TLIAPOT: Kingfinch

[Baconheimer]

'Finch wins Iowa! Reagan tops McCloskey'
- New York Times, February 21st, 1984

'Brown, McCloskey take New Hampshire'
- New York Times, February 29th, 1984

'Hart sweeps Maine caucuses!'
- Los Angeles Times, March 5th, 1984

'Foot: We're leaving Iran'
- New York Times, March 8th, 1984

"How dare this motherfucker Foot leave our war! Americans and British have died, does he not give a shit about them? Bring the ambassador over here right now! Someone's going to be at the bottom of the hill."
- President Ronald Reagan on Britain's exit from the Iranian War, March 8th, 1984

"Who does he think he is? King Ronald the First? Someone needs to beat sense into that tinpot President and his little junta."
- Prime Minister Michael Foot on President Reagan's "conversation" with the British Ambassador, March 9th, 1983

'Hart carries Wyoming'
- Chicago Tribune, March 11th, 1984

'Finch sweeps South! Carries Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Oklahoma - Hart does well in west, Mondale takes Washington'
- New York Times, March 14th, 1984

'Finch runs the board! Takes Michigan, Mississippi, Arkansas, and South Carolina. Hollings endorses Finch, Byrd suspends campaign'
- Chicago Tribune March 18th, 1984

'Mondale loses Minnesota, drops out, endorses Brown, Hart takes Illinois'
- New York Times, March 14th, 1984

'President Reagan senile?'
- New York Post, March 17th, 1984

"The President is in full control of his faculties. Anyone who says otherwise is either grossly misinformed or is spreading false information."
-White House Press Secretary James Brady, March 18th, 1984

'McCloskey gives Reagan a run for his money, takes Illinois and Minnesota"
- Chicago Tribune, March 21st, 1984

"It's been a good run, but I don't see any way forward that will make me the nominee in November. I am dropping out and endorsing Jerry Brown for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States."
- Jesse Jackson suspending his campaign, April 4th, 1984

'McCloskey narrowly loses Vermont, will not rule out independent run'
- Bangor Daily News, April 25th, 1984

"If we don't win big on Tuesday then there will be a contested convention. We have decent chances there, but, from what I hear, Hart has the advantage. Let's give one last push."
- Cliff Finch's campaign manager on the upcoming primaries and caucuses, June 1st, 1984

"After large victories in West Virginia and South Dakota and a strong showing California for Cliff Finch, we can conclusively report that he will be the Democratic nominee."
- Wayne Howell, NBC News, June 5th, 1984

'Finch: 41%
Reagan 32%
McCloskey 18%:'
- Gallup Polls, Early July 1984

'IRA vows to continue attacks'
- The Times of London, July 7th, 1984

"I intend to keep fighting all the way up until Philadelphia. I will not delude anyone, our chances there are not good but I am convinced that a quick conclusion to the war in Iran is the most important issue facing our country at this time. Even if not politically expedient, I will work by whatever means available towards ensuring a peace Republican takes office in 1985."
- Pete McCloskey, July 11th, 1984

'Finch chooses Brown as running-mate!'
- New York Times, July 12th, 1984

'Reagan/Bush renominated!'
- New York Times, July 25th, 1984

'McCloskey announces independent run with Lowell Weicker'
- Chicago Tribune, July 28th, 1984

'Ruairí Ó Brádaigh dead, British involvement rumored'
- The Irish Times, August 10th, 1984

"I thank you for electing me to lead this great party. I will devote all of my energy to the struggle and will not rest until all Ireland is free and green!"
- New Sinn Féin Leader Owen Carron, August 20th, 1984

'Finch: 45%
Reagan 31%
McCloskey 25%:'
- Gallup Polls, Early September 1984

'IRA escalates attacks!'
- New York Times, September 5th, 1984

"I represent a third way for all voters unhappy with President Reagan's extreme conservatism and Governor Finch's rather communitarian polices. I will seek an immediate end to the war in Iran and foster economic growth in a sensible fashion."
- Pete McCloskey at the first Presidential Debate, September 28th, 1984

"What we face is the worst economic crisis in half a century. The last depression was ended by President Roosevelt's New Deal, the policies Reagan supports have nothing in common with Roosevelt. I pledge to expand what is already in place to create a New Deal for a new America."
- Cliff Finch at the first Presidential Debate, September 28th, 1984

