A Different America: 1956, The Eisenhower Administration

[Orwell]

The Eisenhower administration

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wikimedia commons

The Cabinet
Secretary of State: George F. Kennan
Secretary of the Treasury: Robert B. Anderson
Attorney General: Emanuel Celler
Secretary of the Interior: George S. Long
Secretary of Agriculture: Elmer Thomas
Secretary of Commerce: Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.
Secretary of Labor: Lister Hill
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: Claude Pepper

Rolls
Eisenhower health (1-10 death): 41
Kefauver health (1-10 death): 53
Corruption: 6
Civil Unrest: 92
New USSR leader (1-60 Khruschev 61-100 Malenkov): 78 (Malenkov)
Rosenberg clemency (1-90 No, 91-100 yes): 77
Korean Armistice (1-90 Yes, 91-100 no): 88
Iranian Coup: 16 (Coup fails, Mosaddegh retains power)
Eisenhower approval rating:
Economy 1952-1954: 95
Economy 1954-1956: 76
1954 Olympics: 54
Midterm Republicans: 68
Midterm Democrats: 54
Eisenhower approval rating: 58 (Eisenhower averages similar to his OTL approval of 60%)
Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1-80 Same as OTL 81-100 French victory): 78
Brown v. Board of Education: 100 (Unanimous decision, ordering immediate desegregation)
Racial violence during integration: 50
University of Mississippi riots: 26
Guatemala Coup: 69 (Succeeds)
Civil Rights movement: 67



Player Rolls
Will Angler (KaiserDave) (+10): 78 + 10 = 88
Congressman Gerald O’Connor (Entropy) (+10): 81 + 10 = 91
Congressman Anton Jepson (Elcapsar) (+12): 55 + 12 = 67
Thomas Kenway (GoTFan) (+5): 89 + 5 = 94
Congressman Marcus Jackson II (+20): 94 + 20 = 114
Helen Nolan Tobin: 7

Eisenhower’s First Term

As President Eisenhower and Vice President Kefauver were inaugurated they quickly set out on a course of changes. The creation of a United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare was one of their first actions which quickly passed through Congress, and to serve as the Secretary of Health Education and Welfare, President Eisenhower selected his close friend and ally Senator Claude Pepper of Florida, the Governor of Florida appointed Marcus Jackson to the seat to succeed Pepper.

Other than the creation of the new Federal Department, President Eisenhower focused on tax cuts, organized labor, and foreign policy. Following the unanimous court decision in Brown v. Topeka Kansas Board of Education which ordered immediate desegregation of public schools, President Eisenhower ordered the 101st and 82nd Airborne to the most afflicted states of Alabama and Mississippi where the soldiers protected the integration process at High Schools throughout the state.
   

Soldiers in the 101st airborne escorting African American students to class in Mississippi

In the 1954 midterm elections, The Democrats lost 25 seats they had gained in the 1952 election reducing their majority down to 235-200, and the loss of 5 seats in the Senate, with Republican victories in West Virginia, Illinois, Montana, Colorado, and Nevada being the highlight of the night, but in Iowa, the young lawyer and activist Thomas Kenway won a resounding victory with President Eisenhower campaigning on his behalf, the Democrats also lost a pair of Senate seats to Independents when Mississippi Senator James Eastland, and newly minted South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond who had been the States Rights Party nominee for President in 1948. The standing of the Senate now is 53 Democrats, 41 Republicans, and 2 Independents.

The next major piece of legislation was the Veterans Aid Act, presented by newly minted Senator Marcus Jackson, it passed both houses of Congress easily and with the help of the Congressman's allies throughout the house and his newly found friendship with the majority whip J. Percy Priest and he had gained himself a posse of young Congressman, among those allied in the Senate with Jackson, were Jack Kennedy, Scoop Jackson, and Marion Daniel. The 4 men were all young, and veterans of World War 2, all were committed anti-communists as well. Following the 1954 midterm elections, the group was joined by a new member Senator Thomas Kenway of Iowa.

A few problems presented themselves to Senator Marcus Jackson, the one at the forefront was if he would sign the Southern Manifesto denouncing the Brown v. Board of Education decision, or if he would refuse to sign it. If he refused to sign it may spell difficulty for his future in politics in Florida, with the likelihood of a primary challenger facing him in the general election of 1956. The other concern would be how to capitalize on his popularity, he was young, charismatic, and being offered a place to speak at the Democratic convention in 1956 as apart of the future of the party, but if he is also offered a place among the Democratic committees to decide the party's platform (outside of Ike! of course) and he can only select one of the options.

For Senator Thomas Kenway the election season was easier than expected as President Eisenhower had lent support whenever needed, and he was able to cruise to a victory with lockstep support among veterans and labor in the farm state. He was also able to secure the election of a newfound political friend, Herschel C. Loveless to the Iowa Governor's mansion in the fall, and saw Wyoming elect Bill Jack as well in a victory for the Plains Democrats. Kenway was given the opportunity to nominate President Eisenhower at the 1956 convention the only question was the style of speech he wished to give.

Gerry O'Connor had achieved a large step up following the 1954 midterm elections as he was named a Deputy Whip of the Democratic majority. In Chicago, things were not as pleasant as Richard Daley had won the Democratic Mayoral race, and then the Mayorship, things were eating up between the different sides of the party, but with O'Connor having stayed neutral there was an opportunity for him to intervene and mediate between the two sides. He was also offered a spot on the Democratic policy committee for the 1956 convention.

Will Angler has found himself at the centerfold of Vermont politics, over the past 4 years his efforts finally paid off and he found himself a better man for it. He was victorious in the Republican primary in the spring of 1956, this held tantamount to the Governorship in deep red Vermont. All seems well for the Vermont State Senator who will soon be in the Governor's mansion.

Helen Nolan Tobin was unable to win the Senate election in Massachusetts, but she had won the primary and with that, she drew a name to herself. She was offered a place in the office of recently elected Governor of New York Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. as his personal secretary and assistant a powerful position.

In the 1954 midterm elections Anton Jepson the firey young Minnesotan nearly was defeated, if it weren't for a late stop by Senator Humphrey to repay his friend Jepson for his hard work and perseverance another Democrat may have been defeated, but by a margin of 544 votes Anton Jepson was reelected in the fall of 1954, but the bad news was that Jepson was not offered an important committee due to the leaderships fear that he would be defeated in a coming election. 

[Huey Long is a Republican]

On the choice between being a member who speaks at the 1956 Convention or being one of the individuals who decides the policy for the Platform of the Party, Senator Jackson decides to go with being a speaker of the Convention, though he recommends Senators Kennedy or Henry Jackson to be the Keynote speakers as he speaks on his Veterans' Aid Act. The reason for this is the Florida Senator believes he has not garnered enough experience to make crucial party platform decisions for the time being, though he does hint that he could be ready for such an occasion in 1960 or 1964.

