1976: America's Reaction Signups

[Peanut]

America's Reaction
A 1976 Election Game

It was November 1, 1975. Maggie Thompson from Waukesha, Wisconsin, looked at the paper. There were news all around about next year's Presidential election. Much like other Americans, she had voted Democratic in 1974, but she had no freaking idea about how she would vote next year. There was a great difference in rhetoric: continuation vs change, segregation vs integration, detente vs intervention. The climate was a worrying one, the candidates many, and the Presidency from '77 to '81 was still anyone's game.

What path would the parties take? Would Wallace finally get his chance? Would Humphrey's legacy be cemented? Would McGovern be redeemed? Would an outsider take over? Would Ford hold on? Would Reagan's conservatism be the way to go? Something more middle-of-the-way? Or would the system be shaken up by a third-party candidate?

After all the chaos of the last few years, how would America react, she wondered?


Welcome to America's Reaction: a 1976 game! The game will start on February 8 if enough people sign up, and will begin on November 2, 1975: a year before the election. Each week, we'll see what's the new stuff people are reading in their newspaper. The turns will last 10 days maximum, with extensions granted individually, and with game time varying from turn to turn depending on activity. Debates and interviews will be available upon request, and endorsements will be under the credit system used by Dat's 2020 election game (Dat, if you want to keep the system to yourself, say the word).

This will be the signup and questions thread.

Potential candidates:

Democratic Party:

Senator Walter Mondale
Governor Jimmy Carter-jakobisgood
Senator Frank Church-Gorguf
Congressman Mo Udall
Congresswoman Pat Schroeder-Nyindy
Governor George Wallace-Ishan
Ambassador Sargent Shriver
Governor Jerry Brown-ASPN
Senator Scoop Jackson
Senator Birch Bayh
Senator Ed Muskie-MAINEiac
Senator Lloyd Bentsen-DatGOTTho
Senator Al Gore, Sr.
Governor Milton Shapp
Senator and 1972 nominee George McGovern
Senator Mike Gravel-terp40hitch
Senator Robert Byrd
Ms. Ellen McCormack

Republican Party:

President Gerald Ford
Governor Ronald Reagan-X-guy
Vice-President Nelson Rockefeller
Senator Bob Dole
Congressman John B. Anderson
Governor William Scranton
HUD Secretary Carla Anderson Hills
Senator Howard Baker
Businessman Ray Kroc-GoTFan
CIA Director George HW Bush-JacksonHitchcock
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld
Senator Jesse Helms
Senator Lowell Weicker
Senator Paul Laxalt
Senator Edward Brooke-NTP
Ambassador to the UK Elliot Richardson

[Peanut]

If possible, I'll play as Massachusetts Senator Ed Brooke

Got it.

[Peanut]

By any chance can I have Mike Gravel?

Granted. Interesting guy.

I would like to join as Governor Reagan.

Granted.

I would like Director Bush

Granted.

[Peanut]

I'd like to run for the Republicans as Ray Kroc.

Granted.

I'd like to pick Jackie Kennedy or George Wallace

Governor Wallace granted.

[Peanut]

Any chance I could hop in as Jerry Brown? Otherwise I'll go for Mondale.

Jerry Brown's ok.

[Peanut]

Can I run as Governor Jimmy Carter?

Granted.

[Peanut]

1) Yes, it's fine if you use my credits system (honestly, even if I did mind, you're the one who actually came up with it).

2) Put me down for Senator Bentsen, if you would, please.

Great, granted.

[Peanut]

Can I be Muskie?

Yep.

[Peanut]

I know this is a weird question but is Pat Schroeder available as a candidate?

Not a weird question, and yeah, you can have her.

[Peanut]

I know this is a weird question but is Pat Schroeder available as a candidate?

Not a weird question, and yeah, you can have her.

Yeah just meant she'd be like the dark horse of dark horses

That's what makes it fun

I'd like to run as Frank Church.

Granted.

Can we post announcement speeches?

Of course, and in fact I'd encourage it.

[Peanut]

Also, if anyone would like one early pre-game endorsement, I will (likely) grant it. PM me whose pre-game endorsement you'd like to have.

[Peanut]

Can we have a Pre-game poll to see our standings?

I'll put up a pre-game extensive coverage of the candidates' standings, region-by-region polling, the primary schedule, and whatnot either tonight or tomorrow.

