A New Era: An Alternate 1996 Election Game
It was supposed to be the year that over a decade of Republican rule would finally end. Alas, it was not to be. What happened? Fingers were pointed everywhere and recriminations hurled. Liberal Democrats said that the New Democrat experiment had failed, that it was time for the return of the liberal ideas that had seemingly been rejected since 1980.
However, victory turned to ash in Bush's mouth. In 1993, the economy failed to tick up, and the minor recession of 1992 turned into a major one in 1994. Employment numbers crashed. Attempts to enact various austerity measures were vigorously opposed by the now revitalised Democratic Party, and combined with some slick campaigning, the Democrats held their Senate majority and expanded their seats in the House, going from 258 to 272.
it seemd that the Republican Party was dead and buried, but with the 1994 Liberal Revolution came the left-wing ideas that people thought were dead and buried. Death penalty aboltion, raising taxes on the wealthy, single-payer healthcare, gun control and more. As the 1996 election draws near, people are convinced that the Republican Party is headed for certain defeat, but perhaps the right campaign can paint their Democratic opponents as left-wing fanatics . . .
Rules:
This game will simulate an alternate 1996 where despite a victory in 1992, George H. W. Biush has had to contend with an increased Democratic majority in Congress and an ongoing recession. The rules are as follows:
-Each turn will last 72 hours and simulate one in-game week. Once we hit the primaries, this is subject to change.
-Endorsements are limited to two per turn. High profile endorsements such as President Bush or Speaker of the House Tom Foley are off-limits until a nominee becomes apparent.
-Senators and Representatives can choose to propose legislation and votes on them will be simulated during the turn.
-Be sure to attend to the duties of your office! If not, it may seem as though you're avoiding doing your job.
Suggested candidates
Democrats:
Senator Al Gore of Tennessee
Governor Mario Cuomo of New York (SO19)
Senator Joe Biden of Delaware
Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts
Governor Ann Richards of Texas (Mycool)
Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey (Elcaspar)
Fmr. Rep. Geraldine Ferraro (Ishan)
Others available on request
Republicans
Vice President Dan Quayle (JacksonHitchock)
Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell of New York (HoosierDemocrat)
Governor Bill Weld of Massachussetts
Senator John McCain of Arizona (RGM2609)
Others on request
Independents/third party candidates
Donald Trump of New York
Ross Perot of Texas
Ralph Nader of Connecticut
Harry Browne of Tennessee
Others on request