America's Funniest President: Mo Udall Presidency & Beyond
- Thread starter CountDVB
- Start date
1984- United States vs. Philip Morris USA, Inc
1984- United States vs. Philip Morris USA, Inc
"We find the defendent Philip Morris... guilty."
This was the ruling verdict that rang throughout the court halls and on televisions screens, the gavel of judgment delivering a double kneecapping over to the tobacco industry. This proclamation was the culimination of the Udall administration's involvement against the tobacco industry. However, this ordeal started decades earlier. Back in 1963, Udall attempted to get cigarettes (and other tobacco) regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This was years before the extent of damage tobacco and tobacco products did to the human body was really fully known. [1]
As such, it would be little surprise that President Udall would pursue a similar line of action when he became president. However, 18 years have passed and with that, more knowledge, reasearch and information was known. With this new arsenal, President Udall and Vice President Askew began pushing harder for more regulation and examination, but as they pushed, so did Big Tobacco pushed back, resulting in a growing conflict. This conflict escalated thanks to the creation of the National Bureau of Healthcare, which would see themselves in conflict against the tobacco companies. As such, the Udall administration would begin more thorough examainations of the tobacco companies. It became increasing unclear that the companies engaged "in numerous acts of fraud to further a conspiracy to deceive the American public about nicotine addiction and the health effects of cigarettes and environmental tobacco smoke. "[2]
All of which meant that they meant they were violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act.[2]
As such, the Department of Justice ruthlessly began their investigation into it along with the prosecution preparing to present their case. With everything they gathered and found regarding the documentation, the information of the public and the interviews made with various people of interest, they and the Supreme Court would find that the evidence overwhelmingly established that the companies violated the RICO act. Specifcially, they stated:
"... By coordinating their public relations, research, and marketing efforts in order to advance their plan to defraud people by denying the adverse health effects of smoking, denying the addictiveness of nicotine, denying their manipulation of the nicotine content of cigarettes, and denying that their marketing targeted youth as new smokers. The companies also suppressed and destroyed information related to the dangers of smoking in order to maximize their profits and enhance the market for cigarettes..."[2]
Unsurprisingly, the news that the Udall administration would be going after the tobacco industry grabbed headlines and caused people to tune in. Initial reactions were surprise, especially on why President Udall would consider the action and others wondering if it was overblowing a big deal though others got drawn in for the conspiratorial manner everything was being spun in. However, as the prosectutors spelled out in detail the long and varied case of tobacco companies' extent of lying to their consumers and knowingly them getting sick for the sake of profit... well, that led to a growing sense of public outrage. Even among those who were quite individualistic on the subject matter got upset due to the scale of the fraud. The closing statement became imbedded in the minds of many Americans and many people outside of the United States who were watching it due to the snowball effect it had:
"Tobacco companies marketed and sold their lethal product with enthusiasm, with deception and with a dogmatic focus on their financial success. All done without regard for the human tragedy or social costs that success exacted." [2]
However, the victory was relatively bittersweet; due to the wording and nature of the RICO Act which the tobacco industries were found guilty of violating, RICO permits only forward-looking remedies to prevent and restrain future violations. As such, tobacco companies could not be made to pay for their crimes such as through the funding of smoking cessation and awareness programs or other potential actions, at least under the RICO Act. The most that could be done were to force the companies on forcing the companies to be open and honest regarding what their products did or what was called the "prohibition of brand descriptors." This would not stop the Udall administration from trying to seek monetary compensation (calculated in the billions) to fund smoking cessation and prevention programs though they would be able to assist people wanting to quit smoking through the NBH's assistance in that aspect.
