No Watergate, the TL.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Impressive

[Historico]

Awesome slew of updates Gio, It was sad to see Jerry fall victim to the twenty year course(I think he would have been the youngest elected President 42 opun Inauguration. Fritz Hollings has proved to be a pretty successful president combing his social liberalism of his latter years combined with his Southern Fiscal Conservatisim. I imagined Ronnie in '84 like Dole was IOTL '96l, Old and really confused half of the time, sad to see Kemp go down in flames with such a tough ticket. Also two little quips I saw, in the 1982 snippet about the midterm elections, you said Texas was a traditionally Republican State when It trully didn't complete the party shift untill '94(and it's been in GOP hands ever since lol), and was still heavily Democratic at the time. And although Im a Muskie Fan, Interior Secretaries are traditionally from west of the Mississippi, I think Mo udall would have been a good choice.

With that being said, I guess well have to see what Holling's second term goes, but mostly like a Nixonian Moderate will win the nomination after two landslide lossess to the Conservatives in the Party...I like Nixon era HEW Secretary Robert H. Finch of California, former Vice President Charles Mathias of Maryland , Governor Pete Du Pont of Deleware, or Governor George Deukmajean of California would all be good choices.

[President Mitt]

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

[President Mitt]

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

Edit: Woot! 1000 views!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I'm waiting for that

I like yout Tl, check sometime mines

[President Mitt]

The Second Term of Ernest Hollings


On January 20th, 1985, President Ernest Hollings was inaugurated for his first elected term to the United States Presidency. In his inauguration speech, Hollings spoke out against Communism, but dedicated most of his speech to the early 1980's domestic reform: "When I came before you all three years ago, America was bleak, without hope, and too many citizens lived in inhospitable conditions. This Administration has and will continue to fight Poverty, Communism, and discrimination inside and outside of this great land!" President Hollings also spoke of one person who was unable to attend his inauguration- the late President Jerry Brown.

On January 28th, the American Space Programs suffers its worst accident in history at the time when the Space Shuttle Challenger explodes one minute after lifting off. Seven workers on the Challenger died in the explosion. President Hollings called it, "a travesty, and one that I shall never forget."

Throughout February and March of 1985, The Democratic Congress debates a Gun Control Bill that would ban Assault Weapons, create a ten day waiting period when purchasing any firearm, and establishes Background Checks, banning former criminals from acquiring a firearm. President Hollings supports Gun Control Reform, and travels the country to boost support for a Firearm Regulatory bill, the public was split 49% in Support of it, and 47% against. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill said "Violence in our cities is clearly increasing; the American People need safety in our streets." Senate Minority Leader George H. W. Bush, a moderate Republican, remarked: "We all know Gun Control is needed, but this bill goes way too far."

When the House of Representatives was scheduled to vote, American Public Opinion had slightly gone over to the Republican side against the Fire Arms Violence Protection Act, but the House of Representatives passed the FAVPA 259 to 176, with the Senate passing it 58 to 42.

During the month of November, President Hollings and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev hold a summit meeting in Geneva; this was the first meeting between the Soviets and the United States leaders since 1979. The late President Brown had scheduled a meeting, but Hollings had canceled it under his administration.

On December 22nd, The Soviets agree to withdraw all soldiers from Afghanistan in exchange for President Hollings lifting the Grain Embargo. By June of next year, all Soviet Soldiers and equipment would be out of Afghanistan. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, the communist government emplaced by the Soviets, would immediately begin to show signs of collapse.

On April 14th, The United States imposes sanctions on the country of Libya to deter Libya's support for the terrorists who had bombed a West German Civilian Center that had killed two Americans. Congressional Republicans criticized that President Hollings was not being tough enough on Libya. Senate Minority Leader George Bush said "We should initiate Bombing Strikes against Libya, they must know the cost of supporting Terrorism." Congressman Claude Pepper (D- FL) countered "Mr. Bush obviously would like troops in Libya, that would mean more oil."

