I'll correct the House, but yes, Steele did win the MD Senate race. Next is what everyone's been waiting for- the conclusion of the TL with the 2-year saga of the 2008 presidential election. 
The Impossible Dream
- Thread starter RogueBeaver
- Start date
I happen to like Scott Brown too, but I realize the OTL election was more a case of Martha Coakley losing than Scott Brown winning.
Granted, this time line must have tons of butterflies flapping all over the globe, but we haven't seen Senator Kerry stepping all over his own genitalia, in either the Capital or back in Massachusetts, as Coakley most certainly did during her 30 day march to disaster. I don't think a day went by without her cramming her foot back into her mouth up to the knee.
The reasons behind Brown's win could very well be below the level of resolution of this time line. However, because Brown's win was so odd in the OTL it requires a bit more explanation in the ATL.
First off, my next TL has already started. Secondly, you're hyperthyroidic, just like someone else. You're not eating chocolate ice cream with beer*, are you?
*A frequent occurrence IOTL.
*A frequent occurrence IOTL.
I have just returned from a highly enjoyable family skiing vacation in Vermont. Now everyone is set for launch within three weeks. I have spoken to [REDACTED] & all we are waiting for is the formal announcement. I know exactly who the GOP candidates will be- all are male for one thing. The new Congress has convened & I have submitted FTAA for ratification, though it will not actually be taken up until the budget is passed next month. Today I sent out a memo to all Cabinet members excluding [REDACTED] that [REDACTED]’s candidacy is to be 100% supported by everyone in this administration. The Republicans have many natural advantages already, not least the fact that we’ve been in power for 16 of the past 20 years & many voters are looking for a change. I spoke to Putin again today- he cut off gas supplies not just to Ukraine but also to Poland & Germany. This is a serious issue- not just some countries in Russia’s sphere of influence but Western European countries. He said that it is a price dispute & they are refusing to pay a fair price. We both know that’s 100% BS- he is trying to blackmail them into agreeing with his foreign policy demands. Later I called Merkel & Polish Pres to insist that they become energy independent or at least receive a majority of their supply from somewhere other than Russia. For Christ’s sake- Schroeder is a paid shill for Putin now that he sits on the pipeline board. Whoever knew that one foreign leader could buy another- surely unprecedented in modern times? Anyhow later I convened the first strategy session for the campaign & then turned it over to [REDACTED]. We both agreed that preserving independence is an absolute must otherwise there will be serious issues with the media. I also expect the Delta issue to arise again but I have no idea how that will be handled.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Jan. 12, 2007
Joint Congressional Session, Jan. 23
Two Members of the House and Senate are not with us tonight, and we pray for the recovery and speedy return of Senator Tim Johnson and Congressman Charlie Norwood.
Mr. Speaker, Vice President Bayh, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: The rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour when decisions are hard and courage is needed. We enter the year 2007 with large endeavors underway and others that are ours to begin. In all of this, much is asked of us. We must have the will to face difficult challenges and determined enemies and the wisdom to face them together.
Some in this Chamber are new to the House and the Senate, and I congratulate the Republican majority in the Senate. Congress has changed, but not our responsibilities. Each of us is guided by our own convictions, and to these we must stay faithful. Yet we're all held to the same standards and called to serve the same good purposes: to extend this Nation's prosperity; to spend the people's money wisely; to solve problems, not leave them to future generations; to guard America against all evil; and to keep faith with those we have sent forth to defend us.
We're not the first to come here with a Government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and we can achieve big things for the American people. Our citizens don't much care which side of the aisle we sit on, as long as we're willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done. Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans and to help them build a future of hope and opportunity, and this is the business before us tonight.
A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy, and that is what we have. We're now in the 41st month of uninterrupted job growth, a recovery that has created 7.2 million new jobs so far. Unemployment is low; inflation is low; wages are rising. This economy is on the move, and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government but with more enterprise.
Next week, I'll deliver a full report on the state of our economy. Tonight I want to discuss three economic reforms that deserve to be priorities for this Congress. Yet even with all these steps, we cannot fully secure the border unless we take pressure off the border, and that requires a temporary-worker program. We should establish a legal and orderly path for foreign workers to enter our country to work on a temporary basis. As a result, they won't have to try to sneak in, and that will leave border agents free to chase down drug smugglers and criminals and terrorists. We'll enforce our immigration laws at the worksite and give employers the tools to verify the legal status of their workers, so there's no excuse left for violating the law.
We need to uphold the great tradition of the melting pot that welcomes and assimilates new arrivals. We need to resolve the status of the illegal immigrants who are already in our country without animosity and without amnesty. Convictions run deep in this Capitol when it comes to immigration. Let us have a serious, civil, and conclusive debate, so that you can pass and I can sign comprehensive immigration reform into law.
It's in our vital interest to diversify America's energy supply. The way forward is through technology. We must continue changing the way America generates electric power by even greater use of clean coal technology, solar and wind energy, and clean, safe nuclear power. We need to press on with battery research for plug-in and hybrid vehicles and expand the use of clean diesel vehicles and biodiesel fuel. We must continue investing in new methods of producing ethanol, using everything from wood chips to grasses to agricultural wastes.
We made a lot of progress, thanks to good policies here in Washington and the strong response of the market. And now even more dramatic advances are within reach. Tonight I ask Congress to join me in pursuing a great goal. Let us build on the work we've done and reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 percent in the next 10 years. When we do that, we will have cut our total imports by the equivalent of three-quarters of all the oil we now import from the Middle East.
To reach this goal, we must increase the supply of alternative fuels by setting a mandatory fuels standard to require 35 billion gallons of renewable and alternative fuels in 2017--and that is nearly five times the current target. At the same time, we need to reform and modernize fuel economy standards for cars the way we did for light trucks and conserve up to 8 1/2 billion more gallons of gasoline by 2017.
Achieving these ambitious goals will dramatically reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but it's not going to eliminate it. And so as we continue to diversify our fuel supply, we must step up domestic oil production in environmentally sensitive ways. And to further protect America against severe disruptions to our oil supply, I ask Congress to double the current capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
America is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that will enable us to live our lives less dependent on oil. And these technologies will help us be better stewards of the environment, and they will help us to confront the serious challenge of global climate change.
A future of hope and opportunity requires a fair, impartial system of justice. The lives of our citizens across our Nation are affected by the outcome of cases pending in our Federal courts. We have a shared obligation to ensure that the Federal courts have enough judges to hear those cases and deliver timely rulings. As President, I have a duty to nominate qualified men and women to vacancies on the Federal bench, and the United States Senate has a duty as well, to give those nominees a fair hearing and a prompt up-or-down vote on the Senate floor…
“I’m in to win.”
- Attorney General Hillary Rodham Clinton, Jan. 20
“I am a candidate for President of the United States.”
- Sen. Rudy Giuliani (R-NY), Jan. 22
“I am declaring my candidacy for the presidency of the United States.”
- Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Jan. 25
“I am a candidate for President of the United States.”
- Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA), Jan. 27
“I am declaring my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.”
- Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), Jan. 29
Candidates Gallery, 2008
Democratic
Attorney General Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-IL)
Republican
Sen. Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)
Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA)
Gov. Mitt Romney (R-PA)
Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA)
All has been going exceedingly well these past few weeks with regards to the campaign. No clear Republican frontrunner has emerged from the pack which makes Hillary’s job that much easier. To think that no one saw this coming & now are talking about how strong a candidate she will be! This is something that neither Dad nor Uncle Jack accomplished- surprising the media with a presidential candidacy. I am letting her run her campaign independent of me but I have offered all my campaign resources + her own + Bill’s + those of the DNC. That’s enough to win another landslide like LBJ in 1964 if it was the only thing that mattered. Unfortunately, it isn’t all that matters- there are many obstacles to overcome. She is running slightly to my left which is mostly a party-unification ploy though I know HRC has never been as big on free trade as the 3 of us. She says that everything I did will be left untouched but I was slightly irritated when she promised a “softer” Democratic Party which is code for “slightly more progressive” as everyone knows. At around 2 I took a call from Angela Merkel, who is hosting this year’s G7 in Munich & wants to know if I had anything specific in mind to be added to the agenda. I said no- but we did discuss Schroeder’s being a paid shill for Putin which appalled her. Then the discussion moved to domestic politics- she’s hopeful that HRC will become the 44th POTUS as do I. Finally I had an off-the-record chat with Mark Halperin regarding my assessment of the GOP race- attributable to a “senior administration official” of course. We discussed everything about the campaign as little as it has progressed so far. He does not know about Plan J- even though I trust him 100% it cannot be done until we all leave office. Otherwise there will be a major monkey wrench thrown into everything.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Apr. 30
Hillary,
To confirm our oral agreement of yesterday- it will work as follows.
1) I will run for President in 2000, due to your numbers & that it has only been 4 years since Bill left the White House.
2) Upon my victory, you will become Attorney General and be my deputy in domestic affairs.
3) You will run to succeed me in 2008, and in return I will clear the field for you with no primary opponents. All DNC resources & those at my, Bill’s & my father’s disposal will be engaged on your behalf.
4) If I lose in 2000, I will support you in 2008.
5) If you lose in 2008 there will be no mutual recriminations.
This plan is henceforth to be known as Plan J for Justice. No one is to know about this beyond those who already do.
All the best,
Bob
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Jan. 12, 2007
Joint Congressional Session, Jan. 23
Two Members of the House and Senate are not with us tonight, and we pray for the recovery and speedy return of Senator Tim Johnson and Congressman Charlie Norwood.
Mr. Speaker, Vice President Bayh, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: The rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour when decisions are hard and courage is needed. We enter the year 2007 with large endeavors underway and others that are ours to begin. In all of this, much is asked of us. We must have the will to face difficult challenges and determined enemies and the wisdom to face them together.
Some in this Chamber are new to the House and the Senate, and I congratulate the Republican majority in the Senate. Congress has changed, but not our responsibilities. Each of us is guided by our own convictions, and to these we must stay faithful. Yet we're all held to the same standards and called to serve the same good purposes: to extend this Nation's prosperity; to spend the people's money wisely; to solve problems, not leave them to future generations; to guard America against all evil; and to keep faith with those we have sent forth to defend us.
