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

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: SHOTS FIRED AT PRESIDENT GORE OUTSIDE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CAMPUS; DETAILS COMING IN......
3:32 PM EST, June 28, 1997
University of Michigan campus
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Pandemonium following the shooting......
​

"It was absolute chaos." The words describing from everyone uttering on that awful day. All Americans were holding their breath as we were awaiting updates on the stunning developments out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Several people were asked to describe and give comment to what had just happened.

The responses were described through absolute tears.

Ted Koppel of ABC News:
"We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for a major special report from ABC News.....
(Breaking News Alert music)

I am Ted Koppel reporting from Washington, DC. We have gotten official reporting that a potential tragedy might've occurred on the campus of the University of Michigan in the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan where President Gore was holding a town hall meeting with college students. Among the topics discussed: the Gore administration's accomplishments on domestic policy, economic growth where the President highlighted the budget surplus, foreign policy initiatives, etc.,

At 3:32 PM Eastern Standard Time, as President Gore was leaving the Gerald R. Ford Memorial Student Center located on the University of Michigan campus and was heading towards his limousine; he was waving at a crowd of spectators, who were waving "Gore 2000" campaign signs, American flags, etc., when 24 shots rang out.

The Secret Service agents shoved the President into the presidential limousine and sped off to an undisclosed location. We're assuming that President Gore is unharmed and heading back to the airport, getting aboard on Air Force One and flying back to Washington, DC.

4:28 PM EST BREAKING: PRESIDENT GORE WOUNDED; CONDITION UNCLEAR
(Koppel getting new information via earpiece):
*4:28 PM EST: "We've got new information coming in from Ann Arbor, Michigan. ABC News has confirmed that President Gore (clearing his throat), has been shot. Once again, ABC News has confirmed that the President has been seriously wounded by this shooting.

We've been told First Lady Tipper Gore is not injured and unharmed.

Bill Reddeker was traveling with the President and is live in Ann Arbor. Bill. What can you tell us?"

Reddeker: "Ted. I am here on the campus of the University of Michigan and a crowd of students, professors and many others are gathering outside and praying. Now at 3:32 PM, the President was leaving the Gerald R. Ford Memorial Student Center and was heading towards his limousine when 24 shots rang out.

Please bear with me as I'm giving this information out: the first shot sounded like a firecracker. The second and third shots hit President Gore in the chest. Ten additional shots struck six Secret Service agents, three police officers, and the remaining shots struck several bystanders.

ABC News has learned that an assailant was immediately arrested. Earlier in the morning, Secret Service scanned and searched attendants for the upcoming "Town Hall with the President"; sadly, there had been errors in not preventing a large crowd outside the Student Center on campus.

Now I don't have to tell you or anyone else, this comes on the heels on the horrific assassination of then-President Bill Clinton on November 23, 1996 in Manila, Philippines during the APEC Summit.

Other presidential assassinations in the past: Abraham Lincoln (1865), James Garfield (1881), William McKinley (1901), John F. Kennedy (1963), Gerald Ford (1975) and Ronald Reagan (1983).

Once again, we're praying that this does not result in tragedy as President Gore is currently undergoing emergency surgery at the University of Michigan Hospital. Until we got more information, please stay tuned on ABC News for the latest developments. Ted, back to you."

BREAKING: CABINET INVOKES 25TH AMENDMENT, NAMING VICE PRESIDENT WHITE ACTING PRESIDENT
4:56 PM EST: Koppel: "Thank you Bill for that update. This is an unfortunate situation happening here and I don't want to cause panic among the American people or the world here, but ABC News has confirmed that President Gore had been shot three according to our White House correspondent.

We're getting new developments out of Washington. ABC News has confirmed that the Cabinet has invoked the 25th amendment, naming Vice President Mark White as the acting President until further notice as the situation in Ann Arbor could potentially have major implications not only for the United States, but the entire world. We'll have to go to a short commercial break...."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

ABC NEWS BULLETIN: VICE PRESIDENT WHITE ADDRESSES THE NATION
5:56 PM EST, July 28, 1997
Number One Observatory Circle, Washington, DC.

Vice President Mark W. White, Jr., addressing the nation in impromptu press conference.
​

Koppel: "Thank you Barbara for the latest update from New York City. I believe we're going to go live at the Number One Observatory Circle, where Vice President Mark White, who's now serving as the acting President via 25th Amendment, and I believe he's coming to the podium right now, so let's listen in right now."

Vice President White: "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and my fellow Americans. Just about an hour ago, I was informed that in the aftermath of a town hall meeting shots rang out at President Gore. Linda Gale, the entire administration and myself were deeply shocked and quite frankly, immensely saddened by the news that our beloved friend and my governing partner, became the target of a deranged gunman's bullets. Almost immediately, I requested further updates on the state of President Gore's condition. This evening, I want to share this update with the country and the world, as many of you are in grave concern about his well-being.

