1. President Infinity – Page 27

President Infinity 1908 Election

*This scenario was greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission on August 29, 2017. It can be downloaded here: United States – 1908 v. 2.0

Theodore Roosevelt fulfills his promise to not run for a 3rd term. Roosevelt proved to be the most powerful president up to that time. The 1908 election takes place in an increasingly progressive era. Which candidate is the best to lead the nation after Roosevelt? The president’s handpicked successor is Taft, who seems nearly unstoppable in both the primaries and the general election.

For the Republicans, as mentioned above, Taft is the clear front-runner. However, he faces challenges from both the left and the right. Robert La Follette is the progressive icon of the party and hopes to improve upon Roosevelt’s progressive actions. Philander Knox is the favorite among more conservative Republicans. Other major candidates are the moderate conservative Charles Evans Hughes, Speaker Joseph Cannon, VP Charles Fairbanks, and a few favorite son candidates.

The Democrats are attempting to recover from a crushing defeat in 1904, when they nominated a conservative, pro-business (Bourbon Democrat) nominee, Alton B. Parker. They have now turned their eyes towards their two-time nominee, William Jennnings Bryan, the leader of the populist, progressive wing of the Democratic party. His only challengers come from two more moderate Democrats, George Gray and John A. Johnson.

Eugene Debs leads the Socialist Party.

This election allows for many what-if scenarios:

What if Theodore Roosevelt broke his promise and ran for a 3rd term?
What if Elihu Root, the brilliant cabinet member under Roosevelt, ran for the presidency?
William Randolph Hearst was a pro-labor Democrat and the most powerful publishers in America. He would make an attractive alternative to Bryan among populists. What if he ran?
What if the 1904 nominee, Alton B. Parker, tried to win with his Bourbon Democrat platform?
What if Woodrow Wilson attempted to run for the presidency four years earlier? Can he win without gubernatorial experience?

Feedback and suggestions are desired to fix my errors and to make the game more enjoyable.

President Infinity 1956 Election

*This scenario has been greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission on October 8, 1956: United States – 1956 v.2.0

Eisenhower’s first term has ended and his reelection seems assured. However, his health is an issue after having suffered a heart attack the previous year. Many believed he would not run for reelection; however, in 1956, he declared that he would run. This election took place during the Cold War with a post-Stalin Soviet Union.

For Republicans, Eisenhower’s late entry into the race led to a few candidates having declared an intention to run. William Knowland and John Bricker were too conservative options for voters. S. C. Arnold and Joe Foss were favorite candidate options. However, this competition appeared to be no threat to the president.

The Democrats had a much more varied field. Adlai Stevenson was the frontrunner in his renomination bid. The populist option was once again Estes Kefauver. Former president Truman supported Averell Harriman as a compromise choice. Various favorite son candidate, including Lyndon B. Johnson, joined the election.

The top third party was a very weak States’ Rights Party.

This election allows for many what-if scenarios:

What if Harold Stassen once again ran as the liberal Republican option?
Some pushed Herbert Hoover to run, despite the near quarter century since his presidency.
Douglas MacArthur was still considered a candidate even though he was in his mid-70s.
Henry Cabot Lodge was arguably the leader of the Eastern moderate establishment. What if he ran?
Can Prescott Bush be the first Bush president?
What if Harry S Truman attempted a comeback?
Byrd, Kerr, Russell and Fulbright could have been Southern options for the Democrats.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. had some supporters among those nostalgic for the FDR presidency. What if he had run?
John F. Kennedy was a VP option in 1956. What if he had run for the presidency?

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.

President Infinity 1952 Election (version 2.0)

Version 2.0 (w/ events added by Davis Os)

*This scenario has been greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission on October 8, 2017 and it can be downloaded here: United States – 1952 v.2.0

America is in the midst of a Cold War with the Soviet Union abroad, and in the middle of the Red Scare domestically. Which party can promise the greatest defense against the fear of Communism?

The Republicans have not won a presidential election in 24 years. The Republican moderate Eastern establishment, including two-time nominee Thomas Dewey, have decided to endorse World War II hero, Dwight D. Eisenhower, as he promises to be the best bet to bring the Republicans back to the White House. However, the aging Robert Taft realizes this is his last chance to win the White House for his conservative wing. Harold Stassen once again hopes to be the liberal option; however, he will have to share influence with Earl Warren. General Douglas MacArthur is also running; however, unofficially.

The Democratic party is collapsing around the unpopular incumbent president Harry S Truman. He would eventually refuse a 3rd term, allowing for a fresh face. The front runner is the populist and liberal Southern senator from Tennessee Estes Kefauver. However, some view him slightly too radical for 1952. Two moderate options exist in Adlai Stevenson (a reluctant candidate) and Averell Harriman (who is inexperienced). The conservative Southern option is Richard Russell. Truman’s VP, Alben Barkley, hopes to be a moderate Southern compromise choice. Several favorite son candidate try to hold their state’s delegates.

The Progressive Party is the largest 3rd party led by lawyer Vincent Hallinan and his running mate, Charlotta Bass, the first African-American VP nominee.