[Peanut]

1. Some of you may have noticed I accidentally locked this topic. It happened while I was writing the first update for the election. I apologize for that mishap.

2. I'll post the update tomorrow as soon as I can with candidate introductions, endorsements, polling, and whatnot.

3. I urge those who haven't, on both sides, to request early endorsements and do opening speeches. It will help your early polling numbers.

[Peanut]

Saturday, November 1, 1975

1976 Campaign Starts to Heat Up

Exactly one year from tomorrow, on November 2, 1976, the last presidential election of this tumultuous decade shall be held. Under the shadow of the Democratic sweep of 1974, Watergate, Vietnam, the rejection of "acid, amnesty, and abortion", and faint signs of an economic recovery, how will the nation react?

With President Ford not yet having made any conclusive statement on whether he will run for re-election, and with two consecutive presidential losses on the Democratic side, the campaign is wide open and the Oval Office is anyone's game. Many different personalities and visions are duking it out on both parties, and it is impossible to assert at this point which one will prevail.

Today, we dive in on the Republican side of things:

The first candidate to declare was Massachusetts Senator Edward Brooke. A luminary among African-Americans, he is at the forefront of what some call a dying breed of Republicans. Striking in his announcement speech a quasi-populist tone, he is performing in a spectacularly strong way among the moderate Northeastern and Midwestern Republicans who supported Vice-President Rockefeller in his own campaign.

He has also attracted significant support among mainstream Republicans, such as influential Senator Howard Baker, who gave him his endorsement calling him "the kind of Republican who can lead:a believer in everyone's potential and future."

His strength is mainly located in the suprascript areas, but he has also attracted huge support among the rapidly waning African-American Republican community. Can he keep the good times going?

CIA Director George Bush, who ascended to his position after the resignation of William Colby in January of this year*, has also emerged as a major candidate on the Republican side. He has a stellar resume (even if mixed in with some complaints that he's always the bridesmaid, never the bride), probably the most or second-most experienced candidate on the Republican side. In the wake of Watergate, however, it is up to him to play that as a strength.

Despite these complaints, he has fanatical support among mainstream Republicans, and is expected to catch a very significant portion of President Ford's potential base. He is seen as a capable leader and a steady pair of hands, which-his proponents assure-is the best way to ensure a national recovery from the ills of the early decade. Will he embrace this label or emerge as more of a trailblazer? He has many options to capitalize on his early support across the nation.

He has attracted the endorsement, at this point, of at least one main Republican player, despite his relatively silent campaign. Minority Leader of the Senate Hugh Scott proclaimed his support for Director Bush, stating that he "is the best person a Republican majority will be able to work with in 1977. Director Bush...will be a capable and experienced leader, something America needs."

A rapidly growing component of the Republican base is the conservative portion of it. A steadily growing component of a new GOP coalition, there are murmurs that that which spelled out doom for Senator Goldwater may be the key to victory for a new candidate. Therefore, it is only natural that conservative darling California Governor Ronald Reagan would join the Republican race. His warm smile and friendly tone belie that ideology reviled and despised by some but fanatically followed by others. His talents as a public speaker, proved when they gave him the California governorship, will be put to the test as he campaigns for the highest office in the land. Can he turn the tables on the classic notion and make the unelectable finally palatable?

He attracts the early support of a man who has been many times described as one of the Governor's closest friends: Nevada Senator Paul Laxalt. The Senator, who is Mr. Reagan's ideological confrère, lent his support claiming "Governor Reagan will be the President who believes that every American has the potential to become something of themselves by themselves. He will achieve... each individual's promise".

His fervent support across the West and South would have been the kiss of death but a few years ago. Are they now a winning coalition?

Last but not least in the Republican race is businessman Ray Kroc, who emerges as a dark horse contender for the nomination. Striking a conservative tone with some individualistic undertones-quite appropriate and humanizing, given his background-he claims to speak to every American's potential. Is his the tone to strike among great distrust in political institutions? Can he make the case to every American that he will be their leader?

Already attracting the support of influential Senator Bob Dole, he is speaking to a great many Americans who are finding his tone and background appealing in the present circumstances. Senator Bob Dole called him "a proved fighter who will fight for us as President. Mr. Kroc is the leader America needs in these crucial times."


