You Gotta Have Hart: A Different 1988 and Beyond
- Thread starter Meyer London
- Start date
Endorsements Galore
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
July 18th, 1987
An editorial published in the New York Times
To whom it may concern,
Today, our country is at a crossroads.
I am sure that as citizens of New York, and as citizens of the United States of America, you all have heard these words a dozen times before.
But that was before, and this is now. Times have changed.
We can continue the Republican rule that has led us for so long, or we can vote for change.
And now you, the reader, must be thinking that I am throwing my hat in the ring.
Before you get your hopes up (or down, depending on where you stand), I, Mario Cuomo, am not running for President of the United States in 1988. However, I believe that I have found the candidate that I can support, and hope you all will support as well.
That candidate is Gary Hart of Colorado.
While there are plenty of other candidates I can and possibly will support on the Democratic ticket, I have found that Senator Hart has the best chance of winning, and is a voice for change. When looking at the key issues that plague this country today, I believe that Senator Hart and I align on most issues and on those that we don’t see eye to eye, he has always been respectful and kind when discussing these disagreements.
Senator Hart, in the face of tragedy earlier this year, has already displayed that he is a man who can control his emotions and continue to work in the face of highly stressful events. This trait will serve him well as President of these United States.
In closing, I appreciate all of those clamoring for my own candidacy, and I hope you will all listen to me one last time and vote for Gary Hart in the New York primary as well as in the general election.
Thank you,
Governor Mario Cuomo
—————————————————
July 24th, 1987
An article published in the Burlington Free Press
Dear Friends,
It is not often as your Mayor that I have the ability to direct politics at the national scale, nor do I have the desire to.
However, 1988 is a different year.
In this year, we have our second chance at electing a man who has all of our bestinterests at heart.
In this year, we have our second chance at electing a man who knows the problem that plague this country first hand and has ample knowledge on how to solve them.
In this year, we have our second chance at electing a man who will stand for the liberal values that best representBurlington.
This man is Jesse Jackson.
I have labored over this decision over the last few weeks. It is undeniable that GaryHart is a worthy candidate and a better man.
However, in reflection I have found that Jesse Jackson aligns the closest with my views and the views of you all, my constituents, who matter the most to me compared to my own opinions.
So, in order to forward our liberalprinciples, vote Jesse Jackson in the primaries and, hopefully, in the general election.
In a democratic society, you all have the right to disagree with me and vote for any candidate you desire. However, remember these words.
Under Jesse Jackson we will all prosper.
In solidarity,
Bernie Sanders
An editorial published in the New York Times
To whom it may concern,
Today, our country is at a crossroads.
I am sure that as citizens of New York, and as citizens of the United States of America, you all have heard these words a dozen times before.
But that was before, and this is now. Times have changed.
We can continue the Republican rule that has led us for so long, or we can vote for change.
And now you, the reader, must be thinking that I am throwing my hat in the ring.
Before you get your hopes up (or down, depending on where you stand), I, Mario Cuomo, am not running for President of the United States in 1988. However, I believe that I have found the candidate that I can support, and hope you all will support as well.
That candidate is Gary Hart of Colorado.
While there are plenty of other candidates I can and possibly will support on the Democratic ticket, I have found that Senator Hart has the best chance of winning, and is a voice for change. When looking at the key issues that plague this country today, I believe that Senator Hart and I align on most issues and on those that we don’t see eye to eye, he has always been respectful and kind when discussing these disagreements.
Senator Hart, in the face of tragedy earlier this year, has already displayed that he is a man who can control his emotions and continue to work in the face of highly stressful events. This trait will serve him well as President of these United States.
In closing, I appreciate all of those clamoring for my own candidacy, and I hope you will all listen to me one last time and vote for Gary Hart in the New York primary as well as in the general election.
Thank you,
Governor Mario Cuomo
—————————————————
July 24th, 1987
An article published in the Burlington Free Press
Dear Friends,
It is not often as your Mayor that I have the ability to direct politics at the national scale, nor do I have the desire to.
However, 1988 is a different year.
