Alternate History 📰 EAGLE IS DOWN: November 23, 1996: The Clinton Assassination and Ramifications....

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON.....
​

Good evening folks. I've been intrigued by what if timelines ranging from Talk Elections, AH, Sietch, etc., on multiple topics.

But I am intrigued by what would've been the impact and ramifications for the US if Clinton had been assassinated during the 1996 APEC Summit.

Feel free to give your input and assistance on PoVs....

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Prologue: Everything was just so innocent....
Tuesday, November 5, 1996
Arkansas Old State Capitol
Little Rock, AR.


​

"Four more years! Four more years!" the ecstatic crowd was happily chanting as all of the national networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, CNN, C-SPAN) all of whom projected William Jefferson Clinton was re-elected as the 43rd President of the United States in a landslide victory defeating former US Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-KS) and Ross Perot (Reform) in a three-way race but this time by double digits... Clinton also managed to keep several of the Southern states he had won from 1992 such as his home state of Arkansas (in a resoundingly massive landslide victory of 73% of the statewide vote), Tennessee, Delaware, Missouri, Kentucky, Georgia (barely held onto Georgia due to heavy African American turnout in Atlanta), Maryland, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, Louisiana and North Carolina (in 1992, Clinton became the first Democrat to carry the Tar Heel State since 1964).

In 1992, Clinton carried Texas: being the first Democrat to carrying the Lone Star State since then-Alabama Governor George Wallace (D) in 1976. However in 1996, Clinton lost Texas to Dole by a small margin of just 773 votes.

It was jammed packed on the grounds of the Arkansas Old State Capitol in Little Rock. Everything was so innocent, so calm and things were pushing ahead for America and the entire world....

However there were outside forces lurking waiting to strike which would have devastating and altering ramifications not only for the United States of America but the entire world.

​

(1996 US Presidential Election)
President William Jefferson Clinton (D-AR)*/Vice President Albert Gore, Jr., (D-TN): 50,416,188 (52.96%)✔: Declared Winner [411 Electoral Votes]:34 States+DC (including Puerto Rico)

Former US Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-KS)/Former US Housing & Urban Development Secretary Jack Kemp (R-NY St): 38,197,473 (36.73%) [132 Electoral Votes]: 17 States

 

[Sergeant Foley]

[List of US Presidents since Harding]
​

Warren Gamaliel Harding (R-OH): 29th President from March 4, 1921 to August 2, 1923: Elected in 1920; died in San Francisco, California.

Calvin Coolidge (R-MA): 30th President from August 2, 1923 to March 4, 1929: Ascended to the Presidency upon Harding's death; elected to full 4-year term in 1924, didn't seek reelection in 1928.

Herbert Clark Hoover (R-IA): 31st President from March 4, 1929 to March 4, 1933: Elected in 1928; defeated for reelection in 1932.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (D-NY St): 32nd President from March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945: Elected in 1932; reelected in 1936, 1940, 1944; longest-serving US President with 12 years of service. Died in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Harry S. Truman (D-MO): 33rd President from April 12, 1945 to January 20, 1953: Ascended to the Presidency upon Roosevelt's sudden death; elected to full 4-year term in 1948, didn't seek reelection in 1952.

David Dwight Eisenhower (R-KS): 34th President from January 20, 1961 to January 20, 1969: Elected in 1952; reelected in 1956.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy (D-MA): 35th President from January 20, 1961 to November 22, 1963: Elected in 1960; Assassinated in open limousine during parade at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (D-TX): 36th President from November 22, 1963 to January 20, 1969: Ascended to the Presidency upon Kennedy's assassination: elected to full 4-year term in 1964, didn't seek reelection in 1968.

Richard Milhous Nixon (R-CA): 37th President from January 20, 1969 to August 9, 1974: Elected in 1968 & reelected in 1972; resigned in disgrace due to the Watergate Scandal.

Gerald Rudolph Ford (R-MI): 38th President from August 9, 1974 to September 5, 1975: Ascended to the Presidency upon Nixon's resignation; Assassinated while greeting well-wishers at Capitol Park on the grounds of the California State Capitol in Sacramento, California.

Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (R-NY St): 39th President from September 5, 1975 to January 26, 1979: Ascended to the Presidency upon Ford's assassination; elected to full 4-year term in 1976. Died at his NYC townhouse apartment during a secret sex escapade.

Linwood Holton (R-VA): 40th President from January 26, 1979 to January 20, 1981: Ascended to the Presidency upon Rockefeller's death. Didn't seek election to full 4-year term in 1980.

Ronald Wilson Reagan (R-CA): 41st President from January 20, 1981 to November 13, 1983: Elected in 1980; Assassinated while attending festivities at the Republic of Korea Army 1st Corps headquarters in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

George Herbert Walker Bush (R-TX): 42nd President from November 13, 1983 to January 20, 1993: Ascended to the Presidency upon Reagan's assassination; Elected to full 4-year term in 1984 & reelected in 1988: first US President to serve 2 full terms since Eisenhower; didn't seek reelection in 1992.

William Jefferson Clinton (D-AR): 43rd President from January 20, 1993 to November 23, 1996: Elected in 1992 & reelected in 1996; Assassinated during APEC Summit in Manila, Philippines.

Albert Arnold Gore (D-TN): 44th President since November 23, 1996: Ascended to the Presidency upon Clinton's assassination.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Beginning this week: I'll be working on Chapter 1.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Outlined sketch of the timeline (which will be updated either once or twice a week depending on my part-time job, etc.,)
Chapter 1:
1.) Personal PoVs from folks
2.) The Innocence of the world: 1996 APEC Summit conference in the Philippines
3.) November 23, 1996: The moment America and the World was altered....
4.) Breaking News alerts blaring all over the world....

Chapter 2:
1.) Preserve, Protect and Defend: The Presidency of Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.,
2.) The fallout of the 11.23.96 Incident
3.) The Nation Mourns the 43rd President
4.) Segments of the State Funeral in Washington, DC and final services in Little Rock, Arkansas

Chapter 3:
1.) Jockeying for position in the upcoming 2000 Presidential elections
2.) January 20, 1997: Inauguration Day
3.) 1997 State of the Union and the Republican Response
4.) Accomplishments of the Gore administration
5.) First Lady Tipper Gore escalates her campaign in banning ALL violent music including rap music

Chapter 4:
1.) International and national headlines of the Gore Presidency (Spring 1997)
2.) The investigation of the 11.23.96 Incident
3.) Personal PoV's from members of the Gore Cabinet
4.) International and national headlines of the Gore Presidency (Summer 1997)
5.) Personal PoV of former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and how she'll grapple with the effects of 11.23.96
6.) Fall 1997: Gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Chapter 1: Personal PoV from Folks.....
November 30, 1995
Somewhere in Metro Manila, Philippines

Protestors marching to Malacanang Palace.....
​

The situation had been bubbling over the surface in recent years. Leftist groups organizing and protesting against the government's inaction to do something about the growing problem surrounding Smokey Mountain and one person involved in the protests, Armando Escalante was angry and furious "nobody in local government is listening to us about this problem at Smokey Mountain because people are hungry, homeless and unemployed. But one of these days, I will show the world who we are and nobody will stop us!"

It wasn't specified what Armando was rambling about, because of the fact that he had been influenced by Muslim insurgent groups in Southern Philippines to "get involved in the struggle". Odds were NOT good because of the radicalization of others who felt left behind......

Now fast forward to November 5, 1996, Armando had been watching the US Presidential election returns on the news, where US President Bill Clinton had won re-election in a landslide victory by double digits, making him the third incumbent American President in the post-Watergate Era to win re-election by double digits: the late Nelson Rockefeller, who won with 67 percent of the nationwide vote in 1976 including winning 45 out of 50 states that year; George HW Bush in 1984, who garnered 58 percent of the nationwide vote as well as carrying 50 out of 51 states that year.