The outcry at the lack of satisfactory catharsis at the ruling further fueled the fire among civilian and congressfolk alike for some sort of retribution. Across the United States, protests were held at local and state levels to penalize tobacco companies in some form or fashion. Some larger organizations even considered pooling their resurces together and investigate the possibility of sueing the tobacco companies in question through product liability law, which even some state governments were looking into. The pop culture sphere would shake from this as a growing number of the public would turn againt tobacco products. Quite surprisingly would be the younger generation though some scholars would point to factors such as the money spent sunk into tobacco products, the greater need of reform and the vigor associated with younger population and the need of catharsis as to why the brightbangers were affected. Pop culture would grow to reflect this as tobacco products were no longer romanticized in films or television, becoming items of scorn. Smokers themselves though were not villainized however and the ire aimed more at the companies. Indeed, more than a few specials were aimed for the dangers of smoking or going to tobacco rehabilition.
Meanwhile, some congressfolk began working on drafting a potential update or companion piece to the RICO Act to try and include disgorgement as a remedy for such issues, especially since this opened the case for other companies to be targeted for similar cases on perpetuating fruad against the government and or general public in the name of profit. President Udall himself announced to people that they are better to this and that the American people have the right to know of dangerous situations caused by products and or services provided. That much like his administration supported people in this, that will support people against other such dangers and to come forward with it.
This speech and the courtcase would be the spark for various other happenings across the nation, especially for individuals of a certain sector who would take their findings and present it to the government with the dire warnings it carried...
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[1]- Information and phrasing came from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo_Udall#Other_issues
[2]- Information and phrasing came from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Philip_Morris
To the people who know me... ya'll probably know where this is going at some point...
As for a general question, could tobacco companies be sued through proudct liability law or any other in this timeframe? Not sure on legal rammifications or capabilities in that aspect.
Spring 1984- Growing Tensions
Spring 1984- Growing Tensions
Satellite image showing overhead view of terrain in Siachen glacier region, Kashmir.
Satellite image showing overhead view of terrain in Siachen glacier region, Kashmir.
While most of the world was headed in an optimistic and positive direction, not everything was rosy however. The tensions between Pakistan and India has been growing gradually larger over time, especially as the United States under the Udall administration has been focusing more on domestic affairs and the stability and prosperity of the nation. Additionally, under the new human rights approach, American relations with Pakistan having been decreasing, especially with the reign of Zia-ul-Haq causing greater tension and friction. Made even more so is Pakistan's relative cultural isolation; the dream of Pan-Islamism had now been dead, as more and more Islamic powers settle onto secular political matters and dealing with more regional issues, especially with Saudi Arabia and Iran. This decline had left a rather painful gap in some of the believers within Pakistan, especially with more immediate pressing matters happening. All of this has emboldened India to a degree with dealing with their 'brother' nation, even while struggling with various issues, such as the growin tensions over in the Punjab due to the trouble aimed at the Sikhs (something they blamed Pakistan for inflaming). The Soviets, while supportive of India, was not able to do much on the matters due to having to focus on their own probles.
Over in Spring would be launched what would be Operation Meghdoot, an Indian Armed Forces' operation to seize control of the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir. Executed in the morning in the middle of April 1984 in the highest battlefield in the world, Meghdoot was the first military offensive of its kind. Perhaps unsurprisingly in introspect, Pakistan was planning to do the same thing with their impending Operation Ababeel, only to be beaten to athe punch. The operation would be a complete success, resulting in Indian forces gaining control of the Siachen Glacier in its entirety. The Siachen Glacier became a bone of contention following a vague demarcation of territories in the Karachi Agreement of July 1949 which did not exactly specify who had authority over the Siachen Glacier area. [1] Unsurprisngly, the whole affair would begin another conflict between the two nations, one that would be viewed as the beginning of the end for the status quo over in the region as was known at the time: The Siachen War.
