This idea just got into my head, and now I can't get it out. This is due to the First Ladies as Presidents thread. I will go into depth on how Jackie Kennedy got into politics, and became President, but I will also start during the 1988 Election.
Jackie Wins
New York Times, 9 November 1988
NEW YORK, NY- Jackie Kennedy, the widow of former President John F. Kennedy, has been as of 4:40 in the morning, been President-Elect of the United States, following a very close race in California, the stronghold of President Reagan's voters. At 4:10 AM, on the 9th of November, Alexander Haig, the former Secretary of State for Ronald Reagan, conceded to the President-Elect, who soon after gave a Victory Speech at City Hall in New York City. Beside her were Governor Mario Cuomo, and Vice President-Elect Al Gore, who was chosen after Vice Presidential Candidate Jessie Jackson left the race for personal issues. Al Gore, who was in third place for the Primaries, was chosen by Jackie Kennedy in an effort to win parts of the South.
"I think the American public has spoken! The women of America have spoken, and the people of America have chosen their new leader!" Announced Ted Kennedy, in reaction to the victory of his Sister-in-Law to the Presidency. Rumors are circulating that he is slated to be given a Cabinet position for the Kennedy Administration, which starts on January 20th, 1989.
"It was a good fight, I fought hard, and Jackie Kennedy fought harder." A solemn Alexander Haig said in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a state which was one of the closer ones in the race, as opposed to New York, which went for Kennedy with astounding numbers. "I called Mrs. Kennedy several moments ago, and conceded the election to her, as it seems the electorate has gone to her."
Many rallies were held in cities across the Northeast, especially in Boston, a stronghold for the Kennedy family. In other parts of the countries, women celebrated Kennedy's victory, who will be inaugurated as President on January 20th of next year. History has been made today for Jackie, who played a major role for the State of New York, serving as its Senator since 1977. She was elected after serving for 6 years in the United States House of Representatives, and a failed Mayoral Campaign in New York City during the 1960s.
Looking back on the Election of 1988, it will be looked on as historic for women's rights. Less than a century ago, women had no right to vote, and now, a women holds the highest office in the land.
Here is the Electoral Map as of November 9th, 1988.
Kennedy/Gore (D): 274 EV: 51% PV
Haig/Rumsfeld (R): 264 EV: 48.1% PV