Summer TL: President Henry Wallace

[hcallega]

Who was Smathers's Vice President while in office?

He didn't choose one, much like LBJ in OTL

So the 25th Amendment hasn't happened?

yeah because much of that had to do with Kennedy being assassinated. granted he died anyway, but due to natural causes and not an assasination.

[hcallega]

1976 Presidential Election

The battle between Rockefeller and Reagan in 1976 was set up early on to be an intense and dramatic election. Rockefeller's folksy appeal that had helped him so much in 1972 was no longer so dramatic against the former California Governor. Early on it was clear that that the former Hollywood actor wouldn't pull any punches, as he opened up a firestorm on Rockefeller, criticzing him on everything from the economy ("President Rockefeller's policies have set this nation on the path to bankruptcy and economic collapse") to his upbringing ("Don't let the cowboy hat and leather jacket fool you, Withrop Rockefeller has never worked a day, let alone a day on the farm, in his life.") Reagan's fiery populist rhetoric helped him in his appeals to liberal groups such as blacks and hispanics who had voted for Rockefeller in 1972.

Governor Reagan campaiging in South Carolina with South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond

The President fired back with is own attacks, calling out Reagan for his policies as governor, stating that "If Mr. Reagan was to become President he would do the same things he did as governor: cut taxes, raise spending, and turn the state over to labor and his Holywood friends." However the President was on the defensive most of the race, being forced to defend his lackluster economic performance. In a townhall meeting held in Des Moines, Iowa, Rockefeller was asked this question: "Now Mr. President, I'm a small farmer with a wife and a couple of kids running around the house. Now I voted for you last time because I was afraid that I might loose the farm with the way the economy was going and all. But the way I see it things haven't gotten any better, I mean in fact they may have gotten worse. Please Mr. President, tell me why I should vote for you." Rockefeller response: "Well, you know there are a lot of reasons why the economy is in the shape that it is, and it really isn't just the actions of one man or one government, but let my try to put it as simply as I can. The economy is bad, but it could be worse. We could all be out of a job, and we could all be on welfare, but the fact is that it will get better. Things have bottomed out, and they really can't get much worse. Now I think you should vote for me because under my policies we will see the economy recover. Governor Reagan wants to go back to the policies that got us there. I don't, and that should be enough." This answer would serve as a microcosm for the failures of Rockefeller's campaign. He was unable to articulate why the economy had not recovered, or why Americans should sign on for four more years of his policies. Reagan on the other hand portrayed himself as a return to prosperity and success for America and it's people, and thus opened up a strong 12 point lead going into October.

The President with the Vice-President's Son

However the prescense of fomrer Senator Eugene McCarthy's campaign soon became a major concern to Reagan. Focusing his campaign in strongly liberal areas like New York, Philadelphia, and New England, McCarthy was attempting to gain enough support from liberals to cause Reagan to loose the election, and thus allow himself (or another liberal) to win the nomination in 1980. McCarthy himself was no radical. A fast riser in the Democratic party in the 1960s, McCarthy's fast track to national office was derailed by his personal rivalry with President John Kennedy. Much of this was do to McCarthy's staunch oppostion to Kennedy's nomination in 1964, even going as far as to endorse Nelson Rockefeller. Once Kennedy was elected, McCarthy became a thorn in his side, especially on foreign policy issues. He was also critical of his economic policies which he believed were "sinking the nation in a time when whe should rising." Once Kennedy passed away, McCarthy joined with Republicans in opposing Smathers and in support of Rockefeller. However much of his opposition was rooted in Smathers' moderate policies. After retiring from the Senate, McCarthy stayed active in the liberal grassroots, calling for single-payer health care and full civil rights for women, gays, and latinos. In 1976 he would run as an indpendent under the "National Democratic Party" banner. He would choose New York congresswoman Shirley Chisholm as his Vice-Presidential nominee in a direct attempt to rally support from blacks and women. Focusing his campaign on liberal enclaves, McCarthy would draw large crowds and polls in mid-October showed him garnering upwards of 10% of the vote. National ads portrayed him as the warm father figured focused on improving the plight of the poor and weak, while essentially ignoring the two frontrunners.

