Four More Years: The 1960 Election

[Jerseyrules]

The Second Term of James L. Buckley, Part I:



03-17-1985:
Lloyd Bensen and William Knowland announce their retirement; Bensen hopes to run for Governor of Texas in 1986, which he intends to use as a springboard for the presidency in 1988; Knowland wishes to retire due to his old age, and has no desire to continue public service after a life in politics.  President Buckley will appoint Clarence Thomas and Majority Leader Bush to replace them, but Bush declines the seat.  He then picks New Jersey Senator Christine Todd Whitmanin his place.

Chief Justice: Antonin Scalia
Associate Justice: Byron White
Associate Justice: William Rehnquist
Associate Justice: William F. Buckley, Jr.
Associate Justice: Bernard Siegan
Associate Justice: Raul Castro
Associate Justice: Andrew Napolitano
Associate Justice: Clarence Thomas
Associate Justice: Christine Todd Whitman

05-30-1985:
Texas Secretary of State Ann Richards announces her candidacy for Governor of Texas next year; high-ranking Texas Democrats clear the field for her, and she is heavily favored to win.

06-26-1985:
Senator Al D'Amato rams through a bill which will move election day from Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday, as well as establish a system of absentee voting.  President Buckley will sign the act, holding it up as "A great stride for electoral reform in this great nation."  Senator Paul remarked that he approved of the new law, and that he voted for it.

09-08-1985:
Admiral James Stockdale is promoted to the rank of Fleet Admiral, notable for being the only such peacetime promotion in modern history; President Buckley admired him as "a man of clear convictions, a man who fought and suffered for his country, a great man, and an amazing American."  Meanwhile John McCain is given the nod to fill his now-vacant admiralty.  The McCains have now produced three generations of Admirals in a row, and McCain is now considering a life in politics.

[Jerseyrules]

The Presidency of James L. Buckley, Part II:



10-03-1986:
Speaker William E. Miller dies after serving as the longest continuous Speaker in U.S. history.  He is mourned throughout the nation, and President Buckley delivers his eulogy, calling him "a great man."  He will write in his memoirs that Miller was on his shortlist for the VP nod, as he was on Goldwater's.

02-09-1986:
Texas gubernatorial candidate Ann Richards rails against the new cuts, going on to say "We need a President who looks out for the common man, woman, and child, but President Buckley's presidency has been one big Christmas party for the rich!  And the only way to get rid of his policies is to ensure that someone with competant leadership is running the show!  Mark my words, James Buckley will be A TWO TERM PRESIDENT!"  Richards will receive a slight bump in the polls after her speech, and many pundits believe she may be planning to run for president as early as 1988.  Representative George W. Bush (son of Majority Leader George Bush) will stay out of this race.




05-11-1986:
Astronaut Bill Nelson announces his candidacy for the U.S. senate seat in Florida as a Republican.  This comes as a great surprise to everyone but President Buckley and Senator John Glenn, who he spoke with extensively about jumping in, and he is widely considered as the most likely Republican to win the senate seat, which has been held by Democrats since Reconstruction.

07-28-1986:
Senators Al Gore and John Glenn draft a NASA funding bill, which will provide for an interstellar mission by 2000.  President Buckley will sign the bill happily, but in order to curb wasteful spending, he made sure that it also cut much of the bureaucracy out of the space program, and he will also remove many troops from Germany and Cuba, as well as cutting foreign aid.  The budget will remain balanced, and the national debt is nearly paid off.

11-8/9-1986:
The first-ever Saturday/Sunday elections are held, in accordance with the Electoral Reform Act of 1985.  The "Six-Year Itch" returns, and the Democrats make key gains, though not enough to take back either house of Congress.  Thanks to Buckley's use of Vice President Laxalt, many seats are saved, and Laxalt appears very presidential, clearly the frontrunner going into 1988 (though he has not yet mentioned his intentions regarding his own run yet.)  Ann Richards beats out Former Governor Bill Clements to become the 44th Governor of Texas.  Notable freshman senators include John McCain and Bill Nelson.  Freshman Representatives include John F. Kennedy Jr. (D-NY)

03-22-1987:
President Buckley appoints Admiral Stockdale Secretary of Defense.  He will be easily confirmed with bipartisan support.

06-11-1987:
Thatcher's Conservatives steamroll Labour, 42%-28%, while Steel's (newly-renamed) Liberals pick up a few new seats, earning 27% of the popular vote.  Kinnock resigns as Labour Party leader in disgust, to be replaced by the very young Tony Blair.

07-08-1987:
Freshman Rep. John F. Kennedy Jr. and his cousin, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., establish the New Democratic Caucus, where many moderate congressional Democrats find themselves a home.  Their goal is to expand the Democratic "big tent" to include moderates and independents.

09-17-1987:
Following the example of the brothers Kennedy, Tony Blair calls for "A New Labour, which is not as ferocious in its socialism," and wishes "to fundamentally transform Labour into a grand vehicle for intellectual ideas, which will govern from the radical center."  Pundits joke that "Mr. Blair has forgotten a critical detail: in order to govern, one must first win an election."

[Jerseyrules]

The Presidency of James L. Buckley, Part III:



09-12-1987:
Senate Majority Leader George Bush announces his candidacy for the president; he will be in the unique situation of serving as the incumbent Majority Leader while running.

09-23-1987:
California Governor George Dieukmijian joins the fray, announcing his candidacy for president with the Statue of Liberty as his backdrop.  Vice President Laxalt still has not been heard from on his plans for the 1988 election.

10-19-1987:
Texas Governor Ann Richards announces that she will not be a candidate for President this year, citing that there is still much to be done in Texas, as well as the lack of a Democratic Lietenant Governor.

