No Scrubs

[Progressive]

CLINTON RESIGNS, ADMITS SEXUAL ABUSE

August 1998

"I admit that I had sexual relations with that woman. I took advantage of a young woman, and while my legal counsel has convinced me that what I did was not illegal, it was morally wrong. After much consultation with my loving and too-forgiving wife, Hillary, I have decided to step down as president. My moral transgressions should not define America's future, and I pray to our Lord and our people that this country will always be fond of a place called hope. God bless you, God bless the United States of America."

Al Gore is sworn in as America's 43rd president, with Ann Richards, former governor of Texas, nominated by Gore and voted in by Congress as vice president.

NEXT: Sexual abuse allegations rock other parts of the White House and politics.

[Progressive]

Al Gore is sworn in as America's 43rd president, with Strom Thurmond, the Senate Pro Tempore, a Republican as vice president.

I'm so ready for this TL lol but doesn't the 25th Amendment mean a President (now, in this case, Al Gore) can nominate someone to become Vice President if that office is vacant (b/c of his succession to the presidency), w/ the approval of Congress (i.e. meaning that, rather than Strom ascending to the Vice Presidency, the office is temporarily vacant 'til Gore nominates someone & Congress confirms them, as is what happened w/ Ford re: Nixon & Rockefeller re: Ford)?

Fixed

[Progressive]

Fall 1998

Sexual Assault Commission

President Gore announced that Vice President Ann Richards would create a sexual assault investigation commission to investigate sexual assault in the federal government and recommend prosecution to a special prosecutor in the Department of Justice.

Vice President Richards toured the country talking about sexual assault and abuse, and secured commitments from business leaders to create better practices for reporting and investigation sexual assault in the private sector.

Election 1998

America appeared frozen. Control of the House and Senate remained Republican, with virtually no change in the Senate and a few Democratic gains in the House, largely stemming from support of President Gore's commitment to rooting out government corruption and sexual assault.

GINGRICH ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, HARASSMENT: TO RESIGN

Nearly a dozen former male and female aides came forward alleging that Gingrich was "wildly sexual," "perverse," and "sickeningly abusive" in his Speaker office. Although Gingrich was already planning on resigning due to GOP discontent in the House, the Speaker's resignation put a dark stamp on the GOP which was trying to derail the Gore-Richards agenda. Making matters worse, the 2000 presidential election would likely be framed in the light of sexual assault allegations.

NEXT: GOP LEADERSHIP RACE; PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PRIMER

[Progressive]

GORE SIGNALING TO AIDES HE WILL NOT RUN IN 2000; STEAMING MAD AT VP RICHARDS

End of 1998/Beginning of 1999

President Al Gore has signaled to his top aides including close political confidant Donna Brazile that he will not seek the Democratic nomination for a full-term presidency in 2000, leaving the door open to a bevy of potential scenarios going forward. According to aides close to Gore and senior White House officials, Gore feels 'sidelined' and 'deflated' with an agenda largely focused on sexual assault and the mechanics of government corruption. Gore has reportedly asked Congressional leaders to take on renewable energy initiatives but has been met with little support from leaders who feel paralyzed in the Capitol.

Meanwhile, President Gore is furious with his vice president, Ann Richards. In a TV interview, Vice President Richards suggested that if government were "full of women and gay men," sexual assault would not have to consume so much air time and work time on Capitol Hill and in the White House. Richards went on to suggest that "the next president" must embrace an "ambitious economic agenda" to elevate women in American society, making it less feasible for men to discriminate and abuse women."

The next morning, early, President Gore called the Vice President.

GORE: "Ann, bottom line is you're not a team player and now you're derailing our agenda, and..."

RICHARDS: "Mr. President, our agenda is a good government. By going out there in public I'm showing that the Gore White House cares about this issue."

GORE: "This can't be about personal ego..."

RICHARDS: "Let me cut you off right there, because it's..."

GORE: "Do not cut me off. I am the president. You are not the top dog here and you need to stand down and your aides are going to be told the same thing. Ann, back off. Get it?"

RICHARDS: "Listen to me carefully because I'll say it one time. I agreed to this appointment as a favor to you and the party. Your running mate was a disgrace and almost sank our entire party. Now you want to bask in his stench?"

