Reporting for Duty: The Presidency of John Kerry and Onwards.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Trump timeline remains on hiatus. For God, Crown, and Country will be continued, but it may be a few days as I continue to scrape together the infoboxes needed. In the meantime, here is a quick timeline based off of a sketch I've written.

Winners and Losers.

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2004.

3:36 AM

"hold it one second Wolf.....CNN can at this time project that Senator Kerry has won the state of Ohio...."

3:45 AM

“It’s been a long and emotional night, and we’re of course naturally disappointed in the result, though we accept it. I know many of you are heartbroken. I know, because I feel it too. It is painful when so much hard work fails to reap the reward. We are humbled tonight, but we are not unbowed. Our fight endures, our cause is just, and our spirits are high!

I want to congratulate the President-elect, Senator Kerry. He and Senator Edwards waged a dignified campaign, and their supporters are right to be proud of their efforts. Though our paths may diverge on the road of politics, both of our hearts are united in an unyielding belief in America and it's promise. I spoke with the President-elect tonight, and had a very nice conversation in which I wished him well. Laura and I wish Senator Kerry and Teresa and their whole family all our best wishes as they prepare to undertake the journey ahead of them.

I'm grateful to the Vice President and Lynne and their daughters who have worked so hard and been such a vital part of our team. The Vice President serves America with wisdom and honor and I'm proud to have served beside him.

I want to thank my superb campaign team. I want to thank you all for your hard work. I was impressed every day by how hard and how skillful our team was. I want to thank Chairman Marc Racicot and the campaign manager, Ken Mehlman, the architect, Karl Rove. I want to thank Ed Gillespie for leading our party so well. I want to thank the thousands of our supporters across our country. I want to thank you for your hugs on the rope lines. I want thank you for your prayers on the rope lines. I want to thank you for your kind words on the rope lines. I want to thank you for everything you did to make the calls and to put up the signs, to talk to your neighbors and to get out the vote.

Three years ago, evil struck at the heart of America, throwing us into war. We were bruised. We were bloodied. We were heartbroken. But we weren’t afraid. To have served as a Commander-in-Chief in a time of war was the most striking aspect of my Presidency. Many brave young men and women went willingly into harms away, and not all have returned. The next President will inherit such a humbling and powerful burden, and he will need our support and our prayers.

I’m proud of this great country; in the face of an attack, we responded amicably. We turned the evil that attacked us into a force of love that has sustained in this country. Through simple acts of charity and a spirit of altruism, we have pulled together and built one America, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!

Thank you, for your love, your support, and your confidence. I am forever grateful. Thank You!”

4:15 AM

"I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for duty!
   
Thank you so much! Thank you! Thank you so much. You just have no idea how warming and how generous that welcome is, your love is, your affection. And I'm gratified by it. I'm humbled that the American people have spoken, and spoken in favor of me. It is the honor of a lifetime, and I'm excited by the journey that lies ahead of us.

I have spoken to President Bush, who was very gracious and kind. I look forward to seeking his counsel in the Presidency, where his wisdom and experience will always find an intrigued ear. We had a good conversation, and we talked about the danger of division in our country and the need - the desperate need - for unity, for finding the common ground, coming together. Today I hope that we can begin the healing.

I will always be particularly grateful to the colleague that you just heard from who will become my partner, and who already is my very close friend and an extraordinary leader, John Edwards. I thank him for everything he did. John and I would be the first to tell you that we owe so much to our families. They're here with us today. They were with us every single step of the way. They sustained us. They went out on their own and they multiplied our campaign all across this country.

No one did this more with grace and with courage and candor, that I love, than my wife Teresa, and I thank her.

And our children were there every single step of the way. It was unbelievable. Vanessa, Alex, Chris, Andre and John from my family, and Elizabeth Edwards, who is so remarkable and so strong and so smart. And Johnny and Kate, who went out there on their own, just like my daughters did. And also Emma Claire and Jack, who were up beyond their bedtime last night, like a lot of us.

I want to thank my campaign staff and I want to thank your families for the sacrifices you've made. And to all the volunteers all across this country who gave so much of themselves. You know, thanks to William Field, a 6-year-old who collected $680 a quarter and a dollar at a time, selling bracelets during the summer to help change America.

Thanks to Michael Benson from Florida, who I spied in a rope line holding a container of money and it turned out he had raided his piggy bank and wanted to contribute. And thanks to Ilana Wexler, 11 years old, who started Kids for Kerry all across our country.

I think of the brigades of students and people, young and old, who took time to travel, time off from work, their own vacation time, to work in states far and wide. They braved the hot days of summer and the cold days of the fall and the winter to knock on door because they were determined to open the doors of opportunity to all Americans.

I'm proud of what we stood for in this campaign and of the tremendous victory we've accomplished. When we began, no one thought it was possible to even make this a close race. But we stood for real change, change that would make a real difference in the life of our nation and the lives of our families. And we defined that choice to America. And America responded in kind.

I'll never forget the wonderful people who came to our rallies, who stood in our rope lines, who put their hopes in our hands, who invested in each and every one of us. I saw in them the truth that America is not only great, but it is good.

So with a grateful heart, I leave this campaign and prepare to assume the most important office in the land with a prayer that has even greater meaning to me now that I've come to know our vast country so much better thanks to all of you and what a privilege it has been to do so.

And that prayer is very simple: God bless America!"

Senator John Kerry (D-MA)/Senator John Edwards (D-NC): 272 Electoral Vote, 50.44% of the popular vote.
President George W. Bush (R-TX)/Vice President Dick Cheney (R-WY): 266 Electoral Votes, 48.31% of the popular vote.
Other (Nader, Libertarian, Constitution, Green, Peace & Freedom): 1.25% of the popular vote.

Coattails.

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2020.

2004 Senate Elections

R-Republican Party
D-Democratic Party
I-Independent
L-Libertarian Party
C-Constitution Party
G-Green Party
RF-Reform Party
C-Conservative
M-Marijuana
NL-Natural Law
AIP-American Independence Party
AI-Alaska Independence
PF-Peace & Freedom Party
PHB-Prohibition
V-Veterans
LU-Liberty Union
UC-United Citizens
SWP-Socialist Workers Party
CPUSA-Communist Party USA
2004 Senate Elections
2004 Alabama Senate Election
(R) Richard Shelby: 67.55%
(D) Wayne Sowell: 32.45%
(Republican hold)

2004 Alaska Senate Election
(R) Lisa Murkowski: 49.08%
(D) Tony Knowles: 48.88%
(I) Marc Millican: 1.28%
(AI) Jerry Sanders: 0.57%
(G) Jim Sykes: 0.19%
(L) Scott Kohlhaas: 0.08%
(Republican hold)

2004 Arizona Senate Election
(R) John McCain: 72.43%
(D) Stuart Starky: 25.76%
(L) Ernest Hancock: 1.81%
(Republican hold)

2004 Arkansas Senate Election
(D) Blanche Lincoln: 58.00%
(R) Jim Holt: 42.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 California Senate Election
(D) Barbara Boxer: 56.14%
(R) Bill Jones: 40.43%
(PF) Marsha Feinland: 2.18%
(L) James Gray: 1.04%
(AIP) Don Grundmann: 0.21%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Colorado Senate Election
(D) Ken Salazar: 49.92%
(R) Pete Coors: 48.37%
(C) Doug Cambell: 0.77%
(L) Richard Randall: 0.52%
(I) John Harris: 0.33%
(RF) Victor Good: 0.09%
(Democratic gain)

2004 Connecticut Senate Election
(D) Chris Dodd: 65.78%
(R) Jack Orchulli: 34.02%
(L) Timothy Knibbs: 0.11%
(C) Lenny Rasch: 0.09%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Florida Senate Election
(D) Betty Castor: 48.79%
(R) Mel Martinez: 48.61%
(V) Dennis Bradley: 2.60%
(Democratic gain)

2004 Georgia Senate Election
(R) Johnny Isakson: 56.34%
(D) Denise Majette: 40.30%
(L) Allen Buckley: 3.36%
(Republican gain)

2004 Hawaii Senate Election
(D) Daniel Inouye: 80.00%
(R) Campbell Cavasso: 17.60%
(I) James Brewer: 1.74%
(L) Lloyd Mallan: 0.66%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Idaho Senate Election
(R) Mike Crapo: 100.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 Illinois Senate Election
(D) Barack Obama: 75.62%
(R) Alan Keyes: 21.85%
(I) Albert Franzen: 1.89%
(L) Jerry Kohn: 0.64%
(Democratic gain)

2004 Indiana Senate Election
(D) Evan Bayh: 65.00%
(R) Marvin Scott: 34.00%
(L) Albert Barger: 1.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Iowa Senate Election
(R) Chuck Grassley: 70.44%
(D) Arthur Small: 29.34 %
(I) Christy Welty: 0.12%
(G) Daryl Northrop: 0.09%
(SWP) Edwin Fruit: 0.01%
(Republican hold)

2004 Kansas Senate Election
(R) Sam Brownback: 67.41%
(D) Lee Jones: 30.58%
(L) Stephen Rosile: 1.92%
(RF) George Cook: 0.09%
(Republican hold)

2004 Kentucky Senate Election
(D) Daniel Mongiardo: 50.01%
(R) Jim Bunning: 49.99 %
(Democratic gain)

2004 Louisiana Senate Election
(R) David Vitter: 51.50%
(D) Chris John: 30.00%
(D) John Kennedy: 13.00%
(D) Arthur Morrell: 5.50%
(Republican gain)
*Louisiana uses a jungle primary system. Vitter was able to win over two Democrats in the first round.

