Camelot Rises: 1960 and On

[DKrol]

President Kennedy, Vice President Albert Re-Nominated in New York

AP -- July 15, 1976

At a Convention filled with nearly no drama President Robert Kennedy of New York and Vice President Carl Albert of Oklahoma were renominated by national Democrats. The President was met by massive support from the city of New York as well as the assembled Democrats of the Convention. During his speech the President was forced to stop speaking for 13 minutes while the delegates chanted “Four More Years!”.

Senators Dole, Baker Nominated in Kansas City

AP -- August 19, 1976

After a sweep in the Primary Contests Senator Bob Dole of Kansas was nominated by the Republican Party in Kansas City, Missouri. Senator Dole selected his companion in the Senate, Howard Baker of Tennessee, saying that they were both men “who know how to compromise and know how to make difficult situations work.” As a show of party unity former Vice President Jerry Ford of Michigan nominated Senator Dole with a passionate speech, highlighting the Senator’s service during World War II. Notably absent from the convention was California Governor Ronald Reagan.

Governor Reagan to Run as an Independent

AP -- September 1, 1976

After losing the 1976 Republican Nomination for President to the more moderate Senator Bob Dole of Kansas and being passed over for the Vice Presidential Nomination California Governor Ronald W. Reagan announced at a Press Conference that he would run for President - as an Independent. In the Press Conference Governor Reagan said that “There is no conservative on the ballot, and I will provide that option to the American people.” He also announced that he has spoken to Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina, and that Senator Helms has agreed to run as Reagan’s Vice Presidential candidate. Response to Governor Reagan decision has been critical, with many Republicans attack him for dividing the party and “giving the President a cake-walk” back to the White House.

September 5 Polls:
1976 Presidential Election:
Robert F. Kennedy/Carl B. Albert: 56%
Robert J. Dole/Howard H. Baker, Jr.: 39%
Ronald W. Reagan/Jesse A Helmes, Jr.: 5%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

[DKrol]

Unemployment Rises to High of Kennedy Administration

AP -- October 10, 1976

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the national unemployment rate has reached 7.4%, an all-time high of the administration of Robert F. Kennedy. He took office with 5.9% unemployment, which was a 10-year high in 1972, and was seen as part of the reason for his victory over President Richard M. Nixon. The unemployment rate has been relatively calm, hovering around 6.2% for most of the last four years, but has been slowly rising over the last 5 months. President Kennedy addressed the increase in his weekly address, airing on all major news networks, by announcing that he has directed Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman to lower the requirements to receive Food Stamps “to ease the suffering of many millions of Americans.” Governor Reagan attacked the President, saying that [the President] is attempting to “create and expand a welfare state, similar to that of the Soviet Union.” Senator Dole has not commented on the President actions, simply saying “It is unacceptable that nearly 10% of Americans are unemployed.” President Kennedy still has a lead in the polls and has a 54% approval rating.

Dole, Baker Score Wins in Debates, Reagan, Helms Excluded

AP -- October 15, 1976

  For the first time since 1960 there has been a debate between the candidates for President. President Robert Kennedy and Senator Bob Dole met at the College of William and Mary and debated each other for two hours. Governor Ronald Reagan was excluded from the debate, as he is not reaching 15% in national polls. The debate was moderated by John Chancellor of NBC and focused on the economy and our relationship with the Soviet Union. The Kennedy’s are a family of powerful orators but the President floundered last night. Senator Dole hit the President hard on the weakening economy, as well as the President’s warming of relations with the Soviet Union. “Thousands of American boys were killed in Vietnam while fighting off communists,” Senator Dole said “Hundreds of thousands of American boys, my friends, were killed in Europe and Asia while fighting off communists and fascists, and yet you, Mr. President, want to sit down and have tea with Leonid Brezhnez.” This was met with massive applause from the audience. A set of polls taken immediately after the debate showed that 55% of people felt that Senator Dole won the debate, compared to 43% for President Kennedy, and 2% who felt neither candidate won. Another poll found the race for President much closer than it had been, with President Kennedy receiving 52%, Senator Dole receiving 45%, and Governor Reagan receiving just 3%.
  The Vice Presidential Candidates, Vice President Carl Albert and Senator Howard Baker, also met for a debate. The Vice Presidential Debate was held at American University and was moderated by Dan Rather of CBS. There were few moments of interest in the debate, as they candidates reiterated the statements made by their respective Presidential partners. A poll showed that 45% of people felt Senator Baker won the debate, while 40% felt that way about Vice President Albert, and 15% felt neither won the debate.

New York, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida, Maine Are Toss-ups

AP -- October 25, 1976

The AP has released a map of the Electoral College, based on current polls, showing how the vote could turn out on November 2. The Toss-Up states, states where polls show the race is within 3 points, are green. Lean Dole states, states where polls show Senator Dole is leading by less than 5 points, are light blue. Lean Kennedy states, where polls show President Kennedy is leading by less than 5 points, are pink. Solid Dole states, states where polls show Senator Dole is leading by more than 5 points, are blue. Solid Kennedy states, states where polls show President Kennedy is leading by more than 5 points, are red. If the election was held today: Senator Dole would win 233 Electoral College votes and President Kennedy would win 229 Electoral College votes, while 76 belong to Toss-up states.