On the issue of the Southern Manifesto, Senator Jackson signs it but makes it abundantly clear that he only supports the right of the states to make their own decisions over the right of the courts to choose for them, stating while declaring he would sign it "It is clear to many across the country that I and many others, such as Arkansas Senator William Fulbright, will be called racists for agreeing on such legislation or others will say that we hate America and all it stands for by signing this agreement. That could not be further from the truth, for we are all proud Americans, I fought for this great country in the War and I'll gladly do so again. No, my issue is on the Supreme Court believing they'll be able to walk over the States and make the rules for us. Make no mistake, it is we, the States, that make this country so great, and it is we, the states, that give the federal government the power it currently holds and it is we, the states, that can take the power and limit the government once more to what it should be. Nothing more than a fence to enforce the laws and make sure the Nations' Citizens do not do anything illegal or get hurt. On Brown v Board of Education, the Supreme Court overstepped her boundaries and instead, the Federal Government should work with the Court to come to a better and more understanding agreement between the two sides." and with that, he hoped the great specter of Civil Rights and the like would finally fall away from his head, though he suspected that it was only just the beginning for him.

In the meantime and in the lead-up to the Convention, Senator Jackson has decided to meet with several Moderate Conservative Democrats as well as Senate Majority Leader Ernest McFarland and Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy, as well as offering to extend an invitation Senator Thomas Kenway of Iowa, for a meeting on which of three things should be introduced as a potential XXIII Amendment : The Right of States over the Federal Government, An Amendment against Corruption or Treason of any sort, or an Amendment on the United States Draft as well as the Legal Voting Age, with Jackson himself leaning between the first and third options himself, though he wouldn't be against the second one as well. He offers the invitation to the rest of the Democratic and even the Republican Senate Leadership, his two other friends in the Senate, and Speaker Rayburn, hoping for a Majority vote on an idea for a XXIII Amendment in the 15 person group.

At the same time, he begins to campaign heavily in Florida, giving speeches consistently on what he has done for the state since entering Congress eight years prior as well as his pushing for ideas that most other congressmen hadn't tried getting done, such as the Veterans' Aid Act, which he stated "Has never even been attempted in Congress before I brought it up for a vote in 1954 and yet it got more than enough support to become law." He also proposes the idea of a Federal Department for Veterans' Affairs, mainly on their health and care, stating "The position of many veterans is distinct and different from many other Americans and while President Eisenhower did make a good judgement call on crafting the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, with my Predecessor Cluade Pepper as its first Secretary, there must be a Department for the care of those who gave it their all for this country, as my Veterans' Aid Act can only do so much to help them." and as for the potential as to who'll be the first to head it, he states that he'll support one of these six men : Richard Nixon, Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., Harry P. Cain, Paul H. Douglas, Joseph A. Frear, or Russell B. Long, with the reason behind his support for three potential Republicans as the first Secretary of that position being "the care for our Veterans and not be down to petty Partisan Politics. These six men served in the war and they would make good choices for their fellow servicemen regardless of party lines because that's just what Veterans do!" As all this goes on in the weeks leading up to the Republican Convention, his brother has caused a stir about a potential bid for Governor this year against the incumbent LeRoy Collins, who Jackson personally admires, though Louis Jackson has stated that he has no interest. Like it or not, it seems the Senator will need to make a choice about his brother soon enough.

[GoTfan]

Thomas Kenway, 1954-56

Senator Thomas Kenway. It sounded almost unreal, and yet here was the 36 year old, a freshman US Senator from Iowa, with an ally and friend in the governor's mansion. It was a surreal moment when the race was called for him, having held no political office before, but his greatest joy of 1954 came on April 21, when he and his wife welcomed their first child into the world, a boy name Archibald, or Archie for short.

He quickly staked out his ground in the Senate as a member of the liberal crowd with men like Humphrey, Jackson and Douglas, advocating for typical liberal positions such as maintaining the legacy of the New Deal and balancing the domestic economy between organised labor and responsible management. Despite being a fervent anti-communist, he remain even more opposed to attempts to restrct civil liberties, holding true to his ideals of innocent until proven guilty and believing that persecution for political beliefs was not just a First Amendment violation, but made them no better than the Soviets.

Brown v. Board of Education would force him to take a public stand on civil rights, and he was unequivocal in his support, stating that "The time has come for the Democratic Party to walk out of the shadow of state's rights, and into the bright sunshine of human rights!"

Needless to say, his position was stated.

He ultimately decided to decline discussions on an Amendment at this stage, feeling he needed to gather experience in the Senate. In particular, he aimed for seats on the Agriculture and Forestry and Armed Services Committees, seeing as he represented a farming state and had served on the Western Front in 1944-45.

As 1956 began, he received an offer: he was to make the nominating speech for the President at the 1956 National Convention! Things were happening fast for a man who 8 years ago, was just studying law at the University of Iowa. What to say in the speech . . .

[KaiserDave]

Will Angler

...my friends I can see a Vermont where we have peace, we have prosperity, and we have a happy and contented people. But it won't happen without you, without us. We will have to put in work my friends. Good hard work. We have to be the progress, the change that we want to see in this state. But my friends it can be done, we're going to put in the work, I've been trying to do my bit at the Golden Dome, and folks I'm honored to accept your nomination for Governor to continue that work."

He had done it. Only 8 years before he'd been running for his local representation seat. And now he was on the verge on the highest position in Vermont politics. Who knew where it could go from there. Will shook Governor Emerson's hand and kissed his now fiancé Josephine Walters. His campaign was big, bold, and progressive. He promised big bonuses for Korea veterans, sweeping civil rights legislation, an economic package that would simultaneously balance the budget, reduce the sales tax, and provide affordable health insurance options to the elderly. Perhaps one day to be expanded to all. If only the national politicians would pass that medicare program. The Governor's office was about to be his, and it was time for change!

As for the 1956 election, Will was not satisfied with the field. Dick Nixon? John Bricker? Everett Dirksen? Conservatives, and Taftists. If the Republicans wanted to be the party of progress they needed something more bold.

[Elcaspar]

It was a close shave for Anton Jepsen in 1954 that's for sure. His House race was only won by a very narrow 544 votes, and he might very well have lost if it were not for a late campaign stop by his friend Senator Hubert Humphrey. And it was the very fear of defeat that prevented Jepsen from getting an important Committee position in the House. But Jepsen was hopeful that he would be granted a Committee position after he had shown that he could win in a midterm year.

Jepsen was heavily supportive of the Court's decision in Brown vs. Board of Education, and frequently appeared on the House Floor in support of the decision as well as in support of the Civil Rights Movement. He was heavily critical of the Southern Manifesto, declaring that:
"It's a document that exists to deny the decision of one of the branches of the United States Government, that being the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States. They say that the decision is unconstitutional, and yet the Supreme Court has the power to make such a decision as one of the branches of our government. It was the Southerners who declared that we should respect the decision that the Supreme Court made in Dredd Scott vs Sanford, and yet we see their modern counterparts argue that the Supreme Court no longer deserves respect? Not to mention the blatant disregard of the civil liberties that the Southern States impose upon African-Americans, denying them the same rights that every other American citizen enjoys per the Constitution. It's about damn time we started properly enforcing the 14th and 15th Amendments, and put human rights over states rights."

Jepsen also directed a response towards the remarks of Senator Jackson from Florida:
"While i may agree with Senator Jackson on some economic issues, he is just dead wrong on the issue of Civil Rights. You and Senator Fulbright may say all you want about the fact that you are just proud Americans, and that it couldn't be further from the truth that you are racists, but by explicitly supporting state's rights, you are implicitly supporting a state's right to disenfranchise and discriminate against American citizens. I went to fight in the Second World War because i believed we were in a fight against oppression, and yet i find myself fighting the same battle here against oppression here at home in Congress against those who do not want to provide rights and freedoms to all Americans, and all because they believe in state's rights? It's racism, whether they outright show it explicitly or implicitly trough their support of a states rights to institutionalized racism."

