The Cursed American Presidency

[49ersfootball]

March 19th, 1980
ABC NEWS BULLETIN SPECIAL REPORT: UNITED STATES SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY (D-MA) IN SHOCKING BOMBSHELL ANNOUNCEMENT, ENDS CAMPAIGN FOR THE 1980 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION

At 12:59 PM EST, reporters were summoned to the MA Statehouse Rotunda in downtown Boston for a major announcement from United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). There wasn't any specific details or information explained to those in the press corps on what the Senior United States Senator from the Bay State would be saying: only stating it was announced just HRS in advance.

Senator Kennedy: "Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen: I sincerely apologize for this abrupt scheduling of this very major meeting and that many of you in the press corps didn't have any time to preparing and potential discomfort coming from this development. However, with the decision that I am about to announce right now is one that I have been thinking about including deliberating the pros and cons of this difficult decision during the campaign trail. Both for myself and my family including the American people this has been one of the longer processes of both reflection and consideration.

Right now, as I am speaking, America is at an inflection point which is being beset with multiple challenges both at home and across the world. However, over the past few weeks, I have been grappling with recent politically-charged allegations defaming my character, reputation as the Senior United States Senator representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, my entire family. There's also been recent developments which has engulfed the American people's attention away from the issues that we've discussed on the campaign trail and turning to distracting nonsense innuendos. And while I am grateful to all of you for your hardworking efforts supporting this campaign effort, I have concluded that the voters of the Democratic Party have decided that two other candidates are the main contenders for the Democratic Party presidential nomination.

Now, therefore, I am announcing that as of this afternoon: this campaign has officially come to an end (to the shock & horror of the crowd). Please understand that I didn't make this decision very lightly as it was very difficult to make. I have to focus on my current full-time job representing the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as their United States Senator and that's what I plan on doing going forward.

For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."

Following Senator Kennedy's bombshell announcement, he left the room as several questions were being thrown at him. However, internal sources said that Kennedy called both Vice President Carter & former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) to inform both of them about his decision to exiting the campaign. Accordingly while Carter was gracious, Edwards was shocked & stunned by the news, as neither he nor his advisers expected this move which came completely out of nowhere. Now the battle for the Democratic Party presidential nomination will be coming down to two Southerners: Carter & Edwards going forward with the possibility of a brokered DNC Convention becoming more & more likely.

The Headlines from March 20th, 1980

In shocking bombshell announcement, Kennedy's withdrawal clears the way for the Flamboyant & Controversial former Louisiana Governor in battle for Democratic Party presidential nomination

Are the Democrats prepared for Battle of the Two Southerners ?

Kennedy's exit leaves liberals & progressives in a big lurch

Republicans gleefully watching the chaos ensuing inside the Democratic Party

Democrats preparing for possible brokered convention this Summer

Carter's Worst Nightmare Continues: Anti-Carter Vote now united behind Edwards

Peanut Farmer's White House dreams in danger of being trampled again..... as was the case in 1976

 

[49ersfootball]

March 21st, 1980
BREAKING: FORMER CIA DIRECTOR GEORGE HW BUSH DROPS OUT OF GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION BATTLE; REAGAN ALMOST LIKELY PRESUMPTIVE GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE

Less than 48 HRS after the shocking bombshell exit of United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) from the Democratic Party presidential nomination campaign, it appears the GOP Presidential nomination battle is officially over.

Former CIA Director George HW Bush announced this afternoon that he was ending his campaign for the GOP Presidential nomination effective immediately & urges his supporters to unite behind the likely presumptive GOP Presidential nominee, former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R).

With Bush exiting, the former CA Governor has done something after two previous attempts at the Presidency in 1968 & 1976, Reagan has finally won the GOP Presidential nomination, taking full control of the Party of Lincoln into a more staunchly conservative direction. "It's time for all Republicans to unite and come together because it's very important that we defeat the Democrats this November and taking back our country once and for all."

