TR wins in 1912

[Hash]

And Maurice Duplessis, and Jean Lesage.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Sorry for the lack of an update; expect one to come tomorrow.

• Richard Nixon
• Gerald Ford
• Mao Zedong
• Robert Menzies

• Richard Nixon

Elected Lt. Governor of California in 1950; served as Governor from 1953-1959, and is currently the Senior Senator from California.

• Gerald Ford

House member from Michigan; leader of the Midwestern Progressives.

• Mao Zedong

Leader of Communist China, as in RL

• Robert Menzies

Currently PM of Australia[/list][/list][/list][/list]

[Kaine for Senate '18]

And Maurice Duplessis, and Jean Lesage.

Maurice Duplessis: Dead for 2 years
Jean Lesage: Premier of Quebec

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Why do you torment me so Mr. Constine? Bob Menzies' wasn't supposed to become Australian Prime Minister for a second stint upon his resounding victory over incumbent Prime Minister Ben Chifley's Government in December 1949, nor was Iron Bob supposed to be reelected during the 1950's or the 1960's

Also have their been any major political differences in the likes of Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom? I hope there has been at least some form of change to their leadership in this timeline. I would like to see by 1960 not John Diefenbaker, Seán Lemass and Harold Macmillian as Prime Minister of those nations respectively but somebody different. I sure hope

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Why do you torment me so Mr. Constine? Bob Menzies' wasn't supposed to become Australian Prime Minister for a second stint upon his resounding victory over incumbent Prime Minister Ben Chifley's Government in December 1949, nor was Iron Bob supposed to be reelected during the 1950's or the 1960's

Also have their been any major political differences in the likes of Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom? I hope there has been at least some form of change to their leadership in this timeline. I would like to see by 1960 not John Diefenbaker, Seán Lemass and Harold Macmillian as Prime Minister of those nations respectively but somebody different. I sure hope

Unfortunatley, all I can comment on, due to lack of knowledge and fear of offending anyone, is to say that in the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister is Hugh Gaitskell; Labor was swept into office in the election of 27 June, 1959, in something of a shock.  Macmillan is currently Leader of the Opposition.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The First Term of James Roosevelt

For the third time in 60 years, a Roosevelt is sworn in as President, when James Roosevelt is sworn in by Chief Justice Black.  In his inaugural address, Roosevelt promises to work with leaders of all Parties, to attempt to secure a better America.

Roosevelt’s cabinet reflects this promise of bipartisanship, containing leaders from every Party.

Secretary of State: Dean Rusk (D-GA)
Secretary of the Treasury: Wright Patman (D-TX)
Secretary of Defense: Leverett Saltonstall (P-MA)
Attorney General: Arthur Goldberg (D-IL)
Postmaster General: Edward Day (D-IL)
Secretary of the Interior: J. Hugo Aronson (R-MT)
Secretary of Agriculture: Allen Ellender (POP-LA)
Secretary of Commerce: Lewis Strauss (P-WV)
Secretary of Labor: W. Willard Wirtz (D-IL)
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: Stewart Udall (D-AZ)

In his first legislative package sent to Congress, Roosevelt sends a Constitutional Amendment which would, starting in the Presidential election following the ratification of the Amendment, grant the District of Columbia three Presidential electors, although still no Senators or Congressman.

On February 17, the Senate begins debating the Amendment.  As expected, the South begins to strongly oppose the Amendment, with every Senator from the region rising to attack it.  However, with 67 votes needed to pass the Amendment, the Southern General Russell sees no reason to filibuster, and the South allows the Senate to vote on March 27.  The Amendment passes by a vote of 74-26, with the 11 Confederate states and Kentucky opposed, and no other Senator voting against.  It passes the house on April 18 by a vote of 335-100, and is sent to the States for ratification.

On May 1, 1961, in a speech to Congress, President Roosevelt outlines what he calls his “Great Society” program; it includes a massive scale war on poverty, as well as increases in funding for education, health care, and numerous social services.

