A Big Consolation Prize

A Helluvah Consolation Prize

Before the Time Line...

RICHARDS BEATS BUSH IN GOVERNOR RACE; TWO BUSH DEFEATS ON SAME NIGHT

It's a disappointing night to be a member of the Bush family. Businessman George W. Bush lost by a fairly close margin in the Texas Governor's Race against incumbent Ann Richards. Some had said that the popular Richards would be defeated by Bush in the primary campaign but it is clear now that those people were wrong with a DUI destroying Bush's candidacy. There are already rumors Bush will try another campaign in 1998.

Corbis-DWF15-916010.jpg


TEXAS GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION: 1994
Ann Richards, D: 51.2%
George W. Bush, R: 48.8%

This knocks Bush out of consideration for a Presidential Campaign in 2000 and it marks the end of the Bush Dynasty in American politics. Meanwhile attention is already turning to the 1996 Presidential Election where Bill Clinton is seen as "semi-vulnerable" in his race for reelection.

"This is a big shock to me and the family. I guess the people of the Texas were the deciders in this election and it just wasn't in my favor. I'll be back in four years heck it ain't all that far..."
-George W. Bush Diaries: 11/6/1994




ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR BUSH IN TEXAS GOVERNOR RACE, ENDS POLITICAL CAREER

George W. Bush has again lost the race for Governor of Texas against Ann Richards in a repeat of the last election. Richards's successes on Education and the Texas State Budget have enabled her to gain a mortal lock on the Texas Governor's Mansion and it is clear that George W. Bush's political career is over with another upsetting defeat. With Bush out of the 2000 Race for sure, Elizabeth Dole and John McCain remain the strongest front runners.

TEXAS GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION: 1998
Ann Richards, D: 52.6%
George W. Bush, R: 47.4%

"Another defeat, I can't believe it. Well, my political career is over. Maybe there's hope for Jeb - at least he won tonight..."
-George W. Bush Diaries: 11/3/1998



And Let it Begin...

JANUARY 1999

Elizabeth Dole Announces Presidential Campaign, Promises Honest & Clean Campaign For The G.O.P. Nomination; Polls Show Red Cross President In Lead

Corbis-0000358493-004.jpg



John McCain Enters G.O.P. Nomination Fight, Signs Dole's Clean Campaign Pledge;
Liddy Dole's Lead Falls Upon Senator's Entrance


Corbis-JS999716.jpg



Ann Richards Announces Primary Battle Against Al Gore;
Democratic Party Completely Surprised By The Governor's Campaign;
Polls Show Her Rivaling VP Gore Nationwide


Corbis-U90204092.jpg

Republican Primary Polls, Nationwide (Jan. 15 - Jan. 18)
Elizabeth Dole - 23%
John McCain - 21%
Fred Thomspon* - 14%
Christine Todd Whitman* - 10%
Dan Quayle - 4%
Steve Forbes - 4%
Orrin Hatch - 4%
Pat Buchanan - 3%
Bob Smith - 2%
Other - 5%
Undecided - 10%

*Not an official candidate


Democratic Primary Polls, Nationwide (Jan. 15 - Jan. 18)
Al Gore - 39%
Ann Richards - 32%
Bill Bradley* - 8%
Jesse Jackson* - 8%
John Kerry* - 7%
Undecided - 6%
 
Last edited:
FEBRUARY 1999

Senator John McCain Holds Town Hall Event in Manchester
Promises Campaign Finance Reform If Elected President

Corbis-0000362993-009.jpg



Vice President Gore Delivers Address to California Democratic Party
Pledges To Be A "Progressive" President

Corbis-42-16849219.jpg



Christine Todd Whitman Announces Presidential Campaign
Is 2000 The Year Of The Woman?

