campaignTrail_temp.election_json = JSON.parse("[{\"model\": \"campaign_trail.election\", \"pk\": 9, \"fields\": {\"year\": 1996, \"summary\": \"

After the Republican Revolution of 1994, Bill Clinton set out to chart a new course that would help him bounce back and win a second term amid an improving national climate. His goal now appears much more difficult to achieve, as retired four-star general Colin Powell has won the Republican nomination.

\", \"image_url\": \"https://i.imgur.com/MSxABoZ.png\", \"winning_electoral_vote_number\": 270, \"advisor_url\": \"https://i.imgur.com/2lmJvdm.png\", \"recommended_reading\": \"

Powell '96: Into the Powellverse

Sources (on 1996, and a Powell candidacy)

Larry J. Sabato – Toward the Millenium
Colin Powell – My American Journey
Christopher D. O'Sullivan – Colin Powell: American Power and Intervention from Vietnam to Iraq
Archived online news (CNN AllPolitics • PoliticsNow)
News articles on a potential Powell candidacy (1 • 2 • 3 • 4)

Lore


Leadership We Can Believe In – Powell Slogan
Building a Bridge to the 21st Century – Clinton Slogan
America First, Not America Last – Buchanan Slogan
Colin Powell, urged on by a strong Draft Powell Movement, entered the 1996 presidential race on November 8th, 1995. After a series of strong but difficult victories against various primary opponents, including Steve Forbes, Bob Dole, Pat Buchanan, Phil Gramm, and Bob Dornan, Powell secured the nomination on March 26th, 1996. His victory sparked a third party splinter run by Patrick Buchanan, a paleoconservative commentator who entered the general election soon after Powell's victory. Hoping to reconsolidate his conservative support, Powell selected Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson as his running mate, hoping to use his running mate as an attack dog who could bring in Buchanan voters. Clinton, meanwhile, coasted on his success as the party's standard bearer, shrugging off any speculations of a primary opponent and sailing to re-nomination.

The race between Clinton, Buchanan, and Powell focused primarily on social concerns, as Clinton had a natural upper hand on the economy and foreign policy was of smaller import. Powell started out the campaign with a large lead, but was slowly whittled down by Clinton's natural popularity, the strength of the economy, his poorer-than-expected performance in the presidential debates, and Buchanan's persistent splinter bid drawing away critical votes in the South. Powell was perhaps buoyed at the last moment by a shocking series of ads by Buchanan's affiliate Oliver North which blamed Powell for covering up the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War, which caused Buchanan to bleed support in areas such as Florida and Texas. Clinton was also harmed by the Buddhist Temple scandal, where Vice President Gore illicitly solicited donations from donors at a Buddhist Temple, which included foreign donors. Ultimately, these two scandals plus Powell's own personal popularity propelled him to a slim victory in the election, making him our nation's 43rd president and our first African-American president.

\", \"site-image\": \"https://i.imgur.com/liDFqa4.png\", \"site-description\": \"

After the Republican Revolution of 1994, Bill Clinton set out to chart a new course that would help him bounce back and win a second term amid an improving national climate. His goal now appears much more difficult to achieve, as retired four-star general Colin Powell has won the Republican nomination.

Powell, riding a massive wave of popularity, must capitalize on his reputation earned during his decorated military service, while also placating conservative activists enough to prevent them from spoiling the vote and his chances of winning.

\", \"has_visits\": 1, \"no_electoral_majority_image\": \"https://i.imgur.com/iSaNetB.png\"}}]"); campaignTrail_temp.candidate_json = JSON.parse("[{\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 77, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Colin\", \"last_name\": \"Powell\", \"election\": 9, \"party\": \"Republican\", \"state\": \"Virginia\", \"priority\": 1, \"description\": \"

There's not much that hasn't yet been said about Colin Powell. A retired four-star general with thirty-five years of military experience, Powell has served in Vietnam, in Frankfurt commanding V Corps, as National Security Advisor to Reagan, and most famously as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs during the Gulf War. Known for his calculated strategy, he successfully led coalition forces to a quick and decisive victory, gaining him much popularity. After his retirement, he published a best-selling autobiography, then entered the presidential race as a Republican following great popular demand. Born in the Bronx to Jamaican immigrants, he would be the first black president.

Powell is more moderate than most Republicans, given his views on abortion and other issues, and was only able to win the nomination by reversing some of his positions. This is not enough for movement conservatives, who may bolt to Buchanan; he will have to win them back to beat Clinton, without ruining his sterling reputation in the process.

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Rule 4: It Can Be Done!

Your supporters at your election night rally unleash cheer after cheer as more and more swing states are called for you. You can’t keep that grin off your face as you look at the roaring crowd of Powell-maniacs, the people who propelled you here, to the victory stage, rocketing past Clinton. These are the people upon which your victory depended, and these are the people who gave America its first black president. Clinton gives you a call shortly after, and the two of you have a polite chat about the future of the nation. He wishes you well, and you do the same to him.

