The Impossible Dream
- Thread starter RogueBeaver
- Start date
I cannot for the life of me figure out what Plan J is. Well, carry on so it may be revealed.
Election Night, Nov. 2
“I’m Wolf Blitzer in the CNN Election Centre. As polls close in the Northeast we can project a Democratic sweep of that region. Ohio is too close to call; Pennsylvania is solidly in the Democratic column. We are still waiting on the results in Indiana, Missouri and Florida. Exit polls show a narrow lead for President Kennedy but depending on the results in these four states the outcome could be a Republican victory...
(D) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. / B. Evans Bayh III: 325 EV, 53.2%
(R) Michael R. Huckabee/ Peter F. Fitzgerald: 213 EV, 46.7%
Incumbent President: Robert Kennedy Jr. (D)
Congressional-House
Democratic: 244 seats (+12)
Republican: 191 seats
Incumbent Speaker: Joe Kennedy II (D-MA)
Congressional-Senate
Democratic: 50 seats + VP (-1)
Republican: 50 seats
Incumbent Majority Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
Salazar (D-CO) defeats Coors (R-CO)
Rubio (R-FL) defeats Castor (D-FL)
Isakson (R-GA) defeats Majette (D-GA)
Vitter (R-LA) defeats John (D-LA)
DeMint (R-SC) defeats Tenenbaum (D-SC)
I just noticed that Puerto Rico became the 51st state and that was not included in this electoral vote map (and there should be 102 US Senators).
Oops... I can't modify the EV map but assume that PR gets 3 EV which are Democratic. It will be fixed for the 2008 election. Democrats hold both Senate seats from PR.
Today was quite an eventful, if tragic day. Rehnquist died at the age of 80 & Hufstedler formally submitted her resignation from the Court, effective upon the naming of her successor. I sent both Miguel Estrada and Garland’s names to Pat Leahy for speedy confirmation hearings & appointment to the Court. Predictably the blogosphere & official left of the party is flabbergasted. They’re not going to openly oppose a Hispanic meritocrat that rose from poverty, arriving in this country with barely any English-language skills to graduate SCL from my alma mater & have the distinguished legal career he has had up to now. The Senate Democrats have reluctantly decided to confirm both of them to SCOTUS which greatly pleases both HRC and I. Garland will be easily confirmed as a moderate who appeals to both sides- among others he has the support of Lindsey Graham. In Japan Koizumi won a landslide second term based on his economic programme- specifically privatization of Japan Post. Later I had to place a lengthy call to Ariel Sharon about my upcoming tour in October which will be the most popular by a Democratic President (or any POTUS for that matter) since Bill was in office a decade ago. Speaking of which, I asked him to headline many fundraisers as he can for next year’s midterms. HRC will also be doing some in light of [REDACTED] but due to her unique position in Cabinet that number has to be strictly limited. She has expressed no qualms about being limited- I’ve always had the distinct impression that this is not her thing. Namely, soliciting favours, in this case funds, from our social peers. All the Democrats in the Cabinet are doing fundraisers- Larry Summers is the one who everyone is looking for at these events for some reason. As they say- each to his own then. I have a lot of work for tomorrow so best end now.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 9
Supreme Court nominee Miguel Estrada takes the oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sept. 14. Estrada was confirmed by the Senate 2 weeks later and sworn in on Oct. 1.
Merrick Garland was President Kennedy's appointment as Chief Justice, replacing the late William Rehnquist.
I caught more interesting news both domestically & abroad today. This morning HRC informed me that the FBI ambushed & killed a major drug kingpin in Puerto Rico which is excellent news for the Justice Department. Then this afternoon I had a 2-hour meeting with Condi Rice for a full briefing on my Middle Eastern tour which is due to start next week. My first stop will be in Turkey, where I will meet Erdogan for an informal bilateral & address the National Assembly. I’ll only be the 2nd President to do so- the first being Dad back in 1969, which was 36 years ago now. How time has flown. Getting back to the Middle East- next on the itinerary is Israel where I will be meeting Sharon & travelling to various parts of the country. After Israel I head to Jordan for a meeting with King Abdullah who is one of our major Arab partners in the region. Other countries on the list include Saudi Arabia and Kuwait before I fly back home after 2 weeks. We are making sure to pack plenty of summer, swimming & kayaking clothing, white & cream short-sleeved suits because of the intense heat. Don’t get me wrong- I don’t mind the heat especially seeing as the air will be dry & crisp, not humid. Nonetheless there will have to be people close to me at all times- would be rather embarrassing if I fainted from heat exhaustion. On the domestic front there is little worth mentioning, other than that Congress is up to its usual tricks which are surprising for a year where there is no midterm or presidential election. New Jersey & Virginia are again looking secure for us who gives me great pleasure in confounding the pundits who are predicting that we are on track for three consecutive defeats: namely the gubernatorial races, next year’s midterms & ’08. I do love throwing the media for a loop- a good source of entertainment. John can be nice to them- I don’t have that luxury.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 29
I’ve never been to Turkey but I would sure like to return either in the last year of my presidency or after I leave office. It is simply a beautiful country with great people, culture & no political issues that would give me cause for complaint. My bilateral meeting with Erdogan was informative & amusing at the same time. He started out as the mayor of Istanbul then his party was banned for allegedly being Islamist. Of course, with the way Ataturk designed the system that should hardly come as a surprise. That was certainly a massive dose of shock therapy but contrary to the delusions of starry-eyed worshippers (most of whom are of Dad’s generation or older) his legacy is mixed. Much of it is good, some of it is not. My address to the GNA was well-received- I mostly touched on the long & deep partnership between our two countries rather than the syrupy “brotherhood of cultures” crap which some of my speechwriters had previously advised. After Turkey it was onto Israel where I had an excellent meeting with Sharon- he’s doing a fantastic job & has a rich military & political experience that is rare in a democracy. Unfortunately his health is quite visibly poor & he will have to retire soon. At 77 & morbidly obese in my estimation it is only a matter of time before disaster strikes. In Jordan the King was quite happy to see me & we discussed strategic issues. He told me that his major priority was improving the living standards of his citizenry which is an entirely desirable goal (really the primary) for any of us who run countries for a living. In sum it has been one of the best foreign trips of my presidency- perhaps the best period.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 13
This week can be summarized by 2 Ts: Trafalgar & terrorism. I watched the King at the IFR which was one of the largest fleet gatherings in history according to NSC. Then NSC told me of a bombing at a Bali nightclub that killed over 200 civilians- Islamist terrorists- domestic- according to Sandy Berger. I phoned Jakarta to offer my condolences. I was informed of another terrorist bombing, this time in Delhi which killed 60 & injured 200. After NSC I called Dr. Singh to offer my condolences & State put out a strongly worded condemnation of the attacks. In Kashmir they are undertaking major relief & recovery efforts after an earthquake killed over 60,000 people. I offered Singh to send a joint ops team over there which he accepted with pleasure. I am always happy to offer humanitarian assistance to our allies when circumstances dictate its necessity. Among the foreign leaders I spoke to today were Chirac & GMA on different topics. With Chirac I discussed issues of bilateral interest- he asked my opinion on Oprah’s temper tantrum at Hermes. We both agreed it was what I called it- a temper tantrum- but I told him that I didn’t understand why she played the race card about it. She’s a big donor to the party which few outside the West Wing know- & of course HMB because they live in the same part of the Bay Area. Virginia & NJ are going to go down to the wire & neither look especially good at the moment judging from the polls being put out by Mark Warner’s team. I certainly hope we retain all 3 posts but I am not that optimistic myself. Tim Kaine is one of my favourite Southern politicians- I could not give a rat’s ass if Corzine lost his gubernatorial race.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 31
New Jersey gubernatorial election, Nov. 8
(R) Christopher J. Christie: 50.6%
(D) Sen. Jon S. Corzine: 48.9%
Incumbent Governor: Jim McGreevy (R)
Governor-elect: Chris Christie (R)
Virginia gubernatorial election
(R) Atty. Gen. Robert F. McDonnell: 52.1%
(D) Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine: 47.7%
Incumbent Governor: Mark Warner (D)
Governor-elect: Bob McDonnell (R)
Attorney General Bob McDonnell won the Virginia gubernatorial race, defeating Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine. He will succeed outgoing Gov. Mark Warner on Jan. 15.
