A closer 1996

[BushKerry04]

It seems that folks here got bored with my other timeline, and so did I. So I am starting a new one. The purpose of this new one is not to completely alter the elections of 1996 and 2000, but rather to show how the changing of just a few events can have a huge impact on the future, long-term. Plus, I've added some things just for fun. At first, it may seem as if I'm not changing much at all compared to what really happened, but as you will see that isn't the case. Enjoy!

November 5, 1996 - President Clinton defeats Bob Dole in close race; GOP maintains control of House, U.S. Senate

HACKENSACK, NJ - Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey declared his intention to run for President in 2000, calling for universal health care, campaign finance reform, free college tuition, and stronger clean air and water regulations. Bradley, a former NBA player, pledged to only accept campaign contributions from individual donors. "This campaign and my presidency will be about uniting our country behind our common values so we can accomplish the things so many of us believe in in order to make this great country even greater," Bradley declared.

February 1, 1999 - Weld officially enters presidential race

BOSTON, MA - U.S. Senator Bill Weld of Massachusetts became the first Republican to enter the race for the 2000 GOP presidential nomination. Weld, in his first term in the U.S. Senate after serving as Governor of Massachusetts for six years, spoke of his ability to win tough elections as a center-right Republican committed to lower taxes, fiscal restraint, and welfare reform. "The path to victory for our party in the year 2000 is to do what is right for our country. To me, that means reducing the national debt, cutting taxes for the middle class and small businesses, and continuing to reform the welfare system in a way that incentives work and productivity," Weld declared.

February 3, 1999 - Bush forms presidential exploratory committee

AUSTIN, TX - Governor of Texas George W. Bush announced the formation of a presidential exploratory committee, and said he would make a decision about a presidential run by June. "What we've done in Texas on welfare reform, improving our schools, and cutting taxes can be replicated nationally, and I want to bring a conservative message that is compassionate to the country," Bush said.

[BushKerry04]

I think John McCain too would be heading to New Hampshire Republican Party Dinner as he won the New Hampshire primary by double digits in real life and was the darling of New Hampshire independent voters.

True, though 1) McCain and Phil Gramm would never have run against each other and 2) See William Weld announcement

What states, if any did perot get 15 to 20 percent in

Good luck

I'd say Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

I think you should at least post the 2032 result in 2020 a prediction for completion sake

Sununu wins in a landslide haha.

March 1, 1999 - Bayh won't seek 2000 Democratic Presidential Nomination

CARTHAGE, TN - Vice President Al Gore officially entered the race for the 2000 Democratic Presidential Nomination during a speech in his hometown of Carthage, Tennessee. Gore, who spent 16 years in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate before becoming Vice President, promised to fight for stricter environmental regulations, public financing of all federal elections, and to strengthen social security, medicare, and medicaid while balancing the federal budget if elected President. "The prosperity we enjoy today is the result of the hard work of the President and the American people. I'm proud to have been a part of putting in place the policies that have enabled us to enjoy this prosperity. I am running for President to make sure we can broaden prosperity to every corner of our country," Gore declared.

June 5, 1999 - Keyes enters presidential race during television interview

WASHINGTON, DC - Former Assistant Secretary of State Alan Keyes told CNN's Larry King that he would be a candidate for President in the 2000 election. "I think the Republicans are going to lose this election if we make the campaign about money and not morals. I'm running not only as someone who believes in smaller government and an end to the progressive income tax, but also someone who is willing to call out President Clinton for his conduct and Republicans who shy away from doing so. We need new moral leadership," Keyes declared.

June 7, 1999 - Hatch to seek GOP presidential nomination

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Orin Hatch of Utah announced his intention to seek the GOP presidential nomination during a speech to the socially conservative Values Voters Summit. "I am running for President to bring decades of experience fighting for our shared values to the presidential race and the presidency," Hatch declared. The candidate spoke in generalities with regards to what issues he'd run on.

July 5, 1999 - Alexander running for President

MANCHESTER, NH - Former Governor of Tennessee Lamar Alexander announced his candidacy for President, calling for major reforms to the nation's education and health care systems. "We need a renewed focus on improving our schools by encouraging choice and merit pay, and we need to lower the cost of health insurance by ending frivolous lawsuits," Alexander told reporters in Manchester, New Hampshire.
 
August 14, 1999 - Gramm narrowly wins Ames, Iowa straw poll

AMES, IA - U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, who tied in the 1995 Ames, Iowa presidential straw poll, narrowly won the poll. The results are as follows:

Phil Gramm 3,107
George W. Bush 2,985
Dan Quayle 2,902
Elizabeth Dole 2,403
Bill Weld 1,102
Orin Hatch 885
Alan Keyes 402
Lamar Alexander 201
Gary Bauer 82

[BushKerry04]

Why did Clinton lose MO, KY, OH, FL, TN & LA ?

Did he piss people off that bad ?

By the way, how did Dole manage to make the 1996 election much closer than it was in real life?

The Clinton tax increase and health care reform efforts were bigger issues.

Lovin it lovin it lovin it!

Thank you!

What's the composition of the Senate heading into the 2000 election?

Same as in real life, with three extra Republican Senators.

August 20, 1999 - Gary Hart to seek Democratic Presidential Nomination

DENVER, CO - Former U.S. Senator Gary Hart announced his intention to seek the 2000 Democratic nomination for President during a press conference in Denver, CO. Hart said he is running to continue the policies of the Clinton administration while doing more to address climate change, global poverty, and the national debt. "I think we need to continue the work of this administration in many respects, I also am for emphasizing some issues that have not been on the public agenda during the President's second term," Hart stated.

September 1, 1999 - GOP candidates debate


Moderator: Governor Bush, most polls show that you are the leading candidate here tonight, and you lead the GOP field in terms of fundraising as well. But most hypothetical general election polls show Secretary Dole and Senator Weld performing better against Vice President Gore and Congressman Gephardt. Why do you believe you are the best candidate to win the general election?

"I think what Americans are looking for is a leader who can set an agenda and work with Republicans and Democrats to get things done. Vice President Gore and Congressman Gephardt have had eight years to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, eight years to improve struggling schools, eight years to reform social security to preserve it for future generations, and eight years to cut taxes for the hard working American people. They've campaigned and made promises, but they have not delivered for the American people. Being a Governor and Washington outsider, my record is very different. In Texas, I've worked with Republicans and Democrats to reform welfare, cut taxes, and raise standards in our schools to improve them. I think what Republicans and all Americans are looking for is a reformer who can go to work and deliver for all Americans. Whether it be cutting taxes, ending frivolous lawsuits, working to lower the cost of prescription drugs, raising standards and promoting charter and choice in education, or strengthening the military, people can know that I have a record of results and am ready to go to Washington to unite this country behind a compassionate, conservative agenda to benefit all Americans. We've had eight years of lowering expectations, lowering standards, and of division in Washington D.C. It's a time to unite, and I know how to bring people together " - George W. Bush

Moderator: Vice President Quayle and Senator Gramm. It is no secret that most polls have you both competing for second place. What makes you stand out in this presidential race?

"I am running for President of the United States because I believe the conservative values we as Republicans have long stood for are the values our country needs right now. I am very proud to have stood for lower taxes, helped write spending caps that led to a balanced budget, worked with the Republican majority in Congress to pass welfare reform, and when Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Dick Gephardt tried to have the government take over our health care system, I stopped them even when some Republicans were willing to compromise. Unfortunately, some of my colleagues up here are ready to concede core conservative principles for political expediency. Governor Bush is trying to re-brand conservatism, he believes the federal government ought to have a larger role to play in education and the cost of prescription drugs. I disagree, I believe in less government and more freedom for the American people. I believe people should be able to keep more of what they earn, that's why I support a 15% flat tax. I oppose wasteful Washington spending, which is why I have called for a constitutional balanced budget amendment, a 10% reduction in the size of the federal bureaucracy, and a presidential line-item veto so we can reduce spending and pay down the national debt. And I believe in the constitution of the United States, which is why I will work to return more power to states and appoint judges who are strict constructionists. I think I stand out here as the one candidate who not only advocates for conservative principles, but has led on issues that are important to conservatives" - Phil Gramm

"Senator Gramm and Governor Bush simply do not have the experience I have in both foreign and domestic affairs. I served with Senator Gramm in the United States Senate, I supported his legislation to control federal spending and I consistently championed tax relief. But Senator Gramm has never had to work with both parties in Congress on fiscal or economic policy, I have. It's easy to give speeches on the floor of the United States Senate, it's more challenging yet also more rewarding to help bring together the executive and legislative branches on the important issues facing the nation. Governor Bush has never had to be a part of negotiating with our allies across the globe on important foreign policy issues, I have. Governor Bush has said that he believes the U.S. should be less active in world affairs, I disagree. My views on foreign policy do not come from memos written by political consultants, my views come from real world experience. So here is what I believe. I believe that we should cut taxes by 25% across-the-board to promote continued prosperity, increase funding and the size of the U.S. military, eliminate the federal Department of Education, appoint judges who believe in our constitution, and we need a President to renew a sense of moral purpose and strengthen the American family which is the most important institution in our society" - Dan Quayle

Moderator: Secretary Dole and Senator Weld. You both have said that the Republican Party needs a nominee who can appeal not only to Republicans, but independents and Democrats as well. Why are you best positioned to do so?

"I do think the nominee of the Republican Party ought to be someone with a history of winning support from independents and Democrats. In Massachusetts, which you may have heard has a few Democrats, I won three statewide elections because I put aside ideological talking points and instead focused on issues that matter to everyday citizens who may or may not pay attention to politics. When I first ran for Governor in 1990, my state was in very serious trouble financially and from an economic standpoint. Working with an 87% Democrat legislature, I went to work cutting taxes multiple times, privatizing some state services, investing in our state's schools, reforming welfare, and reducing state spending. The voters re-elected me with 71% of the vote, then sent me to Washington D.C. with 51% of the vote as Bill Clinton carried the state with 58% of the vote on the same day. I really do think my fiscally conservative record has broad appeal; I think my message of lowering taxes for middle and lower income Americans and small businesses, rewarding work and productivity over welfare and dependency, and working to preserve and protect social security and medicare while paying down the national debt is a bipartisan message that can appeal to the general electorate" - Bill Weld

"As I travel across America, I speak with people of all different political views and backgrounds. I think what America needs right now is a new sense of optimism about the future. I've spent my career advocating on behalf of American workers, consumers, and working to ensure we invest in our infrastructure. In the coming years, we have the opportunity to use the budget surplus not for new government programs as our Democratic friends advocate, but to make the needed investments to improve our infrastructure, send money to states to increase funding for charter schools and vouchers, reverse the Clinton tax increase of 1993, and reduce the national debt. I think the issues I speak of are issues that are on the minds not only of Republicans, but Democrats and independents as well. I would add that part of the key to victory in the year 2000 is going to be our ability to reach female voters, and I think by virtue of my experience as a woman who has held important positions, I can not only win the female vote, but can help inspire every woman in America to reach her full potential and not be held back by discrimination" - Elizabeth Dole

Mr. Keyes, Secretary Alexander, Senator Hatch, and Mr. Bauer. Most polls have you in single digits, your fundraising numbers lag far behind some of your competitors for the nomination, and none of you polled particularly well in the recent Ames, Iowa straw poll. What message would you like to convey to Republican primary voters tonight?

