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While jogging at Camp David on a Saturday afternoon (May 4, 1991), Bush developed shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a general feeling of fatigue. A White House physician discovered Bush had a rapid irregular heartbeat, ultimately diagnosed as atrial fibrillation due to hyperthyroidism (see below). [9]

Bush was transferred to Bethesda Naval Hospital by helicopter. His ventricular rate was 150/min [3e]. Cardiologist Dr. Allen M. Ross prescribed digitalis, procainamide, and Coumadin [9]. (Note: Digitalis slows the heart, procainamide can change the rhythm pattern from atrial fibrillation back to normal, and Coumadin prevents blood clots, one of the main complications of atrial fibrillation.) Abrams writes:

According to the doctors' plan, if the drugs failed to affect the arrhythmia -- as initially they did -- an electrical shock would be administered the following day, a common way of returning a patient's rhythm to normal. When it was announced that Dan Quayle would be acting president under the Twenty-fifth Amendment provisions while Bush was under anesthesia for the cardioversion -- if it was required -- a different kind of shock reverberated across the nation. The prospect of Quayle as president brought home sharply the electorate's lack of confidence in his ability to lead. [1b]

The drugs were effective. By 10:25 pm on May 5, Bush's heart rhythm was normal. About 5 am the following morning, however, atrial fibrillation recurred. It was decided (by whom?) to continue the drugs rather than use electrical cardioversion. Bush returned to the White House later that day. [1b]. Comment: It would be useful to have information on how long Bush used these medications. Both digitalis and procainamide can affect higher mental function.

Ok...So let's say President Bush has a massive Heart Attack while jogging on May 5th of 1991, and after a few hours of The White Medical Staff trying to revive him, he is pronounced dead by the evening...and the 44 year old, former Senator of Indiana....James Danforth "Dan" Quayle is sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States:eek:

Who does Quayle choose as his Vice President(Caroll Campbell, Kirkpatrick, Powell, and James Baker would all be good choices)? Does he seek a full term in his own right in 1992? Would his Presidency be more a caretaker one and we not see much different events from OTL? Or will he try to be more Pro-active on the worsening Economic crisis of the US?

If he is able to win the nomination(I assume that Buchanan wont run against a fellow Social Conservative, but we might see someone from the moderate wing try to challenge him) what effect will this have on the Democratic Race? Will Mario Cuomo, Lloyd Bentsen or Jesse Jackson decide to throw their names in the Race with a percieved Weaker Opponent? I assume that Ross Perot still runs as well, and might get a stronger VP choice and stay in the Race...Is their any way that Quayle could win(Although Attwater probably still goes due to his brain cancer, I really don't think Quayle would have any potential qualms about going highly negative against Clinton)...Please Discuss:D
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