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  A New Century, A New Leader
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Author Topic: A New Century, A New Leader  (Read 3972 times)
HarrisonL
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« on: March 12, 2019, 11:13:17 AM »
« edited: March 12, 2019, 02:03:08 PM by HarrisonL »

An Alternate History
(C) 2019 by HarrisonL

The Alternate History will occur as a part series over the next few weeks, I will update each part here.

November 1999

November 4, 1999 - Governor Elections occur in MS, KY, LA
(Third Party vote totals left out)

MS (R) Mike Parker (52.3%), (D) Ronnie Musgrove (46.0%) GOP HOLD
LA (R) Mike Foster (inc) (62.1%), (D) Bill Jefferson (37.9%) GOP HOLD
KY (D) Paul Patton (inc) (58.4%), (R) Peppy Martin (35%) DEM HOLD

President Clinton addresses the Washington Post while boarding Marine One saying, "We underperformed last night, we didn't do as well as Democrats hoped."

November 6, 1999 - Texas Governor George W. Bush officially announces his campaign for President in Dallas Texas. His father George HW Bush, Condeleeza Rice, Senator Phil Gramm, and 12 Texas Republican US Representatives accompanied Bush.

December 10, 1999 - The New York Times reports Bill Clinton as "MIA in his own White House", pointing out how the President has been virtually invisible after the resolution of NATO involvement in Yugoslavia.

A Gallup Approval Poll was Conducted from 12/8-12/14

Do you Approve of President Clinton?

Yes 37%
No 28%
Undecided 35%

A New Year 2000

The Lead up to Iowa

With Bill Clinton dormant, and the Democratic Nomination all but locked up by Vice President Al Gore, much of the media focus was on the large Republican field leading up to Iowa and Alaska.

Candidates

George W. Bush, Texas Governor
George Pataki, New York Governor
John McCain, US Senator from AZ
Christine Todd Whitman, New Jersey Governor
Bob Smith, US Senator from NH
Orrin Hatch, US Senator from UT
Steve Forbes, Businessman

January National Ballot Poll

Bush 23%
McCain 10%
Pataki 8%
Hatch 7%
Forbes 4%
Smith 1%
Whitman 1%
Undecided 46%

Iowa Caucus

Heading into the first major contest of the Republican Primary, all the major declared Candidates were making their moves across the state. Bush had campaigned in every county in the State and won the Iowa Straw Poll for the Republican nomination. John McCain had become famous for traveling around the state in his own car, knocking on doors, going to local fairs, and even doing farm work in rural Iowa. Forbes was second behind Bush in Fundraising, he neglected campaigning, believing his large personal fundraising base would carry him to a strong performance in Iowa, largely due to ad buys. Iowans heard of Forbes from their Televisions, and their Radios. Forbes largely pushed an independent business message, pro economy, and pro free trade. Senator Hatch and Governor Pataki had trouble gaining traction in Iowa, but they still campaigned in all four corners of the state. Senator Smith and Governor Whitman focused on South Carolina, attempting to win Southern appeal, despite being from the Northeast.

Iowa Results

Bush (53.4%)
Forbes (20.2%)
McCain (11.8%)
Hatch (5.4%)
Whitman (4%)
Pataki (3.2%)
Smith (2%)

Too be continued in Part 2.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2019, 12:11:22 PM »

Part 2

After a Bush win in the Iowa Caucus, and a Forbes victory in Alaska, all eyes turned to South Carolina and New Hampshire. Most News Organizations viewed "The Holy Trinity" of Frontrunners as Bush Jr, Forbes, and McCain, but many did not rule out the darkhorse possibilities of the other candidates.

New Hampshire

While every candidate toiled away in New Hampshire, Senator Bob Smith was gloating, believing his connections with the New Hampshire Political Establishment would bring him a victory. With Smith's arrogance however, other Northern Candidates such as Pataki, and Whitman, portrayed themselves as Moderates to appeal to the New Hampshire electorate, at the same time Forbes, McCain and Bush eeked up to the lead in polls, trying to sneak out a win.

New Hampshire Primary Results

McCain 34.7%
Forbes 19.0%
Smith 16.5%
Pataki 9%
Bush 8.6%
Hatch 7%
Whitman 5.2%

Bob Smith, angered about the loss of his home state, announced he was dropping out of the Primary in Portsmouth, NH, on February 2, 2000.