 

[49ersfootball]

@Ibanez @filipina84 @Zachowon @Buba @TheRomanSlayer @gral @Cherico @Planchar @The Whispering Monk @Aaron Fox
Howdy from the Alamo City folks. Working on the battle for the 1980 Democratic Party presidential nomination between VP Carter & EWE. Feel free to give some input & let's just say it MIGHT come down to a potential brokered convention 😎

 

[49ersfootball]

April 8th, 1980
EDWARDS & CARTER SPLIT PRIMARY & CAUCUS WINS AS BOTH ARE TIED FOR DELEGATE LEAD

AZ Dem Primary:
Edwards: 61%✔
Carter: 31%

AK Dem Caucuses:
Carter: 59%✔
Edwards: 29%

ID Dem Primary:
Edwards: 60%✔
Carter: 37%

HI Dem Primary:
Carter: 66%✔
Edwards: 27%

UT Dem Primary:
Carter: 71%✔
Edwards: 27%

WA St Dem Primary:
Edwards: 67%✔
Carter: 30%

WI Dem Primary:
Carter: 58%✔
Edwards: 40%

WY Dem Primary:
Carter: 61%✔
Edwards: 36%

(Updated Percentage of Delegates)
Former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D): 25%
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 25%


With the GOP Presidential nomination pretty much over with former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) all but assured to becoming the presumptive GOP Presidential nominee for the Presidency following the withdrawal of former CIA Director George HW Bush on March 21st, all of the attention from here on out goes to the Dems: where Vice President Jimmy Carter & former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) continued battling for delegates in the remainder of the primary season.

Edwards produced wins in AZ, ID, WA St while Carter won AK, HI, UT, WI & WY. During a campaign rally in Plains, GA: Vice President Carter told reporters: "It's very important that we have someone with the deep experience and the knowledge of the major issues facing the American people. Plus I am that person with the most experience having served in the Georgia State Senate, Governor of Georgia and currently serving as the 43rd Vice President of the United States over the past four years with strong accomplishments in domestic policy, economic policy and foreign affairs including specific alternatives to national defense. I also want people to know that nominating an untested former Governor of Louisiana, who is engulfed with federal investigations into corruption, bribery and graft isn't the way the Democratic Party would have as our nominee going up against the likely Republican Party presidential nominee former California Governor Ronald Reagan this fall."

In response, Edwards shot back: "If Vice President Carter keeps talking about experience, then why are millions of Americans facing massive inflation, unemployment, gas shortages, foreign policy debacles including an ongoing deadly Civil War with Argentina's deadly invasion into Chile? I challenge the Vice President to a one-on-one series of debates before the end of the primary season." It's unknown whether there will be any specific debates before June 8th, when the primary season ends.

Gallup Polling Survey: April 11th-14th, 1980
President Jerry Brown Job Approval Rating
Approve: 39%
Disapprove: 57%

Because of the ongoing Iranian Hostage Crisis with no diplomatic solutions resolving it peacefully including the ongoing economic problems plauging the American people, President Jerry Brown's approval ratings plunged downward to 39% of Americans approving his job performance while 57% resoundingly disapprove of the job President Brown is doing with no signs of getting any better anytime soon.

 

[49ersfootball]

March 23rd, 1980
DEPOSED SHAH MOHAMMED REZA PAHLAVI & FAMILY ARRIVE IN EGYPT
*Egyptian President Anwar Sadat welcomes the Shah & his family to Egypt during red carpet Arrival Honors Ceremony.
*Speculation swirling Panamanian President General Omar Torrijos met with Iranian government officials: discussion was likely about extraditing the Shah back to Iran.

Due to strong likelihood of Panamanian President General Omar Torrijos agreeing to have him extradited back to Iran to face trial & execution, deposed Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi & his family including his loyal inner circle & bodyguards boarded a US military plane & left Panama to avoid detected by Torrijos loyalists or Iranian Intelligence Services Agency & flew all to Egypt for asylum.

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who offered the deposed Shah of Iran safe passage, welcomed the Pahlavi's during the Welcoming Honors Ceremony in Cairo. Speculation swirling around the possibility of the Shah's secret undisclosed illness has escalated very further into a more precarious situation according to anonymous sources.