On May 4, the Senate begins debating the Medicare and Medicaid Act of 1961; introduced by Senator Harry S. Truman (D-MO), Medicare would provide health insurance coverage to people who are either age 65 and over, or who meet other special criteria.  Medicaid would provide health care for low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

The Senate debate is surprisingly one-sided.  The Bill passes on July 1, 1961, by a vote of 90-10, with only the truly conservative Southerners voting against it.  On August 9, it passes the House 406-29, and is signed by President Roosevelt the next day, with the first Medicare card going to his father, the 79 year old former President.

On February 27, 1962, Nevada ratifies the DC voting Amendment, giving DC electoral votes in the 1964 Presidential election.  Not a single Southern state votes for ratification.

On October 7, 1962, United States reconnaissance photographs taken by an American U-2 spy plane reveal missile bases being built in Cuba, where Communist Fidel Castro had taken power in 1958.  After being shown the photos, Roosevelt meets with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to discuss a solution.  After almost a week of intense negotiations, handled not by the President but by a team, including former President Roosevelt, former Secretaries of Defense George Marshall and Dwight Eisenhower, and Diplomat Henry Kissinger, a solution is reached.  The Soviet government agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba, while the US would withdraw missiles from Turkey.

The 1962 Congressional Elections

Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Roosevelt’s popularity sees a dramatic upswing, and the Democrats make massive gains in Congress.

House Results:
Democrats: 180 (+48)
Progressives: 170 (-44)
Republicans: 48 (-4)
Farmer-Labor: 37 (-2)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 46 (+9)
Progressives: 27 (-13)
Republicans: 20 (+7)
Farmer-Labor: 5 (-)
Populist: 2 (-3)

[PBrunsel]

Ben,

Sorry I have not commented before on this fine timeline. I enjoyed reading it very much, and it appears as if James Roosevelt is on his way to becoming a great president. I certainaly hope you do not intend on assasinating Captain Roosevelt in 1963!

I do have two questions:

1) What are major policy disputes between the Progressive and Democratric Party? How does the third wheel GOP factor into these disputes?

2) What has become of two of my favorite senators: Everett Dirksen and Margaret Chase-Smith? Are they progressives or Republicans?

A great job and an entertaining read.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

A great job and an entertaining read.

Thank you very much, PBrunsel; I greatly appreciate the compliment

1) What are major policy disputes between the Progressive and Democratric Party? How does the third wheel GOP factor into these disputes?

The two major policy differences between Democrats and Progressives are foreign policy and Civil Rights.  The Democrats in this TL are much more Southern and populist, despite the presence of men like JFK and the Roosevelts.  They're also much more hawkish, while the Progressives, as during WWII, tend to be opposed to war, although not isolationist.  Basically, most of the RL Rockefeller Republicans, and liberal Democrats are Progressives, while the more conservative Democrats are in that Party, and conservative Republicans are in the GOP.

2) What has become of two of my favorite senators: Everett Dirksen and Margaret Chase-Smith? Are they progressives or Republicans?

Both are serving in the Senate; Dirksen is a Republican, and leader of the small group of Senate Republicans; Senator Smith is a Progressive, and one of the more influential Progressives in  the Senate.

[Jacobtm]

Senate Results:
Democrats: 49 (+5)
Progressives: 41 (+41)
Republicans: 6 (-46)

I hope you enjoy this TL.  If you have any suggestions, complaints, or comments, please post them.  Enjoy!

Did you forget that only 1/3 of the senators are chosen every 2 years? Even if progressives swept 1912, they couldn't have gained more than 32 seats, and would state legislatures really have appointed all new Progressive Senators?

[Hash]

Senate Results:
Democrats: 49 (+5)
Progressives: 41 (+41)
Republicans: 6 (-46)

I hope you enjoy this TL.  If you have any suggestions, complaints, or comments, please post them.  Enjoy!