This was not the only aspect of tension over in the world though. The Iran-Iraq War would see Iraq forced into the defensive and having to be desperate. Iran would accuse Saddam and his Iraq of the usage of chemical warfare with the Untied Nations condeming their usage weeks later after it and the call to ban their sale being raised. Many noted that Iraq's usage of them was a sign that they would likely lose this war. Some have definitely noted this and a few more nations sent further financial and logistical aid over to the Iranians, seemingly showing who would be the victor with the next several months. Meanwhile over in Brazil, more than one million people, led by Tancredo Neves, occupy the streets of São Paulo to demand direct presidential elections during the Brazilian military government of João Figueiredo. It is the largest protest during the Diretas Já civil unrest, as well as the largest public demonstration in the history of Brazil. Many would see this as a pivotal moment and that these direct presidential elections would become very likely. [2] Despite all of this, there wold be still some positive news. The 1984 Olympics were being held and for a few nations, it was a bit more impactful; it would be the first Olympics participated by Iran ever since the new government came into power. Despite the concerns over the stability, Afghanistan would also participate over in the Olympics of 1984 as well. It also helped to celeberate the hallmarks such as new governments within Latin America and a greater sense of hope and optimism in the world...
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[1]- Information and quotes from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Meghdoot
[2]- Information and quotes from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984
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"It's the end of an era for the American automobile industry..."
Sergeant Foley
Banned
@CountDVB Assuming TX Governor Dolph Briscoe (D) wins reelection in 1978 in this timeline? 🤔
Does Clements become US Defense Secretary in the Reagan administration of this timeline?
Does Clements become US Defense Secretary in the Reagan administration of this timeline?
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1984- American Cars & Chicken Tax
1984- Chicken Taxes, Fuel and Japanese Cars: The American Automobile Industry's Reflection
The American car maket by the late 1970s had, bluntly speaking, become quite a terrible mess, having been since far back as 1972. After years riding off success and the lack of real competition, the Big players of Ford, GM and Chrysler had sunk into a period of stagnancy. However, what truly began causing their problems was the Oil Crisis of 1973 and then the one of 1979. These companies, which did not give much consideration to fuel costs suddenly found themselves having to face a very large problem. This has become even more compounded with the rise of inexpensive and fuel-efficient cars starting in the late 1970s, a buying habit that has been growing moreso among Americans and other peoples. Unsurprisingly, the Japanese carmakers were one of the biggest benefitters of the changing times thanks to their focus on fuel efficiency and producing the sort of cars that more and more people were looking to buy. Combined this with the economic recession or even depresson over in the late 1970s and early 1980s where people were putting off purchasing new cars, then factors were coming in to shape a changing car market. The one big success though was Lee Iacocca saving Chrysler with the introduction of the famous K-car.
However, the final drop in the bucket came with the chicken tax, or rather the end of a certain edict of the chicken tax. The end of the 25% tariffs on light trucks. Having been put in as part of the tariffs on potato starch, brandy and other substances as a response to certain nations placing tariffs on importing American chicken back in the 1960s. Of course, that came and went and all the tariffs went away... except on the light trucks. Since 1964, the tariffs impacted the sale of foreign automibles by curtailing importation of German-built Volkswagen Type 2s in configurations that qualified them as light trucks, that is, commercial vans and pickups. Beyond the German automobiles though, it also impacted Japanese car companies. As a direct result of the Chicken Tax, Japanese automakers Toyota (with its Publica, Crown, and Corona coupe utes), Datsun (Sunny truck), Isuzu (Wasp), and Mazda (Familia), which were selling pickup trucks, coupe utility vehicles, and panel deliveries in the US at the time, pulled these models out of the North American and Caribbean markets and did not bring over many models sold elsewhere. This archaic remnant haunted legislation because of Detroit lobbiying to protect the light-truck tariff, thereby reducing pressure on Detroit to introduce vehicles that polluted less and that offered increased fuel economy. [1]
However, with all the chaos of the late 1970s and the early 1980s along with the sweeping reforms in the government, things slipped through the cracks. As part of the way to prepare for the introduction of the National Bureau of Healthcare, the Udall Administration passed a reform for the introduction of return free filing, making the pain of taxes alot easier on Americans as well as help make them feel comfortable in taxes being invested for the public good. As part of this though, there were various other patches and fixes, one of which was the end of the tariffs on light trucks as part of the official end of the Chicken Tax. Unbeknownist to the Udall administration at the time, this would set off a domino effect that would cause quite the stir to say the least.