With no signs of resolving the Iranian Hostage Crisis as the Brown administration's diplomacy efforts continued running into brick walls, here were some of the following incidents since this crisis began:

Six American Embassy personnel employees escaped from Iran on January 2nd, having been hidden secretly & aided by Canadian diplomats. One of the American hostages was permitted to leave due to health reasons. But 52 other Americans continued being held prisoner by the Iranians for the entire duration of the crisis & most likely running out the clock on the Brown administration considering that President Jerry Brown wasn't seeking reelection.

In the months following the seizure of the US Embassy Compound in Tehran on November 4th, 1979, American public opinion had originally united behind President Brown in his efforts of negotiating the release of the hostages. However, as the months dragged on without any success, Americans felt increasingly humiliated that the most powerful nation in the world wasn't able to free the hostages. But something had to be done & time was running out!

 

[49ersfootball]

April 22nd, 1980
EDWARDS BLOWS CARTER OUT IN NY ST PRIMARY LANDSLIDE VICTORY; TAKES LEAD IN OVERALL DELEGATES

NY St Dem Primary:
Edwards: 60% ✔
Carter: 37%

More momentum for the Silver Fox as former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) thoroughly trounced Vice President Jimmy Carter in the NY St Primary with 60% of the vote & carrying 57 out of 62 counties.

Updated Delegate Count:
Former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D): 28%
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 25%

Coming Up: President Brown's decision on using the military option in an attempt of rescuing the hostages backfires badly.

 

[49ersfootball]

April 25th, 1980
BREAKING: PRESIDENT BROWN ABORTS BOTCHED MILITARY OPERATION IN RESCUING THE HOSTAGES OUT OF IRAN

Americans were furious & angry upon learning news of the disastrous secret military operation in an attempt of rescuing the 52 American hostages. After months of being blasted on both sides of the political aisle, President Jerry Brown finally ordered a secret military operation to being carried out in rescuing the hostages out of Iran. However, the secret mission turned into an utter & complete disaster for the Brown administration, when President Brown, in an early morning TV broadcast, announced the failure of the military mission. The operation had been aborted by the President after three out of eight helicopters failed during the mission. In withdrawing of the military force, one of the helicopters had failed & a transport plane collided killing eight servicemen & injuring others. US Secretary of State Cyrus Vance blasted the President's use of military options but chose not to resign his position.

 

[49ersfootball]

April 29th, 1980
EDWARDS MOMENTUM CONTINUES WITH WINS IN CT, PA, RI
*Carter rebounds with wins in DE & MD
*Edwards maintains lead in delegates
*Speculation swirling brokered DNC Convention is looking more likely

CT Dem Primary:
Edwarda: 59%✔
Carter: 40%

DE Dem Primary:
Carter: 71%✔
Edwards: 27%

MD Dem Primary:
Carter: 57%✔
Edwards: 41%

PA Dem Primary:
Edwards: 52%✔
Carter: 46%

RI Dem Primary:
Edwards: 64%✔
Carter: 32%

Updated Delegate Count: 1980 Democratic Party presidential nomination
Former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D): 34% of delegates
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 29%

Former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) has won three out of five primaries this evening with victories in CT, PA & RI while Vice President Jimmy Carter rebounded with critical wins in DE: where Carter was endorsed by United States Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) & MD, where the incumbent Vice President was endorsed by MD Governor Harry R. Hughes (D) including United States Senator Paul Sabarnes (D-MD).

 

[49ersfootball]

May 6th, 1980:
COMEBACK FOR THE PEANUT FARMER? CARTER TROUNCES EDWARDS IN HOOSIER STATE DEM PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

IN Dem Primary:
Carter: 73% ✔
Edwards: 23%

Inside the Hoosier State, Vice President Jimmy Carter trounced former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) in a landslide victory with 73% of the statewide vote & carrying all 92 counties. "The comeback begins right here in the Hoosier State ladies and gentlemen!" Carter boasted before packed ballroom of supporters in Indianapolis.

May 13th, 1980
CARTER MOMENTUM CONTINUES WITH LANDSLIDE WINS IN KY & WV

KY Dem Primary:
Carter: 63%✔
Edwards: 35%

WV Dem Primary:
Carter: 67%✔
Edwards: 26%

More momentum for Vice President Jimmy Carter as he carried his momentum from IN into back-to-back-to-back landslide wins in KY & WV, where Carter trounced Edwards by overwhelming landslide margins. The upcoming primary will take place in OR on May 20th, where speculation swirling around a potential debate between the incumbent Vice President & former LA Governor.

