America: 2000-2016

[Yates]

Who did Barnes and Clark appoint to replace O'connor and Rehnquist?

I apologize for not including that.  In this scenario, both of these Justices are still on the court.

[Yates]

Expect the next update by midnight.

[Yates]

President Clark: The Beginning

President Wesley Clark's first task is to find a Vice President.  For Clark, this is an easy decision.  He selects Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke.  In the speech he gives to announce his decision, Clark states, "I am a military man, and I need a diplomat standing beside me."  Senate Majority Leader Jon Kyl says, "We need firm leadership right now, and I cannot see anything that would disqualify Secretary Holbrooke from serving as Vice President.  I will urge all Republicans in the Senate to confirm him."  Holbrooke passes through Congress within two weeks, and is promptly sworn in as Vice President.  To replace Holbrooke as Secretary of State, President Clark chooses New Mexico Governor and former United Nations Ambassador Bill Richardson.

Clark immediately puts together a three-person team, which he dubs "The Trifecta," to lead the nation through the war.  Clark himself will lead the military strategy, along with the generals on the ground.  Vice President Holbrooke will handle diplomacy, with the assistance of Secretary Richardson.  Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew, who, as budget director, was the architect of Clintonian economic policy, will be handling the economic aspect of the war.

On March 10th, 2006, Vice President Holbrooke appears at the United Nations and addresses the General Assembly.  In his speech, he announces the formation of a new organization, the League of Democratic Nations.  "Those who join us in this war will be included in this organization," says Holbrooke.  "Those who do not join us in this war will not be allowed in for ten years.  The United States of America will not have any diplomatic or economic relations with any nation who is not a member of this organization.  Any nation interested has six months to join."

Holbrooke's announcement is followed by a rush of nations seeking to join the League.  The day following this announcement, Chinese President Hu Jintao, whose nation's economy relies on trade with the United States, announces that his nation will end all involvement in the war, will pay five billion dollars each to the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United States, and will join the League.  Many smaller nations, including Qatar and Bahrain, also join the League. 

However, there are a few notable exceptions.  Russian President Vladimir Putin announces that his nation will not join the League, saying that "this organization is just one more example of why we had the Cold War."  Also, Iran and Syria firmly announce that they will not join, along with Venezuela.  North Korea also refuses to join.

The formation of the League sparks new economic recovery.  Qatar and Bahrain announce that they will be providing the United States with several billion dollars worth of oil in the coming year, causing the stock market to rise dramatically.  Secretary Jack Lew says, "The recession is over."

The war, however, is not.  President Clark, along with many of his top advisors, is carefully planning strategy to defeat the few remaining nations which stand against the United States and allies.  Dealing with Russia is especially delicate, as the Russian government could easily provide a nuclear weapon to one of America's enemies, or a terrorist organization.  President Clark and President Putin agree to meet in Oslo, Norway, to discuss the situation, and agree to end hostility.

On April 15th, 2006, Israeli planes bomb the Syrian capital of Damascus, and Israeli tanks and ground troops invade through the Golan Heights.  Within 48 hours, President Assad surrenders, and orders the Syrian military to destroy their weapons.  On April 20th, 2006, the Israeli occupation of Syria begins.  On April 23rd, 2006, American submarines stationed in the Red Sea launch tactical nuclear missiles to strategic military sites in Iran.  American and Israeli ground troops, along with forces from the government of Iraq, surround and blockade Iran's border. 

On Cinco de Mayo, American forces lead an invasion into Tehran with the intent to capture Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.  In a strenuous journey, five American battalions march hundreds of miles through the desert, being occasionally attacked by strains of the crumbled Iranian military, to the capital city.  On May 12th, 2006, the Iranian government announces that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has fled the nation and issues a surrender.

World War III has come to an end.

------------------------------------------------------
Coming Next:
After the war, how does the United States recover?  How will the war affect the 2006 midterm elections?  Also, a popular former President dies.

[Yates]

So we lose Iraq and then they are an ally?

