1996: George Bush's Second Term

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1992: President Bush re-elected, defeats Governor Clinton

On November 3, 1992, America went to the polls to decide their next president, and the outcome was anything but expected. After a long and hard-fought election season, President George H.W. Bush emerged victorious over Governor Bill Clinton by an electoral vote of 276-262.

The election season leading up to the 1992 election was one of the most intense and interesting in US political history. President Bush had been in office since 1988, and the nation was still reeling from the effects of the Persian Gulf War that had taken place earlier that year. Governor Clinton, who had won the Democratic nomination, ran on a platform of change, promising to bring an end to the recession and to create jobs.

Despite Clinton's strong platform, Bush was able to win the election by a slim margin. This was largely due to the fact that he was able to successfully appeal to independent voters, as well as to his base of traditional Republican voters. Clinton's own base of support was not enough to overcome Bush's electoral vote victory.

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President George Bush's fifth year: 1993

Successes:

1. Signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

2. Secured passage of the Brady Bill, which established federal background checks for gun purchases

3. Appointed Kenneth Starr to the Supreme Court

4. Signed the Family and Medical Leave Act, which guaranteed the right to unpaid leave

5. Announced the “American Dream Initiative” to help promote economic growth

6. Signed the 1993 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which helped reduce the federal deficit

Failures:

1. Failed to pass a comprehensive health care reform bill

2. Failed to pass a national energy policy

3. Failed to pass a federal crime bill

4. Failed to pass a welfare reform bill

5. Lost a vote in the House to pass the GATT Uruguay Round trade agreement

6. Had to abandon his proposed BTU tax on energy sources to reduce the deficit

7. Failed to pass a campaign finance reform bill

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President George Bush's sixth year: 1994

Successes:

1. Negotiated a successful peace agreement between Israel and Jordan in October 1994.

2. Signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which established a standard for religious freedom in the U.S.

Failures:

1. Failed to win congressional approval of the Bush health care plan.

2. Failed to secure passage of the proposed federal balanced budget amendment.

3. Failed to secure passage of the proposed line-item veto.

4. Failed to secure passage of the proposed welfare reform bill.

5. Failed to secure passage of the proposed crime bill.

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BREAKING: DOLE ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL RUN


On January 17th, 1995, Senator Bob Dole of Kansas announced his candidacy for President of the United States in a speech delivered in Russell, Kansas. Dole had served in the United States Senate for over 30 years, and had previously been the Republican majority leader.

In his speech, Dole outlined his vision for a “kinder, gentler nation”, focusing on economic reform, social welfare, and national security. He proposed a series of tax cuts for middle-class Americans, as well as reform of the welfare system. On foreign policy, he proposed increased military spending and a more aggressive stance against hostile nations. Dole also spoke of his commitment to the traditional family values of the Republican Party, and made a point to stress his dedication to fiscal responsibility and fiscal conservatism.

BREAKING: GORE MAKES 1996 RUN OFFICIAL


On January 18th, 1995, Senator Al Gore announced his candidacy for President of the United States.

Gore was an ideal candidate for the Democratic Party, boasting a long record of public service. He had served eight years in the House of Representatives and eight years in the Senate, including a stint as chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He was also Bill Clinton's running mate in the 1992 election, ultimately losing to the Bush/Quayle ticket.

Gore touted a number of progressive ideas during his campaign launch, including a national health care system and environmental protection. He also promised to use the power of the presidency to break the gridlock in Washington. During his speech announcing his candidacy, he promised to be a “different kind of president” and work to bring citizens together.

Gore’s candidacy was met with enthusiasm by the Democratic Party, as well as by independent voters. He was seen as a fresh face in politics, and his progressive ideas resonated with younger voters. He also had strong support from organized labor, women’s groups, and civil rights organizations.

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BREAKING: BUCHANAN RUNNING FOR POTUS


On January 23rd, 1995, Pat Buchanan officially announced his candidacy for President of the United States. This announcement came with much anticipation and excitement from his supporters, as Buchanan had been a prominent figure within the Republican Party for many years.