GORE HANGS UP.

Next: Gore makes an official announcement, the 2000 race gets underway

[Progressive]

Any thoughts?

Not sure if I should stick with it or go to my 2012: Romney timeline

[Progressive]

GORE WON'T RUN; BUSH AND CLINTON ACCUSED OF ADDITIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULTS; CANDIDATES PILE ON

As a cold winter rolls into Washington in 1999, numerous women have come forward alleging sexual assault perpetrated by former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. Although President Gore has not been accused of sexual assault, these allegations against Clinton continue to dog the Democrats and derail the Gore agenda, which has essentially become a vessel for strengthening sexual assault investigations and enforcement in the federal government. First Lady Tipper Gore has joined Vice President Ann Richards touring the country discussing best practices in the private sector for preventing and reporting sexual violence and harassment. Meanwhile, Republicans are in no better shape with the former president and numerous members of Congress on the receiving end of sexual harassment and assault allegations.

SHOCK: According to sources within the White House, President Gore is attempting to remove financial resources from the Office of the First Lady due to Tipper Gore's decision to join Ann Richards on tour. A top aide to the First Lady leaked to TIME Magazine in February 1999 that the First Lady and President have "not talked all that much" since Gore was inaugurated president.

President Gore finally unveiled the worst kept secret in Washington: he was not going to run for president in the year 2000. Political aides and close friends have reported that Gore is perpetually unhappy, deflated, and uninspired since taking office as president. Reportedly, Gore continues to resent the mess that his predecessor Bill Clinton left him, and is disappointed that his press team has been unable to snatch the narrative away from sexual assaults in Washington.

The 2000 campaign is in full swing. Numerous candidates have announced their intention to run for their party's nominations next year. The Iowa Caucuses were just a year away on January 24, 2000. Here is a list of candidates who will be competing. President Gore has signaled to his Vice President that neither he nor his political organization will support her in the primary and they will instead look for a "uniter, not a divider" to be the Democratic standard bearer. Meanwhile, the George H.W. Bush fallout has taken a toll on the Bush family political legacy.

The Democrats: Vice President Ann Richards (D-TX), former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley (D-NJ), U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), U.S. Sen. John Edwards (D-NC), House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO), Gen. Wes Clark (D-AR), and Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-NE).

Early polls suggest indicate that Richards and Gephardt lead the Democratic field but polling is still volatile.

The Republicans: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), former Labor Secretary Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Rep. John Kasich (R-OH), former Vice President Dan Quayle (R-AZ), Gov. Tommy Thompson (R-WI), former U.S. Rep. Jack Kemp (R-NY).

Neither Gov. George W. Bush (R-TX) nor Gov. Jeb Bush (R-FL) entered the 2000 race, despite much speculation, after their father admitted to "regrettably sexually assaulting several women."

Early polls indicate that Dole and Quayle lead the GOP pack but polling is still volatile.

NEXT: 2000 Iowa Caucuses!

[Progressive]

LADIES NIGHT!

IOWA VOTES: THE 2000 CAUCUSES

The Democrats

Ann Richards    31.2%      [X]
Dick Gephardt    18.8%
Wes Clark           18.0%
John Kerry          10.5%
John Edwards       9.7%
Bill Bradley          6.4%
Bob Kerrey          3.9%

REST - %

The Republicans

Elizabeth Dole      25.4%  [X]
Dan Quayle            25.0%
John McCain          19.6%
Jack Kemp            14.0%
Orrin Hatch            7.1%
John Kasich            4.5%
Tommy Thompson  1.6%

REST - %

The 2000 Democratic and Republican Iowa Caucuses have dramatically rewritten the course of American political history forever. Two women, icons in the party within their own right, have won the causes, political establishment be damned. Top Gore aides had largely supported Dick Gephardt and John Kerry behind the scenes, whereas top Republicans had reluctantly rallied behind Dan Quayle with some outsiders opting for John McCain.

Nonetheless, Richards and Dole have accomplished an incredible feat but have a long way to go. New Hampshire was known for throwing a twist in presidential races.

In another surprise, President Al Gore announced that his wife, Tipper Gore, was separating with him and would be relinquishing her official role as First Lady to...join the Ann Richards campaign trail.

