You Gotta Have Hart: A Different 1988 and Beyond

[Meyer London]

January 1988


The following is a collection of polls gathered throughout the month of January as the primary races heated up in both parties:​

Republican Polling for the Iowa Caucuses
Dan Quayle: 35%
Bob Dole: 30%
George Bush: 27%
Jack Kemp: 5%
Pete Du Point: 2%


Republican Polling for the New Hampshire Primary
George Bush: 31%
Dan Quayle: 30%
Bob Dole: 26%
Pete Du Point: 9%
Jack Kemp: 3%


Republican Polling for the Nevada Primary
Dan Quayle: 37%
George Bush: 33%
Bob Dole: 21%
Pete Du Point: 5%
Jack Kemp: 3%


Democratic Polling for the Iowa Caucuses
Gary Hart: 23%
Lee Iacocca: 21%
Paul Simon 20%
Richard Gephardt: 14%
Al Gore: 12%
Jesse Jackson: 10%


Democratic Polling for the New Hampshire Primary
Gary Hart: 35%
Lee Iacocca: 29%
Jesse Jackson: 15%
Al Gore: 9%
Paul Simon: 8%
Richard Gephardt: 4%


Democratic Polling for the Minnesota Primary
Lee Iacocca: 32%
Gary Hart: 28%
Paul Simon: 17%
Jesse Jackson: 6%
Richard Gephardt: 3%


Democratic Polling for the South Dakota Primary
Lee Iacocca: 52%
Gary Hart: 15%
Paul Simon: 12%
Jesse Jackson: 12%
Al Gore: 7%
Richard Gephardt: 2%​

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

January 12th, 1988


"How's it looking on the ground, Ted?" Two days before the first contest in the Republican primaries, set to take place in Michigan, Jerry Falwell was on the phone with the campaign director in the state.


"Well, the enthusiasm is just great here for us, but this damn process is going to screw us!" Ted sounded stressed, frazzled, and as if he hadn't slept in a good two weeks.


"I definitely agree with you there. Of course that goddamn Bush is going to have the advantage when this God forsaken process began in August two years ago. I didn't even know who Dan was then. The people should be the ones voting, not some self-important delegate bastards! Do we have a chance at all?"


There was a pause on the other end, before a question broke the quiet.


"Do you want honesty, sir?" Falwell chuckled.


"Yes, son, honesty is the best policy."


"We aren't going to win here. The President has too deep of roots to make such a comeback. That's the truth of the matter. We'll make a good showing, but we won't win." Falwell thought before responding.


"Well, how close can we make this thing?" There was another pause on the other end.


"Sir, some of the delegates in our corner have been talking regarding a secondary plan if it was clear we weren't going to win. In a show of opposition, they want to walk out of their respective caucus locations, in an effort---" Ted was cut off by shouting.


"NO! Do you hear me, goddammit?"


"Uhh, yes, sir." There was legitimate fear in poor Ted's voice.


"Listen to me, and listen good. You get those delegates on the line right now, and you tell them to stay at those god damned caucuses and vote for JAMES. DANFORTH. QUAYLE. Got it?"


"Yes, sir. Of course, sir." Falwell nodded, his color returning to normal.


"Good. This is a legitimate campaign, not some two bit movement. You get your men in line by Thursday or me and you are gonna have problems, you got that?"


"Yes, sir. I'll get right on it, sir."


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January 14th, 1988


The results of the 1988 Michigan Republican Delegate Caucus


George H.W. Bush - 620 delegates (52%)
Dan Quayle - 453 delegates (38%)
Jack Kemp - 72 delegates (6%)
Bob Dole -36 delegates (3%)
Pete Du Pont - 12 delegates (1%)

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

So, because the primaries have started, @Meyer London and I have decided to set up a poll that you can vote in, to see your opinion on the candidates
Also, it is IP protected, so @Oppo can't vote for l e e 600 times
Democratic
Republican

 

[Meyer London]

February 4th, 1988


Due to the clout of the looming election in Iowa, the 1988 Hawaii Republican Caucus was completely overshadowed and ignored by all but one candidate.


Throughout the months of campaigning leading up to caucus in Hawaii, the main candidates of the Republican party had taken the Aloha State for granted. With it's limited delegates and lack of use in the general election, visits for most of the candidates were extremely sporadic, if at all.


Except for one.


Pete Du Pont, former governor of Deleware, had realized early in the race that he would struggle in a field which seemed destined for a Bush/Quayle/Dole showdown. In states like Iowa and New Hampshire, where the big three would campaign hard, Du Pont would have no chance unless he had already built up name recognition.


Du Pont utilized the strategy made popular by Jimmy Carter in 1976 and attempted by Ben Fernandez in 1980; he would focus heavily on one state and score a victory to propel his candidacy in the future. The state that his floundering campaign chose was Hawaii.


Hawaii was ideal for Du Pont; its Republican Party was notoriously centrist and its potential was untapped. Only time would tell if his strategy would pay off.


Meanwhile, the Quayle campaign was outraged. The original Hawaii caucus was scheduled for Wednesday, January 27th, when the two polls to leak out of the island both had their candidate in the lead. At the last moment, however, the state party decided it had to verify all of the new voters who had registered in the last few weeks before the election.


This was essentially the only effort the Quayle campaign put into the state, however. The campaign had almost noground game or money in the state. To say the least, they were confident in a victory.


The other main candidates, George H.W. Bush, Jack Kemp and Bob Dole spent no time in the state. Bush was trying to make up ground in Iowa, Dole wasassuring support in Kansas and Jack Kemp was attempting to save his campaign in New Hampshire on election day in Hawaii.


The votes came in slowly, and the eventual outcome was a contradiction - predictive but odd, straightforward yetconfusing.


Dan Quayle - 57% of the popular vote
Pete Du Pont - 32% of the popular vote
George H.W. Bush - 6% of the popular vote
Bob Dole - 5% of the popular vote
Jack Kemp - <1% of the popular vote


With the Hawaii caucus being a winner-take-all system, Dan Quayle scored 20 delegates to the national convention. The presumptive winner had not faltered, and his few representatives in Hawaii did enough to get him the win.