[DKrol]

Election Night -- 1976
Walter Cronkite: Hello and welcome to CBS Election headquarters in New York. Will President Kennedy remain in the White House, or can Senator Bob Dole unseat the Kennedy Dynasty? And what role will Governor Reagan play in his independent run, can he play the role of George Wallace in 1968? This election began as a cake-walk for the President, but has tightened after a debate win by Senator Dole. We are about to find out, as the first returns of Election ‘76 are coming in. We’re also closely monitoring the Senate and House elections, where Republicans are set to reclaim the Congress for the first time since 1955.

Senator Dole Wins Georgia


Senator Dole Wins Indiana


Senator Dole Wins Kentucky


Senator Dole Wins South Carolina


President Kennedy Wins Vermont


President Kennedy Wins Virginia


Senator Dole Wins North Carolina


President Kennedy Wins Ohio


Senator Dole Wins West Virginia

Senator Robert J. Dole/Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R) - 61
President Robert F. Kennedy/Vice President Carl B. Albert (D) - 40
Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Senator Jesse A. Helms, Jr. (I) - 0

[DKrol]

Senator Dole Wins Alabama


President Kennedy Wins Connecticut


President Kennedy Wins Delaware


President Kennedy Wins Florida


President Kennedy Wins Illinois


President Kennedy Wins Maine


President Kennedy Wins Maryland


President Kennedy Wins Massachusetts


Senator Dole Wins Mississippi


President Kennedy Wins Missouri


President Kennedy Wins New Hampshire


President Kennedy Wins New Jersey


Senator Dole Wins Oklahoma


President Kennedy Wins Pennsylvania


President Kennedy Wins Rhode Island


Senator Dole Wins Tennessee


President Kennedy Wins Washington, D.C.


Senator Dole Wins Arkansas

President Robert F. Kennedy/Vice President Carl B. Albert (D) - 189
Senator Robert J. Dole/Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R) - 101
Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Senator Jesse A. Helms, Jr. (I) - 0

[DKrol]

Reagan Concedes Election
Walter Cronkite: I’m going to have to cut you off there, Governor Kennedy because I’ve just been handed a piece of paper telling me that Governor Ronald Reagan has conceded the election. Let’s go live to his speech in Sacramento.

Ronald Reagan: I have called President Kennedy and Senator Dole and it is with a heavy heart that I told them that I cannot win the office of the President. I’d like to thank everyone who helped on the campaign, especially my running mate...

Senator Dole Wins Arizona


Senator Dole Wins Colorado


Senator Dole Wins Kansas


President Kennedy Wins Louisiana


President Kennedy Wins Michigan


President Kennedy Wins Minnesota


Senator Dole Wins Nebraska


Senator Dole Wins New Mexico


President Kennedy Wins New York, Election


Senator Dole Wins South Dakota


Senator Dole Wins Texas


President Kennedy Wins Wisconsin


Senator Dole Wins Wyoming


President Kennedy Wins Iowa


President Kennedy Wins Montana


President Kennedy Wins Nevada


Senator Dole Wins Utah

President Robert F. Kennedy/Vice President Carl B. Albert (D) - 297
Senator Robert J. Dole/Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R) - 167
Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Senator Jesse A. Helms, Jr. (I) - 0

[Sec. of State Superique]

How did RFK managed to swing that election for his side?

[DKrol]

How did RFK managed to swing that election for his side?

Although Reagan didn't win any states, he was able to siphon off enough votes from Dole to allow Kennedy to win.

Also, a general update: From here on out I will be changing the way I cover a President's term. I currently just give an overview, but I think that is just too brief to make this a good TL. From now on it will be presented in a series of "news broadcasts" on major events, along with the overview.

[DKrol]

President Kennedy Wins California


President Kennedy Wins Hawaii


Senator Dole Wins Idaho


Senator Dole Wins North Dakota


President Kennedy Wins Oregon


President Kennedy Wins Washington


Senator Dole Wins Alaska

President Robert F. Kennedy/Vice President Carl B. Albert (D) - 361
Senator Robert J. Dole/Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (R) - 177
Governor Ronald W. Reagan/Senator Jesse A. Helms, Jr. (I) - 0

[Sec. of State Superique]

PV is welcomed!

[badgate]

Yay Bobby! You asked what people thought earlier, sorry for not commenting often but I enjoy reading this one! How far do you plan to take it?

[DKrol]

Yay Bobby! You asked what people thought earlier, sorry for not commenting often but I enjoy reading this one! How far do you plan to take it?

I've planned on going to at least 2024 or 2028.

