No on 22

[NHI]

"No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice..."

An effort by Congress, failed to bring the 22nd Amendment, which effectively barred a person from being elected president more than twice failed; especially with President Truman's dismissal of the proposed amendment. In 1952, in year seven of his presidency and despite historic unpopularity Harry Truman ran again for the Democratic Nomination, this time facing an uphill battle against General Dwight Eisenhower.

Eisenhower capitalized on Truman's unpopularity and Democratic fatigue and crushed the incumbent President in a landslide. There would be no Dewey-Defeats Truman Moment in '52...

Dwight Eisenhower/Richard Nixon: 439 (55.0%)

Harry Truman/Adlai Stevenson: 92 (43.8%)

The eight years of Eisenhower saw peace abroad and prosperity at home. The President enjoyed high marks from the American people and following his lopsided victory in '56 over Adlai Stevenson, Eisenhower looked to a third term in 1960.

"I refuse to be a lame duck!" Eisenhower told his staff. Despite health issues, Eisenhower seriously contemplated a third run at the Presidency, being the first FDR. He continued to enjoy strong popularity, however Eisenhower's health became an issue when he suffered a minor stroke in November of '57, thereby effectively ending his plans to run in 1960. "If I could only have one more term, just imagine what we could do for the people..."

Eisenhower's famous statement became the driving force for any candidate seeking a third term, but following Eisenhower, no President even got up to bat. John F. Kennedy, elected in 1960 was struck down by assassin's bullet in '63. Lyndon Johnson, who won his term in 1964 was so unpopular thanks to Vietnam that any hopes of a full second term were dashed.

Richard Nixon, who narrowly won the Presidency in 1968, and then was reelected in a landslide in 1972 began laying the groundwork for a third run in 1976. However, Watergate brought down Nixon's house of cards and in August of 1974 he resigned amid preparation for impeachment by the House.

Both Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter were denied second terms and face poor support at any chance for a second run. Barring FDR, no American President had successfully sought an won more than a second a term. All of that was to change in 1988.

Ronald Reagan, the former actor, the former Governor of California and incumbent president in '80 and '84 by landslide stood at the peak of Presidential greatness. Despite the Iran Contra Scandal which damaged Reagan's popularity to a degree, most Americans still held the President in high esteem, and despite his age and few rounds of health issues, the incumbent President stood ready to once again defy expectations and seek a third term as President.

Even following Reagan's 49 state sweep over Walter Mondale in 1984 most pundits and even most Americans believed that Reagan was done. At 77 years old he was already the oldest President in history and assuming he was reelected in 1989 would be 78 years old. The general consensus was that George Bush, the loyal Vice President would mount his own campaign in 1988 and pledge to continue Reagan's policies and stewardship.

Republicans, even strong supporters of the President did not waiver on his potential decision to run again. Throughout 1987 many Republican announced their campaigns, including Senator Bob Dole, Former Sec. of State Alexander Haig, Governor Tom Kean and Pat Robertson. Vice President Bush continued to sit on the fence, but by the time Reagan announced his campaign, Bush had decided against running, pledging to support the President, but announcing that he would not again as Vice President.

There he Goes Again: Reagan Announce Third Run

Republican Primary Poll:

Reagan: 67%

Dole: 15%

Haig: 4%

Kean: 2%

Robertson: 1%

Undecided: 11%

The announced campaign of Ronald Reagan, brought out the Democrats in full force. After eight years in the wilderness the Party was more than ready for a comeback, and the liberal wing; angered by the conservatism of The Reagan year could no longer hold back their fury. "It's time to end the trickle down economics, saber rattling with the Soviet Union and you're on you're own mentality," said Ted Kennedy a likely contender in '88.

There existed many voices, but no clear frontrunner for the nomination, which made it a wide open field. By the spring an array of candidate entered the race. From Tennessee Senator Al Gore, Delaware Senator Joe Biden, Rep. and former Vice Presidential Nominee Geraldine Ferraro Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Dick Gephardt and Sen. Lloyd Bentsen. Still, many Democrats waited for decisions from Sen. Ted Kennedy, the liberal lion and guardian of Camelot, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, who was seen by many to be a rising star in the party and New York Governor Mario Cuomo, who thrilled delegates at the 1984 convention.

Prior to any announcements by the remaining three, Geraldine Ferraro rose to the top of the pack, the first time a woman was strong and serious contender for a party's nomination, though many doubted if were to become the nominee that she would far well against Ronald Reagan.

Democratic Primary Poll:

Geraldine Ferraro: 22%

Lloyd Bentsen: 14%

Joe Biden: 11%

Al Gore: 9%

Dick Gephardt: 4%%

Jesse Jackson: 4%

Undecided: 36%

Cuomo ultimately decided against running, thus paving the way for Ted Kennedy should he decided. While most polls showed Kennedy as the favorite for the nomination, in polling against Reagan did not fare to well.

Reagan v. Kennedy (R+10)

Reagan: 53%

Kennedy: 43%

With Cuomo out of the way, Bill Clinton took to the stage and declared his campaign and while he was unknown to much of the country, his status in the Democratic Party was a star that would only burn brighter. Still he faced an uphill climb.

Reagan v. Clinton (R+25)

Reagan: 60%

Clinton: 35%

Ultimately, Kennedy decided against running, feeling he belonged best in the Senate, but remained committed to electing a Democrat President in 1988.

Democratic Primary Poll:

Ferraro: 20%

Bentsen: 15%

Biden: 15%

Clinton: 10%

Gore: 5%

Jackson: 4%

Gephardt: 2%

Undecided: 29%

More Than Your Average Joe?

"For too long in this society, we have celebrated unrestrained individualism over common community. For too long as a nation, we have been lulled by the anthem of self-interest. For a decade, led by Ronald Reagan, self-aggrandizement has been the full-throated cry of this society: 'I've got mine so why don't you get yours' and 'What's in it for me?' ... We must rekindle the fire of idealism in our society, for nothing suffocates the promise of America more than unbounded cynicism and indifference"

By the early fall it appeared as though the top contenders for the nomination were Joe Biden, Geraldine Ferraro and Bill Clinton. Lloyd Bentsen, who's campaign began with high hopes, soon fell apart after a series of poor debate performances and weak campaigning. He withdrew and backed Biden before the Iowa Caucuses. Jesse Jackson was viewed as a dark horse candidate. His speaking ability was top notch and many Democrats flocked to his candidacy. Still, the question remained: Who could defeat Ronald Reagan?

Iowa Caucuses: Democrats

Joe Biden: 29%

Geraldine Ferraro: 25%

Bill Clinton: 20%

Dick Gephardt: 13%

Al Gore: 8%

Jesse Jackson: 3%

Other: 1%

Iowa Caucuses: Republicans

Ronald Reagan: 51.0%

Bob Dole: 34.8%

Pat Robertson: 10.2%

Tom Kean: 1.9%

Other: 2.1%

[NHI]

Looks pretty good so far. BTW, did Eisenhower pick up North Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri in 1956 in this TL, or was the Electoral map roughly the same as in RL?

The same as in RL.

