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

[JohnFKennedy]

1968:

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

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

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

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

lol, interesting reason.

[PBrunsel]

I know it's dumb.

[JohnFKennedy]

nah, if you read my story for what if JFK wasn't assassinated, I had all 3 Kennedy's as President at one point or another lol, we are all partisan and have favourites.

[PBrunsel]

                          Kingfish
                        1932-1949

1932:

In 1932 President Hoover orders that General MacArthur can not handle the Bonus Army. Hoover uses his own fortune to give them a bonus, though it is not as large. He promises the marchers the rest by January 1933. This motion gives President Hoover a boost in the 1932 Election. After branding Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt as a Socilaist who would bankrupt the country, Hoover was reelected:

Herbert Hoover/Charles Curtis: 341
Franklin Roosevelt/John Garner: 190


1936:

Hoover's second term had been able to stabalize the banking system, but the Great Depression dragged on. The Republican Convention in Chicago, Illinois, had the choice of two Kansas men, Vice President Charles Curtis, Governor Alfred Landon, and Ohio Senator Robert Taft. The Republicans decide to nominate the trusted Veep, and Charles Curtis is nominated for president. He choses New York Attorney General Thomas Dewey as his running mate. The Democrats are split between Governor Roosevelt, who was not yet ready to give up his New Deal, House Speaker John Nance Garner of Texas, and Louisiana Governor Huey Long. Long, who had recovered from an attempted assasination, was still toting his "Every Man a King" program. It was catching fire with the poor farmers of the south and west and the unemployed of the large cities. President Hoover's "Trickle Down Economics" was slowly working, but Long wanted action now. His program would bankrupt the nation, but he didn't care. The Democrats convened in New Orleans, Louisiana, that year to make matters even better for Long. He was nominated on the 45th ballot. The voting had been long and drawn-out in the hot and humid Louisiana August. Huey Long selected Senator Robert LaFollette, Jr., of Wisconsin as his running amte. The Election was active. Long, known for his flamboyancy, easily outshowed the more quiet and soft spoken Charles Curtis. Curtis showed graphs to the nation, and made huge speeches over the radio, showing how Governor Long's programs would ruin the economy. The Election was close, but Long won:

Huey Long/Robert LaFollette, Jr.: 278
Charles Curtis/Thomas Dewey: 253


1940:

In 1940 the Great Depression had become even more bleak. President Long's spending had tripled the national debt in his first year and quadrupled it by his third year. By his fourth year the national debt was $899,000,000,000,000,000 and growing by $50,000,000 a week. The "Every Man a King" program had bankrupted the country, but it was loved by the workiong class. They were getting $1,000 a month by the federal government. This came out of the pockits of Andrew Mellon, John Rockefller, and other billionaires and millionaires. Soon the taxation had gone to far and in 1940 the richest people in America had chosen the man they wanted to be president: former Secretary fo the Treasury Andrew Mellon. Mellon was able to acheive a fist ballot victory over New York Governor Thomas Dewey and Wendel Wilkie. Mellon chooses House Minority Leader Charles McNary for Vice President. John Nance Garner challenges President Long for the Democratic Nomination, but failed to suceed in grasping the nomination. Nazis has invaded Poland in 1939 and the war in Europe was becoming a full sclale World War. President Long led an energetic campaign. He ignored the war and focuses on his social plans. He toured the United States, going to all 48 states. Mellon promised a balanced budget and an end to government waster and "The Every Man a Sucker" program as he called it. The working class came out in full for President Long, and he was reelected by a landslide:

Huey Long/Robert LaFollette, Jr.: 464
Andrew Mellon/Charles McNary: 67


1944:

On December 7th, 1941, japan bombed Peal Harbor, and the U.S. went to war. President Long handled World War II as all president's handle wars. He embrased the Manahttan Project and approved of Operation Overloard. On June 6th, 1944, President Long addressed the nation about the invasion of Normandy. The war had ended the Great Depression and America was no longer nearly banrupted due to Long being forced to end the "Every Man a King" program to pay for the war effort. In July, the Republicans nominated Ohio Senator John W. Bricker for president and Chicago Tribune Editor Fr Knox for vice president.. With a war going on Huey Long and Robert LaFollette, Jr., were nominated by acclamation in August. Bricker warned that Long would make consessions to the Soviet Union if reelected. The Republicans also slamed away at Long breaking the traditional two term limit. The attacks were useless as Long used the slogan, "A change durring war time is like a shot to the head." Long was reelected to an unprecedented third term:

Huey Long/Robert LaFollette, Jr.: 420
John Bricker/Frank Knox: 111


1948:

With victory in World War II, President Long's popularity grew to it's highest point of his presidency: 81% of American's approved of President Long's Administration. By 1946 the mood of America changed. The returning veternas wanted cars, radios, grocery store shopping, and homes. The car industry collapsed to it's lowest point since 1930 due to the change from tanks to cars. Grocery stores's shelves were empty for weeks at a time. The Republicans regained Congress with the slogan, "Had Enough?" With Republicans in controll of Congress President Long could not reinstate "Every Man a King." When railroad workers went on strike in 1947, President Long supported the Unions and lost the support of middle America when the strike continued and the trains were unable to take them to their jobs. In 1948 the Republicans could taste victory. They nominated New York Governor Thomas Dewey and California Governor Earl Warren in Philidalphia in July. In August the Democrats were split between President Long and South Carolina Governor James Strom Thurmond. Long was able to win the nomination, but J. Strom Thurmond ran as a Dixiecrat when the Democrats approved of a Civil Rights Plank. Vice President LaFollette was dropped in favor of Secretary of State Cordell Hull.  The 1948 election showed Dewey leading in the polls. Dewey promised to lower the deficit and end, "Government waste and inefficient beaurocracies." President Long had to rally people around his liberalism. Most Americans opposed a fourth term, and it showed at the polls:

Thomas Dewey/Earl Warren: 354
Huey Long/Cordell Hull: 126
J. Strom Thurmond/Fielding Wright: 51

[PBrunsel]

2004:

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

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

Probaly my most partisan post in the Dewey series.

[PBrunsel]

I will give you the first one shortly.
 It started as 'what would happen if JFK is not murdered' and goes like this:

JFK get reelected, vietnam is a lesser issue with less GI's. after 2 full terms the president's brother RFK is elected (full 2 terms) and in 76' Teddy Kennedy wins. but in 1980 he loses to one Ronald Reagen. after 20 Kennedy years the next 20 are what we know - Reagen, Bush sr, Clinton.
In 1999 JFK jr do not die in a crash plane but after his father pressure seek the presidency and narrowly defeat bush jr in 2000 with 537 votes margin in FL. the Kennedy again controlled the white house. but JFK jr plane does crash in july 2001 and vp Al Gore is President. he wants to nominate sen john Kerry as vp but a sex scandal rules thats out. on 9/11 the plane that was aim at the white house hit the west wing and kills president gore. with no vp the speaker of the house Dennis Hastert become president.....  
 

list:
JFK        1961-1969
RFK       1969-1977
teddy k 1977-1981
reagen  1981-1989
bush sr 1989-1993
clinton   1993-2001
JFK jr     2001
gore      2001
hastert 2001-
     
 

 

Three Kennedys in a row! I don't think our nation could handle it!

[© tweed]

Three Kennedys in a row! I don't think our nation could handle it!

I doubt really would happen.

[Beet]

Three Kennedys in a row! I don't think our nation could handle it!

I doubt really would happen.

When the Republicans took over Congress they would pass an amendment barring the immediate relatives of the President from being elected.

[dunn]

Three Kennedys in a row! I don't think our nation could handle it!

I doubt really would happen.

When the Republicans took over Congress they would pass an amendment barring the immediate relatives of the President from being elected.

lol
no jeb now
lol

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

President Reagan 1980 World War 3 Scenario Story:

Our point of departure is the 1968 election, which Nixon still wins, but Wallace carries a lot more of the South.  Nixon spends his tenure trying to appease the far-right vote, losing the middle in the process.  Edmund Muskie wins in 1972, but the oil embargo, combined with over-regulation cause the economy to collapse.  Mounting popular pressure cause him to withdraw completely from Vietnam, and Saigon falls in mid-1973.

Reagan/Ford win in 1976, on a platform of deregulation and low taxes.  Reagan's economic policies revive the economy.  He starts building up the US military, and sends troops to Israel to defend her against Egypt-Syria.  Bolstered by US support, Israel elects an ultra-conservative Knesset and Prime Minister, who insist on making the post-1967 borders permanent, and deporting all Arabs in "occupied" territories to other Arab countries.  The Arab states, of course, refuse.  This stand-off continues for several years.

Meanwhile, Reagan is building up the military, and installing newer, more powerful ICBMs, developing a missile defense shield, and increasing troop buildup in Europe.  The Russians label him a "war-monger," and build their military in response.

Then comes the 1979 revolution in Iran, and the hostage crisis.  Reagan threatens to invade Iran if the hostages are not returned.  A very helpful Saddam Hussein allows US forces to be built up in Iraq.  At the same time, the Soviets are invading Afghanistan, and supporting Iran against the US.  Saddam invades Iran.  Iran executes the US hostages.  US invades Iran from Iraq.  Soviets send massive ground troops to secure Afghanistan against US/Iraq forces in Iran.  They also send troops into Iran to support the revolutionary government.

By 1980, full-scale war is raging in Iran.  Meanwhile, the Arab League has moved against Israel, hoping that the US is over-extended in its war in Iran.  The Soviets deploy tactical nukes against US/Iraqi forces in Iran.  US retaliates with tactical nukes in Europe.  

Anyone want to continue this?