10-29-1987:
Former Governor Jerry Brown of California announces that he will run for president, claiming his Desire to "take the fight to President Buckley and his Republican't Party."

11-07-1987:
Tennessee Governor Al Gore announces he will run for President.  He is joined by Elizabeth Dole on the Republican side, and will be promptly endorsed by Governor Ed Koch.

11-17-1987:
Jesse Jackson announces his candidacy for President.  He has a dedicated base of support, and will be a threat to Senator Gore, taking many southern votes.

11-08-1987:
President Buckley announces he will not seek re-election, and endorses Vice President Laxalt for the presidency. He will still face a decent primary challenge from Majority Leader George Bush and Governor George Dieukmijian of California.

11-09-1987:
With time running out, Vice President Laxalt announces his candidacy for President.  He is the establishment favorite, and the most likable and winnable, according to polling.

01-07-1988:
President Buckley signs the Marijuana Decriminalization Act of 1988.  It took a lot of arm-twisting from Democrats in the senate, and John F. Kennedy Jr. and Al D'Amato receive much of the credit.

The Republican primaries:

Blue = Laxalt
Red = Bush

Laxalt has a clear majority of delegates going into the convention, and Bush releases his delegates to Laxalt in the name of party unity.

The Democratic primaries:

Blue = Brown
Red = Gore
Green = Jackson

None of the Democratic candidates have a majority of delegates going into the convention, and Laxalt quips "As usual, the Democrats can't decide on a candidate; I seek party and national unity, not divisiveness.  Remember the Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican, and thou must withdraw when it is clear thou shalt not win the nomination."

04-18-1988:
President Buckley oversees the invasion of Iraq, which has invaded Kuwait.  The Congress has approved of the invasion, and troops are being deployed immediately after the Declaration of War is passed, over the loud objections of Senator Paul.

07-13-1988:
President Buckley announces that Saddam Hussein has been captured and killed, and that now occupation is being turned over to Turkish and British military forces.  Turkey will annex Iraq, over the private objections of the President, but the President feels it is better than Hussein, who was a crazed madman.  The invasion brings Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell to national prominence.

[Jerseyrules]

How did HIllary end up with the same last name as OTL. In one of my timelines, I'm planning on her being a Republican married to a guy who in real life was IL AG. Also, how'd she end up in MA?

Well she grew up there, and ITTL she didn't marry Bill because they felt there were too many differences (especially politically.).  IOTL she worked for the Goldwater campaign in 64 as an unpaid volunteer.

[Jerseyrules]

The Second Term of James L. Buckley, Part IV:



07-21-1988:
On the eleventh ballot, Senator Gore drops out of the running.  Fmr. Senator Jerry Brown of California is nominated for President, and chooses Texas Senator Lloyd Bensen as his running mate, attempting to reclaim the "Solid South."  Brown will give a lackluster acceptance speech, Bensen gives a great speech, saying "We must win in November, or we will be faced with former years of Herbert Hoover with a smile!  We need a man who looks out for America's common people, not one that throws a Christmas Party for the rich! We have to make sure that a competent president is elected in November, one with the clear credentials and proven strength to stand up for American interests!"  Pundits see Bensen as more presidential than Brown, which is not a good sign for the young former governor.

08-15-1988:
Vice President Laxalt is nominated for President at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans.  Laxalt makes a great acceptance speech, calling on the nation to "maintain the course America has followed since Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Goldwater, and continued by President Buckley.  It is morning again in America, unemployment is at 2.3%, inflation is at a record low, taxes have not been lower in eighty years, and our opponents think they can improve THAT by raising taxes and restoring the paper standard?!"  He will select Governor Maureen Reagan of California as his running mate, explaining his strategy "Well, we already have a lock on the south, so let's make sure we hold even in the west coast, Midwest and northeast.  And a moderate woman governor who did a fine job will help us do that."

10-19-1988:
The Laxalt debates Governor Brown; many analysts believe the winning line of the night belongs to Laxalt: when asked about his age (62) versus Brown's (only 46), he replies "Well, I will not make age an issue of this campaign; I will not exploit for political purposes, my opponents youth and inexperience.  And by the way, you claim to have the same amount of experience as Barry Goldwater, but let me tell you something, governor.  I knew Barry Goldwater.  I worked with Barry Goldwater.  And governor, you're no Barry Goldwater."  Governor Brown responds "I don't think that was necessary, Mr. Vice President," to which Laxalt replies "Well, you made the comparison, Governor."  The debate is a clear win for the Vice President.

11-5/6-1988:
Paul Laxalt is elected over Jerry Brown in a landslide to become the thirty-eighth president of the United States.  He will have some significant coattails, with the GOP gaining in both houses of Congress.  Many believe the magnitude of his victory was due to President Buckley's conduct of the Iraq War, and his resulting 91% approval rating.

Vice President Paul Laxalt / Governor Maureen Reagan (Republican): 58.4% PV; 490 EV
Fmr. Governor Jerry Brown / Senator Lloyd Bensen (Democrat): 39.8% PV; 44 EV
Senator Andre Marrou / Rep. David Bergland (Libertarian): 11.7% PV; 3 EV

[Jerseyrules]

The First Term of Paul Laxalt, Part I:



01-24-1989:
President Laxalt signs a bill which will scrap much of the Cold War nuclear weapons, and transfers 60% of the money saved to the treasury, with the rest going into the space program.  The bill also includes a provision accelerating the first interstellar space mission to 2001, and will construct a civilian station with artificial gravity by the end of 1995.  The artificial gravity will be used in the interstellar space mission, now called the New Horizons.  Senator D'Amato helps get Cold Warrior Republicans to sign onto the bill, as well as more Liberal Democrats shepherded by Rep. John F. Kennedy Jr.