[DKrol]

Final Congressional Make-Up
- The Senate

AP -- November 3, 1976
Deep Red indicates that the state has two Democratic Senators. Deep Blue indicates that the state has two Republican Senators. Light Blue indicates that the state has one Senator from each party. Pink indicates that the state has one Democratic Senator and one Independent Senator (both caucus with the different parties). There are 48 Republican Senators, 48 Democratic Senators, and 2 Independent Senators. The independent Senators are West Virginia Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., who does not caucus with either party, and Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd, who caucuses with the Democrats for committee purposes. Senator Robert Byrd ran for re-election as an independent after an internal party struggle removed him from the position of Senate Majority Whip. Some notable races last night came were the upset of Howard W. Cannon of Nevada. The Democratic Senator was ousted from his seat after 17 years by former Lieutenant Governor Edward Fike. Former Governor Francis W. Sargent of Massachusetts won the election to now-Governor Ted M. Kennedy’s seat in the Bay State.
 The Republicans will be the majority party in the House with 252 seats. The Democrats will hold 183.

President Kennedy Receives Weak Mandate, Divided Government

AP -- November 24, 1976

Although he won handily in his re-election President Robert F. Kennedy did not help enough down the ballot. The Democrats lost 13 Seats in the Senate and 108 seats in the House of Representatives. There is no Majority party in the Senate, as both the Democrats and Republicans have 48 seats, but the Democrats can technically command a majority thanks to the two Independent Senators.
  Congressman Charles E. “Chuck” Grassley of the 3rd Iowa District has been elected Speaker of the House by the Republican Caucus. The Republicans also elected John J. Rhodes of the Arizona 1st District as Majority Leader and C. Trent Lott of the 5th Mississippi District as Majority Whip. The Democrats chose former Presidential Candidate Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill of the 8th Massachusetts District as the Minority Leader and James C. “Jim” Wright, Jr. of the 12th Texas District as Minority Whip.
  The Democratic Caucus in the Senate elected Senator Walter F. Mondale of Minnesota as the Majority Leader, and former Vice Presidential Nominee George S. McGovern of South Dakota as the Majority Whip. The Republicans elected former Presidential Nominee Robert J. Dole of Kansas as the Minority Leader and Edward Brooke of Massachusetts as the Minority Whip.

[DKrol]

President Kennedy Inaugurated For Second Time

AP -- January 20, 1977

President Robert F. Kennedy, brother of the late John F. Kennedy, was sworn in for a second term today by Chief Justice Warren Burger. He was greeted by massive crowds in the National Mall despite the bitter cold. His speech was very similar to his first, calling for national unity as well as a new call to “care for those of us who are less fortunate.” His new mission has been viewed by some as the President’s response to the growing unemployment rate. The President’s speech, however, was largely overshadowed by a speech given by Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, Jr. Governor Carter (D), a peanut farmer by profession, gave a stirring speech calling for the normalization of relations with Russia, China, and Iran, while also calling for further civil rights legislation to be enacted. Governor Carter is being speculated as the natural successor to President Kennedy,

Overview of the Second Robert F. Kennedy Administration - Pre-Mid-Term
1977:
- President Kennedy issues a pardon for anyone who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War
- President Kennedy allows women into the Marine Corps, in Non-Combat roles
- The Department of Energy is created by Executive Order
- National Guard and Army personnel are used to maintain order during a 25 hour blackout in New York City.
1978:
- The Voyager 2 Spacecraft is launched to explore the outer solar system
- Ration cards are issued due to petroleum shortages
- Unemployment reaches 8.4%, President Kennedy’s approval rating sinks to 45%.
- Democratic-controlled Senate confirms James E. Carter as SoE by a vote of 61-39

Blackout in NYC, National Guard Called In To Maintain Order

AP -- July 13, 1977
The City of New York is sitting in darkness this evening, after a series of lightening storms blew various circuit breakers and substations across the city. Under the request of Governor Hugh Carey (D), who declared the city a disaster area, and Mayor Abe Beame (D) President Robert F. Kennedy has ordered various National Guard troops to be federalized and moved into New York City. In a Press Conference President Kennedy said “The purpose of sending the National Guard into [New York City] is to maintain order and protect the people and the property of New York City.” However, there have been reports of brutality against the citizens of New York by police and the National Guard. The White House, Governor, and Mayor all did not comment on these reports.
 
Ration Cards To Be Handed Out for Petroleum

AP -- July 9, 1978

  Due to the instability in Iran and an embargo placed on exports of oil by OAEPEC, President Robert Kennedy announced that ration cards will now be used to dole out what petrolium there is. Long lines outside of gas stations have been cited across the nation, as well as some reports of violence. The President urged calmness in the face of “this great Oil Crisis that we are facing.” The President also said that he expected this to be a short event as his administration is beginning new negotiations with OAEPEC nations to lift the embargo, which began nearly 3 weeks ago. President Kennedy also announced that Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter will be coming into the cabinet as the second Secretary of Energy. Governor Carter holds a degree in reactor technology and nuclear physics. Governor Carter, who needs to be approved by the Senate, has announced he will pursue policies of conservation regarding energy, as well as providing funding for emerging alternative energies, such as solar power.

