A Bridge to the 21st Century

SLCer · Feb 21, 2012

This is a semi-serious TL - I say semi-serious because the premise that allows for it to happen is unlikely, but the events following will be portrayed as real as possible.

Essentially, we look at the 2000 U.S. election in the wake of the repeal of the 22nd Amendment. It's very unlikely, of course, but it's my TL and I'm going to have a little fun with that idea. Plus, just eradicating the 22nd Amendment certainly creates needless butterflies (as in, Eisenhower might run for a 3rd term and Kennedy is never elected, thus Pres. Clinton never meets JFK at a retreat when he was a child and never gets into politics because of it, so he never becomes president...)

So, with all that out of the way...

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It wasn't impossible to foresee the potential for a run in 2000. With the repeal of the 22nd Amendment in 1989, most Clinton staffers and campaign officials had tossed around the idea shortly after his 1996 reelection. President Clinton, though, was always mum on the idea, not wanting to put the cart before the horse. Of course, when the whole Lewinsky scandal broke in 1998, any talk of a third term went out the window. At least, so we thought. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

DECEMBER 1998: BRADLEY PLANS TO RUN REGARDLESS OF CLINTON DECISION
Pres. Clinton still hasn't announced plans for third term

Bill Bradley, Democrat from New Jersey, announced on Meet the Press he plans to seek the Democratic nomination. "We need a president who can lead, not one who's bogged down in personal indiscretions," Bradley said.

CLINTON IMPEACHED
Only second president in U.S. history to be impeached; trial moves to U.S. Senate

GALLUP: CLINTON APPROVAL HITS ALL-TIME HIGH AT 73%

Majority disagree with House voting to impeach

President Bill Clinton scores massive support in wake of impeachment

The White House was certainly surprised by how much public support they received once the House went through with impeachment. We knew a good majority of the American public didn't back impeachment, but still, there was no precedence in modern American history for something like this. We were all working under the operation of a cloud - not sure what to make of the possibility.

When the numbers came through, and it was not only clear the nation was on our side, but decisively so, I think we all let out a great sigh of relief. I know, in some instances, the President felt vindicated because it meant he was being judged on his whole body of work and not necessarily his imperfections.

Still, no one was drawing up the Clinton '00 posters quite yet. This was going to be a long slog and with Bill Bradley already well on his way to announcing his campaign, and some concerns from Vice President Al Gore, no one was moving on the idea that the President could realistically set his sights on a third term - especially with some uncertainty with the U.S. Senate and their decision. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

TEXAS SUPERSTAR BUSH COULD RUN FOR PRESIDENT
His landslide victory last month cements him as formidable foe

Texas Governor George W. Bush, who easily won reelection in November, could make a bid for the presidency.

There was no doubt Al Gore was a bit uneasy with the rumors coming from the West Wing that President Clinton might seek a third term. Gore felt, rightfully, that he was owed a chance to run and knew a third term for Clinton would effectively end any chance he had at the presidency.

So, he was definitely, at best, lukewarm to the idea of Clinton seeking a third term and strongly showed his skepticism whenever prodded by members of the administration. In fact, Gore privately hinted that, while he would never run against Clinton in the primary out of loyalty, he might not accept a spot on the ticket.

- Loyalty First (Ron Klain)

CLINTON, STARR NAMED TIME'S 'MEN OF THE YEAR'
Clinton enters new year politically strong

Though 1998 started awful for the Clinton administration, he had ended the year riding a high in the polls.

FEBRUARY 1999: SENATE ACQUITS CLINTON
Landmark decision saves his presidency

Clinton calls for 'a time of reconciliation'

We mostly expected the Senate would acquit the President, but it didn't stop a majority of us from worrying until the final votes were in. When it was over, you could see the relief in both Bill and Hillary's faces. They wanted to move on, finish up the presidency and maybe, though at this point, I think both were heavily leaning against the idea, run for a third term. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

GALLUP: CLINTON LEADS DEMS IN HYPOTHETICAL MATCH-UP
Clinton holds significant lead over Gore & Bradley, but there are concerns

Gallup Poll (conducted from Feb. 15th-18th, 1999):

"If the 2000 Democratic presidential primaries were being held today, for whom of the following would you vote...?"

Bill Clinton: 55%
Al Gore: 24%
Bill Bradley: 15%
Unsure: 6%

(Among registered Democrats) "Do you think President Clinton should run for a third term?"

Yes: 45%
No: 40%
Unsure: 15%

SLCer · Feb 23, 2012

Clinton was going to run. I think most in the media were convinced of this. Even though he had been put through the ringer the last year, he came out of the Lewinsky scandal far better positioned than anyone could have imagined. It was ironic, really, because in trying to end the Clinton Presidency prematurely, the overreach by the Republican Party positioned the President for a chance to extend it.