I expected someone to inquire as to the status of Iraq.  After we left Iraq, a government was established which is friendly to the United States.  I realize that this statement is general, but were I to write about every single detail, it would take me days on end to produce one update!

[Yates]

Why did we launch nuclear missiles at Iran?

The purpose of launching tactical nuclear missiles at Iran was to eliminate their military.

[Yates]

------------------------------------------------------
Coming Next:
After the war, how does the United States recover?  How will the war affect the 2006 midterm elections?  Also, a popular former President dies.

Is President reagan already dead, or is he yet to die?

He is already dead.  The former President that will die in the next update is either Ford, Carter, Bush, or Clinton.

[Yates]

------------------------------------------------------
Coming Next:
After the war, how does the United States recover?  How will the war affect the 2006 midterm elections?  Also, a popular former President dies.

Is President reagan already dead, or is he yet to die?

He is already dead.  The former President that will die in the next update is either Ford, Carter, Bush, or Clinton.

Let me rephrase that.  In this fiction, Ford dies on the same date as in real life.  Therefore, either Carter, Bush, or Clinton will die in the next update.

[Yates]

The next update will be tonight.

[Yates]

This organization Clark formed sounds a little like the Pelopennesian League.

The thought crossed my mind.

[Yates]

After the War

Rasmussen Reports
Clark Approval Rating
October 1st, 2006
Approve: 85%
Disapprove: 15%
Unsure: 0%

Clearly, President Clark has come out of World War III as an enormously popular leader.  Clark's leadership has also helped Democrats across the country. 

Gallup Poll
Generic Congressional Ballot
October 2nd, 2006
Democrat: 59%
Republican: 35%
Undecided: 6%

Now that the war is over, media has begun shifting attention to the many scandals of the Republican-led Congress.  Most media networks have become vehemently pro-Clark, which translates into a bias towards the Democrats.  However, on October 5th, 2006, one prominent Democrat is lost.

William Jefferson Clinton
1946-2006

Former President Clinton has died in New York City from a massive heart attack.  In a statement released by Senator Hillary Clinton, Bill died in his office at 2:05 P.M. 

President Clark immediately announces that the following week would be a national week of mourning.  All flags are flown at half-mast.  Clinton's body is flown on the 7th to lie in state in the Capital Rotunda.  The state funeral will begin on the 10th.  At his funeral, George H.W. Bush, President Clark, Bob Dole, and Al Sharpton deliver eulogies.

The death of President Clinton, combined with President Clark's performance in the war and the troubles of the Republican Congress, lead to an overwhelming Democratic victory on Election Day.  The Democrats pick up seven seats in the United States Senate, giving them a majority of 55 seats.  In the House, Democrats pick up thirty-nine seats, giving them a majority of 245.  House Minority Leader Steny Hoyer, who is in line to become Speaker of the House, says on Election Night, "The people have spoken, and their voices can be heard loud and clear as a mandate for change."  House Minority Whip Nancy Pelosi will likely become the first woman to lead a major party in the House of Representatives.

With the 2006 midterm elections finished, focus is beginning to shift towards the 2008 Presidential election.  In nearly all opinion polls, President Clark crushes any potential opponent.  However, the day following Election Day, Clark has a shocking announcement.

"I will not be a candidate for President of the United States in 2008.  I love this job, but three years will be enough for me."

Speculation arises as to who will be the next President.  Will it be Vice President Holbrooke?  Senate Minority Leader Jon Kyl?  Governor Tim Pawlenty, who managed to survive a strong challenge in 2006?  The race is on.

----------------------------
Coming Next:
The race to the White House is beginning to heat up.  Who will emerge as an early frontrunner, and who will announce that they will not run?  And how go President Clark's last two years?  Also, how does the Democratic Congress perform?  All this - and more - coming up tomorrow.

[Yates]

Thank you, Gabu.

Instead of a regular update tonight, I will be posting a segment from Chris Matthews' show, discussing potential 2008 Presidential candidates.

[Yates]

Which Senate candidates won that did not in reality?

Only Harold Ford.

