The Presidency of Hubert Humphrey and Everything After:

[Kaine for Senate '18]

This timeline starts with the 1960 election.  I have tried to stay as close to the historical figures as possible, but there will of course be some deviation.  If you have any suggestions, please give them to me.

The 1960 Democratic National Convention

At the convention, the delegates are deadlocked between Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts, and Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota.  Sensing an opportunity to play a major role in the upcoming administration, Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Baines Johnson manages to swing a number of states over to Humphrey.  In return, and in order to pacify the Southern states, Humphrey makes Johnson his running mate.

The 1960 Republican National Convention

The Republican Convention is much less climactic than the Democratic one.  Vice President Richard M. Nixon had no major opponent entering the convention, and he was nominated on the first ballot, with a few votes going to Barry Goldwater of Arizona.  Nixon decides to select Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky to be his running mate.

The 1960 Presidential Election

The entire election is close, with neither candidate ever leading by more than 3 points in the polls.  Nixon campaigns mostly on his experience as Vice President, while Humphrey makes frequent points that Eisenhower as been lukewarm at best towards his Vice President.  On election day, Humphrey prevails in one of the closest races of the 20th Century.  A change of a few thousand votes in New York would have swung the election to Nixon.

Hubert Humphrey/Lyndon Johnson: 302 EV, 50.09% PV
Richard Nixon/John Sherman Cooper: 235 EV, 49.83% PV

1960 Congressional Elections

In a reflection of the closeness of the presidential election, poth parties gain a few seats in each House, resulting in few changes:

House Results:
Democrats: 278 (-5)
Republicans: 158 (+5)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 64 (-1)
Republicans: 36 (+1)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The first term of Hubert Humphrey:

Hubert Humphrey is sworn in as President by Earl Warren on January 20, 1961.  In his inaugural address, Humphrey promises that a Civil Rights bill will be sent to Congess by the end of June.  He also promises a Constitutional Amendment to abolish the Poll Tax.

For his major cabinet jobs, Humphrey names Dean Rusk as Secretary of State, John Kenneth Galbraith as Secretary of the Treasury, Abe Fortas as Attorney General, and Robert Lovett as Secretary of Defense.

On March 27, Humphrey introduces the Civil Rights Act of 1961.  The bill prohibits discrimination in public facilities, in government, and in employment.  It also prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sex, and national origin.  It also enabled the U.S. Attorney General to sue state governments which operated segregated school systems, and to enforce the other aspects of the bill.  Vice President Johnson begins meeting with Southern Democrats, in order to try and prevent a fillibuster of the bill.

A few months later, Humphrey announces that he hopes to have landed a man on the moon by the end of his first term.  He says that he plans to cut defense spending in order to finance the space program.

On July 18, 1962, Humphrey announces a trade embargo against Communist Cuba.

The 1962 Congressional Elections

With President Humphrey's approval ratings in the high 50's, the Democrats do very well in the midterm elections, picking up 10 seats in the House, and Senate seats in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maryland, South Dakota, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.  The GOP picks up one seat in Wyoming.  The elections give the Democrats a 2/3 majority in the Senate, and are just short of that in the House.

House Results:
Democrats: 288 (+10)
Republicans: 148 (-10)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 70 (+6)
Republicans: 30 (-6)

On December 20, 1962, U.S. reconnaissance photographs taken by an American U-2 spy plane revealed missile bases being built in Cuba.  President Humphrey, VP Johnson, Senator Richard Russell, Senator J. William Fulbright, and Congressman Carl Albert go to Cuba to meet with Castro and Khrushchev in an attempt to settle the dispute.  On January 5, 1963, Humphrey announces that the weapons will be withdrawn from Cuba, and the bases will be converted into factories, in return for Humphrey sending in $75 million worth of essential supplies to Cuba.  The treaty is quickly ratified by the Senate.

In his 1963 State of the Union, Humphrey criticizes the Senate, especially Judiciary Chairman James Eastland of Mississippi, for failing to pass his Civil Rights legislation in the previous Congress.  He says that he hopes that with such a large majority, the Democrats will be able to pass the bill.  He also announces that the space program is going well, and he does expect to fulfill his promise of having a man on the moon by the end of his first term.

On February 19, the House Judiciary Committee passes the Civil Rights Bill, where it is sent to the Rules Committee.  Rules Chairman Howard Smith of Virginia says that the bill will not leave his committee.  Because of Smith's stalling of the bill in the Rules Committee, Celler files a petition to discharge the bill from the Committee. Humphrey lobbies members of the House to sign the petition, and the petition is just 12 signatures short when Smith announces on March 12 that he will allow the bill through.  On March 14, the House passes the bill by a vote of 291-126. 