"Governor Finch advocates for peace in Iran, peace in Iran will lead to peace in Israel, peace in Europe, peace in Canada, and peace at home - if you define peace as losing, like the Democrats do. Vote Reagan in November to keep America safe."
- Reagan Campaign Ad aired in Southern United States, October 1984

'A new deal for a new America!'
- Seen on Finch '84 campaign signs, October 1984

'Finch: 48%
Reagan 41%
McCloskey 9%:'
- Gallup Polls, November 1st, 1984

"It looks like Senator Brown and myself have won enough electoral votes to take us to the White House. This is a great victory for the American people, but I will remind you, the fight is not over yet. I promised a new deal for a new America and intend to deliver on that promise. Years of fighting will be ahead but I can say this much - voting Cliff Finch in 1984 will be something you are proud of the rest of your life."
- Governor Cliff Finch (D-MS) in victory speech, November 6th, 1984

"I may not have won the Presidency, but, let's be honest - it was a long shot. Eleven electoral votes and twelve percent of the vote is a good showing. Our House candidates did better than I did. Though I now have no office, I will fight to bring the Republican party back to its senses."
- Rep. Pete McCloskey (R-CA) in concession speech, November 6th, 1984

"Fuck! Who the fuck do theses people think they are? Voting that dickhead from Mississippi into office. Everything we've fought for is lost. Most of the military is still loyal to us, we could always ensure that Reagan stays around a little longer."
- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, early November 7th, 1984

'Finch wins in landslide, Democrats gain six seats in Senate, secure House majority'
- New York Times, November 7th, 1984

An infobox showing the results of the 1984 US Presidential Election.

An infobox showing the results of the 1984 US Senate Elections.

An infobox showing the results of the 1984 US House Elections.

'The Peace Republicans, despite their net loss of seats in the House and distant third place in the Presidential race pulled a victory out of what looked, on the surface, like grim returns. Compared to the Republican losses in the House, the Peace Republican losses were downright small. After the election and the continuing control of the Republican party by the Reaganite faction, Peace Republican officials made a decision to continue their fight and be a thorn in the side of the party they splintered from."
- from Counterrevolution, the Rise of the [REDACTED] Party by Simon Winchester, published 2010

'Queen Elizabeth dead at 58 of heart attack, Prince Charles to ascend throne'
- Chicago Tribune, November 15th, 1984

'House Minority Leader Michel announces resignation, Lott most likely successor'
- Roll Call, November 17th, 1984

'Gov. Bradley announces to Dellums to take Brown's Senate Seat'
- Los Angeles Times, December 1st, 1984

'Last ditch American offensive in Iran fails'
- Le Figaro, December 17th, 1984

 

[Miss Teri]

"How dare this motherfucker Foot leave our war! Americans and British have died, does he not give a shit about them? Bring the ambassador over here right now! Someone's going to be at the bottom of the hill."
- President Ronald Reagan on Britain's exit from the Iranian War, March 8th, 1984

I don't think Reagan was known for making obscenities like that. Then again, I didn't read his diary or anything, so maybe he made them in private.

I like how you foreshadow things to come, with the splintering of the Republican Party, and the hint of a coup by Rumsfeld.

 

[Indicus]

Wow. That's a huge landslide.

 

[Lost Freeway]

"Fuck! Who the fuck do theses people think they are? Voting that dickhead from Mississippi into office. Everything we've fought for is lost. Most of the military is still loyal to us, we could always ensure that Reagan stays around a little longer."
- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, early November 7th, 1984

 

[Baconheimer]

I don't think Reagan was known for making obscenities like that. Then again, I didn't read his diary or anything, so maybe he made them in private.

Well, Reagan ITTL is dealing with a losing war, nearly sure defeat in an election, and a party revolt so maybe he starts? Still, it should be mentioned plausibility is stretched a bit.

Wow. That's a huge landslide.

Yes. If McCloskey hadn't split the vote it wouldn't have been as big, but Reagan is really not liked at this time.

 

[Quebec_Dave]

I have to admit that it hard to imagine Reagan saying motherfucker. If you try really hard, you can almost hear it said in Reagan's voice and is pretty hilarious.

 

[Baconheimer]

I have to admit that it hard to imagine Reagan saying motherfucker. If you try really hard, you can almost hear it said in Reagan's voice and is pretty hilarious.

After listening to some recordings of him talking, yeah, that would be hilarious.

 

[Wallet]

This is amazing! Keep it up

 

[Baconheimer]

This is amazing! Keep it up

I will try! Thanks!

 

[Baconheimer]

Before the next update, an infobox on the 1984 Democratic primaries.