I have certainly enjoyed this year which is the last “unmolested” year of my presidency. In a few weeks I will have to begin planning for next November’s midterms with the DNC. I renewed Terry McAuliffe’s tenure for another 4 years- whoever becomes the next leader of our party will appoint his successor. He is unequalled at the science of fundraising & organization which will be crucial to retaining the ’04 harvest next year. I was not at all surprised in New Jersey but was mildly shocked in Virginia- Kaine is still young enough to have another shot at it in 2009 but there go his potential national ambitions. If you don’t hit the right rungs at the right age you’ll never live here in the WH- that’s a fact. I’ve known Bob McDonnell for years- one of the few Republicans in our HLS class & he wasn’t exactly coy about it either. The minor flap about the thesis is overrated though I don’t think it helped with female voters. In the next hour I will be boarding AF 1 to head to Aspen for our Xmas vacation. Dad’s 80th was quite the enjoyable occasion- that was at HH rather than the WH at Mother’s request. Go figure- but this is the last big birthday of his that will be in the WH.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Dec. 8
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 9
Supreme Court nominee Miguel Estrada takes the oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sept. 14. Estrada was confirmed by the Senate 2 weeks later and sworn in on Oct. 1.
Merrick Garland was President Kennedy's appointment as Chief Justice, replacing the late William Rehnquist.
I caught more interesting news both domestically & abroad today. This morning HRC informed me that the FBI ambushed & killed a major drug kingpin in Puerto Rico which is excellent news for the Justice Department. Then this afternoon I had a 2-hour meeting with Condi Rice for a full briefing on my Middle Eastern tour which is due to start next week. My first stop will be in Turkey, where I will meet Erdogan for an informal bilateral & address the National Assembly. I’ll only be the 2nd President to do so- the first being Dad back in 1969, which was 36 years ago now. How time has flown. Getting back to the Middle East- next on the itinerary is Israel where I will be meeting Sharon & travelling to various parts of the country. After Israel I head to Jordan for a meeting with King Abdullah who is one of our major Arab partners in the region. Other countries on the list include Saudi Arabia and Kuwait before I fly back home after 2 weeks. We are making sure to pack plenty of summer, swimming & kayaking clothing, white & cream short-sleeved suits because of the intense heat. Don’t get me wrong- I don’t mind the heat especially seeing as the air will be dry & crisp, not humid. Nonetheless there will have to be people close to me at all times- would be rather embarrassing if I fainted from heat exhaustion. On the domestic front there is little worth mentioning, other than that Congress is up to its usual tricks which are surprising for a year where there is no midterm or presidential election. New Jersey & Virginia are again looking secure for us who gives me great pleasure in confounding the pundits who are predicting that we are on track for three consecutive defeats: namely the gubernatorial races, next year’s midterms & ’08. I do love throwing the media for a loop- a good source of entertainment. John can be nice to them- I don’t have that luxury.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 29
I’ve never been to Turkey but I would sure like to return either in the last year of my presidency or after I leave office. It is simply a beautiful country with great people, culture & no political issues that would give me cause for complaint. My bilateral meeting with Erdogan was informative & amusing at the same time. He started out as the mayor of Istanbul then his party was banned for allegedly being Islamist. Of course, with the way Ataturk designed the system that should hardly come as a surprise. That was certainly a massive dose of shock therapy but contrary to the delusions of starry-eyed worshippers (most of whom are of Dad’s generation or older) his legacy is mixed. Much of it is good, some of it is not. My address to the GNA was well-received- I mostly touched on the long & deep partnership between our two countries rather than the syrupy “brotherhood of cultures” crap which some of my speechwriters had previously advised. After Turkey it was onto Israel where I had an excellent meeting with Sharon- he’s doing a fantastic job & has a rich military & political experience that is rare in a democracy. Unfortunately his health is quite visibly poor & he will have to retire soon. At 77 & morbidly obese in my estimation it is only a matter of time before disaster strikes. In Jordan the King was quite happy to see me & we discussed strategic issues. He told me that his major priority was improving the living standards of his citizenry which is an entirely desirable goal (really the primary) for any of us who run countries for a living. In sum it has been one of the best foreign trips of my presidency- perhaps the best period.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 13
This week can be summarized by 2 Ts: Trafalgar & terrorism. I watched the King at the IFR which was one of the largest fleet gatherings in history according to NSC. Then NSC told me of a bombing at a Bali nightclub that killed over 200 civilians- Islamist terrorists- domestic- according to Sandy Berger. I phoned Jakarta to offer my condolences. I was informed of another terrorist bombing, this time in Delhi which killed 60 & injured 200. After NSC I called Dr. Singh to offer my condolences & State put out a strongly worded condemnation of the attacks. In Kashmir they are undertaking major relief & recovery efforts after an earthquake killed over 60,000 people. I offered Singh to send a joint ops team over there which he accepted with pleasure. I am always happy to offer humanitarian assistance to our allies when circumstances dictate its necessity. Among the foreign leaders I spoke to today were Chirac & GMA on different topics. With Chirac I discussed issues of bilateral interest- he asked my opinion on Oprah’s temper tantrum at Hermes. We both agreed it was what I called it- a temper tantrum- but I told him that I didn’t understand why she played the race card about it. She’s a big donor to the party which few outside the West Wing know- & of course HMB because they live in the same part of the Bay Area. Virginia & NJ are going to go down to the wire & neither look especially good at the moment judging from the polls being put out by Mark Warner’s team. I certainly hope we retain all 3 posts but I am not that optimistic myself. Tim Kaine is one of my favourite Southern politicians- I could not give a rat’s ass if Corzine lost his gubernatorial race.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 31
New Jersey gubernatorial election, Nov. 8
(R) Christopher J. Christie: 50.6%
(D) Sen. Jon S. Corzine: 48.9%
Incumbent Governor: Jim McGreevy (R)
Governor-elect: Chris Christie (R)
Virginia gubernatorial election
(R) Atty. Gen. Robert F. McDonnell: 52.1%
(D) Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine: 47.7%
Incumbent Governor: Mark Warner (D)
Governor-elect: Bob McDonnell (R)
Attorney General Bob McDonnell won the Virginia gubernatorial race, defeating Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine. He will succeed outgoing Gov. Mark Warner on Jan. 15.
