JFK Lives

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Canada: On the whole, Canada remains unchanged.  Canada did send a small number of troops to help in Vietnam, although they were removed in 1968.

France:  As in RL, de Gaulle is reelected President in 1965, although he only needs one round of voting to do so.  He does not order the removal of foreign troops, and keeps France within the military organization of NATO.  De Gaulle is much more supportive of US efforts in Vietnam, and sends troops to help the US in 1966, although he removes them again in 1970.  Although May, 1968 does occur to some extent, there is none of the violent rioting, and de Gaulle does not hold elections until February, 1969, where he gains a major victory.  As of 1972, de Gaulle is still in power, although his health seems to be failing somewhat.

Australia:  In the 1966 General Elections, Harold Holt scores a major victory, and is reelected; his party wins again in 1970, and elections are scheduled for March, 1973.

Germany:  East Germany, in 1973, is basically the same.  West Germany, likewise, is mostly unchanged, although Kiesinger's "Grand Coalition" is still in effect, although it is unlikely the Coalition will stand much longer, and Willy Brandt appears primed to be the next Prime Minister.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

France:  As in RL, de Gaulle is reelected President in 1965, although he only needs one round of voting to do so.  He does not order the removal of foreign troops, and keeps France within the military organization of NATO.  De Gaulle is much more supportive of US efforts in Vietnam, and sends troops to help the US in 1966, although he removes them again in 1970.  Although May, 1968 does occur to some extent, there is none of the violent rioting, and de Gaulle does not hold elections until February, 1969, where he gains a major victory.  As of 1972, de Gaulle is still in power, although his health seems to be failing somewhat.

1. One round elections would never have occurred. Never. Especially under de Gaulle. It's set in stone.
2. If there is no election in 1968, why does de Gaulle dissolve in '69? Does he seek a larger majority than the one in the original 3rd legislature?
3. I assume the 1969 referendum passes, instead of failing.
4. Why would de Gaulle seek re-election in 1972 under poor health? Or are the 1972 elections not up yet?

1.  It was very close; de Gaulle barely got through.
2.  de Gaulle tries to get a larger majority, yes.
3.  It does indeed.
4.  He does seek reelection, and wins.  By "health is failing", I don't mean that he cannot run the government; he still seems in good enough health to serve, but he is 82 years old, and so is a little slower than he used to be.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Fair enough, however, I believe that if Holt's Government was re-elected in 1970 (that's of course if he returned from his swim at Cheviot Beach on December 17) that his Government would have succumbed to internal scandals, such as the infamous VIP affair seen in RL, and he would have either resigned the Prime Ministership or be removed as leader after the 1970 election.

Possible; I'm not an expert on Australia, of course

As always, I do have some questions regarding your timeline. What is Gough Whitlam doing as of 1972, and what are the prospects of the ALP being elected at the next election? and who is Prime Minister Harold Holt's likely successor as Prime Minister, if he and his Liberals lose in 1973?

Gough Whitlam is currently leader of the opposition, and appears set lead the ALP to victory in the 1973 elections.  If the ALP does win, then Whitlam is set to be the next Prime Minister.

Ben,

Always a good read, this timeline.

Thank you

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Excellent.... excellent...

Who is Governor of Massachusetts right now?

Francis W. Sargent, as in real life.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

What is JFK doing right now, in the Greek Islands on a sailboat I presume...

Actually, JFK is teaching political science at Harvard.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

What is JFK doing right now, in the Greek Islands on a sailboat I presume...

Actually, JFK is teaching political science at Harvard.

Hmmmm... you know my grandfather met JFK once, he asked him whathe was going to do after his presidency and that is what he said.

Interesting; my grandfather met JFK a number of times, also.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The First Term of Hubert H. Humphrey

“It was once said that the moral test of Government is how that Government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.  Over the last few years, our Government has failed that test; and I intend for us to once again pass it.”  Humphrey announces that, once his entire Cabinet is confirmed, he will send to Congress an ambitious legislative package, that will help America pass the test again.  His Cabinet, when finally confirmed, seems well acquainted with the task, being made up of experts in each field.

