No Watergate, the TL.

[President Mitt]

Im sorry to switch timelines AGAIN, but this time I promise to stick with it . If this is well received, I will continue.

No Watergate, A Timeline
   
The Watergate Break-in

Contrary to a narrow majority of American public opinion today, there was some illegal activity involving the Nixon administration and the Watergate Hotel. Some members of the Committee to Re-elect the President was involved in a break-in at the Democratic National Convention Headquarters in the Watergate Hotel. Historians speculate that if Frank Wills, the security guard on duty after the break-in, had paid a little more attention to the door on the Watergate Complex, it could have made some serious complications for the Nixon Administration.

1972 Republican Nomination

Incumbent President Richard Nixon of course made plans for reelection, as he was a very popular President. The only opposition that was made to President Nixon was the candidacy of John Ashbrook- a little known Congressman from Ohio, who had charged that Richard Nixon had “moved to the left” on various Domestic Issues such as Affirmative Action and Domestic Spending. Being a very popular incumbent, Richard Nixon was easily nominated on the first ballot winning all but one of the Republican Delegates, which was a protest vote, instead voting for Pete McClosky- an anti-war Republican from California.

Vice President Spiro Agnew was also easily re-nominated as Vice President, even though there was some thoughts, including some from Richard Nixon, that he should be replaced.

1972 Democratic Nomination

As a contrast, the 1972 Democratic Primaries were a mess. Ted Kennedy had been the previous frontrunner, but the Chappaquiddick scandal had taken him out of the running. The leading candidates included: Senator George McGovern of South Dakota, Hubert Humphrey from Minnesota, George Wallace of Alabama, Edmond Muskie from Maine, and Shirley Chrisholm from New York.

Edmond Muskie had been the early frontrunner, winning a narrow victory in Iowa, he was expected to win New Hampshire by a large margin, but due to dirty tricks, perpetrated by CREEP, Muskie fell from Grace, and barely won New Hampshire. George Wallace took a lead, winning several southern primaries such as Tennessee and North Carolina, and doing very well in Northern Primaries. But Wallace was taken out of the race when he was shot near fatally by Arthur Bremer.

The race was now down to Hubert Humphrey and George McGovern. Humphrey retained his base of Working Class Union Members in the Rust Belt, but was still tainted by the Vietnam War in a Party that had moved to the left since 1968. The race was close, but Humphrey was knocked out when McGovern won a narrow victory in the California Primary (44% to 39%)

After a tumultuous Democratic Convention, McGovern chose Thomas Eagleton of Missouri as his running mate.

1972 General Election

Richard Nixon was a popular incumbent, who had an overwhelming support of the public in his Vietnam policies and other foreign policies. Richard Nixon had appeared as a World Leader who had closened ties with China, something no President before him had been able to do. George McGovern had focused on a mainly Anti-War platform and heavily increasing Welfare.

The McGovern campaign was heavily hindered by the Eagleton Affair. It was revealed that Thomas Eagleton had received Electro-Shock Therapy for depression. McGovern was pressured to drop Eagleton from the ticket, but caused a backlash against him doing so, and picked Sargent Shriver of California as his running mate. The affair had caused severe damage to McGovern’s credibility. McGovern was also hindered by many Democrats running to Nixon’s camp, alienated by McGovern’s views.

The Nixon camp was also helped by a Pro-Nixon organization known as the "Democrats For Nixon" chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and Nixon Ally John Connally. Democrats For Nixon created several ads designed to attract "Humphrey Democrats" or Working Class Democrats worried about McGovern. The ploy was successful, and Nixon achieved almost 40% of the Democratic Vote in the 1972 Election.

In the end Nixon was a popular President against an opponent who was perceived as hopelessly Liberal, who had bad judgment. Polls showed only 6 out of 10 Democrats approved of McGovern. The result showed as well with Nixon winning one of the largest landslides in history:

Richard Nixon/ Spiro Agnew:    520 Electoral Votes, 60.7%
George McGovern/ Sargent Shriver:    17 Electoral Votes, 35.7%

1972 Congressional Elections

The Democrats did keep Control of both Houses of Congress, making slight gains in the Senate, and slight losses in the House.

House
Democrats- 242 (-13)
Republican- 192 (+12)

Senate
Democrats- 56 (+2)
Republicans- 42 (-2)

[President Mitt]

This seems good, but please continue the Liberal Republicans, also!

With regards to the Liberal Republicans, I think I took an Idea and went with it without further research, and I believe I went a little over my head. I may continue it someday, but if you would like to continue it for me, your welcome to do so.

[President Mitt]

This sounds good. I know way too much about post 1960s American politics, so if you have any questions I would love to help.

Thank you Hcallega. I am looking forward to your 1940 Timeline as well. I do have one question, Do you know the details of the Nixon Health Insurance Plan? If you do PM it to me please.

[President Mitt]

The Second Term of Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon reentered the Presidency with a large mandate coming from the 1972 Presidential Election, even if the Republican Party did not. Richard Nixon made a televised address in the first few days of his presidency addressing many of the major concerns that the people had. He firstly claimed that the economy was booming and attributed it to many Nixon Economic policies in the early 70’s.

He then claimed that he intended to keep South Vietnam safe from “Communist Aggressors” if North Vietnam decided to break the Paris Agreement. He also spoke of continuing relations with China.

Nixon also continued to attack Racial Busing, which had made him very popular to White Working Class Democrats who had voted for him in 1972.

Surprisingly, Richard Nixon also called for “Health Care Reform” that is reforming the Health Care system in the United States to make it easier for people to obtain. Nixon did not give many details as to the plan. Nixon also planned not to pursue it immediately. The President said to his Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman “Now is not the time, I have more important matters.”

Nixon also announced after his Television Conference that he would keep the Price Controls he placed in the early 70's to Congressional Leaders. With Carl Albert, Mike Mansfield, Gerald Ford and Hugh Scott generally supporting this plan, the price controls would remain, much to the anger of Big Business.
 
Vice President Spiro Agnew was forced to resign the Vice Presidency on October 10th, 1973 when he was accused of bribery, Tax Evasion, and Money Laundering during his tenure as the Governor of Maryland. Spiro Agnew pleaded No Contest only to the charge of Tax Evasion, when he failed to report almost 20,000 Dollars worth of Income. As according to the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, President Nixon would have to nominate somebody to fill in the rest of Spiro Agnew’s term.

