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

[Sergeant Foley]

LIST OF INTERNATIONAL TRIPS OF PRESIDENT MARK W. WHITE, JR.,

*December 22, 1997 (Italy): Aviano Air Base
Stopped enroute to and from Bosnia-Herzegovina.

*December 22, 1997 (Bosnia-Herzegovina): Sarajevo; Tuzla
Met with the Bosnian Collective Presidency and Bosnian Serb President Biljana Plavsic; visited US military personnel troops.

*December 24-27, 1997 (Taiwan): Taipei; New Taipei City; Kaohsiung City
Met with Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui; visited Port of Taipei; Taiwan National Museum; Zushi Temple; held town hall meeting at Fu Jeng Catholic University.

*March 23, 1998 (Ghana): Accra
Met with Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings; visited Peace Corps project.

*March 23-25, 1998 (Uganda): Kampala; Kisowera; MuuaoaTown; Wanyange; Entebbe
Met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the Presidents of Ethiopia; Rwanda; Tanzania; Kenya and the Congo.

*March 25, 1998 (Rwanda) Kigali
Met with Rwandan President Pasteur Blizmumgi; delivered public address.

*March 25-29, 1998 (South Africa): Capetown; Johannesburg
Met with South African President Nelson Mandela; addressed joint session of Parliament.

*March 29-31, 1998 (Senegal): Dakar; Thies; Goree Island
Met with Senegalese President Abdou Diouf; visited Senegalese peacekeeping troops; delivered public address.

*April 16-19, 1998 (Chile): Santiago
State Visit; attended the 2nd Summit of the Americas.

*May 12-14, 1998 (Germany): Berlin; Postdan; Frankfurt; Eisenach
Met with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl; attended the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.

*May 14-18, 1998 (United Kingdom): Birmingham; Weston-uber-Lizard; London
Attended the 24th G8 Summit and US/EU Summit meetings; met with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

*May 18, 1998 (Switzerland): Geneva
Attended the WTO Meeting commemorating the 50th anniversary of GATT.

*June 27-30, 1998 (Taiwan): Taipei
State Visit; met with Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui; addressed joint session of the Legislative Yuan.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

....."And the Oscar for Best Actress goes TO.....MADONNA of "Evita"! It was one of the shocking wins in the history of the Oscars seeing Madonna, the woman whom people weren't thrilled for her portrayal of the late Argentine Republic First Lady Eva Peron in the 1996 musical movie drama was quite a surprise considering some of the inaccuracies in the film.

Look, Madonna is a great singer but her acting skills is kind of pitchy if you watched her in 'A League of Their Own' from a few years back. Congratulations to Madonna for pulling it off!"
---Entertainment Tonight
Excerpt from Spring 1997

...."In response to the international attention on Madonna's portrayal of the most beautiful woman of the Argentine Republic, there was an Argentinian movie in the same year, 1996 in response to Alan Parker's film and it was called "Eva Peron: A True Story" starring Esther Goris and Victor LePace for their respective portrayals of Eva and Juan Peron. It gave a deep thorough understanding of what the final years of Evita's life was like. Giving this movie four stars!"
---Cannes Film Festival
Spring 1997

 

[Sergeant Foley]

PRESIDENT WHITE'S INTERNATIONAL TRIPS: FALL 1998

​

*September 1-3, 1998 (Russia): Moscow
Summit meeting with Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

*September 3, 1998 (United Kingdom) Belfast; Armagh; Omagh
Met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Northern Irish political leaders. Addressed the Northern Ireland Assembly.

September 3-5, 1998 (Ireland) Dublin; Adare; Limerick; Ballybunion
Met with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. Delivered several public addresses and played golf.

November 19-20, 1998 (Japan) Tokyo
Met with Emperor Aikhito and Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. Addressed the American Chamber of Commerce.

November 20-22, 1998 (Republic of Korea) Seoul; Osan
Met with ROK President Kim Dae-jung; Addressed US military personnel troops.

December 12-15, 1998 (Israel) Jerusalem; Masuda
Met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli government officials.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

PRESIDENT WHITE ADDRESSES THE NATION
6:29 PM CST, Friday, October 31, 1998
Austin, TX.