04-17-1989:
President Laxalt signs the Flat Tax Act of 1989, which establishes a flat 7% rate on all Americans who make more than $15,000 a year, which will be indexed to inflation.  In order to curb the income loss, a provision includes the elimination of many federal cabinet positions, reducing them to 7 total.  It also eliminates many underlings in the defense department, which he calls "clearing out the cobwebs."  Secretary of Defense Colin Powell thanks the president, as this move will greatly streamline command.

08-21-1989:
Justice Byron White retires from the court at age 70.  President Laxalt will appoint Attorney General Clarence Thomas to replace him, after much urging from Secretary of State George Bush.  President Laxalt was pleased with the judge's conservative/libertarian streak, and was proud to appoint the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.  The balance of the court is now thus:

Chief Justice: Antonin Scalia
Associate Justice: William Rehnquist
Associate Justice: William F. Buckley, Jr.
Associate Justice: Bernard Siegan
Associate Justice: Raul Castro
Associate Justice: Andrew Napolitano
Associate Justice: Clarence Thomas
Associate Justice: Christine Todd Whitman
Associate Justice: Clarence Thomas

[Jerseyrules]

The First Term of President Laxalt, Part II:



01-27-1990:


Representative John Kennedy, Jr. and Senator Ron Paul co-sponsor a Federal Reserve reform which will provide for greater Congressional oversight and a more comprehensive audit, which will pass after a great deal of arm-twisting by leadership in both parties.  Kennedy is seen as a great future leader of moderate Democrats everywhere.

06-12-1990:
Generals Colin Powell and David Petraeus meet with President Laxalt to discuss the current situation in the Middle East and Latin America, which have become increasingly pro-U.S., though such progress has declined since the Gulf War.  President Laxalt will attempt to repair American foreign relations throughout his tenure; he is already beginning to grow some more gray around his temples due to the strain his term has put on him.

[Jerseyrules]

I like it so far. I have two minor issues, though. First, I doubt that Goldwater would be re-elected to a second term. I don't see a way, even in your scenario, that the GOP would've been elected for four terms. I also doubt that RFK would've been the nominee after President JFK. Nonetheless, good job. Keep it coming.

Thank you.  Goldwater was the VP of a very popular president; the POD was no recession in 1958.  Jack was originally planning a third bid but was shot, which made him reconsider; Bobby was the next best thing (and had been running for president himself since 1976.)  So great economy, lackluster opponents, and heavy Democratic support were the deciding factors.  He was elected on Ike's coattails more than on his own merit, never called the Eisenhower administion a "dime store new deal," and toned down his views on civil rights, even passing the Civil Roghts Act of 1965.

[Jerseyrules]

I tend to beleive that a certain political alignment isn't indefinite. America's gone through liberal and conservative swings. Speaking in terms of presidencies, 1901-1921 was more progressive, 1921-1933 more conservative, and 1933-1981 more liberal (though a slow move to the right through the seventies), and now we may be seeing either the end of a conservative era in a more progressive obama second term, or its continuance thanks to a moderate obama policy giving way to a center-right government in 2017. This tl has obviously shifted america far to the right. I'm wondering if, despite personal political bias which can be hard to get over, the progressives and liberals might see a return to the mainstream, if only for an eight to twelve year period. A Howard Dean, John Kerry, or Tom Daschle Presidency in the 2000's might be interesting. (for example, democrat 1993-2001, republican 2001-2005, and then the progs have their day in 2004. this would actually somewhat resemble the Nixon/Ford-Carter-Reagan cycle)

There will be a Democratic POTUS by the turn of the millennium you can count on it .  And a certain someone will be president by next year.... . And yes, this America is more conservative than OTL by a decent amount; registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats as well

[Jerseyrules]

The First Term of President Laxalt, Part III:



05-12-1990:
President Laxalt visits Turkey, (after their annexing Iraq in the aftermath of the Gulf War), and speaks with Prime Minister Erdogan to discuss Iraqi participation in democratic elections.  Erdogan makes no promises, but hints at supervised participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections.  President Laxalt is pleased with the results of the meeting, and will correspond with Erdogan frequently in coming months.

08-23-1990:
In Chinese parliamentary elections, the conservative-libertarian National Democratic Party wins an increased majority of seats, good news for President Lee Teng-Hui.  President Hui will now use his political capital to push for term limits, relaxed taxation, as well as other such reforms.  President Laxalt calls him to congratulate him on his victory, and the two will remain close allies and friends.

11-4/5-1990:
The Democrats make inroads into both houses of Congress, though not enough go flip either house.  However, the Democrats do much better than expected, and many believe Rep. Kennedy's tireless campaigning was a major factor in the results, even though his brother's seat is taken by a Republican.  Many of the new freshman will become DLC members (such as Rep. Michele Bachman in Minnesota.)  Republican Governor Howard Dean wins re-election in Vermont.

02-07-1991:
Russia and China join the Concert of Democracies, promising to "fight for freedom around the globe."  President Laxalt is praised for his role in encouraging them to do so, and will continue to expand the "big tent" of the COD, bringing in many new countries such as Rwanda and the South Africa.

04-11-1991:
President Kosygin endorses his protege Mikhael Gorbechev for the presidency against left-wing mayor Boris Yeltsin; the race is heating up between these two popular Russian politicians, though the campaign has yet to get dirty between these two men.