Had they not forced the issue, pushed impeachment, tarred and feathered him for an entire year, Clinton would have been too damaged, too shamed to even mount a successful primary campaign. But they couldn't let the man fall on his own - they had to push him and in the process, gave him a forward boost." - BUCKLE UP! The Election 2000 Thriller (Larry J. Sabato)

MARCH 1999: CLINTON VISITS NEW HAMPSHIRE
Speculation rises on potential run

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Clinton is greeted by large crowd - chants of four more years breaks out.

WHAT ABOUT GORE?
Vice President overshadowed by Clinton talk

Could Gore mount a primary challenge regardless of Clinton decision?

By early 1999, there was growing tension between the Gore and Clinton camps. Gore felt Clinton was dragging his feet on a decision and believed it left him at a huge disadvantage if, in the end, Clinton decided not to seek a third term. At this point, Bradley had already started fundraising, meeting with the labor unions, pro-choice groups and other special interests on the Democratic side. Gore, though, was paralyzed because he didn't want to announce, or even hint at a bid, if Clinton was ultimately going to jump in.

Unfortunately, Clinton legitimately couldn't make up his mind. You could sense, talking to those who had Clinton's ear in the White House, it depended on the day and his mood.

That indecisiveness bugged Gore even more, since he felt if Clinton decided to make a run at a third term, it was solely for the history books and not necessarily to advance the cause these two had worked for the last seven or so years. - Loyalty First (Ron Klain)

BRADLEY HITS CLINTON-GORE IN IOWA SPEECH
"We need real leadership for the 21st Century"

Bradley slams Clinton's ethics, inability to lead.

DES MOINES REGISTER POLL: BRADLEY SURGES, BUT STILL TRAILS CLINTON
Vice President Al Gore slips to third place

Des Moines Register Poll (conducted from March 11th-14th, 1999):

"If the 2000 Democratic presidential caucus were being held today, for whom of the following would you vote...?"

Bill Clinton: 52%
Bill Bradley: 30%
Al Gore: 10%
Undecided: 8%

When Gore saw the numbers from Iowa, he blew his top. It was surprising, because Gore rarely became angry. But receiving only 10% in a caucus, and trailing Bill Bradley by twenty-points, really was the last straw.

He stormed into the Oval Office, surprising Clinton, and put it pretty bluntly: Clinton had until mid-spring to make a decision on running. If he didn't move, Gore was going to run and go all in, regardless of a later Clinton decision.

This was tough for Gore because he really did respect Clinton. But politics is about survival and at the moment, Gore was increasingly becoming irrelevant. - Loyalty First (Ron Klain)

GORE HELD HOSTAGE BY LACK OF CLINTON DECISION
What's his next move?

Sources say Gore won't run if Clinton seeks third term. However, the lack of a decision by Clinton is hurting him in the polls.

There was a moment, around March, when Gore roared into the Oval Office and began berating the President about his indecisiveness. I had been in the room with them and it was utterly shocking, the total lack of respect Gore had for Clinton at that moment. I don't think I've ever seen Gore, or any politician, rage like that to a sitting president.

Clinton, surprisingly, sat back and took it, without showing any emotion. I expected Clinton to wag his finger at Gore - which he was so good at doing - but he didn't. He listened and then, quietly, responded with a passive, "okay."

When Gore left, after laying out his demands, Clinton looked shaken. He then turned to me and we went on as if nothing had happened. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

Glass Onion · Feb 23, 2012

Damn it, I was planning to do a third Clinton term story. Oh well, best to leave it to people more skilled at timeline writing than myself. In any event I look forward to reading this.

Perky50 · Feb 23, 2012

Please Sir, may I have some more?

SLCer · Feb 25, 2012

When the shock of the impeachment wore off, both the Clintons became increasingly hostile toward the Republicans and their witch hunt. Hillary really rallied around the President, even though she had been emotionally wrecked by the entire Lewinsky affair.

She didn't like what Bill did and certainly let him know she didn't condone his actions. But, as with most Americans, she hated that her entire private life was paraded in front of the congress. She knew it was purely politics and it disgusted her more than anything before - from Gennifer Flowers to Whitewater.

This was a bit more personal. The whole trial was personal. Too personal. It seemed, at times, Hillary was more hurt by the actions they did toward her husband than her husband's actions to begin with. That anger really began the movement for a third term.

