General Election - 1990 and Beyond

[DKrol]

So this is my first TL so I'll happily listen to advice and criticism. It's inspired by An Unexpected Coalition, as well as Into the Next Millennium.

General Election - 1990

Tom Brokaw: This is just coming into the American Broadcasting Corporation. Prime Minister Edward Kennedy has asked Governor-General George McGovern to dissolve Parliament. The Governor-General has given his consent on behalf of Her Majesty. Elections have been scheduled for July 3rd, 1990. We'll bring you more as it comes in.

Prime Ministers:

1. Hannibal Hamlin - Cons. (1862-1872)
2. Rutherford Hayes - Cons. (1872-1881)
3. Chester Arthur - Cons. (1881-1883)
4. J. Warren Keifer - Cons. (1883)
5. Grover Cleveland - Lib. (1883-1889)
6. William McKinley - Cons. (1889-1902)*
7. William Day - Cons. (1902-1903)
8. Theodore Roosevelt - Lib. (1903-1915)
9. Woodrow Wilson - Lib. (1915-1919)** +
10. Warren Harding - Cons. (1919-1923)^
11. Calvin Coolidge - Cons. (1923-1933)
12. Franklin Roosevelt - Lib-Lab. (1933-1945)***^
13. Harry Truman - Lib-Lab. (1945-1947)***
14. Thomas Dewey - Cons. (1947-1952)
15. Joseph McCarthy - Cons. (1952-1954)+
16. Claude Pepper - Prog. (1954-1966)
17. John Kennedy - Prog. (1966-1971)
16. Richard Nixon - Cons. (1971-1979)
17. James Carter - Prog. (1979-1982)
18. Edward Kennedy - NLib. (1982-1990)
19. Ronald Reagan - Cons. (1990-1994)
20. George H. W. Bush - Cons. (1994-1998)
21. Richard B. Cheney - Cons. (1998-2000)
22. Joseph R. Biden - NLib. (2000-) #

Leaders of His/Her Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition:

1. Garrett Davis - Lib. (1862-1872)^
2. Henry Davis - Lib. (1872-1880)
3. Grover Cleveland - Lib. (1880-1883)
4. J. Warren Keifer - Cons. (1883-1886)
5. William McKinley - Cons. (1886-1889)
6. John Carlisle - Lib. (1889-1903)
7. Calvin Coolidge - Cons. (1903-1917)
- No Opposition, Wartime Coalition -
8. Warren Harding - Cons. (1919)
9. Thomas Marshall - Lib., then Lib-Lab (1919-1928)
10. Franklin Roosevelt - Lib-Lab. (1928-1933)
11. Herbert Hoover - Cons. (1933-1940)
12. Charles McNary - Cons. (1941)
- No Opposition, Wartime Coalition -
13. Robert Taft - Cons. (1945-1946)
14. Thomas Dewey - Cons. (1946-1947)
15. Harry Truman - Lib-Lab. (1947-1951)
16. Claude Pepper - Prog. (1951-1954)
17. Richard Nixon - Cons. (1954-1971)
18. Robert Byrd - Prog. (1971-1979)
19. Ronald Reagan - Cons. (1979-1990)
20. Joseph Biden - NLib. (1990-2000)
21. Richard B. Cheney - Cons. (2000-)

*Assassinated
**Wartime Coalition Government from 1917-1919
***Wartime Coalition Government from 1941-1945
+ Removed by Motion of No Confidence
^Died in Office
#Minority Government

[Harry Hayfield]

In other words, how would the 1990 American Mid Term Elections come out if the US Congress was elected along Westminster lines?

[DKrol]

In other words, how would the 1990 American Mid Term Elections come out if the US Congress was elected along Westminster lines?

That's how it's going to start, but it'll expand and go up until today with Leadership struggles, more elections, inter-party conflicts and such.