Secretary of State: Edmund Muskie (D-ME)
Secretary of Treasury: Henry H. Fowler (D-VA)
Secretary of Defense: James R. Schlesinger (R-IL)
Attorney General: Edward H. Levi (R-IL)
Secretary of the Interior: Stewart Udall (D-AZ)
Secretary of Agriculture: Orville Freeman (D-MN)
Secretary of Commerce: Lawrence Fox (D-VA)
Secretary of Labor: Lane Kirkland (D-SC)
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: Joseph A. Califano, Jr. (D-NY)
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Patricia Roberts Harris (D-IL)
Secretary of Transportation: Howard Cannon (D-NV)

Despite his large majorities in Congress, Humphrey expects to have a difficult time getting his legislation through, largely due to the opposition of Senator Richard B. Russell of Georgia.  However, on February 4, Senator Russell dies in Washington, DC.  Humphrey is one of two people selected to eulogize Russell; the other is his friend, John Stennis.  In the eulogy, Humphrey calls Russell, “The epitome of what it means to be a United States Senator.  To replace Russell, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter appoints Sam Nunn, a well known supporter of Humphrey.

Following Russell’s funeral, Humphrey sends the first major piece of legislation to Congress.  Called the Labor Freedom Act of 1973, it would repeal the Taft-Hartley Act, passed in 1947.  Humphrey had made a campaign promise to various unions to ask for the Bill, and it was written shortly after his election victory.

On March 7, to the surprise of many, the LFA passes the House, 222-213, and is sent to the Senate.  Harrison A. Williams, Jr. (D-NJ), chairman of the Labor Committee, promises to get the legislation quickly through, and on March 29, it is presented to the Senate.  On April 12, the Senate votes, and the Bill is defeated, 50-49.  However, Senator Jacob Javits (R-NY), who had originally voted against the Bill, decides to change his vote, allowing the legislation to pass.  It is rushed to President Humphrey, and, surrounded by Labor leaders, he signs the LFA on April 13.

On April 25, former President Harry Truman dies peacefully in his sleep.  President Humphrey attends the funeral along with 19 Senators, 27 Congressman, every member of the Cabinet, former Presidents Kennedy and Tower, and former Vice Presidents Nixon, Agnew and Smathers; also in attendance is a visibly ill French President Charles de Gaulle, although he insists afterwards that he is in fine health.

On May 3, in a speech to Congress, President Humphrey asks for passage of a comprehensive universal health care bill that would provide health care for all Americans.  The government would pay for between 25-90% of the person’s health care costs, depending on the person’s yearly salary.

The legislation faces intense opposition from conservatives, who claim that the bill will put the country on the road to socialism.  Senator Roman Hruska (R-NE) claims that the bill would, “Rename Washington DC as Moscow.”  Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC) calls it, “An abominable mix of socialism and government handouts.”  However, the legislation does have some supporters; Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) says, “This is not socialism, it is not communism; it is making sure that every American has his G-d-given right to have health care!”

On June 20, the Senate votes on the health care bill; the vote ties at 50-50, and Vice President Hearnes votes for the bill, passing it 51-50 in the most dramatic way.  In the House, the legislation enjoys stronger support, and on July 12, after much debate, the bill passes, 235-200, and is signed into law by President Humphrey on July 14.

That same day, Charles de Gaulle dies in Paris, of a stroke.  Humphrey attends the funeral, along with former Vice President Richard Nixon.

On September 12, in a speech to Congress, President Humphrey announces that, starting January 1, 1974, he will begin withdrawing troops from Vietnam.  The announcement is met with loud applause from a majority of the members of Congress, although some remain noticeably silent.  Senator Henry Jackson (D-WA) calls it “A poor decision, with victory so near,” and Senator John Stennis (D-MS) says that, “The President is making a decision based on the polls, not the facts.”

On January 27, in his State of the Union Address, Humphrey says that, “We are well on our way to passing the great moral test.  We are not there yet, though, and it will take much more effort.”

On February 5, Justice William O. Douglas resigns.  To replace him, President Humphrey nominates Spottswood William Robinson III to replace him.  Robinson is confirmed without controversy, becoming the second African-American on the Court.

In March, Congress begins debate on the Privacy Act of 1974.  Written by Senator Frank Church (D-ID), the Act would require each Government agency have in place an administrative and physical security system to prevent the unauthorized release of personal records.  Strongly supported by both Houses of Congress, it is signed by the President on May 10.

By June 10, the President reports that half of US troops have withdrawn from Vietnam.  He says that, at the current rate, all troops would be out by January of 1975.

The Congressional Elections

With President Humphrey’s approval ratings in the high 50’s to low 60’s, the Democrats make even more gains, adding on to their sky high majorities, reaching their highest numbers since the Great Depression.

