The Cursed American Presidency

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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.

 

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@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.

 

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@Ibanez @History Learner @The Unicorn
July 7th, 1980
PRESIDENT BROWN RULES OUT MILITARY INTERVENTION IN SAUDI ARABIA

Less than 24 HRS after the overthrow of the Saudi Royal Family by Army General Jamal Al-Fayheed, President Jerry Brown announced that he will not order any military intervention & recognizing the new Saudi government effective immediately. "We must be realistic here my fellow Americans. I don't believe that instigating a military invasion into Saudi Arabia represents America's values or interests because we don't want nor cannot afford a quagmire whatsoever."

Brown also blocked congressional attempts to push legislation or even congressional resolutions condemning the military coup. White House Chief of Staff Gray Davis was at the Capitol lobbying several members of Congress in both the House & Senate.

July 11th, 1980: Al-Fayheed sworn in as Saudi Arabian President
Five days following the military coup which ousted the Saudi Royal Family, Army General Jamal Al-Fayheed was sworn into office as the Middle Eastern country's 1st President. He also declared nationwide martial law across Saudi Arabia & warned that outside agitators & protesters will be aggressively punished by the fullest extent of the law.

July 13th, 1980: Whereabouts of the Saudi Royal Family unknown at this time
It's unknown where are the members of the Saudi Royal Family at this time because of uncertainty about whether the Military Junta has arrested them or not. Reports circulated deposed Crown Prince Basaam & his family fled to somewhere in Europe; due to the chaotic situation, the deposed Crown Prince did release a statement thanking the Saudi people for their support of the Royal Family throughout decades. Since the military coup on July 6th, speculation has been swirling around whether many members of the deposed Saudi Royal Family were either captured or killed.

Intelligence reports: Brown administration knew about military coup threat against Saudi Royal Family & didn't lift a finger to prevent it
Anonymous sources fearful of retribution or worse reportedly reveal documentation that showed the Brown administration was aware about a potential military coup d'etat attempt against the Saudi Royal Family dating back to Summer 1977 & didn't do anything to stop it from successfully taking place. The Washington Post reported President Brown ordered the US State Department & Defense Department to block Saudi diplomats & government officials from entering the US nor attending UN General Assembly sessions including having any contact with American government officials. Despite President Brown's original statement on the July 6th, 1980 military coup, these explosive documents contradict the President's statements on the current crisis in Saudi Arabia.

July 14th, 1980: Will President Brown endorse either of the candidates for the 1980 Democratic Party presidential nomination?
With the DNC Convention around the corner next month, speculation has been swirling around whether President Jerry Brown will make an endorsement either Vice President Jimmy Carter or former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) for the 1980 Democratic Party presidential nomination. Brown has been consistently standing by his statement that he will remain neutral until the DNC Convention to make an official endorsement of whomever is his preferred successor as the Democratic Party presidential nominee.

July 15th, 1980: Georgia Mafia using dirty tactics & dog-whistle politics ?
Allegations have surfaced that some members of the Georgia Mafia has been using dirty tactics such as digging up incriminating information about the personal life of former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D); pumping information out of people about corruption allegations against Edwards. There's also disturbing allegations of the 'Georgia Mafia' has used over 39,000,000+ mail-flyers across 51 states & US Territories of US Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands & American Samoa with violent racially-charged dog whistles blasting Edwards' record as LA Governor including speculation swirling around the Georgia Mafia pushed controversial picture flyers of Edwards with group of black college studenta with the bold letters saying: 'WAKE UP AMERICA: N******RS ARE COMING TO RAPE OUR WHITE WIFES AND DAUGHTERS: STAND UP FOR AMERICAN VALUES!"

CBS 3 WWL-TV New Orleans reported that Edwards campaign manager Marion Edwards has blasted the smear campaign gutter tactics by accusing the Carter campaign of using these controversial tactics.

 

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Coming Up in The Cursed American Presidency
GOP National Convention highlights in Detroit, MI from July 14th-17th, 1980

 

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Coming Up in The Cursed American Presidency
August 11th-14th, 1980: Highlights of the 1980 DNC Convention in San Juan, PR.

 

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Summer 1980: President Jerry Brown's final International trips as the 40th President

June 18th, 1980: President Jerry Brown & First Lady Linda Ronstadt-Brown heading toward the private tarmac where Air Force One was awaiting them for their overseas trips to Italy, Yugoslavia, Spain & Portugal.