Did you forget that only 1/3 of the senators are chosen every 2 years? Even if progressives swept 1912, they couldn't have gained more than 32 seats, and would state legislatures really have appointed all new Progressive Senators?

Possibly Republican Senators switching to the Progressives, and Ben compares the new makeup to the makeup just after the 1910 (?) election.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Senate Results:
Democrats: 49 (+5)
Progressives: 41 (+41)
Republicans: 6 (-46)

I hope you enjoy this TL.  If you have any suggestions, complaints, or comments, please post them.  Enjoy!

Did you forget that only 1/3 of the senators are chosen every 2 years? Even if progressives swept 1912, they couldn't have gained more than 32 seats, and would state legislatures really have appointed all new Progressive Senators?

No, I did not forget.  A large number of Progressives in 1912 were already incumbents, who switched Parties.  The legislature appointed a large number, but a strong majority were already in the Senate.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Following the passage of Roosevelt’s Medicare and Medicaid Act, the President turns his attention to education, with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1963.  The Act, written again by Senator Truman, funded primary and secondary education.  The bulk of those funds were for professional development, instructional materials, resources to support educational programs, and parental involvement promotion.

During debate, the major issue was an amendment, authored by Senator Ralph Yarborough (D-TX), which introduced a program for bilingual education, and required schools to provide for non-English speakers.  Eventually, though, the amendment is agreed to, and the Bill passes on June 3, 1963, by a vote of 71-29, with mostly Republicans opposed.  It sails through the House, and is signed by President Roosevelt on June 24, 1963.

On July 1, 1963, Justices Charles Edward Clark and Calvert Magruder both retire from the Court.  To replace them, Roosevelt appoints David Bazelon and John Minor Wisdom; they are both confirmed without controversy.

In an August 3, 1963 speech, President Roosevelt announces that the US has gone to war.  “From this moment on, I declare a full scale war against poverty!”  The President says boldly.  The key legislation will be the Economic Opportunity Act of 1963.  The Act included several social programs to promote the health, education, and general welfare of the poor.  It also encouraged the States to use unemployed people in constructing infrastructure, and idea previously used by his father.  There is, again, little debate, and the Act is signed in early October.

In his 1964 State of the Union, President Roosevelt announces that he will seek a second term as President.  He commends Congress for passing his domestic policies, and hopes to focus more on international affairs in his second term.

On June 27, 1964, Justice Peter Woodbury retires from the Court.  Roosevelt appoints Bailey Aldrich to replace him.

On July 7, the President’s wish to get involved in international affairs is granted, when the State of Israel is attacked by a coalition of Egypt, Syria, and Iraq.  The next day, Roosevelt announces that he was sending American troops to aid the Israelis; although he did not say it in the speech, his Cabinet had informed him that the USSR was doing the same thing.

On July 10, the armies meet at the Sinai Peninsula; as Roosevelt had suspected, a large number of Soviet troops had joined the ranks of the Arab armies.  For days, the Arabs attempt to break through the Israeli and American forces, but are repeatedly repelled.

On July 14, Israeli and American troops counterattack the Arab and Soviet forces; at the same time, Americans begin a heavy bombing campaign of major military sites in Egypt.  On July 15, the Soviets send more troops to try and regain the Sinai Peninsula, but are repelled, resulting in heavy losses for the USSR.

On July 18, the American Air Force begins a second bombing campaign, this time in Syria; Israel also begins a ground invasion of Egypt at the same time.  On July 20, the Iraqi army withdraws from the war, while the USSR sends in even more troops.

On July 23, with the US bombing cities in both Egypt and Syria, and the Israeli army making significant progress in Egypt, President Roosevelt and Secretary of the Army Stanley Resor fly to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Golda Meir, and Israeli commanders Moshe Dayan and Ariel Sharon.  They discuss the next course of action to take in the war; after strong lobbying by Resor, Dayan, and Sharon, it is agreed that the US will increase the troop levels, and push for a final, end-all assault on both Egypt and Syria at the same time.