Senate Results

Democrats: 72 (+6)
Republicans: 28 (-6)

House Results
Democrats: 320 (+32)
Republicans: 115 (-32)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Oh noes! Its falling off the wagon once more. Where are all of the foreign events and pictures which you said you would include more of? by my calculations I have only found two, and potentially the possibility of a third. Whilst its good to cover domestic affairs, which you do well, I believe, its integral to an excellent timeline to have a good balance between both foreign and domestic events. Just thought I'd lend a helping hand.

I know, know; I meant for this update to have more picture, but just forgot; the next update will have more international events, as well as pictures.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Hashemite: Poher is the President of the Senate, and so is President at the moment.

NiK: Bentsen is the junior Senator from Texas, and McCain is living quietly in Arizona following the end of his military service.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Hashemite: Poher is the President of the Senate, and so is President at the moment.

So Monnerville stepped down in 1969 as in RL to lead the NO campaign to the 1969 referendum?

Yes, he did.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

When is the next update?

Sorry, I was busy all weekend.  Thursday, at the latest.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

When is the next update?

Sorry, I was busy all weekend.  Thursday, at the latest.

Looking forward to the next Installment, I am wondering however what Is Daniel Patrick Moynihan doing in your tl? Might he be working with HHH to try to get some type of Universal Health Care passed like he did with Nixon in otl?

Moynihan was appointed US Ambassador to Israel in 1973, a post he still holds.  He did help President Humphrey write the health care bill that was passed, but didn't play a major role.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

On January 23, 1975, President Humphrey appears before Congress to deliver his State of the Union Address.  In the speech, Humphrey notes the large number of returning veterans from Vietnam, many of whom are returning without an opportunity for employment, merely sitting around in their parents’ homes.  Humphrey asks for a massive spending bill that would help pay for the education of many of these veterans.

On January 28, Humphrey sends that bill to Congress.  Called the New GI Bill, the legislation would provide for up to 75% of the cost of college for returning veterans, depending on their family income.  It would be paid for in two ways: a large tax increase on people in the top 5%, and a significant cut in military spending.

Almost immediately, the NGI faces major opposition.  Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) calls the NGI, “The most unwieldy piece of legislation I have ever seen in my entire life.”  Senator James Eastland (D-MS) says, “This bill is one step away from socialism.  In a few years, this city won’t be Washington anymore.  It’ll be Moscow.”

The most fervent opponent, though, is Senator Jess Helms (R-NC).  Helms attacks the legislation as, “Socialism from hell!”  Every day during the Senate debate, Helms speaks for one hour on the floor, and then gives a press conference blasting the NGI.


Senator Helms attacking the NGI

Like always, though, the NGI does have some strong supporters.  Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) calls the legislation, “An extremely important, and necessary, action.”  Senator George McGovern (D-SD) says that, “This legislation must be passed, so that our children can have a future.”


Senator McGovern giving a speech supporting the NGI

For more than a month, the Senate debates the NGI.  Every day, President Humphrey meets with Senators, trying to sway votes, and reach a majority.  On March 5, the Senate votes, 53-47, to approve the NGI.  In the House, there is considerably less opposition, and on March 28, the House votes 332-103 to pass the NGI.  It is signed by the President on March 30.

On April 5, President Humphrey begins a tour of Europe.  He first meets with Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and moves on throughout Europe, ending at the Berlin Wall.  While there, he gives a speech to the crowd, declaring that, “We in the West will not stop until freedom has spread to all places of the world!”  The speech is well received by the German citizens, and in the US, Humphrey’s approval rating shoots up to 70%.


President Humphrey speaking at the Berlin Wall

Upon returning to the US on April 28, President Humphrey collapses following a phone call with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin of Israel, following Rabin’s major victory in the Israeli elections of April 25.  Humphrey is rushed to a hospital, where his condition is listed as critical.  Vice President Hearnes is immediately informed, and taken to the White House.

Several hours later, it is announced that President Humphrey is recovering.  He is expected to recover, although he will need to take some time to recuperate.   The President decides to return to Minnesota for his recovery, placing Vice President Hearnes in charge.

On May 17, Humphrey returns to Washington for the first time since his illness.  The President appears gaunt, having lost at least 30 pounds during his illness.  The President meets with his Cabinet, as well as with several Governors who were appearing before Congress.


