The Hunting Grounds: Turmoil in America
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« Reply #200 on: October 05, 2020, 10:16:53 AM »

Gore/Clinton for me, would send a unity message and would please the women voters in the party, but being realistic I don't see Hillary wanting to play second fiddle to anybody.
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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #201 on: October 05, 2020, 11:08:14 AM »

Reps: Matt Blunt is Roy's kid, not his brother.
Dems: Give me Feingoof or give me death.

Lmao he is? I assumed he was the brother.
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Snazzrazz Mazzlejazz
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« Reply #202 on: October 05, 2020, 11:25:19 AM »

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Joseph Cao
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« Reply #203 on: October 05, 2020, 10:34:28 PM »

LOCKE FOR VP! LOCKE FOR VP! LOCKE FOR VP!
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« Reply #204 on: October 09, 2020, 06:42:06 AM »

The 2008 Election
Part VIII
Conventions (August)



Sources: Wikipedia Commons

As August progressed, the election heated up considerably and the conventions for both parties approached. Under public, Congress confirmed Haley Barbour as Vice President on August 12th. In the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi allowed the Blue Dogs in her caucus, who were endangered in the 2008 elections, to vote for Barbour, leading to a 231-204 vote in favour of confirmation, with 63 Democrats voting with all 168 Republicans. In the Senate, Majority Leader Reid voiced opposition to Barbour, but did not attempt to whip votes against him, and so he was confirmed in a narrow 52-48 vote, with 7 Democrats defecting to the 45 Republicans. This was seen as a victory for President Giuliani.

But ahead of the Democratic convention towards the end of August, the media focus shifted to Al Gore's running mate vetting process. On August 14th sources around Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold indicated that he was not going to be the choice. On August 15th , reports emerged that Delaware Senator Joe Biden fell out of contention. On august 18th, a week before the beginning of the convention, it was leaked that Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was unlikely to be chosen as well, and that the shortlist was down to three individuals- Illinois Senator Barack Obama, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, and former Washington Governor Gary Locke. The media watched the houses of all three contenders and badgered them with questions, but little was revealed, except that Tipper Gore favoured Napolitano but others in Gore's circle favoured Obama, while Russ Feingold was lobbying for Locke.

When on August 22nd secret service appeared near the house of Barack Obama, it became clear. Later that day came the joint announcement, in an event held in Chicago in front of a huge, cheering audience, a lot of which consisted of black people astonished to see a black man on a Presidential ticket. Al Gore chose Barack Obama as his running mate, and Democrats planned to present their ticket with high energy and enthusiasm in the Convention.


The Democratic Party's Vice Presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)

The Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado (August 25th to August 28th, 2008)

Day 1- The first night's theme was "One Nation", attempting to convince voters that the Democratic Party was the party of unity and promising to heal divisions. It included a speech by former Second Lady Tipper Gore, but it was not the headline speech and barely even during primetime, prompting a lot of discussion about the reasons- many speculated that she was just with an audience Democrats hoped to appeal to, young people, due to her support for censorship and culturally conservative stances. Others thought that the rumoured cold marriage between the couple was a cause. The first day also included speeches from Senators Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Governors Mike Beebe (D-AR), Mark Taylor (D-GA) and Mike Easley (D-NC). The ailing Senator Ted Kennedy gave appeared for a surprise speech as well, introduced by his niece Caroline. Importantly, several Republican politicians who crossed the line and endorsed Gore over Giuliani gave speeches, including former Senators Lincoln Chafee (I-RI) and Larry Pressler (R-SD) and former Governor Arne Carlson (R-MN), and the headline speech that was given by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). However, Tipper Gore was the name most of the media talked about, leading to a rocky start for the convention.

Day 2- Dubbed as "Renewing America's Promise", the second day focused on promoting liberal policy goals and appealing to demogrpahics that "did not feel the promise of America enough", such as women or black and hispanic voters. It included speeches from former Presidential candidates such as former Governor Gary Locke (D-WA), former Senator John Edwards (D-NC) and Governor Janet Napolitano (D-NC), as well as a headline speech from Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) that earned loud applause for its message of party unity. The keynote speech was delivered that day by Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), earning deafening applause and standing ovations as he enthusiastically listed progressive policy goals that the Gore administration would pass. Other speakers included U.S. Representatives John Lewis (D-GA), Lorretta Sanchez (D-CA) and Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Senators Barbaba Mikulski (D-MD), Evan Bayh (D-IN), Don Beyer (D-VA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), as well as Governor Phil Bredesen (D-TB) and former Governor Mark Warner (D-VA). That day was considered a success, creating a lot of energy among Democrats, especially young people.

Day 3- That day's theme was "Securing America's Future", with the main event being a speech by VP nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), introduced by his wife Michelle Obama. Both of their speeches were considered the best of the convention by far, showing astounding speaking abilities and rousing the convention crowd to a nearly-constant standing ovation. The night also included speeches by former Presidents Bill Clinton (D-AR) and Jimmy Carter (D-GA), 2004 nominee Senator John Kerry (D-MA), DNC Chair Howard Dean (D-VT), Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and a headliner from Governor Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), becoming somewhat of a folk hero following his role in the downfall of President Hastert. The third night was considered the best of the convention so far, mainly due to the speeches from the Obamas.

Day 4- The final night of the convention had the theme of the Gore Presidential campaign, "Build Back Better", and centered around promising a return to competent and good governance unde the safe hands of Gore, but also providing hope and change for a better future. Speakers included Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NC), Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Terry Goddard (D-AZ) and Ned Lamont (D-CT) and Govenors Mark Dayton (D-MN) and Tony Knowles (D-AK). Governor Dina Titus (D-NV) gave the headline speech. The main event was the acceptance speech by former Vice President Al Gore (D-TN), which was well-received and considered a lot more charismatic than his 2000 acceptance speech. Gore was introduced by environmental activist and Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope, signaling Gore's strong emphasis on green issues.


Al Gore's acceptance speech was considerd by some the best in his career

Overall, the DNC was considered a success, even if not as resounding as some hoped, and Gore's polling numbers shot up following it, opening a strong lead.