Fuming at what he viewed as "uppity foreigners meddling in other countries' affairs, they need to mind their own fucking business". He also noticed a news report on ABS-CBN News, who discussed Philippine President Fidel Ramos hosting the 1996 APEC Summit, which was scheduled to occur November 24th-25th and being held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Subic, Zambales. Calling someone who could hack into computers and technology stuff, "Hey, can you come over to help me find out who's attending the upcoming APEC Summit?" The computer hacker person replied "Sure, I'll help out. What kind of information do you need?"

At the same time, Armando's fellow comrades "in the struggle" were being aggressive in forcing helpless law enforcement officers, who were kidnapped into getting information by any means necessary......

 

[Sergeant Foley]

"Give Me The Information NOW!"
12:06 PM PHST, Tuesday, November 12, 1996
Somewhere in the outskirts of Subic, Zambales, Philippines
​

Jobelle Sabit was being tortured so aggressively by her captors in an undisclosed location. Being beaten repeatedly over the past 12 days "Where is the information we need for the Summit?" "Why are you making this difficult lady? Give me the information NOW!'; Jobelle also had to endure being violently raped by three of her captors, one of whom, punched her in the face and even used pliers to remove her back teeth as well as viciously removing her fingernails and toenails. The kidnapped PNP officer had been held prisoner for 16+ days since being kidnapped in late October 1996.

"I AM NOT TELLING YOU ANIMALS SHIT. DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?" Jobelle defiantly snapped back, even daring the captors to kill her. One of the captors grabbed her from behind via her hair while Armando entered smirking, "You're going to tell us who's attending the Summit for later this month!" Jobelle defied once again "NEVER! You and your group of terrorists will be brought to justice. All of you will answer for this. All of you" At 12:55 PM PHST, Jobelle was dunked into a pool of cold water as Armando demanded that she read the demands of the insurgents.

Jobelle read her name, military rank (she was in the Philippine Navy for six years), serial number more than five times while being beaten with a whip that caused slashes across her back. Refusing to read the insurgent group's demands, Armando had Jobelle strung upside down & tortured again as one of his fellow insurgents used a hot iron, which caused Jobelle to painfully scream violently as the hot iron was viciously applied to her feet....

"Let me show you something when you don't give me what I want!" as Armando motioned the door opened, where one of her military colleagues, Philippine Army First Lieutenant Marcus Dela Garza was held hostage and before the horror of Jobelle's eyes when Rasheed (Armando's right-hand man) decapitated Dela Garza in front of her as blood gushed all over her as she screamed horribly. "None of this wouldn't be happening to you or your colleague if you would just give me the fucking information!"

Jobelle vomited into the toilet violently due to having witnessed Dela Garza's violent death. It's unknown where they disposed of Marcus' body. "Let's leave this bitch right where she is and get out of here! We've gotten the information and what we've want." Armando decided to let Jobelle live, but she still remained held prisoner at the undisclosed location; Armando and his group of insurgents left the undisclosed location to plan their next phase of the sinister mission.....

 

[Sergeant Foley]

The APEC Summit and Whos' Who
November 20, 1996

The Philippine International Convention Center, where the APEC Philippines 1996 Summit was scheduled to be taking place...
​

While preparations for the upcoming summit was going on, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police worked together in joint coordination of strengthening it security forces. 26,000 police and soldiers had been deployed in the assurances of providing security of the delegates and guests, who were going to be in attendance of the APEC Philippines 1996 Summit. Philippine President Fidel Ramos, while addressing the inaugural festivities of the Subic Bay International Airport, "I can strongly declare that security and safety will be provided for those in attendance of the summit."

This was the first APEC meeting being held in the Philippines in the history of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation as well as its eighth meeting overall.

Among the attendees for the upcoming meeting included many firsts: It was the first APEC meetings for Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto; the last APEC meeting for Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Julius Chan and Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa.