2004 Maryland Senate Election
(D) Barbara Mikulski: 60.00%
(R) EJ Pipkin: 40.00%
(Democrat hold)

2004 Missouri Senate Election
(R) Kit Bond: 57.68%
(D) Nancy Farmer: 41.53%
(L) Kevin Tull: 0.49%
(C) Don Griffin: 0.30%
(Republican hold)

2004 Nevada Senate Election
(D) Harry Reid: 59.56%
(R) Richard Ziser: 37.48%
(L) Tomas Hurtst: 2.64%
(C) David Schumann: 0.24%
(NL) Gary Marinch: 0.08%
(Democratic hold)

2004 New Hampshire Senate Election
(R) Judd Gregg: 70.00%
(D) Doris Haddock: 30.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 New York Senate Election
(D) Charles Schumer: 75.47%
(R) Howard Mills: 19.86%
(G) David McReynolds: 2.05%
(L) Donald Silberger: 1.62%
(SWP) Martin Koppel: 1.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 North Carolina Senate Election
(D) Erskine Bowles: 51.06%
(R) Richard Burr: 48.00%
(L) Tom Bailey: 0.94%
(Democratic hold)

2004 North Dakota Senate Election
(D) Byron Dorgan: 70.00%
(R) Mike Liffrig: 30.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Ohio Senate Election
(R) George Voinovich: 65.00%
(D) Eric Fingerhut: 35.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 Oklahoma Senate Election
(R) Tom Coburn: 53.00%
(D) Brad Carson: 45.29%
(I) Sheila Bilyeu 1.71%
(Republican hold)

2004 Oregon Senate Election
(D) Ron Wyden: 64.48%
(R) Al King: 34.07%
(G) Teresa Keane: 0.94%
(C) David Brownlow: 0.51%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Pennsylvania Senate Election
(R) Arlen Specter: 55.44%
(D) Joe Hoeffel: 39.42%
(C) Jim Clymer: 4.94%
(L) Betsy Summers: 0.20%
(Republican hold)

2004 South Carolina Senate Election
(R) Jim DeMint: 50.00%
(D) Inez Tenenbaum: 47.76%
(C) Patrick Tyndall: 1.55%
(L) Rebekah Sutherland: 0.33%
(UC) Tee Ferguson: 0.29%
(G) Efia Nwangaza: 0.07%
(Republican gain)

2004 South Dakota Senate Election
(R) John Thune: 50.98%
(D) Tom Daschle: 49.02%
(Republican gain)

2004 Utah Senate Election
(R) Robert Bennett: 65.66%
(D) Peter Van Dam: 30.64%
(C) Gary Van Horn: 3.28%
(L) Joe Labonte: 0.42%
(Republican hold)

2004 Vermont Senate Election
(D) Patrick Leahy: 69.49%
(R) Jack McMullen: 28.99%
(M) Cris Ericson: 1.11%
(G) Craig Hill: 0.25%
(I) Keith Stern: 0.13%
(LU) Keith Mitchell: 0.03%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Washington Senate Election
(D) Patty Murray: 57.27%
(R) George Nethercutt: 40.05%
(L) Bruce Guthrie: 1.88%
(G) Mark Wilson: 0.80%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Wisconsin Senate Election
(D) Russ Feingold: 54.0%
(R) Tim Michels: 44.56%
(L) Arif Khan: 0.79%
(I) Eugene Hem: 0.65%
(Democratic hold)

Senate before 2004 Elections
Democrats: 51
Republicans: 48
Independent: 1

Senate after 2004 Elections
Republican-51 (+3)
Democrat-48 (-3)
Independent 1 (-)

Senate Majority Leader-elect: Bill Frist (R-TE)
Incumbent Senate Majority Leader: Bill Frist (R-TE)
 
Senate Minority Leader-elect: Harry Reid (D-NV)
Incumbent Senate Minority Leader: Tom Daschle (D-SD)
House of Representatives before 2004 Elections
Republicans-229
Democrats-205
Independent-1

House of Representatives after 2004 Elections
Republicans-230 (+1)
Democrats-204 (-1)
Independent-1 (-)

Speaker-elect of the House: Dennis Hastert (R-IL)
Incumbent Speaker of the House: Dennis Hastert (R-IL)

House Minority Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
House Minority Whip: Steny Hoyer (D-MY)

2004 Gubernatorial Elections.

2004 Delaware Gubernatorial Election
(D) Ruth Minner: 51.48%
(R) William Lee: 48.02%
(I) Frank Infante: 0.50%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Indiana Gubernatorial Election
(R) Mitch Daniels: 49.96%
(D) Joe Kernan: 49.19%
(L) Kenn Gividen: 0.85%
(Republican gain)

2004 Missouri Gubernatorial Election
(D) Claire McCaskill: 50.50%
(R) Matt Blunt: 48.89%
(L) John Swenson: 0.48%
(C) Robert Wells: 0.13%
(Democratic hold)

2004 Montana Gubernatorial Election
(D) Brian Schweitzer: 49.39%
(R) Robert Brown: 45.88%
(G) Bob Kelleher: 3.73%
(C) Stanley Jones: 1.00%
(Democratic gain)

2004 New Hampshire Gubernatorial Election
(D) John Lynch: 52.00%
(R) Craig Benson: 48.00%
(Democratic gain)

2004 North Carolina Gubernatorial Election
(D) Mike Easley: 54.00%
(R) Patrick Ballantine: 44.00%
(L) Barbara Howe: 1.00%
(Democratic hold)

2004 North Dakota Gubernatorial Election
(R) John Hoeven: 70.00%
(D) Joe Satrom: 29.00%
(L) Roland Riemers: 1.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 Utah Gubernatorial Election
(R) Jon Huntsman: 54.00%
(D) Scott Matheson: 45.00%
(L) Ken Larson: 1.00%
(Republican hold)

2004 Vermont Gubernatorial Election
(R) Jim Douglas: 57.59%
(D) Peter Clavelle: 38.33%
(M) Cris Ericson: 1.83%
(I) Patricia Hejny: 1.48%
(L) Hardy Machia: 0.39%
(LU) Peter Diamondstone: 0.38%
(Republican hold)

2004 Washington Gubernatorial Election
(R) Dino Rossi: 49.09%
(D) Christine Gregoire: 49.07%
(L) Ruth Bennett: 1.84%
(Republican gain)

2004 West Virginia Gubernatorial Election
(D) Joe Manchin: 75.40%
(R) Monty Warner: 19.20%
(G) Jesse Johnson: 5.40%
(Democratic hold)

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Romney.

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2004.

10:30 AM, Washington, DC.

Governor Romney was up all night, and was running on fumes by this point. The results were not good for the GOP. President Bush, who once boasted the highest approval rating of any American president, had been defeated by John Kerry narrowly. In his two years as Governor, Romney had come to known the President-elect and was relatively confident that Kerry wasn't the boogeyman that the Republicans had tarnished him as, but he wasn't exactly confident in his leadership abilities, especially in a time of war. Inside his private office, the Governor spent several hours on the phone with top Republicans across the country. It was too early to even think or flirt with a presidential candidacy, openly on the airwaves or in private in the beltway. But 2008 was already on Romney's mind.

But first he had to be reelected. The traditionally Democratic stronghold of Massachusetts had recently undergone a flirtation with the GOP. Bill Weld, Paul Celluci, and Jane Swift had all come before him. But with nearly fifteen years of Republican rule behind him, Romney knew he had to win and win big in order to be propelled into the national conversation. Which is why he had Bob White, his longtime friend, associate, and confidant as well as most trusted adviser with him as he made his series of calls. The first was to President Bush, a courtesy call if nothing else, followed by a number of calls to other Governors and a handful of Senators.

Beth Myers entered, knocking once before letting herself into the Governor's presence. "I have the data you've requested" she said in a low whisper, "I'll be in my office if you need anything else." Governor Romney mouthed "thank you" to her as he continued speaking with his latest target, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

"Well Senator, its funny you ask" said Romney, holding the phone against his cheek with his shoulder as he flipped through the vanilla envelope handed to him by Beth, "I've got it right here" he continued, flipping past endless pages of pie charts and graphs about likability, trust worthiness, experience, and policy positions to the real numbers. What he saw, however, was not to his liking. He fell into a stunned silence as he looked at the polling ahead of the 2006 gubernatorial election. To his horror, he trailed every potential Democratic challenger listed.

Oh course, 2006 was a midterm, and it was too far out to predict its results anyway. The President-elect being from Massachusetts would surely drive up Democratic turnout even if the year was overall favorable to the Republicans. To run again and lose would set back Romney's ambitions by at least ten years, and he wasn't getting any younger. Winning reelection would propel him to the top of the GOP field should he choose to run. The question at hand was whether or not to gamble his presidential ambitions on the prospect of seeking reelection, which almost seemed as herculean a task in its own right.

But for now, all Mitt had to do was place a few phone calls every now and then. But he wasn't alone in this.

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2004: President-elect Kerry addresses the media during a lengthy Boston press conference before departing with his family for a week long vacation in Martha’s Vineyard. Laying out an ambitious domestic policy agenda as well as promising a “roadmap to peace” for Iraq, Kerry also makes headlines for naming campaign manager Mary Beth Cahill as his Chief of Staff.  The selection is historic, as she is the first woman named to occupy the position. President-elect Kerry also formally resigns his seat in the Senate, allowing for Republican Governor Mitt Romney to name his replacement.

President Bush also has a press conference later in the afternoon at the White House, in which he again graciously congratulates President-elect Kerry on his victory and promises to make the transition between the two administrations as smooth as possible. Bush blames his defeat on public dissatisfaction with the war in Iraq, but insists that the 2003 invasion and subsequent occupation was “the right thing to do.”
Thursday, November 4th, 2004: President-elect Kerry is rumored to be considering Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), former UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke (D-DC ), Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM), Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), and former Clinton administration Susan Rice (D-DC) for Secretary of State according to the Washington Post. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) was also approached about the position before the election, but reportedly declined. The Kerry transition team denies the reports, stating that the process “is only now underway” in regards to filling appointments in the Kerry administration.

The Massachusetts State Legislature passes a bill scheduling a special election to fill President-elect Kerry’s schedule. It is scheduled to be held for Tuesday, March 1st, 2005, in accordance with state law which requires the election be held within 160 days. Businessman and former state official Charles Baker is the first Republican to declare for the seat. The primaries are scheduled for January 21st, 2005.
Friday, November 5th, 2004: James Johnson, head of Kerry’s vice presidential search team, and former CEO of Fannie Mae, is reported by the New York Times as being President-elect Kerry’s top choice for the position of Secretary of the Treasury. The nomination is controversial, as Johnson was discovered in September of 2004 to have significantly under-reported his salary by fourteen million dollars. Several Republican members of Congress express concern about the possible appointment and voice opposition.

Congressman Stephen Lynch (D) announces he will seek President-elect Kerry’s Senate seat, making him the first major Democrat to enter the race. Congressmen Ed Markey and Jim McGovern are also weighing bids, as is longtime Ted Kennedy ally and aide Paul Kirk, who is widely regarded as one of the leading powerbrokers in Massachusetts.
Saturday, November 6th, 2004: Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) meets privately with President-elect Kerry on Martha’s Vineyard, officially to brief him on issues such as rural electrification and development. Though she has only recently won a second term in the Senate, there is widespread speculation that she is contention for the role of Secretary of Agriculture. The Kerry Presidential Transition’s spokesperson denies this, and claims that personnel decisions for the incoming administration have yet to be made. Afterwards, Kerry and his family return to Washington.

Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) appoints his Democratic opponent for the governor’s office in 2002, Shannon O’Brien, to President-elect Kerry’s former Senate seat. O’Brien confirms she will not be a candidate for reelection to the seat and will only serve through March, when a successor is elected. The rumor flying around Boston is that O’Brien will run for Congress to replace Stephen Lynch, should he be elected to the Senate. The Massachusetts State Legislature passes a bill requiring a special election to be held within 160 days of the election. It is scheduled for the first Tuesday in March, which would be March 1st, 2005. The primaries are scheduled for January 21st, 2005.
Sunday, November 7th, 2004: President-elect Kerry makes his first public appearance after the post-election press conference when he goes on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he lays out his plans to make healthcare more affordable, speculates on the future of Iraq, and vows to name cabinet and administrative appointees within the next few weeks.