07-30-1991:
Representative John Kennedy, Jr. helps to push for further military cuts, satin "we don't need this much weaponry anymore; the Cold War is over."  President Laxalt will sign the bill, believing it will help to keep the budget balanced in 1992.

10-06-1991:
President Laxalt issues an executive order which will remove all troops from Korea and Germany, a move praised by his own party, as well as many progressives and libertarians.  This move is estimated to save the United States tens of billions of dollars annually, in addition to his plans to cut back on Naval warships, set to be put to a vote in a few weeks.

11-02-1991:
President Laxalt signs the Military Reform Act of 1990, shepherded through Congress by Rep. Kennedy and Senators Paul and Phill Gramm, who are gaining reputations as the "First Friends" of the Laxalt administration.  It will reduce the American Naval Fleet by several hundred ships, as well as reduce nuclear warheads, streamlining command, and giving the president more oversight on the CIA, FBI, and military.

11-17-1991:
President Laxalt announces he will seek re-election as president.  Many feel this was inevitable due to the president's popularity, and no Democrats have yet stepped forward to challenge the president.

11-29-1991:
Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) announces his candidacy for President.  He is the first to do so, and with time running out, he is likely going to be one of a few.

11-30-1991:
Senator Al Gore of Tennessee announces his candidacy for President to a crowd in New York City.  He is regarded as "the weak frontrunner in a weak field" quips actor Ronald Reagan.

12-01-1991:
Senator Linda Lingle (R-HI) campaigns for President Laxalt in Hawaii.  She is seen as a rising star of the GOP, along with Vice President Reagan.

03-15-1992:
Attorney Chris Christie of New Jersey announces that he will run for the open senate seat this year.  He wins the support of Conservative Senator John Marchi and GOP senator Alphonse D'Amato.

04-04-1992:
Justice Buckley announces his retirement from the Supreme Court upon confirmation of his successor; President Laxalt will appoint Samuel Alito to succeed him.  The current composition of the court is now thus:

Chief Justice: Antonin Scalia
Associate Justice: William Rehnquist
Associate Justice: Bernard Siegan
Associate Justice: Raul Castro
Associate Justice: Andrew Napolitano
Associate Justice: Clarence Thomas
Associate Justice: Christine Todd Whitman
Associate Justice: Clarence Thomas
Associate Justice: Samuel Alito

[Jerseyrules]

The Presidency of Paul Laxalt, Part IV:



04-08-1992:
Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wins a record fourth term in the United Kingdom general elections held today.  Thatcher's Conservatives will lose a few seats in the House of Commons, but due to a great economy and low taxes, the British people stand by her and her party.  Labour does better than expected however, thanks to the charisma of Labour Party Leader Tony Blair.

08-14-1992:
Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) is nominated for president at the Democratic Convention.  He selects Texas Governor Ann Richards a his running mate, but the southern mavericks will face an uphill battle to defeat President Laxalt in November.

08-21-1992:
President Laxalt is easily renominated for President, as is Vice President Reagan.  Their "post-convention bump" shows them leading their Democratic opponents by over seven points, thanks to economic prosperity at home and peace abroad throughout their time in office.

11-7/8-1992

President Laxalt is easily re-elected over Senator Biden by 54%-43%:

[Jerseyrules]

Anyone still reading?

[Jerseyrules]

Alright then, this should be done by next week:

The Presidency of Paul Laxalt, Part V:



2-26-1993:
The World Trade Center in New York City is bombed, killing ten people and injuring thousands.  President Laxalt condemns the attacks, calling them "cowardly acts of terrorism."  At the advice of Senator Ron Paul (R-TX), the President orders the payment of vigilantes to take out the masterminds behind the attacks, Osama Bin Laden, Kalid Sheikh Muhammad, and other Al Qaeda members.  This costs the United States a total of over $500,000, including equipment and vehicles.  The vigilantes call themselves the Young Freedom Fighters.  Many Americans cry for bloodshed, such as Governor Ann Richards (D-TX) who quips "I'd kill that slimeball myself, but my back's been bothering me, so I'd leave it up to our troops."  However, House Majority Leader George W. Bush (R-TX) (who is widely rumored to be gearing up for a run against Richards next year) has defends the president, saying "We can't go around the world, spreading our troops thin across the world; that's what the Romans did, and look how that turned out."

4-29-1993:
Senator Al D'Amato journeys to Afghanistan, where he visits with several of the Young Freedom Fighters and trains with them for several days.  He announces his support of the President's choice of nonintervention, claiming that "it would be a disaster to unilaterally attack Afghanistan in search of one man."

7-30-1993:
The Department of Defense discovers a compound rumored to be Osama Bin Ladin's hideout is discovered.  After several hours of briefing, President Laxalt decides to send the YFF to kill Bin Ladin.  He soon hears word that the YFF has killed the man responsible for the bombing of the World Trade Center, and several of his goons.  The man who fired the fatal bullet: Senator D'Amato himself.



1-24-1994:
Rep. George W. Bush announces his campaign for Governor of Texas.  Gov. Richards has still not commented on whether she will seek re-election in the fall, though she is clearly the favorite in the Democratic primary, and by far the best Democrat to take on the well-funded Bush campaign.

3-16-1994:
Lt. Gen. Jesse Ventura announces his run for Govenror of Minnesota as an independent.  He is widely favored to win, and he receives over 50% in some polls.

5-7-1994:
Governor Richards announces she will not run for Governor of Texas.  Many are surprised, and when she is pressed for further information, she says she'd much rather run for president in 1996, and says that "anyone who runs for public office oughtta serve out his term fully before leapfrogging to the next step."

6-27-1994:
Vice President Reagan announces she will run for president in 1996.  She is the first to announce, and many see her as the frontrunner for both the nomination and the general election, with President Laxalt's approval ratings at 79% in the wake of Bin Ladin's death.