[Yates]

Instead of doing an entire show tonight, I will merely be giving a summary of potential Presidential candidates, with a description for each.  Tomorrow, I will resume the storyline.

[Yates]

Potential 2008 Presidential Candidates

Democrats

Vice President Richard Holbrooke
Now that President Clark is not running, Vice President Holbrooke seems to be the initial frontrunner.  His diplomatic leadership during World War III and his past experience would likely make him the frontrunner in the general election, as well.

Senator Paul Wellstone
A prominent peace activist, Wellstone's message could sink in with far-left voters and voters who are tired of war.

Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin
As the leader of the Senate Democrats, Durbin has become a national leader of the party and a national spokesman for its positions.  Certainly, he is in the top tier.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
Her last name has double the effect after her husband's death, and her solid support of President Clark during the war makes her a top contender.

Senator Mike Ciresi
As a prominent leader of mainstream Democrats, Ciresi has attained national recognition and is sure to be a major candidate if he runs.

Senator Evan Bayh
A moderate Senator with executive experience, Bayh could go far.

Secretary of State Bill Richardson
His diplomatic experience could make him a top contender, but only if Vice President Holbrooke chooses not to run.

Speaker of the House Steny Hoyer
Second in line for Presidential succession, Hoyer's visibility increased dramatically in his ascension to the speakership.

Other potential Democratic candidates include: Senator Barack Obama, Senator Ken Salazar, Senator Bill Bradley (who was chosen by the Democrats to run in 2002), House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Governor Janet Napolitano, and Governor Brad Henry.

Republicans

Senate Minority Leader Jon Kyl
With his visibility as a national leader of the party, and his effective opposition to the Democrats, Kyl seems to be the automatic frontrunner for the Republican nomination.

Former Vice President Tom Ridge
A Bush Administration member who is not affiliated too closely with Bush, Ridge has a solid following in the party and could go far.

Mrs. Lynne Cheney
Cheney was applauded for her efforts as Vice Presidential nominee in 2004, and some believe she should be rewarded now with the Presidential nomination.

Former President George W. Bush
Americans experienced buyer's remorse after choosing Barnes over Bush, but the feeling has recently been overshadowed by joy over Clark's performance.  If Bush enters the race, he will be an automatic frontrunner.

Governor Tim Pawlenty
First gaining fame after the 2004 Minnesota terrorist attacks, and then for surviving re-election in a very Democratic year, Pawlenty is certainly in the top tier.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani
America's Mayor may be America's next President, if he can convince the party base that he will be loyal on social issues.

Governor Rick Perry
A relatively popular conservative Governor, Perry could get the nomination, but only if President Bush does not run.

Governor Patrick Ballantine
After pulling off the upset of 2004 in North Carolina, Ballantine is considered by many to be a rising star in the Republican Party.

House Minority Leader Tom DeLay
Now that his goal of becoming Speaker is shattered, DeLay may try and become President instead.

Other potential Republican candidates include: Senator Trent Lott, Senator John Thune, Senator John McCain, Congressman Mike Pence, Congressman Tom Tancredo, and Former Congressman Christopher Cox.

-------------------------------------------
In addition, do not count out the possibility of a major third party/independent candidate emerging.
Who do you support?
Tomorrow will have a regular update.

[Yates]

How does Barnes finish over here? Does he go back to GA in shame?

I was considering mentioning this, but I felt it would be too harsh on Barnes.  Barnes basically retires from public office in shame.  Most Democrats avoid him and he avoids media attention.  We have not heard the last from him, however.

[Yates]

The next update shall be fairly early tonight; before 6:30 most likely.

[Yates]

2008 Campaign: The Early Days

After a period of mourning for former President Gerald Ford, the 2008 political season begins. 