To cut down McCarthy's support however, Reagan would focus on returning to his past. Calling him out for his support of Republican nominees, Reagan criticzed McCarthy as a "tool of the Republican leadership to defeat the Democratic Party. He is a selfish man, who would rather see his party loose than accept defeat." But perhaps the biggest detrement to McCarthy was when he was not invited to either of the two nationally televised debates on the week of the election. Hovering at around 9%, McCarthy new that he would have make the most of any chance to provide a contrast between himself and the President. However without the national TV audience, McCarthy was unable to portray himself as the only real liberal in the race, and was forced to watch as Reagan and Rockefeller dueled.

[imghttp://mentalfloss.cachefly.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/ronald-reagan-GE.jpg]http://[/img]

In the debates themselves, Reagan opened up with an aggressive attack against Rockefeller as "an out of touch elitist who is in the wrong place and at the wrong time." The attacks continued as Rockefeller was unable to come up with an effective deffense. However in the second debates the focus shifted to foreign policy. Here Rockefeller was able to take advantage as his role of a leader and portray Reagan as "an agressive interventionist who will lead us down the path to war." Overall the debates were even, as each candidate took one of them. However that was not good enough for the President who trailed in the polls entering Election Night:

Reagan/Kennedy (D)-442 EVs, 52% of the PV
Rockefeller/Goldwater (R)-96 EVs, 42% of the PV
McCarthy/Chisholm (ND)-0 EVs, 5% of the PV

While many expected Reagan to win, few predicted that his victory would be so decisive. Much of the victory is credidted to higher than expected turnout among white working class voters, as well as practically every swing state breaking towards Reagan. Also, McCarthy's less than stellar 5% of the vote did little to hurt Reagan, and in the mid-west and northeast may have actually hurt Rockefeller among white liberals who had voted for Rockefeller in 1972. Reagan's victory was the biggest defeat of a true incumbent in US history.

1976 Congressional Elections

1976 was an election of new beginings in the US Senate, as there was an unusually high number of freshmen elected to the Senate. Along with Reagan's landslide however, the Democrats would gain the most, having a net gain of 1 to expand their lead to 59-41 and giving the President some more leway.
Democratic Gains
-Arizona: Dennis DeConcini
-Hawaii: Spark Matsunaga
-Maryland: Paul Sarbanes
-Nebraska: Edward Zorinsky
-New York: Daniel Patrick Moynihan
-Tenessee: Jim Sasser
-Vermont: Thomas Salmon
Republican Gains
-Indiana: Roger Zion
-New Mexico: Harrison Schmidt
-Missouri: John Danforth
-Rhode Island: John Chafee
-Utah: Orrin Hatch
-Wyoming: Malcolm Wallop

In the House the Democrats would gain several seats for new Speaker Tip O'Neill, a strong liberal but nonetheless supporter and soon-to-be personal friend of Reagan.

[Antonio the Sixth]

This would probably be the only time when I would vote Republican.

[Historico]

Wow...Was not expecting for Winthrop to loose or even loose in such a big way to former Governor Reagan. It will be interesting to see Reagan's differences on Domestic and Foriegn Policy as President compared to OTL. He might still be a neocon on foriegn policy due to them not having have left the party. Lol, but will he survive the horrible economic and global conditions of the late '70's...OMG I just thought about it...Goldwater vs. Reagan in 1980!!!

[hcallega]

This would probably be the only time when I would vote Republican.

I figured as much.

Wow...Was not expecting for Winthrop to loose or even loose in such a big way to former Governor Reagan.

It's the economy STUPID! (no offense, just worth saying)

[Historico]

I can just see Ronnie saying this..."A Recession is when your neighbor looses his job, a depression is when you loose yours, and Recovery is when Winnie Rockefeller looses his!!!"lol. But "Are you better off than you were just four short years ago?" would work to in this scenario as well.

[Antonio the Sixth]

OMG I just thought about it...Goldwater vs. Reagan in 1980!!!

Suicide...

[hcallega]

OMG I just thought about it...Goldwater vs. Reagan in 1980!!!

Suicide...

Remember, Reagan is by no means a true-blue conservative. He is much more of a "populist".

[Historico]

And that Barry Goldwater was less Mr. Conservative and more Mr. Libertarian...As he became a staunch oponent to social conservatives like Jerry Falwell, Pro-Choice, and a strong supporter for Gay Rights. I think he would make a very formidable candidate against a more Carteresque Reagan.