11-7/8-1994:
The GOP makes slight inroads in the midterms, many believe due to the popularity of President Laxalt and the bump given to him in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, widely dubbed the "2/26" attacks.  Thanks in no small part to the tireless campaigning of Vice President Reagan, the GOP will hold on to both houses of Congress, and many analysts see this as a prelude to the 96 election, and some GOP even claim "another 8 years with Marueen is on the way!"  Among the pickups is the election of Congressman Bush as Governor of Texas, State Senator George Pataki as Governor of New York, as well the landslide re-elections of Governors Jeb Bush (R-FL), John Engler (R-MI), Pete Wilson (R-CA), William Weld (R-MA) and the election of Mitt Romney to the open senate seat in Massachussetts.

[Jerseyrules]

The Presidency of Paul Laxalt, Part VI:



2-13-1995:
The President meets with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Chancellor Helmut Kohl to discuss further free trade agreements.  The Congress approves the President's proposal for full reciprosity, with the goal of complete elimination of tariffs between the three nations by 1997.

3-17-1995:
Senator John Glenn (R-OH) rockets into space for the last time, alongside his protege Bill Nelson (R-FL) and schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe (the first schoolteacher in space, who has been aboard several successful missions in years past.)  The President watches proudly from the ground at Goldwater Space Center as his brainchild, the Orion rockets into space; the Orion will make a stop at Mars, then onto Ceres and the asteroid belt, and further to the Jovian moons, Saturnian moons, Neptune, and finally Pluto.  The Orion is the first of its kind, utilizing a solar sail to reach "speeds never in the wildest dreams of the most innocent child twenty years prior," as the President proclaimed proudly at liftoff.  It is a great day for the President, and his approval ratings are hovering comfortably in the high 80's.

5-6-1995:
President Laxalt meets with his European counterparts once again, this time to work on a joint space program between the nations, whom will lead the Concert of Democracies (along with China and Russia) to help develope future space ventures, including the seemingly far-off interstellar space missions which are in developement.  The Concert of Democracies now encompasses nearly all countries in the world, with several exceptions including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen.

6-21-1995:
Fmr. Governor Ann Richards (D-TX) declairs herself a candidate for President, joining fellow Texan Lloyd Bensen.  Both are considered to be the frontrunners in the Democratic Field, among minor candidates such as former governor Paul Tsongas of Massachusetts and Rep. Bill Clinton of Arkansas.  Though the Democratic campaign is in full swing, the only GOP developments are the discreet grassroots campaign of Senator Ron Paul and the endorsement-collecting of Vice President Reagan, the only two candidates.  Although the establishment is clearly behind the Vice President, Paul has received the endorsement of Senator Jesse Helms and Governor Howard Dean, as well as some cross-party endorsements, such as those of Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), Rep. Ralph Nader (Progressive-CT), Rep. Bernie Sanders (P-VT), and Governor Jesse Ventura (Independence-MN).

11-17-1995:
The Concert of Democracies is amended to include an elected parliament in the style of the European Union.  President Laxalt praises this move as "what is best for America," though he is not without critics.  Senator Paul rails against this as "an unconstitutional and disturbing power grab by the surging internationalist movement."  Paul receives a bump in the polls after the speech, but will still need to overcome a wide gap with the vice president before the primaries begin.

3-2-1996:
In a stunning upset, Ron Paul beats out Vice President Reagan in the Iowa caucuses, privately blaming the president for his lack of campaigning on her behalf.  However, the convention is still a long way away.

6-14-1996:
After losing out on Super Tuesday, Paul Tsongas, Ron Paul, Bill Clinton, and Lloyd Bensen withdraw, leaving Vice President Reagan and Governor Richards as the presumptive nominees.  Senator McCain, Gen. Colin Powell, businessman H. Ross Perot, Senator Paul, Senator Tsongas and Governor Jesse Ventura meet together at Perot's compound in Texas to discuss the formation of a third party to compete in the 1996 elections.  It is decided that Senator McCain and Governor Ventura will be the presidential and VP nominees, respectively, and ballot access will be required in all 50 states before proceeding with the campaign, under the Independence Party ticket.  The third party bid will alienate McCain from many of his GOP colleagues, however McCain is used to this due to his "maverick" record.

7-24-1996:
Governor Ann Richards retakes "Buckley Democrats" in her acceptance speech, outlining her opinions on the issues, and saying "to those of you who don't agree with me, you wouldn't vote for me or anyone with a D next to their name.  But to those of you who are still undecided which name to check in November, let me tell you that I am not a regular Democrat.  I am a new kind of Democrat, strongly in favor of capital punishment, greatly opposed to gun control, and I will not try to reinstate any of the programs done away with in recent years.  I am for smart government, not big government.  I am in favor of fair taxation, and firmly believe that that government is best which governs least.  So, America, are you going to go with the same old person who rails against a candidate for being 'liberal,' or are you going to vote for change?  I say bring it on!"



9-23-1996:
Polling consistently above 20%, Senator McCain is allowed into the presidential debates.  What at first seemed like an easy win for the Vice President has become a very close race, sure to be a nail-biter down to the very end.  Governor Richards comes across as a "common-sense liberal" and pledges "the era of big government is over."  The Vice President makes a few winning lines, but appears out-of-touch, and some say she comes across as not even desiring re-election.  Senator McCain came was seen by many as a common-sense visionary, and lives up to his maverick reputation.

10-18-1996:
Governor Ventura shines in the Vice Presidential debate, making Bill Clinton look slick and over-prepared, while Governor Weld appears tired, after a long day of campaigning beforehand.