On February 5, 2000 New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman became the second major Republican to drop out, announcing a lack of campaign funds to continue a SC campaign, Whitman endorsed George Bush.

February 10, 2000, Former Republican candidate, and Senator Bob Smith announces he is leaving the Republican Party, calling its leadership a disgrace, and announcing an Independent run for President modeled after Ross Perot.

To be continued in part 3
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2019, 01:12:27 PM »

South Carolina

With South Carolina coming up, Pataki had built up a significant base. Pataki was a moderate from the Northeast, but he got 1 month's head start campaigning in the Low Country, and had built up an image as a centrist, christian, businessman. Forbes ran attack ads in South Carolina, attempting to smear Pataki's reputation and give the silver spoon mantra. Bush and Hatch spent more time campaigning in Nevada, understanding they had fallen too far behind in South Carolina to win the Caucus. John McCain also continued to campaign in South Carolina, taking his Maverick mantra in the Senate and using it to portray his ability to balance people, and the establishment.

South Carolina Results

Pataki 39%
McCain 32%
Forbes 11.3%
Bush 11%
Hatch 6.7%

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HarrisonL
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« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2019, 04:31:36 PM »

Arizona

As the Arizona contest neared, Native son John McCain was the favorite to win the contest. Only one other Republican candidate was seriously contesting Arizona. McCain used connections with the Arizona political establishment, along with endorsements by Jan Brewer, Matt Salmon, and Jon Kyl, to help lead his Arizona win. Some Republicans wondered if McCain, like Bob Smith, would lose him home state, but McCain remained confident.


A McCain 2000 Campaign Poster as seen at polling places on primary day in Arizona.

Orrin Hatch had high hopes for Arizona, as a Senator from Utah, and a leading Republican in Washington, he hoped to perform strongly out west in Arizona and take his momentum into Super Tuesday, scuttling Senator McCain's momentum.

Results

McCain (48%)
Hatch (22.5%)
Bush (11.2%)
Forbes (9.6%)
Pataki (8.7%)

Michigan Primary

On the same day as the Arizona contest was the Michigan Republican Primary, which was seen as the most important contest before super tuesday for the leading remaining Republicans. Bush, Forbes and Pataki all split the Suburban, and Urban Republican vote, while McCain dominated Hatch for the rural votes in Michigan, which was enough to get McCain a second primary win on the same day as Arizona. McCain visited 23 counties in rural Michigan and bought up large blocks of Radio and TV advertising time.

Results

McCain 39.5%
Bush 26.4%
Forbes 12.0%
Pataki 11.6%
Hatch 10.5%


Bush campaigning in Flint, Michigan in late February, 2000.

February 22, 2000 - Senator Orrin Hatch announces the suspension of his campaign in Provo, Utah, after failing to win Arizona, and coming in last in Michigan.



Senator Hatch giving his concession.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2019, 04:58:25 PM »

With Bush surging back with momentum before Super Tuesday, from wins in DE, PR, VA, WA and ND, everyone was watching to see who would win the bulk of the 13 contests.

Going into Super Tuesday, Four Candidates Remained

George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
John McCain, US Senator from AZ
Steve Forbes, Businessman
George Pataki, Governor of NY

Pataki knew that the Northeast would be his bread and butter, so he targeted the North, running on his Centrist Appeal, McCain stole from Forbes, making extensive ad buys in every state, outnumbering even the number of ad buys mad by the Forbes Campaign. Governor Bush meanwhile used Grassroots Energy that he had accumulated from his previous wins, which he hoped would combine with his charm to win the bulk of the Super Tuesday contests, and cement him as the front runner for the nomination.



Governor Pataki meeting with voters before a town hall in Maine, March 5, 2000

Most polls showed super tuesday split geographically, and ideologically, with all four candidates seen as potential contenders for the majority of super tuesday wins. Unexpectedly, just 4 days before super tuesday, Mr. Forbes suspended his campaign, and was removed from the ballot. Shortly after Super Tuesday it was revealed that Forbes was having an extramarital affair.

