Tough Decisions: A Brief History of the 21st Century in America

[JoeyOCanada]

It's been 17 years since the new millennium began in the year 2000. A lot has happened since then but what if I told you that things were different. What if once the year 2000 began, things have been vastly different from politics to entertainment. Well, they are and I am about to take you on that journey. Welcome to...

Tough Decisions: A Brief History of the 21st Century in America

[JoeyOCanada]

January 2000

The United States rang in the new Millennium on top of the world (figuratively and literally) as their economy was soaring, thanks to President Bill Clinton, and they were unchallenged on the world stage as a super power. It seemed as though nothing could stop the momentum, but everyone knew, the election would soon be occurring.

The beginning of the Presidential primaries would occur in January with George W. Bush narrowly winning the Iowa caucus over John McCain for the Republicans while Al Gore soared to an easy victory over Bill Bradley for the Democrats.

In sports, the Virginia Tech Hokies were victorious over the Florida State Seminoles in the second annual BCS National Championship.

[JoeyOCanada]

February 2000

The Presidential primaries for 2000 continued chugging along as John McCain claimed 6 of the 9 contests (including the all important New Hampshire primary) in February while George W. Bush was victorious in just 3 for the Republicans. On the Democratic side, Al Gore swept all 3 contests in February causing Bill Bradley to decide to suspend his campaign, thus essentially guaranteeing that Gore would be the nominee.

In entertainment news, Denzel Washington won Best Actor at the Golden Globes for his film The Hurricane while the film itself also won in the Best Drama category. Meryl Streep was named Best Actress.

In sports, the Dallas Cowboys shocked the world when they upset the St. Louis Rams to become the Super Bowl Champions in what was their 6th championship.

Rusty Wallace won the Daytona 500.

[JoeyOCanada]

March 2000

Both the Republican and Democratic parties held their respective Super Tuesday contests in which Al Gore swept for the Democrats while John McCain won 4 for the Republicans while George W. Bush won 9. The rat race continued with Mini Tuesday a week later where John McCain won 5 contests while George W. Bush won his home state of Texas. There was still no clear front runner for the Republicans.

First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton shocked the world when she announced that she would seek Senator Rick Lazio's New York Senate Seat.

The Hurricane won the Academy Award for Best Picture while Kevin Spacey and Meryl Streep took home Best Actor and Actress respectively.

[JoeyOCanada]

April 2000

There were only two primaries in April for the Republicans and John McCain was the winner of both. There were rumblings within the party that George W. Bush may concede the race but it was quickly denied by the Bush family. Meanwhile, presumptive Democratic nominee Al Gore surprised many by embracing the support of President Bill Clinton, something which would undoubtedly help his campaign.

In the Canadian federal election of 2000, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his Liberals won another mandate, forming a majority government.

In sports, Tiger Woods won his second Masters tournament.

[wxtransit]

Saturday, October 14th, 2017: Trump named #2 spot on AHP list.

NEW YORK, NY: Donald Trump angered members of the American Heritage Party when he preempted the party’s official announcement to reveal on Twitter that he had been chosen for the party list; ranked second only behind the party’s leader Tom Tancredo, Trump’s tweet came hours before the party planned to unveil it’s official list for the 2017 Federal Election. The tweet clearly ruffled feathers inside the party; one American Heritage MP, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told ABS’s Kasie Hunt that he “doesn’t know what the hell Tancredo is doing” with Trump’s selection. Another MP, Virginia’s Ken Cuccinnelli, went public with his criticism of Trump, telling Hunt that Trump’s tweet “shows a clear pattern of impulsive behavior” that “the public has long been aware of.”

In response, Trump slammed Cuccinelli for “holding the party back” before sending a third and final tweet declaring his support for the party’s electoral slogan, “Make America Great Again,” which will also be the title of the party’s manifesto, due out next week. Trump, who has in the past been outspoken in his opposition to illegal immigration and free trade, has previously sought public office in his failed 2009 campaign for Mayor of New York City. The campaign failed; Trump placed third, but the iconic political documentary “The Donald” resulted from the failed effort, launching Trump into the national discourse as one of America’s most outspoken voices.

