Reporting for Duty: The Presidency of John Kerry and Onwards.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Update coming tonight/tomorrow/Friday morning. I'm just starting on it.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Seeing as how images have been restored, I have decided to resume this. All future posts will use my standard system of footnotes for attributions, all of which will be using images solely from Wikipedia Commons.
Monday, August 1st, 2005: King Fahd of Saudi Arabia dies following a bout of severe pneumonia, resulting in Crown Prince Abdullah rising to the throne. Prince Sultan succeeds Abdullah as the nation's Crown Prince, though little actually changes in Saudi Arabia as Abdullah has been effectively acting as regent for years.

Six marines are killed by a roadside bomb in Haditha, a city in Northern Iraq. A yet to be identified suicide bomber is believed to be responsible for the blast.
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2005: President Kerry announces his selection of Elena Kagan, who has just celebrated her second year as Dean of Harvard Law School. Kagan had served previously as an adviser in the Clinton White House and is widely respected as one of America's most prominent legal minds. The nomination of the 45 year old Kagan sparks a whirlwind in Washington, where the news is welcomed by Democrats. Though the GOP remains skeptical, a number of moderate Republicans including Senators Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Arlen Specter (R-PA) express lukewarm support for the nomination.
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2005: After twenty one years in power, Mauritanian President Ould Taya is overthrown by the military in a coup. The now exiled President was abroad in Saudi Arabia at  the time of the coup, where he was attending the funeral of the late King Fahd. Ely Ould Mohamed Vall takes over as the nation's new leader.
Thursday, August 4th, 2005: Al Qaida releases a new video of Deputy Leader Ayman Al-Zawahri taunting the British government with threats of more attacks on the UK in the wake of the 7/7 bombings.
Saturday, August 6th, 2005: Robin Cook, a leading member of the Labor Party's leftwing and a long serving MP, dies following a massive heart attack while hiking with his wife in rural Scotland.
Sunday, August 7th, 2005: A North Korean gunboat exchanges fire with a South Korean destroyer in the Sea of Japan. The South Korean ship suffers no casualties, though the North Korean gunboat is sunk and its crew is killed.
Monday, August 8th, 2005: ABC news anchor Peter Jennings dies of lung cancer at 67.
Tuesday, August 9th, 2005: Mahmoud Abbas announces plans for elections inside the Palestinian Authority to take place in January of 2006.
Wednesday, August 10th, 2005: Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), Secretary of Health and Human Services Howard Dean, and President Kerry announce plans to introduce a dramatic overhaul of healthcare policies at a Rose Garden press conference at the White House. Among the proposals:

• Individual mandate requires all Americans to purchase health insurance; subsidies will be made available in order to make insurance more affordable.
• Massive expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) using Medicare funds to guarantee universal, free of charge health coverage for all Americans under 18.
• Protections for people with pre-existing conditions, such as prohibiting discrimination against them by insurance companies.
• Creation of the MediBank, which would fund the construction and expansion of health clinics in rural or otherwise marginalized areas.
• Allow Americans under the age of 27 to stay on their parents private insurance plans, with an opt out option for wealthier families who can afford or prefer private insurance over the CHIP plan.

Saturday, August 13th, 2005: Three American soldiers are killed by an IED in the Iraqi city of Tuz, located in the north of the war ravaged country. In Mosul, American and Iraqi security forces raid and successfully dismantle an alleged chemical weapons factory, taking several insurgents into custody in the process.
Monday, August 15th, 2005: Florida Congressman Mark Foley announces he will challenge Bill Nelson for his Senate seat in 2006; he joins Congressman Adam Putnam as the second Republican to enter the race. Speculation mounts in Tallahassee that outgoing Governor Jeb Bush may also make a run.
Wednesday, August 17th, 2005: A Israeli settler shoots and kills three Palestinians on the West Bank; though Prime Minister Ariel Sharon condemns the murders as an act of "Jewish Terror," Hamas and other radical organizations call for retaliatory acts of violence.
Friday, August 19th, 2005: Pope Francis makes his first international trip to his home country of Argentina; aged 68, the Pope's visit to his homeland will last over a week. The Pontiff's vigorous schedule and active engagement with the public during this official tour only furthers his international reputation.
Saturday, August 20th, 2005: A Hamas suicide bomber strikes a bus in Tel Aviv, killing two other people and injuring eleven more. The attack is retribution for the recent murders of Palestinians by an Israeli settler, though the failure of the bomber's suicide vest to fully detonate likely spared the lives of the bus's passengers.
Monday, August 22nd, 2005: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announces existing Israeli settlements on the West Bank will be expanded, and warns that greater security measures may be implemented to protect the residents living and working there.
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2005: Tropical Storm Katrina forms over the Bahamas, moving rapidly towards Florida as it threatens to become a Category One hurricane.
Thursday, August 25th, 2005: Hurricane Katrina moves swiftly across Florida, causing minimal damage before entering the Gulf of Mexico. To the horror and surprise of the people of New Orleans, the storm begins rapidly gaining strength at a nearly unprecedented speed.
Friday, August 26th, 2005: Evangelist Pat Robertson is forced to apologize after previously calling on President Kerry to assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

In New Orleans, a state of emergency is declared first by Governor Blanco and then by President Kerry as Hurricane Katrina is forecast to make a direct hit on New Orleans. Thousands of school buses from Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi begin to flow into the city to evacuate thousands of people due to fears of severe flooding. However, in spite of these efforts, countless numbers of citizens refuse to leave their homes.
Saturday, August 27th, 2005: Iraq's parliament votes to adopt a new constitution, setting the course for a referendum to be held in October.
Sunday, August 28th, 2005: Hurricane Katrina strengthens to a Category 5, with an expected storm surge of up to 25 feet. Evacuations continue until the last possible minute as the storm prepares to make landfall, and as the weather worsens many who chose to remain instead plan to take temporary shelter in the Superdome, which is not adequately prepared to house so many people so suddenly.
Monday, August 29th, 2005: Hurricane Katrina makes landfall just southeast of New Orleans, bringing devastating flooding and high winds with it. The day will be remembered as "Black Monday" in Louisiana. Just hours into the storm, whole neighborhoods are reported to be underwater as trapped families take shelter in their attics and on their rooftops. Levees quickly fail, leaving the city helpless as flood waters seep in. A large hole in the roof of the Superdome is even reported, leaving the thousands of people inside terrified and in fear of a potential collapse. The death toll in New Orleans stands at 55 at the end of the day, while 80 people are dead in Biloxi, Mississippi, which was virtually wiped out by the storm as well.
Tuesday, August 30th, 2005: As the Hurricane slowly moves on New Orleans at a reduced level (having been downgraded quickly after making landfall), the true extent of the devastation becomes apparent. There are widespread reports of looting in the city, which is still severely impacted by flooding. A member of the National Guard is shot and mortally wounded by a looter during an attempt to secure a Walmart, but the carnage does not stop. After a curfew is implemented to help control the streets, an angry crowd gathers on the Danzinger Bridge where they are confronted by National Guardsmen.

Kerry

Wednesday, August 31st, 2005.

5:30 PM, New Orleans, LA.

President Kerry addresses citizens in New Orleans after the storm.
[1]

The President had never seen anything like it. Not in America, at least. The raging summer sun threw it's fury at New Orleans with almost the same intensity as the hurricane which days earlier had flooded and destroyed the city. Thousands upon thousands of residents, predominately African Americans, were left homeless, hungry, and exposed to the elements on the streets of the Big Easy. Conditions in the Superdome, where thousands took shelter, were no less better as citizens rode out the storm in squalid conditions. Outside on the flooded, water logged streets people fared even worse.

Power was out across the city, and only the fires burning in the background illuminated the silhouette of a shattered city. A National Guardsmen had been shot earlier attempting to chase looters out of a nearby, whereas on the Danzinger Bridge, four people had been shot in a murky incident which remained unclear. To make matters worse, THE Reverend Al Sharpton was due in town. The famed racial arsonist was an unwelcomed addition to the chaos, but the President at this point wasn't concerned with political criticisms.

"I want to know how this happened" said the President affirmatively; joining him for the flyby of the deluged French Quarter was Governor Blanco, the Administrator of FEMA as well as the secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services. "Our estimates believe that $110 will be enough to get the lights on, get people housed, get people somewhere safe. But Secretary Markey tells me that the storm is going to have a serious impact on long term production numbers here."

"75%, sir."

"75%?"

"75% of production for this quarter has been tied up. The money's going to trickle down very slowly if we can't get the platforms out in the gulf operating quickly." The Governor signed off on her statistics with a lowly sigh. "It'll take a Marshall Plan, sir."

"Jesus."

As the helicopter made one final loop around New Orleans, the sun sank over the city, and the Superdome - where the roof had partially gave way during the storm - came into view one more time. If Congress could see the unbridled devastation that had been wrecked upon the famed French Quarter, if they could see the stranded families sweating upon the roofs of their flooded homes. If they could smell the stench of death, see the black pillowing plumes of smoke, if they could hear the cries of the helpless below.

The President was keenly aware that the reconstruction process would take time, money, and an incalculable amount of labor. The Congressional leadership of both parties had already made a commitment to passing an emergency package, but this by and large was centered around the short term recovery efforts. Whether the city could attract the displaced population back, remained an unanswered question. Taking one last look below at the beleaguered masses, Kerry could do nothing further in the interim. With his fingers, he traced the sign of the cross quietly.
[1] This photo was borrowed from UPI; the photo can be licensed.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

John

Thursday, September 1st, 2005.

2:15 PM, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC.

Vice President John Edwards.
[1]

While the nation's eyes were watching events in New Orleans in abject horror, the Kerry administration quietly launched their effort to pass a monumental healthcare reform package. Ushered by Secret Service into the Vice President's capitol office adjacent to the Senate chamber, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama found themselves before his desk. After an exchange of pleasantries and sat around the Vice President's desk. Though he was the highest presiding officer of the Senate, the Vice President had found himself largely sidelined by the President throughout the first six months or so of the administration. Yet with the President consumed by the relief efforts along New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, Edwards found himself suddenly - if only briefly - in charge of the President's healthcare reform drive.

"Mr. Vice President" said Senator Clinton, "I think our plan can be pushed through. We can get the votes on this. I really think we need to move quickly though." Though he was only in his first year in office himself, Senator Obama was no idiot. The former constitutional law professor was acutely aware that Republican opposition to the plan, particularly the (albeit limited) public options available. The burgeoning Tea Party movement was energizing the conservative grassroots, easily capitalizing on the paranoid fever dreams of post-9/11 America to present the Democratic Party and President as weak socialists who were more keen on destroying the free market than the terrorists who had so recently struck at the heart of America.

Both Senators and the Vice President had their mind seven years into the future; it was no secret that the three frontrunners to replace President Kerry - or the potential GOP incumbent should he lose reelection in 2008 - wanted to be President. The opportunity to stamp their name on the healthcare reform effort was undeniably transparent. "My concern, Senator Clinton" replied Senator Obama, "is that there is a hidden danger in thinking too big. We might...well, maybe...we might pull a Republicans our way, I'm sure of that. Chafee is a guaranteed vote, but I doubt we can bring Lisa or Susan to our side. Even Specter is a stretch." Clinton wanted to roll her eyes; for all of Obama's rhetoric, he seemed rather pessimistic on the whole. Obama was right, however. Even though there were some Republicans who would publicly express some semblance of optimism for the plan, there were still Democrats who couldn't fully be accounted for. Senators like Mary Landrieu or Ben Nelson would surely run from such legislation if forced into a corner.

"I understand that, Barack" answered Senator Clinton, "and I think you have a point to some extent. But I don't think people back in Arkansas or Mississippi are going to have such a knee-jerk reaction to this. They're as poor and struggling as hard as anyone in an inner city. This isn't a liberal bill, but it is a necessary one." The lawyer in Obama saw through Clinton, internally bristling at Clinton's "inner city" as if it were some sly dig at his race. The Illinois Senator knew a dog whistle when he heard one. Sensing some tension, the Vice President decided to direct the dialogue elsewhere.

"Secretary Dean has asked me to relay his position" the Vice President interjected, "he wants a public option". The Secretary's absence was noted by both Senators, though the present difficulties of Hurricane Katrina made his reasoning obvious. "He believes a public option should be available through expanding Medicare. The President has already made it clear to me that Dean's option, this Medicare for All plan, is a nonstarter with Republicans and for him. But his idea has merit to a degree and it has me thinking."

"How so?" asked Senator Clinton. "Well" the Vice President answered, "it's really no different than an election. We get someone, probably someone like Feingold, and float Dean's idea before Congress as a stalking horse. It'll get the liberals and the conservatives alike hot and bothered about it one way or another. Afterwards, we withdraw the plan and put the Clinton-Tauscher bill before the House. Progressives will vote for it because it'll give them a small taste of what they want, and conservatives will be more muted because it isn't a government takeover."

"So...a smell test?" asked Obama.

"A smell test" the Vice President confirmed.
Friday, September 1st, 2005: A military helicopter attempting to land and evacuate people from the Superdome comes under fire from unknown gunmen armed with pistols. It is not known why they were shot at or by whom, but the motive is widely believed to be related to the Danzinger bridge shootings.
Saturday, September 2nd, 2005: The Senate Judiciary Committee announces hearings for the nomination of Elena Kagan for the Supreme Court will begin on Monday. Just hours after this announcement is made, Chief Justice William Rehnquist dies at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC, opening up another seat for President Kerry to fill.
Sunday, September 4th, 2005: On NBC's Meet the Press, President Kerry is interviewed in depth about Katrina relief efforts. The interview is widely praised by black leaders in the Democratic Party after Kerry gives detailed answers on how relief money is being used to reestablish logistics and basic infrastructure in the city as well as the city's touchy history of race relations.
Monday, September 5th, 2005: Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) confirms he'll seek a third term in 2006; though the fiercely socially conservative Senator is facing the biggest challenge of his career in the form of Bob Casey Jr, he none the less expresses his belief that he will ultimately prevail.
Tuesday, September 6th, 2005: As Israeli tanks pull out of the Gaza Strip, a mob of Palestinian teenagers swarm around them, burning Israeli flags and throwing rocks and bottles at them. An Israeli soldier opens fire on them, killing two and injuring a further seven. The shooting enrages the Arab world.
Wednesday, September 7th, 2005: With New Orleans still 60% underwater, the first numbers of casualties are announced. It is believed that at least 800 people are dead, though the body count could go as high as 20,000 if all the missing or unaccounted people are not found.

Thursday, September 8th, 2005: President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine dismisses Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, alleging corruption and criticizing what he calls "infighting" among the cabinet.
Friday, September 9th, 2005: Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Harman announces the appointment of Coast Guard Chief Thad Allen as head of the on the ground Katrina relief effort, while FEMA Director Setti Warren returns to Washington to manage the remainder of FEMA's efforts.

The Senate Judiciary Committee confirms Elena Kagan by a vote of 11-7.
Sunday, September 11th, 2005: As the nation marks the fourth anniversary of 9/11, a new tape of Bin Laden is released to the media. The video tape, delivered to an ABC News crew in Pakistan, is deemed to be authentic by the CIA.
Monday, September 12th, 2005: Israel abandons the Gaza Strip, completing their withdrawal as mobs of Palestinians swarm into the abandoned, mostly demolished Israeli settlements that had been built previously.
Tuesday, September 13th, 2005: President Kerry meets Chinese President Hu Jintao in New York City ahead of the annual summit of the UN General Assembly. The two afterwards address the media at a press conference.
Wednesday, September 14th, 2005: As New Orleans is still reeling from Hurricane Katrina, North Carolina finds itself battered by Hurricane Ophelia, a category one storm which does little damage as it makes it's way inland. The storm is downgraded to tropical storm status by the end of the day.
Friday, September 15th, 2005: In his remarks to the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Ahmadinejad rebuffs an EU sponsored plan to halt the country's nuclear program. Ahmadinejad continues to insist that Iran is only pursuing a nuclear power plan, and has no intentions of building a nuclear weapon.