In this year, we have our second chance at electing a man who has all of our bestinterests at heart.
In this year, we have our second chance at electing a man who knows the problem that plague this country first hand and has ample knowledge on how to solve them.
In this year, we have our second chance at electing a man who will stand for the liberal values that best representBurlington.
This man is Jesse Jackson.
I have labored over this decision over the last few weeks. It is undeniable that GaryHart is a worthy candidate and a better man.
However, in reflection I have found that Jesse Jackson aligns the closest with my views and the views of you all, my constituents, who matter the most to me compared to my own opinions.
So, in order to forward our liberalprinciples, vote Jesse Jackson in the primaries and, hopefully, in the general election.
In a democratic society, you all have the right to disagree with me and vote for any candidate you desire. However, remember these words.
Under Jesse Jackson we will all prosper.
In solidarity,
Bernie Sanders
Clean Living and Cleaner Businessmen
August 1st, 1987
“Listen, and for those of you from New York, you already know this - the wealthy people where I live and work don’t like me. I’m always competing with them, I like to win. You know who likes me? The people that like me are the cab drivers, and you know why?
They like me because I’m not like the other businessmen in New York. I don’t look at them like they are less than me. Because they aren’t, they really aren’t.
There’s not many other businessmen like me. But one I know for sure is the man who I am introducing right now.
That man is Lee Iacocca.
It’s really rare, folks, it’s really rare to meet another businessman who cares so much about the average guy. And it’s really, really rare that that guy would run for President.
Now, I never want to be the President of this country - what’s the fun in being the President? But if I’m not going to be President than I think Lee is the closest to my values.
I’ve been called a Rockefeller Republican, whatever that means. It’s fancy talk for a guy with common sense. Not too liberal, not too conservative. That’s the same guy that Lee is.
He’ gonna fix the economy, he’s gonna fix the broken foreign policy, and most importantly he’s gonna stand up for the average guy driving the taxi.
And so, without further ado, the next President of the United States, my good friend Lee Iacocca!”
Donald Trump, introducing Lee Iacocca at an impromptu rally in New York
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 8th, 1987
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 13th, 1987
The David Ruffin that walked into rehab and walked out of rehab were two completely different men with one single similarity; both walked in a fresh, eye popping suit.
The last few months had been hell for Ruffin; the cold sweats, the shakes, confinement. A lot could be said about Ruffin, but one thing everyone knew was that he was a showman and fed off of the audience. Locked up with nowhere to go, Ruffin missed the stage almost as much as his family.
Ruffin had been to rehab a number of times over the last decade, but this was the only time it stuck. It was more than the death of his friend, it was more than wanting to get back to the top; it was an assurance that he wouldn’t die before fifty years of age.
And so he stuck it out. And he was clean. Well, clean enough. One thing was for sure; he was staying as far away from cocaine as he could for the rest of his life.
At least, that’s what he told himself.
His biggest worry was that the minute that he stepped out of the doors of the center, he would immediately feel his feet lead him to the inner city, to the crack house that he had spent so much time at over the last many years. It would be subconscious, he worried. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself, he worried.
Most of all, he was worried that Dr. Jekyll would disappear and Mr. Hyde would bubble to the surface.
And yet, standing on the outside for the first time in a long time, those feelings weren’t there. Maybe it was just a coincidence, or maybe it was kicking the cocaine, but David Ruffin felt better than he had since “My Girl” came out.
There was no press waiting on the outside either; he didn’t know why he thought there would be. He was a has-been, a washed up old man, a recovering coke addict with a broken voice and an even more broken ste---
“Let’s change that,” Ruffin said, blocking out the thoughts and taking his first steps free and clean.
“Listen, and for those of you from New York, you already know this - the wealthy people where I live and work don’t like me. I’m always competing with them, I like to win. You know who likes me? The people that like me are the cab drivers, and you know why?
They like me because I’m not like the other businessmen in New York. I don’t look at them like they are less than me. Because they aren’t, they really aren’t.
There’s not many other businessmen like me. But one I know for sure is the man who I am introducing right now.