Party insiders claim Trump will be named the parties finance spokesperson, replacing Rick Santorum, who is expected to stay on as party whip. Deputy Leader Jim Gilchrist, who declined a top slot on the list but is contesting his home constituency of Irvine-Orange, praised Trump as “a transformational figure” for the party and called him “a refreshing breath of fresh air” who will “raise holy hell” in Philadelphia. MP Paul Broun, who defected to the party from the Conservatives in 2014, claimed that “scoring Trump will not only bring Tory voters to our cause – it might bring some Tory MPs.” Outside the American Heritage Party, Trump’s announcement was met with silence in Philadelphia. Only Libertarian MP Ted Cruz expressed support for Trump’s announcement, calling it a victory for “alternative voices” in politics.

What TL is this for?

[The Govanah Jake]

Saturday, October 14th, 2017: Trump named #2 spot on AHP list.

NEW YORK, NY: Donald Trump angered members of the American Heritage Party when he preempted the party’s official announcement to reveal on Twitter that he had been chosen for the party list; ranked second only behind the party’s leader Tom Tancredo, Trump’s tweet came hours before the party planned to unveil it’s official list for the 2017 Federal Election. The tweet clearly ruffled feathers inside the party; one American Heritage MP, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told ABS’s Kasie Hunt that he “doesn’t know what the hell Tancredo is doing” with Trump’s selection. Another MP, Virginia’s Ken Cuccinnelli, went public with his criticism of Trump, telling Hunt that Trump’s tweet “shows a clear pattern of impulsive behavior” that “the public has long been aware of.”

In response, Trump slammed Cuccinelli for “holding the party back” before sending a third and final tweet declaring his support for the party’s electoral slogan, “Make America Great Again,” which will also be the title of the party’s manifesto, due out next week. Trump, who has in the past been outspoken in his opposition to illegal immigration and free trade, has previously sought public office in his failed 2009 campaign for Mayor of New York City. The campaign failed; Trump placed third, but the iconic political documentary “The Donald” resulted from the failed effort, launching Trump into the national discourse as one of America’s most outspoken voices.

Party insiders claim Trump will be named the parties finance spokesperson, replacing Rick Santorum, who is expected to stay on as party whip. Deputy Leader Jim Gilchrist, who declined a top slot on the list but is contesting his home constituency of Irvine-Orange, praised Trump as “a transformational figure” for the party and called him “a refreshing breath of fresh air” who will “raise holy hell” in Philadelphia. MP Paul Broun, who defected to the party from the Conservatives in 2014, claimed that “scoring Trump will not only bring Tory voters to our cause – it might bring some Tory MPs.” Outside the American Heritage Party, Trump’s announcement was met with silence in Philadelphia. Only Libertarian MP Ted Cruz expressed support for Trump’s announcement, calling it a victory for “alternative voices” in politics.

What TL is this for?

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

lol I used this thread to preview a post - sorry 'bout that

[JoeyOCanada]

May 2000

John McCain and George W. Bush continued trading Republican primary victories, however, McCain had surged ahead in delegates which led to Bush ultimately deciding to suspend his campaign. He stated in a heartfelt speech that he wishes nothing but the best for Senator and soon to be President McCain.

Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Al Gore announced his running mate as Indiana Senator Evan Bayh. The two appeared together at a campaign stop in Florida where Bayh called Gore the future of America.

In entertainment, rapper Eminem released his album The Marshall Mathers LP, however, at a release party he was shot and critically wounded. He would be in a coma for several weeks but would survive.

[JoeyOCanada]

June 2000

An armed conflict erupted between Rwanda and Uganda which was later known as the Six-Day War. The conflict began over the city of Kisangani, Congo. American President Bill Clinton was said to be watching the conflict intently debating on whether to intervene (reminiscent of his response to the Rwandan genocide 6 years earlier). When all was said and done, Rwanda captured the city.

