TLIAPOT: Kingfinch
- Thread starter Baconheimer
- Start date
I think I am going to cover more time in my next few updates. My momentum seems to be collapsing at this rate.
1982 Midterms
'Brezhnev dead of heart attack! Andropov in control in Moscow'
- New York Times, July 10th, 1982
"Brezhnev has been a failure to our country. His so-called reforms have not improved this nation. I am committed to rolling back the things he has done, winning the war in Afghanistan, and solidfying our alliances with our communist brothers in Europe."
- Yuri Andropov to aides, July 15th, 1982
'Preparations for the raid on Sdot Micha will begin as soon as possible. I hereby authroize you to use whatever means necessary to train a force that will be able to carry out the guidelines I have set forth here.'
- Major General Mohsen Rezaee to Qasem Soleimani, August 6th, 1982
'It has been a long time since any Mississippi governor has had much fame outside of that state. Incumbent governor Cliff Finch is quickly becoming a national player. His political career stretches back to 1960 when he was first elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives. He exploded onto the state scene in 1975 when won the governorship, campaigning as a common man, working alongside manual laborers of all races. His coalition pushed him into the Governor's Mansion. Mr. Finch pushed for protections for unions and the working man. In 1979, he handily won reelection with the backing of the same coalition. His supporters followed on his coattails, giving Finch a highly receptive Senate and House of Representatives. According to sources close to the Governor, Mr. Finch considered challenging President Carter for the Democratic nomination, but decided against it. Since the election of Ronald Reagan, Governor Finch has decried the President's attacks on unions and has expressed dissatisfaction for the war in Iran. Candidates throughout the south have adopted what is becoming known as "Finchism", and people such as former Governor George Wallace and Senator Russell Long have met with Finch, whose fame has spread to neighboring Alabama and Louisiana. Already, there is talk of Finch running for President in 1984.'
- New Yorker Magazine, August 23rd, 1982
'A doped-up junkie dropped into Tehran from the gutters of the most depraved American city would find himself at home in what is still called a capitol. Tehran is nothing but the center of a conspiracy - a conspiracy created in the halls of Washington, some half-baked plan to invade a far-off place for the personal gain of the President. A feeling of timelessness hangs over the entire city. Each day, cars explode. Anyone with any sense, and by extension, without a commission knows that that winning is losing for them.'
- Hunter Thompson, Rolling Stone, September 1982
'McCloskey slams Reagan in campaign speech'
- Los Angeles Tribune, September 24th, 1982
'Defense Department looking at reinstating draft: Rumsfeld denies allegations'
- Chicago Tribune, October 5th, 1982
'McCloskey: "I will not send our boys to die without cause"'
- Los Angeles Times, October 7th, 1982
'As you are likely aware, a force comprised of upwards of one-hundred and twenty well-armed PLO and Quds Force fighters attacked our base at Sdot Micha. Most of the attackers had suicide vests, which accounts for the low number of captives we hold. Nevertheless, a few vests malfunctioned, which has allowed us to detain several of the attackers. Interrogation has revealed that the aim of this attack was the stockpile of nuclear warheads at the base. The attack was a failure, but surprising, and could, with additional resources have possibly succeeded in its aim of taking a warhead. This episode illustrates that the Iranian government and its allies are willing to expend any resources, and, try, at any cost, to win this war. It is the opinion of the nuclear wing that additional resources must immediately be diverted to the protection of the nuclear stockpile. If Iran was to ever get its hands on a weapon of an atomic nature the effects would be disastrous. Analysts agree that, in that eventuality escalation would be almost inevitable. To defend civilization we must endevour to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of our enemies.'
- From memo to Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens, October 25th, 1982
"You've read the reports from Israel, I presume?
The Iranians'll stop at nothing, they're nothing but a bunch of barbarians led by a hopped-up Colonel.
The Israelis are asking for our help defending their stockpile. It's a good idea....
Fuck, yes. If they ever got one and used it I wouldn't hesitate to glass over every nation those little sand n..."