President Kerry announces he has asked Judge Merrick Garland to replace the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
Sunday, September 18th, 2005: In his first major media appearance, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin tells NBC's Tim Russert on Meet the Press that he is "gravely disappointed" in the federal government's response, specifically criticizing FEMA Director Setti Warren for "trying to micromanage the mess from Washington" and for "abandoning" the city after he personally left to return to Washington.
Tuesday, September 20th, 2005: Five American soldiers are killed in separate run and gun attacks on various military positions across Baghdad. Al Qaida in Iraq is suspected to be behind the shootings.
Wednesday, September 21st, 2005: Just weeks after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, Hurricane Rita slams into Galveston, Texas as a category five storm. Galveston's geography and the well prepared response plan ensures that Rita, a storm equal in power to Katrina, does not cause any significant damage or deaths.
Wednesday, September 28th, 2005: House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) is indicted on criminal conspiracy charges, leading to calls for his resignation.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Ben Strand).

[YPestis25]

Very glad to see this coming back. I'll be fascinated to see if Edwards self destructs in this timeline.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Saturday, October 1st, 2005: 45 people are killed and 159 injured after two carbombs explode in the popular tourist destination of Bali in Indonesia. A regional Al Qaida affiliate known as Jemaah Islamiyah takes credit for the attack.
Sunday, October 2nd, 2005: A disgruntled former Churchgoer enters a Baptist congregation in Denton, Texas with a handgun and opens fire on those present. Three people are killed and ten injured before the gunman is injured by another armed congregant who shoots him twice and chases him outside of the building. The gunmen is quickly surrounded by police and takes his own life in the face of arrest. President Kerry expresses his shock at what he calls "a horrific act of violence."
Monday, October 3rd, 2005: The Senate, after three weeks of debate, votes overwhelmingly by a margin of 60-40 to confirm Elena Kagan's nomination to the Supreme Court. Along with the entire 48 members of the Democratic caucus in the Senate, twelve moderate Republicans (Chaffee, Collins, Coleman, Dole, Graham, Hagel, Hutchison, Lugar, Murkowski, Snowe, Specter, Warner) cast their votes in support of the nomination.
Tuesday, October 4th, 2005: Tom DeLay is indicted on money laundering charges. He insists upon his innocence and refuses to resign from Congress. Despite this, many of his Republican colleagues call for his resignation as Majority Leader.
Wednesday, October 5th, 2005: With gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia nearing, President Kerry hits the campaign trail with Lt. Governor Tim Kaine, who is locked in a tight race with Jerry Kilgore, a former Attorney General.
Thursday, October 6th, 2005: Angered by inflation, poor wages, and a chronic shortage of food, soldiers in Zimbabwe mutiny. The revolt is quickly and brutally crushed by President Robert Mugabe, who claims on state television that government forces had defeated an American sponsored coup attempt.

Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey announces he will challenge Lincoln Chafee for the Republican Senate nomination ahead of the 2006 midterms.
Friday, October 7th, 2005: Maryland's Lt. Governor Michael Steele announces he will run for the Senate seat held by the retiring Paul Sarbanes. While Steele has largely locked up the GOP nomination due to his ability to appeal to "Tea Party" conservatives and establishment moderates alike, the Democratic primary is far more crowded.
Saturday, October 8th, 2005: Major fighting across Anbar Province leaves six Marines dead in four separate incidents. 30 Iraqi soldiers are also killed, while the number of militants and insurgents captured, wounded, or killed remains initially unclear.
Sunday, October 9th, 2005: In his first major Sunday Show appearance since taking office as Secretary of State, Richard Holbrooke unveils the proposed "Roadmap to Peace." The plan calls for the gradual withdrawal of all active duty American military personnel from the country in two years, while increasing support and training for the Iraqi military and constructing three permanent military bases in the region to turn back potential Iranian activity in the country.
Monday, October 10th, 2005: Former actress and current Labor Party MP Glenda Jackson announces she will attempt to launch a leadership challenge against Tony Blair. Though Jackson has little hope of winning, her goal is to lure a stronger, left leaning challenger into the race.

Elections in Germany result in Angela Merkel's CDU (Christian Democratic Union) defeating Chancellor Schroeder's social democratic government. Merkel becomes the first woman Chancellor ib German history.
Tuesday, October 11th, 2005: The Senate Judiciary Committee begins hearings for Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court.
Wednesday, October 12th, 2005: Saddam Hussein goes on trial in Baghdad, facing numerous charges including crimes against humanity.
Friday, October 14th, 2005: The "Million More" March, led by Louis Farrakhan, draws a crowd of only a thousand or so attendees. Despite the low attendance, the controversial leader of the Nation of Islam decries President Kerry's perceived lack of action following Hurricane Katrina and the slow pace of withdrawal from Iraq.
Tuesday, October 18th, 2005: Iraq's Electoral Commission announces the results of the constitutional referendum on the 15th will not be announced until an audit of the results become know, sparking protests in Baghdad as many take to the streets to demonstrate against what they believe to be a rigged vote.

The Senate Judiciary Committee votes 15-3 to confirm Merrick Garland as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The nomination is then referred to the Senate Majority Leader, who schedules debate and a final vote for early November.
Wednesday, October 19th, 2005: Hurricane Wilma rapidly strengthens to a Category 5 storm as it barrels towards Florida. Governor Jeb Bush declares a state of emergency as the storm threatens to savage the east coast of the Sunshine state.
Saturday, October 22nd, 2005: The 2000th American casualty is sustained in Iraq, infuriating the anti-war movement and alienating them from the administration.
Monday, October 24th, 2005: Rosa Parks dies at her Detroit home at the age of 92; the Civil Rights activist had come to fame for her refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Birmingham, Alabama.

Hurricane Wilma makes landfall over Titusville, Florida, causing 60 deaths and hundreds of millions worth of damage.
Wednesday, October 26th, 2005: Alan Greenspan announces his retirement from the Federal Reserve chairmanship. To replace him, President Kerry confirms the rumored appointment of former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin.

Iranian President Ahmadinejad addresses a "world without Zionism" conference where he stirs global controversy by calling for the annihilation of Israel in a fiery speech.
Friday, October 28th, 2005: Islamic militants in Indonesia murder three Christian schoolgirls, sparking anti-Muslim protests across the country which inflame sectarian tensions further.

George

Sunday, October 30th, 2005.

8:50 AM, Monterey, VA.

Senator George Allen with famed Florida political consultant Randy Enwright.
[1]

Within 72 hours, the people of New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia would be going to the polls to elect their executives; it was, in fact, the first true test of the President's administration at the ballot box, a sort of political midterm exam which in effect gave the first indication of the following year's races for House, Senate, and Governorships. Though there had been some races of note - for example, the victory of Republican Jeanne Schmidt in an Ohio special election or the ascension of Congressman Stephen Lynch to the Senate following Kerry's resignation from the body - but this was the first true test. The entire state was awash in dueling yard signs, with Democratic Lt. Governor Tim Kaine locked in a heated race with former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore. The race in Virginia had become a referendum not only on the policies and ambitions of the President, but also, the old Dominion's future itself.

The Democratic primary had been cleared for Kaine, who was previously the Mayor of Richmond and was also the son-in-law of a former (liberal) Republican Governor who led the state in the 1960s. On the other hand, the Republican primary was less clear cut. Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, who had resigned from his office in order to run, was the establishment favorite while still managing to be more palatable to conservatives. However, his coronation was disrupted when radio host, columnist, and political consultant Armstrong Williams made a surprise entry into the race. Also running were Warrenton Mayor George Fitch and former State Senator Russell Potts, the later of whom dropped out of the race to pursue a quixotic independent bid.

Williams had made quite a stir upon entering the race; the outspoken conservative was a darling of the increasingly stronger Tea Party movement, and his bombastic tirades about the looming danger of the proposed healthcare reform plan propelled him to the top of the polls for a brief period during the summer of 2005. However, Kilgore and the GOP establishment were not prepared to let Williams throw the election due to his lack of political experience and staunchly conservative views.

Enter George Allen.

It was no secret in Washington nor Richmond that the former Congressman, Governor, and now Senator was eyeing a potential presidential campaign in 2008. Though he was fiercely conservative and frequently assailed as a neo-confederate sympathizer or shadow racist, Allen was more or less a company man. Though he was politically aligned with Williams and actively supported by the various local Tea Party organizations across the state, Allen's endorsement of Kilgore was not unexpected. His avid support for Kilgore along with the revelation that Williams had previously been accused of sexual harassment by a male employee in 1997 ensured the primary challenge would fall apart by the end of the summer. But Allen's motivations were not exclusively altruistic; in reality, the Kilgore campaign was largely a dry run for his 2006 reelection campaign. The results of the gubernatorial race would surely indicate just exactly how strong his standing in Virginia as a Republican in a statewide race. It also gave him a convenient excuse to begin reconnecting with voters.

So as the sun rose over the Shenandoah Valley, a small crowd gathered in a firehouse in the city of Monterey in the mountains near the West Virginia border in Highlands County. Allen arrived in the back of a black SUV which delivered the Senator, his one time colleague Fred Thompson and his wife Jeri, and Florida based political consultant Randy Enwright to a door in the back, where the county's Republican Party chair ushered them inside. A small crowd had gathered, mostly elderly voters who were keen to meet their Senator and eat pancakes off plastic plates. A woman in a red pantsuit with a string of pearls around her neck stood on the stage with a microphone, claiming to represent the neighboring "Bath County Conservatives and Patriots Club" hailed the Senator as "the bravest man in the beltway" and other generic superlatives. The crowd politely applause, though Allen couldn't tell if it was out of enthusiasm for the politics or for the pancakes.

"Tough crowd" cracked the consultant in a slight southern drawl, but Allen wasn't so much concerned with that as much as he was the size of the crowd in general. There couldn't be more than forty or fifty people, tops. "Small crowd" mused Allen, not hiding his annoyance. "This is all we could pull out here on a Sunday morning?"

"I've seen more people in line for a truck stop urinal than this!" Thompson joked, but to Allen, it just seemed that something was amiss. "We're going to stay a bit longer if we can" Allen said with a murmur, "this ain't right."

After his remarks on behalf of Kilgore, who was campaigning elsewhere, Allen made the effort to shake hands with every person in the room. He made his way through the crowd, making small talk about the Redskins from seasons past or the weather. An elderly woman with a beehive haircut asserted herself before the Senate. "Why is Bill Frist working with Hillary?" asked the woman in earnest confusion at the Republican minority leader's embrace of a bipartisan healthcare effort. Seeing as how there were no journalists, cameras, or recorders present, Allen answered honestly in the hopes that she might too. "I have no clue" he answered, but she was not satisfied. "We've got to stop this Clinton-Tauscher plan!" The passion the planned healthcare reform package had stirred was palpable, and Allen realized that if he were to draw out bigger crowds, he'd have to fight bigger battles.

"I have colleagues who ask the same question, 'mam. And to be honest, we just don't have an answer." The woman smiled, and grabbed his hand firmly, holding it in hers as she looked him in the eye. "I don't want to die under socialism" she said, "you have to stop this."

"We're going to fight like hell. All we need is your vote, your support, and your prayers."
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Fred Thompson).

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Rudy

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2005.

9:20 AM, Atlantic City, NJ.

Chris Christie and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
[1]

The Christie campaign bus rolled through the southern reaches of New Jersey as part of a last minute get-out-the-vote drive aimed at galvanizing conservatives against the liberal overreach of President Kerry and the Democrats. Fortunately for the New Jersey GOP, they had "America's Mayor" on their side. The mere presence of Rudy Giuliani, the tough talking prosecutor turned Mayor turned national hero was enough to pull out massive crowds in the traditionally Democratic state, and it was an optimistic sign for the Republican gubernatorial candidate. Christie, like Giuliani, had begun his career as a prosecutor and had served as a US Attorney appointed by President Bush (the nomination coincidentally had been made on the morning of 9/11), and had been known for his fierce law and order mindset and no-nonsense personality. After besting conservative Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, businessman Doug Forrester, and Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler in a contested primary, Christie now turned his fire onto Jon Corzine, the Senator who was now seeking to bolt Washington for Trenton.

The "Big Fat Bus" (as Christie deemed it) was bound for it's next destination, heading north towards a park in a suburb of Trenton. A hoard of press followed behind on a rented "Magic Carpet" bus which was far less luxurious than the one which Christie and Giuliani traversed the state on, which gave the two rising Northeastern Republicans plenty of privacy too lay out their future plans for after the election.

"I saw numbers this morning that have us up five percent man!" relayed Christie, leaning back into his chair. "You're kidding!" exclaimed Giuliani, who had been expecting a much closer race. "People really don't finksing like that guy" answered Christie, referring to the President. "Since he's taken office, everything's become....it's like our country has become a sandwich with stale bread, dry meat, and an extra helping of weak-sauce on top of it all."

The Mayor couldn't help but notice that Christie's analogy was related to food.

"New Jersey is yearning for strong leadership" added Christie, who pulled a briefcase out of his lap and withdrew a carefully wrapped meatball sub. Giuliani was stunned as the former US Attorney ripped into the sandwich like an alligator tearing apart a chicken, with big globs of tomato sauce falling upon his white shirt. "sh**t!" he groaned as he simultaneously tried to swallow, grumbling further "well I have another, finks it!"

"New Jersey is a 9/11 state. We got hit too!" continued Christie, with Giuliani nodding in agreement. "Certainly" Giuliani replied, "a lot of people didn't go home on the ferry that night." Christie shifted a bit in his seat, propping himself upwards to face the former New York City Mayor more directly. "You know, Rudy, you're gonna run. Don't kid yourself. Just do it." The two had been friends for a number of years and appreciated each other's blunt candor, and their more moderate strain of politics placed them in the same wing of the Republican Party. In truth, the two were natural allies and this showed in their willingness to embrace the ambitions of the other.

"Judy and I are talking it over" answered Rudy, "I think the President's in over his head. He has two competing healthcare bills coming from his own party. He's sending more troops into Iraq to take us out? He doesn't have a handle on Iran or North Korea. And he's going to balloon the deficit on top of all that! It wouldn't be hard. But that's the problem."

"I don't follow" Christie replied. He simply couldn't see the weakness that America's Mayor was concerned about.

"The more vulnerable an incumbent, the more competition there is." Now Christie understood, and he shook his head in agreement as he wiped the crumbs off his stained shirt. "Jeb and McCain might be problems, sure" said Christie, "but you're RUDY. You're the hero of 9/11 with none of the baggage that happened after."

"I know" agreed the Mayor, "but there's one other consideration."

"What's that?" asked Christie. "The Presidency doesn't pay enough" laughed Giuliani. The two chuckled as crowds of cheering supporters waving Christie for Governor signs lined the sidewalks. They had arrived, and it was back on the grind for one final get-out-the-vote rally.
Tuesday, November 1st, 2005: Elections are held in New Jersey, New York City, and Virginia.