Richard Nixon had several high-profile politicians on his shortlist for Vice President, including:

-   John Connally, Secretary of Commerce from Texas
-   Gerald Ford, House Minority Leader from Michigan
-   John Tower, Senator from Texas
-   Hugh Scott, Senate Minority Leader from Pennsylvania
-   Howard Baker, Senator from Tennessee

Ford and Scott were mainly on the list just because they would have been easy to be confirmed. Howard Baker was briefly considered because of his high Congressional Respect and appeal to Southern Conservatives, but Nixon was aiming for his close ally John Connally to be confirmed, but Democratic Leaders had given strong resistance against the idea. Nonetheless, Nixon went forth with the nomination of Connally.

Nixon later revealed to H.R. Haldeman that he wanted Connally to win the Presidency in 1976 mainly to ensure a different and much more powerful Republican Party, one that included Blue-Dog Democrats and the Working Class Whites that had voted for Wallace in 1968 and Humphrey in 1972 (Democratic Primary).

Democrats had strong anger towards John Connally, who had been the Democratic Governor of Texas before he took a cabinet appointment in the Nixon administration, and chaired the traitorous “Democrats for Nixon” in the 1972 Election. Speaker of the House Carl Albert had eventually said: “If Nixon is doing this just to push our buttons, Mission accomplished.”

However the rejection of Connally was not assured. Through the political maneuverings of Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, Most Republicans were expected to stay in line, and vote with the President to confirm Connally. Not only that, but most Southern Democrats were favorable towards Connally, and voted for him.

The Senate voted 53 to 46 to confirm Connally, with Republican Senator Jacob Javits (R- NY) refusing to vote. With a defeat in the Senate, House Democratic discipline collapsed, and Connally was confirmed 287 to 135 to become the 40th Vice President of the United States.

John Connally, 40th Vice President of the United States

[President Mitt]

I somewhat like Connally. Not as President, but personally.

I actually did a project on Connally back in Middle School for Texas history lol, He accomplished alot during his time as Governor, but I think the biggest thing that's going to hurt his chances in 1976(He should still have a fairly good shot given, Nixon's popularity) is that he would be seen by many voters as a relic from the '60's that really wasn't that visible in the Nixon adminstration to begin with. Nixon will have to pour alot of support into Connally(Which means giving him a major policy intiative,sending him on stature enhancing trips, casual photo ops etc) to make him seem Presidential

btw, Nixon's plan...Which I dubbed CHIA(or Comphrensive Health Insurance Act) in my timeline was a plan that was specifically designed to work in the form of a mandate, which would require Businesses to cover their employees, along with a Medicaid-like program for lower income families, in which all American citizens would be able to join by paying sliding-scale premiums based on their income.

I think im actually rooting for Connally/Brooke in 1976 to give the Democrats a better shot in 1980 lol. Anyway's GIO, I think that while you meant well with trying to do the pre 1900 timeline's they are a lot of work and research to try to make it seem remotley positive. Something like a No Watergate timeline, something that's only covering about 35 years of Butterflies is alot easier to handle. I like where this timeline is going...Keep it comming.

Historico hit the hammer on the nail there.

Second Term of Richard Nixon, pt. 2

"I shall propose a sweeping new program that will assure comprehensive health-insurance protection to millions of Americans who cannot now obtain it or afford it, with vastly improved protection against catastrophic illnesses,"- President Richard Nixon

On February 6th, 1974, President Richard Nixon proposed his Health Care Reform plan to Congress. It was a well known fact that Health Care Costs were beginning to get higher and higher, and availability to Health Care was decreasing. These problems were attributing to rapidly increasing Federal inflation, and increasing Hospital expenditures. The President declared American medicine in “dire need of reform”.

The Plan consisted of an Employer Mandate System that would force Businesses to insure their employees. President Nixon would also design a Small Business Subsidy program that would help Small Businesses pay for Employee Health Care. The plan would also help Business. Nixon’s plan also called for the creation of 1700 Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO’S) to help pay to almost 40% of Health Care Costs for business. Nixon predicted that his Health Care Plan would help insure 40 Million uninsured Americans by the end of 1976.

Reaction to the Comprehensive Health Insurance Act was mostly for the early stages, negative. Republicans cried that the CHIA was “Government mandated Socialized Medicine” with Congressman John Ashbrook (R- OH) remarking: “The President has forgotten that we are supposed to be fighting Socialism, not lining ourselves up with it!” Most Republicans thought that while Health Care Reform was needed, Nixon’s plan went too far.

The Democrats by contrast thought that Nixon’s Health Insurance Plan did not go far enough. Senate Majority Whip, Edward M. Kennedy (D- MA) instead sought an entirely Government run Health Care system, implementing an Individual Mandate- something that Richard Nixon opposed, but did express support for requiring Children to be insured.

Debate raged through March between the Kennedy Government plan, and the Nixon Employer Mandate plan. Eventually, on April 2nd, the President and Kennedy waged a compromise that would include most of Nixon’s plan, but with several concessions to Teddy Kennedy including requiring that Children be insured, and giving Lower Income Americans Slide Scale Premiums based on their level of income. Both sides won out in the end, President Nixon came out with most of his Health Care Plan intact, and Senator Kennedy came out with a favorable reception from Democrats for standing up to Nixon for a month.

But the CHIP still faced considerable opposition from Congressional Conservatives. Conservative Republicans such as Barry Goldwater (R- AZ), Strom Thurmond (R- SC), and John Ashbrook (R- OH) decried the Health Insurance Plan as socialism, some saying that Nixon had betrayed the Conservative Rhetoric he displayed in the 1972 election when he dealed around with the Kennedys. The Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan’s fate in Congress was still in the balance.

Until the Nixon Chief of Staff, H.R. Haldeman distributed a memo to every Congressional and Sentate Republican who was either against the CHIP, or a swing vote. The memo was an ultimatum threatening that if Republicans voted against Nixon Care, Nixon would not stop by their districts to campaign for them in the 1974 elections, nor would he allow Pork to go into opposing Districts. The threat empowered Conservative Resistance against the CHIP, but swung Swing Voters such Charles Mathias from Maryland and John Tower of Texas toward CHIP. There was also constant Arm Twisting by Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott and Minority Leader Gerald Ford towards opposing Republicans. Republican Senator Edward Brooke (R- MA) finally decalred "Finally! Me and the President agree on something!" Brooke would prove invaluable twisting arms of Moderate Republicans in the East to support Nixon Care

The Comprehensive Health Insurance Act of 1974 passed in the House 228 to 207, with Most Democrats and a slim majority of Republicans voting in favor of it. The Senate passed the CHIP 69 to 31, with Southern Democrats and Western Republicans voting against it. The President calling it a “Positive Reform for millions of uninsured Americans.”