President Mark W. White delivering the Presidential Address to the Nation.
​

"Good evening my fellow Americans. I wanted to speak to you from Johnson High School here in Austin, Texas to provide you key updates and developments about how we're doing everything to keeping this country safe. It was on December 4, 1997, when President Al Gore passed away due to complications from the gunshot wounds sustained five months earlier, which led to the Presidency passing onto me during this traumatic circumstance. Now it was just about several months ago, five Americans were killed as they came together to celebrating the New Year. Each of them were taken from family and friends, who loved them dearly. Now as our intelligence agencies continue gathering information about the violent New Years terrorist attacks, we do know that the terrorists of these violent attacks went down the dark, extreme violent path of radicalization, of the distortion interpretations of the Islamic faith, which calls for terrorist attacks, death and total destruction of the Western world. These horrific, despicable attacks betray the teachings of the Islamic faith. Now I want to strongly assure to all Muslims, be you citizens of this nation or across the world, these people do not represent you. These people have betrayed your faith and commit evil, violent acts by justifying these violent actions as part of God's will. In doing so, they have not only turned their back on Islam, they have also betrayed human decency altogether.

Freedom of religion is one of the greatest virtues that America holds dear. We respect your faith and strongly reject those who murder in the name of it, and I assure you, that virtue stands strong.

When I was first asked to become President Gore's Vice President in late 1996, I knew that the Constitutional duties and roles of the position that come with it with great responsibility. The Vice Presidency is something not to be taken very lightly. Because every Vice President knows, God forbid, if the worst happens in the unfortunate circumstance, they're asked to be called upon in answering the call of service to this great nation. I answered that call on that fateful day in December 1997. Since that day I took the office of the Presidency as the 45th President of the United States, I have tasked our agencies and departments in securing our defenses. Every day, I am confronted by the threat of terrorism in my intelligence briefings. These agencies and departments have been working tirelessly every day and every night in disrupting terrorist plots in the United States, but all over the world. In the face of this international crisis, we cannot let our way of life fall apart, and I know that the American resolve will never allow this to happen.. I have seen the best of America this past year; our ability in overcoming hardships, difficult circumstances; coming together in times of crisis and tragedy; showing the world that the United States of America will NEVER be coerced or intimidated into fear by those, who seek to do us harm.

America has been the beacon of peace, prosperity and strength all over the world, and we will continue support these multitudes who are looking to us for the cause of freedom against tyranny and also from those, who seek to destroy it. Besides the golden doors, Lady Liberty continues lighting her grand, beautiful torch. It is a light which brings hope to the oppressed and shaming the oppressors. Now for members of the United States Armed Forces, one of the best and strongest militaries in the world, it been nearly two years of sacrifice and service far from their families at home. Here are some examples: In the Middle East, we have worked with like-minded Middle Eastern nations in defeating Taliban and other terrorist insurgent forces; restoring democracy in Haiti; Our alliances continuing to grow much closer every day as we're cooperating with our allies across all continents of the world. Examples include the following: In India, democracy is finally restored after nearly 14 years of dictatorship; working with the Philippine government in defeating terrorism throughout the region. Earlier today, I spoke with President Estrada and assured him of the commitment of the United States in our continued cooperation in this fight. It's thanks to the Mutual Defense Treaty we have been able to providing the Republic of the Philippines with this vital support, and they've likewise assisted our work and efforts. We have also continued the same continued commitments to allies such as Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and countless others.

With the support of both houses of Congress, we are aggressively strengthening our national security. I have praised the bipartisan hardworking efforts in which both Republicans and Democrats have undertaken to doing this. Congress has also worked implementing the Economic Stimulus Recovery Act, which will boost the economy and making America less dependent on foreign oil, at the same time, it will make the United States of America energy independent. Now in the long term, we are ensuring that our economy remains strong and vibrant in the face of challenges and obstacles.

In the words of our 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who said these remarks during his first inaugural address on March 4, 1933: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself------nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzed needed efforts to convert retreat into advance," and so let us continuing living by these words, and so long as we continue to do that, of which I no doubt that we will, then America continue to prosper into the future decades and years ahead. Thank you for listening tonight, God Bless you all and God Bless the United States of America."

ABC News Polling Survey (November 1, 1998)
Job Approval for President Mark W. White, Jr.,
Approve: 69%
Disapprove: 17%
Undecided: 13%
COMING SOON IN EAGLE IS DOWN: Highlights of the 1998 Midterm elections.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@bintananth @Tiamat @Buba @Atarlost
@Val the Moofia Boss

Good evening. I hope you're enjoying the timeline so far. The Sports Headlines Instalments (NFL 1996, NFL/CFB 1997, NFL/CFB 1998) will likely take awhile (long story due to my part-time job, etc). But if you have any ideas on Pop Culture from 1997 and 1998, let me know and I'll post some installments in Chapter 4 of the timeline.

PS: NBC's 'The West Wing' still occurs in this timeline as it did in real life, but might squeak in around 12 Seasons.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

BREAKING NEWS ALERT: MUSGROVE SEEKING FULL FOUR-YEAR TERM IN 1999

*Monday, November 2, 1998: Mississippi Governor Ronnie Musgrove (D) confirmed his plans on seeking his first full four-year term in the upcoming 1999 Gubernatorial elections. Musgrove, 42, who ascended to the Governorship in the Summer of 1998 upon the impeachment and removal of then-Mississippi Governor Kirk Fordice (R), has led the Magnolia State with dignity and grace throughout the unfortunate circumstances facing Mississippians.