11-10/11-1996:
In a nail-biter election, Governor Richards does much better than expected, though does not win an outright majority in the electoral college.  Angered by days of bitter recounts, Reagan implores her electors to vote for Governor Richards, who won a plurality in the electoral college.  President Laxalt is eager to begin the transition progress, after an exciting three-way election, with not only the first-ever female nominee from either party, but the first time that both major-party nominees were women.

Ann Richards / Bill Clinton (D): 39.8% PV; 253 EV
Maureen Reagan / William Weld (R): 37.4% PV; 214 EV
John McCain / Jesse Ventura (I): 21.6% PV; 71 EV

[Jerseyrules]

The Presidency of Ann Richards, Part I:



3-31-1997:
President Richards announces her tax plan to the Republican Congress, which will include the creation of deductions for middle-income Americans, while eliminating the income tax for those with annual imcome three times below the poverty level.  The Congress will instead pass a package including a cut in the flat rate, and indexing a higher amount of money of required to inflation.  The Congressional tax cut passes easily, and while not her desired plan, President Richards claims victory in getting a tax cut for the "common man."

5-1-1997:
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher announces her resignation on election night, claiming she had wanted to retire for some time, but wanted to "keep an eye on my girlfriend Ann, and her court."  She kept Labour from winning an outright majority, but Tony Blair's "New Labour" (styled on President Richards' New Democrat philosophy) and "radial center" philosophy kept Labour at a slight, but consistent lead, despite the great economy.  President Richards calls Blair to congratulate him, and Thatcher's designated heir, David Cameron, will win the Tory Leadership election to succeed her.  Thatcher was the longest-serving prime minister since William Pitt the Younger, and the first female PM.

7-9-1997:
President Richards comes out in support of a constitutional amendment which will index congressional spending at or below inflation, and will also require a 2/3 majority of congress to raise taxes.  The amendment passes, sent to the states for ratification.

2-12-1998:
Reports surface about Vice President Clinton's real estate investments.  Controversy continues to swirl and the Vice President refuses to comment, which many see as an admission of guilt.

7-28-1998:
The first episode of the Sopranos is released, which will feature Ronald Reagan, father of former vice president Reagan, as Uncle Junior, an aged leader of the Mafia, and uncle of main character Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini.  The show does amazingly, outperforming all other programs on HBO, and in fact bringing in huge revenues for the channel.  It also gives Reagan three Emmys, a few Tonys (which is the subject of many jokes), and several Oscars.

11-6/7-1998:
The GOP makes big gains in the midterms due to widespread anger at the Vice President, as well as public distrust of the President's hadling of the situation, especially an interview she gave in which she accidentally let it slip that the Vice President had extramarital affairs in the White House.  Governor-elect Hillary Rodham (R-MA) rails against the "irresponsibility" and "carelessness" of the Richards administration, though the GOP has little to complain about on economic matters.  One bright spot for Democrats, however, was the election of John F. Kennedy Jr. as Governor of Massachusetts.

1-24-1999:
The Conservative/Free Democratic Party makes huge gains in the CoD elections, winning a huge majority over the Social Democrats, Liberals, Progressives, and Nationalists.  The new speaker of the CoD Assembly is Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, a moderate federalist who is in favor of the creation of a Supreme Court for the CoD based in the American mold.  At 39, he is among the youngest world leaders ever, and is a fresh face for the internationalist world.

3-2-1999:
President Richards comes out in support of the CoD Supreme Court, and will fight hard for it.  The Republican-dominated congress has a similar reaction to the Permanent Court of International Justice nearly 75 years ago, but after much arm-twisting and the inclusion of American veto power, the Speaker of the CoD is given the ability to appoint Justices, subject to both a review in committee, as well as the approval of the United States.  The court will consist of 15 members, whom will sit en banc and are given the power of judicial review, provided a nation's court of last resort allows an appeal.  Stoltenberg appoints Ban Ki-Moon as Chief Justice after Chief Justice Jesse Ventura declined the position.

5-12-1999:
President Buckley wins a special election to an at-large U.S. seat in the CoD Assembly.  He aligns himself with the FDP, the moderately libertarian party in the assembly.  He proposes that all COD members secede from the UN, "weeding out our allies," as he says.  Many agree, and the former President is once again catapulted into the spotlight after several "wilderness years."

6-15-1999:
All COD nations stage a walk-out of the UN in New York City.  Of the few remaining nations, many vote to join the COD, and 69% of United States citizens believe that the Concert of Democracies is more efficient and effective at solving world crises than the UN.

6-21-1999:
The UN is dissolved, leaving only a few nations which haven't yet joined the COD, which has very seldom voted to exclude a nation from membership (and then only on grounds of controversy, such as Iran, under Turkish occupation.)

7-17-1999:
Iran is allowed to join the COD, after years of occupation by Turkey; former Presidents Buckley and Laxalt played key roles in negotiations, as did former Governor Richard Nixon.

[Jerseyrules]

Bump.  Comments, questions?

[Jerseyrules]

The Tories would never privatize the NHS so openly. Any sort of healthcare privatization in Britain is pretty much begging for political destruction. BBC privatization is pretty unlikely too.

Thanks for the comment! basically, Maggy is not as controversial a figure in the UK, with conservatism being much more popular in both the US and UK, though it did cost her a great deal of political capital.

[Jerseyrules]

Strange turn. What's trade look like? I expect Ann'll be rallying the working class against it at some point.

Trade?  You mean internationally?  The economy is great, inside and out.

[Jerseyrules]

Strange turn. What's trade look like? I expect Ann'll be rallying the working class against it at some point.