"Some of my opponents have made the case that this campaign should be about the economy, the national debt, trade agreements, and other economic issues. I've got news for you, with the longest time of economic expansion in history underway and a budget surplus, we can not win the general election if we make this campaign about the money and not the morals. I'm all for eliminating the income tax and the Department of Education, but that is only a part of my campaign. My campaign is about reclaiming the moral heritage, a heritage of celebrating traditional family life, faith, and putting God, family, and country in that order above all else. If we don't defend the constitution, our God given rights, and our religious liberty, we are no better than the Democrats and we will lose the election in the year 2000 because our political base, as well as millions of independents and Democrats, will either stay home or vote for our opponents. If I am the nominee of the Republican Party for President, the 2000 campaign will be a clear choice between socialists and Marxists in the Democratic Party and a conservative who defends faith, family, and freedom" - Alan Keyes

"In every position of public trust I have held, I've lived by the highest ethical standards and faithfully performed the duties of the positions I've held. In the last eight years, Americans have become more and more disillusioned with our politics because of the President's lack of leadership and lack of integrity. Others running for President this year have put forth position papers and five-point plans, I am running to present a record of balancing budgets, improving roads, building schools, and improving education. I am running to end welfare as we know it and empower local charities, reform the current campaign finance system to have greater accountability, and not only balance the budget, but preserve and protect social security, medicare, and medicaid as well. My campaign is a grassroots campaign, it's a campaign that is about taking on the establishment of both political parties and returning power back to states and the American people" - Lamar Alexander

"Let's go through the issues the candidates up here tonight and I have discussed during the course of this campaign. Tax reform. I've worked hard to pass tax reform in the United States Senate, I've done it multiple times. Like Phil Gramm and others, I support a flat tax. Spending restraint. I have top ratings from the various taxpayer groups for my record of opposing deficit spending. Health care. I passed, working on a bipartisan basis, legislation that expanded health care access to millions of young people in this country. Education. I have opposed more federal involvement in education. Judicial nominations. On issues after issue after issue that has been talked about by my friends up here, I have taken a leading role in advocating for these conservative positions during my time in the United States Senate. I have experience, I have conservative values, and I have the ability to get things done" - Orin Hatch

"I agree Republicans do have a choice in this election, and I'm running to give conservatives a voice. Unlike my friend Governor Bush, I have pledged to choose a running-mate and judges who are socially conservative; I believe in the kind of family values that made this country great. I agree with my friend Alan Keyes that we have to restore a sense of a strong moral foundation in America today, as President I will set the tone and defend the religious liberty of every American. But I also agree with Senator Gramm that we need to be a party that believes in free markets and fiscal responsibility. My 12% flat tax is lower than Senator Gramm's 15% flat tax, and I agree with the Senator that we need a line-item veto for the President. So I think when people go to their caucuses or vote in a primary, they should know that I will defend our conservative values whether it's social or fiscal conservatism" - Gary Bauer

October 5, 1999 - Gore, Gephardt announce endorsements; President Clinton backs Gore

WASHINGTON, DC - Vice President Al Gore announced that President Bill Clinton, U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Governors Roy Romer (D-CO), Bob Miller (D-NV), John Kitzhaber (D-OR), Jim Hunt (D-NC), and Howard Dean (D-VT) are endorsing his presidential campaign. Fellow Democratic Presidential Hopeful Dick Gephardt announced the support of U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings of South Carolina and Democratic members of Congress from Missouri, South Carolina, California, New York, and Maine.

October 15, 1999 - BREAKING: Alexander withdrawals, endorses Dole in presidential race

MANCHESTER, NH - Following weeks of polling showing his support in single digits and in 6th place nationally, Former Governor of Tennessee and Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander announced that he would withdrawal from the race for the GOP presidential nomination and would endorse fellow candidate Elizabeth Dole. "Elizabeth Dole has the right kind of experience to lead the Republican Party to victory and lead our country to address the issues we face. I trust her judgement and know she will do what she says she's going to do as President," Alexander said of Dole.

[BushKerry04]

Can you show the primary polls for both parties, please?

Sure!

October 25, 1999 - Survey: Democrats favor Gore as GOP field becomes more competitive nationally, in early voting states


National GOP Primary
George W. Bush 23%
Phil Gramm 20%
Elizabeth Dole 15%
Dan Quayle 12%
Bill Weld 9%
Alan Keyes 5%
Orin Hatch 3%
Gary Bauer 1%

National Democratic Primary
Al Gore 32%
Dick Gephardt 25%
Bill Bradley 15%
Gary Hart 12%

Iowa GOP Caucuses
George W. Bush 21%
Phil Gramm 20%
Dan Quayle 14%
Elizabeth Dole 10%
Alan Keyes 7%
Bill Weld 5%
Orin Hatch 3%
Gary Bauer 1%

Iowa Democratic Caucuses
Al Gore 30%
Dick Gephardt 23%
Bill Bradley 15%
Gary Hart 10%

New Hampshire Republican Primary
George W. Bush 19%
Phil Gramm 18%
Bill Weld 15%
Elizabeth Dole 12%
Dan Quayle 10%
Alan Keyes 5%
Orin Hatch 2%
Gary Bauer 1%

New Hampshire Democratic Primary
Al Gore 27%
Dick Gephardt 21%
Bill Bradley 15%
Gary Hart 10%

South Carolina Republican Primary
Phil Gramm 21%
George W. Bush 18%
Elizabeth Dole 15%
Dan Quayle 12%
Bill Weld 10%
Alan Keyes 7%
Orin Hatch 3%
Gary Bauer 1%

South Carolina Democratic Primary
Al Gore 31%
Dick Gephardt 19%
Gary Hart 12%
Bill Bradley 10%

December 1, 1999 - Democratic candidates debate


Moderator: Vice President Gore, Congressman Gephardt. For eight years, you have partnered with President Clinton and you both seem to be running on your work with the President. Are you running for President Clinton's third term?

"I am proud of the work I've done with the President to implement policies that have led to the longest period of economic prosperity in our nation's history. I am extraordinarily grateful to President Clinton for allowing me the honor to serve as Vice President. But each of us has to run on our own record, and while part of my record is my work as Vice President, I also have a record prior to my service in the administration. I am not running for President Clinton's third term, but I am running to continue to sustain the extraordinary economic growth of the past six years. I'm also proud to have President Clinton's support in this campaign because he's both a friend and someone who has united our country behind a positive agenda. Here is what I promise to the American people. I will do more to promote environmental protection, improve our schools, make sure every American has access to quality health care, cut taxes for working families, and protect social security, medicare, and medicaid while balancing the budget and paying down the national debt" - Al Gore

"I agree with the Vice President that each of us has to run on our own record and present our own vision to the American people. I'm proud to have supported the Clinton economic agenda and the investments we've made in supporting education and health care. But there have been times when I've disagreed with the administration, and I have said so publicly and respectfully. I voted against NAFTA because I didn't believe in a trade agreement that benefited corporate profits, but not people who work in factories across America. I voted against legislation that Republicans touted as welfare reform, but really just weakened the safety net for millions of Americans. Like the Vice President, I am running for President to continue the progress that's been made on economic growth thanks to the work of President Clinton and Democrats in Congress. But I'm also running to end trade agreements like NAFTA that send jobs overseas, provide health insurance to every American, and end our dependence on foreign sources of energy" - Dick Gephardt

Moderator:  Senator Bradley, you have said that you are the only true progressive in this presidential race. What makes you say that?

"All of us here tonight are good Democrats, my comment was not that other candidates are fake Democrats. But I do believe that when you take a look at my detailed proposals on environmental protection, having public financing of all federal elections, supporting affirmative action, and having a stronger social safety net, you'll see I am the only candidate who is offering a clear alternative to the Republican economic philosophy that has dominated national campaigns for decades. I also think that I am the only candidate who is talking about acknowledging those things that divide us and bringing us together as one nation. We are better off today than we were eight years ago, but we have a lot of work to do to make sure that we have greater equality of opportunity in America. So it isn't a matter of criticizing my colleagues at all. I would add that I have a proud record of working with both Democrats and Republicans on legislation, so I am not a partisan person, but I am a proud progressive" - Bill Bradley

Moderator:  Senator Hart, you have criticized your fellow Democrats here tonight for not fully embracing President Clinton. How do you respond to the comments made by Vice President Gore and Congressman Gephardt with regards to if they are running for the President's third term?

"During my time in the United States Senate, I worked very hard to move the Democratic Party in a new direction. My focus was making the case to the American people that effective government can invest in those things that benefit society while still paying it's bills. I am proud that President Clinton and yes, Vice President Gore, have accomplished that very vision. I am disappointed that some of my fellow candidates up here seem to now be playing the same games the Republicans play, the kind of games President Clinton has not played. Dick Gephardt opposes NAFTA, which has created jobs for the American worker. Al Gore won't make mention of if he supports or opposed the 1996 welfare reform bill. And Bill Bradley's health care program will cost trillions of dollars, even with a tax increase on the wealthy he'd still have to borrow to pay for it. We have to be realistic with the American people. We can afford to make the same investments in education, health care, and the enviornment as we've made under the Clinton administration. But we can't afford to increase the national debt as some of the other candidates support" - Gary Hart

December 5, 1999 - Texas GOP divided between Bush, Gramm

AUSTIN, TX - With the two leading GOP presidential hopefuls from Texas, the state GOP apparatus is divided between the two. Governor George W. Bush and U.S. Senator Phil Gramm lead in national polls and in most early voting states. A recent Texas poll shows that in Texas, the race for the GOP presidential nomination is a virtual tie, with Gramm at 37% and Bush at 35%. The same poll found that Gramm enjoys a 58% approval rating amonst Texans, while the Governor enjoys a 51% approval rating. While 90% of Texas Republicans in the state legislature have endorsed Bush's candidacy for President, Gramm enjoys the backing of 12 Texas House Republicans, compared with 5 who have endorsed Bush in the presidential race. Both men have managed to raise a lot of campaigns funds from Texans. Most of Bush's contributors in the state are those with ties to the energy sector and state lobbying firms, while Gramm has received generous contributions from the agricultural and financial services sectors. Bush and Gramm have received about the same amount from the GOP's largest donors in the state; Bush has the backing of establishment Republicans, while Gramm has the support of the Republican Party's conservative base.  

[BushKerry04]

January 5, 2000 - Bush, Gore lead in fundraising

WASHINGTON, DC - Data released by American University, based on federal election campaign finance filings, show that Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore have raised the most funds in the presidential race to date. The following shows how much each candidate raised through the end of 1999:

Al Gore (D) $37 million
George W. Bush (R) $34 million
Phil Gramm (R) $32 million
Dick Gephardt (D) $25 million
Dan Quayle (R) $18.5 million
Elizabeth Dole (R) $15.5 million
Bill Weld (R) $12.2 million
Bill Bradley (D) $12 million
Gary Hart (D) $8.2 million
Orin Hatch (R) $7.5 million
Alan Keyes (R) $5 million
Lamar Alexander (R) $2.5 million
Gary Bauer (R) $1.5 million

January 24, 2000 - Iowa Caucuses: Bush wins in close three-way race, Gore wins big; Hatch, Bauer exit presidential race

IOWA CITY, IA - Republican Governor of Texas George W. Bush and Democratic Vice President Al Gore won Iowa's caucuses. On the GOP side, Bush won a close three way race; he secured 27% of the vote, followed by U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas with 25% and Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole with 23%. Former Vice President Dan Quayle placed fourth with 15% of the vote. After garnering just 1% of the vote each behind
Bill Weld and Alan Keyes, U.S. Senator Orin Hatch of Utah and Gary Bauer announced they would exit the presidential race. Exit polling showed that Bush performed best with moderates and those with a college degree, Gramm performed best with conservatives and those who live in rural counties, and Dole did best with women and non-white voters. On the Democratic side, Vice President Al Gore won big; he secured 45% of the vote, ahead of Dick Gephardt with 25%, Bill Bradley with 20%, and Gary Hart with 9%.

