Plausibility check: Kennedy '92

Mary Jo says no

Teddy's history of alcoholism and the Chappaquiddick incident would have stopped him from getting the nomination; he could not even beat Carter for the Democrat nod in 1980. Also 1992 is a bad time for Kennedy, the infamous Easter 1991 Palm Beach incident was still fresh.
Considering Teddy's history, I do not believe he can beat Bush 41 even with perot in the race. With Perot not in the race, it would be another 1988 style landslide for Bush 41.
 
1992 might be far enough removed for EMK to escape the ghosts of Chappaquiddick, but by this point I think that he had more or less given up on any presidential aspirations. He'd certainly be getting on in years (although far from the oldest man elected president), and the general perception among the democratic frontrunners was that it was a bad year to run (see Cuomo). That said, nomination is possible, I suppose, if he wants it. Off the top of my head, I'd give him maybe 50/50 odds in the general, regardless of whether Perot runs (he took a lot of votes from the Democrats as well).
 
Just found this thread, so... BUMP

Anyhow, I think that EMK may have run in '92, under the right circumstances. If he does run, I could certainly see him winning the Democratic nomination - it really depends on whose running (if Bill Clinton is in the race, Jerry Brown, etc.).

As for the general campaign, again it's hard to say. I can see Ross Perot still running, and taking votes from George Bush and Ted Kennedy. However, here's what's interesting: Due to Kennedy's liberalism, I could see Perot taking more of the moderate Democrat vote in '92, which would most likely give him a few states. Of course, Chappaquiddick would be used against the Democratic candidate.

I've actually thought about writing this TL, so maybe sometime in the future...;)
 
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