On August 2nd, 1986, President Hollings signs a Congressional bill that imposes sanction against South Africa. The bill was passed by Congress to protest the South African practice of apartheid, or racial discrimination against Black South Africans. The Bill bans American investments in South Africa, and also prevents several imports from South Africa to the United States. South African Planes are also denied rights to land in the United States.

Debate begins on the National Education Improvement Act of 1986 on August 30th, 1986. The Act which was introduced by Senator Terry Sanford (D- NC), would set aside half a billion more dollars in Federal investments in spending. The bill would also create National Guidelines in the four important branches of education: Math, English, Science, and History for grades 1- 12. The bill would be condemned by Conservative Republicans such as Strom Thurmond "This bill just increases Bureaucratic influence in our schools." But even Moderate Republicans such as former Vice President, and then Senator Charles Mathias of Maryland. The act easily passes both houses of Congress, and was signed by Hollings on September 17th.

On October 1st, days before the 1986 midterms, President Hollings approval ratings stood at 59% percent approve, and 39% disapprove. This generally would be good, but approval for the current Congress was at a low of 36% approval. Polling showed that Americans were becoming vastly worried about the federal deficit which had increased to nearly 500 billion since 1981.

In an interview, Russell Long, the Secretary of the Treasury noted that the administration was "considering" the possibility of a middle class tax hike to pay for the new expenses; this caused Congressional approval ratings to plummet. President Hollings dismissed the comment as "absurd" but it was too late for that, and before the 1986 midterms, this was not a good sign.

1986 Midterms

The Republicans made large gains in the midterms, this was mostly to the effect of a large wave of Anti- Tax sentiment caused by the Secretary of the Treasury's comments about a possible tax hike, and the increasing Federal deficit.

House:
Democrats: 259 (-32)
Republicans: 176 (+32)

Senate:
Democrats: 54 (-7)
Republicans: 46 (+7)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

We approve this timeline as a healthy product because of which no cat has been hurt

[Historico]

Hmm...I can honestly say I have no idea which way your going to go for the 1988 Election and that's  a good thing Gio,lol. Maybe Mathias vs. Carey? Im just not sure lol Keep it comming

[President Mitt]

Thanks for the above comments. I will probably finish Hollings off today, and then I only have 22 years to go.

[President Mitt]

On February 2nd, President Hollings makes a State of the Union address. The President refers to the economy as the "strongest it has been since President Johnson took over in 1964." Hollings also declares his multiple domestic programs a success, and with Unemployment numbers such as 4.9%, Hollings' remarks are backed up. Hollings also remarks that the United States is more militarily prepared than ever before.

The Republican Response is made by Senator John McCain (R-AZ), who had recently been elected to replace the Republican Icon Barry Goldwater. McCain blasts the Democrats' spending policies, and questions the success of many of the expensive Hollings domestic programs. "My friends, we recognize the President's many achievements, but reducing the debt that our children will pick up is definitely not one of them."

On March 4th, President Hollings announces "The time has come for that job thieving bill to be repealed!" The bill he was referring to was the North American Free Trade Agreement, which had been passed under President Connally. The Republicans were not willing to give in without  a fight, as they viewed NAFTA as one of the few bright spots of the Connally Administration. Alas, the Democrats succeeded, with NAFTA being repealed in the house, 261 to 174, and the Senate 65 to 34, with Arlen Specter (R- PA) refusing to vote.

On April 9th, Congress begins debate over the Family Relief Act of 1987. The bill, introduced by the ailing Congressman Claude Pepper (D- FL), would increase welfare payments for families with three or more children. "This bill must be passed," said Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D- MA), "Millions of families are struggling to make ends meet merely because they can't afford to pay for their own children."

Republicans were mostly against the bill. Many felt that this was another wasteful spending bill. Senator Strom Thurmond remarked "This bill is preposterous, this bill will make poor Americans feel they don't have to work to make a living, just have more children," But some Moderate to Liberal Republicans supported the bill such as Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania "Government can be a force for good my fellow colleagues, as long as it is restrained." The bill was passed in the House 231 to 204 and in the Senate 53 to 45, with two Republicans refusing to vote.