There was a moment, shortly after Texas governor George W. Bush had announced his exploratory committee in March, 1999, Hillary took Bill aside and gave him her okay to run again. He wasn't about to do it without her consent and she was definitely wavering in the wake of everything that had gone down the year before. But when it became clear both had weathered the storm, the bitterness and outright hatred for everything GOP consumed Hillary and there was no better feeling than sweet revenge. - Hillary's Fight (Gail Sheehy)

MARCH 1999: BUSH ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN
Wants a "21st century to be one of prosperity with a purpose"

Texas governor George Bush announces his exploratory committee for the presidency.

The idea of running against another Bush intrigued Clinton. He really had no animosity toward the governor's father and the two struck up a friendship after the 1992 election. Still, after the whirlwind his presidency had been put through the last year, he certainly looked back fondly at that '92 election season. It was a constant go-go from the Democratic primaries until the general and Clinton really was in his element, working for every vote because he knew the race was going to be tight.

He didn't get that in 1996. The race was well decided by the time summer ended and the idea of actually having a contested election, surprisngly, fascinated Clinton. He was always striving for new challenges and running for a third term, against a candidate who had far broader appeal than Bob Dole, excited him. If anything, three years prior, he felt shortchanged by the Dole campaign. It was too easy. They really didn't have to work for that reelection. It was gift wrapped and handed to them by an average campaigner who also happened to be old.

George Bush was not Bob Dole. He was young, charismatic and could connect easily with the average voter. Sure, the media made light of his intellect, but this was going to be a formidable foe, who could raise gobs of cash and tap into the evangelical vote that, the last go around, was apathetic to the Dole campaign.

So, by March, it became clearer and clearer, Bill was going to run. But unlike in '96, he faced a respectable primary challenge and there were rumors Al Gore might not be interested in running on the ticket this go around. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

BRADLEY HITS CLINTON IN NEW HAMPSHIRE SPEECH
Calls Clinton a lame duck

In New Hampshire speech, Bradley is critical of Clinton's ability to lead, says it's time for fresh ideas.

NEW HAMPSHIRE POLL: BRADLEY CLOSES ON CLINTON
Bill Bradley now trails Clinton by only 15 points - Gore distant third

CNN Poll (conducted from March 21st-24th, 1999):

"If the 2000 Democratic presidential primary were being held today, for whom of the following would you vote...?"

Bill Clinton: 45%
Bill Bradley: 30%
Al Gore: 20%
Undecided: 5%

More and more, it became apparent Clinton would make a run at the presidency. It wasn't a surprise to Gore, but he was disappointed. Gore knew, even if Clinton won reelection and had a superb third term, it was unlikely the Democrats could keep the White House for sixteen consecutive years. The candidate who was going to run in 2004 was most likely going to lose, so, Gore knew his window was closing.

That put him in a tough spot. He had always been fiercely loyal to the President, but now was the time he was supposed to start thinking about his own political future. He knew 2000 might be the last time he could realistically run and win. But he wasn't going to beat Clinton if Clinton ran and he knew it. So, his options were either to ultimately suck it up and run with him or tell the President he wasn't interested in serving a third term.
- Loyalty First (Ron Klain)

NATO LAUNCHES AIRSTRIKE ON YUGOSLAVIA

CLINTON SPEAKS TO PRESS
Mum on potential run for third term

Pres. Clinton discusses the air strikes on Yugoslavia, says he won't discuss potential third term run.

The NATO bombings definitely threw a wrench into the race. It even forced John McCain from making an official announcement and kept Clinton preoccupied for a few months while forces battled it out. It also created a new campaign issue, as most House Republicans came out against a resolution in support of the strikes. - BUCKLE UP! The Election 2000 Thriller (Larry J. Sabato)

APRIL 1999: BUSH STUMBLES ON KOSOVO
Governor evades substance on issue; McCain pounces

Gov. Bush's tepidness on Kosovo has provided an opening for Sen. John McCain and his tough talk.

Peelitebkearns · Feb 25, 2012

Great TL so far, keep up the good work!

I'm imagining you're going for a Bush/Clinton match-up, though I could be wrong.

Your Pod could be caused by republicans wanting to get rid of the 22nd Amendment in the mid 80's, so Reagan can run again? It's a fair bet that Nancy convinces Reagan not to seek a Third term anyway, leading to the OTL path until the 2000 election season.

Never the less, I'm enjoying it-Clinton was the first US president I was really aware of, as I was growing up while he was in office.

SLCer · Mar 10, 2012

Early on, George W. Bush was seen as the insider's favorite. Republicans knew if Clinton decided to run for a third term, their best chance at victory would be Bush. John McCain was just a Bob Dole retread many thought and Elizabeth Dole, while a competitive candidate, was never really taken too seriously.