Republican Presidential candidate John McCain announced his running mate to be Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge.

The sports world was busy during June as both the NHL and NBA crowned their champions as the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Lakers won their respective trophies.

[JoeyOCanada]

July 2000

South Korean President Kim Dae Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il meet in a historic summit to discuss peace and possible reunification of the Koreas. American President Bill Clinton commented that this is a great step forward for the world.

Vicente Fox is elected President of Mexico.

The Republican National Convention is held and sees the ticket of John McCain and Tom Ridge become official. Political science professor Condoleezza Rice delivers the key note speech.

In sports, Pete Sampras and Serena Williams win the Wimbledon trophies for men and women respectively.

[JoeyOCanada]

August 2000

The Democratic National Convention was held where the ticket of Al Gore and Evan Bayh was made official. Senator Ted Kennedy delivered the key note speech.

Peace talks between North and South Korea continued, however, most people saw failure as inevitable which was proved when North Korean leader Kim Jong-il stated that the only way reunification was possible was if he was made the Supreme Leader of the Unified Korean Republican.

[JoeyOCanada]

September 2000

The Summer Olympics open in Sydney, Australia. When they conclude, the United States wins the medal count with 94 medals.

Former Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Elliot Trudeau succumbs to prostate cancer. He dies surrounded by loved ones. World leaders such as President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair send their condolences to the Trudeau family. Presidential candidates Al Gore and John McCain also sent their condolences.

In sports, Andre Agassi and Serena Williams win the U.S. Open for the men and women respectively.

[JoeyOCanada]

October 2000

The three Presidential debates were held in October. John McCain was seen as the unanimous victor in all three debates as he hit Al Gore hard on policies enacted during the Clinton years. However, Gore's running mate Evan Bayh was the victor of the Vice Presidential debate.

Violent riots and demonstrations take place in Israel in solidarity with Palestinians under military rule in the West Bank and Gaza. 23 Arab citizens of Israel are killed by Israeli security forces causing an outcry from Palestine who vowed military retaliation.

Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic is assassinated by anti-government agents in what became known as the 5th October Revolution. Vojislav Koštunica was named the interim President of Serbia.

[JoeyOCanada]

November 2000

Democrat Al Gore defeats Republican John McCain in the 2000 Presidential election to become the 43rd President of the United States. John McCain conceded the race at 1:43am following the state of Florida being called for Gore.

Some major Senate results from the night included:
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) holding her seat
Joe Lieberman (D-CT) holding his seat
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) winning her seat from Spencer Abraham (R-MI)
Rick Lazio (R-NY) shockingly defeating Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) to win the seat

Some interesting Gubernatorial results from the night included:
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) narrowly being re-elected
Cecil Underwood (R-WV) being upset by Bob Wise (D-WV)

A few days after the election, President-elect Al Gore met with President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office and the two joked that this is just another Friday in the White House.

[JoeyOCanada]

December 2000

Al Gore is certified as President-elect by the electoral college as the winner of November's election. Evan Bayh is certified as the Vice President-elect. The two will be sworn in in January.

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict becomes increasingly violent. Palestine is accused of mortar attacks on various Israeli cities. Both President Bill Clinton and President-elect Al Gore are briefed on the situation.  Both unsure of whether or not to intervene but reassuring Israel that they are on their side.

A significant winter storm hits parts of New York City and New Jersey in late December and becomes known as "Snowpocalypse" due to the fact that many were snowed in for days. The death toll from the storm was 10 people, mostly from heart attacks sustained from shoveling, however, one person was struck by a plow and killed.

[JoeyOCanada]

January 2001

Albert Arnold Gore, Jr. is officially sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States of America. In his inaugural address, he discussed the booming economy and how his predecessor set America up to prosper in the new millennium. He also discussed climate change and how he is going to make sure that he leaves a better America for his children and grandchildren.

Mere days after the Presidential Inauguration, the USS Cole is attacked by suicide bombers in the Mediterranean Sea. 17 sailors are killed in the attack. al-Qaeda quickly claims responsibility. Al Gore vows retaliation.

