JFK Lives

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Hmm. Seems like we forgot Elliot County again.

No, I got Elliot County correct.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Elliot is absolutely Democratic on this map.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Damn it.  Well, I'm not perfect.  Deal with it.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Damn it.  Well, I'm not perfect.  Deal with it.

You made a mistake, that's all. There's no need to be aggressive.

Not being aggressive; internet can't account for tone

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The county map for 1972 is now in the gallery

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I'll have the Hatfield Administration done this week.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Sorry guys, but I won't have anything done this week.  I'm going to Richmond today, not getting back until Thursday.  Also, my computer is busted, so I don't know how long it will be until I can get an update.  Sorry

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Very good story. I've always thought of him as a good presidential candidate..I am looking forward to President Hatfield's second term.

Thanks

I get home Friday afternoon, and should have an update that night.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Tomorrow, tomorrow, an update, tomorrow, it's only a day away! 

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Writer's Block is kicking my ass.  I'l lget an update out tomorrow, I promise.  I have been working on the 1985-1987 installment, and it will be done tomorrow.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Second Term of Mark Hatfield

In his Inaugural Address, Hatfield focuses mostly on the future, particularly a future involving the Soviet Union.  “We cannot let our children, or our children’s children, live in a world where the end could come with the push of a button.” 

To this end, Hatfield decides to travel to Moscow to meet with Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev, to discuss a series of arms limitation treaties.  When Hatfield arrives on January 26, he is greeted cordially by Brezhnev.  For the next several weeks, talks go on between the American and Soviet delegations, and on February 27, the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, or SALT, is announced.  SALT had several provisions.  The Soviets would reduce Tu-22M production to thirty aircraft per year and not to give them an intercontinental range; it banned new missile programs (a new missile defined as one with any key parameter 5% better than in currently deployed missiles), so both sides were forced to limit their new strategic missile types development although US preserved their most essential programs like Trident and cruise missiles.

Upon his return to the united States, Hatfield begins to push the ratification of SALT to the Senate.  He faces intense opposition from a hardcore group, led by Scoop Jackson, in his first real work since his heart attack.   Jackson argues that, rather than limit  the total arms number, the US should increase production, and force the Soviets to try and compete.  “The Soviets know they can’t compete, and that’s why Brezhnev is suddenly willing to negotiate,” Jackson says.  Senator Jesse Helms takes an even tougher line, saying that Hatfield is endangering America’s security by limiting the number of weapons.


Senator Jackson giving a speech opposing the SALT Treaty

In an attempt to place pressure on reluctant Senators, Hatfield takes his case directly to the American people.  In a series of television addresses, Hatfield explains the benefits of the SALT Treaty, and asks the people to write their Senators to support the SALT Treaty.  This appears to succeed, and by the start of April, the Treaty has the support of 64% of Americans.

As the Senate moves into April, the debate becomes even more acrimonious.  Day after day, Senators hurl insults at each other, predicting the apocalypse if the other side wins.  On May 2, Majority Leader Dole announces that the Senate will vote by the end of May.  On May 23, the Senate votes, 67-33, to pass the Treaty.  Three days later, Senator Jackson suffers a second, fatal heart attack.

On June 10, the Congress begins debate on the Immigration Reform Act of 1985.  The Act would make illegal to knowingly hire or recruit illegal immigrants (immigrants who do not possess lawful work authorization), required employers to attest to their employees’ immigration status, and granted amnesty to certain illegal immigrants who entered the United States before January 1, 1981 and had resided there continuously. The Act also granted a path towards legalization to certain agricultural seasonal workers and immigrants who had been continuously and illegally present in the United States since January 1, 1981.

The legislation was strongly supported by the President and the liberal members of Congress, but faced opposition from conservatives.  Jesse Helms, still angry over the SALT passage, decides to filibuster the legislation.  For almost three weeks, he and a group of Republicans talk non-stop, trying to defeat the Bill.  They fail, and on July 15, the Senate votes 64-36 for cloture; on July 23, it votes 57-36 to pass the Bill.

In the House, the Bill faces little opposition, and passes 325-84 on September 16.

On October 22, Iran and Iraq announce an official end to hostilities between the two nations, following almost four stalemated years of conflict.

In early February, the Senate begins debate on the Goldwater-Nichols Act.  The Act would rework the command structure of the United States military, as well as increase the powers of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  It was also the most major changes to the United States Department of Defense since it’s establishment in 1947.