Now, here's the following information that I can provide to the public: three bullets struck President Gore and caused severe internal injuries. Immediate emergency surgery is ongoing at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The surgery is still going on and we don't know how long it will take. I was told it could be a matter of several hours. And while the best doctors in the country are taking care of the President's health. I was bluntly told no serious predictions about his recovery could be at this point in time. I'm strongly fully aware this answer we can all hardly take right now. Nonetheless, this is the honest picture at the moment. I chose to be as honestly transparent as possible to preventing baseless speculation from spreading. Nonetheless, I can hereby assure the federal government is fully functioning effectively and all major cabinet secretaries have been called to return to Washington immediately.

This is an increasingly difficult time for everyone, especially the Gore family. I had the opportunity to speak with First Lady Tipper Gore over the phone, who rushed to the hospital. I ask all of you join me and Linda Gale to pray for the best possible outcome of all of this. We will continue to pray for our beloved President, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., an outstanding public servant whose friendship I have come to value and cherish. I will continue to be briefed on further developments and inform you, the American people.

Thank you very much for listening. God Bless the Gore family and God Bless the United States of America."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT GORE TRANSFERRED TO BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL; SOURCES CONFIRM THE PRESIDENT IS OFFICIALLY INCAPACITATED, VICE PRESIDENT WHITE TO REMAIN AS ACTING PRESIDENT
*July 4, 1997: Less than a few days after the assassination attempt that resulted in the deaths of five people on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor on June 28th, President Gore was transferred to Bethesda Naval Hospital via Air Force One, where doctors worked on the President and confirmed the awful outlook: "The President is officially incapacitated due to the severe, internal injuries and blood clot problems which escalated in the aftermath of the shooting on June 28th."

Sources say in the aftermath of this news, Vice President White will remain as Acting President until further notice and will be continuing the duties of the Presidency during Gore's incapacitation.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Leading the country during tenuous times
Summer/Fall 1997

Vice President Mark W. White, Jr., being interviewed on C-SPAN on July 16, 1997.​

Serving as Acting President due to the horrific incident in Ann Arbor which left President Gore permanently incapacitated (where one of the surgeons at Bethesda Naval Hospital confirmed the prognosis of recovery is NOT good and informed the Gore family to brace for the inevitable), Vice President White continued serving in the acting capacity and leading the country during difficult times. There were several key figures who had served under his 12-year Governorship back in Texas, who were working on his staff at the VP's office at the Executive Office Building, who were now finding themselves in new roles while holding a delicate balance in avoiding meddling into the Gore administration's policy agendas while forging new agenda plans for their own.

Among the achievements under Vice President White's watch as Acting President (all the while White was still residing at the Number One Observatory Circle):
*The Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which had been worked under President Gore during negotiations with Republican leaders of Congress, who held both chambers of Congress, just days before the events of June 28th catapulted White into the role of Acting President. White negotiated with the Republican-controlled Congress in the passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which he signed into law on the campus of Baylor University in Waco, Texas (White's alma mater).
*White announced the Electronic Commerce Initiative during a press conference at the East Room of the White House.
*September 27, 1997: Vice President White attends a reception for the Texas Democratic Party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, where he participated in a roast-style joke fest in honor of Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D), who was in attendance honoring Bullock's 40+ years of public service.
*September 29, 1997: Vice President White presented the National Arts and Humanities Medals in the Rose Garden of the White House.
*White also delivered remarks on the Income and Poverty Report, answering questions from reporters on campaign finance reform and welfare reform from the White House Briefing Room.
*September 30, 1997: White attended the retirement ceremony of US Army General John M. Shalikashvili at Fort Meyer in Arlington, Virginia.
*October 3, 1997: Vice President White noted the announcement by the US Labor Department, and called for continued efforts of ensuring Americans benefiting from the economy and application of the three-part economic strategy.
*October 18, 1997: Vice President White delivered remarks on the international response to the challenge of climate change at the Nahuel Huapi National Park in San Carlos, Argentina.
*October 21, 1997: Vice President White delivered remarks on America Reads Initiative and education within the United States in the East Room of the White House.
*October 29, 1997: Vice President White hosts Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui during welcoming honors ceremony at the White House's South Lawn.
*October 31, 1997: White delivered remarks in the warehouse of the Tropical Shipping Company endorsing members of Congress granting him the authority to entering agreements and urging their constituents to contacting them in regards to the matter.
*November 6, 1997: Vice President White along with his wife, Second Lady Linda Gale White attend the dedication ceremony of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas honoring the 42nd President of the United States, who served from November 13, 1983 to January 20, 1993; among those in attendance: former President Linwood Holton and his wife, former First Lady Jinks Holton; former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, former First Lady Barbara Bush; former First Lady Happy Rockefeller; former First Lady Nancy Reagan; former First Lady Hillary Clinton; Texas Governor George W. Bush and his wife, Texas First Lady Laura Bush and members of the Bush family.
*November 21, 1997: Vice President White, still serving as Acting President, signs the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997 into law. He also issued a statement favoring the Korean Peninsula Peace Process.
*November 22, 1997: Delivered a speech at a private residence dinner for United States Senator Patty Murray (D-WA St) including a reception for Murray at the Pavillion at the Seattle Center.
*November 26, 1997: Vice President White signed the Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998; the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998 into law; He also attends the Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation Ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House during the afternoon before heading to Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Maryland, boarding Air Force Two to fly to Houston, Texas in spending Thanksgiving with his family.
*December 2, 1997: White announcing the appointment of Togo D. West, Jr., as acting US Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the Roosevelt Room of the White House.