2005 New Jersey Gubernatorial Election
(R) Chris Christie: 50.18%
(D) Jon Corzine: 46.77%
(I) Hector Castillo: 2.39%
(L) Jeff Pawlowski: 0.37%
(G) Matthew Thieke: 0.29%
(Republican gain)

2005 New York Mayoral Election
(I/R) Mike Bloomberg: 58.69%
(D) Fernando Ferrer: 39.76%
(C) Thomas Ognibene: 1.28%
(G) Theo Chino: 0.27%
(Independent Republican hold)

2005 Virginia Gubernatorial Election
(R) Jerry Kilgore: 49.87%
(D) Tim Kaine: 47.91%
(I) Russ Potts: 2.22%
(Republican gain)
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2005: A bombshell report in the New York Times unveils the existence of CIA run "black sites" in Southeast Asia where suspected jihadists and Islamic militants from the region have been subjected to "enhanced interrogations" with no Congressional oversight. Several members of both parties in both chambers call for an investigation into this program, which ran for the duration of the Bush presidency before being closed quietly by the Kerry administration.
Thursday, November 3rd, 2005: The Senate Finance Committee commences with confirmation hearings for Robert Rubin's nomination to serve as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank.
Friday, November 4th, 2005: President Kerry is met with anti-war protesters in Buenos Aires as he arrives for the Summit of the Americas; conservatives are angered when President Kerry greets and shakes the hand of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during the traditional photo opportunity after the first day of the summit.
Sunday, November 6th, 2005: Businessman Harris Miller announces he will challenge George Allen in the 2006 Senate election as a Democrat. Former Navy Secretary Jim Webb has also been rumored as a potential challenger to the incumbent conservative Republican Senator, while Richmond Mayor Tim Kaine has also been eying a potential run in the wake of his gubernatorial defeat.
Tuesday, November 8th, 2005: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is elected President of Liberia, making her the first woman to lead an African nation.
Thursday, November 10th, 2005: 10 American soldiers are killed in Baghdad by a suicide bomber; Al Qaida in Iraq takes responsibility for the blast. Secretary Nunn orders top generals at the Pentagon to begin devising more aggressive measures against insurgents in Iraq in response as part of the administration's broader effort to stabilize Iraq before withdrawal.
Friday, November 11th, 2005: Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and David Vitter (R-LA) team up to work together to push a massive relief package through Congress. Encouraged by the President, the two begin compiling a massive report on the extensive damages caused by Hurricane Katrina as reconstruction and engineering efforts continue months after the storm flooded New Orleans.
Sunday, November 13th, 2005: On Fox News Sunday, Secretary of Health and Human Services Howard Dean expounds upon the Kerry administration's efforts to expand healthcare reform.
Monday, November 14th, 2005: Senator Hillary Clinton introduces the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to the Senate, which would implement a number of the provisions pushed by Congresswoman Tauscher, Secretary Dean, and herself. While Senator Obama and other Democrats express concern privately to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that the former First Lady is being given too much influence over the process, which they fear will result in a repeat of the Clinton administrations efforts in the 1990s, Reid rejects Obama's fears and backs the plan.
Wednesday, November 16th, 2005: The Senate votes 65-35 to confirm Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, replacing the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Garland is Kerry's second nomination to the Supreme Court, and is sworn in later that day in an East Room ceremony at the White House in the presence of the President, First Lady, and Vice President.
Friday, November 18th, 2005: Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) acknowledges in an appearance on MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews that he is weighing a campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. The California Congressman also turns heads when he blasts Kerry's proposed "Roadmap to Peace" plan as "cutting and running." Republican support for the war remains strong, albeit weaker than under the Bush administration as violence in Iraq flares and casualties skyrocket.
Saturday, November 19th, 2005: In his first visit to Iraq, President Kerry makes an address to soldiers stationed in Kuwait in which he declares that "the mission will soon be accomplished." Afterwords he travels to Baghdad to hold high level talks with Iraq's Prime Minister to lay out the future of the American military presence in the country.
Sunday, November 20th, 2005: On CBS's Face the Nation, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist expresses frustration at the healthcare reform process, criticizing Senator Clinton by name for "hijacking" the legislative effort and warning that his caucus will not accept "any partisan plan." Then, he drops a stunning bombshell when he announces he will not seek reelection to his seat in 2006 and will instead return to private medical practice. His retirement announcement leaves the Republican leadership within the Senate vacant at the start of the next Congress, and immediately Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announces he will seek to replace Frist as leader of the Senate Republicans.
Monday, November 21st, 2005: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (chaired by Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) and ranking member Edward Kennedy) begin hearings for the proposed Affordable Care Act introduced by Senator Clinton. Senators Isakson (R-GA), Hatch (R-UT), and Sessions (R-AL) are particularly vocal about their opposition to the plan, specifically the individual mandate.
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2005: In her first foreign trip since taking office as Chancellor of Germany and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Angela Merkel travels to Paris for talks with President Chirac over the future expansion and further integration of the European Union.
Friday, November 25th, 2005: Senators Gregg (R-NH) and Frist (R-TN) join with the Democratic minority on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to push the ACA through the committee by a vote of 11-10. In the aftermath of his vote, Senators Brownback (R-KS), Inhofe (R-OK), and Sessions (R-AL) demand his immediate resignation as leader. Frist refuses to budge, and is supported by McConnell, who calls for unity among Senate Republicans. Both Frist and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) agree to try and push the bill towards the House of Representatives before the Christmas recess.
Tuesday, November 29th, 2005: Canada's House of Commons passes a vote of no-confidence in the government of Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin Jr., sparking a snap election which will take place in early 2006.
[1] Public Domain.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Thursday, December 1st, 2005: Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) announces that hearings for Robert Rubin's nomination to serve as Chair of the Federal Reserve will commence on Monday. He will appear before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee for the next three days as he outlines his beliefs and philosophy on economics and monetary policy.
Friday, December 2nd, 2005: Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist announces he will run for Governor to succeed outgoing incumbent Jeb Bush. He is the second Republican to enter the race, joining Chief Financial Officer (formerly known as the Treasurer) Tom Gallagher in the fight for the GOP nomination.
Saturday, December 3rd, 2005: Abu Hamza Rabia, a top ranking Al Qaida leader, is killed by Pakistani security forces in the northwest tribal regions along the Afghan border.
Monday, December 5th, 2005: President Kerry arrives in Mexico City for his first official state visit to the United State's southern neighbor. Talks with Mexican President Vincente Fox center around immigration, combating human trafficking and drug smuggling, and greater cooperation between the respective nations' various law enforcement agencies.

In Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez's alliance of socialist and leftist parties wins every seat in the legislature after the opposition boycotts the election, which they claim to be rigged. From Mexico City, President Kerry denounces the "increasingly alarming authoritarian tendencies" of his "hostile regime."

The Senate Finance Committee begins hearings for Robert Rubin's nomination to serve as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board.
Thursday, December 8th, 2005: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calls for Israeli Jews to "go back to Europe" in a speech broadcast to his nation on State TV. The remark is widely condemned by leaders across the world, but the Iranian President doubles down and jokes that the deportation of Jews is "the only solution to the problem" in regards to the Israeli-Palestine dispute.

The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Development votes 18-7 to push through the Rubin nomination to the full Senate for a vote. Congress adjourns for the holiday recess. The Senate will debate and vote on Rubin's nomination when the body returns to Washington on January 3rd.
Friday, December 9th, 2005: Comedian Richard Pryor dies of a heart attack at the age of 65.
Tuesday, December 13th, 2005: In a speech that rankles conservatives and pro-war Democrats, Secretary of Defense Sam Nunn acknowledges that 30,000 civilians have been killed in the war as a result of combat between American forces and insurgents. The statement had been made as a gesture of good will to the Iraqi government, in order to demonstrate the new President's less unilateral streak. Yet the confirmation of American involvement in 30,000 deaths only enrages and inflames Islamists and anti-American sentiment in Iraq and the Middle East.
Wednesday, December 14th, 2005: In one of his final acts as Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan raises interest rates to 4.25%, the highest they've been in several years.
Thursday, December 15th, 2005: THE Reverend Al Sharpton reaches a $100,000 settlement with the Federal Elections Commission, ending an investigation into alleged corrupt practices. The famous activist claims racism motivated the investigation by the FEC......or something like that.
Friday, December 16th, 2005: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad escalates his rhetoric in an interview with CNN's Larry King, refusing to apologize for recent anti-Israel remarks and further claiming that the Holocaust was a myth. His comments are again condemned worldwide.
Sunday, December 18th, 2005: Time Magazine names Microsoft CEO Bill Gates and his Melinda as "Persons of the Year" for their philanthropic efforts.

Jeb Bush declines to run for Senate in Florida and doesn't endorse a candidate in the primary (being contested by Congressmen Mark Foley and Adam Putnam) and answers "probably not" when pressed by Fox New's Chris Wallace if he holds any presidential ambitions.
Monday, December 19th, 2005: Evo Morales becomes the latest leftist elected to high office in South America, part of the expanding "Pink Tide" in the region. Morales, a fierce critic of American foreign policy and capitalism, joins the ranks of Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro, and Lula da Silva of Brazil.
Tuesday, December 20th, 2005: Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell announces he will run for Governor of Ohio in next year's upcoming gubernatorial election. He will face State Auditor Betty Montgomery and Attorney General Jim Petro in the Republican primary, while Congressman Ted Strickland is unopposed in his effort to seek the Democratic nomination.
Thursday, December 22nd, 2005: Tony Blair visits Iraq, addressing 4,000 British soldiers stationed in Basra where he reaffirms his commitment to the withdrawal of British military forces from the country, but does not detail the circumstances behind a draw-down or a date from which the UK will pull out.

Ron.

Monday, December 25th, 2005.

10:30 AM, Lake Jackson, TX.

Christmas was in full swing at the relatively humble (by a politician's standard) home of Congressman Ron Paul, an OGBYN turned libertarian icon. The Republican Congressman took a stand as the most prominent critic of the Bush administration within the GOP, which isolated him from his own party. Yet while Paul's wife of fifty years or so Carole and their grandchildren were busily engaged in unwrapping presents on the living room floor, the aging doctor sat down with his son Rand in the kitchen.

"Check this out, dad" said Rand, handing over a piece of paper. It was a printout of an online poll sponsored by the "Liberty Committee," a recently formed Tea Party organization that promoted a mixed blend of conservatism and libertarianism. The question asked in the (obviously worthless) poll asked supporters who they'd vote for in 2008 as Kerry's first year in office ended largely empty-handed. 91% said the Republican nominee, while the remaining 9% said they'd back a third party candidate. A second question below asked supporters of the Tea Party movement who'd they vote for in a hypothetical primary involving Ron Paul, Gary Johnson, Bill Weld, and Steve Forbes as candidates. The results had Paul far ahead of the others, with 65% support from libertarian Republicans, Johnson in a distant second at just 15%.

"I've been asked time and time again" said Paul in response, "after '88, they wanted me in '92. They wanted me to run in 2000 with Buchanan. They wanted me to primary Bush last year. Now they want me to run next tine around. But it's just...it's just not in the cards."

"Remember how much fun we had, going up to Alaska in '88 with Andre? Remember when you went to New York and got on the Morton Downey show?" The Congressman chuckled at the memory, which included a testy exchange with a member of the Guardian Angels in which Paul asked pointedly "are you a hell's angel? Because you look like a hell's angel!" Though the Congressman was the most high profile Libertarian candidate to date, his return to the Republican Party in the 1990s and his subsequent return to Congress raised his profile much higher than before. The Congressman became known for his fiercely conservative views, opposing expansion of federal power at every turn. He was a deficit hawk, and yet also, a foreign policy dove who was the most high profile Republican critic of the Iraq War. But in spite of this, a presidential campaign was just too unrealistic. The party simply wouldn't be receptive to the message.

"Rand, I don't know about all of this....your mother wasn't keen on me running again in 1992, and she won't be keen on me running in 2008."

"Freedom is popular, dad. Just think about it. That's all."
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Public Domain - Gage Skidmore)

[538Electoral]

I predict a Republican 2008 win but not certain.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Sunday, January 1st, 2006: With Congress scheduled to reconvene in a matter of days, President Kerry is optimistic that Robert Rubin's nomination will clear the Senate while his landmark healthcare reform continues to be stalled.
Monday, January 2nd, 2006: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich appears on CNN's Larry King Live, where he addresses speculation head-on. "I'm thinking about it" confesses Gingrich, "but my first and foremost priority is to do everything in my power to help the GOP keep our majority in the House." Gingrich pledges to actively campaign for a number of Republican candidates in the midterm elections.
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006: Congress reconvenes after the Holiday recess.
Wednesday, January 4th, 2006: A dispute between Russia and Ukraine about natural gas rates escalates, resulting in gas supplies being shut down. This crisis threatens to cut off heating for thousands upon thousands of Ukrainians, while the shortage causes prices in France to rise dramatically.

As Governor George Pataki prepares for another reelection campaign, former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld announces he will challenge him as a Libertarian in the race. Weld has resided in New York after his failed nomination as Ambassador to Mexico during the Clinton administration.
Thursday, January 5th, 2006: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, in the midst of an ongoing corruption investigation, collapses from a massive stroke in Tel Aviv. He is rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is declared brain dead. Ehud Olmert is named acting Prime Minister as a result of Sharon's stroke.
Friday, January 6th, 2006: Robert Rubin's nomination to Chair the Federal Reserve Board is affirmed by a vote of 58-40 (Senators Jeff Sessions and Robert Byrd are absent).
Saturday, January 7th, 2006: A suicide bomb kills 15 American soldiers in Iraq near Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit.
Sunday, January 8th, 2006: On CBS's Face the Nation, Secretary of Education Jeanne Shaheen announces the Kerry administration will make a major legislative push to pass a funding and reform package designed to boost academic performance across the country. Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) meanwhile tells Fox News Sunday that he intends to introduce legislation funding the program.
Monday, January 9th, 2006: After a years worth of work and drafting, the Bright Future for Every Child Act is introduced to the Senate by Senator Kennedy on behalf of Secretary Shaheen. Immediately, the Majority Whip McConnell (R-KY) goes on the warpath, working overtime to rally conservative Republicans against the plan.
Tuesday, January 10th, 2006: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee votes 14-9 to send the Affordable Care Act to the Senate for further debate and then a vote.
Wednesday, January 11th, 2006: CNN's Glenn Beck announces on his show that he will be organizing a massive march on Washington consisting of various "Tea Party" groups around the country. The growing movement has energized Republicans and conservatives around fiscal policy rather than foreign policy or social issues, and opposition among Republicans to a healthcare bill authored by Hillary Clinton is fierce and passionate. The rally is set for early February.
Thursday, January 12th, 2006: Pope Francis is hosted by President Kerry at the White House as part of his first official visit to the United States as Pontiff. He addresses a joint session of Congress the next day before spending three days in New York City, where he conducts mass at Yankee Stadium and St. Patrick's Cathedral and visits prisoners, hospitals, and parochial schools. The popular Pope, though relatively conservative on some matters, is widely seen as a progressive minded force for change.
Friday, January 13th, 2006: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remains in a coma following a stroke, leading to speculation that he might be declared incapacitated, or even brain dead.
Monday, January 16th, 2006: Former President Gerald Ford is hospitalized due to pneumonia.

The Senate votes 60-40 to pass a bare boned version of Senator Feingold's Federal Elections Act of 2006 after eight months of delay and committee stalling. The bill prohibits PAC's from airing election ads on TV in the last five days before an election, but does not apply to individual candidates.
Wednesday, January 18th, 2006: The Senate votes to adopt an amended version of the Affordable Care Act by a vote of 52-48. The Republican House is skeptical of the legislation, but the Senate version removed the expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which conservative Republicans deemed as too expensive. Privately, the President counsels Senator Clinton to pursue CHIP expansion later in the year as a separate legislative push.

• Protects patients with pre-existing conditions from being rejected by insurance companies.
• Individual mandate requiring the purchase of insurance. Subsidies are available to help Americans afford coverage.
• MediBank is established, as are insurance co-ops.
• Children can now stay on their parents insurance to they are 27.

Friday, January 20th, 2006: As President Kerry marks his first year in office, his approval ratings have seemed to dimmed due to a lack of progress in ending the war in Iraq and a lack of legislative accomplishments.
Sunday, January 22nd, 2006: Palestinian elections sees the Islamist Hamas party beat out the incumbent Fatah government, ending 40 years of rule.

Mitt.

Monday, January 23rd, 2005.

1:30 PM, Boston, MA.

Governor Mitt Romney had a dilemma.

The Massachusetts Governor had entertained presidential ambitions in 2008 since Kerry had been elected, but he never let these fantasies distract him from his duties as Governor. But the delicate balance could not be maintained for much longer. If he ran for reelection, he'd no doubt face a stronger challenger than most Republican incumbents - this was Massachusetts after all. There was no guarantee he'd win reelection, and should he win a second term, the presidential campaign would almost certainly dominate up to two years of his second term.

Yet if he did enter the Republican primaries, his opponents would certainly accuse of cutting and running from reelection. This, on top of his background and the fact that his own healthcare reforms in Massachusetts set the standard for which the Affordable Care Act, made him vulnerable. With this in mind, Romney set out to seek advice from his inner circle. On a conference call with key aides, the Governor lounged behind his desk in his office as he and his advisers wagered the pros and cons of 2008, two years ahead of the Iowa caucuses.