Corbis-NF118639.jpg



Fred Thompson Makes Major Announcement In Memphis
Says He Won't Enter Presidential Campaign

Corbis-SYG001748.jpg




Republican Primary Polls, Nationwide (Feb. 23 - Feb. 26)
Elizabeth Dole - 30%
John McCain - 24%
Christine Todd Whitman - 15%
Dan Quayle - 4%
Steve Forbes - 4%
Orrin Hatch - 4%
Lamar Alexander - 4%
Pat Buchanan - 3%
Bob Smith - 2%
Alan Keyes - 1%
Undecided - 9%

*Not an official candidate


Democratic Primary Polls, Nationwide (Feb. 23 - Feb. 26)
Al Gore - 40%
Ann Richards - 32%
Bill Bradley* - 8%
Jesse Jackson* - 8%
John Kerry* - 7%
Undecided - 5%
 
MARCH 1999

President Clinton Refuses To Endorse Gore
During Interview Clinton Throws Veep To The Curb

Corbis-WL008407.jpg

Bob Schieffer: Mr. President, I want to move into the issue of the 2000 Presidential Election. Texas Governor Ann Richards is challenging your Vice President in the race for the Democratic Nomination, do you plan to endorse the person you want to be your successor?

President Clinton: Well, Bob, at this moment I don't plan to. The truth of the matter is that I just don't see a reason to. Both Vice President Gore and Governor Richards would do a great job as President and I don't see a reason to meddle in a decision that will ultimately be left to the voters to decide.

Bob Schieffer: So you won't support your Vice President? When you picked him in 1992 didn't you hope he would succeed you as President?

Bill Clinton: I think you're missing the point, Bob. I don't want to tell Democratic Party voters how to vote, I think that should be their decision and theirs alone. Don't you? Isn't that one of the advantages of being an American, choosing who you want to lead you? I just don't see a need for me to meddle in the affairs of the Democratic Party. Ultimately those that show up to vote in their primaries and caucuses will get their votes heard ... and that's a good thing.



Governor Ann Richards Gives Major Speech on Economic Policy
Promises New Leadership For The 21st Century

Corbis-42-17314191.jpg

Excerpt From The Speech:
"...We need a new leader for the 21st Century and that's why I'm here today: to provide an alternative. Now Bill Clinton has been an excellent President and he's made the Democratic Party proud, but we in order to continue that progress we need a fresh perspective. This election is about moving America into the future and we have to keep a balanced budget a number one priority. Bill Clinton turned our budget balanced and that's something the Republicans' Ronald Reagan couldn't even do, I'm telling you: if you give the Republicans this surplus they'll turn it into a deficit faster than you can say "supply-side"! We can make a change and we can continue this progress, but I'll need your support..."



Elizabeth Dole Proposes Social Security Reform In Nashua
Announces Support For Partial-Privatization

Corbis-0000352503-001.jpg



Former Vice President Quayle Hopes To Gain Support
Meets With Iowa Voters In Hopes Of Straw Poll Success

Corbis-0000350409-005.jpg



Massachusetts Senator Kerry Enters Presidential Race
Could Be The Most Liberal Candidate

Corbis-DWF15-623829.jpg

Excerpt From John Kerry's Announcement Speech In Boston:
"...This election is about making a difference, my friends, and it's time that we rebuild a country we can all be proud of. In this election we have a chance - an opportunity to make a different future, to make a country we can all be proud of. In 2000, we'll be electing a new President and we'll need a strong leader to bring us into the new millennium and I'll be that leader. Our country faces threats on the international stage and I will be the toughest Commander-in-Chief. As a Vietnam Veteran I'll always hold those memories with me, but I know what it takes to keep us out of war and I know why we can't enter war ourselves. For a safer America I ask for you to vote John Kerry for President: let's do this together..."