[DKrol]

Party Leaders, as of 1990:

Edward Kennedy - New Liberal Party
- Prime Minister of the Confederation of America (1982-Present)
- Leader of the New Liberal Party (1979-Present)
- Member of the New Liberal Party (1982-Present)
- Member of the House of Commons for Boston, Charlestown (1975-Present)
- Member of the Progressive Party (-1982)
- Minister of State for Health, Cabinet of James Carter (1979-1982)
- Shadow Minister of State for Schools, Shadow Cabinet of Robert Byrd (1975-1979)
- Premier of Massachusetts (1967-1975)
- Member of the Massachusetts Legislative Assembly for Charlestown-Boston (1960-1967)

Ronald Reagan - Conservative Party
- Leader of Her Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition (1979-Present)
- Leader of the Conservative Party (1979-Present)
- Member of the Conservative Party (1950-Present)
- Member of the House of Commons for Los Angeles, Hollywood (1964-Present)
- Minister of Culture, Sports, and Media, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1974-1979)
- Minister of State for Work and Pensions, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1971-1974)
- Shadow Minister of State for Work and Pensions, Shadow Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1964-1971)
- Premier of California (1954-1964)
- Member of the Liberal-Labor Party (-1950)

Ron Paul - Libertarian Revolution
- Member of the Libertarian Revolution (1983-Present)
- Leader of the Libertarian Revolution (1987-Present)
- Deputy Leader of the Libertarian Revolution (1976-1983)
- Member of Parliament for Galveston (1971-Present)
- Member of the Conservative Party (-1983)
- Shadow Minister of Health and Social Affair, Shadow Cabinet of Ronald Reagan (1979-1983)
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Business, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1974-1979)

[DKrol]

Leaders of the Conservative Party:
1. Hannibal Hamlin (1862-1872)
2. Rutherford Hayes (1872-1881)
3. Chester Arthur (1881-1883)
4. J. Warren Keifer (1883-1886)
5. William McKinley (1886-1902)*
6. William Day (1902-1903)
7. Calvin Coolidge (1903-1915)
8. Warren Harding (1915-1923)^
9. Calvin Coolidge (1923-1933)
10. Herbert Hoover (1933-1940)
11. Charles McNary (1940-1943)
12. Robert Taft (1943-1946)
13. Thomas Dewey (1946-1952)
14. Joseph McCarthy (1952-1954)
15. Richard Nixon (1954-1979) [1]
16. Ronald Reagan (1979-Present)

Leaders of the Liberal Party:
1. Garrett Davis (1862-1872)^
2. Henry Davis (1872-1880)
3. Grover Cleveland (1880-1883)
4. Grover Cleveland (1883-1889)
5. John Carlisle (1889-1903)
6. Theodore Roosevelt (1903-1915)
9. Woodrow Wilson (1915-1919)
10. Thomas Marshall (1919-1920) [2]

Leaders of the Labor Party:
1. Eugene Debs (1901-1918)
2. Robert La Follette, Sr. (1918-1920 [2]

Leaders of the Liberal-Labor Union:
1. Thomas Marshall (1920-1928)
2. Franklin Roosevelt (1928-1945)^
3. Harry Truman (1945-1951)[3]

Leaders of the Progressive Party:
1. Claude Pepper (1951-1966)
2. John Kennedy (1966-1971)
3. Robert Byrd (1971-1979)
4. James Carter (1979-1982)[4]

Leaders of the New Liberal Party:
1. Edward Kennedy (1982-Present)

Leaders of the Libertarian Revolution:
1. Barry Goldwater (1965-1972)
2. Barry Goldwater, Jr. (1972-1987)
2. Ron Paul (1987-Present)

[1] Shadow Minister of Finance Barry Goldwater, at the 1965 Conservative Party Conference, challenged Opposition Leader Richard Nixon for the Party Leadership. His challenged failed after 3 ballots but Shadow Minister Goldwater led a delegation of 6 MPs out of the Conference and formed their own party, the Libertarian Revolution.

[2] After losing a confidence vote in 1919 the Liberal Party was in a state of disorganization. Their strong willed leader, Woodrow Wilson, has just suffered a stroke and was left partially disabled. In order to preserve any hope of maintaining Opposition status following the March 1920 General Election Liberal Leader Thomas Marshall arranged a merger between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party, creating the Liberal-Labor Union.

[3] Following the public outrage at Prime Minister Truman for dropping two nuclear bombs on Japan the Liberal-Labor Union wanted to distance itself from the War and the Truman Ministry. At the 1951 Party Conference they voted to change the name of the Party to the Progressive Party, as well as a vote to remove Truman as leader. The Labor Strikes of 1946 also played a part in the removal of the word “Labor Union” from the Party name.

[4] The Ministry of James Carter saw high inflation, gas rationing, and major foreign policy blunders. In an inter-party coup, led by Minister of State for Health Edward Kennedy, Carter was removed as Leader and the name of the party was changed to create an image of a new, modern party for younger voters while also drawing remembrance to the strength of the Wartime Liberal Leader Woodrow Wilson.