President Rudy Giuliani job approval (August 1st)
Disapprove- 54% ↑ (+1)
Approve- 41% = (+-0)
Unsure- 5% ↓ (-1)

2008 U.S. Presidential Election- National Polling (2-way)
Fmr. Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)- 52% ↑ (+5)
President Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)- 40% ↓ (-1)
Others/Undecided- 8% ↓ (-4)
GORE +12%

2008 U.S. Presidential Election- National Polling (6-way)
Fmr. Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)\Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)- 50% ↑ (+4)
President Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)\Vice President Haley Barbour (R-MS)- 38% ↓ (-2)
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (L-TX)\Judge Jim Gray (L-CA)- 5% ↑ (+1)
Fmr. Chief Justice Roy Moore (C-AL)\Fmr. U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode (L-VA)- 2% = (+-0)
Activist Ralph Nader (I-CT)\Fmr. Supervisor Matt Gonzalez (I-CA)- 1% = (+-0)
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney (G-GA)\Activist Rosa Clemente (G-NC)- 0% = (+-0)
Undecided- 4% ↓ (-3)
GORE +12%

The Republican Convention was held from September 1st to September 4th , remarkably late for a political convention. The Giuliani campaign knew that it was the last chance to turn things around, and though many major party leaders including former Governor George Pataki (R-NY) and former First Lady Laura Bush (R-FL) still refused to endorse Giuliani and appear at the convention, they prepared a packed schedule.


President Giuliani accepted his party's nomination in an energetic speech

The Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota (September 1st to September 4th, 2008)

Day 1- Unfourtunately for the GOP, Hurricane Gustav struck right in time to put a stick in their wheels. Many of the speeches scheduled for that day were cancelled as the administration tried to face the brunt of the hurricane's impact. The only noteable speeches were a headliner from First Lady Judith Giuliani who urged Americans to support hurricane relief efforts, as well as speeches from Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Chuck Grassleu (R-IA), and from former Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN).

Day 2- The second day, with the hurricane largely passing, was much more packed. It included speeches from House Minority Leader Roy Blunt, 1996 nominee Bob Dole (R-KS), Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN), Fred Thompson (R-TN), John McCain (R-AZ) and Tom Coburn (R-OK), and Governors Mark Sanford (R-SC) and Dave Heineman (R-NE). Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) delivered a healine address endorsing Giuliani, considered an effective appeal to the religious right. The keynote speech was delivered by former Senator Joe Liberman (I-CT), a former Democrat who launched a passionate attack on the Democratic Party, warning that it was "controlled by radicals and communist sympathizers" such as Senator Feingold and Rep. Kucinich and that "only President Giuliani will protect us from our adversaries". The day was considered very successful in uniting the party and riling up the base.

Day 3- The main event of the third day was the introduction of Vice President Haley Barbour (R-MS) with a strong speech, if considered boring by some. He was introduced by Governor Amy Tuck (R-MS), who replaced him. Other speakers were former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), former CEO Carly Fiorina (R-CA), Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Governors Matt Blunt (R-MO) and Mitch Daniels (R-IN). The headline speech was given by former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), who recently endorsed the President, but included an appeal from Santorum to "vote your conscience". This earned him boos and anger, as it was considered a barely-veiled non-endorsement that allowed Santorum voters to vote for the Moore\Goode Constitution Party ticket. Despite that, the day was considered a success, if a bit boring.

Day 4- The third day included speeches from State Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL), U.S. Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tom Cole (R-OK), former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), Senators Mel Martinez (R-FL), and Goernors John Hoeven (R-ND) and Bob Riley (R-AL). The headline speech was delivered by former Governor Tom Ridge (R-PA), an appeal to moderates. The main event, of course, was a speech by President Rudy Giuliani (R-NY), introduced by former NYC Police Commissioner and Giuliani friend Bernie Kerik (R-NY). The speech was very energetic and received a lot of applause, though some observers considered it "too enthusiastic".


Joe Liberman attacked his former party in the RNC's keynote address

In the end, the RNC provided the Giuliani\Barbour ticket considerable energy and party support, leading to a substantial polling bump, starting to poll close to the Gore\Obama ticket for the first time.

President Rudy Giuliani job approval (August 1st)
Disapprove- 49% ↓ (-5)
Approve- 44% ↑ (+3)
Unsure- 7% ↑ (+2)

2008 U.S. Presidential Election- National Polling (2-way)
Fmr. Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)- 48% ↓ (-4)
President Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)- 45% ↑ (+5)
Others/Undecided- 7% ↓ (-1)
GORE +3%

2008 U.S. Presidential Election- National Polling (6-way)
Fmr. Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)\Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)- 47% ↓ (-3)
President Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)\Vice President Haley Barbour (R-MS)- 43% ↑ (+5)
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (L-TX)\Judge Jim Gray (L-CA)- 4% ↓ (-1)
Fmr. Chief Justice Roy Moore (C-AL)\Fmr. U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode (L-VA)- 1% ↓ (-1)
Activist Ralph Nader (I-CT)\Fmr. Supervisor Matt Gonzalez (I-CA)- 1% = (+-0)
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney (G-GA)\Activist Rosa Clemente (G-NC)- 0% = (+-0)
Undecided- 4% = (+-0)
GORE +4%
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« Reply #205 on: October 10, 2020, 07:21:14 AM »

The 2008 Election
Part IX
The Election Campaign (September-November)



Sources: Wikipedia Commons

The past two years were so tumultous and chaotic that the relative calmness and stability of the 2008 General Election campaign seemed almost bizarre. Soon after the Republican National Convention, the polling numbers slowly stabilized, with Al Gore gaining and maintaining a steady lead over Rudy Giuliani.

The fundamentals of the election just seemed tough for the Republican ticket- after 8 years of holdin the White House, with an unpopular administration, the electorate disapproving on them on the two biggest issues of the election, the Iraq War and the economy, and after multiple political crises the likes of which were never seen in American history. The September indictment of former President Hastert for further charges, including sexual assault, reminded many voters that Giuliani was his chosen Vice President, and Democrats hammered that point in many ads and campaign events, causing his numbers to further decline.

But in late September came the turning point of the campaign. The financial crisis reached its peak, as banks started failing and going bankrupt. The stock market collapsed, unemployment started rising as small businesses and even big companies could no longer afford their workers, and consumer confidence reached a low. It was a deep recession now. Realizing that it was his last chance, President Giuliani declared that he would cease campaigning and would not debate Gore until Congress passes a revitalization bill. Meanwhile, Al Gore held publicized meetings with economists and Democratic Party leaders in order to learn the best solutions to the crisis and convey them to his party, while Senator Obama participated in the crafting of the Democratic bill, along with Senators Reid, Clinton, Feingold, Biden and others.