Republican Primary Polls, Nationwide (Mar. 23 - Mar. 26)
Elizabeth Dole - 30%
John McCain - 24%
Christine Todd Whitman - 15%
Dan Quayle - 4%
Steve Forbes - 4%
Orrin Hatch - 4%
Lamar Alexander - 4%
Pat Buchanan - 3%
Bob Smith - 2%
Alan Keyes - 1%
Undecided - 9%

*Not an official candidate


Democratic Primary Polls, Nationwide (Mar. 23 - Mar. 26)
Al Gore - 36%
Ann Richards - 32%
John Kerry - 14%
Bill Bradley* - 6%
Jesse Jackson* - 4%
Undecided - 8%
 
Last edited:
APRIL 1999

Senator Kerry Goes On The Attack
Calls Richards "Too Conservative"

Corbis-DWF15-674221.jpg

Excerpt From The Speech:
"...We have to elect a President who is ready to push America forward, into the new millennium. Now Ann Richards has been a decent Governor for Texas, but she's too conservative to be President of the United States. It's a sad reality, but the truth is I don't think she's cut out to be the Democratic Nominee for President. My military experience, my record in the Senate, and my belief in building a stronger America is something the Democratic Party has traditionally stood for and supported. It's a difference between Ann and I that shouldn't be ignored..."

An Excerpt From Ann Richards's Response (Press Release):
"...Senator Kerry has taken it upon himself to lecture the Democratic Party on who is and who isn't a good Democrat. Governor Richards not only believes in letting that decision fall on the shoulders of the voters, but she will not engage in such negative and vile campaigning. It's what George Bush did to her in Texas and it didn't work because the American people are much smarter than that..."



Senator Bill Bradley Stays Out Of The Race
Endorses Senator Kerry In New Hampshire Rally

Corbis-0000356981-001.jpg



Is Lamar Alexander The Next Iowa Caucus Winner?
Polls Show Former Education Secretary Gaining Momentum

Corbis-0000306381-003.jpg

Republican Primary Polls, Iowa (Apr. 10 - Apr. 12)
Elizabeth Dole - 28%
Lamar Alexander - 20%
Steve Forbes - 19%
John McCain - 10%
Dan Quayle - 4%
Orrin Hatch - 4%
Pat Buchanan - 3%
Christine Todd Whitman - 2%
Alan Keyes - 1%
Bob Smith - 0%
Undecided - 9%

*Not an official candidate



Gary Bauer Promises To Stay Out Of The Race
Endorses Elizabeth Dole For G.O.P. Nomination

Corbis-NF112841.jpg



Reverend Jesse Jackson Undecided On Presidential Campaign
During Interview With Diane Sawyer, Jackson Leaves Door Open

Corbis-TL006745.jpg

Diane Sawyer: What do you think of the 2000 Democratic Field?

Jesse Jackson: It's weak, Diane, incredibly weak. I don't see any of those candidates going on to defeat Elizabeth Dole or John McCain.

Diane Sawyer: So does this mean you'll run yourself?

Jesse Jackson: I'm undecided on a presidential campaign at this point in time, but if the Democratic field fails to hit the Republicans for their War on Minorities than yes, I would be inclined to enter the campaign. Not a single Democrat has spoken out about the issue of affirmative action, not a single Democrat has spoken out about welfare reform or low-income housing. Those are issues we care a lot about in the African-American community and it would be hypocritical of me to support one of those candidates if they don't talk about the issues I care about.

Diane Sawyer: If you had to endorse someone in the current field, who would you be inclined to support?

Jesse Jackson: I'll tell you who I wouldn't support: Ann Richards. She might as well be a Republican and I won't support her if she's the Democratic Nominee. In fact, I might run as an Independent if Richards gets the party's nomination.





Republican Primary Polls, Nationwide (Apr. 24 - Apr. 27)
Elizabeth Dole - 29%
John McCain - 22%
Christine Todd Whitman - 12%
Lamar Alexander - 8%
Steve Forbes - 8%
Dan Quayle - 3%
Orrin Hatch - 3%
Pat Buchanan - 3%
Bob Smith - 1%
Alan Keyes - 1%
Undecided - 6%

*Not an official candidate


Democratic Primary Polls, Nationwide (Apr. 24 - Apr. 27)
Al Gore - 34%
Ann Richards - 29%
John Kerry - 20%
Jesse Jackson* - 6%
Undecided - 11%
 
"...It's your turn, my friends, it's your turn to stand up and make a difference. Your vote is going to decide this election and with your help and support we can do this. I want your support to turn around America! I hope you join me as we continue to talk straight talk throughout this country..." -Excerpt from a speech delivered by Senator McCain; Manchester, NH - May 1, 1999

