AHC: President Obama in 2000

DSS

I'm not entirely sure of a definite POD for this; however, let's just follow this backstory:

In 1994, Barack Obama IOTL was doing really well -- he'd gained national fame for being the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, and by '94, his first book Dreams from My Father, was in the process of getting published. So let's say that, for whatever reason, Obama decides that he's gained a very good reputation -- enough of one to run for Governor of Illinois. Say what you will about Obama, but he is an excellent candidate, and even in 1994, I could see Obama winning the governorship. He is re-elected in 1998.

In 1999, something happens to Al Gore, and he decides not to run for President. Amidst a crowded Democratic field, Governor Obama comes out on top. Facing Gov. George W. Bush in November, the election is close, but in the end, Obama wins by a narrow margin in Florida.

So we have President Obama in 2000.

How does President Obama do in these circumstances? Does he compromise with Congress much like he does IOTL? How does he handle 9/11 and other such crises of the past decade?
 

gridlocked

Banned
Governor of IL.... three years out of Law School, having never lived in the state before. That is some rise.

In this thread, he had 6 years of executive experience before he entered the Oval Office as Governor of Illinois. So I gather he would do a better job and be a different person after such a powerful personal experience.

My guess he would govern as Clinton's 3rd term. America, suffering from Democrat fatigue after 12 years and Obama facing criticism for his legalistic response to 9/11 (although he would likely invade Afghanistan) would be the underdog to win in 2004.
 

Justus_II

Well, as an Illinois resident, I have to say the most likely result after a term or two as our governor, is a term in Federal prison - 4 of our last 6 Governors have gone to jail...
 
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