In 1980, the American political landscape was changed when three-term Governor of California Charlton Heston defeated Jimmy Carter for the Presidency. From then on, the country realigned heavily towards more conservative values promoted by President Heston. His ability as an expert orator was unmatched by many during his time, and his ardent endeavor of his opposition to communism was unparalleled. He changed the makeup of the Supreme Court through the appointments of Amalya Kearse (the first woman on the high court, and a perceived moderate who later became a strong conservative), Antonin Scalia in 1986, and Clarence Thomas in 1987 (previously appointed to the DC Circuit in 1983). Heston would also be a lightning rod for opposition by strongly liberal voices in the Democratic Party, and his legacy will probably be discussed for years to come.
In retrospect, what would America be like today had Charlton Heston not been able to capture the Presidency?
OOC: Basically, Heston is this timeline’s Reagan, seeing as how they had similar views.