Humphrey wants the bill passed before the 1964 elections, and asks Vice President Johnson the best way to get it passed.  Johnson suggests that Majority Leader Mike Manfield take a different approach.  Having initially waived a second reading of the bill, which would have led to it being immediately referred to Judiciary, and certain death at the hands of Chairman Eastland, Mansfield gives the bill a second reading, and then proposes, in the absence of precedent for instances when a second reading did not immediately follow the first, that the bill bypass the Judiciary Committee and immediately be sent to the Senate floor for debate.

The motion leads to a fillibuster, the Southerners decide to focus on killing the bill, and it comes before the Senate on March 25, 1964.  On July 17, after surviving a fillibuster, and imposing cloture for the first time since 1927, the Senate passes the bill 68-32.  The House passes the new version the next day 280-134.  President Humphrey signs the bill into law on July 28, in the presence of Martin Luther King Sr. and Jr., Vice President Johnson, and Leader Mansfield.

The next day, South Carolina Senator J. Strom Thurmond announces that he will switch parties from Democratic to Republican.

The 1964 Democratic National Convention

At the convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Humphrey and Johnson are renominated unanimously.  At the convention, delegates from South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Lousiana, and Arkansas walk out of the convention, and form their own State's Rights Party.

The 1964 Republican National Convention

At the convention in San Francisco, the GOP nominates Senator Roman Hruska of Nebraska as the nominee.  He chooses Governor Paul Fannin of Arizona as his running mate.

The 1964 State's Rightes Convention

At the convention in Mississippi, the newly formed party nominates Governor Ross Barnett of Mississippi and Governor Orval Faubus of Arkansas.

The 1964 Presidential Election

Although the election is close early on, Humphrey manages to pull away, as he is able to paint Hruska as a conservative extremist.  On election night, he coasts to victory, despite losing a good part of the South to Barnett and Faubus.

Hubert Humphrey/Lyndon Johnson: 418 EV, 56% PV
Roman Hruska/Paul Fannin: 67 EV, 31% PV
Ross Barnett/Orval Faubus: 53 EV, 13% PV

1964 Congressional Elections:
The Democrats win their second straight landslide in Congress, although they lose more Senate seats than expected.

House Results:
Democrats: 300 (+22)
Republicans: 135 (-22)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 68 (-2)
Republicans: 32 (+2)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I like this TL, it reminds me of Rocky's Herbert Hoover one.

I'm using that TL as a model.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Second Term of Hubert Humphrey

Humphrey is sworn in for a second time by Chief Justice Warren on January 20.  In his speech, he says, "It was once said that the moral test of Government is how that Government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped."

Following the festivities, Humphrey returns to the White House, where he suffers a heart attack around 11:30 while reading.  He is rushed to the hospital, where he is alive, but in serious condition.  Just like the situation with Eisenhower and Nixon, Vice President Johnson assumes power as the Acting President.

During his time, Johnson does very little; however, he does send a Constitutional Amendment to the Congress formulating a plan for the incapacitation of a President.  It also allows the President to name a Vice President in the event of a vacancy.  The Amendment is quickly passed by both Houses, and ratified on November 22, 1965. 

On January 16, 1966, Humphrey returns for the first time to deliver his State of the Union.  He praises Johnson for his excellent work, and the Congress for passing the 24th Amendment, clarifying the role of the Vice President during a time of Presidential inability.  He also asks for an Amendment to abolish the Poll Tax, saying it is critical to the future of the country.

The 1966 Congressional Elections

Even though Humphrey has high approval ratings, the Democrats still suffer losses in both houses.  In the Senate, the GOP picks up seats in Illinois, Montana, Oregon, and Tennessee.

House Results:
Democrats: 279 (-21)
Republicans: 156 (+21)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 64 (-4)
Republicans: 36 (+4)

On March 1, 1967, there was an attack by three North Vietnamese torpedo boats on the Maddox, a U.S. destroyer, in the Gulf of Tonkin.  President Humphrey asks for a formal declaration of war against North Vietnam.  The Congress approves, and the Vietnam War begins on March 17, 1967.

Over the next several months, Humphrey divides his time between the war, and the passage of his Poll Tax Amendment.  On October 28, 1967, the 25th Amendment, eliminating the Poll Tax, is ratified by the States. 

On January 13, 1968, President Humphrey announces that the Vietnam War is going very poorly, and that he will likely begin withdrawing troops very shortly.  Humphrey's approval ratings stand at an all-time low of 43%, and approval of the war stands at 30%.

The 1968 Democratic National Convention

The convention convenes in Los Angeles with two major candidates; Vice President Johnson, and Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy.  Johnson has the endorsement of Humphrey and the old party bosses, while Kennedy amassed a large number of delegates in the primaries.  Kennedy also has the added benefit of having voted against the war, while Johnson was one of the hawks on the issue.  On the 6th ballot, Kennedy is nominated for President, and he selects West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd as his running mate.

