The Presidency of Newt Gingrich

[Kingpoleon]

I prob see W Bush as Sec of State or UN Ambassador

I could see UN Ambassador, but since Dubya doesn't have any international experience, I have my doubts about Sec of State.

Secretary of Energy or Secretary of the Air Force would make more sense.

[Progressive]

RNC Convetion

July-August 2000

It's in the history books. Newt Gingrich, the controversial former House speaker was the Republican nominee for president. And for his running mate, an obscure businessman from Massachusetts. A Mormon, former Senate candidate, and son of a Michigan governor: Mitt Romney. Pundits observed that the 2000 GOP Convention had a cheery, patriotic tone oozing with calls for an end to "Clinton Gore corruption" and calling for an "America first" economic and foreign policy.

For the first time in the 2000 election, Newt Gingrich led Al Gore in head to head polls on average 47% to Gore's 43%. Gore's message of competent, steady government was not resonating people who desired "change" or who felt their economic situation was not improving.

At the GOP Convention, the Bush family gave resounding endorsements of Gingrich as did Sen. John McCain and others. It was clear--the GOP put aside its differences and made a promise to Gingrich and Romney to push them as close to 270 electoral votes as possible. Fearing a potential primary challenge in 2002, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the keynote speaker at the convention, along with United Way president Elaine Chao gave rousing speeches.

Going forward, the Republican coordinated campaign was in full swing. During the Democratic convention in Los Angeles, Columba Bush and Callista Gingrich held joint rallies in seven different locations in Florida while Mitt Romney and his wife Ann held numerous town hall events in Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan and Nevada. Newt Gingrich was pumping out 3-4 campaign events a day while Al Gore was averaging about 1 or 2 a day. Gingrich believed in "expanding the map," and directed his campaign to pour resources into Upper Midwest and Northeast states.

NEXT: FIRST POLLS CLOSE!
NOW: ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN BEFORE FIRST POLLS CLOSE FOR ELECTION NIGHT 2000

[_]

RNC Convetion

July-August 2000

It's in the history books. Newt Gingrich, the controversial former House speaker was the Republican nominee for president. And for his running mate, an obscure businessman from Massachusetts. A Mormon, former Senate candidate, and son of a Michigan governor: Mitt Romney. Pundits observed that the 2000 GOP Convention had a cheery, patriotic tone oozing with calls for an end to "Clinton Gore corruption" and calling for an "America first" economic and foreign policy.

For the first time in the 2000 election, Newt Gingrich led Al Gore in head to head polls on average 47% to Gore's 43%. Gore's message of competent, steady government was not resonating people who desired "change" or who felt their economic situation was not improving.

At the GOP Convention, the Bush family gave resounding endorsements of Gingrich as did Sen. John McCain and others. It was clear--the GOP put aside its differences and made a promise to Gingrich and Romney to push them as close to 270 electoral votes as possible. Fearing a potential primary challenge in 2002, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the keynote speaker at the convention, along with United Way president Elaine Chao gave rousing speeches.

Going forward, the Republican coordinated campaign was in full swing. During the Democratic convention in Los Angeles, Columba Bush and Callista Gingrich held joint rallies in seven different locations in Florida while Mitt Romney and his wife Ann held numerous town hall events in Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan and Nevada. Newt Gingrich was pumping out 3-4 campaign events a day while Al Gore was averaging about 1 or 2 a day. Gingrich believed in "expanding the map," and directed his campaign to pour resources into Upper Midwest and Northeast states.

NEXT: FIRST POLLS CLOSE!
NOW: ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN BEFORE FIRST POLLS CLOSE FOR ELECTION NIGHT 2000

Is Massachusetts going to be anywhere near close with Romney on the ticket or will it stay Safe D like usual?

[Heisenberg]

Could you cover the Senate races, please?

[Jaguar4life]

1.Do the Gore campaign feel like they have a advantage when it comes to VPs?

2:Most likely states to flip?

3.Will runner up Govenor Bush campaign for Gingrich?

[OSR stands with Israel]

Can u give a summary of the debates

[Mister Mets]

Very interesting scenario.

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

How popular is Ralph Nader? Will he split the Democratic vote as in the real timeline?

[Progressive]

RNC Convetion

July-August 2000

It's in the history books. Newt Gingrich, the controversial former House speaker was the Republican nominee for president. And for his running mate, an obscure businessman from Massachusetts. A Mormon, former Senate candidate, and son of a Michigan governor: Mitt Romney. Pundits observed that the 2000 GOP Convention had a cheery, patriotic tone oozing with calls for an end to "Clinton Gore corruption" and calling for an "America first" economic and foreign policy.

