to strengthen the levies. When Katrina hit, minimal damage was done as the levies held, and most of the people would be evacuated safely. Presidential approval would stay steady.

Do You approve of the job President Dean is doing?
Yes-68
No-21
Don't Know/No Answer-11

Dean's first year in power had been a relatively good one. He had passed universal health care, new financial regulations, and had protected New Orleans from a disastrous hurricane. But the new year was an election year, and the fun had only begun.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

"With the sad death of Chief Justice Rehnquist, I would like to nominate a good friend of mine, and someone whom the American people can trust to follow the Constitution and apply it to modern times. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the next Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, Senator ahillary Rodham Clinton."- President Howard Dean[/b]

Hillary Clinton had bet that President Dean would serve 8 years in the White House, and by the time 2012 came around, she'd be 64, running against younger blood in the party. And it would be even harder to win after the Dems had already served 8 years in the White House, no matter how popular the incumbent was. Al had learned that back in 2000.  And so her presidential ambitions died. She'd happily accepted the SCOTUS nomination and her confirmation went by easily in th Senate. She would be the first female Chief Justice and lead the first majority liberal court since the Warren Era.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

I like this TL, but it's a bit wankish, particularly the public support going from 36-59% after a speech or two, and that Congressional Reps voted for it.  (Not to mention the election results.)

I'm guilty of being biased myself in TLs, but this a bit much.  Other than that, very good.

They were campaigning on the bill for about a month. Only three reps, and they were all New England moderates, voted for it. In the house, a few Dems voted against the bill. I'm trying not to be hackish, but I'm giving the Democrats their ideal liberal President. Kinda in the mold of the GOPs "Reagan Wet Dream." So that 30 years from this now, Democratic Candidates could say Howard Dean 50 times a day, like Republicans do with Ronald Reagan. The election was what an Obama landslide would have looked like had southern whites embraced him. There was a bit of closet racism in 2008. VP Nominee Mark Warner helped a lot in the south. Dean won all the Obama states from 2008, plus 3 states he lost narrowly(Montana,Missouri, Georgia). Arizona would have gone Obama if not for favorite-son John McCain.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

2006 Midterms

Despite President Dean's popularity, the Democrats picked up only a two Senate seats, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, who won modest elections in their states, both defeating incumbents. They barely padded their majority.

Democrats:+2, 61
Republicans:-2, 39
Incoming Majority Leader- Joe Biden (D) Delaware
Incoming Minority Leader- Mith McConnell (R) Kentucky

But in the House, there was a different story. The American people did not like one party controlling both branches of Government, and sent Speaker Pelosi packing up her office. The Republicans gained back their majority.

Incoming Speaker of The House of Representatives

Democrats: -16, 216
Republicans: +16, 219
Incoming Majority Leader- Roy Blunt (R) Missouri
Incoming Minority Leader- Xavier Becerra (D) California

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

...

I really doubt Chafee would've been defeated with a Democratic President and near-supermajority.
Maybe swap Rhode Island out for Pennsylvania or Virginia.

The Republican Primary Fight with Steve Laffey alienated a lot of voters and Chafee spent more money than anticipated to win the primary.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

After the 2006 midterms, people turned their attention towards the 2008 Presidential Election, and what Republican would challenge President Dean. By September of 2007, the field was set.

Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee

Texas Congressman Ron Paul

Kansas Senator Sam Brownback

Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson

Frmr. Secretary of Commerce Mitt Romney

But President Dean had thought ahead to his re-election when he won in 2004. He took the liberty of picking the Republicans he had thought would most threaten his chances and put them in his cabinet, including Governor Mitt Romnye, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Governor Jeb Bush, and Governor Bill Owens.National public opinion polling showed that the race for the nomination was wide open.

Who Do You Support for the Republican Nomination?
Secretary Mitt Romney-17
Governor Mike Huckabee-16
Senator Sam Brownback- 9
Governor Tommy Thompson- 7
Congressman Ron Paul- 5
Undecided- 46

Who Do You Support in the 2008 Iowa Caucuses?

