Hi all,
This is my first timeline, so bear with me! I got the inspiration from recent political events, documentaries and a few what-ifs I found just too tempting to resist.
So without further ado, I bring you:
REALIGNMENT
Trump's New Order
'It looks set to be an eventful year as the 1988 electoral race begins. Against a backdrop of thaw in Moscow and stability at home, both Democrats and Republicans will have an open field to play for the US presidency. Ronald Reagan, nearing the end of his second term, appears confident about the result of his policies: lower tax and inflation, business growth and a string of foreign policy wins, including a firm hand with the Soviet Union. However, controversial elements of his legacy are sure to be challenged in the months ahead.
Mr Reagan’s deputy, George Bush, is poised to enter the Republican primaries in the coming week. Other than his main rival, Bob Dole, few big hitters have yet expressed an interest in the Republican contest. On the Democratic side, Gary Hart, Dick Gephardt and Jesse Jackson are likely to declare.
In the town hall and the street, many Americans are unhappy with the established political choices on offer. Rumors have swirled in recent days of Donald Trump, canny real-estate tycoon, hoping to fill this space. Mr Trump is busy with projects in New York, but has declined to silence the whispers of a bold, wildcard push for the White House.
Only one thing is for certain this year: all bets are off in the build-up to this historic presidential election.'
His campaign began like no other.
Devoted wife Ivana by his side, the candidate stepped up to the lectern. A moment was spent to collect the words that would rewrite history.
'Hello and welcome. I will cut to the chase. The United States, this great country, needs a strong CEO at the helm in this new age. It’s therefore my intention to run for the presidency, on the Republican ticket. I know what it takes. And folks, it’s gonna be tough. President Reagan has done many great things and I will go further. We need to set our sights high.
First, I will deliver growth for our economy and bring jobs back to our workers from abroad. It’s a scandal, a real scandal… the American people are losing out in the global race. I will build highways, bridges, public works to get us growing. From left to right, the same old faces in Washington are failing to protect our jobs, our trade… We need to fix the trade problem and I will. I’m a deal-maker, it’s what I do. So, we’ll rebuild America and win fair trade with our rivals.
Now I’m a family man. I know how important it is for millions of people that we give them a hand up, not a handout. So important. And the tax system is broke. So, I’ll make it simple and put the family at the heart of everything we do.
I want to secure a bright future for our homeland. To legal migrants: we will back you. Together, we can revive the American Dream. On illegal aliens, I will be tough. No longer will the United States sit back and watch her borders crumble. It’s time for action. We’ll build a wall on the border with Mexico. No more drug gangs. Zero tolerance. It’s time to put America first.
I know how to get things done, I’m a people person… if we work together, we can deliver welfare reform, so that work always pays. This is a big deal for so many families up and down the country. And together, we can rebuild our schools, so our kids get the best education in the world. We'll give parents real choice and build a generation of proud American citizens. It’s crucial, folks… It will be my mission to get our nation fit for the road ahead.
None of this will be easy. But the answer cannot be a return to the politicians of the past. We’ve come so far in our great nation. With me as your president, let’s think big and make it even greater. Thank you.'
Donald Trump cut across the stage.
His time had come. The real work was about to begin.
This is my first timeline, so bear with me! I got the inspiration from recent political events, documentaries and a few what-ifs I found just too tempting to resist.
So without further ado, I bring you:
REALIGNMENT
Trump's New Order
'It looks set to be an eventful year as the 1988 electoral race begins. Against a backdrop of thaw in Moscow and stability at home, both Democrats and Republicans will have an open field to play for the US presidency. Ronald Reagan, nearing the end of his second term, appears confident about the result of his policies: lower tax and inflation, business growth and a string of foreign policy wins, including a firm hand with the Soviet Union. However, controversial elements of his legacy are sure to be challenged in the months ahead.
Mr Reagan’s deputy, George Bush, is poised to enter the Republican primaries in the coming week. Other than his main rival, Bob Dole, few big hitters have yet expressed an interest in the Republican contest. On the Democratic side, Gary Hart, Dick Gephardt and Jesse Jackson are likely to declare.
In the town hall and the street, many Americans are unhappy with the established political choices on offer. Rumors have swirled in recent days of Donald Trump, canny real-estate tycoon, hoping to fill this space. Mr Trump is busy with projects in New York, but has declined to silence the whispers of a bold, wildcard push for the White House.
Only one thing is for certain this year: all bets are off in the build-up to this historic presidential election.'
- New York Times, 11 January 1988
His campaign began like no other.
Devoted wife Ivana by his side, the candidate stepped up to the lectern. A moment was spent to collect the words that would rewrite history.
'Hello and welcome. I will cut to the chase. The United States, this great country, needs a strong CEO at the helm in this new age. It’s therefore my intention to run for the presidency, on the Republican ticket. I know what it takes. And folks, it’s gonna be tough. President Reagan has done many great things and I will go further. We need to set our sights high.
First, I will deliver growth for our economy and bring jobs back to our workers from abroad. It’s a scandal, a real scandal… the American people are losing out in the global race. I will build highways, bridges, public works to get us growing. From left to right, the same old faces in Washington are failing to protect our jobs, our trade… We need to fix the trade problem and I will. I’m a deal-maker, it’s what I do. So, we’ll rebuild America and win fair trade with our rivals.
Now I’m a family man. I know how important it is for millions of people that we give them a hand up, not a handout. So important. And the tax system is broke. So, I’ll make it simple and put the family at the heart of everything we do.
I want to secure a bright future for our homeland. To legal migrants: we will back you. Together, we can revive the American Dream. On illegal aliens, I will be tough. No longer will the United States sit back and watch her borders crumble. It’s time for action. We’ll build a wall on the border with Mexico. No more drug gangs. Zero tolerance. It’s time to put America first.
I know how to get things done, I’m a people person… if we work together, we can deliver welfare reform, so that work always pays. This is a big deal for so many families up and down the country. And together, we can rebuild our schools, so our kids get the best education in the world. We'll give parents real choice and build a generation of proud American citizens. It’s crucial, folks… It will be my mission to get our nation fit for the road ahead.
None of this will be easy. But the answer cannot be a return to the politicians of the past. We’ve come so far in our great nation. With me as your president, let’s think big and make it even greater. Thank you.'
Donald Trump cut across the stage.
His time had come. The real work was about to begin.
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