2020The stock market crashes in 2019 and the economy is deep in recession by the election. Without the support of a growing economy, Trump is crushed by whoever the Democrats nominate.
2024Though the economy exits recession in 2021, it faces steep headwinds when global oil production peaks that year. Two years of elevated oil prices presage another stock market crash and recession in 2023. The Republican candidate wins big with rhetoric reminiscent of Trump, calling for the US to throw its weight around the world to secure oil supplies and favorable trade deals to save American industry, free trade be damned.
2028The Republican president divides opinion by invading to Venezuela to secure another source of oil as oil prices persist at painfully high prices. His opponent runs a "Green New Deal" campaign, promising to lead a transition of the energy grid to renewables to both combat climate change and ease the pressure of high oil prices. This message does not excite people as well as Democratic focus panels expected, but in the end is enough to eek out a narrow victory.
2032The "Green New Deal" flops, as the president lacks the legislative super majorities required to force it through. High prices and economic stagnation/contraction continue throughout their term. Climate change-driven events in the global south propel huge waves of immigrants towards the US's southern border, making the 2032 election a referendum on immigration with ominous racial undertones. The Republican president is elected with a mandate to secure the border to create "An America for Americans."
2036As it turns out, "An America for Americans" does not include voting rights for most non-whites. Go figure.
2040The people of the United States line up at polling places across the country to joyously cast their votes for the Dear Leader and his Party. They have much to be thankful for. The immigrant menace has been contained at the border; internment camps managed by Our Boys in Blue dot the Mexican side of the wall. Oil prices are at all time lows thanks to a steady supply of Canadian crude, overseen by our industrious companies with the support of party leadership. And the liberal claptrap once staining the airwaves on stations like CNN has finally been silenced.
California did not report its votes on time. No matter, they will be punished for their insubordination.