Buchanan was a former speechwriter for President Richard Nixon and had also served as a political commentator on CNN and MSNBC. His candidacy was rooted in his conservative views on immigration, the economy, and foreign policy.

Buchanan's campaign focused on his "America First" policy platform, which called for a reduction in immigration, increased tariffs on imported goods, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. He also advocated for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and a repeal of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

In addition to his platform, Buchanan also sought to appeal to the religious right, a large constituency within the Republican Party. He was a strong supporter of traditional social values and opposed abortion and same-sex marriage.

BREAKING: BROWN MAKES '96 RUN FOR POTUS


On February 12th, 1995, California Governor Jerry Brown made a bold move and announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Brown was a strong advocate for environmental and social justice issues and his candidacy was widely viewed as a protest against the status quo.

Before announcing his candidacy, Brown had already established himself as a leading voice in progressive politics. He had been elected Governor of California in 1974, and had served three terms in office. During his tenure, Brown had championed a number of causes, including reducing California's dependence on nuclear energy, increasing the state's reliance on renewable energy sources, and protecting the environment. He was also an advocate for social justice, and had implemented a number of reforms to reduce poverty and homelessness in the state.

Brown's candidacy was met with both excitement and skepticism. Supporters saw his candidacy as an opportunity to bring progressive values to the national stage and to challenge the entrenched interests of the two-party system. Critics, however, argued that Brown's candidacy was nothing more than a publicity stunt and that he had no real chance at winning the election.

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BREAKING: ALEXANDER ENTERS 1996 FIELD


On February 15, 1995, Lamar Alexander announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Alexander, a Republican, had previously served as the governor of Tennessee, a United States Senator, and the Secretary of Education under President George H. W. Bush. As a presidential candidate, Alexander promised to provide “real leadership and real solutions to the problems facing America.”

Alexander focused his campaign on issues such as education, health care, and the economy. He proposed an education reform plan that would provide more money for low-income schools and increase educational standards. He also wanted to provide tax deductions for health care, and he proposed a national economic plan that would reduce the deficit and create jobs. In addition, Alexander advocated for a balanced budget and a “simpler, fairer, flatter, and easier to understand tax system.”

BREAKING: MCCARTHY ANNOUNCES RUN FOR PRESIDENT


On February 17th, 1995 Senator Eugene McCarthy announced his candidacy for the President of the United States. Senator McCarthy, a long-time politician, has been a member of the Democratic party since the 1950s and he has been an advocate for civil rights and economic justice.

Senator McCarthy is no stranger to the political arena. In 1968, he famously ran for the Democratic Party presidential nomination and his campaign helped to spark the anti-Vietnam War movement. He also served as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota from 1959 to 1971 and was a U.S. Representative from Minnesota from 1949 to 1958.

In his campaign announcement, Senator McCarthy described his vision for the nation and the need for change. He stated, “We can no longer afford to ignore the growing inequality between the rich and the poor, the lack of opportunity for all Americans, and the need to protect our environment. We must find a way to build a society that is fair, just, and equitable.”

Senator McCarthy also emphasized the importance of having a leader who stands up for the people and their rights. He said, “We need a leader who will bring together the ideals of our founding fathers and the principles of a modern democracy."

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BREAKING: FORBES ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY


On February 23rd, 1995, businessman Steve Forbes announced his candidacy for the President of the United States. It's an unlikely candidacy for a man who had no prior political experience and was the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine. However, Forbes is determined to make a lasting impact on the political landscape of the United States.

Forbes' candidacy is largely based on his staunch fiscal conservatism, advocating for a flat tax, eliminating the inheritance tax, and instituting a voucher system for public education. He also favors reducing the size of the federal government, while increasing the role of state governments. His views are largely seen as radical by the political establishment at the time, but Forbes' confident that his ideas would be embraced by the public.

BREAKING: KENNEDY MAKES BID FOR PRESIDENCY


On March 17th, 1995, Senator Ted Kennedy made a historic announcement that he would be running for President of the United States. This was a momentous occasion for those who had longed to see Kennedy run for the office, and it stirred up a great deal of excitement and anticipation among his supporters.