President Humphrey meeting with Governor Jimmy Carter (D-GA)

On June 2, elections are held in West Germany.  The results are a resounding victory for Willy Brandt, a friend of Humphrey, who becomes the new Prime Minister.  Humphrey calls to congratulate Brandt, and Brandt notes that Humphrey sounds very ill.

On June 10, former Vice President Agnew is found dead in his home in Baltimore, of an apparent suicide.  The funeral is attended by former Presidents Kennedy and Tower, former Vice Presidents Nixon and Smathers, President Humphrey, their wives, and numerous other dignitaries.  Following the funeral, former Vice President Nixon remarks to his wife that the President, “Looks like he will soon be a grave man.”

On June 23, President Humphrey collapses while working on a speech about education.  Although doctors say that exhaustion was the cause, Humphrey is kept overnight for observation, and tests are run.  The President returns to the White House the next day, and his pace intensifies.

On June 25, Humphrey gives a televised address.  In the speech, he calls for a national standard of education, so that, “American children will be prepared to face a complex and difficult future.”

In that idea, Humphrey proposes the National Education Act of 1975.  The NEA, written jointly by the President and Senator Kennedy, would set a national standard in math, science, and reading, for all students in grade K-12.  The standards would be updated by Congress every five years, although states could choose to set different standards, with the consent of the HEW Secretary.

The legislation, despite enjoying much support, is filibustered by a small group of conservatives, led by Senator Helms.  For nearly a month, the filibuster continues, until, on July 22, the Senate votes 70-30 for cloture.  Three days later, the NEA passes, 65-31, and is sent to the House.

In the House, the NEA enjoys strong support, and passes on August 5, 400-34.  At the signing ceremony on August 8, President Humphrey appears deathly pale, and his voice is weak.  Although he says that he is merely tired, the President’s hand shakes as he signs, and after the ceremony, he is seen reflexively massaging the left side of his chest while talking.

Upon returning to the White House, the President goes upstairs to take a nap.  Several hours later, his wife comes in to check on him, and finds him not moving.  He is rushed to a hospital, where he is pronounced dead, of an aortic aneurysm, at 6:21 PM on August 8, 1975.  Outside the hospital room, Vice President Hearnes is sworn into office.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Sorry about the lack of an update, guys.  The next one will probably come on Friday.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Sorry about not having an update; I've been going through a severe case of writer's block.  I hope to have an update by this weekend.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Sorry about not having an update; I've been going through a severe case of writer's block.  I hope to have an update by this weekend.

So how's the next installment coming along?

I'm terribly sorry.  I will publish an update tomorrow, I promise.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The First Term of Warren Hearnes

Three hours after President Humphrey’s death, President Hearnes speaks to the American people live on national television.  “My fellow Americans, it is with great sadness that I speak to you tonight.  Three hours ago, President Hubert Horatio Humphrey died of an aortic aneurysm at his desk in the Oval Office.  In my first official act as President, I am declaring tomorrow to be a day of mourning for all Americans.  I ask you all to keep the Humphrey family in your prayers.  Thank you, and good night.”

Three days later, Humphrey’s funeral is held in Minneapolis.  He is eulogized by former President Kennedy, who calls Humphrey, “One of the greatest men in our country’s history.”  The former President is widely mourned, and all throughout the country, impromptu memorials are held for the President.


Former Vice President Nixon at President Humphrey's Funeral

In the days following Humphrey’s funeral, little is heard from the White House.  President Hearnes schedules a speech to a joint session of Congress on August 14, three days after the funeral.

In the speech, Hearnes says, “We must continue!”  He announces an ambitious set of programs, designed to fulfill Humphrey’s dream of an America marked by equality and prosperity.  The speech is well received, and Hearnes’ approval rating starts out at a whopping 85%.

When Congress returns on September 4, they are presented with the first major piece of legislation: the Public Works Act of 1975.  The PWA, originally written by the President, would create a large number of new jobs for people across the country, by establishing new schools, and other government facilities throughout the country.

The PWA, though, faces stiff opposition from conservatives, claiming that the PWA would spend taxpayer money on unnecessary programs.  Conservatives, led by Senators Strom Thurmond (R-SC), and Herman Talmadge (D-GA) begin a lengthy filibuster.


Senator Herman Talmadge (D-GA) filibustering the PWA

For almost a month, the filibuster continues, until, on October 2, by a vote of 71-29, the Senate grants cloture.  Three days later, the Senate passes the PWA, 68-32.