When the dual invasions begin on July 26, however, the armies encounter an increased presence of Soviet troops, and a tough, ground battle begins.  For almost a week, the two armies fight almost non-stop; on August 1, the US resolves to end the war, and brings in a massive reinforcement of troops in both Egypt and Syria.

On August 3, the siege in Egypt stops, as the already weakened country, having lost the Sinai Peninsula to Israel, surrenders.  Syria, however, continues fighting, backed up by the remnants of the USSR troops from Egypt, who had been moved over to help secure Syria.  However, the US and Israel also send their Egyptian troops to Syria, and on August 6, an overwhelmed Syria officially surrenders, ending the war.

The 1964 Presidential Election

With the war attracting most of the public’s attention, the 1964 Presidential race goes almost unnoticed, despite multiple candidates vying for the office.

The 1964 Progressive National Convention

As in 1960, Senator Proxmire declares for the nomination; he faces two major opponents, Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York, and Senator Prescott Bush of Connecticut.

1964 Progressive Primaries:

March 12th (Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Wyoming)
Wisconsin: Proxmire 86%, Rockefeller 10%, Bush 4%
Louisiana: Bush 37%, Rockefeller 34%, Proxmire 29%
Wyoming: Rockefeller 34%, Bush 33%, Proxmire 33%

March 19th (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, and Texas)
Alabama: Bush 40%, Proxmire 37%, Rockefeller 23%
Alaska: Bush 42%, Proxmire 33%, Rockefeller 25%
Arkansas: Bush 37%, Rockefeller 35%, Proxmire 28%
Connecticut: Bush 67%, Rockefeller 30%, Proxmire 3%
Iowa: Proxmire 40%, Bush 32%, Rockefeller 28%
Missouri: Proxmire 38%, Bush 32%, Rockefeller 30%
Texas: Proxmire 36%, Bush 34%, Rockefeller 30%

March 26th  (Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia)
Arizona: Bush 37%, Rockefeller 37%, Proxmire 26%
California: Bush 35%, Rockefeller 33%, Proxmire 32%
Colorado: Proxmire 39%, Bush 34%, Rockefeller 27%
Delaware: Rockefeller 40%, Bush 32%, Proxmire 28%
Florida: Rockefeller 37%, Proxmire 33%, Bush 30%
Georgia: Proxmire 34%, Rockefeller 33%, Bush 33%
Hawaii: Proxmire 58%, Bush 24%, Rockefeller 18%
Illinois: Proxmire 40%, Rockefeller 37%, Bush 23%
Indiana: Proxmire 36%, Rockefeller 34%, Bush 30%
Kansas: Bush 35%, Rockefeller 33%, Proxmire 32%
Maryland: Rockefeller 47%, Bush 30%, Proxmire 23%
Michigan: Rockefeller 40%, Bush 35%, Proxmire 25%
North Carolina: Rockefeller 37%, Bush 36%, Proxmire 27%
Oregon: Rockefeller 52%, Bush 38%, Proxmire 10%
Virginia: Rockefeller 38%, Bush 36%, Proxmire 24%

Following a long string of poor finishes, Proxmire drops out, making it a two man race between Bush and Rockefeller.

April 3rd (Alaska, New Hampshire, New York)
Alaska:  Rockefeller 53%, Bush 47%
New Hampshire: Rockefeller 58%, Bush 42%
New York: Rockefeller 81%, Bush 19%

Running low on campaign funds, Bush drops out on April 3rd, and endorses Rockefeller, who selects Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky

The 1964 Democratic National Convention

The Democrats re-nominate Roosevelt and Johnson without opposition, and Roosevelt pledges to continue the past 4 years of leadership.

