The Presidency of Stephen Edwin King (2003-present)

[feeblepizza]

This is a timeline about the presidency of well-known American horror author Stephen King. Will post more probably later today.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

[feeblepizza]

May 31, 2002 Governor Howard Dean (D-VT) announces his candidacy for President of the United States.

December 1, 2002 Senator John Kerry (D-MA) announces his candidacy for President of the United States.

January 2, 2003 Senator John Edwards (D-NC) announces his candidacy for President of the United States.

January 4, 2003 House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO) announce his candidacy for President of the United States.

January 5, 2003 Reverend Al Sharpton announces his candidacy for President of the United States.

January 13, 2003 Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) announces his candidacy for President of the United States.

February 18, 2003 Former Senator Carol Moseley Braun (D-IL) announces her candidacy for President of the United States.

February 19, 2003 Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH18) announces his candidacy for President of the United States.

February 27, 2003 Senator Bob Graham (D-FL) announces his candidacy for President of the United States.

March 22, 2003 The U.S. and the United Kingdom begin a shock-and-awe campaign against Iraq, primarily targeting military installments in Baghdad. They use cruise missiles fired from U.S. Navy warships, Royal Navy submarines, and B-52 bombers. They also use laser guided missiles fired by Stealth bombers.

March 29, 2003 American horror novelist Stephen King posts on his website: "I've had enough. First it was the rigged election in 2000 and now we're bombing Iraq because of some fake WMD's. I can't just write away my fears when it comes to America being destroyed. I write horror, but I know now the real horror, felt by everyone (not just you and not just me, I truly mean everybody) - the road America is going down today. Today I've filed the necessary papers with the FEC and will be running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004."

March 30, 2003 Stephen King holds his first rally at the University of Maine at Orono, and follows up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He explains his opposition to the Iraq War and his plan to repeal the Bush Tax Cuts, claiming that they benefit the rich and not the middle class or the poor. His campaign is scoped in New Hampshire, as he says: "I haven't a chance in Hell in Iowa."

Pundits express extreme surprise in King's decision. Some call him a refreshing new brand for the drowning Party. Democrats come from far and wide to see the bizarre happening, and some even donate. All in all, King raised $2.3 million in two short days.

The question: What the hell? The more important question: Can this man win?

King's speech at the University of Maine at Orono

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Next we will go to April-July. Hope you like it

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Awesome.

[feeblepizza]

Democratic Candidates' Fundraising, April 2003
Edwards - $7.4 million
Kerry - $7 million
Gephardt - $3.5 million
Lieberman - $3 million
Dean - $2.6 million
King - $2.6 million
Graham - $1.1 million
Kucinich - <$1 million
Braun - <$1 million

So far, Edwards and Kerry lead the fundraising game. King, the wild card, is on an even footing with Howard Dean. He has raised more money then two Senators and one Congressman. More and more people, apparently, are ready for a fresh face: Stephen Edwin King.

May 1, 2003 President Bush lands an aircraft carrier on the USS Abraham Lincoln and speaks in front a "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" banner set up by the crew. Stephen King calls this "reckless behavior" and says: "This is just another example of how pompous and how careless this guy is."

May 3, 2003 Democrats debate at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. King dominates, expressing opposition to the Iraq War, support for universal health insurance, and support for the repeal of the Bush Tax Cuts.

May 16, 2003 President Bush formally signs on for reelection, keeping Vice-President Dick Cheney as his running mate.

June 1, 2003 Stephen King airs the first campaign commercials of the 2004 season, costing him more than $300,000. They feature normal voters' opinions on Stephen King, his campaign, and his positions on issues.

June 17, 2003 Howard Dean launches ads attacking Stephen King, mainly for his inexperience and "erratic behavior." Most see the ads as tasteless mud-slinging.

June 24, 2003 Liberal advocacy site MoveOn.org holds an online Democratic primary, lasting for 48 hours. Whichever candidate won 50% of the vote would gain MoveOn's endorsement and financial support. The results:

Stephen King 50%
John Edwards 19%
John Kerry 16%
Howard Dean 15%

Stephen King appears at a rally with MoveOn co-chairs Joan Blades and Wes Boyd. During the really, Blades and Boyd pledge full support to the King campaign.