January 27, 2000 - Hatch endorses Bush for President ahead of New Hampshire primary

DOVER, NH - Former Presidential Hopeful and U.S. Senator Orin Hatch of Utah endorsed GOP presidential hopeful George W. Bush for President during a Bush for President town hall event in New Hampshire. "I am supporting Governor Bush for President because I believe, as he does, that working together we can work on issues all Americans care about. He has a track record of results and the capacity to unite Republicans and all Americans behind a hopeful, optimistic agenda" Hatch declared.

January 28, 2000 - Survey: Bush, Gramm, Gore lead nationally; Weld ties for 1st in New Hampshire


National GOP Primary
George W. Bush 23%
Phil Gramm 21%
Elizabeth Dole 12%
Dan Quayle 12%
Bill Weld 8%   
Alan Keyes 2%

National Democratic Primary
Al Gore 35%
Dick Gephardt 25%
Bill Bradley 18%
Gary Hart 7%

New Hampshire Republican Primary
George W. Bush 23%
Bill Weld 23%
Phil Gramm 20%
Elizabeth Dole 12%
Dan Quayle 10%
Alan Keyes 5% 

New Hampshire Democratic Primary
Al Gore 28%
Dick Gephardt 19%
Bill Bradley 18%
Gary Hart 12%

Delaware Democratic Primary
Al Gore 28%
Dick Gephardt 18%
Bill Bradley 15%
Gary Hart 10%

South Carolina Republican Primary
Phil Gramm 28%
George W. Bush 27%
Dan Quayle 15%
Elizabeth Dole 15%
Bill Weld 8%
Alan Keyes 8%

Delaware Republican Primary
George W. Bush 25%
Phil Gramm 23%
Elizabeth Dole 15%
Dan Quayle 8%
Bill Weld 8%
Alan Keyes 1%

Arizona Republican Primary
George W. Bush 25%
Phil Gramm 21%
Elizabeth Dole 15%
Dan Quayle 12%
Bill Weld 10%
Alan Keyes 5%

Michigan Republican Primary
George W. Bush 24%
Phil Gramm 24%
Elizabeth Dole 15%
Dan Quayle 14%
Bill Weld 8%
Alan Keyes 5%

[BushKerry04]

February 1, 2000 - New Hampshire Primary: Weld, Bradley defy the odds

MANCHESTER, NH - U.S. Senator Bill Weld (R-MA) and Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) defied the odds and won their respective party's New Hampshire primary. On the Republican side, Weld garnered 35% of the vote, ahead of Governor George W. Bush of Texas, who won 25% and U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, who received 20% of the vote. Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole won 12% of the vote, Former Vice President Dan Quayle won 5%, and Alan Keyes won 2% of the votes cast. Exit polling found that while conservatives, those without a college degree, those residing in rural communities, and older voters are divided between Bush and Gramm, independents, moderates, younger voters, female voters, and those with a college degree support Weld. Additionally, Weld received 58% of the vote amongst independents voting in the GOP primary. On the Democratic side, Bradley won 33% of the vote, ahead of Vice President Al Gore with 30%, House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt with 25% of the vote, and Former U.S. Senator Gary Hart of Colorado with 10% of votes cast. Bradley enjoyed strong support from female, non-white, college educated, and suburban voters as Gore and Gephardt divided support from rural voters, moderates, and union households.

February 2, 2000 - Quayle ends presidential bid, backs Bush for GOP nomination

PHOENIX, AZ - Former Vice President Dan Quayle announced that he would end his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination following poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire. Quayle also announced he would back Governor George W. Bush for the Republican nomination for President. "Today, I announce that I am ending my campaign for President and endorsing Governor George W. Bush for the Republican presidential nomination. Governor Bush believes, as I do, that we need conservative leadership to go to Washington to stand up for our values and restore a sense of moral purpose in our politics," Quayle declared.

February 8, 2000 - Bush wins Delaware

DOVER, DE - Governor George W. Bush of Texas won Delaware's GOP presidential primary, with exit polls showing Bush performing well with all major constituencies other than with the GOP's most conservative voters, who favor Phil Gramm and independents, who favor Bill Weld. Bush won 35% of the vote, followed by Weld with 25%, Gramm with 24%, Elizabeth Dole with 10%, and Alan Keyes with 5%. 

[BushKerry04]

February 19, 2000 - South Carolina Primary: Gramm, Gore win decisive victories

CHARLESTON, SC - U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas won South Carolina's GOP presidential primary as Vice President Al Gore won the support of South Carolina Democrats. On the GOP side, Gramm won 39% of the vote, ahead of Texas Governor George W. Bush with 24%. Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole won 20% of the vote, with U.S. Senator Bill Weld (R-MA) and Alan Keyes winning 12% and 4%, respectively. According to exit polling, Gramm won all major constituencies in the state, other than non-white and moderate voters who voted for Bush. On the Democratic side, Vice President Al Gore won 45% of the vote, with Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey and House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt winning 30% and 17% of the vote, respectively. Former Colorado Senator Gary Hart won 7% of the votes cast. Gore won all major constituencies, exit polling found, though Bradley earned significant support from non-white and the most liberal voters.

February 22, 2000 - Michigan, Arizona Republicans vote: Gramm, Bush claim victories

PHOENIX, AZ - Texas Republicans George W. Bush and Phil Gramm each claimed a victory in presidential primaries in Michigan and Arizona. In Michigan, Gramm won the support of 30% of Republicans, followed by Bush with 28% and Bill Weld with 25%. Elizabeth Dole and Alan Keyes won 12% and 4%, respectively. In Arizona, Bush won 45% of the vote, ahead of Gramm with 25%, Weld with 18% Dole with 8%, and Keyes with 3%.

[BushKerry04]

February 23, 2000 - Dole withdrawals from presidential race, endorses George W. Bush for President

LAS VEGAS, NV - Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole withdrew from the Republican presidential race and announced her support of Governor George W. Bush of Texas. "America is a great country, and running for President has truly been an honor. I know from speaking to so many Americans that this country is ready for a leader who appeals to our hopes and dreams, and that is why I am supporting George W. Bush for President. Governor Bush is a conservative who has a record of reaching across the aisle to get things done, he can win this election and help this country do great things," Dole said of Bush.

February 23, 2000 - Gramm wins Alaska, Nevada caucuses

LAS VEGAS, NV - U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas won Republican presidential caucuses in Alaska and Nevada. In Alaska, Gramm won 60% of the vote, ahead of Governor George W. Bush of Texas, who won 25% of the votes cast. In Nevada, Gramm defeated Bush 35%-32%, with U.S. Senator Bill Weld of Massachusetts garnering 20% of the votes cast.

[BushKerry04]

I can't wait for Super Tuesday, which will be decisive for all candidates.

Here you go:

March 7, 2000 - Super Tuesday: Bush, Gramm, Gore dominate as Weld, Bradley claim victories; Gephardt wins home state, Hart exits presidential race






California
GOP - Bush 35% Gramm 30% Weld 28% Keyes 5% 
DEM - Gore 39% Bradley 35% Gephardt 20% Hart 5%

Connecticut
GOP - Weld 34%  Bush 30% Gramm 30% Keyes 5%
DEM - Gore 36% Bradley 34% Gephardt 20% Hart 9%

Georgia
GOP - Gramm 47% Bush 30% Weld 18% Keyes 4%
DEM - Gore 45% Bradley 30% Gephardt 20% Hart 4%

Hawaii
DEM - Bradley 45% Gore 30% Gephardt 20% Hart 4%

Idaho
DEM - Gore 50% Bradley 23% Gephardt 20% Hart 5%

Maine
GOP - Gramm 37% Weld 30% Bush 29% Keyes 3%
DEM - Gore 50% Bradley 25% Gephardt 20% Hart 4%

Maryland
GOP - Bush 35% Weld 33% Gramm 22% Keyes 9%
DEM - Gore 40% Bradley 28% Gephardt 20% Hart 10%

Massachusetts
GOP - Weld 62% Bush 20% Gramm 12% Keyes 5%
DEM - Bradley 35% Gore 34% Gephardt 20% Hart 10%

Missouri
GOP - Gramm 36% Bush 32% Weld 22% Keyes 9%
DEM - Gephardt 45% Bradley 30% Gore 20% Hart 4%

Minnesota
GOP - Gramm 49% Keyes 20% Bush 19% Weld 10%

New York
GOP - Bush 38% Weld 28% Gramm 24% Keyes 9%
DEM - Gore 40% Bradley 39% Gephardt 18% Hart 2%

North Dakota
DEM - Gore 50% Bradley 25% Gephardt 20% Hart 4%

Ohio
GOP - Gramm 37% Bush 35% Weld 20% Keyes 7%
DEM - Gore 33% Gephardt 32% Bradley 30% Hart 3%

Rhode Island
GOP - Bush 32% Weld 30% Gramm 28% Keyes 8%
DEM - Gore 40% Bradley 34% Gephardt 21% Hart 4%

Vermont
GOP - Weld 40% Bush 30% Gramm 20% Keyes 9%
DEM - Bradley 38% Gore 32% Gephardt 20% Hart 9%

Washington
GOP - Bush 40% Gramm 25% Weld 24% Keyes 10%
DEM - Gore 60% Bradley 20% Gephardt 10% Hart 9%

Overall Results
GOP - Bush 38% Gramm 31% Weld 23% Keyes 7% 
DEM - Gore 42% Bradley 32% Gephardt 21% Hart 4%

[BushKerry04]

March 8, 2000 - Hart endorses Gore for President


Colorado Primary
GOP - Bush 45% Gramm 30% Weld 20% Keyes 4%
DEM - Gore 50% Bradley 30% Gephardt 19%

Utah Primary
GOP - Bush 48% Gramm 30% Weld 18% Keyes 3%
DEM - Gore 60% Bradley 30% Gephardt 8%

Idaho Caucuses
GOP - Gramm 60% Bush 28% Weld 10% Keyes 1%
DEM - Gore 50% Bradley 38% Gephardt 10%

March 11, 2000 - Gore wins Democratic Caucuses in Arizona, Michigan, and Minnesota


Arizona - Gore 40% Bradley 32% Gephardt 27%
Michigan - Gore 36% Bradley 34% Gephardt 29%
Minnesota - Gore 50% Bradley 30% Gephardt 19%

March 12, 2000 - Gore wins Nevada Caucuses


Al Gore 47%
Bill Bradley 33%
Dick Gephardt 19%

March 14, 2000 - Mini-Tuesday: Gore sweeps Democratic contests, Gephardt ends presidential bid; Bush wins most contests, Gramm narrowly wins Texas


Florida
GOP - Bush 45% Gramm 35% Weld 20% Keyes 9%
DEM - Gore 40% Bradley 38% Gephardt 21%

Louisiana
GOP - Bush 40% Bush 39% Weld 15% Keyes 5%
DEM - Gore 60% Gephardt 28% Bradley 10%

Mississippi
GOP - Bush 45% Bush 40% Weld 10% Keyes 4%
DEM - Gore 55% Gephardt 25% Bradley 19%

Oklahoma
GOP - Bush 40% Gramm 38% Weld 18% Keyes 3%
DEM - Gore 50% Gephardt 30% Bradley 19%

Tennessee
GOP - Bush 41% Gramm 39% Weld 10% Keyes 9%
DEM - Gore 68% Bradley 20% Gephardt 10%

Texas
GOP - Gramm 45.7% Bush 45.4% Weld 7% Keyes 1%
DEM - Gore 40% Bradley 30% Gephardt 29%

March 15, 2000 - Phil Gramm ends presidential bid, endorses George W. Bush for President

AUSTIN, TX - U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, who is in 2nd in terms of popular votes and delegates in the race for the 2000 Republican presidential nomination, announced that he would end his campaign for President and support Governor George W. Bush of Texas for President. "I made the decision to run for President because I believe America does best when we embrace the principles that made us the greatest nation the world has ever known. I ran because I believe that what we need in America today is less government and more freedom. And I ran to give voice to the conservative values the Republican Party has long stood for. While we've enjoyed the support of millions of voters, the fact of the matter is, mathematically, Governor Bush is the most likely nominee of the Republican Party for President. So today, I am ending my campaign for President, and I will support Governor George W. Bush," Gramm declared.

