These years of Progress - A different 1968 TL

[Deleted member 92121]

The Mayor of Candor Lied

At first, they appeared quite similar, approaching the same subjects and political topics, but if one was to take a close look at the campaigns of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan in 1976, one would see the fundamental difference between them. The former was focused on the past, the latter on the future. – John E. Bush​

Election year was looking good for the Republicans. The economy was tanking, the oil crisis was still dying down, the tension was high, and the Democrats were tearing each other apart. It was the perfect time for the Republican Party to unite behind one strong figure. A charismatic veteran politician critical of the present administration who could capitalize on the current climate. They had that figure, trouble was, they had two of them.

Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan were the two titans of the Party. Ford was an influential powerbroker in the Legislative, while Reagan was serving his third term as governor of California. For almost two decades now, they had witnessed one Democrat after the other sit in the White House, passing legislation that was fundamentally contrary to their views. Nixon and Rockefeller had for years been the two fundamental pillars of the Party, one conservative and the other a so-called “Progressive”. Both had run for the Presidency and both had been defeated. Nixon had been the first to leave the picture, and now Rockefeller had publicly announced he would not run. This left a power vacuum in the leadership that was filled by these two men.

Gone were the days of Rockefeller and his moderation, for both Ford and Reagan were significantly hostile to the present Administration. They both attacked Kennedy’s policies, both domestic and foreign, as well as the current candidates. Both were based on conservatism, pulling the party back to its Nixon era politics, and away for Rockefeller’s Progressive stance in the early 1970’s.

Ford and Reagan disliked each other, that was well known, but the campaign was marked by relative civility between both of them. They simply couldn’t allow another 1968, when the two former leaders of the party smashed each other campaigns to bits. Then June came and Harry Byrd was killed. The entire scandal involving McGovern was just gold for the Republicans. The Democratic Party had been thrown in absolute chaos, and it feed the Republicans with all the ammunition needed to win a trench war. McGovern was devoured in a sea of criticism by Reagan, who called the man “a Stooge and an opportunist that could not be trusted to run a restaurant, much less the free world”. Ed Muskie was part of the Administration, and so was another easy target.

Both the Governor of California and the House Minority Leader traveled extensively, living on the campaign trail and giving speeches in any town they could find. But in the end, Reagan had one thing Ford didn’t. He had acting skills.

The former Hollywood actor could give speeches and look like a leader in a way few ever could. While Ford attacked intricate fiscal policies, Reagan smiled and attacked tangible Democratic figures directly. When Ford spoke of how much the government was currently spending on social services, the Californian spoke of how little the government would take from the people in his administration. The Soviet Union? Ford was going to ease relations, Reagan was going to beat the bloody reds out of Afghanistan and put America back on top. American pride? Family values? Cheap Oil? Reagan was going to bring all of that back.

His focus on the future of the country under his administration was broad and optimistic enough that it simply captivated many. The ease with which the 65 years old Governor of California spoke of the future just inspired confidence in many. Reagan was not just a American, he was what Americans aspired to be.

It was that inspiration that placed him in front of Gerard Ford in almost every state. During the primaries, Reagan carried California and then the Midwest with ease. Most of the Rust Belt followed suit. This did not leave that much for Ford, but it didn’t secure the nomination either. Like so many times before, it would be up to the Convention to choose the nominee.

The 1976 Republican Primaries
​

The 1976 Republican Convention in Kansas City was a grand affair. It was, after all, the bicentennial of America. Great displays of patriotism were not only expected, but almost required.

With both candidates still having strong chances of winning, the campaign managers got on to work with the delegates. It would be a close affair, most likely.

The field soon divided in two. The more moderate wing under Ford, and the larger Conservative force behind Reagan. It was fair game, as many delegates were undecided between both camps, and provided more than enough votes to tip the balance.

The voices heard on the convention varied greatly, but among them one must point out Nelson Rockefeller. The former Presidential Nominee urged unity for the party, and a support for more moderate policies, before openly throwing his support behind Ford. It was a move that gained the House Minority Leader a moment of hope, before backfiring on him. Few moderates were not already on his camp, but plenty of conservatives decided to leave his side for Reagan’s, fearing Ford might adopt a more Progressive approach.

The Keynote speech however was that of CIA Director George H. W. Bush. The figure was highly critical of President Kennedy’s policies, and believed a lot more should be done concerning foreign policy. His remarks about how Reagan would “Bring back American Hegemony”, were loudly applauded. His speech was certainly an essential point in giving Reagan enough votes. From that moment on, many speculated Reagan would pick Bush for the V.P. slot.

