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The American people were sick of politicians. Liars, cretins and buffoons dominated the news cycle, and from the cunning Californian Nixon's demise all the way across to "Koch's Broke New York", Americans never felt this shameful to be Americans since the nation's inception. America was now a net importer, Vietnam had been lost, and the nation only began the healing process after the mass riots across the nation. America was in deep trouble, and looked for a drastically new path to save it.

Those dreams were originally realized in Georgia Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate James Earl "Jimmy" Carter. His Baptist convictions ensured his perpetual honesty, and his warm demeanor was much welcomed in a nation recently governed by "Tricky Dick". From counter culture voters who wanted anyone but a Nixonite in the White house to Southerners who appreciated the Governor's Christian values, Carter was well on his way to a decisive mandate that would bring the country together.

Except that didn't happen. After Carter's unfortunate interview with Playboy, his popularity began to sink drastically in the polls. What began as a ceremony turned into a contest, one as hotly contested as the election of 1916 where no won knew the winner whatsoever. Furthermore, President Ford performed almost perfectly in the presidential debates, with no major mistakes on domestic and foreign policy whatsoever. His assessment on the situation of Eastern Europe was precise, and Americans saw him as the leader Americans needed in tumultuous times.

The race turned on it's head however when in the Vice Presidential Debate Senator Dole described "Democratic Wars" as the cause of American bloodshed and suffering. In a nation where courtesy and kindness was demanded from the leadership (especially after Watergate), the Senator from Kansas' remark was completely distasteful for the American public, and Carter came back into the lead.

Even though Ford fought hard in the race, it had seemed that Dole's outburst had cost him the election. However, Ford hit a homerun when he began the "Joe and Jerry" show with his good friend and major league baseball player, Joe Garagiola. Their campaign tour discussions made the President seem relatable due to the informal nature of the discussions, and Ford's surge in popularity made up for Dole's cold reputation. The election was extremely close, with the pendulum numerous times swinging back and Forth. However, the President made a remarkable comeback, one not seen since the days of Harry Truman.






Ford/Dole - 284 (49%)
Carter/Mondale - 254 (49.1%)



Carter was able to get just a few more votes than Ford, and so there was some anger in Democratic circles that their candidate, who had gotten more votes than Ford, had lost. But Carter, in all his humility, conceded graciously, stating:

"I am grateful to all my supporters through this whole campaign, and will pray for President Ford' success during these tumultuous times".

Ford had won the presidency from the jaws of defeat. Now it was time to do the same for the nation.
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