The biggest winner of the night, however, was Pete Du Pont. His hands-on campaign style had garnered him over 30% of the popular vote, and immediately gave him name recognition. Newspapers couldn't believe that a man who wasn't even getting 3% nationally could pick up so many votes in a state that wasn't even his home.


Pete Du Pont had hope.


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February 7th, 1988


In comparison, the Kansas primary was the most boring contest in the entire primary cycle.


Through some political tomfoolery by the Dole-backing Kansas legislature, the popular caucus was removed and it was decided that the state representatives would solely vote in the primary.


With Kansas being the home of Bob Dole, he received 99% of the vote from the state house, and all 34 delegates to the national convention.


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Heading into the all-important Iowa Caucus, the delegate count looked like this:


(1,128 delegates needed to win the nomination)
George H.W. Bush - 77 delegates
Bob Dole - 34 delegates
Dan Quayle - 20 delegates


Up next for the Republicans: Iowa, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Nevada.


For the Democrats: Iowa, New Hampshire, Minnesota, South Dakota.

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

FIVE STRAIGHT UPDATES
WE DID IT
------------------------------
Super Bowl XXII was the Denver Broncos third trip to the Super Bowl, and one of their most notable ones. The Broncos faced the Washington Redskins, who had the first ever African-American Quarterback to start in a Super Bowl, Doug Williams. Williams had a dazzling comeback season, as he was originally a backup for Jay Schroeder at the beginning of the season. Before the game, the question was asked, would the storybook team win, or would the Broncos finally get a title on their third title game appearance?


The beginning of the game went incredible for Denver, they managed to score 10 points out of the gate before starter Doug Jones twisted his leg and Schroeder had to enter. On his first play Schroeder was sacked by Karl Meckenburg and fumbled, with Meckenburg returning the fumble for a touchdown. Denver had an almost insurmountable lead at 17-0. However, Doug Williams decided to re-enter the game. On his first play Ricky Sanders caught the ball and returned it for 78 yards. However, the Denver defense tackled him on the 2 yard line, and held the Redskins to a field goal, killing their momentum. On their next drive, Denver nailed another field goal and made the game 20-3. The rest of the quarter was boring until Elway scored a rushing touchdown at the end of the half, to make the game 27-3. The final half was Doug Williams’s attempt at a comeback, the Washington Redskins went on a 17-0 spree in the third quarter, and Denver’s confidence shifted. In the fourth quarter, both teams were stuck until the game had 6:47 left. With 5:47 left, the Broncos kicked another field goal to make it 30-20. However, Williams managed to score another touchdown with 2:01 left. The score was 30-27 and the Redskins just needed a field goal to go to overtime. However, Joe Gibbs decided to take two risks. First, he opted for an onsides kick. Shockingly, the kick was a success, and Washington received the ball on their own 47, with 1:58 left. The team took two plays to get to the 39-yard-line, as many thought the Broncos were choking. With 1:39 left, Gibbs decided to have Williams throw it deep. This became the ending of the Super Bowl. Williams threw the ball in the air towards a quickly forming mosh pit of players. The ball bounced up once, and the Denver Broncos picked it off. After the Broncos picked it off, Elway ran out the clock, and the Broncos celebrated on the field. While Denver had got the trophy this year, one could only imagine what would happen next year...

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

February 8th, 1988


An article appearing in the Des Moines Register


Results of the Caucuses Still Anyone's Guess


As the candidates for both the Democratic and Republican parties continue to frantically crisscross our state, looking for every last vote, most experts are predicting close races in both caucuses tonight.


The most recent polling indicates a tight race between former Colorado Senator Gary Hart, Illinois Senator Paul Simon and businessman Lee Iacocca for the Democrats. On the Republican side, the national front-runner, Vice President George Bush, appears to be trailingKansas Senator Bob Dole and Indiana Senator Dan Quayle here in Iowa.


But, as a whole, both elections appear to be extremely tight.


We at the Des Moines Register, as writers second and citizens of Iowa first, encourage all of our readers to go to their local caucus location tonight and exercise your democratic right to vote, no matter the candidate.


You all have the power to change thedirection of this nation. Don't let that power mean nothing.


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10:07 AM


A conversation between Jack Kemp and a reporter


"Jack, Jack, can I get a comment this morning?"


"I didn't know we were on a first name basis, but sure, what's your question?"


"Well, Mr. Kemp, recent polling has put you at less than 5% here in Iowa. According to other polls, you aren't faring much better nationally. How do you expect to be the Republican nominee at this time?"


"Well, I'm confident that I can win this party's nomination. I think our support here in Iowa is being undersold. It seems to me that this battle between Bush and Quayle is already becoming tiresome to the common people of this state, and of the nation. I think I can present an alternative."


"Well, this brings me to the question I am sure you will answer a dozen times before the day is out. How do you think you'll do in tonight's all-important caucus?"


"I am a confident man, I'm a former football player, so naturally I am a confident guy. I think we're going to win here in Iowa tonight."


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11:22 AM


A conversation between Al Gore and his campaign manager, Fred Martin


"Be honest, Fred. You know better than anybody. What's the best we can do tonight?"


"Well, we aren't going to win..."


"I could've told you that. Anybody could looking at the polls. But do we have enough to keep the campaign going? If I want a shot at the VP spot we need to have a little leverage."


"My projections have us at somewhere between 9% and 15%. I think that if we can break double digits we can keep fighting."


"Good, good.... How's our fundraising looking?"


"Jackson being in the race is doing us no favors. If you were the only Southern candidate, we would be rolling in dough. As it is, we are struggling. Like I said, break double digits and we'll be fine."


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12:44 PM


A Phone Call Between Jesse Jackson and Bernie Sanders


"Hello! It's good to hear from you today, Bernie. I trust that you are well."