Secretary Mitt Romney-12
Governor Mike Huckabee-13
Senator Sam Brownback- 7
Governor Tommy Thompson- 13
Congressman Ron Paul- 7
Undecided- 48

Who Do You Support in the 2008 New Hampshire Primary?

Secretary Mitt Romney-16
Governor Mike Huckabee-8
Senator Sam Brownback- 4
Governor Tommy Thompson- 6
Congressman Ron Paul- 3
Undecided- 63

Presidential Approval was not as high as in months prior, but it was still above water.

Do You Approve of the Job that Howard Dean is Doing As President?
Approve-56
Disapprove-42
DK-2

The Great Primaries Had Begun.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

Animosity toward President Dean was commonplace within the Republican Party. Their attacks on Dean's "overactive Government" had regained them a House Majority and now they had their eyes set on the big job. But the party didnt have an overrarching them for their candidate to run on. And more importantly,  they couldn't choose between the candidates. The consensus frontrunners were Mike Huckabee, Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney.

"We can't continue to let Socialism corrupt our system. We've got Government interfering with our Health Care and a national debt in the trillions. We need to cut the spending and put Government back in it's place."- Governor Mike Huckabee

Social Conservatives loved Huckabee. But the establishment saw him as too far to the right to win independents.

"We need someone who understands the private sector and can get this economy really going. This President doesnt understand that its business that drives this country, not Government programs. Yes, there are some that say my work for the administration disqualiftys me to go against him. Well I didn't work for Howard Dean, I worked for my country."- Secretary Mitt Romney

Secretary Romney was hailed by the establishment as the candidate that could win independents, but the grassroots couldn't get past his work as Commerce Secretary and his past moderate views.
Both candidates performed the same way in head to head matchups with Dean. Despite his approval, he still held only slim leads against his potential opponents and couldn't break 50.

If the Presidential Election was held today, and the Republican Nominee was former Secretary of Commerce Mitt Romney, and the Democratic Nominee was President Howard Dean, for whom would you vote?
President Dean- 48
Secretary Romney- 46[/i][/center]

If the Presidential Election was held today, and the Republican Nominee was Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and the Democratic Nominee was President Howard Dean, for whom would you vote?
President Dean- 48
Governor Huckabee- 45[/i]

Huckabee and Romney sparred in all the debates leading up to the Iowa Caucuses, neither of them able to break to of their national slumps and establishing a clear lead. But on the night of Iowa, all we're surprised by the results.

Republican Iowa Caucus Results
Congressman Ron Paul- 36
Governor Mike Huckabee- 21
Secretary Mitt Romney- 20
Governor Tommy Thompson- 9
Senator Sam Brownback- 12

"Iowa just made its choice. And it was liberty. Their tired of government getting in the way, and its obvious that it's time for a change. We've got the momentum, and we're going to use it"- Congressman Ron Paul

Governor Thompson dropped out and endorsed Secretary Romney while Senator Brownback endorsed Governor Huckabee, making it a three man race. And it would go on forever. All three candidates winning and losing.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

I don't think Paul would have the political base he had in 2008, none the less the kind he has had this year without a second Bush term. I don't know how he could of won Iowa in this scenario.

Let's just say his position on marijuana and government reverberated in the minds of young voters. And Huckabee and Romney split Republican votes, allowing Paul to sneak in a win. The media kinda made the mistake they made IRL on Iowa of 2004. Dean lead nationally but Kerry had been surging in Iowa and surprised many nationally.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

NOTE: Here's where we jump the shark a little, so get ready.

Romney-1087
Huckabee-1089
Paul-204
Nobody could establish a clear lead. No candidate gained a majority of the delegates. Huckabee refused to endorse Secretary Romney as he had the most delegates, and Romney refused to endorse Huckabee as he claimed that if the contest would have gon on longer, he would have enough to clinch. And so for the first time since 1976, there would be a brokered convention. Congressman Paul, held the balance of power. And he demanded that to receive his delegates and get the nomination, he would have to be thee VP Nominee.