 

[Miss Teri]

This would be a good theme song for the TL. Just mentally replace "Bee" with "Finch", and maybe "Hive" with "Tree":

 

[Baconheimer]

And the Republican primaries in infobox form.

 

[Aaaaasima]

And the Republican primaries in infobox form.

Surprised that Reagan won Vermont in the primaries, but not in the general. Also, if Finch turns out to be evil, how would McCloskey, Weicker, and other Peace Republicans be treated by history?

 

[Miss Teri]

Surprised that Reagan won Vermont in the primaries, but not in the general. Also, if Finch turns out to be evil, how would McCloskey, Weicker, and other Peace Republicans be treated by history?

Since Baconheimer mentioned Rumsfeldia as an influence, I'm guessing similar to way the WTP were viewed when looking at the left leaning opposition to Rumsfeld.

 

[Lost Freeway]

Surprised that Reagan won Vermont in the primaries, but not in the general. Also, if Finch turns out to be evil, how would McCloskey, Weicker, and other Peace Republicans be treated by history?

I don't think Finch has it in him to be President Evil.

 

[Baconheimer]

Surprised that Reagan won Vermont in the primaries, but not in the general. Also, if Finch turns out to be evil, how would McCloskey, Weicker, and other Peace Republicans be treated by history?

Yep, by the time Vermont rolled around the primaries had gotten strange. It was not as simple as North vs. South, which is shown by Alaska and Nevada going to McCloskey. Vermont was by no means a landslide for Reagan, however.

 

[theev]

Is this dead?

 

[Baconheimer]

Is this dead?

Hopefully not. Starting school has taken away most of my time, so it's hard for me to work on this. I have plans for this TL and really would like to continue it.

I will try to keep it going, though updates will be a lot less regular.

 

[theev]

Hopefully not. Starting school has taken away most of my time, so it's hard for me to work on this. I have plans for this TL and really would like to continue it.

I will try to keep it going, though updates will be a lot less regular.

That's fine, take your time, man.

 

[Baconheimer]

Well, I've finally got around to updating this.

Cabinet format taken from Gonzo's 'Follow the Money'

________

"Donald, I've heard some talk of using some rather......extreme measures to prevent the end of the war in Iran. I swore an oath to the United States Constitution and I take my oath very seriously. I hope nothing happens that would make that oath stand between you and I."
- Alexander Haig to Donald Rumsfeld, early January, 1985

"I 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."
- Cliff Finch taking the Oath of Office of the President of the United States, January 21st, 1985

President: Cliff Finch (D-MS)
Vice President: Jerry Brown (D-CA)

Secretary of State: Frank Church (D-ID)
Secretary of Treasury: Kenneth Axelson (I-NY)
Secretary of Defense: Wesley Clark (D-AR)
Attorney-General: William Allain (D-MS)
Secretary of the Interior:Harvey L. Wollman (D-SD)
Secretary of Agriculture: Arlen Stangeland (R-MN)
Secretary of Commerce:George McGovern (D-SD)
Secretary of Labor: Lane Kirkland (I-SC)
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Louis W. Sullivan (R-GA)
Secretary of Education: Thomas Eagleton (D-MO)
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Maurice "Moon" Landrieu (D-LA)
Secretary of Transportation: Endicott Peabody (D-MA)
Secretary of Energy: Hulett C. Smith (D-WV)

'Finch unveils cabinet nominees'
- New York Times, January 23rd, 1985

'Ceasefire in Iran!'
- Los Angeles Times, January 26th, 1985

'Finch unveils economic plan'
- The New York Times, January 29th, 1985

'Report: Finch to begin talks with Iran'
- The New York Times, February 3rd, 1985

'The exit of the United States from the Middle East was an ignominious affair. Peace with Iran was agreed upon between negotiators from the United States and delegates of General Fallahi in Amsterdam on March 6th. Faced with popular opposition in the rest of the Middle East as a result of the use of nuclear weaponry, the US was forced to withdraw troops from Saudi Arabia and other states. The withdrawal of US forces contributed to the toppling of the House of Saud and further'
- From The Crescent and the Stars, the United States in the Muslim World by James P. Clarke

"3. Iraq shall cede the territory within the bounds of Fig. A to Iran.

...........

7. All parties signatory to this treaty will recognize the Sajid government as the legitimate authority in Iraq.

...........

23. Israel shall withdraw its forces from Syria one month from the signing of this document.

24. Israel shall withdraw its forces from Lebanon within six months of the signing of this document. Before removal of its troops, it may oversee fair elections.