"Sure I am, but I'd be doing a lot better if I knew you were going to pull through and win that Caucus today. How're you feeling about your chances?"


"To be completely frank, we are done for in this state. You know it as well as I do, Iowa is moderate and lily white. These people just aren't my base."


"As long as Iacocca doesn't win this one. Big business is killing this country, Jesse, and if he becomes president it will only get worse. I just don't understand how people don't see it..."


"Bernie, while I have you, I just wanted to thank you again for your endorsement. I know it was hard for you, especially in your home state---"


"Ain't that the truth! Jesse, I'll tell you, I was giving a town hall in support of you a few weeks back and when I was done I walked off the stage and a woman, I didn't know this woman, but this woman slapped me in the face. Can you believe that?"


"The way that some of these lily white states are? I'm not surprised at all. As I was saying, it took a lot of courage. You and I share a lot of the same ideas. I'd really enjoy getting to work with you sometime down the road."


"Me too, Jesse, me too. Best of luck today."


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2:43 PM


“I tell ya Barack, I think tonight's gonna be a great night”


Paul Simon was smiling as he straightened his bow tie.


“Yes, this win is exactly the thing we need to get our campaign up and running!”


“Thank goodness for Harkin's endorsement, without it, that bully Iacocca would be doing just as well as Quayle is for the Republicans.”


“Yes, but we can’t count him out just yet. Both him and Hart have run good campaigns here.”


“Always the optimist, aren’t ya Barack?”


*Laughter*


“Well even with my less than optimistic view on this race, I still think we have a fantastic shot.”


“Great, let’s hope the cards are in our favor”


-Conversation between Paul Simon and assistant Barack Obama


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So this concludes Part One of our two-part mega update. Tune in in 90 minutes to see the conclusion of the Iowa Caucuses.

 

[Meyer London]

IMPORTANT ELECTION UPDATE


"We can now announce the official results of the Iowa Caucus for both parties..."

Republican Results:
Dan Quayle: 37.3%
Bob Dole: 28.5%
George H.W Bush: 25.2%
Jack Kemp: 4.8%
Pete Du Point: 4.2%


Democratic Results:
Gary Hart: 25.2%
Lee Iacocca: 24.5%
Paul Simon: 24.1%
Dicky G: 11.1%
Al Gore: 10.1%
Jesse Jackson: 5%​

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​

Five Minutes After Results


“What the fuck just happened!?”


“S-Sir, Hart beat you by one percentage point...”


“Son of a Bitch! And that four-eyed, bow tied motherfucker nearly beat me!”


“Simon was assis-”


“I know goddamn well what he was assisted by!”


“Y-yes sir”


“I refuse to let that establishment lapdog defeat me one more goddamn time! Call up someone from that Granite State and make it mine!”


“I’ll try to make it happen...”


“Don’t just try, goddamn it! This is a real campaign, we need endorsements!”


-Conversation between Lee Iacocca and a staffer



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


At the exact same moment


“How-how did Quayle win by so much?”


“I tell you Pete, this party is moving farther and farther to the right.”


“I thought my Hawa-”


“I did too. Look, be honest with yourself Pete, this campaign isn’t succeeding as as it should. We should endorse the Democrats, they’ve managed to give their party sanity.”


“Charles, I never expected you to sound so weak! We cannot end this campaign! Sure, we’re only polling high in a few states, but we need this party to realize what we can bring to the table so we can swing this party to moderacy!”


-Conversation between Charles Mathias and Pete Du Point



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45 minutes after results


"What can I say, Iowa? Faced with the choice between New Ideas, fresh plans for this country, or the status quo, you picked the future rather than the past. And it was a good choice, if I do say so myself!


First and foremost, I'd like to congratulate Senator Paul Simon and Mr. Iacocca for the tight race, along with all of my fellow democratic primary participants. This is clearly the party of issues, and no matter the nominee in this party, they would be a much better choice than any of the Republicans.


Four years ago, Walter Mondale defeated me here in Iowa. I didn't hold it against you, I swear I didn't. And to be victorious four years later, I can't help but feel proud of how far our movement has come.


And this is just the beginning! We'll be in New Hampshire, Minnesota, and all the other great states in this union. We're going to fight for every vote, every single vote, and we're going to be in the White House in November!


I don't want to call myself the front-runner - that seems to be a cursed term in politics these days. But I've never felt more confident in the will of the people than I do at this moment..."


-An excerpt of Gary Hart's victory speech in Iowa


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60 minutes after results


"I can't believe this, I just can't believe this," George H.W. Bush spit out, almost frothing at the mouth. "Iowa? Lee, I don't understand what happened here!?"


Lee Atwater stood opposite the Vice President, cool and cunning as ever.


"Here's your concession speech, sir." he said, handing Bush the text, "It's a fighting speech."


"A fighting speech? Lee, I don't think you understand the magnitude of what has transpired here tonight! We were beaten by a bumpkin! We got passed by Bob Dole! What's next?"


"New Hampshire is next, sir. I took it easy on Quayle here in Iowa, I didn't think attacks would play well with this crowd. But now we are headed to New Hampshire, and I'm going to sink that puppet bastard."


"You better, or else this campaign is dead," Bush said, "Now, I'm going to give this speech. As much as it kills me."


The minute Bush walked out in front of the crowd, he had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. Despite his recent temper, he still had it. Lee Atwater knew he could win, he just knew it.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


70 minutes after the results


"Well, shucks folks, can you believe it? We did it!


We fought the establishment, the moderates that are tearing our beautiful Republican party apart at the seams, and we beat them. We sent them a message they won't soon forget.


You all are the true heroes in this story. Without you all, this campaign couldn't succeed. I thank you all.


The momentum is on our side, and I don't plan to stop. We are going to fight in New Hampshire, and every state after.


The message of our campaign, that a return to conservative values will create a new, prosperous America in the impending twenty first century, has not fallen on deaf ears here in Iowa, and the message will be picked up by patriots throughout this great country.


Thank you all, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America!"