Musgrove previously served in the Mississippi State Senate (1988-1996) and served as Lieutenant Governor (1996-1998) before ascending to the Governorship. If Musgrove is successful of winning a full term next year, he is eligible to seek a second full term in 2003.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

THE 98 MIDTERMS: REPUBLICANS KEEP CONTROL OF THE US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; UNITED STATES SENATE
*Pressure on US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) to resign after party's poor showing in the midterms.
*Failed expectations of gaining additional House seats causing anger inside Republican Caucus.
*Backlash brewing against Gingrich.
*Republicans flipped back US Senate seats in Ohio, Illinois.
*Democrats flip US Senate seats in New York State, Indiana, North Carolina.

*Tuesday, November 3, 1998: Americans across 51 States came out to vote and casting their ballots. When the votes were cast, the results were consisted of the following:

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Republicans: 223 Seats (lost 4 House seats)
Democrats: 213 Seats (gained 5 House seats)

Popular Vote in the US House of Representatives
Republicans: 32,237,964 (48.4%)
Democrats: 31,490,298 (47.3%)

COMING UP IN CHAPTER 4 OF EAGLE IS DOWN: Results from the United States Senate in the 1998 Midterms going State-by-State.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

1998 MIDTERM ELECTION RESULTS: UNITED STATES SENATE (PART I):

*Tuesday, November 3, 1998: Republicans maintained control of the United States Senate, where they currently hold a 55-47 majority in the upper chamber. They picked up open seats in Kentucky and Ohio while defeating a controversial Democratic incumbent in Illinois. However, these gains were cancelled out by Democrats flipping three Senate seats in Indiana, New York State and North Carolina.

*Alabama: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Richard Shelby (R-incumbent): 817,973 (63.2%)✔
Clayton Suddith (D): 474,568 (36.7%)

*Alaska: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Frank Murkowski (R-incumbent): 165,227 (74.5)✔
Joseph Sonneman (D)L 43,743 (19.7%)

*Arizona: REPUBLICAN HOLD
John McCain (R-incumbent): 696,577 (68.7%)✔
Ed Ranger (D): 275,224 (27.2%)

*Arkansas (Open): DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Blanche Lincoln (D): 385,878 (55.1%)✔
Fay Boozman (R): 295,870 (42.4%)

*California: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Barbara Boxer (D-incumbent): 4,411,705 (53.1%)✔
Matt Fong (R): 3,576,351 (43.0%)

*Colorado: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-incumbent): 829,370 (62.5%)✔
Dottie Lamm (D): 464,754 (35.0%)

*Connecticut: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Christopher J. Dodd (D-incumbent): 628,306 (65.2%)✔
Gary Franks (R): 312,177 (32.4%)

*Florida: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Bob Graham (D-incumbent): 2,436,407 (62.5%)✔
Charlie Crist (R): 1,463,755 (37.5%)

*Georgia: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Paul Coverdell (R-incumbent): 918,540 (52.37%)✔
Michael Coles (D): 791,904 (45.15%)

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 4 OF EAGLE IS DOWN: Part III of the 1998 Midterms in the United States Senate.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

1998 MIDTERM ELECTION RESULTS: UNITED STATES SENATE (PART III) FROM NOVEMBER 3, 1998:

Hawaii: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Daniel Inouye (D-incumbent): 315,252 (79.2%)✔
Crystal Young (R): 70,964 (17.8%)

Idaho (Open): REPUBLICAN HOLD
Mike Crapo (R): 262,966 (69.5%)✔
Bill Mauk (D): 107,373 (28.4%)

Illinois: REPUBLICAN GAIN
Peter Fitzgerald (R): 1,709,042 (50.4%)✔
Carol Moseley Braun (D-incumbent): 1,610,496 (47.4%)

Indiana (Open): DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Evan Bayh (D): 1,012,244 (63.7%)✔
Paul Helmke (R): 552,732 (34.8%)

Iowa: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Chuck Grassley (R-incumbent): 648,480 (68.41%)✔
David Ostenberg (D): 289,049 (30.41%)

Kansas: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Sam Brownback (R-incumbent): 474,639 (65.3%)✔
Paul Felencho (D): 229,718 (31.6%)

Kentucky (Open): REPUBLICAN GAIN
Jim Bunning (R): 569,817 (49.8%)✔
Scotty Baesler (D): 563,051 (49.2%)

Louisiana: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
John Breaux (D-incumbent): 620,502 (64.0%)✔
Jim Donelon (R): 306,616 (31.6%)

