Bush Dole 2000

I just read about press speciation that Elizabeth Dole was the front runner to be George W Bush's running mate in 2000. wWhat if he picked her ? wWould Al Gore have felt compelled to pick a women? hHow would she have effected the outcome of the election? If elected would she have won the 2008 Republican nomination. I know she would be less controversial then Cheney. sShe also lost reelection to the Senate because she was seen as ineffective.
 
She would have probably won the 2008 GOP Primary, but would have fallen short in the general election, for obvious reasons. Liddy Dole had/s a lot of personal charm, and that would fare well for her as she stood against the tide of Bush's unpopularity.

A Bush/Dole Ticket would probably have brought a few more votes to the table, but then again Bush would still face serious questions about his national security credentials, something that would definitely cost him some support. Either way, I don't see Gore changing his choice of Lieberman, but I would predict Democrats like Mikulski and Boxer would have larger roles to play at the convention and subsequent events for the Democratic Ticket.
 
Given the influence Dick Cheney had over the Bush Administration, specifically regarding Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz, and others, I don't believe we can really use foresight on this scenario. You have a more moderate Administration, at least in respect to foreign affairs, and a more responsible one at that.

What do we do in Afghanistan? Do we go into Iraq? Do we bomb Iraq if we don't? Will Bush win reelection in '04? Would Kerry even be the nominee? etc.

The economy is the only real constant we have, which does place the incumbent party at a disadvantage; however, will that incumbent party be Democratic or Republican?
 
Given the influence Dick Cheney had over the Bush Administration, specifically regarding Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz, and others, I don't believe we can really use foresight on this scenario. You have a more moderate Administration, at least in respect to foreign affairs, and a more responsible one at that."

I'm not sure-if Cheney isn't picked for VP, isn't there at least a chance that Cheney himself ends up getting a cabinet position? I'd say he'd most likely get Defence, though how he'd differ to Rummy (if atall) I don't know. I'd imagine he'd still be able to weeld a great deal of influence when it comes to Foreign Polecy.

I do agree though that Bush/Dole may well win the POV here, which could help Bush in his early days.
 
I think ITTL Dick Cheney is still a powerful figure in the Bush administration, maybe he gets one of his old jobs back: Defense Secretary or Chief of Staff.
 
No Rumsfeld in actual office changes the situation drastically. This is a TL-worthy idea IMO, but it's pretty cloudy past 2004. With or without Iraq, I think the election would go nearly as OTL (as far as the incumbent Republican winning, I mean) It's afterwards when things get really tricky.
 
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