The 1968 Republican National Convention

Like the Democrats, the GOP meets in Miami with two frontrunners.  One is Richard Nixon, the former Vice President and 1960 nominee, and the other is Nelson Rockefeller, the Governor of New York, who had declined to seek the nomination in 1960 and 1964.  On the 14th ballot, Nixon is nominated.  He makes Rockefeller his Vice President.

The 1968 Presidential Election

Nixon runs the entire campaign on the issue of Vietnam.  He says that he had opposed the war from the start, whereas Kennedy had only opposed it when the people began to oppose it.  Kennedy charges that Nixon had been out of politics for eight years, and was unready to resume office.  On election night, Nixon suffers his second extremely close loss.  He is unable to take any of the southern states, as Byrd campaigns hard to keep them for Kennedy.  Following the election, Nixon accepts a Kennedy offer to become Ambassador to the UN.

John Kennedy/Robert Byrd: 282 EV, 50.86% PV
Richard Nixon/Nelson Rockefeller: 256 EV, 49.14% PV

The 1968 Congressional Elections

The balance of power remains pretty much unchanged, with the GOP picking up seats in Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Maryland, and Ohio.  The Democrats won seats in California, and Iowa.

House Results:
Democrats: 280 (+1)
Republicans: 158 (-1)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 60 (-4)
Republicans: 40 (+4)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Senate Results:
Democrats: 68 (-2)
Republicans: 32 (+2)

Why are Republicans green?

That was a mistake

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Presidency of John F. Kennedy

JFK is sworn in by Chief Justice Warren, as President Humphrey looks on happily.  In his speech, he promises to continue the goals of the Humphrey Presidency, including persuing equality for all people.

On February 12, astronaut Neil Armstrong becomes the first man to land on the moon. 

Kennedy names Ed Muskie of Maine as his Secretary of State, Clark Clifford Secretary of Defense, Henry Fowler Secretary of the Treasury, and Nicholas Katzenbach Attorney General.

As part of his "New Frontier" program, Kennedy introduced the INS Act of 1969, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1969, and the Social Security Act of 1969, which created Medicare and Medicaid.  The INS Act was passed by Congress on September 1, 1969, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act on December 7, and the Social Security Act was passed on June 11, 1970.

The 1970 Congressional Elections:

Impressed by the legislative achievements of the first two years, the people give the Democrats a large vote of confidence.  They pick up Senate seats in California, Illinois, and Hawaii.  The GOP picks up one seat, in Connecticut.  In New York, Conservative Party candidate James L. Buckley defeats Republican Charles Goodell.

House Results:
Democrats: 293 (+13)
Republicans: 145 (-13)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 62 (+2)
Republicans: 37 (-3)
Conservative: 1 (+1)

On November 22, 1971, in what is expected to be the kickoff of his reelction bid, President Kennedy is shot while visiting Dallas, Texas.  His shooter is a deranged Lyndon Johnson fan, who blames Kennedy for LBJ not becoming President.  Kennedy is rushed to the hospital, where he is declared dead.  Vice President Byrd is sworn in as President.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The First Term of Robert Byrd

President Byrd flies back to Washington to address the nation.  He says that he will continue the work of President Kennedy, and declares a national day of mourning.

Byrd then decides on who to select as Vice President.  He first offers the post to LBJ, but he declines, saying that he is in ill health, and Byrd should look for someone younger, and that, if he intends to seek reelection in 1972, to pick a northeastern liberal.  Byrd finally decides on Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell.  Pell is quickly confirmed by both houses, and is sworn in on December 15.

On January 16, in his first State of the Union, Byrd announces that he will seek reelection.  He also says that he will introduce a Constitutional Amendment to lower the voting age to 18, which he says Kennedy had planned on introducing in his State of the Union.  The Amendment passes the House and Senate quickly, and is ratified on August 19, in time for the elections, as the 26th Amendment.

On February 10, the last US troops leave Vietnam.

The 1972 Democratic National Convention

At the convention, Byrd and Pell are unanimously renominated.  There is speech after speech praising the incumbents, as well as Kennedy.

The 1972 Republican National Convention

Most major candidates pull out of the race, since they don't want to be seen opposing a dead president.  In the end, the Convention nominates Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona.  He selects Texas Senator John Tower as his running mate.

The 1972 Presidential Election

Using the slogan "Let us continue" Byrd is able to maintain a strong lead in the polls throughout the election.  On election night, Byrd cruises to victory.

Robert Byrd/Claiborne Pell: 485 EV, 58.3% PV
Barry Goldwater/John Tower: 53 EV, 41.7% PV

The 1972 Congressional Elections

Reflecting the general mood, the Democrats pick up seats in both Houses.  In the Senate, they gain seats in Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, and South Dakota.  The GOP picked up seats in New Mexico, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.