"The way I figure it" said Beth Myers, Chief of Staff to the Governor and his top political adviser, "I think we need to keep our efforts constrained to New Hampshire. It's friendlier territory." Romney nodded, not necessarily in agreement but certainly in acknowledgement.  "Iowa is going to become a breeding ground for conservatives anyway" said Romney, "and all George Allen or Huckabee or Rick Santorum or whomever will talk about is how I authored the ACA anyway."

Liz Cheney was also present; though the daughter of the former Vice President was not part of the Romney inner-circle, she none the less acted somewhat as an informal adviser and had a wide network of allies within Washington. "The conservatives care more about Iraq" said Liz, "they care more about terrorism than their premiums going up. Sure, the grassroots activists are concerned....but all they need is for Rush Limbaugh to whip them up into a frenzy. You're never going to out-9/11 when it comes to Rudy Giuliani or McCain, but you can assert foreign policy experience through a unique lens as a businessman."

"I've been Governor for four years....if I run and lose to Rudy or Jeb or McCain, I won't be in office and I won't be in the board room. That doesn't seem like my idea of retirement." Romney voiced this concern, which he felt to be the most pressing. Romney, who did not drink, smoke, or swear got his rocks off in the form of leadership. He was ready to be President, but he was not ready to leave public life.

"Ann, what do you think?" he asked of his wife.

"I think you should run for a second term....if you don't do well, you come back and finish the job here."

"Plus Ted Kennedy is going to die at some point or another!" cracked their son Tadd, who was present for the meeting, "you can always run then."

"Ted's immortal" replied Romney, "and unbeatable."

"You have a whole year to think this through" Ann insisted, "focus on keeping your day job before getting the promotion.
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006: President Kerry delivers the State of the Union address, highlighting the need for a more strident social welfare system, including expanding healthcare coverage and expanding educational opportunities.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Matthew Reichbach)

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Wednesday, February 1st, 2006: A coal mine explosion in West Virginia kills 15 miners; in response to the accident, Governor Joe Manchin takes the unprecedented step of ordering the closure of all mines within the state until safety inspectors review the facilities.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is introduced to the House of Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY).
Thursday, February 2nd, 2006: Texas Governor Rick Perry forms a PAC named "Lone Star Solutions" to highlight his record as Governor on economic development issues. Many believe the Governor is preparing for a 2008 presidential bid, with the PAC serving to bolster first his own reelection campaign.
Friday, February 3rd, 2006: Buses filled to the brim with conservative Tea Party activists begin to descend on DC ahead of Glenn Beck's planned rally at the Lincoln Memorial. The "March for Freedom" as it is hailed by Beck ultimately is attended by over 20,000 people. Minority Leader Pelosi dismisses the protests as "astroturf," an assessment President Kerry agrees with.
Saturday, February 4th, 2006: Author Jerome Corsi, a central figure in the Swiftboat controversy, announces he will run for President in 2008 as a Republican. He is the first and earliest person of note to formally file with the FEC ahead of the election.
Sunday, February 5th, 2006: The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 as part of Super Bowl XL.
Monday, February 6th, 2006: Rioters in Tehran attack the Austrian Embassy after three Austrian papers run a cartoon depicting Muhammad. Security Forces intervene to keep the crowds from storming the facility.
Thursday, February 9th, 2006: Scooter Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Cheney, tells a federal grand jury that he leaked classified information to the press as part of a campaign to gin up public support for the invasion of Iraq.
Saturday, February 11th, 2006: While hunting in Texas with friend Harry Whittington, the Vice President accidentally shoots Whittington in the face. Whittington survives despite being sprayed with birdshot.
Sunday, February 12th, 2006: A small flock of moderate Republicans in the House of Representatives, led by Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-MD) announce they will vote for the ACA after nearly two weeks of debate.
Monday, February 13th, 2006: The Affordable Care Act passes the House by a vote of 222-213; President Kerry plans to sign it into law on Wednesday at the White House's Rose Garden.
Wednesday, February 15th, 2006: President Kerry signs the ACA into law, marking the first major legislative victory of his administration. The ACA, however polarizing, is the first major healthcare reform package implemented since LBJ's administration created Medicare.

Al Jazeera airs a report claiming misconduct at POW camps like Abu Ghraib in Iraq, where American military personnel reportedly beat, tortured, humiliated, and abused detainees. Secretary Nunn orders an investigation into the matter in the wake of the media storm caused by the revelation.
Thursday, February 16th, 2006: Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) appears on CNN's Larry King Live, where she celebrates the passage of the ACA while also confirming her intention to sponsor a separate funding bill that would allow the Children's Health Insurance Program to cover all Americans under 18.

Cameron

Friday, February 17th, 2006.

2:00 PM, The White House, Washington DC.

[1]

The Chief of Staff and the President's brother entered the White House, Mary Beth Cahill with a large binder tucked under her arm in tow. It had been just two days since the landmark healthcare law had been signed into law, yet the President was facing more pressure than ever. With nine months to go before the midterms, the administration had burned much of their fuel on the year long fight to pass the Affordable Care Act. There was much debate within the administration as to how to move forward. The President's brother and senior adviser Cameron Kerry was in favor of a tax overhaul that would rollback the Bush tax cuts, but Mary Beth warned that such a move would only further alienate middle class voters who already were skeptical of thee healthcare bill. Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats made it well known that they wished to pursue a bipartisan immigration plan while the cabinet had their own ambitions as well.

"You have four choices" warned Mary Beth firmly, "and the way I see it, it's best you pick one cross to bare and carry it up to Calvery. Because let me tell you John, their going to crucify you!"

"Why not we work on all of them and just push forward with whatever we can get from Hastert?"

Mary Beth paused for a moment, then answered. "That's very, very risky. You'll only splinter the Congress. Votes will be scattered. You'll have Democrats trading off votes, you'll have every single Congressman and woman holding you hostage for something or another. The appetite among Democrats is pretty weak right now."

"I think we need to solve the status of the undocumented. There's reason to believe it has enough bipartisan support to pass" interjected Vice President Edwards, "that will really galvanize Hispanic voters."

"Republicans will go for something limited" noted Mary Beth, looking over from Edwards back to the President, who remained behind the Resolute Desk. "This isn't the bill that Luis Gutierrez shouldn't be writing" she warned further, "this is something that has to be delicate."

"What about the DREAM Act?" inquired Bob Shrum, the Deputy Chief of Staff. "That could easily get Chafee, Collins, Murkowski, and Alexander on board.

"But it'll enrage the Tea Party types" warned David McKean, who besides Cahill and Cameron was likely the third most powerful man in the White House staff. "They'll be enraged by whatever we do" warned Cameron, "but they'll love a tax cut."

"Until the Koch brothers come and get them hot and bothered" said Cahill, rolling her eyes, "the DREAM Act is doable in the long run."

"This could really help us in Florida" said McKean "but what will it do in the rust belt?"

"There's also the Education package that Secretary Sheehan has been pushing" noted the President, "let's get her on the line."

The Oval Office fell silent as the President put the phone to his ear, tucking the line under his chin.
Monday, February 20th, 2006: The Al-Askari mosque in Samarra, Iraq, is destroyed by a suicide bomber. The blast is so powerful that the dome collapses down, killing over a hundred people in the explosion and subsequent structural failure. Al Qaeda takes responsibility for the attack. A wave of sectarian violence in Iraq follows the attack for the better part of the week.
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006: Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) introduce the Great Teacher for Every Child Act to the Senate. The bill would boost teachers in failing school districts salaries by $5,000 a year, which Secretary of Education Shaheen argues would increase morale. A provision authored by Senator Gregg (which should appease a few Republicans) ensures that the pay increase was temporary and dependent on stronger academic performance. The plan, all in all, would cost $30 billion over the course of a few years.
Thursday, February 23rd, 2006: Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist announces he will sue the federal government, claiming the individual mandate of the ACA is unconstitutional.
Friday, February 24th, 2006: Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) team up to reintroduce the DREAM Act, which would grant illegal immigrants who arrived in the United States as a small child the ability to remain in the United States and apply for citizenship without fear of deportation.
Sunday, February 26th, 2006: Former Ambassador Alan Keyes (R-MD) makes a visit to Iowa, where he addresses a DesMoines based Republican Club to announce the formation of an exploratory committee ahead of the 2008 election. Keyes becomes the second candidate after Jerome Corsi to enter the race, though neither candidate is expected to gain any traction.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Public Domain)

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006: The Senate votes 76-24 to reauthorize the PATRIOT Act, much to the displeasure of liberals and libertarians.
Thursday, March 2nd, 2006: President Kerry makes his first state visit to India, where over 100,000 protesters await his arrival. In spite of the hostile demonstration, the President's meeting with the Prime Minister is described as successful and a civil nuclear cooperation agreement is signed.
Friday, March 3rd, 2006: In a bombshell announcement, Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) releases a statement announcing his retirement as Speaker at the end of the month. He will remain a member of the House of Representatives until January of 2007, when his term expires. The announcement of the Speaker's retirement divides the Republican majority, with Congressman John Boehner (R-OH) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) are once again pitted against each other in a heated internal battle within the Republican caucus.

President Kerry's scheduled visit to Pakistan is canceled at the last minute after a suicide car bomber levels the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, killing 164 people and injuring a thousand more. The attack is accredited to Al Qaeda, who take responsibility in a statement shortly after the attack that warns the President not to return to Islamic lands.
Sunday, March 5th, 2006: On CBS's Face the Nation, outgoing Florida Governor Jeb Bush debates Secretary of Education Jeanne Shaheen over proposed effort to rollback and redo the No Child Left Behind Act. Unlike the polarizing healthcare bill, the administration's efforts to jump start America's education system is more broadly supported.

NBC's "Meet the Press" meanwhile has on Congressman Christopher Cox, who announces his intention to run to replace Speaker Hastert.
Monday, March 6th, 2006: Congresswoman Shannon O'Brien introduces the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act of 2006, which would prohibit businesses from paying female employees a lower salary than her male colleagues of equal rank.
Wednesday, March 8th, 2006: Prime Minister Tony Blair announces that the scheduled British withdrawal from Iraq will commence in the coming days. The draw down of the UK's 8,000 troops in Iraq will slowly leave the country by 2008.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) tells Fox New's Brit Hume that he has "a hard time" seeing himself run against his friend and fellow veteran John Kerry, but does not totally shut the door to a presidential candidate.
Friday, March 10th, 2006: The Senate passes the Great Teacher for Every Child Act, voting 74-26 in favor of passing the bill. It now moves towards the House of Representatives, where the Republican majority is more skeptical of the legislation.
Saturday, March 11th, 2006: Former Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic dies in his cell in the Hague. The Serbian leader had been known internationally for ordering a multitude of war crimes during his rule.

Huckabee

Sunday, March 12th, 2006.

6:00 PM, Little Rock, AR.

[1]

Mike was mildly well known, at least in the south, and that was enough to get him started.

In some ways, Mike Huckabee was cut from a different cloth. He was an evangelical Baptist and a staunch social conservative, but that did little to differentiate himself from the likes of Rick Santorum and Sam Brownback. Like almost all of his potential presidential rivals, Huckabee believed that post-9/11 America was best served with a strong defense and a unilateral approach to diplomacy. But where Huckabee truly differed was his positions on economic matters. This made him an outsider in the GOP, with Grover Norquist calling the Governor a "serial tax increaser" even though he had publicly called for the abolition of the IRS. Yet Huckabee's warm personality, sincere faith, and humble charisma led many, including James Carville, to predict that his candidacy would be a threat to President Kerry.

At a meeting at the Governor's mansion in Arkansas, Huckabee had convened his gaggle of aides and loyalists. The stranger in the mix was Ed Rollins, the respected GOP consultant and prospective campaign manager. Rollins, like everyone else present, though the Arkansas Governor would be the perfect foil for Kerry, and was confident enough for Rollins to throw his lot behind Huckabee.

"The way I see it" he said, "our biggest threat isn't a Romney or a Bush or a McCain. It's a Gingrich or a Allen type. The south is our breadbasket. Iowa may be where the first sprouts pop up, but it's the south which constitutes the soil. Does that make any sense?"

The others nodded in agreement. Chip Saltsman, a former Frist campaign aide, had also been drawn into Huckabee's orbit. "I think the Governor can stand his own against these fools, Gingrich aside. But he has enough dirty laundry to keep his washing machine running for years."

"Newt thinks he'll dominate the stage" interjected Huckabee, "but as long as we keep talking about his.....indiscretions, he'll be on the defensive. Who else would our competition really be? I can't see any of these guys beating me in Iowa."

Joe Carter, a former employee of the Family Research Council, also had been brought on board as part of Huckabee's primary campaign. "The real threat is Romney" he warned, "because he can compete both in Iowa and New Hampshire. The combined momentum of any candidate, especially Romney who can self-fund would threaten any candidates lead heading into South Carolina. Even if we win Iowa, that very well could be us. We can't let that happen."

"I don't think he even has a soul" said Huckabee. He knew he was not alone in thinking this.
2008 Republican Primaries (Gallup - Nationwide)
Jeb Bush: 20%
Rudy Giuliani: 16%
George Allen: 14%
Elizabeth Dole: 12%
Mike Huckabee: 10%
John McCain: 8%
Mitt Romney: 7%
Ron Paul: 5%
Newt Gingrich: 3%
Rick Perry: 2%
George Pataki: 1%
Lincoln Chaffee: 1%
Rick Santorum: 1%
Thursday, March 16th, 2006: The Senate votes to adopt the DREAM Act, voting to approve it by a margin of 61-39. The bill faces steeper opposition in the Republican controlled House. It is introduced to the House of Representatives by Luis Guttieriez (D-IL), who has been one of the most outspoken proponents of immigration reform.
Saturday, March 18th, 2006: Hamas takes control of the Palestinian Authority, forming a coalition government with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Monday, March 20th, 2006: Rebels belonging to the United Front for Democratic Change, an anti-regime rebel group active in the central African nation of Chad, storm the capital city of N'
Friday, March 25th, 2006: Former State Senator and Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke expresses an interest in pursuing the Presidency as an independent candidate in 2008 during an interview with the controversial far-right radio show "The Political Cesspool."
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (c.berlet)

[OSR stands with Israel]

Mitt Romney 2008

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Sunday, April 2nd, 2006: Elections in Thailand are held as a constitutional crisis unfolds; all three major parties boycott the election, leaving the incumbent Prime Minister with a lock on power. As protests continue, rumors of a coup grow stronger.
Monday, April 3rd, 2006: In an interview published in People Magazine, former First Lady Barbara Bush states that she "does not want to see another Bush in the White House" when pressed about the alleged presidential aspirations of her son Jeb.
Thursday, April 6th, 2006: President Kerry travels to Beijing for his first state visit to the People's Republic of China, where he meets Chinese President Hu Jintao for direct high level talks concerning North Korea.
Friday, April 7th, 2006: The House of Representatives pass an amended version of the Great Teacher for Every Child Act by a 333-102, adding provisions that keep school voucher programs implemented by the No Child Left Behind Act in place. Senate Democrats argue the Republican amendment to the bill is "a poison pill" meant to scuttle the legislation.
Sunday, April 9th, 2006: Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) resigns from Congress in the face of corruption charges and other legal troubles.
Monday, April 10th, 2006: A suicide bomber kills 50 people and injures over a hundred more in an attack on a mosque in the Pakistani city of Karachi.
Wednesday, April 12th, 2006: The Chadian capital of N'Djamena is captured by rebels, sending Idris Ibery (the impoverished nation's dictator) into exile in Paris.
Friday, April 14th, 2006: President Kerry makes a surprise visit to US forces stationed in Kuwait; the security situation in Iraq remains too risky for a presidential visit, though the surge launched by Secretary Nunn seems to have somewhat calmed the once rapidly worsening situation.
Saturday, April 15th, 2006: The FBI announces it has foiled an Al Qaeda plot to bomb the New York City subway, arresting three Afghans and one Pakistani in connection with the terroristic plot.
Monday, April 17th, 2006: The House votes 219-216 to pass an amended version of the DREAM Act, sending it to a conference committee.  