So, eyes set on Bush early. He had the money and the insider support. Still, McCain drew considerable attention due to his perceived maverick streak. With foreign affairs coming to the forefront in March, and Bush's tepid response to the NATO bombings, McCain's momentum grew and, as we would see later in the election season, Bush's path to the Republican nomination wasn't nearly as clear cut as originally thought. - BUCKLE UP! The Election 2000 Thriller (Larry J. Sabato)

APRIL 1999: BUSH & CLINTON IN DEAD HEAT
New poll shows Bush with two-point lead nationally

ABC News Poll (April 3rd-5th, 1999):

"If the 2000 presidential election were being held today, for whom of the following would you vote...?"

George W. Bush 45%
Bill Clinton: 43%
Undecided: 10%
Neither: 2%

"If the 2000 presidential election were being held today, for whom of the following would you vote...?"

George W. Bush: 50%
Bill Bradley: 42%
Undecided: 6%
Neither: 2%

"If the 2000 presidential election were being held today, for whom of the following would you vote...?"

George W. Bush: 55%
Al Gore: 40%
Undecided: 3%
Neither: 2%

Gore was devastated by the numbers. It became clearer and clearer that he was politically insignificant in this race and the fact he was fifteen points behind, doing more poorly against Bush than Bradley, pretty much sealed his fate. He wasn't going to be the next president.

Shortly after those numbers were released and it became obvious that Clinton was still the best candidate to run against Bush in the general, Gore sat down with the president and had an hour or so long conversation about both's political futures. Clinton was always easy to talk to and could empathize with the best of them and I think he realized the precarious situation Gore was in because this was his political future and Clinton's run either postponed that future or outright killed it.

In the discussion, which took place in the Oval Office, Gore essentially told Clinton that if he decided to run, he would not join him on the ticket. Of course, it was nothing personal and he didn't want the president to take it personal because there was always a mutual respect from both sides, but he felt it was the right move.

Clinton understood. I don't think he liked it, obviously, because it would whip up needless rumors in the media and certainly there would be accusations of discord within the administration. But politically, Clinton knew it was the smart move.

It's often said around Washington that vice presidents are kind of stuck in political purgatory. Rarely do they succeed on their own, yet, ironically enough, it takes leaving the shadows of a past president to just do that. It's how Richard Nixon, after losing to John Kennedy in 1960, was able to mount a successful run for president eight years later. Gore knew it was time to cut the cord, remove himself from the Clinton White House and potentially build a name for himself outside the administration.

Who knew, maybe eight years later, he would be able to mount a successful run for the presidency. - Loyalty First (Ron Klain)

SLCer · Mar 15, 2012

Clinton was quietly putting together his reelection team but didn't want to turn focus away from the NATO airstrikes. He felt the conflict in Yugoslavia would at least offer him enough cover on the issue of a third term. The longer he could draw out the inevitable, the more anticipation he felt his campaign could create. Since he was president and dominating the airwaves anyway, getting his name out there wasn't too much trouble.

Where he found limitations was in campaigning. Since he was playing purposely coy on the move, he couldn't be out there raising cash and if he started holding fundraisers and visiting swing states, that would inevitably amp up the speculation.

So, Clinton met with the beginnings of his reelection committee and discussed the proper way to roll out an announcement. Most agreed that summer would be best, considering he would almost certainly lock up the nomination. Anything earlier and then they would be campaigning and left to defend the unprecedented third run. They didn't want to be put on the defensive until the furthest possible point. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

MCCAIN IS IN
The Arizona maverick announces expected bid for the presidency

McCain says he's best suited to take on Clinton-Gore-Bradly machine

Many insiders felt John McCain was probably the best Republican positioned to challenge Bush. Even so, his chances weren't good. He couldn't raise near the money Bush was raking in and his support among party conservatives was weak.

The general consensus heading into the meat of the primary was that for McCain to have much of a chance, he really needed to invest in New Hampshire. Iowa was already looking like it was setting up to be a match between Bush and Forbes, with McCain barely registering there. Investing unproductive time into that state was seen as a nonstarter, since the turning point would eventually come in New Hampshire. - BUCKLE UP! The Election 2000 Thriller (Larry J. Sabato)

GORE SHOCKER: VP WON'T RUN FOR PRESIDENT
Could decision mean Clinton's in?

Al Gore's surprise announcement that he won't seek the presidency could suggest Clinton is running.

President Clinton was furious at Gore's announcement. They were totally blindsided by it and the second Gore announced he was not running for the presidency, all eyes turned to Clinton and his potential run. The fact it was only mid-April and they hadn't planned on rolling out the announcement until summer meant that Clinton would now be pressed even more on the decision to run. Worse, they couldn't count on Gore giving an answer that would take the pressure off the president and his potential campaign.