After this Jepsen returns to his district as he wants to prevent a race as close as 1954, and will heavily campaign in his home district of MN-5 to prevent it from getting in Republican hands. Jepsen   will also campaign for the Eisenhower/Kefauver ticket when he is able to do so.  

[Continential]

After her loss, Helen Tobin knew that she needed to have a stable job, so she ran for Mayor of Boston in 1955 against Mayor Hynes, running a Progressive Campaign. As for her future in National or outside local politics, she guessed that that her future would be Mayor or State Senator or Representative.

[Orwell]

The Republican National Convention of 1956

Primary Rolls
Governor Joe Foss: 93
Former Senator John Bricker: 66
Former Governor Harrold Stassen: 18
Former Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.: 30
Senator Everett Dirksen: 23

The Republican Party entered their 1956 convention confused, their nominee from 4 years ago President Warren was finished with politics, as was his Vice President Thomas E. Dewey. Both men held great clout among the Republicans still, but it seemed that in 1956 the party would move away from the path it had taken with Warren and Dewey, and instead take a more conservative bent, as would be seen with the leading candidates for the nomination in the 1956 cycle.

1956 Republican primary map (Note: Cabot Lodge won Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and D.C.)
   

   The Governor of South Dakota and World War 2 hero Joe Foss is the leading Republican candidate, in the Minnesota primary he practically eliminated Former Governor Harrold Stassen by delivering a defeat, and he went onto win 7 states (California, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and the Alaska Territory) Foss is apart of the arch-conservative wing of the GOP, he was both fiscally and socially conservative, and in favor of loosening the regulations on business. With Foss being only 40 years old, many in the GOP believe it an opportunity to steal the younger voters from the Democrats, along with the age of Eisenhower being a factor.

The next leading candidate is someone that was allied to the Warren camp, Former Attorney General and Senator from Ohio John W. Bricker, Bricker was victorious in 5 states (Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Florida, and West Virginia) Bricker who has spent the last 2 decades in political office began as the Attorney General of Ohio, before being elected three times as the Governor of Ohio, and serving as Thomas Dewey’s running mate in the 1944 Presidential election against Franklin Roosevelt. Both Foss and Bricker hold similar plans for governance, but the real difference is youth versus experience.

In a distant third sits Senator Everett Dirksen of Illinois, he represents much of the legislative GOP, as he served for 17 years in the House of Representatives before defeating the Democratic leader Scott Lucas in the 1950 Senate elections. Dirksen was able to carry the two largest primary states (Illinois and Pennsylvania) however, many questions if he truly wants to be President, and he is seen primarily as doing this to raise his political standings in hope of one day becoming the Republican leader in the United States Senate.

The final serious candidate and the most liberal of the bunch is Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., the former Senator from Massachusetts who was defeated in the Democratic landslide of 1952. Lodge represents much of the Eastern Establishment of the GOP, he is a close ally of Former President Thomas Dewey and New York Republican Nelson Rockefeller. Lodge was victorious in the New Hampshire, Massachusetts, D.C., and New Jersey primaries during the primary cycle, with his political connections and his victories in the populist Northeastern states could see the possibility of a Lodge nomination grow.

There is also the opportunity to attempt to draft a candidate if you want.

Due to Foss’s primary victories, he gets my vote.

Player Rolls
Marcus Jackson II(+20): 40 + 20 = 60
Thomas Kenway (+5): 42 + 5 = 47
Will Angler (+5): 35 + 5= 40
Anton Jepson (+15): 64 + 15 = 79
Helen Nolan Tobin: 91

Marcus Jackson is able to gain the Department of Veterans Affairs as apart of the Democratic Platform for the 1956 cycle. While his relationship with some of the more liberal Democratic Senators, such as Kennedy and Humphrey, was damaged by his signing of the Southern Manifesto, he did further cement his favorite as a leader of the southern Senators. Vice President Kefauver however, did not look so kindly towards Jackson for his actions on the manifesto. The other young Senators have also mostly abandoned him due to his aversion for Civil Rights.

Thomas Kenway has become one of the young liberal leaders in the Senate, with his friends in Kennedy, Humphrey, and Jackson. Each of the men was considered a Presidential hopeful in the future, Kenway was junior to the other three in both age and seniority, but he was still well respected for his speech on the Senate floor.

It seemed that the only option of the primary for Will Angler was Senator Lodge, the rest were far too conservative for the Vermont State Senator, but even with this progressive bent he still was a loyal Republican and looked to be cruising to an easy election come November of 1956.

Anton Jepson was able to deal significant damage to Senator Jackson for his signing of the southern manifesto and his opposition to civil rights. Jepson also established himself as one of the most prominent voices on civil rights, and as a prominent liberal within the House of Representatives.

Helen Nolan Tobin was able to successfully build her profile for a run for Mayor in 1959 as the 1955 Mayoral election has already happened.

You guys will have 48 hours to vote on the First Ballot of the RNC and do any roleplaying you wish to do.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Foss for RNC and Ike! for DNC

[KaiserDave]

Will Angler

Will was immensely disappointed with the Republicans. Joe Foss? John Bricker? This was the old hat, regardless of age, the ideology was old. Republicans could not go back to Know-Nothing politics and business subservience and win elections. Where was the lesson of 1936? It was Tedyy Roosevelt who had led Republicans to landslides, Warren who had defeated the New Deal Coalition. Joe Foss or John Bricker would sputter out against Dwight Eisenhower. Heck if they nominated Foss Angler knew he'd privately vote for Eisenhower. Although he'd never say so.

But for now Will put his efforts into averting disaster and supporting the candidacy or Senator Lodge. Angler met with Senator Lodge and his entourage, and though he was not yet Governor he began to whip the Vermont delegates behind Lodge. He personally met with undecided delegates and delegates opposed to Lodge. He used a combination of the carrot and stick to win over delegates with promises of state party positions or isolation from party affairs. He hoped that the Senator, as well as the other giants of liberal Republican politics, like Nelson Rockefeller would remember his efforts.

If Lodge were to fail however, but only if that was assured Angler considered supporting efforts to draft C. Douglas Dillon as a dark horse. However that was highly unlikely. Bur if Joe Foss won, Angler knew he was packing his bags and heading back to Stowe. But if Lodge could win....perhaps a convention speech was possible.