- Secretary of State Alexander Haig to Secretary of Defense Ronald Rumsfeld, October 26th, 1982
Democratic- 60%
Republican- 39%
Other 1%
- 1982 Senate voting intentions, November 1st, 1982
'Democrats take Senate, expand lead in House by 46 seats'
- New York Times, November 3rd, 1982
'Senator Moonbeam!'
- Oakland Tribune, November 3rd, 1982
1982 United States Senate Elections:
Democratic: 51 (+6)
Republican: 49 (-5)
Independent: 0 (-1)
1982 United States House of Representatives Elections:
Democratic: 289 (+46)
Republican: 146 (-46)
1982 House of Representatives elections in infobox form.
1982 Senate elections in infobox form.
'Further intelligence-gathering suggests that acquiring a nuclear weapon by force will be so hard as to make it nearly impossible. It now seems that the best course of action is to purchase fissile material and use our own scientists to develop bombs. The bombs will be crude, but will be a shock to our enemies.'
- From report by Major General Mohsen Rezaee to Qasem Soleimani, early November 1982
"I've never been so conflicted before. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. I'm supposed to obey the President, but, frankly, he's making some strange decisions. I thought he had a vision and compassion, but this cabinet seems to be pushing him to his worst. Ever since Donald's been at Defense, things are getting worse. I don't know if I can keep on like this in good conscience."
- Secretary of State Alexander Haig to his wife, Patricia Antoinette Fox, November 16th, 1982
'Coup in Baghdad: Early this morning, Kamel Sajid, head of the Republican Guard, the elite fighting force in Iraq was proclaimed temporary head of state. The Republican Guard took President Uday Hussein, eldest son of the former President, widely regarded as a young, incompetent leader, into custody while occupying various points of importance in the city. A statement was issued from Radwaniyah Palace that Kamel Sajid had assumed the role of President and that the Ba'ath Party had acknowledged his legitimacy, followed by his joining of the party. Sajid later said he would step down when Uday is competent enough to hold the Presidency. The United States Department of State has declared Sajid as legitimate President of Iraq. There are unsubstantiated reports of fighting between Republican Guard forces and Hussein loyalists.'
- New York Times, December 6th, 1982
Likely Democratic Contenders:
- Walter Mondale
- Gary Hart
- Jesse Jackson
- Robert Byrd
- Cliff Finch
- Alan Cranston
- George McGovern
- Fritz Hollings
- Jerry Brown
- Time Magazine, late December, 1982
- New York Times, July 10th, 1982
"Brezhnev has been a failure to our country. His so-called reforms have not improved this nation. I am committed to rolling back the things he has done, winning the war in Afghanistan, and solidfying our alliances with our communist brothers in Europe."
- Yuri Andropov to aides, July 15th, 1982
'Preparations for the raid on Sdot Micha will begin as soon as possible. I hereby authroize you to use whatever means necessary to train a force that will be able to carry out the guidelines I have set forth here.'
- Major General Mohsen Rezaee to Qasem Soleimani, August 6th, 1982
'It has been a long time since any Mississippi governor has had much fame outside of that state. Incumbent governor Cliff Finch is quickly becoming a national player. His political career stretches back to 1960 when he was first elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives. He exploded onto the state scene in 1975 when won the governorship, campaigning as a common man, working alongside manual laborers of all races. His coalition pushed him into the Governor's Mansion. Mr. Finch pushed for protections for unions and the working man. In 1979, he handily won reelection with the backing of the same coalition. His supporters followed on his coattails, giving Finch a highly receptive Senate and House of Representatives. According to sources close to the Governor, Mr. Finch considered challenging President Carter for the Democratic nomination, but decided against it. Since the election of Ronald Reagan, Governor Finch has decried the President's attacks on unions and has expressed dissatisfaction for the war in Iran. Candidates throughout the south have adopted what is becoming known as "Finchism", and people such as former Governor George Wallace and Senator Russell Long have met with Finch, whose fame has spread to neighboring Alabama and Louisiana. Already, there is talk of Finch running for President in 1984.'