[NHI]

No Stopping Him Now

Ronald Reagan, easily and quite convincingly won the New Hampshire, squashing whatever momentum Bob Dole tried to claim he had coming off his second place finish in Iowa. The Kansas Senator seemed to acknowledge the likelihood of a Reagan nomination and the implausibility of him taking down the Gipper. Dole withdrew from the race after New Hampshire pledged his whole support to Reagan. With Kean long gone, only Robertson remained, but with Dole's campaign over Reagan could look comfortably to the general election.

NH Primary: Republicans

Ronald Reagan: 77.9%

Bob Dole: 19.2%

Tom Kean: 1.1%

Pat Robertson: 0.5%

Other: 1.3%

Clinton's better than expected third place finish in Iowa gave him momentum heading into New Hampshire and thanks to his knack for retail politics, the Granite State was a perfect fit for the Arkansas governor. Biden, the Iowa victor seemed to fumble in the state and lost ground to Clinton and Ferraro. In the end Clinton narrowly squeaked by with Biden finishing second.

New Hampshire Primary: Democrats

Bill Clinton: 29.0%

Joe Biden: 28.5%

Geraldine Ferraro: 22.0%

Dick Gephardt: 11.3%

Jesse Jackson: 4.4%

Al Gore: 3.9%

Other: 1.5%

For the Democrats the real battle lied in South Carolina, where Bill Clinton hoped he could use as a launching pad to the nomination. Al Gore ended his campaign and backed Clinton and Gephardt was backing Ferraro. The remaining contenders were Biden and Clinton, with Jackson as a potential dark horse in South Carolina and Ferraro, who looked for a comeback.

Ferraro Campaigns in South Carolina with Former VP Mondale

Energy and passion surrounded her campaign, but she never seemed to launch. 'The right stuff was there, but unfortunately it didn't happen," said Former Vice President and 1984 Presidential Nominee Walter Mondale on his former running mate's camapign.

Jesse!?

Jackson pulled a shocking upset and won the South Carolina primary, with Clinton finishing second.

South Carolina Primary: Democrats

Jesse Jackson: 36.4%

Bill Clinton: 28.7%

Joe Biden: 18.8%

Geraldine Ferraro: 14.4%

Other: 1.7%

General Election Polling: Clinton v. Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 52%

Bill Clinton: 38%

Undecided: 10%

Ferraro v. Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 53%

Geraldine Ferraro: 40%

Undecided: 7%

Biden v. Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 41%

Undecided: 8%

Is He Up to Four More Years?

Reagan maintained a comfortable lead in the polls, but Democrats continued to harp on the age issue; playing up the question: Is he too old to lead? The Reagan campaign denounced the question as they did in '84, but it continued to persist and the President and his team knew the issue would not be going away.

[NHI]

Joe Biden: 10,549,111 (43.22%)

Bill Clinton: 8,101,422 (33.19%)

Jesse Jackson: 5,003,491 (20.49%)

Geraldine Ferraro: 415,716 (1.70%)

Other: 337,782 (1.40%)

Total Votes: 24,407,522

The Battle for the Democratic Nomination became a contest between Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Jesse Jackson. Jackson's win in South Carolina gave his campaign a boost and he ended up winning four contests and the District of Columbia. Bill Clinton, the rock-and-roll governor from Arkansas, who danced around whispers of extramarital affairs came a close second and won many southern states. His biggest victory was in Illinois, where he topped Bide by 0.2%.

Joe Biden, ultimately proved to be the capable candidate; going the distance and securing the nomination. His working class roots and appeal to the so-called 'Reagan-Democrats' made him an attractive candidate; especially going up against Ronald Reagan in the fall.

While Biden narrowed down his list for Vice President, Reagan ahead of the GOP convention announced his pick to replace George Bush. Reagan tapped Former UN Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick. The pick excited the base and was seen as a bold move by the aging President. Others rumored to be on the list included Jack Kemp and Bob Dole.

For his running mate Joe Biden went with Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis. After eight years of Ronald Reagan, Democrats believed their best shot at reclaiming the White House lied in the hands of two young candidates; who looked to create a new Democratic Party that could compete against the Republican machine.

General Election Poll: R+10

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 41%

Undecided: 8%

"...we're going to build a new America, a better America. A stronger America than we've seen these eight years with Republicans at the helm. This election is not about Democrats or Republicans, it's about what kind of country we want to live in. By working together, all of us are enriched. For a new era of economic greatest it's time to turn the page on Ronald Reagan...Now our President is a decent man and he loves this country, but his campaign is past his prime. It's over. This Administration has forgotten the many and looked only after the few. It's time to change. It's time for a new beginning. It is truly time for it to be morning in American again."

Leaving the Democratic Convention, Reagan's lead in the polls shrunk.

General Election Poll: R+4

Ronald Reagan: 49%

Joe Biden: 44%

Ronald Reagan: 265

Joe Biden: 133

Undecided: 140

[NHI]

The general election campaign kicks off.

Hot off his convention, Reagan looked to regain his momentum against the Delaware Senator.

"Our polices of the past eight years have been growth, continued growth, not tax and spend. Let us not turn back the clock, let us keep moving forward, always forward." -- Ronald Reagan.

General Election Poll: Reagan +5

Ronald Reagan: 50%

Joe Biden: 45%

Undecided: 5%

Is Ronald Reagan Too Old to Be President?

Yes: 38%

No:  51%

Undecided/No Opinion: 11%

Who is best to handle the economy?

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 38%

Undecided/No Opinion: 11%

Who is seen as a strong leader?

Ronald Reagan: 57%

Joe Biden: 33%

Undecided/No Opinion: 10%

Who is best to handle foreign policy?

Ronald Reagan: 56%

Joe Biden: 32%

Undecided/No Opinion: 12%

Is Jeane Kirkpatrick Qualified to be President?

Yes: 54%

No:  37%

Undecided/No Opinion: 9%

Is Michael Dukakis Qualified to be President?

Yes: 51%

No:  40%

Undecided/No Opinion: 9%

Ronald Reagan: Approval Rating

Approve: 53%

Disapprove: 37%

Undecided/No Opinion: 10%

Joe Biden: Approval Rating

Approve: 48%

Disapprove: 34%

Undecided/No Opinion: 18%

Ohio: Poll (Reagan +4)

Ronald Reagan: 49%

Joe Biden: 45%

Pennsylvania: Poll (Reagan +1)

Ronald Reagan: 48%

Joe Biden: 47%

Wisconsin: Poll (Biden +2)

Joe Biden: 48%

Ronald Reagan: 46%

West Virginia: Poll (Biden +3)

Joe Biden: 49%

Ronald Reagan: 46%

Illinois: Poll (Reagan +3)

Ronald Reagan: 50%

Joe Biden: 47%

California: Poll (Reagan +11)

Ronald Reagan: 55%

Joe Biden: 44%

Michigan: Poll (Reagan +2)

Ronald Reagan: 49%

Joe Biden: 47%

New York: Poll (Biden +4)

Joe Biden: 48%

Ronald Reagan: 44%

New Jersey: Poll (Tied)

Joe Biden: 46%

Ronald Reagan: 46%

New Hampshire: Poll (Reagan +7)

Ronald Reagan: 52%

Joe Biden: 45%

Iowa: Poll (Tied)

Ronald Reagan: 47%

Joe Biden: 47%

Missouri: Poll (Reagan +4)

Ronald Reagan: 50%

Joe Biden: 46%

[NHI]

The Debates

When lambasted by Biden during the first Presidential debate, over whether or not the President would agree to raise taxes; despite his campaign pledge not to, Reagan relied for the third time on his famous quip, "Oh Joe, there you go again."