We're not the first to come here with a Government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and we can achieve big things for the American people. Our citizens don't much care which side of the aisle we sit on, as long as we're willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done. Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans and to help them build a future of hope and opportunity, and this is the business before us tonight.
A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy, and that is what we have. We're now in the 41st month of uninterrupted job growth, a recovery that has created 7.2 million new jobs so far. Unemployment is low; inflation is low; wages are rising. This economy is on the move, and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government but with more enterprise.
Next week, I'll deliver a full report on the state of our economy. Tonight I want to discuss three economic reforms that deserve to be priorities for this Congress. Yet even with all these steps, we cannot fully secure the border unless we take pressure off the border, and that requires a temporary-worker program. We should establish a legal and orderly path for foreign workers to enter our country to work on a temporary basis. As a result, they won't have to try to sneak in, and that will leave border agents free to chase down drug smugglers and criminals and terrorists. We'll enforce our immigration laws at the worksite and give employers the tools to verify the legal status of their workers, so there's no excuse left for violating the law.
We need to uphold the great tradition of the melting pot that welcomes and assimilates new arrivals. We need to resolve the status of the illegal immigrants who are already in our country without animosity and without amnesty. Convictions run deep in this Capitol when it comes to immigration. Let us have a serious, civil, and conclusive debate, so that you can pass and I can sign comprehensive immigration reform into law.
It's in our vital interest to diversify America's energy supply. The way forward is through technology. We must continue changing the way America generates electric power by even greater use of clean coal technology, solar and wind energy, and clean, safe nuclear power. We need to press on with battery research for plug-in and hybrid vehicles and expand the use of clean diesel vehicles and biodiesel fuel. We must continue investing in new methods of producing ethanol, using everything from wood chips to grasses to agricultural wastes.
We made a lot of progress, thanks to good policies here in Washington and the strong response of the market. And now even more dramatic advances are within reach. Tonight I ask Congress to join me in pursuing a great goal. Let us build on the work we've done and reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 percent in the next 10 years. When we do that, we will have cut our total imports by the equivalent of three-quarters of all the oil we now import from the Middle East.
To reach this goal, we must increase the supply of alternative fuels by setting a mandatory fuels standard to require 35 billion gallons of renewable and alternative fuels in 2017--and that is nearly five times the current target. At the same time, we need to reform and modernize fuel economy standards for cars the way we did for light trucks and conserve up to 8 1/2 billion more gallons of gasoline by 2017.
Achieving these ambitious goals will dramatically reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but it's not going to eliminate it. And so as we continue to diversify our fuel supply, we must step up domestic oil production in environmentally sensitive ways. And to further protect America against severe disruptions to our oil supply, I ask Congress to double the current capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
America is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that will enable us to live our lives less dependent on oil. And these technologies will help us be better stewards of the environment, and they will help us to confront the serious challenge of global climate change.
A future of hope and opportunity requires a fair, impartial system of justice. The lives of our citizens across our Nation are affected by the outcome of cases pending in our Federal courts. We have a shared obligation to ensure that the Federal courts have enough judges to hear those cases and deliver timely rulings. As President, I have a duty to nominate qualified men and women to vacancies on the Federal bench, and the United States Senate has a duty as well, to give those nominees a fair hearing and a prompt up-or-down vote on the Senate floor…
“I’m in to win.”
- Attorney General Hillary Rodham Clinton, Jan. 20
“I am a candidate for President of the United States.”
- Sen. Rudy Giuliani (R-NY), Jan. 22
“I am declaring my candidacy for the presidency of the United States.”
- Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Jan. 25
“I am a candidate for President of the United States.”
- Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA), Jan. 27
“I am declaring my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.”
- Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), Jan. 29
Candidates Gallery, 2008
Democratic
Attorney General Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-IL)
Republican
Sen. Rudy Giuliani (R-NY)
Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA)
Gov. Mitt Romney (R-PA)
Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA)
All has been going exceedingly well these past few weeks with regards to the campaign. No clear Republican frontrunner has emerged from the pack which makes Hillary’s job that much easier. To think that no one saw this coming & now are talking about how strong a candidate she will be! This is something that neither Dad nor Uncle Jack accomplished- surprising the media with a presidential candidacy. I am letting her run her campaign independent of me but I have offered all my campaign resources + her own + Bill’s + those of the DNC. That’s enough to win another landslide like LBJ in 1964 if it was the only thing that mattered. Unfortunately, it isn’t all that matters- there are many obstacles to overcome. She is running slightly to my left which is mostly a party-unification ploy though I know HRC has never been as big on free trade as the 3 of us. She says that everything I did will be left untouched but I was slightly irritated when she promised a “softer” Democratic Party which is code for “slightly more progressive” as everyone knows. At around 2 I took a call from Angela Merkel, who is hosting this year’s G7 in Munich & wants to know if I had anything specific in mind to be added to the agenda. I said no- but we did discuss Schroeder’s being a paid shill for Putin which appalled her. Then the discussion moved to domestic politics- she’s hopeful that HRC will become the 44th POTUS as do I. Finally I had an off-the-record chat with Mark Halperin regarding my assessment of the GOP race- attributable to a “senior administration official” of course. We discussed everything about the campaign as little as it has progressed so far. He does not know about Plan J- even though I trust him 100% it cannot be done until we all leave office. Otherwise there will be a major monkey wrench thrown into everything.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Apr. 30
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
CONFIDENTIAL-RECIPIENT EYES ONLY
ATTN: SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
12/08/97
Hillary,
To confirm our oral agreement of yesterday- it will work as follows.
1) I will run for President in 2000, due to your numbers & that it has only been 4 years since Bill left the White House.
2) Upon my victory, you will become Attorney General and be my deputy in domestic affairs.
3) You will run to succeed me in 2008, and in return I will clear the field for you with no primary opponents. All DNC resources & those at my, Bill’s & my father’s disposal will be engaged on your behalf.
4) If I lose in 2000, I will support you in 2008.
5) If you lose in 2008 there will be no mutual recriminations.
This plan is henceforth to be known as Plan J for Justice. No one is to know about this beyond those who already do.
All the best,
Bob
Harold Ford was only elected to the Senate in 2002. Plan J takes precedent. By the way: RFK made that remark to James Baldwin in June 1963. It is now April 2007. Time's up. Also irrelevant when the black candidate was running against his son, and from the wrong wing of the party to boot.
Campaigns are off & running as I expected- Hillary is doing an excellent job, going to all the events across the country & connecting with her audiences. I wasn’t surprised to see her instantly get back into the swing of things after being removed from electoral politics for 7 years- it is an adjustment that isn’t easy for many. Usually we sit down once a week to discuss the campaign, usually I listen more than I volunteer advice. Since she is unopposed there is no need to do serious stumping for another year while the GOP will be slugging it out for their nomination. I see a very plausible scenario where Giuliani gets nowhere while Romney sneaks up between Jindal & Santorum who will divide the social conservative vote. Their key is to be a socially conservative fiscal conservative, not the other way around which pisses off independents & conservative Democrats. Forget Giuliani there, Santorum is on the wrong side of the equation & Romney flip-flops more than I do when I’m on the beach. So that leaves Jindal as the beneficiary. Another scenario is that Jindal drops out and throws his support to Santorum, while Giuliani throws his to Romney. After a bitter & nasty fight Romney edges Santorum but wounds aren’t healed in time & Hillary succeeds me in November ’08. It will be an interesting race to watch & one I’m following as closely as possible. Just before I left the Oval Hillary phoned & asked if she should resign from Cabinet to work on her campaign full-time. I said no because she won’t need to stump for another year- work can continue pretty much as usual except for occasional trips to Iowa & New Hampshire. There is one thing that worries me a bit about Hillary though & that is the so-called “likeability factor”. People think she comes off as haughty which can be fatal if not rectified. Under certain circumstances I’ve seen that in person- though not directed at any of us 3.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 9
Presidential Conference: Former President Bill Clinton with President Robert Kennedy Jr. at the White House, May 10.
Today I had a long session with Condi Rice in preparation for next week’s G8 Summit hosted by Angela Merkel in Heiligendamm on the Baltic coast. Apparently it used to be an Imperial summer retreat so it will be a relatively relaxed atmosphere which is always good. Among the topics are financial transparency, intellectual property & energy efficiency. At least this time the subjects will be remotely interesting unlike the past couple of summits. It will be Sarkozy’s first summit & my French sources say he is quite egotistical & eager to hog the limelight which isn’t exactly popular in certain circles. Among other things he is quite insecure about his height, being only 5”5- I’m nearly a foot taller than him. Apparently he wears platform shoes which will take a good deal of effort to avoid sniggering on my part. Later it was a conversation with Helen Clark who wants to come & visit in the fall. I said yes- there is nothing major planned on my part until then. Then I watched CNN’s take on the GOP nomination battle with footage of all the candidates stumping in Iowa ahead of the straw poll which only has meaning because the media gives it meaning. I cannot recall the last time that an Iowa straw poll offered any indication of how the race would turn out, particularly in such a crowded field. Finally I held the weekly strategy session with Hillary- she was quite pleased with her fundraising numbers so far which are the only ones that matter at the moment. I am not involving myself in her campaign at all other than attending high-profile fundraisers with Dad & Bill & holding certain events here at the WH. We cannot give the impression of being overconfident as voters will recoil. Nonetheless Terry has begun to build dossiers on all 4 candidates- Giuliani’s a lesser priority because the chances of him being nominated are somewhere between zero & nil.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 30
I just returned from the G8 in Heiligendamm where we actually managed to coordinate most of our policy positions for once. Sarkozy’s appearance was pretty much as I expected- a lot of theatre & dirigisme aplenty. Nonetheless he did make some useful suggestions which we incorporated into the communiqué. Another issue that was promoted by all of us was the issue of HIV prevention in Africa- which we all agreed on. Sarkozy has Kouchner as his Minister of Foreign Affairs so he is taking a leadership on HIV- since I’m doing the ARV drug program we are working together on it. I think he was mildly surprised that a POTUS speaks fluent French as I do- but he is the most pro-American French President in my lifetime- & is proud of it instead of trying to throw that under the bus. This was an exceptionally harmonious G8- more so than the last one, that’s for sure. No one brought up the issue of Putin’s energy blackmailing of Western Europe. For some reason, Sarkozy, while close to us, wants rapprochement with Russia to the point of selling them military equipment. In that he is a traditional Gaullist par excellence. Later in the month I will be meeting with the NGA for our annual reunion at the White House. Both Jindal & Romney will be at the meeting so I will be sure to observe & perhaps have a private chat with either of them if the opportunity presents itself. At second glance they all have flaws. Giuliani’s too socially liberal, Jindal is too young, Romney has the flip-flopping & for the South his Mormonism becomes an issue. I spoke to GHWB today who when we were discussing the GOP nomination race said that his Texan friends thought Romney wouldn’t win because “he’s in a cult”. I’m disappointed but not entirely surprised that such bigotry still runs deep in certain fringe elements of the GOP- who make up a large percentage of their primary voters.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, June 12
French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the closing press conference of the G8 Summit, June 11.