ELECTION 1997: REPUBLICANS KEEP VIRIGNIA, NEW JERSEY GOVERNORSHIPS

*Tuesday, November 4, 1997: In Virginia, Republicans kept control of the Virginia Executive Mansion with Virginia State Attorney General Jim Gilmore (R) defeating two-term Virginia Lieutenant Governor Don Beyer (D) very handily by double digits (55% to 42%); Democrats kept control of their narrow majority in the Virginia House of Delegates (Democrats holding the lower chamber with 51-48); Gilmore led the Republican sweep of all statewide offices (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Attorney General). Meanwhile, incumbent New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (R) barely held on to defeating State Senator and Woodbridge Township Mayor Jim McGreevey (D) by a margin 26,953 votes (46.9% to 45.8%).

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT GORE PASSES AWAY PEACEFULLY
SURROUNDED BY FAMILY AT BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL; VICE PRESIDENT WHITE TO OFFICIALLY BE SWORN IN AS 45TH PRESIDENT
Thursday, December 4, 1997

The Honorable Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.,
March 31, 1948-December 4, 1997
44th President of the United States
November 23, 1996-December 4, 1997
47th Vice President of the United States
January 20, 1993-November 23, 1996
United States Senator from Tennessee
January 3, 1985-January 2, 1993
Member of the US House of Representatives
from Tennessee's 4th and 6th Districts
January 3, 1977 to January 3, 1985
​

Regular programming was interrupted on a Thursday morning on ABC News as Ted Koppel from the Washington, DC Bureau reported the following announcement:

Koppel: "Good afternoon everyone. We interrupt your regular scheduled programming for a major announcement. And I deeply apologize if we interrupt your local newscasts or scheduled programming because we've got breaking news regarding a major announcement that will have huge ramifications for the United States and the entire world....

ABC News and the Associated Press, please excuse me for this because the information has just come out, both confirmed that Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., the 44th President of the United States, has passed away at the age of 49 surrounded by his family at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland after the family made the difficult decision of taking the President off of life support due to the severity of his injuries that he sustained in the attack on June 28th in Ann Arbor, Michigan following a town hall at the University of Michigan campus.

Once again, the official confirmation from Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, President Gore died at 11:40 AM Eastern Standard Time, 10:40 AM Central Standard Time, just about 28 minutes ago (Koppel trying to hold his composure while clearing his throat). Vice President White was planning on holding a campaign rally for former Director of the National Drug Policy Lee Brown's campaign for Houston Mayor in the upcoming runoff election set for this Saturday and quickly cancelled the rally once he got the news and going to be sworn into office in a few hours as the 45th President of the United States.

I cannot fathom the sanity and psyche of what or how the American people will be able to grapple with this shocking and devastating news, but the passing of President Gore comes on the heels of the assassination of then-President Bill Clinton on November 23, 1996 in Manila, Philippines during the APEC Summit. We are going to Carole Simpson of World News Tonight, who's live outside Bethesda Naval Hospital for more information on today's sad developments..."

Simpson: "Ted. We're live at the Bethesda Naval Hospital as we are watching the flags being lowered half-mast following today's news on the passing of President Gore. According to reports, the Gore family in particularly First Lady Tipper Gore made the difficult decision of allowing doctors to take the 44th President off of life support because of severe seizures as well as damage to his brain from the effects of a stroke he had suffered late last month.

This ends the nearly six months of incapacitation that President Gore had been in due to the gunshot wounds he had sustained on June 28th. White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles had informed the press corps on the news and I can tell he was obviously upset due to the redness of his eyes. Sources say that the President's father, former United States Senator Albert Gore, Sr. (D-TN) was present at his son's beside at Bethesda and understandable, he went into a rage of fury and collapsed as relatives tried to calm him down. It's just an awful day for everyone indeed and the entire world.

I believe we're being told that members of the Cabinet and congressional leaders will be assembling at the White House ahead of White's swearing in as the nation's 45th commander-in-chief as Mark Wells White, will become the third person from the State of Texas to assume the Presidency under tragic circumstances following in the footsteps of Lyndon Johnson and George H.W. Bush, both of whom ascended to the Presidency following the assassination of their predecessors respectively in 1963 and 1983. Ted, I cannot image what the new President and his family are going through right now."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP IN CHAPTER 4 OF EAGLE IS DOWN
The Presidency of Mark Wells White, Jr., as he ascends to the nation's highest office as America's 45th chief executive

​

 

[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 under mysterious circumstances in San Francisco, CA.

Calvin Coolidge (R-MA): 30th President from August 2, 1923 to March 4, 1929: Ascended to the Presidency following 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 and again in 1944; longest-serving US President with 12 years of service. Died in Warm Springs, GA.