The 1964 Republican National Convention

In an upset, Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona defeats conservative favorite Bourke B. Hickenlooper of Iowa, although he selects fellow Iowan Jack Miller as his running mate.

The 1964 Presidential Election

With the victory in Israel still fresh on people’s minds, Roosevelt’s victory never appears in doubt.  Goldwater’s erratic rhetoric makes him appear somewhat deranged, and Rockefeller’s divorce just a few months before the election ends any doubt about a Roosevelt victory.

James Roosevelt/Lyndon Johnson: 44% PV, 446 EV
Nelson Rockefeller/John Sherman Cooper: 36% PV, 78 EV
Barry Goldwater/Jack Miller: 20% PV, 14 EV

The 1964 Congressional Elections

In addition to the Roosevelt landslide, the Democrats pick up a large number of seats in Congress.

House Results:
Democrats: 231 (+51)
Progressives: 150 (-20)
Republicans: 33 (-15)
Farmer-Labor: 21 (-16)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 50 (+4)
Progressives: 23 (-4)
Republicans: 23 (+3)
Farmer-Labor: 2 (-3)
Populist: 2 (-)

[Хahar 🤔]

Oh, great.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Glad to see you have focused more on foreign affairs in your latest update .

However I am a bit weary that Golda Meir is Prime Minister of Israel in 1964. Although this is your timeline and all but Meir did resign as Israeli Foreign Minister in 1966 due to ill health and exhaustion in RL, not to mention she did have lymphoma at the time, so I doubt Meir would be Prime Minister of Israel at this time. Though that is my two cents.

Also, I assume that leader of the Soviet Union Nikita Khrushchev was overthrown in a "peaceful" coup by his deputy Leonid Brezhnev on October 14, 1964. Did the Israeli War of 1964 play any role in Khrushchev's downfall, or did it all go according to plan, like in RL?

[Hash]

How's France by now?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

However I am a bit weary that Golda Meir is Prime Minister of Israel in 1964. Although this is your timeline and all but Meir did resign as Israeli Foreign Minister in 1966 due to ill health and exhaustion in RL, not to mention she did have lymphoma at the time, so I doubt Meir would be Prime Minister of Israel at this time. Though that is my two cents.

In my TL, Meir will resign as PM in February, 1965, dye to ill health, hastened by the war.

Also, I assume that leader of the Soviet Union Nikita Khrushchev was overthrown in a "peaceful" coup by his deputy Leonid Brezhnev on October 14, 1964. Did the Israeli War of 1964 play any role in Khrushchev's downfall, or did it all go according to plan, like in RL?

Mr. Kruschev is, as of November, 1964, still in power; I will say, however, that this defeat will have major problems for the USSR.

How's France by now?

France is doing well; de Gaulle is still in power, and although France did not take an active role in the recent war, they are strong allies with Israel, and France is a leading member of NATO and the UN.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Second Term of James Roosevelt

In the eighth Inaugural Address to be delivered by a member of the Roosevelt family, the President thanks the American people for their sacrifices during the short American involvement in Israel.  Roosevelt says that, with the war over, he can return to affairs at home.

When Congress reconvenes, Roosevelt does just that.  He sends the Environmental Protection Act of 1965 to Congress; the Act would establish an Environmental Protection Agency, called the EPA, and establish certain guidelines on pollution that companies are required to follow.  Despite strong opposition from conservatives, the Act passes narrowly in both the House and Senate, and Roosevelt signs the Act on July 1, 1965.

On March 4, 1965, in the USSR, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev was deposed as Premier; he was replaced by a troika with Alexey Kosygin as Premier, Leonid Brezhnev as General Secretary and Anastas Mikoyan as Chairman of the Presidium.

Although the reasons for Khrushchev’s dismissal were not made public, the USSR was suffering a major financial crisis.  Their defeat in the recent Middle Eastern affair had left them practically bankrupt, their military had suffered massive losses, and their international prestige had been severely tarnished.