- New Yorker Magazine, August 23rd, 1982
'A doped-up junkie dropped into Tehran from the gutters of the most depraved American city would find himself at home in what is still called a capitol. Tehran is nothing but the center of a conspiracy - a conspiracy created in the halls of Washington, some half-baked plan to invade a far-off place for the personal gain of the President. A feeling of timelessness hangs over the entire city. Each day, cars explode. Anyone with any sense, and by extension, without a commission knows that that winning is losing for them.'
- Hunter Thompson, Rolling Stone, September 1982
'McCloskey slams Reagan in campaign speech'
- Los Angeles Tribune, September 24th, 1982
'Defense Department looking at reinstating draft: Rumsfeld denies allegations'
- Chicago Tribune, October 5th, 1982
'McCloskey: "I will not send our boys to die without cause"'
- Los Angeles Times, October 7th, 1982
'As you are likely aware, a force comprised of upwards of one-hundred and twenty well-armed PLO and Quds Force fighters attacked our base at Sdot Micha. Most of the attackers had suicide vests, which accounts for the low number of captives we hold. Nevertheless, a few vests malfunctioned, which has allowed us to detain several of the attackers. Interrogation has revealed that the aim of this attack was the stockpile of nuclear warheads at the base. The attack was a failure, but surprising, and could, with additional resources have possibly succeeded in its aim of taking a warhead. This episode illustrates that the Iranian government and its allies are willing to expend any resources, and, try, at any cost, to win this war. It is the opinion of the nuclear wing that additional resources must immediately be diverted to the protection of the nuclear stockpile. If Iran was to ever get its hands on a weapon of an atomic nature the effects would be disastrous. Analysts agree that, in that eventuality escalation would be almost inevitable. To defend civilization we must endevour to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of our enemies.'
- From memo to Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens, October 25th, 1982
"You've read the reports from Israel, I presume?
The Iranians'll stop at nothing, they're nothing but a bunch of barbarians led by a hopped-up Colonel.
The Israelis are asking for our help defending their stockpile. It's a good idea....
Fuck, yes. If they ever got one and used it I wouldn't hesitate to glass over every nation those little sand n..."
- Secretary of State Alexander Haig to Secretary of Defense Ronald Rumsfeld, October 26th, 1982
Democratic- 60%
Republican- 39%
Other 1%
- 1982 Senate voting intentions, November 1st, 1982
'Democrats take Senate, expand lead in House by 46 seats'
- New York Times, November 3rd, 1982
'Senator Moonbeam!'
- Oakland Tribune, November 3rd, 1982
1982 United States Senate Elections:
Democratic: 51 (+6)
Republican: 49 (-5)
Independent: 0 (-1)
1982 United States House of Representatives Elections:
Democratic: 289 (+46)
Republican: 146 (-46)
1982 House of Representatives elections in infobox form.
1982 Senate elections in infobox form.
'Further intelligence-gathering suggests that acquiring a nuclear weapon by force will be so hard as to make it nearly impossible. It now seems that the best course of action is to purchase fissile material and use our own scientists to develop bombs. The bombs will be crude, but will be a shock to our enemies.'
- From report by Major General Mohsen Rezaee to Qasem Soleimani, early November 1982
"I've never been so conflicted before. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. I'm supposed to obey the President, but, frankly, he's making some strange decisions. I thought he had a vision and compassion, but this cabinet seems to be pushing him to his worst. Ever since Donald's been at Defense, things are getting worse. I don't know if I can keep on like this in good conscience."
- Secretary of State Alexander Haig to his wife, Patricia Antoinette Fox, November 16th, 1982
'Coup in Baghdad: Early this morning, Kamel Sajid, head of the Republican Guard, the elite fighting force in Iraq was proclaimed temporary head of state. The Republican Guard took President Uday Hussein, eldest son of the former President, widely regarded as a young, incompetent leader, into custody while occupying various points of importance in the city. A statement was issued from Radwaniyah Palace that Kamel Sajid had assumed the role of President and that the Ba'ath Party had acknowledged his legitimacy, followed by his joining of the party. Sajid later said he would step down when Uday is competent enough to hold the Presidency. The United States Department of State has declared Sajid as legitimate President of Iraq. There are unsubstantiated reports of fighting between Republican Guard forces and Hussein loyalists.'