[DKrol]

Republicans Gain Senate, Maintain House
- The Senate

AP -- November 8, 1978

Deep Red indicates that the state has two Democratic Senators. Deep Blue indicates that the state has two Republican Senators. Light Blue indicates that the state has one Senator from each party. Pink indicates that the state has one Democratic Senator and one Independent Senator. Green indicates that the state has one Republican Senator and one Independent Senator. For the first time since 1955 the Republican Party holds a majority in both Houses of Congress. There are 56 Republican Senators, 42 Democratic Senators, 1 Independent Senator Caucusing with the Democratic Party, and 1 Independent Senator not caucusing with either party.
  The Republican Senate Caucus elected former Presidential Nominee Robert J. Dole of Kansas as the Majority Leader and Edward Brooke of Massachusetts as the Majority Whip. The Democratic Caucus elected Walter F. Mondale of Minnesota as the Minority Leader and Dale L. Bumper of Arkansas as the Minority Whip.
  The Republicans will be the majority party in the House with 264 seats. The Democrats will hold 171.
  Chuck E. Grassley of the Iowa 3rd District will remain as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as John J. Rhodes of the Arizona 1st District as Majority Leader. Mark Andrews of the At-Large North Dakota District will be joining the Republican Leadership as the  Majority Whip. The Democratic Leadership will remain the same, with Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill of the 8th Massachusetts District as the Minority Leader and James C. “Jim” Wright, Jr. of the 12th Texas District as Minority Whip.

Overview of the Second Robert F. Kennedy Administration - Post Mid-Term
1979
- The Bayh-Dole Act is signed by President Kennedy
- Gas rationing ends as OAEPEC lifts it’s embargo after negotiations with SoE Carter.
- Iranian Revolutionaries overrun the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and take 66 Embassy Staff as hostages. President Kennedy orders that Ayatollah Khomeini liberate the Embassy, to no avail
- Protests break out across the U.S. in response to the Hostage Crisis, and there is violence against Iranian- and Middle Eastern-Americans across the country

1980
- An attempted rescue of the Embassy Hostages, codenamed Operation Eagle Claw, fails when two helicopters crash in the desert of Iran. 8 American servicemen die.
- President Kennedy sends SoS George McGovern to Iraq in an attempt to draw up support for an international coalition to rescue the Iranian Hostages. He fails to gain any serious support.
- Iran and Iraq go to War, President Kennedy offers tentative support to Iraq by means of economic aide and shared intelligence.

Embassy Hostage Crisis

AP -- November 4, 1979

A group of Iranian Revolutionaries, fresh off toppling the Shah from power, stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran this morning and took 66 members of the embassy staff as hostages. The Revolutionaries claim they took hold of the embassy as a “message that we will not accept the U.S. giving medical aid to the Shah.” President Robert Kennedy spent most of the day in the Situation Room of the White House, receiving reports every half-hour by the Secretaries of State and Defense. The President addressed the nation at 8:00PM from the Oval Office, saying “The United States will not give into the will of these terrorists, and we will not be forced into assisting the Islamic Regime in Iran.” President Kennedy challenged Ayatollah Khomeini to “liberate the embassy and release the citizens of the United States” or the Ayatollah would soon see “the wrath of the United States.” The Ayatollah did not respond and no moves have been made towards liberation of the embassy.

Dole’s In It Again, Albert’s Out

AP -- November 12, 1979

 Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas will be seeking the Presidency once more, after losing in a landslide to President Robert Kennedy in 1976. At a rally in Wichita Senator Dole, aged 57, announced he would be running for President “for the 66 Americans trapped in Iran.” In his speech, Senator Dole said that America needs a President with a “serious military background” to deal with the crisis in Iran. He also said, to massive applause, “I am the man with the past to prove I am capable to handle the future!”
  One who won’t be seeking the Oval Office is Vice President Carl Albert, aged 72. Through a letter released to the news-media the Vice President said he will not run for President due to failing health and increasing age. This has opened the field to various other candidates, including Secretary of Energy Jimmy Carter.

Bush, Dalton In For GOP, Wallace, Askew In For Democrats

AP -- December 1, 1979

  Since Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole announced he would run for President, a slew of other candidates have launched campaigns. The biggest news is that Secretary of Energy Jimmy Carter hasn’t launched a campaign. Former CIA Director George H.W. Bush of Texas launched his campaign in Texas on the 18th of November, saying that his experience as CIA Director prepared him to handled “any foreign crisis” that could arise. The next day former Alabama Governor George Wallace announced his second campaign for President. The former Governor has renounced his segregationist views and says that he is running on a “populist” platform at a press conference in Birmingham. Florida Governor Reubin Askew, a Democrat, launched his campaign for President on the 21st in Tallahassee, promoting his education policy in Florida as well as saying he would create “A federal department of Education, to ensure children in Ohio receive the same level of education as children in California.” The final candidate of the month was Governor John Dalton of Virginia, a Republican. He announced his campaign at a press conference in Richmond, and said that he would run on a campaign “based on the people, and focused on listening to the people.”

Carter, Kennedy Will Not Run, Senator Mathias Will

AP -- December 21, 1979

  Secretary of Energy Jimmy carter announced, in an interview with NBC host John Chancellor, that he would not be running for President in 1980. The official purpose of the interview was to discuss the solution to the oil shortage that the Secretary negotiated but Chancellor snuck the question of a presidential run.  Carter laughed before saying “It is not the time for a Presidential run, for me.” Massachusetts Governor Ted Kennedy, brother of President Robert Kennedy, has announced he also will not run to succeed his brother. With these announcements, it looks as though the Democrats will lose the White House after 8 years as there is not a strong Democratic candidate to take the place of the Secretary of Energy or the Governor of Massachusetts. However, for the Republicans, Senator Charles Mathias of Maryland announced he would run for the White House at a fundraiser in Baltimore, saying that he is the “moderate problem-solver in the race.”