Rasmussen Reports
Potential Democratic Candidates
January 5th, 2007
Holbrooke: 47%
Wellstone: 19%
Clinton: 10%
Durbin: 8%
Pelosi: 7%
Others: 9%

Rasmussen Reports
Potential Republican Candidates
January 5th, 2007
Cheney: 18%
Kyl: 18%
Bush: 17%
Ridge: 15%
Pawlenty: 13%
Perry: 8%
Others: 11%

On January 7th, 2007, Vice President Richard Holbrooke announces that he will never run for President and will not accept any draft.  This news is greeted with intense disappointment from Democrats, Independents, and a few Republicans.  However, as Holbrooke was the strongest potential Democratic nominee, aside from Clark, most Republicans are quite pleased with this news.

The day following Holbrooke's announcement, though she insists the timing was not related, 2004 Vice Presidential nominee Lynne Cheney forms a Presidential exploratory committee.  Cheney, who is at the top of nearly every campaign poll for the Republicans, chooses former Republican National Chairman Ed Gillespie to be her campaign chairman.  When asked about running against her former running mate, Cheney replies, "It was an honor to run with George W. Bush, but it's time for America to move on."

On January 9th, 2006 (today!), Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone announces that he will run for President, skipping the exploratory stage.  In his announcement, Wellstone expresses the need for a pacifist in the White House.

Marist College Poll
General Election Poll
January 11th, 2007
Cheney (R): 45%
Wellstone (D): 38%
Other: 10%
Undecided: 7%

On January 15th, 2007, Senator Hillary Clinton forms an exploratory committee for President.  James Carville is called to head the committee. 

The following day, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi announces from Washington that she will be a candidate for President, while Speaker Steny Hoyer, standing beside her, will not.

On January 20th, 2007, in response to the requests of several Congressman, an election is called for House Minority Leader.  In the election, Congressman Mike Pence defeats Minority Leader Tom DeLay by ten votes.  DeLay, in a fiery speech, resigns from Congress and announces that he will run for President to be a "champion for conservatives."

On February 2nd, 2007, at a gathering of Southern Governors, both Patrick Ballatine and Rick Perry announce that they will not be candidates for President in 2008.  Their fellow Republican Governor, Tim Pawlenty, has yet to declare his intentions.

Rasmussen Reports
Democratic Primary (Announced/Exploratory Candidates)
Febuary 5th, 2007
Clinton: 45%
Wellstone: 37%
Pelosi: 15%
Undecided: 3%

Rasmussen Reports
Republican Primary (Announced/Exploratory Candidates)
February 5th, 2007
Cheney: 73%
DeLay: 17%
Undecided: 10%

-----------------------------------------------
Coming Next:
More candidates announce their intentions, the Presidential race heats up, and more.

[Yates]

I would like to say two quick things.  First, I would like to note that we have transitioned from the realm of the past to the realm of the future.  Everything that occurs from this point on in the fiction is occurring ahead in time, no longer behind us.  It is quite a transition.
Also, I would like to announce that the winner of the final Presidential election (2016) in this fiction will be your choice.  I will go into more details about this later.  However, I believe it is an appropriate end for this work, as you all have contributed so much in the regards of enthusiasm, reviews, and urging me to continue.

[Yates]

Adam, I am flattered by that question.  At this time, I do not believe I will be continuing this fiction past 2016.  One can only speculate events so far into the future.  Writing past 2016 would, for me, require too much guesswork and would not be based on solid truth.  Though this work is fiction, it is based on reality.  I could not make this work the same type of fiction if I continued it that far.  If several individuals would truly like to see events after 2016, I may write a few general updates.  However, this is not my last fiction, and I have another, different type of "What-If" work in my mind after this is completed.  In the meantime, however, I hope you enjoy this fiction; over half of it remains to be completed!

[Yates]

Adam, I am flattered by that question.  At this time, I do not believe I will be continuing this fiction past 2016.  One can only speculate events so far into the future.  Writing past 2016 would, for me, require too much guesswork and would not be based on solid truth.  Though this work is fiction, it is based on reality.  I could not make this work the same type of fiction if I continued it that far.  If several individuals would truly like to see events after 2016, I may write a few general updates.  However, this is not my last fiction, and I have another, different type of "What-If" work in my mind after this is completed.  In the meantime, however, I hope you enjoy this fiction; over half of it remains to be completed!