- New York Times, December 6th, 1982
Likely Democratic Contenders:
- Walter Mondale
- Gary Hart
- Jesse Jackson
- Robert Byrd
- Cliff Finch
- Alan Cranston
- George McGovern
- Fritz Hollings
- Jerry Brown
- Time Magazine, late December, 1982
Last edited:
It seems absurd now that the House could ever be that inelastic.Yeah, Reagan is quite boned in 1984. The 1982 midterms make the 2014 midterms look like a game of tiddly-winks.
Also, you know this is a different political time when Vermont and Rhode Island were safe Republican states in the midterm senate elections.
1983
'Finch will run for Governor again'
- Clarion-Ledger, January 9th, 1983
'Hart- "I'm running"'
- New York Times, March 15th, 1983
'Tank battle outside Kerman, thousands of Iraqis dead, Iranian victory'
- London Times, March 19th, 1983
"It is time to strike, General Sajid has proven to be a failure. The loss at Deh-e Bala proves that the Republican Guard cannot manage the country. There is discontent in Baghdad. If we move now Sajid can be overthrown and Uday can be freed with little loss."'
- Discussion in a bunkers somewhere in Fallujah, March 23rd, 1983
"Breaking news from Iraq! Forces loyal to imprisoned former President Uday Hussein and his brothers have assaulted the Radwaniyah Palace and other government buildings in Baghdad. Carbombs believed intended to kill current President Sajid failed in their objective. There is fighting in the streets of Iraq."
- Bob Schieffer, CBS Evening News, March 29th, 1983
"Which fucking side are we on! Sajid is incompetant, but Uday is worse. Maybe we just glass the whole fucking place..."
- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to aides, late March, 1983 on the situation in Iraq
'Front collapses! Iran gains ground as Iraqi forces turn on one another!'
- New York Times, April 1st, 1983
'Senate Majority Leader Byrd will run for President'
- Chicago Tribune, April 5th, 1983
"Let's end this war! Enough Americans have died. This is not our fight."
- Representative Pete McCloskey (R-CA), announcing his campaign for the Republican nomination in 1984, April 29th, 1983
"What? Does he have a thing for running against incumbent Republican Presidents?"
- White House Chief of Staff James Baker to President Ronald Reagan on Pete McCloskey's Presidential bid, May 1st, 1983
"The battle between the various Iraqi factions has created a major problem for us. The Iraqi-held sectors of occupied Iran collapsed. Iranian militants have pushed forwards and are supplying weapons to Shi'ite insurgents in Iraq. Baghdad is a warzone. US forces are being redeployed throughout Iran and Iraq to hold what we have gained so far. We need something big."
- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to President Ronald Reagan, May 10th, 1983
"President, it is done. We have four of them, small enough to fit in a suitcase. Our technicians advise we use them soon."
- Unknown Iranian Defense Official to President Valiollah Fallahi, May 12th, 1983
"I'm running for the Democratic nomination."
- Former Vice President Walter Mondale (D-MN), May 15th, 1983
"Mr. President...we have a situation...three suitcase nukes have gone off. Baghdad, Jerusalem, and Amol are hit. We believe the Iranians are behind it, but we don't know. I highly advise you raise DEFCON to level one. If the Soviets are behind this, we can't be caught with our pants down."
- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to President Ronald Reagan, May 16th, 1983
'Suitcase nukes in Middle East, four confirmed explosions, thousands dead, DEFCON raised to level one, American and Soviet troops mobilizing'
- New York Times, May 17th, 1983
"Intelligence suggests that the Iranians at least five suitcase bombs left. They are likely to use them soon, before we have a chance to destroy them."
- Senior Defense Department Official to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, May 19th, 1983
"I authorize the use of a tactical nuclear weapon on the Iranian nuclear base outside Sanandaj."