With a powerful Democratic majority, the House passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, most Republicans opposing. President Giuliani, unwilling to pass a Democratic bill, declared his opposition, stating that it would "only worsen the situation" with the new bank regulations and federal intervention included. With Republican opposition, Senate Democrats did not have enough votes to pass the bill in the Senate and send it to the President's desk. Despite his previous promise, Giuliani decided to attend the September 26th debate against Gore, where he was hammered by his rival for his response to the crisis.

Quote
Gore:
Giuliani: Look- the Democrats- Al Gore's party, they're trying to ram through a bill that includes their socialist regulations and government intervention. They're using this crisis to push their radical agenda, without a bit of bipartisanship and cooperation.

Gore: This is ridiculous. I've been in the White House, I've been close to Presidents, I've participated in decision-making processes before. I've never seen such a failure. He decides that he wants to pass a bipartisan bill, then he rejects every suggestion made by House and Senate Democrats. He decides that he won't attend the debate until the American people get relief, then he attends after rejecting our proposals. The guiding line in all of this- he wants a "win", he wants to show people that he's the one getting things down, but he's just not cut out for the job. President Giuliani's response to this crisis has been erratic, indecisive, incompetent.

That was the guiding line of the Democratic framing of the crisis- the image of Giuliani's response as erratic stuck, and his poll numbers collapsed. The first debate was a decisive Gore win, and the second one as well, with Giuliani's townhall interactions seen as awkward. The third debate was considered a Giuliani win as he came out swinging against Gore, but it didn't change poll numbers much, as the collapsing economy and the Iraq War continued dominating voters' minds. In the Vice Presidential debate, Obama was seen as the winner, though it was closer than expected.

Outside of the debate, though, Obama was an extremely effective surrogate for Gore on the trail, drawing and energizing massive crowds in his rallies. At the same time, swing voters seemed to like Gore and trust him to lead. While Giuliani was increasingly unpopular, the triple weight of the Iraq War, the recession and the Hastert scandal weighing very heavily, Barbour was considered a decent running mate, consolidating the support of party loyalists who were put off by Giuliani. But the major issue of the ticket was that neither Giuliani nor Barbour excited the base, and so the GOP massively invested in get-out-the-vote efforts. On the other hand, Democrats were itching the reclaim the White House, and high turnout was expected from college students and black people, who were very excited by Senator Obama. The enthusiasm gap was considerable.

As November arrived, it was hard to imagine President Giuliani winning the election, though many Democrats were still afraid of the seemingly impossible. The only question on most people's minds was how big of a victory the Democrats would achieve- up the ballot and downballot as well.

President Rudy Giuliani job approval (November 1st)
Disapprove- 58% ↑ (+9)
Approve- 39% ↓ (-5)
Unsure- 3% ↓ (-4)

Who do you trust more to handle the economic recession?
Al Gore- 56%
Rudy Giuliani- 23%
Ron Paul- 11%
Ralph Nader- 3%
Roy Moore- 2%
Cynthia McKinney- 0%
Undecided- 5%

Who do you trust more to handle the Iraq War?
Al Gore- 47%
Rudy Giuliani- 27%
Ron Paul- 13%
Ralph Nader- 6%
Roy Moore- 1%
Cynthia McKinney- 0%
Undecided- 6%

2008 U.S. Presidential Election- National Polling (2-way)
Fmr. Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)\Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)- 53% ↑ (+5)
President Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)\Vice President Haley Barbour (R-MS)- 41% ↓ (-4)
Others/Undecided- 6% ↓ (-1)
GORE +12%

2008 U.S. Presidential Election- National Polling (6-way)
Fmr. Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)\Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)- 51% ↑ (+4)
President Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)\Vice President Haley Barbour (R-MS)- 37% ↓ (-6)
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (L-TX)\Judge Jim Gray (L-CA)- 5% ↑ (+1)
Fmr. Chief Justice Roy Moore (C-AL)\Fmr. U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode (L-VA)- 2% ↑ (+1)
Activist Ralph Nader (I-CT)\Fmr. Supervisor Matt Gonzalez (I-CA)- 1% = (+-0)
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney (G-GA)\Activist Rosa Clemente (G-NC)- 0% = (+-0)
Undecided- 4% = (+-0)
GORE +14%
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Elcaspar
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« Reply #206 on: October 10, 2020, 10:16:48 AM »

I tried to extrapolate an electoral map from the current polls if anybody is interested in what the result might look like.



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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #207 on: October 17, 2020, 04:52:18 AM »

October 27th, 2008

Special Report: The fight for the Senate and Gubernatorial races (Part I)



WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the Presidential race approaches its final leg, the downballot struggles heat up. With Democrats holding strong House and Senate majorities, President Gore hopes to enter the White House (if he wins) with a strengthened majority in the House, and possibly even a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Gubernatorial races, even if not many in number, are also important since redistricting is a couple years away. In the House, despite a possible landslide victory up the ballot, Democrats are not currently expecting strong gains due to the blue tsunami they got in 2006, but they hope to shore up many of their new seats and maybe even gain a few new ones.

We will provide a short summary of the key Senate races, and then briedly go over the Gubernatorail elections.

The Fight for the Senate

Alabama- Incumbent Republican Jeff Sessions, one of the most conservative Senators, is running for a third term. Democrats are strong underdogs here, but they've managed to field a strong candidate in the form of Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, who defeated State Senator Vivian Davis Figures, veteran Johnny Swanson and 2002 gubernatorial candidate Mark Townsend in the primary. Libertarian Darryl W. Perry is running too, bakced by several Paul-affiliated and Tea Party organizations. Democrats are considered heavy underdogs in this southern, strongly conservative state, but with a very favourable national environment Sparks can serve as a good "wave-insurance" candidate. RATING: Lean R

2008 Alabama Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Jeff Sessions (I)- 46%
Ag. Comis. Ron Sparks- 41%
Atlas Poster Darryl Wl. Perry- 6%
Undecided\Others- 7%

Alaska- Facing a federal corruption trial, longtime Senator Ted Stevens, a Republican and a staple of Alaska politics, is running for an eighth term. His main challenger is Democrat Mark Begich, the Mayor of Anchorage and a very strong recruit, making the race, despite Alaska's conservative tendencies, very tight. Pro-life activist Bob Bird is running with the Alaskan Independence Party. This is likely to be one of the races that decide whether Democrats achieve a filibuster-proof majority. RATING: Tossup

2008 Alaska Senate Election (Polling)
Mayor Mark Begich- 48%
Senator Ted Stevens (I)- 46%
Activist Bob Bird- 2%
Undecided\Others- 4%