Since Gore wasn't running and he had implied to Clinton he would not seek a third term on the ticket, it kind of felt like the Vice President had gone rogue. But beyond the announcement, Clinton was really hurt that Gore hadn't come to him and told him he was announcing, or even that it would be running in the Sunday New York Times.

But because he didn't inform Clinton, the entire White House was thrown off message and faced with this daunting task of keeping the lid on an announcement without forcing a contradiction. Clinton could not outright lie and say he wasn't planning on running, but he also couldn't be vague anymore. Gore's decision changed the dynamics too much for people to buy the same old line the White House was used to pushing. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

WHITE MOUSE MUM ON CLINTON RUN
President says, 'no comment' on reelection

SLCer · Mar 16, 2012

CLINTON HINTS AT POSSIBLE RUN
In CBS interview, says he has thought of running again

In an interview with 60 Minutes, Bill Clinton says he hasn't ruled out the idea of running for a historic third term.

Steve Kroft: With Vice President Al Gore's announcement last week that he will not seek the presidency, all eyes are on you, Mr. President. Are you running?

Bill Clinton: Let's get one thing clear, Steve, Al's decision to not run has nothing to do with me. That was his and Tipper's decision alone.

Steve Kroft: But are you running?

Bill Clinton: I am not running. I have not yet decided to run. Right now, my focus is on the ongoing situation in Yugoslavia and not on the 2000 election.

Steve Kroft: You're not ruling it out, though?

Bill Clinton: I have yet to come to a decision.

Clinton felt he needed to get out in front of the story before speculation forced his hand. Unfortunately, it also meant admitting, in part, to the idea of running for a third term. With Clinton finally not emphatically denying a run, the door opened for fresh attacks not only from the Republicans, but Bill Bradley, who had already been barnstorming early primary states.
- Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

GORE CONTRADICTS WHITE HOUSE
Says decision was made because of Clinton indecisiveness

While visiting NATO troops, Gore lets slip decision not to run was made because of Clinton indecisiveness.

It wasn't easy for Gore to give up on his presidential aspirations. But he knew Clinton was going to wait until at least summer to make an announcement and by that time, if Clinton ultimately decided not to run, it would leave the Vice President at a considerable disadvantage. So, knowing he was increasingly finding himself in a no-win situation, Gore let it slip he was not running for president.

That set off a firestorm within the White House. Clinton felt Gore should have told him first before going to the press, but Gore was bitter. Not only had he stood by Clinton's side throughout the whole Monica Lewinsky affair, knowing it could potentially damage a presidential bid in 2000, he felt Clinton had essentially promised not to run shortly after the whole episode unraveled.

But when things calmed and Clinton saw an uptick in popularity, any notion of an agreement, even if it was only a gentleman's one, went out the window. So, Gore wasn't too guilt-ridden over his decision.

He he would eventually amp up the rhetoric a week later when he said that his decision was entirely driven by Clinton's indecision. That upset those closest to the President because it created a narrative within the media that there was conflict between the President and Vice President. They were right. - Loyalty First (Ron Klain)

Emperor of Scandinavia · Mar 17, 2012

It will be interesting to see what Al Gore does now that he gets thrown to the curb by President Clinton.

Also, since Gore won't be running with Clinton in 2000, he will need a new VP.

For that position, I recommend Bob Kerrey.

Many people would have loved for Clinton to actually run for a 3rd term, but he couldn't.

Wishing you well, his majesty,
The Scandinavian Emperor

SLCer · Mar 21, 2012

Emperor of Scandinavia said:
It will be interesting to see what Al Gore does now that he gets thrown to the curb by President Clinton.

Also, since Gore won't be running with Clinton in 2000, he will need a new VP.

For that position, I recommend Bob Kerrey.

Many people would have loved for Clinton to actually run for a 3rd term, but he couldn't.

Wishing you well, his majesty,
The Scandinavian Emperor

That's funny you mention Kerrey because I was drafting up a list in my head and he was on it. So was Bob Graham and a few other moderate Democrats.

I'm hoping to update this sometime this week. The mundane stuff going on right now is probably not as exciting as the campaign will be.

statichaos · Mar 21, 2012

Well, the mundane stuff is pretty interesting in and of itself, so I'm looking forward to the campaign.

Paul V McNutt · Mar 21, 2012

I don't think you need to repeal the 22nd Amendment. If there was no 22nd Amendment, we could have had the same lineup of presidents as we did OTL. I could see Ike"s doctors vetoing a 3rd term. I also know that Nancy Reagan would not have permited her husband to run again.

SLCer · Apr 1, 2012

Clinton staffers wanted to muzzle Gore by the time spring rolled around. They felt he was undermining the White House with his statements and purposely trying to harm President Clinton's reelection chances.