- President Ronald Reagan, May 21st, 1983
"There are reports from Iran that a small nuclear bomb was dropped on a compound held by forces loyal to the Iranian government outside Sanandaj, in western Iran. Iranian media outlets allege that the bombing was completely unjustified and has killed hundreds of people, many Sunnis."
- Bob Schieffer, CBS Evening News, May 21st, 1983
'Anti-American protests rock Middle East, martial law declared in Riyadh'
- Chicago Tribune, May 23rd, 1983
'OPEC announces oil embargo on US and allies'
- Miami Herald, May 29th, 1983
'NYSE in tailspin as oil embargo sets in'
- Chicago Tribune, May 30th, 1983
"It is time to support Fallahi."
- General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Yuri Andropov, June 1st, 1983
'Governor Finch of Mississippi announces bid for Presidency'
- New York Times, June 1st, 1983
"Philadelphia, your time has come! Pick up your sling shot, pick up your rock, declare our time has come, a new day has begun! Red, yellow, black and white, we are all precious in God's sight! Our time has come!"
- Jesse Jackson announces run for Democratic nomination, June 6th, 1983
"I am not running for President in 1984"
- George McGovern, June 12th, 1983
'Brown announces third run for Democratic nomination'
- San Francisco Chronicle, June 21st, 1983
'Hollings will try to take White House'
- Post & Courier, June 22nd, 1983
"After long consideration, I have decided against running for President. I am endorsing my fellow Senator from the state of California, Jerry Brown."
- Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA), July 2nd, 1983
"I understand that the current situation in the Middle East is by no means ideal. However, let us be clear. This war was started by Iranian aggression. All escalations have been the responsibility of the reprehensible revolutionary regime and its allies. The United States is simply retaliating against assaults on our people and resources."
- President Ronald Reagan, July 10th, 1983
"Mr. President, ask the grieving mothers and fathers: is oil worth this much blood?"
- Representative Pete McCloskey (R-CA), July 11th, 1983
'Turkey announces withdrawal from war'
- New York Times, July 19th, 1983
"I want to forge a new Democratic party, one of the people, by the people, and for the people. A party for rich men, a party for poor men, a party for all men."
- Governor Cliff Finch (D-MS) in a campaign speech in Mount Pleasant, IA, July 29th, 1983
Reagan: 53%
McCloskey: 42%
- Gallup Polls, August 1983
"It's time to get out of the Middle East!"
- Representative Pete McCloskey (R-CA), August 6th, 1983
'Cliff Finch: The economic wondergovernor'
- New York Times, August 14th, 1983
'Hormel meatpackers on strike!'
- Los Angeles Times, August 29th, 1983
"Someone has to stand up for the workers. Our current president has undermined the role of organized labor in our society, and, by extension, the very foundations of American prosperity. As President I promise to support the unions and stand up for the little man."
- Governor Cliff Finch (D-MS) in a campaign speech in support of the Hormel meatpackers strike, September 3rd, 1983
'Parliament dissolved as Howe faces vote of no confidence, election scheduled for October 6th!'
- The Times of London, September 7th, 1983
'The Kingfinch? Governor Finch of Mississippi has been compared to the late Huey Long in recent days. Both men come from neighboring states along the Mississippi and, as they rose, were considered friends of the working man. Both have also been accused of having authoritarian tendencies. Finch is widely known for his current run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984, but he is running another campaign alongside the national one. His governorship expires in 1984, and he is up for reelection, an opportunity he is taking. Current polls show Finch with a twenty point lead over his Republican adversary, Leon Bramlett. Finch has established an effective machine throughout the state, similar to the ones that dominated the south just half a century ago. His influence even extends outside the state. Louisiana gubernatorial front-runner Edwin Edwards has publicly endorsed, and been endorsed by, Finch, which, in a state friendly to the Kingfinch practically ensures election. Cliff Finch will be a force to be reckoned with, and, if he mobilizes his base properly, may be able to unseat President Reagan next year.'