President Hollings signed the Family Relief Act of 1987 on April 28th. 
On June 5th, President Hollings announces a large Federal Block Grant would be appropriated to New York City; the grant was encompassing nearly fifty million dollars to help Housing Projects intended to attack the rising problem of Homelessness in New York City, initiated by Mayor Ed Koch, who was a very unpopular mayor. Republicans blasted the grant, labeling it as "even more useless spending." Potential New York Mayoral Candidate Rudolph Giuliani (R- NY) accused Hollings of attempting to "buy votes that the Democrats know they cannot earn" in the upcoming 1989 New York City Mayor election.

On October 4th, not long away from the 1988 presidential election, polls are released, showing that President Hollings is still very popular with a 59% approval rating, but nearly 64% of Americans were "concerned" that the Federal Government was "spending too much money."

On October 19th, the Stock Market drops 398 points, registering as one of the most devastating Stock Market Exchanges since the Great Depression. President Hollings insists that the stock market would have dropped "over 500 points" if not for his domestic policies. House Minority Leader Robert Michael remarked "Could have, would have, Should have, the point is that it happened, and the President should be trying to solve it, not deflect blame."

On November 1st, President Hollings initiates what he calls a "Campaign against Drugs", giving federal funds to schools, public and private, so that Schools could educate Students about the horrors of drugs. Hollings also goes on a nationwide speaking tour, traveling to over 19 states from Massachusetts to Oregon giving lectures to students warning them about Drugs. Republicans call for harsher sentences and beefed up police to solve the increasingly problematic Drug problem. Senator Robert Krueger (D- TX) comes out against the GOP plan "Throwing a man in jail alone won't stop him from using illegal drugs, if you educate him, he might not even pick up the drug to start with."

Nearing the end of 1987, President Hollings stands at 57% approve, and 38% Disapprove, which may help his Party while the1988 Presidential election was nearing……..

[Historico]

Hmm, The stock market crash may be the big October Suprise against the Democratic ticket for this election. With Economy in fairly sound shape, it looks like the election will be fought over Social Issues, Role of the Federal Government, and Negative Character Attacks...Not exactly an exciting election but it should remain fairly close. Keep it comming Gio.

[President Mitt]

1988 Presidential Election

The Democratic Nomination

Vice President Hugh Carey announced he would not seek the Democratic nomination for President in 1988, due to complications with his age. Several top Democrats hoped to ride the popular President, Ernest Hollings' coattails to the White House. This included Governor Kent Hance of Texas, Congressman Ronald Dellums of California, Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts, and Paul M. Simon of Illinois. Hance positioned himself as the Southern Moderate, who could appeal to Conservatives, and liberals. Dellums was the most liberal of the candidates, and had been a critic of President Hollings on the left. Simon was a fiscally Conservative Senator from Illinois, who hoped to appeal to Socially liberal Conservatives in the Northeast.

Governor Hance scored an impressive win in the Iowa caucus, but Senator Simon won over the fiscally moderate voters in New Hampshire for a win in the Granite state. Governor Dukakis drops out and endorses Dellums.

On March 5th, Hance scored wins in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wyoming. Ronald Dellums scored an upset and defeated Simon in Arizona, and won Massachusetts by a large margin. Simon only left with a victory in Connecticut and his home state of Illinois. Simon dropped out and endorsed Hance.

The rest of the Democratic Primaries were primarily against Ron Dellums and Kent Hance, Dellums attacked Hance, attempting to display him as a Conservative in disguise. While Hance labeled Dellums as too liberal and out of touch to win against the Republicans.

The critical state finally proved to be Pennsylvania, Dellums attempted to persuade Union Workers that he was more with their interests, but Dellums' coalition of minorities and the dealthy poor proved to not be enough, allowing a 57% to 41% Hance victory, Dellums dropped out and endorsed Hance.