[hcallega]

The First Term of President Ronald Reagan

Entering the Oval Office in 1977, things did not look good for the United States of America. Inflation, a sputtering economy, and a still high deficit made it look like goods time were not just around the corner. In spite of this, President Reagan and his advisers created the three-point plan to America's economic revival: 1-Stimulate economic growth through tax cuts and increased spending on domestic projects, 2-Implement wage and price controls to slow inflation and 3-ALWAYS speak to the American people with optimism; never with malaise or in a depressing manner.

Another serious domestic issue became the energy crisis. In response to the crisis, Reagan pushed for the deregulation of oil and natural gass, as well as tax cuts for coal companies. Reagan also increased investment in alternative energies, though that was less of a priority than stimulating national industry already in place. This drew critiscm from liberals, but received strong support from moderates and conservatives.

A major focus of President Reagan's first term was foreign policy. Meeting with middle eastern leaders, Reagan paved a record as being very supportive of Israel. Increasing funds for supplying Israel with weapons, Reagan believed that not only was Israel a democratic nation in a authoritarian area, but also "a beacon of light against the forces of Communism and Communist influence in the Middle East." Reagan also paved a staunchly conservative record against the USSR, refusing to open negotiations and instead increasing military funding along the Iron Curtain.

Reagan's National Security Adviser: Jeane Kirkpatrick

On domestic policy Reagan was forced quite often to work from the middle on many contentious issues. The most obvious was universal health care. Senator Ted Kennedy took the lead on the attempt to get a universal plan passed in congress. Reagan was reluctant to push for the issue, hopeing to focus on the economy and inflation instead. Reagan also feared that he did not have the votes in congress and did not want to suffer an embarrasing defeat. However he did say to Kennedy that he would sign the bill if it passed congress. However it was shot down in comitee, as many saw it as a distraction from the pressing issue of the economy. Three Mile Island was another example of Reagan having to rise to the challenge of the times, resoundingly supporting Nuclear Energy as a way to help the energy crisis.

In 1979, after two years where the focus was squarely on the economy (and it's slow recovery) and inflation (again, also slowly lowering), the focus shifted squarely to foreign policy. In Janaury the Shah left Iran due to heavy pressure, leading to the creation of the extremist-islamic government. The Ayatollah Khomeni, a strong opponent of political liberalism and America, took over the government. At the same time in Nicaragua the Sandinistas would overthrow the government. Reagan would denounce both movements as "extremist groups who see little problem with murder and torture as means to victory." In regard to Iraq, things would only get worse when the Revolutionary Guard stormed the American Embassy, taking hostages after the Shah was given asylum in America. Reagan would call an emergency meeting of his national security council, lead by his National Security Adviser Jeanne Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick would urge Reagan to use force agains the Iranians, something that many in his "brain trust" would oppose. However Reagan trusted Kirkpatrick and his gut instincts, and ordered the 101st Airborne to land in Iran and rescue the hostages. He trusted that the Screaming Eagles would not fail him.

The 101st would land in helicopters on rooftops throughot Tehran near the embassy. Despite taking heavy anti-aircraft fire, all of the helicopters would land safely and deposit the paras. Securring a perimeter around the embassy, the 101st would storm the building rapidly, killing or wounding all of the guard and rescuing all but one of the hostages who was caught in the crossfire. The 101st would then return to their helicopters. However one of the choppers was shot down and crashed into the center of the city. After returning to the USS Enterprise in the Persian Gulf, the choppers would return to the scene, only to see Iranian troops surronding the crash site, making it impossible to land. Considered a sucess by many, some called out Reagan for being overly brash and agressive. However Kirkpatrick would gain much support as the new leader of the "Scoop Jackson Democrats" for her advice.