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.

Dwight David Eisenhower (R-KS): 34th President from January 20, 1953 to January 20, 1961: 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, TX.

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 group of well-wishers at Capitol Park on the grounds of the California State Capitol in Sacramento, CA.

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 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 military 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.

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

Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., (D-TN): 44th President from November 23, 1996 to December 4, 1997: Ascended to the Presidency upon Clinton's assassination; Died from complications of a stroke during nearly six months of incapacitation as a result of injuries sustained from assassination attempt on University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, MI from June 28th.

Mark Wells White, Jr., (D-TX): 45th President since December 4, 1997: Ascended to the Presidency upon Gore's death.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Chapter 4: Answering the unexpected call to service:
The Presidency of Mark Wells White, Jr.,
2:36 PM EST, Thursday, December 4, 1997
East Room, White House, Washington, DC.

Mark Wells White, Jr., delivering his Inaugural Address as the 45th President of the United States.​

At 2:36 PM Eastern Standard Time, approximately 156 guests including members of the Presidential Cabinet, mostly members of Congress, journalists from all over the world, all gathered inside the East Room of the White House awaiting the arrival of US Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who had to step in for Chief Justice William Rehnquist (who had a medical issue) and administering the oath of office to Mark Wells White, Jr., of Houston, Texas, who became the nation's 45th chief executive earlier in the day. White, who was accompanied by his wife, Linda Gale entered the East Room and walked to the podium with the Presidential seal as life for Mark and Linda Gale was going to be altered forever; his three adult children sat in the front row among guests, next to members of Congress, several of whom were from Texas and Karenna Gore, who represented the Gore family following the passing of her father.

When Ginsburg arrived, she spoke a few words honoring the late President Gore and praising the Constitutional Republic, ensuring government will continue under its new leader. After her five minute remarks, Mark White stood up and raised his right hand, putting his left hand on the White family Bible and repeated the Presidential Oath of Office:

"I, Mark Wells White, Jr., do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.
And will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So help me God."
(Respectful applause as Mark kisses his wife, Linda Gale).

Body language showed Mark realizing the burdens of the American Presidency was now on his shoulders as President. Now he had to remain so.

Associate Justice Ginsburg: "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States."

President White: "Thank you very much, Associate Justice Ginsburg. Distinguished guests, my fellow Americans and members from the world community:

Please let us take a moment of silence and prayer in honor of the late President Al Gore. Let us remember that a man of conviction, dignity and love of country, who served this nation of ours until taking the final breath of his life. On behalf of the American people, Linda Gale and myself in particular, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the Gore family, which contributed so much to America's well-being over the decades in public service. A family, which lost one of its finest sons this morning. We are with you, and we will never forget the 44th President of the United States.

(Silence)

Today, in this moment of sorrow and resolve, I stand here before you as someone who has never sought the presidency and its enormous responsibility. But neither will I shrink it. The nation has lost a gifted public servant before his time, but the constitutional republic, that President Gore believed in, continues to work, as it has over our 221 year history. I shall continue to be a humble servant for the American people and having served in roles such as Assistant Attorney General of Texas, Texas Secretary of State, United States Senator, Governor of Texas and Vice President before the burdens of the Presidency fell upon me, it is important that I continue the policies of Al Gore in leading this great nation of ours into the 21st Century. As I assume this solemn duty to serve as your president, I feel it is my first duty in making a compact with my fellow countrymen. Not an inaugural address, not a fireside chat, not even a State of the Union speech or even a campaign speech, just a little honest straight talk among friends. And I strongly expect it to become the first of many.

Even though we as a nation are at a critical crossroads and mourning, nothing could honor the service and legacy of President Gore more than to continue the work he began. I shouldn't forget to mention that the foundation of our successful achievements of hardworking efforts in making America the beacon of hope began under the late President Bill Clinton, so its very important that I continue and finish where they've left off. With a sense of optimism and devotion, this was President Gore's spirit of America, our America: no matter what background, what differences of key issues you have, or neighborhood and zip code, we are all Americans and its important that we all understand that. As I assume the presidency under these extraordinary, difficult circumstances, I ask you all to join me in this effort and give me your trust, your prayers and your support. We have many challenges ahead facing us as a country ranging from domestic to international challenges, but only as a united country that we can overcome these challenges together. We all have one common destiny, as one nation with freedom and justice for all.

Outlining the specific goals and initiatives of my administration and my presidency, I have already spoken with congressional leaders earlier today to give a speech before a joint session of congress within the next two weeks. I am confident, that together, we will move this nation forward and renewing its principles and ideas while finding pragmatic solutions that makes America a better place to live, work, and raise a family every single day.

I now solemnly affirm the promise I made you over the course of my career as a public servant: upholding the Constitution, doing what's right as God gives me to see the right and doing the very best I can for America. I am confident that as we head toward the end of the 20th Century and going into the New Millenium, we can do this together.

Thank you for listening. God Bless the Gore family and God Bless this great nation of ours that we call home."