- Excerpt from The Confederation: A History by Howard Zinn

[Harry Hayfield]

Party Leaders, as of 1990:

Edward Kennedy - New Liberal Party
- Prime Minister of the Confederation of America (1982-Present)
- Leader of the New Liberal Party (1979-Present)
- Member of the New Liberal Party (1982-Present)
- Member of the House of Commons for Charlestown-Boston (1975-Present)
- Member of the Progressive Party (-1982)
- Minister of State for Health, Cabinet of James Carter (1979-1982)
- Shadow Minister of State for Schools, Shadow Cabinet of Robert Byrd (1975-1979)
- Premier of Massachusetts (1967-1975)
- Member of the Massachusetts Legislative Assembly for Charlestown-Boston (1960-1967)

Ronald Reagan - Conservative Party
- Leader of Her Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition (1979-Present)
- Leader of the Conservative Party (1979-Present)
- Member of the Conservative Party (1950-Present)
- Member of the House of Commons for Hollywood-Los Angeles (1964-Present)
- Minister of Culture, Sports, and Media, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1974-1979)
- Minister of State for Work and Pensions, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1971-1974)
- Shadow Minister of State for Work and Pensions, Shadow Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1964-1971)
- Premier of California (1954-1964)
- Member of the Liberal-Labor Party (-1950)

Strom Thurmond - American Heritage Coalition
- Member of the American Heritage Coalition (1942-Present)
- Leader of the American Heritage Coalition (1971-Present)
- Member of the House of Commons for North Myrtle Beach (1968-Present)
- Deputy Leader of the American Heritage Coalition (1968-1971)
- Member of the House of Commons for Crescent Beach (1942-1968)
- Leader of the South Carolina American Heritage Coalition (1938-1942)
- Mayor of Crescent Beach (1933-1938)
- Member of the Liberal-Labor Party (-1942)

Ron Paul - Libertarian Revolution
- Member of the Libertarian Revolution (1983-Present)
- Leader of the Libertarian Revolution (1987-Present)
- Deputy Leader of the Libertarian Revolution (1976-1983)
- Member of Parliament for Galveston (1971-Present)
- Member of the Conservative Party (-1983)
- Shadow Minister of Health and Social Affair, Shadow Cabinet of Ronald Reagan (1979-1983)
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Business, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1974-1979)

A tip on constituency names. In cases of ordinal points then it's the location followed by the ordinal point (for instance Aberdeen North, Belfast West, Bristol South). For districts it's the name of the area, comma, district (for instance: Lewisham, Deptford or Liverpool, Broadgreen). So the constituencies listed above would be:

Boston, Charlestown
Los Angeles, Hollywood
Myrtle Beach North
Galveston

[DKrol]

Party Leaders, as of 1990:

Edward Kennedy - New Liberal Party
- Prime Minister of the Confederation of America (1982-Present)
- Leader of the New Liberal Party (1979-Present)
- Member of the New Liberal Party (1982-Present)
- Member of the House of Commons for Charlestown-Boston (1975-Present)
- Member of the Progressive Party (-1982)
- Minister of State for Health, Cabinet of James Carter (1979-1982)
- Shadow Minister of State for Schools, Shadow Cabinet of Robert Byrd (1975-1979)
- Premier of Massachusetts (1967-1975)
- Member of the Massachusetts Legislative Assembly for Charlestown-Boston (1960-1967)

Ronald Reagan - Conservative Party
- Leader of Her Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition (1979-Present)
- Leader of the Conservative Party (1979-Present)
- Member of the Conservative Party (1950-Present)
- Member of the House of Commons for Hollywood-Los Angeles (1964-Present)
- Minister of Culture, Sports, and Media, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1974-1979)
- Minister of State for Work and Pensions, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1971-1974)
- Shadow Minister of State for Work and Pensions, Shadow Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1964-1971)
- Premier of California (1954-1964)
- Member of the Liberal-Labor Party (-1950)

Strom Thurmond - American Heritage Coalition
- Member of the American Heritage Coalition (1942-Present)
- Leader of the American Heritage Coalition (1971-Present)
- Member of the House of Commons for North Myrtle Beach (1968-Present)
- Deputy Leader of the American Heritage Coalition (1968-1971)
- Member of the House of Commons for Crescent Beach (1942-1968)
- Leader of the South Carolina American Heritage Coalition (1938-1942)
- Mayor of Crescent Beach (1933-1938)
- Member of the Liberal-Labor Party (-1942)