A force comprising of 2,000 American soldiers and 600 Iraqi soldiers launch a massive assault on the town of Fallujah, in Al Ambar province, to root out insurgents. Using aerial bombardment, the Coalition Force is able to force its way into the center of the city with 12 Americans killed, and 32 injured. The battle is one of the most violent and memorable episodes of the war due to the fierce resistance offered by Al Qaida aligned fighters.
Monday, November 8th, 2004: President-elect Kerry privately meets with his former colleague, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), to weigh his interest in the position of Secretary of State. Biden is hesitant about taking on the role, as he wields considerable influence in the Senate, but agrees to consider the President’s offer. After their quiet meeting, Biden returns to Washington on the Amtrak to weigh his options.
Tuesday, November 9th, 2004: Former President Bill Clinton, visit the Kerry Transition’s offices in Washington, DC, in what is described to the media as merely a social call. Unknown to the public is the fact that former President Clinton has really come to badger the President-elect into considering his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) for a key position in the cabinet. The President-elect comments after the meeting to his chief aide Mary Beth Cahill that he can tolerate Clinton “only in doses.”
Wednesday, November 10th, 2004: President-elect Kerry meets with freshman Senators Betty Castor (D-FL), Daniel Mongiardo (D-KY), Barack Obama (D-KY), and Ken Salazar (D-CO), as a means of boosting their profiles in Washington while also addressing their specific policy commitments and political goals. Afterwards, the President hosts the President-elect and the soon to be First Lady at the White House for the traditional tour; President Bush promises to deliver as smooth of a transition as possible for the new administration.
Friday, November 12th, 2004: The Kerry Transition Team’s head (and incoming White House Chief of Staff Mary Beth Cahill) tells a reporter from the Washington Post that the President-elect is reviewing the laws surrounding federal appointments of presidential relatives; Cahill privately comments that Cameron Kerry is being considered for the position of Secretary of Commerce, not knowing her comments were on the record. Conservatives begin criticizing the inbound Kerry administration, with radio host Rush Limbaugh leading the charge in opposition to the rumored appointment.
Sunday, November 14th, 2004: Jim Johnson privately meets with the President-elect in Washington, DC in preparation for the planned rollout of his appointment as Treasury Secretary. After the meeting, the President-elect has a lengthy conversation over the phone with General Wesley Clark, whom is reportedly a top contender for the position of Secretary of Defense. The meeting is overshadowed by two major Sunday show interviews. On NBC’s Meet the Press,” Vice President-elect John Edwards lays out the case for healthcare reform, and pledges to work with Congressional Republicans in order to ensure the bill can be passed. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Collin Powell announces on CBS’s Face the Nation that he will not accept a potential offer by the President-elect to stay on as Secretary of State, as some prominent Democrats have suggested.
Tuesday, November 16th, 2004: The Kerry Transition team announces several top appointments for the White House staff; in addition to Mary Beth Cahill being Chief of Staff, Bob Shrum will be joining the administration as Deputy Chief of Staff. Stephanie Cutter will serve as White House Communications Director, while campaign spokesperson Dag Vega will join the administration as White House press secretary.
Wednesday, November 17th, 2004: Secretary of State Collin Powell announces he will retire on January 19th, the day before the President-elect is supposed to take office. Powell praises both outgoing President Bush and incoming President-elect Kerry for their leadership abilities in his resignation letter, and vows to continue serving the country through "other ventures."
Thursday, November 18th, 2004: President-elect Kerry joins former Presidents Bush, Ford, Carter, and former First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton at the Bill Clinton Presidential Library dedication ceremony.
Friday, November 19th, 2004: During a special sitting of the United Nations Security Council in Nairobi, Kenya results in the government of Sudan and the rebels in South Sudan agree to end the country's decades long civil war, with the possibility of an independence referendum in the region taking place in the near future.
Sunday, November 21st, 2004: Vice President-elect John Edwards appears on NBC's Meet the Press in order to promote a progressive domestic agenda that the incoming administration plans to implement. "Nothing is off the table when it comes to healthcare" insists Edwards, who signals that tax reform and an education package may be in the works as well.
Wednesday, November 24th, 2004: Iran blocks EU weapons inspectors access to their facilities throughout the country, continuing to deny the existence of a nuclear weapons program. President-elect Kerry calls for the Ayatollah to allow the inspectors entry to the facility, but his pleas fall on death ears in Tehran.
Friday, November 26th, 2004: President-elect Kerry holds an hour long press conference detailing the transition effort. Kerry praises outgoing President Bush for his "constructive cooperation" and goes on to address a number of potential policy initiatives that his incoming administration is interested in taking up.
Saturday, November 27th, 2004: Colombian Defense Minister Jorge Uribe claims that a plot by FARC sponsored by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to assassinate President Bush ahead of his (final) overseas trip as President. The Secret Service declines to comment.
Sunday, November 28th, 2004: Jim Johnson, President-elect Kerry's transitional team's chairman, appears on CBS's Face the Nation, where he confirms that the President-elect will soon roll out a number of nominations for key foreign policy and defense posts.
Monday, November 29th, 2004: Al Qaeda releases a video of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the man known to be Bin Laden's #2, in which he calls on "every last Muslim" to "wage Jihad" against the United States in a rambling video address.

Al Qaeda's deputy leader, Egyptian doctor turned Islamist Ayman al-Zawahiri.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Weird, the infobox isn’t visible on mobile but is on my laptop. Anyone else missing that?

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

What is with the Kerry timelines lately

I’ve been working on this timeline in different variations since 2013 lol.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Newt.

Wednesday, December 1st, 2004.

11:45 AM, Washington, DC.

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich addresses an Evangelical gathering in Washington.
[1]

The glory days of the nineties were long gone, but Newt Gingrich still retained relevancy among the millions of Fox News viewers as a stalwart conservative. This was of course ironic, considering that the former Speaker was now a health insurance lobbyist who was brought down in part due to his own infidelity, just another gator in the swamp. But Newt could still command an audience, which was a skill necessary to fuel and empower his ambitions for the top job. After a few quiet years that largely removed him from both the 2000 recount and the Iraq War would give him the flexibility to adapt suitably to thee political climate.

The first step, naturally, was to form a PAC. Gingrich did so almost immediately after the election, naming his organization "American Solutions." Knowing that the midterms usually swung against the incumbent in the White House, and confident that Kerry's policies would prove to be his undoing, the former Speaker's main concern was cultivating a base to assert himself as the post Bush leader of the GOP. The PAC immediately began recruiting candidates who could be loyal to the Speaker should he run for President in 2008.

Plus he could hawk books by the semi-truck load.

But a PAC is about as useful as its staffers, and Gingrich had no trouble attracting talent. Many of them were simply transient careerists, who'd spend the off year working on Gingrich's behalf before branching out to other candidates.ahead of the 2006 midterms or 2008 presidential election. He had a guy down in Florida who left a job at Citizens for a Sound Economy in order to do the Speaker's bidding. He was successfully able to lure Congressman Adam Putnam into the race to challenge incumbent Senator Bill Nelson, for example. He had also snagged Vince Haley, a research director from the Heritage Foundation, as his PAC's chairperson. Martin Baker had declined a chance to serve as the Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to support Gingrich's operation.

The plan was to support and boost the candidacies of the "idea men," a brand that Newt had cultivated himself for decades. There were a number of potential future allies ready to break through in Washington. There was the aforementioned ambitions of Congressman Putnam in Florida, or Ken Blackwell in Ohio or Lt. Governor Michael Steele in Maryland. Charlie Baker, the Republican nominee for President-elect Kerry's seat in the Senate along with Congressman Paul Ryan (R-W). All of these men brought something into the fold that Newt could use. The only threat, the former Speaker surmised, was if some flew too close to the sun or shined brighter than the master. This would be intolerable.

After all, he was supposed to be the smartest person in the room, right?
Wednesday, December 1st, 2004: President Bush travels to Ottawa in one of his final foreign trips, flying on board Air Force One to Ottawa, Canada to discuss an agreement that would expand trade ties and coordinate anti-terrorism efforts.
Friday, December 3rd, 2004: The President-elect announces his selection of former UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke to the position of Secretary of State. He also names Richard Morningstar, a businessman and former diplomat with a strong background in the politics of the former Soviet Union, to serve as UN Ambassador. Victoria Nuland will take on the role of National Security Adviser. To serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security, Congressman Lee Hamilton (D-IN) is nominated. Lastly, the President nominates former Senator Sam Nunn for the position of Secretary of Defense.
Sunday, December 5th, 2004: The Supreme Court of Ukraine invalidates the results of the latest presidential election, citing widespread irregularities and fraud. A new vote is scheduled as a result of their ruling.
Thursday, December 9th, 2004: Al Qaeda aligned gunmen storm the US Consular compound in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, where they kill nine Saudis and find themselves ensnared in a gunfight with Saudi security forces. The gunmen are ultimately cornered and killed as the firefight comes to an end.
Friday, December 10th, 2004: The Kerry transition team announces several domestic appointments. Jim Johnson, a former Fannie Mae CEO and leader of the transition team, will take up the role of Secretary of the Treasury, Robert Stanton (former Director of the National Parks Service) will serve as Interior Secretary, while Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will lead the Agriculture Department as Secretary. Outgoing Washington Governor Gary Locke will lead the Department of Commerce, whereas former Democratic Minority Leader, Congressman Richard Gephardt, is named Labor Secretary. Outgoing Senator Tom Daschle, is selected for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Saturday, December 11th, 2004: President-elect Kerry confirms he has asked King County Executive Ron Sims as the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development after touring a public housing complex in Washington. During the same press conference, the President confirms that he will announce more appointments in the coming days.
Sunday, December 12th, 2004: In a bombshell report, the Washington Post claims that the Bush administration used wiretapping to listen in on the private phone calls of former IAEA President Mohamed ElBaradei in an effort to collect embarrassing information that could be used to against him in order to replace him with a more compliant successor. President-elect Kerry promises a full inquiry into the use and alleged abuse of wiretapping.
Monday, December 13th, 2004: The Electoral College convenes in all fifty state capitols, where the electors formally elect John Kerry over incumbent George W. Bush, resulting in his election being finalized.
Wednesday, December 15th, 2004: After eight American servicemen are killed in Fallujah in multiple attacks by insurgents, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld orders air strikes on the city that target alleged weapons caches.
Friday, December 17th, 2004: The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act is signed into law by President Bush, creating the position of Director of National Intelligence. The President however does not name a new Director, instead choosing to meet with President Kerry to sound out his own plan to fill the office. Sources in the White House tell CNN that Bush will appoint Kerry's choice early in order to keep the position filled in the month leading up to the inauguration.
Saturday, December 18th, 2004: President-elect Kerry announces former Deputy Attorney General Jamie Gorelick has accepted his offer for the position as Attorney General.
Monday, December 20th, 2004: First Lady Laura Bush and soon to be First Lady Theresa Heinz Kerry tour Walter Reed Medical Center together, where they meet with injured soldiers and their families ahead of Christmas.
Tuesday, December 21st, 2004: Former Governor Jeanne Shaheen is nominated to serve as Secretary of Education, while Congresswoman Juanita McDonald (D-CA) is asked to serve as the next Secretary of Transportation.
Thursday, December 23rd, 2004: The last two outstanding cabinet positions are filled; the President-elect nominates Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) as Secretary of Energy and former Senator Max Cleland for Secretary of Veteran's Affairs.
Friday, December 24th, 2004: As the nation prepares for Christmas, the White House announces the President will sit down with NBC's Matt Laurer for his final interview as President.

