Bad Blood (part II)
Fifteen Years. That’s for how long a Democrat had sat on the White house. From Kennedy to Johnson to Kennedy again, the Democratic Party had pushed its agenda from the oval office. The Republicans had missed every chance, every opportunity to take back the executive. Even in 68, when the democrats were so fractured, they let their internal divisions get in the way. These divisions had plagued them for years, for as the donkeys were in a constant struggle between north and south, the Republicans had also been split. The fight between conservatism under Nixon and moderation under Rockefeller had lost them the White House eight years ago, and when the party finally supported the more moderate approach of the latter in 72, they had lost again. It simply wasn’t their year they told themselves.
Well, by 1976 the situation had changed. The economy was in shambles, the public trust in the government was low, the news had gotten depressing again. And, now, the Republican Party was once again in the gentle embrace of conservatism.
Nothing exemplified that more than their frontrunner. For the third time in eight years, Ronald Reagan was aiming for the top. The former Hollywood star turned governor of California had now finally succeed in bringing the party to his camp. Rockefeller announcement that he did would not seek the nomination once more brought a cry of relief to many, and one of grave disappointment to some. Now the governor of the Golden state had the opportunity to lead his party towards the White House, and Make America great again.
He was, however, not alone in the race. From Washington D. C., another veteran of Party politics had emerged as a hopeful candidate. Gerald Ford, House Minority Leader and for a long time archenemy of democratic policy in the house, had thrown his hat in the ring. Though perhaps not as charismatic as Reagan, the man had knowledge of the inner workings of Congress, and was a respected figure in Washington. After all this time serving in government under a democrat, it was perhaps time for him to take the lead.
Neither man would back down easily, for they both new that their party nominee probably had a better chance at the presidency than anyone else.
History of the Republican Party, from Lincoln to Cheney, Michael A. Cormack
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Boy oh Boy, It's been ONE YEAR! Hard to believe. Thank you all for your support, I love writing this and I love to see a positive response!