The Quayle Presidency

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Having read a majority of "The Commanders", I have a certain attachment to the Gilf War cabinet.

[Reaganfan]

January 20, 2001

Bill Clinton looks over at his wife, Hillary who herself is now a Senator from New York. Al Gore and wife Tipper share a quiet moment just outside from the White House steps. Tipper pulls him close, "Can you believe this is happening?" Gore sighs. "Unbelievable."

Clinton and Hillary hold hands as they see the Quayle motorcade pulling up. Bill whispers in her ear, "President Quayle...Jesus." She laughs.

President-elect Quayle and wife Marilyn exit the motorcade, walk up the steps and are greeted by President and Mrs. Clinton. "Welcome to your new home, Dan." Quayle smiles, "Thank you, Mr. President."

Clinton and Quayle have a cold relationship going back eight years. Of course, George Bush and Dan Quayle were defeated by Bill Clinton and Al Gore and Quayle clearly knows that his election is the ultimate redemption. Now, despite their differences, both men are about to have the same experience: being President of the United States.

First comes the Vice Presidential Oath of Office, administered to General Norman Schwarzkopf. The General, dressed in a stark black suit with a red, white and blue tie, has long been an area of interests for politicos. A Schwarzkopf candidacy had long been discussed but seemed unlikely. Now, the General was the Vice President of the United States.

Then came Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who administered the Oath of Office to Dan Quayle. At 53 years old, Quayle had a promising career that became tarnished by higher office, being often ridiculed as Vice President. Of course, the changing electorate in the year 2000 allowed an opening for a candidate like Quayle and even still, getting here was not an easy task. Nonetheless, here he was, the 43rd President of the United States, Dan Quayle.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

And so it begins...

[Reaganfan]

President Quayle worked fast to try and establish an across the board tax cut proposal. Senator Jim Jeffords of Vermont switched parties early in 2001, which suddenly shifted power back to the Democrats in the Senate. Quayle began to realize that governing would be much more difficult than he thought.

At a press conference in early May 2001, the President criticized the bitter environment in Washington.

"You know, for many years now, I have been criticized and made the laughing stock of late night television, and you get kind of numb to it all. But now, as President of the United States, I see those in Congress who refuse to take any of my policy initiates seriously, and in effect, refuse to take any of the cares and concerns of hard working Americans seriously. There will always be time for debate and for political rhetoric, and Vice President Gore and I had that last year. But now the time has come to reach across the aisle. I am willing. Vice President Schwarzkopf is willing. I know the American people are willing in order to get things done. Now is the time for Congress to quit acting like a selfish child and get some real things accomplished for the American people."
- President Quayle, Press Conference, May 8, 2001

Despite his efforts, Democrats have a giddy feeling knowing that the midterm elections are just one year away. 2002 is looking like a bright spot, and already several potential Democratic Presidential candidates are barnstorming across the country on behalf of other Democrats. Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana makes a particularly hard-hitting stump speech in Indianapolis in July 2001, in which he says that President Quayle is "simply in over his head." Quite a contrast and outspoken statement from the typically bi-partisan Bayh. President Quayle's approval rating sags to 43% by mid-Summer, and indeed, late night television has a ball with him.

[Reaganfan]

"Marilyn, any last minute advice?" The President asks the First Lady. She responds, "Family first, Dan."

President Quayle was about to walk on stage in Richmond, Virginia to give an address on what his administration called "Restoring the American Family". Six years earlier, Dan Quayle had declined a 1996 bid for the White House in order to, as he had put it, put his "family first". Now, as President, one of his goals was to restore the American family. Pundits and critics mocked Quayle's upcoming speech. How could a President, regardless of party or persuasion genuinely restore America's families? Were families in America truly in need of being restored? Also, what exactly does "restoring the American family" even mean? Democrats claim that "Restoring America's Families" was code for being against affirmative action, being against same sex marriage, and for being against abortion. Indeed, the President felt this way and no doubt his speech would explore these issues.



