1980
The Nashua Telegraph offers to host a debate between Reagan and Bush. Worried that a newspaper-sponsored debate might violate electoral regulations, Reagan subsequently arranges to fund the event with his own campaign money, inviting the other candidates to participate at short notice. The Bush camp does not learn of Reagan's decision to include the other candidates until the debate is due to commence. Bush refuses to participate, which leads to an impasse on the stage. As Reagan attempts to explain his decision, Jon Breen, editor of the Nashua Telegraph ordered the sound man to mute Reagan's microphone. A visibly angry Reagan responded "I am paying for this microphone, Mr. Green!" Eventually the other candidates agree to leave, and the debate proceeds between Reagan and Bush. Reagan's quote is often repeated as "I paid for this microphone!" and dominates news coverage of the event; Bush fails to make an impact with the voters.
Less than 24 hours after the debate, Governor Ronald Reagan suffers a fatal heart attack. With the GOP campaign for the Presidency wide open, many if Reagan's supporters are looking for a candidate to support. Some even blame George Bush for Reagan's death.
After meeting with his family, Rep. Jack Kemp of New York decides to run in the New Hampshire primary as a write-in candidate.
When all the votes are counted, the anti-tax mood in the state gives Kemp a GOP primary victory with 36% of the vote. Senator Robert Dole finishes second with 25% and Iowa caucus victor George H.W. Bush is third with 24%. The rest of the Republican candidates finish in single digits and drop out. John Anderson announces his endorsement of Kemp.
Kemp also manages to get 12% of the Democratic primary vote which is won by Senator Edward Kennedy.
With Kemp getting the "big mo", he sweeps the Southern primaries and ultimately the Republican Presidential nomination. He announces that Senator William Roth of Delaware is his running mate.
In Novermber, Kemp wins 58% of the popular vote against the incumbent Jimmy Carter and wins 46 states. Republicans win the Senate but Democrats hold on to the House.
Up next is 1981. I welcome any reactions to the above and your suggestions as to who President-elect Kemp should appoint to his cabinet.