House Results:
Democrats: 313 (+20)
Republicans: 125 (-20)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 65 (+3)
Republicans: 34 (-3)
Conservative: 1 (-)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Second Term of Robert Byrd

After being sworn in by Chief Justice Warren, Byrd announces that he will soon be going to China, the first President to do so.  He also pledged to speed up desegregation.

On April 6, Chief Justice Warren died peacefully in his sleep.  Byrd elevated Justice William Brennan to be Chief Justice, and nominated Deputy Attorney General Byron White to replace Brennan.  It was the first Supreme Court vacancy since 1960, when Dwight Eisenhower nominated Warren Burger to replace Charles Whittaker.

On May 17, the Supreme Court said by a vote of 7-2 in Roe v. Wade that there was a constitutional right to abortion.  The opinion was written by Chief Justice Brennan, with Justices Burger and White dissenting.  President Byrd attacked the decision, saying it cheapened human life.

On January 19, 1974, Byrd signed the Enviromental Protection Act, establishing the EPA, ang allowing the government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

The 1974 Congressional Elections

After 14 years of Democratic control of the White House, and 20 years in Congress, the public, although giving the Democrats a majority, puts the GOP closer in both house.  In the Senate, the GOP picks up seats in Indiana, Iowa, Nevada, and New Hampshire.  The Democrats picked up seats in Colorado and Kentucky.

House Results:
Democrats: 276 (-37)
Republicans: 159 (+37)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 63 (-2)
Republicans: 36 (+2)
Conservative: 1 (-)

On January 5, 1975, Justice William O. Douglas dies of a stroke.  Byrd appoints defeated Indiana Senator Birch Bayh to replace him.

On May 3, 1975, the Equal Rights Amendment is sent to the states for ratification.  Both Byrd and Vice President Pell go on record for the ERA.  On June 5, Byrd signs the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, prohibiting discrimination based on age in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, for instance, financial assistance to schools and colleges, provided by U.S. Department of Education.

On November 11, Byrd signs the Americans with Disabilities Act into law.  The act provides for federal assistance to all disabled people.

On January 9, Byrd announces that he will not seek reelection in 1976, serving just 6 years in office.  The next day, Vice President Pell announces he will seek the nomination, and is endorsed by Byrd.

The 1976 Democratic National Convention

For the first time, the primary system is the largest method of choosing delegates.  Entering the convention, there are two major candidates; Vice President Pell, and Senator Frank Church of Idaho.  On the first ballot, Pell is nominated wirh a narrow majority.  He selects Louisiana Senator Russell Long as his running mate.

The 1976 Republican National Convention

Unlike the Democrats, there is no clear frontrunner for the GOP nomination.  The field eventually clears to Senator John Tower of Texas, Senator Howard Baker of Tennessee, Governor Ronald Reagan of California, and Senator James Buckley of New York.  On the 3rd ballot, Baker is nominated by a close vote over Reagan.  He selects Buckley as his running mate.

The 1976 Presidential Election

Even though Byrd has high approval ratings, and Pell is also popular, the people are ready for a change after 16 years of Democratic presidents.  The election goes narrowly to Baker, ending 16 years of Democratic control.

Howard Baker/James Buckley: 298 EV, 50.61% PV
Claiborne Pell/Russell Long: 240 EV, 49.39% PV

The 1976 Congressional Elections

In a reflection of the mood, the people give a landslide to the GOP.  The Democrats keep control of both houses, although the majorities are the closest they've been in 20 years.  The GOP picks up Senate seats in California, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyoming.  The Democrats pick up seats in Arizona, Hawaii, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee.

House Results:
Democrats: 246 (-30)
Republicans: 189 (+30)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 62 (-1)
Republicans: 38 (+2)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I originally thought this TL wasn't going to be all that great. I was proven WRONG. This is a very good timeline you have written here. And I'm glad after 16 years the Republicans are back in the White House with Howard Baker. What did Nixon do after his loss in 1968 to JFK? Likewise with Nelson Rockefeller?

As I say, Nixon accepts a job as Ambassador to the UN, which he holds until 1977, when he takes a job at Duke Law School, his alma mater.  Rockefeller continues serving as Governor of New York until 1971, when he retires, and takes a teaching job at NYU.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The First Term of Howard Baker

On January 20, Baker becomes the first Republican to be sworn in as President in 20 years when he has the oath given to him by Chief Justice Brennan.  In his speech, he comments on the need for unity between the parties.

In keeping with this theme, Baker names Pell as his Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger as Secretary of Defense, James Baker as Secretary of the Treasury, and Clark Clifford as Attorney General.

On July 14, Baker signs a treaty giving back the Panama Canal to Panama.  The treaty is ratified in both houses with more Democrats voting aye than Republicans.