"I have been asked what exactly "Restoring America's families" means. Well it's quite simple. We believe that America stands on the shoulders of the American family. Children who are educated and brought up under traditional values of life, with the opportunity for a good education, parents who make sure their children abide by the rules, and for faith in God and Country. Political correctness tells us that we should not force these values on our children, that even a single parent household can bring up a child to be a healthy and happy individual. I do not believe that to be the case. Mothers and Fathers, joined together in marriage with love and commitment, solidify themselves as natural caregivers to the children of America. These children are America's future. We must invest our time and energy into making sure these children have every opportunity in life. Making sure they grow up to understand the values and ideals that allows America to be the land of opportunity. This task cannot be performed by just one individual.

It must be a long, arduous process overseen by every loving, caring, and hardworking mother and father throughout America. Whether it's helping to teach a child how to read or just talking about what your child learned today in school over the dinner table, these values are the most critical to America's future. The children of America are America's future, and each American parent has to do their part."

- President Quayle address on "Restoring America's Family"
August 31, 2001

[Reaganfan]

Chris Matthews becomes a very vocal critic of President Quayle, and the following Monday, Matthews unloads on the President.

"Dan Quayle has always had an indelible image, and indeed not even becoming President of the United States has changed that image. A new NBC News poll shows the President with an approval rating of just 41%, confidence in his ability to govern at an all-time low, and a general consensus that Dan Quayle is in over his head. Quayle has been mocked ever since being the surprise Vice Presidential choice for George Bush back in 1988. Of course Bush won, pulling Quayle across the line with him. His four years as Vice President seemed insignificant and he definitely seemed like he was on the back burner. After declining a run in 1996, it seemed the era of Bush and Quayle was over. Then, in perhaps the most stunning political comeback since Richard Nixon, Quayle repaired his image enough to appear as a "true conservative" and "family man", forcing evangelical Christians to the polls in near record numbers and making himself appear to be more charismatic than the unexciting and stuffy Al Gore. Not enough to win a majority of Americans, but enough to scrape together enough states to win the Presidency. Thanks again, Ralph Nader. Now, President Quayle has seeked to accomplish three things during his Presidency. First, repair his still tarnished image as a political lightweight in over his head. Second, use words like faith and family to fight against affirmative action, abortion and same sex marriage and third, pretend that the four years of Quayle and Schwarzkopf somehow restored dignity to the United States after the terrible stains of Bill Clinton. Is this democracy or hypocrisy? Does Quayle hurt America's image more than he helps it? Only time will tell.

Chris Matthews, Hardball MSNBC
September 3, 2001

----

That same day, Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott meets in his office with House Speaker Dennis Hastert.

"Mr. Speaker, thank you for agreeing to meet with me." Lott says as he warmly greets the House Speaker.

"Sure thing, Trent. So what's up?" asks Hastert.

"I want your honest opinion. What the hell can we possibly accomplish with Dan Quayle as President?" Lott asks as Hastert stares in amazement.

"I cannot believe you would ask such a question, Senator!" Hastert responds, bewildered.

Lott: Quayle has no standing in the public opinion, anymore. His tax cut proposal was flimsy at best, his education and faith based initiates are lacking in substance and quite frankly I don't believe the Democrats will compromise on anything. Hell, I almost wish-

Hastert: Don't even say it, Trent.

Lott: President Gore would have had credibility, Mr. Speaker.

Hastert: So what are you gonna do, Trent? Quayle's the President. He's President of the United States. He was elected. Sign, sealed, delivered. It's done.

Lott: We're gonna get killed next year. I think it will be a complete reversal of 1994. I don't see anyway we make gains in the Senate or House. You may not even be Speaker anymore in two years.

Hastert: Alot can happen in two years, Trent. Maybe the President won't seek re-election.

Lott: If 2004 is anything like 2002 will be, I don't think it matters if he does or not. Gore comes in, maybe by 2006 we'll have a decent shot of holding a bare majority.

Hastert: You procrastinate too much, Trent.

Lott: I'm meeting with the President next Tuesday at the White House. He invited me to discuss the incoming work after the Summer recess. I'm going to bring up the idea of one term.

Hastert: Are you serious?

Lott: I know, it sounds bad. But someone has to ask him.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I like it so far.

[Pingvin]

I like it so far.