Stay tuned! Next post will be the New Hampshire primary and you do NOT want to miss the wild ride.

[Progressive]

EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

NEW HAMPSHIRE VOTES: FIRST IN THE NATION 2000 PRIMARY

The Democrats

John McCain            38.5%   [X]
Elizabeth Dole         27.4%
Dan Quayle            27.1%
Jack Kemp               5.0%

REST - 2% dropped out after Iowa.

What a night! Granite State voters looked at Iowa Caucus results and laughed--thrusting the primaries into full throttle competition mode.

For the Democrats, frontrunner Ann Richards was upset by Gen. Wes Clark who surged to a first place finish with the support of independent men who broke for Clark with 50% of the vote, to Kerry and Richards' 16% each. Sen. John Kerry and former Rep. Dick Gephardt have dropped out of the primary, leaving the race between Vice President Richards and Gen. Clark.

The next primaries will be Delaware and Washington state.

For the Republicans, Sen. John McCain similarly surged to first place with the help of independent men. Vice President Dan Quayle fell to an embarrassing third place, just behind former Sec. Elizabeth Dole, the Iowa Cacuses winner. Jack Kemp has dropped out. The rest of the GOP primary will consist of Sec. Dole, Vice President Quayle, and Sen. McCain.

The next primaries will be Delaware and South Carolina.

STAY TUNED FOR PRIMARY ANALYSIS

[Progressive]

NEW YORK TIMES MAUREEN DOWD: DO RICHARDS AND DOLE HAVE A GUY PROBLEM?

On the verge of primaries in Delaware, purported frontrunners Ann Richards and Elizabeth Dole were met with embarrassing defeats in New Hampshire. Pundits and political know-it-alls are still parsing through the meaning behind their defeat, but one thing is clear. Richards and Dole can't cut it on lady comrades alone. Independent men and male stalwarts in both parties rejected the frontrunners in the Granite State, posing a curious question: do they both have a guy problem? Before I get criticized for being a woman-hating woman, hear this theory out. With the unprecedented dismantlement of rape culture in government, Hollywood, business and other worlds, Richards and Dole's candidacies scored a lifeline in what would have probably been "next in line" primaries, going to Gore for the Democrats and one of the Bush kids for the GOP. But with women emboldened, it's possible that men have been turned off from a focus on sexual assault in presidential politics. Now, pundits and know-it-alls are asking, will men unite to defeat the leading ladies? Only time will tell.

REACTION: Women in both Democratic and Republican circles are protesting Dowd, calling her a misogynist and hack.

NEXT: Delaware primaries.

[Progressive]

FEBRUARY 2000 AND MARCH 7 2000 SUPER TUESDAY:
 A HARSH WINTER INDEED

The Democrats

ANN RICHARDS VICTORIES
Delaware
Washington
California
Connecticut
Georgia
Maryland
Massachusetts
New York
Ohio
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington (caucus)

WES CLARK VICTORIES
Hawaii
Idaho
Maine
Missouri

The Republicans

ELIZABETH DOLE VICTORIES
South Carolina
Michigan
Washington
California
Connecticut
Georgia
Maryland
Massachusetts
Missouri
New York
Ohio
Washington (caucus)

JOHN MCCAIN VICTORIES
Delaware
Arizona
Puerto Rico
Virginia
Maine
Rhode Island
Vermont

DAN QUAYLE VICTORIES
North Dakota
Minnesota

THE SCOOP

What a rough primary race it has been on both sides so far.

On the Democratic side, Ann Richards has begun to coalesce grassroots and base support, but Wes Clark is not giving up, hoping for an upset in the South Carolina primary on March 9, 2000 with the support of veteran families. Buoyed by the strong support of Democratic and independent women across all racial and socioeconomic groups, Ann Richards pulled off significant victories and is nearing in on the nomination. Sources close to Wes Clark tell us that he will drop out if he does not win or "come close" to victory in South Carolina. Meanwhile, Ann Richards has begun to reach out to potential vice presidential candidates.