Conclusion: Lodge for RNC and Ike for DNC

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Senator Jackson, while hurt by the end of several friendships, has stated that in politics friendships sometimes do end and one must accept that. Despite this, however, he is glad to see the Department of Veterans' Affairs added to the Democratic Platform and he hopes to see some access on his front to draft up a XXIII on one of the three topics. He decides to request a meeting with President Eisenhower, Vice President Kefauver, Speaker Rayburn, Senate Majority Leader McFarland, Senate Minority Leader Knowland, and House Minority Leader Martin to reach a Bi-Partisan consensus on the ideas he presents. As for the Vice President and his feelings for Senator Jackson, the Senator himself made it very clear in 1952 during his speech for the Vice presidential nomination of Pepper that he doesn't like Kefauver for several reasons, stating "I don't like the Vice President on personal preference. It's just politics and me and him will never be good friends and I'm not afraid to admit that." Even though he knows this'll risk his standing with some of the establishment in the party, he's made it clear that he stands mostly on his own morals and beliefs, though he has made it clear of his overabundant support of President Eisenhower with multiple Ike! yard signs and stickers in his Senate Office and he even states "The President is perhaps one of the greatest men to lead this country, especially in a time like this and if I could, I'd vote for him from now until the end of time!" As for Civil Rights, while he does stand strongly on States' Rights, he also states how strongly he is against the use of the police to break up Peaceful Protests, stating "We fought Adolf Hitler and his Nazi slime in the Second World War to defeat a brutal idea and while I stand strongly on States' rights as opposed to the Federal Government being able to intervene in the rights of the states willy nilly, I will most certainly put my foot down on the crackdown of peaceful protests in this country. This is America, not Communist China or the Soviet Union. We fought the Revolutionary War for the First Amendment and no individual, be it Dark Skin Colored, White skin colored, woman, or man, should have their first amendment rights revoke, for we all have the freedom to speak our mind and the right to peacefully assemble and I think all red-blooded Americans agree with me when I say that the only good idea for a police crackdown is when a protest becomes violent, in which case it becomes a riot and becomes completely unacceptable." While he knows he'll ruffle up the feathers of some southerners, he has made it clear that he does not want to see the First Amendment rights of any citizen abused and overruled.

As for his brother, Senator Jackson meets with Governor Collins in the State Capitol and discusses a solution in which either Louis Jackson is appointed as Florida Secretary of State, setting up a run for Governor in 1960 most likely, or both men work with the Florida state legislation to bring back the position of Lieutenant Governor, so as to prevent a Primary Challenge from Louis against LeRoy, though he has also told Louis that if anything, he should either A) Run for the House or B) Remain in the Florida State Senate and act as Senate Majority Whip for the time being if Collins declines both offers, as Senator Marcus Jackson will endorse Collins over his brother, even if it hurts him.

[Elcaspar]

For the chaos i will vote for Joe Foss to get the Republican Party nomination. And naturally i will support Eisenhower and Kefauver for renomination for the Democrats.

[Cabbage]

(Sorry I'm late with this; got busy all of a sudden)

Gerry sat down with the two most powerful men in Chicago in a room that could not have been more grim at the time. Also present were three other men: Eddie McVeigh, for the outgoing Mayor; Luca Torreselli, for the incoming one; and Dan Rostenkowski (a rising star in Gerry's staff now that he'd gone straight) for the Congressman hoping to bring them into line.

"Gentlemen, I know this is unpleasant," he began. "I like both of you very much as men and politicians, and I hate to see you so torn apart over this-"

"It wouldn't be like this if Dick here knew his place!" Kennelly snapped.

"Yeah. We'd have Mayor Merriam if I did!" Daley shot back. This was going to be tough.

"And we'll have Merriam in '59 if you two don't stop this childishness." Both men turned back to the man seated across from them, twenty years Daley's junior, thirty-five Kennelly's. "We beat off the Kluxers because we were united. We beat off the Republicans in '50 because we were united. Hell, let's go national. We put Hoover out because we were united. We lost in '48 because we were divided. And Ike's in the White House, we have more than 250 House seats even after the midterms, and we're looking good to re-elect the first President in 12 years, with a bill to grant veterans financial and medical aid, because we're united! If we split now, no one wins expect the Republi-(here Gerry used a term that, while humorous and accurate to everyone in the room, is not appropriate for restatement on Atlas)!"

Kennelly and Daley blinked. Torreselli smirked, barely stifling a chuckle. McVeigh failed. Dan simply stood there with a smile on his face.

"It's over, for better..." he nodded to Daley "...or worse," he nodded to Kennelly. "But if we are united we will win in '56, we will win in '58, '59, '60, and so on, because we're right, dammit!"

Both men looked at each other. Daley was the first to speak. "All right, Gerry. We'll think about it. No promises, though."

Gerry nodded. "That's all I ask."


Gerry gladly accepted a position on the policy committee, and began pushing for Medicare to be placed on the 1956 platform. He suggested that, while the elderly skew conservative, if they knew they could be receiving cheap healthcare, and so not burden themselves or their families with debt, such circumstances could quickly change. The conservatives on the committee weren't thrilled with the idea, but admitted the logic had some merit, especially when Gerry added that unions which already provided such insurance could save a boatload with this, allowing them to (if they so desired) lower dues and weaken the right-to-work movement.


Joe Foss '56 vs. a renominated Eisenhower/Kefauver

[Continential]

Helen Tobin will campaign with Eisenhower in Massachusetts

[GoTfan]

Thomas Kenway, 1956

Tom would divide his time between raising Archie in Iowa City and meeting his job requirements as a new Senator in DC. He understood how forthnate he was to make early friendships with men like Humphrey, Jackson . . .and Kennedy. He was focused on building a coalition of Senators who supported Civil Rights measures, with an eye to getting a proper Act passed in the future.

Of course, the highlight of the year was the nominating speech he was going to deliver to the Cpnvention for Eisenhower. One of the highest profile speech slots at a National Convention, and it was all his. A chance to elevate himself in front of the entire country. Only a fool would pass that up. Building on his experiences in the war, he stepped up to address the delegates.

"12 years ago, I stood on a transport plane over northern France, waiting to parachute into combat. I remember thinking that if one man could get us through this, it was Eisenhower.

Four years ago, this country elected Ike to stand up against the Soviet Union, to safeguard our economy, and to guide our nation into a brighter future. Not only has he stood up for these values, but he has activrly defended them in the face of an oppositions that is rallying around the arch-conservatives. The ideological forefathers of thesemen arrayed against us drove us into the Great Depression.

We cannot return to those days.

Ike's administration has led us back to the ideals of the New Deal. The ideals that brought us out of the Great Depression, and the ideals that crushed the tide of fascism that threayened to take over the world, and the same ideals that will defend us against the forces of Communism!

Dwight D. Eisenhower stands ready to bring this nation forward, and continue the march of progress that has always defined our nation's destiny.

Delegates at this Convention, my fellow Democrats, I ask you to re-nominate Dwight D. Eisenhower for President of these United States! "

It would probably land with a thud, he reasoned, he was no great speechmaker

[Orwell]

1956 Republican Convention
San Franciso, California

Rolls
Joe Foss(+20): 75 + 20 = 95
Everett Dirksen: 22
Henry Cabot Lodge Jr(+5): 72 + 5 = 77
John W. Bricker: 13

Department of Defense

It seems on the first ballot much of the establishment had chosen their man, with the complete collapse of the support of Dirksen and Bricker among the delegates won on the first ballot both candidates were in an impossible position. Following the shifts on the first ballot, the nomination was secured by Governor Foss despite the best efforts of Former Senator Lodge, who secured the New England states, New York, and New Jersey but was not able to put together a large enough voting bloc as many Republicans outside of New England were not prepared to support such an outspoken internationalist as Senator Lodge.

With the end of the first ballot and the selection of Governor Foss as the Republican nominee for President, it was seen of the utmost importance to select a Vice President that could balance the party and solid experience as either an executive leader or in Congress.