...........

35. Iran shall pay Iraq a sum of $30,000,000"
- From the Amsterdam Accords, February 1985

'Join the Civilian Auxiliary Service!'
- Seen on posters across America, March 1985

'Randolph-Biden Act passed'
- New York Times, April 20th, 1985

'....henceforth, the passage of so-called right-to-work laws by any locality, state, or any other government within the borders of the United States is banned....'
- Excerpt from the Randolph-Biden Act

"Mr. President, public opinion polls are simply against the continuation of our involvement in Arabia. We have to face the reality - the people want the military out."
- Conversation between President Finch and Secretary of State Church, late April 1985

"There is news from Beirut that today, militants with Iranian support bombed a synagogue during its weekly service. Most of the victims were Israeli soldiers on occupation duty in Lebanon. This comes just two months after the Amsterdam Accord was supposed to end conflict in that country. Since the bombing earlier today, there have been reports of a surge in violent incidents throughout Lebanon."
- ABC News, May 11th, 1985

"-we interrupt this program to bring you breaking news from Israel. There are reports from Jerusalem that elements of the military have occupied government buildings. The status of the President and Prime Minister are currently unknown."
- CBS News, May 15th, 1985

"The Peres government has not done its duty to protect the people of Israel from danger. The attack last week on our soldiers in Beirut has been the most apparent manifestation of this phenomenon. The government can no longer be trusted to protect the people of Israel. Yesterday, elements of our military took the Prime Minister and the Cabinet into custody before recalling me from Beirut. Martial law is declared in the whole of Israel and territories occupied by it until a more secure state can be reached."
- Rafael Eitan in a press conference in Jerusalem, May 16th, 1985

'Riyadh taken by militants - Islamic Republic of Arabia declared'
- The New York Times, June 15th, 1985

"You are Ali, I presume.

Yes- and you are Fanaei? You have the items?

Of course. We would not come to our brothers empty-handed. Ten crates of Kalishnikovs and six rocket-propelled grenades.
Good, good. We will drive the Nasibi from our land and secure the Holy Cities for the faithful, insha'Allah."
- Conversation between unknown Iranian Revolutionary Guard Major and militant in northeastern Arabia, mid-late June 1985

'The United States under President Finch appears to have shifted its focus away from the Middle East. Indeed, the Finch administration's Energy for America Act shows the commitment of the new regime to seeking sources of energy outside of Arabia. Already, American forces not required too under the Amsterdam Accords have been withdrawn from the region. Indeed, the American abandonment of the House of Saud further illustrates this point. It is highly advisable that our government begin preparations to fill the void left by the Americans in that region."
- Memorandum circulated in Soviet Defense Ministry, May-July, 1985

'Andropov goes to Tehran'
- Los Angeles Times, August 29th, 1985

'Forces loyal to Uday Hussein claim responsibility for blast in Tikrit'
- Miami Herald, September 15th, 1985

'Israeli forces suspected to be behind massacre in Damour, 47 dead'
- New York Times, October 5th, 1985

"The unfortunate events in Damour are just the most recent manifestation of the hyper-nationalism of the new Israeli military government. The United States government should be more forceful towards Israel regarding its flagrant violations of human rights in Lebanon."
- Senator Ron Dellums (D-CA), October 7th, 1985

"We interrupt this program to bring breaking news from Seattle. Vice President Brown has been shot after giving a speech at the University of Washington. The Vice Presidents condition is currently unknown. We..."
- Dan Rather, CBS Evening News, November 12th, 1985

'Brown shot, perpetrator in custody'
- New York Times, November 13th, 1985

'Yesterday, Vice President Jerry Brown was shot after giving a speech on trade at the University of Washington by a local man, David Lewis Rice. Rice, a Seattle native, has connections with the far-right Duck Club. Brown suffered only minor injuries in the assassination attempt, while Rice is in critical condition, stemming from gunshot wounds fired by the Secret Service."
- The Seattle Times, November 13th, 1985

'Finch announces $6 billion grant to NIH to research AIDS'
- Buffalo News, December 2nd, 1985

'YANKS OUT, TRIDENT OUT

BRITONS FOR PEACE AND BROTHERHOOD'
- Read on signs in London, early December 1985

'Finch visits Britain, meets with PM Foot'
- New York Times, December 15th, 1985

'President Finch visits London, anti-nuclear protests outside Number 10'
- The Times of London, December 15th, 1985