With the tariffs now gone, German and especially Japanese car companies realize that they could now better compete in the light truck market and with the Big 3 in dire straits for the most part, they were caught offguard and unprepared for the oncoming rush. Naturally, they proceeded to march to Washington with their lawyers and investigate on the matter. It would not be long before they would learn of the end of the tariffs on the light trucks and they would be insistent on its restoration as otherwise American cars would be unable to compete with the imports. However, the Udall administration was not budging, with some even noting it would be healthy competition for the light trucks and could help spur innovation. They did not stop in trying to push it and before long, the news outlets would hear of auto manufacturers in conflict with the US government over imports. While the Big 3 hoped it would benefit them with public opinion, it did not go the way they intended. Namely as the questions were being asked on why they were worried if they were secured in the quality of the products. Accusations of regulations were cut down and before long, they would resort to an old tactic: blaming the workers. Unfortunately for them, this did nothing but lessen sympathies for them and the attempts of in-fighting within the factories would cause problems. The mechanics and builders noted that just built the actual cars and they pointed to the people who actually designed the cars in the first place. The designers then pointed ot that they were limited by budget constraints and practicalities, which they did tried shifting blame onto the accountants and other so-called bean counters. The in trn pointed out the classic case of shooting the messager; them calculating the cost and making comparisons was their job and while they presented the numbers that influenced the decisions, they were not the ones who made the decisions themselves. That was management. Management... well, they were not happy being back in the spotlight and tried blaming consumers for the poor sales.
Unsurprisingly, the people sided against management and the other branches such as the workers, the designers and accountants found some common ground to get out of this relatively unscathed. This would be the beginnings of cross-cultural examinations between the two and analysis trying to find some key notes or advise that would help out. However, others believed that the issue was simpler; the Americans had become complacent in success and stopped trying to innovate and keep up. A third party believed it was part of a larger trend of what people were buying. However, all of this would have widespread effects; Japanese light trucks would become quite popular for people to use and fuel effiency became the name of the game for the auto industry. The new blood coming into management would take a look from what was working in Japanese companies and apply it to their own, with mixed success, especially as often the real point would be missed with how managers treat their employees along with taking some of the technological advancements into consideration with the factories. Despite the attitude of "throw at the wall and see what sticks" with the adoption of Japanese-inspired policies, it was change and led to positive changes such as new managers interacting better with their workers. As for the cars themselves, the K-car continued its route while Ford and GM were forced to try and adopt faster and unable to do much with the light trucks except to start working further innovation. It was viewed as the end of the era, the twilight of the dominance of the American automobile though perhaps even moreso than that given what was to come in the next several years. Automation would start to become more commonplace and the unions began noting that the writing was starting to appear on the wall, growing concerned of what was to come.
Of course, the world of cars was not the only thing affected by this. Motorcycles were affected too, as Harley-Davidson's plans to try and influence the government for tariffs on certain bikes would be scrapped and thus were forced to focus more on their lineage and all-American branding to try and crave a niche for themselves, even without the boost. Larger trends within potential buyers have been changing over time. One was the growing interest of motorscooters, especially among brightbangers. This was likely due to their greater fuel efficiency, simplicity and considered optimal, at least for commutes within urban areas or towns. This would lead Harley-Davidson to try to make a successor to their first motorscooter, the Harley-Davidson Topper, even trying to get some inspiration from what worked with those like Vespas or Honda's scooters and going to exploit their all-American reputation and take a niche. Beyond the preference for motorscooters among the youth and the growing need for fuel efficiency, many would look this as the beginning of the second wave of "Japanamania" that would hit the United States, a time where Japanese products and creations would leave a mark on the American pop-culture sphere.
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[1]- Information and phrasing coming from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax
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I don't think so. Dolph Briscoe seemed to have made too many mistakes before the divergence point to salvage anything in the primaries. He would likely still lose to John Hill like OTL and Hill would likely win, thus keeping Texas with a Democrat governor.