I don't think Gore was that vindictive, but he wanted a bigger role in the primary process and by doing what he was doing, his voice became far more important than it would have been had he remained silent.

But the worst part, at least from Clinton's point of view, was that Gore now had alienated himself enough from the administration that it became more and more apparent to those in the media Gore would not be on the ticket. That would open a whole host of new questions surrounding the two and their relationship. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

CLINTON-GORE FRICTION HEATS UP
Has Veep gone rogue?

Gore & Clinton's media war of words has undermined the president and his attempt for a third term

Clinton wasn't happy, Gore wasn't happy and the entire White House knew it. The feud was getting constant late-night play and the Republicans were sitting back and smiling. It certainly wasn't the way Clinton wanted to roll out his third term decision and, in all truthfulness, it wasn't really the way Gore wanted it to happen, either. This was just as much his legacy as it was Clinton's and the bickering between the two camps, how public it was, definitely did neither any good.

Shortly after Gore's statement to the press suggesting he was forced into not running because of Clinton's dragging his feet, he and the President finally sat down one night. It was, at first, a very contentious meeting because, believe it or not, the two hadn't spoken with each other since the incident happened.

Clinton told Gore how hurt he was and that Gore should have told him about the announcement. Gore, of course, hit back that he felt Clinton was not being entirely honest with his camp, as he knew the President knew he was running. Clinton finally conceded that point, admitting to Gore that, for a couple months now, he and Hillary both knew he would be seeking out a third term.

That seemed to calm tensions a bit. Gore still couldn't figure out why Clinton was so indecisive, though, and pressed him on it - asking why he felt the need to be vague with his questions knowing he had to establish and plan a run of his own if Clinton ultimately decided not to run. He didn't have an answer for that, though, just that he didn't want to officially commit until he knew, without a shred of a doubt, he was running for president.

Both left the meeting more accepting of each other's problems but the tension still remained. Gore's maneuver, which many on Clinton's side felt was an act of betrayal, was not quickly forgotten and helped create an even furthering divide between the two parties. On Gore's side, many of his staff and potential campaign officials felt Clinton purposely misled Gore on the issue of running for a third term. So, while the two themselves put the issues behind them, the two camps weren't quite so ready to do the same. - Loyalty First (Ron Klain)

MAY 1999: SOURCE: GORE FURIOUS WITH CLINTON - WONT BE ON TICKET
No Clinton-Gore ticket this time around

Sources tell the New York Times that Gore will not join Clinton in a run for a third term

Just when it seemed like Gore and Clinton had put their battles behind them, an anonymous source from the Gore camp leaked news that Gore wouldn't be on the ticket if Clinton did seek a third term. This wasn't a surprise to the Clinton campaign because, for the last few weeks, Gore had essentially told Clinton he wouldn't run with him again. But no one outside the White House knew this and with it out there, even if Gore and Clinton had reconciled, none of that mattered. It was out there now and everyone would be talking about it. The only way to stuff that genie back into the bottle would be by having Gore say unequivocally he would run with Clinton.

That wasn't going to happen. As much as they were on good terms again, Gore was not going to run for a third term. It just wasn't in the cards. That meant, no amount of sugarcoating and sweet talking would change the perception - there was some serious division, at least in the minds of many Americans, between these two camps.

Not exactly the image you want to convey to the American public heading into an election year. It was definitely a huge blow and not only was Gore furious and embarrassed by the leak, Clinton became increasingly distrustful of Gore and his staff.

But it was out there and they had to decide what exactly to do. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

theReturner · Apr 1, 2012

Nice TL so far. Keep it up!

King Nazar · Apr 1, 2012

This is really interesting. Subscribed

modelcitizen · Apr 1, 2012

Glass Onion said:
Damn it, I was planning to do a third Clinton term story. Oh well, best to leave it to people more skilled at timeline writing than myself. In any event I look forward to reading this.

You don't know how this timeline will go.

There's more than one Nazis-win timeline, for example.

SLCer · Apr 2, 2012

GORE & CLINTON DO DAMAGE CONTROL
Vice President says he hasn't decided whether he'll run with Pres. if Clinton runs again

In a joint press conference Thursday on the South Lawn, both Clinton & Gore refuted recent claims of friction

The White House decided the best way to handle the news was a joint press conference, which they hadn't done in quite some time. They wanted the public to see the two interacting well together, but also have Gore discuss that he hadn't ruled out accepting a spot in the ticket just yet - even though he had.

It wasn't going to alter the entire story, and certainly many in the media would question the authenticity of the event, but something had to be done and this was about as best of an action possible.