On July 31, former Vice President Johnson dies in his sleep in Texas.  Baker praises Johnson for his service to the nation, and attends the funeral along with all the former Presidents and Vice Presidents.

On November 1, Baker signs the Helsinki Accords, which anger many in his party.  On December 9, he signs the  Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1977, a bill that was passed in the Senate by a vote of 64-36, with 2 Republicans voting in favor, while 34 voted against it.

On January 2, former President Humphrey died of a massive heart attack.  Baker praises his predecessor, noting his accomplishments in the field of Civil Rights.

The 1978 Congressional Elections

Pleased with Baker's performance, the people give him a large vote of confidence, although he fails to get a majority in either body.  In the Senate, the GOP picks up seats in Virginia, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and South Dakota.  The Democrats take seats in Michigan and Oklahoma.

House Results:
Democrats: 230 (-16)
Republicans: 205 (+16)

Senate Results
Democrats: 56 (-6)
Republicans: 44 (+6)

On May 8, 1979, Baker signed the  Airline Deregulation Act of 1979.  Baker mediated the Camp David Accords, and was present when the Accords were signed on May 29.

In July, Baker convinced the Congress to pass the SALT II Treaty, and it passed just barely.

The 1980 Republican National Convention

At the convention in Detroit, Baker and Buckley are renominated unanimously.  In his speech, Baker highlights the accomplishments of the last four years.

The 1980 Democratic National Convention

At the convention, the Democrats ratify the choice of the primaries, and nominate Florida Governor Bob Graham .  He chooses Delaware Senator Joe Biden as his running mate.

The 1980 Presidential Election

Due to Baker's popularity, the election was never really in doubt.  At the ballot, America pledges itself to four more years of GOP rule.

Howard Baker/James Buckley: 473 EV, 60.86% PV
Bob Graham/Joe Biden: 65 EV, 39.14% PV

The 1980 Congressional Elections

For the first time in 26 years, the GOP gets control of the Senate.  They pick up seats in Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.  The GOP fails to get the House, barely.

House Results:
Democrats: 221 (-9)
Republicans: 214 (+9)

Senate Results:
Republicans: 54 (+10)
Democrats: 46 (-10)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I originally thought this TL wasn't going to be all that great. I was proven WRONG. This is a very good timeline you have written here.

I have to echo that same feeling. I'm glad I'm wrong.

Well done so far.

Just wondering, why did you think this TL would be so bad?

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I originally thought this TL wasn't going to be all that great. I was proven WRONG. This is a very good timeline you have written here.

I have to echo that same feeling. I'm glad I'm wrong.

Well done so far.

Just wondering, why did you think this TL would be so bad?

I thought it was going to be bad because of your Electoral College maps. Because sometimes they are way out of wack. Cannot wait until the second term of Howard Henry Baker.

Warner for Senate '08 I also have another question about your TL. What is George Herbert Walker Bush doing in this TL, will he make an appearence as a Presidential candidate in 1984?

So far, Bush has served in the House from Texas, and is Director of the CIA under Baker.  He hasn't decided if he is going to run for President, or just retire peacefully when Baker's term ends.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Second Term of Howard Baker

Just a few days into his second term, Baker is confronted with the Federal air traffic controllers going on strike.  Baker states that if they do not return to their jobs within 48 hours, then he will relieve them of their jobs.  Baker fires 11,385 workers who refuse to return.  His approval ratings fall to an all time low of 41%.

In June, Baker visits Britain, and calls the USSR an "Evil Empire."  Baker also announces a massive weapons build up.

On July 4, Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr. dies of a heart attack in Atlanta.  The next day, Baker asks for legislation declaring his birthday a national holiday.

The 1982 Congressional Elections

As always happens after 6 years of a Presidency, the opposing party picked up seats.  The Democrats gain Senate seats in California, Michigan, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Missouri, and Vermont.  The GOP picked up seats in Nevada and Virginia.  This gives the tiebreaking vote to Vice President Buckley, and the GOP retains the majority.

House Results:
Democrats: 229 (+8)
Republicans: 206 (-8)

Senate Results:
Republicans: 50 (-4)
Democrats: 50 (+4)

On June 5, 1983, Baker signs legislation declaring the second Monday in January Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  On August 2, Justice Potter Stewart retires.  Baker appoints his HUD Secretary Carla Hills to the Court, making her the first women in history to serve.

In September, Baker sends troops into Grenada to eliminate a Marxist government aligned with the USSR and Cuba.  A new government is set up in December.

On January 7, Baker signs his massive tax cuts into law, which were passed in the Senate 51-50, due to Buckley's tie breaking vote, and in the House 217-216.

The 1984 Republican National Convention

During the primaries, there was a fight between two major candidates, Vice President Buckley, and Connecticut Senator Lowell Weicker.  The two candidates traded primaries early on, until Buckley is able to utilize his credentials among conservatives to sweep the South.  Buckley is nominated, and selects CIA Director George HW Bush as his running mate.