Maryland: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Barbara Mikulski (D-incumbent): 1,062,810 (70.5%)✔
Rss Pierpont (R): 444,637 (29.5%)

Missouri: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Kit Bond (R-incumbent): 830,625 (52.7%)✔
Jeremiah W. "Jay" Nixon (D): 690,208 (43.8%)

Nevada: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Harry Reid (D-incumbent): 208,621 (47.9%)✔
John Ensign (R): 208,220 (47.8%)

New Hampshire: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Judd Gregg (R-incumbent): 213,477 (67.8%)✔
George Condodemetraky (D): 88,883 (28.3%)

New York State: DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Chuck Schumer (D): 2,551,065 (54.6%)✔
Alfonse D'Amato (R-incumbent): 2,058,988 (44.1%)

North Carolina: DEMOCRATIC GAIN
John Edwards (D): 1,029,237 (51.15%)✔
Launch Faircloth (R-incumbent): 945,943 (47.01%)

North Dakota: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Byron Dorgan (D-incumbent): 134,747 (63.2%)✔
Donna Nalewaja (R): 75,013 (35.2%)

Ohio (Open): REPUBLICAN GAIN
George Voinovich (R): 1,922,087 (56.5%)✔
Mary Boyle (D): 1,482,054 (43.5%)

Oklahoma: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Don Nickles (R-incumbent): 570,682 (66.4%)✔
Don Carroll (D): 268,898 (31.3%)

Oregon: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Ron Wyden (D-incumbent): 682,425 (61.1%)✔
John Lim (R): 377,739 (33.8%)

Pennsylvania: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Arlen Spector (R-incumbent): 1,814,180 (61.3%)✔
Bill Lloyd (D): 1,028,839 (34.8%)

South Carolina: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Fritz Hollings (D-incumbent): 563,377 (52.70%)✔
Bob Inglis (R): 488,238 (45.67%)

South Dakota: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Tom Daschle (D-incumbent): 162,884 (62.1%)✔
Ron Schmidt (R): 95,431 (36.4%)

Utah: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Bob Bennett (R-incumbent): 316,652 (64.0%)✔
Scott Leckman (D): 177,459 (33.0%)

Vermont: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Patrick Leahy (D-incumbent): 154,567 (72.2%)✔
Fred Tuttle (R): 48,051 (22.5%)

Washington: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Patty Murray (D-incumbent): 1,103,184 (58.4%)✔
Linda Smith (R): 785,377 (41.6%)

Wisconsin: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Russ Feingold (D-incumbent): 890,059 (50.5%)✔
Mark Neumann (R): 852,272 (48.4%)

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@bintananth @Buba @Yinko @Planchar @Atarlost @TheRomanSlayer @Val the Moofia Boss

Coming up this week: State-by-State results of the US State/Territory Gubernatorial elections from the 1998 Midterms in Chapter 4 of Eagle is Down!

 

[Sergeant Foley]

REPUBLICANS RETAIN MAJORITY OF GOVERNORSHIPS
*Republicans flip open seats in Nevada, Nebraska, Florida, Colorado.
*Democrats flipping South Carolina, California, Alabama, Iowa, US Virgin Islands.
*Reform Party pull off shocking upset in Minnesota.

*Tuesday, November 3, 1998: The 1998 Midterm elections had somewhat mixed results for both political parties in terms of Governorships in the following:

*Alabama: DEMOCRATIC GAIN
In the Heart of Dixie, Alabama Lieutenant Governor Don Siegelman (D) defeated incumbent Alabama Governor Fob James (R), who was seeking reelection to a third full term.
Don Siegelman (D): 752,087 (57.9%)✔
Fob James (R-incumbent): 546,504 (42.1%)

*Alaska: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Incumbent Alaska Governor Tony Knowles (D) was easily reelected defeating a field of over five+ challengers. Having been narrowly elected in 1994, Knowles' job performance has been well received by majority of Alaskans including being buoyed by the popularity of President Mark W. White.
Tony Knowles (D-incumbent): 112,879 (51.3%)✔
Robin L. Taylor (R): 40,209 (18.3%)

*Arizona: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Having ascended to the Governorship upon the resignation of then-Arizona Governor Fife Symington (R) on 5 September 1997 on corruption charges against him including federal investigations, Arizona Governor Jane Dee Hull (R) greatly benefited from the Grand Canyon State's staunch Republican dominance in state politics including the heavy coattails of United States Senator John McCain (R-AZ).
Hull easily won a full four-year term in her own right trouncing Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson (D) in a massive landslide victory carrying 14 out of 15 counties.
Jane Dee Hull (R-incumbent): 620,188 (60.9%)✔
Paul Johnson (D): 361,552 (35.5%)

