Bryan defeats McKinley, 1896!

[TommyC1776]

President Wilkie asks Congress to pass a bill which will aid Britain and our allies.

House Speaker Sam Rayburn brings it up on February 10th.  The House vote is 251-182.  It passes and then goes to Senator Alben Barkley and the Senate.

There is a bit of a stall in the Senate over aiding countries.   In the end the Senate does vote for it 55-38.  Then it goes to President Wilkie where he signs it into law on March 1st, 1941.

President Wilkie states (on the radio) the next day "America is going to be a nation that helps its enemies.  That's something that should be made proud of our citizens.  Now, lets hope our allies win this war."


Over the next month Germany has declared war on Yugoslavia and Greece.  A few days after this happens the US boat Niblock shoots at a German U-boat.

Niblock boat photo:


Then pilot Charles Lindbergh addresses the America First Committee protesting Americas intervention.

Wait and see what happens.

[TommyC1776]

Charles Lindbergh has stated he will make sure Wilkie loses in 1944 "if" (and only if) there is more involvement in this war, somehow.  (Wilkie doesn't think anything of this.)

Here's a map of Europe at this time:



Meanwhile, in June 1941 Germany declares war on the Soviet Union.



Back at home there are still some protests to the War and our "assistance" to the allies.  Charles Lindbergh states he wants Wilkie to rethink his position on the war.  Most of America ignores Lindbergh's statements.

Then 2 months later Churchill and Wilkie meet and create the Atlantic Charter.
 


Anyways......wait and see what else happens.

[TommyC1776]

In the Soviet Union Joseph Stalin speaks to the public saying that there have already been 350,000 deaths in the past 3 months.

The attack on the HMS Ark Royal happen



Then on December 7th, 1941 the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor:


The  next day President Wilkie asks Congress for a Declaration of War against Japan.  The vote in the House is 395-34. Six Congressman didn't vote.  The Senate votes 83-10.  3 Senators didnt vote.

Germany and Italy now declare war on the United States.  Wilkie plans to meet with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin regarding the war.  "I plan to go to the UK to see both men." stated President Wilkie.

Anyways.......

[TommyC1776]

On January 1st, 1942 26 of the allies create a group called the "United Nations."

At the end of the month Brazil breaks ties with the Axis Powers. 

February brings the Battle of Bataan where Japan captured the Phillipines.



Then in late February President Wilkie signs an executive order to have all Japanese Americans to be sent to internment camps.


Over the next few months the Allies win some battles while the Axis win some too.  One battle that happens during this time takes place over 4 days called the Battle of the Coral Seas.  On May 8th the US battleship Lexington is blown up.


In the fall of 1942, Luxembourg is annexed by the German Reich.


the midterm elections are coming up soon.  Get excited.

[TommyC1776]

Midterm Elections:

House: 229 Dems, 192 Reps, 14 Progs.
Senate: 49 Dems, 40 Reps, 7 Progs.

Senator George Norris is re-elected but in poor health.

President Wilkie comments on the midterms "Republicans are coming back.  I know it's slowly but their still coming back.  Let's hope in 1944 we will get a Republican Congress."

Meanwhile, back to the war and other issues soon..........

[TommyC1776]

At the beginning of January 1943 the US and the UK give up territory rights in China.

At the end of the month 50 bombers air bomb Germany for the first time.  Then about a week later the Battle of Stalingrad comes to an end with German surrender there.

Then on March 4th, 1943 the 78th Congress is inaugurated into session.  They get to work on revising the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.  Speaker Sam Rayburn brings this bill up in the House and it passes 247-180.  Then the Senate takes it up a few days later.  The Senate passes it 58-34.  Then President Wilkie signs it into law.

President Wilkie comes before Congress as well as the American people to denounce racism.  "African Americans have lived a tough life and they don't deserve to be treated the way they are.  Everyone is different and you all should know that.  I will not tolerate using certain words or even threatening them.  Just remember, you may be seen different from someone else.  Think about that.  Thanks and Goodnight."

Wilkie got mixed responses on his statement.  Southerners didn't take kind to his words about racism.  This furiated Senator Bilbo (a Klan member).

Anyways.......................

Prospects for Democratic nomination, 1944:
fmr. President Franklin Roosevelt
fmr. NY Gov Al Smith
Averill Harriman
Senate Majority Leader Alben Barkley
fmr UK Amb. Joseph Kennedy

On the Republican side there are calls by "anti-war" activists for Charles Lindbergh to challenge President Wilkie.

[TommyC1776]

BREAKING NEWS: Ford CEO and former Presidential candidate Edsel Ford dies today May 26th, 1943.