Kennedy has been a powerful figure in the United States Senate since his election in 1962. He's been a leader in the Democratic Party and a champion of liberal causes. He's known for his willingness to work across party lines to get things done, and he has earned the respect of both his peers and the public.

However, Kennedy had been reluctant to run for President. He was deeply concerned about the direction the country was headed and he felt that the country needed a strong leader with a clear vision for the future. He understood that his own candidacy would be a longshot, but he decided to take the chance anyway.

In his announcement speech, Kennedy outlined his platform, which focused on health care reform, greater investment in education, and economic opportunity for all Americans. He also spoke about his commitment to civil rights and his belief that the government should protect the most vulnerable members of society.

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BREAKING: LUGAR RUNNING FOR POTUS


On March 23rd, 1995, Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Lugar is the fifth Republican candidate to enter the race, joining a crowded field of Republicans which included Bob Dole, Phil Gramm, Pat Buchanan, and Lamar Alexander.

Lugar was a veteran politician, having served in the Senate since 1977. He was known for his moderate views, often crossing party lines to work with Democrats on issues such as education, foreign policy, and the budget. Lugar was a strong proponent of free trade and a balanced budget amendment. He had also been an early advocate of nuclear non-proliferation and had worked to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world.

In his announcement speech, Lugar touted his experience as a public servant and his record of bipartisanship. He also spoke of his vision for the future of the United States, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and economic growth. He made a point to address foreign policy, calling for the United States to remain a leader in world affairs and a champion of global stability.

BREAKING: JACKSON TO MAKE '96 RUN FOR PRESIDENT


On April 6th, 1995, the Rev. Jesse Jackson announced his candidacy for President of the United States. This was not the first time Jackson had sought the nation’s highest office. In 1984 and 1988 he had been a presidential candidate and in 1992 he was a contender for the Democratic nomination.

This time, however, Jackson was determined to make a serious run for the White House. He was now a more experienced politician and he had built up a considerable constituency. He was a popular figure among African-Americans, Latinos and other minority groups, and he was a leader in the fight for civil rights.

Jackson’s candidacy was met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. Supporters praised his determination and his commitment to social justice. Critics argued that he had no chance of winning the election and that his candidacy would only serve to divide the Democratic Party.

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BREAKING: GRAMM RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT


On April 10, 1995, Senator Phil Gramm of Texas announced his candidacy for President of the United States. The announcement was made at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, and was attended by a large crowd of supporters.

Having served in the Senate since 1985, Gramm has earned a reputation as a fiscal conservative and is known for his strong views on fiscal responsibility, budget discipline, and cutting taxes for American families. During his announcement, he emphasized these views, saying that he wanted to “embrace the conservative values of hard work and personal responsibility and use them to guide our nation’s future.”

Gramm's also known for his anti-government views and his focus on reducing the size of government. He's proposed a number of reforms, such as term limits on members of Congress, an end to federal regulations, and a balanced budget amendment.

In addition to his fiscal policies, Gramm's an outspoken opponent of social programs, such as welfare and affirmative action. He's argued that these programs were unnecessary and only served to create dependency and weaken the American economy.

BREAKING: SANDERS MAKES 1996 RUN OFFICIAL


On April 28th, 1995, Congressman Bernie Sanders announced his candidacy for President of the United States in a press conference held in Burlington, Vermont. The long-time independent Representative declared his intention to run for the White House in a speech that outlined his platform of addressing the growing economic inequality and political corruption that had become endemic in the United States.

Sanders’ candidacy was a long-shot. He was an independent, not affiliated with either of the two major political parties. Sanders’ platform was built around the idea of a “political revolution”, which he proposed as an alternative to the “corporate welfare” policies of the Bush administration. He argued that the government should be focused on creating jobs, providing health care and education, and investing in infrastructure.

Sanders’ campaign was widely seen as a protest candidacy, and he was not expected to be a serious contender for the Democratic nomination. Nonetheless, he managed to gain a significant amount of support from grassroots activists and progressive groups across the country. He also gained attention from the mainstream media, who were intrigued by his outsider status and his fiery speeches.