Dubya.

Thursday, December 30th, 2004.

9:00 PM, Washington, DC.

MATT LAUER: Mr. President, what do you regret the most?

GEORGE W. BUSH: I really wish we could've caught on to the terrorist plot that ultimately resulted in 9/11, you know, but....but I take some form....I take some form of comfort because I know it wasn't the result of our negligence. Our intelligence and investigative agents, they worked hard, they gave 110% to their jobs, and yet, it still happened. That's not their fault. I would hope that the American people understand that responsibility starts at the top, and that their confidence in the men and women keeping us safe doesn't erode.

MATT LAUER: Many of us today ask, "where were you on 9/11?" Its only been four years. This question will continue into the future, and will be remembered on par with the attack on Pearl Harbor or the JFK assassination. You plan on writing your memoirs. What insights do you have to share about that horrible day?

GEORGE W. BUSH: Well, Matt, the day was hard for all of us, no question. It's without a doubt the day that defined my Presidency. Nothing was going to be the same again. We went from a policy focused presidency to a war presidency, practically overnight. Fortunately, our military was ready, on alert, and eager to avenge.

MATT LAUER: Well, that leads me to Iraq...

GEORGE W. BUSH: You have to remember the context of the times. I think most Americans can relive those days vividly, because it's only been two years. We lived in a climate of fear and anger. We were hurting, we were after Bin Laden in Afghanistan, and we had the very real possibility that Saddam was constructing weapons of mass destruction. And those weapons could have fallen into the wrong hands. It was necessary to find and secure them.

MATT LAUER: But none were recovered -

GEORGE W. BUSH: There is reason to believe they've been buried in the desert sand, moved, possibily destroyed. We have recovered large stockpiles of outlawed chemical weapons. We are also worried about unaccounted stores of biological agents which may have been given to Syria -

MATT LAUER: Do you believe....
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Gage Skidmore).

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Kerry.

Thursday, January, 20th, 2004.

12:00 PM, The Capitol, Washington, DC.

“My fellow Americans: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed in me, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors, for it was by their struggles and sacrifice that we are able to have such a peaceful transition. History shows that the United States is a testimony to the superiority of the ballot over the bullet.

President Bush; I thank you for your service, loyalty, dedication, and unwavering love for this country.

Before me, forty three great Americans have taken this oath. After me, forty four Presidents would have taken this oath. Such is the challenge of history. These forty three men before me have seen triumph and tragedy. They have seen change and challenge. President Roosevelt was witness to tragedies, such as Pearl Harbor, and challenges, such as the invasion of Normandy. He saw triumph, when the American flag flew above Iwo Jima, and when our soldiers marched triumphantly through Paris, bringing liberty to France once more. President Nixon saw his challenge in the form of the war in Vietnam, and his triumph in placing an American on the moon, an achievement never thought possible until only a decade before it happened.

Like every President before me, and like every President to come after me, I hope to meet the challenges, to overcome the tragedies, and celebrate the triumphs. It was once said by President Nixon that the greatest title man can bestow is “peacemaker”. I hope that history will judge me, and my administration in such a way.

We must not be mistaken; our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Every day, our brave soldiers are shot at and bombarded in foreign lands. I know what it is like to carry an M-16. I know what it is like to fear for my life. I know what it’s like to wonder if I will leave a strange land alive.  I know war. And I hate it. My experience in Vietnam will play a role in my administration, because at the end of the day, the lives and safety of our brave freedom fighters will be held in the hands of my decisions. The troops will be a number one priority while we fight the fight against terrorism. The advice of our Generals and military leaders will be taken seriously in my administration. The long term goals of my administrations military policy in Iraq will be based solely upon facts, and I promise the American people that facts will not be tainted by petty politics.

Of course politics has its place will have its place in our democracy. We are Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, moderates and radicals. But in times of crisis, when we all are equally endangered by the forces that seek to do us and our precious democracy harm, we must pull together as our nation did on the quiet, mournful morning of September 12th, 2001. I want to again thank the outgoing President for his courageous and inspiring leadership in the wake of the tragic evil that visited our shores that day, and for his stand in favor of tolerance, unity, and of course our fellow citizens, and our way of life.

The seeds of unity bears many fruits. United, we will see the implementation of freedoms yet to be enacted. The freedom from hunger, the freedom from want, and the freedom from fear are not guaranteed across the world, not even in this nation. Whether it is in the next four years, or in the next four centuries, I hold no doubts about the eradication of these fears, and I have no doubt America will be the first nation in the history of civilization to achieve their eradication. These will be the goals of my administration, and they will be the goals of administrations to come as America ventures into the mist of the 21st century.

Earlier generations were able to face down Fascism and Communism. They could never do it with bombs and tanks alone. They had courage and convictions. They had sturdy alliances, and a credible government. Our enemies knew that our power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy, guided by these principles once more; we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We'll begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. We will counter the nuclear threat with the strongest weapon of all-diplomacy.

So let us mark this day in remembrance. Let us remember those who have died for our freedoms. Let us remember their sacrifices, for without them, we would not be engaged in a peaceful transition, as we are doing now. Let us also remember our principles. Peace and Democracy are the two most important agents of change in the world. Let us utilize them, along with the sword of diplomacy, so we can make America, and the world as a whole, a better place for future generations of Americans. Sixty years ago, President Franklin Roosevelt stated in his last inaugural address that “Our Constitution of 1787 was not a perfect instrument; it is not perfect yet. But it provided a firm base upon which all manner of men, of all races and colors and creeds, could build our solid structure of democracy.” This is just as true today. Progress has been made in the five last decades. And it will be made in the next five decades. My administration will strive for that progress.

Thank You and may God bless America."

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

What's the final electoral map.

Good start to the TL.

Is the Wikibox not visible? I'll fix that.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

What's the final electoral map.

Good start to the TL.

Is the Wikibox not visible? I'll fix that.

Info box not showing up

What about now? I can see it on mobile and my laptop now.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Jeb!

Thursday, January 20th, 2005.

12:45 PM, Tallahassee, FL.

The Florida Governor watched from his office in Florida's Capitol building, which loomed over all of Tallahassee, as his brother handed over the Presidency to John Kerry. It had been unfair, he mused, that both his father and brother be driven out after one term of despite their service to the country. It was regrettable, but more importantly, it was a curse that Jeb wanted to avoid. With his second term as Governor halfway through, people began to talk about the possibility that he could be the third Bush to take the White House.

There were advantages and disadvantages to the elephant in the room, which was his name. After two Bush presidencies were ended prematurely, there was speculation among the pundit class as to whether Jeb would take the plunge or not period. But the name Bush also came with one of the most loyal (and wealthy) donor base that could only be rivaled by Governor Romney, who also had 2008 on his mind.

Florida was the swing state, with a changing population and seemingly unlimited economic growth; Jeb, having the advantage of being the "favorite son," would make an attractive general election candidate. Frankly, it seemed like the only real question he should be asking is "why not?"

But if Jeb was anything, it was that he was cautious. He had studied what went wrong for both his brother and father, and looked for those same conditions in Kerry. It  was still too early to expect those weaknesses to appear, and until then, Jeb merely had to run down the clock until his term expired. As he watched his brother and sister-in-law leave the Capitol on board Marine One for the last time as the Kerrys waved on, he remembered his father doing the same before the Clintons. It was a humiliation he was determined to avoid.
Friday, January 21st, 2005: President Kerry, on his first day as President, signs a series of executive orders. Among the more notable decisions was to implement the Mexico City Policy, which allows for US funding of overseas abortions. The President also issues a second executive order ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" which would allow LGBT Americans from serving openly in the US military. A third executive order launches a formal inquiry into the usefulness and humanitarian conditions within the Guantanamo Bay facility. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) creates controversy when in a speech on the Senate floor, he jokes "this is the President from hell....literally."
Saturday, January 22nd, 2005: Eric Holder, who served as Deputy Attorney General under Bill Clinton (ironically succeeding Jamie Gorelick in the position), is nominated by the President to head up the Justice Department.
Sunday, January 23rd, 2005: Tom Daschle, the former Senate Majority Leader, falls under fire when it is revealed that he immediately was hired to work as a "policy consultant" by a lobbying firm. Worse yet is the claim that Daschle had during the lead-up to the inauguration met privately with a number of clients, effectively acting as a lobbyist in spite of regulations that prohibit former members of Congress from lobbying for a year after leaving office,
Monday, January 24th, 2005: Acting Attorney General James Comey - a Republican appointee - complies with President Kerry's request and orders an audit into the National Security Agency's warantless surveillance of American citizens.
Tuesday, January 25th, 2005: The Senate votes to confirm Sam Nunn 99-0; the only absentee was 88 year old Senator Robert Byrd, who planned to vote yes but was hospitalized briefly at the time of the vote after suffering a fall in his office.
Wednesday, January 26th, 2005: Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder and philanthropist, donates $750 million to immunize children in third world countries. It is believed to be among the largest acts of charity on record.
Friday, January 28th, 2005: Congressman Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the lone, open democratic socialist within Congress, announces he will run for Senate in 2006 as an independent. Though he intends to sit in the Senate as an independent, he is also seeking the Democratic Party of Vermont's nomination as well as he intends to caucus with the Democrats.

John

Saturday, January 29th, 2005.

10:45 AM, Phoenix, Arizona.

John McCain had been prepping for the second campaign ever since Bush thrashed him in 2000, and he was delighted in Dubya's political demise. So strong was his animosity towards the Bushes that he seriously pondered his colleague John Kerry's offer of placing him on the Democratic ticket. Ultimately, he declined the offer, as the path to power went through John Kerry, not with him.

Steve Schmidt was a stalwart McCain ally with a deep array of experience. He had worked on the Bush campaign as Deputy Communications Director, and was also assisting Arnold Schwarzenegger's reelection campaign in California. He was close to McCain, having been a key player in his 2000 run for the White House. He expected to replay the same role in the planned 2008 campaign.

But there was one obstacle; John Kerry's victory over President Bush had left the GOP leaderless, with the conservative wing of the party seeking a new, fresh choice ahead of the next election. Bush ran to the right of McCain in 2000, but was hardly more conservative than McCain himself. This meant that McCain would have even more of a challenge among the base. Consolidating the moderate wing would be crucial to his campaign's long term viability.

"It's a long way out" McCain was quick to remind Schmidt, "but we need to plan ahead." There would be no surprises this time. "The President is going to cut and run in Iraq" surmised the Senator, "and Holbrooke has all but confirmed that." Schmidt was concerned that with the growing opposition to the war, the Senator may quickly flounder. But McCain was convinced that a strong America was necessary to preserve freedom around the globe, and Schmidt knew that the Senator's mind could not be changed.