 

[Sergeant Foley]

1998 MIDTERM ELECTION RESULTS: US STATE/TERRITORY GOVERNORSHIPS (PART II) FROM NOVEMBER 3, 1998:

*Arkansas: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Republican incumbent Governor Mike Huckabee (R) ascended to the Governorship upon the resignation of then-Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker (D) on 15 July 1996 following the explosive Whitewater Scandal and investigation revealing illegal financial activities against Tucker and several members of his administration. Huckabee faced off against Democratic challenger Bill Bristow (D) and easily won election to his first full four-year term in a large landslide victory.
Mike Huckabee (R-incumbent): 421,989 (59.77%)✔
Bill Bristow (D): 272,923 (38.66%)

*California (Open): DEMOCRATIC GAIN
The battle for the California Governor's Mansion to succeed outgoing popular yet controversial California Governor Pete Wilson (R), who was term limited from succeeding himself brought out large field of contenders in both political parties. For the Democrats, it was California Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis (D), who emerged victorious in the Golden State's first-ever Jungle Gubernatorial Primary back in June. Davis ran on a centrist platform that included pledges of ending the divisive politics of the Wilson administration while aggressively running negative television advertising commercials against California State Attorney General Dan Lungren (R), who was trailing by double digits in polling surveys; massively outspent in fundraising; plus Davis was boosted by the aggressive campaigning of popular President Mark W. White and Vice President Dick Gephardt on the campaign trail including party unity among the California Democratic Party. On Election Night, Davis easily throttled Lungren in a landslide victory, which ended 16 years of Republican control of the California Governor's Mansion.
Gray Davis (D): 4,860,702 (58.0%)✔
Dan Lungren (R): 3,218,030 (38.4%)

COMING UP IN CHAPTER 4 OF EAGLE IS DOWN: Part III of the 1998 Midterms on the US State/Territory Governorships.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER 7 OF EAGLE IS DOWN
The remains of the late Argentine Republic President Juan Domingo Peron finally returns home to the Argentine Republic and laid to rest

​

 

[Sergeant Foley]

AUTHORS' NOTE ON CHAPTER 4: I will be working on Part III of the 1998 Midterms showcasing results of the US State/Territory Governorships.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

1998 MIDTERM ELECTION RESULTS FROM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1998: US STATE/TERRITORY GOVERNORSHIPS (PART III):

*Colorado (Open): REPUBLICAN GAIN
Bill Owens (R): 648,202 (49.1%)✔
Gail Schoettler (D): 639,905 (48.4%)

*Connecticut: REPUBLICAN HOLD
John G. Rowland (R-incumbent): 628,707 (62.9%)✔
Barbara Kennelly (D): 354,187 (35.4%)

*Florida (Open): REPUBLICAN GAIN
John Ellis "Jeb" Bush (R): 2,191,105 (55.3%)✔
Buddy McKay (D): 1,773,054 (44.7%)

*Georgia (Open): DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Roy Barnes (D): 941,076 (52.5%)✔
Guy Millner (R): 790,201 (44.1%)

*Hawaii: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Benjamin Cayetano (D-incumbent): 204,206 (50.1%)✔
Linda Lingle (R): 198,952 (48.8%)

*Idaho (Open): REPUBLICAN HOLD
Dirk Kempthorne (R): 258,095 (67.7%)✔
Robert Huntley (D): 110,815 (29.1%)

*Illinois (Open): REPUBLICAN HOLD
George Ryan (R): 1,714,094 (51.0%)✔
Glenn Poshard (D): 1,594,191 (47.5%)

*Iowa (Open): DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Tom Vilsack (D): 500,882 (52.3%)✔
Jim Roos Lightfoot (R): 444,787 (46.5%)

*Kansas: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Bill Graves (R-incumbent): 544,882 (73.4%)✔
Tom Sawyer (D): 168,243 (22.7%)

*Maine: INDEPENDENT HOLD
Angus King (I-incumbent): 246,772 (58.61%)✔
Jim Langley (R): 79,716 (18.93%)

*Maryland: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Paris Glendenning (D-incumbent): 846,972 (55.20%)✔
Ellen Sauerbury (R): 688,357 (44.83%)

*Guam: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Carl Gutierrez (D-incumbent): 24,250 (51.88%)✔
Joseph Franklin Ada (R): 21,200 (48.35%)

*US Virgin Island: DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Charles Turnbull (D): 19,138 (58.93%)✔
Roy Schneider (I-incumbent): 13,334 (41.06%)

*Massachusetts: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Paul Cellucci (R-incumbent): 967,160 (49.98%)✔
Scott Harshburger (D): 901,843 (46.60%)