King's new arch nemesis, Howard Dean (who finished last), calls King to congratulate him.

Democratic Candidates' Fundraising, July 2003
King $6 million
Kerry $5.9 million
Edwards $5 million
Lieberman $5 million
Dean $4.9 million
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August-October is coming up next. Hope you still like it

[feeblepizza]

August 11, 2003 Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) endorses John Edwards, saying that "King scares the Hell out of me in more ways than one," and that Edwards had the best health care and anti-poverty policies.

September 17, 2003 Retired General Wesley Clark announces his candidacy for President of the United States.

September 20, 2003 President Bush's approval ratings slide to 50%, his lowest since taking office. This is attributed to increasing U.S. deaths in Iraq.

September 25, 2003 The Natural Law Party endorses Dennis Kucinich, although a few members endorsed Stephen King prior to that.

September 27, 2003 Kucinich drops his presidential bid and switches parties, becoming the only Natural Law member in the U.S. Congress.

October 6, 2003 Bob Graham ends his presidential campaign.

October 15, 2003 Howard Dean reports that he raised less than $1 million. John Kerry raises $4 million. Stephen King raises $11.1 million. Other candidates raise even less.

October 16, 2003 Howard Dean states in an interview that he refuses to drop his campaign.

October 22, 2003 Ralph Nader drops his Green Party presidential bid and endorses Stephen King for President.

October 28, 2003 President Bush apologizes for the "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" banner and defends his decision to invade Iraq.

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November-February next. Hope you like it, and please comment

[tmthforu94]

I am!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Me too.

[Captain Chaos]

DITTO

[feeblepizza]

November 1, 2003 Howard Dean announces that he is dropping his candidacy for President of the United States. He endorses Stephen King: "Apparently he's outranking me, and I do respect him despite that. He is the peoples' candidate."

Howard Dean's last rally, in New York City.

November 18, 2003 President Bush is shot in the stomach twice during a protest rally in London.

The assailant, Frank Blumenthal.

November 19, 2003 The White House announces that President Bush is in stable condition and will be able to a) resume his duties and b) campaign by February of 2004.

December 9, 2003 Former Vice-President Al Gore endorses Stephen King.

December 13, 2003 Saddam Hussein is captured in Tikrit by the U.S. 4th Infantry Division.

Democratic Polling, December 2003

King 23%
Clark 10%
Lieberman 10%
Gephardt 6%
Sharpton 5%
Kerry 4%
Edwards 2%
Braun 2%
Undecided 28%

January 7, 2004 President Bush's reelection campaign has raised $203.9 million.

January 13, 2004 Stephen King wins the non-binding Washington, D.C. primary with 43% of the vote. Sharpton comes in second with 34%. Braun comes in third with 12%, and Edwards finishes last with 8%.

January 15, 2004 Braun drops out and endorses King.

January 18, 2004 Former President Jimmy Carter gives his reluctant endorsement to Stephen King at a Plains, Georgia rally. "I agree with him and I think he would make a good leader. Now that's that. Could we have a better leader? Certainly. But I'll take my chances."

January 19, 2004 The Democratic caucus in Iowa is called for John Edwards (43%). John Kerry comes in second (38%) and Gephardt finishes last (11%). Other candidates received minimal support. Lieberman, King, and Clark were not on the ballot.

Edwards 30
Kerry 10
Gephardt 5

January 20, 2004 Dick Gephardt drops out in order to pursue reelection to the U.S. Congress.

January 27, 2004 Stephen King wins the New Hampshire Democratic primary with 45% of the vote. Kerry comes second (19%), Clark comes third (12%), Edwards comes fourth (12%), and Lieberman comes fifth (8%).

Edwards 30
Kerry 19
King 13
Gephardt 5

February 3, 2004 Mini-Tuesday Democratic Results -

King 156
Edwards 96
Clark 34
Kerry 22
Gephardt 5
Sharpton 2

Joe Lieberman drops his presidential campaign because he hasn't won any states to date.