The 1984 Democratic National Convention

Much like the GOP, the Democrats had a face off their conservative and liberal wings.  The conservatives were represented by Arkansas Senator Dale Bumpers.  The liberals were represented by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy.  In the end, Bumpers was able to paint Leahy as too young to serve, and gets the nomination.  He makes Maryland Senator Paul Sarbanes his Vice President.

The 1984 Presidential Election

Buckley spends the entire campaign talking about the accomplishments of the Baker Administration, while Bumpers campaigns on the issue of change.  In the end, voters decide to go for change, and Bumpers narrowly defeats Buckley.

Dale Bumpers/Paul Sarbanes: 297 EV, 52.38% PV
James Buckley/George Bush: 241 EV, 47.62% PV

The 1984 Congressional Elections

With change on their minds, the public gives the Senate back to the Democrats.  They take seats in Illinois, Iowa and Tennessee.  The GOP takes a seat in Kentucky.

House Results
Democrats: 240 (+11)
Republicans: 195 (-11)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 52 (+2)
Republicans: 48 (-2)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The First Term of Dale Bumpers

After being sworn in by Chief Justice Brennan, Bumpers promises to continue the bipartisan tradition of President Baker.  He also says that Communism is on its last breath.

As Secretary of State, Bumpers names Charles Percy.  As Secretary of Defense, he names Les Aspin.  As Attorney General, he gives the job to Benjamin Civiletti.  His Secretary of the Treasury is Lloyd Bentsen.

On June 16, Bumpers signs the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1985.  He also declares a war on drugs, and promises federal money to anti-drug efforts.

On November 1, while standing in front of the Berlin Wall, Bumpers begs Gorbachev to tear down the wall, and says that the USSR will soon be a figment of history.

On December 9, Justice Burger announces his retirement.  Bumpers appoints Harvard Law professor Lawrence Tribe to replace him.

In his 1986 State of the Union, Bumpers is pleased to announce that the economy is in its best condition in almost a decade.

The 1986 Congressional Elections

With the nation prosperous, the Democrats gain seats in both houses.  In the Senate, Democrats take seats in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington.  The GOP picks up one seat in Missouri.

House Results:
Democrats: 259 (+19)
Republicans: 176 (-19)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 60 (+8)
Republicans: 40 (-8)

On January 27, Bumpers signs legislation granting reparations to the Japanese-Americans who were imprisoned during WWII.  On March 26, he signs the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, which gives federal money to homeless shelters.

On July 17, President Bumpers appoints Stephen Breyer to replace Lewis Powell on the Court.  Three days later, Chief Justice Brennan dies after suffering a stroke while working.  Bumpers appoints Judge Richard Posner as Chief Justice.

On September 17, Bumpers gives a speech celebrating the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution.  He praises the memory of Chief Justice Brennan, noting his support of civil liberties.

On October 26, Bumpers announces he will seek reelection.  The next day, Vice President Sarbanes says that he will retire at the end of his term, but denies that he will challenge Bumpers for the nomination.

The 1988 Democratic National Convention

Bumpers faces no opposition for renomination.  The only issue is whom he will choose as Vice President.  He makes one last appeal to Sarbanes, but is informed that Sarbanes will run for Governor of Maryland in 1991, and has no intention of running for Vice President.  In the end, he chooses Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd.

The 1988 Republican National Convention

With Bumpers' approval ratings nearing 70%, most of the major GOP candidates back out of the race.  In the end, New York congressman Jack Kemp is nominated.  He selects Maine Senator William Cohen.

The 1988 Presidential Election

The campaign is not close at any point.  In the days following the DNC, Bumpers leads Kemp in the polls 64-36, and leads in Kemp's home state of New York 62-38.  In the end, Bumpers takes Kemp to town in the largest Democratic landslide since 1964.

Dale Bumpers/Chris Dodd: 457 EV, 58.87% PV
Jack Kemp/William Cohen: 81 EV, 41.13% PV

The 1988 Congressional Elections

Just as the public gives Bumpers a large vote of confidence, they do the same to the Congress.  The Democrats make gains in both houses.  The Democrats take seats in California, Connecticut, Nebraska, Nevada, and Virginia.  The GOP picks up seats in Florida and Mississippi.

House Results:
Democrats: 290 (+31)
Republicans: 145 (-31)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 63 (+3)
Republicans: 37 (-3)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Second Term of Dale Bumpers

After being sworn in by Chief Justice Posner, Bumpers says that he expects the USSR to fall shortly, and that the Cold War is almost won.  He makes special note of the prosperity Americans have enjoyed in the last 4 years, and reiterates his campaign pledge to not raise taxes.