Updated Delegate Count: 1980 Democratic Party presidential nomination
Former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D): 36%
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 36%

May 17th, 1980:
PRESIDENT JERRY BROWN DELIVERS THIRD & FINAL STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

For the final time during his term, President Jerry Brown delivered his 3rd & final State of the the Union Address before a Joint Session of Congress & the nation on TV. The event was originally scheduled for January 25th & later delayed to May 17th, which brought him strong backlash & criticism after going on vacation. "Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Americans, I can report to the nation and the world, that the State of our Union is on the right track," Brown promptly opened his 29-minute speech inside the US House of Representatives chambers. "We are at peace diplomatically, unemployment is declining across America, the deficit is declining and the economic recession is long over," he added. Nonetheless, the President admitted economic growth wasn't where its supposed to be & called upon Congress for additional measures to stimulating growth, such as more public investments in infrastructure, science & education. "I know we're talking about a lot of money here, my friends." Brown told the packed bipartisan group of lawmakers. "That's why I'm asking you to pass comprehensive tax reform which will provide more relief for working people, increases taxes on high incomes and closes tax loopholes. Together, we can do it and make it possible in making them realities."

The President went on to propose spending in the coming fiscal years, but after the presidential election, with regard to healthcare, education, housing & infrastructure. Unlike in 1978 & 1979, he spent virtually no time on Healthcare Reform, which had failed in Congress the last two years in a row. Instead, Brown intends to launch a new attempt following the elections during the lame-duck period.

On foreign policy, which he devoted the final 13 minutes of his speech, the President defended his administration's foreign policy & cautions with military arms sales & supplies overseas. "My administration does execute federal laws," he said with regard to the Panama Canal Treaties, Camp David Accords, Detente with Cuba; "contrary what has been claimed by political operators with an ulterior hidden agenda for November. The trut, however, is that diplomacy works in avoiding deadly conflicts overseas. It did work and continues to work. We make steady progress. Sometimes it just takes time." Lastly, President Brown said he intends to begin new arms reduction treaties with the Soviet Union as soon as pre-conditions are met.

However, Brown also issued a stern warning to the Soviet Union that the United States wouldn't hesitate going to war if necessary to protecting the oil supply routes of the Persian Gulf. In what became known as the Brown Foreign Policy Doctrine, he said "An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America. And such an assault will be strongly repelled by any means necessary, including military force."

GOP RESPONSE FROM LA GOVERNOR DAVE TREEN (R)

The Republican Party Response to President Jerry Brown's State of the Union Address was delivered by LA Governor Dave Treen (R) from the LA Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge.

"President Brown has failed America." Treen told the audience, "the truth is, President Brown keeps urging patience every single year since taking office. But in reality, he cannot hide and escape from the truth any longer. He can no longer deny that our economy is not growing the way it should. Indeed, real incomes are declining under this administration. And what about public safety and getting tough on violent crime? President Brown didn't mention the word anytime at all. He's the one who has lost touch with the Silent Majority of Americans."

Treen also aggressively criticized the Brown administration's foreign policy. "After three years of failed leadership on the international stage, there's more of the same. More incompetence, more weakness against Moscow, Tehran, Havana; No strategies for Latin America, Asia, Europe and no important in allied relationships we depend on."

May 20th, 1980:
CARTER MOMENTUM UNSTOPPABLE WITH LANDSLIDE VICTORY IN OR PRIMARY

OR Dem Primary:
Carter: 62% ✔
Edwards: 35%

Vice President Jimmy Carter gets another win in the primary season with another resounding landslide victory in the OR Primary crushing former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) with 62% of the statewide vote. Both Carter & Edwards are tied up 39% each of their respective delegates. Once again, there's growing speculation swirling around a potential debate between both candidates before the final primaries set for June 3rd.