The Republican side has gotten complicated. John McCain is now handily winning independents in various states, and Vice President Quayle has dropped out after an embarrassing showing. Elizabeth Dole is winning women and conservative voters, but Republican primary-goers admit lukewarm support in exit polls. Numerous surveys suggest a strong enthusiasm gap between Dole and Richards supporters. Sources tell us that John McCain will analyze the Western Caucuses of March 10, 2000 (Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado) in which 91 delegates are at stake. Dole remains ahead in the delegate count, but McCain is not strategically eliminated. Numerous news outlets have reported that Dole has offered McCain the VP slot if he dropped out, but Bob Dole, former senator and presidential contender quipped "we don't need him!"

NEXT: Crucial Democratic South Carolina primary on March 9, 2000 and Western Contests (March 10, 2000) in Wyoming(GOP only), Colorado, and Utah.

[Progressive]

BTW, I will take suggestions for potential VP contenders for the Dem and GOP frontrunners here.

[Progressive]

MARCH MADNESS!

SOUTH CAROLINA (D)
COLORADO (D+R)
UTAH (D+R)
WYOMING (R)

Ann Richards   53.0%  [X]
Wes Clark            45.8%

Ann Richards    58.3%   [X]
Wes Clark              39.0%

   Elizabeth Dole     49.8%    [X]
John McCain      46.5%

Ann Richards       63.6%  [X]
Wes Clark      35.1%

John McCain       55.3%  [X]
Elizabeth Dole     42.0%

John McCain   52.7%  [X]
Elizabeth Dole 45.3%

THE FALLOUT

Ann sweeps! Vice President Ann Richards swept all three contests, nearly mathematically eliminating her challenger Wes Clonrk. Clark, in the interest of defeating the GOP and urging party loyalty, has dropped out of the race and will endorse Ann Richards for president. In an almost-unbelievable moment, Ann Richards has become the first presumptive nominee of a major political party in the United States. Richards is expected to score President Gore's endorsement but her campaign team will keep its distance, focusing instead on crucial battleground states and allowing the GOP contest to continue.

Is Liddy losing steam? Despite polling showing her ahead, Secretary Dole pulled out a small but clear win in Colorado, losing Wyoming and Utah badly to Senator McCain. National polling has shown McCain surging. Dole now leads McCain just 48% to 43%. Last week, after Dole won the lion's share of contests, Dole led 51% to 38%. Still, McCain will have to rely on a brokered convention to win the party's nomination. Rumors swirl that top GOP aides worry that Dole does not have the "stamina or the chops" to compete in what would likely be a daunting general election.

NEXT: Ann Richards' first campaign event as Democratic nominee + GOP Super Tuesday II (FL, LA, TX, OK, MS, TN).

[Progressive]

LIDDY'S NIGHT! MARCH 14, 2000

Florida
Elizabeth Dole     53.9%  (X)
John McCain           45.0%

Louisiana
Elizabeth Dole     58.0%  (X)
John McCain            40.8%

Mississippi
Elizabeth Dole      61.1%   (X)
John McCain             38.1%

Oklahoma
Elizabeth Dole      63.6%   (X)
John McCain             35.1%

Tennessee
Elizabeth Dole      59.9%   (X)
John McCain             38.9%

Texas
Elizabeth Dole      55.7%   (X)
John McCain             43.4%

In one fell swoop, former Secretary Elizabeth Dole dispatched Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential bid. McCain dropped out but did not yet endorse Dole.

On this huge night, it appears that nominees of both parties will be women.

[Progressive]

NEXT UP: VP ANNOUNCEMENTS!

[Progressive]

SUMMER 2000 - ANN & LIDDY MAKE A DEAL

Democrat Ann Richards' Announces Her Running Mate

Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senator from California and former mayor of San Francisco has been tapped to serve as Vice President Ann Richards' running mate. Feinstein will be the first Jewish-American to serve on the presidential ticket.

Republican Elizabeth Dole Announces Her Running Mate

Christine Todd Whitman, Governor of New Jersey, has been selected by former Labor Secretary Elizabeth Dole.

SHOCK NEWS: In a shocking blow to the political establishment, Ann Richards and Elizabeth Dole made a top-level deal to each chose a woman as a running mate. Aides to both candidates hinted to rival teams that they would like to add women to the ticket but did not want to withstand the potential sexist blowback. In a stunning move, Ann Richards called Elizabeth Dole and said, "Liddy let's choose ladies!" The next day, Dole called Richards back and said, "may the best women win!"

