These years of Progress - A different 1968 TL

[Deleted member 92121]

That’s the way (I like it)​

The tall figure walked right through the right door. He showed confidence walking into such an office, he had been there many times before. But also modesty, he was fully aware of where he was.

Bobby! Sorry I’m late, you know how it goes with our hours. He moved to shake the president’s hand before he got up from the sofa.

Its fine George, I’ve been pretty busy myself. These are tough times, and we have to live up to the responsibility. The President turned to the small table besides the sofa and picked up a mint from a bowl. Please sit down George. We have to straighten some things out.

For a moment George hesitated, what was this about? His comments about Afghanistan? That was fully in line with Bobby’s thinking. His speech against OPEC? That also didn’t seem likely, there wasn’t anyone in the country that didn’t agree with him on that front. He noticed he was quite clearly hesitating, and quickly moved towards the sofa opposite to Bobby’s.

You know why I called you here today George? The President said, while picking up another mint.

I’ve been wondering about that myself, should I be worried about getting fired? He said, with half a laugh, the president smiled and showed amusement, but George could see he was forcing it. Oh Shit, what the hell is this about?!

I wanted to talk to you about the announcement. The president replied, moving back on the sofa.

George relaxed a bit, Oh, I think it’s still a little early Bobby, at least another month before the field get’s…

Are you sure you wanna go through with it George? It’s not going to be easy, you are gonna get fired upon from all sides.

That took him aback for a while. Am I Sure? What the hell does he mean? I’ve talked with him about this so many times. It angered him a little bit, did the President think so little of him as to question his resolve?

Of course I’m going through with this Bobby, just like we discussed before! I know it’s going to be a tough race, things have been bad since the Embargo, but I can still pull this!

Calm down George, I’m not disputing that. The president moved and placed a hand on his shoulder. I’ve complete trust in you, but we have to make sure somethings are in order before you announce.

Such as? George asked, still with a bit of anger in his voice.

Such as your Running Mate. You need to pick one before you announce. You got to come out of the gate running and strong, otherwise you invite challenges. We’ve enough to worry about with Reagan and Ford, and Wallace rampaging and his gang down south. You have any ideas?

A Running mate? Already? Not really Bobby, It’s still early, I didn’t expect to need to go looking until much later.

Good. The President pronounced sharply. Because I already picked him for you. And we need to fish him before the other challenger does.

What? I’ve got to be honest Bobby, I don’t like this one bit. I have the right to choose my VP. And what is this about other challenger?

For the First time since he entered the room, the President looked surprised. You don’t know yet? Byrd. He announced it this morning.

What!? Harry Byrd? He’s not even a Democrat anymore! The man can’t be serious!

He came back to the fold a few weeks ago, and he Is serious George. This is no joke. He’s a know moderate, very popular in Virginia, and can syphon a lot of votes.

He’s a Dixiecrat! George announced angrily

He’s not. Though he can certainly attract their vote. The man is smart, and has been playing the game for a hell of a long time, so you have to be prepared when you go against him.

George recomposed himself. He leaned back and moved for a mint.

I understand Bobby. So, what’s the plan?

That’s where your VP comes in.

So, who is it you got in mind? Elvis? George said jokingly.

No. the president said seriously, as he moved to pick up a folder from the desk. He already announced he is not interested. Nice fellow from Georgia.

President Kennedy with VP McGovern talking on Air Force One.​

…………………….

Well, took me long enough. From here on out, no more long waits till the Election. That’s a guarantee. Hope everyone enjoys.

 

[Nerdman3000]

Hmmm...Who could it be?

 

[President Eternal]

I like the thought of Carter being second choice to Elvis.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

I like the thought of Carter being second choice to Elvis.

Of course! Everyone is second to the King.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Bad Blood (part I)
​

By mid-1975, the race for the White House was on full speed. The Democratic Party seemed divided. A division not seen since the struggles of 1970, when the southern democrats fought to block every piece of legislation Kennedy tried to pass. This was in fact the culmination of years of ideological transformation for the party. The Liberal road the party had followed for the last decade had caused rifts between the North and the South that would simply prove too great. RFK had succeeded in mending the cracks in the party machine in the early 1970’s. Enough to ensure support for his reelection and to stomp any filibustering attitudes Dixiecrats might have held against the more liberal stance of the Party. Now, however, Kennedy was leaving the picture, and the fight for the Party Throne was starting up as brutally as 1968.