Updated Delegate Count: 1980 Democratic Party presidential nomination (May 20th, 1980)
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 39%
Former Governor Edwin Edwards (D-LA): 39%

 

[49ersfootball]

May 23rd, 1980
BREAKING: CARTER & EDWARDS AGREE TO DEBATE LIVE ON NATIONAL TV ACCORDING TO CAMPAIGN SOURCES

Breaking News from ABC News: Both campaign sources for both the respective campaigns of Vice President Jimmy Carter & former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) confirmed that both candidates have agreed to hold a televised debate, which is the first nationally-televised debate in the primary season. The League of Women Voters will be hosting this one & only debate which will be held on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC less than a week before the final primaries on June 3rd. Neither candidate will know any of the specific questions or topics in advance.

 

[49ersfootball]

May 27th, 1980
******THE BIG DEBATE: Carter vs Edwards******

Frank Reynolds (ABC News): "Alright, we're going to have to leave it right there and switch topics right now. I want to come to foreign policy. It's been five months since a year since the infamous Iranian Revolution overthrew the Shah of Iran from power and resulted in an Islamist government taking over and despite some diplomatic negotiation efforts of getting the 52 American hostages released since the Embassy rampage of November 4th, 1979, there has been reports that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini has been slow-walking the negotiations to humiliating the Brown administration since President Jerry Brown is not seeking reelection. Possibly within the first weeks and months of your administration, Vice President Carter, how would deal with such an ongoing crisis Mr. Vice President if you're elected President?"

Vice President Carter: "While I believe there have been serious roadblocks of getting the hostages released from Iran. I don't intend to leave the hostages languishing in Iran and will intend on getting them released with any means necessary, even using military force if all diplomatic options are exhausted. Because if diplomacy fails, I will order a military response. Make no mistake about it."

Governor Edwards: "With all due respect to everyone watching this major debate this evening, the American people are already being humiliated Mr. Vice President. By the current administration's incompetence on foreign policy: when this administration that my opponent is representing, begged to President Torrijos in getting American hostages released following the violent rampage of the US Embassy compound in Panama City following the leftist revolution over there last year. Former Secretary of State Walter Mondale's disastrous diplomatic policy has utterly failed and it's becoming quite clear that Vice President Carter will continue selling our American values and weakening our strategic foreign policy initiatives in the Western Hemisphere which has resulted in Castro-supporting leftists taking over Nicaragua with Colombia also falling to the Castro radicals and God knows who else. There's also Moscow influence growing across Latin America, Africa, Europe as a result of my opponent's downright incompetence on foreign policy and national security. I wouldn't break the diplomatic efforts of getting the hostages brought back home to the United States, but if diplomacy doesn't work, then I will use relentless military force if the Islamists in Iran seek to continue humiliating us again. And if elected President, I will NEVER allow them to taking over one inch from free nations."

Frank Reynolds (ABC News): "The Brown administration has been engaged in various negotiations with the Soviets about the progress of the START II Treaty which has been stuck in logjam limbo in the United States Senate due to several United States Senators blocking it from ratification. Just a few days ago, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance called for a continuation of these talks of arms reductions following the 1980 presidential election. What would both of you do? Vice President Carter?"

Vice President Carter: "I strongly support Secretary Vance's statements. I will continue to be engaged in various talks in promoting peace talks across the globe. This will be the first priority as President. However, I cannot pay any price diplomatically or politically that Moscow wants us to pay. I offer them fair talks if they stopped supporting the current Afghan government which has used deadly methods in crushing all forms of opposition including calls for the Soviets to ending their occupation in Afghanistan. Once again, I offer Mr. Brezhnev fair diplomatic talks. Not more and not less. I can promise though, I won't do anything that weakens our national defense."

Governor Edwards: "First, I will make it very and strongly clear to the Kremlin that a new President has been elected who will not allow them to spread communism, lawlessness, and tyranny all over the world. While I would be open to some diplomatic talks with them, I don't believe in the theory of diplomatic partner as what my opponent on the stage is mentioning, when there can be no balance of power, when one of these powers is imposing its system of oppression and tyranny upon several other nations in Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.,"

(An odd female college student dropping her heavy baggy jacket, streaking naked & barefoot on the stage on national television which shocks the audience as the camera stays on Governor Edwards, who looks shocked).