We finally managed to escape down to HP for summer vacation as the Iowa straw polls begin. Romney won, Jindal came in 2nd, Giuliani 3rd & Santorum dead last. It appears that the straw poll might be more accurate than I initially predicted but we shall wait & see until January. The weather has been bad for sailing & all the activities for the past few days have been curtailed due to that fact. It has been quite boring indoors here but I have found a couple of interesting things to do. Far too warm for any sports even with the AC so I spent a lot of time catching up on my correspondence with various people with whom I had lost touch or phoning foreign leaders to shoot the breeze. Among the people I called was Bob McDonnell who was mildly surprised to get a call from the POTUS in the middle of a July afternoon. I asked his for his take on the GOP nomination race. Bob replied that he thought it was too early to tell but we both agreed that Giuliani will get eliminated from the race quite early. Rudy would make a fine POTUS but he has the insoluble problem of being too socially liberal for them. I’ve wondered if we could ever woo him to our side but when I put out unofficial feelers back in 2005 he let me know through our mutual contact that he was not interested in switching parties. I can see the dilemma quite clearly- if he did he’d be scorned in both parties & never get a shot at higher office. Hell, if he switched he might not even be re-elected in 2010. I took a call from Uribe who invited me to visit Colombia in the fall. I agreed- it will be part of another South American tour- perhaps the last before I leave office. State is drawing up a tentative itinerary as we speak which pleases me greatly. Next year I will be able to undertake foreign travel very little if at all- Congress’ winter session then campaign season which will require me to stump for HRC. Of course I will also have to enjoy an abbreviated summer just before I leave office & in the fall it will be time to wrap up my presidency.
- RFK Diaries, July 26
Sen. Rudy Giuliani (R-NY) on the stump in Iowa, July 28. Santorum-affiliated PACs have floated rumors that Giuliani was enticed to defect to the Democrats. Giuliani has called it "an unfounded rumour" while the White House has deemed it "unworthy of comment".
Congress has finally recessed & I am enjoying the last few weeks of summer before returning for DC’s fall session. Now that the weather is clear we have finally begun to sail, swim & play touch again which is a highly welcome relief. Unusually I will not be heading back but will be spending 10 days in Sydney at the APEC Leaders Week hosted by John Howard. This is a summit that I am highly anticipating since it focuses on my two favourite policy areas- trade & counterterrorism. We have already planned a detailed agenda but it is in furtherance of the Manila Pact & OSA. OSA will become the main forum for these discussions- APEC is to be mostly limited to trade from now on. I secured the support of ANZAC, Canada & PI so it is a done deal as far as we are concerned. APEC is also interesting because it will be the final foreign trip & also the last summit I attend before I leave the White House in January 2009. All the non-essential documents from my first term have already been sent to the appropriate archives in preparation for the building of my presidential library. I spoke to as many of the leaders as I could in advance to coordinate the agenda- unlike the informal G8 I absolutely must have the agenda planned out in advance- even before boarding AF1 for what will be a very long & boring trip across the Pacific to Oz.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Aug. 27
Australian Prime Minister John Howard at a Canberra press conference, Aug. 29
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 9
Presidential Conference: Former President Bill Clinton with President Robert Kennedy Jr. at the White House, May 10.
Today I had a long session with Condi Rice in preparation for next week’s G8 Summit hosted by Angela Merkel in Heiligendamm on the Baltic coast. Apparently it used to be an Imperial summer retreat so it will be a relatively relaxed atmosphere which is always good. Among the topics are financial transparency, intellectual property & energy efficiency. At least this time the subjects will be remotely interesting unlike the past couple of summits. It will be Sarkozy’s first summit & my French sources say he is quite egotistical & eager to hog the limelight which isn’t exactly popular in certain circles. Among other things he is quite insecure about his height, being only 5”5- I’m nearly a foot taller than him. Apparently he wears platform shoes which will take a good deal of effort to avoid sniggering on my part. Later it was a conversation with Helen Clark who wants to come & visit in the fall. I said yes- there is nothing major planned on my part until then. Then I watched CNN’s take on the GOP nomination battle with footage of all the candidates stumping in Iowa ahead of the straw poll which only has meaning because the media gives it meaning. I cannot recall the last time that an Iowa straw poll offered any indication of how the race would turn out, particularly in such a crowded field. Finally I held the weekly strategy session with Hillary- she was quite pleased with her fundraising numbers so far which are the only ones that matter at the moment. I am not involving myself in her campaign at all other than attending high-profile fundraisers with Dad & Bill & holding certain events here at the WH. We cannot give the impression of being overconfident as voters will recoil. Nonetheless Terry has begun to build dossiers on all 4 candidates- Giuliani’s a lesser priority because the chances of him being nominated are somewhere between zero & nil.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 30
I just returned from the G8 in Heiligendamm where we actually managed to coordinate most of our policy positions for once. Sarkozy’s appearance was pretty much as I expected- a lot of theatre & dirigisme aplenty. Nonetheless he did make some useful suggestions which we incorporated into the communiqué. Another issue that was promoted by all of us was the issue of HIV prevention in Africa- which we all agreed on. Sarkozy has Kouchner as his Minister of Foreign Affairs so he is taking a leadership on HIV- since I’m doing the ARV drug program we are working together on it. I think he was mildly surprised that a POTUS speaks fluent French as I do- but he is the most pro-American French President in my lifetime- & is proud of it instead of trying to throw that under the bus. This was an exceptionally harmonious G8- more so than the last one, that’s for sure. No one brought up the issue of Putin’s energy blackmailing of Western Europe. For some reason, Sarkozy, while close to us, wants rapprochement with Russia to the point of selling them military equipment. In that he is a traditional Gaullist par excellence. Later in the month I will be meeting with the NGA for our annual reunion at the White House. Both Jindal & Romney will be at the meeting so I will be sure to observe & perhaps have a private chat with either of them if the opportunity presents itself. At second glance they all have flaws. Giuliani’s too socially liberal, Jindal is too young, Romney has the flip-flopping & for the South his Mormonism becomes an issue. I spoke to GHWB today who when we were discussing the GOP nomination race said that his Texan friends thought Romney wouldn’t win because “he’s in a cult”. I’m disappointed but not entirely surprised that such bigotry still runs deep in certain fringe elements of the GOP- who make up a large percentage of their primary voters.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, June 12
French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the closing press conference of the G8 Summit, June 11.
We finally managed to escape down to HP for summer vacation as the Iowa straw polls begin. Romney won, Jindal came in 2nd, Giuliani 3rd & Santorum dead last. It appears that the straw poll might be more accurate than I initially predicted but we shall wait & see until January. The weather has been bad for sailing & all the activities for the past few days have been curtailed due to that fact. It has been quite boring indoors here but I have found a couple of interesting things to do. Far too warm for any sports even with the AC so I spent a lot of time catching up on my correspondence with various people with whom I had lost touch or phoning foreign leaders to shoot the breeze. Among the people I called was Bob McDonnell who was mildly surprised to get a call from the POTUS in the middle of a July afternoon. I asked his for his take on the GOP nomination race. Bob replied that he thought it was too early to tell but we both agreed that Giuliani will get eliminated from the race quite early. Rudy would make a fine POTUS but he has the insoluble problem of being too socially liberal for them. I’ve wondered if we could ever woo him to our side but when I put out unofficial feelers back in 2005 he let me know through our mutual contact that he was not interested in switching parties. I can see the dilemma quite clearly- if he did he’d be scorned in both parties & never get a shot at higher office. Hell, if he switched he might not even be re-elected in 2010. I took a call from Uribe who invited me to visit Colombia in the fall. I agreed- it will be part of another South American tour- perhaps the last before I leave office. State is drawing up a tentative itinerary as we speak which pleases me greatly. Next year I will be able to undertake foreign travel very little if at all- Congress’ winter session then campaign season which will require me to stump for HRC. Of course I will also have to enjoy an abbreviated summer just before I leave office & in the fall it will be time to wrap up my presidency.
- RFK Diaries, July 26
Sen. Rudy Giuliani (R-NY) on the stump in Iowa, July 28. Santorum-affiliated PACs have floated rumors that Giuliani was enticed to defect to the Democrats. Giuliani has called it "an unfounded rumour" while the White House has deemed it "unworthy of comment".
Congress has finally recessed & I am enjoying the last few weeks of summer before returning for DC’s fall session. Now that the weather is clear we have finally begun to sail, swim & play touch again which is a highly welcome relief. Unusually I will not be heading back but will be spending 10 days in Sydney at the APEC Leaders Week hosted by John Howard. This is a summit that I am highly anticipating since it focuses on my two favourite policy areas- trade & counterterrorism. We have already planned a detailed agenda but it is in furtherance of the Manila Pact & OSA. OSA will become the main forum for these discussions- APEC is to be mostly limited to trade from now on. I secured the support of ANZAC, Canada & PI so it is a done deal as far as we are concerned. APEC is also interesting because it will be the final foreign trip & also the last summit I attend before I leave the White House in January 2009. All the non-essential documents from my first term have already been sent to the appropriate archives in preparation for the building of my presidential library. I spoke to as many of the leaders as I could in advance to coordinate the agenda- unlike the informal G8 I absolutely must have the agenda planned out in advance- even before boarding AF1 for what will be a very long & boring trip across the Pacific to Oz.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Aug. 27
Australian Prime Minister John Howard at a Canberra press conference, Aug. 29
Harold Ford was only elected to the Senate in 2002. Plan J takes precedent. By the way: RFK made that remark to James Baldwin in June 1963. It is now April 2007. Time's up. Also irrelevant when the black candidate was running against his son, and from the wrong wing of the party to boot.
