Story
Fred Castro also became a friend of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States (1961-1963), during a campaign event in 1960, Castro became a confidant of Kennedy, Even Convincing him at the Convention to not give Johnson the vice presidency, saying he was "too Machiavellian" . Of course, this friendship was only revealed years after the Campaign, as being friends with a hispanic would tarnish Kennedy's southern appeal. Instead of Johnson, Kennedy nominated George Smathers to the Vice Presidency, much to the disheartening of Castro, as Smathers supported Segregation. This became known as key moment, As the Smathers Administration was a mainly a placeholder for the even more lackluster Goldwater Administration, Characterized for its entry into Vietnam and having brought the world to near nuclear war. But that is a story for another day.
In Far Right Circles, Castro is defiantly viewed as a "false american" . but Future Administrations never embraced this idea until the Cheney Administration of the 90s.
Chapter 4: Making Waves in the Democrats
Freddy Castro around this time met with a few fellow progressive, left wing congressmen to form The Progressive Caucus, an anti segregation, pro New Frontier Caucus. This bloc would become pivotal in passing legislation through, They Fervently supported Kennedy with his proposal of the Civil rights act. They also supported JFK's social programs and his minimum wage increase. Castro also welcomed his third child into the world in 1962, Myles Vanderbilt-Castro. It was at this time US involvement in Vietnam was becoming more pronounced, Castro opposed it saying "The Vietnamese should be able to democratically choose their leader, if they turn to communism they'll regret it without our involvement." Castro had even been invited to Dallas in 1963 to have dinner with the Kennedy's after they had met with the Texas Governor, John Connolly, over Friction between factions in the democratic party. Castro decided to watch the motorcade, he was shocked to see Kennedy be shot by Lee Harvey Oswald. Castro was seen yelling and cursing at Oswald shortly before Jack Ruby killed him. Castro later remarked "As much as I wonder why Jack was killed, I'm glad to have seen that bastard Oswald die."
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Chapter 5: The Election of 1964
George Smathers would serve as President for the remainder of Kennedy's Term, Smathers Immediately led the Charge against the Civil Rights act...It died in Committee. Castro stood before the senate saying Smathers "Had to wear a suit to hide his white robe". Castro's attacks on the Klan led to an assassination attempt in 1964, In Which a Klansman nearly killed Castro, this attack stuck with the north and some southern communities. The Brutality of the Klan led to many states declaring it a terrorist organization, effectively banning it. Smathers however did Pass the Medicare act, providing healthcare to the elderly. In 1964 Smathers entered the US near fully into Vietnam after an incident in the Gulf of Tonkin. Castro Opposed it, stating the previous involvement was enough. later George Smathers won the nomination for President in August, He chose Lyndon B. Johnson as his Vice Presidential Candidate. Some Liberals in 1964 supported the republican Barry Goldwater as "better than Smathers" . Smathers tried to make Civil Rights a Non Issue but it did not work, The Goldwater-Scranton Ticket was winning in the polls by %1 on a platform of States Rights, Anti-Communism and Full on Intervention in Vietnam. Sadly, Since Smathers had neglected the Liberal Faction of the Party leading to a revolt by the Liberal Faction, forming the Liberal-Progressive Ticket. Hubert Humphrey led this revolt. The Democratic vote was effectively split, and on election night 1964, Goldwater narrowly won. However the Democratic Party held a senate majority still. As the LPs only ran for president and vice president. The Republicans managed to secure the house however.
Red-Goldwater
Blue-Smathers
Grey- Humphrey
Red-Goldwater
Blue-Smathers
Grey- Humphrey
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Chapter 6: Goldwater's Presidency
The Goldwater Presidency began with Mild Tax cuts which were approved by the parties, Goldwater tried to dismantle Medicare but it was blocked in the Senate, Partially by Castro's Speech in congress. Castro At this time Had secured a New York senate seat. His influence in the Liberal wings of Both parties allowed him to act as virtually his own Party leader. It became important when in 1965 Goldwater tried to allow Generals to Use Nuclear Missiles without presidential permission, Numerous Congressmen and Senators opposed this, viewing it as extremely dangerous, Castro was one of them of Course. Goldwater would also Place even more missiles in Turkey And Greece, the Soviets in response demanded a withdrawal. Stating they would heighten support for North Vietnam if Goldwater didn't agree to a withdrawal. Goldwater held firm. The Soviets began funding Cuban Guerrillas with the Promise they would engage in an alliance with the Soviet Union, Goldwater after the FBI discovered Soviet Support to the Guerrillas began threatening to Use Nuclear Weapons in Vietnam. The Soviets began to ready their arsenal in the Case of Nuclear war. as tensions began to ramp up Goldwater became Incredibly unpopular in the US. By the end of 1965 he only had an Approval Rating of 39%. Vice President Scranton demanded Goldwater defuse tensions. After hours of Negotiation Goldwater finally agreed to back down. The Crisis, dubbed the Turkish Missile Crisis, a three month period of Strife. Goldwater was immensely unpopular as US Troop counts in Vietnam were at their height. The Anti War Movement grew Immensely. Castro became a vocal opponent of the War but wanted to at least attempt an honorable peace. He found similar sentiment in Robert Kennedy, the Two began planning a campaign for Kennedy. Castro convinced RFK to declare as soon as possible, stating the Early Bird catches the Worm. Robert would Announce in 1967. But in 1966 the Democrats gained a large Majority in the House and Senate. Castro and RFK proposed a Civil rights act to Congress, the bill would be hotly debated. And would be tied in the Senate. Vice President Scranton would have to break the tie, he voted in Favor of the act to the dismay of Goldwater, Goldwater Vetoed It, Much to the Ire of the North. Riots would break out across the north.
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Wow. If I was in the GOP at the time during this TL, I would've gone for Scranton over Goldwater.
Why do I have a feeling his Administration would make Bush 43's look like one run by pragmatists?