June 19th-24th, 1980
Italy (Rome; Venice)
President Jerry Brown attended the 6th G7 Summit in Venice (his last as President since he wasn't seeking reelection) & met with Italian President Sandro Pertini during a State Visit at the Presidential Palace in Rome.

June 21st, 1980:
Vatican City (Apostolic Palace)
President Jerry Brown accompanied by his wife, First Lady Linda Ronstadt Brown held an audience with Pope John Paul II. This was a very moving moment for the Brown's.

June 24th-25th, 1980
Yugolsavia (Belgrade)
Official Visit: President Brown met with Yugoslav President Cvijetin Mijatovic for bilateral talks on US-Yugoslavia diplomatic relations between the two countries. Fostering diplomatic, economic & bilateral ties with Yugolsavia has been the hallmark of the Brown administration's foreign policy objectives.

June 25th-26th, 1980
Spain (Madrid)
President & First Lady Brown were greeted by King Juan Carlos I & Queen Sofia on the grounds of Royal Palacio in Madrid, where the Welcoming Honors Ceremony took place with a thundering 21 Cannon Salute was fired by the Spanish Royal Army Field Artillery Regiment & playing of the respective national anthems of the US & Spain followed by the Honor Guard Inspection of the Spanish Armed Forces as King Juan Carlos I & President Brown reviewed the troops.

Later that evening, there was a State Dinner held inside Royal Palacio in President Brown's honor hosted by the Spanish Royal Family.

June 26th-30th, 1980
Portugal (Lisbon)
Next on the itinerary was the Portuguese Republic, where President Brown met with Portuguese President Winfield Gonsalves (more on him later in Chapter XIII) & Portuguese Prime Minister Francisco de Sa Carneiro. Main focus was discussing diplomatic bilateral relations between the two countries. On June 27th, Brown addressed a Joint Session of the Portuguese Parliament.

July 9th-10th, 1980:
Japan (Tokyo)
Official Visit; Attended funeral service of the late Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira, where Brown met with Emperor Hirohito, Bangla President Ziaur Rahman Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, Thai Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda & Taiwanese Premier Sun Yun-suan.

 

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RNC NATIONAL CONVENTION
July 14th-17th,1980
Joe Louis Arena
Detroit, MI

Day I: July 14th
Reports: MI Governor William Milliken (R) for VP? Negotiations happening between Reagan & Milliken camps

Speculative reports coming out of the GOP National Convention circles in Detroit are indicating former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R), the presumptive GOP Presidential nominee is considering tapping MI Governor William Milliken (R) for VP on the GOP ticket. The possibility was being discussed after Reagan & Milliken met more than once in recent weeks. Reagan aides were reaching out to the three-term MI Governor prior to the convention. On July 13th, the day before the convention began, Milliken reportedly returned a phone call to campaign executives by requesting a personal meeting with Governor Reagan before delegates were expected to meet. Because of scheduling conflicts, the meeting didn't occur. Although both had telephone conversations as reporters converged the MI Governor told the press. The presumptive GOP Presidential nominee asked Milliken directly: "Would you be interested in serving as Vice President?". "There are certain conditions under whom I'd see myself running and serving in this role." Milliken wanted major influence over decisions. After Reagan asked again to hear directly from Milliken, the latter once again requested a behind the scenes personal meeting. According to reports, Reagan agreed to that & hung up the phone. However, an aide found out a meeting between the two men was quite difficult to arrange at the convention site since Reagan was expected to arrive late on July 15th, the day the VP nomination was about to be announced. The aide called back Milliken, who demanded Reagan make an offer before giving an answer whether he'd take the nomination.

Coming Up: Interview of MI Governor William Milliken (R) with CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite & the fallout from the exclusive interview.

 

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July 14th, 1980: Milliken gives Walter Cronkite interview: "Governor Reagan needs to make an offer"

MI Governor William G. Milliken (R) arrived at the RNC Convention on the first day in Detroit, ahead of Reagan, whose arrival was scheduled for July 15th. CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite was able to talk with the three-term MI Governor, especially about the VP choice.

Cronkite: "Welcome to the set, Governor Milliken."

Milliken: "My pleasure Walter. Welcome to the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, the site of the Republican National Convention. How are you doing?"