Well Ford had already been in the House since '97, so that's six years as congressmen and four active years in the Senate before he would have begun running in 2007. So ten years of elected office under the good graces of the popular Incumbent President should have set Ford up for the nomination. And it wasn't really all that suprising that you chose Hillary, but IDK ITTL I feel like the Democratic party has become to cartelized. You have the entire fate of party members career's consolidated in the hands of the Kennnedy's and the Clintons.
As for the 40 year perdiction thing, I don't know why you decided to get Obama out of the way so early in 2000. When a SCOTUS nod to appeal the real Democratic Wing of the Party probably would have sufficed once Bob Jr. got into office. CMB had no chance of winning, because it was fordained that Kennedy's always win. I think Douglas Wilder, being a moderate-to-conservative Democrat would have been a way to shift the leadership of the party to new hands with keep the part Ideologically coaherent in the Federalist mode.
But what's done is done I say, but I do think an Anti-Dynasticrat sentiment will be particularly huge in this election especially knowing Hillary's tendancy to act like she "inherited the nomination". I actually think Jindal has a decent shot at winning this thing. If he runs on more of a Libertarian Ron Paulike platform(Which places fiscal conservatisim and small government over the GOP preoccupation with Social issues), using his youth and history making candidacy to swoo Generation Y Voters, hell be able to beat all the other three candidates. This could be the start of a new party system, and the end of "The Age of Kennedy"
I have quite enjoyed this APEC Summit where we got to know each other much better than previously. After all when you are in the same conference hall for 10 days such things are inevitable. A major topic of discussion was the ongoing unrest in East Timor despite our international peacekeeping force there. ANZAC wanted other member nations to send more troops which we were willing to do but precious few others. Somewhat surprisingly the Canadians put in a troop & equipment offer- what was surprising was not the offer itself but rather the fact that they have rarely deployed to tropical climates before. Nonetheless everyone was happy with Stephen’s announcement so it lightened everyone’s humour a bit. Next on the agenda was trade liberalization. The original goal was to have an APEC free trade area by 2020 with the wealthier Asian countries doing so by 2010. It appears that the wealthier nations are on track, even ahead of schedule to meet the deadline but the poorer countries are not. Reasoning boils down to protectionism & entrenched interests which somehow are always the main barriers to trade liberalization. A key sticking point is agricultural subsidies which artificially increase crop prices in Indochina & Philippines. Thaksin has a much harder time removing them than most because his electoral base comes from the rural poor against the urban elite who ironically are in total support of the idea. I’m not entirely sure if this is out of economic literacy or a “screw the poor” attitude. From what the Asian specialists at State tell me, more likely the latter than former. GMA is able to get hers removed since like me her base is centred in urban areas- much less so in the countryside. All the non-ANZAC Asian countries are upgrading their counterintelligence & intelligence networks to handle the new threat which comes mostly from small, localized cells instead of overarching networks.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 11
Well I am back in DC for the hell on earth known as the fall session. Since there is little on the agenda & the campaign is fully underway little is being done. FTAA was ratified yesterday 311-134 in the House with more Republicans than Democrats voting in favour of ratification. In the Senate the vote was 86-14 with 8 Democrats & 6 Republicans, all from small, rural states, voting against ratification. I signed it into law early this morning with Larry & Charlene present. After all it is their hard work that made this historic FTA possible. Gingrich & Cheney have also been more helpful than usual, maybe because since I will be leaving office in 16 months there is little to lose by obstructing me. Nor are there any major legislative initiatives planned for my remaining time in office- I firmly believe that all the things I set out to do when I ran in 2000 are now enacted into law & our foreign policy has taken shape to my liking. Nonetheless there is still important work to be done in foreign affairs & that will be my primary concern for the remainder of my time in the White House. I had another weekly strategy session with Hillary & her team now that the campaign has fully begun with Iowa just a few short months away. I like to sit down with Terry, Bill & Dad to plot the possible GOP outcomes for next year since it takes my mind off our own dilemmas. Fundamentally few things have changed except that Romney & Jindal are now slugging it out for first place with Giuliani 5 points behind both (36-35-31-9) with Santorum barely scraping 10% in the polls. I expect him to drop out soon but he will probably stay in just to make a point or if he is really vindictive to sink Jindal’s presidential hopes.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 30
This week has seen some security news abroad. In Spain they arrested 25 people associated with a banned Basque party tied to the ETA- good riddance. I called PM Rajoy to congratulate him on the pickup, though he says that both ETA & Basque separatist threats are much weakened compared to what they used to be 10 or 20 years ago. A good deal of the improvement is due to the vast improvement in their counterterrorism efforts by both national police & intelligence agencies. In more light-hearted but equally sickening news Marion Jones was stripped of her Sydney medals due to her admitted having doped back in 2000. How kids can have any positive athletic role models these days is beyond me. If they do they will have to turn to professional sports, instead of Olympians, because it seems like there are doping scandals ad infinitum. There was no strategy session because Hillary was in London attending an international conference of AGs so I talked with Terry McAuliffe strictly off the record. I made him promise not to tell HRC because she would go nuts if she found out I was pushing her people in certain directions & doubly so because she was not present. There are a few things I think that are in need of correction- none of them have to do with administration’s record but rather presentation. They should be preparing for all 3 possible- actually either Romney or Jindal- GOP nominees. To start off Romney can be attacked as a flip-flopper who governs one way but says very different things to win votes in Southern GOP primaries. Jindal’s gubernatorial record is impeccable but he can be hit on experience quite easily. Dad- who has attended 1 or 2 of those sessions himself- warned them not to attack on youth because that can easily be flipped against Hillary. Jindal is a full generation younger- enough to be her son.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 8
I just wrapped up a highly informative session with the governors who wanted to convene another meeting after our successful one that we held back in July. We discussed many issues- most importantly the economy which Larry says is beginning to slow down- stocks started a slow decline in August & that has continued. I approved another very small tax cut to be added into the FY 2008 budget that is being drafted as I speak. At this rate the economy will enter recession shortly after Christmas. There is no great panic or crisis, just that the business cycle has hit a trough & consumer spending is declining. The surplus is as healthy as ever & the debt is as low as it has been since the 1950s which pleases everyone in both parties. Of course what worries me about the oncoming recession is that it can very well cost Hillary the election. A slow uptick in 1988 put Bill in the WH & irresponsible fiscal policies of LBJ helped put Dad in the WH in ’68. Ditto for Uncle Jack in ’60. I have told Hillary & her team this- mostly her team because she was at Cabinet like everyone else when Larry released the numbers. Unfortunately there is little I can do directly to help the economy other than injecting a moderate amount of one-time stimulus to keep it smooth until after the election. There is no telling how long this recession is going to be though CEA places it at about 12-14 months give or take. I certainly hope that it will not cost us the election- even with the current situation in mind voters still prefer HRC over any GOP opponent by 3-4 points.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 31
Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, December 2007.
The White House, Nov. 13
The President was in the Oval Office initialling memos when John Podesta burst in, uncharacteristically in a panic. Looking up, Kennedy put down his pen. “John, why no knock?” “Bob, I have terrible news for you. Hillary was heading to a campaign event in Iowa with Bill and Chelsea- a rally in Des Moines. A goose flew into their path and the rotor got shredded- the chopper crashed and they are all dead. Turn on the TV and see for yourself.” Kennedy recoiled back into his chair, shocked and visibly disturbed. Turning on the TV, he saw the CNN coverage as the rescue crews surrounded the wreckage and removed the bodies and black box. He punched the intercom: “Get me John and John McCain- immediately.” Bob then buzzed for Vice President Bayh and DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe. Finally, the President placed a call to Dorothy Rodham, Hillary’s mother, to inform her of the tragedy. After a 10-minute conversation, the President called his father in Palm Beach to inform him of what had happened. A state funeral had to be arranged- all 3 would lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda at Mrs. Rodham’s request...
The Bell 222 "Hil-o-copter" before departure, Nov. 13
The White House, Nov. 29
President Kennedy was meeting with Tennessee Senator Harold Ford Jr., his protégé of a decade, in the Oval Office. Looking out the bay windows into the snow-covered Rose Garden, a somnolent President softly intoned: “Harold, I have drafted you as our presidential candidate. You are the only one who has the possibility, now, of winning next November.” A stunned Ford quickly recovered: “Mr. President, I have no campaign organization, no staff, nothing.” Kennedy still did not turn around, with his back to Ford, he continued: “You will inherit Hillary’s organization. Terry will be running your campaign- I have had her personal staff reassigned to the West Wing. What did you think of Eric Holder being her replacement as AG?” “It was an excellent choice Mr. President but one I wished you did not have to make.” The President finally turned around and beckoned Ford to the wing chairs adjacent to the HMS Resolute desk which both his father and uncle had used. “Mr. President, if I might ask you a personal question?” “Depends what the question is- go ahead.” “How do you cope with these incessant tragedies, which now have both a political and personal dimension?” “You never fully get over them but you develop coping mechanisms. For us the most important one by far is faith.” “Same here Mr. President.” Changing subjects, the President brought Ford back to earth: “How about Bob Casey as your running mate? You’d solidify the blue-collar vote that has delivered us 3 Federalist Presidents in the past 40 years.” “That is an excellent idea Mr. President.” “You know something? We began with tragedy- my uncle having a deformed leg that caused all his subsequent vertebral trouble and now this period is ending in tragedy. Nonetheless, the burden is now on you. My career will be over in 14 months from now, yours is just beginning. You still have 4 presidential cycles in which to run if you are unsuccessful. My father might have made that prediction in 1963- he will hopefully live to see it- but I say it is better late than never.” In “an emotional 180” the President smiled and said “now go out there and sock it to them!” “Yes Mr. President."