On a lighter note, the Miami Dolphins won their 3rd Super Bowl, defeating the Minnesota Vikings.

[JoeyOCanada]

February 2001

In a nationally televised speech, President Gore claims that Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda will not get away with the dastardly attack on the USS Cole. He states that the United States' intention to capture and bring Osama bin Laden to justice.

The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is also on President Gore's radar as over 400 Israelis have now been killed or wounded in mortar attacks. Israel calls on the U.S. government to send assistance.

On the final lap of the Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt is involved in a massive wreck. He is paralyzed from the neck down and forced to retire from NASCAR.

[JoeyOCanada]

March 2001

With Congress's approval, President Gore announces the deployment of 3000 ground troops to Israel and Palestine later coined Operation Pillar of Defense. This infuriated officials in both Iran and Iraq with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein stating that America will pay for these war crimes.

President Gore gladly ratifies the Kyoto Protocol, promising to work his hardest to reverse climate change.

World Championship Wrestling is purchased by the World Wrestling Federation, thus ending the heated Monday Night Wars.

[JoeyOCanada]

April 2001

7 U.S. soldiers are killed in an ambush in the West Bank by Palestinian forces. President Gore expresses his condolences to the families and promises to bring justice to those responsible.

A U.S. spy plane is shot down while patrolling a no-fly zone over Baghdad, Iraq.

Ernie Els wins the 2001 Masters Tournament.

[JoeyOCanada]

May 2001

President Gore announces a tax cut for the middle class. In a statement to the press, Gore says that he is committed to helping all Americans and that this is the way to do it.

Two months into Operation Pillar of Defense, there are calls for the removal of U.S. ground troops from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Secretary of State John Kerry comments on this by saying that America is committed to helping their Israeli allies.

An F4 tornado hits Oklahoma City, destroying homes, businesses and killing 27. FEMA is dispatched to help with recovery, President Gore gives more funding to FEMA.

[JoeyOCanada]

June 2001

Conservative Leader William Hague is elected to his first term as the Prime Minister of the UK in a shocking upset of the governing Labour Party. President Gore expressed how he was extremely excited to get to work with Prime Minister Hague.

The Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship once again while the Colorado Avalanche were crowned the Stanley Cup Champions.

[JoeyOCanada]

July 2001

A Western powers summit is held between President Al Gore, Prime Minister William Hague, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and President Vicente Fox. The four leaders discuss various topics such as Iraq and Saddam Hussein, the Israeli crisis and climate change. President Gore was reportedly very pleased with the summit and declared that one will be held each year in July.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada is selected as the host city for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

[JoeyOCanada]

August 2001

The "Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US" memo lands on President Gore's desk. President Gore puts the nation's forces on high alert, citing that a terrorist attack may be imminent.

Outgoing Republican Governor of Virginia Jim Gilmore hints that he may run for the Senate in the 2002 mid-terms while Mark Warner and Mark Earley duke it out for the Governorship of the State.

[JoeyOCanada]

September 2001

The morning of September 11, 2001 began like any other in New York City and Washington, DC. It was a bright and sunny day but at 8:46am, a plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center complex. Nearly twenty minutes later, a second plane crashed into the South Tower. While these events were unfolding, President Gore was at the White House and was immediately whisked to the PEOC where he was briefed and ordered incoming and outgoing air traffic be grounded.

At 9:37am, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon. President Gore was evacuated from the White House to an undisclosed location due to fears that it could be a target.

The Capitol Building became the fourth and final target of the attack and it was struck at 10:03am, ending the attacks, although, nobody knew if there were any other planes that had been hijacked. Over 3500 people were killed in the attacks.

On the evening of September 11, President Gore addressed the nation from an undisclosed location where he called for calm in this chaos. He thanked first responders and praised the bravery of everyone who responded when the call went out. He stated that the next few weeks would be for healing and that September 12 would be a national day of mourning. He concluded his speech by saying that those responsible will be brought to swift justice.

On September 16, Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks of September 11.