"If the party can not decide upon a nominee, I would happily, albeit reluctantly, serve as a compromise candidate."- Former Vice-President Dick Cheney

And so, former Vice-President Dick Cheney stepped forward as a compromise candidate. Party elders, knowing that continued disruption of the convention, and that Cheney as nominee would further their downfall, ordered Huckabee to endorse Romney and serve as his vice president. Angered by their passing over him, but aknowledging the party had no chance to win this this year, Huckabee released his delegates. But the Governor had other plans. Romney, acting as nominee and spiting Huckabee, selected his choice for a running mate: Nevada Senator John Ensign.

"I must announce, that I can no longer be a member to a party that falls and bends to the will of the establishment. And so, I am leaving the Republican Party, and am announcing my candidacy for President as the Constitution party nominee. And to join me on this journey, my friend Bob Barr."- Governor Mike Huckabee

Huckabee split the party in two, sapping support from the Romney-Ensign ticket, and allowing Dean to establish a clear and large lead.

If the Presidential Election was held today, and the Republican Ticket was Romney-Ensign, the Constitution ticket was Huckabee-Barr, and the Democratic ticket was Dean-Warner, for whom would you vote?
Dean-Warner: 56
Huckabee-Barr: 19
Romney-Ensign: 21
Undecided: 4

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

I'd have thought Romney wins Utah and Idaho.

My mistake, fixed it

I think this is a bit unrealistic, but still a very good read. Keep it up!

I did say we were jumping the shark a little here.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

Dean Wins Landslide Re-Election. Trumps Romney, Huckabee. Largest Electoral Victory Since Reagan-Mondale 1984.

Dean-Warner: 503
Romney-Ensign: 20
Huckabee-Barr: 15
"In a wideley expected landslide, President Dean was re-elected with the highest electoral vote tally of any candidate since 1984. This is the third largest electoral victory in US History, and the best that a Democratic candidate has ever done in our nation's history. Only Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon have done as well. But Republicans have solace in knowing that they will increase their House majorities. The Senate shows no net change. The President shall continue with a divided Congress, something he seems good at and has shown him no trouble. Now lets look at 2012. Both parties have a great field, that is, unless Vice-President Warner runs. This is the Democrats' chance to keep the White House for 16 years."- Chris Matthews

Incoming Speaker of The House of Representatives

Democrats: -9, 205
Republicans: +9, 228
Incoming Majority Leader- Roy Blunt (R) Missouri
Incoming Minority Leader- Xavier Becerra (D) California

Potential 2012 Republican Presidential Candidates

Florida Governor Joe Scarborough

North Dakota Senator John Thune

Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels

Utah Governor John Huntsman

Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor

Texas Governor Rick Perry

Potential 2012 Democratic Presidential Candidates

Vice-President Mark Warner

Illinois Senator Barack Obama

House Minority Leader Xavier Becerra

North Carolina Senator John Edwards

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley

President Dean was popular. But no Democrat had served more than 8 years consecutively in the White House since 1952 with Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. The GOP had its best crop of candidates in decades, and they were itching for a change. 2012, was anybody's race.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

Chatter about the potential candidates continued to increase as Spring 2011 crept on. But no one would announce. In June, that would change. The most likely Democratic Nominee announced, and was expected to clear the field.
"For the past eight years, America has experienced great economic growth. Democratic fiscal and economic policy has brought our economy back from the brink. Democratic foreign policy has brought our troops home from overseas. The middle class is back. Manufacturing is growing for the first time since 1998. America is well respected abroad, and is leading the world again. But we've come too far to turn back now. We can't give the helm back to the people who pushed us over the edge. Our administration has been successful. And I say to you America, stay the course. So it is with great joy, that I announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States."- Vice President Mark Warner

The Race For The White House 2012 had officially begun.