On July 18th, the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia nominated Governor Kent Hance of Texas on the first ballot; Hance picked Missouri Representative Richard Gephardt as his running mate to reassure Labor Unions of his support. However, Dellums and Hance appeared still miffed at each other, with Hance refusing to shake Dellums' hand.

The Republican Nomination

With public opinion appearing their favor, the Republican Party hoped to use the sudden economic downturn to their advantage. Several top Republicans such as Senator Robert Dole of Kansas, Senate Minority Leader George H.W. Bush, Alexander Haig of Pennsylvania, Pierre DuPont of Delaware and former Vice President and current senator Charles Mathias of Maryland all put their hats into the ring.

Senator Dole won the Iowa caucus with a large margin. Bush attempted to rebound in New Hampshire, but Charles Mathias of Maryland upset him, and won by less than 5,000 votes in the Granite State. Dole pulled off another victory in South Dakota, with Mathias winning another win in Maine. DuPont and Bush dropped out, both endorsing Mathias. Mathias then scored another victory in Vermont.

Haig pulled his first victory in South Carolina after the influential Strom Thurmond endorsed him. Dole dropped out and endorsed Mathias after the SC primary. Most of the remaining primaries fell to Mathias, who cast Haig as an out of touch Right wing extremist, and showing himself to be the more "electable" candidate.

The Republican National Convention in New Orleans nominated Mathias on the first ballot by a moderate margin, who selected Jack Kemp of New York as his running mate to appeal to Conservative Haig supporters who were alienated by Mathias' moderate voting record.

1988 General Election

The 1988 election did not have a major issue to wrap itself and candidates around. One of the main issues on voters' minds was crime however. President Hollings and the Democratic Party extolled the achievements made in the last eight years, and attempted to warn voters about the tumultuous Connally years. The Republicans meanwhile attempted to show that Hance was too liberal on crime to govern correctly.

The Republicans attempted to use Texas's drug problem during the Hance Governorship of 1985- 1989. While debating, Governor Hance made one of the largest and most costly gaffes in history. When Mathias was attacking Hance's record on crime, Hance said "Simple, Senator, There is no drug problem in Texas." Mathias replied "We are talking about the same Texas, correct Governor?"

Another issue was gun control; ironically, Democrat Hance opposed gun control, while Republican Mathias showed supported it. Most Americans, 57% to 42% supported a level of Gun Control.

Mathias won a slim victory over Governor Hance, the reason for this victory was mainly because of voters' desire for change after eight years of total Democratic rule, and the image that Charles Mathias was stronger on Crime than Governor Kent Hance.

Charles Mathias/ Jack Kemp: 283 EV's/ 51% PV
Kent Hance/ Richard Gephart: 255 EV's/ 48% PV

Congressional Elections

The Republicans made some minor gains in the House, and gained four seats in the Senate. With the Senate 50-50, Vice President Kemp would be the tie breaker, ensuring Republicans a majority.

House
Democrats: 240 (-19)
Republicans: 195 (+19)

Senate
Democrats: 50 (-4)
Republicans: 50 (+4)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Nice to see a liberal Republican winning over the conservative Democrats. Geep going this great TL, Gio

[Historico]

Awesome update, I must say I was presently suprised with the nomination of Stayed-Democrat Kent Hance as the Democratic Nominee. With Charles Mathias and Jack Kemp in the White House, we could see some major Domestic Policies achievements take place like the ERA, Free Enterprise Zones, Welfare Refom and even possibly Supply Side economics. This should be a pretty exciting term indeed.