*Michigan: REPUBLICAN HOLD
John Engler (R-incumbent): 1,883,005 (62.25%)✔
Geoffrey Fieger (D): 1,143,574 (37.8%)

*Minnesota (Open): REFORM GAIN
Jesse Ventura (RFM): 773,713 (37.0%)
Norm Coleman (R): 717,330 (34.3%)✔
Skip Humphrey (D): 587,528 (28.1%)

*Nebraska (Open): REPUBLICAN GAIN
Mike Johanns (R): 293,910 (53.9%)✔
Bill Hoffner (D): 250,678 (46.0%)

*Nevada (Open): REPUBLICAN GAIN
Kenny Guinn (R): 223,892 (51.6%)✔
Jan Laverty Jones (D): 182,281 (42.0%)

*New Hampshire: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Jeanne Shaheen (D-incumbent): 210,769 (66.1%)✔
Jay Lucas (R): 98,473 (30.1%)

*New Mexico: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Gary Johnson (R-incumbent): 271,948 (54.5%)✔
Martin Chavez (D): 226,755 (45.5%)

*New York State: REPUBLICAN HOLD
George Pataki (R-incumbent): 2,571,991 (54.3%)✔
Peter Vallone, Sr., (D): 1,570,317 (33.2%)
Tom Golisano (I): 364,056 (7.7%)

*Ohio (Open): REPUBLICAN GAIN
Bob Taft (R): 1,678,721 (50.0%)✔
Lee Fisher (D): 1,498,956 (44.6%)

 

[Sergeant Foley]

1998 MIDTERM ELECTION RESULTS FROM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1998: US STATE/TERRITORY GOVERNORSHIPS (PART IV)

*Oklahoma: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Frank Keating (R-incumbent): 505,498 (57.9%)✔
Laura Boyd (D): 357,552 (40.9%)

*Oregon: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
John Kitzhaber (D-incumbent): 717,061 (64.4%)✔
Bill Sizemore (R): 334,001 (30.0%)

*Pennsylvania: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Tom Ridge (R-incumbent): 1,736,844 (57.4%)✔
Ivan Itkin (D): 938,745 (31.0%)
Peg Luksik (CONST): 315,761 (10.4%)

*Rhode Island: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Lincoln Almond (R): 156,180 (51.0%)✔
Myrth York (D): 129,105 (42.1%)
Robert J. Healey (Cool Moose): 19,250 (6.3%)

*South Carolina: DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Jim Hodges (D): 570,070 (53.2%)✔
David Beasley (R-incumbent): 484,088 (45.2%)

*South Dakota: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Bill Janklow (R-incumbent): 166,621 (64.0%)✔
Bernie Hunhoff (D): 85,473 (32.9%)

*Tennessee: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Don Sundquist (R-incumbent): 669,973 (68.6%)✔
John Jay Hooker (D): 287,750 (29.5%)

*Texas: REPUBLICAN HOLD
George W. Bush (R-incumbent): 2,550,821 (68.2%)✔
Garry Mauro (D): 1,165,592 (31.2%)

*Vermont: DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Howard Dean (D-incumbent): 121,425 (55.7%)✔
Ruth Dwyer (R): 89,726 (41.1%)

*Wisconsin: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Tommy Thompson (R-incumbent): 1,047,716 (59.7%)✔
Ed Garvey (D): 679,553 (38.7%)

*Wyoming: REPUBLICAN HOLD
Jim Geringer (R-incumbent): 97,235 (55.6%)✔
John Vinich (D): 70,754 (40.5%)

COMING UP IN EAGLE IS DOWN: Questions swirling around President White's political future.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Chapter 5: The Announcement which shook American Politics!
4:27 PM CST, Friday, January 29, 1999
San Antonio, Texas

President Mark W. White, Jr., greeting well-wishers and longtime supporters before making the huge political bombshell announcement with ramifications......
​

Despite a mixed bag for the 1998 Midterms and his personal popularity with approval ratings was around 57% depending on whom you asked, among Americans preventing an full-fledged Republican wave, where both political parties gained and lost seats, President Mark Wells White, Jr., had been in somewhat of a grumpy mood. He was in the midst of his most tortuous budget negotiations with US House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and US Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), who blocked some of White's judicial appointees to several key Federal District Court judgeships during the 1998 Midterms. And he only had made up his mind about his political future since ascending to the Presidency upon Gore's death on December 4, 1997 as the nation's 45th President. It was less than eight years ago during his third term as the Lone Star State's 43rd Governor on 30 May 1991 when he announced following the 72nd Texas Legislature's legislative session that he wouldn't seek reelection to a fourth term in 1994, though he served out his third term, eventually becoming the Lone Star State's longest-serving Governor with 12 years leaving office with 73% approval rating on January 17, 1995. Many assumed his political career was over, but events turned out quite different.

