alternatehistory.com

Let it be

By the beggining of 1970, the Kennedy administration seemed to have a bright future ahead. The victories of 1969 had been plentyful, and the president hoped to continue the course. In the minds of many, the new dacade would be one of great accomplishments, both for America and for the world. The war was over, man had landed on the moon, a young charismatic president was sitting in office, one that seemed to care for the people. What would the 1970's bring? A man on Mars? World Peace? Who knew?! But everyone wanted to find out.

When it comes to the future, they would, as aways, find out.

The Hopes and dream of the 1970's - Prologue, Will Clinton
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By 1970 the Universal Healthcare bill had been fully drafted. It had taken a while, as Kennedy made sure it pleased the party leadership. It would be landmark legislation. Another piece of democratic landmark legislation. One the late president Kennedy had wanted. Of course, the Republicans didn't like it.

Nixon's defeat had left the party broken and bitter. The 1968 RNC had been a historical mess between the progressives and the conservatives. Now, it seemed that a more progressive stance would be what it took for the party to gain power. Progressive legislature was the way for the Republicans to gain popularity in this changing times.

But it would be on their administration, and sure as hell not in Kennedy's.

And so, the Republican party stood like a stonewall against the Healthcare Bill. But what did that matter? Kennedy surely thought that as 1970 rolled in. The democrats had the White house, the senate, the House of Representatives. The democratic party had more then enough men to pass the Bill. And, when it passed, all would be well for them, as they secured their position in defense of civil rights and rolled on by midterms better then ever. That kind of thinking was a bit naive of course.

Regardless of how the popular opinion, or the administration mood, was faring, by 1970 all was not well within the democratic party.

"A foolish Bostonian child who has been undermining everything this party has stood for. A enemy of the southern man, and a enemy of the southern way of life. Such a man cannot be called a democrat!"

This bold words from a democratic congressman from South Carolina expressed quite well the general views of many southerners when it came to RFK. These so called Dixiecrats weren't any news. They had opposed Kennedy since his early campaign. In the DNC, where Kennedy was pitted against Eugene McCarthy, many had refused to show up. Neither candidate suited their ideology. And when the party nominated Kennedy, and shifted strongly towards a civil rights stance, the outrage and frustration was palpable.

The awnser of the south to this frustration came in the form of George Wallace. A former democrat, and a stauch segregationist his whole life, Wallace would abandon the party in 1968 and join the new American Independent Party. Running on a promisse of defending Segregation, Wallace would carry no less then 6 states, stablishing the AIP as a force to be reckoned with in the former democratic stronghold that was the south.

And so, and 1969 rolled on, and then 1970, many Dixiecrats would slowly but surely begin to abandon the democratic party.

It was a midterm year, a year where senators, congressmen, and many governors would either remain in their seats or take the boot. And well, standing by a president not many(including themselves) seemed to like in their districts was not a very attractive option.

It would be a exageration, to say that most southern democrats left the party. Most stayed. And most did everything they could to make Bobby Kennedy's administration suffer. Teaming up with republicans on their opposition to the bill, they would stand resolute on their decision.

And so, after months of filibustering, backdoor deals, favor calling, rousing and agressive speeches, and every other sort of dramatic gesture a politician's mind could come up with, the bill failed. The unholy alliance of disgruntled democrats and republicans ensured that it would fail. It was a great blow to Kennedy, as the president devoted much of his time to fighting for the bill. House Majority leader Carl Albert, one of the biggest supporter's of the bill proclaimed it the greatest failure of his carrer.

A busy year for the Democrats, 1970 would see a unique figure join the party ranks in Tennessee. The figure would be, of course, Elvis Presley.

History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack
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Elvis is running for Governor!

Elvis Presley, has announced this wednesday that he will be seeking the governor's chair in the 1970's election. You read it right ladies and gentlemen, the King want to become a politician. According to him, the idea of entering politics has been floating on his mind for a couple of years, "I desire to make a change, i was once a musician, now i want to make people's life better in another way, and so, i announce with great pride, that i will be seeking the position of Governor of Tennessee come this November."

And the King has wasted no time, as he arleady registered as a democrat. This is certainly a historical day, as one of the most famous singers on the planet, decides he will sing no more.

Los Angeles Times, March 3rd, 1970
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The room was very large. It had been a very warm day followed by a very cold night. A typical summer day in Beijing.

At the center of the Room rested his bed, a spacious and confortable squared thing, it had given him many pleasant nights. He lay in it with a small smile on his face and his hands crossed over his chest. It looked like he was having a good dream, perhaps imagining a perfect future for all of China.

He was also dead.

At a corner of the Room sat a thin man on military regalia. He smoked a cigarete and stared at the dead man in the bed.

There was a knock on the door

A woman came in, she had large glasses on her face, and a face that could freeze a vulcano.

-Madam Mao, it is a sad day for all of China, he spoke.

- It truly is Marshal Lin.

She looked at her husband lying in the bed, then down to the ground.

- I took the liberty of moving him to a more...serene position, i thought that was like you would want to see him.

- I thank you for your kindness Marshal Lin. may i have a few moments alone with my husband now? She spoke with a voice that matched her face.

- Of course Madam. I'l leave you with him, take as long as you need, but please consider that we have much to discuss, this is a historical ocasion.

She looked at him with her stone face for a second, then smiled a pleasant smile

-Of couse Vice-Chairman, she paused, Chaiman Lin, China will need us both at this moment of sorrow.

As Lin Biao left the room, he signaled at the guard to let no one in and no one out of the building whithout his consent. He finished his cigarete.

It will need us both, he agreed, thinking to himself in the dark corridor. For now.
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Surprise ninja update attack! So, drink a shot everytime you read the word democrat! You will not end up standing.
I decided to leave 1971 and midterm election results for the next update, as i had a lot to cover on this one. Also, im really enjoying this personal views at characters. What do you guys think of them?
Anyway, Hope averyone is enjoying it.