-An excerpt of Dan Quayle's victory speech

 

[Meyer London]

When The Gentleman is away, Ruffin and Kendrick will play... Hope you guys (and gals) enjoy!

February 9th, 1988


Once the tour bus had parked in an area outside of Morpeth, in Northern England, David Ruffin disembarked to stand outside for a spell. Some of the guys on the bus had managed to procure some cocaine, and Ruffin knew if he saw it and saw people doing it he would be a goner.


The tour had been going well, better than he had originally anticipated. The fans, after all these years, were still passionate throughout the United Kingdom; much more passionate than those in the United States. They weren't only playing to small club venues; they were playing to larger, more adoring crowds.


The only issue had been the voice of his best friend, Eddie Kendrick. Kendrick had always, even after chain-smoking and doing drugs throughout much of his life, maintained his impressive falsetto voice.


But over the last couple months, Ruffin had noticed that Kendrick couldn't hit the notes that he could before. He tried to chalk it up to age and wear and tear, but something wasn't right. The problem had first become apparent during the Reunion Tour six years ago, and it seemed that it had only gotten worse.


Ruffin's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of somebody stepping off the bus, hacking and coughing as they approached. Ruffin looked up and saw none other than Kendrick walking towards him.


"Man, that cough doesn't sound too good," Ruffin said, trying to bring up the topic lightly, "are you sure you shouldn't get that checked?" Kendrick shook his head.


"Ruff, don't you remember? During the Reunion - I went to a doctor, and they told me I had a... pin drop of cancer on my lung. Nothing to worry about..." Ruffin had to pick his jaw up off the floor.


"What?! Cancer! Isn't there treatment for that? Why aren't you doing nothing about it?"


"I don't want to lose my hair, Ruff. And I don't want to lose my last chance at performing. Alright?"


"Eddie, you gotta---" Eddie cut Ruffin off mid-sentence.


"No, no, no. Listen. I don't expect you to understand, but please listen. This is our last chance to get back to the top. Your voice is better than ever, it's top notch. If I go get the treatments now, I won't be able to perform for a long time, maybe never again. This thing might kill me, but if I die, I want to die on top. Now, you gotta promise me, Ruff. We aren't giving up 'till we get that number one hit, okay?" Kendrick stuck his hand out for a handshake.



Ruffin paused for a long time, looking at his best friend in the world, the man that was dying right in front of him. He couldn't believe that this healthy looking, young looking guy was in so much pain. He wanted to tell Eddie to get the treatments, to take as much time as he needed, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Ruffin returned the handshake.


"Fine, deal."


A voice called out behind the pair, "We're headed to the next stop!"


"Well, old pal," Ruffin began, putting an arm on Kendrick's shoulder, "on to the next one."

 

[Meyer London]

With The Gentleman boarding an aircraft and leaving me alone, here’s a whacky post for you all:


February 10th, 1988


An article appearing in the San Francisco Chronicle


Search Warrant Served On Zodiac Killer Suspect Turns Up New Questions


For only the second time in the twenty plus year run of the Zodiac Killer mystery, a search warrant has been served on a suspect of the horrifying crimes.


Police in Vallejo searched the home of Arthur Leigh Allen last week after procuring a search warrant.


Inside sources report that the bulk of the items taken from the home were in connection to a typewriter owned by Allen.


Arthur Leigh Allen is no new face to investigators; in fact, he has long been held as the top suspect by most experts on the case.


Allen, who has lived and worked in the Vallejo area his entire life, admitted to being in the vicinity of the Lake Berryessa attacks at the time that they took place.


Most notably, one of Allen’s friends, Donald Chaney, told police in 1971 that Allen had discussed taking the alter ego “Zodiac Killer” and hunting couples in the Los Angeles suburbs.


With this being only the second search warrant ever served in the history of the case, it will be intriguing to see if anything comes of this, and if the mystery of the Zodiac Killer can finally be revealed.

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

February 11th, 1988


“As we pull into the New Hampshire primary, I see only one true option."


"One way to change the establishment that has crippled us for so long.”

"We need Lee Iacocca.”


We need him to lead our nation back to prosperity!”


"To send us to hights only seen during the term of Franklin Roosevelt,"


"To send the party of Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Johnson back to those prosperous days."


"We need Lee Iacocca!”


-Former Nebraska Governor Bob Kerrey

 

[Meyer London]

February 14th, 1988


"What was so god damned important that you had to drag me out here at this hour, Lee?" George Bush complained. It was five in the morning, and Bush had already was functioning on very little sleep.


"Remember how you said we needed a boost?" Atwater let the question hang in the stagnant air of Bush campaign headquarters in New Hampshire.


"Remember? It's all I think about!" The last few weeks had been extremely rough on George H.W. Bush. After being humiliated by Quayle in Iowa, polling conducted in New Hampshire showed him once again trailing. He had tasked Atwater with putting him over the top.


"Well, I think this is what we have been looking for..." Atwater said with excitement in his voice as an aide set up the television.


"Dan Quayle says he's a supporter of New Hampshire families. And yet, Senator Quayle also supports corporate tax cuts that will give millions to big businesses and take money out of the pockets of ordinary New Hampshire families. Senator Quayle would rather let the rich become richer before he would give back to the middle class. Dan Quayle is not a supporter of families, and is not right for New Hampshire."


The room hung in silence, until a single clap, and then another, and another, came from George Bush. As he broke into applause, as did the entire room. Atwater smiled, much like a shark showing his teeth.


"This needs to be rolled out. Immediately." Bush said.


"Don't worry," Atwater began, "anyone watching the morning news today should've seen it at least three times already."


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February 15th, 1988


Driving to a campaign event in Concord, Gary Hart and his campaign manager Sue Casey had a chance to quickly debrief.


"How're you feeling about your prospects here, Gary?" Hart laughed.


"New Hampshire should be renamed New Hartland, the way I won here four years ago. I can't see myself losing this one. What I'm more worried about is Minnesota and South Dakota in the next week and a half. Iacocca and Simon are going to be strong there."