On June 24, Justice Thurgood Marshall announces his retirement.  Bumpers appoints Alan Dershowitz to replace him. 

On July 19, the East German government announces that entering West Berlin will be permitted, crowds of East Germans climb onto and cross the wall, joined by West Germans on the other side in a celebratory atmosphere.  Bumpers states that his predicitions are coming true, and that Gorbachev should officialy dissolve the USSR.

On November 19, 1989, President Bumpers asks Congress for permission to use military force in Panama to help overthrow dictator Manuel Noriega.  In January, President Bumpers and Defense Secretary Aspin visit Panama, and give support to the new government.

On February 7, 1990 the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union agrees to give up its monopoly of power.  Over the next few weeks, the 15 constituent republics of the USSR held their first competitive elections. Reformers and ethnic nationalists win many of the seats.

On October 9, 1990, Gorbachev resigns power, and elections are held in Russia.  Boris Yeltsin is elected the first president of Russia.

The 1990 Congressional Elections

Due in large part to the Russian elections held just weeks earlier, the American public has great confidence in Bumpers.  The Democrats pick up seats in Kentucky, defeating Mitch McConnell, Minnesota, defeating Rudy Boschwitz, and North Carolina, defeating Jesse Helms.  The Helms defeat is most pleasing to Democrats, and it was said that President Bumpers toasted to Helms' defeat.

House Results
Democrats: 300 (+10)
Republicans: 135 (-10)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 66 (+3)
Republicans: 34 (-3)

On April 6, Bumpers announces that the US will not sign the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  This angers many conservative Republicans, but due to the recent Democratic gains, the GOP is left without much power to follow through on their threats to hurt the President's programs.

On June 19, Justice White retires.  Bumpers appoints Richard Arnold to replace White.  The appointment is widely praised, although some Republicans attack Bumpers for appointing a man who had served as legislative assistant to Bumpers in Washington, and had remained on Bumpers' staff until 1978.

On July 27, President Bumpers announces that he has sent military forces into Kuwait, to stop Saddam Hussein.  He then asks Congress for approval, which is quickly granted.  Only one Democrat, Bill Bradley of New Jersey, votes against the measure, which quickly passes in the House. 

Bumpers quickly achieves his mission of forcing the Iraqis to withdraw from Kuwait, and on September 2, he declares a cease-fire.

In his final State of the Union, Bumpers comments on the fall of the USSR.  He says that America must not shrink away from its duties, and that it must continue to be a beacon of democracy.

The 1992 Democratic National Convention

Before the primaries, two major candidates emerge.  The first if Vice President Dodd, representing the liberal wing of the party.  Standing for the more moderate wing, of which Bumpers is a part, is Georgia senator Sam Nunn.  Dodd and Nunn trade primaries until Super Tuesday, when Dodd was able to optain victories in the larger states.  Nunn withdrew, and endorsed Dodd.  At the convention, Dodd is nominated, and makes Tennessee senator Al Gore his running mate.

The 1992 Republican National Convention

In late 1991, the race appeared to be between Indiana senator Dick Lugar and North Carolina governor James Martin.  However, after losing Iowa 59-41 and New Hampshire 53-47 to Martin, Lugar drops out, and endorses Martin.  At the convention, Martin repays Lugar by making him his Vice President.

The 1992 Presidential Election

Throughout the campaign, Martin makes an issue of the fact that Democrats have controlled the White House for 24 of the last 32 years.  Referring to the GOP, he says that the American public would "like us if they tried us."  On election night, the American people decide to try the GOP, and give them a narrow election victory.

James Martin/Dick Lugar: 279 EV, 52.63% PV
Chris Dodd/Al Gore: 259 EV, 47.37% PV

The 1992 Congressional Elections

In keeping with the presidential election, the GOP makes big gains in both houses.  In the Senate, they knock off Richard Shelby in Alabama, Wyche Fowler in Georgia, Harry Reid in Nevada, Terry Sanford in North Carolina, and Fritz Hollings in South Carolina.  The Democrats takes seats in California and Wisconsin.  In the House, Georga Republican Newt Gingrich helps the GOP make massive gains in the House, using a strategy he calls the "Contract with America."

House Results:
Democrats: 248 (-52)
Republicans: 187 (+52)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 63 (-3)
Republicans: 37 (+3)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

Continues to be a good read. I'm still a bit concerned about your Election maps though. However as MikeyMike said long ago the story balances it out. I have yet another question to ask you about your TL. What's Bill and Hillary Clinton doing in this TL?

Bill served as Governor of Arkansas, and is now teaching at Arkansas, along with Hillary.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The First Term of James G. Martin

In his Inaugural, Martin talks at length about the need for stronger environmental laws.  He also promises to try and pass NAFTA, which had been rejected by Bumpers, but was a high priority item for conservative Republicans.  He echoes a theme of Bumpers' speeches, and says that the US must continue to be a major player on the world stage.