[Reaganfan]

The following week, Senator Trent Lott arrives at the White House to meet with President Quayle to discuss the new workload facing Congress after the Summer recess. What President Quayle doesn't know is that Senate Minority Leader Lott is about to ask the President not to seek re-election. Completely unprecedented for any Senator to directly ask a President only one year into his term.

Quayle greets Lott. "Trent, good to see you." They retreat to the Oval Office for a private discussion.

Quayle: So how have the Democrats been treating you?
Lott: You know how it is, sir. They get a one-up with Jeffords and ever since their bare majority has been acting as if it is a super-majority.
Quayle: I hear ya. I knew the minute I heard Jeffords was leaving us and caucusing with them we were in for a rough patch. Any bright spots for '02?
Lott: Well we do have Congressman Chambliss of Georgia who can be a strong contender, but Senator Cleland is pretty popular right now.
Quayle: How about Minnesota?
Lott: Ah, I think Wellstone has it.
Quayle: Looks like Coleman's our guy.
Lott: Yeah it could end up being pretty close down to the wire.
Quayle: Still over a year away, plenty of time. A year in politics is like a hundred years.
Lott: I suppose you could say that, sir.
Quayle: Of course, look at my life.
Lott: You sure showed them, didn't you?
Quayle: Ah, Trent. They took their punches. Sometimes you wonder how many more times you can get back on your feet to fight back.
Lott: It's tough.
Quayle: Last year, the final campaign stretch from Portland to Indianapolis...I was in Dubuque, Iowa. I'll never forget it. Overcast, gray, a cold chilly wind, drizzling outside. I had just learned that the polls showed us still tied nationally. The gray skies and cold air just gave me this sense that I wasn't gonna win. If 299 people in Iowa hadn't voted for me, it would've been Gore. But that wouldn't have bothered me as much as all those jerks who made it their life's work to smear me getting their way. Marilyn and I stepped up onto the stage and the crowd was chanting "No more-Al Gore!" over and over. They inspired me. I felt so invigorated. I got back on the bus and my staffers were enthusiastic about polls in Florida and Ohio. I'm well aware 274 electoral votes and losing the popular vote isn't a mandate, but I'm trying, Trent. I really am. I won't stop. No matter how much they smear me, I'm going to uphold the office. Who knows how history will judge.
Lott: You think 2004 will be hard?
Quayle: (chuckles) I've barely started thinking about the midterms, yet. I can't even imagine 2004. It seems so far away in my mind.
Lott: 2002 could be pretty bad, Mr. President.
Quayle: Yeah?
Lott: (nods head) I also sense 2004 might be pretty bad itself.
Quayle: What exactly are you saying, Trent?
Lott: Well, I, Sir I think you should consider-

At that moment, National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft walks into the Oval Office.

Scowcroft: Mr. President, Senator Lott...I apologize for interrupting. Mr. President, a plane has just crashed into the World Trade Center.
Quayle: Oh my God. What kind of plane, Brent?
Scowcroft: Early reports say it could be a commercial airliner, sir.
Quayle: Is it the result of bad weather?
Scowcroft: No idea yet, sir but so far foul play cannot be ruled out.
Lott: Perhaps I should be going, Mr. President.
Quayle: No, Trent you could stay. Hang on, Brent...let's get to a T.V.

President Quayle, National Security Advisor Scowcroft and Senator Lott leave the Oval Office and head towards a T.V. in a nearby office. Staffers quickly move out of the way to allow the President access to the room. Quayle, Scowcroft and Lott stare at the screen in stunned disbelief as smoke billows out of the tower of the World Trade Center.

Quayle: Anyone who thinks a small plane did that is crazy.
Scowcroft: That's terrible.
Quayle: A bright sunny day in New York, how the hell could a pilot not see the World Trade Center?

Just then, Quayle sees in horror as a second jetliner comes into view and streaks through the second tower of the World Trade Center.



Quayle: America's under attack.
Scowcroft: Dear Lord...

At that moment, secret service agents charge into the room. "Mr. President, we recommend you proceed to the bunker, immediately."