The debate was seen as largely a draw, Reagan was seen as strong, but Biden did not make any gaffes to destroy himself and kept the race viable.

General Election Poll: (Reagan +3)

Ronald Reagan: 49%

Joe Biden: 46%

Reagan looked ready to become the first President since FDR to be reelected to a third term. Democrats continued to harp on the age issue, as well as Iran-Contra, but the President managed to avoid any serious issues and kept his campaign focused.

In the Vice Presidential debate Jeane Kirkpatrick trounced Michael Dukakis and painted him as a liberal democrat, who was soft on communism. "The Democrats are trying to paint themselves as a new party, a party of fresh ideas, but the only thing we see is fresh faces. It's the same old policies, same failed ones might I add." -- Jeane Kirkpatrick

The 1988 campaign, despite its' historic significance over the third term, wounded down on a low note. The candidates made no major gaffes and on Election Day, Reagan looked to be headed for reelection, some wonder over a possible Biden upset. The final poll showed a close race, but with Reagan in the lead.

Dixville Notch: Results

Ronald Reagan: 25

Joe Biden: 13

Final General Election Poll: Average

Ronald Reagan: 50.4%

Joe Biden: 47.9%

Ronald Reagan: 0 (65%)

Joe Biden: 0 (34%)

Indiana: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 57%

Joe Biden: 42%

South Carolina: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 61%

Joe Biden: 38%

Kentucky: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 58%

Joe Biden: 41%

Georgia: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 58%

Joe Biden: 41%

Virginia: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 56%

Joe Biden: 43%

Florida: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 55%

Joe Biden: 44%

New Hampshire: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 56%

Joe Biden: 43%

Ronald Reagan: 78 (57%)

Joe Biden: 0 (42%)

Vermont: Too Close to Call

Ronald Reagan: 52%

Joe Biden: 47%

North Carolina: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 57%

Joe Biden: 42%

Alabama: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 62%

Joe Biden: 37%

Ronald Reagan: 100  (58%)

Joe Biden: 0 (41%)

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 48%

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Ronald Reagan: 50%

Joe Biden: 49%

9:30...

Democrats Keep Control of Senate

Ronald Reagan: 203

Joe Biden: 98

Pennsylvania: Too Close to Call

Joe Biden: 50%

Ronald Reagan: 49%

Illinois: Too Close to Call

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 48%

Missouri: Too Close to Call

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 48%

Michigan: Too Close to Call

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 48%

New Jersey: Too Close to Call

Ronald Reagan: 52%

Joe Biden: 47%

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Joe Biden: 50%

Ronald Reagan: 50%

Vermont: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 47%

Ronald Reagan: 206

Joe Biden: 98

[NHI]

West Virginia: Biden

Joe Biden: 50%

Ronald Reagan: 49%

Ronald Reagan: 206

Joe Biden: 104

9:45

Ohio: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 48%

Colorado: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 53%

Joe Biden: 46%

Illinois: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 52%

Joe Biden: 47%

Ronald Reagan: 261

Joe Biden: 104

9:52

Missouri: Reagan

Ronald Reagan: 51%

Joe Biden: 48%

Ronald Reagan: Re-Elected To 3rd Term

Ronald Reagan: 272

Joe Biden: 104

Final Results:

Ronald Reagan/Jeane Kirkpatrick: 364

Joe Biden/Michael Dukakis: 174

Popular Vote: 53.4% Turnout

Ronald Reagan/Jeane Kirkpatrick: 53.16% (51,886,047)

Joe Biden/Michael Dukakis: 45.91% (44,809,074)

Other: 0.93% 898,613)

Total: 97,593,734 votes

Next Installment: Election Night '92

[NHI]

The Man From Hope and the Race of a Lifetime

Bill Clinton: 11,457,249 (69.88%)

Paul Tsongas: 3,656,010 (22.30%)

Tom Harkin: 280,304 (1.70%)

The Race to Be First and the Fourth Term

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 9,119,463 (77.73%)

Bob Dole: 1,299,488 (11.07%)

Pat Buchanan: 756,333 (6.44%)

[NHI]

"The Republicans...they've had the White House for too long. They've run out of energies, they run out of ideas and they ought to be run out of town and with your help we can! We've been promised economic expansion from trickle down, well it hasn't been the wealth that's been trickling down. It's time for change and Americans across this country want it, they're hungry it and they're going to vote for it."

"Bill Clinton is feckless! He lacks the foreign policy credentials to be President of the United States. He's nothing but a slick oil salesmen, hell bent on turning this country in the wrong direction."

Face of the Democratic Party

Reagan and Kirkpatrick Campaign

VP on the Attack

"Bill Clinton talks about what is wrong with America, and seems to forget everything that is right with America! He's the one who's out of touch folks, he's untried, he's inexperienced..."

Ronald Reagan Approval Rating: 38%

Approve: 38%

Disapprove: 52%

No Opinion/Undecided: 10%

Unemployment Rate: 7.6%

Jeane Kirkpatrick Approval Rating: 37%

Approve: 37%

Disapprove: 53%

Undecided/No opinion: 10%

Who is Best to Handle the Economy?

Bill Clinton: 54%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 39%

Undecided: 7%

Who is Best to Handle Foreign Policy?

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 50%

Bill Clinton: 41%

Undecided: 9%

Is America Ready for a Female President?

Yes: 45%

No: 42%

Undecided/No opinion: 13%

General Election Polling (Clinton +5)

Bill Clinton: 49%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 44%

Undecided: 7%

Ohio Poll: (Clinton +3)

Bill Clinton: 49%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 46%

Missouri Poll: (Clinton +4)

Bill Clinton: 49%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 45%

California Poll: (Tied)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 48%

Bill Clinton: 48%

Tennessee Poll: (Clinton +4)

Bill Clinton: 51%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47%

Kentucky Poll: (Clinton +3)

Bill Clinton: 50%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 46%

Congressional Polling: (Democrats +11)

Democrats: 52%

Republicans: 41%

Undecided: 7%

[NHI]

Clinton in the debate: I feel your pain.

Blames Reagan and Republicans for the weak economy.

General Election Polling: (Clinton +6)

Bill Clinton: 50%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 44%

Who Won the First Debate?

Bill Clinton: 39%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 27%

Tie: 18%

Undecided/No opinion: 16%

President Reagan Approval Rating: 38%

Approve: 39%

Disapprove: 52%

Undecided/No opinion: 9%

Vice President Jeane Kirkpatrick Approval Rating: 36%

Approve: 36%

Disapprove: 53%

Undecided/No opinion: 11%

Gov. Bill Clinton Approval Rating: 50%

Approve: 50%

Disapprove: 37%

Undecided/No opinion: 13%

Bill Clinton: 218

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 208

Tossup: 109

Bill Clinton: The Man Of Hope

"I think there was an energy in the country. Bill Clinton tapped into that feeling...He's an extraordinary politician, especially going up against Jeane Kirkpatrick, because despite the economy and the Republican rule for twelve years Ronald Reagan was a popular figure and she was riding on the wave of history." -- James Carville

"It was a bad time to run. It was a bad time to
 be a Republican. She knew it. We knew it. The President knew it. It's frustrating when the hand of history is not on your side, especially in a time when it should be." -- Mary Matalin

America's Iron Lady

Jeane Kirkpatrick was running to become the first woman President, and despite having served as Vice President and fighting to present herself as extremely qualified to be President, her campaign failed to tap into the historic nature of her candidacy. They didn't know how.