"What about Jeb?" asked McCain bitterly, his distaste for the family ever so apparent. "I talked to some people who said that he was talking to some people. That's about it." The answer did not satisfy the Senator; "who is he talking to? "I heard him mention someone named Randy" answered Schmidt, "but that's about all I know."

"Commission a poll" McCain ordered in response, "specifically, me against Jeb" he added. Schmidt promised to oblige, and immediately left the room to make a call to his most trusted pollster, while McCain began to read a series of confidential briefings that each member of the Senate Armed Services Committee received. He quickly resumed his work, reminded by the vanilla envelopes in front of him that his day job was still Senator.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Tuesday, February 1st, 2005: Pope John Paul II is hospitalized due to pneumonia, with doctors listing his condition as critical.
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2005: In yet another early blow, Tom Daschle, the President's nominee for HHS takes his name out of consideration following controversies over lobbying and taxes.
Thursday, February 3rd, 2005: The President headlines the National Prayer Breakfast as usual, with the President urging religious figures across the country to "pray for peace" in the Middle East. The President, who is the nation's second Catholic President, also encourages Americans to pray for the Pope as well.

The primaries to replace President Kerry are held. Businessman Charlie Baker wins the GOP primary over Scott Lively, a fundamentalist preacher, by a margin of 75%-25%. Meanwhile, Congressman Stephen Lynch wins the Democratic nomination unopposed.
Friday, February 4th, 2005: The President, flanked by Secretary of State Holbrooke and Secretary of Defense Sam Nunn, announces a major initiative to boost military morale by generously upgrading benefits for all active duty personnel.

The White House announces President Kerry and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Slovenia to discuss the a potential arms control treaty in the coming weeks.
Saturday, February 5th, 2005: Gnassingbé Eyadéma, Togo's long serving President, dies at the age of 68 after 37 years in power. Known for his corruption, nepotism, and brute use of force against dissidents, Eyadema was one of Africa's longest serving dictators.
Sunday, February 6th, 2005: Congressman Adam Putnam (R-FL) announces he will challenge Senator Bill Nelson for his seat. He is expected to face opposition from Congressman Mark Foley in the primary.

Kerry

Monday, February 7th, 2005.

7:25 AM, New York City, NY.

The press waited in the East Room, with the cameras of all the major news networks broadcasting the image under the banner of "BREAKING NEWS." Inside the Oval Office, the President would glance over at the crowd of reporters as he made last minute edits to his remarks. Present in the Oval Office with him was the bulk of the senior White House staff (including Bob Shrum, his brother Cameron Kerry, Chief of Staff Mary Beth Cahill, and Press Secretary Dag Vega) as well as Senators Joe Biden (D-DE), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Bill Frist (R-TN), Barack Obama (D-IL), and Vice President Edwards.

The impending announcement was sure to be historic; the President was planning to announce a sweeping healthcare initiative. As Frist (and almost the entirety of the Republican caucus) were opposed to any single payer healthcare reform plan, Senators Clinton and Obama each had their own ideas for expanding coverage.

"Are we ready?" asked the President, to which everyone murmured in agreement. "Good" he affirmed, "let's roll." The cameras clicked as the President and Vice President led the group to the East Room, where they gathered around the President who took to the podium.

"Good afternoon" he began, today I am pleased to announce a bipartisan effort to expand healthcare access and drive down costs. This plan, which I believe will clear through Congress with ease, is a shining example of what can be done when Republicans and Democrats come together for the betterment of the country. This effort is not a sweeping change, nor is it a government takeover of the healthcare sector of the economy. It is a common sense solution to a serious crisis which effects millions of Americans.

That is why Senators Clinton, Obama, and Frist have joined me today as we launch this crucial initiative. This legislation, if passed, would expand access to the Children's Health Insurance Plan to millions of American children, thus reducing the burden of exuberantly high insurance bill as well as ensuring that those with pre-existing conditions won't face discrimination or higher fees.

This bipartisan plan incorporates a number of necessary tweaks proposed by Senators Clinton or Obama, both of whom offered great insight to make this plan as expansive as possible. No child in this country should go without the care they need to mature into healthy and productive citizens. This effort, which crosses party lines in the name of providing the most advanced and available care, is a first step towards ensuring every American doesn't have to choose between their mortgage payment and their child's healthcare.

I look forward to taking your questions....
Monday, March 1st, 2005: President Kerry hosts Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin at the White House, where after a prolonged discussion in the Oval Office, an agreement fails to be reached over a proposed NATO missile shield.

President Kerry nominates Vermont Governor and one time rival Howard Dean to serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Governor's appointment does not go without its Republican critics, with Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) rallying his conservative colleagues in opposition to the health insurance program that the President had unveiled. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) finds it increasingly difficult to calm down his caucus, which viewed his endorsement of the Kerry plan (deemed "Kerrycare" by the media) as a betrayal.

The Massachusetts special Senate election is held, with Congressman Lynch easily beating beating Charlie Baker. The margin was expected to be wider, and many suspect that the Kerry administration's popularity in his native Massachusetts played a role in the larger than expected victory.

2005 Massachusetts Senate Special Election.
(D) Stephen Lynch: 58.33%
(R) Charles Baker: 38.03%
(L) Michael Cloud: 3.64%
(Democratic hold)

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Kerrycare health care plan in full swing.

What is President Kerry’s first approval rating like?

Is the infobox visible now?

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Frist.

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2005.

10:40 AM, The Capitol, Washington, DC.

[1]

The caucus meeting was much, much rougher than Bill Frist had anticipated. The conservative wing of the party was outraged at their own leader's endorsement of President Kerry's healthcare reform plan. "We picked you to represent us!" shouted Senator Allen, "we trusted you!" Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas also vocalized his outrage; "this is socialized medicine" he warned, "you of all people should know the consequences this plan!" Frist fired back; "I am a doctor and I took an oath" he replied, "anything that expands coverage to Americans is a good thing."

"But at what cost?" asked Senator Santorum, "we could put even more money into Americans pockets if we gave then a tax credit. Frist thought the tax credit would not be enough, and questioned who gave Rick his talking points. For a Senator known primarily for his strong and strident opposition to LGBT rights, Santorum was somewhat of an economic populist as well. He was shocked that Kerry's healthcare proposal was surprisingly muted compared to what he espoused on the campaign trail.

"If this bill passes" warned Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), "than all of us are going to be in a heap of trouble." The other Republicans murmured in agreement. "I am moving forward with the President with you or without you" warned Frist, "I'm not going to allow partisan tensions to eat away at this legislation. It's the best plan we're getting out of Kerry to begin with."

"We'll filibuster" threatened Senator Coburn (R-OK), while Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) claimed that Frist's support for the bill was "tearing the caucus apart." From the back of the room, McConnell added a tally mark to his yellow notepad as he counted each Senator's expression of disapproval. Unfortutnately for McConnell, it soon became apparent that Kerry and Frist had sold the bill to a number of moderate Republicans. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), John McCain (R-AZ), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-AK), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) all voiced their support for the bill. It was enough to, along with the majority of the Democrats who were uniformly in line with the President's agenda, to push through. But Senator Santorum's question stuck with him: "at what cost?"

Frist couldn't help but question whether or not this was a hill worth dying on.
Saturday, March 20th, 2005: Former Judge Roy Moore announces he will primary incumbent Alabama Governor Robert Riley in 2006.
Sunday, March 21st, 2005: Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) tells CBS's Face the Nation that Senator Frist's flirtation with working with the administration on the proposed healthcare reform  will "erode the caucus's confidence" in his leadership. Speculation mounts that McConnell is planning a possible challenge against Frist. McConnell's office denies this.
Monday, March 22nd, 2005: Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduces the Federal Elections Act of 2005; the law bans all PAC advertising from airing on radio or television during the last five days of the election. Political campaigns are still allowed to run ads during this period, the only exception to this rule, which Feingold hopes will decrease their influence over the process.
Thursday, March 25th, 2005: At a press conference in Tokyo with the Japanese Prime Minister, Secretary of State Holbrooke raises the possibility of the United States adopting the Kyoto Treaty.
Friday, March 26th, 2005: Pope John Paul II's health begins to deteriorate, with high blood pressure and a fever plaguing him result in him receiving the last rites. Crowds begin to grow outside the Vatican, where a vigil is held.
Monday, March 29th, 2005: Education Secretary Jeanne Shaheen proposes the Education Funding Reform Act. It is later introduced to the House of Representatives by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). The law will require the Federal government to fund schools up to the required level, filling in funding gaps that states either refuse or are unable to pay.  
[1] Taken from Wikipedia Commons (Public Domain).

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

By the way, I realized that I had some dates screwed up, so I'll have to correct a lot of errors (I used a 2004 calendar instead of a 2005 calendar). Afterwards I have to go to the capital building to join some friends lobbying for term limits, and I have to make some brief remarks apparently. But I'll be back later tonight with an update that is ~75% complete as of now.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Friday, April 1st, 2005: Governor Jim Douglas announces he will seek retiring Senator Jim Jeffords seat, pitting him up against independent Congressman Bernie Sanders, an outspoken democratic socialist. Though Vermont has been trending away from Republicans, many GOP leaders believe they can regain the seat back due to Sander's radical views.

Second Lady Elizabeth Edwards goes public with her cancer diagnosis, vowing to beat the disease. Her illness propels her into the national spotlight, which she uses to highlight cancer awareness and healthcare reform.
Saturday, April 2nd, 2005: Pope John Paul II dies in Rome at the age of 84, sparking large-scale mourning across the Globe. President Kerry, himself a Catholic, praises the Pope as "a unifying force that appealed to the better angels within us" and confirms that he will personally represent the United States at the funeral in Rome, where he will be joined by former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George HW. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Former President Gerald Ford also released a statement, but will not travel to Rome due to his increasingly frail health.
Sunday, April 3rd, 2005: In yet another major midterm announcement, former Navy Secretary Jim Webb announces he will seek George Allen's seat in the Senate. Allen, a fierce conservative, is one of the more controversial Senators. Meanwhile, Florida's outgoing Governor Jeb Bush announces he will not seek Bill Nelson's Senate seat, and instead endorses his Lt. Governor, Toni Jennings, who will face Congressman Adam Putnam in the Republican primary.
Monday, April 4th, 2005: The British government announces that 5,500 British troops will be withdrawn from Iraq and redeployed in Afghanistan to bolster the effort against the Taliban or Al Qaeda.
Tuesday, April 5th, 2005: Howard Dean is confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services by a vote of 57-43.

Barack

Tuesday, April 5th, 2005.

10:00 AM, Washington, DC.

Senator Obama was less than five months into his term as Senator, and yet he was already being hailed the future of the Democratic Party. Of course, this was resented by many of his fellow Senators. But this did not bother the oratorically gifted former community organizer. Joe Biden, who took an initial dislike to Obama since they first met at the Democratic Convention, represented the past. Likewise Senator Clinton represented the present - or at least the worst aspects of it - and then there was Vice President Edwards, who surely would be waiting in the wings as well.