"...Well our poll numbers continue to hold-up, but I'm getting worried about Lamar. The son of a bitch seems to be making ground in Iowa and if he wins the Straw Poll he'll stop my campaign's momentum dead in the tracks. The first primary debate is in a week, hopefully we can stop him there. Bob refuses to accept Alexander as a serious candidate, but I can't help it! And Forbes? Hell he could go on and buy this election, just snatch it outta my clutch. Because why? He's got money. It's absolutely ridiculous what the electoral process has turned into, but I must admit: I love to campaign! Hopefully it'll end better for me than it did for Bob..." -Excerpt from Liddy Dole's Diary - May 2, 1999

"...Everyone was silent. They knew things weren't right. There were tough choices to be made. First, I secured the Capitol. Then we turned the previous governor's records over to the FBI, locked the prison gates, and I asked Fred Thompson, now one of our U.S. Senators, to review all the pardons that had been granted. I wanted to bring out the best in our state. But we had a long way to go. Our people were discouraged and mistrustful of government--and for good reasons. I was taking the reigns of state that was the third poorest in the nation. A third of our Eighth Graders couldn't read and write at their grade level. Our roads were poor. We were not making one automobile..." -Excerpt from Lamar Alexander's Announcement Speech which was since used in his stump speeches

Corbis-42-19584303.jpg

Alexander delivering a speech in Iowa.

Interview with Ann Richards - May 4, 1999
Katie Couric: How are you Governor?
Ann Richards: I'm good, thanks for having me on, Katie.
Katie Couric: Of course. Governor, last month you were attacked by Jesse Jackson where he said, quote, "I'll tell you who I wouldn't support: Ann Richards. She might as well be a Republican and I won't support her if she's the Democratic Nominee." How do you deal with criticism like that?
Ann Richards: *chuckles* Katie, Katie, you're falling for their trap! This is part of the Gore/Kerry Smear Campaign, but the American voters are smarter than that. It's exactly what George Bush did in 1994 and again in 1998 - they're in the politics of destruction, I'm in the politics of doing good.
Katie Couric: With all due respect, Governor, these constant attacks seem to be working. Your poll numbers are falling substantially and every month they seem to be getting lower as Senator Kerry catches-up, your campaign isn't worried about these attacks?
Ann Richards: Not at all, the only ones who believes what Jesse Jackson is saying is Jesse Jackson and it's a shame because I used to admire the Reverend. Back in 1988, when I delivered the Keynote Address to the DNC, I talked of an accepting America and I provided substantive ideas. I thought Jesse would do the same, but I guess not.

Candidate Schedules - May 6, 1999
Elizabeth Dole - Ames, Iowa for a Meet and Greet; Interview w/ Charlie Gibson
John McCain - Two Town Halls in New Hampshire
Lamar Alexander - Continuing Tour of Iowa's 99 Counties
Steven Forbes - Interview w/ Bill O'Reilly
Ann Richards - In Texas.
Al Gore - In Washington.
John Kerry - In Washington.

Excerpt from Republican Debate - May 10, 1999
Elizabeth Dole: Well, Senator McCain's out there campaignin' but he's neglecting a day job. On May 6th there was a very important vote in the Senate on education but John McCain was too busy to go because he had two town hall events in New Hampshire. The truth is that while I meet the voters they can be assured I'm not neglecting any constituents back home.
Charlie Gibson: Senator McCain, a response?
John McCain: Heh. Unfortunately, unlike Elizabeth's husband, I'm not lucky enough to be able to schedule votes around my campaign appearances. This election is about a clear contrast between the politics of yesterday and the policies of tomorrow and I'm more concerned about what the voters think.

...