Arkansas- In one of the races where Democrats had to play defense, former Governor Mike Huckabee surprisingly announced a challenge to popular incumbent Mark Pryor. A very popular figure in the state, a favourite of the national religious right and a rumoured Presidential candidate, Huckabee is certainly a challenge. He's been running a strong campaign and outraising Pryor who, many national Democrats complained, has been "sleeping at the wheel". However, in such a climate and with his popularity, Pryor is favoured. Rebekah Kennedy is running as the Green Party nominee. RATING: Lean D

2008 Arkansas Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Mark Pryor (I)- 45%
Fmr. Governor Mike Huckabee- 39%
Activist Rebekah Kennedy- 4%
Undecided\Others- 12%


Huckabee has been running a strong campaign against Senator Pryor, worrying Democrats (Source: Flickr)

Colorado- Honouring his term limit pledge (and some would say seeing inevitable defeat), Republican Senator Wayn Allard retired. Former Representative Bob Schaffer is running to try and keep the seat in Republican hands, but in this swing state and in an anti-GOP national environment, Congressman Mark Udall, nominated without major opposition by the Democratic Party, is considered the favourite to gain the seat. RATING: Lean D

2008 Colorado Senate Election (Polling)
U.S. Rep. Mark Udall- 50%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Bob Schaffer- 42%
Undecided\Others- 8%

Georgia- In the 2006 Democratic wave, the conservative state of Georgia surprised the nation by electing Democrat Mark Taylor as Governor. This was mostly attributed to low turnout by whites, a strong performance with evangelicals and seniors turned off by scandals in Republican leadership, and strong turnout from black voters. This year, Democrats hope to repeat their performance and capture the Senate seat held by Saxby Chambliss. In the Democratic Primaries, U.S. Rep. John Barrow was recruited to run by Majority Leader Reid, and proceeded to defeat businessman Vernon Jones and journalist Dale Cardwell in the first round. He's considered a strong recruit, and the race is tight, though Chambliss is still favoured. Attorney Allen Buckley is the Libertarian nominee. RATING: Tossup

2008 Georgia Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Saxby Chambliss- 48%
U.S. Rep. John Barrow- 46%
Attorney Allen Buckley- 2%
Undecided\Others- 4%

Idaho- Following the retirement of the disgraced Larry Craig, Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch is running as the Republican nominee for this seat, and is heavily favoured. However, with a grim national outlook for their opponents, Democrats fielded a strong candidate in the form of former Congressman Larry LaRocco. RATING: Likely R

2008 Idaho Senate Election (Polling)
Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch- 53%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Larry LaRocco- 41%
Undecided\Others- 6%

Iowa- This traditional swing state has been moving left recently, and now pits wildly popular incumbent Senator Tom Harkin against a little-known Republican challenger, small business owner Christopher Reed. This is virtually guaranteed to be a Harkin win. RATING: Safe D

2008 Iowa Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Tom Harkin (I)- 56%
Mr. Christopher Reed- 31%%
Undecided\Others- 13%

Kansas- Another Republican state where Democrats are making a play, longtime Republican incumbent Pat Roberts is facing a challenge from former Congressman Jim Slattery. Despite the long odds, Republicans here are not at ease as the national environment turns sour. RATING: Lean R

2008 Kansas Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Pat Roberts (I)- 51%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Jim Slattery- 47%
Undecided\Others- 2%

Kentucky- For national Republicans, this race is personal. From the state, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was a nationall unpopular figure. He stated multiple times to associates that he plans a scorched-earth opposition strategy against any Democrat elected, and his tactics are famously vicious and effective. Democrats are itching to defeat him and earn this symbolic victory, and they've nominated a strong recruit- State Auditor Crit Luallen, who's currently polling very close to McConnell. With Kentucky's lurch to the right, it's hard to imagine a Democrat winning, but if anyone is to do that, it would be a candidate like Luallen in a year like 2008. RATING: Lean R

2008 Kentucky Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Mitch McConnell (I)- 48%
State Auditor Crit Luallen- 45%
Undecided\Others- 7%


Auditor Luallen is the Democratic hope for toppling Senate Minority Leader McConnell

Louisiana- The second state where Democrats are forced to play defense is another conservative Southern state, in which incumbent Mary Landrieu, a moderate hailing from a political family in the state, is facing a strong Republican challenger. State Treasurer John Neely Kennedy, having switched parties very recently, has been recruited to run. Her previous two reelections were narrow, and now she's in for the fight of the political life, but polling is on her side with a lot of help from the national environment. RATING: Lean D

2008 Louisiana Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Mary Landrieu (I)- 47%
State Treasurer John Neely Kennedy- 43%%
Undecided\Others- 10%

Maine- Attempting again to defeat the stubborn moderate Senator Susan Collins, Democrats hope that polarization from the past four years of scandals and crises could help them in an anti-GOP environment. The newest to try is U.S. Rep. Tom Allen. RATING: Likely R

2008 Maine Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Susan Collins (I)- 46%
U.S. Rep. Tom Allen- 37%
Undecided\Others- 15%

Michigan- Another state that can usually be close, long-time Democratic Senator Carl Levin is popular, and is expected to win reelection without much struggle. He's likely to beat State Representative Jack Hoogendyk without much struggle. RATING: Safe D

2008 Michigan Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Carl Levin (I)- 62%
State Rep. Jack Hoogendyk- 32%%
Undecided\Others- 6%

Minnesota- Considered one of the most important Senate races this year, and one of the seats Democrats could flip to get a filibuster-proof majority. Incumbent Republican Senator Norm Coleman, who created a moderate image but is fairly conservative, is facing a challenge from prominent comedian Al Franken, endorsed by the Democratic Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota. A third candidate running is former Senator Dean Berkley of the Independence Party. This race is considered a pure tossup as Coleman tries to defy the national environment in a liberal state. RATING: Tossup

2008 Minnesota Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Norm Coleman (I)- 42%
Mr. Al Franken- 41%
Former Senator Dean Berkley- 13%
Undecided\Others- 4%


Senator Coleman is one of the Republican Party's final hopes for keeping Democrats from a filibuster-proof majority

Mississippi (Special)- In the Special Election for the seat of resigning Senator Trent Lott, controversially scheduled by Vice President Barbour (when he was Governor) for the general election day, Democratic former Governor Ronnie Musgrove is presenting a very credible challenge to the favourite, Republican former Congressman Roger Wicker. While the regular seat isn't competitive, this conservative state will see a tough fight for the special election. RATING: Lean R