Morale was not on the side of the Democrats, that’s for sure. Stagflation had brought the economy down in a massive scale, with the gas crash and the tension between both the U.S. and the Soviet Union considerably elevated. The democrats were going to fight an uphill battle against the Republican nominee (whoever that was going to be).

First, there was Vice-President George McGovern, the heir-presumptive to RFK’s legacy. His candidacy had been naturally expected, and when he announced it in June, there were no big surprises. His views and stances had always been close to Kennedy’s, and his support for the president had proven of great importance in the last two elections. It was no surprise then that RFK would give considerable support to McGovern in return, supporting his election in a way few presidents did when they were near the end of their turn. A continuation of His legacy, of Universal Healthcare, and investment on education, infrastructure, and scientific endeavors, this was the Democratic Party Kennedy wanted to push forward. And for that, he supported McGovern.

Vice President George McGovern, 1975​

His choice was not unanimous however, as the southern faction of the party now showed interests in reclaiming its political machine. there were no longer the Dixiecrats and die-hard segregationists here, those had gone over to the AIP long ago. These were, nonetheless, much more conservative Democrats when it came to social changes. This was not always the case, as the Kennedy’s education reform had been largely supported by the south. They felt, however, that the Liberal northern faction had controlled the party for too long, and it was time for a change. And no man better personified that desire then Harry Byrd Jr.

A living and breathing son of the South, the Virginian was a veteran politician, and heir to his father’s massive legacy on the state, the Byrd Organization. In fact, he shared many similarities with president Kennedy. They both hailed from longstanding political dynasties, both very charismatic figures, and both highly popular in their respective regions.

Byrd had left the Democratic Party in 1970, faced with a transforming political landscape. Yet he continued to stay closely connected to the party. His landmark election for Senator as an Independent marked how popular he was with his constituents, and his fierce criticism of the Kennedy administration only ended when the latter invited him to be part of his cabinet, in a compromise move. Now Secretary of commerce, Byrd’s criticism of the administration grew towards the election, and in May 1975, he became the first democrat to announce his candidacy. Promising a return to moderation and stability when contrasted by the radical changes of the last 8 years, Byrd support on the south quickly grew.

Harry Byrd Jr. in 1975​

Finally came the Third figure. One no one had really been expecting to throw his hat on the race. Secretary of State Edmund Muskie, famed Liberal and extremely influential figure on the party, announced he would run on September 1975. This late announcement shocked many, among then the President, who felt it was a clear betrayal of the administration plan moving forward. Muskie had been Humphrey’s presumptive choice for VP in 1968, and his name had been floated around considerably in 1972. In the latter, however, he chose to support the president and his policies.

Naming the growing tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union as the main reason for his campaign, Muskie pledged to seek to end the hostilities, and to stop nuclear proliferation. As Secretary of State, Muskie was very experienced with International negotiations, and the last few years had proven quite troublesome for him, as he was openly critical of the Kennedy end to Detente. His candidacy, though disruptive to many, proved to be very attractive to the left of the party, and many Americans that yearned for a more hopeful and peaceful time.

Sec. of State Ed. Muskie in 1975​

Though all three of them knew the Election would prove to be a battlefield, none could have foreseen the events that would turn 1976 into one of the most historical elections in the history of the United States.

History of the Democratic Party, from Jackson to Clinton, Michael A. Cormack

………………………….
One Year anniversary in THREE DAYS!!!

I was planning on having the election in the aniversary, but the time table won't allow it, but I promise you guys this: The Election is going to be REALLY fun.

 

[President Eternal]

Betting Muskie wins just because he's the outlier. More to the point, however, I want to see what happens to make 1976 so memorable.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Bad Blood (part II)​

Fifteen Years. That’s for how long a Democrat had sat on the White house. From Kennedy to Johnson to Kennedy again, the Democratic Party had pushed its agenda from the oval office. The Republicans had missed every chance, every opportunity to take back the executive. Even in 68, when the democrats were so fractured, they let their internal divisions get in the way. These divisions had plagued them for years, for as the donkeys were in a constant struggle between north and south, the Republicans had also been split. The fight between conservatism under Nixon and moderation under Rockefeller had lost them the White House eight years ago, and when the party finally supported the more moderate approach of the latter in 72, they had lost again. It simply wasn’t their year they told themselves.