Frank Reynolds (ABC News): "Excuse me Governor Edwards. I apologize. It appears there's something of an odd incident happening here. We'll be right back!"

 

[49ersfootball]

May 28th, 1980
CONTROVERSY AT THE DEBATE
*Female college student streaks naked on stage interrupting the debate between VP Carter & former Governor Edwards.
*Incident lasted more than 6 minutes before Secret Service agents tackled her to the ground.

There was some controversy surrounding the Primary Debate between Vice President Jimmy Carter & former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC when a female college student took off her baggy jacket: revealing herself naked & barefoot then strarted streaking on stage including the front row of seats inside the auditorium before several Secret Service agents tackled her to the ground & arrested her for disorderly conduct among other charges. Despite the controversial incident, the debate continued as scheduled without any interruptions.

 

[49ersfootball]

June 3rd, 1980
BREAKING: CARTER & EDWARDS TIED WITH DELEGATES; BROKERED CONVENTION BECOMING MORE LIKELY
*Carter & Edwards split last remaining primaries as the primary season comes to a close.
*DNC Convention expected to be a fun-thrilling entertaining event this summer.

CA Primary:
Carter: 69%✔
Edwards: 28%

DC Primary:
Carter: 63%✔
Edwards: 36%

MT Primary:
Edwards: 56%✔
Carter: 41%

NJ Primary:
Edwards: 59%✔
Carter: 37%

NM Primary:
Edwards: 58%✔
Carter: 40%

ND Primary:
Carter: 63%✔
Edwards: 33%

SD Primary:
Carter: 53%✔
Edwards: 46%

Updated Delegate Count: 1980 Democratic Party presidential nomination
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 48%
Former Governor Edwin Edwards (D-LA): 48%

In the final batch of primaries in the primary season, Vice President Jimmy Carter won four out of seven: CA (home state of President Jerry Brown), DC, ND & SD while former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) won MT, NJ & NM. Celebrating with his supporters in Atlanta, GA: Vice President Carter said "We've got the momentum and from the looks of things, we should have a majority of delegates heading into the Democratic Party National Convention coming up in August. It proves that experienced leadership is needed during difficult times." For his part, Governor Edwards back at the Hotel Montelone in New Orleans, LA said "We're going all the way to the DNC Convention ladies and gentlemen. Our campaign has the momentum and we're going to shock the world!" It's unknown where the battle for the Democratic Party presidential nomination ends up, but it'll will be important for both Carter & Edwards to secure undecided delegates & lobbying them to their side if they want to win the nomination in two months.

June 4th, 1980
BREAKING: BROKERED CONVENTION WILL HAPPEN BETWEEN CARTER VS EDWARDS

The day following Tuesday's final primaries, it is officially confirmed that there will be a brokered DNC Convention coming up during the week of August 11th-14th, which will be taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.

Both candidates won the same number of pledged delegates: Carter holding a very narrow lead with 1,119 delegates while Edwards won 1,107 & each about 48%. There are 183 uncomitted delegates however, where the majority of whom went to United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), who dropped out of the race & hasn't endorsed either of the two remaining contenders. The Washington Post reported Kennedy's released delegates are somewhere around 50-50 divided between the Silver Fox & Peanut Farmer. Carter also holds a very, tiny, tiny lead of 0.6% in the overall popular vote.

Until the DNC Convention in San Juan opens in August, both the Carter & Edwards campaigns will have plenty of time winning over pledged delegates. United States Senator Russell B. Long (D-LA) is reported to be Edwards' "right-hand-man" while NC Governor Jim Hunt (D) is being rumored to be coordinating the Carter campaign's efforts. If neither candidate win a majority on the first ballot, all of the delegates will be released altogether & can vote for whoever they want.

 

[49ersfootball]

@Ibanez @filipina84 @The Unicorn @Buba @gral @TheRomanSlayer @Cherico @f1onagher @Mimas @The Whispering Monk

Upcoming Segments: Howdy from the Alamo City. Stay tuned for upcoming segments of the 1980 Presidential campaign especially the battle for the Democratic Party presidential nomination between Carter & Edwards.

Just in case y'all haven't heard: There will be some butterflies in this TL & some politicos like Clinton & Gore won't be holding the same jobs they've got due to some butterflies heading for them.