Former President Henry Ford holds a news conference.  "Americans, today my family, as well as America, has lost Edsel.   He had a great life and fought for what was right.  He has lead Ford Motor Company through good times and bad times.  Lets all have a moment of silence to remember my son.  God Bless America and God Bless Edsel.  We will miss you.  Thank you Americans."

President Wilkie states "I just want to say today that we will miss Edsel Ford.  He was a great man.  Edsel and I had disagreed about the issues but in the end we were both Americans.  Tomorrow will be very different for American car companies.  Lastly, please pray for the Ford family.  Thanks."

In the summer of 1943 former President Roosevelt announces "Today I am announcing that I am running for the Democratic nomination in 1944.  We can do better than the Wilkie administration."

Franklin Roosevelt, candidate for Democratic nomination

[TommyC1776]

Senate Majority Leader Alben Barkley states "Today I'm a candidate for the Democratic nomination.  I can't stand seeing everything go wrong under the Wilkie administration.  Let's find a better solution to our problems and vote for me in the primaries next year.  Lets have faith in this campaign and lets beat the former President."  July 1943

Alben Barkley, candidate for Democratic nomination


In August of 1943 Averill Harriman (Ambassador to Soviet Union) announces he will run for the Democratic nomination in 1944.

Averill Harriman, candidate for Dem nomination


In the meantime............wait and see what else happens.

[TommyC1776]

Late in August, Wilkie and Churchill sign the Quebec Agreement.

In September of 1943 General Eisenhower announces the surrender of Italy.  At the end of the month Mao Zedongs brother is executed.

Then, Italy (with the leadership of Pietro Badoglio) decides to declare war on Germany.


As 1943 comes to an end the war seems to be going in the Allies favor which is good for Wilkie (who's up for re-election in 1944).


Wait and see what happens.........................ok?

[TommyC1776]

On January 1st, 1944 pilot Charles Lindbergh states "I am not and will not run against the President in the Republican primaries this year.  I know there was speculation but I am not running.  Now, lets go forward and make sure Wilkie is re-elected in November.  Thank you Americans.  Thanks again."

[TommyC1776]

BREAKING NEWS: In late January President Wilkie suffers a heart-attack.
President Wilkie is sent to the hospital.  VP Landon is on hand ready to take over if something happens to Wilkie.

Vice President Landon addrresses the crowd "The President is doing fine.  He will be resting for a few days here in the hospital.  We will let you know more later.  No questions."

[TommyC1776]

President Wilkie goes back to work in mid February after his heart attack.  He makes a quick statement "I am doing well and I hope to keep doing well.  Thats all for now.  Thanks again."

The President and VP Landon are getting ready to campaign for re-election.  They believe they can win a 2nd term against any of the Dem candidates running at this point.

Wilkie states (regarding Roosevelt): "I beat him before and I can do it again."  Regarding Barkley: "He's got a good following but I still can beat him."  Finally, regarding Harriman: "No one really knows this man.  He will be very beatable in this coming election."


First campaign stop is in Indiana speaking to supporters about winning the war and being on a better track than they were under Roosevelt's administration.

VP Landon tells people "President Wilkie and I have better ideas than most Democrats of today."

In the meantime, in the first week of March, President Wilkie has another heart attack.  At this point, after 2 heart attacks, Republicans are beginning to worry that he isn't strong enough to handle the job for another term and he could be defeated in November.

At this time people are calling for Lindbergh to run (even though he said he wont) and he tells people "After the events over the past 2 months I may, just may jump into the race for the Republican nomination."

President Wilkie is still in the hospital and VP Landon will take charge if something happens to Wilkie.  "I'm hoping the President makes it." states Landon.

Get ready for the primaries.

[TommyC1776]

NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY RESULTS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmRcvQQsHkA

President Roosevelt states on his win: "Today in New Hampshire our campaign has got a boost from your support.  We will need more and more support to get the nomination, though and hopefully we can.  Another 4 years of a Wilkie administration can't be handled.  He hasn't done much as far as the plain working man goes.  When I'm elected in November that will change.  Let's go forward and win more states.  Thanks."

In the meantime, VP Landon says in private "I dont think Wilkie can stand much pressure right now to be the nominee but its up to him to decide on what happens from here on out."

People (who know the full extent of Wilkie's condition) are calling for him to not run again.  "He's a man of heart trouble and if he's got that much trouble maybe he's not a good Commander in Chief." stated an inside person.

[TommyC1776]

In Vermont philospher John Dewey states he will be running for the Senate seat up for grabs this year (1944).

War: Meanwhile, in the middle of March Germany occupies Hungary.  At the end of March theres a massacre in Rome killing 335 Italians. (most of whom were part of the Italian Renasance).