Super Tuesday Results

State             Bush          McCain        Pataki

CA                47.6%  28.5%        23.9%
CT                43.5%  32%           24.5%
GA                65%     20%           15%
ME                  30.2%         29.5%       40.3%
MD                 39%             20%           41%
MA                  28.4%         30.3%         41.3%
MN               71.3%  18.2%             10.5%
MO                65%    30%                 5%
NY                    20.2%        21%           58.8%
OH                 55.4% 30.4%             14.5%
VT                     15.4%       54.3%    30.3%
RI                      9.5%         40.0%          50.5%

After Super Tuesday, Senator McCain came out with only one win, his momentum destroyed. He announced on March 8th, 2000 that he would be dropping out of the race and endorsing George Pataki, likewise Pataki had still won countless contests, even with a split vote, the Governor was riding a sudden grassroots centrist train to the nomination.


Governor Pataki after declaring Super Tuesday victory.

Now Governor Pataki, and Governor Bush, who still led the pack in delegates, would face off as the competitive Republican Primary continued.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2019, 09:22:09 AM »

The Rocky Road for Pataki in the Rockies

After overperforming on Super Tuesday and uniting McCain voters behind him in a huge compromise, Pataki faces meagre chances in the March 10th contests in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.

March 9, 2000 - Senator Orrin Hatch, Former Presidential Candidate endorses George W. Bush

Fellow Utah Senator Bob Bennett, along with Colorado Senator Wayne Allard, announce they will be supporting Governor Bush.

Results

Wyoming

Bush 82%
Pataki 18%

Colorado

Bush 71%
Pataki 29%

Utah

Bush 67%
Pataki 33%

After a poor performance in the "Three-Series" of Western Contests, Governor Pataki was demoralized, however he decided to remain in the race, as he was only slightly behind Governor Bush when it came to the combined delegate count.

March 11, 2000 - Governor Pataki announces the suspension of his campaign, and endorses presumptive 2000 Republican nominee Governor George W. Bush. Pataki decided to end his bid after poor polling numbers in the upcoming March 14 southern contests.


Pataki announced the end of his campaign to the media during a Gubernatorial Renaming Conference for the Naval Ship USS New York.


Bush gives a victory speech to a crowd in Dallas after he became the presumptive Republican nominee.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2019, 09:30:35 AM »

The Down Days before the Conventions

With President Clinton still quiet, and the presumptive 2000 nominee determined, the media turned its speculation to Vice Presidential shortlists released by operatives of both campaigns.

June 23, 2000 - With just over a month until the opening of the RNC in Philadelphia, the Bush Campaign's VP shortlist was leaked to the Washington Post by an anonymous source. Campaign Manager Joe Allbaugh and Chief Strategist Karl Rove were reportedly furious, they threatened to sue the Washington Post. Dick Cheney, the Chair of the VP selection committee, was fired by Allbaugh.

The shortlist leaked had the names of 7 potential picks:

Shortlist

George Pataki, Governor of New York
Donald Trump, Businessman
Elizabeth Dole, Fmr Transportation Sec & Wife of Bob Dole
John McCain, US Senator
Orrin Hatch, US Senator
Jesse Helms, US Senator
Kay Bailey Hutchinson, US Senator

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HarrisonL
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« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2019, 09:38:05 AM »

Gore's campaign agreed to release their four-person shortlist to provide positive press for the campaign and the party, they also believed it would increase enthusiasm around the Los Angeles DNC in mid august.

Shortlist

Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State
Bill Bradley, US Senator from NJ
Joe Lieberman, US Senator from CT
Dick Gephardt, US House Minority Leader
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2019, 10:14:02 AM »

RNC 2000 - Philadelphia

July 31st

Colin Powell spoke first after the opening of the Convention, shortly after the Convention Delegates officially nominated Governor George W. Bush as the Republican nominee for President.

Bush 2,064 delegates
Keyes 1 delegate
Helms 1 delegate

Pataki, Forbes, McCain, Hatch, and Whitman all pledged release to their delegates to cast for Bush. Two Hatch delegates voted Keyes and McCain, and Bob Smith's 3 delegates were removed and pledged to Bush as Smith had left the party and announced an Independent Campaign in 2000.

August 1st

Five Speakers, including Senator McCain, Governor Pataki, and Nancy Reagan appeared.

Ronald Reagan also made a stage appearance in his wheel chair, he did not speak due to his Alzheimer's.