With a race forming between what at this time is four appealing, diverse candidates, the nomination is all but certain, and the different paths presented to the Republican electorate are quite distinct in their vision and tone. The New York Times has some regional and national polling for this time:

First week of November 1975-National Republican Polling:

Governor Ronald Reagan: 21%
Senator Edward Brooke: 20%
Businessman Ray Kroc: 18%
Director George Bush: 15%
Undecideds: 26%

The nationwide polling reveals a Republican Party deeply fragmented on the direction it wants to take. The nomination is most unclear at this time.

First week of November 1975-Northeast Republican Polling:

Senator Edward Brooke: 28%
Director George Bush: 21%
Businessman Ray Kroc: 19%
Governor Ronald Reagan: 15%
Undecideds: 17%

The Northeast has a distinct advantage for Senator Brooke, with the other candidates lagging behind. The conservatism espoused by Mr. Kroc and Governor Reagan is particularly toxic in the region, although Director Bush and Mr. Kroc could very well find an opening here.

First week of November 1975-Midwest Republican Polling:

Businessman Ray Kroc: 19%
Senator Edward Brooke: 18%
Director George Bush: 16%
Governor Ronald Reagan: 14%
Undecideds: 33%

The fragmented nature of the Republican primary is most evident in the Midwest, where no candidate breaks 20% and there is only a 5% difference between the leader and the candidate in last place. Mr. Kroc's big support in the Plain States seem enough to grant him a small one percent lead, while Senator Brooke and Director Bush compete for support in moderate, urban and suburban areas and Governor Reagan comes closely behind.

First week of November 1975-South Republican Polling:

Governor Ronald Reagan: 28%
Director George Bush: 21%
Businessman Ray Kroc: 18%
Senator Edward Brooke: 13%
Undecideds: 21%

In the old (but rapidly changing) Democratic bastion of the South, Governor Reagan's lead is quite significant. He intends to capitalize on his popularity in a region where he made many friends during the last decade and where he has a quite popular image and ideology. The other candidates intend to capture the moderate, mainstream Republican vote (for Director Bush), cut upon Reagan's lead with conservatives (for Mr. Kroc) or capture the votes of a rapidly thinning liberal Republican demographic.

First week of November-West Republican Polling

Governor Ronald Reagan: 20%
Senator Edward Brooke: 17%
Businessman Ray Kroc: 17%
Director George Bush: 13%
Undecideds: 33%

The West, like the Midwest, is still anyone's game. The diversity in the States included in the region is immense, preventing the proper identification of an absolute frontrunner. However, Governor Reagan and Mr. Kroc benefit from their hailing from this region.

[Peanut]

I'll publish the Democratic update soon!

[Peanut]

Sounds good, enjoying the write ups so far.I assume a separate game play thread will be set up afterwards?

Yes, it'll open on the 8th.

[Peanut]

November 1, 1975

Fresh Faces, Old Acquaintances, and Everything in-between
Can the Democrats Pull it Together?

There are currently 8 candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for President. They are diverse geographically, ideologically, personally, and rhetorically, fitting for a party that has tried to include a diverse range of supporters. Who will from these trailblazers emerge as the Democratic nominee for President? And will whoever manages to come out of it capitalize on the Republican Party or pay even further for the sins of McGovern? It is still unknown.

The Post has compiled a brief profile of the candidates, which we include below:

An idiosyncratic figure who threw his hat into the ring is former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter. A deeply interesting figure, he has made waves by both opposing Senator McGovern's nomination four years ago and by having an honest, liberal governing philosophy guided by his deep Christian faith. He stands to capitalize from his position as an outsider in the deeply discontent current public mood.

Is he the candidate of the McGovern coalition? No. Is he the candidate of the big Northern centers of Democratic strength? Not at this point. Is he the candidate of acid, amnesty, and abortion? Hell no. Is he the candidate for a new, revitalized Democratic Party? Perhaps.

He does not start, however, with an obvious or enthusiastic base, and is to fight to put his name out there.

Idaho Senator Frank Church, the master legislator and darling for progressive, clean government causes, starts among the early frontrunners due to his reputation for fighting for clean government and his position as a critic of the establishment. His announcement speech struck a tone firmly putting him as a liberal, perhaps anticipating the challenges from the labor and youth interests that compose a contrasting Democratic coalition.

His main challenge will be finding a balance between how to capitalize on his outsider image while still assuaging Democrats' ideological concerns. A fresh face like his could be the recipe to take the nation out of the turmoil it finds itself in. The case, however, will be only his to make, and he will have to put himself out there.

