Bryan defeats McKinley, 1896!

[TommyC1776]

Presidential Poll:
Bush/Reagan 52%
Brown/Glenn 44%
Undecided 4%

Governor Brown states "America, we haven't seen much progress under President Bush this year.  He's really not done much in the last 4 years.  We need better leadership and that's what you'll get with a Brown/Glenn administration.  Thank you. God Bless America."

Bush goes across the country calling Brown "the most liberal man to run for President ever."

Brown puts an ad out: President Bush is the wrong man for America in 1984.  He's given tax hikes to the poor and lowered taxes on the rich.  That's why voting for Governor Brown is the right man.  Preident Bush: wrong on taxes and wrong on healthcare.  Paid for by Elect Governor Brown.

[TommyC1776]

Former Congressman John Anderson announces his support for Jerry Brown.

John Anderson


"Americans, Governor Brown is the best candidate for President in a long time.  We must support him as he's better than Bush.  Governor Brown will keep funding your health insurance programs while President Bush will cut funding on healthcare.  It's just that simple.  Remember when you vote to vote for real change with Jerry Brown and John Glenn.  Thanks."

Anderson's endorsement doesn't really do much for Brown.

[TommyC1776]

Presidential Debate: October 19th, 1984

Bradley: Americans welcome to the only Presidential debate of 1984.  Let's welcome President Bush and Governor Brown. First question, what's your plan to deal with unemployment? President Bush.

Bush: Well Ed I want to thank you for moderating this debate tonight.  I also want to thank Governor Brown for coming tonight.  As far as unemployment it's going down and has been going down over the past few years.  I just want to tell you that Governor Brown will raise your taxes and make unemployment go up.

Brown: Thanks for being here Ed to moderate.  I also want to thank President Bush for being here tonight.  Now getting to unemployment, it's been pretty steady on and off.  However, giving the rich tax breaks isn't right for America.  That's what can cause it to go up.  By the way, President Bush is wrong about me.

Bradley: Alright second question, what's your plan to deal with the Soviet Union?  Governor Brown go ahead.

Brown: As far as the Soviet Union goes we should meet with General Secretary Chernenko and discuss a disarmament.  This is the best idea first.

Bush: I also believe diplomatic relations will work out with the Soviets.  General Secretary Chernenko and I plan to meet in the coming months ahead.  Building a better relationship with the Soviets is what I plan for my second term.

Bradley: Alright, last question.  What is your plan to do over the next 4 years?  President Bush.

Bush: If I'm re-elected I will continue to lower taxes, have less government and just continue our great success so far.  I do want to remind Americans that this is an important election between a man who wants lower government and a man who wants the biggest growth in government since Franklin Roosevelt.

Brown: If I'm elected President I will stop the tax cuts for the rich and help the poor out for once.  The poor really matter in this election and that's whats at stake in this election.

Bradley: Alright Americans don't forget to vote on November 6th.  It's your duty to vote in a few weeks.  Have a great night and thanks for watching tonight.  I'm Ed Bradley reporting to you from CBS.  Goodnight.

[TommyC1776]

1984 Presidential Election

George Bush
Jerry Brown

PV%: Bush 56% Brown 44%

EV: Bush 433, Brown 105

President Bush says "Thank you America.  Vice President Reagan and I appreciate the big turnout.  I want to thank Governor Brown for a great race this year.  It was tough but I knew I could win.  Now we must get back to business.  Thanks again and God Bless you.  I love you all."

[TommyC1776]

Congressional Elections:
House: 255 Reps, 180 Dems
Senate: 56 Reps, 44 Dems.

The Republicans make little gains in the Congress.  Meanwhile its the same leaders.

[TommyC1776]

Democrats are wondering what they can do have the public trust them to give the party control again.  

In late December, DNC Party Chairman Charles Mannat and Senate Minority Leader Ted Kennedy decide to meet to discuss the future of the party.  Their commited to hopefully taking back at least the House in 1986.

Meanwhile the 99th Congress starts on January 3, 1985.

On January 20, 1985 President Bush was inaugurated for his 2nd term.

President Bush being sworn in for 2nd term.


