I've Seen America: If Al Gore Ran In 2008

[stevep]

Feb 1, 2017 18:24:06 GMT lordroel said:

Feb 1, 2017 18:19:40 GMT stevep said:

  Why not?  OTL it was used by Reagan and Clinton so Trump hasn't problems with recycling slogans.  Although it might be that with Gore rather than Obama, at least in 2008, you might not get Trump running, or quickly disappearing in a sea of laughter.

Well that is true, it seems that Trump has already planned to use for his 2020 campaign a slogan that comes from a horror movie called The Purge: Election Year, the Slogan is “Keep America Great”, this slogan might also be good for Gore to use if he is successful as president.

  He's already talking about standing again!  I suppose that's understandable given his ego but hopefully that won't come to pass.

[lordroel]

Feb 1, 2017 20:48:58 GMT stevep said:

Feb 1, 2017 18:24:06 GMT lordroel said:

Well that is true, it seems that Trump has already planned to use for his 2020 campaign a slogan that comes from a horror movie called The Purge: Election Year, the Slogan is “Keep America Great”, this slogan might also be good for Gore to use if he is successful as president.

  He's already talking about standing again!  I suppose that's understandable given his ego but hopefully that won't come to pass.

does Gore have a ego, in this timeline he has already won a Oscar, Nobel prize and now the presidency.

[stevep]

Feb 2, 2017 3:44:57 GMT lordroel said:

Feb 1, 2017 20:48:58 GMT stevep said:

  He's already talking about standing again!  I suppose that's understandable given his ego but hopefully that won't come to pass.

does Gore have a ego, in this timeline he has already won a Oscar, Nobel prize and now the presidency.

  Presuming he wins in 2008, which does look likely, then that seems a good selection of reasons for having an ego.   Its possibly that he could run foul of Lord Acton's old adage, which could really taint his later career.

[lordroel]

Feb 2, 2017 14:33:49 GMT stevep said:

Feb 2, 2017 3:44:57 GMT lordroel said:

does Gore have a ego, in this timeline he has already won a Oscar, Nobel prize and now the presidency.

  Presuming he wins in 2008, which does look likely, then that seems a good selection of reasons for having an ego.   Its possibly that he could run foul of Lord Acton's old adage, which could really taint his later career.

Well it depends on who he is going to run again in 2008.

[pericles]

SECOND IN COMMAND 

Al Gore and potential running mate Senator Barack Obama of Illinois at a rally in February 2008​ 

The Gore team started their search for a running mate in May. Gore felt he had made a mistake in 2000 when he picked Lieberman, he was determined not to make another mistake. One person he definitely would not be selecting was Hillary Clinton. The media had speculated about the idea, the 'dream ticket' to unite the party, but both Gore and Clinton knew it was a non-starter. The campaign compiled a list of 15 names by the end of May, it was Evan Bayh, Bill Richardson, Tim Kaine, Kathleen Sebelius, Brian Schweitzer, Janet Napolitano, Ted Strickland, Wesley Clark, Xavier Becerra, Russ Feingold, Barack Obama, Mark Warner, Ed Rendell, Jack Reed, Hilda Solis. Gore wanted a Vice-President who could rally the party behind him and win the Midwest. Solis and Becerra were soon off the list, as Representatives from California they lacked the experience or profile needed to be Gore's running mate, Reed, while experienced, was not what Gore needed, he was off. Rendell and Strickland, both Clinton supporters, declined to take the position. Clark was scrubbed off given his inexperience and flop of a campaign in 2004, and Warner declined too. Richardson looked good, a Governor from New Mexico, he could win that swing state and he had the experience and profile Gore wanted. However, Richardson had skeletons in his closet. The team Gore vetters found disturbing reports of improper business dealings as Governor of New Mexico. It was too much of a risk, and he could not be on the ticket, lest he do harm and endanger Gore's chances at the presidency. Richardson, gone. 

That left Bayh, Kaine, Sebelius, Schweitzer, Napolitano, Feingold and Obama. Gore interviewed all 7. He found Bayh's answers were "near perfect, if slightly cautious." Obama was enticing, he was a rising star, charismatic, a minority and had been a strong supporter of Gore. But Gore wasn't sold on Obama. Feingold had not been high on Gore's initial thoughts for VP. But the Midwestern populist progressive, who had won three times in Wisconsin, and despite his years in Washington remained anti-establishment, that was looking attractive. Feingold too had supported Gore. Sebelius and Napolitano were soon off the list, not least because Clinton supporters thought if a woman was to be on the ticket, it should be Hillary. Tim Kaine was unimpressive, he lacked the experience and Virginia looked at the time to be a red state. Speculation had emerged that Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer would be picked, a populist cowboy Governor who could appeal to white working-class voters. Schweitzer ultimately lacked any national profile and Montana had only 3 electoral votes, and those 3 were almost certainly going to McCain. The shortlist was Bayh, Feingold and Obama.  

 

Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, who got onto the final two in Al Gore's 2008 veepstakes​ 

Both Bayh, Feingold and Obama had their strengths and weaknesses. What Gore wanted in his Vice-President was somebody who did no harm and expanded his appeal into the Midwest and enable him to pick up critical swing states, such as Ohio, which John Kerry lost by 1 point in 2004. Bayh, Gore felt, was the safest choice. He had been a Senator from Indiana since 1998, and previously Governor, and he was a moderate, who had won many elections in a solidly red state. He was fine, he would do no harm, but there was little good he would do, he was a boring establishment politician, and Indiana not a swing state. Obama offered plenty upside. He was charismatic, great on the stump, and a minority, who could boost African-American turnout. However, Obama was flawed. He was a first-term Senator, he hadn't even served 4 years yet, and it could easily backfire on Gore, like the Quayle pick did on Bush Senior. "Sure" Brazile said "he can give a good speech. But what else is there?" Also, Gore's vetters turned up something troubling on Obama. It was a series of inflammatory sermons by Obama's pastor Jeremiah Wright, railing against the United States of America. It might not be that harmful to Obama, but it was not what Gore wanted on the ticket. Reluctantly, Gore decided not to go with Obama. It was a 'coin toss' between Bayh and Feingold. Bayh was the safe pick. Feingold was a maverick, a liberal populist. He would not make Gore seem more moderate, and could make him seem too far to the left. His lone vote against the Patriot Act would be used by Republicans against Gore. There was more upside with Feingold than Bayh. His votes against Nafta and free trade would appeal to the Rust Belt, he would ensure Wisconsin(which went to Kerry by less than 1%) would go for Gore and help in the Midwest, and he would ensure Gore would be the change candidate. Ironically, like Lieberman, Feingold was Jewish. His role in the McCain-Feingold Act could take the edge out of McCain's claims to be a 'maverick' and blunt attacks on Gore's vulnerabilities on the area of campaign finance. Sure, he was a liberal, but a liberal people voted for. Gore was weighing it up. Feingold was a bit risky, but that was like the Gore pick in 1992, he was another Southerner and not supposed to be on the ticket. But that's what happened, and it paid off. On August 20, Gore told his team "Feingold it is." 

Al Gore's Vice-President; Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold​

[stevep]

Interesting discussion of the options. Glad you didn't go for Obama as too obvious considering what happened OTL.

Think you have the same problem as lordroel has been having as the images don't show up for me. See what looks like a screen with a red cross through it which I'm guessing means problems in accessing it.

[pericles]

A CONVENTIONAL CONVENTION
 

Republican nominee John McCain attacks the Gore/Feingold ticket ahead of the DNC​ 

The Republicans quickly pounced on the Feingold pick. In particular, his opposition to the Patriot Act stood out as a vulnerability. An RNC memo was released with talking points against the Gore/Feingold ticket "Soft on terror-use Feingold vote against Patriot Act. Doesn't 'have what it takes'. Use 9/11" and that the ticket was 'too liberal. Use word 'liberal'. Gore/Feingold want to redistribute the wealth. Extremist agenda." McCain was initially softer on Feingold, given his role in McCain-Feingold campaign finance legislation. However soon he fired back, saying "Unlike my opponent and his running mate, I support measures to protect our country from terrorists. I am tough on terrorism and I will defeat Al-Qaeda, unlike Al Gore." Gore's campaign fired back in defense of their pick "Russ Feingold is a real change maker" Gore said "Not the pretend John McCain kind." When McCain attacked Gore on terror, Gore fired back "How is the War on Terror going iunder Bush/Cheney? We are no safer than we were before 9/11, Al-qaeda has grown. The disastrous war in Iraq that Senator McCain voted for and still supports has swelled the jihadist ranks and put more American lives in danger. Osama bin Laden has still not been found. I'd give Bush/Cheney and their candidate John McCain an F on terror, and it is clear that if we want to safeguard our country, we need new leadership."

Senator Hillary Clinton speaks at the Democratic National Convention​ 

The polls were close. On August 26, the RCP polling average had Gore at 45.9% and McCain at 44.8%, a mere 1.1% lead. The Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado, would be critical. It would, Gore hoped, rally the party behind his candidacy and present a clear case to the American people. The first day was focused on "Renewing America's Promise." Senator Hillary Clinton gave her speech, saying "Make no mistake, I am 100% behind Al Gore. He, and only he, can bring the progress that our nation desperately needs. So let's go out and win this election!" That ensured that Clinton supporters would rally behind Gore in the general and that the party would be united. Dennis Kucinich railed against the 'abuses of power' of the Bush administration. "We could have prevented this, if the people's choice for President in 2000 had been our President. If Al Gore had been President, if 537 votes had gone the other way, we could have avoided this. And if we elect him and Russ Feingold in 2008, we will reverse the disaster that was the last eight years and inaugurate a new era for our country!" The crowd cheered wildly.

On the second day, Russ Feingold gave his speech to the delegates and the nation. Wisconsin knew him, but America did not. Feingold said "I am a fighter. Throughout my career, I have fought for the average American, and not the special interests. And I have supported Al Gore because he too is a fighter. All his life, he has fought for the average American-for you. He does not give up. He could have given up, after he lost, but he is determined to make the lives of all Americans better. As his supporter, as his friend, I see that clearly. And he has the vision, policies and leadership to bring the change we need. People can talk about change, and people can do it. John McCain talks about change. He will not bring change. I respect John McCain, and he is my friend. He is a good man. But he would not be a good President. He will not deliver the change we need. Al Gore will. He is the opposite of George Bush. He is exceedingly qualified, in experience and in character, to be President. Unlike Bush, he is a leader, and he will be a great President. Thank you Al, for nominating me as your Vice-President. This time, let's make Al Gore our President, like your life depended on it, because it just might. Al, let's win this thing!" Bill Clinton also spoke. He mended fences from the primary, and praised Gore. "Al Gore was an outstanding Vice President" Bill said "And he will be an outstanding President." Clinton said "Al Gore has the intelligence, experience and leadership to be our President. He should have won in 2000, and he must win in 2008. I am fully behind Al Gore and Russ Feingold, two men who will bring the change we need. I support them, and I hope you all do too."

Former Vice-President Al Gore accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States, again​ 

The final day saw Al Gore accept the nomination. Gore took the stage. The crowd erupted in cheers, with chants of "Al Gore! Al Gore! Al Gore!" He began to speak "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all very much." "I stand here today as your champion. I do not stand here for myself, though. I stand here for the people all across this nation, the ordinary, the forgotten men and women of this great nation. I see them all across this nation, from the cornfields of Iowa, the Granite State of New Hampshire, the manufacturers of Ohio, Nevada to New Hampshire, north, south, east and west. And you have been left behind by this administration. I will lift you up, I will lift this nation up. Together, we will Make America Great Again (cheers)! We will end the disaster of Bush/Cheney, a disaster John McCain supported, and voted with 95% of the time. We are going to bring change to America and lift everybody up, once again we shall have peace and prosperity." Gore praised Russ Feingold "My running mate, Russ Feingold, (Crowd chants "Russ! Russ! Russ!") is a man dedicated to working for all Americans. He is a maverick, a real maverick, and John McCain can learn something from him!(Crowd cheers)" Gore launched into an attack on the Bush administration "On January 20, 2001, when George W Bush took office, we had peace and prosperity. We had the biggest surpluses in history. We had 23 million good-paying jobs created under President Clinton." Gore gestures to Bill in the audience, and the crowd cheers. " We had an economy that was growing, and growing, and growing. America was unrivalled across the world, at peace. No American soldiers were dying in pointless wars. Sadly, things have gotten so much worse. George W Bush has run the biggest deficits of any President, in all of our nation's history. We are disrespected and loathed across the world. Our economy is shrinking, shrinking and shrinking, and thousands of jobs are being lost. The stock market, which was booming, is falling off a cliff. Our planet faces a dire crisis in climate change, the seas are rising and we have a President who chooses to do nothing. We are in two wars, and there is no end in sight. My opponent would have us stay in Iraq for 100 years. He would like to distract you with fear mongering, lies and attacks from the real issues. They have done this before. I will speak to the American people on the issues and on the facts, because the issues and the facts are on my side. Our country is fundamentally on the wrong track. But we can make it right. We can make America great again." Gore launched into a defense of his agenda "We can roll back the rise of the seas, we can stop the warming of our planet. If we have the determination and courage to do so, we can still set things right. We can bring a responsible end to the war in Iraq, and fix George W Bush's mess. We can turn our focus to the real enemy, we can find Osama bin Laden and.. bring him to justice!" The delegates were cheering wildly. "We can create good-paying jobs again, invest in our nation's infrastructure and create a fair tax system. We can fight the special interests, clean up Washington. We can mend our budget, and truly be fiscally responsible again. We can combat Wall Street and Opec, and fight for the American people. We can fight for you, and we will. I promise, I will be your President!" Crowd erupts into raucous cheers and starts chanting Gore's name. Gore began to wrap up his speech "I believe what I say, and I believe our best days are still ahead. We can reach for them and seize the opportunity. I may not be the best orator, the most slick politician, but I will be the best President. If you give me the honor of being your President, I will fight for you. I will always fight for you, I will never stop fighting for you. I will never stop striving for that shining city upon a hill, for a more perfect union. If we can summon our common will, our common energy and common spirit, we can set it right. We can make our country great again. And we will! Thank you very much, and God Bless America. Let us go forth and win America my friends, there is no substitute for victory." Gore walked away from the stage, waving to the crowd as American flags flew and the crowd cheered wildly. He had done all he could. All that was left was to hope.

[lordroel]

Feb 12, 2017 7:38:21 GMT pericles said:

A CONVENTIONAL CONVENTION
 

Republican nominee John McCain attacks the Gore/Feingold ticket ahead of the DNC​ 

The Republicans quickly pounced on the Feingold pick. In particular, his opposition to the Patriot Act stood out as a vulnerability. An RNC memo was released with talking points against the Gore/Feingold ticket "Soft on terror-use Feingold vote against Patriot Act. Doesn't 'have what it takes'. Use 9/11" and that the ticket was 'too liberal. Use word 'liberal'. Gore/Feingold want to redistribute the wealth. Extremist agenda." McCain was initially softer on Feingold, given his role in McCain-Feingold campaign finance legislation. However soon he fired back, saying "Unlike my opponent and his running mate, I support measures to protect our country from terrorists. I am tough on terrorism and I will defeat Al-Qaeda, unlike Al Gore." Gore's campaign fired back in defense of their pick "Russ Feingold is a real change maker" Gore said "Not the pretend John McCain kind." When McCain attacked Gore on terror, Gore fired back "How is the War on Terror going iunder Bush/Cheney? We are no safer than we were before 9/11, Al-qaeda has grown. The disastrous war in Iraq that Senator McCain voted for and still supports has swelled the jihadist ranks and put more American lives in danger. Osama bin Laden has still not been found. I'd give Bush/Cheney and their candidate John McCain an F on terror, and it is clear that if we want to safeguard our country, we need new leadership."

Senator Hillary Clinton speaks at the Democratic National Convention​ 

The polls were close. On August 26, the RCP polling average had Gore at 45.9% and McCain at 44.8%, a mere 1.1% lead. The Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado, would be critical. It would, Gore hoped, rally the party behind his candidacy and present a clear case to the American people. The first day was focused on "Renewing America's Promise." Senator Hillary Clinton gave her speech, saying "Make no mistake, I am 100% behind Al Gore. He, and only he, can bring the progress that our nation desperately needs. So let's go out and win this election!" That ensured that Clinton supporters would rally behind Gore in the general and that the party would be united. Dennis Kucinich railed against the 'abuses of power' of the Bush administration. "We could have prevented this, if the people's choice for President in 2000 had been our President. If Al Gore had been President, if 537 votes had gone the other way, we could have avoided this. And if we elect him and Russ Feingold in 2008, we will reverse the disaster that was the last eight years and inaugurate a new era for our country!" The crowd cheered wildly.

On the second day, Russ Feingold gave his speech to the delegates and the nation. Wisconsin knew him, but America did not. Feingold said "I am a fighter. Throughout my career, I have fought for the average American, and not the special interests. And I have supported Al Gore because he too is a fighter. All his life, he has fought for the average American-for you. He does not give up. He could have given up, after he lost, but he is determined to make the lives of all Americans better. As his supporter, as his friend, I see that clearly. And he has the vision, policies and leadership to bring the change we need. People can talk about change, and people can do it. John McCain talks about change. He will not bring change. I respect John McCain, and he is my friend. He is a good man. But he would not be a good President. He will not deliver the change we need. Al Gore will. He is the opposite of George Bush. He is exceedingly qualified, in experience and in character, to be President. Unlike Bush, he is a leader, and he will be a great President. Thank you Al, for nominating me as your Vice-President. This time, let's make Al Gore our President, like your life depended on it, because it just might. Al, let's win this thing!" Bill Clinton also spoke. He mended fences from the primary, and praised Gore. "Al Gore was an outstanding Vice President" Bill said "And he will be an outstanding President." Clinton said "Al Gore has the intelligence, experience and leadership to be our President. He should have won in 2000, and he must win in 2008. I am fully behind Al Gore and Russ Feingold, two men who will bring the change we need. I support them, and I hope you all do too."

Former Vice-President Al Gore accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States, again​ 

The final day saw Al Gore accept the nomination. Gore took the stage. The crowd erupted in cheers, with chants of "Al Gore! Al Gore! Al Gore!" He began to speak "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all very much." "I stand here today as your champion. I do not stand here for myself, though. I stand here for the people all across this nation, the ordinary, the forgotten men and women of this great nation. I see them all across this nation, from the cornfields of Iowa, the Granite State of New Hampshire, the manufacturers of Ohio, Nevada to New Hampshire, north, south, east and west. And you have been left behind by this administration. I will lift you up, I will lift this nation up. Together, we will Make America Great Again (cheers)! We will end the disaster of Bush/Cheney, a disaster John McCain supported, and voted with 95% of the time. We are going to bring change to America and lift everybody up, once again we shall have peace and prosperity." Gore praised Russ Feingold "My running mate, Russ Feingold, (Crowd chants "Russ! Russ! Russ!") is a man dedicated to working for all Americans. He is a maverick, a real maverick, and John McCain can learn something from him!(Crowd cheers)" Gore launched into an attack on the Bush administration "On January 20, 2001, when George W Bush took office, we had peace and prosperity. We had the biggest surpluses in history. We had 23 million good-paying jobs created under President Clinton." Gore gestures to Bill in the audience, and the crowd cheers. " We had an economy that was growing, and growing, and growing. America was unrivalled across the world, at peace. No American soldiers were dying in pointless wars. Sadly, things have gotten so much worse. George W Bush has run the biggest deficits of any President, in all of our nation's history. We are disrespected and loathed across the world. Our economy is shrinking, shrinking and shrinking, and thousands of jobs are being lost. The stock market, which was booming, is falling off a cliff. Our planet faces a dire crisis in climate change, the seas are rising and we have a President who chooses to do nothing. We are in two wars, and there is no end in sight. My opponent would have us stay in Iraq for 100 years. He would like to distract you with fear mongering, lies and attacks from the real issues. They have done this before. I will speak to the American people on the issues and on the facts, because the issues and the facts are on my side. Our country is fundamentally on the wrong track. But we can make it right. We can make America great again." Gore launched into a defense of his agenda "We can roll back the rise of the seas, we can stop the warming of our planet. If we have the determination and courage to do so, we can still set things right. We can bring a responsible end to the war in Iraq, and fix George W Bush's mess. We can turn our focus to the real enemy, we can find Osama bin Laden and.. bring him to justice!" The delegates were cheering wildly. "We can create good-paying jobs again, invest in our nation's infrastructure and create a fair tax system. We can fight the special interests, clean up Washington. We can mend our budget, and truly be fiscally responsible again. We can combat Wall Street and Opec, and fight for the American people. We can fight for you, and we will. I promise, I will be your President!" Crowd erupts into raucous cheers and starts chanting Gore's name. Gore began to wrap up his speech "I believe what I say, and I believe our best days are still ahead. We can reach for them and seize the opportunity. I may not be the best orator, the most slick politician, but I will be the best President. If you give me the honor of being your President, I will fight for you. I will always fight for you, I will never stop fighting for you. I will never stop striving for that shining city upon a hill, for a more perfect union. If we can summon our common will, our common energy and common spirit, we can set it right. We can make our country great again. And we will! Thank you very much, and God Bless America. Let us go forth and win America my friends, there is no substitute for victory." Gore walked away from the stage, waving to the crowd as American flags flew and the crowd cheered wildly. He had done all he could. All that was left was to hope.

Another good update but again the images are not showing up.

[pericles]

Feb 12, 2017 8:31:29 GMT lordroel said:

Feb 12, 2017 7:38:21 GMT pericles said:

A CONVENTIONAL CONVENTION
 

Republican nominee John McCain attacks the Gore/Feingold ticket ahead of the DNC​ 

The Republicans quickly pounced on the Feingold pick. In particular, his opposition to the Patriot Act stood out as a vulnerability. An RNC memo was released with talking points against the Gore/Feingold ticket "Soft on terror-use Feingold vote against Patriot Act. Doesn't 'have what it takes'. Use 9/11" and that the ticket was 'too liberal. Use word 'liberal'. Gore/Feingold want to redistribute the wealth. Extremist agenda." McCain was initially softer on Feingold, given his role in McCain-Feingold campaign finance legislation. However soon he fired back, saying "Unlike my opponent and his running mate, I support measures to protect our country from terrorists. I am tough on terrorism and I will defeat Al-Qaeda, unlike Al Gore." Gore's campaign fired back in defense of their pick "Russ Feingold is a real change maker" Gore said "Not the pretend John McCain kind." When McCain attacked Gore on terror, Gore fired back "How is the War on Terror going iunder Bush/Cheney? We are no safer than we were before 9/11, Al-qaeda has grown. The disastrous war in Iraq that Senator McCain voted for and still supports has swelled the jihadist ranks and put more American lives in danger. Osama bin Laden has still not been found. I'd give Bush/Cheney and their candidate John McCain an F on terror, and it is clear that if we want to safeguard our country, we need new leadership."

Senator Hillary Clinton speaks at the Democratic National Convention​ 

The polls were close. On August 26, the RCP polling average had Gore at 45.9% and McCain at 44.8%, a mere 1.1% lead. The Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado, would be critical. It would, Gore hoped, rally the party behind his candidacy and present a clear case to the American people. The first day was focused on "Renewing America's Promise." Senator Hillary Clinton gave her speech, saying "Make no mistake, I am 100% behind Al Gore. He, and only he, can bring the progress that our nation desperately needs. So let's go out and win this election!" That ensured that Clinton supporters would rally behind Gore in the general and that the party would be united. Dennis Kucinich railed against the 'abuses of power' of the Bush administration. "We could have prevented this, if the people's choice for President in 2000 had been our President. If Al Gore had been President, if 537 votes had gone the other way, we could have avoided this. And if we elect him and Russ Feingold in 2008, we will reverse the disaster that was the last eight years and inaugurate a new era for our country!" The crowd cheered wildly.

On the second day, Russ Feingold gave his speech to the delegates and the nation. Wisconsin knew him, but America did not. Feingold said "I am a fighter. Throughout my career, I have fought for the average American, and not the special interests. And I have supported Al Gore because he too is a fighter. All his life, he has fought for the average American-for you. He does not give up. He could have given up, after he lost, but he is determined to make the lives of all Americans better. As his supporter, as his friend, I see that clearly. And he has the vision, policies and leadership to bring the change we need. People can talk about change, and people can do it. John McCain talks about change. He will not bring change. I respect John McCain, and he is my friend. He is a good man. But he would not be a good President. He will not deliver the change we need. Al Gore will. He is the opposite of George Bush. He is exceedingly qualified, in experience and in character, to be President. Unlike Bush, he is a leader, and he will be a great President. Thank you Al, for nominating me as your Vice-President. This time, let's make Al Gore our President, like your life depended on it, because it just might. Al, let's win this thing!" Bill Clinton also spoke. He mended fences from the primary, and praised Gore. "Al Gore was an outstanding Vice President" Bill said "And he will be an outstanding President." Clinton said "Al Gore has the intelligence, experience and leadership to be our President. He should have won in 2000, and he must win in 2008. I am fully behind Al Gore and Russ Feingold, two men who will bring the change we need. I support them, and I hope you all do too."

Former Vice-President Al Gore accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States, again​ 

The final day saw Al Gore accept the nomination. Gore took the stage. The crowd erupted in cheers, with chants of "Al Gore! Al Gore! Al Gore!" He began to speak "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all very much." "I stand here today as your champion. I do not stand here for myself, though. I stand here for the people all across this nation, the ordinary, the forgotten men and women of this great nation. I see them all across this nation, from the cornfields of Iowa, the Granite State of New Hampshire, the manufacturers of Ohio, Nevada to New Hampshire, north, south, east and west. And you have been left behind by this administration. I will lift you up, I will lift this nation up. Together, we will Make America Great Again (cheers)! We will end the disaster of Bush/Cheney, a disaster John McCain supported, and voted with 95% of the time. We are going to bring change to America and lift everybody up, once again we shall have peace and prosperity." Gore praised Russ Feingold "My running mate, Russ Feingold, (Crowd chants "Russ! Russ! Russ!") is a man dedicated to working for all Americans. He is a maverick, a real maverick, and John McCain can learn something from him!(Crowd cheers)" Gore launched into an attack on the Bush administration "On January 20, 2001, when George W Bush took office, we had peace and prosperity. We had the biggest surpluses in history. We had 23 million good-paying jobs created under President Clinton." Gore gestures to Bill in the audience, and the crowd cheers. " We had an economy that was growing, and growing, and growing. America was unrivalled across the world, at peace. No American soldiers were dying in pointless wars. Sadly, things have gotten so much worse. George W Bush has run the biggest deficits of any President, in all of our nation's history. We are disrespected and loathed across the world. Our economy is shrinking, shrinking and shrinking, and thousands of jobs are being lost. The stock market, which was booming, is falling off a cliff. Our planet faces a dire crisis in climate change, the seas are rising and we have a President who chooses to do nothing. We are in two wars, and there is no end in sight. My opponent would have us stay in Iraq for 100 years. He would like to distract you with fear mongering, lies and attacks from the real issues. They have done this before. I will speak to the American people on the issues and on the facts, because the issues and the facts are on my side. Our country is fundamentally on the wrong track. But we can make it right. We can make America great again." Gore launched into a defense of his agenda "We can roll back the rise of the seas, we can stop the warming of our planet. If we have the determination and courage to do so, we can still set things right. We can bring a responsible end to the war in Iraq, and fix George W Bush's mess. We can turn our focus to the real enemy, we can find Osama bin Laden and.. bring him to justice!" The delegates were cheering wildly. "We can create good-paying jobs again, invest in our nation's infrastructure and create a fair tax system. We can fight the special interests, clean up Washington. We can mend our budget, and truly be fiscally responsible again. We can combat Wall Street and Opec, and fight for the American people. We can fight for you, and we will. I promise, I will be your President!" Crowd erupts into raucous cheers and starts chanting Gore's name. Gore began to wrap up his speech "I believe what I say, and I believe our best days are still ahead. We can reach for them and seize the opportunity. I may not be the best orator, the most slick politician, but I will be the best President. If you give me the honor of being your President, I will fight for you. I will always fight for you, I will never stop fighting for you. I will never stop striving for that shining city upon a hill, for a more perfect union. If we can summon our common will, our common energy and common spirit, we can set it right. We can make our country great again. And we will! Thank you very much, and God Bless America. Let us go forth and win America my friends, there is no substitute for victory." Gore walked away from the stage, waving to the crowd as American flags flew and the crowd cheered wildly. He had done all he could. All that was left was to hope.

Another good update but again the images are not showing up.

Weird, I can see them.

[lordroel]

Feb 12, 2017 8:46:01 GMT pericles said:

Feb 12, 2017 8:31:29 GMT lordroel said:

Another good update but again the images are not showing up.

Weird, I can see them.

If those pictures come from AH.com than they may not been seen as it seems that pictures linked from AH.com are not visible.

[pericles]

Feb 12, 2017 8:49:24 GMT lordroel said:

Feb 12, 2017 8:46:01 GMT pericles said:

Weird, I can see them.

If those pictures come from AH.com than they may not been seen as it seems that pictures linked from AH.com are not visible.

I can see them though.

[stevep]

If its any help on the pictures I could and can still see those on pages 1 & 2 but like Lordroel I can't see those on page 3.

[lordroel]

Feb 12, 2017 15:10:12 GMT stevep said:

If its any help on the pictures I could and can still see those on pages 1 & 2 but like Lordroel I can't see those on page 3.

It seem that the same two post on AH.com also are not showing any pictures but those before and after do.

[pericles]

MCCAIN'S TURN 

John McCain on the campaign trail, photo taken August 20, 2008​ 

Now it was John McCain's turn. Al Gore had pulled off a successful selection of a Vice-President and a convention that rallied the party behind him and Russ Feingold. A CBS poll taken shortly after the convention showed Gore up 48% to 43% for McCain. McCain's VP selection was expected soon. This was especially important given McCain's advanced age, 71 years old and the oldest President ever if he won, compared to 60-year old Al Gore. Gore expected McCain would pick Mitt Romney. Romney would be able to fill a hole in McCain's weakness on the economy, and Gore had been pressing the economy issue hard on McCain. Romney would also help McCain with conservatives, given that he ran as the conservative challenger to McCain. McCain had a long time to fill the spot, ever since he won the nomination in March. He had said in Norfolk, Virginia, that regional considerations would have less bearing on his decision than the candidate's perceived ability to take over the office of the presidency–and the candidate's "values, principles, philosophy, and priorities." McCain had reportedly been tempted to pick Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge as his Vice-President. However, the news leaked when Lindsey Graham asked social conservatives if they would rather lose with a pro-life VP than win with a pro-choice VP. A media firestorm quickly ensued. McCain was already weak with conservatives, he needed to get them on side not push them out the door. The Lieberman option was dead. Gore watched the process in bemusement, while from the outside he sensed that things were not very organised in McCainworld. Still, he predicted that "in the end, they're going to touch the fire and pull back, and go with some boring, safe conservative white guy."

John McCain and Mike Huckabee at a primary presidential debate​ 

The final shortlist was reportedly Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty. Joe Lieberman, Tom Ridge, Mike Huckabee and Meg Whitman. Huckabee was a big risk, given how far he was to the right, but he could shake up the race, Whitman was the only woman on the list, she could get Hillary Clinton supporters, then again most of them were already rallying behind Gore, and she had no political experience. A pro-choice VP was a no-go zone. Romney and Pawlenty were safe choices, but with the polls close, safety might prevail. Gore was watching closely. They had a bundle on Romney, for his career at Bain Capital. Huckabee too gave them plenty. Whitman's inexperience put a target on her back. Pawlenty, unlike the others, had few flaws but offered very little. Axelrod told Gore "If I were John McCain, I'd pick T-Paw." However, John McCain did not pick Pawlenty. Instead, struggling with the base, he looked to shore them up. Huckabee gained traction as McCain's VP. While very conservative, he was a folksy conservative and populist that had done well in the primary and connected with voters, plus he would ensure the South went to McCain. The two had a cordial relationship, and Huckabee had been helpful in dispatching the challenge from Mitt Romney to McCain. And so, on August 29, 2008, the two stepped out onto the stage "I am proud to select as my Vice-President, a true conservative, Governor Mike Huckabee!" Gore said "I didn't expect that runner-up to be the one."

Republican nominee John McCain addresses the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis St Paul, Minnesota​ 

The Republican National Convention was held from September 1-September 4, 2008. In a boon to the ticket, Cheney and Bush were unable to address the convention because of Hurricane Gustav. The convention focused on attacking Al Gore. Senator Fred Thompson declared that Al Gore and the Democrats were elitists, saying "Gore was once from Tennessee. But he has lost touch with where he came from, he has lost touch with the heartland. Al Gore talks to and works for the elites in San Fransisco, New York and DC. He does not work for you." Rudy Giuliani attacked Gore on terrorism, saying that Gore and Democrats "are in a state of denial" about the threat of terrorism to the U.S, while McCain can confront and defeat "anything that terrorists do to us". Giuliani declared "The Democrats have nominated two far-left liberals, including a man who voted against the Patriot Act to protect our country from the terrorists. They pose a dire threat to our country, and we must not let them win. If Al Gore wins, Bin Laden wins!" Mitt Romney attacked Gore on the economy "We need change all right. Change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington. We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington—throw out the big-government liberals and elect John McCain." He declared "Al Gore wants more taxes, more spending, and less freedom for hard-working middle-class Americans. In hard economic times, we can't afford a leader whose main economic prescription is that you pay more taxes. That's bad for you and it's bad for America. Your pocketbook needs John McCain to win. So let's make that happen!" Huckabee accepted the vice-presidential nomination and attacked Al Gore, saying "I accept this nomination because we need John McCain. Al Gore poses a threat to America. An Al Gore presidency would serve the elites that look down upon real Americans. It would enact a far-left agenda that is fiscally irresponsible and harms our economy. Al Gore and Russ Feingold would degrade our moral values and create a perversion of America. He won't lift families up, he will tear families apart with his disregard for family values. Al Gore seeks to enact an agenda far out of the mainstream, that begins the path to despotism with the decline of morality and cohesion in our society." red meat to the base. "We must stop him!" McCain then accepted the nomination. He refrained from attacking Gore, but clearly contrasted his candidacy to Gore's. McCain declared "I am a maverick. I seek to get soft money out of our politics and not to use and abuse it, I seek to reform Washington, I speak to all Americans, not just to Hollywood and DC. I will be your champion." The Republicans left St Paul. They were united and determined to elect McCain and stop Gore. Both sides saw the fate of the nation hanging in the balance. Only one side could prevail. And events outside both Gore and McCain's control would soon intervene to tip the balance.

[stevep]

Now that's an interesting final sentence. Suspect McCain has gone too far to the right in his VP selection, as OTL, but have to see what happens. Not sure he will like how things develop as I got the impression he was actually a decent and honest man.

The pictures are back for this post so whatever change was made works for me.