The House however does vote 228-207 to pass the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, which would take comprehensive measures to prohibit companies from discriminating by gender in terms of employee salary. The bill is introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to the Senate.

Former Senator Mike Gravel (D-AK) announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination at the National Press Club.

Gravel

Monday, April 17th, 2006.

2:15 PM, Washington, DC.

[1]

"Today, I am announcing my candidacy for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. I have chosen this prestigious venue today, because my candidacy shares the same aims of many of you who are present today: I am running for President because someone needs to stand up and tell the truth. Like many of you, I am aggrieved by the present situation in our country. Our men and women in the Middle East are under fire in an imperialistic oil war spurred on by laws. Worse yet, we replaced a Republican who concealed the truth with someone who simply dodges around the truth.

Make no mistake: here and abroad, people are dying because of our government's policies!

I am running on a foreign policy of peace. I am running to end America's corrosive presence in the Middle East. I am running to ensure the prosperity our country currently knows is shared for all. I am fighting for a country that is fair and welcoming to immigrants. I am running so the rich pay their fair share. I am running to cancel debt, to regulate Wall Street rather Wall Street regulating Washington. I am running because healthcare is a right, not a privilege! I am running to protect union rights! I am running to protect civil rights! I am running to combat climate change, to implement criminal, environmental, and social justice.

And most importantly, I am running to win.

I believe the American people are more ready than ever to reevaluate our government and ask ourselves the fundamental questions about the realities our country currently face. There has never been a time when Americans have yearned this strongly for an honest, noble government that truly was as good as the people it represents. And that is simply is not what President Kerry has delivered.

I am willing to take any and all questions. Thank you for being here today."
Tuesday, April 18th, 2006: Hu Jintao arrives in Seattle as the first leg of his official visit to the United States, the first since he assumed the Presidency of China in 2003.
Thursday, April 20th, 2006: The only registration website for the soon to be launched insurance cooperatives started by the Affordable Care Act goes down due to high traffic on it's first day, and continues to be inoperative and overloaded multiple times. Secretary of Health and Human Services Howard Dean initially dismisses the problem as merely "a software glitch."
Friday, April 21st, 2006: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom turns 80, with her birthday being celebrated across Britain and the Commonwealth.
Sunday, April 23rd, 2006: An audio recording of Bin Laden is released by Al Qaeda's website; the five minute speech by Bin Laden encourages Muslim's in Sudan to rise up and wage jihad against the western "crusaders" in Darfur.
Tuesday, April 25th, 2006: Ground is broken in Manhattan for the Freedom Tower, which will be constructed on Ground Zero along with a monument to those killed during the September 11th attacks. Present at the somber ceremony is Vice President John Edwards, Senator Hillary Clinton and former Presidents George HW. Bush and George W. Bush as well as a variety of New York state leaders including Governor George Pataki and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Public Domain)

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Monday, May 1st, 2006: Bolivian President Evo Morales signs a decree nationalizing the natural gas reserves in the company, and troops quickly occupy and secure key sites while ordering foreign companies to begin preparations for the handover.
Tuesday, May 2nd, 2006: Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke denies diplomatic recognition to the new regime in Chad, led by former rebel commander Mohammed Nour Abdelkerim of the United Front for Democratic Change. Holbrooke and Kerry both warn that the new government in N'Djamena is backed primarily by the regimes in Libya and Sudan.
Thursday, May 4th, 2006: British Prime Minister Tony Blair is politically wounded after the governing Labor Party comes in third in local elections, resulting in the loss of over 200 local council seats as the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats surge ahead.
Friday, May 5th, 2006: The Tampa Bay Times publishes a story detailing Congressman Mark Foley's sexually charged messages to teenage male congressional pages. Within hours of the story breaking and despite Foley's denial, there are widespread calls for him to resign from Congress and drop out of the Senate race. Promising to cooperate with investigators, Foley is adamant that his Senate candidacy will continue. He is facing Congressmen Adam Putnam and Dave Weldon in a heated primary battle.
Saturday, May 6th, 2006: Senate and House leadership agree to a compromise version of the DREAM Act drafted by a conference committee. The final legislative deal hammered out allows for illegal immigrants brought to the country before the age of 18 to apply for both permanent residency and later citizenship on the condition they seek an education or serve in the US military. It is slated to be voted upon within a week.
Sunday, May 7th, 2006: On NBC's "Meet the Press," Senator George Allen (R-VA) calls on his conservative colleagues to reject the DREAM Act, claiming the bill is "amnesty" for illegal immigrants and will only result in increased illegal migration into the country.
Monday, May 8th, 2006: President Ahmadinejad of Iran threatens to withdraw the nation from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if the United States and European Union refuse to acknowledge Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Wednesday, May 10th, 2006: In a surprise appearance on the Howard Stern Show, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani acknowledges that he's "moving forward as if I were a candidate" but notes the possibility that he may choose not to run, and further claims that no exploratory committee or campaign announcement will be made "anytime in the near future."
Friday, May 12th, 2006: The Senate votes to pass the DREAM Act by a margin of 70-30, sending it back to the House of Representatives. President Kerry indicates his intention to sign the bill into law.
Saturday, May 13th, 2006:Facing mounting pressure from within the Republican Party of Florida, Mark Foley suspends his Senate campaign.
Sunday, May 14th, 2006: Secretary of Health and Human Services Howard Dean finds himself  on the defensive in a disastrous interview on CBS's "Face the Nation." The Secretary again describes the software problems that have made the health insurance cooperatives online registration virtually unusable as "a glitch," and warns that those who do not purchase health insurance through the market or the federal government programs will still be punished in accordance with the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate.
Wednesday, May 17th, 2006: In a major announcement, President Kerry announces the State Department will reestablish diplomatic ties with the Libyan government and remove them from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Friday, May 19th, 2006: The House of Representatives rejects an amendment to the DREAM Act that would declare English the national language of the United States. Despite the 251-184 vote rejecting the amendment introduced during debate on the immigration reform package, the authors (Congressmen Steve King (R-IA) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO) led this effort) of the amendment vow to introduce "English only" legislation in the future.
Monday, May 22nd, 2006: The House of Representatives votes 244-191 to pass the DREAM Act, which grants citizenship or permanent residency status on a conditional basis to hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants. However, as a concession to the Republican majority in the House and Senate, the bill limits this amnesty program to those who arrived before 2006.

On NBC's Today Show, former Vice President Dick Cheney hawks his new memoir and firmly rules out any further political ambitions, shutting down a question about a potential 2008 candidacy by bluntly stating "hell no!"

Montenegro votes for independence from Serbia, ending the last remaining rump of Yugoslavia.
Friday, May 25th, 2006: President Kerry hosts visiting Mexican President Vincente Fox at the White House, where the visiting Mexican leader attends the signing ceremony of the DREAM Act before a formal state dinner is held later on in the evening.

Newt

Saturday, May 26th, 2006.

7:10 PM, Boca Raton, FL.

[1]

The former House Speaker had arrived by private jet to Boca's executive airport, where he was met by a chauffeur and a young staffer from the Putnam campaign. Gingrich's American Solutions PAC was actively backing the young three term Congressman, and the sudden departure of Mark Foley from the race saw the political establishment rally around Putnam. With only minimal opposition in the Republican primary coming from conservative Congressman Dave Weldon, who enjoyed modest support from the Tea Party, Gingrich read through his prepared remarks and focused his fire on Senator Nelson.

Gingrich didn't have much of a quarrel with Nelson, who was reasonably moderate like his counterpart Senator Betty Castor, but a friend in Florida would be needed. Flanked by his pollster Kellyanne Conway and his trusted wife Callista, the former Speaker quickly walked through the near empty terminal towards the awaiting SUV, and were quickly driven out westwards to the heavily Jewish suburbs that extend west towards the Everglades. The Putnam fundraiser he was due to attend was hosted by a local State Representative, but the Senate candidate wasn't the only one Newt came to see.

Present among a hodge podge of wealthy donors, most notable among them hedge fund manager Marc Leder, was a true rising star. State Representative Marco Rubio had driven up from Miami to Boca at the behest of his Majority Leader who was hosting the event, and the former Speaker was eager to meet the rising Republican star. As they were chauffeured west of I-95, Kellyanne and Callista helped coach Gingrich through a modified variation of his standard speech tailored to the needs of Florida. But the Speakers mind kept going back to Rubio. As they pulled through the gates into the walled off luxury golf course community, the line of cars - all BMWs and Jaguars and a few Hummers and Porsches in the mix - lined the street as they pulled in. Gingrich spotted Congressman Putnam and the rising star, and immediately walked over to shake their hands and make use of what little one on one time they'd have that evening. Kellyanne and Callista meanwhile went inside to make the rounds and greet the bunglers.

"I hear you want to pass a balanced budget amendment" asked Gingrich of Rubio, almost ignoring Putnam completely. "We'll have to do it soon" answered Rubio, "because Charlie won't commit to anything. He's no Jeb." Gingrich bristled internally at the mention of the outgoing Governor, who would make a serious challenger should they both enter the 2008 race. "Well" answered Gingrich with a laugh, "I know a little something about disappointing successors."

"Grover Norquist says your the taxpayers best friend" continued the Speaker, "when you're done as Speaker you ought to run for Congress and whip the House in order." Rubio was, to say the least, flattered. But he had bigger ambitions than a seat in the State Senate or the House. "Adam" said Gingrich, "I think we found a player for your team."

The trio entered the large house, greeted by polite applause and a long line of extended hands.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Public Domain)

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Thursday, June 1st, 2006: The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act clears the Senate by a vote of 66-34.
Saturday, June 3rd, 2006: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police foil a plot by Islamist militants to detonate truck bombs across Toronto. Three tons of explosives are recovered during raids conducted by police across the province of Ontario, with 15 men being taken into custody. It is not yet known if they are acting on the orders of Osama Bin Laden.
Monday, June 5th, 2006: The Islamic Courts Union takes control of Somalia's capital Mogadishu after fierce fighting with United Nations backed militias.
Wednesday, June 7th, 2006: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian born leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq and the most visible leader of the insurgency is killed by an American airstrike on a house in the village of Hibhib in northern Iraq.
Saturday, June 10th, 2006: President Kerry meets newly appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in Kuwait just days after Al Qaeda's top leader within Iraq was killed. Afterwards at a joint press conference alongside his Iraqi counterpart, the President touts the success of the surge and announces talks with the Iraqi government will soon start to workout the details surrounding the draw-down of American forces.
Sunday, June 11th, 2006: On Fox News Sunday, Secretary of Education Jeanne Shaheen touts the recently implemented DREAM Act, which gives temporary legal protection for undocumented youth and a path to eventual citizenship, as a reason to pass the Great Teacher for Every Child. Warning that public schools and universities will see an uptick in enrollment, Shaheen's arguments in favor of more funding fall on deaf ears among Republicans. Appearing on NBC's Meet the Press, Florida Governor Jeb Bush argues that greater funding alone will do little to improve America's public schools and encourages state governments to pursue school choice policies instead.
Monday, June 12th, 2006: US satellites detect movement around a North Korean missile test site, signaling to the CIA that the regime of Kim Jong Ill is about to test a new ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead.
Wednesday, June 14th, 2006: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir vows to prohibit UN peacekeepers from operating in Darfur, dismissing claims of genocide and claiming that the UN force is in reality "a Jewish conspiracy."

McCain

Friday, June 16th, 2006.

10:15 AM, Phoenix, Arizona.

[1]

At a small, out of the way little diner in a Phoenix strip mall, Senator John McCain and a gaggle of his most trusted aides, allies, and henchman sat crammed around a small table in the back of the restaurant. Present were Steve Schmidt, Rick Davis, John Weaver, and Mark Salter. Over a breakfast that would make Joe Pera proud, the men weighed out the political scene that was unfolding before them.

"WE" emphasized McCain "are the only ones getting anything done. The kook caucus isn't doing jack sh!t" complained the Senator bitterly, "nobody knows or cares who the f**k any of them are to begin." The others murmured or nodded in agreement or at least recognition of the fact. Despite a slow start, the Kerry administration had some early successes, including naming a new Chief Justice, comprehensive healthcare reform, and the DREAM Act. And while there had been setbacks (Iraq was as messy as ever and Katrina was brutal), the public was mostly warming to the new President even if the polls for the midterm races were tight in every corner of the country.

"Senator" said Schmidt, still chewing a chunk of bacon as he interjected. "Senator" he continued, "you have a point that it's Republicans like you who are keeping Washington running. But I think you're undervaluing how much clout people like Steve King, Tom Tancredo, Virgil Goode, Ron Paul, and so on have in the party." McCain wasn't so sure. "The country wants leadership" he answered, "and the fact of the matter is that I have been in the thick of every major bill that has come across Kerry's desk."

"That may be true" countered John Weaver, "but the party is moving rightward again. They hedged their bets with Bush, and he lost to Dukakis Jr. A candidate of substance who appeals to the better angels of the voters can win.....just not this time." Rick Davis also had concerns. "If the Democrats nominated Lieberman instead of John Kerry and he ran on a platform of bipartisan pragmatism against Dubya, he'd win. But I agree with John. I don't think this election is going to be anything like that election at all."

"You're asking me to run against a fellow veteran Bush-style" said the Senator, "I can't win by swift-boating the guy." There was a pause, as all of the politicos stopped to admire, if only for a glance, the true decency of the Senator. They had worked very hard to craft that image in 2000, and it was pleasing too see that their PR efforts were successful half a decade on.

"Let's say this proves to be a problem" continued McCain, "let's say that these votes become problematic on the campaign trail. Let's say some old woman at some candidate's forum gets the mic and starts bellyaching about the immigrants or big government or socialized medicine.....we're a nation at war. I mean, I'd ask her what her priority is. She'll say national security. That's what everybody would say right now. And we'll pivot to that."

"With all due respect, Senator" replied Salter, "but Rudy's campaign has already monopolized that theme. That man's stump speech will be a noun, a verb, and 9/11."

"If I'm in" McCain noted, "then I'm running on my platform, on my principles, and on America's promise. I'm not here to play games. I'm not George Allen or Sam Brownback. I'm not here to f**k around."
Saturday, June 17th, 2006: An outbreak of avian influenza, better known as "bird flu," sparls concerns in Europe about the spread of the contagious disease.
Sunday, June 18th, 2006: Governor George Pataki, seeking a fourth term over former New York Stock Exchange Chairman Richard Grasso in one of the most widely watched gubernatorial elections in the country, finds himself in a feud with Rudy Giuliani after he criticized the former Mayor for "monopolizing" credit for the response to the 9/11 attacks while being interviewed on CBS's Face the Nation. Both Pataki and Giuliani have been touted as potential candidates in 2008.
Tuesday, June 20th, 2006: On MSNBC's Morning Joe, former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld confirms he is considering joining the Libertarian Party but denies rumors that he is considering running for President on their ticket.
Thursday, June 22nd, 2006: Warren Buffet makes a $30 billion donation to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which results in the Microsoft founder's philanthropic efforts becoming the largest charitable organization in the world.

Friday, June 23rd, 2006: Israel commences aerial bombardment against Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip in response to mortar and rocket attacks into Israeli territory. In response, Iran threatens a year long moratorium on any potential negotiations about their nuclear program at any level until Israel ends their campaign against Hamas.
Friday, June 30th, 2006: Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is kidnapped by Palestinian militants, and is used as a bargaining chip as Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert calls for his release.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Antje Wildgrube).

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Saturday, July 1st, 2006: An American helicopter is downed in Afghanistan's Kandahar province by Taliban militants, resulting in fifteen American soldiers being killed.
Monday, July 3rd, 2006: In a new video taped released on their website, Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden threatens new attacks in Europe and America should western military forces intervene in Somalia.
Tuesday, July 4th, 2006: Independence Day festivities are interrupted by a tragic development in Cape Canaveral. Shortly after liftoff, the Space Shuttle Discovery explodes midair, plunging into the Atlantic before a horrified audience. All crew members are presumed dead, and the President notes the tragic fate of the two other Space Shuttles (Challenger and Columbia) during brief remarks in the wake of the tragedy. An investigation into what caused the explosion immediately begins.