[BushKerry04]

March 18, 2000 - Bush wins Kentucky GOP caucuses

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - With upcoming Democratic presidential nominating contests in Alaska, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Washington D.C., Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bill Bradley, who recently won a surprise victory in Pennsylvania's Democratic primary, is focusing heavily on North Carolina's Democratic Primary, which will take place on Tuesday, May 2nd. Bradley is hoping his progressive message will resonate with younger voters enrolled in the state's many colleges and universities. While the state's establishment is clearly behind Vice President Al Gore, many grassroots progressive activists in the state are behind Bradley's presidential campaign, which has focused heavily on health care, education, and campaign finance reform. A number of local leaders and state legislators have endorsed Bradley's candidacy in recent weeks as well. Polls show Gore with a substantial lead in North Carolina, 47%-33% according to a recent CNN poll, but Bradley's campaign claims that while their internal polling has Gore ahead 45%-38%, the former U.S. Senator from New Jersey and NBA star has a 47%-40% lead amongst voters ages 18-34 and a 44%-42% lead amongst voters ages 35-55.

[BushKerry04]

April 15, 2000 - Gore wins Virginia

WASHINGTON, DC - During a press conference in Hackensack, New Jersey, Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) announced that he would exit the race for President, just days after losing presidential primaries in North Carolina, Indiana, and Washington D.C. "Our campaign has changed the debate in American politics, now it is up to us to help leaders who will work to advance the causes we've talked about during the course of this campaign," Bradley told reporters. Vice President Al Gore released a statement accepting victory as the presumptive Democratic nominee for President hours after Bradley's press conference. "I thank Senator Bradley for his service in the United States Senate and appreciate his commitment to principle. Now, as Democrats, we come together to make sure we can continue the prosperity of this moment by helping working families get ahead, investing in education and health care, balancing the budget, and protecting social security, medicare, and medicaid," Gore declared.

May 10, 2000 - Survey: Bush leads Gore in close race nationally, in key swing states

WASHINGTON, DC - An NBC/WSJ poll finds that presumptive Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush leads presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore by a narrow margin nationally and in most swing states. Nationally, 45% of voters say they support Bush for President, while 43% back Gore. Bush also leads Gore in swing states, including some President Clinton won in 1996; Bush leads Gore by 47%-43% in Ohio, 45%-44% in Pennsylvania, 45%-43% in Michigan, 46%-43% in New Hampshire, 48%-44% in Florida. Gore leads Bush 45%-44% in Wisconsin and 46%-44% in Iowa. In New Mexico, both candidates are tied at 45%.

May 15, 2000 - Ten names emerge as possible Gore running-mates

WASHINGTON, DC - Media, political consultants, and other commentators have created speculation as to who Vice President Al Gore will select as his running-mate in the 2000 election. Former Democratic Presidential Hopeful and House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt, Representative Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, Governor of Vermont Howard Dean, U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, U.S. Senator Bob Graham of Florida, U.S. Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, U.S. Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt, and Former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder have all been mentioned as potential Gore running-mates.

[BushKerry04]

Among the potential running mates for Bush mentioned above, I think James Baker would be the best one as he would provide large experience in the ticket as he was Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of State. Bush’s short experience is exactly the reason why he selected Dick Cheney in real life.

True, good points.

June 1, 2000 - Bush holds unity event with former GOP candidates, Republican leaders

ORLANDO, FL - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee George W. Bush held a Republican unity campaign rally in Orlando, Florida. Bush was joined by his brother, Governor of Florida Jeb Bush, Florida's Republican Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, and former GOP presidential hopefuls Phil Gramm, Elizabeth Dole, Bill Weld, Lamar Alexander, Gary Bauer, and Orin Hatch at the event. Bush called on Republicans across the country to support his campaign and encourage independents and Democrats to do the same. "Our message is one that is compassionate and conservative, it's a message that is hopeful and optimistic, and it's a message that says we have an agenda to broaden prosperity to every corner of this great land," Bush declared. Governor Jeb Bush of Florida spoke of his brother's character, stating that, "George W. Bush tells the truth when it's easy and when it is now. He sticks to his principles regardless of the politics. And George W. Bush always does the right thing." Phil Gramm, who placed 2nd in the GOP presidential primaries, spoke of the need to unite all Republicans. "Whether you voted for me, voted for Governor Bush, or voted for someone else in the primary, we have to come together to make sure George W. Bush is the next President of the United States. The choice in this election is simple. Al Gore believes in bigger government, George W. Bush believes in bigger economic growth through empowering free markets," Gramm stated.

June 20, 2000 - Bradley endorses Gore for President

MANCHESTER, NH - Former U.S. Senator and Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bill Bradley endorsed Vice President Al Gore as the presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee during a Gore campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire. "Al Gore is the one candidate in this race who shares the values I have stood for during my time in the United States Senate. Al Gore is the one candidate who believes in having a dialogue on issues like campaign finance reform, environmental protections, and changes to our health insurance system to help more Americans have access to affordable health care that my supporters and I spoke about during my campaign. So today, here in New Hampshire, I endorse Al Gore for President of the United States," Bradley declared. 

July 15, 2000 - Sources: Dole, Watts, and Baker most likely Bush running-mates

WASHINGTON, DC - Sources close to prominent Republicans told the Boston Globe that Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee George W. Bush is most likely to select Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole, or Oklahoma Representative J.C. Watts as his running-mate. One source said that while some in Bush's inner-circle are lobbying for Baker due to his foreign policy credentials, the former Secretary of State is reluctant to accept the position. "Baker has told Governor Bush that he would do it if Bush's other choices don't pan out, but that he's enjoying private life," one source said. Two other sources said that while campaign aides are lobbying for Baker, some Bush allies, such as Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and U.S. Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, have suggested Bush select Oklahoma Representative J.C. Watts as his running-mate to bring someone who knows Washington D.C. without being seen as a political insider to the ticket. Bush himself seems to favor Dole for the position, one source said, as Bush respects how she ran her presidential campaign and believes she has a clear understanding of the issues and the right kind of experience to be Vice President.

July 30, 2000 - Gore selects Lieberman as running-mate

DOVER, NH - Vice President Al Gore, the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, announced at a campaign rally in Dover, New Hampshire that U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut would be his running-mate in the 2000 election. In selecting Lieberman, Gore has chosen a northeastern moderate who has been at odds with the Clinton administration more often than many of his fellow Democrats, though he generally voted with the administration. If elected, Lieberman would be the first Jewish American Vice President. "In Senator Joe Lieberman, I have selected a running-mate with a record of putting country before party, and a running-mate with the experience to help me lead," Gore said of his running-mate. "I share Al Gore's vision that the best way to ensure we continue the prosperity of the last eight years is by strengthening working families and investing in education, health care, and environmental protection. I've tried to do that in the United States Senate, and that's what I'll work for as Vice President," Lieberman declared. 

[BushKerry04]

We are already on July 30, so I believe that normally Bush should have announced his running mate by then as the 2000 Republican National Convention took place from July 31 to August 3 2000.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_Republican_National_Convention

Thank you. I guess I'm a few days off haha

August 1, 2000 - Dole to run with Bush

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee George W. Bush announced that he has selected Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole as his running-mate in the 2000 presidential election. In choosing Dole, Bush has selected an experienced government leader and the first female to run on a national Republican ticket. "Elizabeth Dole is ready to lead America, she has the experience, values, and judgement to work with me on issues that are important to the American people," Bush said of his running-mate. "I believe as George W. Bush does that government should be limited, yet do the few things it does well. Together, George W. Bush and I will work to return money and power back to states and most importantly, the American people" Dole declared.
 
August 4, 2000 - Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination


"On issue after issue, we've seen this administration sit idly by as Republicans and Democrats in Congress fail to find common ground. Leadership is about bringing people together, finding solutions, and making sure ideas become reality. Whether it be the achievement gap in education, the rising cost of prescription drugs for seniors, fiscal challenges associated with social security, a lack of tax relief for working families, or wasteful Washington spending and a large national debt, this administration has not delivered for everyday Americans. After eight years of absentee leadership, Americans have a choice to make in this election. Our education plan raises standards and embraces charter and choice. Vice President Gore has had eight years to reform education, he hasn't. Our plan reduces the cost of prescription drugs through greater competition. Vice President Gore has had eight years to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, he hasn't. Our plan provides historic tax relief while meeting our obligations to our seniors. Vice President Gore has had eight years to fix social security, he hasn't. We support a constitutional line-item veto and will oppose more expensive government. Vice President Gore has had eight years to end pork barrel spending in Congress, he hasn't. George W. Bush and I are ready to lead, we are ready to bring people together to get things done for all Americans" - Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elizabeth Dole, Republican Vice Presidential Nominee

August 5, 2000 - Governor of Texas George W. Bush accepts Republican Presidential Nomination


"I am prepared to lead America because I've been a leader as Governor of Texas. Working with Republicans and Democrats, I was able to get positive things done for the people of my state. I believe that we need a leader from outside Washington D.C. to work hard to unite not only Congress, but all Americans behind an agenda that is hopeful and optimistic, and that's the agenda Elizabeth Dole and I propose. We believe that the surplus should be used to pay down debt, increase pay for those who wear the uniform of our country and increase funding for our schools, and ensure social security and medicare are preserved and protected. We also propose a tax cut for everyone because you deserve to keep more of what you earn. Our agenda increases competition to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, raises standards and promotes charter and choice to improve our schools, and we will invest in expanding access to health care to our veterans. The fundamental choice in this election is one about two very different philosophies. My opponent supports higher taxes and more federal spending. He believes in bigger government, I believe in protecting the safety net we have today. He believes the surplus is his to spend, I believe it's yours to spend. He believes the solution to the cost of prescription drugs and education is more bureaucrats in Washington D.C., I believe in accountability and standards at the federal level, but that day-to-day decisions on these important issues should be made by local officials and individuals. This is a time for our country to unite, it's a time to work together to broaden prosperity to every corner of America, it's a time to strengthen our military, and it's a time to restore civility and high ethical standards in Washington D.C.  " - Governor of Texas George W. Bush, Republican Presidential Nominee   