In the House, the PWA faces little opposition, and passes easily, 406-28, on October 17.  It is signed by the President on October 20.

On November 1, the State of Israel holds elections for the Knesset, resulting in a victory for the Likud Party.  For the first time, the left-wing lost an election, with the Alignment’s share of the vote reduced by more than a third.  The Israeli right-wing took power for the first time since Israeli independence in 1948. The left’s spectacular loss of power was attributed to two major causes; allegations of corruption and nepotism (such as the Dollar Account affair and the Yadlin affair), and a perceived favoring of Ashkenazi (European) Jews over Mizrahi Jews (from North Africa and the Middle East).  Likud’s Menachem Begin is elected Prime Minister.


Prime Minister Begin speaking to the Knesset.

On November 12, President Hearnes leaves for his first international tour as President.  His first stop is in London, where he meets with Prime Minister Wilson, who appears likely to lose his status once again to Conservative Leader Margaret Thatcher in the upcoming elections, scheduled for 12 January 1976.

From London, Hearnes goes to Spain, where he meets with an ailing Francisco Franco.  He travels then to Paris, meeting with French President Alain Poher, and ends in West Germany, where he gives a speech at the Berlin Wall.

Upon returning to the United States on November 26, President Hearnes gives a speech to the United Nations, where he says that, “We have a collective responsibility to help spread democracy, and ensure that all peoples are completely free.”  Following the speech, Hearnes deplores the oppressive regimes of men such as Idi Amin in Uganda, and the apartheid reign of the National Party in South Africa.

On December 1, the President announces that he will seek reelection.  Three days later, Congress passes the Ethics in Government Act, which required all federal officials to submit financial documents every year, and all officials seeking elected office to submit a complete and total list of everyone who donated over $50 to their campaign.

On January 12, the United Kingdom holds elections, and throw out Prime Minister Wilson and the Labour Party.  Conservative Margaret Thatcher becomes the country’s first female Prime Minister.

In his State of the Union on January 24, President Hearnes asks Congress to pass what he calls the “Equality Package.”  The package contains three major pieces of legislation: the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Native Discrimination Act of 1976.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, written by Senator Mark Hatfield (R-OR), the PDA would prohibit companies from discriminating against pregnant women when hiring, as well as prevent companies from firing women for being pregnant, or denying them employment upon return from maternity leave.  The PDA faces surprisingly little opposition from conservatives, and is signed by the President on February 14.

The ADA also faces little opposition, despite its expansive nature.  Written by Senator Kennedy, the ADA would prohibit, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability, similar to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  The ADA defined disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.”  The determination of whether any particular condition is considered a disability would be made on a case by case basis. Certain specific conditions were excluded as disabilities, such as current substance abuse and visual impairment which is correctable by prescription lenses.  The ADA passes the Senate on March 9, 89-10, and the House on March 24, 340-94, and is signed by the President on March 26.

The final piece of the package, the Native Discrimination Act of 1976, prohibits companies from discriminating against people based on their Native American ancestry.  Written by Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ), the NDA faces opposition from Southerners such as Jesse Helms (R-NC), who had sat out the two previous battles due to the fact that they were un-winnable.  The NDA, Helms says, would lead to a slew of people improperly claiming Native ancestry in order to get jobs.  Despite Helms’ concern, the NDA passes on April 20, and is signed by the President three days later.

With all his legislative priorities taken care of, President Hearnes begins the long and arduous task of preparing for his reelection campaign.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Who won the snap Presidential election called in France after de Gaulle's death in 1974?

Poher did.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Whose funeral is that really a picture of?

I'm pretty sure it was LBJ's.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Wow that was definatley worth the wait...Hmm It seems President Hearnes isnt taking it slow with his legaslitive agenda. Is his approval rating still floating around 85% or have the've taken a hit? Is the economy in worse shape Stagflation wise with the onset of more Government programs? How's Nasa doing? and I cant wait to see who the GOP runs against Hearnes for the '76 election. Keep it comming

Thanks

President Hearnes' approval ratings stand at anywhere between 65-75% as of start of 1976.  The economy is actually in better shape, because the PWA has created a large number of jobs.  NASA isn't really important at the moment, although Humphrey raised their budget to the highest levels since the Kennedy years.