Operation Eagle Claw Fails, President Humiliated

AP -- April 25, 1980

  We are learning this morning that a military operation to liberate the U.S. Embassy in Iran. We are also learning that the operation failed. Codenamed “Operation Eagle Claw” the plan was to fly 8 Helicopters to the embassy and air-lift the staff out, returning them to safety. The President had written an address, we’ve been told, congratulating the safe return of the Americans. However, the Operation was doomed from the start. One of the helicopters had a hydraulic problem crashed before the mission seriously began, and another got caught in a cloud of fine sand and was forced to land. After the mission was aborted, under orders from the President, one of the remaining 6 helicopters crashed into another due to a communications error and sent two Sea Stallion helicopters crashing into the desert. All in total, 8 Americans were killed in the planned rescue mission.

[DKrol]

1980 Primary Contests

Republicans


Senate Majority Leader Robert J. “Bob” Dole of Kansas


Senator Charles M. Mathias, Jr. of Maryland


Former CIA Director George H.W. Bush of Texas


Governor John N. Dalton of Virginia

Democrats


Former Governor George C. Wallace of Alabama


Former Governor Reubin O. Askew of Florida

January 15 Polls:

1980 Republican Presidential Primary:
B. Dole: 51%
G. Bush: 43%
C. Mathias: 6%

1980 Democratic Presidential Primary:
R. Askew: 56%
G. Wallace: 44%

1980 Presidential Election:
Robert J. Dole/Pierre S. du Pont IV: 55%
Reubin O. Askew/Walter F. Mondale: 45%

1980 Presidential Election:
Robert J. Dole/Pierre S. du Pont IV: 59%
George C. Wallace/Russell B. Long: 41%

1980 Presidential Election:
Charles M. Mathias, Jr/John G. Tower: 53%
Reubin O. Askew/Walter F. Mondale: 47%

1980 Presidential Election:
Charles M. Mathias, Jr/John G. Tower: 55%
George C. Wallace/Russell B. Long: 45%

1980 Presidential Election:
George H.W. Bush/Ronald W. Reagan: 54%
Reubin O. Askew/Walter F. Mondale: 46%

1980 Presidential Election:
George H.W. Bush/Ronald W. Reagan: 57%
George C. Wallace/Russell B. Long: 43%

1980 Presidential Election:
John N. Dalton/Bob W. Packwood: 48%
Reubin O. Askew/Walter F. Mondale: 48%

1980 Presidential Election:
John N. Dalton/Bob W. Packwood: 52%
George C. Wallace/Russell B. Long: 48%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

Dole, Askew Seen as Front Runners

AP -- January 20, 1980

  On the eve of the first primary contest of the 1980 Presidential election both parties have a clear frontrunner. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas leads his closest opponent by 8%, nationally, for the Republicans, while Governor Reubin Askew of Florida is leading former Governor George C. Wallace of Alabama by 12%, nationally, for the Democrats. Governor Wallace is still remembered for his segregationist views and statements, although he says he has given up those views. Senator Dole has been viewed as the leader of the Republicans across the country, not just the Senate, since his Presidential campaign in 1976. He has been a vocal critic of the Kennedy Administration and even more highly critical of the Administration’s response to the Iranian Hostage crisis. Senator Dole is leading by 5% in Iowa over former CIA Director George H.W. Bush. Mr. Bush is viewed as the most conservative candidate, while Senator Dole is viewed as the more moderate of the Republican slate. On the Democratic side Governor Reubin Askew is leading in Iowa by 16%.

[DKrol]

Iowa Caucus

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 52%
George H.W. Bush: 23%
Charles M. Mathias: 17%
John N. Dalton: 8%

Democrats

Reubin O. Askew: 43%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 42%
George C. Wallace: 15%

Puerto Rico Primary

Republicans

George H.W. Bush: 48%
Robert J. Dole: 43%
John N. Dalton: 7%
Charles M. Mathias: 2%

Democrats

(Write-In) James E. Carter: 62%
Reubin O. Askew: 26%
George C. Wallace: 12%

New Hampshire Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 55%
Charles M. Mathias: 34%
George H.W. Bush: 10%
John N. Dalton: 1%

Democrats

(Write-In) Edward M. Kennedy: 47%
Reubin O. Askew: 45%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 4%
George C. Wallace: 4%

Massachusetts Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 50%
George H.W. Bush: 35%
Charles M. Mathias: 12%
John N. Dalton: 3%

Democrats

(Write-In) Edward M. Kennedy: 53%
Reubin O. Askew: 21%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 21%
George C. Wallace: 5%

Vermont Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 43%
George H.W. Bush: 32%
Charles M. Mathias: 23%
John N. Dalton: 2%