In a rare occurrence, the Republican Party had gained seats in the 1974 Midterms, mainly because of the opposition to many Want-To-Be Democratic Freshman’s to the Vietnam War, which many Americans now believed the US was winning, and overall popularity of the Nixon administration. Some Republicans won victories in the Rust Belt by appealing to the Working Class by supporting Nixon Care.

1974 Congressional Elections:

Democrats: 232 (-11)
Republicans: 203 (+11)

Senate:
Democrats: 55 (-2)
Republicans: 44 (+2)
Independents: 1

On April 7, 1975, North Vietnam attacked South Vietnam in an Operation Code Named “Operation Frequent Wind”. North Vietnam had theorized that since the United States had made a hasty negotiation in 1973 that the United States had lost its resolve, and would not assist South Vietnam in the fight. They were wrong. Nixon ordered bombings to resume on North Vietnam. As it had in the last Five years, Vietnamization proved successful and American Fire Power plus South Vietnamese Ground troops won the day, and the North Vietnamese attack was defeated.

Richard Nixon would be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for “ensuring peace in South East Asia”, although there were many protests from North Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and even some lukewarm resistance from South Vietnam (although Thieu never voiced it in Public).

Nearing the End of his Second Term, Richard Nixon’s approval ratings were in-between the high Fifties and the low sixties.

[President Mitt]

Wow that was pretty sad. I give Teddy a role in my TL, the next day he passes away. It'd be kinda funny if it wasn't so sad. Anyways, an update tomorrow.

[President Mitt]

The Democratic Nomination

With America’s partisan loyalties still in the balance, Democratic Big Leaders around the country put their hats into the 1976 Presidential Election. The first was Senator Henry Jackson of Washington, who applauded Richard Nixon’s Domestic and Foreign policies, but vowed to run them “better” than the Republicans. The Second was California Governor Jerry Brown, who held a populist Tax-Cut platform that was appealing to Moderates. The other “Serious” Contenders were Morris Udall, George Wallace, and Idaho Senator Frank Church. There were also contenders like Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, who people pretty much knew had no real chance of winning the Nomination, much less defeating the Republicans.

One contender who was missing was Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, there had been large amounts of support for a “Draft Teddy” campaign, but Edward Kennedy refused to comply. Some saying he was “just fine” with being Senator, others saying that he was waiting until 1980, where the Democrats would have a bigger advantage.

Senator Jackson had been leading the polls narrowly in Iowa, but in an upset on January 27th, Governor Brown edged the Senator by little more than two thousand votes, seriously damaging Senator Jackson’s momentum. The Governor repeated this success with a victory in New Hampshire. But Jackson came back, winning large victories in Massachusetts (March 2), Florida (March 9), Illinois (March 16), and North Carolina (March 23), with Brown managing only a moderate win in Vermont (March 2).

Jackson and Brown would split the remaining primaries; Jackson would take Southern States, and the Rust Belt. Brown would take the West, and more liberal Democratic States. The deciding contest being Oregon (May 25). Jackson won the Beaver State by little more than 6,000 votes, giving Jackson a narrow Majority in pledged delegates. Brown would drop out and endorse Jackson, leaving Henry “Scoop” Jackson as the Democratic Nominee by default.

At the Democratic National Convention in Madison Square Garden, Henry Jackson would choose Senator Samuel Nunn as his running mate to appeal to the South, which both Nunn and Jackson had strong appeal to. The Democratic Platform also for the first time included an Anti-Busing measure, as suggested by Senator Jackson in order to drawl Southern Whites from the Republicans.

The Republican Nomination

Even though John Connally was the Vice President of a popular incumbent, which by no means assured him the nomination of his own Party. Many Republicans distrusted him because of his Democratic past, and some Conservatives were disgusted with the Vice President’s support of the Nixon National Health Insurance Plan. President Nixon knew that his VP might have trouble keep the GOP rank and file in line, and gave the full support of the Nixon machine that had engineered his 1968 victory and 1972 landslide to the troubled Vice President. It proved to work, and for the most part there was only feeble opposition in the form of Congressman John Ashbrook. Vice President Connally easily coasted to the Republican Nomination.

There were some suspicions with Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater. Nearing the 1976 campaign, Goldwater  had undertook a Whistle Stop Campaign mostly speaking for “Conservative Principles”, with many believing he was thinking of creating a Primary Challenge to the Vice President, but he never announced. Goldwater would later write in his memoirs he voted for Ashbrook in the Arizona primary.

John Connally would choose Maryland Senator Charles Mathias as his running mate to appeal to Moderates in the Northeast. TIME magazine would later categorize Mathias as the “Most Dulling vice Presidential Pick in History” While Mathias was a genuine politician and a intelligent one at that, he was a lackluster campaigner.

1976 Presidential Election

Both Tickets remained neck and neck after the August Conventions. Henry Scoop Jackson claimed he would strengthen America abroad, and deepen Domestic Programs started by Johnson’s great Society, and not necessarily ended by the Nixon Administration. John Connally claimed he was the one who would continue the legacy of Nixon. As a Rolling Stone article put it: The name of the game was to see who could Out-Nixon Nixon. The magazine would refuse to endorse either ticket.

Connally immediately went on the attack. He claimed that Jackson would spend the Government Treasury “dry as a Texas Cactus” as he liked to put it. Jackson likewise claimed that Connally would sell the country out to the US Chamber of Congress and other Pro- Business organizations in the United States. Connally then claimed that Jackson would be a President “In the pocket of the AFL- CIO”.

Connally did have an advantage. Grassroots efforts by Evangelical Christians seemed to back him, as Connally did reach out to them by supporting “family values”. He was also the Vice President of a popular administration. But Jackson also had an advantage, himself being a “New Deal Democrat”, he had strong appeal to the fractured coalition that had once ruled the United States.

Nearing the end of the campaign, Polls shown that Jackson was starting to boost in the South, a vital swing region in the 1976 election. Connally conducted a “Surrogate Strategy”, with himself, and Southern Surrogates such as John Tower or Strom Thurmond focusing on the South, and sending his VEEP Charles Mathias, Gerald Ford, and Edward Brooke to campaign for him in the North. The Strategy worked, and Connally gained in the Polls.

Vice President John Connally/ Senator Charles Mathias: 276; 50.1%
Senator Henry S. Jackson/ Senator Sam Nunn: 262; 48.9%

Connally gained a narrow victory over his Democratic Rival. The Decisive State turned out to be Ohio, with Connally stealing just enough Blue Collar support from Jackson to tip the state over to him by just 80,000 votes.

However the Democrats gained in the House of Representatives, with the Republicans gaining a Net Gain of one seat in the Senate.

