Forget the Duke: A different 1988 election

Forget the Duke: 1988 election and onwards!

February 20, 1987

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Cuomo's In!

As expected, Governor Mario Cuomo of New York has announced his intention to seek the Democratic Party's nod for president. Amid the backlash against the Iran-Contra scandal, Democrats are optimistic on their chances to win the presidency in 1988, and to rid themselves of Walter Mondale's embarassing loss to President Reagan in 1984. Governor Cuomo joins Representative Dick Gephardt as the two major candidates so far in the race. A hypothetical poll last week showed Cuomo second to Senator Gary Hart of Colorado. With Cuomo officially in the race, many consider the Presidential Election of 1988 to have begun.

"In 1960 Americans chose John F. Kennedy because they were ready for change. They were ready for new and better ideas. After six years of scandals and failed policies under the Reagan Administration, Americans are again ready for change and stronger leadership. I love my country. That is why I am seeking the Democratic nomination for president." - Mario Cuomo

March 2, 1987

Gary Hart announces candidacy for president
Reagan approval ratings fall to 46%


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The race for the Democratic nomination for president took a key turn when Senator Gary Hart of Colorado announced his bid for the presidency two days ago. Hart, coming in a respectable second in the 1984 primaries, joined a fray of Democrats that includes Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri, Senator Al Gore of Tennessee, and Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware. Hart's most formidable opponent is Governor Mario Cuomo of New York, who announced his candidacy on February 19th. This comes at a time when President Reagan's approval ratings are slipping in the midst of the fallout of the Iran-Contra scandal.

"Four years ago people looked at me like a joke for my attempted challenge against Walter Mondale. They said I was a nobody. They said I was naive. They said I would never break 5%. Then they saw true grassroots democracy in action! Now we fight once more for strong leadership and real integrity! Now is the time for us to take back the White House! I'm Gary Hart and I am running for President of the United States!" - Gary Hart

National Democratic Primary poll

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Senator Gary Hart - 37%
Governor Mario Cuomo - 34%
Rep. Dick Gephardt - 10%
Senator Al Gore - 4%
Senator Joseph Biden - 4%
Undecided - 11%

March 4, 1987

Reagan speaks on Iran-Contra tonight
Arkansas Governor rumored to be preparing for presidential run

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After months of rumors, revelations, and more rumors, President Reagan will finally attempt to silence the critics on the ongoing Iran-Contra affair. The President will go to the airwaves tonight to address the concerns and questions on the ongoing scandal.....














.....Meanwhile, Governor William Clinton of Arkansas is rumored to be preparing a possible run for the Democratic nomination for president. Clinton, relatively unknown nationally, is looking to take the oppurtunity for the lack of southern candidates in the race.

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I think Cuomo was more popular than Hart, but this is before Donna Rice so I'm not sure.
Keep at it!
 
March 5th, 1987

Reagan denies knowledge of Iran-Contra

President Reagan delivered the much anticipated speech on the ongoing Iran-Contra scandal that has rocked his administration. Speaking to a national audience, Reagan denied knowledge of the Iran-Contra arms sales that his National Security Council staff approved throughout his presidency. Democrats have already criticized the President, saying he has the responsibility of controlling his administration staff and that he should accept the blame. Reactions are mixed to the speech so far.

March 15th

Senator Sam Nunn joins race
Reagan approval ratings at 49% after speech
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Senator Samuel Nunn of Georgia announced yesterday that he will run against Mario Cuomo, Gary Hart, and others for the Democratic nomination in 1988. Nunn, a Southern conservative defense hawk, appears to have preempted Governor William Clinton of Arkansas in attempting to gain Southern support for the primaries. Nunn is expected to join Mario Cuomo and Gary Hart as the front-runners for the Democratic nomination.

March 23rd, 1987

Clinton says he won't run

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Governor William "Bill" Clinton of Arkansas said he will not run for the Democratic nomination for president. This move was widely expected after fellow Southerner Sam Nunn joined the race eight days ago...

"After talking thing over with Hillary and my family, I have decided not to run for the Democratic nomination in 1988." - Bill Clinton

April 1st, 1987

Three Democrats vie for front-runner position in latest poll


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Senator Gary Hart - 25%
Governor Mario Cuomo - 23%
Senator Samuel Nunn - 21%
Senator Joseph Biden - 8%
Representative Dick Gephardt - 8%
Senator Al Gore - 7%
Undecided - 8%

April 15th, 1987

Rumors circulate of Hart affair
Dukakis not running

Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart of Colorado has denied rumors of an affair with another woman. Hart, who holds a slim lead over Mario Cuomo and Sam Nunn, says his campaign will not stop just because of the accusations.