The top candidate for the Vice Presidency is California Senator William F. Knowland, Knowland has spent the last 11 years in the Senate, and has staked out a conservative path, following the resignation of Robert Taft to be Secretary of Defense, he became the Senate Minority leader and has served at that post since 1949. The selection of Knowland as Vice President would double down on key themes the GOP is attempting to hammer home, he is also immensely popular in his home state of California carrying over 80 counties in his reelection in 1952 in the face of the Democratic wave in other parts of the nation. He is also a strong ally of Former President Warren and could help mend the fences between Foss and the establishment.

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Another major candidate is Representative Charles Halleck of Indiana, the only person on the list to represent a state carried by President Warren, 4 years ago, Halleck is a Republican leader and a long time Congressman with good legislative experience and solid legislative allies. Between 1947-1951 Halleck was the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives and since the Democratic takeover of the House in the 1950 midterm elections he has served as the House minority whip. Halleck is a strong conservative but doesn’t truly add to the ticket in ways other than experience, as he is seen primarily as a legislative mind instead of a great campaigner.

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The final major candidate is Former Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. while unlike the other two candidates he has no elected office at this time it is thought that he isn’t currently seeking the Vice Presidency as he feels he could not run second fiddle to Foss, but if he were to be drafted by the convention he promises to serve. With the quick nomination and his ability to only consolidate the New England states and those controlled by his political allies, it is warranted to see if Lodge can win in the future, if he is not nominated at the convention it serves to see he may run again for Senator, Governor, or possibly another run for the Presidency in 1960 as he is only 54 years old.

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Player Rolls
Will Angler (KaiserDave) (+5): 9 + 5 = 14
Marcus Jackson II (NTP) (+20): 5 + 20 = 25
Thomas Kenway (GoTFan) (+15): 100 + 15 = 115
Gerald O’Connor (Entropy)(+10): 97 + 10 = 107
Helen Nolan Tobin (Ishan): 25

At the Democratic convention in Chicago, Illinois both President Eisenhower and Vice President Kefauver were renominated by acclamation at the convention. However, the true star of the night was Iowa Senator Thomas Kenway, who brought the convention floor to its feet with a terrific recount of his service under General Eisenhower, and how President Eisenhower has served the nation it brought the crowd to chant “4 more years! 4 more years! 4 more years!” the speech catapulted Kenway to the front of many New Deal Liberal circles and made him a possible contender for President in the future.

   Behind the scenes in Chicago, things were working to the plans of Congressman Gerald O’Connor, with his work with Mayor Daley and the other King’s of the Chicago Machine he had placed himself as an integral partner to this machine. He had brought peace to the tense factions where many thought there would be an outright Civil War among the Cook County Democratic Party, but no, because of the fast thinking and persuasion of Congressman O’Connor there was peace in our time between both sides of the Democratic Party in Chicago, and it seemed that the convention would go off without a hitch, better yet it seemed that the committee in which he had been apart of was able to put a broad progressive Senior Healthcare plan into the platform of the party, with a victory in November that could surely boost the chances of passage.

   While he had been apart of the Lodge supporters in the convention it was all for not for Gubernatorial candidate Will Angler, he was almost sure to win in November, but he did face a minor scandal when returning home from Vermont, as some of the accounting for his write off expenses had been wrong and a small amount of money, ($100) was unaccounted for from his Senate office. He still led his Democratic opponent, a timber magnate Henry Jean Le Pierre by a sizeable amount in the polls however.

   For Senator Marcus Jackson, his brother had decided to remain in the State Senate for the time being, but this positive news was also met with negative news as well. Due to his opposition to Civil Rights and his signing of the northern manifesto and his comparison to those fighting for Civil Rights to Communist China among others, he was taken personally aside by Vice President Kefauver and given quite a verbal talking to,  Kefauver was incensed with the Senator’s calls of the Civil Rights activists as Communists and told the young Senator that if he wanted a future within the party he would lower his rhetoric towards those in his own party.

Helen Tobin continued her support of Eisenhower in Massachusetts.

Player Health rolls

I am introducing a new mechanic as we reach a point where all the characters are in their 30’s to 40’s I’m going to begin rolling for their health, of course, if you wanted to you could kill off your character whenever you wanted to (within reason). However, until you reach 50 y/o it will take you rolling a 1 to die, (bar a serious illness).

Congressman Marcus Jackson II (1 Death, 2-5 serious illness): 46
Will Angler (1 death 2-5 serious illness): 74
Senator Thomas Kenway (1 death, 2-5 serious illness): 53
Congressman Gerald O’Connor (1 death 2-5 serious illness): 24
Helen Nolan Tobin (1-3 death 4-10 serious illness): 35
Congressman Anton Jepson (1 death 2-5 serious illness): 16

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Foss/Lodge '56 for the Republican ticket!

now, for the Senator Jackson.
The Senator was clearly confused as to what the Vice President was saying. 'I compared those fighting for civil rights to communist china?' No, that was very wrong. In fact, the Senator had said the direct opposite. "Excuse me, Mr. Vice President." He spoke, his voice unwavering. Vice President Kefauver gave him an angered glance, demanding him to speak. "If I may be able to speak for myself-" he was cut off.

"I don't want to hear it, Mark." Kefauver stated angrily, his voice filled with the slightest hint of venom. In the next room over, the Senator noticed several of his aides, including a nice gentleman going by the name of Tommy Lee Alndquist, were watching the exchange carefully. "You may be a rising star in the southern wing of the party and you may have amazing charisma, but I don't want to hear a [expletive] thing. You equated young African American boys and women as well as other gentlemen and women of other skin color fighting for their damn rights to the [expletive] in communist china and the Soviet Union. How dare you do that?!" The Tennessean's fist was clenched in pure rage and aggravation but the Florida Senator simply just stared at him coldly, not blinking. It was clear the two men disliked one another, ever since 1952 convention, when Marcus had rallied Southern Democrats around his predecessor in the Senate and current Health, Education, and Welfare secretary Claude Pepper to support him for the Vice Presidency while also supporting Ike at the Convention. He had even won himself some of the Tennessean's ire for not fully supporting Truman in 1948, but that was neither here nor there.

It was the present, and the present must be dealt with at first. Taking a deep breath, Marcus spoke "Mr. Vice President, if I may be allowed to defend myself?" A few cold seconds brushed by and if Jackson man, he would've shivered. He wasn't a weaker man, however. Finally, Estes sighed and nodded. "Thank you."

"Just make it short. Ike wants me at a meeting in a few minutes, so I can spend too long with you."

"Of course, Mr. Vice President." He looked at the clock on the wall. 2:34 PM, it read. He had some time, but he still needed some more to draft up his planned speech for after the 1956 election, which would in all likelyhood be an Ike victory no matter what. Foss, as President? Jackson would've laughed heartily if it weren't for the situation he was currently in. "It seems you have taken me out of context when speaking on the whole comparison, sir." The Vice President raised an eyebrow.

"I know what I heard and what you said."

The Senator shrugged in response. "Either you misunderstood me or I failed to truly articulate what I meant. I think we're both in the wrong for that one." He suggested it and he smirked slightly when he saw Kefauver tilt his in confirmation.

"I can see your point...but is that it? What did you truly mean?"