I have certainly enjoyed this year which is the last “unmolested” year of my presidency. In a few weeks I will have to begin planning for next November’s midterms with the DNC. I renewed Terry McAuliffe’s tenure for another 4 years- whoever becomes the next leader of our party will appoint his successor. He is unequalled at the science of fundraising & organization which will be crucial to retaining the ’04 harvest next year. I was not at all surprised in New Jersey but was mildly shocked in Virginia- Kaine is still young enough to have another shot at it in 2009 but there go his potential national ambitions. If you don’t hit the right rungs at the right age you’ll never live here in the WH- that’s a fact. I’ve known Bob McDonnell for years- one of the few Republicans in our HLS class & he wasn’t exactly coy about it either. The minor flap about the thesis is overrated though I don’t think it helped with female voters. In the next hour I will be boarding AF 1 to head to Aspen for our Xmas vacation. Dad’s 80th was quite the enjoyable occasion- that was at HH rather than the WH at Mother’s request. Go figure- but this is the last big birthday of his that will be in the WH.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Dec. 8
I am back at the WH after a nice skiing holiday in Aspen over Xmas but now it is time to get back to work. My speechwriting team has begun drafting the State of the Union- the first draft was sent to me at Aspen where I had to hide it from everyone & read it after everyone had gone to bed. Dad goes absolutely bonkers when he finds out I bring homework with me on vacation no matter the time of the year. This time he didn’t know so I took a long look at it & sent it back with some major alterations- discussing more domestic priorities than they had envisioned. After all there is precious little for me to discuss with regards to foreign affairs. In Mecca they had another stampede- 400 killed & 500 injured. I asked Prince Bandar whether they could do anything to improve crowd control- little point on going on pilgrimage if you don’t return & get killed for trying to perform religious duties. He said that they’re working on it but the nature of the whole thing makes it difficult. I also offered condolences which he accepted. It would be best for us if he became King but the chances of that happening are somewhere between zero & nil. Putin has shut off the natural gas supply to Ukraine, which is less about price than it is about blackmail on foreign policy. In our most recent discussion he said that he trusted me on the issue of NATO expansion but not my potential successors. That makes more sense than people realize- he will be leaving office nearly a year before I do but has the opportunity of a 2012 comeback. Taking the PM’s post in the interim seems the most likely option in my view- no one will doubt who is really in charge. Got to go- another draft is due in 10 minutes.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Jan. 17, 2006
Saudi Ambassador Prince Bandar leaves the White House after a private meeting with President Kennedy, Jan. 20
Joint Congressional Session, Jan. 31
Thank you all. Mr. Speaker, Vice President Bayh, Members of Congress, members of the Supreme Court and diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Today our Nation lost a beloved, graceful, courageous woman who called America to its founding ideals and carried on a noble dream. Tonight we are comforted by the hope of a glad reunion with the husband who was taken so long ago, and we are grateful for the good life of Coretta Scott King.
Every time I'm invited to this rostrum, I'm humbled by the privilege and mindful of the history we've seen together. We have gathered under this Capitol dome in moments of national mourning and national achievement. We have served America through one of the most consequential periods of our history, and it has been my honor to serve with you.
In a system of two parties, two chambers, and two elected branches, there will always be differences and debate. But even tough debates can be conducted in a civil tone, and our differences cannot be allowed to harden into anger. To confront the great issues before us, we must act in a spirit of goodwill and respect for one another - and I will do my part. Tonight the state of our Union is strong, and together we will make it stronger.
In this decisive year, you and I will make choices that determine both the future and the character of our country. We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom, or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life. We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy, or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting, yet it ends in danger and decline. Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources. And we are on the threshold of incredible advances.
So tonight I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative - a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research - at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy.
We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. We'll also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn but from wood chips and stalks or switch grass. Our goal is to make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within 6 years.
Breakthroughs on this and other new technologies will help us reach another great goal: To replace more than 75 percent of our oil imports from the Middle East by 2025. By applying the talent and technology of America, this country can dramatically improve our environment, move beyond a petroleum-based economy, and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past.
And to keep America competitive, one commitment is necessary above all: We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity. Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hard- working, ambitious people. And we're going to keep that edge. Tonight I announce an American Competitiveness Initiative, to encourage innovation throughout our economy and to give our Nation's children a firm grounding in math and science.
First, I propose to double the Federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years. This funding will support the work of America's most creative minds as they explore promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy sources.
Second, I propose to make permanent the research and development tax credit to encourage bolder private-sector initiatives in technology. With more research in both the public and private sectors, we will improve our quality of life and ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come.
Third, we need to encourage children to take more math and science, and to make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other nations. We've made a good start in the early grades with the No Child Left behind Act, which is raising standards and lifting test scores across our country. Tonight I propose to train 70,000 high school teachers to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science, bring 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in classrooms, and give early help to students who struggle with math, so they have a better chance at good, high-wage jobs. If we ensure that America's children succeed in life, they will ensure that America succeeds in the world.
Preparing our Nation to compete in the world is a goal that all of us can share. I urge you to support the American Competitiveness Initiative, and together we will show the world what the American people can achieve.
America is a great force for freedom and prosperity. Yet our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.
In recent years, America has become a more hopeful nation. Violent crime rates have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1970s. Welfare cases have dropped by more than half over the past decade. Drug use among youth is down 19 percent since 2001. There are fewer abortions in America than at any point in the last three decades, and the number of children born to teenage mothers has been falling for a dozen years in a row.
These gains are evidence of a quiet transformation, a revolution of conscience, in which a rising generation is finding that a life of personal responsibility is a life of fulfillment. Government has played a role. Wise policies, such as welfare reform and drug education and support for abstinence and adoption have made a difference in the character of our country. And everyone here tonight, Democrat and Republican, has a right to be proud of this record…
I have been busy doing fundraisers for both the DSCC & DCCC over the past few weeks which have mostly been quite the bore. Dad wanted to attend a couple for those who he felt especially promising but I said that if he attaches his name to them & they lose it will take a major hit on his image. I nearly got my head bitten off for that one- one thing he will not tolerate is defeatism. I see it as realism- we are on track to lose at least one perhaps both houses of Congress at this rate. For 16 of the past 20 years Democrats have held the White House & over half that time have controlled both houses of Congress. It is only natural that there will be a pro-GOP backlash this far in. Later I had a long talk with Putin about the upcoming G8 summit in Moscow- unlike the past one he has set out a detailed agenda for us to discuss, mainly about counterterrorism & economic issues. It surprises me that he wants to bring up CT given my offer for Russia to join OSCA. Putin replied that they’d prefer to keep their own efforts independent which is understandable. At heart we both know that this is just for show to please the media- though I did get an agreement to pool intelligence with regards to maritime piracy. Later this month I will be heading to Vancouver for a quick bilateral with Harper before jetting off on my first presidential visit to Hawaii, one of my favorite states in the Union.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Apr. 30
Russian President Vladimir Putin, 2006.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Jan. 17, 2006
Saudi Ambassador Prince Bandar leaves the White House after a private meeting with President Kennedy, Jan. 20
Joint Congressional Session, Jan. 31
Thank you all. Mr. Speaker, Vice President Bayh, Members of Congress, members of the Supreme Court and diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Today our Nation lost a beloved, graceful, courageous woman who called America to its founding ideals and carried on a noble dream. Tonight we are comforted by the hope of a glad reunion with the husband who was taken so long ago, and we are grateful for the good life of Coretta Scott King.