"I don't care what rumors there are. They're rumors. Nothing more, nothing less. My campaign for change will not be stopped because of these false and ridiculous accusations." - Gary Hart









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Popular Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis said yesterday that he will not be seeking the Democratic nomination for president in 1988.

April 19th, 1987

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Hart in picture with model Donna Rice
Reagan approval ratings rise to 52%; Iran-Contra still an issue

After stating that the rumors of an affair were false, new evedence against Gary Hart seems to have proved that he has infact had an affair. Numerous reports have said he and model Donna Rice were seen together months ago in a yacht in Miami. The above picture shows Rice sitting on Hart's lap. Hart has yet to comment. Many prominent Democrats have called on Hart to leave the campaing if the affair is true.

April 20th, 1987

Hart leaves campaign

"I have not been telling the truth. I have lied to the American people and to my family. I am sorry and therefore, I will suspend my campaign to spend time and fix things with my family. Thank you." - Gary Hart

April 26th, 1987

New Democratic poll shows surprising results
Reagan planning visit to Berlin in June
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Senator Sam Nunn - 26%
Governor Mario Cuomo - 25%
Senator Joseph Biden -18%
Representative Dick Gephardt - 11%
Senator Al Gore -10%
Undecided - 10%

After the shock of the Gary Hart scandal and his withdrawl from the Democratic race, a new nationwide poll shows Senator Sam Nunn and Governor Mario Cuomo in a deadlock race. The biggest surprise, however, is the sudden rise of Delaware Senator Joe Biden, whose 18% showing has put him in the top tier of the race. Both Dick Gephardt and Al Gore have also moved up after the fallout of the Hart scandal...
 
May 1st, 1987

Biden calls Reagan "liar" in speech

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With rising poll numbers, Senator Joe Biden has been attracting a lot of new attention to his campaign. Biden, a center-left liberal, attacked President Reagan calling the Iran-Contra scandal the "biggest political lie since Watergate". He also attacked Vice President and current Republican front-runner George H.W. Bush, calling him untrustworthy for the job of president.

May 5th, 1987

Gore questions Biden's electablity as race heats up
Biden calls Cuomo "weak on defense, not sure if ready"

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Tennessee Democratic Senator Al Gore attacked rising candidate Joe Biden yesterday, raising doubts on his electability in the general election. Gore said that Biden was a solid leader in the Senate, but his reputation as a 'gaffe machine' would cost the Democrats the White House in 1988.

"I respect Joe. He and I have worked together in the Senate, and have joined numerous times to stop the fiscal recklessness of President Reagan, however, I am not sure if he has the electability to win a general election." - Al Gore



Meanwhile, Biden has been quick to attack rival Mario Cuomo, hoping to gain Cuomo's support.

"Mario and I are good friends. Hell, I remember arguing with him over an Eagles-Giants game. I have to wonder though, his views on our national defense policy is worrisome and should be checked out more." - Joe Biden

May 16th, 1987

Primary race tightens up, first hypothetical general election polls taken
Biden says he's most electable, polls say otherwise

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Senator Sam Nunn - 27%
Governor Mario Cuomo - 22%
Senator Joseph Biden - 16%
Senator Al Gore - 15%
Representative Dick Gephardt - 9%
Undecided - 11%

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Sam Nunn (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Sam Nunn - 41%
George H.W. Bush - 40%
Undecided/Other - 19%

Mario Cuomo (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Mario Cuomo - 43%
George H.W. Bush - 43%
Undecided/Other - 14%

Joe Biden (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Joe Biden - 37%
George H.W. Bush - 44%
Undecided/Other - 19%

Al Gore (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Al Gore - 39%
George H.W. Bush - 43%
Undecided/Other - 18%

Dick Gephardt (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Dick Gephardt - 34%
George H.W. Bush - 42%
Undecided/Other - 24%

May 18th, 1987

Dozens of soldiers die in Iraqi attack
International community condemns attack, Reagan says no military response will be used in a "lone wolf" mistake

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Unlike previous decades, this one has been fairly peaceful for the nation. May 17th, 1987, was different however. An Iraqi jet fired multiple missiles at the USS Stark in the Persian Gulf. Already dozens of U.S personnel have been killed, and many others wounded. President Saddam Hussein of Iraq apologized and called the attack a "mistake". At home, Democrats have attacked President Reagan for letting the USS Stark in the Persian Gulf, even though a bloody war between Iran and Iraq continues to this day. Reagan responded by calling the Democrats "shameful" in making this tragedy a political issue. He also said no military retaliation will be used in the apparent 'lonewolf attack'.