For the first time in the 2000 election, Newt Gingrich led Al Gore in head to head polls on average 47% to Gore's 43%. Gore's message of competent, steady government was not resonating people who desired "change" or who felt their economic situation was not improving.

At the GOP Convention, the Bush family gave resounding endorsements of Gingrich as did Sen. John McCain and others. It was clear--the GOP put aside its differences and made a promise to Gingrich and Romney to push them as close to 270 electoral votes as possible. Fearing a potential primary challenge in 2002, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the keynote speaker at the convention, along with United Way president Elaine Chao gave rousing speeches.

Going forward, the Republican coordinated campaign was in full swing. During the Democratic convention in Los Angeles, Columba Bush and Callista Gingrich held joint rallies in seven different locations in Florida while Mitt Romney and his wife Ann held numerous town hall events in Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan and Nevada. Newt Gingrich was pumping out 3-4 campaign events a day while Al Gore was averaging about 1 or 2 a day. Gingrich believed in "expanding the map," and directed his campaign to pour resources into Upper Midwest and Northeast states.

NEXT: FIRST POLLS CLOSE!
NOW: ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN BEFORE FIRST POLLS CLOSE FOR ELECTION NIGHT 2000

Is Massachusetts going to be anywhere near close with Romney on the ticket or will it stay Safe D like usual?

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL ELECTION RCP AVERAGE - 2000
August 2000:             Gore (D) 49% - Gingrich (R) 37% - Nader (G) 4%
September 2000:       Gore (D) 52% - Gingrich 38% - Nader (G) 3%
October 2000:           Gore (D) 53% - Gingrich 42% - Nader (G) 2%
Final Polling:             Gore (D)  52% - Gingrich 43% - Nader (G) 2%

[Progressive]

Could you cover the Senate races, please?

Could you cover the Senate races, please?

CLOSELY WATCHED SENATE RACES

California STRONG DEMOCRAT
Despite a Gingrich internal poll showing the GOP nominee heading north of 40% in the state, incumbent Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) is expected to dispatch GOP Rep. Tom Campbell

Delaware LEAN DEMOCRAT
Incumbent Sen. William Roth, Jr.'s fortunes have collapsed since the summer where Gov. Tom Carper overtook him in the polls. VP nominee Mitt Romney held a number of fundraisers for Sen. Roth and held a campaign event in Delaware with the hopes of making it a swing state.

Florida TOSSUP
Rep. Bill McCollum (R) and Treas. Bill Nelson (D) are locked in a heated battle that has largely focused on local issues and stayed clear of the Gingrich-Gore slugfest. Gov. Jeb Bush has become less popular in the state since the presidential primary, and his support for McCollum has lost its luster.

Georgia LIKELY DEMOCRAT
Incumbent and appointed Sen. Zell Miller (D) hopes to fend off a challenge from former Sen. Mack Mattingly (R). Ordinarily, this race would be Miller's to lose. But Gingrich's wild popularity in his home state of Georgia could tighten the race.

Michigan TOSSUP
Sen. Spencer Abraham (R) is facing the battle of his life from Rep. Dabbie Stabenow (D). Gore is expected to win Michigan, and the support of the AFL-CIO may push Stabenow on top. Still, the GOP is hoping to capitalize on winning "Reagan Democrats," and Abraham may hang on.

Minnesota LEAN REPUBLICAN
St. Auditor Mark Dayton (D) and Sen. Rod Grams are locked in a very tight race, but Gingrich's appeal to working class Democrats in Minnesota may push Dayton to the side.

Missouri TOSSUP
Gov. Mel Carnahan (D) is dead, but so is incumbent Sen. John Ashcroft's popularity in Missouri. Still, Newt Gingrich's appeal to working class voters in Missouri is pushing it further out of grasp of Gore's hand, and may rescue Ashcroft's re-election bid.

Montana LEAN REPUBLICAN
Farmer Brian Schweitzer (D) is running a strong campaign, but incumbent Sen. Conrad Burns has a slight edge in polls.

Nebraska TOSSUP
Nebraska AG Don Stenberg (R) is trying to pry the seat from Democrat Gov. Ben Nelson upon Sen. Kerrey's retirement. Polls have suggested either man could win.

Nevada LIKELY REPUBLICAN
Rep. John Ensign (R) is running a strong campaign and is likely to ride Gingrich's wave of popularity in the west.

New Jersey TOSSUP
Mitt Romney has held numerous fundraisers for Rep. Bob Franks, the Republican trying to snag the seat from Democrats.