[NHI]

Legacy of The Gipper

Ronald Reagan was one of the most polarizing and popular political figures of the 20th century. His start as an FDR, liberal democrats, into a full political conversion in the 1960s when he became a staunch Republican and the leader of the conservative movement. From the Governor's Mansion to the White House Ronald Reagan was never one to be underestimated. He sought the Presidency twice, coming close to winning the nomination in 1976, but lost narrowly to Gerald Ford, who went on to lose to Jimmy Carter, whom Reagan defeated four years later. He presided over an era of economic expansion and prosperity, while presiding over the largest increase in deficit and government spending in history. His tough Cold Warrior appeal, yet pragmatic leadership made him a successful partner in dealing with Mikhail Gorbachev.

Reagan's most passionate supporters give him credit for the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Collapse of the Soviet Union. In a world no longer defined by the Cold War, the United States under Reagan's watch has become the sole remaining superpower and during the Gulf War Reagan saw the highest approval rating of any American President with 82%. Still, beset by circumstances the recession hurt Reagan's popularity and that of his Vice President Jeane Kirkpatrick. Reagan, who turned 80 in 1991 knew that he would not seek a fourth term, unlike his predecessor and presidential role model FDR did in 1944.

In 1991 Republicans looked to have a lock on the White House, but now that lock is in question, as Jeane Kirkpatrick fights for her political life against Governor Bill Clinton who's entire campaign is based on the failures of the economy under Reagan and Kirkpatrick. The President, who's approval rating as of late has stood at 38%, has seen some improvement. Support for the President now stands at 40%, while Kirkpatrick hovers around 37%.

General Election Poll: Sept. 1992 (Clinton +5)

Bill Clinton: 50%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 45%

General Election Polling: Feb. 1991 (Kirkpatrick +11)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 49%

Bill Clinton: 38%

[NHI]

Election Night 1992

Kentucky: Too Close to Call

South Carolina: Too Early to Call

Indiana: <2%

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 53%

Bill Clinton: 46%

Vermont: Too Close to Call

Georgia: Too Close to Call

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Virginia: Too Close to Call

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 12 (53%)

Bill Clinton: 0 (46%)

West Virginia: 10%

√ Bill Clinton: 54%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 45%

Vermont: 12%

√ Bill Clinton: 55%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 44%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 12 (47%)

Bill Clinton: 8 (51%)

South Carolina: 21%

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 54%

Bill Clinton: 45%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 20 (49%)

Bill Clinton: 8 (50%)

Kentucky: 34%

√ Bill Clinton: 53%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 46%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 20 (48%)

Bill Clinton: 16 (50%)

Georgia: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 51%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 48%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 50%

Bill Clinton: 49%

Virginia: 33%

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 53%

Bill Clinton: 46%

Florida: Too Close to Call

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 52%

Bill Clinton: 47%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 33 (49.2%)

Bill Clinton: 16 (49.8%)

"This has been a back-and-forth race from the very beginning, like a game of ping pong between the Chinese and Americans back in '72. Many expected, because Governor Clinton is leading in the polls that it would be a wash tonight. Now, it's early, but Vice President Jeane Kirkpatrick is holding on. Many states like Virginia and South Carolina where the Clinton campaign thought they had a chance to be competitive have stayed in the Republican column and are unmovable like a mountain top." -- Dan Rather

8:00 pm

Maryland

√ Bill Clinton: 55%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 44%

Delaware

√ Bill Clinton: 54%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 45%

Massachusetts

√ Bill Clinton: 59%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 40%

Connecticut

√ Bill Clinton: 54%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 45%

Rhode Island

√ Bill Clinton: 58%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 41%

Maine

√ Bill Clinton: 53%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 46%

Washington, DC

√ Bill Clinton: 87%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 12%

Alabama: Too Close to Call

Mississippi: Too Close to Call

Tennessee: Too Close to Call

Pennsylvania: Too Close to Call

New Jersey: Too Close to Call

New Hampshire: Too Close to Call

North Carolina: Too Close to Call

Missouri: Too Early To Call

Illinois: Too Close to Call

Oklahoma

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 57%

Bill Clinton: 42%

Bill Clinton: 59 (54%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 41 (45%)

[NHI]

"And we're back now at CBS with some projections to make. We are calling the state of Tennessee. Bill Clinton's proximity to it and Al Gore being the favorite son, it tips over the top and goes into the Clinton column. Arkansas, the home state of Bill Clinton goes for him tonight. Two states that have voted against the Democrats since 1980.."

Tennessee: 27%

√ Bill Clinton: 54%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 45%

Arkansas: <1%

√ Bill Clinton: 60%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 39%

"Alabama remains faith to the Republicans like grandmas and Thanksgiving dinner. It goes for Jeane Kirkpatrick tonight."

Alabama: 19%

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 56%

Bill Clinton: 43%

"New Hampshire, the Granite State is solid as granite tonight for Bill Clinton and Al Gore. It votes for the Democrats, the first time since Lyndon Johnson's landslide against Barry Goldwater in 1964 almost forty years ago."

New Hampshire: 25%

√ Bill Clinton: 52%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47%

Bill Clinton: 80 (54%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 50 (45%)

"We're starting to see a spread; this race is still tight; don't bet the trailer money yet. This race may still have some surprises left in it."

"Turning now to North Carolina, where up until now we've been unable to project a winner, we finally have a winner and it is Vice President Kirkpatrick. She wins North Carolina."

North Carolina:

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 50%

Bill Clinton: 48%

Bill Clinton: 80 (54%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 64 (45%)

Georgia: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 50.6%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 48.2%

Florida: Too Close to Call

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 50.0%

Bill Clinton: 49.3%

Missouri: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 51.5%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47.5%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 49.9%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 49.1%

Pennsylvania: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 51.3%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47.5%

New Jersey: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 52%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47%

Illinois: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 50.9%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47.7%

[NHI]

"...up until now this race has been shakier than cafeteria jello. We are now ready to make a projection in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State goes for Bill Clinton."

Pennsylvania

√ Bill Clinton: 52%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47%

Bill Clinton: 103 (54%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 64 (45%)

"Nine o'clock here on the east coast at this hour and we can project the following races..."