Cronkite: "We're doing fine, thank you Governor. You have been meeting with Governor Reagan numerous times in recent months. Can you tell us whether you've discussed the campaign and if so, which I would be assuming-please provide some details. Neither your team nor the Reagan campaign staff gave us any preferred specifics."

Milliken: "It's quite obvious we have been discussing numerous things. Including how we can get our national economy moving again and freeing the 52 American hostages out of Iran. I can tell you right now that Governor Reagan is committed to do anything possible to end this horrific situation if elected President and doing everything possible of using options in doing so, including military force in getting the job done. However, the Governor is prepared to deal with the situation should he be elected and all diplomatic efforts fail up until January 20th, 1981."

Cronkite: "And the campaign Governor?"

Milliken: "We discussed lots of specific issues concerning the presidential campaign. And how we're making sure to gain more seats both in the House and Senate this fall."

Cronkite: "Sir um, I am trying to get you to talk about the potential job you might get: the Vice Presidency of the United States. Your name has been floated for the position. Are you seriously considering becoming Vice President should Governor Reagan pick you?"

Milliken: (laughter) "Look, Walter, I'm not going to discuss these matters in front of the camera. Governor Reagan plans on announcing his pick for Vice President whom he believes can serve the nation well and him as a governing partner. My name was indeed mentioned, and I take strong pride in that potential consideration. In the end, it's just a question that should be answered by Governor Reagan alone and it's his decision including certain factors."

Cronkite: "What certain factors, Governor Milliken?"

Milliken: "Obviously the role of the Vice Presidency of course."

Cronkite: "Do you have certain preferred conditions?"

Milliken: "It's not up to me in outlining preferred conditions. It's an honor to be mentioned. If anything, there needs to be a personal offer from the nominee himself and should that come, you will find out."

Cronkite: 'So you might decide that a potential offer isn't worth taking?"

Milliken: "I'm not discussing any potential what-ifs or second-guessings. This is up to the Governor to making a serious, personal offer. I am available for any discussion."

Cronkite: "Governor, wouldn't you prefer to serve as Vice President and if elected, you would become the first Michigander elected to the nation's second highest office and the second Michigander serving in this role."

Milliken: "Walter, I know that you want me to say yes or no. But I am not going to be doing that. What I have always said that I am available for any role that Governor Reagan thinks is appropriate for me to serve in. He has to make a specific, personal offer. Any should that offer arrive me, I will make a decision and it'll be the right decision."

Cronkite: "Would you want any preferred influence ranging from economic policy, domestic policy, foreign policy?"

Milliken: "I don't see this as terms of influence. It's about actual policies that I genuinely care about. But once again, Governor Reagan is the one to make the offer himself. He's absolutely free to make such an offer to me or anybody else."

Cronkite: "Governor Milliken, I want to thank you for this exchange."

Milliken: "Always. Thank you very much."

 

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July 16th: Day III
BREAKING NEWS BULLETIN: REAGAN CHOOSES FORMER CIA DIRECTOR GEORGE HW BUSH AS VP

Former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) announcing his VP pick: it's former CIA Director George HW Bush.

Following long & extensive consultations with campaign aides & GOP circles, former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) finally made his decision: former CIA Director George Herbert Walker Bush to be the VP. It's being reported that the nominee was originally inclined to stick with MI Governor William Milliken following the previous day's confusion, though campaign aides increasingly pressured him to reconsider & arranging an ad-hoc meeting with Director Bush. The conservation went very well according to numerous sources among the Reagan & Bush camps & Bush signaled his willingness to accept the Vice Presidential slot if offered personally. Following the meeting, the former CA Governor spoke to his wife, Nancy including asking former US Ambassador to Brazil David Rockefeller (brother of the late former President Nelson Rockefeller) for advice again, whom recommended Bush as well. "If your team doesn't get along with Governor Milliken, it's going to be causing lots of trouble." Rockefeller was quoted as saying, "you don't even want to have too much attention to the second-in-command fellow." Reagan made his pick & called Milliken personally to inform him of his decision, whom himself congratulated Bush. The former CIA Director thanked Bush in person & pledged his full support 100% to winning the election. Reagan, in return, offered his newfound partner a strong role in negotiating with Congress on his behalf, should the duo win the November 4th, 1980 general election.