List of attendees for the 1996 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting:
*Australian Prime Minister John Howard
*Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei
*Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien
*Chilean President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle
*Chinese President Jiang Zemin
*Hong Kong Finance Secretary Donald Tsang
*Indonesian President Suharto
*Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
*Republic of Korean President Kim Young-sam
*Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad
*Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo
*New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger
*Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Julius Chan
*Philippine President Fidel Ramos
*Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong
*Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui
*Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa
*US President Bill Clinton​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 1 OF EAGLE IS DOWN!
November 23, 1996: The day that the world changed......

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

The Final Moments of the Presidency of William Jefferson Clinton.....
November 23, 1996
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines.

President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton waving goodbye to dignitaries and reporters as the motorcade leaves the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Little did the Clinton's realize that things were going to be altered.....
​

Despite assurances from Philippine President Fidel Ramos that the 1996 APEC Summit was going to safe for attendees, many people weren't so sure about that due to ongoing violence in the southern part of the island country. Law enforcement agencies had found a bomb near the Philippine International Convention Center, where the meeting was going to be taking place; the US State Department was alarmed by this development so much, they issued security alerts for American citizens, who were living in the Philippines to stay away from the APEC Summit & avoid certain areas of Metro Manila. Sadly, nobody would pay attention to these warnings...

One US Secret Service agent named Francis Corrigan was so disturbed by the threats interrupting the 1996 APEC Summit, he tried to contact several agents who were in the protection detail stating "Y'all need to consider an alternate route in the upcoming APEC meeting in Manila. Have you considered flying by Marine One to the convention center (in reference to the Philippine International Convention Center), but he was rebuffed by senior officials of the US Secret Service, one of whom got so triggered by Corrigan's insuations that Corrigan was NOT allowed to be in the President's Secret Service protection detail and was transferred to Bangkok, Thailand (where Clinton was scheduled to visit next in an upcoming State Visit); when Corrigan went off over the phone and demanded "I want to know under whose fucking authority is behind this shit?" Corrigan assumed that White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta was behind the controversial move, but was told "it was under the orders of Bowron" (in reference to US Secret Service Director Eljay B. Bowron). Enraged, Corrigan had no other choice, but to pack up his bags and head for the nearest plane for Bangkok, where he landed in the night hours of November 22nd.

Going back to November 23rd: Air Force One landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines; US President Bill Clinton and his wife, US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton debarked from Air Force One and were greeted by a group of dignitaries ranging from senior officials of the Philippine government, US Embassy to Manila staff, etc., before waving to a crowd of spectators and eventually getting into the presidential limousine.

Over in Manila, Armando and his group of insurgents were ready for the biggest mission of their lives. He of course, had an electronic calculator-like machine that included colorful buttons and one of which included the trigger to cause the explosion at the bridge near the Philippine International Convention Center, where the 1996 APEC Summit was taking place; The time was 9:30 PM PHST and Armando and his group of Al-Qaeda backed insurgents were getting ready as they heard motorcycles roaring including sirens being loud "This is it. Here it is: we get to send a message to the world that they will forever be afraid of showing their leaders in public."

In the meantime, Corrigan was inside the US Embassy in Bangkok, trying to reach several of his colleagues including fellow Secret Service agent Renee DeBoiuse, who was informed of Corrigan's warnings of a possible attempt on the President's life; DeBoiuse tried to deflate Corrigan's warnings "You've heard what they've said (in reference to senior Clinton administration staff officials). They want a big show for the upcoming APEC Summit and from what Panetta said, unless there's credible proof...." to which Corrigan interjected and bluntly told her "The proof maybe a dead President GOD DAMN IT!"

The time was 10:00 PM PHST and the motorcade was going through the first part of the bridge, when someone in one of the lead-up Secret Service vehicles noticed a weird-looking cake "Look at that! I see somebody left a weird-looking cake on the bridge" and just then Armando pressed the button, causing a huge explosion: BOOM! followed by multiple loud explosive booms: BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!.....

All of a sudden, eyewitness watched in horror as the Presidential motorcade fell into the water as the bridge collapsed......