Polling Surveys: Nine in ten Americans view White inaugural address positive and give Gore Presidency high marks
*December 5, 1997: The day after President White was inaugurated, NBC News/Wall Street Journal took a quick poll. The polling survey found that 88% of respondents viewed Mark White's inaugural address positively, while 73% viewed him as honest and trustworthy. 68% expressed confidence that he was up to the job, only 14% expressed the opposite. Likewise, all news organizations (CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, CNN, C-SPAN) commented on White's speech. The speech, which was drafted within honors and strongly reassured the nation.

NBC News/Wall Street Journal also polled on how Americans viewed President Al Gore: 85% had a positive opinion of the late President and 72% said his presidency was a success, only 5% said the opposite.

COMING UP: Highlights of the State Funeral festivities of President Gore.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

*Personal PoV's
*State Funeral of President Gore
*President White demands answers from US Secret Service on protocol breakdowns and demands a full review on why the security protocol broke down
*Shortlist for VP: Spoiler alert. It'll be someone who served in Capitol Hill.
*1998 State of the Union Address and the Republican Response.
*National and International headlines from Spring 1998
*Armando and his group wreak havoc again

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING UP NEXT WEEK IN CHAPTER 4 OF EAGLE IS DOWN!
The American people bids farewell to President Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.,
​

AUTHOR'S NOTE FOR NEXT WEEK: Over the Easter holiday break, I will be working extensively on this installment and sometime either tonight or early tomorrow, I'll be posting an instalment on arrangements announced for Gore including the dignitaries who'll be attending the State Funeral.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: MORALES NOT SEEKING REELECTION TO THIRD TERM AS TEXAS STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR ANY OTHER POLITICAL OFFICE IN 1998

Texas State Attorney General Dan Morales (D) making the bombshell announcement....​

*Tuesday, December 2, 1997: Less than six months after Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D) announced his retirement from politics, the Texas Democratic Party was sucker-punched again when Texas State Attorney General Dan Morales (D), considered one of the rising stars of the Texas Democratic Party as a possible contender for United States Senator or Governor in the future, dropped a major bombshell: announcing he will NOT be seeking reelection to a third term as Texas State Attorney General or even seeking any other political office in 1998.

Flanked by his wife, Christi and his two stepchildren in attendance during the press conference, Morales explained that family comes first and politics has gotten.so toxic that it's driving good, honest people away from participating in politics.

This all but increases the strong likelihood of the Texas Republican Party sweeping all statewide offices next year including flipping control of the Texas State Senate, where Democrats currently hold a narrow majority of 17-14.

MATTOX ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR TEXAS STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN 1998
*Former Texas State Attorney General Jim Mattox (D) announced his campaign to reclaim his old job in 1998 now that Texas State Attorney General Dan Morales (D) declared he's not seeking reelection. Mattox held the state's chief law enforcement position from 1983 to 1991 before relinquishing it to unsuccessfully run for Governor in the Democratic primary runoff election to then-Governor Mark W. White, Jr., (D), who went onto winning reelection in a landslide victory in 1990.

Mattox ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate in 1994, losing in the Democratic primary.

Decision 97: BROWN WINS MAYORAL RUNOFF IN HOUSTON
*Saturday, December 6, 1997: Former Director of the National Drug Policy Lee P. Brown (D) wins a nationally-watched spirited contest, defeating Republican Bob Mosbacher (R), the son of former US Commerce Secretary Bob Mosbacher, Sr.,

Brown, 60, had served as Houston Police Department Chief of Police from 1982 to 1990 during the administration of then-Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire (D). He then served as NYPD Police Commissioner under then-NYC Mayor David Dinkins (D) before resigning in 1992, moving back to Houston. He then was tapped by then-President Bill Clinton to serve as Director of the National Drug Policy from 1993 until his resignation in 1996.

He will succeed outgoing three-term Houston Mayor Bob Lanier (D), who's term limited from seeking a fourth term, on January 2, 1998.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING: PRESIDENT WHITE ASKS CABINET TO STAY IN THEIR POSITIONS
*Sunday, December 7, 1997: In his first Cabinet meeting since ascending to the Presidency, President White asked all Cabinet members to remain in their current positions. Therefore, the Gore administration became the White administration.

The Cabinet of President Mark Wells White, Jr.,
Since December 4, 1997
President: Mark W. White, Jr., (D-TX)
Vice President: TBD
Secretary of State: Madeliene Albright (D-DC)
Attorney General: Janet Reno (D-FL)
Secretary of Defense: William Cohen (R-ME)
Secretary of Education: Richard Riley (D-SC)
Secretary of Transportation: Rodney Slater (D-AR)
Secretary of Labor: Alexis Herman (D-AL)
Secretary of Health & Human Services: Donna Shalala (D-FL)
Secretary of Energy: Federico Pena (D-CO)
Secretary of Housing & Urban Development: Andrew Cuomo (D-NY St)
Secretary of Agriculture: Dan Glickman (D-KS)
Secretary of the Treasury: Robert Rubin (D-NY St)
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Togo D. West, Jr., (D-DC) (to be confirmed by the full US Senate soon)
Secretary of the Interior: Bruce Babbitt (D-AZ)
UN Ambassador: Bill Richardson (D-NM)

 

[Sergeant Foley]

President White signs proclamation declaring national day of mourning
*Sunday, December 7, 1997: President White signed proclamation declaring a National Day of Mourning across the country and ordering all flags to be flown at half-mast.