TX Governor William P. Clements, Jr., (R) had the privilege of introducing Bush as the VP nominee, who was confirmed by a voice vote by the delegates overwhelmingly. Bush then took to the stage & spoke for about sixteen minutes, pledging to work for unity within the GOP. "What I can tell you is that these terms don't matter to me. We're all Republicans, united behind core principles for America: Freedom, prosperity, peace and honor. We may have differences here and there how to get there, but these goals are set in stone. For all of us. I will do my very best to helping Governor Reagan win this election and making sure we lead this nation in the right direction."

Bush's speech was met with lasting applause. Sources tell the press corps that several moderate GOPers were satisfied with the pick & finally come along in supporting Governor Reagan's presidential campaign.

 

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July 17th, 1980: Day IV
FORMER CA GOVERNOR RONALD REAGAN ACCEPTS GOP NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT

July 17th was Ronald Reagan's big day: Before thousands & thousands of delegates, the former CA Governor finally accepted the GOP nomination that had eluded him in 1968 & 1976. It was a historic day & that not only did the Party of Lincoln nominate the oldest candidate for the Presidency at the age of 69, but it was also the first time since 1964 that a member of the Conservative Wing gained the candidacy. 16 years ago, Reagan was a staunch die-hard supporter of United States Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ), who introduced Reagan to the podium, whose campaign obviously ended in such an epic massive landslide defeat to LBJ that year. Although growing influence & acceptance among voters since 1964, GOPers had feared a right-wing nominee. In 1968, the party turned to Richard Nixon again to leading the GOP & emerged victorious defeating then-VP Hubert Humphrey & won reelection in a landslide victory in 1972 defeating United States Senator George McGovern (D-SD) carrying 49 out of 50 states. However, at the same time, the influence of the Conservatives continued to grow in the 1970s due to opposition to the centrist policies of Ford & Rockefeller. They aggressively increased their influence in blocking key major legislative priorities during the Brown administration, even blocking several of President Brown's judicial nominees.

Eager to following his lead & learning from the mistakes of Goldwater from 16 years earlier, Reagan was disciplined & GOPers followed his lead, giving another conservative the chance of reclaiming the White House after four years in the wilderness. Unlike Goldwater, Reagan had the charisma in appealing to voters beyond the classical conservative electorate that the Arizonan captured.


Reagan used his national platform of promoting his policies if elected the 41st President: Lower taxes, less regulations, strong national defense & traditional American family values. Conservative issues at the heart & with his charismatic speech, Reagan won the delegates & many viewers watching on TV. However, he also knew that there's still a large group of undecided voters: Independents including several disaffected Dems, who have been disappointed in the Brown administration. Reagan said in his convention speech: "And with all of my heart, I pledge to you, that I will be a president that leads America with pragmatism and the relentless will to get something done. A quality that has been consistent among Republican presidents: Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford and Rockefeller. They knew how to work with people. At home and abroad," Governor Reagan said. "I will not be distracted by all of the noise coming from liberal ideologues in Congress, which have held a people's agenda hostage for their own political purposes and self-interests. We're seeking what every common sense American is seeking: Pursuit of happiness, self-responsibility and less government in all aspects of our lives. A government that serves the people, not the other way around. A government of strong national defense, strong foreign policy and less waste. Time and time again, Republicans in Congress have worked on these goals, and time and time again, the current Democratic administration occupying the White House and Congress have used their powers to preventing such progress. It's time for us to sending them a strong and clear message and let us together restoring the true greatness of this nation!" The delegates cheered loudly.

In the final words of his speech, Reagan took aim at his preferred Dem opponent, Vice President Jimmy Carter. "He governed as a fiscal moderate-conservative back in Georgia, but when you look at the policies he has subscribed to during the last four years as Vice President under President Jerry Brown, a Carter presidency will end in catastrophic financial and economic ruin," He then finally promised to fight aggressively to winning the election. Overall, the GOP National Convention was an overall success.

July 18th, 1980: Post GOP National Convention Polls
Former Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA): 57%
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 40%

Former Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA): 55%
Former Governor Edwin Edwards (D-LA): 37%

Next: The DNC National Convention in San Juan, PR.

 

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DNC NATIONAL CONVENTION
August 11th-14th, 1980
Roberto Clemente Coliseum
San Juan, PR

August 11th: Day I

Highlights of the Day:
DNC Chairman John C. White opened up the 1980 Democratic National Convention in San Juan, PR: the first time that the DNC National Convention was held in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, who was admitted to the Union as the 51st State of the United States in 1977 with President Jerry Brown signing the Puerto Rican Statehood Admission Act into law.