Ron Paul - Libertarian Revolution
- Member of the Libertarian Revolution (1983-Present)
- Leader of the Libertarian Revolution (1987-Present)
- Deputy Leader of the Libertarian Revolution (1976-1983)
- Member of Parliament for Galveston (1971-Present)
- Member of the Conservative Party (-1983)
- Shadow Minister of Health and Social Affair, Shadow Cabinet of Ronald Reagan (1979-1983)
- Minister of Trade, Industry and Business, Cabinet of Richard Nixon (1974-1979)

A tip on constituency names. In cases of ordinal points then it's the location followed by the ordinal point (for instance Aberdeen North, Belfast West, Bristol South). For districts it's the name of the area, comma, district (for instance: Lewisham, Deptford or Liverpool, Broadgreen). So the constituencies listed above would be:

Boston, Charlestown
Los Angeles, Hollywood
Myrtle Beach North
Galveston

Oh! Thank you, can you tell I'm an American? I'm used to states, hyphen, then a number (CA-12, MA-5)

[DKrol]

Cabinet of Edward Kennedy, as of June 1990
Prime Minister: The Rt. Hon. Edward Kennedy (NLib.)
- Leader of the New Liberal Party
Deputy Prime Minister: The Rt. Hon. Al Gore, Jr (NLib.)
- Deputy Leader of the New Liberal Party

Minister of Foreign Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Daniel Inouye (NLib.)
Minister of Finance: The Rt. Hon. Paul Tsongas (NLib.)
Minister of Defense: The Rt. Hon. John Glenn (NLib.)
Minister of Justice: The Rt. Hon. Jerry Brown (NLib.)
Minister of Interior Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Ann Richards (NLib.)
Minister of Trade, Industry and Business: The Rt. Hon. Joseph Biden (NLib.)
Minister of Labor and Employment: The Rt. Hon. Edward Kennedy (NLib.)
Minister of Health and Social Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Mario Cuomo (NLib.)
Minister of Education: The Rt. Hon. Patricia Schroeder (NLib.)
Minister of Energy: The Rt. Hon. Al Gore, Jr. (NLib.)
Minister of Agriculture and Food: The Rt. Hon. John Culver (NLib.)
Minister of Transportation: The Rt. Hon. Brock Adams (NLib.)
Minister of Infrastructure and Housing: The Rt. Hon. Geraldine Ferraro (NLib.)
Minister of Veterans Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Alan Cranston (NLib.)
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Chuck Robb (NLib.)

Minister without Portfolio: The Rt. Hon. Walter Mondale (NLib.)
- Former Deputy Leader of the New Liberal Party

Leader of the Government in the House of Commons: The Rt. Hon. George Marshall (NLib.)
Leader of the Government in the House of Lords: Lord Eugene McCarthy, 1st Earl of Ramsey (NLib.)
Government Chief Whip in the House of Commons: The Rt. Hon. Wendell Ford (NLib)
Government Chief Whip in the House of Lords: Jim Sasser, Baron Sasser of Memphis (NLib.)

Shadow Cabinet of Ronald Reagan, as of June 1990
Leader of the Opposition: The Rt. Hon. Ronald Reagan (Cons.)
- Leader of the Conservative Party
Deputy Leader of the Opposition: The Rt. Hon. Richard Cheney(Cons.)
- Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party

Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs: The Rt. Hon. George H.W. Bush (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Finance: The Rt. Hon. Jack Kemp (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Defense: The Rt. Hon. Richard Cheney (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Justice:The Rt. Hon. Sir Orrin Hatch (Cons.)
- Former Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party
Shadow Minister of Interior Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Sir Theodore Stevens (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Trade, Industry and Business: The Rt. Hon. Charles Percy (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Labor and Employment: The Rt. Hon. Trent Lott (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Health and Social Affairs: The Rt. Hon. John Chafee (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Education: The Rt. Hon. Dan Quayle (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Energy: The Rt. Hon. Frank Murkowski (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Agriculture and Food: The Rt. Hon. Robert Dole (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Transportation: The Rt. Hon. Malcolm Wallop (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Infrastructure and Housing: The Rt. Hon. George Pataki (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Veterans Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Sir John McCain (Cons.)
Shadow Minister of Aboriginal Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Norman Bangerter (Cons.)

Shadow Minister without Portfolio: The Rt. Hon. Willard Romney (Cons.)

Opposition Leader in the House of Commons: The Rt. Hon. Mitch McConnell (Cons.)
Opposition Leader in the House of Lords: George Romney, 1st Viscount Romney (Cons.)
Opposition Chief Whip in the House of Commons: The Rt. Hon. Robert Michaels (Cons.)
Opposition Chief Whip in the House of Lords: Henry Lodge, Jr., Baron Lodge of Nahant (Cons.)