"What I said was that people are allowed to peacefully protests and express their First Amendment Rights granted to them by the Constitution and that any use of the police to break up that protest would make us no better than Communist China or the Soviet Union, as we would be acting like a dictatorship, having the federal government or state government use the police like that is something I'll never be a fan of. I'm a supporter of States' Rights and I'm a supporter of the rights granted to you by the constitution." The Vice President opened his mouth to speak, but Jackson beat him to the point. "I know that sounds contradictory like what Congressman Jepson might think, but it truly isn't that confusing. My belief is a State's right to govern themselves supersedes that of the Federal Government to involve themselves, however, every state agrees to the legal contract in this country known as the Constitution that has given us 22 giant guidelines to follow, with the biggest being the right to free speech and peacefully assemble. As long as the state respects those guidelines and allows those rights to take place no matter the skin color, I have no qualms. However, if a state begins to turn violent and uses police to demonstrate against the First Amendment in broad daylight, than I'll get pissed and I'll call out the men who does such a thing each and every time. As I said, I respect protests, but peaceful ones, not ones filled with violence, also known as riots." With his brief speech over, he turned to look at the Vice President, who was stirring slightly in thought. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked and Kefauver nodded.

"Alright, I guess I can see your point on some things and I apologize for saying you were calling the protestors communists." Senator Jackson shook his head politely.

"Oh no, Mr. Vice President. It was an equal misunderstanding. I should've explained myself more thoroughly. Also, can you pass a message to Russell, Eastland, and Thurmond for me? Tell them I'm my own [expletive] man and ain't no puppet they can use for their own personal gain." Smiling, the Vice President turned to walk away.

"Yeah, of course I can do that...and I'll see if I can set up a meeting between you, me Ike, and the Party Leaders about this potential amendment idea. No promises, however."

"Thank you, sir. Oh, and my wife would kill me if I didn't do this. for the last 5 years, every December 3rd to January 2nd, we go to Maine to visit her family and go crabbing. While the family part is personal to me and her as well as our children, how does joining us for some crabbing sound?" The Tennessean shook his head.

"I still dislike you somewhat, Mark. Even if we cleared a few things up today, we're not friends." The Florida Senator shrugged in response.

"Oh well, at least I tried." and with that, the Vice President left the Senate Office of Senator Marcus Jackson II of Florida, planning to meet with President Eisenhower and several powerful politicians in the government on the idea of a XXIII Amendment to the United States Constitution. As he shut the door behind him, Jackson motioned for Alndquist to join him. He was a young lad, about 22 years of age, born to welsh immigrant parents who left Boston in the mid 30s for here. Some brown hair and green eyes completed his facial complexion. He let out a whistle.

"That went better than expected."

"You think? Now come on, I need some help with this next speech." Alndquist was young, smart, and very polite. if given enough time and if under his tutelage for long enough, he'd make a fine protege to teach more. For now though, it was simply Senator and Staffer.
With the issue of the Vice President taking Senator Jackson aside settled, both men publicly apologized and the Senator clarified what he truly meant the next day before shaking hands in apology with Kefauver on the Capitol steps. While he again knew that he'd anger some Southern Democrats, he also knew he had the support of moderates, such as Fuller Warren, J. William Fulbright, or LeRoy Collins and is intending to use that against any potential Primary threats, reminding many Florida citizens that he has been fighting for Veterans and the citizens of the state since the very first day he entered office. He, his brother, and Collins campaign up and down the state against the more radical segregationists in the State Legislature and U.S. House in favor of more moderate politicians while Jackson also focuses on developing attack ads galore on his potential primary opponents, with specific ones on Claude Pepper's 1950 Primary opponent George Smathers and former Governor Charley E. Hughes, though he knows his biggest enemy will most certainly be fellow Florida Senator Spessard Holland. With his attack ads readied up on the two major opponents as a precaution, the Senator prepares himself for any potential primary battle and focuses and developing funds for his campaign as well.

Meanwhile, in Congress, as his final major power move of the year while he continues to work on the idea of a potential XXIII Amendment, he offers Iowa Senator Thomas Kenway the potential of co-Arthuring the 'Drought and Flood Victim's Relief Act' and the 'Farmer's Wages and Insurance Act' with the former giving the victims of Droughts or Floods a $150-$300 federal grant monthly until the crisis has averted with an additional 4 months slapped on to continue to give assistance to the victims to rebuild their lives while the latter will give Farmers an additional $95-$190 from the federal government every month and that would be doubled in case there was a particular bad year for farmers and it would also create a Farmer's Insurance Account unique to that Farmer that they could save their money in for the future.

Now, all the Senator had to do was wait and wait he would.

[Cabbage]

Foss/Lodge '56


Gerry was firmly convinced God was a Democrat, an Irish Catholic, a Chicagoan, or maybe even some combination of the three. Kennelly and Daley were practically arm in arm heading into the '56 convention (a relief, given it was in their hometown), Medicare was on the official party platform, and Congressman O'Connor, now a Deputy Majority Whip, was getting plenty of attention for his role in his hometown's convention. It even looked as if Kefauver and Jackson were coming back around to each other, a relief given the mess Gerry knew full well Markus could easily make if he had a mind to. He also liked and respected the both of them, and wouldn't shed even the vaguest semblance of a tear if they started getting along better.

While he hadn't received an official speaking role, the thirty-four-year-old was fairly regularly swarmed by reporters seeking further details on Medicare. He answered them clearly and accurately (God bless Anton Jepsen for putting together some of the details Gerry wouldn't have thought of, but the press sure as hell had), and got rave reviews from nearly every left-leaning paper in the country. He also made sure Jepsen's name was at least mentioned in as many of those publications as possible; a man like that deserved to be in Congress, and with a big enough majority to get on a committee.

Gerry also began planning to pull some strings in favor of some closer friends. Dan Rostenkowski wanted to run for the House himself, unsurprisingly, and had asked for Gerry's help in getting a seat. Gerry noted that Tom Gordon didn't really look up to running for re-election, and so asked if he might step down. Tom agreed, as he'd only planned to hold the seat for one more term, anyway [feel free to correct this pending bad roll]. Dan, delighted, thanked his boss profusely as he set up his campaign for the eighth district. And then, to fill Dan's shoes in his office, Gerry brought up a man who'd found himself without much to do since Mayor Kennelly's defeat.

"Are you ready for this, Mr. McVeigh?"

"Come on now, boss. Quit the formal nonsense and call me Eddie."


Gerry campaigned furiously for President Eisenhower in both Illinois and Minnesota, as he also made several trips to Jepsen's district to campaign for him. While not a native to the district, Gerry's charisma had become legendary in his hometown, and it didn't fail him here. He also campaigned for Rostenkowski in the 8th district and worked with downstate Illinois Democrats to boost the top of the ticket there, as well (though, given the 1952 margins and veterans' aid bill, he had significant doubt they'd need much convincing). Some downstate Republicans attempted to attack O'Connor on Medicare, only for him to ask them if they wanted to "go in the lurch at 65 or just plain work 'til you're not alive, as those are your options without unions or Medicare." It wasn't the best slogan, but some of the others picked it up, so he figured it wasn't a terrible one, either. And so it was that on another November Tuesday, Gerry watched the results on the television he now owned and waited.

(1 point for Rostenkowski's House bid, Gerry not being due for another point until '58)

[GoTfan]

Foss/Lodge

Thomas Kenway, 1956 campaign

"Four more years! Four more years!" The crowd chanted as Thomas left the stage. Wow, his speech had gone well from the looks of it. Especially to get the convention hall fired up like that.