Arrangements finalized for the late President Gore
Later that Sunday afternoon, the Gore family announced funeral arrangements for the late President Albert Gore and detailed the following:
*Tuesday, December 9, 1997-Thursday, December 11, 1997
4:00 PM EST
Lying in Repose
US Capitol Rotunda
Washington, DC

*Thursday, December 11, 1997
11:00 AM EST
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, DC

*Lying in Repose
Thursday, December 11, 1997-Friday, December 12, 1997
Tennessee State Capitol Rotunda
Nashville, TN

*Friday, December 12, 1997
10:00 AM CST
War Memorial Auditorium
Nashville, TN

*Full Military Honors:
Carthage Smith County Memorial Gardens
Carthage, TN

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING: VIOLENT CRACKDOWN OF DISSIDENTS ESCALATES AS THE INDIAN MILITARY JUNTA REJECTS INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE TO END MARTIAL LAW
*December 8, 1997: The Indian Military Junta once again violently cracked down on a group of dissidents after they marched toward Parliament....with no success in coming toward the gates as crack riot troops and federal law enforcement aggressively arrested the dissidents and placed them into police cars and squad wagons.

Despite international condemnation against the Junta's aggressive methods, the Junta doubled-down on maintaining Martial Law, which has been enforced since coming to power in December 1984.

Amnesty International reports the death toll had ranged between 7,000 to 56,000+ and counting due to the Dirty War from 1984 to 1985: opponents have been exiled, mysteriously disappeared or worse......

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY WHITE TO OFFICIALLY MOVE INTO WHITE HOUSE ON DECEMBER 13TH
*The White House confirmed President Mark W. White, Jr., and First Lady Linda Gale White will officially move into the White House on December 13th.

It comes as the Gore family have packed up their personal effects and belongings; they'll be moving back to Nashville, Tennessee permanently.

BREAKING: PRESIDENT WHITE TO VISIT BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA ON DECEMBER 22
*The White House also confirmed President White will be traveling to Italy, where he'll have a workng visit before heading to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This will be the first foreign trip of his Presidency.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

WHITE HOUSE: PRESIDENT WHITE TO ANNOUNCE NOMINEE FOR VP ON DECEMBER 20TH
*December 8, 1997: The Associated Press reported that President White will formally announce his nominee for Vice President around December 20th according to White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles.

Bowles confirmed that the President will make the announcement of his VP nominee inside the East Room of the White House on a Saturday afternoon. Sources say the President will be looking at a full range of VP contenders including members of Congress with lots of legislative experience in getting things done. The President expects whoever he picks to get a full, fair confirmation hearing from both the House and Senate with confirmation votes expected sometime after the holiday break.

Political analysts think some of those who should be considered might be either US House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO) or former United States Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA).

BREAKING: 1998 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS PUSHED BACK TO MID FEBRUARY
*In light of everything that's happened since the events of June 28th and the ramifications of the death of President Al Gore on December 4th, President White's 1998 State of the Union Address will be delayed to sometime around mid-February 1998.

The word on the street is also the potential ugly confirmation hearings of White's VP nominee might escalate into hyper partisanship since Republicans control both the US House of Representatives and United States Senate.

ABS-CBN NEWS: PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CONFIRM FINDINGS OF 11.23.96 INCIDENT: TERRORIST CELL COMMITTED THE VIOLENT ATTACK
*The Philippine National Police confirmed the findings out of the 11.23.96 Incident that resulted in the assassination of then-US President Bill Clinton during the 1996 APEC Summit in Manila, where the PNP reported during a press conference that a terrorist cell with ties to infamous terrorist Usama bin Laden located in the southern part of the Philippines, were the ones that committed the horrific act.

The PNP also arrested over 5,000 with links or ties to the culprits, who remain at large.

PROTESTS BREWING IN INDONESIA: POSSIBLE FOREIGN POLICY CHALLENGE FOR PRESIDENT WHITE?
There have been violent skirmishes of protests escalating in Indonesia against the authoritarian dictatorship of Indonesian President Suharto, who's been in power since 1967.

Rumors swirling of a possible ouster against Suharto might complicate matters for the White administration, who's pursuing closer ties between the United States and the Asian Pacific countries. It could also become a foreign policy challenge for the White administration going forward.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Highlights of the State Funeral festivities of the 44th President
December 9-12, 1997

December 12, 1997: Funeral services held for the late President Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.​

From the afternoon of December 9th to December 11th, President Gore's body laid in state inside the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC. Approximately 128,000 people paid their respects to him. US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), US Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) and US Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt held a memorial service for him inside the Capitol Rotunda.