With victory guaranteed and counted, Reagan proudly accepted the nomination, promising to bring back morning to America, and restore morality to the nation. His pick for V.P. would surprise many, as he chose former Mayor of New York John Lindsay. The man was in many ways a liberal, who had briefly considered switching, parties in the early 1970’s. The choice was made clearly to attract more liberal voters that might be upset by Reagan’s conservatism.

In the end, Ford had to swallow the bitter pill and accept his defeat, promising to support Reagan in his campaign.

Gerald Ford concedes the nomination to Governor Ronald Reagan​

..................
History of the Republican Party, from Lincoln to Cheney, Michael A. Cormack

 

[Deleted member 92121]

The Election of 1976​

As November got closer and closer, the campaigns of the three candidates intensified. This was a battle not only for the White House, but also for the ideological future of American politics. Progressives versus conservatives. Public spending versus tax cutbacks. Democrat versus Republican. One can argue that’s the case every 4 years, but the Geo-political situation in 1976 was a unique one. The United States was in the middle of an unprecedented Oil Crisis, pressure was building with the Soviet Union and the political machine was in turmoil. People were losing trust on their government, people were afraid.

The Kennedy Administration had lost a lot of public confidence in the last two years. That was in large part due to the Oil Crisis, but also because of the visible political stalemate. The 1974 mid-terms had ensured a Republican Senate. And though the Democrats had a majority in the House, The American Independents had enough seats to turn the tide for the Republicans if they so wished. Therefore, the Legislative was a hostile one to the incumbent administration.

By September, a poll determined the president to have a 55% approval rating. It was surprisingly positive, considering the circumstances. Nevertheless, another poll showed support for the Democratic Party to be at 32%. Strangely, it seemed that the President’s popularity was, at least partially, disconnected from that of his party. Had RFK been running, he might have had an easier time. The Democratic candidate, however, was Muskie.

Democratic candidate Edmund Muskie with his VP Jimmy Carter
​

Victory was not at all guaranteed for the Party, Ed Muskie knew that well. He campaigned hard, traveling the country and seeking to visit as many states as possible. Quantity over quality seemed to be his campaign policy. His Vice Presidential Nominee, Jimmy Carter toured the South, seeking to garner local support. This strategy proved unsuccessful very early on. Though Carter was a popular politician, especially in his native South, the death of Byrd and the resulting conspiracy theories were far to ingrained in the region. Byrd had, afterall, won every primary there, and the so called “McGovern-Hernandez” Plot proved simply too damaging. Polls in the regions showed Muskie/Carter at a solid third place, behind Reagan and, of course, Alabama’s favorite child.

Governor George Wallace knew this was a crucial election. He had first ran in 1968, succeeding in taking a good Chunk of the Deep South to his side. His run in 72 proved more problematic, as he lost ground to the republicans. Now, however, the American Independence Party had congressmen, and two governor sits. For two years now they had negotiated with republicans in the House, and for two years they had been taken seriously. Wallace would not miss the opportunity.

George Wallace interview, July 3rd, 1976. ​

The Governor knew that Segregation was not the topic it once was. While in 68 he had run on that issue almost entirely, now the topic looked like a memory. Racial integration was a reality and Wallace couldn’t capitalize on it like before. Therefore he focused his campaign on three points, Morality, the economy, and foreign policy.

“Democrats, can you still really trust them? They’ve gone completely corrupt. Look at what they did to Senator Byrd. Now harry and I had our differences, but he was a true southerner, and look at what McGovern did. Now you can say Muskie is not McGovern but that’s a damm lie. Muskie, McGovern, Kennedy, they’re all the same, and they all treat Washington as their corrupt little playground. You can’t trust them anymore, you just can’t. And Foreign Policy? Look at all the money they’re throwing at Europe and Asia, when they should be spending that money right here on the American people. The people suffering because of a crisis they caused. The Democrats and their little arm wrestling with the Soviets. Muskie is the worst of them on that, looking outside instead of inside. I say it again, don’t trust the Democrats.”

The little speech, given to a reporter in September, typified the new approach the American Independent Party was taking on the election. While Wallace campaigned hard, his VP choice was none other than Ross Barnett, governor of Mississippi. While Wallace could lay of the racial issue, Barnett, a known segregationist, could direct all the talk on the matter to himself.

George Wallace with his VP Governor Ross Barnett​

The campaign proved surprisingly popular. Discontentment with the government was high, especially in the South. Outside the South, however, Wallace’s popularity seemed to fall abruptly. In every other region, polls showed him at third place. Behind Muskie and, of course, Dutch.

