America: 2000-2016

[AndrewTX]

Oohhh, looking good Yates.

[Gabu]

Henry/Durbin '08!

[Yates]

The next update will be tonight.

[adam]

Cox 2008!

[Yates]

New Hampshire

Rasmussen Reports
January 18th, 2008
Democratic New Hampshire Primary
Henry: 36%
Durbin: 31%
Richardson: 22%
Clinton: 9%
Other: 2%

Rasmussen Reports
January 18th, 2008
Republican New Hampshire Primary
Kyl: 48%
Ridge: 26%
Cox: 25%
Other: 1%

The day after his disappointing second-place finish in Iowa, Dick Durbin begins a week-long saturation of the major television stations in New Hampshire.  Durbin focuses on his Senate experience, and attacks Henry's lack of foreign policy experience, going as far as to compare him to Roy Barnes and George W. Bush, two former Governors who had disastrous terms as President.

Henry, on the other hand, largely rides on momentum to increase his lead and to win solidly in New Hampshire, securing the nomination early.  Bill Richardson, who has declared New Hampshire a "must-win" state, has made his connections with the Clark Administration the central theme of his campaign.  His third place position in the polls is, to his campaign, quite disappointing.  Hillary Clinton has put all of the $17.6 million remaining in her campaign war chest into New Hampshire ads and get-out-the-vote efforts.  Word has it that, if she finishes last among the major candidates, Clinton will leave the race.

Jon Kyl has largely remained out of the fray that is the battle for second place.  Kyl has already begun to concentrate his efforts campaigning in swing states such as Florida and Ohio in preparation for the general election.  Tom Ridge is regionally popular among New Hampshire political leaders, but Christopher Cox has attacked Ridge for his connections to the unpopular Bush Administration.  Cox, who has dubbed himself an outsider, has obtained much publicity from his "dark horse" status. 

On January 20th, a final debate between the candidates of both parties takes place.  In the Democratic debate, Dick Durbin, with his usual vigor, attacks Henry's lack of his experience and promotes his own experience as a Senate leader.  Henry appears to be unprepared to respond to these attacks.  Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton remain fairly quiet during the debate, relying on canned responses to most questions.  Polls after the debate show a strong victory for Durbin.

In the Republican debate, Jon Kyl spends most of his speaking time focusing on his Senate record, and largely ignores the other two candidates.  Christopher Cox and Tom Ridge viciously attack each other during the debate.  Polls after the debate show Kyl as the widely-agreed winner, with Cox and Ridge far behind.

Gallup Poll
January 24th, 2008
Democratic New Hampshire Primary
Durbin: 34%
Henry: 33%
Richardson: 24%
Clinton: 8%
Other: 1%

Gallup Poll
January 24th, 2008
Republican New Hampshire Primary
Kyl: 62%
Cox: 19%
Ridge: 17%
Other: 2%

PRIMARY NIGHT

With 14% of precincts reporting. . .

Democratic Primary
Durbin: 35.41%
Henry: 33.28%
Richardson: 25.83%
Clinton: 4.32%
Other: 1.16%
Bill Richardson is projected to be in third place.
Hillary Clinton is projected to be in last place.

Republican Primary
Kyl: 65.81%
Cox: 15.20%
Ridge: 12.48%
Other: 6.51%
Jon Kyl is projected to be the winner.

At 9:38 P.M., word comes that Hillary Clinton will end her Presidential bid.  At 9:45 P.M., she addresses her supporters and officially announces her withdrawl from the race.

At 10:01 P.M., Bill Richardson's campaign manager announces that Richardson will be addressing supporters tomororow.  It is reported by DailyKos that the Richardson campaign has cancelled all campaign events in South Carolina.

With 57% of precincts reporting. . .

Democratic Primary
Durbin: 36.72%
Henry: 32.91%
Dick Durbin is projected to be the winner.
Brad Henry is projected to be in second place.

Republican Primary
Jon Kyl
Cox: 16.13%
Ridge: 13.65%
Christopher Cox is projected to be in second place.
Tom Ridge is projected to be in last place.

New Hampshire Primary
Democratic Winner: Dick Durbin
Republican Winner: Jon Kyl

------------------------
Coming Next:
More candidates leave the race.  One party's nomination is nearly locked up, while the other party can expect a fight to the convention.  All this, and more, in the next update.

[Yates]

The next update will be tomorrow evening.

[Kevin]

This is really exiting I hope an update is coming soon!

[Yates]

Announcement

From this point forward, all updates will be posted at 8:00 P.M. EST/7:00 P.M. CST. 

[Yates]

The Fight

With both Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton out of the Presidential race, the Democratic nomination will either go to Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin or Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry.  After an unexpectedly solid victory in the New Hampshire Primary (most analysts projected that the winner would be decided by a margin of less than 1000 votes), Durbin seems to have the advantage.