The Senator didn't mind President Kerry's pragmatic approach, but he was disappointed with the White House's meddling with the healthcare reform efforts, and increasingly felt that President Kerry was simply too cautious to effect proper change. Four months into his six year term and already there was a relatively sizable "Draft Obama" movement on the internet, though this did not translate into actual support. Obama knew this, and had no intention of running for President in 2008 whatsoever.

2012 though was another question.

Senator Obama was something of a political polyglot, who could speak as an eloquent professor or as a booming AME preacher. He was young, charismatic, knowledgeable, and remarkably transparent considering his background in Chicago politics. Ever since his keynote speech to the Democratic Convention, there was talk about him being the first black President. But for now, the man known in Chicago as "No Drama Obama" was content to linger in the shadows, awaiting his turn.

Dole.

Wednesday, April 6th, 2005.

6:30 PM, The Watergate, Washington, DC.

Elizabeth Dole had one of the longest careers in Washington, which made sense seeing as her husband had been a Senator and Congressman for thirty years. Though the 1996 nominee was aging and retired from politics, Elizabeth still had the itch. Her campaign for 2000 was gaining a bit of traction before George W. Bush entered the field and sucked up all the oxygen. She had run for Senate in 2002 in her native North Carolina, and despite her life being primarily located in DC, she had begun making regular visits back home to shore up support for her 2008 reelection.

With a Democrat in the White House and with North Carolina firmly in Republican hands, the Senator was less worried about the 2008 reelection campaign so much as the presidential campaign. She wasn't getting any younger after all, and she still had the itch. "I'll be damned if I let Hillary make history" she said in contempt of her colleague, "I was on the Federal Trade Commission before she burnt her first bra!"

The days following Kerry's victory changed the political landscape in Washington, altering the course of many careers as the Democrats prepared to take the reins at the White House. It'd be a whirlwind four years, something that did not weigh down on Dole. At the age of 68, she was still spry and sharp as a tac. If Reagan could pull it off, than surely so should she.

"It's too early to even be telling people this" said her husband as they sat down for dinner, "it would be better to hit the sweet spot after the midterms" he warned, "it can reduce your effectiveness as a Senator."

"I know that" she responded, "but we need to keep our core network together. If I don't signal any interest, than it'll be harder to corral the team.

"That may be true" Bob replied, "but you have to signal it properly. Boswell is going to be confirmed Secretary of Agriculture, which means there will be special election. We can go out there, get a feel for the ground, and see how people respond to you. It'll get some media attention, but they'll quickly forget about it. But then your name is in circulation. People will talk, and the chatter will get larger over time. Just lay low, wait it out, and when the times right we can make the next move."

"If I didn't think you had a shot, I'd tell you to stay put" assured Bob, "but if you burn out to  quick, you'll get buried. You can make it to Iowa. You can win Iowa."

"What would you say if I formed a PAC?" asked Elizabeth. "It'd be a good move to get a new one going before the end of the year, but keep it slim and strong until after the midterms. From there, you can launch an exploratory committee or just jump right in."

"Money won't be an obstacle" Elizabeth argued, "I really don't want to do the exploratory committee thing anyway.

"That would be a waste of time" answered Bob, who slowly chewed on his steak, "we can always commission a poll, you know."

"That's not a bad idea."

Frank.

Friday, April 8th, 2005.

7:30 AM, Washington, DC.

Frank Lutz drank his coffee in his Washington Hotel Room; tired from a night that resulted in merely two hours sleep, he checked his email in anticipation of the final results of the poll. Both Governor Romney and Senator Dole had recently employed his services to estimate their exact base of support. Sure enough, there was the email waiting to be opened. Luntz pulled the PDF up on his laptop, which struggled to load on the hotel's spotty WiFi.

Finally, the data loaded fully. The results were not surprising; in fact, they practically duplicated the polls commissioned by Governor Romney earlier in the week. It was better news for the Senator than the Governor. Indeed, while the Governor lingered in he single digits, Dole was close to cracking ten percent. The two candidates could do as they wish with this information. As far as he was concerned, it was just a drop in the bucket compared to what Fox was paying him.

2008 Republican Presidential Primary (Nationwide).
Jeb Bush: 23%
Rudy Giuliani: 22%
John McCain: 18%
George Allen: 12%
Elizabeth Dole: 9%
Newt Gingrich: 5%
Mitt Romney: 4%
Mike Huckabee: 3%
George Pataki: 2%
Rick Santorum: 1%
Mark Sanford: 1%
Tim Pawlenty: 1%
Friday, April 9th, 2005: The Papal Conclave gathers in the Sistine Chapel a day after laying Pope John Paul II to rest. The first several ballots remain inconclusive.
Monday, April 11th, 2005: President Kerry praises Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's decision to pull Israeli settlers out of the Gaza Strip.
Wednesday, April 13th, 2005: Three British men of Libyan and Iraqi descent are arrested by the FBI for plotting to attack the New York Stock Exchange with a car bomb. Though few details are initially released, it is quickly reported that one member has tie to senior Al Qaeda leaders.
Friday, April 15th, 2005: Bells ring as white smoke rises from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel, signaling the Papal Conclave has at last elected a successor to the late Pope John Paul II. The crowd roars as the new Pope, Jorge Bergolio of Argentina, makes his first remarks as Pope Francis. He is the first Jesuit and first non-European Pope. Though the results are not made public, it is widely rumored that Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany was the leading candidate until the opposition rallied around the more progressive minded Bergolio.
Saturday, April 16th, 2005: Prince Charles of Wales marries Camilla Parker-Bowles, his longtime friend and one time mistress. As his bride is divorced, she is technically not eligible to take the title of Queen upon her husband's ascension. Instead, she'll take the title of Duchess of Cornwall.
Wednesday, April 20th, 2005: Governor Jodi Rell of Connecticut signs legislation legalizing civil unions, making it the second state to do so.
Friday, April 22nd, 2005: President Kerry dispatches Secretary of State Holbrooke to Beijing as rumors spread that North Korea is preparing an atomic test. Holbrooke plans to pressure the Chinese government into tightening the economic noose around the rogue regime of Kim Jong Il in order to discourage such an action.
Sunday, April 24th, 2005: Hugo Chavez orders all American military personnel to leave Venezuela, claiming that the Kerry administration was attempting to launch a coup in the near future. Director of Central Intelligence Bob Graham dismisses these claims, and insists that it is merely a distraction from his attempts to seize further powers for himself.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Is it me or are a bunch of pictures deleted? Also I noticed that the chapter names were often incorrect since I was using a template and would just copy and paste it. As a result, a chapter named after Cheney will now reflect it's main character, Bill Frist. I can't believe I missed that

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

It appears large swathes of the timeline has been deleted. I might have to delete this and restart it.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

The Kerry Cabinet

Secretary of State.

Richard Holbrooke was one of the leading contenders for the role of Secretary of State from the get-go, due to his history as a Deputy Secretary of State and UN Ambassador during the Clinton administration. His nomination sailed through the Senate without any serious opposition on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Confirmed by the Senate on a roll call vote by a margin of 97-3, Holbrooke has already conducted three overseas trips just four months into the Kerry administration focusing on strengthening ties with the NATO partners in Iraq, combating climate change, and isolating and sanctioning rogue regimes like that in Iraq or North Korea.

Secretary of the Treasury

[1]

Stuart Eizenstat had been a fixture of Democratic administrations for years, having served as an adviser to Jimmy Carter and in a number of posts at the Department of Commerce and Treasury under Bill Clinton. Eventually arising to the number two job at the Treasury Department in 1999, Eizenstat was selected for the position of Secretary of the Treasury after the President was forced to withdraw Jim Johnson's nomination following a controversy over his tenure at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac related to exuberant bonuses.

Secretary of Defense

With America at war on fronts in Afghanistan and Iraq, Sam Nunn's selection as Secretary of Defense was probably the most well received nomination to the cabinet, and he quickly sailed through the Senate Armed Services Committee before being confirmed via a unanimous consent motion by his former colleagues. Nunn now faces the daunting challenge of being charged with first the stabilization and then withdrawal of American forces from Iraq. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate, which voted 95-0 in favor.

Attorney General

Eric Holder, the former Deputy Attorney General under President Clinton, was named to the Justice Department's top job after Jamie Gorelick withdrew her name from consideration. Gorelick, having been swept up in controversy due to her role in the Fannie Mae bonus controversy that also threatened to sweep up Treasury Secretary-designee Jim Johnson, would have been the second woman to head the Justice Department. It would be Eric Holder, who ironically succeeded Gorelick as Deputy Attorney General, who was to be nominated instead. Though he faced some opposition from Republicans on the Judiciary Committee who used controversial past statements to paint him as a radical, he ultimately made it through the Republican controlled Senate by 51-49, after Senators Collins (R-ME), Snowe (R-ME), and Bob Bennett (R-UT) defect in support of his nomination.

Secretary of the Interior

The department of the Interior traditionally has been headed by relatively non-controversial Secretaries. This was a tradition that Kerry continued when he nominated Tim Wirth, who represented Colorado in the Senate from 1987-1993. Afterwards he had served first as Chief Counsel of the State Department and then as a Deputy Secretary of State under Bill Clinton. Wirth’s experience both in the bureaucracy and the Senate made him an ideal choice for President Kerry. The new Secretary has indicated that combating global warming and climate change is his main priority. The Senate voted 60-40 in favor of his nomination, with a number of moderate Republicans led by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) crossing the aisle to support him.

Secretary of Agriculture

As Governor of Iowa, a state in which agriculture is a dominant part of their economy, Tom Vilsack was the leading candidate to head up the Agriculture Department from the moment President Kerry was declared President-elect. A moderate Democrat, Vilsack is reasonably amendable to Republicans and has wide support among the National Union of Farmers and the American Farm Bureau Federation. He was confirmed by a motion of unanimous consent.

Secretary of Commerce

The first Asian American ever nominated to serve in the cabinet, former Washington Governor Gary Locke was a popular choice among the Democrats, and did not particularly stir the pot among the Republicans due to his more moderate stances and willingness to work with Republicans to spur economic growth. Locke, who has been touted as a future Presidential candidate, was expected to seek a fourth term in 2004, but ultimately did not do so. He was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 80-20.

Secretary of Labor

Richard Gephardt had a lengthy career in Congress and had made two ganders at the Presidency in 1988 and later in 2004. Once a leading contender for the nomination, Gephardt’s campaign fell flat and he was forced to withdraw after a poor showing in Iowa. As Minority Leader in the House, Gephardt has forgone the chance to perhaps become Speaker in order to seek the grander prize, which has left a bitter taste in some Senators’ mouths. With strong support of the labor unions, Gephardt’s selection is a sign that the Kerry administration will take a decidedly pro-labor voices. His nomination was approved by the Senate by a 55-45 vote.

Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The selection of Howard Dean to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services was the result of the 2004 campaign. Dean, who had bitterly fought both President Kerry and the Secretary of Labor Dick Gephardt, was the face of healthcare reform and the leader of the progressive wing of the party. The decision to appoint Dean in the wake of the failed Daschle nomination has resulted in the party unifying itself after a moderately divisive primary season. His confirmation hearings and subsequent confirmation by the Senate (by a 52-48 margin) were the most widely watched due to Senator Clinton's efforts to implement healthcare reform.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Ron Sims, the King County Executive who replaced incoming Commerce Secretary Gary Locke in office, will be joining him as the second Washingtonian to earn a seat in the Kerry cabinet. Presiding over the largest city in Washington, his expertise on housing policy led to him being a frontrunner for the post. There is some speculation that he will only serve out the next two or three years in office before running for Governor against incumbent Republican Dino Rossi in 2008. He was confirmed by a motion of unanimous consent.

Secretary of Transportation

Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald was the first and only choice President Kerry had in mind for the position of Secretary of Transportation. Millender-McDonald, in her capacity as Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee and had previously chaired the Congressional Black Caucus. A centrist with a considerable amount of policy chops, Millender-McDonald maintained strong personal relations with many other members of Congress, regardless of party. This made her an attractive choice in Kerry’s eyes, and she was confirmed by a motion of unanimous consent.

Secretary of Energy

Ed Markey, a longtime Congressman who was one of the many “Watergate Babies” elected in 1974 and 1976, has been an ally of President Kerry for over three decades. Though he was initially considered a strong contender for President Kerry’s vacant Senate seat in the scheduled special election, his appointment to the cabinet dashed these efforts. A staunch believer in alternative energy, Markey’s selection is hailed by environmentalists and liberal activists. He was confirmed by the Senate 59-41.

Secretary of Education

A former teacher turned State Senator and later, Governor, Jeanne Shaheen was speculated to be a Vice Presidential contender for the 2000 and 2004 Democratic nominees. While she was passed over twice for the position, her experience in education made her an ideal choice for the President’s transition team. A competent and likable Governor, Shaheen had made an unsuccessful Senate bid 2002 and may only stay at the Education Department long enough to keep her profile relevant. Though many Republicans were skeptical of some of the administration's proposals, Shaheen was widely respected back in New Hampshire and in Washington, and ultimately was easily confirmed by a vote of 91-9.

Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs:

Max Cleland was the logical choice for President Kerry’s cabinet. The Vietnam veteran had given his legs for the country, and was willing to do so much more. His term in the Senate was eventful, but short lived. His attempt to hold the seat in 2002 resulted in one of the nastiest campaigns in American history, with his Republican rival Saxby Chambliss contrasting him to Saddam Hussein due to his more pragmatic and moderate stance on Iraq – even though Cleland himself voted for the Iraq Resolution that authorized the invasion. None the less, the rhetoric and tone of the 2002 Senate race was enough to endear Cleland to Democrats across the country. The Senate voted 100-0 in a roll call vote, with even Senator Chambliss endorsing his nomination.

Secretary of Homeland Security

The newest addition to the cabinet, the Department was created in the wake of 9/11 to coordinate anti-terrorist operations. Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA) was selected for this post specifically due to her counter-terrorism work in Congress as well as her expertise on foreign and defense policy issues. Her selection also mutes criticism from feminist activists who claimed Kerry was too overwhelmingly white and male. She was confirmed by a roll call vote of 77-23.
[1] Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/2018-us-nationalbookfestival-stuart-eizenstat.jpg/160px-2018-us-nationalbookfestival-stuart-eizenstat.jpg, Author: Fuzheado

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

I've recovered the story for the most part; I'll try and get what I can up tonight, because tomorrow I'll be in the car for seven hours driving home.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

“Bells ring as white smoke rises from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel, signaling the Papal Conclave has at last elected a successor . . .”

Where have I read these words before?

I don’t know? Are you implying plagiarism?

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Holy-! Dino Rossi actually won something!

I saw that LOL. I'm assuming the WA St Dems will pull a Mitch McConnell & make Rossi's life Hell during his tenure in the WA St Governor's Mansion.

I’m going to be honest: I bent the realism to give him at least one victory

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Sunday, May 1st, 2005: Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) introduces the Healthy Children and Families Act to the House of Representatives; the bill would dramatically expand funding for the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) to cover every American child until they reach the age of 18. Conservative members of Congress bulk at the proposal, which they fear will cause the budget deficit to balloon.  
Monday, May 2nd, 2005: As President Kerry prepares for his upcoming tour of Eastern Europe, where he hopes to lure the leaders of Georgia and Ukraine into taking their nations into NATO, much to the chagrin of Moscow.
Thursday, May 5th, 2005: British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Labor government holds off the Conservatives and manages to retain government. President Kerry congratulates Blair on his victory, though their relationship isn't as warm as his predecessors. With a diminished majority, many in the Labor Party begin questioning just how long Tony Blair can remain in office.

Hillary

Friday, May 6th, 2005.

12:30 PM, Washington, DC.

The President's secretary buzzed into the Oval Office; "Senator Clinton is here, Mr. President". He could feel his eyes floating into the back of his head. Waiting outside with only the pretense of patience was the Senator, who was ushered in to the Oval Office. President Kerry rose to greet her, and then motioned for her to sit down. The Republicans were already on the offensive, noting that aside from a handful of executive orders, the first 100 days of the Kerry administration had been almost entirely fruitless. Kerry didn't mind the criticism - Rome wasn't built in a day, after all. But he did have big agenda in mind, and he wasn't going to let the Republicans stop him.

"Senator" Kerry addressed her, "I have to urge caution." Clinton had served with Kerry in the Senate, and they had always spoken to one another informally as John and Hillary. The icy formality of it all suggested to Hillary that Kerry was enjoying was the office, and was more invested in keeping it than using it. "Mr. President" replied Senator Clinton, "but millions of Americans don't have the time we have. We need to think bigger....bigger and better."

"How do you suppose we get this through Congress with the Republicans in control?" asked the President, "two thirds of them are opposed to the Children's Health Insurance Program existing."

"I've fought in the trenches for years on this issue" replied Senator Clinton, "and Elizabeth and I are willing to take this fight directly to the people." This time, the President resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His predecessor warned that the Clintons liked to meddle, but he never expected them to undermine a fellow Democrat. It was almost as if Hillary was trying to rush a doomed healthcare plan in order to help elect future President Giuliani or McCain in order to further her 2012 ambitions.

He was right.

But of course, Clinton would never admit this. Worse case scenario, the plan somehow passes and so she can claim legislative credit. Best case scenario would be the poisoning of the well between the Republican majority in Congress, crippling the administration. She had set a trap for him, and it was at this moment that the President needed to do.

"CHIP matches state funding for the healthcare costs needed to take care of sick children whose families lack the resources to seek proper treatment" noted Kerry, "what happens if we lose momentum to the Republicans, they take a bunch of gubernatorial victories, and then they proceed to gut their part of the job. How can we offer matching funds for people when the states are going to put any money to match about?"

"A mandate. Plain and simple."

"That's constitutionally dubious" warned Kerry. "I think we need to look at a lighter package, something that Senator Collins and Murkowski and Snowe can get on board with. You should consider throwing in a few tax rebates or allow families to deduct healthcare costs from the taxes. It'd be a good starter point."

"History is never made by the cautious, John."
Monday, May 9th, 2005: In one of the first major interviews of his Presidency, John Kerry sits down in the East Room of the White House for an extensive interview for NBC's "Meet the Press." Notable exerts include the President outlining the status of negotiations between the newly installed Iraqi government and Secretary of State Holbrooke about the future of the American and NATO presence in the country. He also makes news when he (some would say dismissively) calls Hillary Clinton's efforts to reform healthcare as being "an interesting legislative initiative," but does officially endorse it. The interview was taped Friday before the President traveled to Russia.

Vladimir Arutyunian

Tuesday, May 10th, 2005.

3:00 PM, Tbilisi, Georgia.

The President was perfectly content to be working on behalf of NATO, instead of dealing with the petty political squabbles in Washington. Georgia, which just a decade and a half before was once part of the Soviet Union. In the nearly fifteen years sine the fall of the USSR, the small republic had been plagued by consistent instability and regional separatism in Abkhazia and Ossetia. Worse yet was the constant meddling in Georgian affairs by the Kremlin, which made the climate in the Caucasus regions all the more worrisome to Washington.

Vladimir Arutyunian had lived a short but troubled life. An ethnic Armenian born in the Breznhev era of Soviet stagflation and decline, his father had died early on in his life and as a result, he and his mother were forced into a life dissolute life of poverty. He toiled as a day laborer and helped operate a vegetable stand at a local market with his mother in Tbilisi's poorest neighborhood. Since the fall of the USSR, their standard of living declined overtime.

Despite a lack of formal education or career prospects, Vladimir was none the less a very politically minded person. He had joined the Democratic Union for Revival, a political party opposed to incumbent Georgian leader Mikhail Saakashvili that was bankrolled by Moscow. He soon became disenchanted with the party, citing the fact that his party had not embraced his radical anti-American beliefs with the same vigor.

To Vladimir, a man was only as good as his work. And he was prepared to do something about it.

So, as thousands poured into Liberty Square in the capital of Tbilisi, so did he. He dressed himself normally and stuffed a Soviet era grenade into his pocket. He blended into the crowd, in which several Secret Service agents and Georgian law enforcement agents were also hidden in plain clothes. Through the internet, Vladimir had read up a great deal on their tactics. He knew if he pushed through the crowd towards the front too quickly that he could create suspicion. So instead, he waited patiently, slowly edging his way towards the stage until he was just close enough.

As Saakashvilli concluded his speech, President Kerry stepped to the lectern. For ten minutes, Victor listened calmly. He was not nervous in the slightest. He knew all about the concept of "propaganda of the deed." He wasn't a terrorist, he thought to himself, but rather a freedom fighter. By killing Kerry, he hoped to avenge the USSR and inspire revolution both in his native Georgia and in America alike.

The President's speech was nearing it's close. It was time to act.

He unwrapped the grenade, which was tightly bound by a cloth, and pulled the pin. He felt his heartbeat rapidly increase. With every ounce of strength he could muster, he hurled it into the sky, and watched it fly through the air in the same manner and watched it fly like a spectator follows the ball at a golf tournament. To his great disappointment, it landed much farther away than he had hoped for. He immediately turned to flee with seconds to spare.

The President was midway through a sentence when the grenade exploded, having landed at ~60 feet away or so. Immediately before he could even recognize and process what had happened, he was bundled off stage by Secret Service agents and rushed to an awaiting vehicle, where he was rushed to the relative security of the American embassy. The crowd all the while fell into panic; three people were killed when the grenade landed at their feet, and twenty five others were either injured by the shrapnel or trampled by the panicking mob. In one unfortunate case, it was both.