House
Democrats: 238 (+6)
Republicans: 197 (- 6)

Senate:
Democrats: 54 (-1)
Republicans: 45 (+1)
Independent: 1

[President Mitt]

I have looked up Hugh Scott's age and agree with the both of you, so I've edited the post to replace Scott with Charles Mathias (R- MD). Sorry to all you rabid Hugh Scott fans out there.

And thanks for both your comments.

[President Mitt]

The First Term of John Connally (1977- 1981) (Part 1)


Vice President Connally took the oath of office on January 20th, 1977 to become the Thirty- Eight President of the United States. President Connally urged the continuing of the legacy of Richard Nixon, promising to continue the Domestic, Economic, and Abroad policies of the departing Nixon Administration. President Connally would keep most of the Nixon cabinet intact, with many Nixon holdovers remaining in position.

Vice President: Charles Mathias
Secretary of State: Henry Kissinger
Secretary of the Treasury: William Simon
Secretary of Defense: Alexander Haig
Attorney General: William Saxbee
Post Master General: William M. Blout
Secretary of the Interior: Rogers Morton
Secretary of Commerce: Frederick Dent
Secretary of Labor: James Hodgson
Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: Robert Dole
Secretary of Urban Development: James Lynn
Secretary of Transportation: Claude Brinegar

The only real changes President Connally made to the Nixon Cabinet was the appointment of Allied Supreme Commander Alexander Haig as his new Secretary of Defense, and Senator Robert Dole of Kansas as his new Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. The only trouble was appointing Haig, who had a controversial leadership in Europe.

The First objective of the New United States Administration was to pass a budget. Connally’s idea of the budget for the Fiscal year was a cut in some Social Spending, and even more cuts in programs such as NASA, who had been gutted by the Nixon Administration years ago. President Connally had said: “While Space Exploration is a vital importance to this administration, it is second to other objectives such as Balancing the Budget and Keeping our Military in top Shape.” The Connally Budget would also supply for a tax cut, and overall simplifying of the Tax Code.

Senate Majority Whip Edward M. Kennedy struck down the Connally budget as a means of “Depriving the less fortunate of more than they already have.” The Democrats proposed a compromise budget, with no further cuts in NASA, and only slight cuts in other social programs. This budget would also only provide a tax cut for the lowest of Income earners. Connally would veto the Kennedy budget, but Congress would override the veto with most of Congress in agreement.

The embarrassing loss in the budget fight caused President Connally’s approval ratings to go from its January high of 66% to a lower to 58%.

On March 7th, 1977, President Connally requested that Congress end the 1950’s Price Controls on Natural Gas that according to Connally had contributed to the 1973 Gas Crisis, and not the efforts of President Nixon. Connally managed to gain enough Southern Democratic Votes to ensure the passing of this measure.

On September 7th, President Connally makes a speech in Tampa, Florida, again refusing to talk with the Country of Panama about relinquishing the Panama Canal, which the President opposes, and goes on to say: “We paid for it, We built it, and some even died for it, it belongs to the United States of America.” Due to the unpopularity of relinquishing it among the American People, the Democrats are mostly silent on the issue.

Over the late 70’s, OPEC raises its oil prices over 14 percent. The following months would be filled with Nationwide Gas shortages, sparking many fears that the Gasoline Prices of the early Seventies might return.

There was rapid stagflation throughout Connally’s first term, Sky Rocketing Unemployment along with rising Inflation which was hurting Connally approval as well. Democrats urged action, and Senator Ernest Hollings of South Carolina introduced the Fair Employment act of 1978, which passed both Houses of Congress with minimal opposition. Although President Connally personally opposed it, he gave into pressure and signed the Fair Employment Act of 1978. This made Connally seem Weak to many Conservatives, who were steadfastly opposed to the FEA.

Despite some rattling from his friends at the United States Chamber of Commerce, and some pro- Business supporters, President Connally refuses to strike out the Wage and Price Controls, which Connally had helped create in the early 70’s. Inflation is continuing to rise, and was contributing to lower Approval ratings for Connally.

Nearing the 1978 Midterms, President Connally had an Approval Rating of 45%, with 39% disapproving of him, and the other 16% percent having no opinion of him. This provided that the Republicans might be in for a rough election.   

The Democrats gained a large number of seats in the House, and the Senate. Although Voters approved on how Connally handled Foreign Policy, Voters were steadfastly opposed to how the Connally Administraion acted towards the Gas, Economic, and Domestic situations opposing the United States.

House:

Democrats: 270 (+32)
Republicans: 175 (-32)

Senate:

Democrats: 59 (+5)
Republicans: 41 (- 5)

[President Mitt]

Thanks for the comments guys, and if you have any suggestions for a way the TL should go. PM me.

[President Mitt]

President Connally (Part 2)


After the November elections, giving the Democrats Huge Majorities in both Houses of Congress, John Connally sends congradulatory notes to Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd (D- WV) and the new Speaker Tip O' Neill (D- MA). But he urges them to "make decisions that help the American People and not just your Party."

On June 18th, 1979, President Connally makes a speech to Congress refusing to sign the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks Treaty. Connally says that the treaty would diminish American Military Power; he also predicted that since the Soviets were willing to talk, and the United States was winning the Cold War. “If you’re done plowing half the field, you don’t just quit because you’re tired, you pull your pants up and plow the other half.” Senator Henry Jackson (D- WA), Connally’s 1976 opponent applauded the decision, while most Democrats opposed it. “The President has made it clear he does not support Peace, instead keeping the support of the Military-Industrial Complex,” Said Senator McGovern (D- SD).

On September 27th, President Connally creates the Department of Education. “The United States must not only have the best toys, the most money, and the best Soldiers, we must also have the best Minds”, was the reason for Connally’s action.

On December 5th, representatives from Mexico, the United States, and Canada meet in Ontario, Canada to discuss the possibility of a Free Trade Bill, which President Connally supports greatly. The nations come to an agreement, as all three accept the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA for short. NAFTA easily passes through the Canadian and Mexican Governments, but is stalled in the United States. Senator John Glenn implied he heard a "Giant Sucking Sound of American jobs", and announces opposition.

Connally is able to swing enough Democratic Votes his way to pass NAFTA through the House and Senate narrowly. The Democratic Party condems the legislation with Senator Andrew Miller of Virginia stating "John Connally, your time has come."

On November 4th, 1979 militant Iranian students mob the United States embassy in Tehran, Iran. The mob as over the issue that the deposed Shah, an American ally, had been granted entrance into the United States for Medical treatment. President Connally experiences a sudden boost in polls due to a “rally around the flag” effect. Shooting his approval from 41% in September to 78% in November. Connally strongly condemns the Iranians and makes a strong claim “Iran will return those hostages, come hell or high water.”