Every time I'm invited to this rostrum, I'm humbled by the privilege and mindful of the history we've seen together. We have gathered under this Capitol dome in moments of national mourning and national achievement. We have served America through one of the most consequential periods of our history, and it has been my honor to serve with you.
In a system of two parties, two chambers, and two elected branches, there will always be differences and debate. But even tough debates can be conducted in a civil tone, and our differences cannot be allowed to harden into anger. To confront the great issues before us, we must act in a spirit of goodwill and respect for one another - and I will do my part. Tonight the state of our Union is strong, and together we will make it stronger.
In this decisive year, you and I will make choices that determine both the future and the character of our country. We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom, or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life. We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy, or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting, yet it ends in danger and decline. Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources. And we are on the threshold of incredible advances.
So tonight I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative - a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research - at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy.
We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. We'll also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn but from wood chips and stalks or switch grass. Our goal is to make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within 6 years.
Breakthroughs on this and other new technologies will help us reach another great goal: To replace more than 75 percent of our oil imports from the Middle East by 2025. By applying the talent and technology of America, this country can dramatically improve our environment, move beyond a petroleum-based economy, and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past.
And to keep America competitive, one commitment is necessary above all: We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity. Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hard- working, ambitious people. And we're going to keep that edge. Tonight I announce an American Competitiveness Initiative, to encourage innovation throughout our economy and to give our Nation's children a firm grounding in math and science.
First, I propose to double the Federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years. This funding will support the work of America's most creative minds as they explore promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy sources.
Second, I propose to make permanent the research and development tax credit to encourage bolder private-sector initiatives in technology. With more research in both the public and private sectors, we will improve our quality of life and ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come.
Third, we need to encourage children to take more math and science, and to make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other nations. We've made a good start in the early grades with the No Child Left behind Act, which is raising standards and lifting test scores across our country. Tonight I propose to train 70,000 high school teachers to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science, bring 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in classrooms, and give early help to students who struggle with math, so they have a better chance at good, high-wage jobs. If we ensure that America's children succeed in life, they will ensure that America succeeds in the world.
Preparing our Nation to compete in the world is a goal that all of us can share. I urge you to support the American Competitiveness Initiative, and together we will show the world what the American people can achieve.
America is a great force for freedom and prosperity. Yet our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.
In recent years, America has become a more hopeful nation. Violent crime rates have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1970s. Welfare cases have dropped by more than half over the past decade. Drug use among youth is down 19 percent since 2001. There are fewer abortions in America than at any point in the last three decades, and the number of children born to teenage mothers has been falling for a dozen years in a row.
These gains are evidence of a quiet transformation, a revolution of conscience, in which a rising generation is finding that a life of personal responsibility is a life of fulfillment. Government has played a role. Wise policies, such as welfare reform and drug education and support for abstinence and adoption have made a difference in the character of our country. And everyone here tonight, Democrat and Republican, has a right to be proud of this record…
I have been busy doing fundraisers for both the DSCC & DCCC over the past few weeks which have mostly been quite the bore. Dad wanted to attend a couple for those who he felt especially promising but I said that if he attaches his name to them & they lose it will take a major hit on his image. I nearly got my head bitten off for that one- one thing he will not tolerate is defeatism. I see it as realism- we are on track to lose at least one perhaps both houses of Congress at this rate. For 16 of the past 20 years Democrats have held the White House & over half that time have controlled both houses of Congress. It is only natural that there will be a pro-GOP backlash this far in. Later I had a long talk with Putin about the upcoming G8 summit in Moscow- unlike the past one he has set out a detailed agenda for us to discuss, mainly about counterterrorism & economic issues. It surprises me that he wants to bring up CT given my offer for Russia to join OSCA. Putin replied that they’d prefer to keep their own efforts independent which is understandable. At heart we both know that this is just for show to please the media- though I did get an agreement to pool intelligence with regards to maritime piracy. Later this month I will be heading to Vancouver for a quick bilateral with Harper before jetting off on my first presidential visit to Hawaii, one of my favorite states in the Union.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Apr. 30
Russian President Vladimir Putin, 2006.
What would a…Victory Look like? The Impossible Dream edition
1968
Nixon Victory
Richard M. Nixon (R-NY)/ Spiro T. Agnew (R-MD): 276 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY)/ Carl E. Sanders (D-GA): 245 Electoral Votes
George C. Wallace (AI-AL)/ Curtis LeMay (AI-CA): 17 Electoral Votes
Wallace Victory
George C. Wallace (AI-AL)/ Curtis LeMay (AI-CA): 270 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY)/ Carl E. Sanders (D-GA): 163 Electoral Votes
Richard M. Nixon (R-NY)/ Spiro T. Agnew (R-MD): 105 Electoral Votes
1972
Dominick Victory
Peter H. Dominick (R-CO)/ Charles E. Percy (R-IL): 270 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY)/ Carl E. Sanders (D-GA): 268 Electoral Votes
1976
Sanders Victory
Carl E. Sanders (D-GA)/ Robert Garcia (D-NY): 271 Electoral Votes
Ronald E. Reagan (R-CA)/ Richard S. Schweiker (R-PA): 267 Electoral Votes
1980
Hollings Victory
Ernest F. Hollings(D-SC)/ Gary W. Hart (D-CO): 276 Electoral Votes
Ronald W. Reagan (R-CA)/ Richard S. Schweiker (R-PA): 262 Electoral Votes
1984
Bentsen Victory
Lloyd M. Bentsen (D-TX)/ Rueben O.D Askew (D-FL): 276 Electoral Votes
Richard S. Schweiker (R-PA)/ Richard G. Lugar (R-IN): 262 Electoral Votes
1988
Lugar Victory
Richard G. Lugar (R-IN)/ Paul S. Trible (R-VA): 273 Electoral Votes
William J. Clinton (D-AK)/ Ann W. Richards (D-TX): 265 Electoral Votes
1992
Gramm Victory
Philip L. Gramm (R-TX)/ Maureen E. Reagan (R-CA): 270 Electoral Votes
William J. Clinton (D-AK)/ Ann W. Richards (D-TX): 268 Electoral Votes
1996
Richards Victory
Ann W. Richards (D-TX)/ Melvin E. Carnahan(D-MO): 271 Electoral Votes
Maureen E. Richards (R-CA)/ George W. Bush (R-TX): 267 Electoral Votes
2000
Reagan Victory