New York LEAN DEMOCRAT
First Lady Hillary Clinton (D) has a moderate lead in polls, but Rep. Rick Lazio (R) is trying to ride support for Gingrich on Long Island and in Upstate.

Pennsylvania LEAN REPUBLICAN
Rep. Rick Santorum (R) has campaigned extensively with Newt Gingrich in Pennsylvania. Gingrich called Santorum "the future of our party" and Santorum holds a polling edge over Democratic Rep. Ron Klink.

Virginia LEAN REPUBLICAN
Incumbent Sen. Chuck Robb (D) just has not sealed the deal this year and consistently falls behind Gov. George Allen (R) in the polls.

Washington TOSSUP
Rep. Maria Cantwell (D) and incumbent Sen. Slade Gordon (R) are locked in a tight contest. Gingrich polls poorly in Washongton, giving Gordon concern.

[BushKerry04]

Enjoying this!

[darklordoftech]

How popular is Ralph Nader? Will he split the Democratic vote as in the real timeline?

I suspect that Gingrich will be a much bigger contrast to Gore than Dubya was.

[Progressive]

1.Do the Gore campaign feel like they have a advantage when it comes to VPs?

2:Most likely states to flip?

3.Will runner up Govenor Bush campaign for Gingrich?

This is the final swing state map. Gingrich rather safely has 210 electoral votes, and Gore rather safely has 189 electoral votes. In the last few weeks in October, Gingrich has surged in polling in the Midwest and the Northeast. Meanwhile, the Gore campaign has doubled-down in its funding for campaign events in the South, hoping to pick off a state like Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, or West Virginia. George W. Bush held events for Gingrich in Iowa and Florida.

[Progressive]

Debate Summary

Four Commission on Presidential Debates took place in the 2000 general election cycle including one debate between Businessman Mitt Romney (R) and Senator Joe Lieberman (D).

Debate #1: PBS/UMass:

This debate, the first one in the series, was surprisingly cordial, focused mainly on policies and campaign choices. Gingrich highlighted major policy differences and economic outlines to end the "predatory welfare state." Gore said the pressing issues of the day required a president focused on creating jobs not eliminating safety nets. This earned resounding applause. But Gore lost points on poise, speaking like a runner who'd just run out of a breath from a brisk morning run at each time it was his turn to speak. At times Gore seemed angry and called Gingrich "wholly unqualified" and called Mitt Romney a "disastrous, reckless choice." Gingrich shot back and said that the Founding Fathers would have chosen Mitt Romney as vice president. "He is the son of American business, American ingenuity and American promise. That's what our Founding Fathers envisioned--a citizen candidate and soon to be YOUR citizen vice president."

Edge: Gingrich, but both candidates appeared amateurish

Debate #2: Vice Presidential-CNN/Norton Center for the Arts

Romney spent much of the debate introducing himself to the 33.7 million Americans tuned into to hear him speak, many for the first time. He outlined his success in business, his humility from a failed candidacy for Senate, and his effectiveness in reversing the financial ruin of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics games. He often went on the attack calling Gore and Lieberman a product of "corrupt, crony Washington politics." Meanwhile, Lieberman urged voters to consider that he and Gore were a "steady hand in Washington."

Edge: Romney on both style and substance--more and more, it appears that the electorate is looking for signs of change.

Debate #3: PBS/Wake Forest

This was a real scrabble between Gore and Gingrich. Both men traded insults and policy prescriptions got lost in the narrative of the politics. The tone and tenor of the campaign were clearly affecting the psyche of both men. Gore gave a very strong defense of proactive environmental policies, to which Gingrich retorted, "listen to this guy. This is what liberal elites do. They want to control the weather when I want to control welfare frauds from digging into your pockets." This may have been a bridge too far, eliciting boos from the audience for the first time all year in a debate.

Edge: Rather solid Gore victory, despite pettiness early in the debate.

Debate #4: PBS/Wash U

Gingrich needed a win tonight. He saw his national numbers drop a full point after the last debate from about 47% in the polls to 46%. Gore hovered between 45% and 46%. But on this night Gore delivered sermon-like policy proposals and appeared presidential. He surgically explained the faults of the Clinton presidency and explained why Gore would just be more of the same. Gore seemed tired, irritated, and exasperated. He was a policy wonk. In his view, he wanted to focus on renewable energy, environmental protections, and technological innovation, and his opponent was auditioning to be a talking head on Fox News. But Gingrich had the last word. "I'm asking you, America, for a chance. Join me. Give me a shot. I won't let you down in making America once again that shining city on the hill."