On the morning of December 11th, the State Funeral service was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC., although it wasn't the largest funeral service attended in terms of ratings on television: the State Funerals of Kennedy (1963), Hoover (1964), Eisenhower (1969), Johnson (1973), Ford (1975), Rockefeller (1979) and Reagan (1983) had topped record-highs respectively. The record of the most-watched State Funeral remains that of Clinton (1996); the main speakers at the State Funeral: President Mark White, US Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, former US Housing & Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros; Tipper Gore, the former First Lady, also delivered remarks to honor her husband of 27 years. Several leaders from all over the country and across the world attended the State Funeral, including sports stars, entertainment celebrities, rank-and-file individuals and countless others.

Many of the foreign heads of state also had an opportunity to meet with President White for the first time, including South African President Nelson Mandela, Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo, Argentine Republic President Carlos Menem, Bolivian President Hugo Banzer, Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Chilean President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, Paraguayan President Juan Carlos Wasmosy, Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, Uruguayan President Julio Maria Sanguinetti, Taiwanese Premier Vincent Siew, Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall of the British Royal Family, Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, Republic of Korea President Kim Young-sam, Indonesian President Suharto, Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Zambian President Frederick Chiluba and Nambian President Sam Nujoma.

Ironically, the only living former Presidents to be in attendance at the services: Linwood Holton (1979-1981) and George HW Bush (1983-1993); former Vice Presidents Edward Brooke (1979-1981), Howard Baker (1985-1989) and Dan Quayle (1989-1993) were also in attendance.

Following final services at the War Memorial Auditorium on December 12th in Nashville, Tennessee: President Gore was laid to rest at the Carthage Smith County Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Carthage, Tennessee with full military honors, where a small circle of family, friends, former congressional colleagues including Cabinet Secretaries as well as President White himself in attendance, were present when Gore was finally laid to rest following a 21 Cannon Salute by the Tennessee Army National Guard and a special flyover from the Tennessee Air National Guard.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

THEORY: COULD ROUGE ELEMENTS INSTIGATED THE GORE ASSASSINATION?

*Monday, December 15, 1997: Allegations quickly began to emerge on who was responsible for the shooting incident on June 28th that eventually claimed the life of then-US President Al Gore on December 4th. It ranged from rogue elements of the following countries' governments: Cuba, Zimbabwe, Russia, Pakistan, India and others. Another theory is that a rouge element out of Chile was involved in the shooting, which alarmed both American and Chilean government officials; Chilean President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle quickly shot down those allegations strongly stating "There is no damn truth whatsoever to these baseless allegations because I don't believe anyone inside the Chilean government was involved in such a barbaric act." Frei went so far as to calling US President Mark W. White over the phone about the situation, offering cooperation in any he can to find the culprits.

DOUBLING-DOWN ON THE DIRTY WAR OPERATION IN INDIA: MALIK JUSTIFIES CONTROVERSIAL OPERATION

Indian President General Ved Prakash Malik.

Addressing the nation from the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Residence of the Indian President), Indian President General Ved Prakash Malik strongly justified using the controversial Dirty War military operation against opponents of the Indian Military Junta, who has rotated the Presidency since taking power in December 1984. Malik said "Outside agitators are trying to tell us what to do here in India and I am not going to put up with such nonsense from meddling fools, who don't know how things are done here or how we live. This government as long as I am President of the Republic of India will continue to be aggressive in pushing law and order by any means necessary."

Soon afterwards, military crack troops violently cracked down once again on more opponents, even going so far as to rounding up schoolchildren, who were protesting against the super-oppressive military regime. Word is that several diplomats will attempt to lobby the Indian Military Junta to put together plans in transitioning the country to democracy as soon as possible because the international reputation of India is at stake. Pope Louis V has invited President Malik to visit the Vatican for bilateral talks, no word if Malik will accept the invitation or not, but the pressure to move the South Asian country to democracy will continue to escalate.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

President White's press conference
7:00 PM EST, Monday, December 15, 1997
East Room, White House, Washington, DC

President Mark W. White, Jr., held his first press conference as the 45th President of the United States since ascending to the Presidency upon Gore's death 11 days earlier. Among the topics discussed ranged from the goals of his administration, foreign policy, the economy, domestic policy, public safety, etc.,

*Reporter#1 : "Mr. President. You've urged all members of the Cabinet to stay in their current positions. Can you provide us any details of what your administration will specify which goals to pursue?"

*President White: "Thank you for a good question. To outline the goals of my administration, I will be addressing a joint session of Congress in the coming days this week and I will be outlining the major priorities of this administration. I can strongly assure you this, my administration will make sure that America is kept safe during these difficult times.
What's the next question?"

*Reporter #2: "Good evening Mr. President. There's a certain matter that needs addressing and that's who is your designated nominee to serve as Vice President under the provisions of the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution. Have you've decided on what type of Vice President do you want serving in your administration?"

*President White: "We are looking at all candidates for Vice President ranging from current members of Congress, former members of Congress, Governors and the like. I can say that nobody in the Cabinet will be considered for the second highest office considering it'll be taken out of context by those in Congress as conflict of interest.