Maureen E. Reagan (R-CA)/ George W. Bush (R-TX): 271 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (D-NY)/ Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT): 267 Electoral Votes
2004
Huckabee Victory
Michael R. Huckabee (R-AK)/ Peter F. Fitzgerald (R-IL): 271 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (D-NY)/ Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT): 267 Electoral Votes
1968
Nixon Victory
Richard M. Nixon (R-NY)/ Spiro T. Agnew (R-MD): 276 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY)/ Carl E. Sanders (D-GA): 245 Electoral Votes
George C. Wallace (AI-AL)/ Curtis LeMay (AI-CA): 17 Electoral Votes
Wallace Victory
George C. Wallace (AI-AL)/ Curtis LeMay (AI-CA): 270 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY)/ Carl E. Sanders (D-GA): 163 Electoral Votes
Richard M. Nixon (R-NY)/ Spiro T. Agnew (R-MD): 105 Electoral Votes
1972
Dominick Victory
Peter H. Dominick (R-CO)/ Charles E. Percy (R-IL): 270 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY)/ Carl E. Sanders (D-GA): 268 Electoral Votes
1976
Sanders Victory
Carl E. Sanders (D-GA)/ Robert Garcia (D-NY): 271 Electoral Votes
Ronald E. Reagan (R-CA)/ Richard S. Schweiker (R-PA): 267 Electoral Votes
1980
Hollings Victory
Ernest F. Hollings(D-SC)/ Gary W. Hart (D-CO): 276 Electoral Votes
Ronald W. Reagan (R-CA)/ Richard S. Schweiker (R-PA): 262 Electoral Votes
1984
Bentsen Victory
Lloyd M. Bentsen (D-TX)/ Rueben O.D Askew (D-FL): 276 Electoral Votes
Richard S. Schweiker (R-PA)/ Richard G. Lugar (R-IN): 262 Electoral Votes
1988
Lugar Victory
Richard G. Lugar (R-IN)/ Paul S. Trible (R-VA): 273 Electoral Votes
William J. Clinton (D-AK)/ Ann W. Richards (D-TX): 265 Electoral Votes
1992
Gramm Victory
Philip L. Gramm (R-TX)/ Maureen E. Reagan (R-CA): 270 Electoral Votes
William J. Clinton (D-AK)/ Ann W. Richards (D-TX): 268 Electoral Votes
1996
Richards Victory
Ann W. Richards (D-TX)/ Melvin E. Carnahan(D-MO): 271 Electoral Votes
Maureen E. Richards (R-CA)/ George W. Bush (R-TX): 267 Electoral Votes
2000
Reagan Victory
Maureen E. Reagan (R-CA)/ George W. Bush (R-TX): 271 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (D-NY)/ Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT): 267 Electoral Votes
2004
Huckabee Victory
Michael R. Huckabee (R-AK)/ Peter F. Fitzgerald (R-IL): 271 Electoral Votes
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (D-NY)/ Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT): 267 Electoral Votes
Wait, I thought Warner was the VP, so shouldn't the incumbent governor be someone else?
Also excellent job Historico.
Also excellent job Historico.
In addition to the 2004 results, there have now been 4 State of the Unions referencing Vice President Bayh. Joe Lieberman died back in November 2001.
Today we received very bad news- Rosemary died at the age of 87. Dad & Mother are quite inconsolable on the matter- I don’t remember her that well except when we used to go to Thanksgiving at Jean’s or Eunice’s & she’d be there. The funeral mass was held at [REDACTED] which was an entirely private event even though the media did put in a limited appearance. They were told by one of my aides that entering & exiting is fine but absolutely nothing else. These ones were decent & moral people & honoured our request for privacy at such a moment. Last week was the bilateral with Harper which went well as usual. We discussed just about everything under the sun, from politics to sports and back again. He also is a bit suspicious of Putin’s plans for the G8 in St. Pete’s but agrees that obtaining cooperation on maritime piracy was an important, if somewhat symbolic one. After the meeting I jetted off to Hawaii for some time in the sun with Emily- John was a bit miffed that he had to stay home & man the press shop in my absence. As we are beginning to see the first 2008 articles appearing in the media they have narrowed it down to 3 possible options. Two of those options for our nomination are painfully obvious for anyone with an iota of inside info; the third is hardly credible even to my shop-worn eyes. I mean, they seriously think [REDACTED] would ever get the nomination while I sit in this chair? The idea is absurd. Another much-hyped candidate has ruled themselves out, 99% voluntarily. I had to supply the remaining 1%. Much more interesting was those in the GOP field, but I think there is 1 or 2 who they are leaving out. Those 1 or 2 could be the potential nominee in 2008 if they play their cards well enough.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 8
The President and First Lady attended the funeral of the President's aunt Rosemary in Boston today. [AP, May 7]
I travelled to Europe this month for the 61st anniversary of VE-Day & will be heading to Hawaii for the 61st of VJ-Day in August. In the UK I did my usual tour & meetings with Bill & HM before heading off to the Elysée to confer with Jacques Chirac. This will be his last G8 conference before leaving office next year & we are all going to have a dinner in his honour in St. Pete’s after a quick talk with Putin on the phone again today. Then it was to Germany & Merkel who is doing an excellent job- like me in her second term. Finally I went to Italy & Berlusconi who was as funny & outrageous as always. He’s constantly embroiled in scandal but has done a good job as PM. It’s not like there is any other option- in power for 12 years now which is the longest tenure of anyone except Benny the Moose. After the European jaunt I returned home to find better news about the House but not the Senate. If those patterns continue it will be simply weird. An incumbent party in what we all call “Decapitation Year” losing the Senate but retaining the House has never happened in my lifetime so it will be interesting to see what happens. As I’ve told certain individuals; this shit would be really interesting if we weren’t in the middle of it. That reminds me- speaking of which I have headlined even more fundraisers, but this time for the House. Keeping the Senate under our control would actually be more of a hindrance than a boon to my legislative agenda in the last two years of my presidency. Obviously I cannot voice such views to anyone- the only ones who do know are John & HRC. Both see my POV but think it is unnecessarily cynical. The alternative would have been trying to foster a coup in the Senate- which is an absurdity. Therefore, this is the only alternative.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 30
More news out of Europe- Montenegro & Serbia has peacefully divorced which makes perfect sense to State & I. Also this week the World Cup started which to me is an incredible bore- as it is in most of the country. I have been force-fed midterm polling to the point where I have asked the DNC to send me only 1 weekly update- I have other things to take care of, like preparing for both the G8 & a state visit to Russia, which will mean I will arrive 3 days earlier than the other leaders. Rice said that it will be overshadowed by the G8 but I could care a lot less about that. What are important are the commitments I get from my fellow leaders, not the amount of speculative ink printed in the New York Times. To be fair to them & media generally have been generally supportive of what we have done in the past 5 years. Another trip that I have planned for this summer just before the G8 is a state visit to Oz, which is the only major country that we haven’t visited in the past 5 years. It will be winter there so I will be sure to dress appropriately. Israel has launched another Gaza offensive- mouthed the usual platitudes about restraint to get certain foreign leaders & Helen Thomas off my back. Thank God Dad kicked her out of the WH front-row seat in ’70 after the War of Attrition. Anyhow, I have been spending as much time as the schedule will allow either at HP or the WH pool here which puts both John & I in a completely relaxed mood. Dad said that he would attend a fundraiser for Jim Webb in Virginia as will Bill & I. It will be a star-studded event with massive security- you have the first family, a Cabinet member (HRC) & 2 former presidents.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, June 10
Virginia Senate candidate Jim Webb at a Fairfax rally, June 22.