In the interim, NASA announces the indefinite suspension of all further Space Shuttle launches until the cause of the Discovery disaster is determined.
Thursday, July 6th, 2006: North Korea tests another missile, with Kim Jong Il's propaganda mouthpieces threatening "total and outright annihilation" of American forces in the region should a first strike attack be launched in the region.
Friday, July 7th, 2006: The FBI announces they have busted an Al Qaeda inspired plot to blow up the Holland Tunnel and flood lower Manhattan. Though the fantastical plot was nowhere near close to being pulled off, the Justice Department believes confidently that they can convict those arrested on conspiracy charges. The FBI and Justice Department both note that this plot appears to be unrelated to an earlier Al Qaeda linked plot thwarted in April, and note that those arrested in this new investigation have had no formal contact with the terrorist group and was homegrown. The men involved appear to have been radicalized by the teachings of a Yemeni cleric named Anwar al-Awlaki who had previously lived in the United States. The news comes on the year anniversary of the 7/7 bombings in London.
Monday, July 10th, 2006: Israel demands the release of Gilad Shalit as part of any ceasefire with Hamas. Since Hamas's election victory in Palestine and the ongoing resumption of hostilities, the Israelis have been waging a near continuous military campaign against Hamas by air.
Wednesday, July 12th, 2006: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warns that Israel may occupy the Gaza Strip if rocket attacks continue. Olmert, who succeeded Ariel Sharon following his incapacity via stroke, has also called yet again for the release of Gilad Shalit as a prerequisite for any ceasefire.
Thursday, July 13th, 2006: Saddam Hussein's lawyers begin closing arguments as the former Iraqi dictator's trial draws near its close.
Friday, July 14th, 2006: The war in Israel and Palestine grows worse when Hezbollah militants kill five Israeli soldiers and kidnap three more near the Lebanese border. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert responds by ordering numerous airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, while their UN Ambassador appeals to the United Nations General Assembly to force Lebanon's government to act and disarm all militias and paramilitary groups active within their borders.
Sunday, July 16th, 2006: In a major one on one interview on NBC's Meet the Press held in the East Room of the White House, President Kerry reiterates American support for Israel and calls on Hamas and Hezbollah to release all Israeli hostages. Most notably in the interview however is the President's statement opposing an Israeli intervention in Lebanon, voicing support for Lebanon's government to instead disarm militias on their own terms.
Monday, July 17th, 2006: The United States vetoes a UN Resolution which condemned Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip.

The President travels to Saint Petersburg, Russia for the G8 Summit, where he sits down directly for negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Tuesday, July 18th, 2006: Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke is dispatched to Israel as rockets rein down from Lebanon on Haifa, though no casualties are reported in the wave of these strikes. Despite the attacks, Secretary Holbrooke insists the meetings with Israeli government officials and Prime Minister Olmert will continue.
Wednesday, July 19th, 2006: As concerns about war in the Middle East grow increasingly likely, the price of oil skyrockets, creating fears of an economic slowdown in America and the European Union.

Israeli planes bomb the home of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut in retaliation for rocket attacks on Israel. Secretary of State Holbrooke warns the Prime Minister of Israel in a private meeting that another invasion of Lebanon would inflame the Arab world, which could derail the effort to stabilize Iraq before withdrawal. Another concern is that such a campaign would draw Iran and Syria into the conflict, which originally was contained to just Hamas and the Israeli Defense Force.
Thursday, July 20th, 2006: The State Department issues an order evacuating all American citizens from Lebanon. UN Secretary General Koffi Annan calls for an immediate halt to all hostilities before Israeli forces cross the border, which seems increasingly likely with every passing day.
Friday, July 21st, 2006: Ethiopian troops cross into Somalia and occupy Baidoa, a town located halfway towards Mogadishu. The Ethiopian troops are operating in support of the powerless central government and are ordered to engage and push back the Islamic Courts Union from the capital city of the war torn failed state.
Saturday, July 22nd, 2006: A New York Times article reports that the President has quietly ordered Secretary of Defense Sam Nunn to slow the delivery of bombs and other pieces of military hardware or equipment such as ammunition and helicopter parts in order to stall a potentially explosive crisis should Israel attack Lebanon.
Sunday, July 23rd, 2006: Ariel Sharon dies after a lengthy period in a coma, resulting in Olmert formally taking charge after an extended time as acting Prime Minister.
Monday, July 24th, 2006: Hezbollah accuses Israel of using cluster-bombs in defiance of international law, though this is denied by the IDF. In response to these reports, Iranian President Ahmadinejad calls on the Arab world to "expel the Zionist ulcer" from the region.
Wednesday, July 26th, 2006: Saddam Hussein is force fed at a Baghdad hospital after sixteen days on hunger strike in protest of what he perceives to be his illegitimate show trial.
Thursday, July 27th, 2006: Four UN peacekeepers are killed after they are mistakenly identified by the IDF as Hamas militants during a helicopter gunship assault against various sites in Lebanon.
Friday, July 28th, 2006: Naveed Hafzal Haq, a Pakistani-American, shoots eight women fatally at Seattle's Greater Jewish Federation offices before being killed by responding police officer. Five others, all law enforcement, are injured before the gunman is slain after a firefight. The FBI classifies the incident as a hate crime and states that there is no apparent connection to terror groups on the outset, though it is quickly revealed that Haq had been radicalized by Anwar al-Awlaki as well. The gunman has been motivated to act following the Israeli-Lebanese conflict's escalation.

Dubya

Saturday, September July 29th, 2006.

2:38 PM, Crawford, Texas.

[1]

The former President had no interest in being the next Grover Cleveland, and the idea was far from his mind as he painted a surprisingly not half bad portrait of his deceased sister Robin based on an old family photo. It was intended to be a gift for his mother, who was grieving the lost just as strong as he did so many decades before. As the former President dabbed his brush into a small puddle of red paint laid out in a bowl on a nearby folding table, the phone behind him rang.

"Sh*t" he sighed as he reached behind him to pick it up, reading the caller ID as "JOHN ELLIS BUSH." "Hey Jeb!" answered #43, who walked over to a nearby television and picked up the remote, clicking on the screen and instantly muting it. The TV was tuned to Fox News, naturally.

"I made up my mind, George" replied the Governor with a hint of excitability in his voice as he skipped over any greetings and pleasantries, "I think I'm going to run." The President snickered a bit, not out of any malicious emotion but rather of pride. It was good news (exciting news certainly),  and the former President was humored and joyfully supportive of the idea. "HEY LAURA" he hollered, peeking around a door to yell down the hall to the former First Lady, "Jeb's in!"

Of course the First Lady didn't hear this, as she was reading and taking in the sun and fresh air out back. But George didn't care, and returned his focus to Jeb. "So when you gonna launch?" he asked. "We're thinking February or March" said the outgoing Florida Governor, "sometime after the term expires."

"What's going on down there by the way?" asked George as he moved into the kitchen and opened the fridge, pulling out a pie Laura had baked a few days earlier and removing the aluminum foil off the top as he held the phone against his head with his tilted shoulder. "I trust in the RPOF man" said Jeb, "they're on top of things. Crist is going to be the nominee, and probably the Governor." "Hmm" hummed George, "ain't that guy queer?" Jeb didn't chuckle, and answered matter of factly. "Maybe, I don't care" answered Jeb, "I just hope he keeps the good work we've done here up while we take the fight to the nation."

"I think you'd make a great President, Jeb!" said the former President, "you're a smart guy. You know a lot about stuff. You can pronounce things properly 'n sh*t, and you've seen the job done up close plenty of times." The Governor had indeed witnessed the role up close, and was popular in Florida for most of his tenure in office. "The fields going to be crowded" he continued, a fact the former President knew would be true. "But our numbers in the early states are strong."

"I'll have Karl do some polling" said George, "we'll get the band back together. Don't worry about a thing Jeb."

"Thanks George," said the Governor, "there's only one thing I'm worried about.....Noelle."
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Public Domain).

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Tuesday, August 1st, 2006: Israeli troops pounce across the border with Lebanon, launching a massive invasion after weeks of skirmishes and rocket attacks as well as quick incursions and air raids across the border.

Democratic Senate candidate Harris Miller, who in June defeated former Navy Secretary Jim Webb by a narrow 50-49% in a contested primary, refers to Allen and Webb voters as "low IQ rubes" in a hot mic moment after a campaign event which he left with a local news channel's microphone still attached.
Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006: In the wake of "IQ-gate," former Senate candidate Jim Webb shocks the Beltway by announcing his endorsement of Senator George Allen over Harris Miller, further boosting the incumbent Senator's reelection campaign.

Combat in southern Lebanon continues as Israeli troops flood across the border and overruns Hezbollah militants and other Iranian or Syrian backed militias as they establish a secure buffer zone between the two nations. Lebanon protests the invasion as a violation of their sovereignty before the United Nations but are otherwise powerless to stop the Israeli military activity within their borders.
Thursday, August 3rd, 2006: As civilian casualties mount in Lebanon, Islamist and Palestinian nationalist groups threaten attacks in Israel. In Tel Aviv, a suicide bomber detonates himself on a crowded bus, killing 25 people. The attacker is later identified as a Jordanian man who had been known to US intelligence officers as an insurgent active in the Al Qaeda-in-Iraq campaign against US forces.
Friday, August 4th, 2006: Israeli forces raid Tyre, taking out a high ranking Hezbollah militant who was believed to be behind a rocket attack that killed a family of five the day before.
Sunday, August 6th, 2006: Senator Rick Santorum and his opponent Bob Casey debate each other before a national audience on NBC's Meet the Press. During the course of the debate, Senator Santorum makes headlines when he pledges not to seek the Presidency in 2008 and vows to serve his whole term as Senator out.
Tuesday, August 8th, 2006: In a stunning primary result, Ned Lamont defeats incumbent Joe Lieberman by a margin of just over a thousand votes. It is believed that a last minute surge of support for Lieberman materialized as concerns grew over the upheaval in the Middle East.
Wednesday, August 9th, 2006: CBS's Mike Wallace sits down with controversial Iranian President Ahmadinejad in a widely watched interview. The Iranian President makes headlines when he warns that continued Israeli action in Lebanon could result in "a multi-front war" which will "absorb ever corner of the Islamic world."
Friday, August 11th, 2006: Republican Senate candidate Alan Schesinger withdrawals from the race just a week after winning the GOP primary in Connecticut after allegations emerged around his past gambling debts and history of being sued by casinos for alleged card counting among other things. Under pressure from the Republican Party of Connecticut to bow out, it is now up to the state's GOP affiliate to replace him on the ballot.
Saturday, August 12th, 2006: The IDF announces a buffer zone near the border has been secured and that Hezbollah militants have almost entirely fled the region.
Sunday, August 13th 2006: In a stunning announcement on Meet the Press, Senator Joe Lieberman - the 2000 Vice Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party - announces he has accepted an offer from Senator Frist and the Connecticut GOP to run under their banner after his narrow defeat in the Democratic primary. Lieberman is the most high profile political defection in decades, and is welcomed warmly by his new Republican colleagues. The Connecticut Senator denies any interest in running for President in 2008 and encourages John McCain to seek the Republican nomination. Much of his Senate staff resign in the wake of his party switch.
Monday, August 14th, 2006: The FBI and Scotland Yard arrest eight Al Qaeda inspired militants who were within ten days of bombing multiple trans-Atlantic flights. At a press conference announcing the arrests, which were made with the help of Pakistani intelligence agents, Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Harman claims the attack was the closest brush with large scale carnage the United States has come since 9/11.
Tuesday, August 15th, 2006: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warns that the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon "isn't going to go away overnight" in an interview with the Jerusalem Post. This sparks protests across the Arab world.
Wednesday, August 16th, 2006: In an interview with Rolling Stone, iconic country music singer Willie Nelson announces that he is considering running for President in 2008 as a Green Party candidate, citing his disillusionment with the Kerry administration's failure to withdraw from Iraq or legalize cannabis. Nelson also bemoans the decline of the American family farm, and says he'd ask former President Jimmy Carter ("or maybe Bob Dylan, who knows?") to run on the ticket with him.
Friday, August 18th, 2006: Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameni, praises Hezbollah and encourages the militant organization and Lebanese Shia Muslims to continue resisting the Israeli occupation.

South Korean intelligence officials state that over 50,000 people had died across North Korea due to severe flooding. The North Korean government had earlier claimed that only a few hundred people were killed.

Holbrooke

Saturday, August 19th, 2006.

4:00 PM, Tel Aviv, Israel.

[1]

Despite almost regular rocket and mortar attacks across the country, the Secretary of State insisted on traveling to Israel to meet personally with Ehud Olmert on behalf of the President. The Israelis had succeeded in pacifying Hezbollah activity along their northern border, but at the cost of enraging the entirety of the Arab world. The Secretary was not greeted with the usual pomp and circumstance, having flown into a secure Israeli air force base before being whisked straight to the Prime Minister's office in a heavily guarded motorcade.

Olmert rose to shake the hand of the American emissary as he entered, and two sat down around a heavy oak desk. The Prime Minister folded his hands together and leaned his head a bit inward, but it did little to melt the frost that had been growing between the two nations. "We have appreciated every ounce of your country's support and your continued support for the Jewish state and people" began Olmert, "but this is a very dark hour for our nation and people."

"I understand" answered Holbrooke, "but there are rules, and you don't seem to be following them." Olmert paid no attention to the Secretary of State's protestations and continued on. "They lob rockets down us, yet they bitterly complain when we retaliate. They are trying to goad us into overreacting, but every reaction and response we have is considered a war crime by a UN that is held in the hands of the collective Muslim world."

"But Mr. Prime Minister" began the Secretary, "this is a matter that at it's heart is territorial in nature. And it while it can be suppressed, it can never be snuffed out with the status quo in effect."

"So what do you suggest we do? Can they not tolerate Jews in their lands even to such a small degree?" asked the Prime Minister, increasingly concerned by the halting tone of America's top diplomat.

"This is not a small degree. This is tens of thousands of settlers pouring in or projected to pour in, and they're occupying prime agricultural land in an already overpopulated sliver of land. It is natural that they will reject this, no more or less so than they would if Jordanians began flooding in."

"It is not the same, Mr. Secretary" complained Olmert, "the Palestinians and Jordanians are of the same blood and race. They wouldn't be foreigners in the West Bank."  There was a pause for only the fleeting thread of a second, and Olmert monopolized it in order to continue his polemic. "Withdrawing from the West Bank will only cede land adjacent to our nation into the hands of Hamas, and would do little to stop Hezbollah activity in any event. Pandoras box has been opened."

"When it comes to the pandoras box argument" interjected Holbrooke, "the United States frankly doesn't care who opens it. Our policy is that we want it shut." This statement stopped the Prime Minister in his tracks.

"You sound like a defeatist" barked Olmert, "you listen and give too much credence to the "blame Israel first" community's pseudo-academic theories of world affairs. We can win this war, we can stop these rocket strikes. Give us some ammo and stay out of our way!"

"This war won't have an end of any type if you keep on being so intransigent!" exclaimed Holbrooke, his tone showing only a sliver of the anger which he actually felt. "It won't be enough to pull back from the settlements you've constructed" continued the Secretary of State, "if you truly want peace, if you truly want the rockets to stop, than you're going to have to be prepared to give more up than you think."

"You think we can hold the '67 borders!?" asked Olmert, seemingly exaggerating his dismay, "you think we can hold off the Arab hordes in the Sinai and the Golan Heights? You think the borders will be secure enough! Near Tel Aviv it is practically within sight of the sea! All it would take is an Arab army to pinch us there and divide our nation!"