New York

√ Bill Clinton: 59%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 40%

Minnesota

√ Bill Clinton: 54%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 45%

Wisconsin

√ Bill Clinton: 53%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 46%

Texas

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 55%

Bill Clinton: 44%

Kansas

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 57%

Bill Clinton: 42%

Nebraska

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 58%

Bill Clinton: 41%

Wyoming

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 61%

Bill Clinton: 38%

South Dakota

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 59%

Bill Clinton: 40%

Bill Clinton: 157 (52%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 113 (47%)

"Jeane Kirkpatrick crossed the three digit mark, but is it too little too late. Bill Clinton still by forty-four electoral votes. It's close, it's narrow, the ballgame has not yet been decided. There are a few innings left but the numbers are becoming steeper and steeper for the Republican candidate." -- Dan Rather

"We now turn back to the Garden State and we project that Governor Clinton will win New Jersey. New Jersey is going for the Democratic Ticket once more, like it did in 1988. "

New Jersey

√ Bill Clinton: 52%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47%

"And at this time we can now project that the Second Congressional District in Maine; Maine divides up its electoral votes; we project that Governor Clinton wins that race too, adding another tally to his electoral count."

Bill Clinton: 173 (52%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 113 (46%)

"Looking now at the state of Missouri, we are now able to project that Bill Clinton wins Missouri. He carries the state over Vice President Kirkpatrick."

√ Bill Clinton: 50.9%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 48.7%

Bill Clinton: 184 (52%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 113 (46%)

"At this point it is starting to looking like the Republicans will need the smelling salts. The race is moving further and further away from the Vice President and towards Bill Clinton, which if he is successful and emphasis on the word if, he'll break twelve years of Republican rule on the White House...

We do now have some comfort to report for the Vice President, Mississippi will go Republican again. The Clinton campaign tried to contest it, but it goes again for the Republicans. Mississippi and it's seven electoral votes will go for Vice President Kirkpatrick this evening. 53 percent to 46 percent.

But don't move from your seat or touch that dial, we can now project Michigan will be won by Governor Clinton. He's now pass the two-hundred hurdle and moving straight towards the finish line."

Michigan

√ Bill Clinton: 51%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 48%

"And we are now calling Louisiana to be won by Bill Clinton. The Arkansas Governor is sweeping through the south, not quite like Jimmy Carter in 1976, but doing enough damage like a tornado to take away the Republican strongholds."

Louisiana

√ Bill Clinton: 52.0%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 46.9%

Bill Clinton: 211 (52%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 120 (46%)

[NHI]

"As we went to commercial break we made a call in the race in Georgia. We project Georgia to go for Bill Clinton. The Democratic candidate wins home of Former President Jimmy Carter, the last Democrat to win the White House in 1976."

Georgia

√ Bill Clinton: 52.3%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47.3%

"And as we approach the ten o'clock hour we can make another projection in the race for President. Illinois, the land of Lincoln, a Republican stronghold, but a bell weather at times, it will be won by Bill Clinton tonight."

Illinois

√ Bill Clinton: 51.8%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47.2%

Bill Clinton: 246 (52%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 120 (46%)

"We are looking at quite a different map than from four years ago, where despite questions of his age and the Iran Contra Scandal, Ronald Reagan won a third term, the first to do so since Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1940 and crushed Senator Joe Biden. Tonight it is looking to be a lopsided race, this time in favor of the Democrats."

Undecided States:

Florida

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 50.0%

Bill Clinton: 49.5%

Colorado

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 51.4%

Bill Clinton: 48.5%

New Mexico

Bill Clinton: 52.6%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 47.3%

Ohio

Bill Clinton: 49.6%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 48.8%

"We can now make a projection in the state of New Mexico. Bill Clinton wins. He wins New Mexico. This is the first time New Mexico has voted for the Democratic Ticket since 1964, have to go back all the way to LBJ's crushing landslide over Barry Goldwater to find a Democratic win.

Bill Clinton: 251 (53%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 120 (46%)

"As we look at the state of this race and we have not projected a winner, is it too little, too late for Vice President Kirkpatrick?" -- Dan Rather

"At this point, Dan the math become difficult, not impossible, but the Vice President would need to sweep the remaining states, but even so she could end up losing the popular vote. She still trails by a few million votes." -- Connie Chung

"It is now ten o'clock here on the east and we have some more states to project. We are projecting that Bill Clinton is the winner in Iowa."

Iowa

√ Bill Clinton: 54%

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 45%

Utah

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 64%

Bill Clinton: 35%

IMAGES: From CLINTON HQ in Little Rock, AR

"At this point the numbers are going a certain direction; frankly it's more of a continued trend we've been seeing all night long for Governor Clinton...and it now appears we can project a winner in the Buckeye State. Governor Clinton wins Ohio and that's it. The Presidency is Clinton, the Election is for Clinton. Clinton win. William Jefferson Clinton of Arkansas, will be the 41st President of the United States."

Bill Clinton Elected President

√ Bill Clinton: 279 (53%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 125 (47%)

Bill Clinton: Elected President

AP -- Little Rock, AR

President-Elect Bill Clinton won an impressive victory Tuesday night over Vice President Jeane Kirkpatrick; taking 35 states. Clinton's win brings an end to Republican's twelve year lock on the White House. Democrats increased their majorities in the House and Senate and with his 52 percent share of the popular vote Governor Clinton looks to head into January with a mandate to govern. In his speech to supporters Clinton said, "Today in massive numbers the American people have voted and they have voted to make a new beginning." Voter turnout saw an increase to an estimated 55 percent turnout compared to just 53 percent in 1988

√ Bill Clinton: 359 (52.21%)

Jeane Kirkpatrick: 179 (46.64%)

Coming up Next: Election '96 "Gone But Not Forgotten"

[NHI]

Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow

President Reagan and President-elect Clinton met in December of 1992 to begin the transition process. Clinton's decisive win over Jeane Kirkpatrick signaled an end to the Republican era in Presidential politics. The two leaders met and Reagan, who's approval rating stood at 50 percent wished Clinton well; saying "You will be in charge soon and I will stand behind you." On January 20th as Clinton took office and Reagan bid farewell to Washington after twelve years as President, his popularity rebounded slightly, with 52 percent giving the President praise and high marks for his leadership.

Clinton Takes Charge

To say Bill Clinton dreamed of a historic Presidency, was an underestimate. For the first time in twelve years Democrats controlled the levers of power in Washington. Clinton who campaigned as a new Democrat, with pragmatic intentions soon found himself pushed by a Democratic Party eager to grease the wheels of government once again. In an attempt to reform healthcare Clinton went for broke and it backfired on him and the Democratic Party, leading to the worst crushing in the midterms for an incumbent President in almost fifty years.

Democrats lost control of the Senate and Republican retook the House of the Representatives with Newt Gingrich leading the charge. He would become Speaker of the House and at the forefront of the Republican Revolution. Two years earlier Democrats believed happy days to be here again; that the era of Ronald Reagan conservatism was gone and a return to liberal big government of the 60s. How wrong they were.

"We are about to turn their world upside. This is a center right country, we do not like big government, we do not like government run health care, we do not like a top down approach to solve the basic challenges of our time. This is indeed a wake up call and I hope the Democrats and the President are hearing it because the American people are tired and fed up and they want a change!"

The Republican Revolution which brought the GOP back into power just two years after losing the Presidency, made they cocky. Many Republicans generally believed Bill Clinton was on the ropes and he had nowhere to go but down. Republicans looked gleefully to the 1996 race where they hope to unseat the incumbent. Though, they underestimated the political knack and talent of Bill Clinton, who reading the country's tea leaves did a mid course readjustment and moved to the center.