Quayle: Absolutely not. I'm not going anywhere.
Lott: Sir, please go.
Quayle: We need a secure video teleconference. Where's the Vice President?
Scowcroft: Pentagon breakfast meeting, sir.
Quayle: Okay, get him in on the video conference. I want it done in 10 minutes.
Scowcroft: Yes, Mr. President.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

The Vice President is at...the Pentagon?? I'd get out of their quickly.

[Reaganfan]

President Quayle is quickly moved by Secret Service to the command bunker underneath the White House. A video teleconference is set up. Vice President Norman Schwarzkopf appears on screen, as well as Jane Garvey, head of the FAA. Dick Clarke, Chief Counter-terrorism Advisor who worked in the Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Quayle Administrations arrives inside the bunker as well.

Quayle: Mr. Vice President, are you there?
Schwarzkopf: Yes sir, Cheney is here as well.
Quayle: Alright, Jane what is the latest on the aircraft that hit the World Trade Center.
Garvey: Right now we can confirm they were both 767 jetliners, Mr. President. American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175.
Quayle: Dick, what's the latest intelligence you're seeing?
Clarke: Sir, the only group that I see with the means to pull off an operation crashing two airplanes into the World Trade Center would be Al Qaida.
Quayle: This is the same group we addressed during our last meeting, correct?
Clarke: That is correct, sir.
Quayle: I'm going to address the American people from the Rose Garden in 15 minutes. I want to reassure them that our Government is fully aware and on-top of the situation and that there will be retribution.

As the World Trade Center burns, President Quayle leaves the teleconference and bunker and heads upstairs to address eager and concerned reporters from the White House Rose Garden.

"My fellow citizens, I have tragic news of the greatest importance to pass along. Two commercial aircraft have been intentionally crashed into the World Trade Center in a vicious terrorist attack on our country. I have met with my counter-terrorist team, I have spoken with Vice President Schwarzkopf as well as my National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft to assure that our Government stays fully engaged in combating this attack and the retribution which is soon to follow. I will now take some of your questions."

Campbell Brown, NBC News: Mr. President, is there any idea who may have carried out this attack?

Quayle: Campbell right now we-

Just then, a loud boom is heard in the distance.

Quayle: We...we believe that there are groups...

The Secret Service rush to the President and escort him back into the White House. Quayle hesitates. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut this press conference short, I will address your questions at a later time, excuse me."

Inside, Scowcroft tells Quayle, "They've just hit the Pentagon!" Of course, Vice President Schwarzkopf was at the Pentagon for a breakfast meeting, and word is that he has survived the attack and is being immediately evacuated. The Secret Service insist on evacuating the President out of the White House. Quayle remains intent on staying in Washington, but the Secret Service disagrees.

Quayle asserts, "If I leap onto Marine One and fly someplace America's going to think their Presidents in hiding." But the Secret Service hold their ground. President Quayle orders the Air Force to shoot down any plane not responding. The FAA has already made a national ground-stop. President Dan Quayle exits the White House via Marine One at 9:55am. A few minutes later, the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses.

As Marine One takes off, the President can see smoke billowing from the Pentagon. The situation is a mess. Vice President Schwarzkopf and Defense Secretary Cheney were in a target that was attacked and now both are being evacuated to secure locations. Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Columbia. Thousands are dying in New York. America is under attack. Dan Quayle is the President of the United States and heading for an undisclosed location. Nobody knows what is to come.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I like this.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

I like this.

[Reaganfan]

By 10:30am, President Quayle arrives at Camp David.

Quayle and Schwarzkopf meet under tight security.

Quayle: Norm, we have to get you to another location and fast. If this is an attempted decapitation of the entire Government and they get me, America's gonna need you.
Schwarzkopf: I'm not gonna cower to those bastards, Mr. President.
Quayle: It would be the best move, Secret Service concurs...and trust me General...we're gonna get these guys. Big time.
Schwarzkopf: I've said this before, Mr. President. When placed in command - take charge. Good luck.
Quayle: Thank you. We'll be in contact.

At that moment, Vice President Schwarzkopf departs Camp David for an undisclosed destination. President Quayle is met by Scowcroft and Defense Secretary Cheney.

