Challenge: President Gary Hart (D-CO)

With a POD of 1981, make it happen. Bonus if he wins in '88, double bonus for defeating Clinton in either '88 or '92.
 
I don't think this is actually very hard. Hart doesn't let the media follow him around prior to his 1988 campaign, doesn't get found out in his affair, and becomes the Democratic frontrunner, eventually becoming the nominee.

Dukakis actually lead Bush by double digits in the summer of 1988, and Hart, who is not exactly a robot, unlike Dukakis, might be able to sustain that lead and defeat Bush on election day by winning western states that Democrats didn't usually win.
 
Hmm... but the Republicans are still quite popular with a good economy and Reagan's coattails. Rest assured that the Atwater/Rove machine will throw Hart's McGovernik past right back at him. So I would say lean-Republican, but certainly not a landslide because they're not running against the civilian version of John Kerry.

As a side note: this means a New Democratic nominee 4 years ahead of schedule. If Hart is defeated by Bush, does that adversely affect them?

Also: would Hart choose Bentsen at the risk of saying "why not flip the ticket" or go for a younger Southerner like Clinton?
 
For starters, Hart shouldn't even meet Donna Rice. Alternatively, if you think he's too much of a horndog to not be caught womanizing, Hart's wife dies in a car accident in 1985 or something, making his behavior semi-acceptable (and also giving him less time to womanize, since he's busy raising his kids).

Clinton contemplated running in '88; had he run, Gore probably doesn't run, since Clinton fills the same space that Gore did. At the same time, Clinton himself probably doesn't win.

Not sure if Hart would be able to win the '88 primary. He was the frontrunner... in 1987. Still, it shouldn't be impossible, nor should it be impossible to win in the general election.

I think a Hart-Gore ticket might be possible, though Hart-Clinton might be better - Clinton's charismatic enough to play the attack-dog role effectively.
 
Well, If your recall from your research RB, Clinton fell pretty flat at the 1988n that convention, which left him the impression that he was a Bidesque Windbag. I think Gore most likely would be the strongest candidate, eventhough Bentsen long career in the Senate, Millitary Service, and Pro-Business credentials would give Al a run for his money.
 
If he didn`t challenge the press to catch him he might have got away with it,he would have beaten the other Democratic challengers hands down.Regarding the general election, with a good running mate (ex.Bentsen,Clinton or Gore) I think he would have beaten Bush Sr. despite Reagan`s personal popularity.I still believe that 88 was his year,but unfortunately he ruined his career and a possible good Presidency for the US
 
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