You’ve cleaned Clinton’s clock pretty good, and Congress has remained in Republican hands. You have a comfortable majority to handle the issues of the day, such as balancing the budget, cutting taxes, or maybe even making slight changes to Social Security and Medicare. It should be pretty smooth sailing for the first two years, and hopefully past the midterms you’ll retain control of Congress. There’s much to be done, but America seems to believe you’re the man to do it.

You’ve truly made history tonight, General Powell. As you listen to the cheers of your supporters, you truly start to feel like the title of President Powell fits you pretty damn well.

\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"

To be a successful politician requires a calling that I do not yet hear.

It was a hard battle, truly, but it was one you just weren’t ready to win. You’re the quintessential political general, but it seems you weren’t ready for the front lines, only the backrooms of the Pentagon. You weren’t completely beaten, Clinton’s victory has nothing on yours over Saddam. But it was still a pretty thorough whipping, made worse by the fact that it was by the man whose career everyone thought was dead in the water just a year ago.

The Republicans have retained control of the House and Senate, albeit a mildly diminished one. At least the gains of ‘94 have stayed, and Clinton will keep having to compromise with your party to get anything done. Still, the loss of a possible trifecta really, really stings. I suppose the nation wasn’t ready for a black president, as much as the early polls suggested it really might be time.

Still, this wasn’t a total wash. Your tour of America really helped you get in touch with the people, and you’re reminded of what makes this nation great. The fact that a black man ran for president and won way more states than any other ever had is historic enough. Keep your head up, General Powell. Your loss shall certainly pave the way for future victories.

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Unfinished as Saddam

This is perhaps as unsatisfying as the Gulf War. No candidate has achieved a majority in the Electoral College. This is a historic pain in the ass, to say the least. It hasn’t happened since 1824. This means that the election will go to the House for the first time since then, where the party with the majority of states will elect the president.

Luckily for you, the Republicans have more state delegations, meaning you’ll be the first black president in U.S. history, and they have a majority in the Senate too so you’ll get your Vice President too. It’s a bit of a bitter pill, but at least you’ll win. You’re definitely going to be expected to govern as a true bipartisan though, which frankly is fine for you, but it’ll disappoint movement conservatives. If Buchanan gets any more ideas in four years, that definitely could be an issue. Regardless, enjoy your win General Powell, even if it’s on a technicality. Let’s hope 2000 is a bit more straightforward.

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Bill Clinton is the incumbent President of the United States, and is seeking a second term. Elected amid a struggling economy, Clinton's struggles in working with his party and his failure to pass a healthcare plan led to the Republican Revolution of 1994, which lost his party control of Congress in stunning fashion. Following this defeat, he has doubled down on his third-way approach, focusing on issues such as crime and welfare reform, which, along with the now-thriving economy, has contributed to his improved popularity and standing in the polls.

Powell's candidacy, however, has given him yet another tough challenge. As an underdog in a race where he would otherwise be well ahead, Clinton will have to use the powers of the incumbency to his advantage, while simultaneously profiting from Buchanan's third-party run, in order to win re-election. Will the comeback kid come out on top yet again, or will he, like Adlai Stevenson, be bested at the ballot box by an all-American war hero?

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\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"''\", \"candidate_score\": 1.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 79, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Pat\", \"last_name\": \"Buchanan\", \"election\": 9, \"party\": \"Independent\", \"state\": \"Virginia\", \"priority\": 3, \"description\": \"

A former advisor to both Nixon and Reagan, master communicator, and yet a proud Republican insurgent, Pat Buchanan finds himself at odds with his party for the second time in just four years. A true patriot to some, and a virulent bigot to others, Buchanan is currently one of the most polarizing figures in American politics, a position from which he has built up a brigade of supporters. He ran against George Bush in the 1992 Republican primaries, then ran for the nomination this year, before starting an independent run as his party nominated the pro-choice Powell.

His isolationist and anti-establishment bent means he could pull in conservative voters across party lines, especially in the South -- and while his divisive approach makes for great television, he has little chances of winning, or even carrying a state. Still, if he receives a great number of votes, it would send a clear and stinging message to the Washington elites, particularly those on the Republican side of the aisle.

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Congratulations! You have won the 2000 election.

This was definitely not supposed to happen. Good luck!

\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"

As expected, you have lost the 2000 election.

The legacy of this campaign depends on a couple of factors. First of all, did you receive 5% of the popular vote? If so, congratulations!

\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"

Wow! No candidate received 270 electoral votes, but the House will elect Colin Powell as President.

Did you receive 5% of the popular vote? If so, congratulations!

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Having taken an eclectic path on his way to the Senate, Fred Thompson's benefits as a running mate may be in his peculiarities. His first big break was as chief minority counsel during the Watergate hearings, helping to uncover Nixon's coverup; he later entered the acting world, often playing the role of a politician in Hollywood films. Thompson handily won Al Gore's old seat in 1994, running on cleaning up Washington and shrinking government. Since then, he has stayed true to his message, pairing social conservatism with support for term limits and campaign reform.

Picking Thompson would help in the South, especially given his conservative record, while doubling down on Powell's outsider credentials. His sharp and down-to-earth style of campaigning, having previously barnstormed Tennessee in a red pickup, could also make him an effective attack dog for the reluctant warrior.