Sen. Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN) was anointed the new Democratic presidential candidate by President Kennedy and DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe following the Clintons' death in a helicopter crash last week.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 11
Well I am back in DC for the hell on earth known as the fall session. Since there is little on the agenda & the campaign is fully underway little is being done. FTAA was ratified yesterday 311-134 in the House with more Republicans than Democrats voting in favour of ratification. In the Senate the vote was 86-14 with 8 Democrats & 6 Republicans, all from small, rural states, voting against ratification. I signed it into law early this morning with Larry & Charlene present. After all it is their hard work that made this historic FTA possible. Gingrich & Cheney have also been more helpful than usual, maybe because since I will be leaving office in 16 months there is little to lose by obstructing me. Nor are there any major legislative initiatives planned for my remaining time in office- I firmly believe that all the things I set out to do when I ran in 2000 are now enacted into law & our foreign policy has taken shape to my liking. Nonetheless there is still important work to be done in foreign affairs & that will be my primary concern for the remainder of my time in the White House. I had another weekly strategy session with Hillary & her team now that the campaign has fully begun with Iowa just a few short months away. I like to sit down with Terry, Bill & Dad to plot the possible GOP outcomes for next year since it takes my mind off our own dilemmas. Fundamentally few things have changed except that Romney & Jindal are now slugging it out for first place with Giuliani 5 points behind both (36-35-31-9) with Santorum barely scraping 10% in the polls. I expect him to drop out soon but he will probably stay in just to make a point or if he is really vindictive to sink Jindal’s presidential hopes.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 30
This week has seen some security news abroad. In Spain they arrested 25 people associated with a banned Basque party tied to the ETA- good riddance. I called PM Rajoy to congratulate him on the pickup, though he says that both ETA & Basque separatist threats are much weakened compared to what they used to be 10 or 20 years ago. A good deal of the improvement is due to the vast improvement in their counterterrorism efforts by both national police & intelligence agencies. In more light-hearted but equally sickening news Marion Jones was stripped of her Sydney medals due to her admitted having doped back in 2000. How kids can have any positive athletic role models these days is beyond me. If they do they will have to turn to professional sports, instead of Olympians, because it seems like there are doping scandals ad infinitum. There was no strategy session because Hillary was in London attending an international conference of AGs so I talked with Terry McAuliffe strictly off the record. I made him promise not to tell HRC because she would go nuts if she found out I was pushing her people in certain directions & doubly so because she was not present. There are a few things I think that are in need of correction- none of them have to do with administration’s record but rather presentation. They should be preparing for all 3 possible- actually either Romney or Jindal- GOP nominees. To start off Romney can be attacked as a flip-flopper who governs one way but says very different things to win votes in Southern GOP primaries. Jindal’s gubernatorial record is impeccable but he can be hit on experience quite easily. Dad- who has attended 1 or 2 of those sessions himself- warned them not to attack on youth because that can easily be flipped against Hillary. Jindal is a full generation younger- enough to be her son.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 8
I just wrapped up a highly informative session with the governors who wanted to convene another meeting after our successful one that we held back in July. We discussed many issues- most importantly the economy which Larry says is beginning to slow down- stocks started a slow decline in August & that has continued. I approved another very small tax cut to be added into the FY 2008 budget that is being drafted as I speak. At this rate the economy will enter recession shortly after Christmas. There is no great panic or crisis, just that the business cycle has hit a trough & consumer spending is declining. The surplus is as healthy as ever & the debt is as low as it has been since the 1950s which pleases everyone in both parties. Of course what worries me about the oncoming recession is that it can very well cost Hillary the election. A slow uptick in 1988 put Bill in the WH & irresponsible fiscal policies of LBJ helped put Dad in the WH in ’68. Ditto for Uncle Jack in ’60. I have told Hillary & her team this- mostly her team because she was at Cabinet like everyone else when Larry released the numbers. Unfortunately there is little I can do directly to help the economy other than injecting a moderate amount of one-time stimulus to keep it smooth until after the election. There is no telling how long this recession is going to be though CEA places it at about 12-14 months give or take. I certainly hope that it will not cost us the election- even with the current situation in mind voters still prefer HRC over any GOP opponent by 3-4 points.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Oct. 31
Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, December 2007.
The White House, Nov. 13
The President was in the Oval Office initialling memos when John Podesta burst in, uncharacteristically in a panic. Looking up, Kennedy put down his pen. “John, why no knock?” “Bob, I have terrible news for you. Hillary was heading to a campaign event in Iowa with Bill and Chelsea- a rally in Des Moines. A goose flew into their path and the rotor got shredded- the chopper crashed and they are all dead. Turn on the TV and see for yourself.” Kennedy recoiled back into his chair, shocked and visibly disturbed. Turning on the TV, he saw the CNN coverage as the rescue crews surrounded the wreckage and removed the bodies and black box. He punched the intercom: “Get me John and John McCain- immediately.” Bob then buzzed for Vice President Bayh and DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe. Finally, the President placed a call to Dorothy Rodham, Hillary’s mother, to inform her of the tragedy. After a 10-minute conversation, the President called his father in Palm Beach to inform him of what had happened. A state funeral had to be arranged- all 3 would lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda at Mrs. Rodham’s request...
The Bell 222 "Hil-o-copter" before departure, Nov. 13
The White House, Nov. 29
President Kennedy was meeting with Tennessee Senator Harold Ford Jr., his protégé of a decade, in the Oval Office. Looking out the bay windows into the snow-covered Rose Garden, a somnolent President softly intoned: “Harold, I have drafted you as our presidential candidate. You are the only one who has the possibility, now, of winning next November.” A stunned Ford quickly recovered: “Mr. President, I have no campaign organization, no staff, nothing.” Kennedy still did not turn around, with his back to Ford, he continued: “You will inherit Hillary’s organization. Terry will be running your campaign- I have had her personal staff reassigned to the West Wing. What did you think of Eric Holder being her replacement as AG?” “It was an excellent choice Mr. President but one I wished you did not have to make.” The President finally turned around and beckoned Ford to the wing chairs adjacent to the HMS Resolute desk which both his father and uncle had used. “Mr. President, if I might ask you a personal question?” “Depends what the question is- go ahead.” “How do you cope with these incessant tragedies, which now have both a political and personal dimension?” “You never fully get over them but you develop coping mechanisms. For us the most important one by far is faith.” “Same here Mr. President.” Changing subjects, the President brought Ford back to earth: “How about Bob Casey as your running mate? You’d solidify the blue-collar vote that has delivered us 3 Federalist Presidents in the past 40 years.” “That is an excellent idea Mr. President.” “You know something? We began with tragedy- my uncle having a deformed leg that caused all his subsequent vertebral trouble and now this period is ending in tragedy. Nonetheless, the burden is now on you. My career will be over in 14 months from now, yours is just beginning. You still have 4 presidential cycles in which to run if you are unsuccessful. My father might have made that prediction in 1963- he will hopefully live to see it- but I say it is better late than never.” In “an emotional 180” the President smiled and said “now go out there and sock it to them!” “Yes Mr. President."
Sen. Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN) was anointed the new Democratic presidential candidate by President Kennedy and DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe following the Clintons' death in a helicopter crash last week.
Curse strikes again! That hil-o-copter pic is missing.
Explains exactly why mum was the word to all the questions.
Explains exactly why mum was the word to all the questions.
I just returned from a very sombre vacation in Palm Beach for Xmas. Our Xmas celebrations were much less joyful than usual due to this inexplicable tragedy that has once again overtaken us. However the Clintons would not have wanted us to spend an entire year in grief- we must carry on for their sake, ours & that of the country. Our ticket has been redesigned with 2 under-50 candidates with broad appeal. Hillary had told me just before leaving on that fateful trip to Des Moines that Ford was to be her running mate- I have not yet told Harold that because I do not believe that the time is yet appropriate. What John & I have been doing is working on my final State of the Union address which is to be delivered on the 28th. I hope to save the best for last & undertake as much foreign diplomacy as I can before the summer arrives. After that it will time for campaigning, organizing the DNC & of course the last summer vacation I will have as President. Later I called all the foreign leaders to wish them a happy New Year & best of luck in it as well. Finally today I called a meeting of the “E” Committee- most of them are still on vacation but I had to get back because Congress is now in session. The economy has officially entered recession & GDP contracted by -0.7% in December. Larry said that the stimulus will be spent before the summer is out & I am not going to be able to get another one through Congress before my presidency is over. Nor do I want to inject stimulus- it is not something I believe in but if I let the economy tank then the GOP will defeat Harold in November
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Jan. 2, 2008
Joint Congressional Session, Jan. 28
President Robert Kennedy Jr. delivered his final State of the Union address last night. Kennedy's main themes were energy independence, the environment and the economy.
Mr. Speaker, Vice President Bayh, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:
Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say, we've answered the call. [Laughter] Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose, and together we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.
All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people's business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. It remains our charge to keep.
The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our Nation long after this session has ended. In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. Let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.
From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we've made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done.
In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our Nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. And so in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.
To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our country, there is a concern about our economic future.
Last year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the next decade, and you responded. Together we should take the next steps. Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make a greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases.
This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride. The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change. And the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more energy efficient technology.
To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow. Last year, Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge. So I ask Congress to double Federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on Earth.
On matters of life and science, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries. In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life.
So we're expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. And so I call on Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices, such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life…
On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our Founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. I've submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote.
In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need. Over the past 7 years, more of our fellow citizens have discovered that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. Americans have volunteered in record numbers. Charitable donations are higher than ever. Faith-based groups are bringing hope to pockets of despair, with newfound support from the Federal Government. And to help guarantee equal treatment of faith-based organizations when they compete for Federal funds, I ask you to permanently extend charitable choice…
The GOP race took a turn which few in the media predicted but I suspected a long time ago. Bobby Jindal is now their presumptive nominee & he is not even 38 yet. If elected he will be the youngest President in US history- probably that record will never be broken again. He won narrowly in Iowa, lost to Romney in New Hampshire and won an edge of delegates in Michigan. Jindal’s real breakthrough, apart from the Louisiana caucuses where he got over 70% of the vote was in South Carolina. Giuliani dropped out after Super Tuesday as did Santorum. But Romney cannot catch up to the delegate lead, which is why he conceded the race yesterday. It was a very interesting race to watch & speculation is rife as to who Jindal’s VP will be. I think Romney would be an excellent choice for Treasury. One thing I am preparing for is the G8 Summit in Tokyo that will be held in July- my last one & apparently they have a tribute to me planned. 5 of the 8 (exc. France, Germany & Japan) are the leaders I started out with back in ’01 so it will be our farewell. Dad told me that Mrs. Thatcher has recently (last month) been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s & does not recognize anyone anymore. It is a very sad state of affairs- the opposite of Grandpa who was sound of mind but trapped inside a dead body. Later in the spring I will be doing my annual round of the Service Academies- this year it will be Annapolis for my final address to the young men & women about to be commissioned officers in the USN. I have thought long & hard about this speech so it will be excellent. All non-essential items have been transferred to the planned Library site at Harvard- it will not be open for another 5 years at least but I want everything organized beforehand…
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Apr. 30
Presumptive GOP nominee Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) at an Indianapolis rally, Apr. 27.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Jan. 2, 2008
Joint Congressional Session, Jan. 28
President Robert Kennedy Jr. delivered his final State of the Union address last night. Kennedy's main themes were energy independence, the environment and the economy.