The rationale behind the legislation, according to Senator Goldwater, was to end the organizational troubles that had plagued the military since World War II, and had been evident during the Vietnam War.  The legislation was strongly supported by the military, and passed quickly through both houses of Congress, being signed into law on March 4, 1986.

On April 10, 1986, President Hatfield, in a speech to the UN, condemns South Africa’s apartheid program.  He announces that the United States will not trade, or interact at all, with South Africa until it ends its program, including releasing Nelson Mandela from prison.

On May 1, while having dinner with the Japanese Prime Minister, Vice President Bush collapses.  He is hospitalized for several days, with the doctors unable to find a reason for his collapse.  On May 10, he is released, with doctors still unsure of the reason for his collapse.

On June 6, a report breaks that Oliver North, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, had been surreptitiously sending military aid to Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War, in order to prevent Iran from winning.  This was in direct violation of an Executive Order issued by the President in 1981.

Three days after the news is broken, North announces his resignation.  Congress begins an inquiry, with a Committee of 12 Congressman, 6 from each Houses, investigating who knew what about the Affair, to be Chaired by Senator Strom Thurmond (R-SC), with two Vice Chairman, Senator John Stennis (D-MS), and Congressman Robert Michel (R-IL).

For several weeks, the Committee hears testimony, from nearly the entire DoD.  When they recess in August, they begin writing a report, which is published in December, 1986.  The report places no blame on Hatfield, and says that the entire Affair was organized by North and several other minor officials in the DoD.

The Congressional Elections

The Iran Arms Scandal, coupled with overall fatigue, leads to major losses for the GOP in both Houses, as the Democrats regain control of the Senate.

Senate Results

Democrats: 57 (+8)
Republicans: 43 (-8)

House Results
Democrats: 250 (+18)
Republicans: 185 (-18)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Any answer to why Brezhenev's still alive an kicking ITTL Ben lol?

Brezhnev never invaded Afghanistan in 1979, and had less stress in general.  This prevented the stroke that basically ended his rule.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I must say, this is a very interesting timeline.

Thanks

[Kaine for Senate '18]

We need an update!

I'm sorry; I totally forgot about this   An update will be released in the next couple of days.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Update tomorrow.  I promise.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

In his State of the Union Address on January 16, 1987, President Hatfield refers to the economy as, “Being in the best shape in the last twenty years!”  Hatfield’s remark is not without basis; unemployment in February, 1987 stands at just 5.8%, and the average American’s wages are higher than ever before.

In early February, Congress begins debate on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987.  The legislation had a myriad of services to homeless people, including the Continuum of Care Programs: the Supportive Housing Program, the Shelter Plus Care Program, and the Single Room Occupancy Program, as well as the Emergency Shelter Grant Program. It established the Interagency Council on the Homeless.

Because of its wide scope, the McKinney-Vento Act immediately faces strong opposition from conservatives.  Senator Helms calls it “A throwaway to the laziest members of society,” while Senator Thurmond says, “We might as well be encouraging people to live out on the street.”

For several weeks, acrimonious debate continues in Congress.  By early March, the Congress is in deadlock over the bill, with neither side willing to yield.  Eventually, though, Senate liberals agree to make certain concessions – they agree to cut spending in several other areas, not including defense, to pay for the bill.  On April 7, cloture is achieved 62-38, and the bill passes on April 16, 57-37.  In the House, the debate goes much the same way, and it passes on May 5, 226-200.

On June 4, Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev dies of a stroke.  After several weeks of internal wrangling, Vitaly Fedorchuk, the head of the KGB since 1982, is named to replace him.  Fedorchuk immediately begins rooting out corruption in the Soviet infrastructure.


New Soviet Premier Vitaly Fedorchuk

On July 10, President Hatfield arrives in Moscow for his first meeting with Fedorchuk.  During the meeting, Hatfield presses Fedorchuk to open up the USSR, including freeing political prisoners.  Fedorchuk politely declines, and also states that there are no political prisoners in the USSR.

Upon his return to the US on July 16, Hatfield gives a series of speeches criticizing the USSR for its suppression of political freedoms.  He announces that, unless the USSR releases its political prisoners, the United States will cease dealing with the USSR effective January 1, 1988.

Hatfield’s ultimatum cause a major uproar, both at home and abroad.  He is commended by people such as Senator Helms, but is criticized by moderates and liberals; a Gallup Poll finds that 79% of Americans disapprove of Hatfield’s Ultimatum.

Internationally, Hatfield is criticized by every foreign government.  Prime Minister Thatcher, French President François Mitterrand, West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, and every other European leader jointly sign a statement disagreeing with Hatfield, and saying that they will not join in.