"Well, if you win tomorrow, note that I said if, you'll be seen as the front runner. That carries a lot of power." Hart thought for a moment before speaking.


"I've heard good things from down South. Dale Bumpers seems to be doing a spectacular job garnering support. I thought for sure those states were locks for Jackson or Gore, but we might just have a shot in a couple of them."


"Bumpers is an incredible resource. We should keep him in mind for the future."


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February 16th, 1988


"We can now report the results of both primaries...

Republican Results:
George Bush: 33.3%
Dan Quayle: 30.6%
Bob Dole: 27.1%
Pete Du Point: 7.2%
Jack Kemp: 1.8%


Democratic Results:
Gary Hart: 37.4%
Lee Iacocca: 31.2%
Jesse Jackson: 12.4%
Paul Simon: 10.2%
Al Gore: 7.1%
Richard Gephardt: 1.7%


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​

60 minutes after the results


"...We have fought a tough and courageous battle, my friends, but it is with a heavy heart that I must withdraw from this presidential election, effective immediately.


As we continue to fight for American jobs and all of the other issues that Americans care so deeply about, I have come to find that the best man to continue to wage this war against the old guard is none other than Gary Hart.


I will be supporting Gary Hart for President of these United States of America!"


-Richard Gephardt, announcing his withdrawal and subsequent endorsement of Gary Hart

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

February 16th, 1988


"Our campaign is failing, plain and simple. We need to bring out the big guns."


"Someone to help us win the midwest. We need power there."


"Hey, how about?.."


"No, he can't, not after 1980."


"Yeah, but he also got 12% in the primaries that year."


"Alright, put him on, this campaign needs a boost."


-Conversation between Charles Mathais and Pete Du Point


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February 17th, 1988


In a special CNN announcement, we can now announce that Presidential Candidate and Senator Dan Quayle is currently campaigning with Senatorial Candidate and former Lieutenant Colonel Bo Gritz in Nevada.


Nevada is becoming an important state for the Quayle campaign and for conservative Republicans everywhere, as Populist Republican Bo Gritz is gaining in polls, and he could very well be the next senator from Nevada.


Gritz called Quayle "A chance to free the American People from the establishment that holds our hand in chains."


The Nevada Caucus will commence tomorrow, February 18th.

 

[Meyer London]

February 18th, 1988

Results of the Nevada Republican Caucus
Dan Quayle: 29.4%
George Bush: 28.8%
Bob Dole: 24.6%
Pete Du Point: 17.2%​

 

[Meyer London]

February 20th, 1988


"Sir, you gotta see these polls..."


"Who's it from? Gallup?"


"No, Mr. Simon. It's our internal polling. And it's... well, it's interesting."


"Are we in the lead? In Minnesota? South Dakota?"


"No, it's not that. It's Iacocca....."


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February 23rd, 1988


"We now have results to report from Minnesota and South Dakota. Both parties can declare their winners of the evening..."

Results of the Democratic Caucus in Minnesota
Lee Iacocca: 40%
Gary Hart: 23%
Paul Simon: 20%
Jesse Jackson: 17%


Results of the Republican Caucus in Minnesota
George H.W. Bush: 31%
Bob Dole: 30%
Dan Quayle: 29%
Pete Du Pont: 10%


Results of the Democratic Primary in South Dakota
Lee Iacocca: 56%
Jesse Jackson: 16%
Gary Hart: 14%
Paul Simon: 14%


Results of the Republican Primary in South Dakota
Bob Dole: 37%
George H.W. Bush: 30%
Dan Quayle: 25%
Pete Du Pont: 8%


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​

"I knew it! I knew we could beat that elitist, blowhard Hart!" Lee Iacocca was on the phone, and he was over the moon. Finally, after losing in godforsaken Iowa and New Hampshire, he was victorious.


"This is a huge victory, Lee. I knew you could do it all along." On the other line was Donald Trump, whom had been backing Iacocca since early in the campaign.


"Look at these margins, Don! 17% in Minnesota! Jackson beat Hart in South Dakota! What a night!"


"What made everything click tonight?" Trump asked, genuinely curious as to his friend's opinion. Trump had often thought about starting a political career, and seeing the success of his fellow businessman, things were looking more and more intriguing. Mayor Trump sounded good. Governor Trump sounded even better.


"I'll tell you, Don, I think it's the demographics. Iowa and New Hampshire, they are political states. They're too much like Hart. Minnesota, South Dakota, they are hard working states. They're like me. Do you get what I mean?"


"I hear you, Lee. Do you think New York and I are like that?"


"I suppose so. Yeah, yeah, I could see that..."


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"....I promised my campaign staff, my closest aides and my wife, Tipper, that if we didn't get 10% in Minnesota or South Dakota tonight, I would drop out of the race.


And, unfortunately, I have to make good on my promise.


I will be suspending my campaign, effective immediately."


-Al Gore, suspending his campaign for President of the United States


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"I'm surprised you aren't mad, George."


"Why would I be mad? We won Minnesota, and we lost to Dole in South Dakota, not Quayle. That's all I care about. Where are we headed to next?"


"Maine."


"Great. That is my country, and those are my people. We have only just begun."


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"What the hell happened tonight, Pat?"


"Gary, these weren't our states. We've got Maine and Vermont up next, those two should be easy wins for us."


"Yeah, I agree with that. But Minnesota? What happened there? I felt good about that."


"The unions turned up for Iacocca, as did the more rural counties. It's one state, Gary, it won't ruin us. Onward and upward, right?"


"Onward and upward."


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"Can we get Gore on the phone? I need his endorsement!"


-A statement said simultaneously by Lee Iacocca, Gary Hart, Jesse Jackson and Paul Simon

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

February 24th, 1988


"Who're you going to endorse, Al?"


"I thought we said that today was going to be a no-business day..."


"I like Hart. He's smart, he's charming, he's...."


"Tipper, this is more than just about who I like. This is about who would put me on a ticket with them. That was a cold move by Bumpers, endorsing Hart so early over me, his Southern peer, but it was a smart one. I need some time to think..."