 

[Sergeant Foley]

The Aftermath.....
November 23, 1996
Manila, Philippines
​

Soon afterwards, attendees of the 1996 APEC Summit were escorted to safe locations following explosions being heard. Journalists and reporters covering the summit had been hurriedly rushed out of the conference room; "What just happened? Was that an explosion outside? Has anyone been injured?"

Nobody could figure out who was injured in the explosion that just occurred near the Philippine International Convention Center.

"Was the President injured in the attack? What are the causalties?"

Almost immediately, breaking news alerts immediately interrupted regular programming in the Philippines and alll over the world.

For example in Great Britain, the BBC interrupted regular programming with the onimous words "We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming with a special major announcement by the BBC...."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT CLINTON ASSASSINATED IN MANILA AT THE AGE OF 50; VICE PRESIDENT GORE TO BECOME 44TH PRESIDENT

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
August 19, 1946-November 23, 1996
43rd President of the United States
(January 20, 1993-November 23, 1996)
40th & 42nd Governor of Arkansas
(January 9, 1979-January 19, 1981)
(January 11, 1983-December 12, 1992)
Chairman of the National Governors Association
(August 26, 1986-July 28,1987)
50th Attorney General of Arkansas
(January 3, 1977-January 9, 1979)
Member, US House of Representatives from Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District
(January 3, 1975-January 3, 1977)
​

*President Bill Clinton dies from injuries sustained in violent explosion while heading to 1996 APEC Summit in Manila, during emergency surgery at St. Luke's Hospital.
*First Lady Hillary Clinton wounded in attack; undergoes surgery.
*Bridge collapse near the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, where witnesses heard multiple explosions.
*Casualties risen to 31+ and counting.
*Attendees of the APEC Summit meeting rushed to undisclosed locations for safety.
*Philippine President Fidel Ramos expected to address the Filipino people from Malacanang Palace.
*Vice President Al Gore expected to be sworn into office as the 44th President inside the East Room of the White House by US Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

After multiple confusion on the cable channels, it was until 8:00 PM EST that the official confirmation came through...

Dan Rather of the CBS Evening News got the confirmation via earpiece and addressed the American people watching: "Excuse me for just a moment because I have just gotten new information that has major ramifications for the United States and the entire world.... CBS News has now received official confirmation from Manila, Philippines. The flash apparently official: President William Jefferson Clinton died at 7:30 AM Philippine Standard Time at St. Luke's Hospital.. He was 50 years old.

Vice President Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., will be taking the oath of office to become the 44th President of the United States."

COMING UP THIS WEEK: Gore will be taking office as the 44th President.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@bintananth @The Whispering Monk @WolfBear @49ersfootball @Hlaalu Agent Starting tomorrow: Chapter 2 and the Gore Presidency....

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Chapter 2: Preserve, Protect and Defend: The Presidency of Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.,
November 23, 1996
West Wing, White House, Washington, DC.

President Gore being interviewed by PBS News' Charlie Rose​

In light of the chaotic situation between Manila and Washington, the American people watched on their television screens watching the Presidential podium with the microphones adjusted inside the East Room of the White House. Cameras were clicking and everyone ranging from Fox News, CBS News, NBC News and ABC News including CNN, C-SPAN were broadcasting this event live on the air respectively; it was eerily quiet as the motorcade was leaving the Circle One Observatory Circle, where the Gore's had been notified of the tragic news out of Manila: President Bill Clinton had just been assassinated.

For one man, the burdens of the Presidency has now officially fallen upon him: Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., the man whom considered either milquetoast, bland, boring or somewhat capable of leading the country. His road to the White House was very intriguing: the son of a legendary United States Senator, Albert Arnold Gore, Sr., who was voted out of office in 1970 during the Republican Party's Southern Strategy scheme. Albert, Jr., or "Al" as he was called, graduated from Harvard University in 1969 and enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War serving from 1969 to 1971 with the 20th Engineer Brigade Unit and was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal before getting honorably discharged in 1971; during his military service, Gore married Mary Elizabeth "Tipper" Aitcheson on May 19, 1970 at the Washington National Cathedral and would become the proud parents of four children: Karenna Gore (born August 6, 1973), Kristin Gore (born June 5, 1977), Sarah LaFon Gore (born January 7, 1979), and Albert Arnold Gore, II (born October 19, 1982).