PS: Won't be the same time you will see Edwin Washington Edwards, whom I personally view as the best LA Governor that the Pelican State ever had.

Question is who do you see getting the Democratic Party presidential nomination for President in 1980 in this TL & give me the reason why ?
A.) VP Jimmy Carter: Trying to slightly distancing himself from an unpopular President Jerry Brown.

B.) Former LA Governor Edwin Edwards: Fresh new face on the national scene, but with questions of corruption allegations.

 

[49ersfootball]

June 16th, 1980
VP SHORTLIST FOR FORMER CA GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN (R)
*RNC Convention expected to take place in Detroit, MI during the week of July 14th-17th.
*Speculation swirling Reagan might announce VP pick on 3rd day of the RNC Convention.
*Waiting Game continues.

IL Governor James R. Thompson (R)
Experience: Governor of IL since 1977; US Attorney for Northern Illinois (1971-1975)
Why is he being considered: Popular two-term GOP Governor with successful track record of federal prosecution cases that resulted in convictions of many high-profile politicians among both political parties including former US Federal District Court Judge Otto Kempner.
Pros: Moderate-to-Conservative GOPer with several liberal viewpoints on some key issues. Could bring Ford & Rockefeller GOPers with the ticket; His home state of IL will be very critical in the Great Lakes as the general election campaign ramps up.
Cons: No foreign policy experience nor even legislative experience.

United States Senator Howard Baker (R-TN)
Experience: United States Senator from TN since 1967.
Why is he being considered: Moderate-to-Conservative GOPer from the South. His potential selection will help Governor Reagan in the South, where polling surveys show Reagan ahead of whoever the Dems nominate.
Pros: Foreign policy & legislative experience will be very crucial to a potential Reagan administration.
Cons: Skeptics worry about Baker being a liability due to being in one of the secret Nixon recordings during the height of the Watergate Scandal.

United States Senator Richard Schweiker (R-PA)
Experience: United States Senator from PA since 1969; US Congressman, 1961-69
Why is he being considered: Comes from a battleground swing state with large number of electoral votes.
Pros: Brings lots of legislative experience to the table & will also become an asset for a potential Reagan administration.
Cons: His controversial opposition to the Vietnam War has alarmed majority of Reaganites.

MI Governor William Milliken (R)
Experience: Governor of MI since 1969; Lieutenant Governor of MI, 1965-69; Member, MI State Senate, 1959-1965.
Why is he being considered: Three-term GOP Governor from a Midwestern state with large number of electoral votes will be very critical for the Reagan campaign to win. Also brings strong credibility of bringing Ford & Rockefeller camps behind Governor Reagan's campaign should the Michigander be tapped for VP.
Pros: Comes from the Midwest with lots of strong electoral support in several other Midwestern states.
Cons: No foreign policy experience.

Former CIA Director George HW Bush (R-TX)
Experience: CIA Director, 1976-77; US Chief Liaison to PRC, 1974-75; Chairman of the Republican National Committee, 1973-74; US Ambassador to the United Nations, 1971-73; US Congressman, TX 7th, 1967-71.
Why is he being considered:
Pros: Moderate-to-Conservative GOPer with legislative & foreign policy experience including strong portfolio on national defense & national security including foreign affairs from serving in the Nixon, Ford & Rockefeller administrations.
Cons: Viewed as milquetoast wimp.

 

[49ersfootball]

Disclaimer: This segment will be NSFW gruesome. Viewer discretion is strongly advised!
Summer 1980
4:47 PM
Yvonne's Secret Life (III)
Somewhere in the outskirts of Riydah, Saudi Arabia

Yvonne was naked & barefoot inside an extra-large underground air-conditioned tunnel. She decided to jump inside the swimming pool, where she swam to the naked body of one of her dopplegangers, who was naked & barefoot inside the pool.

"Time to skin you and I will slowly skin you thoroughly," Yvonne happily said as she used a small cutter knife on the center of the doppleganger's back; then Yvonne used both hands to carefully remove the doppleganger's entire skin from head to toe, revealing her skinless.