May 22nd, 1987

Democrats attack Reagan over Iraqi attack
Reagan approval ratings at 47%, Gore surges
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"Iran and Iraq have been at war with each other for years. The fact that President Reagan would put our brave Navy in harms way like that is the truly shameful act. People want answers Mr. President. We've lost thirty-seven soldiers because of this reckless act." - Mario Cuomo

"The war between the Iranians and Iraqis is a touchy issue. To be quite honest, they each other's guts. It was not responsible to let one of our ships be put into a war zone like that." - Sam Nunn

"It is truly a terrible day for America. Many of our finest are now gone. Why did this have to happen Mr. President? Why?" - Joe Biden

"Words can not describe the sadness I feel today. My father served in the U.S Army in World War II. My family has military blood in it. We should remember the fallen as brave and dedicated Americans." - Al Gore

"How could Presient Reagan let this happen. This is truly a tragedy. We can not, and we will not forget the fallen." - Dick Gephardt

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Senator Sam Nunn - 25%
Governor Mario Cuomo - 24%
Senator Al Gore - 19%
Senator Joseph Biden - 15%
Representative Dick Gephardt - 7%
Undecided - 10%
 
May 21st, 1987

Reagan defends U.S presence in Gulf



Days after an Iraqi aircraft attacked the USS Stark in the Persian Gulf, killing thirty-seven sailors, President Reagan defended American presence in the Gulf citing "strategic interests" for his reasoning. Reagan also went after his Democratic critics, calling them "disgraceful" over their partisan reaction over the attack.

"The death of the thirty-seven sailors is a grave tragedy. It is a disgrace for some to play this horrible event as a political opportunity." - President Reagan

May 25th, 1987
Biden - "Gore is a kid, not ready for presidency"
Gore - "I wouldn't be running if I didn't know I was ready Joe"

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Senator Joe Biden's poll numbers have been slipping as of recently, and appear to be going to young Al Gore of Tennessee. Hoping to stay strong and relevant in the race, Biden attacked the 39 year old Gore, calling him too inexperienced for the job of president. Gore responded by claiming that he is ready, and that Biden was too unelectable for the job.

"Al is what, 39? He has a promising future in the Democratic Party and national politics, but he is far too young to run for the presidency at this moment. Americans need experience in these difficult times. Not even President Kennedy, one of my personal heroes, was this young when he ran for president." - Joe Biden

"Joe, I have been in the U.S Congress for over a decade at this point. I know I am ready for the office of president. In the end however, the American people decide who is ready, and who is not Joe." - Al Gore

June 3rd, 1987
Nunn calls Cuomo too weak on defense
Reagan nominates Greenspan for Fed Chairman

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Senator Sam Nunn finally appears to have begun attacking chief Democratic rival Mario Cuomo, claiming that the New York governor is too weak on defense to lead the Free World, and to win a general election against Vice President Bush. Nunn is an outspoken defense hawk, and has put "maintaining a strong national defense" as one of his key goals if nominated and elected president. The Republicans have called the Democrats weak on defense in recent election years. If nominated, Nunn could take away the threat of being called weak on defense, a definite plus for Democrats.

"Senator Biden was correct by calling for more to look into Governor Cuomo's defense policy. It is clear to me, by researching the governor's record on the issue, that he would be a wildcard on national defense issues." - Sam Nunn



President Reagan announced yesterday that he is nominating Alan Greenspan to replace the outgoing Paul Volcker as chairman of the Federal Reserve....

June 7th, 1987
Cuomo - "attacks on my national defense stance ridiculous"

Democratic candidate Governor Mario Cuomo has been the recipient of harsh attacks for his apparent weakness on national defense issues. Cuomo struck back at critics like Joe Biden and Sam Nunn, calling his national defense plan the best for the future of America. Cuomo said that he supported an "efficient and strong military" that would, in his words, "defend the United States against dangerous and modern threats". Cuomo lashed back against his detractors, calling Nunn's stance too hawkish for modern threats. This came on the 43rd anniversary of the D-Day invasions of Normandy, France.