Well, by 1976 the situation had changed. The economy was in shambles, the public trust in the government was low, the news had gotten depressing again. And, now, the Republican Party was once again in the gentle embrace of conservatism.

Nothing exemplified that more than their frontrunner. For the third time in eight years, Ronald Reagan was aiming for the top. The former Hollywood star turned governor of California had now finally succeed in bringing the party to his camp. Rockefeller announcement that he did would not seek the nomination once more brought a cry of relief to many, and one of grave disappointment to some. Now the governor of the Golden state had the opportunity to lead his party towards the White House, and Make America great again.

He was, however, not alone in the race. From Washington D. C., another veteran of Party politics had emerged as a hopeful candidate. Gerald Ford, House Minority Leader and for a long time archenemy of democratic policy in the house, had thrown his hat in the ring. Though perhaps not as charismatic as Reagan, the man had knowledge of the inner workings of Congress, and was a respected figure in Washington. After all this time serving in government under a democrat, it was perhaps time for him to take the lead.

Neither man would back down easily, for they both new that their party nominee probably had a better chance at the presidency than anyone else.

​

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

...............
Boy oh Boy, It's been ONE YEAR! Hard to believe. Thank you all for your support, I love writing this and I love to see a positive response!

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Bad Blood (part III)​

“My dear Americans, Is this your land? Is this the Land of the Free, the brave? The Land where a man can work hard and receive results, where he can feel safe for the sanctity of his family, where he knows his children can grow up in with dignity. Or, is this their America? Kennedy’s America? WASHINGTON’S America? And make no mistakes ladies and gentlemen, it doesn’t matter if it looks like a donkey or an elephant, they’re all the same up there! Where their Liberal Agenda gets pushed forward at every turn, where the races are forced to intermingle against all natural order, pornography and degeneration are shown at every movie theater and a man cannot even put fuel in his car! I say we need to fix this once and for all, to put an end to this corruption of American values before it’s too late. I fought for it eight years ago; I fought for it four years ago, and by god almighty, I Will Fight Again! Mark my words, we must drain this Swamp or we’ll all drown!”

-Governor George Wallace, Montgomery, Alabama, September 21st, 1975.

​

...................

And Here's another one!!!! Least I can do. Next up: The Democratic race and the DNC convention.

 

[President Eternal]

Happy thread anniversary!

Reagan or Ford... I'll be interested to see who wins this.

Two small things: 1) The "Sunshine state" is Florida, not California. 2) Did you really have to throw those Trump references in there? I know it's not a major deal, but it was a bit jarring.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Happy thread anniversary!

Reagan or Ford... I'll be interested to see who wins this.

Two small things: 1) The "Sunshine state" is Florida, not California. 2) Did you really have to throw those Trump references in there? I know it's not a major deal, but it was a bit jarring.

Thanks!

Make America Great Again was Reagan's original campaign slogan in 1980. Drain the Swamp, however, i do admit was a reference. But it was more on the tone that it's a populist campaigning agaisnt the "stablishment" than any sort of statement. It's just a bonus to show how diverse the political scenario has become in this election.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Keep on rocking me baby​

1976 would bring forth the primaries for Democratic Party, starting with the historical Iowa primary, that so many times had been the indicator of the clear frontrunner and probable nominee. This year, however, there were many hats in the ring, as it seemed everybody wanted to be king.

The three frontrunners of course were McGovern, Byrd and Muskie, the later having surprised many with his intention to run, and quickly gaining momentum. What, by last year had seemed like a quick victory for the logical McGovern, by January looked like a fair fight.

They weren’t the only figures in contention of course, as many other politicians of fame within the party had also gained a large support. Some of these, like Senator Harry Jackson of Washington and Governors Jimmy Carter and Jerry Brown of Georgia and California were actually running with enthusiasm, and, though Dark Horses, were far from being irrelevant. Other’s, like Governor Presley, had publicly declared they had no intention to contend the nomination, and yet couldn’t escape the election machine that was fueled by their popularity.

When Iowa came in January 4, the results surprised many, and delighted some. McGovern took the state, but was closely followed by Ed Muskie, and Jimmy Carter in a close third. In Mississippi a few days later, the Winner was neither of those, But Harry Byrd, with over 30% of the vote. In February came Vermont, taken by Muskie, then New Hampshire to McGovern. Finally in March 2nd, one of the biggest blows to the McGovern campaign with Muskie winning Massachusetts by a close margin of 3%. The race was closer than anyone had predicted, and as the candidates begun to realize it a vicious campaign started all over the Country.