He then attended Vanderbilt University Divinity School from 1971-72 on a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship; Gore also worked as an investigative reporter for The Tennessean, where his investigations into the corruption of several Nashville Metro Council members led to the arrest and criminal prosecution of two councilmembers for separate offenses. Around 1974, he also attended Vanderbilt University Law School, but didn't stay in law school very long because in 1976, he abruptly quit law school due to his interest in making a difference.... on the political arena when longtime US Rep. Joe L. Evins (D-TN) of Tennessee's 4th Congressional District announced his retirement, so Gore saw an opportunity and took it: he was easily elected in November 1976 and re-elected in 1978, 1980 and again in 1982, serving four two-year terms in the US House of Representatives. In 1984, then-US Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker (R-TN) chose not to seek reelection to a fourth term, so Gore ran for the United States Senate and was easily elected in a landslide victory garnering 1,000,607 votes (60.72%) to Victor Ashe's (R) 557,016 votes (33.80%) and was overwhelmingly re-elected in 1990 defeating Republican challenger William Haskins (R): garnering 529,914 votes (67.72%) to Hawkins' 233,324 votes (29.82%) and Gore also swept all 95 counties.

His previous campaign for the Presidency in 1988 ended in tatters when he unsuccesfully sought the Democratic Party presidential nomination that year. Being tapped as Clinton's Vice President in 1992 gave a much-needed boost to his political career where the two moderate Southern Democrats ended 24 years of Republican control of the White House when Clinton defeated then-Vice President Dan Quayle in a landslide victory; the Clinton-Gore ticket was easily reelected on November 5, 1996. Fast forward to 18 days later, a group of insurgents planted a bomb on the bridge leading to the 1996 APEC Philippines Summit in Manila which resulted in Clinton's assassination. Once more, the United States of America was altered by an act of violence and the political ramifications were going to be huge going forward.

Asked how Americans would be receptive of the incoming Gore administration, US Ambassador to PRC and former United States Senator Jim Sasser (D-TN) responded: "Having served with him in the United States Senate fighting for Tennesseans, I can fully assure the American people that the United States of America is in good hands with President Gore. I am confident that President Gore can lead the United States in the coming years ahead."

There was discussion on whether Gore is eligible for consecutive four-year terms in 2000 and 2004 since Clinton was re-elected as President on November 5th, but not by the Electoral College, which was going to become a problem (more on that next week).

Now going back to the East Room of the White House, US Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist arrived and was eyeing a group of guests who were coming in to take their seats: "I see that Bredesen fellow [in reference to Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen (D)]. I see more Tennessean politicians in attendance: former United States Senator Harlan Matthews (D-TN), former Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter (D), US Rep. Harold Ford, Sr., (D-TN) and a couple of others whom I don't seem to know or figure out why they're here."

Once the Gore's arrived to a mild, respectful applause. Chief Justice Rehnquist gave Gore the constitutional oath of the Presidency of the United States.
Rehnquist: "Mr. President. Are you prepared to take the constitutional oath?"
Gore: "Yes I am Mr. Chief Justice."
Rehnquist: "Please put your left hand on the Bible, which will be held by your wife, Mrs. Tipper Gore, raise your right hand and repeat after me the Oath of Office.
I, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., do solemnly swear..."
Gore: "I, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., do solemnly swear..."
Rehnquist: "that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States,"
Gore: "that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States,"
Rehnquist: "and will to the best of my ability,"
Gore: "and will to the best of my ability,"
Rehnquist: "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God."
Gore: "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God."
Rehnquist: "Congratulations Mr. President and good luck to you."
Gore: "Thank you very much Mr. Chief Justice."

The crowd let out a mild, respectful applause as Al and Tipper hugged and kissed; the new President then hugged his four children and his father, who was in attendance.