\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 82, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"John\", \"last_name\": \"Kasich\", \"election\": 9, \"party\": \"Republican\", \"state\": \"Ohio\", \"priority\": 6, \"description\": \"''\", \"color_hex\": \"#FF0000\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#FFA0A0\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://i.imgur.com/k5usvlt.png\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"''\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"''\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"''\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"

With a reputation as an unflinching fiscal conservative, John Kasich is a Congressman from Columbus, having served since 1983. He became Chairman of the House Budget Committee after the Republican Revolution of 1994 -- a position from which he has only gained prominence as a chief deficit hawk, championing both a balanced budget amendment and welfare reform. Recently, two-dozen Republican freshmen endorsed him as a running mate in an open letter, citing his record on fiscal issues and ability to work across the aisle.

Picking Kasich would certainly help lock down the Midwest, especially Ohio, and his views would bolster Powell's messaging on fiscal issues while potentially assuaging Republican leaders concerned about social issues. That being said, his position could allow Clinton's campaign to tie him to the unpopular Gingrich, and he may not be enough for some considering a vote for Buchanan.

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Hailing from Greenville in the north of his state, Carroll Campbell is the former governor of South Carolina, having served from 1987 to 1995. Elected after serving four terms in the House, he was only the second Republican governor from his state since Reconstruction. In office, he gained a reputation for good governance with small-government values, leading an effective response to Hurricane Hugo in 1989, then bringing BMW's first North American plant to his state in 1992. He finished his governorship with approvals in excess of seventy percent.

Campbell brings executive branch experience to the ticket, as well as deep campaign experience and connections in the South, and can only further party leaders' enthusiasm for the Powell ticket. He has always fought hard for the Republican agenda, and his involvement in the campaign would pay dividends without the need to raise hell down the stretch.

\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 84, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Steve\", \"last_name\": \"Forbes\", \"election\": 9, \"party\": \"Republican\", \"state\": \"New Jersey\", \"priority\": 8, \"description\": \"''\", \"color_hex\": \"#FF0000\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#FFA0A0\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://i.imgur.com/qlAszXm.png\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"''\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"''\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"''\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"

Born into magazine royalty, Steve Forbes is chief executive and editor in chief of Forbes Magazine, and ran against Powell in the Republican primary. Before entering presidential politics, his only political experience was as head of Radio Free Europe under Reagan, as well as advising New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman on tax policy. Running principally on a plan to introduce a 17% flat tax and implement term limits, Forbes self-financed his own campaign for president, and failed to make much of a splash despite spending many millions of dollars.

Forbes brings along his personal wealth, which may be useful to the campaign, and could help Powell double down on his advantage with business-minded voters across the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard. That being said, his about-face on abortion and other social issues could complicate things even more in the South, and his penchant for bruising attack ads could be a liability if used incorrectly.

\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 85, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Al\", \"last_name\": \"Gore\", \"election\": 9, \"party\": \"Democrat\", \"state\": \"Tennessee\", \"priority\": 9, \"description\": \"''\", \"color_hex\": \"#0000FF\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#90C0FF\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://i.imgur.com/1CzVZoj.png\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"''\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"''\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"''\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"

The Clinton campaign’s selection of Al Gore as their running mate back in 1992 was a stroke of genius. Doubling down on the centrist Southern image, against the advice of many strategists, worked brilliantly, netting the Clinton/Gore ticket a smashing victory. Whether this can be replicated once more is the question on everyone’s minds. With Powell as the frontrunner, and Buchanan barnstorming Dixie, the South is going to be a battleground this November. If Gore can lock down Tennessee, it will go a great length to clinching Clinton’s re-election.

On a personal note, Gore has served his duties as Vice President with little fuss or bad press, despite his long-rumored bad blood with the First Lady. It may be wise to keep him and Hillary Clinton on different campaign tours this fall, lest some hot-mic incident generate unwanted attention.

\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 89, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Gary\", \"last_name\": \"Bauer\", \"election\": 9, \"party\": \"Republican\", \"state\": \"Kentucky\", \"priority\": 13, \"description\": \"''\", \"color_hex\": \"#00C100\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#A1FFA1\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://i.imgur.com/1oQj867.png\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"''\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"''\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"''\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"

Born in a working-class Kentucky family, Gary Bauer is the current president of the Family Research Council, a Christian pro-life organization. Deeply adherent to his Baptist faith, he has a hard-line moral opposition to abortion and support for traditional family values, which has guided him throughout his political life, whether during his time in the Reagan administration or in pro-life political activism. Because of Powell's stances on abortion, he has been publicly opposed to his candidacy both before and after he declared, and has refused to endorse him, instead jumping to the Buchanan camp once he won the Republican nomination.

While Buchanan will be free to work his magic on television, Bauer can use his connections and influence to try and bring more movement conservatives into the Buchanan brigade. The willingness of the Republicans to curb dissent among the base in the face of Bill Clinton will greatly complicate this, however, potentially making these efforts futile.

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