He states "Americans we're on a great course forward.  Unemployment is low and peace with the Soviets seems in reach.  That's why I am going to get a lot accomplished in the next four years.  God Bless America and thank you."

Bush approval rating: 59%.

[Understanding in a car crash]

Gephardt 88!

[TommyC1776]

At the beginning of February 1985, a reporter for CNN Jeremy Levin is freed from Lebanon.  A few days later Israel withdrawals from Lebanon.  On February 19th William J Schroeder is the first man to have an artificial heart.  Then in early March an AIDS blood test is approved.

After a couple months the House decides to vote on the Balanced Budget Act of 1985.  It votes 295-140.  Then the Senate votes 69-31.  President Bush signs it and it states that the deficit will be lowered.

Then by the fall of 1985 Congress begins debating the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. Some people are saying Congress shouldn't decide the price of coins. After a long debate the Act is passed by the House 309-126.  Senator Bob Dole states that the bill will be brought up in the Senate over the next few weeks and the result is 79-21.

[TommyC1776]

Israeli attack on the PLO.


President Bush said "We will be with Israel if it goes any further.  I will be speaking with Israel President Herzog.  More updates later.  Thank you."

Israeli President Chaim Herzong


In the end there were 60 casualties but not much was done about it.  President Bush is planning to meet with Yassar Arafat and Chiam Herzog soon.  "A meeting might be the best solution." said Bush.

[TommyC1776]

President Bush later stated that this act of terror "can't be condoned."  Over the next few months the Tunisian President, Habib Bourguiba, and President Bush had harsh relations with eachother as the result of the attack.

1986 is here now and the Democrats are hoping that in November they will win back, at least the House and do well in the Senate.

Senate Minority Leader Ted Kennedy and House Minority Leader Tip O'Neill go across the country promoting Democratic issues.  Kennedy states "Democrats we must do well in 1986 so we can stop some of the legislation that Republicans want to do such as cutting your healthcare costs and raising taxes."

[TommyC1776]

On January 28th, 1986 the spaceship Challenger explodes.

Challenger taking off


President Bush states "Americans, today we have lost 7 valued citizens.  It's a real disaster when something happens like this.  We will however continue space exploration as this is just  a bump in the road.  I do want to express my condolences to their families and friends.

In March the House starts debating the Consolidated Omnibus Budger Reconciliation Act of 1986 aka Cobra.  The House votes 253-182.  Then it goes to the Senate for a debate and vote.  The Senate votes 62-38.  President Bush signs it into law on May 14, 1986.

Over the next few months President Bush starts to campaign for Republicans that fall.  "We can't afford to have the Democrats win more seats as they will try to increase the size of your government.  That's why I'm hoping Congress stays in Republican hands.  Thank you."

[TommyC1776]

In May 1986 The Congress is now debating the Defense Reorganization Act of 1986.  The House debates and votes 300-135 in favor of it.  Then it goes to the Senate where they vote 93-7.  President Bush signs it into on June 10th, 1986.

At the end of July, Prince Andrew marries Sarah Ferguson.

[TommyC1776]

1986 Congressional Election:
House: 220 Dems, 215 Reps
Senate: 50 Reps, 50 Dems

The Democrats now control the House and have won 6 seats in the Senate.  Since both parties have 50 seats in the Senate, the Republicans have control because VP Reagan is a Republican and he will be the tie breaking vote.

The Senate leaders still remain the same however they change in the House.

House leaders:
Speaker of the House: Jim Wright
House Majority Leader: Tom Foley
House Minority Leader: Trent Lott.

President Bush states "Americans have spoken and have given this administration a little bump in the road.  I plan to work with the Democrats in the House to get some legislation passed.  I'm planning a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole and Speaker of the House Jim Wright.  Thanks."

[TommyC1776]

Possible Democrats, 1988:
Senator Ted Kennedy (former Pres.)
Senator Walter Mondale
Senator Gary Hart
Senator Paul Simon
Congressman Dick Gephardt

Possible Republicans, 1988:
Senator Bob Dole
Congressman Jack Kemp
Televangelist Pat Robertson
Fmr. Senator Howard Baker

Wait and see when or if these men announce their running in 1988 ok?

[Swing Voter]

Baker vs. Hart would make a great race to watch!