On the Republican side, Tom Ridge has dropped out of the race, leaving Christopher Cox as the sole remaining challenger to the heavy frontrunner, Senate Minority Leader Jon Kyl.  However, to the surprise of nearly everyone, Cox leaves the race three days after the New Hampshire Primary, saying, "I could pursue a longshot campaign for the nomination.  I could get my name out and maybe get my name in the appendix in some history book.  But now is a time for unity, and in the name of party unity, I am leaving the race for the White House and wholeheartedly endorsing Jon Kyl."  With Cox's exit from the race, Jon Kyl is the presumptive Republican Presidential nominee.

Rasmussen Reports
February 1st, 2008
South Carolina Democratic Primary
Henry: 45%
Durbin: 43%
Undecided: 12%

Henry launches a week-long advertising campaign in South Carolina, touting his centrist views, and attacking Durbin as being a left-wing extremist.  Durbin responds by making several appearances with the state's African American political leaders, including Congressman Jim Clyburn. 

Rasmussen Reports
February 5th, 2008
General Election
Henry: 32%
Kyl: 31%
Wellstone: 10%
DeLay: 2%
Undecided: 25%
---
Durbin: 35%
Kyl: 34%
Wellstone: 6%
DeLay: 3%
Undecided: 22%

Henry uses this poll, and others like it, to tout his perceived "electability" in a general election.  Durbin responds by charging Henry of abandoning "traditional Democratic values."  The campaign turns into a battle-royale of the centrist and conservative-leaning Democrats and the traditional liberal and far-left Democrats.  The situation is escalated when Paul Wellstone, campaigning independently for the White House, announces that he will, if Henry is nominated, "campaign to win" as opposed to "trying to send a message."  Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Senator Barbara Boxer, and others, pledge to support Wellstone if Henry is the Democratic nominee.

Other Democrats respond to this by pledging to support Jon Kyl if Durbin is nominated.  Senator Joe Lieberman says, "If Dick Durbin is the Democratic nominee, America will have to choose between two far-leftists, an ultra-conservative, and a mainstream conservative.  I'll choose the one who isn't an extremist."  This statement, in which Lieberman is obviously suggesting moderate Democrats support Kyl if Durbin is nominated, is supported by several moderate and conservative Democrats.

The South Carolina Primary is only days away. . .

-------------------
Tomorrow at 8:00 P.M. EST/7:00 P.M. CST
Will the battle between Democrats escalate?  Who will the Democrats nominate?  This, and more, in the next update.

[Yates]

Announcement

From this point forward, the fiction will be run somewhat like a television show.  Every weeknight (Monday through Friday) at 8:00 P.M. EST/7:00 P.M. CST, an update will be posted.  Tomorrow's update will focus on the campaign, while the update after that will focus on the goings-on in Washington.  Expect updates to shift between the campaign and Washington from this point on.

[Yates]

SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY

Democratic Primary
[X] Dick Durbin: 49.46%
Brad Henry: 48.43%
Other: 2.01%

Dick Durbin's surprise victory in the South Carolina primary secures his status as the odds-on frontrunner and, as some begin to say, presumptive nominee.  The day after the results are announced, Brad Henry ends his bid for the nomination.  In his speech, he says, "Yes, we're disappointed.  Yes, we're angry.  But we can't let these feelings control us.  We need to get over it and do all we can to support Dick Durbin in the general election."  The remarks are meant to discourage Henry supporters from endorsing the Republican nominee, Jon Kyl.

However, the remarks do little.  On February 23, 2008, Senator Joe Lieberman holds a press conference in which he endorses Kyl for President.  Standing beside him are fellow Democrats Henry Cuellar, Phil Bredesen, Gene Taylor, and others.  Lieberman says, "The Democratic Party no longer represents patriots like President Clark.  It represents ultra-liberals who, judging by their rhetoric, don't seem to want the best for our nation." 

Rasmussen Reports
March 5th, 2008
Kyl: 41%
Durbin: 32%
Wellstone: 9%
DeLay: 2%
Undecided: 16%

Now having the nomination locked up, Durbin has a difficult decision to.  Should he choose a running mate who he believes to be best fit for the spot, or should he choose Brad Henry in an effort to win back conservative Democrats? 

While Durbin is pondering this decision, Jon Kyl announces his running mate.  In a press conference from St. Paul, Minnesota, Kyl announces that his running mate will be Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.  The Kyl/Pawlenty campaign immediately begins a nationwide tour, hitting key swing states.

Independent candidate Senator Paul Wellstone, who has announced his intention to remain in the race, also selects his running mate.  Wellstone selects Congressman Dennis Kucinich.  Also, Constitution Party presumptive nominee Tom DeLay selects anti-immigration activist Jim Gilchrist as his running mate.

Durbin appoints Bob Schrum to manage a committee to select a running mate.  Durbin's personal favorite is Secretary of State Bill Richardson, a former primary rival.  Other names he is considering are Senator Mike Ciresi, Senator Barbara Boxer, Senator Ben Nelson, and Governor Janet Napolitano.  However, Durbin's advisors consistently remind him of the need to win back the votes of conservative Democrats, possibly by choosing Brad Henry.

By March 20th, 2008, Durbin has made his decision.

