AHC: President Pete DuPont '88

POD of January 20, 1985, make it happen. GHWB must run, and as usual no incapacitations/assassinations allowed.

Bonus if DuPont manages to get serious entitlement reform through.
 
1985:
Pete DuPont announces his run for U.S. senate, challenging Sen. Biden; he is widely favored to win, and is considered a future presidential candidate.

1986:
Gov. DuPont defeats Joe Biden in a landslide; the two-term governor is beloved by his constituents and is praised by many out-of-state Republicans for his unique ideas. He spent more time campaigning out-of-state than for himself, and he gains much attention for his part in helping the GOP to narrowly retain the senate.

1987:
Sen. DuPont sponsors reforms to medicaid, creating 5-year maximum lifetime benefits, and also capping benefits. He helps fight for President Reagan's agenda in the Senate, and is gaining nationwide prominence. He announces his campaign for president in August, and is endorsed by Sen. Paul Laxalt of Nevada and Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr.

1988:
DuPont narrowly wins the Iowa caucus, and narrowly beats out Sen. Bob Dole in New Hampshire, and Vice President Bush comes in a distant third. Dole and Jack Kemp withdraw from the race and endorse DuPont, with Vice President Bush flailing in an attempt to regain his momentum. The kiss of death to the Bush campaign is President Reagan's endorsement of DuPont "in the name of party unity". Bush withdraws after losing narrowly in south carolina, and DuPont and his running mate Jack Kemp go on to defeat lackluster Gov. Dukakis, and in January picks George Bush as his secretary of state. The greatest surprise of the night is GOP takeover of the House, and many believe this shows the coattails of Sen. DuPont, as well as the ingenuity of Congressman Newt Gingrich, the new Speaker of the House.

1989:
Pres. DuPont unveils his private opt-out option for social security, which allows seniors to opt out completely from the system or invest part of their benefits privately, or remain in the program until full privatization set for 2010.
 
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