You and everyone else will have to wait by the end of the week when the official announcement is made on who'll become the designated nominee for the Vice Presidency will be."

*Reporter #3: "Mr. President. I'm sure that you are well aware about the ongoing turmoil happening in India. The military government has run the country with strong ruthless iron fists with no single dissenting opinion, different viewpoints and the human rights situation has escalated to match that to the Argentine Republic's deadly Dirty War from 1976 to 1983 during the Argentinian Military Junta's dictatorship.

What I'm saying is that this major foreign policy issue had been bubbling over the surface under previous administrations ranging from Bush, Clinton and Gore. Despite words of condemnation of the violence, there's not action regarding economic sanctions, tariffs being launched against Indian-made goods, products, imports and exports. According to the BBC, the Indian economy has been undergoing difficult problems in recent years due to some of the sanctions.

This is your administration's responsibility to take a strong stand against a dictatorship that is committing genocide over there. What can the United States do in speaking out and following it up with action?"

*President White: "I see that was a long-winded question you've said there and I'm surprised you didn't collapse (laughter).

I have spoken with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Secretary of Defense William Cohen on the matter. While I strongly condemn violence on both sides in India, I also believe the demands of enforcing economic sanctions against the government of India wouldn't be the right approach because sanctions don't usually work in terms of having an effect of hitting it's actual target or targets.

Plus, I believe that some sanctions not only backfire, but end up hurting the people that some around here, and I am not naming names, claim to be helping. I understand that there's been serious policy disagreements between the United States and India over the years. However, as long as I'm President, I am NOT going to let the ties between our countries plunge downward to the point of non-existence.

Whatever happens in India will be up to the people of India in determining their destiny going forward."

*Reporter #4: "What is your administration's policy regarding Taiwan, Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines and the Asian Pacific?"

*President White: "My administration will be promoting peace and strength as well as fostering cooperation with allies and friends in the Asian Pacific.

The United States will continue to be allies with Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and other like-minded nations in the region.

In regards to the Detente Policy, my administration will keep in place the policy that had been under existence under then-President Nelson Rockefeller, who dismantled the policy with the People's Republic of China and Russia, who had been formerly known as the Soviet Union. The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 will remain in place and we'll defend Taiwan in the case of an attack; I've spoken with President Lee Teng-hui and pledged to honor the defense treaty with Taiwan all the way, both the American and Taiwanese troops have been conducting the necessary joint military drills and exercises.

We've got military troops stationed in Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. I should also note we've got military troops stationed in many places in Europe too and across the globe. My administration will be doing everything in our power to be aggressive on national defense and increasing the defense budget."

*Reporter #5: "Mr. President. I shouldn't remind anybody else here that the 2000 Presidential election is three years away and based on the technicality of finishing out the late President Gore's term, you would be eligible for a first full four-year term as President if you decide to seek reelection. You're also allowed to seek a second full term in 2004. Have you've decided on whether you'll seek a first full four-year term as President in 2000?"

*President White (clearing his throat and drinking a glass of water): "We're back to political campaigning huh? (Laughter in the room)

My current focus is leading the American people into the tailend of the 20th Century and going into the New Millennium. I intend to be the President of all Americans, including those who strongly disagree with me on major key issues. We all love this great nation of ours and would want our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knowing about the achievements and accomplishments that we would leave them."

 

[Sergeant Foley]

President White delivers special message to Joint Session of Congress
8:00 PM EST, Wednesday, December 17, 1997
US House of Representatives Chambers, US Capitol
Washington, DC.

Less than 13 days after becoming President, Mark Wells White, Jr., speaks to lawmakers for the first time.​

As the turbulent month of December was winding down, President Mark W. White, Jr., appeared before a special session of Congress on December 17th. In his 36 minute speech, the 45th President thanked lawmakers for their support, prayers over the past thirteen days since ascending to the presidency. President White once again called on national unity and continuity as well as urging the Republican-controlled Congress to work with him in passing balanced budgets. However, his speech was slightly different than typical phrases and slogans: reforming existing entitlement programs, major budget cuts on unnecessary programs, cutting wasteful regulations, aggressively enforcing the death penalty, getting tough on crime by any means necessary including the need to securing our southern and northern borders. The new President also touched on foreign policy, where he called on the necessity of a strong national defense and backing our allies in Asia, Europe, etc.,

Many political observers pointed out that White's speech contained several points of continuity of the Third Way approaches of the Clinton and Gore administrations on going toward a centrist approach, but he was also determined to become his own man and not become shackled by two of his late predecessors. Examples when White called on aggressive tough-on-crime measures, this gained applause from staunch conservatives due to White's hardcore conservatism as United States Senator and Texas Governor.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Polling Survey: December 19, 1997
Opinion of President Mark W. White, Jr.,
Approve: 64%
Disapprove: 16%

Opinion of Congress
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 56%

Opinion of US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
Approve: 41%
Disapprove: 54%

Opinion of US House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO)
Approve: 56%
Disapprove: 28%

Opinion of US Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS)
Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 36%

Opinion of US Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD)
Approve: 59%
Disapprove: 33%