He found himself mobbed by liberal delegates as he made his way back to the Iowa delegation and affirmed his vote to renominate Eisenhower and Kefauver. That night, after the day's events, he ended up having dinner with Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy. He knew Kennedy wanted to run for President soon, and Tom's status with the liberal crowd might be enough to swing the nomination.

Tom did want to run for President one day, but not against Kennedy. He wasn't that stupid.

He also took the oppoortunity to speak with Gerry O'Connor, as Kenway was interested in taking up his Medicare bill in the Senate if it passed the Huse. Healthcare expansion was one of the stated goals of Veterans for a Better America, and now there was an opening to get it passed.

He accepted the offer Marcus Jackson had made to co-author the Drought and Flood Victims Relief Act and the Farmer's Wages and Insurance Act. It was time he acquired some legislative experience. On the quiet however, he began drafting a comprehensive Civil Rights bill, which, though it would not be ready for some time, he planned to be able to counter every single argument made by the southern Democrats.

[KaiserDave]

Will Angler

Ugh. Foss/Lodge


Will was disappointed in his party. Nominating a conservative friendly with the isolationist wing? A disappointment. He supported Lodge's efforts to take the Vice Presidency, but was not pleased the turn of his party.

So he returned to Vermont, his home. He put together the moneys from his personal accounts to cover the costs of the accounting mess up. Fortunately his campaign costs were not that high. He campaigned through the state, on his liberal Republican platform, and disassociating from the Foss campaign. He banked on his personal brand, his own charisma, and Vermont's bend to the Republicans.

He popped over to New York where he met Jacob Javits to support his campaign, New York connections would be important for any future endeavors.

Soon he'd be Governor of Vermont, and the work would begin!


2 points to elect Jacob Javits for NY Senate

[UWS]

Henry Harris

During the legislative session in Illinois' State Senate, Henry Harris put forward the Research for Victory Act authorizing funds to nuclear research, including Argonne National Laboratory (at the University of Chicago), for the design and development of the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine, in the context of the Cold War. Seeing Illinois' potential in trade due to Chicago's status as a strategic point due to its position in the Illinois Waterway and the St. Lawrence Seaway and to the construction of the Port of Chicago, he passed a legislation reducing taxes on companies doing business in the trade and transportation businesses in order to strengthen their competitiveness for the sake of economic growth and job creation.

Henry Harris expressed possible interest to run for Senate against Paul Douglas in 1960. Harris campaigns across the state of Illinois for Republican presidential nominee Joe Foss, praising his military service, his record as Governor of South Dakota that reduced taxes and protected South Dakotans' constitutional rights and praised his agenda that will cut taxes for hardworking Americans and businesses to grow the economy, his championship of a strong national defense in order to counter the threat represented by the Soviet Union and his social conservatism that will protect the life of the unborn, the Second Amendment and state powers which are all values that he will defend as President of the United States.

[KaiserDave]

Will Angler

Will strolled into his local voting booth with Josephine Angler on his arm. He took off his hat as a few local reporters photographed him. He got him and his wife registered and headed off towards the booth where he took his ballot. He split off from Josephine as he took out the pen and scanned the ballot.

For the President...hmmm. Will took one last section to hesitate before checking the box for Eisenhower.

Then he saw his name. Settled on the page in drying black ink. William Angler: Republican. He smiled to himself, who would've ever guessed as he bled in the Bulge that he'd end up here. He checked the box and proceeded to vote for every Republican on the ballot.

He left the booth, held his wife by the waist as the press began to ask questions.

"Who'd you vote for Mr. Senator?"

"Well who do you think?" Said Will with a smile.

"For President sir?" asked the same reporter. Will's smile broke into a neutral face as he thought. His face however, lit up as he responded,

"I voted for a great patriot." And with that he and his wife left.

[Elcaspar]

Foss/Halleck for the Republicans

Anton Jepsen

The Democratic Convention was both an expected affair, as well as an unexpected one in Jepsens mind. Jepsen was part of the Minnesota delegation that went to the Chicago Convention to renominate Eisenhower and Kefauver, which went just as expected as basically all delegates voted for their renomination. The unexpected part however was the speech delivered by Iowa Senator Thomas Kenway, who brought the Convention Hall to it's feet with a story of his service under Eisenhower, and how Eisenhower had served the United States these past 4 years, not to mention his contrast of how Eisenhower lead us back to the ideals of the New Deal, while Foss is trying to bring back the ideas that gave us the Great Depression. It truly was a great speech, and Jepsen would be lying if he said he wasn't brought to his feet chanting. "Perhaps it might be an idea to reach out to Senator Kenway" Jepsen thought to himself. About what exactly he did not know yet, but it was always nice to make some new political allies.

Jepsen was glad that Congressman Gerald O'Conor was able to get Medicare into the official party platform, and was also happy to see his name mentioned in several papers about his role in crafting some of the details of the bill. Jepsen very much appreciated that Congressman O'Conor had made sure to make his role in crafting part of Medicare known, even if it was an expected gesture on O'Conor's part. Not to mention the fact that O'Conor came to campaign in his district of MN-5, which he very much appreciated given the close margin in 1954, and O'Conor's charisma certainly didn't hurt in that regard either. While he would have liked to return the favor in kind IL-7 was a safe district for the Democrats, which would make the effort to do so unnecessary. He would just have to repay the favor in some other way in the future. Jepsen hopes to further cultivate their political friendship, and having them become strong allies in the House.

While Congressman Gerry O'Conor was answering questions about Medicare to the press, Jepsen was working on selling the idea in the House of Representatives. He articulated the need for providing one of our most vulnerable groups, that being the elderly, with the medical care necessary for living out their twilight years without  having to worry about not having healthcare. He did this both on the House floor, as well as to individual members of Congress. Jepsen hoped that selling the idea early in the House, might make sure that Medicare would be one of the first Democratic Platform promises to be fulfilled.

Point Expenditure:
6 points for boosting the Democratic Party downballot across the country.

The above is just for transparency reasons, as i already DM'ed JacksonHitchcock about it.

[Orwell]

1956 United States Presidential Election

Foss campaign: 63
Lodge campaign: 89
Eisenhower campaign: 91
Kefauver campaign: 54
Democratic Unity (+20 incumbency): 37 + 20 = 57
Republican unity: 34

The next Vice President of the United States is someone unexpected, he is a former Senator and the scion of a political family, the next Vice President of the United States would be Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., a committed internationalist and a member of the Eastern Establishment of the Republican Party, with the addition of Lodge to the ticket adds a balance that it lacked before along with the addition of many more moderate Republicans turned off by the Conservatism of Foss.

Following the end of the Democratic and Republican conventions, a Gallup poll put Eisenhower at 50%, Foss at 43%, and Undecided at 7%. Foss’s main strength was in the Western United States, with the corn belt, and the mountain west firmly on the side of Governor Foss, while the Pacific Coast, Mid Atlantic, and Solid South back Eisenhower with a ferocity. The crucial Swing States, include Ohio, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. With the addition of Senator Lodge to the Republican ticket, Massachusetts is also considered a swing state though it is leaning the favor of President Eisenhower. The current electoral total is 331 for President Eisenhower to 72 for Governor John Foss of South Dakota.