In a speech on August 15, Hatfield defends his Ultimatum.  “This is the only way we can get the Soviets to act on their human rights abuses.  It is my sincere hope they will accede to our pressures, but we must be prepared for them not to.”

By early October, the Soviets appear to not be giving in to Hatfield’s demands.  Across the country, Americans begin to prepare for a complete cutoff from Russia, buying whatever things they want in bulk.

Inside the Soviet Bloc, Fedorchuk also faces pressure to give in to Hatfield’s demands, or to find a compromise.  Fedorchuk is told that the USSR would collapse if it completely stopped trading the US; its trade with Europe couldn’t compensate.  Fedorchuk, however, is resolute in his refusal to give in.

On December 10, Hatfield and Fedorchuk meet in New York, three weeks before the embargo goes into effect.  Hatfield urges Fedorchuk to give in, but the Premier refuses; he also refuses to try and compromise with Hatfield, as his advisors suggested.

At 12:01 AM on January 1, 1988, President Hatfield issues Executive Order 12483, which officially shut off trade with the Soviet Union.  In a speech on January 10, Hatfield justifies his Embargo, by stating that it will not have a negative effect on the US economy, and that “American must make a stand for human rights.”

By early March, though, Hatfield’s prediction is proving false.  Unemployment, which was 6.1% in December, has risen to 6.9% by March 1.  In June, a report is released stating that the economy had the slowest growth during the First Quarter of 1988 than any year that decade.  By early May, unemployment has risen to 7.5%, and Hatfield’s approval rating has fallen from 63% Approve – 34% Disapprove in a December 15 survey to 49% Approve and 49% Disapprove in a May 14 survey.  Against this backdrop, the 1988 Presidential Election begins to shape together.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The 1988 Election will probably come out later today or Thursday.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Democratic Nomination

As the 1988 race begins heating up, a large number of candidates declare for the nomination.  The first is Governor Richard Lamm of Colorado, who declares on June 8, 1987.  Governor Scott Matheson of Utah declares for the nomination on June 27, 1987.  On August 25, 1987, Senator Lawton Chiles of Florida declares he will seek the nomination.  On September 15, Governor Richard Riley of South Carolina announces he will run, and on December 5, Congressman Ron Dellums of California declares for the nomination, becoming the first African-American to make a serious bid for the Presidency on the Democratic side.

On February 8, the Iowa Caucuses are held, with a surprising win by Governor Lamm.  One week after Iowa, the candidates descend on New Hampshire, where Dellums' record on defense scores him an upset win with the peace-loving New Hampshire voters.

Following two last place finishes, Governor Riley drops out and endorses Chiles.

One week after New Hampshire two primaries are held in Kentucky and South Dakota; resulting in a Chiles victory in Kentucky, and a Matheson win in South Dakota.

On March 5, primaries are held in Alabama (Chiles), Arizona (Matheson), Connecticut (Lamm), Florida (Chiles), Illinois (Chiles), Massachusetts (Dellums), North Carolina (Chiles), South Carolina (Chiles), and Wyoming (Matheson).

Despite winning two primaries, Matheson decides to drop out, and endorses Lamm on March 7.

Following Matheson's drop-out, a major run of primaries are held on March 15 in Alaska (Lamm), Arkansas (Chiles), California (Dellums), Georgia (Chiles), Hawaii (Dellums), Louisiana (Chiles), Maryland (Chiles), Mississippi (Chiles), Missouri (Chiles), Ohio (Lamm), Oklahoma (Chiles), Rhode Island (Lamm), Tennessee (Chiles), Texas (Chiles), and Virginia (Chiles).

Following Chiles' domination, Lamm drops out and endorses Chiles.  Dellums, however, decides to continue competing, and on March 22 primaries are held in Delaware (Chiles), Indiana (Chiles), Michigan (Chiles), New York (Chiles), and West Virginia (Chiles).

Following the sweep, Dellums finally drops out, and endorses Chiles.

At the Democratic Convention, Chiles decides to select Senator Joe Biden of Delaware as his running mate.