Quayle: Dick, did you feel anything at the Pentagon?
Cheney: No sir, the Vice President and I had just left the meeting. We heard a huge explosion, however.
Quayle: Damn plane slammed right into it. This is really...it's war, Dick.
Cheney: Yes, Mr. President. It surely is.

Quayle, Cheney, and Scowcroft retreat inside a building at Camp David. Quayle immediately calls New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, New York Governor George Pataki, FBI Director Robert Mueller and CIA Director George Tenet.

Quayle sits at a table with Cheney, Scowcroft, Clarke, and James Baker.

Quayle: Okay, here's the game plan. All flights across the country are grounded. Those that do not respond will be immediately shot down by the Air Force. That's my order and I'm sticking to it. It's horrific collateral damage but if the plane crashes into the Sears Tower killing thousands more...we will face even more tremendous loss.
Cheney: Indeed that's clear, sir.
Quayle: Jim, I want you to allow media access, I will be making a taped statement from here in about 20 minutes. I think it's safe to assume the American people want to know where their President is and that he is in control.
Baker: Understood, sir.
Quayle: Now, Dick...lay it all on the line for me, right here right now.
Clarke: Mr. President, four planes have crashed. The first was an American Airlines 767 en-route from Boston to L.A. that struck the World Trade Center. The second was a United Airlines 767 also from Boston to L.A. that hit the other tower of the Trade Center. We also have American Airlines 77, a 757 jetliner that struck the Pentagon.
Cheney: The explosion was horrific.
Quayle: Thank God you and the Vice President weren't harmed, Dick. Glad you're alright.
Cheney: Thank you, sir.
Quayle: Is that all, Dick?
Clarke: No sir, a fourth jet..United Airlines 93 from New Jersey to California crashed in rural Pennsylvania.
Quayle: Dear God. How long ago?
Clarke: About 40 minutes ago, sir.
Quayle: (hesitates) I shot down that plane, Dick.
Clarke: Actually, sir...I find that doubtful. The closest jets were still 15 minutes away. Something must have happened on board the airplane. Perhaps the hijackers were being attacked by the pilots or passengers.
Quayle: If that is the case, their nation owes them a debt of gratitude.
Clarke: That aircraft was clearly headed towards Washington, D.C., sir.
Quayle: Okay. Have there been any other reports?
Clarke: Rumors and speculation. There was a rumor of a car bomb at the State Department, but that turned out to be false.
Quayle: Okay, here's the situation. We're in a national state of emergency. All flights will be grounded until further notice, all Government agencies will be tasked to help the search and recovery and this will be done swiftly and promptly. Now...Dick...what do we know about who may be responsible?
Cheney: Right now, our best guess would be a terrorist organization known as Al Qaida.
Quayle: The USS Cole bombers?
Cheney: Correct, sir. They also bombed the World Trade Center eight years ago in 1993 and attacked our embassies in 1998.
Quayle: Of course, I remember. Do we know where they are specifically located?
Cheney: That's the difficult part, sir. They're everywhere. Africa, Europe, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq...
Quayle: America's will want retribution. They will want to see force. Let me tell you right now, it's justified.
Cheney: Of course, sir.
Quayle: This administration is not going to treat terrorism like a law enforcement matter any more. It's a national security matter. A bomb in New York isn't a NYPD matter...it's an attack on the United States of America.

At 11:15am, President Quayle addresses reporters from Camp David.


"My fellow citizens,

In light of recent horrific events in New York City and Washington, D.C., my administration along with our law enforcement officials have begun a swift investigation to find and seek justice against those individuals responsible for these attacks. We're also determined to help local officials in whatever ways necessary to help recovery forces and to save as many lives as possible. Freedom in America has been attacked, but make no mistake, freedom will prevail against terror.

Let me be as clear as day to every American and every person around the world listening to my voice: America will use the entire force and might of our military and will be delivering stark and severe punishment to those terrorists who carried out the attacks, and to any nation which is celebrating the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Any nation which gives safe haven to our enemies abroad. Any nation that resorts to terrorism will be paying a price during my Presidency."