- New Yorker Magazine, early October, 1983
'Foot Prime Minister: Labour surges to over 350 seats, Howe resigns, alliance gains 29'
- The Times of London, October 7th, 1983
'Pym elected as new Tory leader'
- The Times of London, October 10th, 1983
"I cannot in good conscience support President Reagan and his warmongering policies. After much deliberation, I must leave the Republican Party. I will sit in Congress as an independent and will return to the party I have fought for for so long when, and if, it rejects the pugnacious attributes it has so recently developed."
- Representative Pete McCloskey (R-CA), October 15th, 1983
'Defections from Republican Party, twenty leave"
- Chicago Tribune, October 20th, 1983
'Cliff Finch wins third term as Governor! Edwards leads in Louisiana'
- Boston Herald, November 4th, 1983
An infobox of the 1983 Mississippi gubernatorial election.
'AFL-CIO endorses Finch'
- New York Times, November 20th, 1983
'Britain to leave war!'
- Chicago Tribune, November 27th, 1983
"I urge any man concerned at the declining wages and economic troubles in this country to vote for Cliff Finch. The President is engaged in an assault on organized labor unseen since the Gilded Age. Despite the way he sugarcoats his words, President Reagan does not have the needs of the common man in mind when he devises his economic programs. Governor Finch has worked in the fields and packed bags- he knows firsthand what works and what doesn't. He will be the peoples president!"
- AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland campaigning for Governor Cliff Finch, December 3rd, 1983
"Ronald leaves me in the fucking dark! When he does tell me something he seems completely incoherent. The White House is a mess, I might be better off ditching the ticket next year."
- Vice President George Bush (R-TX) to his wife Barbara, December 15th, 1983
"We've dug up some serious fucking shit...
It can't be the worst we've ever run, what is it?
Well....apparently the President has some serious health issues and most of the decisions are made by Rumsfeld. We have a lot, look.
[SILENCE]
Fuck...I need to talk to Rupert."
- Conversation between unknown top-level New York Post officials, December 21st, 1983
- Clarion-Ledger, January 9th, 1983
'Hart- "I'm running"'
- New York Times, March 15th, 1983
'Tank battle outside Kerman, thousands of Iraqis dead, Iranian victory'
- London Times, March 19th, 1983
"It is time to strike, General Sajid has proven to be a failure. The loss at Deh-e Bala proves that the Republican Guard cannot manage the country. There is discontent in Baghdad. If we move now Sajid can be overthrown and Uday can be freed with little loss."'
- Discussion in a bunkers somewhere in Fallujah, March 23rd, 1983
"Breaking news from Iraq! Forces loyal to imprisoned former President Uday Hussein and his brothers have assaulted the Radwaniyah Palace and other government buildings in Baghdad. Carbombs believed intended to kill current President Sajid failed in their objective. There is fighting in the streets of Iraq."
- Bob Schieffer, CBS Evening News, March 29th, 1983
"Which fucking side are we on! Sajid is incompetant, but Uday is worse. Maybe we just glass the whole fucking place..."
- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to aides, late March, 1983 on the situation in Iraq
'Front collapses! Iran gains ground as Iraqi forces turn on one another!'
- New York Times, April 1st, 1983
'Senate Majority Leader Byrd will run for President'
- Chicago Tribune, April 5th, 1983
"Let's end this war! Enough Americans have died. This is not our fight."
- Representative Pete McCloskey (R-CA), announcing his campaign for the Republican nomination in 1984, April 29th, 1983
"What? Does he have a thing for running against incumbent Republican Presidents?"
- White House Chief of Staff James Baker to President Ronald Reagan on Pete McCloskey's Presidential bid, May 1st, 1983
"The battle between the various Iraqi factions has created a major problem for us. The Iraqi-held sectors of occupied Iran collapsed. Iranian militants have pushed forwards and are supplying weapons to Shi'ite insurgents in Iraq. Baghdad is a warzone. US forces are being redeployed throughout Iran and Iraq to hold what we have gained so far. We need something big."
- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to President Ronald Reagan, May 10th, 1983
"President, it is done. We have four of them, small enough to fit in a suitcase. Our technicians advise we use them soon."
- Unknown Iranian Defense Official to President Valiollah Fallahi, May 12th, 1983
"I'm running for the Democratic nomination."
- Former Vice President Walter Mondale (D-MN), May 15th, 1983
"Mr. President...we have a situation...three suitcase nukes have gone off. Baghdad, Jerusalem, and Amol are hit. We believe the Iranians are behind it, but we don't know. I highly advise you raise DEFCON to level one. If the Soviets are behind this, we can't be caught with our pants down."
- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to President Ronald Reagan, May 16th, 1983
'Suitcase nukes in Middle East, four confirmed explosions, thousands dead, DEFCON raised to level one, American and Soviet troops mobilizing'
- New York Times, May 17th, 1983
"Intelligence suggests that the Iranians at least five suitcase bombs left. They are likely to use them soon, before we have a chance to destroy them."
- Senior Defense Department Official to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, May 19th, 1983
"I authorize the use of a tactical nuclear weapon on the Iranian nuclear base outside Sanandaj."
- President Ronald Reagan, May 21st, 1983
"There are reports from Iran that a small nuclear bomb was dropped on a compound held by forces loyal to the Iranian government outside Sanandaj, in western Iran. Iranian media outlets allege that the bombing was completely unjustified and has killed hundreds of people, many Sunnis."
- Bob Schieffer, CBS Evening News, May 21st, 1983
'Anti-American protests rock Middle East, martial law declared in Riyadh'
- Chicago Tribune, May 23rd, 1983
'OPEC announces oil embargo on US and allies'
- Miami Herald, May 29th, 1983
'NYSE in tailspin as oil embargo sets in'
- Chicago Tribune, May 30th, 1983
"It is time to support Fallahi."
- General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Yuri Andropov, June 1st, 1983
'Governor Finch of Mississippi announces bid for Presidency'
- New York Times, June 1st, 1983
"Philadelphia, your time has come! Pick up your sling shot, pick up your rock, declare our time has come, a new day has begun! Red, yellow, black and white, we are all precious in God's sight! Our time has come!"
- Jesse Jackson announces run for Democratic nomination, June 6th, 1983
"I am not running for President in 1984"
- George McGovern, June 12th, 1983
'Brown announces third run for Democratic nomination'
- San Francisco Chronicle, June 21st, 1983
'Hollings will try to take White House'
- Post & Courier, June 22nd, 1983
"After long consideration, I have decided against running for President. I am endorsing my fellow Senator from the state of California, Jerry Brown."
- Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA), July 2nd, 1983
"I understand that the current situation in the Middle East is by no means ideal. However, let us be clear. This war was started by Iranian aggression. All escalations have been the responsibility of the reprehensible revolutionary regime and its allies. The United States is simply retaliating against assaults on our people and resources."
- President Ronald Reagan, July 10th, 1983
"Mr. President, ask the grieving mothers and fathers: is oil worth this much blood?"
- Representative Pete McCloskey (R-CA), July 11th, 1983
'Turkey announces withdrawal from war'
- New York Times, July 19th, 1983
"I want to forge a new Democratic party, one of the people, by the people, and for the people. A party for rich men, a party for poor men, a party for all men."
- Governor Cliff Finch (D-MS) in a campaign speech in Mount Pleasant, IA, July 29th, 1983
Reagan: 53%
McCloskey: 42%
- Gallup Polls, August 1983
"It's time to get out of the Middle East!"
- Representative Pete McCloskey (R-CA), August 6th, 1983
'Cliff Finch: The economic wondergovernor'
- New York Times, August 14th, 1983
'Hormel meatpackers on strike!'
- Los Angeles Times, August 29th, 1983
"Someone has to stand up for the workers. Our current president has undermined the role of organized labor in our society, and, by extension, the very foundations of American prosperity. As President I promise to support the unions and stand up for the little man."