[Historico]

Ok here are some primary maps for ya GIO

Final Results of the 1988 Democratic Primaries
Governor Kent Hance of Texas
Representative Ron Dellums of California
Senator Paul Simon of Illinois

Final Results of the 1988 Republican Primaries
Former Vice President Charles Mathias of Maryland
General Alexander Haig of Pennsylvania
Senator Robert Dole of Kansas

[President Mitt]

Ok here are some primary maps for ya GIO

Final Results of the 1988 Democratic Primaries
Governor Kent Hance of Texas
Representative Ron Dellums of California
Senator Paul Simon of Illinois

Final Results of the 1988 Republican Primaries
Former Vice President Charles Mathias of Maryland
General Alexander Haig of Pennsylvania
Senator Robert Dole of Kansas

Interesting maps Historico, thats probably how I imagined it in my head.
Anyways, here's a small summary of whats happened so far:

1969- 1977: Richard Nixon/ Spiro Agnew (1969- 1974)*, John Connally (1974- 1977)
1977- 1981: John Connally/ Charles Mathias
1981- 1981: Jerry Brown/ Ernest Hollings
1981- 1989: Ernest Hollings/ Hugh Carey**
1989- current: Charles Mathias/ Jack Kemp

*Forced to resign due to bribery scandal.
**Assasinated

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Whenever Giovanni updates, kitties are happy

[President Mitt]

The Presidency of Charles Mathias



"A new era has arrived in Washington D.C. Government must and shall be reformed. That is what I pledge and promise to you my fellow Americans, not a large Government, not a small Government, not a medium sized government, but a Responsible Government."

Former Vice President and current Senator Charles Mathias was sworn into the presidency on January 20th, 1989. The President in his inaugural address encouraged "bi-partisan solutions to deal with problems of our and the next generation's time." Mathias announced he would indeed have a bi-partisan cabinet. And a bipartisan cabinet it was:

Cabinet of the Charles Mathias Administration:

Vice President: Jack Kemp

Secretary of State: Richard Cheney

Secretary of the Treasury: Nicholas Brady

Secretary of Defense: Jeanne Kirkpatrick

Attorney General: Richard Thornburgh

Secretary of the Interior: John Vanderhoof

Secretary of Agriculture: Robert Dole

Secretary of Commerce: Al D'Amato

Secretary of Labor: Muriel Humphrey

Secretary of Education: Elizabeth Dole

The first that President Mathias confronts was the weakening economy, Senator Robert Dole (R- KS) introduces the American Recovery Act, which was a combined package filled with tax cuts to appeal to Conservatives and increases in Domestic Programs to appeal to liberals. Mathias also announced some limited spending cuts would be made in the Defense Department, which is decried by Conservatives in both Parties. Senator Jesse Helms (R- NC) called the President a "Republican in Name only," Nonetheless, the Mathias ARA passed with only the most Conservative, or most Liberal Senators and Congress people opposing it.

On February 2nd Mathias appoints a two man team of John Tower (R- TX) and John Glenn (D- OH) to form the Government and Beareaucratic Waste Commission (GBC), Tower and Glenn's job is too search for corruption, waste, and excess in Government spending and Domestic programs, and deliver a report one year from December 30th, 1989. Democrats and Republicans alike praise the decision, with Senate Majority Leader Bush saying, "This is a start, Government spending in the last eight years was out of control, the first step to solving a problem is to identify the problem.

On March 1st, President Mathias issues an executive order cutting off funds to Anti-Soviet Mujahedeen forces in Afghanistan. Mathias said "The lesser of two evils, is still evil, and this administration will never work to further evil."This action is opposed by Conservative Republicans, but most moderates and Liberals supported or had no indifference to the act.

On March 9th, the Mathias Administration Okays the usage of several Federal Grants in certain failing States. But Mathias warned the Governors of the states "This is your last chance, you will not have an unlimited supply of aid at your disposal." Several Governors refuse to take the money, including Governor Kent Hance of Texas.

On March 4th, Senator Samuel Nunn of Georgia (D- GA) introduces the public Works administration Act, which would make another 500,000 Federal Government jobs available. It barely passes each chamber of Congress, but President Mathias vetoes it. "I have a 800 billion dollar deficit, we do not need other trivial things to pay for." The veto comes to the dissapoitment of liberals and Democrats, and to the excitement of Conservatives and Republicans.