August 17, 2000 - U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman accepts Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination


"Fellow citizens, do not let Governor Bush fool you. Under President Clinton and Vice President Gore, America has seen the creation of 23 million new jobs, we've seen welfare rolls and the deficit decline as home ownership and access to affordable health care has been on the rise. We've invested in our military, education, and job training. And we've protected our enviornment and hired more police to make our communities stronger. The Bush tax cuts for the very wealthy would require either massive spending cuts, which would undermine programs like social security and medicare, or they'd require us to increase debt or taxes on working families. The Bush tax scheme is nothing more than a giveaway to large corporations. Al Gore and I believe that we can invest in education, health care, and the enviornment while strengthening social security and medicare, cutting taxes for working families, balancing the federal budget, and paying down the national debt. We know it because we've done it for eight years. Governor Bush said last week that we are running for President Clinton's third term, and you know he's right. We are proud of the many accomplishments of the Clinton era, and we want to continue to work with both Democrats and Republicans to see historic gains in economic growth while raising the standard of living for all Americans." - U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee 

August 18, 2000 - Vice President Al Gore accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination


"Governor Bush and I owe it to you to tell you who we are and what we stand for. So tonight, I ask all Americans to consider who I am, what I've done during the course of my career, and what I plan to do if so honored to earn your support in November. I come from a family that values public service and giving back to this greatest nation on earth. As a young man, I volunteered for military service and was proud to wear the uniform of our country. I later worked as a journalist where I uncovered corruption in local government. As a Congressman and United States Senator, I championed environmental protection and funding technological advancements. During my eight years as Vice President, I've worked with President Clinton and Congress on the economic agenda that has led to the longest period of sustained economic growth in history. I championed free trade to create jobs and strengthen our alliances. And I've stood up to make sure we invest in education and health care. My entire career has been about standing up for working families, protecting our enviornment, and defending our interests abroad. The question for all of us now is, at this moment when we have a stark contrast between my opponent and I, which path will America choose? My opponent wants to use the budget surplus to cut taxes for the very wealthy and the largest corporations in America. I want to use the budget surplus to pay down debt, cut taxes for working families, help seniors pay for their prescription drugs, transform our education system, and make sure social security and medicare is solvent for our generation and future generations. At this moment of great prosperity and even greater opportunity, let us not squander the surplus, but rather let's invest in those things that matter to our economy and our families" - Vice President Al Gore, Democratic Presidential Nominee

August 30, 2000 - Survey: Bush continues to lead narrowly nationally, as swing states remain up for grabs; Clinton approval rating at 52%

WASHINGTON, DC - A new Fox News poll finds that Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush leads Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore nationally as both candidates are virtually tied in a host of swing states. Nationally, 47% of voters say they'll support Bush, the Governor of Texas, while 45% say they'll back Gore, the Vice President. Bush also leads Gore in  Colorado (45%-44%), Florida (47%-44%), Missouri (49%-41%), and Iowa (46%-45%). Gore leads Bush in Tennessee (45%-44%), Pennsylvania (47%-44%), and New Mexico (48%-44%) as both candidates are tied in Ohio, New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Additionally, the poll finds that President Bill Clinton enjoys a 52% approval rating, while 45% of Americans disapprove of the President's job performance.

September 5, 2000 - Weld, Gramm campaign for Bush/Dole ticket, talk future plans

CLEVELAND, OH - During a joint interview on Fox News, Former GOP Presidential Hopefuls U.S. Senators Bill Weld (R-MA) and Phil Gramm (R-TX) discussed the 2000 campaign and their future political plans. Gramm, who ran for President in 1996 and placed 2nd in the 2000 primaries, said he plans to travel across the country to rally the conservative base ahead of the November general election. Weld, who serves as the Bush/Dole campaign chair in Massachusetts, has scheduled events where he will campaign for the GOP ticket in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. When asked if they would consider serving in Bush's cabinet or running for President again, both men refused to rule out either possibility. "I have no plans to run for President again or to serve in George W. Bush's cabinet if he wins, but I can't rule out either possibility either," Weld declared. "I am focused on helping George W. Bush win this election, I'm not going to speculate about anything beyond November," Gramm said. When asked about their 2002 re-election plans, Weld said he would seek re-election while Gramm was non-committal. "I'm proud to have delivered for Massachusetts whether it be working on a bipartisan basis to expand access to health care or securing funding for infrastructure and higher education in the state, I plan on seeking re-election in 2002," Weld said. "I am only focused on 2000," Gramm stated when asked about his future plans.   

[BushKerry04]

October 3, 2000 - Bush, Gore debate domestic issues in 1st presidential debate

BOSTON, MA - Republican presidential hopeful George W. Bush and Democratic presidential hopeful Al Gore debated domestic issues during the first of three presidential debates. The two candidates debated the state of the U.S. economy, their budget proposals, campaign finance reform, energy policy, and a host of other issues during the debate. Bush touted his tax and education reform plans as top priorities of his. "The fundamental difference between Vice President Gore and I is that I believe the surplus is the people's money, the Vice President believes it's money Washington bureaucrats should decide how it should be spent. I've proposed using the surplus to balance the budget and preserve social security, medicare, and medicaid while providing tax relief to everyone and funding education and strengthening the military," Bush declared. For his part, Gore defended the Clinton administration's economic policies, but also called for sweeping education and health care reforms. "President Clinton and I have invested in protecting our enviornment, making health insurance more accessible, and strengthening our communities while balancing the budget. If I'm elected President, I'm going to use the budget surplus to put social security in a lock box, increase funding for education including college pell grants, help seniors afford their prescription drugs, and pay down the national debt. Governor Bush uses the surplus for a tax cut for the very wealthy and large corporations," Gore said. Gore voiced support for campaign finance reform and opposition to offshore oil drilling, while Bush said that such campaign finance reform would only help the Democratic Party and that Gore's position on offshore drilling would increase energy costs, two points Gore disagreed with.

October 5, 2000 - Dole, Lieberman participate in Vice Presidential Debate

DANVILLE, KY - Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Elizabeth Dole and Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Lieberman debated issues and compared their respective experiences during the 2000 vice presidential debate. Dole emphasized the Bush tax and education reform proposals during much of the debate, as Lieberman focused on his foreign policy credentials. "Governor Bush and I believe that while we should use some of the budget surplus to meet priorities like debt reduction and funding social security, medicare, medicaid, education, and the military, we also believe that everyone deserves a tax cut, and I would add our tax plan will help us grow the economy," Dole said in response to a question about her governing philosophy. "I have been dealing with important foreign policy issues for over a decade, I've led on issues that are of importance to the United States and our allies, and I am prepared to serve as Vice President," Lieberman said when asked what he would bring to the Vice Presidency. The candidates also repeatably criticized each other's running-mates and each other, with Dole saying that Lieberman "caved to the left wing of the Democratic Party by endorsing Al Gore's big government programs despite claiming to be a moderate," while Lieberman argued that "George W. Bush and Elizabeth Dole have made it clear they'll support tax breaks for the very wealthy and barely mention funding for health care and environmental protections during campaign speeches."

October 7, 2000 - Clinton campaigns for wife, Vice President

ROCHESTER, NY - President Bill Clinton, who has raised money for both Vice President and Democratic Presidential Nominee Al Gore and First Lady and New York U.S. Senate candidate Hillary Clinton, has begun actively campaigning for his Vice President and wife a month before Americans head to the polls. Clinton will spend the next three days campaigning in New York for his wife before traveling to New Hampshire to campaign for Gore. Clinton will also campaign for Gore in home home state of Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico between October 7, 2000 and election day. Clinton has touted economic growth during his terms as reasons to support Gore for President and Clinton for U.S. Senate from New York. In recent polls, Gore and opponent George W. Bush are virtually tied nationally, as Hillary Clinton leads New York Congressman Rick Lazio 48%-41% in a recent Fox News poll and 50%-38% in a WSJ/NBC survey.

October 10, 2000 - Keyes declines to endorse Bush during CNN interview

WASHINGTON, DC - During an interview on CNN, Former GOP Presidential Hopeful and Ambassador Alan Keyes declined to endorse Republican Presidential Nominee George W. Bush, making Keyes the only primary candidate not to endorse the nominee. Since the primary season, U.S. Senators Phil Gramm (R-TX) and Bill Weld (R-MA), who also ran in the primaries, have become two of Bush's strongest surrogates. "George W. Bush has not talked about the moral foundation of this country during his campaign, he's focused instead on an economic argument that isn't a winning message in my opinion. I do think Bush is a social conservative, but he has not made that central to his campaign at a time in which we need strong, moral leadership. So I am not going to be supporting him," Keyes said.

[BushKerry04]

October 11, 2000 - Bush, Gore debate foreign policy issues during 2nd presidential debate


"There is too much division in our politics today, it's a time to unite. As Governor of Texas, I have a record of bringing people together to get positive things done for the people of my state. I can go to Washington D.C. and work with Republicans and Democrats to get positive things done for the American people. I know that together, we can cut taxes to let people keep more of what they earn and help this economy grow. I know we can preserve social security, medicare, and medicaid. And I know that we can strengthen the military, transform our schools, and lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors. During the course of this campaign, I've traveled across the country and met with you in your homes, VFW halls, houses of worship, downtowns, businesses, farms, and factories. I know you are ready for change, and I'm ready to use my experience to pass the hopeful, optimistic agenda I've been talking about. I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 7th so we can work to broaden prosperity to every corner of this great nation" - Governor of Texas George W. Bush, Republican Presidential Nominee

"As a young man, I volunteered for military service and was proud to wear the uniform of our country. As a Congressman and United States Senator, I championed environmental protection and funding technological advancements. For eight years, I've worked with President Clinton and Congress on the economic agenda that has led to the longest period of sustained economic growth in history. We've seen the longest period of economic growth in history, balanced federal budgets, declines in welfare rolls, and record low inflation. Governor Bush wants to use the budget surplus to cut taxes for the very wealthy and the largest corporations in America. I want to use the budget surplus to pay down debt, cut taxes for working families, help seniors pay for their prescription drugs, improve our education system by paying teachers more, and make sure social security and medicare are solvent for our generation and future generations. I'm asking for your vote on November 7th so we can invest in those things that matter to our economy and our families" - Vice President Al Gore, Democratic Presidential Nominee

November 3, 2000 - Bush, Gore, Dole, and Lieberman begin three-day bus tours of swing states ahead of November 7th

WASHINGTON, DC - Ahead of the Tuesday, November 7th general election, Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush and Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore, as well as key supporters and their running-mates, started bus tours of important swing states. Bush, joined by Governor Tom Ridge (R-PA), will campaign in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan ahead of voting. GOP Vice Presidential Nominee Elizabeth Dole, joined by U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) and her husband, Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader and 1996 Republican Presidential Nominee Bob Dole, will campaign in Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, and Colorado ahead of the election. Bush's brother, Governor of Florida Jeb Bush, will spend three days campaigning across Florida for the Bush/Dole ticket. On the Democratic side, Vice President Al Gore will campaign in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri ahead of the election, he is joined by Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey and U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota. Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Lieberman will campaign in Florida and Georgia ahead of the election, U.S. Senator Bob Graham of Florida will accompany him on the campaign trail. President Bill Clinton, joined by House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt and U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, will campaign in New York, Tennessee, and Arkansas in the days before the election.