"If you do not agree to these terms" warned Holbrooke, "than you can expect perpetual war in the West Bank with Hamas. And you may ultimately be forced to occupy it entirely, which would result in catastrophic consequences across the entire region. On the other hand, a dignified - and not necessarily immediate - draw down of the IDF from Lebanon will be enough to propel them to action. They'll clean up the mess on your border....we'll make sure of that, Mr. Prime Minister. I assure you, I swear in the name of my country and our President. But the choice here is yours: do you want a war in the north? Or a war in both the north AND east? Or war in the east and peace to the north?" You have been dealt a bad hand, but you're going to have to throw down some cards at some point.

"I don't care who's faith you swear on" spat Olmert, "but know this: I have no faith left in John Kerry!"
Sunday, August 20th, 2006: A day after talks with Secretary of State Holbrooke, Prime Minister Olmert agrees to a ceasefire negotiated by the Jordanian King in Amman. Israel and Hezbollah will cease all military activities directed at one another, and Israel will advance no further into Lebanese territory. Both parties agree to future negotiations in the future as well. President Kerry calls the ceasefire "a relief" and calls for both parties to abide by the ceasefire until talks can be held.
Monday, August 21st, 2006: Italy and France offer to deploy troops to Lebanon to serve as peacekeepers in the currently occupied southern border region. Israel is more open to this, and Olmert orders his Foreign Minister to Brussels to attempt to shore up support in the EU.
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006: Iranian naval forces intercept and take control of a Romanian flagged oil tanker ship in the Persian Gulf. The reason for the seizure is not immediately known.
Thursday, August 24th, 2006: Amnesty International accuses Israel of war crimes, claiming that the IDF destroyed civilian infrastructure such as bridges and water/electrical facilities as part of their campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israel denies this.
Friday, August 25th, 2006: Italy deploys 1,500 soldiers to Lebanon, while France sends 200 advisers. The UN commanded force is aided by Lebanese personnel as they begin taking control of portions of the Israeli occupied region. The Israeli's withdrawal is staggered over several days to ensure no power vacuums are left in their wake.
Saturday, August 26th, 2006: Hurricane Ernesto forms in the Atlantic, threatening South Florida with a category 3 impact as the storm rapidly gains strength. Governor Jeb Bush declares a state of emergency and cancels a plan to join Governor Mark Sanford on the campaign trail at a scheduled rally in Charleston.
Sunday, August 27th, 2006: On CBS's Face the Nation, Senator John McCain criticizes President Kerry for "leading from behind" in regards to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the West Bank. The Senator goes on to make waves when he asserts that President Kerry is "no friend of Israel."
Monday, August 28th, 2006: The Federal Electoral Tribunal of Mexico rules unanimously that Felipe Calderon has defeated Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in an extremely close and contested election.
Tuesday, August 29th, 2006: Massachusetts's Attorney General Thomas Reilly drops out of the gubernatorial election and endorses former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, surges to first place in the polls and gains a narrow lead over Deval Patrick.
Wednesday, August 30th, 2006: Hurricane Ernesto hits Florida as a category one storm, which weakened significantly as its path took it over the Bahamas. Making landfall over Delray Beach, the storm results in no deaths or injuries but causes millions of dollars in damages.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Kenneth Zirkel).

[One Term Floridian]

I highly doubt Kerry gets re-elected. Great timeline. Keep it up!

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Friday, September 1st, 2006: Several months after President Kerry signed the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act into law, the Department of Commerce is at last legally empowered to begin investigating and punishing businesses which continue to discriminate against female employees in regards to salary.
Sunday, September 3rd, 2006: A Taliban offensive in Kandahar province goes south for the militant Islamist group when their attack on Canadian forces acting as part of the NATO mission in the country is repelled. Four Canadians are killed, while over 300 Taliban fighters are captured or killed in action.
Monday, September 4th, 2006: Steve Irwin, an Australian TV presenter known as "the Crocodile Hunter," is killed while filming after being wounded in the chest by a stingray barb which punctured his aorta.
Tuesday, September 5th, 2006: A frail and gravely weakened Fidel Castro makes his first public appearance in Cuba since undergoing surgery for intestinal problems. The country has been governed by his brother Raul in his absence. Raul Castro's role is increasingly viewed as a sign that he is the aging revolutionary's intended heir.
Wednesday, September 6th, 2006: Senator Joe Lieberman (R-CT) makes his first major media appearance on Larry King Live since his defection to the Republican Party. Lieberman complains about Kerry's "lack of leadership" in the Middle East, and warns also that the Kerry administration's foreign policy is emboldening Iran.
Thursday, September 7th, 2006: British Prime Minister Tony Blair announces he will resign as leader of the Labor Party and Prime Minister within a years time. The resignation will not take place until the party elects a new leader. The frontrunner to replace Blair appears to be Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, though Diane Abbott - a black socialist MP originally from Jamaica - has signaled she might stand as a stalking horse candidate aimed at luring a more leftist candidate in the race.
Friday, September 8th, 2006: An official report compiled by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirms there was no connection between Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq and Al Qaeda.
Saturday, September 9th, 2006: A NATO counteroffensive in Kandahar results in the Taliban sustaining 40 casualties as American, British, and Canadian troops put their forces back.
Sunday, September 10th, 2006: In a video released by their website, Al Qaeda releases a video of Osama Bin Laden celebrating the fifth anniversary of 9/11 and encourages Muslims across the globe to commit acts of jihad against western targets.
Monday, September 11th, 2006: The nation marks the fifth anniversary of 9/11, with President Kerry attending a memorial service in New York City while Vice President Edwards leads tributes delivered at the Pentagon.
Tuesday, September 12th, 2006: Primaries are held in states across the country. Most notable is Rhode Island, where Mayor Steve Laffey defeats incumbent Lincoln Chafee 51-49% after a heated primary. Laffey was backed with Tea Party movement support and the financial aid of the Club for Growth, which vigorously attacked the maverick moderate incumbent for a number of votes cast in support of Democratic Party legislation.

In New York, incumbent Hillary Clinton defeats pro-life activist activist Randall Terry 96-4% in the Democratic primary, while Judge Jeannine Pirro beats back Ed Cox (son in law to the late President Nixon) 52-48% in the Republican primary.

Florida's Senate primary sees Congressman Adam Putnam holding off a Tea Party challenge from fellow Congressman Dave Weldon by a 54-46% margin. Congressman Putnam will now face incumbent Bill Nelson in the general election.
Wednesday, September 13th, 2006: An unknown Islamist militant group attempts to shoot their way into the American embassy in Damascus, Syria. Two people, one a Chinese national, the other a Syrian soldier, are injured in the botched attack.
Thursday, September 14th, 2006: Senator Lincoln Chafee announces he will leave the Republican Party and sit as an independent affiliated with the Republican caucus instead. Chafee confirms that he will continue in the race as an independent candidate, making the race a three way contest.
Friday, September 15th, 2006: Comments made by Pope Francis about Islam spark mass protests across the Islamic world, with Al Qaeda calling for war against "worshipers of the cross" in response. Security is stepped up at western embassies across the Middle East as a result of the riots.
Saturday, September 16th, 2006: The Thai military launches a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, sending him into exile and establishing an interim military led government.
Monday, September 18th, 2006: The Space Shuttle Atlantis is cleared to return to earth after an extended period in space as NASA weighed whether it was safe or not. The return ultimately goes off without a hitch, but memories of the recent Discovery disaster remain fresh in the heads of NASA's top engineers.
Tuesday, September 19th, 2006: Shinzo Abe is elected leader of Japan's ruling right of center Liberal Democratic Party and thus will assume the office of Prime Minister in the coming days.

Lincoln.

Wednesday, September 20th, 2006.

Providence, RI.

[1]

Senator Chafee was no stranger to going it alone.

The Rhode Island Senator was now an independent candidate as well as an independent Senator, and his decision to sit with the Democratic caucus. The decision gave him the flexibility he craved on the Senate floor, but it also meant that he would come under fire from his fellow Republicans as a "RINO," but it also carved out a niche in the race which held the promise of expansion. But first and foremost on the Senator's mind was the race in Rhode Island. The divisive GOP primary resulted in a split among moderate and conservatives in the state, and both Chafee and Laffey were tied at 25% of the vote according to the polls.

On the other hand, Democratic Congressman Patrick Kennedy had won the nomination over Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse in a more orderly fashion, and the party largely remained united around the dynasty scion's candidacy. Though known to be a bit impulsive, Kennedy was a respected policymaker who had expertise in issues ranging from Downs Syndrome to healthcare reform. The son of Ted Kennedy, the Rhode Island Congressman had a national profile from the time of his 1994 election to the House, though he preferred to operate in the shadows.

He never intended to run for the Senate, but when Minority Leader Pelosi passed him over for a position on the Appropriations Committee, he decided to seek Chafee's seat instead. He was banking on a primary defeat for Chafee fueled by the Tea Party movement, and his wish was granted. With a 25% lead over both his opponents, Kennedy was confident that his victory was assured in what was otherwise likely to be a Republican year.

Chafee meanwhile campaigned vigorously across the state, arriving in his own car at a Providence pub alone with no staff. A small but loyal crowd of moderate Republicans and more than a few curious Democrats awaited him, and the Senator spent considerable time shaking hands and hearing out the voters. A number praised him for his opposition to the war in Iraq, which made him one of the few (aside from Congressman Ron Paul and Senator Chuck Hagel) Republicans willing to stand up to then President Bush.

"You're gonna want to see this!" yelled the pub's owner, calling the Senator over to a corner of the bar where a muted TV was on, tuned into CNN. The whole room turned towards the television with the Senator to see an image of a smoking, smashed up car partially impaled by a concrete barrier on Capital Hill. The driver was drunk and suffered minor injuries. The drivers name?

Congressman Patrick Kennedy.
Thursday, September 21st, 2006: Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) announces he will seek rehabilitation for alcoholism and will take ten days off the campaign trail. In spite of the accident and the DUI charges, Kennedy insists that he will not drop out of the Senate race in the face of immense pressure from senior Democratic party leaders.

Addressing the UN General Assembly minutes after President Kerry, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez declares President Kerry "the devil" and jokes that he "can still smell the sulfur up here."
Friday, September 22nd, 2006: In what Venezuela calls "a provocation," Foreign Minister Nicholas Maduro is selected for additional screening and briefly detained by the TSA at JFK International Airport in New York City.
Monday, September 25th, 2006: British troops in Basra kill Omar al-Faruq, a senior leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Wednesday, September 27th, 2006: The RNC announces the 2008 Republican Convention will be held in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Saturday, September 30th, 2006: A North Korean rocket test results in a missile being launched over Japan. President Kerry calls for North Korea to rejoin negotiations over their nuclear program and threatens further sanctions if they refuse to comply.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Mark Zodell).

[Grassroots]

This is awesome. Keep it up!

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Thanks! I'm gonna fish it, I promise. Rough outline goes through 2021.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Sunday, October 1st, 2006: Israel completes their withdrawal from southern Lebanon, while both Hezbollah and the IDF make good on their pledges to not resume combat operations against each other. The ceasefire, while fragile, appears to hold.
Monday, October 2nd, 2006: Ban Ki-Moon is named Secretary General of the United Nations.
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006: North Korea announces it will test a nuclear bomb in the coming days, sparking immediate tension in the region. President Kerry warns that a nuclear test will only result in even more sanctions.
Wednesday, October 4th, 2006: The Dow Jones closes above 11,850 for the first time, setting an all time high. The market goes even higher for the next two consecutive days.
Friday, October 6th, 2006: Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya is found shot to death in the elevator of her Moscow apartment building. Many believe the assassination of the dissident journalist was ordered by Russia's increasingly authoritarian President Vladimir Putin.
Sunday, October 8th, 2006: The Islamic Courts Union declares jihad against the Ethiopian government after troops occupy parts of Mogadishu's outskirts.
Monday, October 9th, 2006: North Korea tests an atomic bomb at the underground facility, with the blast being detected initially by seismic meters in South Korea hours before the official announcement.
Wednesday, October 11th, 2006: A truck bomb detonates in Baghdad, killing 110 people. Al Qaeda in Iraq takes responsibility for the attack.
Thursday, October 12th, 2006: The Federal Reserve warns that despite the soaring market, the economy as a whole is beginning to slow down.
Sunday, October 15th, 2006: Leftist candidate Rafael Correa is elected President of Ecuador.
Monday, October 16th, 2006: Secretary of State Holbrooke meets with Prime Minister Abe of Japan to discuss military and strategic cooperation in region following North Korea's first successful atomic bomb test.
Sunday, October 22nd, 2006: The Ethiopian government accuses their rivals in Eritrea of funding and arming Islamists active in Somalia in order to destabilize the whole Horn of Africa.
Tuesday, October 24th, 2006: The outgoing House Speaker Dennis Hastert meets with investigators after allegations emerge that he was aware of Foley's ongoing explicit behavior with young congressional pages.
Thursday, October 26th, 2006: President Kerry vetoes the Secure Fence Act, passed quietly by Republican controlled chambers of Congress which would fund the further expansion of already existing barriers.
Sunday, October 29th, 2006: Brazilian President Lula da Silva is reelected. Like Hugo Chavez, Rafael Correa, and Evo Morales, da Silva is part of the "pink tide" of left-wing, autocratic presidents in Latin America.

Kerry

Monday, October 30th, 2006.

3:30 PM, Las Angeles, CA.

[1]

The President had made a swing through California primarily to boost a handful of potentially endangered Democratic incumbents reelection chances, but there were practical matters at hand. For months, the Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress had stalled on the President's education package. The President had also come under fire for spending too much time on the trail with Democratic candidates, though he knew regardless what he did, Rush Limbaugh would be sure to criticize it.

So, just to keep the right-wing red meat merchants at bay, the President agreed to tour a newly constructed elementary school. Flanked by his Secret Service agents, both Senators Feinstein and Boxer, and Secretary Shaheen, the President roamed the halls and took in a variety of new concepts from computerized "smart boards" to new, fully stocked computer laboratories.

There was a wave of flashes from photographers as the President entered one new classroom, the clicks and flashes blending neatly, naturally almost, with the polite applause. The President bent over to one of the child seized tables, where two little girls were hard at play with a set of Legos. "It's the White House" said one of them with a smile, and the President amusingly nodded in recognition of the small plastic mimic of the executive mansion.

"What grade is this?" asked President Kerry sweetly, and the little girl hesitated cutely before answering. "Third grade" she said with a nervous smile. "Only nine more to go!" said the President, patting her head. "Stay in school, sweetheart, you don't want to grow up to get stuck in Iraq."

The room fell silent, and in the pause Kerry realized what he had just said. He stuttered slightly as he looked up, and realized in horror that such a gaffe had been captured by a local news outlet on camera. The President attempted to continue on, realizing that he had just seriously injured his own reelection campaign and had given the Republicans a perfect soundbite to weaponize against him in the coming days.

Even the little girl looked at him like he was some kind of asshole.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Michael Bakshi).

[KaiserDave]

This is awesome!!! The dialogue is just fantastic. Dubya was perfect!

