Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On): The Rise and Fall of the 39th President

Ok guys, here's something I've been working on for a while now; in a style that has potential. But, that said, it's my first attempt of a timeline on these forums having been a member for nearly 18 months: so questions, comments and concerns are welcomed. Fortunately, for the reader and writer alike this will be short. I welcome you to:

Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On): The Rise and Fall of the 39th President.

Prologue

“Good morning, Gary”

“Good morning, Mr. President”

The two shook hands as the President-elect entered the presidential motorcade. His loyal adviser followed suit; and the two were joined by the President-elect’s wife and children who were patiently waiting inside.

Turning to Gary, the President-elect laughingly replied “In the next 20 minutes I’ll be Mr. President. Until then, I’m just the same guy you first met back in Denver”.

His wife interjected. “No, honey you’re not. Maybe two years ago when hardly anyone knew you outside of the Midwest. Not to mention, you have more grey hairs too; now that’s an obvious change!”

The President-elect embraced his wife as the car was propelled towards the Capital Building. “Eleanor, if it weren’t for you, I probably would have gone bald already”.

Gary interrupted the overriding romanticism between the husband and wife of nearly 30 years. “Eleanor, your husband would have had a lot more, and would have lost a lot more hair too, if we faced Nixon rather than Agnew. You saw how he destroyed Humphrey in ’68? He would have screwed us over worse than Agnew could ever dare. If not for phlebitis and Wallace we wouldn’t be here right now”.

The President-elect was entertained by Gary’s choice of words. He was careful in his response. “You say we would have been screwed over by that bastard Nixon but Gary, look at his handling of Vietnam. He could have possibly dealt with the increased violence throughout ’72 that Agnew only escalated? How could he have possibly combated a divided electorate; I mean, George would have removed any support he had in the south and potentially the north, too. How could he have overcome…”

Gary, overtly concerned interjected. “Mr. President, that may be true, but we’ve got a lot more than we bargained for. We not only have Vietnam to sort out but the Soviets; inflation; everything that Nixon and Agnew fucked up that we need to fix ourselves now”.

There were a few minutes of silence as the President-elect pondered everything. But the concerns of Gary’s were far different from what the President was currently thinking of. His daughter’s health was of most importance; as were the financial burden of a costly campaign, fought for nearly 2 years.

He placed his hand on his chin and began to daydream of a bygone era of Avon; of Calgary; of Mitchell. Even the painful memories of the seventh grade were a common reoccurrence. He didn’t want to be perceived as a “coward” then, and nor would he now as 39th President of the United States by Republican, even Democratic colleagues. He continued to ponder as the motorcade approached the Capital Building. Awakened by the painful memories of the past, he was awoken by the realisation of the job ahead of him and his administration upon the engines abrupt conclusion.

Leaving the motorcade with Eleanor beside him, Gary; his hair moving in synchronisation with the wintry Potomic breeze turned to the President-elect who was waving to bystanders. “Here’s your speech; I made sure to include that ‘highest patriotism’ remark”.

The President-elect smiled. “Thanks Gary. Better than anything Spiro could have conjured up, eh?”

“You’re talking about a man who relied on the likes of Buchanan and Safire to write his speeches for him. At least I take into account what the country wants to hear that won’t embarrass the United States on a grand occasion. I could have included but pusillanimous pussyfooters but you’re not one for alliteration are you?”

The President-elect laughed again. “You’re a funny bastard Gary. I’ll meet you in the Oval Office later. Who knows where I would have ended up if not for you?”

He made his way up to the East Portico of the Capital Building; wife beside him. Having witnessed the traditional address made by Speaker of the House of Representatives Carl Albert; the swearing in of his Vice President, former Boston Mayor Kevin White; he was greeted the burly Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Warren Burger to thunderous applause.

He stood proudly and dignified in front of outgoing President Agnew, and began to repeat:

“I, George Stanley McGovern, do solemnly swear…”
 
By George!!! George McGovern that is...I will be watching intently to see how you set this scenario up lol...Keep it comming
 
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McGovern SMASH!
 
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