In the South, the Byrd campaign would put a large amount of effort on discrediting McGovern, claiming he was simply a pawn in the Kennedy schemes, and a man of few true principles. Byrd’s campaign had already been mostly focused on attacking the Vice-President, so he reaped considerable success, and many of the primaries in the South favored him. When it came to attacking other candidates, however, he proved less effective. In Particular there was Jimmy Carter, himself a southerner, who seemed to syphon some of Byrd’s support for himself.

Carter had first received real attention after he had won the Florida Primary in March, and then his own state of Georgia in May. Some today question if Carter actually believed he could win by then, or if his campaign was simply a way to gain some leverage on the Convention. The Later option seems more likely, as even with his two wins, he carried nowhere near the chances of McGovern or Muskie, and not even Brown, with his support in California. However, being a Southerner with more liberal views then Byrd, some have theorized he could have hoped to be a compromise candidate.

The Midwest would mostly follow McGovern, particularly his home state of South Dakota. The Northeast, though, would be much more of a battleground between Muskie and McGovern. New York, in particular, would be bombarded by ads and speeches praising one candidate over the other, before McGovern took the state in a very close primary, winning by less than 2%.

Tennessee was a singular case, as Governor Presley received a majority of the votes, even not running. From the start, the Governor had thrown his support behind McGovern, as the clear choice of the White House for the nomination. This didn’t seem to factor in the minds of his constituents that seemed adamant in sending him to the Convention with the full support of their state.

By June it seemed that the choice would fall to the Convention, with none of the candidates really taking enough delegates to secure a assured nomination. George McGovern, however, had proved he could withstand the criticism and personal attacks, as he remained the frontrunner. On June 2nd Governor Carter dropped out of the Race. Some speculated he had made a deal with either the Vice-President or Muskie for a place in their Ticket. A few days later, after McGovern took Ohio, it seemed Carter was on the verge of throwing his support behind the Vice-President with his endorsement.

The Democratic Primary results on June 5th, 1976​

Then the news came out on June 6st. Harry Byrd motorcade was hit by a truck in Detroit. The Senator was on his way to a rally when the vehicle slammed on the side of his car, killing him. The Driver fled the scene, before being found two days later drunk in a bar. That is of course, when all hell broke loose, as the man declared the McGovern Campaign paid him to kill the Senator.

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

 

[President Eternal]

Wow, shocking twist there. Now, the question is, is he telling the truth, or is he some delusional nutjob? Either way, I suppose McGovern's dead in the water.

Interesting choice to have Elvis win Tennessee without even running. Be interesting to see what happens with him later on.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Wow, shocking twist there. Now, the question is, is he telling the truth, or is he some delusional nutjob? Either way, I suppose McGovern's dead in the water.

Interesting choice to have Elvis win Tennessee without even running. Be interesting to see what happens with him later on.

Will adress that on the next update when i cover the DNC.

As for Elvis, popularity can get in the way of what you want the people to actually do. Still, he's likely loving the results.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

So, mister Clarkson, you were getting to the point about the investigation after Senator Byrd's death?

- Oh, yes, yes. FBI did a quick job of catching the fellow. The man did very little to hide. They traced the route of his truck, and found it abandoned not far alway from the crash site. It belonged to a meat packing plant from the local area, from there they checked every employees schedules, who didn't show up to work, that sort of stuff. It was standard police business, hardly the hunt for John Wilkes Booth. They had a name in little time, Victor Hernandez. Latino fellow, completely uninteresting life story until that year. Trust me, I checked. Of course, the name didn't become public knowledge right away. They found him drunk in a bar two days after the incident, took him in, and questioned him for nearly 10 hours. Eventually his talk of innocence turned into the story we know today.

The allegations about the McGovern-Hernandez plot.

- Yeah, that's what we got to calling it eventually. I was lucky. Sure you could praise my journalistic instincts for it but that's just not true. That came to use later on. First I was just lucky. A friend of a friend worked in the precint, he heard the entire confession and called me. Told me to keep his name out of it (not that it made a lot of difference in the long run), and told me to print it fast. After the story was formed the FBI jumped into the investigation pretty quickly, cut off access to Hernandez.

And that's when you came up with the famous headline.