2008 Mississippi Senate Special Election (Polling)
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker- 48%%
Fmr. Governor Ronnie Musgrove- 44%
Undecided\Others- 8%

Nebraska- Incumbent Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, considered a moderate and maverick in his caucus on social and foreign policy issues, was leaning towards retiring and honouring his 2-term pledge. But in the end he decided to run for reelection, citing the "critical need for voices" such as his. Hagel was known to frequently criticize the Bush, Hastert and Giuliani administrations, and is thus considered a strong favourite. U.S. Rep. Scott Kleeb, who weighted a run for the open seat if Hagel retired, decided to try for reelection instead, and the Democratic nominee is State Senator Brad Ashford. Hagel is a heavy favourite. RATING: Likely R

2008 Nebraska Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Chuck Hagel (I)- 53%
State Senator Brad Ashford- 42%
Undecided\Others- 5%

New Hampshire- Another major Senate race pits the two major political families of New Hampshire- former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, who lost the election for the seat in 2002, is running for a rematch against one-term incumbent Senator John E. Sununu. It's considered a close race, but the national environment and Shaheen's strength as a candidate means the race leans towards her. RATING: Lean D

2008 New Hampshire Senate Election (Polling)
Fmr. Governor Jeanne Shaheen- 50%
Senator John E. Sununu (I)- 47%
Undecided\Others- 3%

New Mexico- In this Democratic-leaning swing state, incumbent Republican Senator Pete Domenici was retiring following health issues and ethics investigations. Republicans nominated U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce to try and keep the seat, but it's considered the likeliest Democratic flip, as U.S. Rep. Tom Udall is very likely to win it. RATING: Likely D

2008 New Mexico Senate Election (Polling)
U.S. Rep. Tom Udall- 54%
U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce- 40%
Undecided\Others- 6%

North Carolina- In another critical Senate race, Senator Elizabeth Dole, wife of the 1996 Republican nominee, is running for reelection in a state considered very close on the Presidential level. Dole was initially considered favoured after Democrats nominated State Senator Kay Hagan, considered a weak candidate compared to other potential candidates like Governor Mike Easley, Congressman Brad Miller and former Governor Jím Hunt. But as Republican prospects turn grim nationally, and following an attack ad calling Hagan "Godless", it's now considered a tossup race. RATING: Tossup

2008 North Carolina Senate Election (Polling)
State Senator Kay Hagan- 49%
Senator Elizabeth Dole (I)- 47%
Undecided\Others- 4%


The formerly unknown State Senator Hagan is hoping to unseat political icon Elizabeth Dole (Source: Wikipedia Commons)

Oregon- Trying to run for a third term, GOP Senator Gordon Smith is attempting to defy the national environment and the liberal lean of his state. His opponent, State House Speaker Jeff Merkley, is a strong recruit and considered a popular progressive. Recent polls have been breaking for Merkley. RATING: Lean D

2008 Oregon Senate Election (Polling)
Speaker Jeff Merkley- 51%
Senator Gordon Smith (I)- 46%
Undecided\Others- 3%

South Dakota- Initially considered the most likely Republican target after Democratic Senator Tim Johnson won very narrowly in 2002, a bad national environment and a weak recruit in State Rep. Joel Dykstra lead to a strong lead for Johnson. He's considered heavily favoured to keep the seat Democratic. RATING: Likely D

2008 South Dakota Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Tim Johnson (I)- 63%
State Rep. Joel Dykstra- 30%%
Undecided\Others- 7%

Texas- The solid Republican state of Texas, home of former President Bush, has given Democrats surprising upset victories in the 2006 Senate and Gubernatorail races. This year, Senator John Cornyn is running for a second term and hoping to prevent a Democratic 3-for-3, unimaginable for Republicans before 2006. The Democratic nominee is Rick Noriega, a State Representative and veteran, considered a strong candidate and likely to get strong support from the state's large Hispanic population. Yvonne Adams Schick is the Libertarian nominee. RATING: Lean R

2008 Texas Senate Election (Polling)
Senator John Cornyn (I)- 51%
State Rep. Rick Noriega- 44%
Ms. Yvonne Adams Schick- 1%
Undecided\Others- 4%

Virginia- With the retirement of moderate Republican Senator John Warner, Democrats got a star recruit in the form of wildly popular former Governor Mark Warner. Republicans nominated U.S. Rep. Tom Davis, considered a relative moderate, after former Governor Jim Gilmore decided to remain RNC Chair. Warner has been leading the polls by landslide margins and is very likely to pick up the seat for Democrats. RATING: Likely D

2008 Virginia Senate Election (Polling)
Fmr. Governor Mark Warner- 60%
U.S. Rep. Tom Davis- 32%%
Undecided\Others- 8%


Rising star Warner could win Virginia's Senate seat for Democrats by a historic margin

West Virginia- A historically Democratic state trending heavily rightward for the past years, incumbent Democrats Jay Rockefeller is considered still very popular, and is very favoured against Republican former State Senator Jay Wolfe. RATING: Safe D

2008 West Virginia Senate Election (Polling)
Senator Jay Rockfeller (I)- 65%
Fmr. State Senator Jay Wolfe- 29%%
Undecided\Others- 6%

Other Senate races are in Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey and Rhode Island where Democratic incumbents Richard Durbin, John Kerry, Max Baucus, Frank Lautenberg and Jack Reed, are guaranteed to win against weak Republican opposition. RATINGS: Safe D. There are also the Senate races in Mississippi (regular), Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wyoming and Wyoming (Special) where Thad Cochran, Jim Inhofe, Lindsey Graham, Lamar Alexander, Mike Enzi and John Barrasso are very likely to win. RATINGS: Safe R

And so, with Democrats already holding 55 Seats in the Senate following their 2006 wave, the question isn't who will hold the majority- the map just doesn't allow Republicans to win a majority in almost any scenario- but whether Democrats will win a filibuster-proof majority. Reid and Senate Democrats will have to pick up 5 seats for that purpose. The current roadmap, according to sources close to DSCC Chair Chuck Schumer, is going through these seats: Virginia and New Mexico first as nearly-guaranteed pickups, then Colorado where Mark Udall is performing well, then the Democratic-leaning seats in New Hampshire (Shaheen) and Oregon (Merkley).