August 2nd

Bush announced he was nominating Senator Orrin Hatch, from Utah, for Vice President. He was confirmed by Acclamation unanimously by the Convention.


Senator Hatch accepts his nomination to be Bush's running mate.

"My friends, Republicans from all around, now is our time, it's our time to shine as a beacon of hope around the world, as Bush's running mate I can help do that."


Bush accepted the Nomination on the Final Day of the Convention.

GOP TICKET 2000

For President: Governor George W. Bush (R-TX)
For Vice President: Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2019, 12:02:55 PM »

DNC 2000

August 14, 2000

The DNC in Los Angeles begins, Chairman Terry McAuliffe opens the Convention, followed by the Keynote Speech by Congressman Harold Ford, of Memphis, TN, and then by the unanimous balloting in favor of nominating Vice President Al Gore as the Democratic Nominee for President in 2000.


President Clinton addresses the DNC, endorsing his Vice President, Al Gore, in the upcoming 2000 Election.

Al Gore's announced pick for Vice President, Senator Bill Bradley, was confirmed unanimously by acclamation. Bradley was nominated to unite the party, as he had been Gore's only primary opponent, and represented the more liberal wing of the party.



Senator Bradley, a Democrat from New Jersey, is pictured above before he became the 2000 Democratic Nominee for Vice President.


Vice President Gore, the 2000 Democratic Nominee for President, who accepted his nomination for President after a packed speaker convention.

Gore said: "I accept the 2000 Democratic Nomination for President, because it's our time to shine into the future."

DEM TICKET 2000

For President: Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)
For Vice President: Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ)

Third Party Tickets and Independents

Senator Bob Smith's Independent run.

New Hampshire's Independent Senator, Bob Smith, who dropped from the Republican Primary after New Hampshire and switched Parties, announced an Independent run for President, one where he achieved ballot access in 43 states.

Independent Smith Ticket

For President: Senator Bob Smith (I-NH)
For Vice President: Activist Paul LePage (I-ME)

Green Party Ticket

For President: Ralph Nader
For Vice President: Winona LaDuke

Libertarian Party Ticket

For President: Harry Browne
For Vice President: Art Oliver

The Reform Party merged with the Libertarian Party in March 2000.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2019, 12:09:37 PM »

GENERAL ELECTION 2000 BEGINS

The Campaign for the White House, the Senate, the House, and the NGA begins!
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #11 on: March 15, 2019, 01:11:28 PM »

A competitive election season had come to an end, the 2000 Elections were upon America. Over the course of three debates Gore and Bush bashed over the issues that mattered, and now America would decide. Their running mates, Bradley and Hatch, respectively, had debated, and campaigned across the nation. America would now vote to elect a new President and Vice President, New Governors, a new Senate, and a new House.

Presidential Results 2000



(D) Al Gore/Bill Bradley (356 EV) (52,345,679 votes)
(R) George W. Bush/Orrin Hatch (182 EV) (47,458,991)
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« Reply #12 on: March 16, 2019, 12:06:55 PM »

I have a question, how would a moderate like Pataki be able to win the South Carolina primary? It is the most conservative of the early state and has an evangelical base, the moreover that McCain would divide Pataki’s moderate base
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #13 on: March 17, 2019, 11:46:45 AM »

To answer your question: I wanted an upset, I also mad Pataki shift more to the right to convince South Carolina he could appeal to them.

THE TRANSITION

December 23, 2000 - President Clinton gives his farewell address as his team prepares to leave the White House. The Gore transition team enters, preparing for the Gore/Bradley Administration.

January 1, 2001 - A new year.

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HarrisonL
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« Reply #14 on: March 17, 2019, 12:03:12 PM »

107TH US SENATE

In the 2000 Elections Democrats had flipped 7 seats, Republicans 1, making it a net gain of 6 for Democrats. When the Senate swore in on January 3, 2001, Democrats had a 52-48 Majority going into the Gore Administration.