"The era of big government is over, but we can't go back to a time when our citizens were just left to fend for themselves. We will meet them by going forward as one America, by working together in our communities, our schools, our churches and synagogues, our workplaces across the entire spectrum of our civic life..."

Clinton's rebounding reshaped the face of the Republican primary heading into 1996. Bob Dole, once considered a favorite declined to run. There was an effort to draft Colin Powell into the race, but he too refused. Ultimately, Pat Buchanan and Pat Robertson threw their hats into the ring again. Businessman Steve Forbes, who's entrance was at first exciting, but failed to catch on. Massachusetts Governor William Weld consolidated the moderate vote, but the electorate was lacking a fighter, someone to take Clinton to task, even though his Presidency appeared to be on the upward swing.

The task fell to Newt Gingrich, who at first was hesitant about running, but once a solid field failed to materialize Gingrich declared his campaign and ultimately won the nomination.

Republican Primary

√ Newt Gingrich: 8,321,444 (46.48%)

William Weld: 5,422,009 (30.29%)

Steve Forbes: 1,953,333 (10.91%)

Pat Buchanan: 1,101,099 (6.15%)

Other: 6.17%

General Election Poll: Clinton +11

Bill Clinton: 51%

Newt Gingrich: 40%

Undecided: 10%

While Gingrich hoped to go for the jugular with Clinton in '96 the race seemed to be heading in a vastly different and uncharted direction, with the likely emergence of Ross Perot, a billionaire businessman from Texas, who considered running for President in '92, but ultimately decided against it. Feeding off people's frustrations with both parties and dysfunction in Washington, Perot hoped to make a stand as a successful third party candidate in the election. Though when polled Perot did not show to make much of the impact he wanted.

General Election Poll: Clinton +10

Bill Clinton: 49%

Newt Gingrich: 39%

Perot: 5%

Undecided: 7%

[NHI]

If Reagan had served 12 years, that would have meant Bush 41 would've gotten Bentsen's U.S. Senate seat.

Speaking of '96, I'm assuming California Governor Pete Wilson (R) wouldn't have made it to the Iowa Caucus.

Yes.

[NHI]

"The liberal agenda, presented by the President and propagandized by the media is one that is counter to the very nature and spirit of the United States. The President attempts to walk a fine line of moderate Democratic ideals, but that's not where his heart lies. That's not where America lies. We've been spun a colorful yarn the past four years and we've seen trial and error constantly. We've seen government standstill, we've seen weakness, we've seen misdirection. We want clarity. We want purpose. We effectiveness. We want vision. We want a new President... and with my running mate Jack Kemp we will undo and redo."

Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow"

"...Speaker Gingrich and the Republicans are decent and honorable people. They love America and they want this country to succeed like we do, but they're running on a playbook that we put aside nearly four years ago. They're running on the same old politics of the 1980s. The you lose, they win. That's not the kind of change America needs...that's not the kind of change America deserves. They talk of an America that frankly you and I don't see. I want to help build that bridge to the 21st century. Let us resolve to do it, to meet our challenges and protect our values..."

General Election Poll: Post Conventions

Bill Clinton: 51%

Newt Gingrich: 40%

Undecided: 9%

The Independent

Ross Perot, who contemplated a run for President in 1992, ultimately threw his hat into the ring. He failed to qualify to attend the Presidential Debates; a decision he took to court for damages, citing unfair treatment by the media. The focus remained on Clinton and Gingrich, who the President painted as a representation of the extreme element of the Republican Party; while Gingrich tried to paint Clinton as a tax and spend liberal.

The Government shutdown wounded Gingrich, giving Clinton an edge in the race. Gingrich remained a divisive figure in American politics and with the country experiencing an economic boom and the Republicans bearing the brunt of the government shutdown Gingrich's campaign continued to sink.

"My opponent's tax plan will blow a hole in the deficit, something we've managed to cut in half. Now he claims he's for reducing the deficit, he claims he's for balancing the budget, yet he wants to blow up the budget by giving tax cuts that the majority of Americans won't receive: Give me a break Newt."

Election Night 1996

Bill Clinton:

Newt Gingrich:

Vermont

√ Bill Clinton: 60%

Newt Gingrich: 39%

Kentucky

√ Bill Clinton: 55%

Newt Gingrich: 44%

South Carolina: Too Close to Call

Newt Gingrich: 55%[

Bill Clinton: 44%

Indiana: Too Close to Call

Newt Gingrich: 53%

Bill Clinton: 46%

Bill Clinton: 11 (54%)

Newt Gingrich: 0 (45%)

"An early lead for President Clinton in the electoral college. All the polls tonight show the President leading Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, but we still have a long way to go before any candidate reaches the number of 270." -- Dan Rather

Georgia: Too Early to Call

Newt Gingrich: 53%

Bill Clinton: 46%

Virginia: Too Close to Call

Newt Gingrich: 51%

Bill Clinton: 48%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Newt Gingrich: 52%

Bill Clinton: 48%

West Virginia: Too Early to Call

Bill Clinton: 54%

Newt Gingrich: 45%

North Carolina: Too Close to Call

Newt Gingrich: 52%

Bill Clinton: 47%

"As we wait for some more results, we are looking over the numbers of two states from 1992 that narrowly went for Vice President Kirkpatrick. North Carolina and Virginia. Tonight Newt Gingrich holds the slimmest of margins over the President and it is questionable whether the Speaker of the House will be able to hold his lead as Bill Clinton and the Democrats are charging through like a bull in a China shop." -- Dan Rather

North Carolina: 1992 (Won by Reagan 1988)

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 49.7% (+0.4)

Bill Clinton: 49.3%

Virginia: 1992 (Won by Reagan 1988)

√ Jeane Kirkpatrick: 51.7% (+3.9)

Bill Clinton: 47.8%

"We can now project that President Clinton will win the state of West Virginia."

"Now eight o'clock past the hour now and we have a series of projection make in the race for President. We project that Bill Clinton is the winner in the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey."

"Speaker Gingrich is the winner in the state of Oklahoma and Alabama." -- Dan Rather

Bill Clinton: 79 (56%)

Newt Gingrich: 17 (43%)

"Bill Clinton is a roll tonight, like a top black-jack player. He is sweeping across the map, knocking off Speaker Gingrich like cans on a fence post. We can now project him the winner in the state of Tennessee, the home state of Vice President Al Gore."

Tennessee

√ Bill Clinton: 55%

Newt Gingrich: 44%

"A major projection to make now in the state of Florida. We project that President Clinton will carry the Sunshine State and we can project he will win the Keystone State too. Pennsylvania returns to the Democratic Column again in 1996."

Florida

√ Bill Clinton: 52%

Newt Gingrich: 46%

Pennsylvania

√ Bill Clinton: 53%

Newt Gingrich: 45%

Bill Clinton: 138 (55%)

Newt Gingrich: 17 (43%)

Undecided

Ohio

Bill Clinton: 51%

Newt Gingrich: 46%

Ross Perot: 1%

Illinois

Bill Clinton: 52%

Newt Gingrich: 45%

Ross Perot: 1%

South Carolina

Newt Gingrich: 52%

Bill Clinton: 46%

Ross Perot: 1%

Mississippi

Newt Gingrich: 54%

Bill Clinton: 44%

Ross Perot: 1%

Missouri

Bill Clinton: 52%

Newt Gingrich: 45%

Ross Perot: 1%

Indiana

Newt Gingrich: 51%

Bill Clinton: 47%

Ross Perot: 1%

Virginia

Newt Gingrich: 49%

Bill Clinton: 48%

Ross Perot: 0.5%

North Carolina

Newt Gingrich: 50.1%

Bill Clinton: 48.7%

Ross Perot: 0.6%

"We are now projecting Arkansas, the home state of President Clinton, no real shock here, it goes for the President again tonight, adding to his already daunting electoral total over Speaker Gingrich.