United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) fired up the crowd with his 27-minute speech to the DNC delegates. He also warned that a Reagan presidency would open the floodgates of dog-whistle politics in America.

US Rep. Theodore Mendez (D-PR) was excited to addressing the delegates, thanking the DNC for holding the 1980 Democratic National Convention in his home state: "The people of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will never forget you. We are a deep Blue state and we're going to work hard in ensuring that the Democratic Party keeps the White House for another four more years!"

Delegates began voting on whom will become the Democratic Party presidential nominee as it's possible that the outcome won't be revealed until either the 3rd or 4th day of the convention.

 

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Crazy in San Juan
August 12th, 1980
5:39 PM AST
Roberto Clemente Coliseum
San Juan, PR

Former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D) speaking with CBS 4 WWL-TV New Orleans following the chaotic incident inside the convention hall during the 2nd day of the 1980 Democratic National Convention in San Juan.

It turned into absolute chaos in San Juan. The first ballot for President was underway & it became quite clear the first ballot was inconclusive. With Senators Nunn & Bentsen whipping up conservative Southern delegates into the Carter camp, they were still having problems in the Midwest delegations, majority of whom would've preferred someone else than either the Peanut Farmer or Silver Fox.

Floor fights had been occurring all day during the platform drafting process, a few of them turning into outright physical brawls between rival hordes of delegates. Governor Edwards himself went down to the convention floor on Tuesday morning in doing a quick walkabout to meeting & encouraging delegates supporting his campaign for the Democratic Party presidential nomination for President.

Although Vice President Carter still maintained a narrow lead in the delegate count, it appeared increasingly likely that the Governor would avoid defeat in the first two ballots. However, the uncomitted delegates hadn't rallied behind either of the candidates. In the meantime, Reagan had an overwhelming unity of GOPers rallying behind him at the GOP National Convention in Detroit back in mid-July.

EWE was all smiles as he was making his way through throngs of supporters; but nearby the rapidly pro-Carter delegation from his home state of GA led by GA Lieutenant Governor (future United States Senator) Zell Miller (D) was awaiting him with smattering of boos & jeers. Expressing a false smile (plus using the typical flashy EWE gesture), he continued past them, but his own men out of LA were less tolerant.

The obvious tension had been building for months dating back to the primaries. It escalated within the convention hall, which quickly became too much & to the horror of Governor Edwards' surrounding security detail agents, a full-blown battle exploded. As they surrounded the Governor in a human ring three person deep, fists & punches were thrown between the delegates (on live TV).

While they rushed Edwards away from the chaotic scene, one Carter delegate pushed her way through the LA delegation's members & approached the telephone ,which had been set up for them. Without hesitation & fueled by adrenaline, she ripped the phone out & tore out the wires, throwing it onto the floor & stomping it before pushing her way back to the GA delegation's designated area. Having witnessed the entire incident from one of the safety zone of the stairs, the Governor decided he would personally venture down back to the floor despite fierce opposition of his protectors in the US Secret Service. Large group of LA delegates gathered around him, the Governor picked up the broken phone & displayed it for all of the broadcast networks' cameras in display.

 

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August 12th, 1980: Balloting conducted at the DNC National Convention
After six ballots, the delegates of the 1980 Democratic National Convention finally voted to decide who would become the Democratic Party nominee for President & the result was the following:

DNC Presidential Vote, 1980
Jimmy Carter: 1,127 (49.61%)
Edwin Edwards: 1,073 (47.83%)
Uncommitted: 73 (2.56%)

DNC Presidential Vote, 1980
Jimmy Carter: 1,161 (50.19%)✔
Edwin Edwards: 1,084 (48.36%)
Uncommitted: 23 (0.55%)

BREAKING: VICE PRESIDENT CARTER CLINCHES PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION BY RAZOR-THIN MARGIN ON SIXTH BALLOT DEFEATING RIVAL FORMER LA GOVERNOR EDWIN EDWARDS

Vice President Jimmy Carter & his family celebrating upon the late night's news.