Connally ordered that ten “Sea Stalion” Helicopters, five filled with Special Forces, and five for transportation be sent to Iran. The forces set out on April 24th, and the forces landed, and secured 49 of the 54 Hostages, with five unfortunately being caught in the crossfire. While on the way out, and Iranian militant would fire a rocket and downing a helicopter, killing three servicemen, and 5 rescued Hostages. Connally reported the operation a success. His critics deriding it as “gambling with lives” criticized the loss of 10 hostages. “Those Ten Souls would still be with us if our President had not acted like an arrogant Cowboy,” said Representative Frank Church (D- ID). The incident did have a positive impact on Connally’s approval, with the President having 52% approval ratings after Operation Eagle Claw.

On December 27th, 1980 the Soviet Union invades Afghanistan, and incumbent President Hafizullah Amin is deposed and executed by a Leftist Coup. The Soviets would in turn install a Pro-Soviet Government lead by Nur Muhammad Taraki. President Connally condemns this action and secretly orders Weapons to be sent to Anti- Soviet Mujahedeen fighters in Afghanistan. Democrats criticize the President’s response. Governor Jimmy Carter (D- GA) urged for a Grain Embargo on the Soviet Union. Connally refused to do so, fearful of losing the Farmer Vote in the 1980 Presidential Election.

On January 20th, In protest of the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, Connally announces that the United States would not participate in the Summer Olympic Games in Moscow unless the Soviet Union withdrew its army from Afghanistan. The Us. Olympic Committee released a statement supporting the President's decision. Several other nations would withdraw from the Olympics as well, The Soviet Union would win the most Metals in the Olympics, even with many of the World's greatest Athletes not participating.

On January 25th, The Consumer Price Index rises to over Ten percent in 1979. President Connally defends that the Connally Administration’s policies had helped, and that inflation would be much worse if not for his policies.

With a sagging Economy, low approval ratings, and overall dissatisfaction with the Connally administration, President Connally gears up for his toughest challenge yet- seeking reelection.   

[President Mitt]

BROWN THROWS HAT IN RACE
Governor Jerry Brown, a Democrat from California, and the runner up for the 1976 Democratic Nomination, is the first Democrat to announce their intentions to run for the Presidency. Brown has called President Connally a “total failure”, and promising a government, where “Everyone will be reminded that the American People are the bosses, and not Special Interests.”
-   New York Times 12/29/1979


THIS IS AN ERA OF LIMITS, WE ALL BETTER GET USED TO IT.
-   Quote on Governor Brown’s Campaign Headquarters in California.


TIME Magazine Special: The Democratic Candidates

First of Course there is Governor Brown from California. He is a young, handsome, and charismatic Democrat, who has much appeal to younger Democrats, and he also has a lot of support from Independents. One of Brown’s weaknesses is that Labor Unions are lukewarm about him due to the fact of his Economic Conservatism, many times pulling to the right of President Connally, calling for a Balanced Budget Amendment, and calling for Taxes to be cut. Brown will have trouble swaying the White Working Class, which in many elections is a valuable swing vote.

Then there is Ernest Hollings from South Carolina. He is a classic Southern New Deal Democrat, who was the Governor to introduce School integration to South Carolina, with notable success. There is trouble among the base with Hollings; some accuse the Senator of being too Conservative to be the Democratic Nominee. Hollings does have the support of the South, and was endorsed by notable Democrats, including 1976 nominee Senator Henry Jackson.

There is Senator Hughes of Iowa. While Hughes is not necessarily the candidate of Charisma like Brown, or of Experience like Ernest Hollings, he does have a compelling story of how he overcame Alcoholism, and is very appealing to Evangelical Christians and could possibly sway the South, which could make a difference if Hughes is neck and neck with President Connally. Hughes also has a distinguished record as Governor of Iowa, and as a Senator from Iowa.

The Last real “Frontrunner” for the nomination is New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who is the classic Liberal Democrat from New York. He is for the most part, a liberal from the Northeast, an unpopular stereotype. But Moynihan does have several decades of experience public service, and is very well respected across the Isle to Republicans and Democrats. Some Democrats speculate that Moynihan might be the ‘perfect’ nominee. The only problem is he is not particularly inspiring or popular with Democratic Primary voters.
-   TIME Magazine Article 2/1/1980


NO OPPOSTION TO CONNALLY FOR GOP NOD
Despite his unpopularity, President Connally does have one advantage, he has no credible Primary opponents for the re-nomination of his Party, which might give Connally extra time to lessen the gap between himself and the Democrats.
-   Manchester Union Leader 2/4/1980


HUGHES WINS IN IOWA
To no surprise, Governor Harold Hughes has won the Democratic Iowa Caucus by an overwhelming margin. Iowa is Hughes’ home state, and was expected to go to him by a large margin.
-   Except from New York Times Article, 2/ 21/1980


   "The rest of the Democratic Primaries were split. Moynihan won the next contest in Maine, Hughes winning in Minnesota; Brown winning in a surprise victory in New Hampshire, Moynihan won the rest of the Northern States. Brown took the West, Hollings took the South, and Harold Hughes took the Midwest. The Democrats were going to Madison Square Garden, New York without a clear nominee, as none of the candidates had a majority of the needed delegates to win the nomination.

Brown: 1029 Delegates
Hollings: 639 Delegates
Moynihan: 767 Delegates
Hughes: 601 Delegates
Other- 38

Brown was the closest with a little over 1000 delegates. If Brown could convince one of his opponents to back him, he would be the Official Democratic Nominee. On the first ballot, all delegates voted the way they were supposed to, sticking by their candidate. On the second ballot, Brown offered Senator Ernest Hollings the Vice Presidency in exchange for dropping out. Hollings agreed, and Brown won a slight majority of Delegates on the second ballot. Most of the other delegates rushed to Hughes, but to no avail.

Brown: 1668
Moynihan: 767
Hughes: 639

Then it was uncertain if the Democratic Party might split. The Labor and Christian supporters of Hughes and Moynihan were uncertain if Brown had their best interests at heart. Then, Brown gave his famous speech that unified the party, just in time to take on Connally."

-   Excerpt from Fmr. Chief of Staff James Carville’s book 1958- 2008, The Evolution of American Politics.


“Thank you fellow Democrats for your generous applause. The last four years have proven what 12 years of failed policies have brought on to us. America needs a Democratic Victory in 1980!”

(Thunderous Applause)

“I must Ask All of you, Are any of you better off than you were four years ago?”

(A loud NO!!!! is heard from the Audience.)

“I thought so. Well I feel the same way. And let me tell you, When I’m President of the United States a new day will dawn on America. Together we will rip out the Seeds of Corruption from Washington. I will always remember who my Employer is, the American People.