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Results of the Republican Caucuses in Wyoming​

Dan Quayle: 42%​

Bob Dole: 34%​

George H.W. Bush: 19%​

Pete Du Pont: 4%​

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February 25th, 1988


Article in the Indianapolis Star


Today Senator and Republican candidate for President Dan Quayle spent time in Indiana campaigning for another Congressional candidate.


As a means of imposing the strength of the "Religious Right", Quayle has thrown his support behind several congressional candidates that he feels "have the right morals and values to lead this great country".


Today Quayle campaigned for lawyer and candidate for Indiana's Second Congressional district, Mike Pence. Quayle said of Pence, "I see myself in Mr. Pence. He has the will to fight for Conservative values in the House! We must elect him to continue Indiana's values in the government!"


With Quayle's support, one could only imagine how Pence might do in the upcoming House race.


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February 27th, 1988


"How's our internal polling looking for this next slew of contests?"


"Maine is solidly in your column, George. The trouble is going to be Alaska - conservatism is popular out there, and Quayle actually spent a day out there. Crazy son of a bitch, too bad he didn't fall through the ice."


"That's the sense of humor I like to hear, Lee..."


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"I'm hearing some interesting things from the ground in Vermont, Mr. Simon."


"I'm not dumb enough to ask if we're winning out there. What have you picked up?"


"Conventional wisdom would say that Vermont was Hart territory. And yet, the latest batch of polling shows a close race..."


"With who? Iacocca?"


"No, with Jackson... I heard from a friend of mine on that staff that they're employing some secret weapon. Some guy named... Bernie Sanders?"


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February 28th, 1988

Results of the Republican Caucuses in Maine
George H.W. Bush: 32%
Pete Du Pont: 28%
Bob Dole: 24%
Dan Quayle: 16%

Results of the Democratic Caucuses in Maine

Gary Hart: 30%
Lee Iacocca: 29%
Paul Simon: 26%
Jesse Jackson: 15%​

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"I'd say that that went pretty well... Same in Vermont, I'd hope?"


"Gary, about that... Something is going on in that state. Our polling is showing that you and Jackson are extremely close right now. You seem to have the edge, but..."


"How? I'm no expert of the American Northeast, but from what I gathered in '84, Vermont and Maine have similar voting bases, right?"


"You're right, but there seems to be a key difference. Jackson had very little support from any politicians in Maine. In Vermont, he's got some guy named Bernie Sanders crossing the state for him. No doubt to gain some political traction of his own..."


"You're finally learning this game that is politics, Pat - no one does anything for no reason. Anyway, what does this Sanders guy do exactly? Is he a Congressman?"


"No, he's the mayor of Burlington. And he's a self-described "democratic socialist", whatever that means..."


"What the fuck is going on in Vermont?!"


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March 1st, 1988

Results of the Republican Caucuses in Alaska
Dan Quayle: 35%
George H.W. Bush: 31%
Bob Dole: 19%
Pete Du Pont: 15%

Results of the Democratic Caucuses in Vermont

Gary Hart: 33%
Jesse Jackson: 32%
Lee Iacocca: 19%
Paul Simon: 15%

Results of the Republican Caucuses in Vermont

George H.W. Bush: 36%
Pete Du Pont: 32%
Bob Dole: 21%
Dan Quayle: 11%​

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March 3rd, 1988


"This campaign is on the ropes, Charles."


"Pete, don't say that! You're the last moderate standing. The party needs you, but more importantly America needs you!"


"They might need me, but they don't want me.... I've been thinking long and hard about an endorsement. It's almost time to make a splash."


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March 5th, 1988

Results of the Democratic Caucuses in Wyoming
Lee Iacocca: 40%
Gary Hart: 32%
Jesse Jackson: 16%
Paul Simon: 12%

Results of the Republican Party-Run Primary in South Carolina

George H.W. Bush: 31%
Dan Quayle: 29%
Bob Dole: 26%
Pete Du Pont: 14%​

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"Thank God for the good people of Wyoming, isn't that right?"


"Yes, Mr. Iacocca. But, I must say, we need to start winning some delegate rich areas. Wyoming is great, and a win is better, but it's not going to win us the nomination."


"Can't you just enjoy this moment? Once the Rust Belt states vote, we'll shoot into the lead. And don't forget, Trump is going to deliver us New York on a silver platter."

 

[Meyer London]

March 8th, 1988


"Today is the day that the various campaigns in this tumultuous election cycle have been pushing towards for the last many months - Southern Super Tuesday. The primaries on this all-important Tuesday are primarily in the Deep South, with a couple others taking place in the Northeast.


For the Republicans, the battle will be between Vice President Bush and Senator Quayle. Polls show a tight race in many of the states polling today, with Bob Dole and Pete Du Pont far behind the two frontrunners.


The Democrats will see tight contests between favorite Gary Hart and Jesse Jackson. Jackson has the more natural advantage in the South, but Hart has come on strong due to the endorsements of many Southerners, including Senator Dale Bumpers as well as recent primary dropout Al Gore, who announced his backing of Hart yesterday in Tennessee.


By this time tomorrow, the field in both parties will be much, much clearer..."


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


The Associated Press can now call the states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts for Gary Hart for the Democrats and George H.W. Bush for the Republicans.


Neither result is a surprise for either party; both Hart and Bush have dominated the Northeast primaries early in the race. In both Republican contests, Pete Du Pont was the second place finisher - Du Pont continues an impressive stretch for a campaign that had seemingly failed to launch early in the race.


These two primaries were the least interesting of the night - the rest of the evening should be much closer.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Two for two! Not a bad start!" Gary Hart was set up in his home in Aspen, Colorado - his private study had been turned into a "war room" of sorts, with maps and papers and phones spread around. Both of the Northeastern states had just fallen into his column, and he was feeling triumphant.


"Gary, we've got some even better news coming in from the South!"