August 13th, 1980: Day III Speakers
6:00 PM: First Lady Linda Ronstadt-Brown (D-CA)
7:45 PM: CA Governor Mervyn Dymally (D-CA)
8:30 PM: New Orleans Mayor Ernest "Dutch" Morial (D-LA)
9:15 PM: Los Angeles Mayor Thomas Bradley (D-CA)
10:00 PM: Former MN Governor Rudy Perpich (D-MN) introduces former US Secretary of State Walter Mondale.
10:15 PM: Former US Secretary of State Walter Mondale (D-MN)'s acceptance speech as the Democratic Party nominee for Vice President.

August 14th, 1980: Day IV Speakers
7:00 PM: Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson (D-GA)
7:15 PM: United States Senator Daniel Inoyue (D-HI)
7:45 PM: NC Governor Jim Hunt (D-NC)
8:30 PM: United States Senator Juan Cinton H. Garcia (D-PR)
9:15 PM: President Jerry Brown (D-CA)
9:49 PM: Second Lady Rosalynn Carter (D-GA) introduces her husband, Vice President Jimmy Carter.
10:00 PM: Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA)'s acceptance speech as the Democratic Party nominee for President.
11:00 PM: Convention adjoruns.

"Now, let us all join forces as Americans. Not as Southerners or Northerners, as Easterners and Westerners. Because there is no such thing. We are all Americans. Now let's march together as one united people in its belief in democracy, human rights and freedom. Thank you very much. Thank you so much."

August 15th, 1980: Post-DNC Convention Polling
Former Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA): 59%
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 37%
Coming Up: The Campaign Trail (Fall 1980)

 

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August 21st, 1980
BREAKING: ASSOCIATED PRESS CONFIRMS MOHAMMED REZA PAHLAVI, DEPOSED SHAH OF IRAN DIES FROM TERMINAL CANCER
*Egyptian President Anwar Sadat confirms the news during press conference in Cairo.
*The Pahlavi family officially confirmed the breaking news reports during press conference.
*Foreign dignitaries offering condolences; none from US President Jerry Brown

Deposed Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat upon arriving in Egypt: March 1980.

Less than five months after arriving in Egypt for asylum at the personal request of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat & less than a year following the Iranian Revolution which overthrew the Iranian Royal Family on January 16th, 1979, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the deposed Shah of Iran died from lymphatic cancer at the Military Hospital in Cairo surrounded by his family. Condolences came from several foreign Heads of State: Mexican President General Oscar Robles, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former King Constantine II of Greece, French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Neither US President Jerry Brown or US Vice President Jimmy Carter offered any statements regarding the deposed Shah's passing with White House Press Secretary Jody Powell saying, "The White House has no comment. Further details will come later on...."

The only prominent American attending the Shah's State Funeral in Egypt on August 27th was former US President Richard Nixon, who blasted the Brown administration's treatment of the late Shah by calling it very disgusting & shameful.

 

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August 1980: Unemployment rising to 13.6%; Brown White House & Congress differing on strategies of economic recovery
Once the July Jobs Report came out, members of both political parties clashed quickly on how to interpret them & more importantly, what to do about it. Congressional GOPers attacked the Brown administration for the ongoing inflation crisis & energy crisis; while Congressional Dems faulted the Brown administration for austerity politics as the President vetoed high numbers of spending bills in recent months. President Brown & his team quickly rejected the criticism: "We cannot spend our way out of this economic downturn by increasing deficits," the President told reporters at the Rose Garden of the White House. "We can't even talk about certain expenditures that have stimulating effects, but unfortunately some on the Republican side of the aisle in Congress have ignored my offer in proposing bipartisan alternatives with meaningful spending cuts across the board. None were even offered, just using the ongoing economic recession as a political football," he added.

In the meantime, former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) emphasized broad tax reforms in lowering corporate taxes & several tax brackets for individuals. He discussed his "Secret Tax Reform Plan" once he took his formal nomination back in July. Reagan also called on Congress & President Brown to negotiate for immediate action.

Inside sources: Vance's shadow diplomacy backfiring in bid to rescue American hostages out of Iran; massive political pressure on Brown mounting
Over a year following the overthrow of the Pahlavi's in Iran & after the Iranian Islamic government took American hostages, there's no end in sight. Despite several various diplomatic efforts & threats of military action, the Iranian Islamic government had refused to budge. Sources surrounding US Secretary of State Cyrus Vance confessed an informal & secretive meeting arranged by West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt between Vance & Iranian diplomats produced any good results. Some insiders of the US State Department pressured Vance in lobbying the President into using military force. Following the disastrous botched military rescue attempt a few months earlier, President Jerry Brown has refused to do so, siding with Vance's shadow diplomatic solutions because of fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East. He has urged Vance & the US State Department continuing to use all diplomatic options. Assessing the situation upon Vance's return, President Brown may have to make another decision in the remaining months he has left in office.