Shortly after Khrushchev’s removal from power, the USSR begins to collapse.  On April 3, 1965, the Estonian Supreme Council declared Soviet power in Estonia since 1943 to have been illegal, and started to reestablish Estonia as an independent state.  In retaliation, the USSR sends in a large number of troops to attempt to quell the rebellion.  Despite their best efforts, though, the USSR is beaten back, and Estonia becomes an independent country.  Latvia and Lithuania quickly follow, and also manage to repel Soviet attempts to restore order.

On April 28, 1965, a revolutionary group in Poland, inspired by the strongly anti-Communist sermons of Karol Wojtyla, Archbishop of Krakow, overthrows the Soviet puppet government, and begins to non-Communist government.

By September 11, 1965, when President Roosevelt and Premier Kosygin meet in Washington, DC, the USSR is in shambles.  Of the 15 member states of the USSR in January, 1965, only Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus remain part of the USSR on October 1.

In a speech to the United Nations on October 25, the anniversary of the October Revolution, Premier Kosygin acknowledges the difficulties faced by the USSR in recent months, but promises that, “The USSR shall endure, as it has endured.  Eventually, I say, the glory of the Communism will spread to all nations, and we shall be at the front,” a statement which is applauded by the Communist government of China, Cuba, North Korea, and Vietnam, but is met with stone cold silence by the non-Communist members of the UN.

In his State of the Union Address given on February 1, 1966, President Roosevelt comments on the apparent fait accompli that is the demise of the Soviet Union.  “This is proof, my fellow Americans, that oppressive regimes can only last so long; eventually, the people will win out.”

On February 24, Kazakhstan officially leaves the USSR, establishing its own independent country.  On March 27, the final nail was laid in the USSR’s coffin, following the Ukrainian popular referendum when 82% of voters opted for independence.

On April 4, 1966, the leaders of the Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian republics met in Belavezhskaya Pushcha and signed the Belavezha Accords declaring the Soviet Union dissolved and replaced by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

On April 8, Kosygin announces his intentions to resigns Premier, although he states that he will not leave office until a successor has been elected by the people of Russia.  This occurs on May 3, with the election of Leonid Brezhnev, formerly the General Secretary.  The election of a former member of the Communist hierarchy is deeply distressing to the Western Powers, although they do not attempt to alter the election results, and Brezhnev is sworn in as the first democratically elected President of Russia on May 17, 1966, for a term ending with election to be held in the first week of May in 1971.

The 1966 Congressional Elections

With the country in a euphoric sense of joy following the collapse of the USSR, the Democrats make massive gains in both houses, again.  In addition, the Farmer Labor Party officially disbands, merging into the Progressive Party, while the Populist Party, following the death of Huey Long on October 2, rejoins the Democratic Party.

House Results:
Democrats: 259 (+28)
Progressives: 148 (-2)
Republicans: 28 (-5)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 56 (+6)
Republicans: 25 (+2)
Progressives: 19 (-4)

[Хahar 🤔]

This TL has officially jumped the shark.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

This TL has officially jumped the shark.

I concur, primarily due to the events in the Soviet Union.

Firstly, I strongly doubt that a staunch Khrushchev supporter, like Alexsei Kosygin would be elected by the anti-Khrushchev Politburo to replace Khrushchev as leader of the Soviet Union. Sure Kosygin was apart of a plan, along with Nikolay Podgorny, Alexander Shelepin and some other high officials to overthrow Khrushchev in RL 1964, but I doubt it would be a reformist like Kosygin that would replace Khrushchev. More than likely a status quo conservative, like Leonid Brezhnev would be selected.

Secondly, the Soviet Union would not collapse that drastically as told in your TL. I believe had Alexsei Kosygin became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union he would have undertaken reforms similar to Gorbachev in RL to ease the dire economic straights in the Soviet Union. However, his reforms would have faced similar problems due to the conservative Politburo.

