Just an FYI/this is hella nitpicky, Al Smith was also dubbed "The Happy Warrior."
Alright, I have done these "climactic primary battles" a few times, so this had better be appreciated.
This will be done in accordance with the 2012 Democratic Primary Calendar at DemConWatch.
1/16/12: The Democratic Primary officially kicks off. William Jennings Bryan and George McGovern find themselves in a deadheat after the debates, with Humphrey tightly clinging to third. George McGovern has spent much time barnstorming in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Oskaloosa, with some of his natural Western appeal aiding him greatly. William Jennings Bryan makes empassioned monologues about agricultural issues, trying to win over evangelical Iowans, but he is appealing to a mostly dead primary electorate. George McGovern prevails by a small margin.
1/24/12: The Democratic contenders head off to the Granite State and do battle on a frigid New Hampshire afternoon. Michael Dukakis, being something of a native son, has dubbed this contest as being "essential to my victory" but polls show him behind. Al Smith, running on a centrist tone has written off Iowa and put his eggs in this basket, and scores a narrow victory by winning independents handily. George McGovern, envigorated by his Iowa victory, is propelled to second place, students at the University of New Hampshire being an intergral part of his campaign.
28/1/12: Two important primaries taking place here today, but no candidates have their eyes on the same prize. South Carolina is called for Humphrey within minutes, who scores an impressive win by building a coalition of blacks and workers disenchanted about South Carolina's Right-to-work status. Mondale, who was counting on a strong showing, discontinues his campaign and endorses his mentor. Meanwhile, Alfred E. Smith, wins Nevada after receiving a surprising endorsement from the Nevada Culinary Union, which proves to be the kingmaker.
30/1/12: Florida. Dubbed by many as a microcosm of America, this state is crucial in a general election. Humphrey, William Jennings Bryan, and McGovern head into this state with a three-way tie, Al Smith in fourth running solely on momentum. Humphrey received a large bounce after his South Carolina victory, but it is not enough, and he is swamped by heavy turn-out in the Gold Coast, in favor of McGovern.
2/7/12: Super Tuesday. Over twelve primary states in today's contest, and William Jennings Bryan considers this to be his "ace in the hole", though his string of successive losses has hurt his standing. Oklahoma is called upon poll closing for him with a whopping fifty-three percent, followed not to far by Utah, enamored with his past prohibitionist stance (which he has since adjusted to more of a dog-whistle.) Delaware and Georgia are added under Humphrey's column with little competition, followed by Connecticut and New Jersey, both heartbreakers for Smith, who narrowly places second. After much trepidation, the battle of the two Happy Warriors in New York comes to an end, which Smith manages to carry by an inch. All eyes are on Dixie now, which has devolved into a final showdown between the Old Guard of Dixiecrats and Southern Blacks. Alabama is finally called for Humphrey, but William Jennings Bryan rebuts it with victories in Tennessee and Missouri. California is the last state outstanding. Humphrey is running strong amongst blacks, but he is matched with Smith's surprising popularity amongst hispanics. In the end, McGovern racks up heavy margins in San Francisco and amongst California's many college campuses, which seals the deal. Dukakis officially drops out, holding out his endorsement.
11/2/12: Years ago this would have been a cinch for Humphrey, but with its black constituency having been diminished, it is in doubt. After much anticipation, he carries the state.
14/2/12: Maryland is called for Humphrey with little doubt. Virginia has been getting all of the attention, and after a crucial endorsement from Senator Warner, Smith prevails.
(Looks like I am going to have to finish this tomorrow. I'm expecting company soon.)
The map, as it stands:
