Alternate History The State of the Future TL

[49ersfootball]

COMING SOON IN CHAPTER V OF THE STATE OF THE FUTURE
MA Governor Michael Dukakis (D) becomes the Democratic Party Presidential nominee for the Presidency in the 1988 Presidential Campaign

 

[49ersfootball]

@History Learner @Julio92 @stevep @TheRomanSlayer @Zyobot @Captain X @Airedale260 @Carrot of Truth @Circle of Willis @Cherico @Tiamat @Buba @almostinsane @DarthOne @Stargazer @TerrificWarden @The Whispering Monk

Coming up this weekend: Stay tuned for the Flash-Forward sections of Chapter V of this TL.

It'll include highlights of the 1988 Presidential campaign between Bush, Sr vs Dukakis.

 

[49ersfootball]

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I decided to spice-up the TL just a little bit by using Flash-forward segments instead of going by month-to-month via 1987, etc.,

Hoping y'all enjoy!

THE DEMS!
Summer 1988

Omni Coliseum in Atlanta, GA where the 1988 DNC Convention was held from July 18th-21st, 1988.
​

After months of long-dragged out primaries & caucuses, MA Governor Michael Dukakis (D) emerged as the front-runner of the Democratic Party & clinched the nomination of his party by June 14th, through months of disciplined hard work & some oratorical ability in speeches of dazzling voters.

During the primaries, main rivals for the nomination flamed out due to poor fundraising, lack of enthusiasm or scandals that destroyed their campaigns (Hart with the sex scandals & Biden with the plagiarism scandals which foreshadowed other ugly scandals which would destroy his political career in later years).

The outspoken & controversial civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson managed to win 13 primaries along with 1,023 delegates but didn't have any strong political support from fellow Democrats, who viewed Jackson as too liberal, too controversial, way too many skeletons in the closet & super extreme.

United States Senator Al Gore (D-TN) was viewed as the more conservative choice of Blue Dog Democrats. He won 7 primaries including his home state of Tennessee, Gore racked up 374 delegates & 3,190,992 Popular Votes but garnered only 13.5%.

United States Senator Paul Simon (D-IL) flamed out quickly while US Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO) managed to win just 3 primaries but also flammed out.

Less than two weeks later on June 28th, Dukakis announced his selection of United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) as his running mate for the Vice Presidency. Bentsen had defeated Bush for the 1970 TX US Senate election & his popularity in the Lone Star State seemed to give the Democrats a chance to win in the South & even in Bush's home state of TX.

During the 1988 DNC Convention in Atlanta, GA from July 18th-21st: the following delivered speeches with much flair & exciting the crowd: TX State Treasurer Ann Richards (D), United States Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), former US Vice President Jimmy Carter, former US Secretary of State Walter Mondale, United States Senator Daniel P. Moynihan (D-NY St) & Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Senator Bentsen delivered his acceptance speech as the Democratic Party nominee for the Vice Presidency on July 20th & Governor Dukakis delivered a fiery acceptance speech as the Democratic Party nominee for the Presidency on July 21st.

Once the DNC Convention ended, polling surveys had showed Governor Dukakis leading by double digits over President Bush.

 

[49ersfootball]

The GOPers! (Part I)
Spring 1988
​

Despite ascending to the Presidency upon Reagan's resignation on July 14th, 1987, George HW Bush's administration had come under attack from several fronts: pardoning Reagan in light of the Iran-Contra Scandal, his refusal to reveal his knowledge of the scheme selling arms to the Iranians; backlash against the Bush administration escalated when the controversial Panamanian leader, General Manuel Noriega, was indicted on drug trafficking charges which forced the United States to withdraw its support of his government.

It also didn't help that the Stock Market crashed in the Fall of 1987. For some potential rivals, Bush's prospects for a full 4-year term in 1988 was potentially placed in a dangerous situation.

The aftermath of the Iran-Contra Scandal & the controversial pardon of Reagan damaged Bush's image of transparency. Americans thought these controversies would tarnish the President & push him into lame duck status.

Several candidates declared their intention to challenge Bush for the Republican Party presidential nomination in 1988. United States Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) seemed to have the best challenge against the incumbent President: He served as both Republican Majority & Minority Leader in the United States Senate & was nationally known plus it helped that his wife, Elizabeth, had served in the Reagan Cabinet & also in the running was the Rev. Pat Robertson.

During the early stages of the primaries, Dole shocked political experts & observers by winning the Iowa Caucuses. Robertson, who ran an effective grassroots campaign in the Hawkeye State, finished in second place.

For the incumbent President Bush, he was unceremoniously humbled.....coming in third place.

After a feeble & humiliating finish in Iowa, President Bush decided to take the gloves off by holding a closed-door strategy meeting for the upcoming New Hampshire primary (more on that sometime next week).

 

[49ersfootball]

The GOPers (Part II)
Spring 1988
​

Following a humiliating finish in the Iowa Caucuses, President Bush entered the upcoming New Hampshire primary with a strong sense of urgency & decided to take the gloves off: going negative on Senator Dole hard & the person who relished off of making distorting, mean-spirited campaign attack ads was the infamous Lee Atwater, who was known for his steady diet of race-baiting & dog whistle politics.

While Bush was projecting a public face of offering the voters a sense of stability, his campaign operatives behind the scenes were conniving, ambitious, mean-spirited & used aggressive tactics in getting their message out. Atwater & his associates used misleading, disinformation pressure campaign by suggesting Senator Dole had voted for tax increases during the reviled presidency of then-President Jerry Brown (1977-1981) on domestic issues. Atwater went further by using negative television advertising commercials 24/7 by openly disparaging the iconic Kansan's voting record in the United States Senate with obvious outright lies.

During the closing days of the campaign, the President upped the ante even further by using coded messages attacking Dole's record as well as slandering Robertson's background as a television evangelist preacher, etc.,

Whatever you think of the aggressive tactics, it worked as Bush's strategy paid off successfully by defying the polls & soundly defeating Dole in the New Hampshire primary: which gave his campaign a much-needed boost going forward. Asked about the fallout, Senator Dole blasted the President's negative television ads of misleading voters.

From that point on, Bush's campaign for the Republican Party presidential nomination was NEVER seriously challenged afterwards. His overwhelming victories in the March primaries in the South were so large & domimating, that by the end of March 1988, both Mr. Robertson & Senator Dole had dropped out of the race altogether & endorsed the incumbent President for a full 4-year term.

 

[49ersfootball]

Poppy's road to a 1st full 4-year term
Summer 1988
​

By June 14th, President Bush had won 42 overall primaries garnering 8,253,512 votes (67.97%) while Dole got 2,333,375 voted (19.27%) winning 5 primaries & Robertson received 1,097,446 votes (9.00%) winning just 4 primaries.

During the Republican Party National Convention at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA in August 1988, there was mounting speculation over whom Bush would select as his running mate to succeed the retiring Vice President Lamar Alexander. To the surprise of many inside the GOP & the nation by choosing a staunch conservative little-known United States Senator in James Danforth Quayle (R-IN).

Quayle was very young, being 41 years old, handsome, pleasant & wealthy. His votes in the United States Senate had consistently supported conservative causes, but he had done little to distinguish himself in the upper chamber. By choosing the two-term Junior United States Senator from the Hoosier State, President Bush aggressively sought to solidify the future of the conservative movement & appealing to younger voters who had come of age during the Reagan years. The choice sent a message to the most hardcore conservative segment of the Republican Party, signaling the President's solidarity with their concerns.

 

[Sergeant Foley]

@History Learner @Julio92 @stevep @TheRomanSlayer @Zyobot @Captain X @Airedale260 @Carrot of Truth @Circle of Willis @Cherico @Tiamat @Buba @almostinsane @DarthOne @Stargazer @TerrificWarden @The Whispering Monk

Coming up this weekend: Stay tuned for the Flash-Forward sections of Chapter 5 of this TL.

It'll include highlights of the 1988 Presidential campaign between Bush, Sr vs Cuomo.

Subscribed.

 

[49ersfootball]

July 23rd, 1988:
Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX
The Day that Nobody Will Forget!

TX Governor Mark W. White, Jr., (D) greeting spectators outside of the Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio before absolute horror occurred.

Saturday, July 23rd, 1988: A Day that Nobody Will Forget because it's a question nobody dared to answer on what they were doing & where they were when they heare the awful news in San Antonio, TX.

From the perspective of Bexar County Sheriff's Department Deputy Luciana Baeva: "It was supposed to be a beautiful day on the weekend morning of Saturday, July 23rd, 1988 and what we were all doing. I had learned there was a campaign rally taking place at the Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Less than two days after the end of the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia during the week of July 18th-21st, where Democrats were somewhat united behind Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas: the three-term Democratic Governor had a 17 percentage point lead in the polls against incumbent President George HW Bush, who ascended to the Presidency upon Reagan's resignation in disgrace due to the explosive Iran-Contra Scandal on December 14th, 1986.

I learned that there was going to be a big homecoming campaign rally on behalf of the Dukakis-Bentsen ticket here in the Alamo City, which was going to take place at the Gonzalez Convention Center.

Figuring out who was going to be in attendance: Texas Governor Mark W. White, Jr.,; Congressmen Mickey Leland; Martin Frost; Henry B. Gonzalez; San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros; several state lawmakers including city and countywide elected officeholders.

It was an estimated crowd of about 773+ inside the ballroom when the guest-list of speakers rallied the crowd as they urged people to support the Dukakis-Bentsen ticket including rallying behind all Texas Democrats up and down the ballot. Governor White was the last speaker firing up the crowd saying "This is the year when the American people will send George Bush and the Reagan cronies packing in November. Too much corruption! Scandal after Scandal! Americans losing confidence in their government: We've had enough and with a President Dukakis and Vice President Bentsen at the helm on January 20th, 1989, we will change the course of America for the greater good. Thank you very much!" as the crowd cheered loudly while Governor White was leaving the podium shaking hands with the dignitaries.

The time was 7:57 PM CST when Governor White escorted by members of his security detail from the Texas Department of Public Safety, was cheered by an enthusiastic crowd chanting: "Dukakis-Bentsen 88"! including cheerful chants of "Mark White for Governor 1990 and beyond!"

While the Governor was signing autographs, I noticed across the street a mysterious odd fellow wearing a large baseball cap. I couldn't comprehend why this person was wearing all dark brown clothing; then as he abruptly left after smirking, the baseball cap fell off and I realized a tattoo that looked quite familiar as I had flashbacks of my experience being under detention during the heydays of the chaotic administration of then-Panamanian President General Omar Torrijos during the 1979 Panamanian Hostage Crisis.

Then, I turned around to see a large open window with two others pulling out something. Realizing something odd was bound to happen, I tried to get the attention of SAPD Police Officer Sergeant Dwight Suarez, who attempted to brush me off "Yeah right Deputy Baeva. Now let's focus on getting everyone out of the Convention Center."

Before I nor anyone else realized it. These strange two odd people across the street, pulled out their weapons and opened fire: BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! A total of 63 shots were fired and it turned into outright pandemonium!

All I heard were screaming sounds of several law enforcement officers and several DPS State Troopers saying "WHO'S BEEN HIT?" with sounds of ambulances.

To Be Continued: Regularly Scheduled Programming has been interrupted!

 

[49ersfootball]

July 23rd, 1988
BREAKING: SHOTS FIRED AT TX GOVERNOR MARK W. WHITE, JR., (D) AT THE GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO
*Governor White hit by gunfire & wounded; condition is unclear.
*More than 39+ people injured; casualties climb to 13+.
*San Antonio Police Department & Bexar County Sheriff's Department holding joint press briefing with DPS on today's chaotic events.

Voice-Over from ABC 13 KTRK-TV Houston: "We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming of the ABC Saturday Night Movie to bring you an Eyewitness News Bulletin. Here is Jim Rosenfield."
Jim Rosenfield: "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, 13 Eyewitness News is interrupting regularly scheduled programming for an important major development about a potential tragedy may have occurred in San Antonio that just broke. We are hearing that shots have been fired at Governor Mark White about a little over sixteen minutes ago, at 7:57 PM Central Standard Time. The Governor was on his way to the San Antonio International Airport for the flight back to Austin, after delivering a speech inside the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. As we're hearing, shots rang out at the governor from a greeting crowd outside the convention center. We are turning now to our reporter Deborah Wrigley next to the building where the tragedy has taken place. Deborah, what do we know ?"
Deborah Wrigley: "Good evening Jim, about 16 minutes ago, Governor White had left the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center toward his waiting limousine as someone in the crowd opened fire at the state's highest officeholder in state government. As several hundred people applauded and cheered Governor White, he unexpectedly passed right in front of this man, whose identity we don't know yet and who was immediately arrested by Department of Public Safety state troopers and San Antonio Police Department officers. According to eyewitnesses, Governor White was hit three times as he was being shoved into the limousine. We're also hearing that three DPS state troopers and a San Antonio Police Department officer were hit by gunfire. Over 39 people including those in the crowd were hit by gunfire as well and according to the latest report, 13 others have since died from their gunshot wounds. Immediately afterwards, Governor White was rushed to the Brooke Army Medical Center.
Jim Rosenfield: "Now how exactly did this happen? You would assume that public officials in state government are properly protected."
Deborah Wrigley: "Jim, this will be investigated extensively. From what we know, the Texas Department of Public Safety, which is also responsible for protecting the governor, had extensively screened those attending the governor's speech, but greatly erred by allowing an un-screened group to standing within 20 feet of him, behind a rope line."
Jim Rosenfield: "Ok, now the most important questions that needed to be answered right now: What do we know about the condition of Governor White?"
Deborah Wrigley: "Our information is quite limited here Jim, so I would prefer not to speculate right here. What we do know is that the 48-year-old governor was apparently hit on the left side of his chest including the left lung and wounded. A Bexar County Sheriffs Department deputy I was able to talk to said, the governor was promptly rushed via limousine to the Brooke Army Medical Center. We don't know what his condition is. Out of the 57 shots fired, three of whom hit Governor White and the 56 other shots struck everyone else as mentioned earlier in the report. The others apparently missed."
Jim Rosenfield: "Sounds very bad Deborah, and we can just hope Governor White fully recovers. Is is too soon to ask about the shooter or shooters? What do we know about the assailant or assailants?"
Deborah Wrigley: "We don't know much Jim. All that we do know as of right now is that it is a man, apparently around 24-28 years old, pulled out a gun while in the crowd and opened fire. He certainly wanted to hit Governor White. We don't know about his motive as to why he did this horrific act, whether its political or otherwise. DPS along with the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriffs Department are expected to issue a joint statement later on this evening. However, we can report that he was quickly overwhelmed and arrested, thanks to courageous DPS state troopers and law enforcement officers."
Jim Rosenfield: "Indeed courageous. Do we have any reactions from anyone in Austin yet as to this evening's horrific events? It is know where Lieutenant Governor Hobby is?"
Deborah Wrigley: "One of our colleagues reporting from Austin just phoned our team here and said the Lieutenant Governor didn't have any particular events outside his busy schedule today. We were told that Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby was in a meeting with state senators to discuss legislative items for the upcoming 1989 legislative session of the 72nd Texas State Legislature and the School Finance Reform Act. We can certainly assume that Lieutenant Governor Hobby was already briefed about the situation here in San Antonio. No word as of yet on when he'll deliver a statewide televised address, though it could happen any moment now. Back to you, Jim."
Jim Rosenfield: "Thank you very much Deborah for these important and albeit tragic, news reports. We're now waiting for an official statement in Austin."
BREAKING: LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BILL HOBBY REACTION TO THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON GOVERNOR MARK WHITE; PROVIDES UPDATES

Jim Rosenfield: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we're just being told that Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby is about to address the people of Texas on statewide television from Austin. Let's head over there right now."

Lieutenant Governor Hobby: "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Texans: Just about an hour ago, I was informed that in the aftermath of a public event shots were fired at Governor Mark White. Diana and I including the entire people of Texas, were deeply shocked and quite frankly, immensely saddened by the news that our beloved friend and my governing partner became the target of a crazed gunman's bullet. Immediately I requested further updates on the state of his condition. Tonight, I want to share this information with the State of Texas, the nation and the world, as many of you are in grave concern about his well-being.

Now, the following information that I can only provide to the public: Three bullets struck Governor White and caused severe injuries. An immediate emergency surgery begun after arriving at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. This surgery is still going on and we don't know how long it'll take. I was told it could be a matter of several hours. And while the best doctors in this great state are taking care of the Governor's health, I was honestly told that no serious predictions about his recovery can be made at this point of time. I'm fully aware that this is an answer we all can hardly live with right now. Nonetheless, this is the honest picture at the moment. I choose to be transparent as possible to preventing baseless speculation from spreading.

This is an incredibly difficult time for all of us and especially the White family. I had the opportunity to talk to the First Lady of Texas, Linda Gale White, who arrived at the Brooke Army Medical Center. I ask all of you that you join me and Diana to pray for the best possible outcome of all of this. We will pray for our beloved governor, Mark Wells White, Jr., an outstanding public servant whose friendship I have come to value even more over the years. I will continue to be briefed about all of the ongoing developments and will inform you, the people of Texas, at any time necessary.

Thank you very much, may God bless our beloved governor, his wonderful family and God Bless Texas. Good night."

Jim Rosenfield: "That was Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby, visibly moved during this impromptu speech. He just had a few notes with him and spoke with full teleprompter or scripts. It would be very premature in drawing any particular conclusions from his words, however, I believe it didn't sound very optimistic. Unfortunately, I have to say. I don't even feel comfortable touching on this issue, but I am sure some of you already asked what would happen in a potential worse case scenario here. Now, if the governor were to die, automatically, the lieutenant governor becomes the new governor and serves out the remainder of the term. In our state's history, we've had just one governor die in office: Beauford Jester, who died of a heart attack on July 11th, 1949, who was succeeded by then-lieutenant governor Allan Shivers, who went on to win three full two-year terms in 1950, 1952 and 1954.

But as of now, we don't know what ultimately happens and we wish Governor White a speedy and full recovery. We already have several reactions from across the state of Texas especially in the Texas congressional delegation, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers expressing their best wishes to the governor and his family, including former Governor Bill Clements, Governor White's opponent in the 1982 and 1986 gubernatorial election campaigns. Also, Congressmen Mickey Leland, Henry B. Gonzalez, Martin Frost, Jack Fields, J.J. Pickle, Senators Lloyd Bentsen and Phil Gramm all issued statements, praying for Governor White.

We will come back as soon as we get more information and details. Stay with us on Eyewitness News Tonight."

 

[49ersfootball]

@Ibanez @f1onagher @The Whispering Monk @Mimas

Monday, July 25th, 1988
6:57 PM CST
Brooke Army Medical Center
San Antonio, TX

The White's during happier times from 1982.

As Monday afternoon progressed, many Texans were sent home & school less than two days following the chaotic shooting on Saturday in San Antonio. Many Texans were huddled around TV sets across the entire Lone Star State waiting for more news on the Governor's condition. The FBI inside the San Antonio Police Department were interrogating Paul Escalante non-stop with questions such as "Why did you shoot the Governor of Texas? Who are your co-conspirators?" and soon found out the justification for shooting the governor, "To get the fucking Yankees off our backs. I had no choice, I had orders from General Noriega of Panama." The agents realized what Escalante's all but certain confession was and looked him with deep-seated hostility & anger. In the meantime over at the Brooke Army Medical Center, Linda Gale is holding Mark's hand when all of a sudden the Governor's EKG begins to flat-line very fast. The doctors & nurses rushed inside & Linda Gale is whisked out of the hospital room in tears. Despite multiple attempts to resuscitate him, Mark Wells White, Jr., the 43rd Governor of Texas died in the evening HRS of Monday, June 25th, 1988 at the age of 48 following five years & 2,016 days in office: becoming the first sitting TX Governor to die by an assassin's bullet & the second to die in office. Less than two years earlier following his narrow reelection victory over Clements in 1986, White announced his reelection campaign for a 3rd term as Governor in 1990 & he had big plans on what an upcoming third term was going to be like, which would've made him the Lone Star State's longest-serving Governor with 12 years of service by January 17th, 1995. Plans were going to be underway for what was coming next: The Funeral Services in Houston & Austin; the Lying in State inside the Rotunda of the TX State Capitol; the graveside services at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, etc.,
To Be Continued: Carrying the Torch of Leadership!

 

[49ersfootball]

William Pettus "Bill" Hobby, Jr., (D)
44th Governor of TX
July 25th, 1988 to January 17th, 1995

​

Monday, June 25th, 1988

Lieutenant Governor's Office: Reception Room (2nd Floor)
TX State Capitol
Austin, TX


While in a meeting with TX House of Representatives Speaker Gib Lewis (D-Forth Worth) & several key state lawmakers, General Counsel Leslie Benitez walked inside & directly towards Lieutenant Governor Hobby to tell him these words: "Governor White has passed away just about sixteen minutes ago," & he was now automatically the 44th Governor of the State of Texas. Hobby arose from his chair, clearing his throat to get the attention of everyone inside his office, announcing to the lawmakers & staff in the room that Governor White has died. A stunned & shaken Hobby asked Benitez to call the Chief Justice of the TX Supreme Court, who was on vacation. Benitez contacted TX Supreme Court Associate Justice Raul Gonzalez (whom White appointed to the TX Supreme Court in 1984 & won a special election for the unexpired term in 1986); Escorted by DPS security detail agents, Gonzalez arrived at the Lieutenant Governor's office on the 2nd floor of the TX State Capitol inside the Reception Room to administer the Oath of Office.

Soon afterwards, Hobby asked for the telephone so that he could call Linda Gale & giving her his personal condolences. An obviously distraught and grief-stricken Linda Gale spoke briefly with Hobby on the phone where he did his very best to consoling her over the phone, letter her know that he & Diana are ready to serve or help her in any way. She ended the phone call him in a very breaking voice "Thank you Governor." Soon afterwards inside the Reception Room of the Lieutenant Governor's Office on the 2nd floor of the TX State Capitol in front of the TV cameras filming this historic occasion across the entire Lone Star State, Diana Stallings Hobby held the Sam Houston Bible that her husband of 34 years would place his left hand while raising his right hand on as Associate Justice Gonzalez administered the Oath of Office to the Lone Star State's 44th Governor.

"I, William Pettus Hobby, Jr., do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Governor of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State; and I furthermore solemnly swear that I have not directly nor indirectly paid, offered, or promised to pay, contributed, nor promised to contribute any money, or valuable thing, or promised any public office or employment, as a reward for the giving or withholding a vote at the election at which I was elected. So help me God."

​

Right afterwards, Governor Hobby came to the podium that now had the Governor's Seal on it & spoke to a grieving State who were all uncertain on what would lie ahead for the Lone Star State going forward.

To Be Continued: Gubernatorial State Funeral festivities in Houston & Austin for the late Governor Mark Wells White, Jr., as Texans mourn the loss of the Lone Star State's 43rd Governor.

 

[49ersfootball]

June 25th, 1988
BREAKING: TX GOVERNOR MARK W. WHITE, JR., IS DEAD

Mark Wells White, Jr.,

(March 17th, 1940-July 25th, 1988)
43rd Governor of Texas from January 18th, 1983 to July 25th, 1988
46th Attorney General of Texas from January 19th, 1979 to January 18th, 1983
74th Secretary of State of Texas from January 19th, 1973 to October 27th, 1977

*Mark Wells White, Jr., 48., passed away from fatal gunshot wounds; doctors say blood clot was the clinching factor.
*First TX Governor to be assassinated
*Second TX Governor to die in office.
*Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby sworn into office as the 44th Governor.

Dave Ward: "Good friends. We are interrupting your regularly scheduled programming to bring you an Eyewitness News Special Report. Let's listen in."

Governor Hobby: "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the press and my fellow Texans: Earlier this evening, I have the painful duty to announce that an outstanding public servant and one of the finest, hardworking, dedicated governors in our state's history, Governor Mark Wells White, Jr., has passed away at the Brooke Army Medical Center less than an hour ago. About 27 minutes ago, I was informed that our beloved governor did not survive the severe wounds caused by gunshots Saturday evening. Just about twelve minutes ago, I called the First Lady and members of the White family to express my personal deepest condolences to their unimaginable loss. I told them that Diana's and my thoughts and prayers are with them. Texas stands with the White family in this moment of tragedy and pain. Later this evening, I will sign a gubernatorial proclamation declaring of statewide mourning and sorrow. Additionally, I will sign an order to lowering all flags on state government buildings and all over the Lone Star State as we mourn the loss of Governor White.

In his years of public service, as Assistant Attorney General, Texas Secretary of State, Texas State Attorney General and Governor of Texas afterwards, following honorable service in the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard, Mark Wells White, Jr., has been one of the finest public servants this State had the blessings to have. His openness, competence and friendship was valued across the aisle and found national admiration during his time serving on the executive committee of the National Governors Association. His tireless dedication to fighting for government accountability, equal rights for all Texans, economic prosperity and fighting for those on Main Street including the highly-regarded education reforms he pushed for with House Bill 72 known as the Educational Opportunity Act of 1984 including so many countless accomplishments will forever be in the collective minds of all Texans. And although he rose to the highest levels of state government, Mark White never forgot his humble roots. He never forgot his constituents who elected him to statewide office as State Attorney General in 1978 and Governor in 1982 and again in 1986 and always stood up for Texans when national experts and politicians expressed skepticism about the Lone Star State's future. On a personal note, this is a painful loss, as we loved so dearly working with him on the issues facing 16,667,022 million Texans.

Now in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, the State of Texas will do anything within its power to bring this to justice. I can assure you that the Texas State Attorney General's office under the leadership of Attorney General Jim Mattox along with the Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers, will be working extensively on this investigation. As of now, we have no indications the individuals responsible had a political motive. However, I am not commenting on ongoing investigations. I have full confidence in the professionals and law enforcement to handle this situation properly. Regardless, I will issue a gubernatorial memorandum for an investigation on security access for all public officials.

My fellow Texans, the State of Texas has lost a dedicated and proud public servant through a senseless act of violence. But more important than our sorrow and frustration must be the spirit that Governor White lived throughout his life. A spirit and conviction, that government and public service can and must be a force of good. Not for ourselves, but for the people we're elected to serve. That's indeed about making your lives better. And it is in this spirit, I want to continue the hardworking policy achievements that Governor White had initiated. And nothing else is what he would have wanted than for the people of Texas to go forward into the State of the Future as we move toward a new decade and a new century.

It is in this spirit of carrying the torch of leadership, that I ask all Texans to join Diana and I in praying for the White family and all of the colleagues here in Austin, who lost a dear friend and son of God this morning. May God Bless the 43rd Governor of the State of Texas, His Excellency Governor Mark Wells White, Jr., and may God Bless the State of Texas. Thank you."

Dave Ward: "Wow! Oh Wow! I almost need to pause for just a moment. Ladies and Gentlemen, that was Governor Bill Hobby, announcing to the State of Texas that Governor Mark White has died of an assassin's bullets. The doctors at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio did everything and I mean, everything they could to save his life, but ultimately it wasn't enough. Due to a blood clot according to one of the doctors during a press conference at the hospital. To quote from our nation's 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt: This is a day that will live in infamy. We're already seeing people gathering in front of the Texas State Capitol grounds in downtown Austin laying down flowers. And from what I am seeing is people gathering at the gates of the Governor's Mansion in Austin, laying down flowers and candles including saying prayers as some people are kneeling. This is truly a very sad day for the State of Texas."


August 2nd, 1988: Gubernatorial State Funeral for TX Governor Mark W. White, Jr.,

Following funeral services at the Second Baptist Church in Houston & the TX State Capitol Rotunda in Austin, Governor Mark Wells White, Jr., was laid to rest with full military honors at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin which included a resounding 19 Cannon Salute fired by the Artillery Unit of the TX Army National Guard. The keynote speakers for the Gubernatorial State Funeral in Houston: Governor Bill Hobby; Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire; San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros; US Reps. Mickey Leland (D-TX) & Henry B. Gonzalez (D-TX); former Governor Dolph Briscoe, longtime friend & whom had appointed White as TX Secretary of State in 1973. Briscoe honored White as "an extraordinary public servant, whose service to the people of Texas will be long remembered."

Several hundred guests attended the Gubernatorial State Funeral festivities in Houston: most notable President George H.W. Bush; United States Senators Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) & Phil Gramm (R-TX); former Governors John Connally; Preston Smith; Bill Clements (former Governor Price Daniel wasn't able to attend due to health problems); TX Supreme Court Associate Justice Raul Gonzalez; TX Secretary of State Myra McDaniel; TX House of Representatives Speaker Gib Lewis (D-Fort Worth). Besides several fellow US State/Territory Governors attended: AR Governor Bill Clinton of (D); former LA Governor Edwin Edwards (D); NY St Governor Happy Rockefeller (R); IL Governor Big Jim Thompson (R); Puerto Rico Governor Rafael Hernandez Colon (D/PDP) among countless others.

 

[49ersfootball]

Fall 1988
Political Ramifications for the Lone Star State in the aftermath of Governor White's assassination

As the shock & devastation of the assassination of then-TX Governor Mark W. White (D) began to eventually dissipate, Texans were left wondering about the implications as well as the major ramifications for the Lone Star State going forward including the political angle of it all.

To start off, we begin with the following politicos:
Governor Bill Hobby (D): Having ascended to the Governorship upon White's shocking assassination, Hobby led TX during the days & weeks including hosting the Gubernatorial State Funeral festivities in Houston & Austin. During all of this, Hobby began undergoing a major evaluation of the entire administration of the governor's office: while several White holdovers such as TX Secretary of State Myra McDaniel & General Counsel Leslie Benitez continued staying on in their jobs; others weren't so lucky like Bill Powers, the Chief of Staff to then-Governor White as he was informed that his services weren't no longer needed. Hobby also requested the resignations of the following: Senior Adviser; Appointments Director; Communications Director; Executive Assistant; Policy Director among others leading several state government agencies.

It was also during this time, both Bill & Diana moved into the TX Governor's Mansion in Austin on August 5th.

After letting go several of the White holdovers, Hobby soon brought in several dedicated employees from the Lieutenant Governor's office & filled those vacancies in the Gubernatorial Staff. Hobby announced on September 13th that he will be seeking a 1st full 4-year term as Governor in his own right in 1990 reversing his previous statement from June 1st, 1987 of his plans to retire from politics after finishing up his 5th term as Lieutenant Governor before the tragic events of June 23rd-25th, 1988 altered the course of TX history.

During Hobby's first months in office, public opinion polling surveys showed that 83% of Texans approved of the job he was doing as Governor-as close to universal approval as any Governor in state history was ever likely to get.

Attorney General Jim Mattox (D): Close friends & formet colleagues in both the State Legislature & US House of Representatives implored Mattox to abandon his campaign for the Governorship in 1990. Some even urged "The People's Lawyer" to consider seeking reelection as State Attorney General for a 3rd term. Unfortunately like a dumb ditz, Mattox bluntly refused to do so despite what the polling surveys & oddsmakers said. Even before the chaotic events of June 23rd-25th, 1988, polling surveys showed the late Governor White trouncing Mattox by 25-37 percentage points.

Comptroller of Public Accounts Bob Bullock (D): Bullock continued gaining more & more endorsements in his campaign for the Lieutenant Governorship from local elected officeholders to state lawmakers. He was one of the most powerful & influential statewide officeholders in TX politics with decades of political experience.

State Treasurer Ann Richards (D): The odd one out might've been Richards, whose options of moving up the political ladder was getting quite smaller: previously considering running for Lieutenant Governor before Bullock announced his candidacy for the 2nd most powerful statewide office; then she considered running for Comptroller of Public Accounts & kept open the option of running for the United States Senate in 1990.

Commissioner of General Land Office Garry Mauro (D): Announced his reelection campaign for 3rd term as Commissioner of the General Land Office after State Rep. Dan Morales (D-San Antonio) announced his campaign for State Attorney General in 1990.

Commissioner of Agriculture Jim Hightower (D): Facing FBI & federal investigations, Hightower announced his campaign for reelection as Agriculture Commissioner. But political analysts believe Hightower could be facing strong GOP challenger whom the TX GOP didn't elaborate to name at this moment, preferring to keep the suspense going following the 1989 legislative session.

Coming Up: Segments on the 1988 Presidential campaign.

 

[49ersfootball]

September 25th, 1988:
BREAKING: HIGHTOWER INDICTED FOR BRIBERY, WIRE FRAUD, OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE

TX Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower (D) was indicted this morning on all 25 counts of Wire Fraud, Obstruction of Justice, Extortion, Corruption, Improper Use of Public Funds & Bribery according to local news reports. The US Justice Department & the Federal Bureau of Investigation have been investigating Hightower over the past year due to corruption allegations which have engulfed several of his associates in the TX Department of Agriculture.

 

[49ersfootball]

Coming Soon in the State of the Future
January 15th, 1991: TX Governor Bill Hobby (D) is inaugurated for his 1st full 4-year term as the 44th Governor

 

[49ersfootball]

Coming Soon in the State of the Future
Edwin Washington Edwards returns to the LA Governor's Mansion securing historic 4th term & how his road to the White House began!

 

[49ersfootball]

Fall 1988
Highlights of the 1988 Presidential campaign

Following the RNC Convention, the GOPers aggressively dominated the presidential campaign. National polls showed that incumbent President George HW Bush was holding a comfortable lead over three-term MA Governor Michael Dukakis (D).

Bush aggressively went on the attack & never let up: criticizing Boston Harbor as a polluted disgrace & blamed Dukakis for the crisis. The incumbent President also controversially highlighted the case of a murderer named Willie Horton & ran TV commercials portraying Dukakis as soft on crime. To top things off, he labeled the MA Governor as a card-carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union, & a man out of the political mainstream & out of touch with American values.

The campaign was criticized by many as being one of the most negative in recent history with campaign commercials showing convicted murderers & sewer sludges.

During the 1988 campaign, however, Americans could look to a long list of favorable conditions that they hoped would continue into the 1990s. The Arms Reduction Treaty with the Soviet Union had officially gone into effect & tensions eased between the two superpowers. There seemed to be a chance for positive changes within Soviet society & for a productive dialogue to continue between both countries.

Around the world, tensions were easing in many troublespots. The Soviets were making progress in finally withdrawing their troops out of Afghanistan; Iran & Iraq had agreed to a ceasefire & were moving toward peace in their bloody eight year religious war. The US agreed to direct peace talks with the PLO raising hopes for movement toward a more peaceful arrangements between Israel & her neighbors in the Middle East.

In Central America, the difficult peace process seemed to be offering at least some small hopes of negotiated settlements in Nicaragua. Americans had good reason to hope for a calmer international climate in many regions.

Plus the economy had performed well during the Reagan years (1981-86) & continued its expansion even after the 1986 Stock Crash; Inflation remained under control & unemployment was at a 14-year low, which continued under President Bush's administration once he ascended to the Presidency upon Reagan's resignation on December 14th, 1986.

Basically, Americans weren't convinced at all that the Dems would offer a better alternative for the country....

 

[49ersfootball]

November 8th, 1988: Election Night Results
PRESIDENT GEORGE HW BUSH EASILY WINS FIRST FULL FOUR-YEAR TERM
*President Bush garners 431 Electoral Votes in landslide victory.
*Carries 41 out of 51 states.
*GOPers keeps control of the White House for another four more years.
*Dems expanding majorities in US House of Representatives & United States Senate.

Incumbent President George HW Bush won in a landslide victory defeating MA Governor Michael Dukakis (D). According to the final tallies, Bush garnered 53% of the nationwide vote to Dukakis' 45%. The incumbent President carried 41 out of 51 states including Puerto Rico, while Governor Dukakis only managed to carry just 10 states. The country sought to build on the promises & philosophy of then-President Ronald Reagan's policies & philosophy. Bush, who brought up his long experience including foreign affairs as well as in public life & offered the nation the chance of continuing the conservative direction which Reagan had compellingly outlined.

Although Americans elected Bush as their President for his first full four-year term in his own right, they didn't give him the overwhelming mandate that several of his predecessors had enjoyed. The Dems increased their majorities in both the US House of Representatives & United States Senate.

1988 Presidential Election
President George HW Bush (R-TX)/United States Senator Dan Quayle (R-IN): 48,886,597 (53.5%)✔
431 Electoral Votes
Governor Michael Dukakis (D-MA)/United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX): 41,872,896 (45.6%)
111 Electoral Votes (+DC)

1988 US House of Representatives Elections:
262 Dems (+2)
43,673,683 (53.73%): Dem Hold
175 GOPers
37,209,225 (45 5%)

1988 United States Senate Elections:
57 Dems (+1: pickups in NV, NE, VA, CT)
35,373,383 (52.7%): Dem Hold.
45 GOPers (pickups in MS, MT, FL)
31,383,651 (46.5%)

 

[49ersfootball]

November 9th, 1988:
BREAKING: PRESIDENT BUSH NAMING JAMES BAKER, III AS US SECRETARY OF STATE

The next day following his landslide victory securing his 1st full 4-year term, President George HW Bush announced he was nominating his campaign manager, long-time friend & trusted advisor, James Baker, III to become the new US Secretary of State. It was a convincing sign that President Bush was intending on focusing his administration on international relations & foreign policy. He also centered the formulation of US foreign policy in the White House at daily meetings of the National Security Council. The President became known for hundreds of handwritten notes to leaders both public & private. Bush maintained close personal relationships with leaders throughout the world & telephoned them frequently.

Gallup Polling Survey (November 11th-14th, 1988)
President George HW Bush Job Approval Rating
Approve: 57%
Disapprove: 35%

 

[49ersfootball]

November 15th, 1988: The first Fairtrode label, Max Hoveiour is launched in the Netherlands.

November 16th, 1988: Pakistanis vote to elect populist Benazir Bhutto as the next Prime Minister of Pakistan.

November 23rd, 1988: Former Korean President Jeong Tae-yong, who served as the 13th President from September 8th, 1984 to February 25th, 1988, delivered an address to a special joint session of the Korean National Assembly, making a formal apology for corruption during his administration; announcing he'll go into exile.

December 1st, 1988: STS-27 NASA postponed their planned launch of the space shuttle, Atlantis from tge Kennedy Space Center.