[Progressive]

I'm loving this every step of the way

Thanks! Just wait until election night, you'll need wine.

[Progressive]

ELECTION NIGHT EVE, 2000 - GENERAL ELECTION PRIMER

Twas' the night before the election and all in a hurry! Richards and Dole both began to worry! The map was tight and the election is too close to call. We have to wait for actual numbers before the chips start to fall.

The electoral map began to favor Dole after Ann Richards led national and state-by-state polls for much of the race. The Richards campaign focused on ethics reform and sexual assault, environmental issues, Social Security and Medicare reform including expanding to a Medicare For All Pilot program for working families.

The Dole campaign ran ads toward the end of the campaign warning of Richards' Medicare for All program, labeling it "socialized medicine" and warning of a "government takeover" of public health.

Richards saw her support solidify in the Northeast and in the West. Despite Todd Whitman's presence on the GOP ticket, the closest New Jersey ever was in the race was 49% for Richards and 42% for Dole, back in August.

Stay tuned for the next post where we will begin calling states for the candidates!

[Progressive]

ELECTION NIGHT
7:00PM-8:00PM

It all comes down to tonight. America elects its first female president. Who will it be?

At the top of the hour.

7:00PM

CALLED FOR DOLE

Indiana
Kentucky
South Carolina

CALLED FOR RICHARDS

Vermont

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Florida
Georgia
New Hampshire
Virginia
Ohio
North Carolina
West Virginia

7:46PM

CALLED FOR DOLE
Georgia

NEXT: MAJOR CALLS; 8:00PM CLOSING

[Progressive]

ELECTION NIGHT
8:00PM-9:00PM

America was watching. The election was close. Ann Richards made huge strides in cities and suburban communities, especially among women. But Elizabeth Dole was pulling much stronger than her husband did just 4 years ago among men, and did not lose ground with rural women.

8:00PM

CALLED FOR DOLE

North Carolina
Georgia
Mississippi
Oklahoma
Tennessee

CALLED FOR RICHARDS

Connecticut
D.C.
Delaware
Illinois
Maine (all 4)
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan

8:31PM

CALLED FOR DOLE
West Virginia

8:51PM

CALLED FOR RICHARDS
New Jersey

8:56PM

CALLED FOR RICHARDS
Pennsylvania
New Hampshire

CALLED FOR DOLE
Arkansas

TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Florida
Missouri
Ohio

RICHARDS         162
DOLE                 114

NEXT: MAJOR STATES WILL BE CALLED AND 9:00PM STATES WILL COME IN

[Progressive]

ELECTION NIGHT
9:00PM - 10:00PM

Both camps were nervous. Big states were yet to be called. But here it goes....

9:00PM

CALLED FOR DOLE

Arizona
Louisiana
Nebraska (all 5)
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming

CALLED FOR RICHARDS

New York
Rhode Island

9:20PM

CALLED FOR DOLE
Missouri

9:29PM

CALLED FOR RICHARDS
Florida
New Mexico
Minnesota

9:39PM

CALLED FOR DOLE
Ohio

9:50PM

CALLED FOR DOLE

Texas
Colorado

9:59PM

CALLED FOR RICHARDS
Wisconsin

DOLE             223
RICHARDS    213

Elizabeth Dole has maintained a lead throughout the night, running strong in the South and the Heartland. But the Dole path to victory seems has become narrow. With a crushing loss in Florida, and a failure to win in the upper Midwest, the Dole campaign will have to hope for surprising victories in the West. Additionally, the Dole campaign says that it does not agree with the call in New Mexico and Florida, but Richards currently leads Florida by 2% and New Mexico by 3% with virtually all of the vote in.

NEXT: FINAL RESULTS AND A PRESIDENT-ELECT IS NAMED

[Progressive]

Minnesota is listed twice.

Wisconsin is listed none.

Whoops fixed!

[Progressive]

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT ANN RICHARDS AND VICE-PRESIDENT ELECT DIANNE FEINSTEIN

RICHARDS      300   EV
DOLE             238   EV

RICHARDS    51.0% PV
DOLE            48.0% PV