(Loud Applause) (Chants of Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!)

“Thank you and God Bless you.”
- Excerpt from Governor Brown's Nomination Speech


BROWN LEADS CONNALLY BY TWENTY POINTS
-   Detroit Free News 9/4/1980


“God Damn it! Dig something up on this guy; he can’t be nearly as spotless as he looks….”
-   President Connally speaking with Chief of Staff, Patrick Buchanan

[President Mitt]

I do have some surprises in store that I think will be interesting twists, so be prepared.

BTW, I dislike Connally, so even If I know who's going to win. I second this

[President Mitt]

A Small Prequel.....

RICHARD NIXON ENDORSES MECHMAN FOR SENATE
IT seems former President Nixon has endorsed the Libertarian from Oklahoma for the race deciding the Midwest Senate Election. Nixon then proceeded to do a dance in support of Mechman.
- New York Times 1/12/09

[President Mitt]

Almost Done, probably up by tonight.

[President Mitt]

By the way do any of you guys have a preference to the "Newspaper" format, or the textbook format?

[President Mitt]

BROWN HAS SIZEABLE LEAD IN POLLS, APPROVAL FOR CONNALLY WEAKENING
Governor Jerry Brown of California, the Democratic Nominee, has a eight point lead over his Republican opponent President John Connally of Texas. Voters disapproved of the way the President had handled the economy (63% to 20%), and the way the President dealed with the Oil Crisis (83% to 9%), but a slim majority did approve of the President on foreign Policy (54% to 33%). Polls showed Brown gaining mainly from Independent Voters, who Brown has spent considerable time and money trying to woo to his camp.
-   The New York Times August 2nd, 1980

Connally Campaign Stop- Philadelphia, Mississippi, 8/9/80
“If I am re-elected President in 1980, my Administration will begin a devolution program, with the Federal Government giving responsibility of Education to the States. Because, My Friends, I believe in State’s Rights…..”

Brown Campaign Stop- Indianapolis, Indiana, 8/10/80
"As much as it burdens me my fellow Americans, President Connally has failed you, he promised to be a continuation of Mr. Nixon, and has ended being the continuation of Herbert Hoover."

NIXON STUMPS FOR PRESIDENT
Former President Richard Nixon was seen campaigning for President Connally in Georgia this Thursday. Georgia is seen by many as a possible swing state this election year. Vice Presidential Candidate Ernest Hollings definitely boosted Governor Brown’s polling in the South, so much in fact, President Connally is pulling out his big guns. Nixon applauded Connally’s achievements in Foreign Policy, namely the rescue of Hostages in Iran which a slim majority of Americans (55% to 21%) approved of the President’s actions. There was no mention of Domestic and Economic issues.
-   The Atlanta Journal September 19th, 1980

Connally Campaign Stop- Cleveland, Ohio, 9/21/80
“Mr. President, I voted for you in 1976, and things have gotten really bad for me and my family, I worked in a auto plant, and I was laid off. Can you give me one good reason why I should vote for you again?”

“Well, uh, um…. You see, things would be much worse if Mr. Jackson uh……. had been elected and-“

“Mr. President, with all due respect, that does not answer my question.”


The September 21st Town hall proved a fatal blow to the Connally Campaign. It seemed to wary swing voters that even President Connally did not know what to do to fix the economic crisis. Polls continually showed that Brown was leading Connally by at least 10 points in almost every poll. Connally’s campaign had lost the momentum, and was beginning to lose their morale as well. There was one debate in which Connally attempted to mount a comeback, but the debate was considered a tie.
-   Excerpt from Fmr. Chief of Staff James Carville’s book 1958- 2008, The Evolution of American Politics.

BROWN IN A LANDSLIDE
Governor Brown the Democratic Nominee for President has soundly defeated the Republican Nominee and incumbent President John Connally of Texas in the 1980 Presidential Election. Brown has swept the Northeast, West Coast, and has even chipped off some of Connally’s Southern Base, mainly to the vigorous efforts of Brown’s running mate, now Vice President Elect Ernest Hollings (D- SC). The President issued a statement to his supporters, concluding that “We tried our best, but now we must prepare to transition to President Elect Brown.”
-   New York Times Headline, November 4th, 1980.

“I can’t believe that Buck Toothed Son of a Bitch beat me….”
-   President Connally to Chief of Staff, Patrick Buchanan

“Today is a new day in America, the culture of Corruption that has cemented itself twelve years ago better watch out, because Edmond Gerald Brown and Ernest Hollings are coming to Washington!”
-   Excerpt from Brown’s victory speech.

Governor Jerry Brown/ Ernest Hollings: 360
President John Connally/ Charles Mathias: 178
-   File from the Presidential Library of Edmond G. Brown

[President Mitt]

And unless somebody objects, I will probably return to the textbook format next update. It is much easier to write in.

[President Mitt]

The Presidency of Jerry Brown


Jerry Brown was inaugurated President on January 20th, exactly twenty years after Senator Kennedy- one of Brown’s political heroes, was inaugurated as well. In the President’s Inaugural address, President Brown talked of “Bipartisan Cooperation to ensure the brightest days of America never fade.” He also talked of “an era of limits” emphasizing that the American People were tired of the Government sticking their hand into their wallets. The Address caused some concern for Liberals, as Senator Kennedy later said privately: “For a minute there, he sounded like a Republican”.

Brown was true to his word. He filled his cabinet with Democrats and Republicans. His cabinet was notable for being an “Outsider Cabinet”, as its members were mostly from sects from the Republican and Democratic Parties that were not considered “Mainstream”

Cabinet of President Brown
Vice President: Ernest Hollings
Secretary of State: Daniel Moynihan
Secretary of the Treasury: Russell Long Jr.
Secretary of Defense: Jeane Kirkpatrick
Attorney General: Edward Brooke
Secretary of the Interior: Edmond Muskie
Secretary of Agriculture: James Carter
Secretary of Transportation: John Lindsay
Secretary of Commerce: Philip Klutznick
Secretary of Labor: Julian Bond
Secretary of Urban Development: Charles Finch
Secretary of Health: Patricia Harris

Edward Brooke and Julian Bond were the first African Americans to be picked for the positions of Attorney General and the Secretary of Labor respectively. Strom Thurmond (R- SC) and Jesse Helms (R- NC) were the leading opposition to their nominations, but it was mostly just to impress their constituents in North and South Carolina. Jeane Kirkpatrick was also the first Woman to be employed as Secretary of Defense.