Trade?  You mean internationally?  The economy is great, inside and out.

Well during the late to mid nineties, North America got this wacky idea called "NAFTA". Also there's trade with China which came up in the nineties. I'm assuming Ann is rallying the blue collars against both.

Oh, yeah.  Well, in the words of a certain brilliant philosopher,



Sorry, I just wanted an excuse to use that pic . In all seriousness, the US abandoned blanket NAFTA-type agreements in favor of individual reciprocity treaties.

[Jerseyrules]

The Richards Presidency, Part II:



8-22-1999:
General Colin Powell announces his candidacy for president as a Republican to a eager supporters in New Hampshire.  He is a very respected figure, whom many associate with former President Dwight Eisenhower, as a vocal leader during the Cold War, Gulf War, and many more.  Both parties were hoping for him to run with the unpopular Richards administration.

9-3-1999:
Governor Jeb Bush of Florida announces his campaign for President.  He is seen as a reformer who helped carry out the "big tent" of the Florida GOP, and spent weeks crossing the country, campaigning tirelessly for Republicans nationwide during the midterms.  Many are surprised, however, that it was not his brother who ran this year....

9-11-1999:
Governor Jack Kemp of New York announces he is running for President in New York City, with the Statue of Liberty as his backdrop.  He has a great deal of grassroots support, and is well-known as a small-government conservative, and is promptly endorsed by Senator Herman Cain (R-GA).

9-14-1999:
Four-term Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin announces he is running for president to a crowd in Madison, rounding out the major GOP field.  He is seen by many as a long-shot candidate, however is very likable and known by political wonks as a genius who reformed the healthcare system in Wisconsin.

10-7-1999:
President Richards announces that she will not seek re-election in November, the first eligible President since Harry Truman not to seek a second full term.  She explains that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and states it is best that she retire.  Many high-profile Democrats will soon announce their bids, including Vice President Bill Clinton, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, and Senator Joe Biden.  The Vice President holds a substantial lead in all polling.

[Jerseyrules]

Go Jack or Jeb!

No love for Tommy? .  Should be another few updates as the day goes on.

[Jerseyrules]

The Richards Presidency, Part II:



2-17-2000:
After placing fourth in both Iowa and New Hampshire, Governor Tommy Thompson withdraws form the race, without endorsing any of his former opponents, saying he felt "there was no way forward."  He is still on the short list of the other three contenders, particularly frontrunner Jack Kemp, who easily won both primaries.

2-22-2000:
Vice President Clinton calls for "party unity" in the wake of his crushing victories before Super Tuesday.  Only Barbara Mikulski remains in the Democratic primary race.

3-8-2000:
Jack Kemp becomes the presumptive Republican nominee after sweeping the Super Tuesday contests.  He releases his short list for Vice President, which includes:

- Governor John Engler of Michigan
- Senator Mitt Romney of Massachusetts
- Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin
- Governor Jeb Bush of Florida
- Governor George Bush of Texas
- Governor Pete Wilson of California

5-12-2000:
Governor Kemp announces his choice of Jeb Bush for Vice President.  As of April 27, he is poised to defeat Bill Clinton by a margin of 51-37 according to Gallup polling, and the Vice President will clearly have his work cut out for him in this election.

6-5-2000:
General Powell campaigns for Senatorial candidate Condoleeza Rice in California.  The General has worked tirelessly for the GOP across the nation, and, while being poor at running his own campaign, is well-loved by Republicans and all Americans across the country.  He has become an increasingly popular crusader for Republicans nationwide.

7-1-2000:
On the eve of the Democratic convention, the Vice President announces his choice of San Francisco Mayor Diane Feinstein, in order to balance the ticket regionally and ideologically.  The Vice President will continue to tout his "New Democrat" ideology during the campaign, but this time the American people and so-called "Buckley Democrats" do not take so kindly to it this time around.

11-3/4-2000:
The Kemp/Bush ticket easily trounces the Democratic ticket of Clinton/Feinstein, as expected by many analysts long before the election.  In fact, many pollsters ceased polling in October, and the GOP candidates shifted their focus to Congressional races, in which the GOP gained supermajorities in both houses, and thanks to a lot of help from Senator Paul, the Libertarians now hold all of Alaska's Congressional delegation.

Jack Kemp / Jeb Bush (R): 57.9% PV; 483 EV
Bill Clinton / Diane Feinstein: 31.4%; 20 EV
Gary Johnson / William Weld (L): 11.7% PV; 35 EV

[Jerseyrules]

The Presidency of Jack Kemp, Part I:



2-7-2001:
With the new GOP supermajorities in Congress, President Kemp begins talks with Congressional leadership regarding a bold new tax package which will deliver an immense cut in corporate tax rates, personal tax rates, tariff rates, and domestic spending.  The plan will be brought up by Senators Rice and D'Amato, and Representative Connie Mack IV.  The bill will easily pass through the conservative-dominated Congress, where President Kemp signs it proudly with Vice President Bush and Secretary of State Tommy Thompson.

4-12-2001:
President Kemp begins budget talks with Secretary of Defense John McCain, both of whom believe that the military still needs to be scaled back in the aftermath of the Cold War and in the wake of the relative peace found at home and abroad.  For the first time in decades, the number of American foreign bases is scheduled to fall below 100 by December 2005.

7-9-2001:
Colin Powell earns his fifth star in a grand ceremony at the White House, attended by former Presidents Richards, Laxalt, Buckley, Kennedy, and Goldwater, as well as John Eisenhower, the first time six presidents have ever been in one location.  The President privately believes that the only reason why President Richards withheld the promotion was out of fear that the General would challenge her in 2000, "petty politics" as he remarks to the First Lady.  He is proud to award General Powell "with what he deserves."