However the biggest moment of Reagan's presidency came in March of 1980. With liberal Democratic Senator Walter Mondale already challenging President Reagan due to his moderate run as President, it looked as though the President would have a tough, if beatable, challenge. The economy was recovering and inflation was going down, but many believed that the President was not being agressive enough in tackling the issue head on. Reagan had won the New Hampshire Primary, but not by as much as expected. However one event would change everything. In March of 1980, Soviet forces poured through the Fulda Gap into West Germany. Beliving that now was the time to strike, Soviet commanders had commitedd much to the attack. The Soviet 8th Guard's Army lead the way, engaging the much smaller 11th Amored Cavalry Regiment. In what is known as the "Day of the Black Horse" the 11th ACR would fight an incredibly sucessfull delaying action against the 8th Gaurds, allowing the US V Corps to arrive in the Gap. Several members of the ACR were awarded medals for their valiant defense. The epic tank fight of the V Corps vs. the 8th Guards would be "epic", as T-72s took on the M60 Pattons. The end result was a standstill, but with Soviet Reinforcements on the way the situation was dire. President Reagan knew he had to do something, and he did. Ordering the entire US force to pull back out of the Gap (as well as any civilians), Reagan ordered two B-52s to drop two atomic bombs (never before used in battle) on the Soviet forces. The key here was that with the Soviets contained in the Gap by the US forces, the blast would be isolated enough that it would only destory the Soviet columns. The explosions were titantic, and decimated the Soviet advance. Premire Breznez called on a halt to fighting and opened up negotiations with Reagan. The President would halt his campaign to negotiate. The end results were solid: the Soviet-American conflict would come to an end, while Soviet forces would withdraw back to Russia itself. From there the Eastern Bloc countries would be allowed to decide their own fate. Someone hold elections, in others the local Communist parties were strong enough to keep dictatorial rule. Either way, the Cold War was over, and the US (and Reagan) had won.

[Historico]

Im not so sure Brezhenv would have taken two Nuclear missle attacks against the Soviet Millitary so lightly. Since Detente was never really introduced by Rocky, Jack, Smathers and Winthrop, I assume that MAD(Mutually Assured Destruction) is still the nuclear policy of both nations. DC, New York and other major US cities would have been obliterated by Soviet Nukes. Having that Cowboy in the White House pushing the Nuclear Button really isn't a good idea. Nonethless I am interested in seeing where your taking it...Either Reagan's rally around the flag effect ensures him a landslide victory in 1980 or The GOP creams him in the 1980 Election for almost destroying the world lol...Im really pulling for Goldwater/Brooke 1980 now lol.

[hcallega]

Historico, you need to remember one thing: Wallace never used the A-Bomb against Japan, and therefore nuclear secrets were very tightly guarded. No country outside of the US has Nuclear technology, and therefore Brezhenv had no idea how to respond outside of surrender. This is the first time that Nuclear weapons had ever been used, essentially ending the cold war.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Sound unlikely. Is this possible that the Soviets or any other nation never developed or even researched nuclear weapon? Idea of nuclear weapon is older than Manhattan Project, and there were many opinions from scientists before how deadly it could be. It's hard to believe any government except U.S. didn't wanted to develop nuclear warfare.

[Historico]

Sound unlikely. Is this possible that the Soviets or any other nation never developed or even researched nuclear weapon? Idea of nuclear weapon is older than Manhattan Project, and there were many opinions from scientists before how deadly it could be. It's hard to believe any government except U.S. didn't wanted to develop nuclear warfare.

I have to agree with Kal here HC, it is highly implausible seeing how much money the USSR poured into defense spending they wouldn't have come up with their own Nuclear Weapon stockpile to. Remmeber during the 50's spying on both ends is how alot of those weapons secrets go out. If you really want the US and the USSR to duke it have a couple of non nuclear skirmishes happen between both millitaries either in Berlin or Afghanistan, and have a Cuban Missle Crisisian stand off for a couple of days, but cooler heads prevail before both nations bring us to extinction as a civilization...Ronnie might have a been a staunch anticommunist but he was far from crazy lol.

I think Edward Blake/The Comedian said it best in Watchmen..."It don't matter squat because inside thirty years the nukes are gonna be flyin' like maybugs...and then Ozzy here is gonna be the smartest man on the cinder. Now, pardon me, but I got an appointment. See you in the funny papers."

So either way Im still fully onboard with this timeline and eager to see which way you go with it.

[hcallega]

Alright, I'm sorry for making it so implausible. I don't want to go back and edit the post itself, so consider this an edit:

The Soviets do have nuclear weapons, although the cold war is not necessarily as nuclear as before. Neither side views nuclear weapons as the key to the conflict, or the theory of mutually assured destruction. With US and Soviet forces tangling in the Fulda Gap, Reagan calls on Breznehv to negotiate. A cease-fire is called and both sides go to the negotiating table. The Geneva Peace Accords (as they are known) bring an end to the Cold War, as both sides make it clear that they have nuclear weapons and will use them if the other side does as well. Breznevh promises to pull Soviet troops out of the Gap, while both sides agree to progressively drop troop numbers in Germany.