Notable endorsements

Lawton Chiles
•   Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi
•   Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia
•   Senator Ernest Hollings of South Carolina
•   Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas
•   Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia
•   Senator Terry Sanford of North Carolina
•   Senator J. Bennett Johnston of Louisiana
•   Senator David Boren of Oklahoma
•   Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas
•   Governor Jim Hunt of North Carolina

Ron Dellums
•   Representative John Lewis of Georgia
•   Representative Mickey Leland of Texas
•   Representatives Charlie Rangel of New York
•   Representatives John Conyers of Michigan

Richard Lamm
•   Governor Roy Romer of Colorado
•   Senator Gary Hart of Colorado

Richard Riley:
•   Governor Joe Frank Harris of Georgia
•   Governor Ned McWherter of Tennessee



The Republican Nomination

On June 27, 1987, Vice President Bush announces that, due to his health problems, he would not seek the Republican nomination.  On July 5, barely a week after Bush’s announcement, Senator Bob Dole of Kansas declares for the nomination.  On August 18, former Governor Pierre S. du Pont of Delaware enters the race; on October 5, Senator Jack Kemp of New York puts his name in, and on October 24, former Governor Dick Thornburgh of Pennsylvania enters the race.

As the primaries get under way, Dole appears to be the frontrunner, and he wins a resounding victory in Iowa.  One week later, in New Hampshire, Kemp pulls off an upset victory; an angry Dole attacks Kemp for “lying about my record.”

Two weeks after Iowa, a Super Tuesday set of primaries are held in Alabama (Dole), Arizona (Dole), Connecticut (Kemp), Delaware (du Pont), Florida (Dole), Georgia (Dole), Illinois (Thornburgh), Ohio (Dole), Virginia (Dole), and Wisconsin (Dole).  After winning just one primary, Kemp drops out and endorses du Pont.

Following Super Tuesday, Dole sweeps Alaska, California, and Hawaii, forcing du Pont out of the race.  Thornburgh, however, stays in, taking the Pennsylvania primary held the next week.  Dole finally closes him out by winning Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas the next week.

At the Republican Convention in New York City, Dole makes the decision to select Kemp as his running mate.

Notable endorsements

Bob Dole
•   Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina
•   Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska
•   Senator Lowell Weicker of Connecticut
•   Senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker of Kansas
•   Senator Warren Rudman of New Hampshire
•   Senator Larry Pressler of South Dakota
•   Governor George Deukmejian of California
•   Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. of South Carolina

Dick Thornburgh
•   Senator Bob Packwood of Oregon
•   Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico
•   Senator H. John Heinz III of Pennsylvania
•   Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania
•   Governor Edward D. DiPrete of Rhode Island

Pierre S. du Pont
•   Senator Bill Roth of Delaware
•   Governor Mike Castle of Delaware

Jack Kemp
•   House Minority Whip Trent Lott of Mississippi
•   Senator Gordon Humphrey of New Hampshire
•   Representative Robert C. Smith of New Hampshire

The General Election

From day one, the election is extremely close.  Chiles immediately goes on the attack, criticizing Dole for supporting the Embargo, which is supported by just 17% of Americans.  Dole, in return, attacks Chiles for being too liberal.

On September 25, at the first debate, Chiles hits Dole hard on the Embargo, while Dole says that he opposed the Embargo from the start.  Following the debate, Chiles and Dole still stand almost even, although people seem to be shifting to Chiles.  Chiles gets a resounding victory in the second debate on October 17, and polls show him pulling away.

On October 26, barely a week before the election, Hatfield finally lifts the Embargo, in an attempt to pull up Dole.  The attempt fails, and Chiles squeaks by on Election Day.

Lawton Chiles/Joe Biden: 50.3% PV, 285 EV
Bob Dole/Jack Kemp: 48.1% PV, 253 EV
Others: 1.6% PV, 0 EV

The Congressional Elections

Given the extremely close election, the Congressional makeup stays much the same, with on gains in the Senate for either Party, and minor gains for House Democrats.

Senate Results

Democrats: 57 (-)
Republicans: 43 (-)


House Results
Democrats: 253 (+3)
Republicans: 182 (-3)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Sorry, but I won't have an update until at least Saturday, since I'm going on vacation.  Here's the 1988 County Map:

[Kaine for Senate '18]

An update will come soon.  If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask them.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

An update will come soon.  If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask them.

Ben, what's happens to Al Gore, Bill Clinton, John Kerry and some othe figures?

Gore, Clinton, and Kerry are all holding the same jobs in this TL that they held at this point in RL.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Whats going on with my man Rudy Giuliani?

Giuliani worked in the Hatfield Justice Department from 1981-1984, when he was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  As of now, he still holds that position.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Hilarious California results.

How so?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I bump thee.

Tomorrow or Monday, most likely.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Thanks Historico; I regret to announce that an update will not be out for at least 4 more days; I start school tomorrow, and will have a lot to do because of that.