Across the Atlantic, Americans watched as Fox and CNN break into their normal programming to bring the news to the American people: once again, a President had escaped assassination. The incident shook Kerry, and he knew that next time he might not be so lucky.
Wednesday, May 12th, 2005: Georgian police, working in conjunction with the FBI and the Secret Service, track down and detain Victor Arutyunian, charging him on two counts of attempted murder in addition to charges related to those killed or injured in the crowd. "I am not a terrorist" Arutyunian claims upon his apprehension, "just a human being."
Thursday, May 12th, 2005: Controversial British MP George Galloway finds himself the subject of a criminal probe after it is alleged that he used a anti-cancer charity as a means to hide and launder money that had been funneled to him by the regime of Saddam Hussein in the years leading up to the 2003 invasion.
Friday, May 13th, 2005: An uprising in Uzbekistan breaks out against the dictatorship of Islam Karminov, after prisoners are rescued following a mysterious armed attack on the prison where they were being held. As news spread of the mass escape, anti-Karminov protesters take to the streets demanding the resignation of the President.
Saturday, May 14th, 2005: As protests spread to other cities in Uzbekistan, the Islamic Movement of Uzkeistan - an Al Qeada and Taliban affiliated Islamist group - goes on the offensive, launching several attacks on Uzbek soldiers stationed near the Afghan border. Secretary of State Holbrooke claims that the US is "monitoring the situation."
Sunday, May 15th, 2005: The Uzbek army opens fire on protesters in the main capital, killing an estimated 1,500. Many of the dead were killed after tanks rolled through the throngs of people, while others were killed by snipers as they fled the square. Though the country's tightly controlled media attempts to cover up the incident, claiming that only 100 people were killed in a "riot" that was organized by Islamists, the western media reports on the atrocities.
Monday, May 16th, 2005: In response to the massacre in Uzbekistan, the UN Security Council (UNSC) convenes in New York. UN Ambassador Richard Morningstar presses for sanctions to be implemented, and warns that the United States may intervene if the instability spills across the border in Afghanistan. Russia vetoes the resolution, and Putin warns against any American action within the country.
Tuesday, May 17th, 2005: Islam Karimov responds to the failed attempt to place sanctions on the country by ordering the United States to abandon its military facility at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base. The Department of Defense promises to cooperate with the Uzbek government. President Kerr speculates that Moscow played a role in this decision.
Monday, May 23rd, 2005: Hearings for the Healthy Children and Families Act are conducted by the House Ways and Means Committee, where ranking member Charlie Rangel (D-NY) strongly embraces the proposed bill. Other moderate Republicans on the Committee, such as Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (R-CT), are intrigued by the plan whereas the more fiscally conservative members of the committee like Congressmen Eric Cantor, JD Hayworth (R-AZ), and Paul Ryan (R-WI) all vocalizing their opposition.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Thanks for pointing out those errors! Locke was elected in 1996, which mean he'd be seeking a third rather than fourth term. Totally forgot Norman Mineta though. I'll correct both. I'm going to try and get a update up tonight covering the White House staff.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

The White House Staff

Chief of Staff.

Many claim that Mary Beth Cahill is the most powerful woman in Washington, and it very well could be true. Aged 51, she had three decades of activism under her belt, which made her a seasoned veteran of political campaigns. Her ties run deep in Massachusetts, where her career flourished under the patronage of Senator Ted Kennedy. After leading President Kerry's campaign to victory, she found herself in a game of political cat and mouse with Alexis Herman for the role of Chief of Staff. Kerry ultimately chose his fellow Massachusetts residence due to Herman's ties with the Clintons, whom he was trying to distance himself from.  

Deputy Chief of Staff.

Bob Shrum was a longtime veteran of Democratic campaigns, having started under McGovern in '72 after graduating from Georgetown and later Harvard. His clients as a political consultant included Ted Kennedy in 1980, as well as Mayor Dinkins in New York in 1989 and Congressman (and later Labor Secretary) Dick Gephardt, as well as a wide array of Senators from Chris Dodd to Bernie Sanders. Whereas Cahill is largely charged with the day to day operations of the White House and the implementation of policy, Shrum is tasked with the political side of things, working with the DNC and the Democratic minority in Congress.

Communications Director

In the darkest days of the Lewinsky scandal, it was Stephanie Cutter - a former aide to HUD Secretary Cuomo - who became the unexpected hero of the saga, due to her adept handling of the scandal that nearly brought Bill Clinton down. During the campaign, she became the point-woman of the Kerry-Edwards team, regularly delivering the talking points on national TV with vigor. In the White House, she quickly made it her goal to keep the broad Democratic coalition together ahead of the 2006 midterms.

Press Secretary

One of the fresher faces brought into the Kerry administration was Dag Vega, who had been the Deputy Press Secretary during the campaign and was in charge of managing the candidates numerous television appearances. With deep ties to the media, Vega is banking on fostering a productive relationship with the White House Press Corps in order to maximize the President's ability to connect to the masses.

Senior Advisers

Perhaps the truly most powerful member of the administration was none other than President Kerry's brother, Cameron Kerry, who was deeply involved in the campaign and had the President's complete confidence. Taking the title as "Senior Adviser" to the President, Kerry is forbidden from taking a salary due to nepotism laws. None the less, he holds considerable sway over the President.

Since 1998, David McKean has served as Kerry's top adviser, and has maintained longstanding ties to the Kennedy family was well. Like Cameron Kerry, McKean lacks an exact role or title, but remains one of the President's most ardent supporters as well as one of the administrations top political guru.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Wednesday, June 1st, 2005: The Healthy Children and Families Act clears the Ways and Means Committee 23-19; all the Democrats plus five Republicans (Nancy Johnson of CT, Jim Ramstad of MN, Phil English of PA, Jerry Weller of IL, and surprisingly, David Camp of MI) vote in favor of the bill. It now advances to the House floor for wider debate.
Friday, June 3rd, 2005: Another controversy surrounding the prison at Guantanamo Bay, this time involving the desecration of the Qurans. President Kerry begins weighing a plan to permanently close the facility, fearing that it has become a propaganda tool for Islamist insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Monday, June 6th, 2005: As Republican opposition to the Healthy Children and Families Act grows, Americans for Prosperity and FreedomWorks announce a planned march on DC on July 4th to protest what they claim is a "government takeover" of the various state's healthcare policies.
Tuesday, June 7th, 2005: A libertarian rally featuring Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) and former Libertarian Presidential candidate Michael Badnarik against the proposed Healthy Children and Families Act gains international attention after several doctors throw medical equipment such as scalpels into the port of Galveston, TX. They were acting in protest of the medical device tax which would fund the Medicaid expansion implemented by the Health Children and Families Act, and the event is contemptuously dubbed "the Galveston Tea Party" by HBO's Bill Mahrer. The name sticks.

Primaries in New Jersey are held ahead of the off-year gubernatorial election. On the Democratic side, Senator Jon Corzine is nominated without opposition, while former US Attorney Chris Christie only narrowly defeats Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan 52-48% in the Republican primary.
Wednesday, June 8th, 2005: Rumors spread across Zimbabwe claiming that authoritarian President Robert Mugabe is dead following a hard attack. So prevalent are the rumors online that the country briefly shuts down internet access before Mugabe is forced to make a public appearance to dispel these reports before any unrest can ferment.
Friday, June 10th, 2005: In an hour long interview on CNN's Larry King Live, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) defends the administration's efforts to expand the Children's Health Insurance Plan. She encourages viewers to flood the phones on capitol hill in the coming weeks to show support for the plan. When asked by King whether or not she thought Kerry was too politically timid, Clinton answers only that it is "up to the President."
Saturday, June 11th, 2005: The G8 announces that it will cancel the debt of the world's eighteen poorest countries in the hopes of boosting economic growth in countries like Haiti, the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Somalia.
Monday, June 13th, 2005: Pop superstar Michael Jackson is acquitted on all charges of child sexual abuse; Jackson was accused of molesting several young boys.
Tuesday, June 14th, 2005: Primaries are held in Virginia; both Lt. Governor Tim Kaine and Attorney General Jerry Kilgore are both nominated by their respective parties for Governor.

Theresa

Wednesday, June 15th, 2005.

7:25 AM, Washington, DC.

Theresa Kerry was a relatively popular, if slightly withdrawn First Lady. This was by design; a direct and outspoken woman, Theresa was sometimes prone to getting carried away. During the campaign, she had criticized Laura Bush for not having "a real job" in her lifetime (Bush had been a teacher and librarian), which caused severe and long lasting damage to her reputation. The irony of the story was that Bush was not at all offended, and the incident led to a mutually sincere friendship.

Theresa had lived her life in Washington, but her story was much more interesting than most political wives. She had been born in Portuguese East Africa, now known as Mozambique and married Heinz heir John Heinz, who later went on to serve in the Senate. Before her marriage, she worked as an interpreter at the UN. Being moderate Republicans, the two devoted to themselves to a number of causes until his untimely death in a plane crash. His estate left her with a fortune that ma have been worth upwards to $1.4 billion, which she used liberally to fund her second husband's political efforts over the years.

Still, Heinz-Kerry, despite her lengthy involvement on the Washington scene, simply couldn't shake off the "rich bitch" image. Though she was not as widely loathed among Republicans like Hillary Clinton, Heinz-Kerry's Bush gaffe hung over her head into her first year as First Lady. During the campaign, many aides warned that her no-nonsense approach to politics might cost the Senator votes. It was simply who she was. It couldn't be changed. But it could be weaponized in reverse, and by the six month mark of the inauguration, she decided it was time to make the best of an increasingly bad situation.

So she went on tour. She spoke bluntly and truthfully at political events, including a rally in favor of the Clinton-Tauscher healthcare plan, endearing her to the American people after a rocky honeymoon. A focus group conducted by Frank Luntz during a braodcast of Hannity and Colmes of conservatives showed a surprising amount of understanding. "I like her more than Hillary" said one woman, "because she actually speaks her mind instead of just pretending too." Another agreed; "she's a strong woman."

It was set to be just another boring profile on yet another First Lady. A tour of the White House, a sampling of the fine china, and a quick visit to the kitchen before displaying the art in the Green Room, etc, etc. It was supposed to be no different from Laura Bush's work with the "Save Our History" program or Jackie Kennedy's televised White House tours. But Theresa had other ideas.

"It feels really....really guilty sometimes" she said to NBC's fawning Katie Couric, "because we live in the people's house, and many people don't live in a house at all." Pressed on healthcare, she didn't bat an eye. "If you're against the Tauscher plan" she claimed, "than you really need to rethink your definition of common sense." Addressing Senator Clinton's criticisms of the President's relative disengagement from the healthcare battle, she bitterly (and slyly) replies that the President "takes his time", and doesn't want "a half-baked spectacle."

In a not so distant part of town, a certain Illinois Senator watched the interview with his wife. "I'm glad I don't have to pick sides in this."
Thursday, June 16th, 2005: While touring a Naval shipyard in southeast Virginia, President Kerry tells reporters that he repealing and replacing the Bush tax cuts is "our next big project."
Friday, June 17th, 2005: An anonymous tip is delivered to Scotland Yard, warning of a plot by several Al Qaeda militants operating in a London cell are planning a series of attacks in the UK. This intel, verified by the CIA, falls on deaf ears in Britain.
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2005: A federal judge orders the deportation of ex-Nazi concentration camp guard John Demjunjuk. He immediately appeals the ruling.
Friday, June 24th, 2005: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is elected President of Iran; the hard-line Mayor of Tehran is reportedly the favored candidate of the Ayatollah, and is fiercely anti-Israel.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Update coming tonight/tomorrow.