 

[49ersfootball]

Fall 1980: Kickoff to the 1980 Presidential campaign

Former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) kicked off the general election campaign following the GOP National Convention by doing an aggressive campaign blitz in the South, with the goal of cutting into the Southern support of Vice President Jimmy Carter. On August 27th, Reagan generated controversy & backlash when he delivered a campaign speech at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, MS (the site of where three voting rights workers will killed 16 years earlier): Reagan boasted of "States' Rights" & getting the federal government off of the American people's backs. Of course when asked of the controversy, Reagan denied the speech was racially-charged.

Vice President Carter blasted Reagan's controversial campaign kickoff speech at the Neshoba County Fair saying Reagan would gut all civil rights protections if he wins the Presidency & would set the country back to the 1840s. "America cannot afford a Reagan presidency that would roll back civil rights protections, gutting the Equal Rights Amendment, or destroy the progress that we've worked hard to achieve in the nearly 20+ years. We cannot give an untested novice with no foreign policy experience the keys of the Presidency when foreign leaders will test the leader of the free world in times of crisis."

BREAKING: United States Senator Dennis DeConicini (D-AZ) endorsing Reagan for President
The Arizona Republic reported that United States Senator Dennis DeConcini (D-AZ) confirmed he plans on endorsing the presidential campaign of former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) saying that Americans need a fresh face leading the country after four chaotic years of the Brown administration. DeConcini cited law & order & getting tough on crime as well as cutting unnecessary domestic programs as the main factors.

August 31st, 1980: Gallup Polling Survey
President Jerry Brown Job Approval Rating
Approve: 35%
Disapprove: 59%

First Lady Linda Ronstadt Brown Approval Rating
Approve: 83%
Disapprove: 11%

Vice President Jimmy Carter Approval Rating
Approve: 39%
Disapprove: 57%

Second Lady Rosalynn Carter Approval Rating
Approve: 73%
Disapprove: 23%

US Secretary of State Cyrus Vance Approval Rating
Approve: 43%
Disapprove: 55%

US Secretary of Defense Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Approval Rating
Approve: 59%
Disapprove: 37%

 

[49ersfootball]

Coming Up in the Cursed American Presidency
October 28th, 1980: The Big Presidential Debate between former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) vs Vice President Jimmy Carter

 

[49ersfootball]

September 7th, 1980: Vice President Jimmy Carter punched in the face by baggy coat person during campaign rally
There was an ugly incident in Denver, CO where Vice President Jimmy Carter was holding a campaign rally along with United States Senator Gary Hart (D-CO), who was seeking reelection in the CO US Senate election. Carter was shaking hands with college students when someone wearing baggy jacket & looked older, walked up to the Vice President by badgering him about the inflation crisis, then the person in baggy clothes curtly said "Have a hotdog" & as the Vice President was about to ask for some ketchup, the person in baggy clothes raised his right fist & punched the Vice President in the face (who fell to the ground) to the absolute horror of those in the crowd as Secret Service agents took the Vice President to get medical attention while law enforcement officers from the Denver Police Department arrested the person in baggy clothes.

September 1980: Debates set for VP & President
The League of Women Voters confirmed there will be debates for President & Vice President. The first presidential debate is set for September 27th on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, MD; Second debate scheduled for October 6th in the LPB Studios in Baton Rouge, LA & the third debate will take place in Cleveland, OH on October 28th. Both Governor Reagan & Vice President Carter confirmed they'll be attending the debates, but neither have disclosed whether they'll do all three debates.

The Vice Presidential debate between former CIA Director George HW Bush & former US Secretary of State Walter Mondale will be set for October 13th in Phoenix, AZ; both Bush & Mondale confirmed they'll be attending.