- "McGovern paid me to do it - says killer." It was incredible. We had more papers sold then the freaking moon landing cover for all i know. Every competitor in the field was calling me and asking me for the source. The Times, The Post, Globe, you name it. Just like that, I went from a nobody to the top of the industry.

And what about the claims you inflamed the political discourse?

- How old are you son? Where you even alive in 1976?

Not really sir.

- Then you couldn't know about the political discourse in 1976! You had to be there! Inflame? It was arleady ON fire! It was the late Kennedy years, half the country hated the man, the other loved him. And for McGovern, no one really loved the man you know, not like Bobby. No one agreed on a damm thing. There were southerners praising Wallace, Republicans praising Reagan or Ford or even Rockefeller (and don't get me started on the Goldwaterites), lots of people praising Byrd, and Carter, and any other son of the South. And a lot of praise for Muskie as well. McGovern had come to represent the government. And no one was happy with that thing! Not with the Oil Crisis on it's peak, and tensions high with the reds.

But certainly that article had repercussions...

- Of course it had repercussions, that's what Journalism is there for! Provoke response! Was it a little provocative? Sure, but you can't pass on the opportunity to attract attention. It basically killed McGovern presidential bid. The man withdraw from the race a couple of days later. Carter and Muskie both praised Byrd, and refused to comment on McGovern. Ford also said that people shouldn't speculate. Reagan wasn't so nice, and he saw it as a chance to attack the government hard. Wallace went on full rage mode. Called for a investigation into this "conspiracy", and called it proof that Washington stood against the southern man, that asshole sure knew how to throw blame around.

What about your involvement in spreading the "conspiracy" narrative?

- Hernandez started the conspiracy narrative, lets get this clear. The man stood behind it during investigation and trial. And so what if I followed the narrative? You pick a point of view and you go from there. The man worked in the McGovern campaign for a time. He was a avid Liberal, hated the so called "reactionary views" of Byrd and... that was pretty much it. All we could prove. So what if it took a lot of time to get to that? We had to be thorough. Not my fault the story stuck. You believe Hernandez still claims he was paid to do it? Too late to back down is what I think.

Regardless, you do believe you influenced the election.

- Son, again, im a journalist. I influence people. The headline had a impact. The investigation that came after, and there's no garantee the FBI could have kept that under the ruggs had I not published, also had a inpact. The DNC was a hellhole. In the end they chose Muskie with Carter as VP. A good North/South ticket. Kennedy gave his famous third Aeschylus speech. Praised unity and friendship, called for stability in the troubled times. That man could really talk. Would any of that have happened if it wasn't for my article? That's not the point. The impact is colateral in the search for truth. I was following leads, a line of thought and heck, it sold papers i admit that played some part in it. In the end, I was wrong on my theory, and I wasn't alone in it. That's a shame but that's life. 76 kept going, and so did I.
.................
Exerpt from the Clarkson interviews, 2018.

 

[Knightmare]

Wow.

What a jackass.

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Wow.

What a jackass.

A Man that wants to get to the top by any means necessary.

the term Jackass certainly covers it.

 

[President Eternal]

A Man that wants to get to the top by any means necessary.

the term Jackass certainly covers it.

Agreed.

Be interesting to see how the election goes now that the party's been forced into this ticket.

 

[mspence]

Poor McGovern...so the 1976 Democratic primary turns on the word of a drunk?

I don't think Reagan would pick Ford for a running mate given that they really didn't seem to like each other in OTL either. Ford wanted to be a "co-President" with Reagan when he was being considered as a running mate in 1980.

For the TL:

 

[Knightmare]

Poor McGovern...so the 1976 Democratic primary turns on the word of a drunk?

A drunk interrogated for 10 hours by PD, probably "accidentally" ignoring his Miranda warnings....

 

[Deleted member 92121]

Poor McGovern...so the 1976 Democratic primary turns on the word of a drunk?

I don't think Reagan would pick Ford for a running mate given that they really didn't seem to like each other in OTL either. Ford wanted to be a "co-President" with Reagan when he was being considered as a running mate in 1980.

For the TL:

Oh, Ford and Reagan are rivals for the Republican Nomination. I haven't gotten to the RNC yet, probably next update. They are now arduous contestants, Ford as the symbol of the Republican stablishment, Reagan as the conservative reformer, trying for a third time.

Thanks for the pictures, will certainly use them both!