But, Democrats caution, the seats in Louisiana and Arkansas are endangered, and so Schumer is hoping for pickups in the tossup races of Minnesota and North Carolina to shore that up. After that, sources in the Gore campaign are expressing hopes that they could pick up more seats, particularly in Alabama (Sparks), Georgia (Barrow), Kansas (Slattery), Kentucky (Luallen), Maine (Allen), Mississippi (Musgrove) or Texas (Noriega), so that they have more room to move in a Senate where many Democrats are from conservative states.
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« Reply #208 on: October 19, 2020, 12:59:19 AM »

I wonder how Democrats will do in Barrow's open seat considering it nearly flipped in RL 2006. Probably they hold it with reduced margins.
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« Reply #209 on: October 20, 2020, 09:40:20 AM »

This is soooo good. The formatting, the plot, everything. Fantastic work!
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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #210 on: October 20, 2020, 01:09:09 PM »

This is soooo good. The formatting, the plot, everything. Fantastic work!

Thanks! I appreciate it!
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« Reply #211 on: October 22, 2020, 03:02:03 PM »
« Edited: July 08, 2022, 03:19:05 AM by America Needs R'hllor »

October 27th, 2008

Special Report: The fight for the Senate and Gubernatorial races (Part II)



WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the gubernatorial front, there aren't as many races - most are held during the midterms - but with redistricting just a couple years away, every win is critical.

The Gubernatorial Battles

Indiana- In this Republican-leaning state, incumbent Governor Mitch Daniels is considered popular- he doesn't engage in culture war issues and has a good relationship with local Democrats. However, with Al Gore closing in on Rudy Giuliani in recent polls as the national environment turns sour for Republicans, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson has been rising in the polls, and sources close to Daniels indicate that his campaign has recently been spooked and see the race as very competitive. RATING: Lean R

2008 Indiana Gubernatorial Election (Polling)
Governor Mitch Daniels (I)- 48%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Jill Long Thompson- 43%
Undecided\Others- 9%

Missouri- Facing an open seat, both parties hope to gain the Governorship of this large state ahead of redistricting. With the surprising retirement of Governor Matt Blunt, brother of the Republican House leader, Republicans nominated U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof. However, the Democratic nominee, Attorney General Jay Nixon, is very popular in the state and has been steadily gaining on his opponent. It seems very likely he will win. RATING: Likely D

2008 Missouri Gubernatorial Election (Polling)
Attorney General Jay Nixon- 53%
U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof- 41%
Undecided\Others- 6%

Montana- Despite its conservative lean, Montana has been open to electing Democrats locally, and it's no different with Governor Brian Schweitzer, who's considered a sure bet for reelection against Republican Roy Brown. The Libertarian nominee is Stan Jones. RATING: Safe D

2008 Montana Gubernatorial Election (Polling)
Governor Brian Schweitzer (I)- 59%
State Senator Roy Brown- 33%
Mr. Stan Jones- 3%
Undecided\Others- 5%

New Hampshire- While a swing state Presidentially, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, a moderate Democrat, is likely to be reelected with a landslide. RATING: Safe D

2008 New Hampshire Gubernatorial Election (Polling)
Governor John Lynch (I)- 68%
State Senator Joseph Kenney- 26%
Undecided\Others- 6%

North Carolina- Hosting competitive Senate and Presidential races, this state also has a competitive Gubernatorial race. Running to succeed Democrat Mike Easley are Lieutenant Governor Bev Perdue and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. Perdue had been taking relatively conservative positions on social issues and while McCrory is a conservative too, he received many endorsements from major newspapers. The Libertarian candidate, Professor Michael C. Munger, ran as a self-proclaimed "liberal" and had, by far, the most socially liberal positions of the field, including supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants and gay marriage. This lead to a large movement of pro-Feingold Democrats calling on social media for protest votes in favour of Munger, and further harmed Perdue's numbers. The race is tight. RATING: Tossup

2008 North Carolina Gubernatorial Election (Polling)
Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue- 45%
Mayor Pat McCrory- 43%
Professor Michael C. Munger- 7%
Undecided\Others- 5%

Vermont- A solidly left-leaning state for many years now, Vermont continues its tradition of supporting liberal Republicans. Governor Jim Douglas is considered favoured for reelection against splintered opposition- Democratic nominee Gaye Symington, the Speaker of the Vermont House, and Progressive Independent Anthony Pollina. However, Pollina had been gaining support, and with a very anti-Republican environment there's potential for an upset. RATING: Likely R

2008 Vermont Gubernatorial Election (Polling)
Governor Jim Douglas (I)- 44%
Organizer Anthony Pollina- 30%
Speaker Gaye Symington- 18%
Undecided\Others- 8%

Washington- After defeating him by an extremely narrow margin in 2004, Governor Christine Gregoire is once again facing Republican former State Senator Dino Rossi. This time, however, with an unfavourable environment for Rossi and incumbency for Gregoire, the Governor is very much favoured. RATING: Lean D

2008 Washington Gubernatorial Election (Polling)
Governor Christine Gregoire (I)- 49%
Loser Dino Rossi- 43%
Undecided\Others- 8%

West Virginia- Despite its recent conservative lean, Governor Joe Manchin is very popular in West Virginia. The moderate Democrat is very likely to win. RATING: Safe D

2008 West Virginia Gubernatorial Election (Polling)
Governor Joe Manchin (I)- 69%
Fmr. State Senator Russ Weeks- 21%
Activist Jesse Johnson- 6%
Undecided\Others- 4%

Lastly, in the House of Representatives, Democrats are considered very likely to retain their majority. It's a large majority, gained in the 2006 Democratic tsunami, and with a once-again favourable environment the only question is- will they be able to retain seats such as Wyoming's single district, held by Gary Trauner, and Nebraska's third, held by Scott Kleeb, in a Presidential year? If not, how deep will be their losses, and will they be able to gain anything? The election is very close now, and with it all the answers.
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Snazzrazz Mazzlejazz
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« Reply #212 on: October 22, 2020, 05:38:14 PM »

lmao
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« Reply #213 on: October 26, 2020, 01:54:22 AM »

I believe Matt Blunt is Roy's son, not his brother.
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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #214 on: October 26, 2020, 02:20:42 AM »

I believe Matt Blunt is Roy's son, not his brother.