Right away, President Brown went to work. Brown announced he would give Businesses tax relief, much to the surprise and shock of his fellow Democrats. Ted Kennedy (D- MA) announced opposition to any tax cut. “We can barely keep alive our Domestic Programs with the funds we already have, and the President wants to cut more?” Republicans and Conservative Democrats applauded the idea. “The President, unlike his party, understands we must give relief to taxpayers to revive our shackled economy” said Minority Leader Gerald Ford (R- MI).

President Brown had planned to make several cuts in some Social Domestic Programs, but the large opposition from Congress Democrats forced his hand. Brown cut a deal with the Liberal legislators, Brown would not cut spending on programs, but the Democrats would accept the President’s tax cut. The compromise worked, and the Brown Tax Cut passed the House easily, the Senate provided more resistance, but nonetheless passed, 54 to 45, with Senator Ted Kennedy, refusing to vote.

On February 14th, President Brown created the Department of Astrophysics, and Space Exploration by executive Order. Brown explains that the United States must take the lead in the Space Race against the Soviet Union. Although some Conservatives are skeptical of the costly department, most opinion is for it. The first Secretary if ASE is Senator John Glenn (D- OH).

Brown would also step up American involvement in the Cold War. Although he was pressured by his Secretary of Defense Kirkpatrick to send supplies to Anti- Soviet Mujahedeen Fighters in Afghanistan, Brown refused, implying that “The lesser of two evils is still evil, and the Administration will not further the causes of evil.”  Due to prodding of Agriculture Secretary Carter, President Brown imposes a Grain Embargo on the Soviet Union. Although this hurts American farmers in the Midwest, it also hurts the Soviets, who were experiencing a large Wheat failure in Eastern Europe.

On March 1st, Brown announced he will fight to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Congress. Republicans applaud the idea. The Democrats are very lukewarm about it. Senator Henry Scoop Jackson (D- WA) argues that “while a balanced budget is very important, helping the less fortunate should be top priority.” Republicans argue the other way: “It is about time there is set limits on Federal Spending, it has gotten out of Control!” said Senator John Rhodes (R- AZ).

On March 30th, President Brown was campaigning to gain popular support for the BBA in Milualkee, Wisconsin. Just as the President entered the stage, a madman, named John Hinckley Jr. shoots the President four times in the chest. The President was rushed to the Hospital immediantly, alas, at 1:02, March 31st, President Edmond G. Brown was declared dead.

On March 31st, in his Hotel Room in San Antonio, Texas, Ernest “Fritz” Hollings was sworn in as the Fortieth President of the United States.

[President Mitt]

Also, is Muskie helding two posts at once?

Whoops! My bad, fixed.

And I know, Sad. Brown was one of my fav. Dems....... until the 90's.........

[President Mitt]

I just realized that my title is an oxymoron, Watergate still happens IMTL, its just Nixon isn't caught. lol

[President Mitt]

The Presidency of Ernest Hollings, pt. 1


Upon the death of President Brown on March 31st, Vice President Ernest Hollings of South Carolina took the oath, much as one of his main heroes, Lyndon B. Johnson had nearly eighteen years before him. He was the first President from South Carolina and the first President from the Deep South since the election of Zachary Taylor in 1848.

On March 1st, President Hollings addressed the news to the American People:

“Americans, today, at 1:02, yesterday, President Brown passed away. The Doctors have been unable so far to find the answer, but the Doctors agree it was probably because of blood loss. This is a sad day for the United States. I declare today to be a day of mourning for our deceased former President. Please keep the Brown family in your prayers.”

President Edmond Brown was buried, as according to his wishes, in Arlington National Cemetery, which President Hollings immediately allowed the burial of the President, with near uniamonous approval from Congress, and the American Public.

On March 2nd, after the day of mourning, President Hollings got to work. He unveiled his economic plan in a joint session of Congress. Hollings called his plan, the American Recovery, and Economic Stability Act of 1981. There would be moderate sized Federal Bloc Grants to States and Cities that were in irreversible turmoil. There was also a mixture of tax credits for business who hired more workers, and also some more placed Welfare initiatives. Debate raged throughout the week on the ARESA, but the President finally got his way. The Act was passed by both houses and the President signed it on March 9th.

Much to the chagrin of American Farmers, President Hollings announced he would continue the Wheat Embargo against the Soviet Union until the Soviets withdrew their army units from Afghanistan. Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev refused to comply, and the Brown Embargo continued.

Finally, President Hollings decided upon naming a Vice President, which the President had vacated upon Jerry Brown’s death in March. Hollings had numerous names at the top of his list including:

-   Secretary of Defense Jeanne Kirkpatrick of Washington D.C.
-   Governor Reuben Askew of Florida
-   Congressman Ronald Dellums of California
-   Senator Walter Mondale of Minnesota
-   Senator Birch Bayh of Indiana
-   Governor Hugh Carey of New York

There was some speculation that the Black Congressman from California, Ronald Dellums might have been at the top of the list, but in the end, President Hollings chose New York Governor Hugh Carey as the 42nd Vice President of the United States. Hollings introduced Carey to the American People as a Governor “who fought for the little man, and businessman alike, and has done so exceptionally.” With no blemishes in his past, Carey was easily confirmed as Vice President.

In 1981, after Justice Potter Stewart retired, Hollings nominated Cruz Reynoso to the Supreme Court, becoming the first Hispanic Judge on the Supreme Court. There had been a tough nomination battle between the President and Congressional Republicans. Even a slim majority of the American People had opposed the nomination of Reynoso.

On October 2nd, Hollings appoints Paul Volcker to the Federal Chairmanship of the Federal Reserve. Volcker was a well respected economist, and Democrat, who had been suggested to President Connally in 1979 by Senator Brooke (R- MA). Volcker would prove to be very successful in lowering inflation, and by 1983, was widely credited for ending the Stagflation crisis that had engulfed the 1970’s.

After an improving economy, and one controversial Supreme Court Nomination, President Hollings’ approval ratings had floated from the mid sixties to the low seventies.
On November 3rd, Hollings calls for Congress to increase military funding by large margins. Some Liberals in Congress objected, Senator Edward Kennedy saying “We mustn’t trade butter for guns.” But Hollings argued that not only would increasing the American Military help the United States fight the Cold War, it would also decrease unemployment. The Liberals of Congress bought it, and the United States got a massively strengthened Military force. The Soviets were forced to spend more and more to keep up with the United States.

Hollings would also become a student of Zbigniew Brzezinski who had been the late President Brown’s appointed National Security Advisor. Hollings would agree with the “Humanitarian” approach of dealing with the Soviet Union, announcing he would only talk with the Soviets, if the Soviets withdrew their soldiers from Afghanistan.