Next, Yvonne carefully & slowly removed all of the organs out of the doppleganger's skinless body (placing them in clear jars). Then, Yvonne took the doppleganger's skinless naked body out of the swimming pool & placed her into a glass container, watching the doppleganger thoroughly disintegrate as all of the gases purged out of her entire body.

Once that was finished, Yvonne went to take a shower in the bathroom: walking out with only a towel, she went back into the secret lab & checked the naked skinless body of the doppleganger, who was still in the glass container pool for several minutes before leaving.

Following a steamy sex escapade with Basaam in the shower, they secretly wheeled the naked bodies of the doppleganger & Princess Naureen, putting them into secret compartments as they left their secret hideout & headed to an unknown destination. Yvonne & Basaam returned several days later to their secret hideout, where they continued having sex non-stop.

By the tail end of June, Yvonne carefully put back her wig, adjusting it very perfectly & got dressed in traditional attitre for the next phase of her long international tour. "See you soon sweetie," Yvonne said happily as she & Basaam kissed before he drove Yvonne back to one of the guest houses on the Palace grounds.

 

[49ersfootball]

June 29th, 1980
POTENTIAL VP SHORTLIST FOR WHOMEVER IS THE DEM NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT

United States Senator John Glenn (D-OH)
Experience: United States Senator from OH since 1975
Why he's being considered: Battleground swing state United States Senator. Glenn is very well liked for his NASA career as an astronaut including his military service in the US Marine Corps. He could be a strong choice & could help with congressional relations.

Former US Secretary of State Walter Mondale (D-MN)
Experience: US Secretary of State (1977-79); United States Senator from MN (1964-76); MN State Attorney General (1960-64)
Why he's being considered: Successful foreign policy achievements as President Brown's Secretary of State ranging from the Camp David Accords & Panama Canal Treaties; Mondale earned strong credentials in the United States Senate by working on various policy fields. Like Glenn, Mondale also comes from the Midwest & Great Plains, which is an asset. He was especially close to the late United States Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-MN).

US Trade Representative Reubin Askew (D-FL)
Experience: US Trade Representative since 1979; Governor of FL (1971-79); Member, FL State Senate (1962-70); Member, FL House of Representatives (1958-62).
Why he's being considered: Popular Southern two-term Governor from a critical swing state who won the FL Governorship by massive large majorities. Askew's record as US Trade Representative to NATO will also be a plus with track record of international affairs & foreign policy.

HI Governor George Ariyoshi (D)
Experience: Governor of HI since 1974; Lieutenant Governor of HI (1970-74); Member, HI State Senate (1959-70); Member, HI Territorial Senate (1958-59); Member, HI Territorial House of Representatives (1954-58)
Why he's being considered: One of the darkhorse VP contenders. Comes from the West, which will help whomever the Dem nominee for the Presidency in several key Western states.

AZ Governor Bruce Babbitt (D):
Experience: Governor of AZ since 1978; State Attorney General of AZ (1975-78)
Why he's being considered: Babbitt is very well-liked among the National Governors Association & Western Governors Association. He also comes from the Rocky Mountain West, with the potential of flipping AZ into the Dem column.

 

[49ersfootball]

July 6th, 1980
BREAKING: MILITARY COUP IN SAUDI ARABIA; GENERAL JAMAL AL-FAYHEED TAKING OVER THE SAUDI GOVERNMENT
*Saudi Royal Family ousted in military coup d'etat
*Full-scale attacks launched by the rebel forces.
*Developments coming in.
*Foreign Embassies under heavy security lockdown.
*White House, State Department & Defense Department monitoring the situation.

TO BE CONTINUED......
Fallout from the coup d'etat in Saudi Arabia.

 

[49ersfootball]

@Husky_Khan @Zachowon @Ibanez @Cherico @stevep @TheRomanSlayer @The Whispering Monk @gral @Typhonis @The Unicorn @History Learner @WolfBlade @Morphic Tide

HEALTH UPDATE: According to Josh Carter, it appears Jimmy Carter is in his "final journey" & we're bracing for the inevitable which could happen any moment. Carter had defied the odds before, but something tells me this could be it.

 

[Zachowon]

He may have been a bad president but was always a nice man