President Gore then delivered his remarks: "My fellow Americans. Our nation has lost one of the greatest public servants before his time: the 43rd President William Jefferson Clinton, who brought this great country from the brink of economic turmoil and made it the beacon of opportunity for all Americans. Tipper and I gave our heartfelt, deepest condolences to Hillary, Chelsea and the entire Clinton family during this difficult time.

May I ask everyone here tonight to please give a moment of silence for the 43rd President of the United States... (silence).

I want the American people including everyone in the international community to know this: we will NOT stop until the culprit or culprits are brought to justice for committing this evil act of violence. We, as a nation, have bore witness to an unspeakable tragedy. This act of terror was intended by those responsible to sowing chaos in our nation and our government. Let me very strongly clear and loudly: Those responsible for today's tragic events have NOT and will NEVER succeed ever. We will find you and hunt you all the way to the gates of Hell to bringing you to justice by any means necessary!"

 

[Sergeant Foley]

The Ramifications.....
November 24, 1996

The American flag flown half-mast at the White House.​

During a meeting of the National Security Council in the Situation Room of the White House, President Gore demanded to know new developments "I want results in catching those bastards responsible for this act of evil. What can you tell me?" he asked CIA Director John Deutch, who was present. Deutch replied "Mr. President, we can officially have confidence that according to the intelligence community that there's a strong likelihood that the mastermind of the assassination in Manila is no other than Osama bin Laden himself."

Silence ensued as everyone in the room knew who Deutch was referring to. bin Laden was also the leader of the Islamist terrorist organization al-Qaeda. Just several months earlier, bin Laden declared "Holy War" against the United States. Now, he had accomplished this evil goal by striking at the very heart of the United States government: killing then-President Clinton.

Ramifications of the Clinton assassination in Manila had several effects:
*Upcoming film 'Mars Attacks!' was postponed until further notice due to scenes showing fictional members of Congress being killed including the murder of a fictional US President.
*Several films with political intrigue were delayed, postponed or terminated altogether due to the events of November 23rd.
*The 1996 NFL Season was altered as well and speculation was swirling of postponing or pushing back games.
*Law enforcement checkpoints were reinforced altogether including the US-Mexican border where New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson (R), Arizona Governor Fife Symington (R) and California Governor Pete Wilson including other US State Governors aggressively deployed their respective National Guard troops to securing the border; the ones bearing the brunt of the harsh treatment were migrants from Mexico, who were scapegoats for Wilson's immigrant-bashing.
*Texas Governor George W. Bush (R) deployed the Texas State Guard and the Texas National Guard as well as assisting federal law enforcement agencies on border security, etc.,
*Television shows with violence and television miniseries dramas, etc., were postponed in light of the Clinton assassination.

INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE IN SUBURBAN PHOENIX ESCALATE
The Arizona Republic reported that an incident occurred in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona where a group of Arab Americans were being harassed by angry teenagers. This resulted in ugly brawls on school grounds to the point of law enforcement arresting those involved.
*Elaine Dushav, an Arab American teenage girl was beaten by some classmates; some of whom accused her of being involved in the Clinton assassination.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

America Mourns the 43rd President
1:32 PM EST, November 25, 1996
​

It had been less than two days since the world was altered with the assassination of President Bill Clinton on November 23rd in Manila.

Americans held candle light vigils across the country and some even held prayer vigils on college campuses. Flags in all 50 states including US territories were flown at half-mast; Pictures of the late 43rd President were shown highlighting his life and political career on special broadcasts. PBS announced a "FRONTLINE" special was going to cover Clinton's life story during the Thanksgiving holiday break.

In Clinton's home state of Arkansas, Arkansans gathered on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock as United States Senator Dale Bumpers (D-AR) and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (R) held a memorial service, where musical selections were performed by young schoolchildren.

White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta announced that funeral arrangements for President Clinton will be announced any moment in a few days; Air Force One arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Prince Georges County, Maryland on the early evening hours of November 25th as the casket of the late 43rd President was taken out of the plane in a private hangar, where cameras were NOT allowed to take pictures or film as former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton had to be helped out of the plane, she looked distressed and depressed by everything that has occurred.