I attended the fundraiser for Jim Webb, which was held in Fairfax. It was quite the evening & I told everyone to give as much as they could to ensure that we hold this seat for the Democratic Party. Webb is an interesting man- he served in all 3 of the Republican administrations of the 1980s but joined us in 1991 after the so-called “New Right” led by Gingrich & Cheney took over. I told him that there are no Rockefeller Republicans anymore- we Federalists are the modern-day equivalent, to which he laughed & said that now he felt better about the switch. Both the Clintons & Dad agree with me that this is a sure pickup from George Allen, who is being strongly pushed as a potential GOP nominee in ’08. I think Allen is a lightweight, with which all of us agree, but among others FOX Noise pushes him hard as a so-called “common sense conservative”. What a load of bull if I ever saw one. The past few days have been highly enjoyable here at HP as we relax before I head to Russia next week. In more tragic news there was a terrorist bombing of a commuter train in Mumbai- over 200 killed. Again I called Dr Singh to offer condolences of my behalf & that of the country. A couple of airline crashes in Asia, but apart from that no major news in the region. Final preparations for Russia are underway- we leave the day after tomorrow which makes my day. I’m sad to leave HP but sure as hell not unhappy to get out of DC.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, July 4
I just returned from my week-long visit to Russia, first for a state visit & then for the G8. The state visit was par for the course- though the discussions with Putin were informative as always. At the G8 for once every single item on the agenda was discussed at appropriate length & all of us agreed on the necessary steps that need to be taken on the economy & counterterrorism. Today I sent out a memo to all Cabinet members & senior administration officials that anyone who wished to leave the administration for private life had to submit their resignations before December 1 of this year. Anyone who doesn’t will be staying on until January 20, 2009 when we all leave office. So far no one has volunteered to leave office which is exactly what I expected. There are precious few souls who would go through the hassle of vetting, confirmation & orientation just for a 2-year stint in what the media will consider a lame-duck administration after November. In Thailand the military is thinking of ousting PM Thaksin- I let them know directly from the US Embassy that such an outcome is unacceptable to us. The alternative is having their arms supply cut off for this year- specifically the F-16s that were ordered 6 months ago. That was enough to bring them into line- I sure as hell don’t need that sort of distraction when I’m trying to hold the House in November.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Aug. 22
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shiwanatra waves to a Bangkok crowd, Aug. 23
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 8
The President and First Lady attended the funeral of the President's aunt Rosemary in Boston today. [AP, May 7]
I travelled to Europe this month for the 61st anniversary of VE-Day & will be heading to Hawaii for the 61st of VJ-Day in August. In the UK I did my usual tour & meetings with Bill & HM before heading off to the Elysée to confer with Jacques Chirac. This will be his last G8 conference before leaving office next year & we are all going to have a dinner in his honour in St. Pete’s after a quick talk with Putin on the phone again today. Then it was to Germany & Merkel who is doing an excellent job- like me in her second term. Finally I went to Italy & Berlusconi who was as funny & outrageous as always. He’s constantly embroiled in scandal but has done a good job as PM. It’s not like there is any other option- in power for 12 years now which is the longest tenure of anyone except Benny the Moose. After the European jaunt I returned home to find better news about the House but not the Senate. If those patterns continue it will be simply weird. An incumbent party in what we all call “Decapitation Year” losing the Senate but retaining the House has never happened in my lifetime so it will be interesting to see what happens. As I’ve told certain individuals; this shit would be really interesting if we weren’t in the middle of it. That reminds me- speaking of which I have headlined even more fundraisers, but this time for the House. Keeping the Senate under our control would actually be more of a hindrance than a boon to my legislative agenda in the last two years of my presidency. Obviously I cannot voice such views to anyone- the only ones who do know are John & HRC. Both see my POV but think it is unnecessarily cynical. The alternative would have been trying to foster a coup in the Senate- which is an absurdity. Therefore, this is the only alternative.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 30
More news out of Europe- Montenegro & Serbia has peacefully divorced which makes perfect sense to State & I. Also this week the World Cup started which to me is an incredible bore- as it is in most of the country. I have been force-fed midterm polling to the point where I have asked the DNC to send me only 1 weekly update- I have other things to take care of, like preparing for both the G8 & a state visit to Russia, which will mean I will arrive 3 days earlier than the other leaders. Rice said that it will be overshadowed by the G8 but I could care a lot less about that. What are important are the commitments I get from my fellow leaders, not the amount of speculative ink printed in the New York Times. To be fair to them & media generally have been generally supportive of what we have done in the past 5 years. Another trip that I have planned for this summer just before the G8 is a state visit to Oz, which is the only major country that we haven’t visited in the past 5 years. It will be winter there so I will be sure to dress appropriately. Israel has launched another Gaza offensive- mouthed the usual platitudes about restraint to get certain foreign leaders & Helen Thomas off my back. Thank God Dad kicked her out of the WH front-row seat in ’70 after the War of Attrition. Anyhow, I have been spending as much time as the schedule will allow either at HP or the WH pool here which puts both John & I in a completely relaxed mood. Dad said that he would attend a fundraiser for Jim Webb in Virginia as will Bill & I. It will be a star-studded event with massive security- you have the first family, a Cabinet member (HRC) & 2 former presidents.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, June 10
Virginia Senate candidate Jim Webb at a Fairfax rally, June 22.
I attended the fundraiser for Jim Webb, which was held in Fairfax. It was quite the evening & I told everyone to give as much as they could to ensure that we hold this seat for the Democratic Party. Webb is an interesting man- he served in all 3 of the Republican administrations of the 1980s but joined us in 1991 after the so-called “New Right” led by Gingrich & Cheney took over. I told him that there are no Rockefeller Republicans anymore- we Federalists are the modern-day equivalent, to which he laughed & said that now he felt better about the switch. Both the Clintons & Dad agree with me that this is a sure pickup from George Allen, who is being strongly pushed as a potential GOP nominee in ’08. I think Allen is a lightweight, with which all of us agree, but among others FOX Noise pushes him hard as a so-called “common sense conservative”. What a load of bull if I ever saw one. The past few days have been highly enjoyable here at HP as we relax before I head to Russia next week. In more tragic news there was a terrorist bombing of a commuter train in Mumbai- over 200 killed. Again I called Dr Singh to offer condolences of my behalf & that of the country. A couple of airline crashes in Asia, but apart from that no major news in the region. Final preparations for Russia are underway- we leave the day after tomorrow which makes my day. I’m sad to leave HP but sure as hell not unhappy to get out of DC.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, July 4
I just returned from my week-long visit to Russia, first for a state visit & then for the G8. The state visit was par for the course- though the discussions with Putin were informative as always. At the G8 for once every single item on the agenda was discussed at appropriate length & all of us agreed on the necessary steps that need to be taken on the economy & counterterrorism. Today I sent out a memo to all Cabinet members & senior administration officials that anyone who wished to leave the administration for private life had to submit their resignations before December 1 of this year. Anyone who doesn’t will be staying on until January 20, 2009 when we all leave office. So far no one has volunteered to leave office which is exactly what I expected. There are precious few souls who would go through the hassle of vetting, confirmation & orientation just for a 2-year stint in what the media will consider a lame-duck administration after November. In Thailand the military is thinking of ousting PM Thaksin- I let them know directly from the US Embassy that such an outcome is unacceptable to us. The alternative is having their arms supply cut off for this year- specifically the F-16s that were ordered 6 months ago. That was enough to bring them into line- I sure as hell don’t need that sort of distraction when I’m trying to hold the House in November.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Aug. 22
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shiwanatra waves to a Bangkok crowd, Aug. 23
First off, the TL ends 40 years after it began, with the 2008 election. That picture is more relevant because RFK Jr. is getting divorced for the second time. I suspected this would happen back in May with the original incident. Am I surprised? Mildly- since '83 he's kept clean personally but politically is as left-Bachmannite as ever.