[BushKerry04]

November 7, 2000 - Bush wins close race; GOP maintains control of Congress, U.S. Senate

Popular Vote
George W. Bush/Elizabeth Dole (R) 51%
Al Gore/Joe Lieberman (D) 48%

Electoral College
Bush 278
Gore 260



WASHINGTON, DC - Governor of Texas George W. Bush won the 2000 presidential election, defeating Vice President Al Gore by a 51%-48% margin in the popular vote, while winning 278 electoral votes. Bush, a Republican, won important swing states, including Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Iowa. Republicans also maintained control of both houses of Congress. In the United States Senate, Democrats picked up three seats by winning Delaware, Minnesota, and Missouri. Republicans will have a 51-49 majority in the U.S. Senate and a 219-216 majority in the House of Representatives.

Exit Polls

By Ideology
Conservative - Bush 95% Gore 4%
Moderate - Bush 52% Gore 47%
Liberal - Gore 94% Bush 5%

By Political Party
Republican - Bush 97% Gore 2%
Democrat - Gore 95% Bush 4%
Independent - Bush 50% Gore 49%

By Race
White - Bush 59% Gore 40%
African-American - Gore 90% Bush 9%
Hispanic - Gore 56% Bush 43%
Asian - Gore 57% Bush 42%
Other - Gore 55% Bush 44%

By Gender
Male - Bush 56% Gore 43%
Female - Gore 52% Bush 47%

By Age
18-40 - Gore 53% Bush 46%
41-55 - Bush 50% Gore 49%
Over 55 - Bush 56% Gore 43%

By Income
Under $30,000 - Gore 65% Bush 34%
$30,000 - $75,000 - Bush 50% Gore 49%
$75,000 - $200,000 - Bush 60% Gore 39%
Over $200,000 - Bush 75% Gore 24%

By Education Level
No High School - Gore 52% Bush 47%
High School Diploma - Bush 51% Gore 48%
Some College - Bush 53% Gore 46%
College Graduate - Bush 53% Gore 46%
Postgraduate - Gore 57% Bush 42%

By Religion
Protestant - Bush 58% Gore 41%
Catholic - Bush 50% Gore 49%
Jewish - Gore 80% Bush 19%
Other - Gore 70% Bush 29%
None - Gore 82% Bush 17%

By Type of Community
Rural - Bush 67% Gore 32%
Suburban - Bush 52% Gore 47%
Urban - Gore 61% Bush 38%

Which candidate do you believe shares your values?
George W. Bush 55%
Al Gore 44%

Which candidate do you believe is the most honest?
George W. Bush 60%
Al Gore 39%

Which candidate do you believe is best qualified to serve as President?
Al Gore 70%
George W. Bush 29%

Bill Clinton Approval
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 45%

Swing State Results
Ohio - Bush 52% Gore 47%
Pennsylvania - Gore 50% Bush 49%
Florida - Bush 51% Gore 48%
Colorado - Bush 54% Gore 45%
Tennessee - Bush 52% Gore 47%
Missouri - Bush 53% Gore 46%
New Hampshire - Bush 50% Gore 49%
Wisconsin - Gore 49.7% Bush 49.5%
Michigan - Gore 50% Bush 49%
Iowa - Bush 49.8% Gore 49.5%
New Mexico - Gore 50% Bush 49%
Nevada - Bush 52% Gore 47%

Candidate and running-mate home state results
Texas - Bush 62% Gore 37%
Tennessee - Bush 52% Gore 47%
North Carolina - Bush 58% Gore 41%
Connecticut - Gore 60% Bush 39%

[BushKerry04]

I'm assuming the Dems won the FL US Senate contest with Nelson in this TL like he did in real life.

On the Governorships: no change from real life ?

As for Bush, Jr., I'm betting he still resigns from the Governorship on December 21st, 2000 on this TL.

Correct!

For when is the next update, just wondering?

Here you go:

January 20, 2001 - George W. Bush sworn-in as President, Elizabeth Dole sworn-in as Vice President

MANCHESTER, NH - U.S. Senator and 2000 Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ), Governor Howard Dean (D-VT), U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), and Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL) spoke at a New Hampshire Democratic Party fundraiser, raising speculation that they would consider running for President in 2004. Lieberman and Biden both pledged to oppose tax cuts proposed by the Bush administration and Congressional Republicans, while calling for medicaid expansion and more funding for higher education. Bradley called for universal health insurance and sweeping campaign finance reforms, as he did during his 2000 presidential campaign. Dean and Moseley-Braun stayed away from specific policies and instead focused on philosophy.

June 5, 2001 - Bush signs tax cuts into law

WASHINGTON, DC - President George W. Bush signed into law the largest tax cut in a generation, a $1.2 trillion package that included across-the-board income tax reductions as well as doubling the per-child tax credit, an increase in the standard deduction, and a 15% across-the-board capital gains tax cut. All but 2 house and 1 senate Democrat opposed the legislation, while all but 10 house and 2 senate Republicans voted in favor of it.

June 15, 2001 - In first '04 poll, Lieberman enjoys a commanding lead; Bush has 55% approval rating

WASHINGTON, DC - A national poll of Democratic primary voters, conducted by CNN, finds that U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), the party's 2000 vice presidential nominee, is the early favorite to secure the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination. 25% of Democrats back Lieberman for President, well ahead of the 10% who back Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ), and 8% who back Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun. U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle has the support of 5% of primary voters, while Governor of Vermont Howard Dean, U.S. Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, U.S. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, and Rev. Al Sharpton are all tied at 3%. The same survey finds that amongst all Americans, 55% approve of President George W. Bush's job performance, while 38% disapprove.

[BushKerry04]

September 14, 2001 - Bush declares war in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, DC - President George W. Bush announced that U.S. military forces will be deployed to Afghanistan following a congressional authorization.

December 1, 2001 - Lieberman praises Bush on foreign policy, calls for economic stimulus

WASHINGTON, DC - During an interview on CNN, U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) praised President George W. Bush on foreign policy, and called for economic stimulus in reaction to a slowdown in the U.S. economy. "I think the President has been decisive and has consulted the appropriate parties with regards to Afghanistan, and I support his decisions," Lieberman said. The Connecticut Democrat said the U.S. should invest in green energy and infrastructure to promote economic growth as a result of recent economic stagnation.

February 5, 2002 - Gramm won't seek re-election, says a 3rd presidential run is possible; Perry, Cornyn eye Senate Seat

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Phil Gramm, who sought the 1996 and 2000 GOP presidential nominations and a leader of the Republican Party's conservative wing, announced that he will not seek re-election to the United States Senate in 2002. "Serving the people of Texas in the House and Senate has been an honor, and I am proud of all that we were able to accomplish, from cutting taxes to stopping government-run health care and reforming welfare. But I've decided not to seek re-election to the United States Senate in 2002 because frankly, after running two national campaigns and a campaign for the U.S. Senate, I am ready to spend more time with my family," Gramm declared. When asked by reporters about running for President again in 2008, Gramm said that he'd "consider the possibility in 2006". Governor of Texas Rick Perry and Former Texas Attorney General John Cornyn are considered potential candidates for U.S. Senate on the Republican side, while Mayor of Dallas Ron Kirk is the Democratic Party front-runner.

April 5, 2002 - Kerry announces U.S. Senate run in Massachusetts, Swift says she will seek re-election; Romney to run for Governor

BOSTON, MA - Former U.S. Senator John Kerry announced that he would once again run for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. Kerry spoke out against President George W. Bush's tax cuts and cut in EPA funding. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Jane Swift confirmed following Kerry's announcement that she will run for a full U.S. Senate term. Businessman Mitt Romney is expected to announce a run for Governor of Massachusetts, as incumbent Paul Cuccinnelli is not seeking re-election and is rumored to be under consideration for a job in the Bush administration. Swift had considered running for Governor, but Republican leaders in Massachusetts are backing Romney and urged Swift to run for U.S. Senate.   

May 5, 2002 - Gore won't seek 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination, praises potential candidates Lieberman and Moseley-Braun

MANCHESTER, NH - During a speech before New Hampshire Democrats, Former Vice President and 2000 Democratic Presidential Nominee Al Gore announced that he would not seek the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "Serving as Vice President and being your candidate for President in 2000 was truly an honor, and I appreciate all you did to support President Clinton and I so we could put in place policies that led to the longest period of economic growth in history. But now, it's time for fresh voices in the Democratic Party, and so I have decided that I won't be a candidate for President in 2004," Gore declared. Gore also praised both his 2000 running-mate, U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), and Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL). "Joe Lieberman is a friend, he is a talented leader with tremendous intellect and courage," Gore said of his former running-mate. "Carol Moseley-Braun is also an impressive potential candidate, she is a natural leader," he added.

June 1, 2002 - Bush signs medicare prescription drug benefit into law

WASHINGTON, DC - President George W. Bush signed into law legislation, passed with broad bipartisan support, that adds a prescription drug benefit plan as part of medicare to help more seniors afford their prescription medication.

[BushKerry04]

October 15, 2002 - Congress authorizes Bush to send U.S. military forces to Iraq

CLEVELAND, OH - Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, an outspoken critic of the Bush administration and leader in the Democratic Party's progressive wing, declared his intention to run for President in 2004. Pledging to support single-payer health care, a minimum wage indexed to inflation, a cap and trade program, and public financing for all federal elections, Kucinich made clear he is running a grassroots campaign. "Our campaign is not going to be funded by special interests, but rather our campaign is going to be funded and supported by the same ordinary Americans I will stand up for and have always stood with in Congress," Kucinich declared. While most early polling has Kucinich earning around 1% of the vote, some analysts say his message appeals to younger progressive voters.

February 25, 2003 - Sources: Dean, Clark to enter presidential race, Brown focused on local politics

WASHINGTON, DC - Multiple Democratic Party sources told CNN that Former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean and Retired General Wesley Clark will announce presidential bids in the coming months. One source told the network that Dean will announce his candidacy during a speech in Burlington, Vermont sometime in May and that several alumni from his campaigns in Vermont, as well as Bill Bradley's 2000 and the Clinton/Gore 1996 campaigns will serve in official capacities within his campaign organization. Other sources told CNN that Clark will enter the presidential race sometime in May as well, and that Paul Begala will advise the candidate. Meanwhile, multiple sources told the network that Former Governor of California Jerry Brown, now the Mayor of Oakland, will focus on local politics and won't seek the presidency for a 4th time despite appearing at two New Hampshire Democratic Party fundraisers in recent months.

March 1, 2003 - Al Sharpton to seek Democratic Presidential Nomination

IOWA CITY, IA - At an Iowa Democratic Party fundraiser, Reverend Al Sharpton became the third Democrat to declare his candidacy for President in the 2004 election. Stating his focus would be on changing Washington, Sharpton called for criminal justice reform, investing in infrastructure, public financing of all federal elections, and repealing the Bush tax cuts to make social security more solvent. "I am not a Washington politician, but rather someone who is in touch with communities and knows how to bring people together to achieve results," Sharpton declared.