On April 2nd, Mathias announces he is working on a Welfare Reform Bill. The President says "I support the idea of limited Welfare, but the system must be fixed to ensure a fair, and less abused Welfare system." Welfare Reform is supported by Most Republicans and Moderate Democrats, but opposed by Liberal Democrats.

On May 11th, President Mathias announces the deployment of troops to Panama to overthrow General Manuel Noriega. This decision is uniamously supported by Congress, and the American public. Noriega had been an American target ever since he had taken power. Noriega had appropriated powers and was indicted by a Federal court to be involved in drug trafficking.

After the capture of Manuel Noriega, Mathias' approval ratings climb to 69%.

On June 4th, Charles Mathias condemns the Chinese for the hundreds of students and workers slain in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square Demonstrations. Mathias urges Congress to pass several sanctions against China, something that Conservatives supported, but some Liberals were hesitant.

On June 9th, President Mathias issues an executive order, abolishing the rule against Homosexuals joining the military. This outrages Conservatives, but Mathias and the Republican Leadership supports the decision. "In the army you don't have to be straight, just shoot straight." commented the President.

In November, the New York City Mayoral Election occurs; Rudolph Giuliani narrowly defeats David Dinkins for the Mayorship of New York City. There had been much discontent with the departing Ed Koch Mayorship, and naturally rejected the Democrats for Rudy Giuliani. President Mathias had campaigned for Giuliani during the 1988 Presidential Election.

President Mathias announces he will raise taxes by $82 billion dollars for the wealthiest of earners on October 1st. The decision is condemned by Conservative Republicans, but Mathias defends that he must raise taxes, to "ensure a balanced budget by 1992." Jesse Helms decries this as "proof of Mr. Mathias' soft liberal interior." Most Americans support the idea however 59% to 32%.

On August 2nd, 1990, Saddam Hussein of Iraq launches an invasion of the rich oil producing state of Kuwait. Iraq's well trained army is easily able to overtake Kuwait's defenses. Hussein then starts making advances towards Saudi Arabia- an US ally. Mathias announced two hundred and fifty thousand troops will be deployed to Saudi Arabia to protect the American ally. The United Nations condems the invasion and issues a date that Iraq must withdraw its troops from Kuwait. Iraq refuses to comply. The Secretary of Defense, Jeanne Kirkpatrick is able to assemble an awkward coalition of over thirty countries to combat Iraq.

1990 Midterms

Due to a large "rally around the flag" effort, the Republicans gain seven seats in the House, and gain an net worth of one seat in the Senate. The Republicans took a narrow majority in the Senate, but the Democrats kept their majority in the House.

House:

Democrats: 237 (-7)
Republicans: 202 (+7)

Senate:

Democrats: 49 (- 1)
Republicans: 51 (+1)

House Majority Leader: Richard Gerhardt (D- MO)
House Minority Leader: Robert Michel (R- IL)

Senate Majority Leader: George H.W. Bush (R- TX)
Senate Minority Leader: George Mitchell (D- ME)

[Historico]

Awesome update Gio, I like seeing President Mac Governing like a true moderate...If he stays firm on his commitment on a Balanced Budget by 1992, I can't see TTL's Desert Storm being drawn out for too long lol. Anyway's can't wait to see what happens in the rest of Mathias' first term goes and the '92 election...Keep it comming

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Damn, I'm the only timeline writer without gulf war

Who's the Speaker of the House anyway?

[President Mitt]

Damn, I'm the only timeline writer without gulf war

Who's the Speaker of the House anyway?

Tom Foley (D- WA)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Wait a second, haven't Gephardt, in order to run for V.P., resigned from seeking reelection?

[President Mitt]

Wait a second, haven't Gephardt, in order to run for V.P., resigned from seeking reelection?

He never resigned, he was still on the ballot for reelection in Missouri as well as Hance's vp.

[Cassius Dio]

Bumping this to the top.

[President Mitt]

Thank you Mel. An Update will probably come this weekend, I'll finish off Mathias's first term, and probably have the 1992 election up by Sunday, but no promises, so don't quote me.