Democrats

(Write-In) Edward M. Kennedy: 53%
Reubin O. Askew: 21%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 21%
George C. Wallace: 5%

Dole Surging, Askew Struggling

AP -- March 6, 1980

Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole is doing exactly was expected of his, he’s winning. He’s won 4 of the first 5 Primaries, losing only Puerto Rico to former CIA Director George H.W. Bush. Virginia Governor John Dalton has said that South Carolina will be his last stand, if he cannot score a victory there on the 8th he has said he will suspend his campaign. The biggest surprise of the early primaries is how badly Florida Governor Reubin Askew is doing. He’s lost 4 of the first 5 primaries to write-in Candidates (Mass. Governor Ted Kennedy in Massachusetts and Vermont, Secretary of Energy Jimmy Carter in Puerto Rico). This is being taken as a sign that the Florida Governor is not who’s wanted by the party, but Governor Kennedy has made it clear he will not run for President in 1980 and has urged voters to stop writing-in his name. Secretary Carter has not spoken about the election since his December 21 interview with John Chancellor.

[DKrol]

South Carolina Primary

Republicans

George H.W. Bush: 32%
John N. Dalton: 31%
Robert J. Dole: 30%
Charles M. Mathias: 7%


Democrats

George C. Wallace: 46%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 32%
Reubin O. Askew: 22%

Governor Dalton Suspends Campaign, Endorses Senator Dole
AP -- March 9, 1980

Alabama Primary
Republicans

George H.W. Bush: 48%
Robert J. Dole: 35%
Charles M. Mathias: 17%


Democrats

George C. Wallace: 61%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 27%
Reubin O. Askew: 12%

Florida Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 53%
George H.W. Bush: 26%
Charles M. Mathias: 21%

Democrats

Reubin O. Askew: 65%
George C. Wallace: 35%

Georgia Primary

Republicans

George H.W. Bush: 55%
Robert J. Dole: 40%
Charles M. Mathias: 15%

Democrats

George C. Wallace: 43.6%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 43.4%
Reubin O. Askew: 14%


Former Vice President Jerry Ford Endorses Senator Dole

AP -- March 13, 1980

Illinois Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 46%
Charles M. Mathias: 34%
George H.W. Bush: 20%

Democrats

Reubin O. Askew: 49%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 32%
George C. Wallace: 19%

Republican Primary Map - As Of March 18, 1980

Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole
Former CIA Director George H.W. Bush
Senator Charles M. Mathias

Democratic Primary Map - As Of March 18, 1980

Former Governor Reubin O. Askew
Governor Edward M. Kennedy
Former Governor George C. Wallace

[DKrol]

Connecticut Primary

Republicans

Charles M. Mathias: 42.7%
George H.W. Bush: 42.3%
Robert J. Dole: 16%

Democrats

Reubin O. Askew: 43%
(Write-in) Edward M. Kennedy: 41%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 12%
George C. Wallace: 4%

Former Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson Endorses Secretary Carter, Leads Draft Movement
AP -- March 28, 1980

Kansas Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 68%
George H.W. Bush: 17%
Charles M. Mathias: 15%

Democrats

(Write-In) James E. Carter: 45%
Reubin O. Askew: 35%
George C. Wallace: 20%

Wisconsin Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 51%
George H.W. Bush: 39%
Charles M. Mathias: 10%

Democrats

Reubin O. Askew: 50%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 31%
George C. Wallace: 19%

Senator Mathias Suspends Campaign, Endorses Dole
AP -- April 2, 1980

April 4 Polls:

1980 Republican Presidential Primary:
B. Dole: 53%
G. Bush: 47%

1980 Democratic Presidential Primary:
J. Carter: 52%
R. Askew: 27%
G. Wallace: 21%

1980 Presidential Election:
Robert J. Dole/Pierre S. du Pont IV: 57%
Reubin O. Askew/Walter F. Mondale: 43%

1980 Presidential Election:
Robert J. Dole/Pierre S. du Pont IV: 61%
George C. Wallace/Russell B. Long: 39%

1980 Presidential Election:
George H.W. Bush/Ronald W. Reagan: 55%
Reubin O. Askew/Walter F. Mondale: 45%

1980 Presidential Election:
George H.W. Bush/Ronald W. Reagan: 58%
George C. Wallace/Russell B. Long: 42%

*All Polls have a margin of error of 5%

[DKrol]

Former Governor Ronald Reagan of California Endorses George H.W. Bush
AP -- April 4, 1980

Louisiana Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 54%
George H.W. Bush: 46%

Democrats

(Write-In) James E. Carter: 42%
George C. Wallace: 41%
Reubin O. Askew: 17%

Pennsylvania Primary

Republicans

Robert J. Dole: 52%
George H.W. Bush: 48%

Democrats

Reubin O. Askew: 47%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 34%
George C. Wallace: 19%

George H.W. Bush Suspends Campaign, Endorses Dole
AP -- April 30, 1980

Final Republican Primary Map

Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole
Former CIA Director George H.W. Bush
Senator Charles M. Mathias

Texas Primary

Democrats

George C. Wallace: 34.9%
(Write-In) James E. Carter: 34.1%
Reubin O. Askew: 32%

Carter To Run For Senate

AP -- May 4, 1980

At a Press Conference in Atlanta, Georgia Secretary of Energy Jimmy Carter addressed the draft campaign that has been going on throughout the Democratic Primaries and won him two states. Secretary Carter, flanked by President Robert Kennedy and Georgia Senator Herman Talmadge, announced he will resign as Secretary of Energy effective immediately to run for the Class 3 Senate Seat in Georgia. Incumbent Senator Talmadge said he would not run for re-election to allow Secretary Carter a primary-free contest. He will face off against the Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party Mack Mattingly.