He does start with the endorsement of influential Governor of New York Hugh Carey, who stated he was the "candidate best positioned to bring us the open, accountable government we so desperately need".

35-year-old Congresswoman Pat Schroeder is another longshot candidate for the nomination. She is known for her outspoken views regarding gender equality, and for unseating a Republican Congressman in Colorado at the same time President Nixon was landsliding in her district.

Is America ready for a female President? Is America ready for its youngest President ever? Those will be the questions Ms. Schroeder will try to answer in the affirmative.

And now, we turn from the unknown outsiders to a familiar face. Alabama Governor George Wallace has, once again, announced his campaign. The deeply controversial figure stunned observers, however, when he renounced his well-publicized racial views in favor of a more populist and inclusive views.

Can he sell this transformation, or is he forever marred by the schoolhouse door? Can he fix the bridges between him and the Democratic base, or are they too far burnt? Only time will tell, but he starts with inferior support among the new Democratic coalition.

Maine Senator Edmund Muskie starts as the frontrunner at this early stage. Then again, he also did in 1972.

The former Democratic running mate announced, striking an abrasive, passionate tone which might just be the recipe for success in 1976. His credentials are undeniable, his liberal chops untouchable.

He must keep the good times with the new Democratic base and he must ensure the voters stick by him. Only he can redeem his '72 sins.

A testament to his more open approach this year is his endorsement by one of the main leaders of the Civil Rights movement, Mr. John Lewis of Georgia, who endorsed him saying "the representative of a future Democratic Party, the best way to ensure the sacrifices we have made are not in vain, the best person to keep the noble fight going is Senator Edward Muskie."

Another influential figure who is seeking the nomination is youthful California Governor Jerry Brown. His ending eight years of Reagan rule in the State instantly made him popular among the Democratic base, and he has nice chops to present himself as the outsider the country so needs.

He has also received the endorsement of influential labor and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, who gave a statement professing his support of Brown due to his initiatives while Governor of California.

He does have to clear concerns, however, regarding his experience, and whether he will govern as a liberal Democrat in the older mold or as a new, McGovern-esque President.

Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen announced his campaign, warning of the corruption and malaise in the DC political system and pledging to be an outsider to clean it up, echoing a tone quite important this election.

The Senator's approach to politics and liberal orthodoxy has earned him admirers and a quite prominent early endorser in Florida Senator Lawton Chiles, who expressed his endorsement saying that "Senator Bentsen will fight the good fight. Due to his steadfast support for progress and greatness, he... is the best candidate to lead this nation."

Renowned anti-establishment voice and Senator from Alaska Mike Gravel has also revealed his intentions to run for President. With a tone rallying against the establishment, he is expected to obtain support stemming from the great public distrust in the government.

He must prove, then, that he is the right leader to build a post-'70s America, and that he can work in Washington at the same time he's fighting it.


Now, we have some national polling on the Democratic race:

First week of November 1975-National Democratic Polling:
Senator Edmund Muskie: 13%
Governor Jerry Brown: 11%
Senator Lloyd Bentsen: 10%
Senator Frank Church: 9%
Governor George Wallace: 8%
Senator Mike Gravel: 8%
Governor Jimmy Carter: 6%
Congresswoman Pat Schroeder: 5%
Undecideds: 30%

A climate of uncertainty shrouds the Democratic primary. It is not yet clear who will emerge as the frontrunner.

[Peanut]

Is the credits system the same for this game as it is in the 2020 game, where 1 credit=house members, 2=former officials, and 3=current officials?

3 credits= Governors, Senators, Presidents, and major celebrities and organizations.

2 credits= Some leading Congresspeople, celebrities, and organizations, former Governors and Senators.

1 credit: Congresspeople, minor statewide and below-statewide officials, minor celebrities and organizations.

Hope that answers it clearly, might put it on the OP.

[Peanut]

Can I be Ted Kennedy if possible?

Yup, granted. The next polls will reflect your standing to allocate your credits; meanwhile, you can ask me for a pre-game endorsement.

[Peanut]

Isn't there going to be a Democratic debate this turn?

Yes, there is, sorry, it will go up pretty soon.

[Peanut]

When will the next turn start?

The 21st, when I will stabilize myself (sorry, I've been very caught up in real life) and start updating and posting more regularly. I apologize for every delay!