Lamar Alexander: Well, I'm happy I got asked a couple of questions, but next time I'd like to see this debate be a little more fair. Anyways: I want to thank ABC for hosting this debate between the candidates, I think it'll be helpful for primary voters. I also want to thank you, Charlie, for moderating the debate. And I want to remind the voters that the last eight years have been filled with corruption and lies and secrecy in the White House and when I took over as Tennessee's Governor that's exactly what I had to deal with. My predecessor was under federal investigation and now I'm quite happy with the progress Tennessee has made. So that's the difference between my opponents and I: I've had to deal with this mess before and I'll be ready to deal with it again. Thank you.
Charlie Gibson: Senator McCain a closing statement?
John McCain: I'd like to thank ABC and Charlie and my opponents for arranging this debate, I think it'll come in handy for those who want to learn more about who their next nominee is going to be. As a Senator and as a Presidential Candidate I have talked straight talk with the American people and I have always upheld my beliefs in a better America and in a better society. So as President you can bet that what I say here will be what I do in office. Thank you.
Charlie Gibson: And finally: Mrs. Dole?
Elizabeth Dole: Well I too would like to thank all y'all here at ABC for hosting this debate and, like John, I would like to thank everyone else on the stage for making it out tonight. In order to get America moving into the 21st Century we have to elect a President committed to building a bridge to tomorrow. I've worked for five presidents and every time I've cut waste in my department. As Secretary of Labor and as Secretary of Transportation I was perfectly comfortable getting rid of the wasteful spending in my department. As President I'll do the same, but in every federal department. I'll bring a common sense approach to Washington and I'll be ready to get down to work from day one. Thank you.

Corbis-UT0017087.jpg

John McCain after the 1st GOP Debate.

"...The American people deserve a President committed to building a better country from day one: I will be that President..." -Excerpt from a speech delivered by Al Gore; Sioux City, Iowa - May 15, 1999

"...I am a conservative of conviction, not convenience. I've never backed down and I won't back down. As Vice President I was in the thick of the Gulf War and the attempted coup of President Aquino of the Philippines and other foreign policy situations. In this election I want you to put the people first, put your country first, and that's why I want your support. My experience goes unmatched and I'm the only one who can defeat the Democratic Nominee in November..." -Excerpt from a speech delivered by Dan Quayle; Ames, Iowa - May 17, 1999

Corbis-DWF15-546071.jpg

John Kerry talks to voters at a town hall event in Waterloo

Excerpt from the CBS Evening News - May 23, 1999
Dan Rather: At a town hall event in Waterloo, Iowa, today, Senator Kerry talked about his plan for keeping the country safe. When responding to a question about his military service Kerry grew somewhat emotional, recounting the events leading-up to one of his Purple Hearts. Senator Kerry is now tied for second in Iowa with Ann Richards, they both lose to Al Gore by 2%, within the margin of error. It's going to take something big to shake-up the Democratic Primaries and the possibility of an entrance by Jesse Jackson continues to loom over the field.

Republican Primary Polls, Nationwide (May 24 - May 27)
Elizabeth Dole - 31%
John McCain - 27%
Lamar Alexander - 11%
Christine Todd Whitman - 7%
Steve Forbes - 8%
Dan Quayle - 3%
Orrin Hatch - 2%
Pat Buchanan - 2%
Bob Smith - 1%
Alan Keyes - 1%
Undecided - 3%

*Not an official candidate

Democratic Primary Polls, Nationwide (May 24 - May 27)
Al Gore - 35%
Ann Richards - 26%
John Kerry - 23%
Jesse Jackson* - 4%
Undecided - 11%
 
This does look cool, though we're doubly deprived of the Bauer-Bradley meeting.

Will the SC poll closings become an issue this TL?
Will Jim Hatfield's career be any different?
 
Orville, I've come to realize your obsession with the SC Poll Closings so I encourage you not to worry - they'll be a monumental issue :p
 
Listen to the Money Talk

Corbis-42-16848831.jpg

At the first Democratic Debate Al Gore stumbled. He tried to runaway from the Clinton Legacy which only caused problems for him with the Democratic base, meanwhile John Kerry questioned whether or not he was truly the candidate best equipped to win in the General Election. It's safe to say that the Gore Campaign realized they would need to enter damage control immediately. Later that night, in their limousine driving to the hotel after the debate, Al Gore let the stress get to him. "Fuck it, fuck it, FUCK IT!" He yelled. As Tipper tried to calm him down he seemed inconsolable, in disbelief he may not end up as the party's nominee he advised his campaign to "blast that New England bastard" with the information they'd been sitting on for weeks. It was not the response his team was hoping for. His campaign manager pleaded not to use the information, claiming it was too early. At the end of the day it was the VP's call and the next Monday voters across the nation saw a disturbing ad on television.