With the 1998 Midterms over, President White was facing questions of whether he would be seeking his first full four-year term in 2000, facing the possibility of going up against popular Texas Governor George W. Bush, whom many Republicans viewed as their strongest and best overwhelming choice of winning back the White House. Polling surveys in potential head-to-head match-ups showed the popular Democratic President trailing badly from 25-37 percentage points.

Just when you thought things weren't bad enough for White, things escalated when Fox News had just published stories they thought might become the beginning of their own Whitewater Scandal. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Lena Guerrero (the former Texas Railroad Commissioner, who lost her reelection bid for full four-year term in 1992), had been using a computer------making questionable complete list of political supporters and then converting the names into usable mailing list for political purposes with the questionable racket called: The Committee to Reelect the President. And Guerrero was using taxpayer dollars and government funds to do it. So when Fox News got the juiciest scoops, they published the story on the airwaves including the New York Post went public with the controversial racket ponzi scheme of what was going on. All of a sudden, Mark Wells White, Jr., the man, who promised honesty and character values upon ascending to the Presidency including establishing the Fair Political Practices Commission in the light of congressional scandals, soon found himself on the defensive and also under investigation as House and Senate Republicans were licking their chops.

Everything was just weighing on the 58-year-old's mind. The once-dominant Texas Democratic Party that gave him his start in Texas politics, was pretty much decimated in the 1998 elections as the Texas Republican Party swept all of the statewide offices from Governor all the way to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals including flipping control of the Texas State Senate for the first time since Reconstruction; although Democrats kept control of the Texas House of Representatives, their majority was shrinking fast and it was quite tenuous with Democrats holding a 78-72 majority in the lower chamber. Plus, to top it off, former Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (D) was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, knowing that Bullock, one of the most powerful and influential Democrats in the State of Texas, wasn't going to be around much longer, President White telephoned his one-time political rival, and spoke with him and his family. Bullock asked White when the time came, would he deliver a eulogy at his funeral, White said "Yes, I will Governor." And now, he was pacing inside a private room at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, before a scheduled news conference, he was already beginning to regret the announcement that he was about to make with huge political ramifications.

Polling surveys taken by everyone: Fox News, CBS News, NBC News, ABC News, CNN, Wall Street Journal, etc., all looked grim for White. The ongoing dragged-out budget debates with a hostile Republican-controlled Congress and the Fox News explosive bombshell investigation into the mailing lists had brought his approval ratings down to the lowest yet of his Presidency: 38%. Republicans such as New York State Governor George Pataki (R) and Louisiana Governor Mike Foster (R) continued painting the White administration as weak on crime, and now more growing list of Republicans in the House and Senate began to aggressively up the ante: accusing him of mismanaging the federal budget surplus and blasted several key White administration officials for their misuse of public office and scandals; Polling surveys showed him facing a badly humiliating defeat against Governors Pataki and Bush in head-to-head match-ups respectively.

There was speculation that some Democrats were putting out potential campaign feelers such as California Governor Gray Davis (D), Washington Governor Gary Locke (D), and of course, Vice President Dick Gephardt, who would be the first person to run if White didn't seek election to a full four-year term in 2000. No matter what the President did or tried to do on domestic policy, economic policy or foreign policy achievements, he'd go down hard in defeat badly in 2000------and his political career would be over for good.

So for Mark Wells White, Jr., he had one heck of a career of public service: Assistant Attorney General (1966-1969) Texas Secretary of State (1973-1977), winning statewide office as United States Senator in 1977, 1978 and Governor in 1982, 1986 and 1990: going (5-0) in statewide elections including an overall record of (10-0) including primary, runoff and general elections; including serving as the 48th Vice President of the United States and currently serving as the 45th President of the United States, totaling 35 years of public service. The path to a political future was winnowing very fast: his home state of Texas was now firmly a deep Republican State for the foreseeable future, but the promise of life outside of 24/7 grinding politics was much more alluring including the prospects of where to build his Presidential Library, either on the campus of Baylor University in Waco, Texas (his alma mater) or somewhere in the Hill Country.

When the time finally came, the President marched into the conference room of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, wearing a dark black suit with red tie including a light blue dress shirt------one reporter for the San Antonio Express News thought it was a bit odd for the President to call a press conference in the middle of the day------and marched into the room as bulbs flashed and reporters shoved microphones into his direction. "What's President White going to do?"

President White: "My fellow Americans. I would like to thank each of you for coming to this important press conference including those watching across this great nation of ours and around the world serving our country in the Armed Forces overseas. I'll be brief. I just would want to make an official announcement.