As for the GOP, there are no clear frontrunners.  Vice President Nixon had planned on runnings, but with Humphrey's death, he has decided not to.  There is word in some circles, though, that Governor Reagan will run.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Rocky will not run in 1976.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Democratic Nomination

Following his announcement that he intended to seek reelection, President Hearnes was able to focus on his Vice President.  His major desires in the pick are to have someone with foreign policy experience, appeal to as many parts of the base as possible, and be young enough to succeed him in 8 years.  His short list comprises Senators Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, Sam Nunn of Georgia, Frank Church of Idaho, and Robert Byrd of West Virginia.  It also includes Congressman Les Aspin of Wisconsin and Ray Roberts of Texas.

As the Convention gathers in Chicago, Hearnes has narrowed the list down to Inouye, Aspin, and Church.  Hearnes initially decides to select Inouye, but, when asked, Inouye turns him down, preferring to stay in the Senate.  Following that, Hearnes decides to select Church, and Church accepts.

At the Convention, a long tribute is paid to President Humphrey, with an especially poignant tribute being delivered by Vice Presidential nominee Church.  Following the Convention, Hearnes appears to have a large, insurmountable lead.

The Republican Nomination

With President Humphrey’s death, multiple top level challengers decided not to seek the nomination.  Former Vice President and Governor Nixon, Governor Rockefeller of New York, and Senator Baker all decide not to run.

Eventually, three candidates emerge: Governor Ronald Reagan of California, Governor Tom McCall of Oregon, and Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts.

From the outset, Brooke attracts a large amount of media attention, as the first African-American to seriously contest the Presidency.  Early polls show Brooke in the lead, although a large number of voters, especially in the South, are undecided.

The first primary, in Iowa, is a close race, with Brooke pulling out a narrow victory, to the shock of everyone, becoming the first African-American to win a Presidential primary.  Following Iowa is New Hampshire, which also goes to Brooke.  Following New Hampshire, though, things take a decided turn towards Governor Reagan.  Reagan wins a string on primaries in Maryland, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Colorado, and California, with only one other candidate winning a primary, as McCall takes Oregon.

By the beginning of April, Brooke is the only other candidate remaining, and with primaries in Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Washington, he needs to win at least three to stay in the race.  However, he wins only Connecticut and Massachusetts, and pulls out of the race, giving Reagan the nomination.

At the RNC in Philadelphia, Reagan chooses a theme of unity.  All of his contenders are given major speaking slots, and as his running mate, he chooses Brooke supporter and retiring Congressman Gerald R. Ford as his running mate.  During the Convention, Reagan promises to “Make American right again,” which draws cheers from the crowd.


Reagan and Ford shaking hands after Ford is announced as the Vice Presidential Nominee.


The General Election

As the campaign gets underway, Hearnes has the clear advantage.  His approval ratings stand in the high 60’s to low 70’s, and Reagan is unable to make a dent in the polls, trailing Hearnes 56-35 on October 1.

During the second debate, Reagan commits a serious blunder.  When asked about the USSR, Reagan declares that, “There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe, and there never will be.”  The remark loses him support amongst anti-Communist groups, many of whom flock to Hearnes, given his previous record on the issue.

By election day, the polls are showing Reagan losing in a landslide, and the results are little better, as Reagan suffers one of the biggest losses in US history.

Warren Hearnes/Frank Church: 58.9% PV, 478 EV
Ronald Reagan/Gerald Ford: 38.9% PV, 60 EV
Others: 2.2% PV, 0 EV

The Congressional Elections

Hearnes’ landslide brings even more Democrats into Congress, giving them one of their largest majorities in history.

Senate Results

Democrats: 76 (+4)
Republicans: 24 (-4)

House Results
Democrats: 335 (+15)
Republicans: 100 (-15)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Garrison, you know full well why I have that picture.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Like your previous timeline, this has jumped the shark once more.

Damn it; what happened this time?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Ben,

I really like this timeline and President Hearnes. In my education classes in college I have done a lot of research into how Governor Hearnes modernized the education system in Missouri, which went from in the bottom ten to the top ten durring his eight years as governor. 

Where did you get the idea of making Warren Hearnes the President? It was a fine stroke of writing.

Thank you very much   I'm glad that Hearnes was a good Governor; I couldn't find much information about him.

I wanted Humphrey to select a Southerner with experience, so it ended up as a tie between Governor Hearnes and Senator LeRoy Collins of Florida, who had previously served as Governor.  Since I intended for Humphrey to die, I wanted someone young enough to replace Humphrey as President, and so Hearnes won on the basis that he was several years younger than Collins.  Thanks again for the compliment