As for Clements, I don't know there. I think Reagan might keep Rumsfeld around for that and Clements may still stick around as Deputy, even if he didn't like Rumsfeld.
And yeah, the car thing was a thing for my brother in law, but also fun to cover since it does have its fair share of rammifications, especially on what would be going on at the time. Harley Davidson doesn't become the juggernaut it does like in OTL, but doesn't go out of business either, now being forced to change and compete.
How has Latin America particular countries like El Salvador and Nicaragua reacted and taken to President Udall especially after Reagan was?
They definitely like him more than Reagan. Him pulling out of Latin America and acknowledging how messed up everything is earned him their respect and the new leadership on the nations probably have hopes for him. I imagine his own game and humor will also win them over.
I think the idea that’ll form will be that Udall represents one of the best ways the US could be.
Summer 1984- Stars and Trouble
The Summer of 1984 seemed quite uplifting at first glance. The 1984 Olympics over in Los Angeles showed off plenty of positive sport and competition, especially as a few nations made their first reappearance after a little while. The concerns of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad line would be fixed as it would be purchased by the American government as part of their plan of expanding the American public rail system, such as reforming AmTrak and Conrail. Popular films would be released to be enjoyed such as Ghostbusters, a comedy of a group of four combatting the supernatural, Gremlins, a comedy horror film inspired by the titular folkloric creatures and Karate Kid, a coming-of-age dramedy of Danny Russo finding a father figure in his neighbor/teacher Mr. Miyagi, notable for the climactic scene that sees Danny helps his former bully Johnny by assisting him when he's getting mugged before helping to walk him to the hospital. Tetris would be released over on the Electronika 60 in the USSR, the humble origins fo what would be considered one of the greatest video games of all time. Bruce Springsteen would release his seventh studio album to massive success, named after its main song Rebirth of the U.S.A., a rock n roll paean with a deeper meaning on criticizing the Vietnam War and Dismal Dozen yet contrasting the return to form in the 1980s with the rise of progressive values and Metallica later releases Ride the Lightning. [1]
However, tensions existed elsewhere in the world. In June, India would commend the infamous Operation Blue Star. It was an operation centered on attacking the buildings of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) complex in Amritsar, Punjab. The reason behind such a dangerous operation was for the removal of Sikh Damdami Taksal leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the temple. This was just the next in a series of events showcasing the tensions between the Sikh religious minority and the government. The attack would be ordered by Prime Minister Indra Gandhi after over a year of planning and consideration. The whole issue was on autonomy for the Sikhs though some feared more the possibility of secession and would even accuse Pakistan of fanning the flames and providing support. In early June, the operation would be launched, resulting in the death of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and a massive escalation of tensions. Sikh recruits deserted the army and the attacks and hostility just grew even worse still, the opposite attack of what the attack was supposed to do. The desecration of the Golden Temple led to a mass increase in the Khalistan movement, which was based on Indian Punjab seperating to become its own nation and was believed to be backed up by Pakistani intelligence. [2] Around the world, people were worried about how things would go though one nation in particular would be watching the situation with intrigue and the hopes of using the situation to their opportunity.
There was other concern that laid beyond over around India and their neighbors and other foreign issues. One was on the increasing pressure on South Africa for the end of apartheid from many nations across the globe. Another was on the news on how half a million people in Manilademonstrate against the regime of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines. [1] Despite this, it would look like matters would continue to improve and people wondered what laid ahead. President Udall was set to run for re-election and while it would be highly unlikely the candidate would win (even they seem to know it), the Republican primaries remained an intriguing competition to watch as it would demonstrate the battle for the soul of the party.
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Mr. President... you’re going to want to see this... these are some rather... scathing accusations with a fair amount of evidence.