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

Rt. Hon. Willard Mittford von Romney III, 3rd Earl of Romnshire

[DKrol]

The Campaign Begins



As many of you know by this point Governor-General McGovern has graciously agreed to the dissolution of Parliament on behalf of Her Majesty and a general election will take place on July 3rd. For the past 8 years my New Liberal government has led the nation and we are on the road to a recovery. My Government has worked from day one, when Governor-General McGovern invited me to form a Government following the 1982 General election, and we will continue to work until we lose our mandate to govern from the people. We’re actively pushing for legislation to create a tax code where the top income brackets are paying a fair amount for their wealth. We’re working on peace with the Soviet Union and we’ve maintained Peace in the Middle East. In the coming weeks I will be traveling across this great country, meeting with real people, and reminding them what this New Liberal government has done.
- Prime Minister Ted Kennedy, Outside 4 Victoria Street



The Conservative Party is the party of the people and it’s time we’re put back in Government! The New Liberals are recklessly spending, raising taxes to astronomic levels, and weakening America abroad. We are no longer the pride of the British Empire we once were. Iraq is on the verge of invading Kuwait, and Saddam Hussein is committing crimes against humanity on a daily basis. This Government has failed to call him on it and bring about meaningful action. As Prime Minister I will ensure Hussein will be brought to justice and his genocide will end!
- Leader of the Opposition Ronald Reagan, Speaking to Supporters after the Dissolution



The New Liberal government has failed! If put into Government the Libertarians will work for the people, instead of the big businesses! Over the next 3 weeks I will travel to all 50 Provinces and meet with the real people from every corner of the country. I’m also challenging the other party leaders to a series of debates so we can bring our ideas and opinions directly to the people!
- Libertarian Revolution Leader Ron Paul at a Press Conference

[DKrol]

Opinion Polls, taken June 12th 1990

If the election was held today, which party would you vote for?
New Liberal - 39%
Conservative - 39%
Libertarian - 11%
Other - 11%

What is your opinion of the Prime Minister’s job?
Approve - 52%
Disapprove - 39%
No Opinion - 9%

Who do you think will do a better job as Prime Minister?
E. Kennedy - 51%
R. Reagan - 46%
R. Paul - 2%
Other - 1%

Which issue is most important to you when deciding who to vote for?
Foreign Affairs - 36%
Economics - 29%
Taxation - 11%
Education - 8%
Gun Control - 7%
Election Reform - 3%
Other - 6%

Do you think the Party Leaders should hold a debate?
Yes - 87%
No - 10%
No Opinion - 3%



A Televised Debate?
Tom Brokaw: Now I'm joined by Leader of the Opposition Ronald Reagan. Thank you for coming on.
Ronald Reagan: It's my pleasure Tom.
TB: Leader Paul, of the Libertarian Revolution, has put up the idea of a televised debate between the Major Party Leaders. What's your opinion on this?
RR: It's never been done before in the 128 years that America has been a Confederation. It'd be revolutionary.
TB: Do you support the idea? Would you participate?
RR: Well I do love the camera. *laughs* I would have no problem doing a debate with the Prime Minister and Mr. Paul but I don't think the system is ready for it. Things like debates take a while to prepare and put on. You need to think these things through. I'd love to see a Leaders' Debate but not this time, it's not realistic at this point. Maybe for the next General Election, but now yet.

Former PMs Out Campaigning


Former Prime Minister James (Jimmy) Carter (1979-1982) has been out campaigning with Prime Minister Kennedy in many Southern Constituencies where the New Liberals have lost much ground since Carter's Premiership. It appears that any bad blood has passed between the two, after Kennedy's coup at the '82 Party Conference. The New Liberals hope that having the former Prime Minister out will assist them in carving into the Conservatives Bastion of the South. Notably absent from the trail is Prime Minister Kennedy's brother, former Prime Minister John F. Kennedy (1966-1971), who is in hospital due to complications from a skiing accident.

 

Another former Prime Minister has taken to the Campaign trail for their party. Former Prime Minister Richard Nixon (1971-1979) has joined Leader of the Opposition Reagan, his Sports, Culture and Media Minister, in various large cities. Nixon remains very popular within the Party, but is very controversial by the general populace after a series of scandals broke during his Premiership.