Mr. Speaker, Vice President Bayh, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:
Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say, we've answered the call. [Laughter] Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose, and together we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.
All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people's business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. It remains our charge to keep.
The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our Nation long after this session has ended. In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. Let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.
From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we've made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done.
In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our Nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. And so in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.
To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our country, there is a concern about our economic future.
Last year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the next decade, and you responded. Together we should take the next steps. Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make a greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases.
This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride. The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change. And the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more energy efficient technology.
To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow. Last year, Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge. So I ask Congress to double Federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on Earth.
On matters of life and science, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries. In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life.
So we're expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. And so I call on Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices, such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life…
On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our Founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. I've submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote.
In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need. Over the past 7 years, more of our fellow citizens have discovered that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. Americans have volunteered in record numbers. Charitable donations are higher than ever. Faith-based groups are bringing hope to pockets of despair, with newfound support from the Federal Government. And to help guarantee equal treatment of faith-based organizations when they compete for Federal funds, I ask you to permanently extend charitable choice…
The GOP race took a turn which few in the media predicted but I suspected a long time ago. Bobby Jindal is now their presumptive nominee & he is not even 38 yet. If elected he will be the youngest President in US history- probably that record will never be broken again. He won narrowly in Iowa, lost to Romney in New Hampshire and won an edge of delegates in Michigan. Jindal’s real breakthrough, apart from the Louisiana caucuses where he got over 70% of the vote was in South Carolina. Giuliani dropped out after Super Tuesday as did Santorum. But Romney cannot catch up to the delegate lead, which is why he conceded the race yesterday. It was a very interesting race to watch & speculation is rife as to who Jindal’s VP will be. I think Romney would be an excellent choice for Treasury. One thing I am preparing for is the G8 Summit in Tokyo that will be held in July- my last one & apparently they have a tribute to me planned. 5 of the 8 (exc. France, Germany & Japan) are the leaders I started out with back in ’01 so it will be our farewell. Dad told me that Mrs. Thatcher has recently (last month) been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s & does not recognize anyone anymore. It is a very sad state of affairs- the opposite of Grandpa who was sound of mind but trapped inside a dead body. Later in the spring I will be doing my annual round of the Service Academies- this year it will be Annapolis for my final address to the young men & women about to be commissioned officers in the USN. I have thought long & hard about this speech so it will be excellent. All non-essential items have been transferred to the planned Library site at Harvard- it will not be open for another 5 years at least but I want everything organized beforehand…
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Apr. 30
Presumptive GOP nominee Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) at an Indianapolis rally, Apr. 27.
It was weird- today was a milestone I had almost forgotten- the 40th anniversary of Dad winning the Indiana primary which is where he found his ideological voice. Dad made a campaign appearance with Harold in Indy- I am amazed that at the age of 82 he still wants to undertake (albeit highly restricted) campaigning in a presidential election. He will be speaking at the convention which like ’68 will be held in Chicago. What goes around comes around I guess. Originally I had planned Chicago because it was HRC’s hometown & for the past 40 years we have tried to hold the conventions in the nominees’ hometowns or closest major metropolis. It is too late to change it now so Chicago it is. Both Conventions are in August this year before the Olympics- TV coverage for both of us & for me attending the Olympics is another major problem. I will be there for the opening ceremonies & then return home for my last summer vacation in the WH. We have begun preparation for the Convention already & I have drafts of the speakers list in front of me as I am writing. Later I had a long (20 min) conversation with Bill Hague about political matters generally. He will be calling an election either this fall or next spring & wanted to know my opinion. I suggested that he go in the fall because otherwise it will look like something is going wrong, which it most certainly is not in my opinion. Then after Xmas he can bring his third-term legislative agenda onto the table. At around 3:30, just before I left for the residential quarters Harold came in to tell me about his day on the trail. He has found enthusiasm quite high everywhere; unfortunately it is for both us & the GOP which is expected. The media is already framing this as a “change” election & I agree with them completely.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 9
I have been following a spate of terrorist bombings abroad which though tragic amply demonstrate the need for effective domestic intelligence & internal security forces. In Jaipur, India, there were a series of bomb blasts that killed over 200 civilians. I called Dr Singh to offer condolences on behalf of the country & myself. All our people (CIA, NSA, State) believe that it was Kashmiri separatists most likely Paki-financed. I am extremely thankful for what Dad did in realigning our Kush alliance with India instead of Pakistan- & have told him so on numerous occasions. Then there is UNASUR in South America which they hope will be a South American EU. I certainly hope that will not turn out to be the case- the 2 major trading blocs they have now are fine in my opinion. Once one starts down the path of supranational political integration it is damn near impossible to get off & have told our allies in the region just as much on that subject. State informed me that a 30-year dispute between Malaysia & Singapore over a couple of rocks- less than 150 ft at its widest- have been split between the 2. It boggles my mind to think how everyone could get worked up over a couple of rocks that only seagulls visit but such is life. It reminds me of a similar spat between Greece & Turkey back in the 1990s which Bill had to resolve through midnight phone diplomacy & Dick Holbrooke. Condi Rice told me that most countries had signed the Cluster Munitions Treaty- we did not which overjoyed the Republicans & enraged more than a few liberals. My reasoning is quite simple- I will not compromise our military effectiveness for the sake of some abstract principle in which I do not believe. The economy is apparently going to reach its trough in July & start up ticking by September. My worst fear is 1988 all over again but this time with us on the wrong side of the equation.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 30
More terrorist problems abroad- a car bomb outside the Danish embassy in Islamabad & a stabbing spree in Tokyo. It seems that there are ever more deranged people on the rampage in the G8 countries these days. Last week was the 40th anniversary of Dad winning CA which we all celebrated here at home- family only without anyone else present. SH apologized to the Natives for the residential school system which we both agreed is long overdue. Harold came in again today to discuss the campaign- the primary season is now officially over & speculation is rife as to who both candidates will name for their VP picks. I know Harold is picking Bob C but I am unaware as to who Jindal will pick. It will have to be someone either a bit older or the same age so as not to unbalance the ticket. A disaster would be if you pick a VP of a different generation & then the question becomes “why wasn’t the ticket reversed” which raises doubts as to eligibility. I did get a chance to talk to SH for a long time today mostly just shooting the breeze on sports, families & politics. He is also up for a third term this year like Bill Hague & all the polls show that it is easily within his grasp with another solid majority. At around 2 the E Committee met to hear Larry’s briefing on the economy. The news is slowly shifting our way- GDP growth is set to resume next month & consumer spending should be back to normal in time for the holiday season. I asked when unemployment was going to go down from its current rate of 9% which will apparently not start until September, worst-case scenario early October. That makes Harold’s job a lot harder but not impossible. If unemployment ever goes above 10% even once before the election I might as well start arranging transition meetings with Jindal.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, June 12
I have been thoroughly enjoying the last G8 Summit of my Presidency here in Tokyo. Our first day was devoted entirely too African development issues which picks up from where we left off at last year’s summit. China is pouring a substantial amount of money into Africa, mostly into oil-rich countries with no political strings attached, at least officially. It is patently obvious that Beijing is trying to buy influence on the continent especially in oil-rich countries such as Nigeria. In return they get Chinese investment & Chinese military equipment. So far none of our traditional allies in the region have been seduced but still we are keeping a close eye on it. That will be problems for my successor to deal with come January 20. Yesterday we were discussing the price of food & the environment which are major issues for all of us. Here in Asia the price of rice has skyrocketed in the past few months & since it is a basic nutritional staple many countries have to resort to subsidies to prevent civil unrest. GMA is the only one who has managed to avoid upping the increased agricultural subsidies- though she told me that she would kill the “original ones if possible as well.” Then finally they held the lunch in my honour & everyone thanked me for my leadership which was quite moving. The toast was delivered by Bill Hague who put an original spin on how the SR really depends on how the PM and POTUS interact. Stephen Harper also delivered a very nice tribute to me which was not a surprise but given his public reputation for being a cold fish (I have the same problem) it did surprise the Canadian press contingent who aren’t used to that. Finally after all the goodbyes I boarded AF1 & as I write we are over Alaska with 7 hours left before arriving at Andrews. I just found out that Pawlenty is Jindal’s running mate- a traditional South/North pairing but as I predicted someone slightly older.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, July 9
Democratic National Convention, Aug. 22
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN) addresses the Convention, Aug. 23
President Robert Kennedy Jr. delivers his valedictory address to the Convention, Aug. 23
President Robert Kennedy stood before the delegates after having delivered his valedictory address and received a standing ovation. Now, the President introduced his father who though 82 years old was still in perfect health and capable of a vigorous speech. The former President stood before them to a prolonged, 10 minute standing ovation from the nearly 5,000 delegates in attendance before they took their seats. “I stand before you today in circumstances very different from when I first attended back in 1952. For one thing, back then no one would ever have dreamed that America could elect a black President. I ask you to elect Harold Ford not because of his race, or because of his youth, which is not in short supply this year on either side of the aisle. I ask you to elect Harold Ford because he is a meritocrat who rose through the ranks to become a senator from Tennessee six short years ago and is now our nominee for President of the United States. When I sought the Presidency in 1968, now forty years ago- I still have the scars to prove it- I was asked to summarize the American Dream in one word. My response was “meritocracy”. With the right tools and the right talent you can rise from any background to the highest socioeconomic and career strata in American society. That is why we passed Blue Chip, welfare reform, New Markets, Rhodes Scholarships and No Child Left Behind, along with the nationwide system of school vouchers. I also said in 1963 that we could well have a black President in 40 years. The timing may be slightly off but I say better late than never!” With that the delegates rose to their feet once again as both Robert Kennedys raised Harold Ford’s arms in what would be become an infamous picture shortly thereafter...