Edge: Clear Gingrich
 
Nader Factor

Nader was polling 2-3% nationally, though his support appeared to be dropping by the day. Liberals were coming home to Gore with the concern that Gingrich was gaining steam electorally and was doubling down on his anti-liberal, conservative policies.

QUESTION FOR THE AUDIENCE

Next several posts will be actual election returns from election night. What format do you want?

1. Mini-script of election night coverage from news network? (Covering from beginning to end)
2. Final results of polls as they close? (I.e. I will post Vermont, SC, KY, etc in their entirety upon poll closings)?

[Jaguar4life]

I want the first format.

[NewYorkExpress]

First format

[Progressive]

7:00pm

Welcome to Election Night coverage of the contentious 2000 presidential election. It's fair to say that both parties are waiting with bated breath to find out the results tonight. The presidency, Senate, and House are up for grabs. It's 7:00pm and there are poll closings to report.

In the state of Indiana, with its 12 electoral votes, Newt Gingrich can be declared the winner:

19% reporting
Gingrich  58.9%
Gore 39.0%

A similar story in the great state of Kentucky. Now this one stings for the Gore campaign because in the last few weeks they sunk $300,000 into advertising in Kentucky. But Gingrich has won Kentucky and its 8 electoral votes tonight.

10% reporting
Gingrich  59.3%
Gore 39.3%

The news gets brighter for Al Gore in Vermont with its 3 electoral votes. Vice President Gore has won Vermont.

56% reporting
Gore 56.0%
Gingrich  40.1%

But there's more that we don't know than what we do know and here's where it's too close to call. In the state of Florida and its 25 electoral votes it is too close to call with a Gingrich lead. Keep in mind that much of southeastern Florida has not yet been counted and this could tilt in favor of Gore, but for now, Gingrich has a rather impressive lead in Florida.

65% reporting

Gingrich  52.6%
Gore 45.0%

Same story in Virginia. Much of northern Virginia in the DC suburbs has not reported its numbers, but Newt Gingrich has an impressive lead thus far over Gore, though this race is expected to tighten.

70% reporting
Gingrich  54.0%
Gore 44.4%

7:25pm

It is just 25 minutes past the hour and we have a number of crucial calls we can make. In the state of Virginia we can declare that Newt Gingrich has won Old Dominion, underperforming Clinton badly in the north but winning unprecedented margins in the southwest.

91% reporting
Gingrich  52.9%
Gore 45.9%

We can now report Georgia and South Carolina as well

Georgia
80% reporting
Gingrich  56.2%
Gore 42.2%

South Carolina
55% reporting
Gingrich  58.8%
Gore 39.7%

Well the night is not shaping up very much as all. No real surprised here, perhaps, other than the fact that Gingrich essentially leads in all states where polls have closed. This could spell trouble for the Gore campaign. 7:30pm update next. Currently, Gingrich has 54 electoral voters to Gore's 3 electoral votes, but the night is young.

[Progressive]

Donna Brazile and Vice President Al Gore chat at 7:45pm EST.

DB: Al, can I come in?
AG: Donna, what's going on. It's not going our way is it?
DB: Look I didn't say that--
AG: Just tell me where we stand ok, Donna?
DB: We just lost West Virginia

43% reporting
Newt Gingrich 53.44%
Al Gore 43.22%

DB: Hold on, they just called North Carolina for Gingrich?
AG: Already?
DB: Yes, already [DB hands memo to AG]

19% reporting
Newt Gingrich 56.36%
Al Gore 41.07%

AG: What about the Senate?
DB: Bill Nelson is up slightly, Zell Miller is gonna' win but smaller than expected. Ummm...George Allen is up big. DeWine is gonna' win.
AG: Any good news?
DB: Nothing yet sir, here's where we stand in Ohio, New Hampshire, and Florida.

Florida, 92% reporting
Newt Gingrich 50.9%
Al Gore 47.8%

Ohio, 31% reporting
Al Gore 48.95%
Newt Gingrich 48.61%

New Hampshire, 80% reporting
Newt Gingrich 49.95%
Al Gore 47.34%

Gingrich 73
Gore       3

[Progressive]

8:00pm

Called for NEWT GINGRICH

Florida (25)
Newt Gingrich  50.3%
Al Gore 48.2%

Alabama (9)
Kansas (6)
Mississippi (7)
Oklahoma ( 8 )
Texas (32)

Called for AL GORE


Connecticut ( 8 )
Delaware (3)
District of Columbia (3)
Illinois (22)
Maryland (10)
Massachusetts (12)

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Ohio, 65% reporting
Newt Gingrich 49.9%
Al Gore 46.5%