Ron Paul has not received the blessing of former Libertarian Revolution Leader Barry Goldwater. Mr. Paul has been focusing on campaign in small towns to small audiences, speaking in diners and libraries. He has made a pledge to visit all 50 Provinces, so far he has visited 4.

[TommyC1776]

Very good so far.

[DKrol]

Very good so far.

Thank you very much.

[DKrol]

A Conversation Between PM Kennedy and various MPs
A group of New Liberal Ministers (Fritz Hollings, Sam Nunn, Howell Heflin, and Richard Shelby) arrive at 4 Victoria Street for a meeting with Prime Minister Kennedy. A butler leads them into the Prime Minister’s office, shutting the door behind them.
Kennedy: Gentlemen, what can I do for you?
Richard Shelby: Ted, we’re going to be frank with you. You’re too far left for us to align with anymore. We can not, in good confidence, stand for election as New Liberal Party Candidates.
TK: What!? You cannot be serious right now. Fritz?
Fritz Hollings: I’m sorry Ted. We need to cut the budget, and you’re adding to it. We need to do something about Hussein, and you’re not.
Sam Nunn: You want to allow gays in the military. I can’t support that, my constituency would kill me.
Howell Heflin: The only place you’re cutting the budget is the Defense Ministry. I was in World War II and...
TK: Damn it all! Get out! Get out of my office!
SN: We have others with us.
TK: How many?
SN: 15 backbenchers and a cabinet Member.
TK: Who!? Who’s the bastard?
The MPs leave Number 4 as the Prime Minister yells and begins calling Party Officials and his cabinet.

17 MPs Cross the Floor



A group of 17 Members of Parliament, all New Liberals, announced in a Press Conference that they’ve all Crossed the Floor from the Government to the Conservative Party. These are all Southern MPs, the more Conservative members of the NLibs. The group of defectors was put together by 4 Senior MPs (Fritz Hollings of Charleston, Sam Nunn of Warner Robins, Howell Heflin of The Shoals, and Richard Shelby of Tuscaloosa West) and contains 15 backbenchers and a member of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet: Government Chief Whip in the House of Commons Wendell Ford of Owensboro, who handed in his resignation as Chief Whip minutes before the announcement. All 17 MPs have joined the Conservative Party.



I welcome the 17 Ministers to our Party. These defections are just the beginning. The New Liberal Party is weakening and on July 3rd we will overcome them and take the House of Commons and form a Government. And with that Government, made of all Americans from Boston, to Chicago, to my home in Los Angeles, morning will dawn in America once more. We will be strong and we will confront the challenging issues that Prime Minister Kennedy has ignored and hidden from.
- Leader of the Opposition Ronald Reagan, giving a speech after the “Gang of 17” Defections

[Harry Hayfield]

A Conversation Between PM Kennedy and various MPs
A group of New Liberal Ministers (Fritz Hollings, Sam Nunn, Howell Heflin, and Richard Shelby) arrive at 4 Victoria Street for a meeting with Prime Minister Kennedy. A butler leads them into the Prime Minister’s office, shutting the door behind them.
Kennedy: Ministers, what can I do for you?
Richard Shelby: Ted, we’re going to be frank with you. You’re too far left for us to align with anymore. We can not, in good confidence, stand for election as New Liberal Party Candidates.
TK: What!? You cannot be serious right now. Fritz?
Fritz Hollings: I’m sorry Ted. We need to cut the budget, and you’re adding to it. We need to do something about Hussein, and you’re not.
Sam Nunn: You want to allow gays in the military. I can’t support that, my constituency would kill me.
Howell Heflin: The only place you’re cutting the budget is the Defense Ministry. I was in World War II and...
TK: Damn it all! Get out! Get out of my office!
SN: We have others with us.
TK: How many?
SN: 15 backbenchers and a cabinet Member.
TK: Who!? Who’s the bastard?
The MPs leave Number 4 as the Prime Minister yells and begins calling Party Officials and his cabinet.

I cannot honestly say if an Prime Minister would call a Cabinet Minister a "bastard" but he would not call the "Ministers" as they arrived, he would address them by their first names.

[You kip if you want to...]