So, the two strolled out of the White House together and stood in front of an eager press ready to pounce. Clinton was at ease, as he always was, but I think Gore was a bit nervous because he never really did like confrontation.

Behind the scenes, though, both camps couldn't help but bicker. There was legitimate resentment from each side and it really made the whole White House toxic in the last years of the Clinton-Gore team. - Loyalty First (Ron Klain)

BRADLEY HITS CLINTON ON WHITE HOUSE DUSTUP
Jokes that Clinton can't even control his own administration

In a speech in Iowa City, Iowa, Bill Bradley attacked Clinton for the political dustup in the White House. "The President can't even handle his own administration anymore!"

POLL: CLINTON-GORE FALLOUT HURTING PRESIDENT
Bradley makes inroads as President slips

A CNN/USAToday/Gallup poll released today showed that Bill Clinton's lead has narrowed among Democrats, while George W. Bush has lost some ground to the recent insurgency of Elizabeth Dole. The results (asked to registered voters in the respective parties, margin of error +/- 5%):

Which candidate would you be most likely to support for the Democratic nomination for president in the year 2000?

Bill Clinton: 50%
Bill Bradley: 30%
Undecided: 20%

Which candidate would you be most likely to support for the Republican nomination for president in the year 2000?

George W. Bush: 42%
Elizabeth Dole: 24%
Dan Quayle: 6%
Steve Forbes: 6%
Pat Buchanan: 5%
John McCain: 4%
Lamar Alexander: 3%
Gary Bauer: 3%

Clinton wasn't too concerned over the numbers. A twenty-point lead over Bradley was still nothing to sneeze at. Still, the lead wasn't nearly as big as it could have been and there was certainly some doubt as to whether Clinton should even run for a third term after everything that had happened with the Vice President.

In Clinton's mind, though, once the media frenzy died down and the attention returned to Kosovo and other affairs, the entire episode would become a distant memory and his lead over Bradley would grow again.

But Bradley was hitting the President pretty hard and there was never any official line from the White House. They hadn't announced they were running yet and the lone concern, albeit not a major one, was that in these early states, specifically Iowa and New Hampshire, Bradley could be building a huge early advantage. And as past presidents have seen in both states, it's important not to take a challenger lightly.

Bradley could push Clinton. That was the mindset in the White House at the time. They didn't believe he could beat them, but all it would take was even a lightly-contested primary to unravel a chance at the third term. Clinton knew this well because he watched as Bush, eight years prior, struggled, at times, putting Buchanan away - which carried over into the general and helped seal the election for him.

They didn't want that to play out. They didn't want a divided party. Liberals were already skeptical of Clinton and it was clear Bradley was running a bit to the left of the Clinton campaign. Any division within the party, especially now with the Gore thing coming to a head, could be the difference between victory and defeat a year later.

- Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

BRADLEY COURTS GORE VOTERS
Says Gore deserves better from Clinton

In a stinging rebuke of Clinton, Bill Bradley today attacked the President on his handling of the whole Al Gore situation. "Al Gore is a decent, honorable man and he deserves better from the President!"

It was clear Bradley saw an opening and took it. I don't know if he really sympathized with the Vice President or was making a play for his voters, but either way, it only helped add fuel to the entire situation. - BUCKLE UP! The Election 2000 Thriller (Larry J. Sabato)

SLCer · Apr 3, 2012

DEM INSIDERS SKEPTICAL OF CLINTON RUN
Some party leaders not sold on idea of Clinton third term

James Roosevelt Jr., indicates party not entirely on board with the idea of a Clinton third term.

PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER: CLINTON SHOULDN'T RUN

In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, former president Jimmy Carter indicated he does not believe Clinton should run for a third term.

Diane Sawyer: President Carter, what's your opinion on President Clinton potentially running for a third term?

President Carter: Well, you know, Diane, I think President Clinton is a very strong leader and a great, honorable man. However, I don't think he should run for a third term -

Diane Sawyer: You don't?

President Carter: No, no I don't and it has nothing to do with his ability to lead. I just think, look, only one president in American history has ever been elected to more than two terms and it came under the most difficult of circumstances and I believe, I believe that, when you're running the most powerful nation on earth, change is necessary. With Roosevelt, who had the unbelievable task of guiding our nation through a depression and world war, there was a sense we couldn't risk a switch. But today, with relative peace and economic stability, I think, I believe, we're at a point where someone else, someone else's ideas should shape our country as we enter the 21st Century.

Diane Sawyer: By that, you mean Senator Bradley?

President Carter: I have faith that Bill Bradley would be a good president, yes.

Diane Sawyer: Is that an endorsement?

Jimmy Carter: No, no [laughs], I won't endorse any primary challenger and will support the nominee.