[NHI]

Bill Clinton: 243 (54%)

Newt Gingrich: 61 (44%)

"A little after nine o'clock here on the east coast and as we look at the map Bill Clinton is a man not to be stopped tonight. Speaker Gingrich is not looking up a hill, he's looking up the side of a mountain and a very steep one. There is some solace for the Republican Party, they will retain control of both houses of Congress, though by slimmer margins than in 1994. So divided government will return, but tonight Bill Clinton looks to have an impressive electoral count and while we have not projected a winner as of yet, things are looking very rough for Speaker Gingrich." -- Dan Rather

Texas: Too Close to Call

Newt Gingrich: 51%

Bill Clinton: 41%

Ross Perot: 7%

"The third party, independent candidate Ross Perot, who many thought was anything more than a footnote is actually playing the part of a spoiler in this race, especially in his home state of Texas. He's doing better than what many expected. Some of his voters describe themselves as being disaffected with either political party or unappreciated of the harsher rhetoric and tone by Speaker Gingrich and his campaign on the Republican side.

We do have some news to make. We are projecting Indiana for Speaker Gingrich. He wins Indiana."

Indiana

√ Newt Gingrich: 51%

Bill Clinton: 46%

Ross Perot: 2%

"Still waiting on some of the big states to fall, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. President Clinton leads in all but North Carolina. Quite amazing in the case of Virgina a relatively Republican state, Republican governor, Republican legislature, but tonight it looks to be going for the first time at least since 1964 for the Democratic Ticket." -- Dan Rather

Virginia: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 48.9%

Newt Gingrich: 48.5%

Ross Perot: 1.2%

North Carolina: Too Close to Call

Newt Gingrich: 49.5%

Bill Clinton: 48.8%

Ross Perot: 0.9%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Bill Clinton: 51.4%

Newt Gingrich: 46.8%

Ross Perot: 1.0%

"We are now able to make a projection in the Missouri race. President Clinton wins the state again."

Missouri

√ Bill Clinton: 52.0%

Newt Gingrich: 45.8%

Ross Perot: 1.1%

Bill Clinton: 254 (54%)

Newt Gingrich: 73 (44%)

"We now turn to White House Communications Director George Stephanopoulos, who is joining us from Little Rock at the President's campaign headquarters. Good evening George, you must be happy with the results you're seeing tonight." -- Dan Rather

"Thank you Dan. Tonight President Clinton is doing very well because of the record, because of the message and because of his vision for the future. Speaker Gingrich is the mean spirited party of the past with no new ideas and the voters are rejecting it." -- George Stephanopoulos

"Assuming the President is reelected tonight, he will still need to deal with divided government, does he believe he can bridge the gap between the two parties?" -- Dan Rather

"Absolutely. The President is committed to working with both Republicans and Democrats, but with the understanding he will not compromise on the values important to him and more importantly to the American people." -- George Stephanopoulos."

"Thank you George, speaking to us from Little Rock, with the President's Headquarters." -- Dan Rather

√ Bill Clinton: 51.0%

Newt Gingrich: 46.8%

Ross Perot: 1.2%

"Looking at the results in Ohio, we are now ready to make a major projection in the race for President. Bill Clinton wins it and that's the ballgame folks. Bill Clinton has been reelected President of our United States and along with Al Gore. Ohio puts the President over the top." - Dan Rather

Bill Clinton Reelected President

√ Bill Clinton: 275 (54%)

Newt Gingrich: 73 (44%)

"And it appears now we can make a projection in the state of Virginia. We are now calling for President Clinton. Clinton takes Virginia; he is now the first Democrat since LBJ's cakewalk over Goldwater in '64." -- Dan Rather

Bill Clinton Reelected

AP - Little Rock, ARK
Bill Clinton became the first Democrat since Franklin Roosevelt to be reelected to a second term -- by a quite a convincing margin. Clinton soundly defeated Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich in the popular vote and crushed him in the electoral college (395-113). As of this writing both Colorado and North Carolina remained uncalled. Despite Republicans retaining control of Congress, Clinton's win is the best for any Democrat since Lyndon Johnson. In his victory speech Clinton continued to speak of his 'third way' politics, combining solutions from both parties to best govern the country.

Third Party candidate Ross Perot, who was generally considered insignificant throughout the race surprised many by pulling a strong performance. Though he failed to win any delegates, his strong showing will force pundits and voters a like to take him serious should he run in 2000. An estimated 104 million people voted in yesterday's election with turnout figures at around 53 percent.

Election Results: 1996

√ Bill Clinton: 417 (53.01%)

Newt Gingrich: 121 (42.27%)

Ross Perot: 0 (3.05%)

Looking to 2000?

Clinton's landslide reelection over Newt Gingrich in '96 seemed to fuel speculation that Clinton would seek a third term in 2000. During an interview with NBC shortly after the election Clinton answered the question, in traditional Clinton style, "2000 is four years away, let's worry about what we have to do now, but it's definitely something to think about seriously."

[NHI]

The Impeachment

On December 19, 1998 became the second President since Andrew Johnson to be impeached by the House of Representatives. Clinton was charged with obstruction of justice and perjury. The impeachment proceedings arose following the revelations that Clinton carried on a sexual affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky and later denied conducting one. Ironically, despite the impeachment and possibility of removal from office, Clinton enjoyed high approval from the American people who believed the entire charade to be nothing more than a witch-hunt by the Republican Party.

Clinton was ultimately acquitted on February 12, 1999 by a vote of 55 to 45. While he survived the proceedings and still enjoyed extremely high approval ratings, the possibility of a third term seemed to be slipping away. While most polls showed Clinton ahead of his Republican rivals, many speculated he could face a serious primary challenge from the Left and that his morality and judgement would be the focus of the entire election.

CLINTON PASSES ON THIRD TERM

AP - Washington, DC February 26, 1999
Despite an approval rating in the high 60s President Clinton announced to the surprise of some that he would not be seeking a third term as President. While he made no mention of the Lewinsky Scandal or the subsequent impeachment, it was clearly in the backdrop of the 2000 Presidential campaign. Clinton remained committed to finishing out the remainder of his term and doing the work the people elected him to do. "I do not want to tie myself down the rigors of another campaign. I need to govern and do the work of the American people."

In a recent Gallup Poll against Massachusetts Governor William Weld, who is considering a run for the Presidency Clinton beats him 55 to 39 percent.

Gore Declares Bid

Vice President Al Gore was heir apparent after Clinton passed on a third run. Gore, who originally was considering not running for a third term as Vice President had Clinton decided to run, jumped at the opportunity and launched his campaign in July of 1999. Though he received a primary challenge from Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, who argued Gore was too moderate and to win the Democrats needed to go in a different direction; as he put it: "Return to our liberal roots."