That man is Lee Iacocca.
It’s really rare, folks, it’s really rare to meet another businessman who cares so much about the average guy. And it’s really, really rare that that guy would run for President.
Now, I never want to be the President of this country - what’s the fun in being the President? But if I’m not going to be President than I think Lee is the closest to my values.
I’ve been called a Rockefeller Republican, whatever that means. It’s fancy talk for a guy with common sense. Not too liberal, not too conservative. That’s the same guy that Lee is.
He’ gonna fix the economy, he’s gonna fix the broken foreign policy, and most importantly he’s gonna stand up for the average guy driving the taxi.
And so, without further ado, the next President of the United States, my good friend Lee Iacocca!”
Donald Trump, introducing Lee Iacocca at an impromptu rally in New York
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 8th, 1987
Gallup Poll of Current Democratic Candidates
Gary Hart - 31%
Lee Iacocca - 24%
Jesse Jackson - 22%
Al Gore - 11%
Richard Gephardt - 6%
Paul Simon - 4%
Bruce Babbitt - 2%
Gallup Poll of Current Republican Candidates
George H.W. Bush - 60%
Dan Quayle - 34%
Jack Kemp - 4%
Al Haig - 2%
Gary Hart - 31%
Lee Iacocca - 24%
Jesse Jackson - 22%
Al Gore - 11%
Richard Gephardt - 6%
Paul Simon - 4%
Bruce Babbitt - 2%
Gallup Poll of Current Republican Candidates
George H.W. Bush - 60%
Dan Quayle - 34%
Jack Kemp - 4%
Al Haig - 2%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 13th, 1987
The David Ruffin that walked into rehab and walked out of rehab were two completely different men with one single similarity; both walked in a fresh, eye popping suit.
The last few months had been hell for Ruffin; the cold sweats, the shakes, confinement. A lot could be said about Ruffin, but one thing everyone knew was that he was a showman and fed off of the audience. Locked up with nowhere to go, Ruffin missed the stage almost as much as his family.
Ruffin had been to rehab a number of times over the last decade, but this was the only time it stuck. It was more than the death of his friend, it was more than wanting to get back to the top; it was an assurance that he wouldn’t die before fifty years of age.
And so he stuck it out. And he was clean. Well, clean enough. One thing was for sure; he was staying as far away from cocaine as he could for the rest of his life.
At least, that’s what he told himself.
His biggest worry was that the minute that he stepped out of the doors of the center, he would immediately feel his feet lead him to the inner city, to the crack house that he had spent so much time at over the last many years. It would be subconscious, he worried. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself, he worried.
Most of all, he was worried that Dr. Jekyll would disappear and Mr. Hyde would bubble to the surface.
And yet, standing on the outside for the first time in a long time, those feelings weren’t there. Maybe it was just a coincidence, or maybe it was kicking the cocaine, but David Ruffin felt better than he had since “My Girl” came out.
There was no press waiting on the outside either; he didn’t know why he thought there would be. He was a has-been, a washed up old man, a recovering coke addict with a broken voice and an even more broken ste---
“Let’s change that,” Ruffin said, blocking out the thoughts and taking his first steps free and clean.
So, looks like so far Hart could face Bush for the general election, but, time will tell who drops out and who goes up.
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
So I found some images for the election, and I'm procrastinating on the next update, so here you go:
Lee Iacocca and Donald Trump meet before a rally in late 1987
Bernie Sanders meeting with the candidate he would eventually endorse in 1988, in January 1987*
Joe Biden announces his support for Gary Hart and opposition to Lee Iacocca's statements on Paul Simon
*This may have been taken earlier, I don't know.
Lee Iacocca and Donald Trump meet before a rally in late 1987
Bernie Sanders meeting with the candidate he would eventually endorse in 1988, in January 1987*
Joe Biden announces his support for Gary Hart and opposition to Lee Iacocca's statements on Paul Simon
*This may have been taken earlier, I don't know.