[JohnFKennedy]

I will give you the first one shortly.
 It started as 'what would happen if JFK is not murdered' and goes like this:

JFK get reelected, vietnam is a lesser issue with less GI's. after 2 full terms the president's brother RFK is elected (full 2 terms) and in 76' Teddy Kennedy wins. but in 1980 he loses to one Ronald Reagen. after 20 Kennedy years the next 20 are what we know - Reagen, Bush sr, Clinton.
In 1999 JFK jr do not die in a crash plane but after his father pressure seek the presidency and narrowly defeat bush jr in 2000 with 537 votes margin in FL. the Kennedy again controlled the white house. but JFK jr plane does crash in july 2001 and vp Al Gore is President. he wants to nominate sen john Kerry as vp but a sex scandal rules thats out. on 9/11 the plane that was aim at the white house hit the west wing and kills president gore. with no vp the speaker of the house Dennis Hastert become president.....  
 

list:
JFK        1961-1969
RFK       1969-1977
teddy k 1977-1981
reagen  1981-1989
bush sr 1989-1993
clinton   1993-2001
JFK jr     2001
gore      2001
hastert 2001-
     
 

 

Three Kennedys in a row! I don't think our nation could handle it!

check out my post in what if JFK was not assassinated, I have the 3 kennedy's, not in a row though, it isn't too partisan but it is pretty unlikely lol.

[PBrunsel]

It can't be more partisan then mine.

[PBrunsel]

                     "Out of My Cold, Dead, Hands!"
              President Charleton Heston (1989-1997)

1976:

In 1976 Charleton Heston decided to run for senate. He had since lived in the conservative state of Wyoming and many said he would win. He easily won the Republican nomination and ran a campaign based on gun rights. He stated that complete controll of fire arms is in the Constitution and thus should be obeyed. "The right to have and bear arms shall not be infrigned," Heston quoted from the constitution. Heston overwhelmed his Democratic oponent, Governor Edgar J. Herschler:

Charleton Heston (R): 93, 651 (57.6%)
Edward Herschler (D): 67, 349 (42.4%)


1980:

Senator Heston had built a conservative voting block that was remembered by 1980. Within only two years from running for Senate, Senator Heston was looked upon as a candidate for president. Heston had made history in 1979 introducing a "Right to Life" Ammendment to the Senate. He was campaigning for it in 1980 when the expected nominee, Ronald Reagan, tapped him on the shoulder for the Vice Presidency. When the ammendment failed in July 1980, Senator Heston accepted the vice presidential nomination. George Bush, the officil campaign amanger of Reagan-Heston '80, stated, "It is with this ticket we will whip Jimmy Carter!" Bush's words would ring true as the campaign unfolded. The combined acting  skills of Reagan and Heston played well with the American public. President Carter warned that the election of Reagan and Heston would put two trigger happy westerners in the White House. Moderate Illinois Representative entered as an independent when he saw that the Republican platform assured 100% ownership to guns. People did not listen to Carter, and after both Carter and Mondale were crushed in the debates, Reagan and Heston were elected president and vice president:

Ronald Reagan/Charleton Heston: 501
Jimmy Carter/Walter Mondale: 36
John Anderson/Patrick Lucey: 1

One renagade elector from Oregon cast his vote for John Anderson.

1984:

Vice President Charleton Heston had been active. He attended NRA meetings and openly supported the Second Ammendment in speeches in the Senate. When Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil challenged him to a debate about gun owners rights, Heston easily stomped on O'Neil. By 1984 Reagan-Heston was very popular. Even the Democrats knew their nominee, former Vice President Walter Mondale, would get stomped on. Mondale's Vice Presidential nominee, Geraldine Ferraro, decided to insult Heston durring, what is now called, "Showdown at the Insult Corral." She called Heston a, "Chovenist pig" and, "An insane, gun toting, mad man." Heston just stayed a positive course and won the approval of the audience. On election day Reagan/Heston won a landslide vicotory:

Ronald Reagan/Charleton Heston: 532
Walter Mondale/Geraldine Ferraro: 15


1988:

In 1988 Vice President Heston was running for president. His opponents in the Republican Primaries would be Texas Senator George H.W. Bush, New York Representative Jack Kemp, and Televangalist Pat Robertson. Bush proved to be a hard candidate to beat. After Bush won the Iowa Caucus, Heston decided to run on his record on gun owner's rights. In New hampshire he spoke at hunting ranges and infront of armories stressing gun rights. He won New Hampshire winning 69% of the vote. Heston went on to win enough delegates to be nominated in New Orleans that June. He selected Jack Kemp to be his running mate.The Democrats had to nominate someone to match up to Heston. The early favorite was Colorado Senator Gary Hart, but a sex scandal ruined his chances. The Rev. Jesse Jackson was too radical, and Governor Michael Dukakis was to unelectable.The Democrats turned to the team of Missouri Represenative Dick Gephardt and Senator Al Gore to lead their ticket. The campaign in 1988 was dirty and brutal. Heston was accused of being a trigger happy extremist. Gephardt was tagged as a tax-and-spend liberal. As alligations of being soft on crime rose against Gephardt, Democrats charged Heston with distrorting facts. The brilliance of Lee Ayahoka, Heston's Add Maker, gave Heston a lead in the polls. The debates gave Heston a lead over Gephardt. By election day Heston had a clear lead over Gephardt. The election results gave the Republicans the White House once again:

Charleton Heston/Jack Kemp: 392
Dick Gephardt/Al Gore: 146

1992:

Prersident Heston was riding a popular wave in 1992. He had pleased his Conservative backers by refusing a tax hike in 1991. The NRA was pleased when Heston went before Conress and said, "You can take this rifle out of my cold, dead hands!" By 1992 Heston was a popular president. In 1991 Heston had led a war against Iraq, and had been able to kill Saddam Hussein. In Cuba he had an assasin kill Fidel Castro. The Soviet Union fell in December 1991, and Heston was on top of the world. He had an approval rating of 95% in Januray 1992. The Democrats needed a great candidate to run in 1992, they selected Massachusettes Senator Paul Tsongas and Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton. Heston and Tsongas ran close in the polls, but Heston was able to rally support from the Conservaties. Texas billionaire H. Ross Perot turned down a run for president, thus cementing a Heston victory in November. Tsongas put up a good fight in the debates, but Heston was able to win them. On November 3rd, 1992, Heston was reelected in a close race:

Charleton Heston/Jack Kemp: 297
Paul Tsongas/Bill Clinton: 241

1996:

Heston's second term ran smoothly enough. Secretary of State George H. W. Bush constructed a Republic in Cuba within six months, and was able to get a Constitution in Iraq. Millitary Governor of Iraq, Colin Powell, was allowed to resign and become head of the Joint Cheifs of Staff in 1994. In 1994 the Republicans took controll of Congress and Newt Gingrich became Speaker of the House. Bu 1996 the economy was in great shape and the Republicans joyfully nominated Vice President Kemp for President and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge for Vice President. The Democrats chose Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton for President and Senator John Kerry for Vice President. The Election of 1996 was a Republican walk. A well funded campaign put Kemp way above Clinton in the polls. Clinton was barraged with scandals that ranged from a sex scandal with Gennifer Flowers to a scandal involving houses in Little Rock. Kemp easily defeated Clinton on election day:

Jack Kemp/Tom Ridge: 389
Bill Clinton/John Kerry: 149

2000:

In 2000 the Republicans had been in controll of the White House for 19 years. Many Democrats said it was time for a change. The Democrats nominated Senator Joseph Lieberman for President and Governor Tom Vilsak of Iowa for Vice President. With a good economy, Kemp was on the way to a large victory. The 2000 Election was clean and boring. The final results were:

Jack Kemp/Tom Ridge: 392
Joseph Lieberman/Tom Vilsak: 146

2004:

Kemp's second term was rocky. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, Kemp sent troops to Afghanistan. In 2002 a civil war erupted in Iraq. American soldiers had left by then, but Kemp sent money and weapons to the Iraqui government The economy had fallen in 2001, and a recession was in full force by January 2004. Kemp's hand picked successor, Vice President Ridge, had lost the Iowa Caucus to Judge Roy Moore. Ridge had came in third behind Moore and John McCain. John McCain was a favorite after winning New Hampshire, and then South Carolina. Ridge didn't win his first primary until North Dakota. After a long primary season, it came down to McCain and Moore. Moore decided to drop out to give McCain the nomination. Ridge's poor showing was a sign that America was getting tired of the Kemp Administration. The Democrats nominated Senator John Edwards and general Wesley Clark in June. The Republicans nominated John McCain and George P. "Jeb" Bush in July. The Campaign of 2004 gave the Democrats a chance to pound away at the Kemp Presidency. With both President Reagan and Heston suffering from alteimers disease, the Republican Party had lost it's two most valuable members. To make matters worse Patrick Buchanan entered as a member of the America First Party in 2000 and selected Utah Senator Orin Hatch to be his running mate. Buchanan-Hatch was a powerful ticket, and gained the support of both H. Ross Perot and Donald Trump. The campaign was dirty. Negative adds flooded the air waves and record were distorted. In the end the recession was what gave the election to Edwards:

John Edwards/Wesley Clark: 320
John McCain/George P. Bush: 200
Patrick Buchanan/Orin Hatch: 18

2008:

President Edwards was unable to end the civil war in Iraq or make the economy any better. He tried his hardest to end an oil crisis that arose when the middle east refused to give oil to the U.S. due to it's actions in the Iraq Civil War. With oil in short supply and unemployment on the rise, the Republicans nominated Florida Governor George P. Bush in 2008 and Colorado governor Bill owens for vice president. The Democrats were split between moderate Edwards and leftist Howard Dean. A bitter primary left Dean angry and bitter as he shook Edwards hand at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Bush ran a strong campaign that was well fiananced and slamed away at Edwards.The election was one of the most one sided in history:

George P. Bush/Bill Owens: 486
John Edwards/Wesley Clark: 52
 

[JohnFKennedy]

Errr, does that have Charlton Heston as President?

Oh dear, mass exodus to Canada.

[Ben.]