OOC: Next up: the final chapter.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 9
I have been following a spate of terrorist bombings abroad which though tragic amply demonstrate the need for effective domestic intelligence & internal security forces. In Jaipur, India, there were a series of bomb blasts that killed over 200 civilians. I called Dr Singh to offer condolences on behalf of the country & myself. All our people (CIA, NSA, State) believe that it was Kashmiri separatists most likely Paki-financed. I am extremely thankful for what Dad did in realigning our Kush alliance with India instead of Pakistan- & have told him so on numerous occasions. Then there is UNASUR in South America which they hope will be a South American EU. I certainly hope that will not turn out to be the case- the 2 major trading blocs they have now are fine in my opinion. Once one starts down the path of supranational political integration it is damn near impossible to get off & have told our allies in the region just as much on that subject. State informed me that a 30-year dispute between Malaysia & Singapore over a couple of rocks- less than 150 ft at its widest- have been split between the 2. It boggles my mind to think how everyone could get worked up over a couple of rocks that only seagulls visit but such is life. It reminds me of a similar spat between Greece & Turkey back in the 1990s which Bill had to resolve through midnight phone diplomacy & Dick Holbrooke. Condi Rice told me that most countries had signed the Cluster Munitions Treaty- we did not which overjoyed the Republicans & enraged more than a few liberals. My reasoning is quite simple- I will not compromise our military effectiveness for the sake of some abstract principle in which I do not believe. The economy is apparently going to reach its trough in July & start up ticking by September. My worst fear is 1988 all over again but this time with us on the wrong side of the equation.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, May 30
More terrorist problems abroad- a car bomb outside the Danish embassy in Islamabad & a stabbing spree in Tokyo. It seems that there are ever more deranged people on the rampage in the G8 countries these days. Last week was the 40th anniversary of Dad winning CA which we all celebrated here at home- family only without anyone else present. SH apologized to the Natives for the residential school system which we both agreed is long overdue. Harold came in again today to discuss the campaign- the primary season is now officially over & speculation is rife as to who both candidates will name for their VP picks. I know Harold is picking Bob C but I am unaware as to who Jindal will pick. It will have to be someone either a bit older or the same age so as not to unbalance the ticket. A disaster would be if you pick a VP of a different generation & then the question becomes “why wasn’t the ticket reversed” which raises doubts as to eligibility. I did get a chance to talk to SH for a long time today mostly just shooting the breeze on sports, families & politics. He is also up for a third term this year like Bill Hague & all the polls show that it is easily within his grasp with another solid majority. At around 2 the E Committee met to hear Larry’s briefing on the economy. The news is slowly shifting our way- GDP growth is set to resume next month & consumer spending should be back to normal in time for the holiday season. I asked when unemployment was going to go down from its current rate of 9% which will apparently not start until September, worst-case scenario early October. That makes Harold’s job a lot harder but not impossible. If unemployment ever goes above 10% even once before the election I might as well start arranging transition meetings with Jindal.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, June 12
I have been thoroughly enjoying the last G8 Summit of my Presidency here in Tokyo. Our first day was devoted entirely too African development issues which picks up from where we left off at last year’s summit. China is pouring a substantial amount of money into Africa, mostly into oil-rich countries with no political strings attached, at least officially. It is patently obvious that Beijing is trying to buy influence on the continent especially in oil-rich countries such as Nigeria. In return they get Chinese investment & Chinese military equipment. So far none of our traditional allies in the region have been seduced but still we are keeping a close eye on it. That will be problems for my successor to deal with come January 20. Yesterday we were discussing the price of food & the environment which are major issues for all of us. Here in Asia the price of rice has skyrocketed in the past few months & since it is a basic nutritional staple many countries have to resort to subsidies to prevent civil unrest. GMA is the only one who has managed to avoid upping the increased agricultural subsidies- though she told me that she would kill the “original ones if possible as well.” Then finally they held the lunch in my honour & everyone thanked me for my leadership which was quite moving. The toast was delivered by Bill Hague who put an original spin on how the SR really depends on how the PM and POTUS interact. Stephen Harper also delivered a very nice tribute to me which was not a surprise but given his public reputation for being a cold fish (I have the same problem) it did surprise the Canadian press contingent who aren’t used to that. Finally after all the goodbyes I boarded AF1 & as I write we are over Alaska with 7 hours left before arriving at Andrews. I just found out that Pawlenty is Jindal’s running mate- a traditional South/North pairing but as I predicted someone slightly older.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, July 9
Democratic National Convention, Aug. 22
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN) addresses the Convention, Aug. 23
President Robert Kennedy Jr. delivers his valedictory address to the Convention, Aug. 23
President Robert Kennedy stood before the delegates after having delivered his valedictory address and received a standing ovation. Now, the President introduced his father who though 82 years old was still in perfect health and capable of a vigorous speech. The former President stood before them to a prolonged, 10 minute standing ovation from the nearly 5,000 delegates in attendance before they took their seats. “I stand before you today in circumstances very different from when I first attended back in 1952. For one thing, back then no one would ever have dreamed that America could elect a black President. I ask you to elect Harold Ford not because of his race, or because of his youth, which is not in short supply this year on either side of the aisle. I ask you to elect Harold Ford because he is a meritocrat who rose through the ranks to become a senator from Tennessee six short years ago and is now our nominee for President of the United States. When I sought the Presidency in 1968, now forty years ago- I still have the scars to prove it- I was asked to summarize the American Dream in one word. My response was “meritocracy”. With the right tools and the right talent you can rise from any background to the highest socioeconomic and career strata in American society. That is why we passed Blue Chip, welfare reform, New Markets, Rhodes Scholarships and No Child Left Behind, along with the nationwide system of school vouchers. I also said in 1963 that we could well have a black President in 40 years. The timing may be slightly off but I say better late than never!” With that the delegates rose to their feet once again as both Robert Kennedys raised Harold Ford’s arms in what would be become an infamous picture shortly thereafter...
OOC: Next up: the final chapter.
Sadface but should shape up to be a fitting end. Pawlenty is a good VP choice, probably should've been McCain's in 08.
I have been busy coordinating the response to Hurricane Ike which though only a C2 has caused 30 deaths & much property damage in TX. I declared Galveston a federal disaster zone- not for troops but to qualify them for federal assistance. Rick Perry is not so proud as to decline federal monies when the circumstances require it. In Pakistan Bhutto is now PM so that mess is finally cleared up after nearly a decade of Musharraf’s rule. Nonetheless the economy is beginning to turn around- this has been the shortest recession post-WWII so far according to Larry so that card is removed from the table for the GOP. What I am worried about the most is “time for a change” factor since we have after all been in power for 16 of the past 20 years. Later today I had a long talk with Harold who has been stumping in the Midwest & for some reason Virginia which he thinks there is a good chance at winning. I told him firmly to forget that- not when the GOP has a conservative Southerner leading the ticket. Nonetheless he has made tours of Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, IN & PA which are the states that will, in my opinion, decide who my successor will be. At NSPG we discussed ongoing Cypriot peace talks being held in Nicosia between the Turks & Greeks. Thank goodness Dad let them know back in ’74 with the 7th Fleet that a unilateral military solution to the problem was simply not an option. One thing I did recently was sign an executive order defunding ACORN & it will be a part of the next administration’s budget to complete the process. There are few EOs I have signed that have given me as much satisfaction & reaction from the kooks has been a godsend to me. I made Harold promise me that he will finish that job on Jan. 20- I know Jindal will.
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 11
Across the country I sense a rising tide of enthusiasm for our party. Citizens generally don’t have anything bad to say about the POTUS- even in staunchly Republican areas but they despise his party. The Democratic Congress is a useful foil seeing as they have not fixed the economy & people are hurting in the recession. I think we have a good chance of capturing Michigan though CA is possibly within our reach due to the states near bankruptcy after 15 years of Democratic rule destroying all the achievements of the Reagans, Finch & Pete Wilson. In Indy we got a massive turnout with Dick Lugar headlining my rally there of over 50,000 people. In Ohio there was an enthusiastic response as Tim P blasted the Admin for the state of the economy & recalling his own blue-collar roots. Also the Democratic base is depressed because POTUS defunded ACORN which seems to me like something that he wanted to do since the beginning of his presidency but could only do now when the spotlight is no longer on him. Ford is not offering anything new- in essence RFK Jr.’s third term but without his personal appeal. Few people realize that Ford is just as conservative as both father & son on social issues which helps him in swing districts. HRC did not exist when his father was POTUS & unlike Clinton he never wanted anything to do with them. Not once during his entire presidency did he meet with them even though he was willing to offer them everything but marriage. Finally I closed with a huge rally in Fairfax- within 20 miles of the President’s home- with Bob McDonnell who is running to replace John Warner since his gubernatorial term expires in 14 months. I feel that the campaign is going to turn out exactly as we have planned it.
- Jindal Diaries, Sept. 30
Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) speaks in Fairfax, Virginia, Sept. 30.
It has been an exhausting couple of weeks on the road & we held the first presidential debates last week which the media judged as a Jindal win. Admittedly I was not on my best form- tired, overwrought & a bit testy which all caused the debate to tilt his way. Policy wise I think I won & both Presidents agree with my judgment on that one. I hope to rebound in time for the next round- if I lose that one then we are well & truly screwed. In the Midwest & even in Florida the reception was good but people don’t seem to associate me with the Administration which is hurting me since the President’s approval ratings are in the mid-60s with even GOP voters evenly divided on his policies. Indies are leaning Republican which is quite worrying- if I lose the independents the election is lost. Just when I thought it would be a problem it shows that we are leading by 2 among Indies which even though within the margin of error gives me hope. It is hard to strike a balance by running with the President & on the other hand establishing my own credentials. In CA the turnout was magnificent with sunny days, large crowds & much enthusiasm which the President says is quite reminiscent of his own ’68 campaign in that state. Polls show us statistically tied so this will be an election that goes down to the wire despite all the predictions of a GOP landslide earlier in the campaign. The President has put in as many appearances for me as his schedule will allow- after all he has an administration to wind down as well. At least he is leaving at an age where it won’t be that hard to readjust- how will either of us readjust when we leave even before we turn 50? A second career I guess but most likely not in politics.