And it makes me hate Newt Gingrich more, but I enjoy that.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Wednesday, November 1st, 2006: Polling ahead of the 2006 midterm elections shows the Republican Party picking up several House and Senate seats, threatening to render the President a lame duck as the 2008 campaign nears.
Friday, November 3rd, 2006: A Taliban plot to bomb the US embassy compound in Kabul is foiled by Afghan security forces.
Sunday, November 5th, 2006: Vice President Edwards and his wife Elizabeth headline Meet the Press, touting the healthcare reform effort and updating the public on the Second Lady's battle with breast cancer.
Tuesday, November 6th, 2006: Midterm elections are held.
2006 Arizona Senate Election
(R) Jon Kyl: 58.03%
(D) Jim Pederson: 38.60%
(L) Richard Mack: 3.37%
(Republican hold)

2006 California Senate Election
(D) Diane Feinstein: 56.70%
(R) Dick Mountjoy: 41.10%
(PF) Marsha Feinland: 2.20%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Connecticut Senate Election
(R) Joe Lieberman: 50.69%
(D) Ned Lamont: 49.31%
(Republican hold)

2006 Delaware Senate Election
(D) Tom Carper: 67.00%
(R) Christine O'Donnell: 33.00%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Florida Senate Election
(R) Adam Putnam: 51.24%
(D) Bill Nelson: 46.31%
(G) Brian Moore: 2.45%
(Republican gain)

2006 Hawaii Senate Election
(D) Daniel Akaka: 79.78%
(R) Cynthia Thielen: 20.22%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Indiana Senate Election
(R) Richard Lugar: 89.69%
(L) Steve Osborne: 10.31%
(Republican hold)

2006 Maine Senate Election
(R) Olympia Snowe: 71.45%
(D) Jean Bright: 28.55%
(Republican hold)

2006 Maryland Senate Election
(R) Michael Steele: 50.21%
(D) Kweisi Mfume: 49.20%
(G) Kevin Zeese: 0.59%
(Republican gain)

2006 Massachusetts Senate Election:
(D) Ted Kennedy: 62.83%
(R) Scott Brown: 37.17%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Michigan Senate Election
(R) Mike Bouchard: 51.13%
(D) Debbie Stabenow: 48.26%
(L) Leonard Schwartz: 0.61%
(Republican gain)

2006 Minnesota Senate Election
(R) Mark Kennedy: 49.67%
(D) Amy Kloubuchar: 48.88%
(I) Robert Fitzgerald: 1.45%
(Republican gain)

2006 Mississippi Senate Election
(R) Trent Lott: 69.58%
(D) Erick Flemming: 29.14%
(RF) Ted Weill: 1.28%
(Republican hold)

2006 Missouri Senate Election
(R) James Talent: 53.65%
(D) Jay Nixon: 45.51%
(L) Frank Gilmour: 0.65%
(G) Lydia Lewis: 0.19%
(Republican hold)

2006 Montana Senate Election
(R) Conrad Burns: 49.96%
(D) Jon Tester: 47.93%
(L) Stan Jones: 2.11%
(Republican hold)

2006 Nebraska Senate Election
(R) Don Stenberg: 51.76%
(D) Ben Nelson: 48.24%
(Republican gain)

2006 Nevada Senate Election
(R) John Ensign: 63.79%
(D) Jack Carter: 36.21%
(Republican hold)

2006 New Jersey Senate Election
(R) Thomas Kean Jr.: 52.51%
(D) Bob Menendez: 45.91%
(L) Len Flynn: 0.84%
(I) Daryl Brooks: 0.69%
(S) Gregory Pason: 0.05%
(Republican gain)

2006 New Mexico Senate Election
(D) Jeff Bingaman: 59.10%
(R) Allen McCulluch: 40.90%
(Democratic hold)

2006 New York Senate Election
(D) Hillary Clinton: 62.88%
(R) Jeanine Pirro: 35.46%
(G) Howie Hawkins: 1.66%
(Democratic hold)

2006 North Dakota Senate Election
(R) John Hoeven: 50.37%
(D) Kent Conrad: 49.63%
(Republican gain)

2006 Ohio Senate Election
(R) Mike DeWine: 53.20%
(D) Sherrod Brown: 46.80%
(Republican hold)

2006 Pennsylvania Senate Election
(R) Rick Santorum: 50.39%
(D) Bob Casey Jr.: 49.61%
(Republican hold)

2006 Rhode Island Senate Election
(I) Lincoln Chafee: 43.99%
(D) Patrick Kennedy: 35.64%
(R) Steve Laffey: 19.77%
(M) Ken Block: 0.60%
(Independent hold)

2006 Tennessee Senate Election
(R) Bob Corker: 53.06%
(D) Harold Ford Jr.: 46.31%
(I) Ed Choate: 0.63%
(Republican hold)

2006 Texas Senate Election
(R) Kay Bailey Hutchinson: 66.44%
(D) Barbara Radnofsky: 32.18%
(L) Mary Ruwart: 1.38%
(Republican hold)

2006 Utah Senate Election
(R) Orrin Hatch: 66.47%
(D) Pete Ashdown: 30.87%
(L) Roger Price: 1.61%
(G) Julian Hatch: 1.05%
(Republican hold)

2006 Vermont Senate Election
(I) Bernie Sanders: 50.17%
(R) Jim Douglas: 49.05%
(I) Cris Ericson: 0.41%
(LU) Pete Diamondstone: 0.37%
(Independent hold)

2006 Virginia Senate Election
(R) George Allen: 57.08%
(D) Harris Miller: 42.15%
(I) Gail Parker: 0.77%
(Republican hold)

2006 Washington Senate Election
(D) Maria Cantwell: 52.50%
(R) Mike McGavick: 46.18%
(G) Aaron Dixon: 1.32%
(Democratic hold)

2006 West Virginia Senate Election
(D) Robert Byrd: 61.40%
(R) John Raese: 35.17%
(G) Jessie Johnson: 2.56%
(C) Randall Terry: 0.87%

2006 Wisconsin Senate Election
(D) Herb Kohl: 62.31%
(R) Bob Lorge: 36.62%
(I) Ben Glatzel: 1.07%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Wyoming Senate Election
(R) Craig Thomas: 100.00%
(Republican hold)

2006 Senate Elections.

Freshman Senators (2007): Adam Putnam (R-FL), Michael Steele (R-MD), Mike Bouchard (R-MI), Mark Kennedy (R-MN), Don Stenberg (R-NE), Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ), John Hoeven (R-ND), Bob Corker (R-TN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Senate before 2006 Elections
Republican: 51
Democratic: 47
Independent: 2

Senate after 2006 Elections
Republican: 58 (+7)
Democratic: 40 (-7)
Independent: 2 (-)

Senate Majority Leader-elect: Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Incumbent Senate Majority Leader: Bill Frist (R-TE)
 
Senate Minority Leader-elect: Harry Reid (D-NV)
Incumbent Senate Minority Leader: Harry Reid (D-NV)
House of Representatives after 2006 Elections
Republicans: 249 (+19)
Democrats: 186 (-19)

Speaker-elect of the House: TBD on January 3rd.
Incumbent Speaker of the House: Dennis Hastert (R-IL)

House Minority Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
House Minority Whip: Steny Hoyer (D-MD)

2006 Gubernatorial Elections.

2006 Alabama Gubernatorial Election
(R) Robert Riley: 57.05%
(D) Lucy Baxley: 32.84%
(C) Roy Moore: 10.11%
(Republican hold)

2006 Alaska Gubernatorial Election
(R) Sarah Palin: 49.19%
(D) Tony Knowles: 40.26%
(I) Andrew Halco: 10.55%
(Republican hold)

2006 Arizona Gubernatorial Election
(R) Jan Brewer: 52.33%
(D) Janet Napolitano: 44.44%
(L) Barry Hess: 3.23%
(Republican gain)

2006 Arkansas Gubernatorial Election
(R) Asa Hutchison: 51.11%
(D) Mike Beebe: 46.36%
(G) John Wolfe: 2.53%
(Republican hold)

2006 California Gubernatorial Election
(R) Arnold Schwarzenneger: 60.00%
(D) Phil Angelides: 33.72%
(G) Peter Camejo: 3.38%
(L) Art Olivier: 1.42%
(PF) Janice Jordan: 0.83%
(AIP) Ed Noonan: 0.65%
(Republican hold)

2006 Colorado Gubernatorial Election
(R) Bob Beauprez: 51.48%
(D) Bill Ritter: 47.60%
(L) Dawn Winkler: 0.92%
(Republican hold)

2006 Connecticut Gubernatorial Election
(R) Jodi Rell: 52.15%
(D) Dan Malloy: 46.04%
(G) Cliff Thornton: 1.81%
(Republican hold)

2006 Florida Gubernatorial Election
(R) Charlie Crist: 56.45%
(D) Rod Smith: 42.67%
(V) Max Linn: 0.88%
(Republican hold)

2006 Georgia Gubernatorial Election
(R) Sonny Perdue: 63.90%
(D) Mark Taylor: 33.49%
(L) Garrett Hayes: 2.61%
(Republican hold)

2006 Hawaii Gubernatorial Election
(D) Linda Lingle: 69.79%
(R) Randy Iwase: 29.66%
(G) Jim Brewer: 0.37%
(L) Ozell Daniel: 0.25%
(Republican hold)

2006 Idaho Gubernatorial Election
(R) Butch Otter: 61.30%
(D) Jerry Brady: 38.70%
(Republican hold)

2006 Illinois Gubernatorial Election
(R) Judy Baar Topinka: 50.85%
(D) Rod Blagojevich: 41.55%
(G) Rich Whitney: 7.60%
(Republican gain)

2006 Iowa Gubernatorial Election
(R) Bob Vander Plaats: 50.30%
(D) Sally Pederson: 48.68%
(G) Wendy Barth: 0.72%
(L) Kevin Litten: 0.30%
(Republican gain)

2006 Kansas Gubernatorial Election
(D) Kathleen Sebelius: 54.09%
(R) James Barnett: 45.18%
(L) Carl Kramer: 0.56%
(RF) Bob Conroy: 0.17%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Maine Gubernatorial Election
(R) Chandler Woodcock: 44.64%
(D) John Baldacci: 31.59%
(I) Barbara Merrill: 13.62%
(G) Pat LeMarche: 10.15%
(Republican gain)

2006 Maryland Gubernatorial Election
(D) Martin O'Malley: 50.48%
(R) Bob Ehrlich: 49.27%
(G) Eddie Boyd: 0.25%
(Democratic gain)

2006 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Election
(R) Mitt Romney: 51.42%
(D) Robert Reich: 48.37%
(G) Jill Stein: 0.21%
(Republican hold)

2006 Michigan Gubernatorial Election
(D) Jennifer Granholm: 50.44%
(R) Richard DeVos: 48.25%
(L) Greg Creswell: 0.73%
(G) Doug Campbell: 0.58%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Minnesota Gubernatorial Election
(R) Tim Pawlenty: 51.87%
(D) Mike Hatch: 48.01%
(I) Walt Brown: 0.12%
(Republican hold)

2006 Nebraska Gubernatorial Election
(R) Dave Heineman: 75.00%
(D) David Hahn: 25.00%
(Republican hold)

2006 Nevada Gubernatorial Election
(D) Dina Titus: 45.73%
(R) Bill Gibbons: 44.10%
(None of the Above): 9.08%
(G) Craig Bergland: 1.09%
(Democratic gain)

2006 New Hampshire Gubernatorial Election
(D) John Lynch: 71.35%
(R) Jim Coburn: 28.65%
(Democratic hold)

2006 New Mexico Gubernatorial Election
(D) Bill Richardson: 56.44%
(R) John Dehndahl: 43.56%
(Democratic hold)

2006 New York Gubernatorial Election
(R) George Pataki: 65.85%
(D) Thomas Suozzi: 32.46%
(G) Malachy McCourt: 1.30%
(I) Jimmy McMillan: 0.39%
(Republican hold)

2006 Ohio Gubernatorial Election
(D) Michael Coleman: 46.78%
(R) Ken Blackwell: 44.90%
(G) Bill Pierce: 1.88%
(Democratic gain)

2006 Oklahoma Gubernatorial Election
(D) Brad Henry: 67.00%
(R) Ernest Istook: 33.00%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Oregon Gubernatorial Election
(R) Kevin Mannix: 50.51%
(D) Ted Kulongoski: 45.07%
(C) Mary Starrett: 2.39%
(G) Joe Keating: 1.11%
(L) Richard Morley: 0.92%
(Republican gain)

2006 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election
(D) Ed Rendell: 49.34%
(R) Lynn Swann: 46.70%
(C) Peg Lusik: 3.96%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Rhode Island Gubernatorial Election
(R) Don Carcieri: 53.00%
(D) Charlie Fogarty: 47.00%
(Republican hold)

2006 South Carolina Gubernatorial Election
(R) Mark Sanford: 55.08%
(D) Tommy Moore: 44.92%
(Republican hold)

2006 South Dakota Gubernatorial Election
(R) Mike Rounds: 67.32%
(D) Jack Billion: 30.10%
(L) Tom Gerber: 1.33%
(C) Steven Willis: 1.25%
(Republican hold)

2006 Tennessee Gubernatorial Election
(D) Phil Bredesen: 67.34%
(R) Jim Bryson: 32.66%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Texas Gubernatorial Election
(R) Rick Perry: 41.92%
(D) Chris Bell: 25.55%
(I) Carole Strayhorn: 20.22%
(I) Kinky Friedman: 12.31%
(Republican hold)

2006 Vermont Gubernatorial Election
(R) Brian Dubie: 58.89%
(D) Scudder Parker: 38.87%
(LU) Robert Skold: 2.24%
(Republican hold)

2006 Wisconsin Gubernatorial Election
(D) Jim Doyle: 53.70%
(R) Scott Walker: 45.50%
(G) Nelson Eisman: 0.80%
(Democratic hold)

2006 Wyoming Gubernatorial Election
(D) Dave Freudenthal: 51.64%
(R) Colin Simpson: 48.36%
(Democratic hold)
2006 Gubernatorial Elections.

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006: In a post-election press conference, President Kerry admits his party "took a bath last night" and praises retiring Speaker Hastert while also vowing to work with his ultimate successor. Kerry also promises to "build a constructive relationship" with incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and thanks retiring Senator Frist for his bipartisan efforts on behalf of the healthcare bill.
Friday, November 9th, 2006: Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) announces his candidacy for President in 2008.

Dennis

Friday, November 9th, 2006.

11:00 AM, Cleveland, OH.

On November 7th, the people voted for a new direction for our nation. They voted for the Democrats because they expected us to end the occupation and to bring the troops home from Iraq. On October 1st, Congress appropriated $70 billion for the war in Iraq. The money is in the pipeline right now to bring the troops home. Unfortunately our Democratic leaders have already announced they will support an additional appropriation for the war of up to $160 billion dollars. Not only are we not listening to the voters and taking steps to withdraw our forces quickly, we are actually planning to spend twice as much on the war as we did last year!

The President didn’t get the message. And unfortunately it is the leadership of the Democratic Party and the consequences may be disastrous for our party, our nation and the world.

My home is in Cleveland. Each day I see the effect of our misplaced national priorities on my city: The number of factories and businesses, large and small, closing. My constituents and people just like them across America are losing their jobs, losing their middle class status and being pushed into poverty. Blue and white collar workers in the city and suburbs are losing their homes. They are losing their hard-earned retirement. A total of one hundred million Americans have no health care or are under-insured. Budget deficits have crippled school districts. Many cities are in financial trouble, forced to lay off vital city workers, unable to finance repairs to bridges, roads, water systems and sewer systems. The price of natural gas is rising. Huge utility rate increases are in the offing. It is getting more and more difficult for people to make ends meet.

Meanwhile millions of entrepreneurs whose ingenuity will create new jobs by bringing forth advanced clean energy technologies are being starved for capital.

I live in the same working class neighborhood in the same home I purchased thirty five years ago. My parents raised seven children and never owned a home. We lived in twenty-one different places by the time I was seventeen, including a couple of cars. I know what people go through. I have seen first hand the effects of poverty and social disorganization. I also know of the powerful strivings of the human heart. I know that with just a little help, a little encouragement, and a little money, people are capable of creating new wealth and new worlds. That creative power is part of the birthright of all Americans.

I also know what the destructive power of war does to families and to our nation.. I know what Vietnam did to this country and did to my family. I know how it divided our nation and set America apart from the world. The war in Iraq has already taken its toll on Cleveland and in communities like Cleveland across the United States. The war, tax cuts for the already privileged, and our trade policies have become a massive engine to redistribute upwards the wealth of our nation and to transfer our national wealth out of the country. Policies which divide people and fracture the social compact are inherently un-American. Our nation’s very name makes of striving for unity a sacred cause.

This is a moment that we need to call our Democratic leaders to courage. This is about leadership, clear vision and integrity. The people were behind us in November. They are behind us now. We must stand by our word and bring the troops home now! A leader must have not just hindsight, but foresight. The prophet Isaiah said “Without vision, a people perish.” I am stepping forth at this moment because I believe, as did Lincoln that “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from this earth.” Thank you.
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons.

[KaiserDave]

Calamité!

We lose so many great Dems!

But it makes sense.