February 7, 2004 Michigan and Washington Democratic caucuses -

King 294
Edwards 102
Kerry 75
Clark 34
Sharpton 9
Gephardt 5

February 8, 2004 Stephen King wins the Maine caucus, gaining all of the delegates.

King 318
Edwards 102
Kerry 75
Clark 34
Sharpton 9
Gephardt 5

February 10, 2004 Wesley Clark drops his campaign after Stephen King wins Tennessee and Virginia.

King 402
Edwards 122
Kerry 75
Clark 52
Sharpton 9
Gephardt 5

February 12, 2004 Clark transfers all of his delegates to King, giving him a new total of 454 delegates.

February 14, 2004 King wins the Washington, D.C. and Nevada caucuses.

King 481*
Edwards 122
Kerry 80
Sharpton 13
Gephardt 5

*Oklahoma's delegates were pledged to Clark and transferred to King.

February 17, 2004 King wins the Wisconsin primary.

King 511
Edwards 135
Kerry 114
Sharpton 13
Gephardt 13

February 18, 2004 John Kerry announces that he is ending his campaign for the presidency.

February 24, 2004 King wins in Utah, Hawaii, and Idaho.

King 540
Edwards 152
Kerry 114
Sharpton 13
Gephardt 5

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We'll have March-June next. Glad you're reading

[Yelnoc]

Very well done.  You make the bizarre seem somewhat plausible.

[feeblepizza]

March 2, 2004 SUPER TUESDAY, 2004 (DEMOCRATS) -

King 1380
Edwards 477
Kerry 133
Sharpton 21
Gephardt 5

STEPHEN KING IS NOW THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 3, 2004 John Edwards, Al Sharpton, and all remaining candidates drop out and lend their support to King.

March 9, 2004 GEORGE W. BUSH IS NOW THE REPUBLICAN PARTY'S PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

King wins all four of the day's primaries, bumping his total to 1642.

March-June 2004 Stephen King wins all remaining Democratic primaries.

March 25, 2004 John Kerry endorses Stephen King for President.

April 19, 2004 Stephen King calls the leaked photos from Abu Graib "the sickest damn thing I've seen in all of my 56 years on the planet."

May 10, 2004 President Bush states that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield is doing a "superb" job. A few days later, King responds with a new ad showing footage of the President saying this, followed by footage of King laughing hysterically.

May 15, 2004 President Bush's job approval is 42%. King leads Bush by one point in the polls (46-45).

May 22, 2004 Michael Moore endorses Stephen King.

June 5, 2004 Former President Ronald Reagan passes away.

June 11, 2004 President Bush and Stephen King attend the funeral of Ronald Reagan.

June 25, 2004 Stephen King calls Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 911 a "masterpiece."
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The general election campaign (July-November) will be up next Keep reading/commenting

[tmthforu94]

This is good, but I can't see King being competitive against Bush. Bush would crush him for lack of experience.

[feeblepizza]

July 6, 2004 Stephen King announces Hillary Clinton as his running mate

July 26-29, 2004 The Democratic National Convention in Boston nominates King/Clinton

August 30-September 2, 2004 The Republican National Convention in New York City renominates Bush/Cheney

October 1, 2004 First presidential debate

October 5, 2004 Vice-presidential debate

October 8, 2004 Second presidential debate

October 13, 2004 Third presidential debate

November 2, 2004

7pm -

7:48pm -

8pm -

8:22pm -

8:30pm -

8:41pm -

9pm -

9:30pm -

10pm -

10:16pm -

10:49pm -

11pm -

12:10am -

12:22am -

12:27am -

Official Map -

President Bush concedes

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Arkansas?

[feeblepizza]

Arkansas?

Clinton

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Arkansas?

Clinton

I doubt that would be enought to swing such a state just with running-mate (see NC in RL in 2004).

Otherwise, good story.

[feeblepizza]

Arkansas?

Clinton

I doubt that would be enought to swing such a state just with running-mate (see NC in RL in 2004).

Otherwise, good story.

Hillary is very popular in Arkansas. Besides, Bush won Arkansas by single digits both times.