- Ford Diaries, Oct. 8
Sen. Ford speaks in Indianapolis, Oct. 30
This campaign will come to a close within the next week & it is still too close to call. Or so we thought. Now I am beginning to open up a lead over Ford that ranging from 3 to 5 points depending on the pollster with a comfortable EC margin. Maybe it was my strong performance in the last debate or Democratic fatigue- but whatever it is I am thrilled that barring any major upset I will become the next POTUS. Still I have told my campaign staff not to be overconfident because we would not want to be seen as taking the voters for granted which would be 100% fatal to our campaign. To my immense surprise we have even gotten warm receptions in Michigan & CA- that cannot be anything but the lingering effects of the recession even though economic conditions should be back to normal by Xmas. I have focused all my attacks on Ford because associating Ford with the Administration would only help the Democrats. The President’s popularity hasn’t dropped below 60% this year & not below 50% since 2001 with the short-lived recession of that spring. I would like to think that I will be inheriting a country with a strong economy that is respected abroad & doing well here at home. Speaking of abroad, if I win the WH I will have to hold the transition meetings early- the President will be in Lima for 3 days attending his last APEC summit. That also happens to be his final summit & final trip abroad. This has been an excellent campaign & no matter the outcome it will be one that I will remember for the rest of my life. Our final rally today will be held in St. Louis, MO where we are enroute to right now. Missouri is the ultimate swing state & if I win it I know that I will win the Presidency next week. Got to go for now- we’re about to land.
- Jindal Diaries, Oct. 31
Election Night, Nov. 4
“I’m Wolf Blitzer in the CNN Election Centre and the polls are about to close in the Northeast. Not until then can we release our first exit poll numbers that indicate record turnout- higher than any election since 1968 which depending on voter sentiment can go either way. It is now 9 PM Eastern and the polls have closed. CNN is now projecting that New England will, as usual be in the Democratic column... We can now project that Governor Jindal has carried Ohio while Senator Ford has carried Pennsylvania, Bob Casey’s home state...
(R) Piyush Jindal/ Timothy M. Pawlenty: 348 EV, 55.4%
(D) Harold E. Ford Jr. / Robert P. Casey Jr.: 190 EV, 45.5%
Incumbent President: Robert Kennedy Jr. (D)
President-elect: Bobby Jindal (R)
Congressional-House
Republican: 235 seats (+24)
Democratic: 200 seats
Incumbent Speaker: Joe Kennedy II (D-MA)
Speaker-elect: Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Congressional-Senate
Republican: 53 seats (+2)
Democratic: 47 seats
Incumbent Majority Leader: Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
January 20, 2009, Inauguration Day
President Robert Kennedy and Vice President Evan Bayh entered the limousine with their Republican successors for the short drive to the Capitol Building where the Republicans would reclaim the White House after an 8-year absence. All four mounted the Inaugural stand where Chief Justice Merrick Garland would administer the oath. Jindal raised his right hand. “I, Piyush Jindal, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”
Robert Kennedy left the podium for the 747 which would fly him home to New York after an entire lifetime in Washington, along with his parents and cousin John. A new era had dawned, both for the country and both parties...
Former President Robert Kennedy Jr. leaves the Capitol for the Air Force 747 that will fly he and his family back to New York, Jan. 20, 2009/
June 5, 1968, Los Angeles- 2330 PST
“Bob, I’m sorry for saying that this was an impossible dream.”
- Sen. George McGovern (D-SD)
"Is everyone OK?"
- Robert Kennedy's last words, June 5, 1968
*** THE END***
- RFK Jr. Diaries, Sept. 11
Across the country I sense a rising tide of enthusiasm for our party. Citizens generally don’t have anything bad to say about the POTUS- even in staunchly Republican areas but they despise his party. The Democratic Congress is a useful foil seeing as they have not fixed the economy & people are hurting in the recession. I think we have a good chance of capturing Michigan though CA is possibly within our reach due to the states near bankruptcy after 15 years of Democratic rule destroying all the achievements of the Reagans, Finch & Pete Wilson. In Indy we got a massive turnout with Dick Lugar headlining my rally there of over 50,000 people. In Ohio there was an enthusiastic response as Tim P blasted the Admin for the state of the economy & recalling his own blue-collar roots. Also the Democratic base is depressed because POTUS defunded ACORN which seems to me like something that he wanted to do since the beginning of his presidency but could only do now when the spotlight is no longer on him. Ford is not offering anything new- in essence RFK Jr.’s third term but without his personal appeal. Few people realize that Ford is just as conservative as both father & son on social issues which helps him in swing districts. HRC did not exist when his father was POTUS & unlike Clinton he never wanted anything to do with them. Not once during his entire presidency did he meet with them even though he was willing to offer them everything but marriage. Finally I closed with a huge rally in Fairfax- within 20 miles of the President’s home- with Bob McDonnell who is running to replace John Warner since his gubernatorial term expires in 14 months. I feel that the campaign is going to turn out exactly as we have planned it.
- Jindal Diaries, Sept. 30
Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) speaks in Fairfax, Virginia, Sept. 30.
It has been an exhausting couple of weeks on the road & we held the first presidential debates last week which the media judged as a Jindal win. Admittedly I was not on my best form- tired, overwrought & a bit testy which all caused the debate to tilt his way. Policy wise I think I won & both Presidents agree with my judgment on that one. I hope to rebound in time for the next round- if I lose that one then we are well & truly screwed. In the Midwest & even in Florida the reception was good but people don’t seem to associate me with the Administration which is hurting me since the President’s approval ratings are in the mid-60s with even GOP voters evenly divided on his policies. Indies are leaning Republican which is quite worrying- if I lose the independents the election is lost. Just when I thought it would be a problem it shows that we are leading by 2 among Indies which even though within the margin of error gives me hope. It is hard to strike a balance by running with the President & on the other hand establishing my own credentials. In CA the turnout was magnificent with sunny days, large crowds & much enthusiasm which the President says is quite reminiscent of his own ’68 campaign in that state. Polls show us statistically tied so this will be an election that goes down to the wire despite all the predictions of a GOP landslide earlier in the campaign. The President has put in as many appearances for me as his schedule will allow- after all he has an administration to wind down as well. At least he is leaving at an age where it won’t be that hard to readjust- how will either of us readjust when we leave even before we turn 50? A second career I guess but most likely not in politics.
- Ford Diaries, Oct. 8
Sen. Ford speaks in Indianapolis, Oct. 30
This campaign will come to a close within the next week & it is still too close to call. Or so we thought. Now I am beginning to open up a lead over Ford that ranging from 3 to 5 points depending on the pollster with a comfortable EC margin. Maybe it was my strong performance in the last debate or Democratic fatigue- but whatever it is I am thrilled that barring any major upset I will become the next POTUS. Still I have told my campaign staff not to be overconfident because we would not want to be seen as taking the voters for granted which would be 100% fatal to our campaign. To my immense surprise we have even gotten warm receptions in Michigan & CA- that cannot be anything but the lingering effects of the recession even though economic conditions should be back to normal by Xmas. I have focused all my attacks on Ford because associating Ford with the Administration would only help the Democrats. The President’s popularity hasn’t dropped below 60% this year & not below 50% since 2001 with the short-lived recession of that spring. I would like to think that I will be inheriting a country with a strong economy that is respected abroad & doing well here at home. Speaking of abroad, if I win the WH I will have to hold the transition meetings early- the President will be in Lima for 3 days attending his last APEC summit. That also happens to be his final summit & final trip abroad. This has been an excellent campaign & no matter the outcome it will be one that I will remember for the rest of my life. Our final rally today will be held in St. Louis, MO where we are enroute to right now. Missouri is the ultimate swing state & if I win it I know that I will win the Presidency next week. Got to go for now- we’re about to land.
- Jindal Diaries, Oct. 31
Election Night, Nov. 4
“I’m Wolf Blitzer in the CNN Election Centre and the polls are about to close in the Northeast. Not until then can we release our first exit poll numbers that indicate record turnout- higher than any election since 1968 which depending on voter sentiment can go either way. It is now 9 PM Eastern and the polls have closed. CNN is now projecting that New England will, as usual be in the Democratic column... We can now project that Governor Jindal has carried Ohio while Senator Ford has carried Pennsylvania, Bob Casey’s home state...
(R) Piyush Jindal/ Timothy M. Pawlenty: 348 EV, 55.4%
(D) Harold E. Ford Jr. / Robert P. Casey Jr.: 190 EV, 45.5%
Incumbent President: Robert Kennedy Jr. (D)
President-elect: Bobby Jindal (R)
Congressional-House
Republican: 235 seats (+24)
Democratic: 200 seats
Incumbent Speaker: Joe Kennedy II (D-MA)
Speaker-elect: Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Congressional-Senate
Republican: 53 seats (+2)
Democratic: 47 seats
Incumbent Majority Leader: Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
January 20, 2009, Inauguration Day
President Robert Kennedy and Vice President Evan Bayh entered the limousine with their Republican successors for the short drive to the Capitol Building where the Republicans would reclaim the White House after an 8-year absence. All four mounted the Inaugural stand where Chief Justice Merrick Garland would administer the oath. Jindal raised his right hand. “I, Piyush Jindal, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”
Robert Kennedy left the podium for the 747 which would fly him home to New York after an entire lifetime in Washington, along with his parents and cousin John. A new era had dawned, both for the country and both parties...
Former President Robert Kennedy Jr. leaves the Capitol for the Air Force 747 that will fly he and his family back to New York, Jan. 20, 2009/
June 5, 1968, Los Angeles- 2330 PST
“Bob, I’m sorry for saying that this was an impossible dream.”
- Sen. George McGovern (D-SD)
"Is everyone OK?"
- Robert Kennedy's last words, June 5, 1968
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