 

[49ersfootball]

September 17th, 1980:
BREAKING: FORMER NICARAGUAN PRESIDENT ANASTASIO SOMOZA DEBAYLE ASSASSINATED IN PARAGUAY
15 months after being ousted from office in the 1979 Sandinista Revolution, former Nicaraguan President Anastasio Somoza Debayle was assassinated as he was being driven from his home in Asuncion to a bank appointment by a team of Sandinistas consisting of four men & three women, who carried out Operation Reptile. At 10:08 AM, the former Nicaraguan President's vehicle was driving through a residential neighborhood on Avenida Espana, a stolen pickup truck had cut in front of the Mercedes & blocked Somoza's vehicle at the intersection of Avenida America. Three men in the truck were assisted by two additional men from the house around the corner of the neighborhood & fired automatic weapons striking Somoza 19 times; After killing the chauffeur, Hugo Iruzun, a member of the Sandinista team carrying out Operation Reptile, fired a rocket-launcher which destroyed the limousine, killing all inside the vehicle including the former President's financial consultant Jose Baittiner.

September 18th, 1980: Soviet lofting space capsule with Cuban astronaut
Arnaldo Tamayo Mendez of Cuba made history becoming the first person of African descent to travel in space, also becoming the first Cuban cosmonaut as he & Soviet astronaut Yuri V. Romanenko were launched on Soyuz 38 to the Salyut 6 space station.

September 20th, 1980:
BREAKING: VICE PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER NOT ATTENDING FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE IN BALTIMORE
Angered because of the League of Women Voters decision to inviting US Rep. John Anderson (I-IL) to the first presidential debate, Vice President Jimmy Carter refused to participate in the first presidential debate, which will be set in Baltimore, MD on September 27th. GOP Presidential nominee, former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) & Congressman Anderson will go ahead on debating each other in the upcoming first presidential debate.

September 21st, 1980: President Brown signs Intelligence Oversight Act into law
President Jerry Brown signed the Intelligence Oversight Act of 1980 into law, which requires the US government agencies in reporting covert actions to the intelligence committees of both the US House of Representatives & US Senate.

 

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September 27th, 1980: First presidential debate occurs between Governor Reagan & Congressman Anderson
The first presidential debate between former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) & US Rep. John Anderson (I-IL) took place inside the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. The debate began at 10:00 PM EST & lasted for one HR; Reagan & Anderson each received six questions respectively, they were given two minutes to answering each question including one minute & 15 second rebuttal. Closing statements lasted three minutes.

October 6th, 1980: Congressman John Anderson (I-IL) to appear on the election ballots in all 51 states including DC
US Rep. John Anderson (I-IL) accomplished his goal as a third-party candidate for the Presidency by being on the election ballots in all 51 states including the District of Columbia. According to the Chicago Tribune, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals refused to abating the decision from a district court, which would require Anderson's name being placed on the ballots in the state of GA.

October 13th, 1980: Vice Presidential debate between Bush & Mondale occurs
Estimated 43.6 million Americans watched the only Vice Presidential debate between former CIA Director George HW Bush & former US Secretary of State Walter Mondale inside Arizona Public Broadcasting Studios in Phoenix, AZ; this was the second Vice Presidential debate in American history; the first was in 1976.

October 17th, 1980: US signs pact guaranteeing Israel oil supplies
US President Jerry Brown signed an agreement on behalf of the United States, committing the US to selling sufficient crude oil for Israel to meeting its needs for 14 years through 1994.

Gallup Polling Survey: October 21st, 1980
Former Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA): 44%
Vice President Jimmy Carter (D-GA): 40%
Congressman John Anderson (I-IL): 13%

October 23rd, 1980:
BREAKING: ANOTHER MILITARY OPERATION ATTEMPT FAILS HORRIBLY; 13 US MILITARY SERVICEMEN KILLED

In another attempt in rescuing the American hostages out of Iran, the Brown administration approved a secret US military operation with the goal of rescuing the 57 American hostages which consisted of seven helicopters turned into another epic disaster & it comes just five days before the second & final presidential debate between former CA Governor Ronald Reagan (R) & Vice President Jimmy Carter.

Details of the botched military mission revealed three out of seven helicopters failed because they were struck by Iranian air missiles. In the midst of the disaster, a helicopter & tramsport plane collided, killing 13 American servicemen & servicewomen plus injuring 25 others. Upon learning news of the botched secret mission & deadly aftermath, American public opinion turned strongly against President Brown despite his administration's efforts in negotiating the release of the hostages. Americans were not only furious & angry with the Brown administration's incompetence, but felt increasingly humiliated that the most powerful nation in the world wasn't able to free the hostages.