- Governor Cliff Finch (D-MS) in a campaign speech in support of the Hormel meatpackers strike, September 3rd, 1983
'Parliament dissolved as Howe faces vote of no confidence, election scheduled for October 6th!'
- The Times of London, September 7th, 1983
'The Kingfinch? Governor Finch of Mississippi has been compared to the late Huey Long in recent days. Both men come from neighboring states along the Mississippi and, as they rose, were considered friends of the working man. Both have also been accused of having authoritarian tendencies. Finch is widely known for his current run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984, but he is running another campaign alongside the national one. His governorship expires in 1984, and he is up for reelection, an opportunity he is taking. Current polls show Finch with a twenty point lead over his Republican adversary, Leon Bramlett. Finch has established an effective machine throughout the state, similar to the ones that dominated the south just half a century ago. His influence even extends outside the state. Louisiana gubernatorial front-runner Edwin Edwards has publicly endorsed, and been endorsed by, Finch, which, in a state friendly to the Kingfinch practically ensures election. Cliff Finch will be a force to be reckoned with, and, if he mobilizes his base properly, may be able to unseat President Reagan next year.'
- New Yorker Magazine, early October, 1983
'Foot Prime Minister: Labour surges to over 350 seats, Howe resigns, alliance gains 29'
- The Times of London, October 7th, 1983
'Pym elected as new Tory leader'
- The Times of London, October 10th, 1983
"I cannot in good conscience support President Reagan and his warmongering policies. After much deliberation, I must leave the Republican Party. I will sit in Congress as an independent and will return to the party I have fought for for so long when, and if, it rejects the pugnacious attributes it has so recently developed."
- Representative Pete McCloskey (R-CA), October 15th, 1983
'Defections from Republican Party, twenty leave"
- Chicago Tribune, October 20th, 1983
'Cliff Finch wins third term as Governor! Edwards leads in Louisiana'
- Boston Herald, November 4th, 1983
An infobox of the 1983 Mississippi gubernatorial election.
'AFL-CIO endorses Finch'
- New York Times, November 20th, 1983
'Britain to leave war!'
- Chicago Tribune, November 27th, 1983
"I urge any man concerned at the declining wages and economic troubles in this country to vote for Cliff Finch. The President is engaged in an assault on organized labor unseen since the Gilded Age. Despite the way he sugarcoats his words, President Reagan does not have the needs of the common man in mind when he devises his economic programs. Governor Finch has worked in the fields and packed bags- he knows firsthand what works and what doesn't. He will be the peoples president!"
- AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland campaigning for Governor Cliff Finch, December 3rd, 1983
"Ronald leaves me in the fucking dark! When he does tell me something he seems completely incoherent. The White House is a mess, I might be better off ditching the ticket next year."
- Vice President George Bush (R-TX) to his wife Barbara, December 15th, 1983
"We've dug up some serious fucking shit...
It can't be the worst we've ever run, what is it?
Well....apparently the President has some serious health issues and most of the decisions are made by Rumsfeld. We have a lot, look.
[SILENCE]
Fuck...I need to talk to Rupert."
- Conversation between unknown top-level New York Post officials, December 21st, 1983
Well, at least here he has some circumstantial excuses...there's some real Gotterdammerung shit going on in Iran right now, that's for sure. After using even suitcase nukes, they've opened themselves to some really ugly retaliation, and if anything spares the country, it'll be war weariness rather than anything approaching sympathy.
It's cause Rummy is part reptilian.
EDIT: Anyways, great and chilling update. I'm surprised that having some suitcase nukes explode in Iran didn't make the Americans and the Soviets shit their pants and nuke each other amidst the chaos considering OTL US/USSR tensions in 1983.
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It would limit the amount of nuclear retaliation the US would be likely to use. Still, gloves are off regarding anything else. I don't wanna know how messy Iran will look like when it's done...like Dead by Dawn Romania or something.
I think people are still angry (with justification) about the Iraq War. Even alternate history TLs are still "products of their time" as it were.
We probably should give Drew some credit that he used Rumsfeld and had him as more evil than Cheney. That, at least, is original.