Wallace Suspends Campaign, Does Not Endorse Askew
AP -- May 5, 1980

Final Democratic Primary Map

Former Governor Reubin O. Askew
Governor Edward M. Kennedy
Former Governor George C. Wallace
Secretary of Energy James E. Carter

[DKrol]

Dole, Bush Nominated in Detroit

AP -- July 17, 1980

 For the second time Senator Bob Dole of Kansas, serving since 1969, was nominated by the Republican Party to run for President. He was met by throngs of supporters both inside the Joe Louis Arena and outside, on the streets of Detroit. Senator Dole walked down the street to the convention, shaking hands and talking with low-income and African-American citizens along the way. One special moment along the way came when Senator Dole, a former Second Lieutenant during World War II, met a handicapped, African-American Vietnam veteran. Senator Dole stopped and talked with the veteran, 34-year old Eric Matthews, for 15 minutes. As Senator Dole went to move on he decided to give Matthews two V.I.P. passes to the convention. Matthews said “I’m a Democrat, but I’m voting to Bob.” Senator Dole’s convention speech focused on the Iranian Hostage Crisis and the failures of the Kennedy administration. A surprise move came when Senator Dole announced he had tapped former CIA Director George H.W. Bush to be his running mate, many commentators had expected him to select Governors Pierre du Pont IV of Delaware, a fellow moderate.

Askew, Mondale Nominated in New York City

AP -- August 14, 1980

Former Florida Governor Reubin O. Askew, who served from 1971 to 1979, was nominated by the Democratic Party as their candidate for President in New York City. Protests raged outside of Madison Square Garden in response to the Iranian Hostage Crisis and the police brutality during the 1977 Blackout. Inside the delegates were not as enthusiastic as they had been at previous conventions. Governor Askew was clearly not the first choice of the Democrats, but he is what they have. His speech was bland, focusing on his calls for a national set of common standards for education. Governor Askew chose Senate Minority Leader Walter F. Mondale of Minnesota as his running mate.

Civil Rights An Issue in 1980?

AP -- August 30, 1980

  Is Civil Rights an issue in 1980? Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole seems to think so. The Senator announced that he would present to Congress, within his first term, a new Civil Rights Act. The new bill would entail new measures to ensure that African-Americans are protected, and their right to vote is protected explicitly. After meeting voters in Detroit, Senator Dole said, “the level in-equality based on race is too high for the end of the 20th Century and I will seek to change that!” The African-American community, which has been a solidly Democratic base since the election of 1964, is leaning towards Senator Dole according to new polls. Governor Reubin Askew did not comment on the bill itself but he did say that he supports “equality for all Americans.”

Dole Headed to Israel

AP -- September 3, 1980

Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole has announced that he will be taking a tour of Israel to “expand my knowledge of the foreign policy of the United States.” Israel is the most stable country in the Middle East at this point in time, as Iran and Iraq are at war and the rest of the region is on the brink of war. Senator Dole will meet with Israeli President Yitzhak Navon and other Israeli lawmakers in Jerusalem, where they will discuss the issues facing Israel and the Jewish community in general. Governor Reubin Askew said he would be staying the United States, focusing on “issues in America.”

Dole Wins Again

AP -- October 12, 1980

In the only debate of the 1980 Presidential Election Senator Bob Dole ran away with it, as he did in 1976 against President Robert Kennedy. The debate, held on the campus of Saint Anselm's in New Hampshire, was moderated by CBS’ Dan Rather and was a series of punches by Senator Dole. Governor Reubin Askew came across as weak and unsure, stammering often and mispronouncing words. Senator Dole lamented Governor Askew for taking “a weak stance on the Iranian Hostage Crisis. You, and this Administration, want to just wait around for the Ayatollah to release the 66 Americans. Well you’ll be waiting until 2000 if you wait for the Ayatollah to help the United States!” The Hostage Crisis was key point of the debate, as was Senator Dole’s proposed “Voting Rights Act”. Governor Askew won a few points when the topic of education was brought up and he said that he would expand Head Start to provide universal Pre-K to all children across the nation.

October 13 Polls

Who do you think won the Presidential debate last night?
Senator Robert J. Dole: 56%
Former Governor Reubin O. Askew: 44%

1980 Presidential Election:
Robert J. Dole/George H.W. Bush: 57%
Reubin O. Askew/Walter F. Mondale: 43%

[DKrol]

Election Night -- 1980

Tom Brokaw: Hello ladies and gentlemen, I’m Tom Brokaw and this is coverage of the 1980 Presidential Election on NBC. Tonight we’re expecting a sweep by Senator Bob Dole over former Florida Governor Reubin Askew but anything can happen. Governor Askew could pull a surprise victory and win. We don’t know at this hour how the votes have come out. But we’ve got some poll closings on the East Coast in 30 seconds that could spell out a good night for either campaign. NBC can now project that Senator Dole will carry the state of Georgia.