Martin appoints defeated Minnesota senator David Durenberger Secretary of State, Richard Cheney as Secretary of Defense, Clarence Thomas as Attorney General, and Robert Mosbacher as Secretary of the Treasury.

Shortly after taking office, Martin signs the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which requires large employers to allow their employees to take unpaid leave because of pregnancy or serious medical condition.

Three weeks later, Martin deals with the aftermath of the World Trade Center bombing.  He is widely praised for his handling of the situation.

On January 9, Martin vetoes the Specter-Feinstein Gun Control Act of 1994, which would have imposed a five-day waiting period on handgun purchases.  In his veto message, Martin says that he would not veto all such legislation, but he felt this act was too restrictive.  In response, on February 20, Congress passes the Warner-Kennedy Gun Control Act of 1994, which Martin signs.

On June 22, 1994, Martin signs the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 which passed Congress without a single Republican vote. It raises taxes on the wealthiest 2% of taxpayers, while cutting taxes on 20 million low-income families and making tax cuts available to 80 percent of small businesses. Additionally, it mandated that the budget be balanced over a number of years and the deficit be reduced.  The bill was heavily criticized by House Republicans, especially Newt Gingrich.

The 1994 Congressional Elections

Combined with the satisfaction over Martin's leadership and the avid campaigning of Gingrich, the GOP retakes the House for the first time in 40 years.  In the Senate, they take seats in Arizona, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

House Results:
Republicans: 230 (+43)
Democrats: 205 (-43)

Senate Results:
Democrats: 55 (-8)
Republicans: 45 (+8)

On July 11, Martin signs the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act , which was opposed by Speaker Gingrich, and further angered GOP conservatives.

On December 2, Martin signs the Telecommunications Act of 1995.

On December 9, Martin announces that he will seek reelection.  The next day, Vice President Lugar says that he will also run again.

The 1996 Republican National Convention

During the primaries, Martin is challenged by Louisiana congressman Bob Livingston.  It is widely thought that Livingston is merely acting as a puppet for Gingrich, who is afraid to lose his House seat.  After a tough battle that went on through March, Martin is renominated, and he selects Lugar once again.  Shortly after the convention, Livingston endorses Martin, and Gingrich does the same.

The 1996 Democratic National Convention

Shortly before the primaries, one major candidate emerges.  Senator John Breaux of Louisiana, a moderate, swept through the primaries, with token opposition from minor candidates.  He selects Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman as his Vice President, making Lieberman the first Jew on any major party Presidential Ticket.

The 1996 Presidential Election

Although it was widely assumed that Martin would cakewalk to victory, Breaux managed to make the race much closer at the end, although Martin is still narrowly reelected.

James Martin/Dick Lugar: 281 EV, 53.38% PV
John Breaux/Joe Lieberman: 257 EV, 46.62% PV

The 1996 Congressional Elections

Building on his success in '92 and '94, Gingrich is able to pick up several seats in the House.  In the Senate, the GOP takes seats in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and North Carolina.  The Democrats gain a seat in South Dakota.

House Results
Republicans: 238 (+8)
Democrats: 197 (-8)

Senate Results
Democrats: 51 (-4)
Republicans: 49 (+4)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

The Second Term of James G. Martin

In his Inaugural Address, Martin talks about the need for America to be strong entering the new millennium.  On February 16, he signs a minimum wage increase, and on March 2, he signs the Defense of Marriage Act.

On October 28, Martin signs one of the largest tax cuts in US history.  The bill was passed in the House without a single Democratic vote, and in the Senate, only Chuck Robb of Virginia voted with the GOP.

On May 4, Martin, along with several other countries, intervenes in Serbia to prevent mass genocide by Slobadon Milosevic.  From May until November, Martin ordered a series of bombings, intended to force a peace agreement.

The 1998 Congressional Elections

After making large gains for several years, the GOP finally regained the Senate.  They picked up seats in Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin.  The Democrats picked up seats in New York, North Carolina, and Indiana.  In the House, the GOP lost a good number of seats.  This prompted Speaker Newt Gingrich to resign his leadership post, although he did not resign from the House entirely.

House Results
Republicans: 226 (-12)
Democrats: 209 (+12)

Senate Results:
Republicans: 51 (+2)
Democrats: 49 (-2)

[Kaine for Senate '18]

This is terrible!  I really didn't do a very good job with this.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

This is terrible!  I really didn't do a very good job with this.

Really? I mean, TR wins in 1912 and JFK Lives are better (much better, I daresay), but this isn't half-bad. Considering there's barely anything left, maybe you could finish this after you finish JFK Lives, before moving on to Smith wins in 1928?

I'll consider finishing this, yes.