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


Two more states have been called, and they are encouraging news for the Hart campaign. Tennessee and Maryland are earlier than expected calls for Hart, in states expected to be close with Jesse Jackson.


In Tennessee, the difference appears to be Senator Gore's endorsement of Hart. Polling previous to the announcement called for a dead heat between Hart and Jackson, and yet it has been called early. Hart was favored in Maryland, but the margin of victory appears convincing for his support among the border state voters.


For the Republicans, Tennessee and Maryland have both gone to Vice President Bush. The victories in Tennessee are similar for both parties; just like Gore's support of Hart, Bush was campaigned for by native son and White House Chief of Staff Howard Baker.The significance of the two calls is more discouraging to the Quayle campaign than anyone else - they need to be competitive in the South if they have any hope of winning the nomination.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Damn Al Gore, I thought us Southerners were going to stick together this time! How are things looking in Florida?"


"It's tight. It's going to come down to the wire, Jesse. You're looking real good in all the other Southern states so far."


"Even Arkansas? That would truly be a miracle." Jackson wasn't nearly as mad at Bumpers for turning Arksansas against him as he was at Gore. Bumpers was simply positioning himself to shoot for the Vice Presidency - Gore had done what he had for no clear reason, as far as Jackson could see.


"We haven't heard a thing from there yet. It's going to be a long night..."



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


Two more states have now been called, and this time it is better news for the underdog candidates.


The state of Virginia has just been called for Jesse Jackson for the Democratic Party. For Jackson, who is relying heavily upon the South for delegates, this was a must win. In the same state, Vice President Bush has picked up another key victory. Despite the presence of Reverand Jerry Falwell in the state for the Quayle campaign, Bush still managed to pull out the victory.


The state of Georgia can now be called for both parties as well. Jesse Jackson has won the state for the Democrats, while Senator Dan Quayle has taken the state over George Bush.


Still out in the Southeastern block of states are Florida, where Jesse Jackson and Gary Hart are in an extremely tight contest, and also North Carolina, which is tight for both parties.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"I campaigned so hard for Dan, I don't understand how God could've allowed this..."


"Mr. Falwell, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but..."


"Out with it, son!"


"Some in the campaign think that you actually harmed Senator Quayle's candidacy in the state..."


"Well, if that's what they think... I won't be making any more appearances!"


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


With results rolling in from the central time zone states, two can be called early.


In Arkansas, the winners are Gary Hart and Dan Quayle. Neither are big surprises - Hart's candidacy was propelled by the endorsement of Senator Dale Bumpers, and Quayle was favored throughout.


Also, in the state of Mississippi, Jesse Jackson and Dan Quayle prevail. Both were heavily favored in the state.


Florida and North Carolina remain uncalled.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Senator Bumpers, Arkansas has just been called for Hart!"


"I'm glad! Now, let's hope Hart remembers who won him the South when he goes to pick his VP..."


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


The Associated Press can now make calls in the states of Florida and North Carolina.


In the state of Florida, where both parties seemed to be locked in tight elections, Gary Hart and Bob Dole are victorious. For Hart, the win in Florida puts him in the definitive front runner position at this point. The Dole victory in the Sunshine State will likely keep the campaign afloat.


Gary Hart and Dan Quayle are the winners in the North Carolina primaries. Another state predicted to be tight between Hart and Jesse Jackson has swung its' allegiance to the former Senator from Colorado. The win in North Carolina is big for the Qualye campaign after dropping Virginia to Vice President Bush.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Atwater, the parallels are disturbing..."


"What're you on about now?"


"Reagan's candidacy in '76. He was dead in the water and that bastard Helms got him the win in North Carolina. And now, here comes sthat hick Quayle, picking up a win in North Carolina..."


"George, you've gotta stop with this. Reagan is an idea man, Quayle is a puppet. It just isn't the same..."


"Tell that to the voters, Atwater."


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


A number of states can now be called.


In Alabama, Senator Quayle and Jesse Jackson will win for their respective parties. Similar to the electorate in Mississippi, this state is not a surprise on either front.


Just like in Alabama, Louisiana will go to Quayle and Jackson. The Deep South has followed a clear pattern this evening.


In Kentucky, a Southern state with a different voting pattern than that of Alabama and Louisiana, Lee Iacocca will pick up a much needed win, while Bob Dole will score a surprise victory. It appears that in both cases vote splitting from the two leading candidates tonight has resulted in a victory for the underdog candidates.


In the state of Oklahoma, Lee Iacocca picks up another victory while Dan Quayle returns to the winning column.


In our first one-party primary of the night, in Texas, the winner of the Democratic caucus there is Gary Hart. This is a significant victory for the frontrunner.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Finally, a couple victories! Oklahoma and Kentucky are the only states tonight that have any sense at all."


"Kentucky is a big win for us, sir. It's a good sign of things to come in the Rust Belt."


"And I'm assuming that Missouri is going to fall in our camp as well?"


"Well......"


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


There is a surprising winner in the Missouri primary. For the Democrats, the state has cast his votes for Illinois Senator Paul Simon. On the Republican side, Dan Quayle scores another win.


Missouri was the final Super Tuesday state in the central time zone. Up next are the western states.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Pat, what happened in Missouri? I thought we had Gephardt's endorsement?"


"We did sir, and that seems to be the problem. The way Gephardt conducted himself after Senator Harkin refused to endorse him - it leaked out. A lot of people in Missouri see him as petty, or so says our ground game there."


"Hm. Well, in any case, let's make sure that Gephardt gets 'too busy in Washington' and can't make any more campaign appearances in the Midwest, alright?"


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


We can now call our Western states this evening.


No surprise in the Democratic caucuses in Idaho, where Lee Iacocca continued his dominance over the rural Western states. Iacocca has won the state by a significant margin.


In Washington state, both Gary Hart and George Bush scored close victories. Reports from the state say that turnout was especially high in King County, in which Seattle is located.


Finally, the winner in the Nevada Democratic caucus is Gary Hart. The last remaining state on tonight's slate is Hawaii, which will be reported upon as soon as returns are recorded.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A.P. Press Release


For the final time on Super Tuesday, there can be an official call made.