About half a dozen members of the military who served with Senator Kerry blasted their colleague in a definitive attack ad. The ad aired in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, California, Florida, Illinois, and New York. It was a huge media buy in critical primary states and it was a blow to the Kerry Campaign. The veterans blasted Kerry for "selling them out" to a Congressional Committee. The media buy, and the free media the ad received, was enough to send Kerry's Campaign into a tailspin. He was flabbergasted and stunned and appeared visibly off his game during town hall events and speeches. In a crippling move, his staff cancelled all media appearances - preventing Kerry from defending himself. They had a weak response to the ad by calling it misleading and leaving it at that.

Corbis-DWF15-604513.jpg

While Gore continued to air the ad over and over, blowing millions of dollars and leaving Kerry in the dust, his attention turned to Ann Richards. They didn't have any dirt on Richards. The truth was: Kerry was the most liberal candidate in the field so it would appear hypocritical for Gore to attack Richards. Furthermore, most of the "dirt" on Richards had been effectively brushed-off after the attacks of George Bush and Karl Rove in 1994 and again in 1998. Both races had received national attention and the country had fallen in love with Richards as she shook-off any potential questions. It was a two-person rodeo ... and it was only June 1999, but the race was only beginning.

While the Democratic Campaign fell in on itself, the Republicans were also facing a serious dilemma in the form of Lamar Alexander. Alexander was a serious threat to both Elizabeth Dole and John McCain, but neither Dole nor McCain were comfortable destroying him in the manner Gore had because he was, after all, a strong candidate and a potential running mate. Instead both McCain and Dole came to the same conclusion: run him out of the race because of a lack of money. Both Dole and McCain had been able to build big war chests, with Dole gaining her money mostly through her husband's connections and McCain reaching out to the people in the form of $20 donations.

Dole's campaign bought ad time in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina while McCain focused primarily on New Hampshire. Meanwhile, Steve Forbes had also invested his fortune in an attempt to gain support in Iowa. The race was very close and some polls had shown Alexander ahead in Iowa - a cause for concern in the Dole Campaign. With the Iowa Straw Poll a few months away Dole thought that would be the best way to shut Lamar up for good. She began early, in late-June, to rally support for the Iowa Straw Poll. Her campaign invested jaw-dropping amounts of money to buy tickets for supporters and get volunteers to the poll. Alexander, who had a campaign in the red, was struggling to stay afloat.

Meanwhile, Senator McCain (who stood no shot of winning Iowa) decided to focus on New Hampshire. He had already begun the process of town halls across the state and was very quickly making ground over Christine Todd Whitman in the state. Whitman's problem was with abortion. Republicans were not the pro-choice party and she just couldn't fit-in with that highly unpopular position. Ultimately she, too, was put into a campaign disaster by the lack of resources. Republicans were unsupportive of a pro-abortion candidate, but Whitman wouldn't give up and she had earned a spot in third place for most New Hampshire polls.

Corbis-0000362178-005.jpg

With McCain campaigning hard in New Hampshire and Dole dominating Iowa it was Lamar Alexander who was suffering from a dulling stardom. He didn't have the money to compete and it would take a victory in the Iowa Straw Poll to push his campaign back into the headlines. He, too, decided to get a head start by continuing his tour of Iowa's 99 Counties and promising to bus in supporters from surrounding towns and counties to support him in the Ames Straw Poll. Unfortunately his lack of name exposure compared to Dole's (mostly due to a lack of television ads) hurt him in gaining traction. He was forced to rely on free media (something any political novice will assure you is unreliable).