Freshman Senators

(D) Tom Carper (DE)
(D) Bill Nelson (FL)
(D) Debbie Stabenow (MI)
(D) Mark Dayton (MN)
(D) Mel Carnahan (MO) (didn't die in a planecrash in this timeline)
(D) Ben Nelson (NE)
(R) John Ensign (NV)
(D) Jon Corzine (NJ)
(D) Brian Schweitzer (MT)
(D) Hillary Clinton (NY)
(D) Maria Cantwell (WA)

Leadership

President

Al Gore (Jan 3 - Jan 20)
Bill Bradley (Jan 20-)

Majority Leader

Tom Daschle

Majority Whip

Harry Reid

PPT

Robert Byrd
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #15 on: March 17, 2019, 12:10:14 PM »

107TH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Democrats managed to receive a narrow 219-215-1 House Majority in the 2000 Elections. Going into Gore's administration the Democrats would have a Trifecta.

Leadership

Speaker Dick Gephardt


Speaker Gephardt after narrowly winning the Speakership with just 218 votes, with one Democrat dissenting to vote for Bernie Sanders, along with Congressman Sanders.

Majority Leader David Bonior

Majority Whip Max Sandlin

With the Democrats 2-seat House Majority very small, the now Majority Democratic Leadership knew it would be difficult to pass some portions of the Gore agenda.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #16 on: March 17, 2019, 12:29:13 PM »

January 20, 2001 - Inauguration Day

10:30 AM - President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton prepare to leave the White House, with the Clinton Cabinet and the majority of his staff already out of the White House West Wing.

11:30 PM - President Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton leave the White House for the last time, boarding Marine One with their daughter Chelsea.



The US Capitol in 2001.

11:59 PM - Vice President Al Gore walks up onto the dias with the crowd cheering, Gore shakes hands with Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

12:00 PM - Rehnquist tells Vice President Gore to raise his right hand and place his left on the bible, held by Tipper Gore, and to repeat after him.

Rehnquist: I, Albert Arnold Gore Junior
Gore: I, Albert Arnold Gore Junior
Rehnquist: Do solemnly swear
Gore: Do solemnly swear
Rehnquist: That I will faithfully execute
Gore: That I will faithfully execute
Rehnquist: The office of President of the United States
Gore: The office of President of the United States
Rehnquist: And to the best of my ability
Gore: And to the best of my ability
Rehnquist: Preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States
Gore: Preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States
Rehnquist: So help me god.
Gore: So help me god.

Rehnquist: Congratulations Mr. President
*Hail to the Chief begins to play as President Gore walks up to the podium to deliver his inaugural address*

President Gore begins to speak: "My fellow Americans, today is a day for change, for hope, for a new administration to sweep out the old, and to usher in the new. For centuries America has been seen as a beacon of hope for democracy, and the transition of power peacefully, and now my friends it is my turn to take up that mantle of power, and steer this nation to success..."

Gore gave a 2,300 word inaugural address, longer than expected.

12:30 PM - Gore's presidential motorcade follows him as the Inaugural Parade takes place.



5:30 PM - President Gore, and Vice President Bradley arrive at the White House to take their official photographs.


The 43rd President of the United States, Al Gore (D)


The 46th Vice President of the United States, Bill Bradley (D)

After a long series of inaugural balls and appearances later that night, the President and Vice President settle down, as the new day marks the first real day of the administration.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #17 on: April 01, 2019, 08:21:33 AM »

President Gore had a bold agenda for his new term, the President realized his House Majority was very Small, but he still was looking forward to flipping back the New Jersey Senate seat in the Special Election, and expanding his majority.

February 1, 2001

Al Gore's critical cabinet members are confirmed after a week and a half of Senate confirmations at break-neck speed.

His important Cabinet officials:

Attorney General: Jean Carnahan
Secretary of State: Madeleine Albright
Secretary of Defense: Wesley Clark
National Security Advisor: Colin Powell

Gore's White House was also fully operational, his former campaign manager Donna Brazile was named his Chief of Staff, with Bill Daley joining his advisorial team.

On February 1st President Gore announced his agenda for his first 100 days to the American People in his Presidential Address, he named 5 main goals to Congress for the duration of the time.

- To pass a comprehensive Tax Reform Plan
- To reduce U.S. Chlorofluorocarbon Emissions
- To encourage Presidential Ethics
- To pass a bi-partisan budget, aimed at balancing the debt in 10 years
- To pass an Education Reform Package

On February 14, 2001 the Gore Administration introduced its first bill to Congress through two US Representatives. The Hilliard-Pastor Act to Reduce American Chlorofluorocarbon Emissions by limiting Sale of Unapproved Appliances, many Conservative Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the bill, even the House Democratic Leadership was divided, Speaker Gephardt and Majority Whip Sandlin opposed the Bill, only Majority Leader Bonior supported the bill.