Errr, does that have Charlton Heston as President?

Oh dear, mass exodus to Canada.

Mr President Let my people go!


Interesting from 1980 to 2008 one Democratic president , it just wouldn’t happen, imho... added to that I think that Heston on a ticket with Reagan wouldn’t work...too conservative and too many actors... as Bush VP or as the presidential nominee himself Heston would be viable but other than that he couldn’t run especially as Reagan's VP... but in other circumstances he could be a viable GOP candidate for president, he is as good if not a better speaker than Reagan however he has a tendency to make gaffes especially over race and that could be a big problem...  
     

[dunn]

Interesting from 1980 to 2008 one Democratic president , it just wouldn’t happen  
     

if bush wins this fall IT IS one democratic president from 1980 to 2008

[Ben.]

Interesting from 1980 to 2008 one Democratic president , it just wouldn’t happen  
     

if bush wins this fall IT IS one democratic president from 1980 to 2008

Good point... but i was focusing more on the fact that in the timeline there is one, one termer, democratic president, and some how the republicans win and win presidential elections, which hasn’t happened and i believe wouldn’t happen...  

[dunn]

Interesting from 1980 to 2008 one Democratic president , it just wouldn’t happen  
     

if bush wins this fall IT IS one democratic president from 1980 to 2008

Good point... but i was focusing more on the fact that in the timeline there is one, one termer, democratic president, and some how the republicans win and win presidential elections, which hasn’t happened and i believe wouldn’t happen...  

probably...

[PBrunsel]

“Go Ye There for, Make Disciples of All Nations”
        President Billy Graham (1973-1981)

PART I: 1968-1980

1968:

In 1968, Billy Graham was one of the most popular preachers in the world. He had supported Richard Nixon in 1968, but Nixon had lost to Vice President Hubert Humphrey by a narrow margin:

Hubert Humphrey/Edmund Muskey: 272
Richard Nixon/Spiro Agnew: 220
George Wallace/Curtis E. LeMay: 46


1972:

Hubert Humphrey was a good hearted and good natured man, witch made him doomed as president. He had tried to pull all U.S. forces out of Vietnam, but it became a fiasco when the Soviet Union gave the Vietcong rocket launchers. As helicopter took off they were shot down. After 200 helicopters were destroyed, Humphrey had to cancel the withdrawal for a week. During this week the Communist fought event harder seeing that the United States was going to give up and it led to the death of 1,597 U.S. marines. Humphrey had to increase bombings and liberals turned on him. To win liberal support, Humphrey decided to increase social spending. He created The Negative Income Tax Law. It said that only those making $150,000 a year or more had to pay income tax. The economy faltered in 1972, and Humphrey looked doomed for reelection. The Republicans wanted to re-nominate Richard Nixon, but Nixon said he had enough of presidential politics, and went off to run for Senator from California. The Republicans had alternatives to choose from. They were California Governor Ronald Reagan, Kansas Senator Robert Dole, Representative John Ashbrook, and Representative Paul McCloskey. Reagan was the early favorite, but then Billy Graham announced he was running for president. Graham entered too late to participate in the first Iowa Caucus, witch Reagan won, but was able to narrowly beat Reagan in New Hampshire. Graham was a zealous speaker, and he energized the crowds. By the time the Republicans Convened in Miami in 1972, it looked like the Reverend Billy Graham would be the Republican nominee. The Republicans chose Billy Graham and Texas Governor John Connally for vice president. The Democrats reluctantly re-nominated President Humphrey and Vice President Muskey. The 1972 Campaign revolved around the war in Vietnam and the economy. Graham wanted to end all ground warfare in Vietnam and focus on an air war. Humphrey wanted to pull out of Vietnam entirely. Graham focused on a “Conservative America” policy toward the economy. He wanted to cut taxes. Humphrey supported a new federal job creating agency. In the end, Humphrey seemed too liberal and out of touch with America, Graham was swept into office:

Billy Graham/John Connally: 434
Hubert Humphrey/Edmund Muskey: 104

1976:

President Graham’s Administration had been going great, All U.S. ground troops were taken out of Vietnam by May 1973, and only the air force would be used. Secretary of War Barry Goldwater had been able to negotiate a fragile truce with the Vietcong.  The air force was used to bomb North Vietnam so heavily that its government fell apart. By 1975 North Vietnam had fallen to U.S. forces. The economy had shaped up and America was proud again. President Graham had visited Russia and made an arms agreement. He was working as a peace maker in China by visiting the world’s most populous nation in 1975. The Democrats turned to Scoop Jackson and Walter Mondale in 1976. Though 1976 gave the U.S. little surprise with the results, it gave Graham a landslide:

Billy Graham/John Connally: 506
Scoop Jackson/Walter Mondale: 32  


1980:

President Graham’s second term was a rough one. Unemployment was high and inflation was at a ten year high. President Graham had several problems when it came to foreign policy. Iranian students had taken hostages in November 1979. President Graham was able to rescue them with “Operation Rolling Thunder” but an oil embargo from OPEC left the nation oil thirsty. The Republicans that year needed to nominate someone who could unite the party. Vice President Connaly entered the race. Secretary of Commerce Ronald Reagan chose not to run because many of his conservative reforms had already happened under President Graham. He chose to simply campaign for the Republican nominee. History was made when Secretary of Transportation Bob Dole, Secretary of State Lamar Alexander, and Vice President John Connaly were running against each other. Never before had two cabinet members ran against each other. The Democrats were in just as much trouble as the Republicans. Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, Minnesota Senator Walter Mondale, Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy, California Governor Jerry Brown, and former North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford had entered the race for President. Vice President Connaly was the front runner, but he was somewhat tarnished by the oil shortage. The Iowa Caucus gave victory to Republican Lamar Alexander and Democrat Walter Mondale. The New Hampshire Primary turned out to be a victory for Connaly and Georgia dark horse Jimmy Carter. Carter had to drop out after he lost the Florida Primary to Edward Kennedy. Dole was able to win the crucial California Primary by attacking Connaly as a,”Ineffectual second hand pawn of a vice president.” While this was going on President Graham was able to get the republican controlled Congress to allow drilling in Alaska. The oil crisis began to fall. By July the Republicans were now sensing victory. They nominated Vice President John Connaly for President and Tennessee Senator James Baker for Vice President. They hoped the moderate Baker would help create party unity after the bitter primary race. The Democrats nominated Walter Mondale for President and Jerry Brown for Vice President. The Campaign of 1980 was bitter. Democrats said that Connaly was a, “Trigger happy Texas Cowboy.” Mondale stated, “Connaly has opposed every arms reduction deal in the history of the United States.” The Republicans called Mondale, “A tax and spend liberal.” “He will raise your taxes, he has said it,” Connaly said in a rally in St. Petersburg, Florida. Mondale had said he would raise taxes in New York City. The debates were a slur of insults from both sides. The National Unity Candidate, Illinois Representative John Anderson, won the debate by not acting crazy. With many Americans not liking any of the choices, they wanted to turn to Anderson as a compromise candidate. As Election Day grew near, the attacks increased. A Connaly attack add showed Mondale shaking hands with Leonid Brezhnev. It was suppose to show Mondale was weak on Communism. Mondale re-aired the “Daisy Girl” ads. The negative adds ended November 4th, 1980:

John Connaly/James Baker: 275
Walter Mondale/Jerry Brown: 213
John Anderson/Patrick Lucey: 50

[PBrunsel]

“Go Ye There for, Make Disciples of All Nations”
            President Billy Graham (1973-1981)

PART II: 1984-1992

1984:

By 1984 the economy was stable and so were President Connaly’s re-election chances. With unemployment down 40% from 1980, nearly everyone was in work. The national debt and the deficit were getting hire, but people didn’t seem to care. Connaly’s brilliant “It’s Morning Again in America” adds, witch were though of by Secretary of State Ronald Reagan, were a hit. The Democrats nominated Senator Gary Hart of Colorado and Jesse Jackson, the first black man to get a major party nomination, for Vice President. The 1984 Campaign was one sided at best. Connaly was able to beat Hart by simply appealing to the American middle class. He told them that Hart would raise taxes. Many Americans did not want a black vice president, so they turned on Hart. Election Day showed the landslide result:

John Connaly/James Baker: 527
Gary Hart/Jesse Jackson: 11

Hart was only able to carry Colorado by 2,000 votes.

1988:

The Republicans had been in power since 1973 when the 1988 Election came. President Graham’s legacy was still being shown when arms deals were made with the Soviets in 1987 and Mikhail Gorbchev ordered Glasnost, thus ending Soviet Tyranny. The Republicans running in 1988 were Vice President James Baker, New York Representative Jack Kemp, and Texas Senator George Bush. The Democrats had the choice of Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts, Tennessee Senator Al Gore, 1984 Vice Presidential Nominee Jesse Jackson, and a few other underdogs who dropped out quickly. The surprise results came from Iowa when George Bush and Al Gore won their parties caucuses. Kemp dropped out after a humiliating showing in New Hampshire; witch was won by James Baker. The Democratic Primary was fairly long. Gore and Dukakis battled it out until Wyoming in June. There Dukakis beat Gore and won the nomination. Vice President Baker lost the nomination to George Bush when Bush won the major Pennsylvania Primary. In keeping with party unity, George Bush chose a conservative as a running mate, Jack Kemp. Dukakis took Missouri Representative Richard Gephardt. Bush-Kemp lead Dukakis-Gephardt the entire campaign. A slur of negative ads turned people against Dukakis. Kemp was not humiliated by Gephardt as he was expected to be. He even told Gephardt, “Your no Harry Truman,” when Gephardt compared himself to President Truman. In the end, the Republicans remained in control of the White House:

George Bush/Jack Kemp: 432
Michael Dukakis/Richard Gephardt: 106

1992:

In 1992 the nation was sick of Republicans. A bad economy had turned Americans against President Bush. Bush also seemed cold and aloof. He was being portrayed as a second Herbert Hoover. Despite a stunning victory in “Operation Desert Storm” George Bush had become unpopular. His opponent would be Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and Tennessee Senator Al Gore. President Graham stumped for Bush, and was able to close the gap between Bush and Harkin. Senator Harkin was somewhat of a dark horse in 1992, and thus he was hurt by not being well known. The entry of Billionaire Ross Perot would hurt Bush. The debates made people tune in to see Ross Perot tell jokes, but the debates were pretty much inconclusive. The final result gave the Democrats victory:

Tom Harkin/Al Gore: 302
George Bush/Jack Kemp: 236
H. Ross Perot/James B. Stockdale: 0

[PBrunsel]

“Go Ye There for, Make Disciples of All Nations”
          President Billy Graham (1973-1981)

PART III: 1996-2004

1996:

In 1994 the Republicans regained Congress. In 1996 House Speaker Newt Gingrich, with the backing of President Graham, ran for president. He easily won the nomination and chose Iowa Governor Terry Brandstan for Vice President. President Harkin was having quite a hard time in office. He couldn’t get anything through Congress. His Supreme Court nominees were blocked, and in 1995 the government was shut down. The economy had improved, but no by much. In early polls Gingrich led Harkin. In July Harkin-Gore was re-nominated. The 1996 Election was a negative one. Negative ads were the only ones aired. Many people grew sick of the election, and only 41% of registered voters voted on Election Day. Perot entered again, but did not do as well as in 1992. The choice of Brandstan was genius for Gingrich, for it gave him a moderate voice. Due to heavy campaigning and a well funded campaign,. President Harkin was able to win reelection and retake some Congressional seats for the Democrats:

Tom Harkin/Al Gore: 272
Newt Gingrich/Terry Brandstan: 266


The whole election came down to Pennsylvania. Both candidates had put much campaigning into the state, but due to 13,155 votes for Ross Perot, Gingrich lost Pennsylvania and the election by just 6 electoral votes.

2000:

An elderly President Graham supported Alan Keyes in 2000, but not even an endorsement from Graham could give Keyes the nomination. John McCain was able to defeat George W. Bush in a long campaign season. Bush decided to take the Vice President spot. A strong ticket was needed to defeat Vice President Al Gore and Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman. The 2000 Election was not that negative. McCain ran as a war hero, Gore ran as an experienced Vice President. Though there was a good economy, Gore was hurt by Green party Candidate Ralph Nader. More importantly, Gore was not that great of a presidential campaigner. He made gaffes and said strange things on the campaign trail, such as he invented the internet and inspired the movie “Love Story.” McCain was happy to let Graham campaign for him because he said, “President Graham saved the lives of thousands of men by pulling us out of Vietnam.” The election results were:

John McCain/George W. Bush: 471
Al Gore-Joseph Lieberman: 67


2004:

Trying to counter President McCain’s popularity, the Democrats nominated another war hero, Wesley Clark. General Clark was a Vietnam Veteran, head of NATO forces, but had no political experience. He was a poor campaigner in the primaries, but the Democrats chose him due to him being the better war hero candidate. The other, Senator John Kerry, was too controversial. Wesley Clark and John Edwards, his running mate, played the southern root. This did not appeal to the Conservative South, though. Clark-Edwards was a poor tickets in some respects. Neither candidate had much political experience. This gave President McCain room to question if they were ready to work with a republican controlled congress. The campaign was not negative because McCain was the expected winner. The Gallup Poll predicted a 40-state sweep, it was true:

John McCain/George W. Bush: 442
Wesley Clark/John Edwards: 96

[Emsworth]

A constitutional nightmare...

John Kerry and George Bush each receive 269 electoral votes, along with Bill Richardson and Dick Cheney respectively. In the House, the votes are split with 25 states for each candidate. The Senate is 50-50. Under Amdt 12, a majority of Senators are necessary to choose a VP, so Cheney cannot vote for himself. Anyway, he has a heart attack and goes to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the Senate cannot choose a presiding officer due to ties, which Cheney cannot break; in the House, there is a tie because one seat is vacant and the rest are evenly split. Jan 21 arrives; both Bush and Cheney leave office; there is still no President chosen, so Secretary of State Colin Powell, under law, becomes Acting President. A Democrat is then elected to fill the vacant seat, so the Democrats elect Gephardt to be the Speaker. Under the law, once a Speaker is elected, the Secy. of State must stop being Acting President (somewhere in the US Code). So Gephardt becomes Acting President. Then, however, because the Senate manages to conduct a vote while one Senator is unavoidably detained in a traffic jam, Richardson is elected Vice President. Richardson becomes Acting President.

Now, a special election is held for Gephardt's vacated seat (this is several months into the year, presumably). A Republican wins in a disputed election, giving Missouri to the Republican party. Finally, Bush is elected President.

So the string of Presidents/ Acting Presidents is:
Bush - Powell - Gephardt - Richardson - Bush (all in one year).