A Conversation Between PM Kennedy and various MPs
A group of New Liberal Ministers (Fritz Hollings, Sam Nunn, Howell Heflin, and Richard Shelby) arrive at 4 Victoria Street for a meeting with Prime Minister Kennedy. A butler leads them into the Prime Minister’s office, shutting the door behind them.
Kennedy: Ministers, what can I do for you?
Richard Shelby: Ted, we’re going to be frank with you. You’re too far left for us to align with anymore. We can not, in good confidence, stand for election as New Liberal Party Candidates.
TK: What!? You cannot be serious right now. Fritz?
Fritz Hollings: I’m sorry Ted. We need to cut the budget, and you’re adding to it. We need to do something about Hussein, and you’re not.
Sam Nunn: You want to allow gays in the military. I can’t support that, my constituency would kill me.
Howell Heflin: The only place you’re cutting the budget is the Defense Ministry. I was in World War II and...
TK: Damn it all! Get out! Get out of my office!
SN: We have others with us.
TK: How many?
SN: 15 backbenchers and a cabinet Member.
TK: Who!? Who’s the bastard?
The MPs leave Number 4 as the Prime Minister yells and begins calling Party Officials and his cabinet.

I cannot honestly say if an Prime Minister would call a Cabinet Minister a "bastard"

[DKrol]

Opinion Polls, taken June 19th 1990

If the election was held today, which party would you vote for?
New Liberal - 34% (-5)
Conservative - 43% (+4)
Libertarian - 12% (+1)
Other - 11%

Do you approve of the Prime Minister’s job?
Approve - 41% (-11)
Disapprove - 48% (+9)
No Opinion - 11% (+2)

Who do you think will do a better job as Prime Minister?
E. Kennedy - 40% (-11)
R. Reagan - 55% (+9)
R. Paul - 3% (+1)
Other - 2% (+1)

Which issue is most important to you when deciding who to vote for?
Foreign Affairs - 40% (+4)
Economics - 29%
Taxation - 11%
Education - 7% (-1)
Gun Control - 5% (-2)
Election Reform - 3%
Other - 6%

Conservative Swing



Following the Gang of 17 Defections only 3 weeks before the 1990 General Elections confidence in Prime Minister Kennedy and his New Liberal government is plummeting. In one week his approval rating dropped 11 points and was surpassed by his disapprovals for the first time in his 8 year Premiership. Opposition Leader Reagan has capitalized on this, releasing a series of ads on the Gang of 17, and giving powerful speeches questioning the Prime Minister’s leadership.

Conservative Party Campaign Ad

17 Members of the Government recently joined the Conservative Party, including a Cabinet Minister. If Prime Minister Kennedy can’t lead his own party, how will he lead our nation? The Kennedy charm has worn off and his smiling is failing. We need a change of Leadership. We need the Conservative Party.

New Liberal Party Campaign Ad

Before becoming Premier of California Ronald Reagan was a movie Actor. One of his famous films was “Bedtime for Bonzo” where he acted with a chimp. Now he’s leader of the Conservative Party in Parliament. What’s the difference?

This is going to be a difficult election for Kennedy and the New Libs. After the Gang of 17 Incident there are serious questions over whether he can command his party in Parliament and lead the Nation. What remains to be seen is what role Ron Paul and the Libertarians will play in splitting the Conservative vote.
-Charles Krauthammer, Political Commentator and Columnist.

[Knives]

Surely Reagan would be far too old...

[DKrol]

Surely Reagan would be far too old...

Shhh....that's a plot twist coming up...

[DKrol]

Opposition Leader Reagan In Hospital, Raises Questions Over Age



The ABC can now confirm that Leader of the Opposition Ronald Reagan has been admitted to the Duke of Edinburgh Naval Hospital just outside of Baltimore. He was admitted after complaints of chest pains. Mr. Reagan and his wife waved to well wishers from the window of his room. A spokesman for the Leader said Mr. Reagan is feeling better but will remain in hospital for the next two days. This has raised questions over Mr. Reagan’s age and his ability to serve as Prime Minister if the Conservatives get a Majority in the Elections. He is 79 years old and there have been some questions over how he is adapting to his older age. Originally a fit and active MP, leading fitness routines and bi-partisan hikes, Mr. Reagan has had to cut back. This is expected with his age. He is still known for his energetic and powerful speeches, although they are less often. Prime Minister Kennedy is 58 and Leader Ron Paul is younger still at 54.