I look forward to the rest of it. This is one of the best threads on this forum, IMO, and it always holds my interest. Great job!

Thank you, Soaring Eagle.  I am glad you enjoy it.

[Yates]

One note on the earlier bit describing the start of the world war in Israel. I think you said that the Iranians destroyed the Western Wall, which is unlikely because the Dome of the Rock, one of the holiest Muslim sites sit on top of the Western Wall, so a Muslim would never destroy the Western Wall.

Just needed to clear that up.

Thank you.

The missiles shot by Iran were aimed in the general vicinity of the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.  They were not aimed precisely for the Western Wall.

[Yates]

Forgive my ignorance.  Let us just imagine that this is not the case.

[Yates]

Thank you, Colin.

The next update will be tonight.

[Yates]

Early 2008 Campaign Season

On February 10th, 2007, Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin declares his candidacy for President.  In his announcement speech, Durbin makes numerous references to his leadership of Senate Democrats, as well as his support of the Clark Administration.  Durbin is very popular among the party's left wing.

Two days after his Democratic counterpart, Senate Minority Leader Jon Kyl announces that he, too, will throw his hat into the ring.  To the surprise of many, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty stands beside Kyl during the speech, and, later that day, confirms that he will not be running for President, and supports Kyl for the nomination.

Rasmussen Reports
Democratic Primary
February 18th, 2007
Clinton: 33%
Durbin: 28%
Wellstone: 21%
Pelosi: 7%
Undecided: 11%

Rasmussen Reports
Republican Primary
February 18th, 2007
Cheney: 41%
Kyl: 38%
DeLay: 7%
Undecided: 14%

On February 25th, 2007, former President George W. Bush tells reporters that he will not run for President in 2008, nor will he seek political office again.  He also refuses to make an endorsement, saying he will endorse the eventual nominee after the convention. 

Perhaps because of Bush's announcement, former Vice President Tom Ridge begins his own Presidential campaign on March 2nd, 2007.  Ridge, in his announcement speech, cites the need for moderate, steady leadership.

On March 5th, 2007, Secretary of State Bill Richardson enters the Presidential race, telling media that a void has been created due to the fact that neither President Clark nor Vice President Holbrooke are candidates in the primary.  Richardson declares that his Presidency could be seen as a, "continuation of the Clark style of leadership."

On March 12th, 2007, former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney has a massive heart attack, nearly killing him.  As he is recovering, Lynne Cheney announces that she will not run for President.  Cheney's announcement sends waves throughout the political community; she was considered to be the frontrunner for the Republican nomination.

Rasmussen Reports
Democratic Primary
March 15th, 2007
Durbin: 21%
Clinton: 19%
Richardson: 18%
Wellstone: 15%
Pelosi: 8%
Undecided: 19%

Rasmussen Reports
Republican Primary
March 15th, 2007
Ridge: 38%
Kyl: 37%
DeLay: 9%
Undecided: 16%

By April 30th, Senators Evan Bayh, Mike Ciresi, Bill Bradley, Barack Obama, Ken Salazar, Trent Lott, John Thune, and John McCain have all confirmed that they will not be running for President.  In addition, Governor Janet Napolitano has announced that she will not run.  Also having taken themselves out of consideration are Congressmen Mike Pence and Tom Tancredo.

On May 7th, 2007, former Congressman Christopher Cox declares his intentions to run for President.  Cox, however, is not thought to be a major factor in the primary.

Des Moines Register
Democratic Caucus
May 15th, 2007
Durbin: 35%
Wellstone: 26%
Richardson: 15%
Clinton: 11%
Pelosi: 6%
Undecided: 7%

Des Moines Register
Republican Caucus
May 15th, 2007
Kyl: 42%
Ridge: 36%
DeLay: 8%
Cox: 7%
Undecided: 7%

The race is on.

-----------------------------------
Coming Next:
And, they're off!  The candidates have declared, but there is one more who will enter the race with a bang near the year's end.  The campaign is underway, with speeches, ads, and debates.  Also, how are things going in the White House?

[Yates]

The next update will be tonight.