After spending the day in communication with his National Security Team, and speaking on the phone to Congressmen, Senators and Governors as well as Law Enforcement agencies and world leaders, President Quayle arrives back at the White House at 8pm Eastern Time. He is planning on addressing the nation at 9pm in a speech sure to go down in history as a moment America was united.

[Reaganfan]

At 9pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, President Dan Quayle addresses the nation from the Oval Office. In the President's speech, he addresses the concerns about the massive loss of life, the questions and uncertainty of millions around the world, and vows swift revenge.

"The events of this day will forever be a milestone in American history. Today, the citizens of the United States came under attack in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. The victims were in airplanes or in buildings. Young and old, men and women, from every walk of life. Not since Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941 has America seen such an unprovoked, deliberate and deadly attack on our country. Justice was served then and justice will served to those who perpetrated this attack.

America's light shines tonight, brighter than ever before, stronger than ever before and more resilient. Even in the most tragic of times, the purpose of America was shown, and it is that purpose that guides America and the World towards an everlasting call for peace, liberty and freedom."

- President James Danforth Quayle
September 11, 2001

The following day, President Quayle gives an early morning press conference. America and the entire World is on edge. The estimates for the loss of life in New York range up to potentially 10,000 or more. America has never been through such a calamity, atleast not in modern times post World War II.

President Quayle steps up to the microphone.

Quayle: The events of yesterday, as you may well imagine, have drastically altered America. Terrorism will not stand here or anywhere else where free people wish to live about their lives. I spoke this morning to Prime Minister Tony Blair of Great Britain, who offered his condolences as well as his firm solidarity. I also spoke to the President of Russia, who offered his sympathy and support. I want the American people to know that this Government is functioning under extraordinary circumstances, but we are at the beck and call of all those who are victims of these attacks, and we will be there for the justice that will be served upon those who committed these atrocious acts. Any nation that harbors terrorists and any terrorist leaders who wish to spread violence and terror across our shores will be paying dearly during my Presidency. Make no mistake about it. I will now take some of your questions.

Mr. President, what is your reaction to those Americans who may be calling for swift revenge for Tuesday's attacks?

Quayle: It's on it's way.  

Is that Afghanistan, sir?

Quayle: Let me say again, ANY nation. Any nation which is celebrating the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Any nation which gives safe haven to our enemies abroad. Any nation that resorts to terrorism will be paying a price during my Presidency.

Sir, The Boston Herald reports that some of the terrorists were pilots trained here in the United States. Do you have any information about that?

Quayle: The investigation is well under way, and Attorney General Keating will be holding a news conference this afternoon to discuss the information as it continues to become available. I am not going to comment any further on that issue at this time, the Attorney General will fill you in.

President Quayle, The Jerusalem Post is reporting that Osama bin Laden is denying responsibility for the attacks, but called the attacks "admirable". Do you believe him to be responsible?

Quayle: The fact that he called them "admirable" makes him an enemy of this country. Period. I've had enough of Osama bin Laden's rhetoric.

Do you want him dead, sir?

Quayle: Let's just say...we've all had enough of Osama bin Laden. He is a ruthless terrorist that we believe to be harbored in Afghanistan by the brutal Taliban regime, and if it is found out that he was indeed the perpetrator of Tuesday's terrorist attacks on America, he will be paying a severe price, trust me.

Mr. President, will you be going to New York?

Quayle: Yes, I will be going to New York in the coming days and when the details are ironed out, you will be the first to know. Thank you very much.

President Quayle leaves the podium.

[Reaganfan]

Chris Matthews, host of Hardball on MSNBC and a vocal critic of Dan Quayle, airs his program on Thursday night, September 13th.

Chris Matthews: In the 48 hrs or so since these attacks, the American landscape has been changed. Literally, and figuratively. Psychologically, every American is trying to adjust to this surreal world which we now find ourselves in. At the helm of the ship guiding us through this storm is Dan Quayle. Suddenly, Quayle seems to be a changed man. A political lightweight who narrowly won the Presidency now finds himself a wartime President. A new NBC News poll shows unified support for Quayle:

Quayle Approval Rating
September 7-8, 2001 - 40%
September 12-13, 2001 - 90%

Numbers like that have never been seen in any records of Presidential popularity. I'm joined by Howard Fineman from Newsweek. Howard, I'm amazed by the transformation of Dan Quayle. How about you?