Congressman Hilliard of AL-7, who introduced the bill to the House.

As expected the Hilliard-Pastor Act failed the House by a vote of 298-128-8-1

Its failure marked the first set back for the new President, as it had been a key part of his Environmental Policy, in turn Gore decided to sign an Executive Order to limit the import of unapproved Appliances, the Executive Order was then blocked in the District Court, and Gore ceased.

Sensing Failure on his first foray into Environmental Policy, Gore decided to spend the rest of February working with Democratic Congressional leaders on passing his Budget, the Budget prioritized Medicare spending, Education, and Defense, Gore increased funding from Clinton's previous budget, violating his promise to cut the deficit in 10 years, but the American people felt that a strong Budget stance from the President allowed him to recover from his Environmental Failure. Gore's budget passed both chambers of Congress and was signed by him on February 23rd, 2001.

It was around this date that President Gore met with Congressional Leaders again to plan the introduction of the Tax Reform Act of 2001, which was intended to reduce the Corporate Tax Rate, while reducing the number of income tax brackets, and raising taxes on the upper echelon of American society. Gore told Speaker Gephardt that he wanted it passed through the House by the beginning of March.

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HarrisonL
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« Reply #18 on: April 01, 2019, 08:41:57 AM »

On March 2, 2001 the Tax Reform Act of 2001 passed Committee and was brought up to a vote on the House Floor, every House Democrat voted in Favor of the Bill, and 13 Republicans changed sides to support Gore's Tax Reform, proud that the bill encourage Corporate Tax Cuts. It passed the House by a margin of 232-203, Speaker Gephardt's first major accomplishment for the President. On March 3rd the bill arrived in the Senate where it passed 52-48, at risk because of the Democrat's temporarily reduced Senate Majority due to the Republican Interim Senator in New Jersey. Gore signed the famous Tax Reform Bill, sending his approvals up highly among the middle class.

March 5, 2001 - Gallup Poll, Do you Approve of President Gore?

Yes 53%
No 39%
No opinion 8%

Do you Approve of Vice President Bradley

Yes 44%
No 18%
No opinion 38%

Do you Approve of Speaker Gephardt

Yes 57%
No 33%
No opinion 10%

Do you Approve of Majority Leader Bonior

Yes 39%
No 27%
No opinion 34%

Do you Approve of Majority Whip Max Sandlin

Yes 28%
No 18%
No opinion 54%

With modest approvals given to Democratic Leaders from the American People, Gore felt confident to tackle his next agenda event, one that was going to be long, and very contentious, the American School Reform Act of 2001, a bill that was in the works from Congressional Democrats, yet opposition from Republicans and some undecided Conservative Democrats, left the bill in contention. President Gore gave an ultimatum to Congress, asking for the bill to be on his desk by May 2001.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #19 on: April 01, 2019, 08:50:37 AM »

NJ Senate Special Election to fill Vice President Bill Bradley's seat. Republican Incumbent Interim Senator Donald DiFranceso, appointed by Governor Whitman, ran against Democrat Rob Andrews, US Representative from the 1st District.

Special Election Results, March 10

(D) Rob Andrews (55.8%)
(R) Donald DiFrancesco (incumbent) (44.2%)


Senator Rob Andrews after swearing in.

With Congressman Andrews flipping Vice President Bradley's Seat back to the Democrats, Senator Andrews placed the Democratic Senate Majority back to its normal level at the beginning of the new congress.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #20 on: April 01, 2019, 09:08:51 AM »

The American School Reform Act of 2001 was still under wraps going into the beginning of April, Democrats were ready to release their bill to the House Committee on Education and Labor, House Democrats were ready to start the cycle, now that Democrats had Senator Andrews and a stable majority.

Gore and the Democratic Congress pointed to the "three main pillars" of the new Education Reform Bill. The Bill would seek to fund Technology Improvements to schools nationwide, including new Mac Computers for every classroom, it also seeks to improve racial standing in public schools, and seeks to improve funding to inner-city schools. Republicans claimed the bill was too expensive and would overflow the allocated Education Funding, increasing the Deficit, Democrats claimed the bill would be critical to the setup of American Schools for the next century, claiming Technology was necessary for a bright future.