Jesus. Why can't OTL be YourTTL? Solid couple of updates. The Thailand coup avoidance is a good detail.
I like Webb.
If I had to summarize the Kennedys, it would be "déjà vu all over again". They've been married since '84- he went completely clean of drugs in '83 at the age of 29 and to paraphrase him, "found his faith again". He divorced Emily Black in '83 after a year of marriage- they both worked in Morgenthau's office as assistant DAs. It's sort of a family tradition- John Jr. worked in that office as well a few years later. So this will be the third time if he marries again- though at 56 the prospects are decidely dicey. A very long way from Joe Sr.'s fiat of "marriage is for life, period."
I am back in DC for the medium haul known as the fall Congressional session. Nothing of any relevance is being debated because of the midterms which have now completely immersed Washington. Everything & anything discussed in the media or in the domestic sections of the major media outlets are discussing them. Of course, on Nov. 9 they will start talking about 2008 which fits well with the 2-year cycles that American politics have run on since 1960. Right now I am focused on all 3 sectors- House, Senate & governorships. The latter come down to local factors & there are no high-profile races that overly concern me. Congress does because that will determine the final phase of my presidency. We also have to keep up momentum for 2008 on the presidential level which will not help if the base is depressed. Actually, the GOP taking over 1 or both houses might not be such a bad thing if Joe were not Speaker. My reasoning is simple- [REDACTED] can just blame Cheney & Gingrich for obstructionism if things get out of hand. I don’t think they will obstruct, as a matter of fact I need them to kill a certain pet project of the left that I feel is long overdue. I have informed HRC of my intentions & she said that it is entirely legal to do so. The best time to do this will be in November after the midterm elections. That way the storm will blow over before January when the race will begin. Actually I changed the plan- the executive order will come in the middle of January with the budget so they don’t make a huge commotion about it. One thing I dislike about modern-day DC that changed substantially from my childhood & Dad’s presidency is that nothing on the domestic scene can be done quietly. There is always some journalist who wants to blow our cover.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 8
For the first time in recent memory, the incumbent party is tied with the opposition in fundraising in a “6” year which is excellent news. I have been speaking for selected House & Senate candidates in toss-up races & my favourites in safe or leaning races. There’s no point in expending all our resources on the midterms when all the available resources are going to be required in 2008. Jim Webb is tied with George Allen, which is one race I am going to spend a lot of time on. Ditto for Claire McCaskill in Missouri who has been a Federalist throughout her political career- we need more Federalist women in the party. There are precious few of them right now as it is. Yesterday was a fundraiser which I attended for her in St. Louis & also made a stump speech on her behalf. Missouri & Virginia are the 2 races that interest me the most- all the others don’t interest me one bit. I took another call from John Howard who wanted to shoot the political breeze. He is up for a third term next year but is facing rumbles within his own party about retirement- he’s now 67. I see no reason to rush things- he said that after the next election he’ll retire about halfway through the term to allow a successor a decent shot at the top job. Later I took a call from GMA about renewing the base treaty & APEC politics generally. She was my strongest backer for intervention with the Thai military in APEC & we discussed our joint counterterrorism efforts in Mindanao. It’s not so much the Moro ultranationalists as the Islamist MILF terrorists that are the problem. After all, Marcos gave them enough autonomy in ’74 to hang themselves with & they took advantage of the opportunity which is why the region is relatively peaceful today.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 29
Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Sept. 2006.
I addressed the UN General Assembly, which mostly hit on the points of cooperation against terrorism, economic liberalization and commitment to human rights. Only terrorism went over especially well- not that I had great expectations for the speech anyways. The final piece of the legislative puzzle known as my presidency will be completed with FTAA which now that Venezuela is back on our side, is nearing ratification within the next 15 months. Problem is, to pass that will mean that certain people will not like what I have in mind, but it is absolutely necessary. More speechmaking & fundraising are what I have to do for the next 2 months & for the most part I hate every minute of it. Many of the freshmen are already professionals before they enter- as staffers or assistants for the most part which I see as a welcome development- that’s how I started over 20 years ago. In the interim I took another call from Harper & one from Bill Hague. Both discussed the usual subjects but it was still a pleasant respite from the constant demands for appearances from our candidates. I told Terry M- Evan B will be handling 90% of the appearances between now & November. As a matter of fact he will be our chief campaigner- unlike the rest of us he has the time to do so as 1 of my 2 political trouble-shooters (the other being HRC). Later today Terry sent me a list of 5 Senate races & 15 House races where my appearance on repeated occasions would help our candidates. To this I assented without complaint since it is a limited amount of candidates for whom I can devote 100% of my attention which is needed in other areas at the moment. Most specifically, the upcoming APEC Summit hosted by GMA in Manila which will begin on Nov. 11 through 13. I will have to leave here early on the 10th so I will not be here when they will be doing most of the midterm number-crunching.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 11
I just returned from Alexandria & a Jim Webb fundraiser. He has finally begun to pull ahead of George Allen but the race is still neck & neck, too close to call. All 4 of us think he can win because he is right on the issues & Allen is not running the best campaign. The only former football player who’d I’d want to see elected POTUS would be Jack Kemp who similar to us Federalists uses market solutions to solve urban problems. Polling shows that we will likely retain the House by a slim majority but lose the Senate. Personally I don’t see anything wrong with a Majority Leader Gingrich but all the lefties are going batshit insane over it. That would not be necessary if I was assured of Pelosi’s cooperation on FTAA & I know that I will not get her cooperation on anything- we’re barely on speaking terms as it is. Al-Jazeera has launched its English-language network here in the US- I do not see why the FCC approved that sort of thing. At least viewers will have a choice, not an echo, of the various TV channels. I hope we keep control of the House next week; otherwise there will be major consequences on this side of the aisle. A call from Thaksin in Bangkok- I told him of what happened & he is profoundly grateful for our intervention on his behalf.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 31
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 8
For the first time in recent memory, the incumbent party is tied with the opposition in fundraising in a “6” year which is excellent news. I have been speaking for selected House & Senate candidates in toss-up races & my favourites in safe or leaning races. There’s no point in expending all our resources on the midterms when all the available resources are going to be required in 2008. Jim Webb is tied with George Allen, which is one race I am going to spend a lot of time on. Ditto for Claire McCaskill in Missouri who has been a Federalist throughout her political career- we need more Federalist women in the party. There are precious few of them right now as it is. Yesterday was a fundraiser which I attended for her in St. Louis & also made a stump speech on her behalf. Missouri & Virginia are the 2 races that interest me the most- all the others don’t interest me one bit. I took another call from John Howard who wanted to shoot the political breeze. He is up for a third term next year but is facing rumbles within his own party about retirement- he’s now 67. I see no reason to rush things- he said that after the next election he’ll retire about halfway through the term to allow a successor a decent shot at the top job. Later I took a call from GMA about renewing the base treaty & APEC politics generally. She was my strongest backer for intervention with the Thai military in APEC & we discussed our joint counterterrorism efforts in Mindanao. It’s not so much the Moro ultranationalists as the Islamist MILF terrorists that are the problem. After all, Marcos gave them enough autonomy in ’74 to hang themselves with & they took advantage of the opportunity which is why the region is relatively peaceful today.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 29
Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Sept. 2006.