Diane Sawyer: Even if it's Clinton?

Jimmy Carter: Yes, even if it's President Clinton. Let me say that I don't have anything against the Clinton presidency and believe he's been a phenomenal leader - I just think eight years is quite enough. If, however, Clinton secures the Democratic nomination, if he were to run, of course, I would support him because I believe his ideas, the Democratic ideas, are what this country needs.

There was definitely a growing dissatisfaction from the party insiders on a potential Clinton run and it was setting a narrative the campaign didn't want. Without heavy party support, it certainly cast doubt in the possibility and they wanted as clean of path to the nomination as possible. When former president Jimmy Carter came out against the run, since he was the lone living former Democratic president, it became clearer things were not going to be as easy as initially thought.

Still, Carter's pull within the party wasn't nearly as strong as you would expect from a former president. Much of that had to do with the way his presidency ended, the fact he was often regarded as one of the worst presidents of the latter half of the 20th Century, so, the concern was at least blunted a bit in that regard.

But it became increasingly clear the nomination was not going to be handed to Clinton. He would need to work for it - win over not just party insiders, but voters. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

SLCer · Apr 9, 2012

SPECULATION HEATS UP AS CLINTON VISITS IOWA
Prez fuels third term talk with economic speech in Des Moines

Clinton gave a rousing speech on the need to not let up on America's growing economy, saying, "For the first time in a generation, Americans can seize economic independence."

With the news heating up over Clinton's potential run for a historic third term, the campaign decided the best plan of action would be to roll him out unofficially during the months leading up to his potential official announcement. This would allow the President to dominate the media coverage without officially entering the ring and succumbing to the media storm such an announcement would create.

In Iowa, back in late May of 1999, Clinton spoke about the economy, its impact as Americans moved into the 21st Century and the need to keep things rolling. The campaign really wanted to hit home the importance of keeping America economically secure, since there were no international issues to run on outside the Kosovo War, which, by this time, received but a passing mention by most in the media. - Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

BRADLEY: IF CLINTON RUNS, I WANT DEBATE
In interview with Charlie Rose, Bradley says he expects to debate Clinton

Charlie Rose: If the President ultimately does announce he will be seeking a third term, do you anticipate you two will debate?

Bill Bradley: I do and I think it would be extremely important, and expected, for our party. President Clinton has to answer, I think, to a great deal of the party that feel he's abandoned them over the last four or so years - these are people who, back in 1992 and 1996, enthusiastically supported his campaign and they're dissatisfied with what has transpired during his second term. A debate needs to happen. He needs to lay out his ideas, because frankly, if his third term is anything like his second, well then, what's the point?

Charlie Rose: Those are pretty harsh words. Would you classify the President's second term as a failure then, Senator?

Bill Bradley: No, I don't think failure is the right word. It's been underwhelming, though in terms of accomplishments and advancing much of what he promised on the campaign trail roughly four years ago. You know, I respect the President and I supported him in '92 and then again in '96, but let's be honest, Charlie, he's been so busy fighting his personal battles that he's neglected the ones the public care about most.

Charlie Rose: But that's not entirely his fault.

Bill Bradley: And you're right. The Republicans deserve a great deal of the blame for it. Unfortunately, he's still the president and his actions elicit response, whether justified or not. Because he's been so bogged down with all this stuff, he's failed to lead.

Charlie Rose: And you think that would follow him into a potential third term?

Bill Bradley: I - I don't know. It's entirely possible.

Bradley's campaign was gaining traction and his hitting the President hard really resonated with many on the left side of the party who had become disenchanted with Clinton. It was a concern to the White House because his attacks were far more personal than political. It sounded, at least to those closest to Clinton, that Bradley was essentially claiming Clinton had committed a dereliction of duty - not something any president wanted to hear from a member of his own party.

When Bradley continued his assault through some of the early primary states, it looked more and more likely he would prove to be a formidable foe. All he was lacking, at the time, was some high-profiled endorsements. Born For History (Joe Lockhart)

SHOCKER: BOB KERREY ENDORSES BRADLEY
Nebraska Senator first major endorsement for Bradley Campaign

Bob Kerrey says his endorsement of Bradley is nothing personal toward Clinton

Bob Kerrey's endorsement of Bradley threw the Clinton Campaign into a tizzy. They hadn't expected it and weren't even informed of it until the news splashed across CNN. Of course, Kerrey made sure to say it was solely because he felt Clinton shouldn't run for a third term, but he was the first major Democrat to come out in support of Bradley. His campaign definitely was becoming more and more serious by the minute.
- BUCKLE UP! The Election 2000 Thriller (Larry J. Sabato)