Howard Fineman: To understand the importance of this, let's think back. Nine years ago, Dan Quayle was Vice President of the United States, getting mocked on late night TV about "Murphy Brown" and potatoes. Tonight, he is a wartime President of the United States with an approval rating of 90%, up 50% points in two days time. The transformation is remarkable.

Chris Matthews: I mean, when this happened everyone was thinking or even saying out loud...Quayle is President...he's gotta come to play here...he's gotta step up and do the job and dammit if he's not doing it, it's remarkable like you said.

Howard Fineman: It is, and remember too who Dan Quayle has surrounded himself with. He has Brent Scowcroft, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Norman Schwarzkopf. This is an administration that is seasoned in foreign policy, especially regarding the Middle East, and right now that seems to be exactly what America needs.

Chris Matthews: Of course, nobody expected that but indeed it seems like an asset at this time.

Howard Fineman: Also remember the President himself is indeed experienced. He was a Congressman, a Senator, Vice President and now sees himself Commander in Chief during wartime.

Chris Matthews: Suddenly Lloyd Bentsen's critique of him doesn't seem justified does it?

Howard Fineman: Well, if Quayle keeps doing what he's been doing, things are going to look very different in history when we look back at Dan Quayle.

Chris Matthews: I think he's been fantastic and you brought up history, let's talk about something recent but that suddenly seems ancient, a new NBC News poll asks:

If last year's Presidential Election were held today, whom would you vote for?

Quayle: 61%
Gore: 30%
Unsure: 9%

Unbelievable. Do you think America's had a change of heart about Dan Quayle?

Howard Fineman: Well America is rallying behind their President, and Dan Quayle happens to be President. Of course if America sees him as ineffective during all of this and the aftermath then that will change quickly, but clearly Quayle is being seen in a much different light now.

Chris Matthews: But to think that if the election were held today, Dan Quayle...DAN QUAYLE would best Al Gore in what would probably amount to a 50 state blowout...that is just unthinkable until this very moment.

Howard Fineman: Yes until this very moment and I think that's the key. This is Quayle's moment. We thought his moment was November 7, 2000 when he was elected President of the United States. It wasn't. We thought perhaps his tax cuts...it wasn't. It is RIGHT NOW....this time in American history is Dan Quayle's moment to lead and as of tonight, these past two days have seen Quayle show remarkable strengths and skills that perhaps even the President himself didn't know he had.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I don't have much to say, but yeah, I'm reading.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

This is great! I love Chris Matthews commentary.

[Reaganfan]

This is great! I love Chris Matthews commentary.

Semi-based off of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSvl7ZF_LkY&feature=player_embedded

[Pingvin]

BUMP!

[Dancing with Myself]

I'll give credit where it is due: This is a damn good timeline! Good job and keep it up!

[Jerseyrules]

I love this TL!  Please, no Iraq...or Afghan wars?  Because there's no way he'd win re-election with two wars...with W. it was a few thousand votes in OH that would've turned the election to Kerry.  Otherwise, I love this TL; I might have actually voted for Quayle in 04 provided he doesn't become a raging neocon.  How's that for alternate history?

[Reaganfan]

September 14, 2001

"The blood, sweat and tears will continue, but as they do, the resolve of the United States gets stronger."

- President Quayle addresses rescue workers at Ground Zero

On September 20, 2001, Dan Quayle addresses a Special Joint Session of Congress. In his speech, he lays out a detailed list of objectives and priorities.

"At this time, and in these last nine days of trial and tribulation, America has remained united, determined and steadfast. We have continued to begin this long, and trying war on terrorism.

Under my executive order, I have immediately frozen the financial assets of 27 separate organizations and transactions with those entities that may serve as finance to terrorist organizations, individual leaders and corporations that may serve as a terrorist front.

Under my orders, we have lifted sanctions against Pakistan and India. I have had long and intimate discussions with leaders from both nations, and we all have agreed that we have a common purpose: to crush the Taliban regime and wipe out every single Al Qaida terrorist.