Governor Ronald Reagan was trying again. “Third time’s the charm, he would pronounce repeatedly on the campaign. His rhetoric of staunch fiscal conservatism and family values had successfully pulled the GOP from the moderates of Rockefeller straight to his camp. His attacks on the Kennedy Administration were consistent and effective, if not as crude as those of Wallace.

“America craves for better leadership. America craves for better management. Now is the time to return to morality, to the ideals that made America great. We need to stop interfering in people’s lives and the economy with these taxes and regulations. We need to fix our economy that has been run dry by too much spending. And the Soviet Union? Well, I’m not going to end the current situation, I’m going to win it. We’re going to show Mr. Brezhnev that the United States is the true global leader, and that the American way will always beat tyranny. We will leave the darkness we’re facing. It’s morning in America once again.”

Reagan’s message was precise, and it resonated with many Americans. People that, in 1968 had been lifelong democrats were now migrating to the Californian with his charisma. He was indeed a favorite.

Governor Reagan with his VP Mayor John Lindsay​

Reagan chose to focus on some key states, particularly around the Midwest and the rust belt. He would hold large rally’s, and spend weeks at a time in some states, as was the case with Ohio and Indiana.

His VP choice, New York Mayor John Lindsay meanwhile would focus on moderation. He would campaign hard in his hometown, and seek to attract undecideds and moderate voters.

Finally, after months of campaign, November arrived, and the voting booths opened.

Through the entire campaign, Muskie had been behind Reagan. However, no one could truly predict the landslide. Muskie secured New York by 3 points. A good chunk of New England also went Democrat, all with a difference below one point. Minnesota, bastion of the party, also remained loyal, as did Washington and the Capital. Nothing else did. Reagan received 53.2% of the popular vote, and 363 electoral votes. Muskie trailed behind with 31.8% of the vote, one of the lowest in Democratic history. In Third place came George Wallace, with his strongest performance to date. Garnering 15% of the popular votes, and 75 electoral votes, Wallace had succeeded at the Impossible: Fully turning the South against the established political parties. With the exception of Florida, the entire region voted American Independent.

​

It was indeed the end of an era. The aftermath of the election would indeed, be felt around the world.

The End and the Beginning of a Era, Marcus P. Edginton
...............................

 

[President Eternal]

I was worried for a minute that Wallace would get elected. Glad to see he wasn't. In the meantime, I see that the AIP continues to grow as a viable third party; I can't help but wonder if a fourth will grow on the left to counter its place on the right.

Also, interesting to see Reagan get elected four years ahead of OTL. Can't wait to see the ripple effect there, especially with that ominous line you chose to end with.

 

[LordYam]

Is Star Wars going to exist in this timeline

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Is Star Wars going to exist in this timeline

It's very likely something in the veins of Star Wars will emerge. Star Trek was not cancelled as OTL, and even got a motion picture made by Stanely Kubrick. I'l probably cover SW in the next update, where I go into pop culture.

 

[LordYam]

Would Reagan appoint John Paul Stevens to the Supreme Court? Also I just realized. Douglas died in 1980,l. That means Reagan gets 2 picks, including chief justice

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Would Reagan appoint John Paul Stevens to the Supreme Court? Also I just realized. Douglas died in 1980,l. That means Reagan gets 2 picks, including chief justice

Oh, sorry for not responding earlier, missed it somehow.
Interesting question. Stevens was nominated in 75 by Ford. It's unlikely Kennedy would name his to the Supreme Court. I believe Reagan wouldn't pick him either, instead aiming for a more conservative choice.

 

[Tales Weaver]

It's very likely something in the veins of Star Wars will emerge. Star Trek was not cancelled as OTL, and even got a motion picture made by Stanely Kubrick. I'l probably cover SW in the next update, where I go into pop culture.

this brings me. would Sylvester Stallone's Rocky come into existance?

 

[LordYam]

Douglas was made to retire in 75 due to his age.

I also wonder how Reagan would have handled Iran. The thing about Stevens is that he was fairly conservative at the time (he said that the Powell case was one of his turning points on criminal justice matters; same with Harry Blackmun.) He also had strong credentials.

I think Star Wars would exist but might be a little different than canon. Maybe you can have return play out a little differently.

 

[LordYam]

Another issue is that Douglas retired in 1975. He tried to stay on for a while though.

 

[Kennedy4Ever]

I’m loving this timeline so far! I really hope that the next update comes out soon!

 

[LordYam]

Personally I would have taken a page out of lordcaedus’s book and made Brennan Chief Justice.

 

[ReconGuy02]

Is this dead?

 

[Count]

Is this dead?