New Hampshire, 93% reporting
Newt Gingrich 49.4%
Al Gore    46.3%

Maine, 30% reporting
Newt Gingrich   48.1%
Al Gore  47.6%

Michigan, 49% reporting
Newt Gingrich 48.9%
Al Gore  48.3%

Missouri, 10% reporting
Newt Gingrich 51.5%
Al Gore 46.0%

Pennsylvania, 33% reporting
Newt Gingrich 48.43%
Al Gore 48.42%

Tennessee, 7% reporting
Newt Gingrich 52.2%
Al Gore   45.7%

8:23pm

Called for GINGRICH

Ohio (21), 79% reporting
Newt Gingrich 49.7%
Al Gore 46.7%

Missouri (11) , 55% reporting
Newt Gingrich 52.1%
Al Gore 45.5%

8:47pm

Called for GINGRICH

Arkansas (6), 21% reporting
Newt Gingrich 52.8%
Al Gore 44.9%

8:58pm

Called for Gingrich

Maine (3/4), 66% reporting
Newt Gingrich  48.9%
Al Gore    47.0%

Pennsylvania (23), 84% reporting
Newt Gingrich 49.3%
Al Gore 48.1%

Gingrich has earned 217 electoral votes, with 77 for Gore. 33 electoral votes are uncalled. Gingrich is on the cusp of victory. The Gore campaign strategy has crashed.

SHOCK NEWS: Rumors are swirling that Democratic vice presidential candidate, Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman is on the phone with GOP vice presidential candidate Mitt Romney lobbying for a potential position in a future Gingrich administration.

[Progressive]

FINAL RESULTS

Newt Gingrich 338 votes  50.5% popular vote
Al Gore 200 votes          47.1% popular vote

NOTES TO ALL

1. Thanks everyone for viewing and I appreciate all the comments and suggestions.
2. Let me know if you want to know more about specific races?
3. **Should I create a Presidency of Newt Gingrich timeline?** "43: NEWT!" would be part one in a series about the Gingrich presidency.

[Jaguar4life]

How close was Oregon,Washington and Cailforina? The consension speeches and cabinet picks and of course yes I would like to see a presidency of Newt Gingrich

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

How close was Oregon,Washington and Cailforina? The consension speeches and cabinet picks and of course yes I would like to see a presidency of Newt Gingrich

What happened to PA too? But great TL! I would love to see it continued!!

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

What's the Senate like? Great TL, it would be cool to see it continued.

[Progressive]

Pennsylvania
Newt Gingrich  49.2%
Al Gore 48.2%

Washington
Al Gore 50.3%
Newt Gingrich 45.5%

Oregon
Al Gore 49.98%
Newt Gingrich 45.97%

California
Al Gore 53.4%
Newt Gingrich 42.3%

SENATE RACES

California
Dianne Feinstein* (D) 56%
Tom Campbell (R) 36%

Delaware
Tom Carper (D)    52% +1D
William Roth, Jr* (R) 45%

Florida
Bill McCollum (R) 49.0%
Ben Nelson (D) 48.8%

Georgia
Zel Miller* (D) 51%
Mack Mattingly (R) 46%

Michigan
Spencer Abraham* (R) 48.6%
Debbie Stabenow (D)  48.4%

Minnesota
Rod Grams* (R)  48%
Mark Dayton (D)     47%

Missouri
John Ashcroft (R)  49%
Mel Carnahan (D)  49%

Montana
Conrad Burns* (R)  52%
Jon Tester (D)   46%

Nebraska
Don Stenberg (R) 50%
Ben Nelson (D) 49%

Nevada
John Ensign (R)  57%
Edward Bernstein (D) 38%

New Jersey
Bob Franks (R) 49% +1R
Jon Corzine (D) 48%

New York
Hillary Clinton (D) 53%
Rick Lazio (R) 45%

Pennsylvania
Rick Santorum* (R) 54%
Ron Klink (D) 45%

Virginia
George Allen (R) 54% +1R
Chuck Robb* (D)   46%

Washington
Slade Gordon* (R) 50%
Maria Cantwell (D)  47%

GOP 56 seats
DEM 44 seats
MAJORITY LEADER: Trent Lott

HOUSE
GOP 233 seats
Dem 200 seats
Ind   1 seat (Sanders)
Vacant 1 seat (Herb Bateman)

Speaker: Dennis Hastert (R)
Minority Leader: Dick Gephardt (D)

NOTICE: I am in the process of creating my Presidency of Newt Gingrich timeline. Be on the lookout. That's likely where the future info about this election will be!

[Progressive]

And so it begins. The rides starts soon.