I also want to make it clear: if Osama bin Laden believes that hiding in the mountains of Afghanistan or across the border into our ally Pakistan will protect him, he is severely mistaken."

Five days later, from the Oval Office, Dan Quayle addresses the nation:

"Today, at my directions, our military forces have begun a series of attacks against compounds in Afghanistan which are known to harbor terrorists associated with the Al Qaida network and the Taliban regime. These attacks will continue as long as any terrorist or terrorist group continues to fight an extremist jihad war against innocent people. Americans today find themselves united and determined against a common enemy. The face of evil we saw two weeks ago. The evil that destroyed innocent life, that devastated a city, will now be brought to justice. But nothing ends here, this fight will be a long and difficult struggle. The first war of the 21st Century will no doubt be a long and trying period for our country. I know like all Americans our support is solid for our men and women in the Armed Forces, and no doubt we say a prayer for those fighting, and a prayer for those who still mourn. Thank you, and God Bless America."

- President Quayle addressing first Air Strikes on Al Qaida targets in Afghanistan, September 25, 2001

NBC NIGHTLY NEWS

(Tom Brokaw Narrates)

"The battle has begun. The President saying today that the Al Qaida and Taliban terrorist organizations will be brought to justice, as Air Strikes against targets in Afghanistan begin.

In New York, the painstaking relief operations continue, Mayor Giuliani estimates 5,000 or more may be dead.

Attorney General Frank Keating pledges to Congress a way to find new methods to combat terrorism, while Wall Street regains a quarter of the losses from the attacks."

THIS IS NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH TOM BROKAW.

"Good evening, if ever there was a more trying time for a President, that time seems to have arrived for James Danforth Quayle. Today, the war begins. NBC's Campbell Brown is at the White House with more, Campbell.

Campbell Brown: Well Tom, the President announced today that strikes on the Taliban and Al Qaida have begun in Afghanistan. This after a week and a half of an altering landscape across America. The President spent the day with his National Security Team and on the phone with several world leaders including British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Vice President Schwarzkopf remains at an undisclosed location at this time, although White House Officials have stated that the Vice President has been intimately involved in the meetings and the discussions regarding the strikes. The President right now is enjoying a quiet dinner with First Lady Marilyn Quayle and is expected to hold a press conference tomorrow morning, Tom.

Tom Brokaw: Campbell thank you, and a new NBC News poll tonight shows more support now than ever for Military action against Al Qaida and the Taliban regime.

Do you support Military action against Al Qaida and/or the Taliban regime?

Yes: 93%
No: 4%
Other: 3%

Quayle Administration Approval:

Quayle: 90%
Schwarzkopf: 88%
Cheney: 74%
Scowcroft: 74%
Keating: 71%
Powell: 88%

[Jerseyrules]

Yes an update!  Was getting a little worried there; I like it!

[Reaganfan]

Quayle rallies soldiers at Fort Bragg
October 10, 2001

WASHINGTON - President Dan Quayle rallied Army Troops at Fort Bragg, NC telling them to keep vigilant and always prepared for action in the "War on Terror".

"Our fight is not against the Islamic religion, but against those who blaspheme Allah and peaceful religion everywhere." The President said to the cheering crowd of soldiers.

"The fight is ours to win, and make no mistake, we will be victorious." Quayle later added.

Quayle's trip comes just before the President was expected to travel to London to meet with Prime Minister Tony Blair about ongoing efforts to combat terrorism not only in the United States, but Great Britain as well. The President also was set to meet next Monday with Democratic Congressional leaders to discuss the continued bipartisan support to advance the tools needed to combat terrorism and individual terrorist networks.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle told reporters Wednesday that the Democrats will continue to work with Republicans for the fight against terrorism. "I think when you see the efforts to combat the threats against America, the bipartisan cooperation we are seeing is exactly what the country needs." Daschle stated.

A new Gallup poll finds Americans approving of the job Congress is doing by a significant 61-31% margin, while the President holds a near record 88% approval one month following the September 11th attacks.

Hugh G. Rection - AP