AH Challenge: President Barry Goldwater, Jr.

MrHola

Banned
Alright, make the son of Barry Goldwater -- Barry Goldwater, Jr. -- President of the United States. When do you think it's the best time for him to run for President? Who would be his VP?
 
1968
On the eve of the announcement of his candidacy, former Senator Barry Goldwater Sr. dies of a heart attack. At the urging of Arizona Republicans plus Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, Barry Jr. decides to run for the US Senate.

In the November elections, Barry Goldwater Jr. is elected in a landslide.

1972
Senator Goldwater criticizes Nixon for going to China.

1974
Senator Goldwater is among a group of Republican Senators that meet with President Nixon and tell him the votes are there to remove him from office. Days later, President Nixon resigns the Presidency.

After President Ford nominates Nelson Rockefeller for Vice President, Senator Goldwater announces that he will oppose it. Goldwater and Senator Jesse Helms becomes the leading voices in opposition to a Vice President Rockefeller. Both of them will campaign for Ronald Reagan in 1976.

1976
To appease supporters of Ronald Reagan, President Ford selects Governor Mills Goodwin of Virginia as his running mate. This satisfies Senators Helms and Goldwater. Jimmy Carter is elected President and wins every southern state except Virginia.

1980
At the eve of the Republican National Convention, Reagan selects Senator Goldwater as his running mate.

1981
Reagan is sworn in as President. Goldwater becomes Vice President.

1988
Vice President Goldwater is nominated by the Republicans for President. He selects Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana for Vice President.

The campaign avoids the negative ads associated with the OTL 1988 campaign, e.g. Willie Horton. Goldwater easily defeats Governor Michael Dukakis although not a landslide.

1989
Barry Goldwater Jr. is sworn in as President of the United States.
 
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