alternatehistory.com

Meacham's new biography is sure to spark many ideas for me about the alternate history involved with our 41st president. Which of the following ideas would you most like to see created into a timeline? I would also ask for some discussion if you're so inclined.

Bush is reelected in 1992: A very clear scenario: Bush trumps Clinton in 1992 to reclaim four more years in the White House. How does this change the nation's course? What happens to the Democratic Party in the wake of four straight losses? How does this affect the Bush family dynasty? What happens in 1996 after Bush leaves office?

Bush wins the 1980 Republican nomination: Bush manages to best Reagan for the 1980 Republican nomination. How does he do it? He goes on to take on Carter and (presumably) wins. How do his priorities differ from those of Reagan? What would such an Administration look like? What happens years afterwards to the Republican Party? Is it still a bright red fireball or is it a more tamed shade of pink? How does Bush handle the economy? The USSR? Does he get reelected? What happens to the Bush dynasty?

Bush wins the 1970 US Senate Election: With George HW Bush entering the Senate in 1970, how does this change history? What are the effects on Watergate? Would Bush be placed on the Committee? Would that change the Committee's findings? How does this alter Bush's career path? Does he get appointed VP by Nixon and run in '76? Does he have a better shot at the '80 nomination? Does Bush ever make it to the WH? What about Senate leadership? What are his legislative priorities? How does this affect the Bush political dynasty?

Bush goes down in Iran-Contra: What if more evidence is unearthed that incriminates Bush in Iran-Contra? How does that change the 1988 election and Americans' trust in government? Does it result in Reagan's impeachment or resignation? Does Bush end up impeached or does he resign? Will Democrats sweep in 1988? How does that change history? How does the incrimination of one of the central figures of the Bush family change its political legacy?

Bush is never chosen for Veep: What if Reagan chooses someone else as his running mate in 1980? How does this change George Bush's life? His career? Does he get a cabinet position in the Reagan Administration? What does he get and how does he do the job? What are the effects of this on history and the Bush family dynasty?
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