In a State of the Union Address on January 5th, 1982 Hollings quoted a good friend of his, the late Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota. “It was once said by a great man in this hollow chamber that that the moral test of Government is how that Government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped. Today, with your help America, I challenge us to pass this test!”

President Hollings making a session to Congress about his "Brighter Morning" Programs.

Hollings planned to implement several Economic and Domestic policies of his own. Hollings announced the “Brighter Morning” Economic Plan, which split into three different parts. The first part was a Full Unemployment Act, which would give millions of jobless jobs. The second part was a second round of Federal Block Grants to failing cities and states. The third part encompasses ending the NAFTA agreement that had been in place since 1978. President Brown had been unwilling to challenge it, but not President Hollings. The Plan met large enthusiasm from Congressional Liberals and Democrats, but opposition from Republicans.

The Republican Party were all together opposed to ending NAFTA, which they saw as one of the few bright areas of the previous Connally Administration. Hollings argues it “steals American jobs, American opportunity, and American money from Ordinary Americans.” Democrats argue that NAFTA was responsible for large increases in Unemployment during the Connally Administration. Republicans charged it increases revenue, and was beneficial.

The American public for the most part supported the President’s Domestic Agenda, with more than 66% of Americans approving of the “Brighter Morning” Economic and Domestic Package.

1982 Congressional Results

House
Democrats: 282 (+12)
Republicans: 163 (- 12)

Senate
Democrats: 58 (-1)
Republicans: 42 (+1)

The President being very popular helped the Democrats during the 1982 Midterm elections, the Democrats gained a small amount of seats in the House of Representatives, and only lost one seat in the senate, remarkably well for an Incumbent Party during the midterms.

One of the more notable Gubernatorial Elections was in traditionally Republican Texas. Congressman Kent Hance (D- TX) defeated favorite Mark White for the Democratic Nomination, and defeated William Clements (R- TX) in the general election for the Governorship of Texas.

[President Mitt]

One last update today.....

1984 Presidential Election

The economy was back on track, although not booming, it definitely held signs of improving. President Hollings and his Democratic Party were definitely favored to win in the 1984 Presidential Election. But the Republicans hope that public fear of the deficit might turn into outrage, and turn into a possible Republican upset.

The Democratic Nomination

President Hollings announced on November 4th, 1983 that he fully intended to seek relection as President. Some remnants of the Democratic New Left were very skeptical of the President, who had escalated the Cold War with the Soviet Union, and were also worried about the President’s segregationist and Dixiecrat past. There were many rumors and support within the Democratic Party to sponsor a challenge to the President from the left in the primaries. That was until the Shadow Senator of the District of Colombia, The Reverend Jesse Jackson took the stage at a Students for Democratic Action meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The Reverend said: “President Hollings is a good man; he will lessen the gap between Rich and Poor, Black and White, Gay and Straight. He will unite us, He will steer us towards the path of Justice, the path of equality. We must all support Ernest Hollings as the next President of the United States!”
After the speech from Jackson, there was no challenge from the New Left. George McGovern even said “He may be a stubborn Jackass, but he’s our Stubborn Jackass” he said privately to his wife.

President Hollings would be supported fully by the Democratic Party, and was nominated uniamously along with his Vice President, Hugh Carey at the Democratic Convention. The keynote speaker was Senator Edward M. Kennedy who said: “For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” There was also a eulogy to the late President Brown by Governor Jimmy Carter. With that, President Hollings accepted the nomination and ended his speech with “My thanks to all Democrats here tonight, now lets get to work!”

The Republican Nomination

After the Disastrous 1980 Presidential Election, the Republicans hoped to stay prominent in National Affairs, and as Republican Strategist, Kevin Phillips said “If it means offering up a sacrificial lamb, we’ll do it.” Even if the polls were against them, there was numerous top rank Republicans who itched at the Chance to run for President. The First was Robert Dole of Kansas, who was viewed as a moderate who could bring Conservatives and Moderates together. The second was Senator George H.W. Bush of Texas who after beating Lloyd Bentsen in the 1970 Senate Election, became Senate Minority Leader, and a prominent critic of President Hollings. Third was a surprise, Governor Ronald Reagan of California threw his hat into the ring. 1984 was viewed to many as Reagan’s last chance for the Presidency, but he was still very popular among Conservative Activists.

Senator Bush won in Iowa, squeaking past Dole in second place and Reagan in third place. Dole then comeback in New Hampshire, beating Reagan, with Bush in last place. Bush swept the Northern Primaries in Vermont and Massachusetts. When it all seemed hopeless, Ronald Reagan came back fighting, sweeping South Carolina, Alabama, Illinois, Florida and Georgia, knocking Dole out of the race. Bush won in Connecticut, but Reagan swept Dole’s home state of Kansas, Louisiana, and even a surprise win in Pennsylvania. Minority Leader Bush saw the writing on the wall, and dropped out.

The Republican Convention nominated Reagan with most of the delegates, although there was a last minute attempt for former Bush delegates to rally behind Attorney General Brooke (R- MA), but Reagan was easily nominated. Reagan chose Senator Dole as his running mate, but Dole refused, and instead Jack Kemp of New York was chosen.

The General Election

After the August Conventions, President Hollings had a twenty point lead over Governor Reagan, President Hollings would show the American people the accomplishments the Hollings Administration had made in the past three years. Ronald Reagan attacked Hollings for his Liberal Domestic Policies, arguing that he would drag the United States from the “free market small Government policies” back to the “Sixties Welfare State.”

In the one and only Presidential Debate, Governor Reagan would face the camera and ask “Are you better off then you were four years ago?” Reagan expected public support due to the large deficits created by Hollings. The President replied “Yes Ron, we are. The millions of Jobless that waited in lines for food stamps are now employed, America is stronger Militarily than we were four years ago, and that’s a fact Ron, not a movie.” That even made the Governor chuckle.

President Hollings defeated Reagan in a massive landslide, with the Governor even losing his home state of California by almost 9,000 votes. Hollings called the victory a “mandate for the Brighter Morning”.

President Ernest Hollings/ Hugh Carey: 59.7%, 508 EV's
Fmr. Governor Ronald Reagan/ Jack Kemp: 39.6, 30 EV's

The Democrats also expanded their majorities in Congress:

House
Democrats: 291 (+9)
Republicans: 154 (- 9)

Senate
Democrats: 61 (+3)
Republicans: 39 (-3)

[President Mitt]

I'll probably get the Hollings Administration done sometime this week. If you have any suggestions for the TL, feel free to PM me.

[President Mitt]

Bumping this to the top page. Update tomorrow, I'll probably finish the Hollings Administration.

Edit: Woot! 1000 views!