Ann Richards was also in for a hell of a time as the summer months got hotter and hotter. The Governor of Texas was on the offense, attacking her main opponent: Al Gore. Richards actually came to the defense of Kerry, calling his record as a war hero "off limits" but she did hit Gore on various issues. Claiming that the Vice President is an irresponsible leader and pointing to the fact that Clinton hadn't endorsed him as the primary reason Democratic voters shouldn't buy every word of Gore's.

By July 4th the race was completely different. John Kerry's support had fallen between 4 and 10 points depending on the poll you look at. Ann Richards and Al Gore had drawn battle lines in the sand. Elizabeth Dole? She cemented her status as the front runner while Lamar Alexander's campaign became in a class game of catch-up. All of this happened because of money. In the summer of Campaign 2000 it was the money, not the voters, talking.
 
The Resurgence

Corbis-DWF15-555907.jpg

By the middle of July the Kerry team was back on message and starting to recover some of the lost ground that came as a direct result to the Vice President's attacks. Kerry continued to position himself as the most progressive of the candidates and claimed that Vice President Gore and Ann Richards were too conservative to be the Democratic Party's nominee. Kerry had fallen considerably in the polls but he was slowly starting to regain ground, and the Gore camp was getting worried again. As Gore's campaign staff huddled in a chorus of "I told you so" the Vice President was beside himself, worrying another presidential campaign of his had slipped through the cracks. It was time to take another massive media buy, this time he focused on a positive message which boosted his career as Vice President. The ads were good, but it was too early for such a positive ad to make a huge difference.

On the Republican side it was Lamar Alexander who wanted to make a comeback, but in August Liddy Dole clinched the Iowa Straw Poll by a massive margin (nearly 6%) and Lamar Alexander was thrown back on his behind. It was time for him to make a change. Announcing the termination of many of his campaign staff, Alexander hoped to revitalize a clearly lagging campaign. With Alexander fighting to stay alive, Liddy Dole was on Cloud 9. Her impressive Straw Poll victory, which was far larger than anyone had expected, proved she was the front runner and she was able to grow her financial advantage as well. Unfortunately for John McCain this hurt him in South Carolina where the momentum helped Dole grow a 1-point lead into a several-point lead.

The polls were showing McCain and Alexander falling behind, far behind, Elizabeth Dole who was clearly the establishment's choice. It appeared that Iowa would be her coronation. In fact, Dole's success was so apparent that McCain was forced to defend his lead in New Hampshire where Dole had put a once safe-McCain state in play. Some pundits predicted a 50-state sweep for Dole in the primaries, which would cause widespread embarrassment to McCain. The primaries were going to be an uphill battle for anyone who had a last name other than Dole.

Corbis-0000352503-005.jpg

Luckily for Ann Richards, Liddy Dole wasn't the only woman making progress. Richards launched a series of town hall events across Iowa where she was successful in boosting her poll numbers and connecting with the electorate: resulting in a small bump and a lead in the polls. With the race restored to a close three-way battle every vote mattered, but all the candidates wanted the support of President Clinton who simply refused to get involved.

With Kerry's Campaign on the rebound everything was different and as the campaign began to head into September it was the Vice President who was falling behind. In fact, some polls showed him in third while others even had Kerry in first. The election was just too damn close and the Democratic Party insiders were getting worried there was simply no way for them to match Liddy Dole who was the presumptive nominee already. It was a tough battle to the nominating convention, but the Democrats were fully prepared to drag it out that long if they had to.

John McCain's campaign was declared dead by the pundits and some said he should just throw in the towel but Senator McCain fought on, continuing the "Straight Talk Express" and working hard to regain ground in the polls. He needed to grow leads in New Hampshire, Arizona, and Michigan while catching-up to Dole in South Carolina. This race could get close again, but it was Senator John McCain who bore the weight on his shoulders. In the mean time his funds dried up and the Senator had to sell his campaign jet and start flying on commercial airlines, but he remained in second place (though far, far behind Liddy Dole). Some said the election was over but John pointed to the resurrection of John Kerry as proof that he could still win.
 
Top