"I have heard the critics. What they are spewing are lies, nothing more. My defense policy calls for an efficient and strong military for our country. We live in dangerous times, but we must remember that we have to defend the United States against dangerous and modern threats. The Cold War is ending. Defense hawks like Senator Nunn need to understand this." - Mario Cuomo

June 11th, 1987
Cuomo takes lead, Gore continues surge as moderate
Brits take to polls today

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Governor Mario Cuomo - 25%
Senator Sam Nunn - 21%
Senator Al Gore - 21%
Senator Joseph Biden - 14%
Representative Dick Gephardt - 10%
Undecided - 9%

June 13th, 1987
Conservatives rejoice as Reagan and Thatcher shine

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In what can only be described as one of his best speeches yet, President Reagan called on General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down" the Berlin Wall that has been the definitive symbol of the decades-long struggle between the Democratic West and Communist East. With Cold War relations with the Soviets cooling in recent years, protests have been made for the Soviets and East Germans to rid of the wall, an epitome of the Iron Curtain that has divided Europe for decades.

"General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" - President Reagan

Meanwhile, conservatives have another thing to celebrate over; Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her Conservative Party were reelected for an astonishing third term in office. Though the Conservatives lost quite a number of seats, Thatcher and the party still hold power in parliament. The Labour Party appears to have prevented an assault by the SDP-Liberal Alliance, easily remianing the main leftist party in the UK...
 
June 21st, 1987

Dole not running, endorses Bush
Biden falling fast

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Speaking to the press yesterday, Republican Senate Minority leader Bob Dole, officially threw his support behind GOP favorite Vice President George H.W. Bush. Rumors had circulated that the Kansas senator was planning a primary run against Bush for the GOP nomination. With Dole's support, Vice President Bush has all but assured his chances of winning the Republican nomination.

July 2nd, 1987
Gore: Nunn too conservative, Cuomo too liberal
Reagan approval rating holding steady at 50%, Bork nominated for Supreme Court
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Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore is positioning himself as the moderate of the Democratic primaries. Gore attacked rivals Sam Nunn and Mario Cuomo at a campaign rally yesterday. Senator Gore, who was once polling in the single digits, now is polling at the top of the pack and in striking distance of front-runner status.

"When Senator Nunn and Governor Cuomo say it is time for change in the White House, I agree. Our main differences is how we will govern as the president though. Senator Nunn still wants to run record budget deficits, by increasing military spending. There is no doubt in my mind the Soviet Union is still a cause for concern, but they have shown they are finally ready for reform and change. We can't have a Reagan-like spender running our country. As for Governor Cuomo, he is one of the nation's best governors bar and none. Unfortunately, I fear Governor Cuomo is too liberal to win a general election. We need someone who is willing to compromise, someone who is strong and pragmatic. That is why I am the best nominee for president." - Al Gore

July 5th, 1987
Democratic and general election polls show close races

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Governor Mario Cuomo - 26%
Senator Al Gore 24%
Senator Sam Nunn - 18%
Senator Joseph Biden - 12%
Representative Dick Gephardt - 11%
Undecided - 9%

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Mario Cuomo (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Mario Cuomo - 45%
George H.W. Bush - 43%
Undecided/Other - 12%

Al Gore (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Al Gore - 44%
George H.W. Bush - 42%
Undecided/Other - 14%

Sam Nunn (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Sam Nunn - 41%
George H.W. Bush - 44%
Undecided/Other - 15%

Joe Biden (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Joe Biden - 35%
George H.W. Bush - 46%
Undecided/Other - 19%

Dick Gephardt (D) vs. George H.W. Bush (R)
Dick Gephardt - 36%
George H.W. Bush - 44%
Undecided/Other - 20%

July 11th, 1987
Carter endorses Nunn
Mounting evidence supports Reagan knowledge of Iran-Contra

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"I can't think of a man more worthy of the presidency then my good friend Sam Nunn." - Jimmy Carter
 
Bork nominated for Supreme Court

I wonder, will Ted Kennedy deliver his "In Robert Bork's America" speech, and thus kill Bork's nomination to the Supreme Court?

However if Reagan's nominee isnt "Borked," and thus makes it to the bench, that will cause the court to veer far right, and thus will lead to quite a few different possibilities regarding abortion, affirmative action...

I'm rooting for Mario Cuomo because he should have ran in 1992, but didn't, and therefore lost his chance to be President

By the way, I have a feeling Andrew Cuomo will be running in 2016.

A Cuomo/Hart ticket would be quite competitive against Bush sr.

Wishing you well, his majesty,
The Scandinavian Emperor
 
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