March 18, 2003 - Bush to send U.S. military forces into Iraq

WASHINGTON, DC - President George W. Bush announced that U.S. military forces will be deployed to Iraq months after Congress gave the President authority to do so.

[BushKerry04]

Wondering what Bush, Jr's approval ratings are in this stage ? He's got to win by double digits in 2004.

The answer to this is coming up here:

April 5, 2003 - Wesley Clark announces presidential bid

DOVER, NH - Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey announced that he would once again seek the Democratic presidential nomination, making the case that Democrats should nominate a progressive with a record of results for President. Promising to fight for universal health care, public financing of all federal elections, simplifying the nation's tax code, and sweeping criminal justice reforms, Bradley said he believes he could build on momentum generated during his 2000 campaign. "The progressive moment is here, and we must embrace it and make the case to all Americans that the ideas and values we believe in are the right ideas and values. That's why I am a candidate for President of the United States," Bradley declared.

[BushKerry04]

If Bush faces Lieberman in 2004, I guess that it would lead a lot of progressive voters to stay home on Election Day or vote for a third-party candidate as Lieberman voted in favor of the Iraq War, like Kerry did in real life and flip-flopped on this issue.

Interesting observation. Certainly possible.

This is an excellent timeline, looking forward to seeing it continue.

Thank you, much appreciated!

June 5, 2003 - Lieberman announces endorsements

STAMFORD, CT - Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Lieberman announced that several former Clinton administration officials, U.S. Senators, members of Congress, and four Governors have endorsed his campaign for President. Additionally, Lieberman has earned the support of three unions. Those endorsing Lieberman for President include:

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Mickey Kantor
Former U.S. Secretary of HUD Henry Cisneros
Former Undersecretary of State Strobe Talbott
Governor of Maine John Baldacci
Governor of Pennsylvania Ed Rendell
Governor of Wisconsin Jim Doyle
Governor of Arizona Janet Napolitano   
U.S. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)
U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN)
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI)
U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA)
The entire Democratic Congressional Delegations of Connecticut, Arizona, Missouri, and Indiana
CWA Organization
UA Organization
UFCW

June 15, 2003 - Howard Dean to seek 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination

BURLINGTON, VT - Former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean announced his candidacy for President of the United States, pledging to reverse the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy to cancel some student debt, increase funding for higher education, invest in infrastructure and access to broadband, and expand medicaid. A center-left Democrat, Dean promised to run a grassroots campaign and touted his record on education and health care in Vermont. "I am running for President because I think it's time for someone from outside of Washington D.C. to get to work on the issues we Democrats care about, but that too many Democrats in Washington are afraid to take a stand on," Dean declared.

July 17, 2003 - Lieberman leads Democratic field in fundraising, Bush raises $32 million in Q2

WASHINGTON, DC - In the second quarter of 2003, Democratic Presidential Hopeful Joe Lieberman led the field of Democrats in terms of fundraising as President George W. Bush raised $32 million towards his re-election campaign. Lieberman raised $9 million, ahead of Bill Bradley's $7.5 million, Wesley Clark's $5.2 million, and Howard Dean's $5 million. Bob Kerrey had a disappointing fundraising quarter, having only raised $950,000. Dennis Kucinich and Al Sharpton raised $95,000 and $50,000, respectively. While most of Lieberman's contributions came from Democratic Party establishment circles in Washington D.C., both Bradley and Dean raised money primarily from individual contributions. Wesley Clark raised a lot from individuals, but also from the Democratic Party's establishment in the early voting states of New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida, and Arkansas.

July 20, 2003 - Bob Graham won't seek Democratic Presidential Nomination

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Graham announced that he will not seek the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "I don't believe that I can win the Democratic nomination for President when three of the candidates have very similar views to mine," Graham told CBS news during an interview.

August 1, 2003 - Survey: Dean surges, Kerrey's numbers go down in Democratic primary, Clark still most electable


National Democratic Presidential Nomination
Joe Lieberman 23%
Howard Dean 17%
Bill Bradley 10%
Wesley Clark 10%
Carol Moseley-Braun 5%
Bob Kerrey 3%
Al Sharpton 2%
Dennis Kucinich 1%

Iowa Democratic Caucuses
Joe Lieberman 22%
Howard Dean 18%
Bill Bradley 12%
Wesley Clark 7%
Carol Moseley-Braun 3%
Al Sharpton 1%
Dennis Kucinich 1%

New Hampshire Democratic Primary
Joe Lieberman 23%
Howard Dean 20%
Bill Bradley 15%
Wesley Clark 10%
Carol Moseley-Braun 3%
Bob Kerrey 2%
Dennis Kucinich 1%
Al Sharpton 1%

South Carolina Democratic Primary
Joe Lieberman 18%
Wesley Clark 17%
Howard Dean 15%
Bill Bradley 12%
Bob Kerrey 7%
Carol Moseley-Braun 5%
Dennis Kucinich 1%
Al Sharpton 1%

Hypothetical General Election Match-Ups
George W. Bush (R) 47% Joe Lieberman (D) 45%
George W. Bush (R) 48% Bob Kerrey (D) 41%
George W. Bush (R) 46% Bill Bradley (D) 42%
Wesley Clark (D) 49% George W. Bush (R) 45%
George W. Bush (R) 48% Howard Dean (D) 42%
George W. Bush (R) 46% Carol Moseley-Braun (D) 45%

Bush Approval Rating
Approve 54%
Disapprove 43%

[BushKerry04]

I'm assuming the following Dems won in this TL on Governorships

1.) Brad Henry (D) of OK

2.) Jennifer Granholm (D) of MI

3.) Kathleen Sebelius (D) of KS

4.) Dave Freudenthal (D) of WY

5.) Bill Richardson (D) of NM

6.) Phil Bredesen (D) of TN

7.) Rod Blagojevich (D) of IL

Tbh I haven't given that much thought.....

August 15, 2003 - Clark lays out specific policy proposals during speech in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, NH - During a speech before the Manchester, New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Democratic Presidential Hopeful Retired General Wesley Clark put forth a series of specific policy proposals. On foreign policy, Clark called for additional U.S. military forces to be deployed to Afghanistan and said the international community should be asked to be more involved in Iraq. Clark criticized the Bush administration for "ignoring allies." He also called for renewed focus on international economic development and combating the climate crisis. On domestic policy, Clark said he would repeal the Bush tax cuts for those earning above $250,000 per year to pay for increased funding for public education to help states and local governments hire more teachers to ensure smaller class sizes, help subsidize health insurance for lower income Americans through a combination of subsidizing private insurance and expanding medicaid, and investing $700 billion over a decade in infrastructure improvements and economic development grants in urban and rural communities. Clark also called for raising the federal minimum wage, making paid medical leave universal, and supporting new tax credits for alternative sources of energy.

August 30, 2003 - Moseley-Braun enters race for President

WASHINGTON, DC - Calling for a new long-term strategy in Iraq, requiring employers to provide their employees with health insurance, a repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, and rolling back the Bush tax cuts to reduce the national debt, Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun told CNN that she is a candidate for the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination. "I want to run for President because I want to protect the American dream for everyone and ensure that our country is respected in the world," Moseley-Braun declared. A center-left Democrat, Moseley-Braun said she decided to run for President to bring diversity and experience to the Democratic primary.

[BushKerry04]

October 1, 2003 - Democratic presidential candidates debate


Moderator: General Clark, Senator Lieberman, and Senator Kerrey. Each of you has made electability central to your argument during this campaign. But survey after survey has shown that the base of your party is more concerned with nominating a candidate who shares their values. Are you out of touch with progressives?

“It’s no secret that survey after survey has shown that I am the strongest general election candidate. Grassroots Democrats recruited me to run for President because I hold progressive values and have the ability to reach out to independents and Republicans as a political outsider who has a proven record of leadership and detailed plans to address the concerns of ordinary Americans. I can debate George W. Bush on foreign policy with credibility, I know how to build alliances and do the things necessary to promote and protect our interests. I also have a domestic agenda focused on greater opportunity and equality both in terms of economics and social policy. I believe that we can invest in small business job creation in areas that have seen stagnant growth this year, make our country independent of foreign sources of energy while combating the climate crisis, repeal and replace No Child Left Behind with a plan focused on hiring more teachers, expand access to health insurance through a combination of medicaid expansion and private insurance vouchers, raise the minimum wage, and make paid medical leave universal all while reducing the deficit and preserving tax relief for middle and lower income Americans. We can pay for this by repealing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy and closing corporate tax loopholes. I know that Americans are ready to do great things, and I’d be honored to lead the way” - Wesley Clark


"Nebraska is not exactly a bastion of progressive values, yet the people of my state have elected me multiple times because I am more interested in getting things done than engaging in the kinds of partisan squabbles that this administration has engaged in. People in my state know that on issues like trade, health care, the minimum wage, and education, I have stood and always will stand with working families. I think we need to level the playing field on trade, we have to enforce all provisions of free trade agreements that are on the books before we enter into new ones. I believe that health care access should be expanded and that every American should have the option to buy into the federal healthcare system enjoyed by members of Congress. The minimum wage should be indexed to inflation, and we should set a goal of doubling the number of pell grants for higher education and create a pell grant program for vocational school as well because in a global economy, we need to make sure our workers have an advantage when it comes to skills. I also believe that we should strive to conclude our mission in Iraq as soon as possible, I agree with General Clark that we need to engage our allies and rebuild the alliances George W. Bush has weakened" - Bob Kerrey

“Electability is central to my campaign because we Democrats need a candidate who can win the election of 2004 and get things done on jobs, environmental protection, standing up for workers, and making sure we are a leader in world affairs. I’m running for President on my record as someone who has stood up for civil rights, took on environmental polluters as a state Attorney General, and as a U.S. Senator who has been a leader on the environment, protecting workers, and on issues relating to foreign affairs. The question for Democrats in this primary is what kind of Democratic Party will we be? My vision for our party and our country is one that embraces the kinds of policies Bill Clinton has always supported, policies that invest in those things that strengthen our middle-class and working families  while paying for everything we do. That’s why I want to replace tax breaks for the top 2% to pay for an across-the-board income tax cut for 98% of taxpayers and reducing the deficit and national debt while also investing in education and health care. By contrast, Governor Dean and others have proposed policies they don’t explain how they’ll pay for, and Governor Dean has said he will increase taxes on middle and lower income Americans. We Democrats need to hold progressive values, but also be fiscally responsible” - Joe Lieberman

Moderator:Governor Dean and Senator Bradley, both of you have strong support amongst the Democratic Party's progressive base and you have both said you are the true progressives in this primary. Can you also appeal to independents and Republicans as necessary to win the general election?