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BREAKING: KEYES RUNNING FOR POTUS


On May 17, 1995, Ambassador Alan Keyes announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Keyes is a well-known political figure, having served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council from 1992 to 1993, and having been a prominent conservative commentator and activist.

In his announcement speech, Keyes declared that the core of his campaign would be his commitment to traditional family and moral values. He pledged to bring “God’s moral law” back to the White House and to “put America back on the right track”.

Keyes is running as a Republican, and his campaign was supported by many prominent conservative activists and organizations, including the Christian Coalition and the Republican National Committee.

BREAKING: DORNAN MAKES '96 RUN FOR POTUS


On May 24, 1995, Republican Congressman Bob Dornan of California made an unexpected announcement: he was running for President of the United States. After more than two decades in Congress, Dornan had decided to make a bid for the highest office in the land.

Dornan had been in the House of Representatives since 1977, representing Orange County, California. He was a staunch conservative and a vocal supporter of President Reagan, and had become known for his fiery speeches and his uncompromising stances on issues like abortion and illegal immigration. He was a frequent guest on talk shows like Crossfire, where he regularly sparred with the show’s liberal hosts.

He had also served as a military intelligence officer in the United States Air Force, and was considered an expert on foreign policy and national security issues. He was a strong supporter of the United States’ involvement in the Gulf War, and had voted for the use of force against Iraq in 1991.

When Dornan announced his candidacy for President, he said he was doing it to “give the American people a real choice” in the upcoming election.

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BREAKING: SPECTER ENTERS 1996 FIELD


On June 6, 1995, Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Specter, a Republican, had served in the Senate since 1980 and was previously the District Attorney for Philadelphia. He declared his candidacy at a rally in his home city of Philadelphia, telling a crowd of supporters, "I'm running for president to bring new ideas and new solutions to the problems facing this country."

Specter's announcement surprised many in the political world, as he was a relative unknown compared to other potential candidates like Bob Dole and Phil Gramm. Specter was widely seen as an outsider to the race and was likely to face an uphill battle to gain traction in the crowded Republican field.

Still, Specter had a unique platform that he hoped would set him apart from the other candidates. He was a strong supporter of abortion rights, which put him at odds with the Republican Party's pro-life position. He also sought to bridge the divide between the Republican Party and minority groups, advocating for civil rights and immigrant rights.

BREAKING: QUAYLE ANNOUNCES RUN FOR PRESIDENT


On June 13, 1995, incumbent Vice President Dan Quayle announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Quayle, who had served under President George H.W. Bush since 1989, declared his intention to run in a speech delivered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Quayle's announcement was met with mixed reactions. On one hand, Quayle was a well-known figure due to his tenure as Vice President, and his candidacy was expected by many in the Republican Party. Quayle had also spent much of the intervening period since the 1992 election traveling the country, giving speeches and attending events in order to raise his profile.

On the other hand, Quayle was a controversial figure. He had been the subject of much criticism during his time as Vice President, and had been lampooned in the media for his perceived lack of intelligence and gaffes on the campaign trail. Quayle's candidacy was seen by some as a longshot, and his prospects of winning the Republican nomination were not seen as particularly good.

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First Republican Poll:
Bob Dole: 16.9% (+0.2)
Dan Quayle: 16.7%
Steve Forbes: 14.8%
Pat Buchanan: 13.8%
Phil Gramm: 6.4%
Lamar Alexander: 5.6%
Richard Lugar: 2.9%
Alan Keyes: 2.8%
Arlen Specter: 0.5%
Bob Dornan: 0.5%
Undecided: 19.1%

First Democratic Poll:
Al Gore: 43.0% (+21.2%)
Ted Kennedy: 21.8%
Jesse Jackson: 10.4%
Jerry Brown: 4.6%
Eugene McCarthy: 0.4%
Bernie Sanders: 0.0%
Undecided: 19.8%

First General Election Poll:
Democrats: 54.8% (+10.0)
Republicans: 44.8%
Undecided: 0.4%

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Thoughts so far?