I addressed the UN General Assembly, which mostly hit on the points of cooperation against terrorism, economic liberalization and commitment to human rights. Only terrorism went over especially well- not that I had great expectations for the speech anyways. The final piece of the legislative puzzle known as my presidency will be completed with FTAA which now that Venezuela is back on our side, is nearing ratification within the next 15 months. Problem is, to pass that will mean that certain people will not like what I have in mind, but it is absolutely necessary. More speechmaking & fundraising are what I have to do for the next 2 months & for the most part I hate every minute of it. Many of the freshmen are already professionals before they enter- as staffers or assistants for the most part which I see as a welcome development- that’s how I started over 20 years ago. In the interim I took another call from Harper & one from Bill Hague. Both discussed the usual subjects but it was still a pleasant respite from the constant demands for appearances from our candidates. I told Terry M- Evan B will be handling 90% of the appearances between now & November. As a matter of fact he will be our chief campaigner- unlike the rest of us he has the time to do so as 1 of my 2 political trouble-shooters (the other being HRC). Later today Terry sent me a list of 5 Senate races & 15 House races where my appearance on repeated occasions would help our candidates. To this I assented without complaint since it is a limited amount of candidates for whom I can devote 100% of my attention which is needed in other areas at the moment. Most specifically, the upcoming APEC Summit hosted by GMA in Manila which will begin on Nov. 11 through 13. I will have to leave here early on the 10th so I will not be here when they will be doing most of the midterm number-crunching.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 11
I just returned from Alexandria & a Jim Webb fundraiser. He has finally begun to pull ahead of George Allen but the race is still neck & neck, too close to call. All 4 of us think he can win because he is right on the issues & Allen is not running the best campaign. The only former football player who’d I’d want to see elected POTUS would be Jack Kemp who similar to us Federalists uses market solutions to solve urban problems. Polling shows that we will likely retain the House by a slim majority but lose the Senate. Personally I don’t see anything wrong with a Majority Leader Gingrich but all the lefties are going batshit insane over it. That would not be necessary if I was assured of Pelosi’s cooperation on FTAA & I know that I will not get her cooperation on anything- we’re barely on speaking terms as it is. Al-Jazeera has launched its English-language network here in the US- I do not see why the FCC approved that sort of thing. At least viewers will have a choice, not an echo, of the various TV channels. I hope we keep control of the House next week; otherwise there will be major consequences on this side of the aisle. A call from Thaksin in Bangkok- I told him of what happened & he is profoundly grateful for our intervention on his behalf.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 31
U.S. midterm elections, Nov. 7
House
Democratic: 221 seats (-23)
Democratic: 214 seats
Incumbent Speaker: Joe Kennedy II (D-MA)
Democratic: 221 seats (-23)
Democratic: 214 seats
Incumbent Speaker: Joe Kennedy II (D-MA)
Senate
Republican: 51 seats (+1)
Democratic: 49 seats
Incumbent Majority Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
Majority Leader-elect: Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
Republican: 51 seats (+1)
Democratic: 49 seats
Incumbent Majority Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
Majority Leader-elect: Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
Incumbent Minority Leader: Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
Minority Leader-elect: Bob Torricelli (D-NJ)
Minority Leader-elect: Bob Torricelli (D-NJ)
Kean Jr. (R-NJ) defeats Menendez (D-NJ)
Steele (R-MD) defeats Cardin (D-MD)
Webb (D-VA) defeats Allen (R-VA)
Brown (R-MA) defeats Kerry (D-MA)
McCaskill (D-MO) defeats Talent (R-MO)
Steele (R-MD) defeats Cardin (D-MD)
Webb (D-VA) defeats Allen (R-VA)
Brown (R-MA) defeats Kerry (D-MA)
McCaskill (D-MO) defeats Talent (R-MO)
State Auditor Claire McCaskill declares her victory in the Missouri Senate race over Republican Sen. Jim Talent.
In an upset that reverberated from the White House to Newt Gingrich himself, four-term Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) was defeated by Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Brown (R) by a 50.4-49.1 margin.
My ideal scenario came to pass according to the reports I received from DC while attending the APEC summit here in Manila. Nancy Pelosi announced that she will not stay on as Minority Leader & also it is well known according to my sources that she will not seek a sixth term in the Senate & will retire in 2010. The new Minority Leader is Bob Torricelli, who’s a good friend of mine & is a Federalist who I can count on to press our agenda in the Senate. Here at APEC we have been discussing counterterrorism & specifically the OSA Pact which we all signed with the Manila Protocols on Nov. 15. Now we are all committed to a joint CT effort which will make Asian ops a lot easier. Without the civilian burdens which are imposed on OSCE this organization should be infinitely more efficient- mostly military & intelligence types with a few from foreign ministries. When I came home the press was already awash with reports of who the 2008 candidates will be for both parties & they were mostly correct. The day after I returned I spoke to [REDACTED] & they got the all-clear for launch signal from me. All our resources will be thrown into that fight to ensure another victory two Novembers down the road. As I speak we are preparing to head to Vermont for another skiing holiday. Oops- got to go- Marine One is ready.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Dec. 7
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at an Ottawa press conference, Dec.12. State Department sources tip Harper as the President's "partner in ruthlessness."
Philippine Prime Minister Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo addresses the media upon the signing of the Manila Accords, establishing the Organization for Asian Security.
I'm not so sure about the Brown victory over Kerry.
Brown's OTL victory had much more to do with his opponent, Coakley, and her backers, the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and less to do with him. While the media immediately spun it as some sort of Obama referendum, the voters interviewed as they left the polls didn't mention national issues at all.
Also, unlike a "real" senate race, the OTL campaign only lasted about a month and then during the busy end-of-year holiday season. That meant Coakley didn't have time to recover from her catastrophic early mistakes, if that was possible, and the party didn't have much time to unite behind her and mobilize.
Brown may turn out to be a fine senator, only time will tell. But even he must admit privately that his election was a one-time fluke.
Brown's OTL victory had much more to do with his opponent, Coakley, and her backers, the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and less to do with him. While the media immediately spun it as some sort of Obama referendum, the voters interviewed as they left the polls didn't mention national issues at all.
Also, unlike a "real" senate race, the OTL campaign only lasted about a month and then during the busy end-of-year holiday season. That meant Coakley didn't have time to recover from her catastrophic early mistakes, if that was possible, and the party didn't have much time to unite behind her and mobilize.
Brown may turn out to be a fine senator, only time will tell. But even he must admit privately that his election was a one-time fluke.
You listed the Dems twice in your House recap. Is that Michael Steele in MD?
Despite being what may be considered a liberal/progressive/whathaveyou I like Scott Brown better than Kerry, but I guess that is just a gut feeling rather than policy wise.
Despite being what may be considered a liberal/progressive/whathaveyou I like Scott Brown better than Kerry, but I guess that is just a gut feeling rather than policy wise.