Back at home the campaigns are getting rough at times.  Roosevelt's saying that Barkley's "going along with the administration on just about everything he's voted on.  He's not the right person to have at this time."

President Wilkie states in a private meeting he will keep running for President even though his health isnt that well.

Wait and see what else happens.

[TommyC1776]

3 primaries from April 5th to April 11th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY0Lfp6qb4A

On the Democratic side Fmr. President Roosevelt is the frontrunner (even bigger over Barkley since Harriman dropped out.)

On the Progressive side its still a bit close with Wheeler just a bit ahead of Wallace.

[TommyC1776]

Over the next 2 weeks the 2 Democratic rivals (Roosevelt and Barkley) keep hitting eachother every which way.

Roosevelt keeps reminding voters "Senator Barkley hasn't fought this President on anything.  He's been more pro-Wilkie than I am.  We can't have that kind of leadership in the White House.  Lets go ahead and beat Senator Barkley."

Barkley responds "I am not pro-Republican.  I'm not a Wilkie lover.  I'm a moderate Democrat from Kentucky.  That's all.  President Roosevelt has me all wrong."  Then a reporter did ask Barkley why he's voted with President Wilkie on 2 of the most recent bills passed.  Barkley stated "Well I am not denying that but the legislation was more that Democrats voted for than Republicans.  Other than that you can't say I'm pro-Wilkie administration."

Wait and see what happens with the Massachusetts and Pennsylvania primary.

[Robespierre's Jaw]

Its funny how Barkley and Roosevelt despise each other so much in this campaign, even though the two men were such good friends in RL, until their positions on taxation issues got in the way of their friendship in 1944. Considering that the taxation issue between two men never arised, surely such a campaign between Barkley and Roosevelt would be a civil affair, and that Barkley would have wholeheartedly endorsed Roosevelt for the nomination in 1944.

[TommyC1776]

Its funny how Barkley and Roosevelt despise each other so much in this campaign, even though the two men were such good friends in RL, until their positions on taxation issues got in the way of their friendship in 1944. Considering that the taxation issue between two men never arised, surely such a campaign between Barkley and Roosevelt would be a civil affair, and that Barkley would have wholeheartedly endorsed Roosevelt for the nomination in 1944.

Glad u kinda enjoy it.  They will become friends again after the campaign (as most rivals do.)  Remember Wilkie's President not Roosevelt anymore.

[TommyC1776]

President Wilkie makes his first campaign speech "We can't have another big government administration.  Former President Roosevelt did it all wrong by raising taxes and having more control over the economy than any President before him.  Remember we can keep staying the course or just go back to the old ways of the former President.  Thanks and I hope to see you all soon."

(Note: President Wilkie is starting out slow as he's just gotten out of the hospital for the 2nd time.)

Wait and see what happens now............

[TommyC1776]

Presidents of the United States:

William Jennings Bryan (1897-1901)
Robert Todd Lincoln (1901-1913)
Theodore Roosevelt (1913-1917)
William Jennings Bryan (1917-1921)
Henry Ford (1921-1929)
Herbert Hoover (1929-1933)
Franklin D Roosevelt (1933-1941)
Wendell Wilkie (1941-)

[TommyC1776]

BREAKING NEWS: Alben Barkley decides to drop out of the race for the Democratic nomination.


"Today Americans, I am suspending my campaign for the Presidency.  I am endorsing the former President, Franklin Roosevelt as the best candidate to run against President Wendell Wilkie.  I thank all of you who supported me during my effort to become the Democratic nominee in 1944.  Anyways, lets go Democrats and have President Roosevelt win back the White House this year.  Thank you."

BREAKING NEWS: Fmr. President Franklin D Roosevelt is the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Now, the Progressives are still having a fight over the nominee between Senator Wheeler and Congressman Wallace (who's also running for the Senate from IA this year).

[TommyC1776]

On April 25th, after losing the Massachusetts and Pennsylvania primaries Congressman Henry Wallace withdrawals from the race for the Progressive nominee for President.

BREAKING NEWS: Burton K. Wheeler is the presumptive Progressive nominee in 1944.

[TommyC1776]

Over the course of the month of May, the Battle of Monte Casino is still taking place.  In the final battle the Allies got ahold of Rome.

Then the Crimean Tatars are sent away by the USSR.  Then comes "D. Day".  "D. Day" is when the Allied troops break the Atlantic Wall and this helps France liberate from Germany.

As all of this happens and the Allies seem to be winnning President Wilkie is sure of re-election.

Fmr. President Roosevelt states "We can and we will still win.  Although, it will be tough because of some of these victories.  Let's move forward and tell the President he's wrong."

up next the Conventions.

[TommyC1776]

D. Day

[Psychic Octopus]

Barkley! No!!!! I always liked him.