Lol the fun part is that I already made this mistake once in this TL
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« Reply #215 on: November 12, 2020, 02:08:12 PM »

Keep this timeline going, its awesome!
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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #216 on: July 10, 2022, 02:03:23 PM »
« Edited: July 11, 2022, 01:12:44 PM by America Needs R'hllor »

The 2008 Election
Part X
Election Results (Presidential)



Sources: Flickr

The most tumultous couple of years in American politics in decades ended in November 4th, 2008. The lethal shooting of President George W. Bush by his own Vice President, Cheney's subsequent resignation, the attempt of President Hastert to arrest and suppress investigators to stop his pedophilia scandal from leaking, the first Presidential impeachment in history, a deteoriating war in Iraq, and finally an economic crash and recssion- all these factors made President Giuliani's mission of winning the election for his party practically impossible. The nomination of the Gore\Obama ticket by Democrats sealed the deal.

Gore won a historic landslide, closing in on 55% of the vote while Giuliani fell below 40%, a shocking result of a major party in a two-party system like America. The Libertarian Party's Paul\Gray ticket fell below expectations and didn't achieve the 5% they hoped for, though they achieved an impressive result of almost 4%, and the Constitution Party got their best result in history with Roy Moore, a little under 2%. All in all, no one was particularly surprised, though the magnitude of Gore's victory was fairly surprising- the floor seemed to fall under the GOP, with states like Indiana, South Carolina, Montana, the Dakotas, Georgia and Arizona going to the Democrats, and Gore coming close in Tennessee, Arkansas, Nebraska, Kansas and Texas.



2008 U.S. Presidential Election- Final Results
Fmr. Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)\Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)- 54.7% (419 EVs)✔
President Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)\Vice President Haley Barbour (R-MS)- 39.3% (119 EVs)
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (L-TX)\Judge Jim Gray (L-CA)- 3.7% (0 EVs)
Fmr. Chief Justice Roy Moore (C-AL)\Fmr. U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode (L-VA)- 1.9% (0 EVs)
Activist Ralph Nader (I-CT)\Fmr. Supervisor Matt Gonzalez (I-CA)- 0.3% (0 EVs)
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney (G-GA)\Activist Rosa Clemente (G-NC)- 0.1% (0 EVs)
Others- 0.2% (0 EVs)

In the Senate, Democrats exceeded even the generous expectations before the election- they gained a net of 9 seats in the Senate, reaching 64 seats- 4 over a filibuster-proof majority. Although that majority includes many conservative Democrats, such as fresh addition Ronnie Musgrove (D-MS), but President Gore will have a fairly wide path to find enough votes for passing much of his agenda, especially with moderate Republicans such as Arlen Specter (R-PA). The biggest win for Democrats tonight was State Auditor Crit Luallen's upset of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who will lose his seat. The one bright spot for Republicans is their surprising defeat of Senator Mark Pryor in Arkansas and the election of Mike Huckabee to the Senate- certainly making him a frontrunner for the 2012 Republican nomination. The frontrunner to replace McConnell as Majority Leader is the Whip since 2007 (after the defeat of Jon Kyl), John Cornyn.


NOTE: GA-S used as replacement for MS-S

In the House, Democrats managed to retain most of their seats while winning some new ones, especially in suburban districts deeply concerned with the Hastert scandal, although they lost several seats such as NE-3 (Gary Trauner managed to retain his seat in WY-AL). They got a net gain of 45, resulting in a 302-123 House, a historically lopsided result. And in gubernatorial races, Democrats came short in Indiana with Mitch Daniels showing his popularity, but took back Missouri and retained North Carolina.

Overall, despite understanding that they're bound to lose many of the 2006-2008 Senators and Congressmen from conservative states eventually, Democrats can come out of tonight very happy. Party insiders are already indicating a major economic stimulus, healthcare reform, climate regulation bill and immigration reform.
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« Reply #217 on: July 10, 2022, 05:27:36 PM »

OHHHHHHHHHHHH YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH
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« Reply #218 on: July 10, 2022, 07:26:04 PM »

As someone who was just introduced to this timeline, I have to say that this is really well done. Good job.
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« Reply #219 on: July 10, 2022, 08:34:36 PM »

The 413-125 landslide
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« Reply #220 on: July 12, 2022, 02:51:51 AM »

Will this continue into the Gore Admin
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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #221 on: July 12, 2022, 03:02:52 AM »


Not really- I'm currently writing up the epilogue that shows the next few Presidents. Randomly decided to wrap it up because I don't like unfinished projects Smiley
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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #222 on: July 12, 2022, 03:28:17 AM »
« Edited: July 12, 2022, 03:54:58 AM by America Needs R'hllor »

Epilogue


Sources: Flickr

Despite a crisis of leadership never seen before, America managed to come out of the 2006-2008 chaos. President Al Gore took restoring the faith in institutions and leadership, and in America's global credibility, as his foremost goal as President, and aside from a messy divorce with former First Lader Tipper Gore in early 2011, he was seen as a serious and uniting leader who managed to do that. Following said divorce, daughter Karenna Gore assumed the duties of First Lady. The first half of Gore's first term was seen as a huge success for the Democratic Party, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi taking a fast pace in tackling the President's proposed reforms. Soon into 2009, Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter joined the Democratic Caucus, making it a 65-35 Senate.

The first agenda was a huge economic stimulus bill that was meant to take America out of the deep recession it entered following the 2008 crash. The next was a healthcare reform, long advocated by liberals, that included an individual mandate and a public option. Negotiations were hard, with many conservative Democrats in the caucus, but in the end Gore and Reid took the approach of securing the most extensive deal they could with the support of at least 60 votes. Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Ronnie Musgrove (D-MS) and Max Baucus (D-MT) voted against it, making it a 61-39 win. Next, Democrats passed a comprehensive bill to combat climate change, the biggest such effort in any country, including many regulations on emissions and pollution, cap-and-trade, and a carbon tax that would be used to invest in renewable energy. Gore managed to get Musgrove's support on it, although Senators Jay Rockfeller (D-WV) and Harry Byrd (D-WV) voted against it, making it a 60-40 win.

Next was passed a popular immigration reform funding border security and granting a path ot citizenship to illegal immgirants, easing legal immigration and fortifying DREAMers, which earned support from all Democrats and Republicans Susan Collins (R-ME), Richard Lugar (R-IN), and Olympia Snow (R-ME). And lastly before the midterms a controversial effort was made to enshrine abortion rights protected in the Court's Roe vs Wade ruling. It passed 60-40, with the support of Collins and Snow and the opposition of Nelson, Conrad, Musgrove, Baucus, Rockfeller, Byrd and Landrieu.