On April 15th, the Bill passed the House 219-216, by just one vote, with one Democrat joining Republicans to oppose the bill. The bill was sent to the Senate, where the minority Republicans, and 2 Democrats joined a filibuster against the bill. On April 27th an amendment was passed to the bill, to ignore Charter Schools, which caused Republicans to end their Filibuster, the Democratic Majority believed the bill would pass. On May 1st, 2001, the bill passed the Senate with VP Bill Bradley casting the tie-breaking vote after it had tied 50-50. Al Gore's bill was on his desk, and Gore signed it into law the next day.

Gore had accomplished his tax policy goal, and his education goal, the President believed he had accomplished something truly great and that his presidency was finally on track.
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HarrisonL
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« Reply #21 on: April 01, 2019, 09:20:27 AM »

With Gore's agenda on track, the 219-215-1 two seat Democratic Majority was now at risk. In the 4th District of Virginia Conservative Democratic Congressman Norman Sisisky, had died. His house seat was expected to potentially flip, which would cut down the Democratic House Majority to just a single seat. Speaker Gephardt, President Gore, and the DCCC were working hard to hold of Republican Randy Forbes campaign for the seat.


Congressman Sisisky (D-VA4) before his death.

The June Special Election was very competitive, it was the first one to watch.

Moderate Democrat Louise Lucas was challenging Republican State Senator J. Randy Forbes to hold the seat.

President Gore made an appearance in the seat for Lucas before the election.

VA4 House Special Election, June 19th

(W) (R) J. Randy Forbes (51.9%)
(D) Louise Lucas (48.1%)

Forbes flipped the seat narrowly, in a blow to Congressional Democrats, as Democrats now controlled the House by just a one seat majority, with occasional support from Bernie Sanders. The House was now 218-216-1 Democrat.

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HarrisonL
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« Reply #22 on: April 01, 2019, 12:23:33 PM »

June 19, 2001

On the same day of the unfortunate loss for Democrats in the VA-4 special election that reduced their house majority to just one seat, a missile blew up an Iraqi Soccer Field, afflicting nearly 40 people. The Iraqi Government blames the United States. President Gore announces that it was an Iraqi malfuction, icreasing American tension with Iraq.

President Gore leaves for a late June state mission to the Middle East to speak to the leaders of various nations, including the Iraqi Government.

BREAKING NEWS

Oklahoma City Bomber escapes Death Row facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, right before his scheduled execution. The FBI has placed him as number 1 on the most wanted list. President Gore issued the following statement: "I believe that the thing [Timothy McVay] ought' to be executed for the heinous actions he committed in my predecessors' term, I can affirm the American people to stay calm and remain alert, McVay will be found, that I can assure you, I have complete confidence in our government, our police, and every daily American...."

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HarrisonL
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« Reply #23 on: April 01, 2019, 12:33:47 PM »

July 2001 of the Gore Administration

With two important goals of his five major First 100 day goals accomplished, Gore is riding a wave of moderate popularity, along with Vice President Bradley. President Gore has a 56% approval rating, which was an improvement from the earlier portion of the year. Gore returned from a successful state meeting where Secretary of State Albright quelled tensions between Iraq and the United States by agreeing to reduce sanctions on weaponry development, an action that Congressional Republicans declared inexcusable.

July 9

The 30-mile fire begins Washington, burning miles worth of natural wonder, President Gore calls it an American tragedy and meets with the families of the four deceased families in Oval Office.

July 20

Timothy McVay is shot and killed by Police in a Siege on a Crackhouse in South Bend, Indiana. Gore says that "justice has been served."

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HarrisonL
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« Reply #24 on: April 01, 2019, 12:40:47 PM »

August 2001 of the Gore Administration

August 2nd

The ANWR Exploration Act, proposed by Republican Congressman from Alaska, Don Young, passes the House of Representatives 248-187, thanks to Conservative Democrats voting with Republicans. The ANWR Exploration Act failed the Senate 52-48. Gore stated "I'm so thankful to our great Senate that the ANWR remains protected, it's a key environmental goal of my administration, and many Democrats."

President Gore spent a bulk of August campaigning for the Gubernatorial Campaigns of Mark Warner and Jim McGreevey in Virginia and New Jersey respectively.
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