So there you have it, no nuclear warfare but Reagan still looks like the hero for lessening hostilities. It also undercuts Mondale's criticism for Reagan's hawkish policies and bluntness.

In other news, I'm going on vacation on Sunday and won't be back for a week. I may post sporadically but I don't think I will everyday (only when I'm board or at night). So until then be content with America up to 1980.

[Antonio the Sixth]

OMG I just thought about it...Goldwater vs. Reagan in 1980!!!

Suicide...

Remember, Reagan is by no means a true-blue conservative. He is much more of a "populist".

Yes, he was certainly far more moderate than today's republican conservatives ( because the country's political center has turned more and more toward the right since 1980 ). But I totally disagree with his extremist economic policies, that destroyed the already poor american welfare system and the New Deal's legacy.
What I mean is that in the 40-60's, a Reagan vs Johnson race would result in a Johnson 25-points landslide, wereas today it would be the contrary. So, yes, Reagan is a moderate for today's politics, but certainly not for 70's.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Exactly, Antonio. I guess today Goldwater too would have a hard time within GOP, as "not conservative enough" or "too-liberal" (being pro-choice, pro-LGBT rights). John Tower, Howard Baker would also be labeled as RINOs.

[hcallega]

Antonio, I know you are not from America and as such may not be aware, but for most of his life (prior to the 1960s)  Reagan was a LIBERAL DEMOCRAT, and due to the nature of this TimeLine remains a Democrat and is much more liberal than in real life.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Antonio, I know you are not from America and as such may not be aware, but for most of his life (prior to the 1960s)  Reagan was a LIBERAL DEMOCRAT, and due to the nature of this TimeLine remains a Democrat and is much more liberal than in real life.

Yes, I knew that. I found just a bit strange that he didn't change in your timeline, but that doesn't matter.

[Historico]

I think the most interesting thing about the Mondale v Reagan primary battle is that the two probably arent to significantly different ITTL as the're both of last of the New Deal Democrats but Im assuming the issues of Degree's of anticommunisim, Nuclear Freeze and etc...It's enough for Mondale to launch a threat against an incumbent President.

[hcallega]

1978 Senate Election

Despite the state of the economy and Reagan's lack of popularity, the Democrats would actually make gains in the Senate, bumping up their majority to 60-40, and giving Reagan a filibuster-proof majority.
Republican Gains
-Colorado: William Armstrong
-Maine: William Cohen
-Minnesota: David Durrenberger
-South Dakota: Larry Pressler
Democratic Gains
-Massachusetts: Paul Tsongas
-Michigan: Carl Levin
-Nebraska: Jim Exon
-New Jersey: Bill Bradley
-Oklahoma: David Boren

In the House however, the Republicans would make slight gains to narrow the Democratic Majority.

[Historico]

1978 Senate Election

Despite the state of the economy and Reagan's lack of popularity, the Democrats would actually make gains in the Senate, bumping up their majority to 60-40, and giving Reagan a filibuster-proof majority.
Republican Gains
-Colorado: William Armstrong
-Maine: William Cohen
-Minnesota: David Durrenberger
-South Dakota: Larry Pressler
Democratic Gains
-Massachusetts: Paul Tsongas
-Michigan: Carl Levin
-Nebraska: Jim Exon
-New Jersey: Bill Bradley
-Oklahoma: David Boren

In the House however, the Republicans would make slight gains to narrow the Democratic Majority.

Ahh Bollocks HC, lol, I thought that you were posting a full fledged update...Anyways how your having a fantastic vacation, and can't wait to see what you come up with when you get back.

[hcallega]

1980 Republican Nomination

The lack of economic prosperity under Reagan, as well as the general sense that the 1980 would be a Republican rebound year made many high profile GOP leaders jump headfirst into the race. The most high-profile candidate to be courted by Republican leaders was former Vice-President and Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater. Goldwater, a popular grassroots conservative leader, was viewed by many in the conservative wing as the only potential candidate who could out-campaign Reagan and counter his dynamic charisma and rhetoric. However Goldwater quickly shot down any speculation of a Presidential run, stating that “my time as a politician is done. The reality is that those in Washington care little for actual principled governing and would rather posture and preach. I do not, nor will I ever again want to be a part of that mess.” Goldwater would also endorse conservative Illinois Representative Phil Crane in the speech. Crane, running as the “Early Bird” (he was the first candidate to declare his candidacy), attempted to rally conservative support in the same way that Rhodes had in 1968. However his lack of national name-recognition and lack of charisma doomed his campaign from the start.

The Cover of Goldwater's Best Selling Book released in 1978

Several other high-profile candidates did launch campaigns however. The most prominent was Kansas Senator Bob Dole. Dole had paved a record as a conservative critic of both Rockefeller administrations. However he was not nearly as extreme as Goldwater or Crane, and had much support from “Middle America”. Dole’s campaign theme was focused on experience and his infamous “Three-Point Plan” to revive the economy. Point one called for a reduction of corporate and income tax, point two a reduction of spending on welfare and foreign aid, and point three a gradual reduction of wage and price controls. Dole also talked a great deal about his military record, making it clear that he would bring an experienced touch to foreign policy. However Dole was not without his critics. Bill Buckley criticized him in an op-ed in the New York Times. Buckley would call Dole “A true wolf in sheep’s clothing. His supposedly conservative views have little in common with those like myself and Mr. Goldwater’s. In fact Senator Dole is far closer to President Reagan than any true opponent of big government.”

Dole's blunt campaign bumper sticker

Dole’s largest challenge actually came from the left rather than the right. Washington insider and President Rockefeller’s chief of staff George Bush was one of the first candidates to declare his candidacy. Bush repeatedly emphasized his political experience “In a time where being an outsider means learning on the job. And we cannot afford that again.” Bush also tried to tie himself to the Presidencies of the Rockefeller’s and Dewey by emphasizing that he would not “be ideologically bound in the White House. I will act independently and in the best nature of the country.” Ideologically, Bush proposed lowering spending and focusing on a balanced budget instead of generating growth via tax cuts and increased spending. Bush’s focus was inflation instead of economic recovery, believing that one would follow the other, but “we cannot afford to increase the deficit and inflation through policies that may improve the economy, but then again they might not. We know for a fact how to reduce inflation. No one’s sure about how to fix the economy.”

The consummate insider on the campaign trail

The third candidate in the race was Senate Minority leader Howard Baker. Baker, a rare southern Republican, was another moderate. However Baker staked himself out as a unique candidate by focusing his theme under a “Southern Strategy”. Baker believed that the future of the Republican Party was in the south, not in the mid-west and northeast. Baker made it clear that he did not believe that it would be a short term strategy, but rather a long-term attempt to rally social conservatives and supporters of big business in a winning coalition. Other candidates included Senator Lowell Weicker of Connecticut and Representative John B. Anderson, who both ran to the left.

Senator Baker addresses the media after announcing his decision to run for the Presidency

The opening contest of the race came in Iowa, where Dole would win a solid victory in the caucuses. Many were beginning to label Dole as the frontrunner due to his support from Republican leadership, but Bush would fire back with consecutive victories in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont. Baker would then score wins in South Carolina and Alabama, but would be upset by Dole in Florida, before another win in Georgia. The race would soon become a back and forth affair. Dole would capture Illinois, before Bush scored a solid win in his home state of Connecticut. Kansas and Wisconsin were chalked up in the Dole column, before Baker would win in Louisiana. Pennsylvania would be a key state, as Dole and Bush squared off in the key state. In the end Dole would win due to strong support from rural areas. Texas would also narrowly go to Dole, giving him a nice lead in the delegate race. D.C. would go to Bush, while Indiana would go to Dole. North Carolina and Tennessee would go to the southerner Baker. Dole would then start to separate himself from the race with wins in Nebraska, Michigan, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, California, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bush would pick up several states, winning Maryland, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, while Baker would win Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi.

At the Republican Convention, the focus was clearly on Dole as a war hero and Republican leader, with many in the party giving strong praise to the nominee. Dole would choose Illinois Governor “Big Jim” Thompson as Vice-President. Things looked good entering the General Election for the Grand Old Party.

Newsweek's Article on the GOP's VP Nominee

[Sewer]

Any third party candidates?

[Historico]

Any third party candidates?

Nice Installment HC, wasn't expecting Dole to get the nomination but the pick of Big Jim Thompson was a great one for a running mate. Bob's stance as a Midwestern Conservative will seriously weaken Reagan's Base. Can't wait to see how the General Election turns out...Keep it comming