I hate to say it Ben, you should have researched a just a little bit more on this one my friend. I hope you improve in your next update. However that's my two cents on the matter of the Soviet Union in your TL. I'm just trying to help . 

[Hash]

I concur with Rocky, of course.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

This TL has officially jumped the shark.

I concur, primarily due to the events in the Soviet Union.

Firstly, I strongly doubt that a staunch Khrushchev supporter, like Alexsei Kosygin would be elected by the anti-Khrushchev Politburo to replace Khrushchev as leader of the Soviet Union. Sure Kosygin was apart of a plan, along with Nikolay Podgorny, Alexander Shelepin and some other high officials to overthrow Khrushchev in RL 1964, but I doubt it would be a reformist like Kosygin that would replace Khrushchev. More than likely a status quo conservative, like Leonid Brezhnev would be selected.

Secondly, the Soviet Union would not collapse that drastically as told in your TL. I believe had Alexsei Kosygin became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union he would have undertaken reforms similar to Gorbachev in RL to ease the dire economic straights in the Soviet Union. However, his reforms would have faced similar problems due to the conservative Politburo.

I hate to say it Ben, you should have researched a just a little bit more on this one my friend. I hope you improve in your next update. However that's my two cents on the matter of the Soviet Union in your TL. I'm just trying to help . 

I concur with Rocky, of course.

Indeed, you guys are all correct.  I have an idea as to how I will fix things, but nothing concrete.  Hopefully I will be able to bring back my readers

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Bump

I regret to say that it is unlikely that I will be able to have another update for at least another week , since I'm going on vacation.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Throughout Eastern Europe, late 1966 and early 1967 see free elections held for the first time in decades, and throughout Eastern Europe, the Soviet government is replaced by similarly minded Communist governments.  Although the Russian government in Moscow claims no involvement in the elections, Secretary of State Dean Rusk says privately that he suspects the Russian government of bribing voters, or of former Soviet leaders corrupting the results.

In his State of the Union Address on January 29, 1967, three days following a Communist victory in the Ukrainian elections, President Roosevelt says, “While I am disappointed by the continued success of the Communist Party, at least this is the will of the people.”

On April 3, while giving a speech at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol is assassinated by a Palestinian radical.  Former Prime Minister Golda Meir steps in as acting Prime Minister, until election can be held sometime in May.

While attending Eshkol’s funeral, President Roosevelt is also the target of an assassination attempt, along with French President Charles de Gaulle, and UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson.  Although all three men escape unharmed, there is considerable concern in Israel about the multiple terrorist attacks in less than a month.

In early June, Congress begins debating the Equal Rights Amendment.  The Amendment, introduced by Senator Scoop Jackson (D-WA), would guarantee equal rights under the law for Americans regardless of sex.  The Amendment, since it related only to gender equality, was not opposed strongly by the South, although Senator Eastland (D-MS) did oppose the Amendment, saying it was unnecessary.

On September 8, the Senate votes on the Amendment.  With 67 votes needed to pass, the Amendment barely squeaks by, 69-31.  In the House, the Amendment encounters opposition from conservatives, such as John J. Rhodes (R-AZ), Charles A. Halleck (R-IN), and Albert Watson (D-SC).  For months, they attempt to prevent the Amendment from passing, but on December 10, by a vote of 298-137, the Amendment passes, and is sent to the States for ratification.

In his State of the Union Address on January 30, 1968, President Roosevelt announces that he will not seek a third term.  He also voices his strong support for the ERA, and urges the States to ratify it.  The next day, Vice President Johnson announces that he will not seek the Democratic nomination, due to ill health.  According to many, the real reason for Johnson’s withdrawal was not his health, but because the Democratic nominee would be selected by primaries, like the Progressives, Johnson felt he would be unable to win.

The 1968 Presidential Election

Without an incumbent, multiple candidates on all sides declare for the Presidential election.