So I found some images for the election, and I'm procrastinating on the next update, so here you go:
Lee Iacocca and Donald Trump meet before a rally in late 1987
Bernie Sanders meeting with the candidate he would eventually endorse in 1988, in January 1987*
Joe Biden announces his support for Gary Hart and opposition to Lee Iacocca's statements on Paul Simon
*This may have been taken earlier, I don't know.
I do love me some alternate-context imagery.
More iconic duo?
Iacocca and Trump.
Hart and Biden.
Jackson and Bernie.
Ruffin and Clean Living.
Iacocca and Trump.
Hart and Biden.
Jackson and Bernie.
Ruffin and Clean Living.
Jesse, Bo and Clint
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
August 15th, 1987:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the working people of the south have been trampled on by president Reagan!”
“He claims that his economic strategy, this ‘trickle down’ bull, will help you.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, his claims are obviously false. It is a ploy to seem populist, when in reality it’s a way for the rich to get richer, while you get poorer.”
“We can not have this ploy continue! We must bring change to the nation! Together, we can create a better nation for both you and your children!”
“Or, we can keep the status quo, and we’ll see your jobs be destroyed while the rich get richer than they’ve ever been!”
It’s your choice ladies and gentlemen”
-Excerpt from a Jesse Jackson rally in South Carolina
—————————————————
August 19th, 1987
“A few of you have been wondering if I am running for president, possibly under athird party banner.”
“To answer your question, I am not, as I do not feel that I am qualified enough or that that party shares my views.”
“However, I feel that I should become qualified in a party I can agree with, especially after some new elements joined.”
“That is why I, James Gordon Gritz am running for senate as a Republican in Nevada in 1988!
“Hopefully, we can break the chains the establishment has held on Nevada for so long!”
- James “Bo” Gritz announcing his 1988 senate campaign
—————————————————
August 21st, 1987
“Can you believe this, Clint? That nutjob Gritz is running for senate?”
“It’s unbelievable”
“I mean Quayle, Iacocca, Gritz, hell I’m beginning to think you can run!”
“Mmm…”
“What’s next? Donald Trump as president?”
“That’s the political system now after Reagan and Murphy.”
“Unbelievable”
“Remember how you said I could run?”
“Yes”
“Well, I might have a surprise for you and the public…”
“Ladies and gentlemen, the working people of the south have been trampled on by president Reagan!”
“He claims that his economic strategy, this ‘trickle down’ bull, will help you.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, his claims are obviously false. It is a ploy to seem populist, when in reality it’s a way for the rich to get richer, while you get poorer.”
“We can not have this ploy continue! We must bring change to the nation! Together, we can create a better nation for both you and your children!”
“Or, we can keep the status quo, and we’ll see your jobs be destroyed while the rich get richer than they’ve ever been!”
It’s your choice ladies and gentlemen”
-Excerpt from a Jesse Jackson rally in South Carolina
—————————————————
August 19th, 1987
“A few of you have been wondering if I am running for president, possibly under athird party banner.”
“To answer your question, I am not, as I do not feel that I am qualified enough or that that party shares my views.”
“However, I feel that I should become qualified in a party I can agree with, especially after some new elements joined.”
“That is why I, James Gordon Gritz am running for senate as a Republican in Nevada in 1988!
“Hopefully, we can break the chains the establishment has held on Nevada for so long!”
- James “Bo” Gritz announcing his 1988 senate campaign
—————————————————
August 21st, 1987
“Can you believe this, Clint? That nutjob Gritz is running for senate?”
“It’s unbelievable”
“I mean Quayle, Iacocca, Gritz, hell I’m beginning to think you can run!”
“Mmm…”
“What’s next? Donald Trump as president?”
“That’s the political system now after Reagan and Murphy.”
“Unbelievable”
“Remember how you said I could run?”
“Yes”
“Well, I might have a surprise for you and the public…”
Not bad, but A, who are Gritz and Murphy and B, who were the two talking to each other at the end?
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
Google Bo Gritz, you're in for a treat!
Murphy is George Murphy and the two talking at the end are Clint Eastwood and a chair.