Wellstone ran a gallant effort against Gore, but the Vice President ultimately wrapped up the nomination after a long and protracted primary fight.

√ Al Gore: 15,544,222 (55.31%)

Paul Wellstone: 12,101,111 (43.06%)

Other: 1.61%

The Republican side faced just as much longevity. The field was wide open with no incumbent running. Runnerup in 1996 William Weld looked to make a successful bid in 2000, but his campaign faltered and he was out before the Iowa Caucuses. Lacking an heir apparent the field largely consisted of many unknowns.  Newly elected Texas Governor George W. Bush, son of Former Vice President George Bush was pursued to run, especially given his impressive win in 1998 that included 40% of the Hispanic Vote. Ultimately, Bush declined to run in 2000; 'saying now is not my time.'

Senator John McCain considered a run, but decided to pass on it as well. Ultimately the field consisted of three major candidates: New York Governor George Pataki, Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Oklahoma Congressman J.C. Watts of Oklahoma.

Pataki instantly became the favorite, being the Governor of New York, but his lackluster campaign allowed both Hutchison and Watts to slide through the cracks and emerge as true contenders.

Watts Wins Iowa Caucuses

J.C. Watts turned the political world on its' head with a win in the Iowa Caucuses. Pataki, who staked much of his campaign in New Hampshire came up a distant second when Hutchison prevailed and from there turned the race into a contest between her and Watts.

Iowa Caucuses:

√ J.C. Watts: 36.4%

George Pataki: 29.9%

Kay Bailey Hutchison: 29.8%

Other: 4.0%

New Hampshire Primary:

√ Kay Bailey Hutchison: 40.3%

George Pataki: 30.4%

J.C. Watts: 26.3%

Other: 3.0%

√ Kay Bailey Hutchison: 12,431,111 (51.50%) (1,209 Delegates)

J.C. Watts: 8,548,222 (35.42%) (610 Delegates)

George Pataki: 1,954,467 (8.09%) (93 Delegates)

Other: Pat Buchanan, Steve Forbes, Orin Hatch and Alan Keyes: (4.99%)

The Republican Nominee

The Democratic Nominee

General Election Poll: June 2000 (Gore+3)

Al Gore: 46%

Kay Bailey Hutchison: 43%

Undecided: 11%

[NHI]

Gore at a Rally in Florida

"This election is about what kind of country we want to live in. Do we want to return to the country we were eight years ago? Or do we want to keep moving forward? I think the answer is simple and you want it to: Keep American moving Forward." -- VP Gore

Hutchison Picks McCain to Be Running Mate

"I want someone who isn't afraid to ruffle some feathers, who has a fierce independent streak him. I want someone who is ready to shakeup Washington and make it work again for the American people." -- Sen. Hutchison

Rise of the Third Parties

The Green Party's nomination of Ralph Nader concerned some Democrats about him drawing voters away from Al Gore, while Republican feared the Pat Buchanan candidacy on the newly formed Reform Party would take votes away from Hutchison. Both candidates were excluded from the presidential debates.

Al Gore: 244 (47%)

Kay Bailey Hutchison: 166 (44%)

Gore Selects Lieberman For Vice President

General Election Polling: All The Candidates

(D) Al Gore: 46.0%

(R) Kay Bailey Hutchison: 44.5%

(G) Ralph Nader: 1.1%

(RF) Pat Buchanan: 0.2%

Undecided: 8.2%

[NHI]

Take the link for the photo you want click the INSERT IMAGE TAB

[/img]

Put link http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/midnight-regulation-4.jpg between

 link[/img]

[NHI]

So would Bush 43 run for KBH's U.S. Senate seat?

Very likely...

[NHI]

The race between Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Vice President Al Gore was a nail-biter. Coming out of their convention both candidates remained dead-even in the polls, putting much focus on the Presidential Debates. While Gore was often criticized for being stiff and dull, the debates didn't hurt and both candidates remained relatively gaffe-free, again making the race essentially a coin toss.

Some analysts lambasted Al Gore for failing to use President Clinton during the campaign, Despite the booming economy and peace abroad Gore and his campaigned distanced themselves from the President and his record.

Gore on the Stump

Enthusiasm Begins To Build for Kay

Clinton Joins Gore on the Stump

In the closing days of the campaign, at a rally in Florida President Clinton joined Al Gore for one of a few joint appearances between the two. Clinton rallied up the crowd, presenting Gore as a leader for the future and someone America needed to elect. "On Tuesday Florida is going to help put this man over the top and make him the next President of the United States."

Hutchison Criss-Crosses the Country

"It is time to restore honor and dignity to the White House. Will you walk with me to victory on Tuesday? We can do it. We can make it happen. We can make history."

Is America Ready to Elect a Female President?

Yes: 55%

No: 42%

No opinion/undecided: 3%

President Clinton Approval Ratings:

Approve: 57%

Disapprove: 38%

No opinion/undecided: 5%

General Election Poll: Gore +0.1

(D) Al Gore: 48.2%

(R) Kay Bailey Hutchison: 48.1%

(G) Ralph Nader: 1.4%

(RF) Pat Buchanan: 0.2%

Undecided: 1.7%

Al Gore: 244

Kay Bailey Hutchison: 210

[NHI]

(D) Al Gore:

(R) Kay Bailey Hutchison:

(G) Ralph Nader:

(RF) Pat Buchanan:

"Good evening and welcome to CBS' coverage of Election Night 2000. This election has been tighter than a drum throughout the entire race and tonight we will see if it lives up to what the pundits have been predicting...We expect it to be a long night, but we will bring you the results as they come. While other stations and networks may want to be first in projecting that does not make it correct. If you see a projection here you can pretty much take it to the bank.

At this time we can project South Carolina for Senator Hutchison. South Carolina goes to the Texas Senator."

South Carolina: 0% Reporting

√ Kay Bailey Hutchison: 56.6%

Al Gore: 40.8%

Ralph Nader: 1.4%

"We can also project the Senator the winner in the state of Indiana, another Republican stronghold, and in the state of Kentucky. It did goes for President Clinton both in '92 and '96, but tonight it returns to the Republican column for Senator Hutchison.

Indiana: 1%

√ Kay Bailey Hutchison: 56.7%

Al Gore: 41.5%

Kentucky: 1%

√ Kay Bailey Hutchison: 56.5%

Al Gore: 41.5%

"Vermont goes for Al Gore. Bill Clinton won it twice both in '92 and '96. It goes for him tonight."

Vermont: 1%

√ Al Gore: 50.6%

Kay Bailey Hutchison: 41.9%

Ralph Nader: 6.8%

(R) Kay Baily Hutchison: 28

(D) Al Gore: 3

(G) Ralph Nader: 0

(RF) Pat Buchanan: 0

"Kay Bailey Hutchison off to an early start tonight with 28 delegates to Al Gore's 3. It is still early and there are many states, which remain undecided." -- Dan Rather

Virginia: Too Close to Call

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Florida: Too Close to Call

Georgia: Too Close to Call

North Carolina: Too Close to Call

Ohio: Too Close to Call

"It is believe that these state will determine the winner of this likely to be very close presidential contest." -- Dan Rather