Georgia for Dole

Brokaw: NBC can also project, with a combination of hard numbers and exit-poll data, that Senator Dole will carry the state of Kentucky, as well as South Carolina.

Kentucky for Dole

South Carolina for Dole

Brokaw: NBC cannot project Indiana, Virginia, or Vermont as it is too early. Too early in Indiana, Virginia, and Vermont. It’s important to note that that call simply means we don’t have enough hard numbers to make a projection at this hour. It does not mean that it is close. Let me bring in Senate-hopeful Jimmy Carter, joining me over the phone from Atlanta. Hello, Mr. Carter.

Jimmy Carter: Hello Tom, thanks for having me.

Brokaw: NBC just projected that Senator Dole would win your state, where you’re also on the ballot. Does this worry you about your chances?

Carter: I’m not worried, no. I think my campaign was stronger in Georgia than Governor Askew’s, I think I connected better with the voters in Georgia than Governor Askew did, I think I’ll be heading to Washington in January.

Brokaw: I’d love to continue with you Mr. Carter but we’ve got a projection to make. NBC News is now projecting that Senator Dole will carry the state of Indiana. We can also project that former Secretary of Energy Jimmy Carter will be heading to Washington, D.C. Jimmy Carter has won his Senate race in Georgia.

Indiana for Dole

Carter Wins Georgia Senate

Brokaw: We’ll be right back after this.

Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole/Fmr. CIA Director George H.W. Bush (R) - 42
Fmr. Governor Reubin O. Askew/Senate Minority Leader Walter F. Mondale (D) - 0

[DKrol]

Tom Brokaw: NBC News coverage of the 1980 Election. I’m being told we have a projection, is that right? Ok, I’m being given the projection right now. Vermont will go for Governor Askew, once more that’s Vermont for Askew.

Vermont for Askew

Brokaw: We can also project that Senator Dole will carry the state of Virginia.

Virginia for Dole

Brokaw: We’ve got three more states that closed half-an-hour ago. We’ve got their projections and we’ll put them on the screen.

North Carolina for Dole

Ohio for Dole

West Virginia for Dole

Brokaw: This is looking like a landslide for Senator Bob Dole, as opposed to the crushing loss he suffered four years ago. Pols have just closed in 17 states. It is too close, or too early, to call in the following states: Connecticut, Florida, and Massachusetts. NBC can project the following states.

Alabama for Dole

Delaware for Dole

Illinois for Dole

Maine for Dole

Maryland for Dole

Mississippi for Dole

Missouri for Dole

New Hampshire for Dole

New Jersey for Dole

Oklahoma for Dole

Pennsylvania for Dole

Rhode Island for Askew

Tennessee for Dole

Washington, D.C. for Askew

Brokaw: We’ll back with another round of closings in 5 minutes.

Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole/Fmr. CIA Director George H.W. Bush (R) - 225
Fmr. Governor Reubin O. Askew/Senate Minority Leader Walter F. Mondale (D) - 10

[Enderman]

Horray for H W 88! I dont really know about Dole.... I accept it, but I dont like it…… anyways, I hope Reagan at least gets SoS

[DKrol]

Horray for H W 88! I dont really know about Dole.... I accept it, but I dont like it…… anyways, I hope Reagan at least gets SoS

After his independent run in '76 Reagan alienated himself from the party. However, this time I will provide a list of cabinet officials. You may find Reagan on there.

[DKrol]

Tom Brokaw: And we’ve got more projections coming in fast now. We may be able to call the election this hour.

Arkansas for Dole

Arizona for Dole

Colorado for Dole

Kansas for Dole

Florida for Askew

Massachusetts for Dole

Connecticut for Askew

Louisiana for Dole

Brokaw: NBC News, at 9:13PM, can project that Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole will be the 38th President of the United States. With his win in Louisiana Senator - President-Elect - Dole has received 275 Electoral College votes. Bob Dole is the President-Elect of the United States. Now the only question is the margin of his victory.

Michigan for Dole

Minnesota for Dole

Nebraska for Dole

New Mexico for Dole

New York for Dole

South Dakota for Dole

Texas for Dole

Wisconsin for Dole

Wyoming for Dole

Brokaw: Winning Wisconsin has put President-Elect Dole over the 400 Electoral Vote mark. We’re ready to project that...I’m being told that the entire slate of electors from Iowa have announced they will cast their votes for Georgia Senator-elect Jimmy Carter for President and Governor Hugh Carey of New York for Vice President,. Jimmy Carter will received 8 Electoral Votes. We’ve got more projections after this.

Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole/Fmr. CIA Director George H.W. Bush (R) - 410
Fmr. Governor Reubin O. Askew/Senate Minority Leader Walter F. Mondale (D) - 35
Senator-elect James E. Carter/Governor Hugh Carey (D) - 8