[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blue_Star
However, tensions existed elsewhere in the world. In June, India would commend the infamous Operation Blue Star. It was an operation centered on attacking the buildings of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) complex in Amritsar, Punjab. The reason behind such a dangerous operation was for the removal of Sikh Damdami Taksal leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the temple. This was just the next in a series of events showcasing the tensions between the Sikh religious minority and the government. The attack would be ordered by Prime Minister Indra Gandhi after over a year of planning and consideration. The whole issue was on autonomy for the Sikhs though some feared more the possibility of secession and would even accuse Pakistan of fanning the flames and providing support. In early June, the operation would be launched, resulting in the death of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and a massive escalation of tensions. Sikh recruits deserted the army and the attacks and hostility just grew even worse still, the opposite attack of what the attack was supposed to do. The desecration of the Golden Temple led to a mass increase in the Khalistan movement, which was based on Indian Punjab seperating to become its own nation and was believed to be backed up by Pakistani intelligence. [2] Around the world, people were worried about how things would go though one nation in particular would be watching the situation with intrigue and the hopes of using the situation to their opportunity.
There was other concern that laid beyond over around India and their neighbors and other foreign issues. One was on the increasing pressure on South Africa for the end of apartheid from many nations across the globe. Another was on the news on how half a million people in Manilademonstrate against the regime of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines. [1] Despite this, it would look like matters would continue to improve and people wondered what laid ahead. President Udall was set to run for re-election and while it would be highly unlikely the candidate would win (even they seem to know it), the Republican primaries remained an intriguing competition to watch as it would demonstrate the battle for the soul of the party.
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Mr. President... you’re going to want to see this... these are some rather... scathing accusations with a fair amount of evidence.
[1]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984
[2]- Information and phrasing from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Blue_Star
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Stassen? As in Harold Stassen, at this point a 77 year old man who hadn't held elected office since 1943? Who got 0.20%, 0.19% and 0.02% in the years 1980, 1984 and 1988 primaries respectively? Since the Kennedy assassination he scored above 1% in a primary once. I respect its your TL and you make the decisions, but for Stassen to win the primary would require the least competitive primary in modern American history by a country mile. Stassen's nomination would be a complete embarrassment for the party and there are enough candidates to throw in there to at least make them look like they want to be competitive.
Where's Howard Baker? He was retiring from the Senate anyway, he's the perfect party whipping boy if the election looks completely hopeless and he has more gravitas then a man who was elected four decades ago. Where's John Connally? He may well see this as his last shot and he'd be a decade younger than Stassen at this point and beat him into pulp in a primary. Kemp? Crane? Dole? The fact is the Republicans may have a weak bench but they've got a better to offer than a 77-year old governor who was last in elected office over half his life ago and a former special envoy to Paraguay who has never held elected office once. Look at 2008 for the Republicans, or indeed the 1992 primaries for the Democrats. Neither party was optimistic those years, but they still had a decent range of candidates.
Unless I missed something drastic, I can't say I see how this is plausible. Obviously I'll stress its your TL so your choice, but still unless Stassen's nomination is vital to the plot you're telling I'd recommend swapping him out.
Actually I want to thank you. There’s a reason I always ask for input and suggestions, because otherwise I may overlook some stuff or it may not occur to me. I thank you for this and I encourage you to keep doing it. Feel free to PM me if it may be a bit too long or whatnot
I almost did forget about Howard Baker and I’d like to thank you for that!
John Connally would probably have too much tainted rep from the Nixon Dem thing to run.
I’m guessing you mean Jack Kemp? Hmmm... May have a shot though his libertarian leanings would bite him
I’m assuming you mean Phil Crane? Well, the conservative hardliners do need someone... and watch Crane get creamed in the primaries.
Bob Dole I’m not sure he’d run in 1984 and may be waiting for 1988, though he could be someone’s running mate.
Stassen will play a bit of a bigger role than people expect. I do appreciate you nonetheless for telling me this and would like everyone to keep doing this and be respectful about it.
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Does Reagan have any sway over the GOP? Wouldn't he want someone similar to him running against Udall?