[Archangel_Mikey]

2000

In 1999, Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura announced that he was going to run for president under the American Union Party, which he formed.  The AUP was popular in Minnesota, Vermont, and Illinois.  Green Party candidate Ralph Nader died of a heart attack while campaigning in Kansas, and was replaced by Greg Fredrickson, a young and energetic candidate.  

Democratic candidate Al Gore saw a disturbing trend in the south.  He saw less and less southern states voting Democratic each year. So, he began focusing resources on many southern states such as Virginia and the Carolinas, hoping to win these states, but focus less on northern tates

On election night, Gore’s gamble paid off.  He won every state that Clinton did in the south, along with Virginia and South Carolina.  What was a big surprise was that the Green Party won California, but it didn’t matter.  Gore/Lieberman had raked up nearly 300 electoral votes.

FINAL VOTE
Al Gore/Joseph Lieberman 298
George W. Bush/Richard Cheney 163
Greg Fredrickson/Winona LaDuke 54
Jesse Ventura/Patrick Buchanan 26

2004

On September 11, 2001, terrorist detonated dirty bombs in New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C., killing vice-president Joseph Lieberman.  Gore, and the nation, was outraged at this.  Gore replaced Lieberman with senator John Kerry of Massachusetts.  On September 20th, 2001, the United Nations Defense Council declared war on Afghanistan.  Gore ordered that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden and the rest of al Qaeda, or face the consequences.  The Taliban didn’t listen.

Only for the second time in world history, nuclear weapons were used for the first time in anger.  No nation stood in the way of the United States’ use of nuclear weapons.  The remnants of the Taliban government agreed to handover bin Laden to the United States, and would be occupied for ten years.

By 2003, Gore had cut taxes for the middle class, and the economy was excellent.  On March 17th, 2003, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein used a Scud missile to launch chemical attacks against Israel.  The United States and Israel responded in kind, with Baghdad lost in the nuclear fire of a tactical nuke, and other major cities gassed by Israeli and American missiles.

By the time November, 2004 had rolled around, the Republicans picked John McCain as their candidate, and Rudolph Giuliani as his vice-president.  On election night, Socialist Unionist Eguene Wilson won Minnesota, Indiana, Vermont, and Iowa.  Gore swept the nation, winning all states but Midwestern states.

FINAL VOTE
Al Gore/John Kerry 452
John McCain/Rudolph Giuliani 52
Eguene Wilson/David McReynolds 33 Socialist

[Emsworth]

2000

In 1999, Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura announced that he was going to run for president under the American Union Party, which he formed.  The AUP was popular in Minnesota, Vermont, and Illinois.  Green Party candidate Ralph Nader died of a heart attack while campaigning in Kansas, and was replaced by Greg Fredrickson, a young and energetic candidate.  

Democratic candidate Al Gore saw a disturbing trend in the south.  He saw less and less southern states voting Democratic each year. So, he began focusing resources on many southern states such as Virginia and the Carolinas, hoping to win these states, but focus less on northern tates

On election night, Gore’s gamble paid off.  He won every state that Clinton did in the south, along with Virginia and South Carolina.  What was a big surprise was that the Green Party won California, but it didn’t matter.  Gore/Lieberman had raked up nearly 300 electoral votes.

FINAL VOTE
Al Gore/Joseph Lieberman 298
George W. Bush/Richard Cheney 163
Greg Fredrickson/Winona LaDuke 54
Jesse Ventura/Patrick Buchanan 26

2004

On September 11, 2001, terrorist detonated dirty bombs in New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C., killing vice-president Joseph Lieberman.  Gore, and the nation, was outraged at this.  Gore replaced Lieberman with senator John Kerry of Massachusetts.  On September 20th, 2001, the United Nations Defense Council declared war on Afghanistan.  Gore ordered that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden and the rest of al Qaeda, or face the consequences.  The Taliban didn’t listen.

Only for the second time in world history, nuclear weapons were used for the first time in anger.  No nation stood in the way of the United States’ use of nuclear weapons.  The remnants of the Taliban government agreed to handover bin Laden to the United States, and would be occupied for ten years.

By 2003, Gore had cut taxes for the middle class, and the economy was excellent.  On March 17th, 2003, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein used a Scud missile to launch chemical attacks against Israel.  The United States and Israel responded in kind, with Baghdad lost in the nuclear fire of a tactical nuke, and other major cities gassed by Israeli and American missiles.

By the time November, 2004 had rolled around, the Republicans picked John McCain as their candidate, and Rudolph Giuliani as his vice-president.  On election night, Socialist Unionist Eguene Wilson won Minnesota, Indiana, Vermont, and Iowa.  Gore swept the nation, winning all states but Midwestern states.

FINAL VOTE
Al Gore/John Kerry 452
John McCain/Rudolph Giuliani 52
Eguene Wilson/David McReynolds 33 Socialist

Except for the dirty bomb attacks, this would be a brilliant scenario.

[Archangel_Mikey]

I know dirty bomb attacks is a little implaussible, but I'll explain it later.