"During my years in the United States Senate, I stayed true to my progressive principles but also focused less on the politics of the moment and more on finding solutions and working with others, regardless of political affiliation, to achieve those solutions. I was proud to have played a role in the effort to reform the tax code to make it fair while closing loopholes for the largest corporations that added to the deficit. I disagreed with President Bush's tax cuts not only because they primarily favored the wealthy and added to the deficit, but because I think to do really important things you need input from members of both political parties. So when I talk about criminal justice reform, environmental justice, tax reform, getting money out of our politics, and expanding access to health care and education, I have my progressive principles but am willing to work with anyone to find solutions. Pandering for the purpose of winning an election is not something I've done or will do in this campaign, but here is why Democrats can be confident I can win the general election. I have a bipartisan record that I will proudly run on in the fall, and I would add that progressives know my record and are supporting my campaign" - Bill Bradley

"I am the only candidate on this stage who has ever run a state, and in Vermont I did do the things others here talk about. I expanded health care coverage, worked to improve our schools, raised the minimum wage, cut taxes for working families, and balanced the budget. Joe Lieberman and George Bush agree on foreign policy, they agree with keeping fiscally irresponsible tax cuts in place, and they agree on No Child Left Behind. I don't believe that the way to win in 2004 is to agree with George Bush, I think the way to win in 2004 is to offer the American people a clear alternative to the Bush agenda, aspects of which Joe Lieberman has championed in the United States Senate. The agenda I offer includes repealing the Bush tax cuts to provide health insurance to those who don't have it today, end No Child Left Behind and instead increase funding for public schools in a way that truly raises standards instead of relying on just standardized testing, expand access to a higher education, and provide grants for rural communities to invest in infrastructure and downtown revitalization. I also believe in balancing the budget, and my plan gets us there by 2010 as opposed to George Bush who supports more deficits and debt" - Howard Dean

Moderator: Senator Moseley-Braun, Congressman Kucinich, and Reverend Sharpton. An average of the last five polls shows each of you registering at less than 3% of the Democratic primary vote. What can you say here tonight that you think will convince Democratic primary voters to support your candidacy?

"There are a lot of issues where I agree with the leading candidates for President. I agree with General Clark and Senator Kerrey on matters of foreign policy, both of them have served our nation with honor and distinction. I agree with Senator Lieberman on the need to balance the federal budget and be a party of fiscal responsibility. I also applaud Governor Dean for his work on health care in Vermont, and I thank Senator Bradley and Reverend Sharpton for talking about criminal justice reform during this campaign. Congressman Kucinich and I are on the same page when it comes to environmental policy. My message is one of ideas, it is not a message that is meant to criticize any of the other loyal Democrats on this stage. People can look at my ideas and judge for themselves whether or not to support me. I am also not worried about polls, I am traveling across Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and other states speaking with voters one on one, hearing their concerns, and discussing solutions. I am confident that between hearing my life story, message, and vision people will consider me in the primaries" - Carol Moseley-Braun

"I am the only candidate for President who has said that because I believe health insurance is a right, I will support single-payer health care for all Americans. I'm the only one who has been consistently outspoken on trade agreements like NAFTA that have sent American manufacturing jobs overseas. And I am the only candidate who supports an international minimum wage and higher fuel efficiency standards in our automobiles. When I listen to some of the comments by my friends up here, I keep thinking that they believe we should be the Democratic Party of 1992, not the Democratic Party of 2004. I respect President Clinton, but let's be honest. When you focus more on dollars and cents and less on equality and rights, you don't win elections. We won in 1992 and 1996, but look at the results in 1994, 1998, and 2000 when Joe Lieberman was on the ticket. We lost because we forgot who were were and what we stand for and instead focused too much on sounding more like Newt Gingrich. We are doing it again in this campaign when there are more promises about reducing the debt and less about providing health insurance to every American as I promise to do" - Dennis Kucinich  

"Let me start off my saying that I am not concerned about polls when we are months away from Iowa and New Hampshire, so that’s not my focus. What is my focus is getting my message out, and my message is one of inclusion and of recognizing that while leaders set the tone of the national dialogue and can help on specific policies, change starts at the grassroots level. My experience has been at the grassroots level on issues like civil rights and worker’s rights. I want to use my experience to make sure that we have the right priorities in Washington D.C. George Bush’s priorities have been a foreign policy where we, as General Clark said, ignore our allies and domestic policies that focus on helping Wall Street, not Main Street or working families. So my goal in this campaign, and my priorities if elected President, will be bringing people together at the grassroots level on issues like making social security solvent, improving infrastructure, and criminal justice reform” - Al Sharpton

October 5, 2003 - Survey: Following strong debate performance, Clark surges as Lieberman's numbers decline and Moseley-Braun moves up; Clark strongest general election candidate

National Democratic Presidential Nomination
Wesley Clark 21%
Howard Dean 17%
Joe Lieberman 14%
Bill Bradley 12%
Carol Moseley-Braun 8%
Bob Kerrey 2%
Dennis Kucinich 1%
Al Sharpton 1%

Iowa Democratic Caucuses
Wesley Clark 18%
Joe Lieberman 18%
Howard Dean 15%
Bill Bradley 14%
Carol Moseley-Braun 6%
Bob Kerrey 3%
Dennis Kucinich 2%
Al Sharpton 1%

New Hampshire Democratic Primary
Joe Lieberman 19%
Wesley Clark 15%
Bill Bradley 15%
Howard Dean 14%
Carol Moseley-Braun 7%
Bob Kerrey 2%
Dennis Kucinich 1%
Al Sharpton 1%

South Carolina Democratic Primary
Wesley Clark 27%
Joe Lieberman 15%
Howard Dean 12%
Bill Bradley 10%
Carol Moseley-Braun 8%
Bob Kerrey 5%
Al Sharpton 2%
Dennis Kucinich 1%

Hypothetical General Election Match-Ups
George W. Bush (R) 48% Joe Lieberman (D) 45%
George W. Bush (R) 48% Bob Kerrey (D) 41%
George W. Bush (R) 47% Bill Bradley (D) 42%
Wesley Clark (D) 50% George W. Bush (R) 45%
George W. Bush (R) 48% Howard Dean (D) 41%
George W. Bush (R) 46% Carol Moseley-Braun (D) 44%

Bush Approval Rating
Approve 56%
Disapprove 42%

October 20, 2003 - Bradley puts forth tax reform, campaign finance reform proposals; calls for end to negative campaigning

DOVER, NH - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bill Bradley put forth detailed tax reform and campaign finance reform proposals during a town hall meeting in New Hampshire. Bradley's tax plan calls for replacing six income tax brackets with four; an 8% rate on incomes below $75,000 per year, a 14% rate on incomes between $75,000 and $250,000, a 28% bracket on incomes between $250,000 and $1 million, and a 45% rate on incomes of $1 million and above. Bradley also called for increasing the standard deduction by 30%, capping the SALT deduction at $18,000, capping the mortgage interest deduction at $24,000, creating a flat capital gains tax rate of 20%, and closing all corporate tax loopholes. On campaign finance reform, Bradley called for disclosure of PAC contributions and a limit on matching fund amounts. The candidate also called for all Democratic candidates to stop negative campaigning.

October 25, 2003 - Bill Clinton endorses Wesley Clark for President

MARION, SC - Former President of the United States Bill Clinton endorsed Democratic Presidential Hopeful Wesley Clark for the 2004 Democratic nomination for President at a Clark campaign event in Marion, South Carolina. "I am supporting Wesley Clark for President because General Clark has demonstrated time and time again that he is a leader, a patriot, and an individual who knows how to bring people together to accomplish important goals," Clinton said of Clark.

 

[BushKerry04]

I guess that the Bush campaign will now focus most of its attacks against Wesley Clark through early negative advertising on Clark in order to stop him from winning the nomination.

By the way, I just learned that Clark voted for Ronald Reagan, which might hurt him in the Democratic primaries.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Clark#2004_presidential_campaign

Interesting to see if Clark gets the nomination.

Bush, Jr., taking a page out of the Gray Davis playbook: attacking your possible GE opponent in the other political party's primary.

Thank you all for the feedback! Certainly things to consider.......

December 1, 2003 - Lieberman won't compete in Iowa, Clark will

IOWA CITY, IA - Following weeks of declining polling and fundraising numbers, Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Lieberman's campaign announced that the Connecticut Senator would close his two campaign offices in Iowa and would instead focus on New Hampshire's primary. Most pundits agree that Lieberman's appeal to independents and moderates make him a stronger candidate in New Hampshire's primary than Iowa's caucuses. Fellow candidate Wesley Clark, who has focused heavily on New Hampshire and South Carolina, announced his campaign will open an office in Iowa.

January 2, 2004 - Clark, Bradley led fundraising in Q4 of '03; Bush raised $48 million

WASHINGTON, DC - Democratic Presidential Candidates and President George W. Bush raised and have the following amounts of cash on hand as of the fourth fundraising quarter of 2003:

George W. Bush: Raised $48 million, has $39 million cash-on-hand
Wesley Clark: Raised $15.5 million, has $8.2 million cash-on-hand
Bill Bradley: Raised $15.5 million, has $12 million cash-on-hand
Howard Dean: Raised $10 million, has $4 million cash-on-hand
Joe Lieberman: Raised $8 million, has $6.5 million cash-on-hand
Carol Moseley-Braun: Raised $5 million, has $3 million cash-on-hand
Bob Kerrey: Raised $1 million, has $300,000 cash-on-hand
Al Sharpton: Raised $500,000, has $75,000 cash-on-hand
Dennis Kucinich: Raised $350,000, has $15,000 cash-on-hand

January 15, 2004 - Survey: Democratic field open nationally, in Iowa and New Hampshire as Clark leads in South Carolina; Bush approval at 55%

National Democratic Presidential Nomination
Wesley Clark 17%
Bill Bradley 15%
Howard Dean 14%
Joe Lieberman 10%
Carol Moseley-Braun 8%
Bob Kerrey 2%
Dennis Kucinich 1%
Al Sharpton 1%

Iowa Democratic Caucuses
Wesley Clark 15%
Howard Dean 15%
Bill Bradley 15%
Carol Moseley-Braun 10%
Joe Lieberman 9%
Bob Kerrey 3%
Dennis Kucinich 1%
Al Sharpton 1%

New Hampshire Democratic Primary
Joe Lieberman 15%
Wesley Clark 14%
Bill Bradley 14%
Howard Dean 12%
Carol Moseley-Braun 8%
Bob Kerrey 3%
Dennis Kucinich 1%
Al Sharpton 1%

South Carolina Democratic Primary
Wesley Clark 30%
Bill Bradley 12%
Howard Dean 10%
Carol Moseley-Braun 10%
Joe Lieberman 8%
Bob Kerrey 4%
Al Sharpton 2%
Dennis Kucinich 1%

Hypothetical General Election Match-Ups
George W. Bush (R) 47% Joe Lieberman (D) 45%
George W. Bush (R) 47% Bob Kerrey (D) 43%
George W. Bush (R) 47% Bill Bradley (D) 44%
Wesley Clark (D) 51% George W. Bush (R) 42%
George W. Bush (R) 48% Howard Dean (D) 42%
George W. Bush (R) 45% Carol Moseley-Braun (D) 44%

Bush Approval Rating
Approve 55%
Disapprove 40%

January 17, 2004 - Gore endorses Bradley for President
[img width=760

IOWA CITY, IA - Former Vice President Al Gore endorsed Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bill Bradley for the 2004 Democratic Presidential Nomination during an event in Iowa, two days before Democrats caucus. Gore and Bradley, opponents in the 2000 Democratic presidential primaries, announced the endorsement at a press conference. "I am supporting Bill Bradley for President because of his detailed proposals on a host of issues from campaign finance reform to tax reform and protecting the enviornment. He has my endorsement and support," Gore said.


Moderator's note: Copyrighted images removed, again.