9-24-2001:
In the COD elections, the new Free Democratic Party (a "big tent" collection of conservative and libertarian parties from across the globe) wins a huge victory.  President Buckley retired from the COD; his seat was filled by former Governor Richard Nixon, who becomes the next Speaker after striking a deal with then-speaker Stoltenberg.  He quips "Imagine I could have become President of the United States!  I certainly wouldn't do anything crazy to hold onto that job."  He is well-liked by his colleagues in the assembly, and proposes a bold new step in the space program: asteroid colonies, utilizing the new solar sail technology.

12-3-2001:
The President visits the Japan to celebrate the 113th birthday of Emperor Naruhiko Higashikuni.  Though certainly advanced in age, the longtime ruler of Japan has been kept alive and relatively healthy by a strict regiment of exercise, heart medications, as well as the rumored taking advantage of Japan's great stem-cell breakthroughs in the past several decades.

4-19-2002:
The president signs a bill which makes the Rockefeller drug laws in New York (and similar laws in other states) illegal, which is upheld by the Supreme Court in a 7-2 vote, with new Justice Howard Dean drafting the majority opinion.

8-2-2002:
President Kemp praises the passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment, which caps all federal spending at or below inflation, and requires a 2/3 majority to raise taxes or spending levels.  The President is praised for this bold move, and asks Congress for a line-item veto as well.  The amendment narrowly fails in Congress, President Kemp's first major defeat.

7-4-2002:
Former President Barry Goldwater dies at age 91 at his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona.  His last words are to his wife, whispering "At least Jack lives on."  Ironically, this is just hours after President Kennedy's death.  The situation is ironically similar to that of Presidents Adams and Jefferson, the last presidents to die on Independence Day.

10-13-2002:
Actor Ronald Reagan wins the role as President on the new television drama The West Wing.  Because filming of The Sopranos and The West Wing are staggered, Reagan can continue his role as Uncle Junior.

[Jerseyrules]

The Presidency of Jack Kemp, Part II:



11-7/8-2002:
The midterms are an historic day for the GOP, with George Pataki re-elected as Governor of New York, John Engler elected as Senator from Michigan, and John F. Kennedy, Jr. elected Senator from New York.  A rising star in New York politics is Rudy Giuliani, who campaigned furiously for both Governor Pataki, who beat out young Attorney General Amdrew Cuomo, and Rick Lazio, who lost to Kennedy.  The "tough-on-crime" mayor of New York stormed the country, stumping for Republican candidates from coast-to-coast, from Governor Tom Campbell in California to Senator Christine Todd Whitman in New Jersey.  With a clear mandate to govern, President Kemp begins to focus on foreign affairs.

7-1-2003:
President Kemp makes a speech on the International Space Programme at the Concert of Democracies, where he is applauded vociferously by Secretary-General Richard Nixon.  Nixon begins to cough, which, although not out-of-the-ordinary for the aging world leader, leads to a hacking fit.  The President stops speaking to check of him, and the Secretary-General begisn to cough up blood.  President Kemp escorts him to the hospital, carrying him personally to and from the presidential limousine.  The elder statesman dies at 09:47pm at age 90.  A respected elder statesman, world leader, and former presidential candidate, America mourns the loss of an elder statesman, ambassador-at-large, and a moderate voice in world affairs.

2-1-2004:
President Kemp signs a bill to create a national school voucher program to encourage competition in public schooling, which also includes national right-to-work laws.  The president is applauded by small-government conservatives and libertarians, though the president himself had some reservations about the pointedly anti-union language contained in the bill, as a "bleeding-heart conservative," though believes that the school voucher program was important enough that he didn't want to risk tough re-negotiations, and does not want to take flak from GOP leadership for killing their bill.

7-14-2004:
Senator John Kerry is nominated for President, choosing Senator Joseph Lieberman for Vice President.  Meanwhile, the GOP easily renominates President Kemp and Vice President Bush.  The Democrats attack President Kemp, though he has had a fairly uneventful presidency, with little to attack him on.

11-5/6-2004:
President Kemp is easily re-elected over Senator Kerry.  Meanwhile, Governor William Weld wins his senate seat, defeating Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.  Many point to low Democratic turnout, the uncontrovercial Kemp presidency, and the connection with moderate Democratic voters.

Jack Kemp / John E. Bush (R): 61.8% PV; 519 EV
John Kerry / Joseph Lieberman (D): 37.2%; 19 EV

[Jerseyrules]

The Presidency of Jack Kemp, Part III:



4-2-2005:
Pope John Paul II dies at age 85, after serving the second-longest tenure of any Pope, second only to Pope Pius IX.  He was considered a moderate Pope, and was beloved by the world for his role in ending communism, fighting for human rights, and his moderate reforms in the church's structure.  President Kemp, Senator John Kennedy, Jr., former Presidents Buckley, Laxalt, and Governor Bobby Kennedy attend his funeral, all of whom are practicing Catholics, save for Laxalt.  The College of Cardinals assembles for the first time since 1978 to elect a new Pope.

4-7-2005:
After nine ballots, the next pope is announced: Rainer Woelki, Archbishop of Berlin, a young progressive, in the tradition of selecting a pope ideologically opposite hid predecessor.  At 48, he is among the youngest Popes ever, and the first non-Cardinal elevated to the papacy in centuries.  According to tradition, he is named Pope Richard I.  Pope Richard is already beginning plans on liberal reforms in the church, and lays out the greatest liberal agenda since Pope Pius IX.

Pope Richard I, just after accepting the papacy