The 1968 Progressive National Convention

1964 nominee Nelson Rockefeller decides to run again, and faces no major opposition, much to his surprise, and he selects Governor George Romney of Michigan as his running mate.

The 1968 Democratic National Convention

For the first time, the Democrats use primaries, and multiple candidates attempt to seek the nomination: Senator Scoop Jackson of Washington, Governor John Connally of Texas, Governor Ronald Reagan of California, and Senator John O. Pastore of Rhode Island.

1968 Democratic Primaries:

March 7 (Iowa)
Jackson: 30%, Pastore: 27%, Reagan: 25%, Connally: 18%.

March 14 (Alabama, New Hampshire, Virginia)
Alabama: Connally: 74%, Reagan: 20%, Pastore: 6%.
New Hampshire: Pastore: 40%, Jackson: 31%, Reagan: 17%, Connally: 12%.
Virginia: Connally: 35%, Jackson: 33%, Reagan: 17%, Pastore: 15%.

March 21 (Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Tennessee, Washington)
Alaska: Jackson: 50%, Reagan: 21%, Connally: 16%, Pastore: 13%.
Arkansas: Connally: 58%, Reagan: 30%, Pastore: 12%.
California: Reagan: 51%, Jackson: 43%, Pastore: 6%.
Connecticut: Jackson: 38%, Pastore: 32%, Reagan: 20%, Connally: 10%.
Tennessee: Jackson: 46%, Connally: 44%, Reagan: 8%, Pastore: 2%.
Washington: Jackson: 87%, Reagan: 5%, Connally: 5%, Pastore: 3%

Following a string of losses, and low on cash, Pastore drops out on March 21, and endorses Jackson.

March 28 (Indiana and Maryland)
Indiana: Jackson: 41%, Connally: 34%, Reagan: 25%.
Maryland: Jackson: 35%, Reagan: 34%, Connally: 31%.

April 4 (Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota)
Florida: Connally: 50%, Jackson: 32%, Reagan: 18%.
Illinois: Jackson: 44%, Connally: 30%, Reagan: 26%.
Nebraska: Jackson: 37%, Connally: 34%, Reagan: 29%.
South Dakota: Jackson: 40%, Reagan: 32%, Connally: 28%.

Having just 1 victory in the season, Reagan drops out, and endorses Jackson.

April 11 (Michigan, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wyoming)
Michigan: Jackson: 54%, Connally: 46%.
South Carolina: Connally: 60%, Jackson: 40%.
Texas: Connally: 84%, Jackson 16%.
West Virginia: Jackson: 57%, Connally: 43%.
Wyoming: Jackson: 62%, Connally: 38%

Despite 2 impressive wins, Connally decides to drop out on April 12, and endorse Jackson.  Jackson selects Reagan as his Vice President.

The 1968 Republican National Convention

As the Republican gather, there is no clear frontrunner.  However, on the third ballot, they nominate John J. Rhodes of Arizona.  He selects 1964 VP nominee Jack Miller.

The 1968 Presidential Election

Throughout the campaign, it is neck and neck between Jackson and Rockefeller.  Both men support the ERA, and are fairly liberal in their views.  However, the popularity of President Roosevelt carries the day, and Jackson is narrowly elected.

Scoop Jackson/Ronald Reagan: 37% PV, 281 EV
Nelson Rockefeller/George Romney: 36% PV, 252 EV
John J. Rhodes/Jack Miller: 27% PV, 5 EV

The 1968 Congressional Elections

As in the Presidential race, the Congressional races are close as well.  In the end, the Democrats lose a small number of seats.

House Results:
Democrats: 250 (-9)
Progressives: 154 (+6)
Republicans: 31 (+3)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 51 (-5)
Republicans: 26 (+1)
Progressives: 23 (+4)

[Hash]

What happens with May 1968 in France and the subsequent snap election? As in OTL?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

What happens with May 1968 in France and the subsequent snap election? As in OTL?

Yes, just as in OTL.