In the last recent days, I know, there's been questions, that some of you in the press have asked me what I intend to do in 2000. They've asked me if I'll seek election to a full four-year term to continue serving as President. I have listened to friends and my family when weighing what the next steps---the right step---is for me.

And so, after thoughts, prayers and reflection, I've decided in order to prevent the Presidency from being piggeon-hold into partisan political bashing, I want to you all to know that this was not an easy decision. I am announcing that the name, Mark Wells White, Jr., will not be appearing on the ballot in November 2000. Not for the Presidency. I'll be a private citizen, living a private life after my nearly three and a half years as your President come January 20, 2001."

The bulbs flashed again non-stop and White squinted as the President looked forward into their glares.

"I want to first thank the people of the great State of Texas for giving me the opportunity to serving as Assistant Attorney General, Texas Secretary of State, United States Senator and Governor. I also want to personally thank the American people for allowing me to serve you all as the 48th Vice President of the United States and the 45th President of the United States for the trust that they've put in me in over the last------uh-----------throughout my time here. Thank you very much for listening and God Bless the United States of America. And I will now take your questions right now."

The room quickly erupted in loud shouts: Mr. President! Mr. President! When did you decide you weren't going to be a candidate for a full four-year term? They whirred by him in a dizzying storm. The White House Press Corps wanted to know if it was because of the Savings and Loan Scandals. They wanted to know if he'd called any of the rumored Democratic Party presidential contenders of his decision. What was happening with the federal budget negotiations. What about the list of political supporters in the fundraising racket? Was he admitting wrongdoing?

White answered their questions for half an entire hour, drinking a glass of water. Then, he told them it was enough of the pestering questions. "I've got to go," he said and off he went------out of the room, down the hall accompanied by Secret Service agents and several key White administration officials as the President headed out the private back-way where the Presidential limousine was awaiting to take him to the Kelly Air Force Base, where Air Force One on the tarmac. Off went Mark Wells White Jr., into the tranquility of private life. It was only a matter of time now.

Within minutes of hearing the news, some 75 miles toward the Hill Country, the popular two-term Republican Governor of Texas was notified of President White's decision by chief political strategist Karl Rove: "Governor, the White House is now ours. The Democrats don't have anyone to put up against us. 2000 could be your big landslide victory". Bush leaned back in his chair inside the 2nd floor office of the Texas State Capitol Building in downtown Austin as he began calling his phone speaking with campaign donors of the Republican Party. He had an upcoming presidential campaign to put together.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

Outlined Sketch for Chapter 5:
*Spring 1999
*Personal PoV's
*National and International Headlines (Spring 1999)
*Summer 1999
*Campaign kick-off for the 2000 Presidential election
*Personal PoV's: Summer 1999

 

[Sergeant Foley]

......"The Democrats were shocked when news of President White's political bombshell announcing his retirement for good had major ramifications ahead of the upcoming 2000 Presidential election.

Nobody saw it coming. I mean, Mark Wells White, Jr., the 45th President of the United States, had approval ratings between 57-69% throughout 1998 including during the 1998 Midterms, where hyped-up expectations of Republican wave never materialized and this resulted in Gingrich's resignation as Speaker of the House. However, there were some rumblings of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Lena Guerrero being involved in a scandal involving using campaign funds from computers which Republicans exploited for their own benefit.

All of a sudden, White's approval ratings imploded and the more the uglier allegations of cover-ups escalated, the more questions were hounding the White administration 24/7. Fairly or not, the controversial computer scheme pretty much all but ensured President White wouldn't win reelection in 2000.

Vice President Dick Gephardt had to bear the brunt of the backlash because it caused more Democrats to consider jumping into the Democratic Party presidential primaries. "
Excerpt from "Major Tests and Tribulations during the White Years, 1997-2000".

 

[Sergeant Foley]

......"Pope Louis V arrived at Andrews Air Force Base, where he was greeted by US Vice President Dick Gephardt and several dignitaries before heading into a heavily-armored limousine, which took him to the White House, where US President Mark W. White, Jr., and US First Lady Linda Gale White both personally greeted the Pontiff.

Following the Welcoming Honors festivities which included a 21 Cannon Salute, President White delivered opening remarks welcoming Pope Louis V to the White House and detailed the progress of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Holy See. Pope Louis V also delivered remarks thanking the White's for their hospitality and offered words of prayer in light of recent international events in the past few years.

For the Pontiff, who had been in office since 1988 and the first to hail from Portugal, Louis V remained quite popular among the faithful during good times and difficult times for the Roman Catholic Church. He was also among one of many staunch conservatives, who genuinely believed in traditional conservative family values including his hardworking efforts of reforming the Church."
Excerpt from "Pope Louis V: Autobiography of Portugal's first ever Pontiff"