The winner in the Hawaii Democratic Caucus is Jesse Jackson. This is Jackson's first win outside of the South in this primary cycle.


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(Author's Note: In lieu of a delegate count (which I promise will be out soon), here are some maps to give you a better account of the primary race up until now. Sorry for the horrible MS Paint job) (REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE: Hart did not win Ohio, as denoted on the map. That primary has yet to happen)

1988 Democratic Primaries (Through March 8th)

1988 Republican Primaries (Through March 8th)

​

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

Article published in the Dallas Register
Yesterday, Representative and Libertarian Party candidate Ron Paul campaigned in Dallas with MLB and Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan.

While it is unusual for a current athlete to make such a political statement, Ryan says he’s been a supporter of Paul for years.

“At a time when both the Democrats and Republicans seem dedicated to destroying liberty, it is refreshing to see a candidate like Ron Paul.”


Paul also praised Ryan saying “Mr Ryan is a fantastic pitcher and man, and I am proud that my district is in his hometown and that I have his endorsement.”

The endorsement is giving the Ron Paul campaign attention that many third party campaigns lack. The question now is wether or not Paul can improve on the Libertarian party’s 0.25% from 1984. With celebrity endorsements like this, he could very well exceed that.

 

[Meyer London]

March 11th, 1988


The tour had been a great success, but that wasn't what was most important to David Ruffin. It was the fact that he had stayed clean for the duration of his time in England.


He had almost cracked a number of times, but each time he remembered the withdrawals, and the anger, and the hate, and he stopped himself. It seemed that Motown had noticed, too, as they had given the green-light for him and Eddie Kendrick to record an album.


In fact, Motown had been so impressed by the success seen in England, where most shows were sold out, that they also decided to allow the pair to re-record some of the original hits with the Temptations. "About damn time," was David's response. Eddie was more subdued, but still extremely excited by the prospects of releasing a more matured, strong version of the original material to the fans.


Ruffin was worried. He had noticed that Eddie's vocals had only gotten more strained throughout the tour, and the cough had slowly become worse. The cancer was setting into Kendrick's lungs, and Ruffin wasn't sure he could go through such a thing again. Back in the 1960's, his on-again off-again girlfriend and fellow Motown singer, Tammi Terrell, of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' fame, had slowly deteriorated until she collapsed into Marvin Gaye's arms on stage during a performance. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She didn't live to see her 25th birthday.


Ruffin briefly considered going to Berry Gordy and Motown about the issue, but quickly decided against it. First, he figured that if Eddie really was going, he knew he was and wanted to put the album out before he became too weak to perform. The other point that dissuaded him from talking to Gordy was that, truth be told, he never liked Gordy and Gordy never liked him. Part of that was Ruffin's fault, no question, but some grudges were harder to let go than others.


So, they pressed on. They had pondered over the songs to pick, given that Motown had allotted them ten tracks for the album. David picked 'My Girl', Eddie picked 'Just My Imagination', and so on and so forth, until they were ready to get to work. The album included two original songs among the ten, those being selected as 'One More For the Lonely Hearts Club' and 'I Couldn't Believe It'.


Ruffin only prayed that Eddie would make it through the recording okay. Looking over at his friend while singing, he couldn't imagine a world where he didn't have Kendrick on stage with him.


Just make it through this album, he prayed, every single night.


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March 16th, 1988


Ron Wyden, U.S. Congressman from Oregon, compared the newspapers from the last few days that had accumulated on his paper-stuffed desk. They were contradicting, that was for sure.


One headline screamed "HART WINS ALASKA PRIMARY, CEMENTS FRONTRUNNER STATUS". That was from six days ago. The next, from four days ago, said "JACKSON TAKES SOUTH CAROLINA IN DOMINANT FASHION". The final, the freshest one, hot off the press, said "FAVORITE SON SIMON WINS ILLINOIS, BUSH PREVAILS FOR REPUBLICANS".


"The parity in this election is shocking," Wyden said to fellow Oregon Representative Les AuCoin as AuCoin walked into his office.


"Well, one thing is clear." AuCoin said, "Iacocca isn't going to win the nomination. The Rust Belt is great, but if you can't win anywhere else, you're done." AuCoin paused before asking, "Who are you backing in this one, anyway?"


"I like Hart. I'm not even sure if it's Hart's policies I like. It's his story. He was a no-name four years ago, and now he's the favorite to be the nominee. It's hard to beat that kind of rise." AuCoin laughed before asking,


"You see a little of yourself in him, Ron?" Ron became serious immediately.


"Is it that crazy, Les? No offense, but I don't want to be in the House forever. Senator Wyden sounds nice, doesn't it?" AuCoin laughed again.


"No, it sounds crazy."

 

[Meyer London]

As of this moment on March 16th, 1988, this is the current raw delegate count for both parties (not adjusted for superdelegates)...

Current Democratic Delegate Count
Gary Hart : 656
Jesse Jackson: 497
Lee Iacocca: 439
Paul Simon: 260
Richard Gephardt: 6
Al Gore: 6

Current Republican Delegate Count
Dan Quayle: 762
George H.W. Bush: 633
Bob Dole: 612
​

Readers - do keep in mind the venues of the primaries that have taken place so far when considering the odds of each candidate.

 

[Gentleman Biaggi]

February 17, 1988
While some last night were focused on the New Hampshire primary, some shocking results did appear on the New Hampshire Vice Presidential primary.

Shockingly, White Supremisist David Duke won the Democratic Vice-Presidential primary with over 98% of the vote.

Even more shockingly, Representative James Traficant of Ohio won the Republican primary. Traficant wasn’t even running and is in the Democratic Party. He won with 62% of the vote on write-ins. When Traficant heard the news he said “What the hell is the New Hampshire Vice Presidental Primary?” and walked away. This will lead to several delegates being pledged to the winning candidates, which could lead to an interesting convention on both sides