Don’t be rude

 

[Deleted member 92121]

I’m loving this timeline so far! I really hope that the next update comes out soon!

Is this dead?

Not dead.

I apologize for not responding or updating in a while.

Will be back with more regular updates soon. A lot planned, both for the domestic situation of the US now that Reagan has been elected, amd the foreign one.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Morning in America​

I disagree with the man in many fundamental beliefs. I do not like his politics; I do not like his remarks. I would much rather it be Ed Muskie, or George McGovern or even Rockefeller if I were to seek a Republican for the job. But the American people have chosen and I ought to respect that.

- President Robert Kennedy speaking about the election. January, 1977



(…)My fellows Americans, I pledge that while I am president, I shall endeavor to regain our autonomy on the economical stage. No longer will foreign powers so distant have the capacity to cripple us by retaining basic materials. Not while we have an abundance of those basic materials at home, waiting to be exploited. I pledge to lift the great weight that is over taxation from the backs of the American people. No longer will the government stand upon you demanding you sacrifice what is yours for some misguided notion. And not the least, I pledge to fight the evil that is communism all over the world, no matter where, no matter how. The Soviet Union and Maoist China are nothing but evil empires, and they must understand that civilization will not bow down to their ilk. It’s been a while but we have a new way of doing things here in Washington now, the American way” (…)”

- President Ronald Reagan inauguration speech. January 22nd, 1977



I wish to make this quite clear to all. Comrades, we are Not. Leaving. Afghanistan.

- General Secretary Leonid Breznev, concerning the current Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. January 23rd, 1977



The imperialist words are nothing new to us. America stands as does Russia, in opposition to the revolution. We must increase our arsenal, we must be ready for the time to strike, we must strengthen our influence upon Asia, and we must persevere. The flame lit by Chairman Mao will not be expunged.

- Paramount Leader Lin Biao, January 25th, 1977



Sorry George, I’m just not right for the role. I’m too old to do it, I’m just not the hero type and guy’s too nice. Plus he’s blonde, that’s just his character and I don’t see it changing. And I sure as hell am not painting my hair. Give it to that Hamill kid, he was perfect in the audition. Let he be Flash Gordon.

- Harrison Ford on a Phone call with George Lucas. January, 1977



………………………….

Well, it has been a while. No more gigantic pauses between updates. Scouts honor.

 

[President Eternal]

A Flash Gordon movie with (at least some of) the Star Wars cast, done by Lucas? Sounds interesting... except it sounds like there's no Star Wars. That's terrible.

 

[Ogrebear]

No Star Wars and its massive impact would make for a very interesting AU - it would be nice to see another IP take Star Wars place or a set of smaller blockbusters that have an impact on society in turn. Star Wars was not inevitable and there was plenty of moments when it might not have happened or be radically different from what we got and failed/did less well.

No/limited Star Wars means we are likely to see Star Trek: Phase II on TV, Battlestar Galactica might not get made, Sorcerer is probably a box office success, tie-in merchandising possibly does not get quite so prominent, and Lucus might be less of an ego?

 

[Deleted member 92121]

A Flash Gordon movie with (at least some of) the Star Wars cast, done by Lucas? Sounds interesting... except it sounds like there's no Star Wars. That's terrible.

No Star Wars and its massive impact would make for a very interesting AU - it would be nice to see another IP take Star Wars place or a set of smaller blockbusters that have an impact on society in turn. Star Wars was not inevitable and there was plenty of moments when it might not have happened or be radically different from what we got and failed/did less well.

No/limited Star Wars means we are likely to see Star Trek: Phase II on TV, Battlestar Galactica might not get made, Sorcerer is probably a box office success, tie-in merchandising possibly does not get quite so prominent, and Lucus might be less of an ego?

George Lucas was a massive fan of Flash Gordon. So he tried to obtain the rights through the 1970's. The Publisher saw him as too inexperienced to Direct a Flash Gordon movie, so instead he turned his mind to a new space opera, that ended up being Star Wars. Here he get's lucky.

 

[LordYam]

No Star Wars and its massive impact would make for a very interesting AU - it would be nice to see another IP take Star Wars place or a set of smaller blockbusters that have an impact on society in turn. Star Wars was not inevitable and there was plenty of moments when it might not have happened or be radically different from what we got and failed/did less well.

No/limited Star Wars means we are likely to see Star Trek: Phase II on TV, Battlestar Galactica might not get made, Sorcerer is probably a box office success, tie-in merchandising possibly does not get quite so prominent, and Lucus might be less of an ego?

Sorcerer got its ass kicked for other reasons. Also Star Wars was a great movie; maybe other factors helped but it deserves to be a big ip