In the meantime, it was reported Hillary immediately headed straight to the White House via helicopter and comforted her daughter, Chelsea, who was grief stricken after hearing news reports of her father's assassination. President Gore allowed the Clinton's to stay in the White House for the duration while funeral arrangements were being planned for Bill's final goodbye to the American people.

On the investigation into the 11.23.96 Incident: President Gore gave the greenlight for the CIA, FBI, etc., to hunt down those responsible for the assassination.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP NEXT WEEK IN CHAPTER 2 OF EAGLE IS DOWN!
The Electoral College meets to determine electors from the 1996 US Presidential election
​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP NEXT IN CHAPTER 2 OF EAGLE IS DOWN
State Funeral festivities of President William Jefferson Clinton

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Reflections from Special Agent Corrigan
10:00 AM, November 26, 1996
Somewhere in Bangkok, Thailand
​

Furious that his colleagues ignored his warnings which led to the assassination of President Clinton on November 23rd, US Secret Service special agent Francis Corrigan tried to contact one of his co-workers at the Secret Service and demanded to know what's the situation: "Excuse me, but I need a damn explaination of why am I still stuck in Bangkok? That pencil-pushing piece of shit in the White House had me barred from the protection detail in the days before the Manila incident. I would like to know what in the fuck is going on?"

Listening to Corrigan's rants was Dwight Schlesinger of the US Secret Service (who was working at the US Treasury Department in Washington, DC) who attempted to calm the cranky special agent down: "Frank. While I strongly sympathize with you on the lead up to what happpened to Eagle in Manila, you gotta know my hands are tied at the moment because there's some folks over there who want you fired altogether and blackballed altogether.

Plus the pencil-pushing piece of shit you're referring to is Panetta, the White House Chief, who wants a fall guy for the security measure fuck up in Manila which turned the 1996 APEC Summit into a violent disaster."

Enraged, Corrigan snapped back "I am getting on that fucking plane and heading to Washington so I can demand for full restoration of my duties to getting back on the Presidential detail...." Schlesinger replied, "If I'm a betting man, I think your days on the security detail of the new First Family (in reference to the Gore's) are numbered and potentially your time with the US Secret Service."

This ANGERED Corrigan even further: "Now wait just a motherfucking minute. These incompetent assholes think they're gonna blame the security screwup on me? I don't think so. That jackass running the agency had me transferred to Bangkok. BANGKOK! Where is Renee? I need to speak to her right now?"

Schlesinger replied that Renee had been moved to another division inside the Secret Service. "Now that's just complete BULLSHIT. Sounds like these buffoons have something to hide and I am NOT gonna stop until my reputation is cleared!" angrily hanging up the phone.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR PRESIDENT CLINTON

Thursday, December 5, 1996
Private Viewing
3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
East Room, White House
Washington, DC

Friday, December 6, 1996-Monday, December 9, 1996
Lying in Repose
US Capitol Rotunda
Washington, DC

Monday, December 9, 1996
11:00 AM EST
State Funeral
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, DC

Departure Honors Ceremony
2:00 PM EST
Joint Base Andrews Air Force Base
*21 Cannon Salute will be fired by the Presidential Salute Battery Unit
*Air Mission 43 will take off at 2:36 PM EST

Arrival Honors Ceremony
4:36 PM CST
Little Rock National Airport
Little Rock, Arkansas
*21 Cannon Salute by the Artillery Regiment of the Arkansas Army National Guard
*"Hail to the Chief" will be performed by the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Marching Band

Lying in Repose
Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda
Little Rock, Arkansas

Tuesday, December 10, 1996
11:00 AM CST
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
Little Rock, Arkansas

Final Resting Place:
Rose Hill Cemetery
Hope, Arkansas
*21 Cannon Salute by the United States Marine Corps Field Regiment
*Flyover from the Arkansas Air National Guard
*White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry confirmed that once the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock is completed in several years, the late President Clinton will be re-interred there.