In the 2010 midterms, Democrats lost a huge amount of seats in the House, but preserved a fairly decent majority. They also lost their filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, but retained a fairly safe majority otherwise, allowing Gore to continue confirming judges and passing reconciliation bills.

By 2012, unemployment was down to around 5% and the economic recovery was well underway. Gore was wildly popular with the base, and the broad agenda advanced during his term was considered popular in the wider public and didn't alienate many moderates. The Republican primary to face him nonetheless consisted of several heavy hitters, including former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Arizona Senator John McCain, Arkansas Senator Mike Huckabee, former Vice President Haley Barbour and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. Of them, Huckabee came out on top, considered a prototype of Republican success after being their only 2008 gain. However, while doing far better than Giuliani four years before him, he fell far short of beating President Gore. Democrats also retained a healthy Senate majority, despite losing several of their more excessive 2006 gains or holds in Nebraska, Arizona and Tennessee. Notably, Senator Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) managed to retain his seat against ultra conservative Republican Refael Cruz.



2012 U.S. Presidential Election- Final Results
President Al Gore (D-TN)/Vice President Barack Obama (D-IL)- 52.9% (358 EVs) ✔
Senator Mike Huckabee (R-AR)/U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)- 45.1% (180 EVs)
Others- 2.0% (0 EVs)

The following years continued what came to be known as the Gore realignment. Despite a hefty net loss in the 2014 midterms, Democrats nonetheless retained healthy majorities in Congress all the way to 2018. In 2016, Vice President Barack Obama easily turned back a challenge from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and won the general election by a landslide (albeit much smaller than 2008) against a controversial Republican nominee, talk show radio host Rush Limbaugh.



2016 U.S. Presidential Election- Final Results
Vice President Barack Obama (D-IL)/Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)- 53.5% (375 EVs) ✔
Radio Host Rush Limbaugh (R-MO)/Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA)- 42.1% (163 EVs)
Others- 4.4% (0 EVs)

Obama's first term included some far-reaching, controversial actions such as a removal of the filibuster, with opposition from several Democrats, in order to pass DC and Puerto Rico statehood acts, a LGBTQ protection bill protecting the community (including transgender people) from all forms of discrimination and state-level restrictions, an extensive gun control bill banning assault weapons and advancing background checks, and a new voting rights act with automatic voter registration, a federal holiday in elections, and a ban on gerrymandering (opposed by many House Democrats). Democrats were shellacked in the 2018 midterms, losing the House but retaining the Senate.

He managed to win a fourth consecutive term for his party in 2020, riding high on a popular response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but his second term was harder, with an economic crisis and a Russian invasion to Ukraine. This time the election was much closer, with Republicans repudiating extreme candidates such as businessman Donald Trump and former Governor Bobby Jindal, and instead nominating Ohio Governor John Kasich, considered a mainstream Republican. Nonetheless, Kasich was defeated.



2020 U.S. Presidential Election- Final Results
President Barack Obama (D-IL)/Vice President Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)- 51.4% (306 EVs) ✔
Fmr. Governor John Kasich (R-OH)/Governor Nikki Haley (R-SC)- 46.9% (232 EVs)
Others- 1.7% (0 EVs)

Gore's and Obama's two terms included the enshrinement of many victories of the social liberal movement - a court decision mandating legal same-sex marriage across the nation, LGBTQ protections, voting rights, abortion rights enshrinement, and funding and protection for public schools and teachers. The social conservative movement suffered a historical defeat that pulled it into irrelevance, and eventually forced it to transform to completely different priorities - all because of a crisis of morality and leadership triggered by its very champions. The economic concensus in the United States moved away from Reagenism, and the Gore 2009 stimulus and Obama 2021 covid-19 stimulus bills were considered landmarks that paved the way for a culture with a lot more government involvement in the economy.

In 2024, Republicans finally managed to come back to power. A bruised party deep in the political wilderness, they sought a candidate that could appeal to the broad public, and found one in Massachusetts Governor Karyn Polito. Finally with a trifecta again, Republicans could start enacting their agenda- including free trade, tax cuts, support for business and stricter immigration laws. With the filibuster gone, she was facing pressure from some Republicans to repeal the abortion and voting rights laws, but she decided to "leave culture wars to the kids" focus on an economic right wing agenda and foreign policy- a big part of her administration with Russia in turmoil after a failed invasion of Ukraine and China becoming a threat.



2024 U.S. Presidential Election- Final Results
Governor Karyn Polito (R-MA)/Senator Charlie Crist (R-FL)- 49.6% (316 EVs) ✔
Vice President Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)/Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)- 49.1% (222 EVs)
Others- 1.3% (0 EVs)

That fateful day in Riviera, Texas in 2006 transformed America and the world forever. But as always, despite threats and crises, liberal democracy prevailed.

List of Presidents of the United States:
43. George W. Bush (2001-2006)
44. Richard B. Cheney (2006-2006)
45. John Dennis Hastert (2006-2008)
46. Rudolph W.L. Giuliani (2008-2009)
47. Albert A. Gore Jr. (2009-2017)
48. Barack H. Obama (2017-2025)
49. Karyn E. Polito (2025-2033)
50. Gretchen E. Whitmer (2033-2041)
51. Adam D. Kinzinger (2041-2049)

List of Vice Presidents of the United States:
46. Richard B. Cheney (2001-2006)
Vacant (2006-2006)
47. Rudolph W.L. Giuliani (2006-2008)
48. Haley R. Barbour (2008-2009)
49. Barack H. Obama (2009-2017)
50. Amy J. Klobuchar (2017-2025)
51. Charles J. Crist Jr. (2025-2033)
52. Raphael G. Warnock (2033-2041)
53. Nicole R. Malliotakis (2041-2049)

The End
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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #223 on: July 12, 2022, 03:31:30 AM »
« Edited: July 12, 2022, 04:05:25 AM by America Needs R'hllor »

And with that, we've wrapped up this timeline! It started a couple years ago and I was glad to see many people enjoyed it while rereading, so I decided to finish it up. Thank you to everyone who followed!
And if anyone is reading it for the first time- I suggest reading the whole thing. Election results are fun, but they're not close to be the most exciting part of this timeline Wink
(It's obviously the part where I confused Matt Blunt as Roy Blunt's brother rather than son twice)
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« Reply #224 on: October 17, 2022, 11:22:38 PM »

Great read. Obama’s re-election map in 2020 is exactly the same as RL
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