The Democratic candidates roared out of the convention with President Eisenhower swinging through Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey in a frenzied swing while Vice President Kefauver matched the campaigning in the Appalachian regions of Ohio and Virginia, along with the driftless in Wisconsin, before heading to a whistlestop throughout the swing states in the West. For the Republican ticket, Governor Foss campaigned in Oklahoma, Nevada, New Mexico, before pivoting to the upper south in Kentucky and Virginia. While Lodge focused on driving home the base in New England, especially in his home state of Massachusetts and the state of Connecticut, but even with the choice of Lodge there is significant dissension in the Republican ranks. 

Marcus Jackson II (+20): 74 + 20 = 94
Gerald O’Connor (+15): 76 + 15 = 91
Anton Jepson(+10): 93 + 10 = 103
Henry Harris (+5): 52 + 5 = 57
Thomas Kenway (+5): 60 + 5 = 65
Will Angler (+5): 98 + 5 = 103

   With his apparent misunderstanding with Vice President Kefauver resolved (The Vice President had been slightly inebriated at the time of the speech), Jackson was in a much better position then he had been in the days earlier, with the proposition of the “Farmer Wages and Insurance Act” Senator Jackson has also made allies among many of the Democrats in heavy farming states and among the farmers in Florida. His stock was again on the rise as he had found a new ally with Vice President Kefauver, and many of the more pro-civil rights Senators were less angered then they had been earlier, with his clarification on the issue, but those such as Senator Jackson, Kenway, and Kennedy still were simply cordial in their relationship with Jackson.

   He had only been elected to the Senate in 1954, but Thomas Kenway a former Paratrooper under Eisenhower in Normandy was not at the forefront of American politics. With his nominating speech for President Eisenhower, he now was seen as a standard-bearer by many Liberals in Congress, when he partnered with Senator Jackson on the Farmer Wages and Insurance Act he also added some legislative credentials, but at dinner that night with Senator Kennedy. The Senator told Kenway something, “Tommy, I’m going to President soon, and I’ll need someone by my side, it may not be in 4 years time, it may not be in 8, but Tommy. We both know someday I will be President of the United States, you’re a good man and friend, I want you to be on my side when I make that run.”

   With the acceptance of Medicare on the party platform, along with his work with Congressman Jepson. Congressman Gerald O’Connor had been successfully positioned as a leader of the more liberal wing of the Democratic Party, still a close confidant of Speaker Rayburn and his “Board of Education”, but he is not without friends among the Southerners. Richard Bolling of Missouri, Homer Thornberry of Texas, and Jack Brooks of Texas rank among O’Connor’s most steadfast allies among the South. With Rostenkowski poised to be elected to the 8th District in Illinois, it seems that another ally will join O’Connor’s clique within the House.

   
State Senator Henry Harris had been quiet in his first years in office, but in the 1956 legislative session Harris was able to make a movement towards passing a bill advocating for more Nuclear Power in the state of Illinois, this while not passed yet, was relegated to committee work, his campaigning in the Presidential race was met with less success as many in the state worshiped President Eisenhower for leading the allied to forces to victory in Europe, but some were receptive of Foss’s stances on smaller government, and a stronger national defense.


Will Angler was finally back into his rhythm after a hard time in his first years in the Vermont State Senate, he had finally begun to regain his former self when he hit the campaign trail, while he made no comment on the Presidential race, he grew in support with many in the predominantly rural state many state Senate and House candidates ran parallel to their gubernatorial nominee eschewing liberal values. Will’s support for Jacob Javits was a boon to the New York congressman’s campaign, and the “scandal” that had appeared earlier was cleared up and many just assumed it was a mistake, due to his positive reputation among the people of his county and state.

The situation for Anton Jepson was much more positive than it had been 2 years earlier and the spirit of Minnesota’s 5th Congressional district was in tune with that of the left-wing Jepson. While Jepson was not as much of an open politician as someone such as O’Connor, Kenway, or Jackson. Jepson was brilliant when he did speak, and his work to convince many in the House to support the legislation was successful, as Speaker Sam Rayburn offered to teach Jepson some of the parliamentary tricks known only to a few of the elder members of Congress.

[Elcaspar]

Anton Jepsen

Jepsen was glad to see that his work in the House had borne fruit, with many Congressmen having been convinced of the need for Medicare. His work in convincing the Congressman had even caught the attention of Speaker Sam Rayburn, who even offered to teach Jepsen about some parliamentary tricks that are usually only known to the elder statesmen in Congress. Jepsen gladly accepted the offer from Speaker Rayburn, as he wanted to learn more about these little-known parliamentary tricks which could prove highly useful if used correctly. Jepsen also used it as an opportunity to cultivate a relationship with the Speaker, hoping that it might to a Committee position or something of the sort down the line.

Jepsen was now sure about which issue to approach Senator Kenway with. Jepsen recalled back to the times after Brown v. Board of Education, when he himself vocally spoke out in support of the decision, and against those who didn't. He remembered that Senator Kenway was among those who supported the decision, and even echoed the same sentiment of human rights over states rights that Jepsen did in the House. The issue of civil rights was where he would connect with Senator Kenway, and Jepsen would reach out to him on the potentiality of a Civil Rights Bill, which would sponsored in the Senate and House respectively. Jepsen hoped that him and Kenway could become political allies in general, if they were able to successfully work together on a potential Civil Rights Bill.

Jepsen would also heavily campaign for the Eisenhower/Kefauver ticket in Minnesota and the surrounding states, most often Wisconsin as it was the closest of the states. He would heavily criticize the arch-conservative Foss, calling his views out as the same as those who gave us the Great Depression, and saying that he would cut funding for everything from Social Security to farm subsidies, which would jeopardize the security of farmers and the retired respectively, not to mention everything in between. "These views are ones that would return us to the Gilded Age and the Great Depression" was a frequent line in Jepsen's speeches against Foss.

[GoTfan]

Thomas Kenway, 1956 Campaign (Part 2)

Tom knew he was fortunate to have made such an effective speech at the Democratic Convention, and even moreso to land a dinner with his fellow freshman Senator, John F. Kennedy. Needless to say, kennedy's comments took the former paratrooper by surprise. What was he getting at? Not the Vice Presidency; it was necessary that a notherner always pick a southerner for Vice President. A cabinet position perhaps?

Needless to say, he took every possible opportunity to cultivate his relationship with the Kennedys. If his gut was right, they were the next political powerhouse in the country.

In the meantime, he again took charge of Eisenhower's campaign in Iowa, rallying the same people who had aided campaign efforts in 1952 and 1956. VBA was likewise mobilised to campaign for Ike, but in August, Tom resigned the presidency of VBA and awaited the election of a successor. He personally favoured John Chaffee for the position.

He also took time out to campaign for downballot candidates. He once again held rallies for Governor Loveless and eventually decided to go out and campaign for his fellow Senate Democrats, making stops in South Dakota, Pennsylvania and Illinois to support the campaigns of Kenneth Holum, Joseph S. Clark, Jr and Richard Stengel.

Point Expenditure:

2 fr Herschel C. Loveless' re-election campaign as Governor in Iowa
2 for Kenneth Holum's campaign for Senator against Francis Case in South Dakota
2 for Joseph S. Clark's campaign for Senator against James H. Duff in Pennsylvania
2 for Richard Stengel's campaign for Senator against Everett Dirksen in Illinois