The Democratic Ticket

DICK DURBIN/BILL RICHARDSON

The Republican Ticket

JON KYL/TIM PAWLENTY

The Independent Ticket

PAUL WELLSTONE/DENNIS KUCINICH

The Constitution Ticket

TOM DELAY/JIM GILCHRIST

The race is on.

--------------------------------------
TOMORROW AT 8
President Clark begins his final year in office.  Though he has attempted to heal the divide, debate in Congress becomes more heated than ever, and includes an early debate between the two major party nominees.

[AndrewTX]

Ohhh, this looks good!

[Yates]

Update will be posted either tomorrow morning or early tomorrow afternoon.

[Kevin]

Looks great keep it up Yates!

[Gabu]

Please, Sir, I want some more.

[TommyC1776]

Please more.  please.

[Yates]

The Final Year

President Clark, in his final State of the Union address, announces that the agenda for his last year in office will consist of balancing the budget, attempting to disarm North Korea, and cutting taxes for the middle class.  Clark remains immensely popular, and his agenda is applauded by both Democrats and Republicans.

Despite Clark’s popularity, however, Congress is deeply divided on partisan lines, and seems to have more partisan bickering than ever before.  The Democratic majority, lead by Speaker Steny Hoyer and newly selected House Majority Leader Ed Markey are facing an effective and strong-willed minority lead by Mike Pence.  In the Senate, the two presumptive nominees for President are their party’s respective leaders, a first in our nation’s history.

President Clark proposes a budget to Congress which includes dramatic spending cuts in several areas, including welfare, education, and federal worker salaries.  Congressional Republicans are ecstatic over this budget, though Democrats come out in line to oppose it, the first notable opposition Democrats have shown to the popular President of their own party. 

In a passionate debate on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader and Democratic Presidential nominee Dick Durbin and Senate Minority Leader and Republican nominee Jon Kyl attack each other’s positions on cutting spending on the welfare program.  In the end, several Democratic Senators join the Republicans in supporting the cut in spending, and the budget as a whole.  The debate is seen by many as a sign that Durbin is not the wholehearted Clark supporter he has claimed to be.  In the campaign, Durbin has often boasted of his status as “Clark’s representative in the Senate,” and has noted his essential position for getting Clark’s policy through Congress. 

In early April, Jon Kyl publicly meets with President Clark in the White House with the stated purpose of discussing ways in which bipartisanship can be used to pass much of Clark’s agenda.  The meeting gives photographers plenty of opportunities to snap photos of Kyl and Clark shaking hands and chatting, which are picked up by the Kyl campaign.

Though Durbin and Kyl remain the official leaders of their parties in the Senate, their responsibilities have largely been handed over.  Leading the Democrats from behind the scenes is Senator Barbara Boxer.  Leadership duties over the Republicans have been largely transferred to Kyl’s “heir apparent,” Senator John Ensign. 

Rasmussen Reports
Clark Approval Rating
April 30th, 2008
Approve: 76%
Disapprove: 22%
Unsure: 2%

Rasmussen Reports
Generic Congressional Ballot
May 2nd, 2008
Republican: 45%
Democrat: 38%
Other: 2%
Undecided: 15%

Political analyst Stu Rothenberg says, “2008 is looking increasingly like a Republican year.  As of now, I would expect significant gains for Republicans in Congress.”

However, the focus of Americans is shifted suddenly on May 7th, 2008. 

BREAKING NEWS: North Korean state television is now reporting that missiles containing nuclear warheads are aimed at the cities of Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul.  A top military official has given orders to have the missiles ready for launch at a moment’s notice.

NEXT UPDATE
Will there be war or will a crisis be averted?  And how will this issue affect the Presidential race? 

[ottermax]

You've already hit Israel with missiles and now Japan, Korea, and China! Stop destroying all of my homelands. Also, why is North Korea hitting Beijing? I'm confused.

[Yates]

You've already hit Israel with missiles and now Japan, Korea, and China! Stop destroying all of my homelands.

I am sincerely sorry!  However, some action is necessary in a what-if fiction.  I doubt you all would enjoy reading 18 pages of everyday life!

You must be logged in to read this quote.

This will become clear in the next update, which will probably be tomorrow.

[Gabu]

BREAKING NEWS: North Korean state television is now reporting that missiles containing nuclear warheads are aimed at the cities of Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul.  A top military official has given orders to have the missiles ready for launch at a moment’s notice.

Tokyo I can see, but Seoul seems especially unlikely.  Take a look at a map of South Korea:



Seoul is right smack on the North Korean border.  Any nuclear missile fired at Seoul would almost assuredly spread radioactive fallout all over North Korea.  I don't think that Kim Jong-Il is that insane.

[Yates]

Well, I am anxious to see what your reactions will be to what will actually be happening.

[adam]

I don't think that Kim Jong-Il is that insane.

You're giving him a lot of credit.

[Kevin]

I look foreward too it!

[CPT MikeyMike]

Keep it up...looks great!

[Gabu]

I don't think that Kim Jong-Il is that insane.

You're giving him a lot of credit.

Even the craziest of people don't do things that hurt themselves.