[feeblepizza]

The King Cabinet - January 20, 2005
State: John Kerry, (former) Senator (D-MA)
Treasury: Paul Krugman, economist (I-NJ)
Defense: Wesley Clark, former General (D-AR)
Attorney General: Howard Dean, former Governor (D-VT)
Interior: Tony Knowles, former Governor (D-AK)
Agriculture: Kathleen Sibelius, (former) Governor (D-KS)
Commerce: Charles Schumer, (former) Senator (D-NY)
Labor: Andy Stern, (former) President of SEIU (D-PA)
Health and Human Services: Tom Daschle, former Senator (D-SD)
Transportation: Rodney Slater, former Transportation Secretary (D-AR)
Energy: Prof. Steven Chu (I-CA)
Education: Margaret Spellings, Education Secretary (R-TX)
Veterans' Affairs: Bob Kerrey, former Senator (D-NE)
Homeland Security: Janet Napalitano, (former) Governor (D-AZ)
White House Chief of Staff: Tabitha King, First Lady (D-ME)
EPA: Al Gore, former Vice-President (D-TN)
OMB: Jacob Lew, former OMB Director (D-NY)
Trade Rep: Mike Gravel, former Senator (D-AK)
UN Ambassador: Joe Biden, (former) Senator (D-DE)
Council of Economic Advisors: Ben Stein, economist (R-DC)

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The King Cabinet - January 20, 2005
State: John Kerry, (former) Senator (D-MA)
Treasury: Paul Krugman, economist (I-NJ)
Defense: Wesley Clark, former General (D-AR)
Attorney General: Howard Dean, former Governor (D-VT)
Interior: Tony Knowles, former Governor (D-AK)
Agriculture: Kathleen Sibelius, (former) Governor (D-KS)
Commerce: Charles Schumer, (former) Senator (D-NY)
Labor: Andy Stern, (former) President of SEIU (D-PA)
Health and Human Services: Tom Daschle, former Senator (D-SD)
Transportation: Rodney Slater, former Transportation Secretary (D-AR)
Energy: Prof. Steven Chu (I-CA)
Education: Margaret Spellings, Education Secretary (R-TX)
Veterans' Affairs: Bob Kerrey, former Senator (D-NE)
Homeland Security: Janet Napalitano, (former) Governor (D-AZ)
White House Chief of Staff: Tabitha King, First Lady (D-ME)
EPA: Al Gore, former Vice-President (D-TN)
OMB: Jacob Lew, former OMB Director (D-NY)
Trade Rep: Mike Gravel, former Senator (D-AK)
UN Ambassador: Joe Biden, (former) Senator (D-DE)
Council of Economic Advisors: Ben Stein (I-DC)

I can't see Biden leaving a Senate seat he's been helding for over 30 years for something like U.S. Ambassadorship.

Also, WH Chief of Staff appointment is, well, problematic.

[feeblepizza]

The King Cabinet - January 20, 2005
State: John Kerry, (former) Senator (D-MA)
Treasury: Paul Krugman, economist (I-NJ)
Defense: Wesley Clark, former General (D-AR)
Attorney General: Howard Dean, former Governor (D-VT)
Interior: Tony Knowles, former Governor (D-AK)
Agriculture: Kathleen Sibelius, (former) Governor (D-KS)
Commerce: Charles Schumer, (former) Senator (D-NY)
Labor: Andy Stern, (former) President of SEIU (D-PA)
Health and Human Services: Tom Daschle, former Senator (D-SD)
Transportation: Rodney Slater, former Transportation Secretary (D-AR)
Energy: Prof. Steven Chu (I-CA)
Education: Margaret Spellings, Education Secretary (R-TX)
Veterans' Affairs: Bob Kerrey, former Senator (D-NE)
Homeland Security: Janet Napalitano, (former) Governor (D-AZ)
White House Chief of Staff: Tabitha King, First Lady (D-ME)
EPA: Al Gore, former Vice-President (D-TN)
OMB: Jacob Lew, former OMB Director (D-NY)
Trade Rep: Mike Gravel, former Senator (D-AK)
UN Ambassador: Joe Biden, (former) Senator (D-DE)
Council of Economic Advisors: Ben Stein (I-DC)

I can't see Biden leaving a Senate seat he's been helding for over 30 years for something like U.S. Ambassadorship.

