Sex, Scandal, and South Carolina

[HST1948]

Hey y'all! I used to post on this board a while back (I think I started in 2012 with "The Confession") and have been gone for a while. I am hoping to get back into posting on the forum. I have been a loyal (albeit silent) follower of all things on the forum even though I haven't posted in a few years-- I really enjoy reading everyone's posts and look forward to getting back into this. This next story will take parts of my last story, but have a different underlying focus. So all that said, let's jump into (or back to) 2007!

JANUARY 12, 2007

CNN BREAKING NEWS: Race For '08 Heats Up as Sanford Announces Bid for Whitehouse

Governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford, announces his bid for the 2008 Republican Nomination outside of the state capitol in Columbia, South Carolina. The popular governor makes an impassioned speech highlighting his fiscal and social conservatism as well as high economic accomplishments for the state of South Carolina. This announcement comes shortly after Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld have declined to run for the Republican nomination for president.  [/size][/center]

February 5, 2007

CNN BREAKING NEWS: NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani Announces Candidacy for President

The second major Republican to join the presidential race is former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Mayor Giuliani gained national fame and became "America's Mayor" following the September 11th attacks. His announcement focused on his success in guiding New York City through the September Eleventh attacks and reforming New York City during the 90s. The speech struck a passionate and patriotic tone, exciting his audience in a very a classic Giuliani way.

February 10, 2007

CNN: Illinois Senator Barack Obama Announces Candidacy for Presidency

On the steps of the Illinois State Capitol, Senator Barack Obama announces his candidacy for presidency of the United States. The young, charismatic senator was elected just 3 years ago to the Senate. He had become a rising start after his speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Many in the Democratic Party see him as a possible alternative (and foe) to New York State Senator and former First Lady Hillary Clinton, who currently holds large leads in the Democratic Primary polls.

NYT Front Page: Hillary Clinton 2008 Coming Announcement Soon

Hillary Clinton has been silent about her 2008 plans so far, but is widely expected to throw her hat in the ring in the coming days. Most national polls show, should she enter, she would be the initial front runner for the Democratic nomination. However, polls also show she may have some weaknesses going up against some of the Republican contenders, including heavy-weights Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and the likes. Rumors around Washington have it that Democratic leadership has been looking for an alternative to the polarizing Senator from New York, Many believe they have found that in Senator Barack Obama. Whether or not the Junior Senator from Illinois will be able to put up a formidable challenge remains to be seen.

[HST1948]

February 21: A Surprise Entry

New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey Announces Presidential Bid

During an impassioned speech at the New Jersey State Capitol in Trenton, Governor Jim McGreevey makes a passionate case for his bid to be president of the United States.  

"After months of prayer, consideration, and discussion with my family, friends, and colleagues I have decided to run for president of the United States of America.  I believe that my experience as the Governor of New Jersey, a reformer and a father give me the experience needed to guide this country through the challenges we face.  I'm in this race for the long Haul and I'm in it to win!"

The entrance of the young, charismatic New Jersey Governor was unexpected. He had previously made definitive statements that he had no intentions of seeking the Democratic nomination and many had written off the governor after he and his wife went through a dramatic divorce just a year prior. However, the governor had a successful legislative session and has landed on his feet with high approval ratings in his home state-- no small feat for a New Jersey governor.

McGreevey is now the eighth Democratic candidate to announce a campaign or exploratory committee for this election, the others being Joe Biden, Tom Vilsack, Chris Dodd, Dennis Kucinich, John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Mike Gravel.  Most pundits expect Hillary Clinton and Bill Richardson will also announce their campaigns in the coming days.

Although the media reacted favorably to the young Governor's entrance into the race, the general consensus in the days following his entrance was that he was a long shot candidate against Clinton, Obama and Edwards.  This consensus was confirmed by a Gallup poll released two days after McGreevey announced the formation of his exploratory committee.

Gallup 2008 Democratic Primary Poll
Clinton: 33%
Obama: 19%
Edwards: 14:
McGreevey: 5%
Richardson: 5%
Biden: 3%
Dodd: 2%
Kucinich: 1%
Vilsack: 1%

[HST1948]

The Republican Field Takes Shape

Announced Candidates
Mark Sanford, Governor of South Carolina
John McCain, Senator from Arizona
Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts
Duncan Hunter, Representative California
Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas
Ron Paul, Representative Texas
Alan Keyes, former U.S. Ambassador
Fred Thompson, former Senator of Tennessee
Sam Brownback, Senator from Kansas
Jim Gilmore, former Governor of Virginia
Tom Tancredo, Representative from Colorado
Tommy Thompson, former Governor of Wisconsin[/center]

Gallup National Republican Primary Poll
Rudy Giuliani 35%
Mark Sanford 21%
John McCain 12%
Fred Thompson 9%
Mitt Romney 6%
Mike Huckabee 6%
Ron Paul 2%
Jim Gilmore 1%
Tommy Thompson 1%
Sam Brownback 1%

[Morgan Kingsley]

The title made me think this was a Thurmond timeline

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Please familiarize yourself with image copyright rules.

[インターネット掲示板ユーザー Punxsutawney Phil]

The title made me think this was a Thurmond timeline

Really? My mind thought John Edwards from the get-go.

[America Needs R'hllor]

Looks fun so far!