Not much sway. After they bet the farm on Reagan, his problems from 1976 - 1980 pretty much causes a black cloud to loom over him. Pretty sure he’s more or less done with politics at this point
1984- Presidential Primaries
1984- Presidential Primaries
Howard Baker; Republican 1984 candidate
Howard Baker; Republican 1984 candidate
With election season coming up, there was a different focus on everyone's minds regarding on objectives. For the Udall Administration, it was on winning reelection to continue the work they have laid the groundwork on. While there were rumors Udall considered not running for the sake of his health, he dispelled them that he would run for reelection. It was unknown on the details of these, but some speculated it was most likely due to ensuring follow through on some ongoing projects and situations going on. Reubin Askew would remain Vice President and assist the President however he can, with many noting that Askew was taking more of an active role recently, likely to increase his presence for a run in 1988. For the Democrats, their goals was to capitalize on the growing popularity and maintain or even expand their holdings in the House and Senate. The progressive wing has been resurging triumphantly and becoming the dominant force of the party, eager to maintain the path of reform and change, backing up some fresh new faces in primaries. Some of the old-guard moderates or even more conservative types either retired while others remained, hoping to maintain an influence or because they enjoyed the nature of the job. Despite the exciting buzz, it was still a relatively quiet turn of affairs, least compared to the Republicans.
The Republicans meanwhile, were in the beginnings of a quiet civil war for the soul of the party. Udall's popularity was quite high even among registered Republicans due to the restoration of the economy back up to scale and the introduction of the healthcare system. Another was also just part of the rejection of the Reaganites based on what had happened on the Dismal Dozen. That being said, they were still rather disunified on goals and objectives moving forward. Retroactively, scholars would note that this was also a transitioning point on what the values that would define the modern conservative were being decided. Neoconservatism suffered brutal losses as it would be identified with the failures and troubles of Nixon, Ford and especially Reagan. It still had its proponents and champions at the time, but it was a war that they were slowly but surely losing.
Harold Strassen and Ben Fernandez were the first to jump onboard for the primaries. Despite the former being a perennial candidate, this time proved to be a bit different, namely because he was able to help set the background and tone for the first time. Being a liberal Republican benefitted him quite well and his support for ideas such as a universal basic income along with being against the Vietnam War and even supporting the ending of the embargo on Cuba helped set the stage. Many of the older votes resonated with Strassen on this front, recalling his support of Eisenhower and riding on the wave of nostalgia. Of course, he would be soon joined by other more prominent candidates though this would be Strassen's strongest showings and showing a hint at perhaps where the modern conservative could go.
The big problem was in that whoever won would likely go on to lose against Udall, so many more prominent politicians were hesitant to enter since they figured it would be an easier time winning in 1988 when Udall would no longer be running. The first big name to enter into the run would be Jack Kemp, having decided to enter to at least try and get his name out there. Kemp did get some traction among the hardliners though his support of supply-side economics served as an anchor around his neck, even if he did not try and bring it up, instead opting to promote his more libretarian leanings. Another hardliner who tried running was Phil Crane. However, Crane's reputation regarding Panama, his opposition on a fair bit of Udall's agenda and his close association with Reagan would all leave him in the dust, with him getting less votes than even Strassen though this was also attibuted to the Eisenhower-esque nostalgia toward people like Strassen and Republicans from before the time of Nixon. It was showing that the times were chasing, but the candidates were still in need. However, one of the last ones to enter would be the one that would be given the most support: Howard Baker. The "Great Conciliator" himself, he would be asked to run, hoping he would be a unifying force over for the Republicans. His reputation as a moderate and being a concilator worked to his advantage for it.
One by one, most of the other competition would end up dropping out and giving their support over to Howard Baker. Before long, Howard Baker would become the Republican candidate, presenting themselves as willing to try and cooperate. Greater enforced by the vice presidency going to Bob Dole. Despite this front of relative unity and cooperation, the divides and cracks were growing wider within the party that was gradually losing its focus and its core identity.
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