Also, WH Chief of Staff appointment is, well, problematic.

Biden is the U.S. foreign policy heavyweight in the U.S. Senate. I think he would readily accept the UN position.

And there is no rule against the First Lady of the United States becoming the White House Chief of Staff.

[feeblepizza]

(NOTE: The Congress is the same as in RL.)

The First Term of President Stephen E. King - The Economy
When President King took office, the U.S. unemployment rate was 5.2%. He knew that the economy was good and chose to remain out of the works concerning it. He stayed put on the economy until August 2008, when the unemployment rate rose above 6%. He and the Democrats in Congress passed a stimulus package, which only served to worsen the economic situation. By the time the elections rolled around in November of 2008, the unemployment rate was 6.8%.

President King spent most of his time from 2005-2006 campaigning for Democrats in the congressional elections. His hard work crested in a Democratic takeover of the Congress. In March 2007 (unemployment rate at 4.4%), the Bush Tax Cuts were rescinded for those making $250,000+. This was met with massive resistance from conservatives and is seen as the fuse for the modern Tea Party movement.

In May of 2007, President King and Vice-President Clinton proposed a "RomneyCare" like health-care reform package to the Congress. It was signed, with mild revisions, in February of 2008. The reform package was at virtual 50/50 popularity with the American people, conservatives included.

The First Term of President Stephen E. King - Foreign Affairs
President King began withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq in February 2005. He finished the job in April of 2007, after more than two years. Over 55% of Americans supported his actions concerning the War on Terror.

President King retained troop levels in Afghanistan, and began withdrawing from the country at the beginning of the 2008 general election season (September 4). His approvals when handling the War in Afghanistan hovered in the high 40's.

President King used Second Husband (and former U.S. President) Bill Clinton to broker arms agreements with North Korea and Iran. These were in the works for the entirety of his first term, and finally approved in October of 2008.

The King Cabinet - Changes from 2006-2009
In 2006, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater resigned and was replaced by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH10).

In 2006, Agriculture Secretary Bob Kerrey resigned and was replaced by Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR).

In 2006, White House Chief of Staff (and First Lady) Tabitha King resigned and was replaced by David Wilhelm.

In 2007, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings was fired and replaced by Reg Weaver.
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Next we will cover the election of 2008. Keep reading, and PLEASE comment

[feeblepizza]

In 2007 President King announced that he would only remain in office for one term. This immediately prompted Vice-President Clinton to announce her candidacy for President. There were several minor candidates such as Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM), Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), and former Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA). There was one major challenger, however -  Senator Barack Obama (D-IL). Obama won Iowa and turned it into a hard race for Vice-President Clinton. Clinton won the primaries in South Dakota, Puerto Rico, and Montana on June 3rd, giving her the nomination. In August, she announced that Obama would be her running mate.

The major candidates for the Republican Party's nomination were Senator John McCain (R-AZ), former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR), and former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA). Huckabee won Iowa and Romney eased by in New Hampshire, Michigan, and Nevada. McCain dropped out during the South Carolina primary (which was won by Huckabee). From there, the race was a hard fight between Romney and Huckabee. Romney finally took the nomination on March 4, after wins in Vermont, Rhode Island, Ohio, and Texas. In August, he announced that his running mate would be Governor Charlie Crist (R-FL).

By the time the general election campaign was under way (September), Romney/Crist was leading in the polls. Clinton desperately tried to turn attention to foreign affairs, but was unable to due to the poor state of the economy.

The election was closer than most had predicted, but Romney/Crist was able to win with 285 Electoral Votes to Clinton/Obama's 253.

Republicans take the U.S. Senate, keeping seats in Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, and Massachusetts; and taking one seat in Delaware, Louisiana, and New Jersey. This made for a 50/48/2 make-up (in reality a 50/50 split). Vice-President Charlie Crist broke the tie, making for a 51/50 Republican majority.
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Next is the Romney/Crist Administration! PLEASE COMMENT!!!!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Why wouldn't King run again?

[feeblepizza]

Why wouldn't King run again?

He accomplished all of his major objectives during his 1st term and it was already too late by the time the economy crashed.