Do you think Ronald Reagan’s age should be an issue?[/u]
Yes - 45%
No - 43%
No Opinion - 12%

Ronald may be the oldest Party Leader, but he has far more experience then the Prime Minister or Ron Paul. He’s worked in the Private Sector, the Armed Forces, the Provincial Government, and the Federal Government. His age should not be an issue, he won’t make his opponent’s youth an issue.
- Conservative Party Spokesman James Brady

Minister and Shadow Minister Debate



Although the Party Leaders won’t be debating each other Defense Minister John Glenn and Shadow Defense Minister (Deputy Opposition Leader) Richard Cheney sat across from each other on Crossfire on CNN and debated each other. Cheney spoke about his belief that there is a need for intervention in Iraq based on Saddam Hussein’s Crimes against Humanity while Glenn argued that we need to fix the nation at home before looking abroad. Many perceived Cheney as angry and aggressive, but some saw that as passion.

Who do you think won the Defense Ministers Debate?
R. Cheney - 34%
J. Glenn - 63%
No Opinion - 3%

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Quite an interesting timeline you've got here, buddy. Gonna have to read more fully later.

[DKrol]

Quite an interesting timeline you've got here, buddy. Gonna have to read more fully later.

'

Thank you very much.

[DKrol]

Parties Continue to Send Ministers to Debate



On CBS’ 60 Minutes this week Interior Affairs Minister Ann Richards and Shadow Interior Affairs Minister Ted Stevens participated in a Point-Counterpoint style debate. Stevens advocated for making cuts to the pensions of Police Officers while Richards was appalled by the idea and called for increases to police funding. Stevens took up the idea of expanding the War on Drugs, saying “There are a lot of dangerous drugs out there. We need to protect the children.” Richards said “Locking up the kids doesn’t help them.”

Who do you think won the Interior Affairs Ministers Debate?
A. Richards - 44%
T. Stevens - 45%
No Opinion - 11%



Foreign Affairs Minister Daniel Inouye and his Conservative Counterpart George H.W. Bush faced off on ABC’s World News Tonight. Both are skilled in their field, and provided for an intellectual debate. The main issues discussed were German Reunification, the Soviet Union, and the American Response to Saddam Hussein. Inouye advocated for a largely “hands off” approach to all of the the above, while Bush voiced support for America to “have a seat at the table” of the German Reunification Talks, “play an important role” in the fall of Communism in Europe, and “protect the rights of people” in Iraq. Bush came across as experienced and forceful, while Inouye was perceived as soft on Communism and Hussein’s Ba’athist genocide.

Who do you think won the Foreign Affairs Ministers Debate?
G. Bush - 72%
D. Inouye - 26%
No Opinion - 2%

CNN Polls Give the Conservatives a 27 seat Majority



CNN released a series of polls that, when put together, show the Conservatives with a 27 seat Majority.

CNN Poll of Polls
Conservative - 395
New Liberal - 324
Libertarian - 4
Other - 13

In other news, Ron Paul does not look like he’ll be able to keep his promise of visiting all 50 Provinces. With two weeks left in the campaign he’s visited 16 Provinces, mostly in the South West and West.

[DKrol]

Opinion Polls, taken June 26th 1990

If the election was held today, which party would you vote for?
New Liberal - 34% (-2)
Conservative - 44% (+1)
Libertarian - 12% (+/-0)
Other - 12% (+1)

Do you approve of the Prime Minister’s job?
Approve - 43% (+2)
Disapprove - 47% (-1)
No Opinion - 10% (-1)

Who do you think will do a better job as Prime Minister?
E. Kennedy - 44% (+4)
R. Reagan - 51% (-3)
R. Paul - 3%
Other - 1% (-1)

Which issue is most important to you when deciding who to vote for?
Foreign Affairs - 46% (+6)
Economics - 25% (-3)
Taxation - 10% (-1)
Education - 6% (-1)
Gun Control - 5%
Election Reform - 3%
Other - 5% (-1)

Coming Into Final Week of Campaign

 

Next Tuesday, millions of Americans over 18 will take to the polls to determine the 30th Parliament’s composition and, in turn, the next Prime Minister of the United Provinces of America. Polls give Reagan and the Conservatives a lead going into the final week, but questions still linger of his age and health. Prime Minister Kennedy’s leadership abilities have been brought into question following the Gang of 17 Defections and Ron Paul is barely being considered a serious contender in his own Constituency. This has come down to a two party and two man race, between the New Liberals and the Conservatives, Kennedy and Reagan. The Conservatives have been focusing on foreign policy and highlighting  (Deputy Party Leader and Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister) George H.W. Bush’s strong suit. Many are speculating that he will succeed Reagan as Party Leader when the time comes. The New Liberals have been putting their efforts into the selling the economy and the low unemployment rate, which has sunk to 5.2%. A key figure for the New Liberals is Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Joseph Biden, who is also being looked to as a future party leader.

[Spamage]

Great TL