This election has many what-if scenarios:

What if Thomas Dewey, the 1944 and 1948 nominee ran for the Republican ticket again?
What if anti-Communist Red Scare monger, Joseph McCarthy, ran for the presidency at the height of his influence?
Liberal Wayne Morse, Moderate Henry Cabot Lodge and Conservative Everett Dirksen and John W. Bricker were other Republican candidates with support that chose not to run. What if they Ran?
What if President Truman decided to run for a 3rd term?
What if Harry F. Byrd attempted to be the Southern option once again for the Democrats?
Can George C. Marshall be the war hero option for the Democrats?
FDR, Jr. had some backers pushing him to run to revitalize the party. What if he had agreed despite his inexperience.
What if billionaire Joseph P. Kennedy pushed his son, Rep. John F. Kennedy to run in 1952 in his first year of eligibility. Can a 35 year old U.S. Rep win the nomination and the White House? He would have been the strong anti-Communist option for the Democrats.
Eleanor Roosevelt (added by Davis Os)

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.

President Infinity 1948 Election

*The Historical Scenario Commission greatly updated this scenario, and it can be downloaded here: United States – 1948 v.2.0

The end of World War II transitions into a Cold War. Domestically, the country fears Communist influence inside of the country. Internationally, the country fears the only other superpower remaining in the world: The Soviet Union. Truman also has many other problems. His popularity is very low and he faces a much more confident Republican Party, which has not held the presidency since Herbert Hoover. The president also must deal with his own party, which is breaking apart at the seams.

For the Democrats in 1948, the party establishment sticks with Truman, as he has the power of incumbency. However, a “Dump Truman” ticket is forming around the moderate Southerner Claude Pepper. Conservative Southerners, unwilling to accept Pepper, support Richard Russell.

The Republicans field their usual candidates–Thomas Dewey for the moderates, Robert Taft for the conservatives and Harold Stassen for the liberals. Other usual candidates include Arthur Vandenberg, Earl Warren and Everett Dirksen. General Douglas MacArthur also has many supporters. Overall, Thomas Dewey, who was the 1944 nominee, is seen as the clear front-runner, as he has presidential campaign experience, and because he has the best shot of unifying the party.

Progressive democrats, who feel Truman is not liberal enough, rally behind Henry Wallace’s Progressive Party. However, the party is hampered by supposed ties to the Communist Party.

Conservative democrats with neo-Confederate sympathies flock to Strom Thurmond’s Dixiecrat or States’ Rights Democrat Party.

This scenario allows for many what-if elections:

Both parties made attempts at catering to Eisenhower to get him to run for president. What if he had run (as a Republican) in 1948, instead of 1952?
Conservative John Bricker and moderate Henry Cabot Lodge Jr had supporters wishing them to run. What if they had?
What if Henry Wallace and Strom Thurmond had not run as 3rd parties, but ran as Democrats against Truman in the primaries?
What if Harry F. Byrd of Virginia was the Southern option for Democrats?
What if Cordell Hull, FDR’s brilliant Secretary of State, ran for the presidency? He was both a Southerner and someone respected by those who respected FDR.
What if FDR has not died in office in 1945 and, despite terrible health, attempted a 5th term in office to ensure that his proposed 2nd Bill of Rights (The Economic Bill of Rights) was pushed through Congress?

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.

President Infinity 1944 Election

*The Historical Scenario Commission has greatly updated this scenario, and it can be downloaded here: United States – 1944 v.2.0

It’s 1944 and the tide of World War II has turned towards the Allied Powers; however, victory still is not certain. FDR has decided to run for a fourth term, amid speculation of ill health. The Republican Party is still having a hard time drawing votes from the popular president. However, age, an unprecedented 4th term, and FDR’s increasingly liberal policies have allowed Republicans a slight improvement in the voter base compared to 1940.

For Republicans, the clear front-runner is Thomas Dewey, the leader of the moderate Eastern establishment wing of the party. Wilkie was expected to lead the liberal wing, and Robert Taft was expected to lead the conservative wing once again. However, Wilkie had a heart attack during this election cycle and Taft decided to sit this election out and support fellow Ohioan John Bricker. With Bricker leading the conservatives, Harold Stassen led the liberal/progressive wing of the party. Additionally, General Douglas MacArthur was a candidate despite serving in World War II. Obviously, he did not campaign. Other candidates include progressive favorite son candidate for California, Earl Warren, and Rep. Everett Dirksen.

FDR was virtually assured renomination. Anti-FDR Democrats supported Harry F. Byrd of Virginia, but he did not actively campaign.

The Socialist Party is once again the strongest 3rd party.

This election has many what-if scenarios:

What if FDR’s Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, became a compromise option between Southern Democrats and FDR supporters?
What if the following Republicans have listened to their supporters and run for president: Robert Taft, Arthur Vandenberg, Henry Cabot Lodge.
What if Wendell Wilkie, the 1940 nominee, had not died during the election cycle?

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.

President Infinity 1940 Election

*The Historical Scenario Commission has greatly updated this scenario and it can be downloaded here: United States – 1940 v.2.0

It’s 1940, and World War II is raging in the Eastern Hemisphere. Should America join in the fight to stop Germany? FDR was so popular that arguably the lead point of attacking FDR for Republicans was to convince Americans that the two-term limit (which didn’t exist at the time) was an unofficial precedent set by George Washington and should be followed.

The Republicans were heavily divided between liberal Republicans and conservatives Republicans. The front runners were Thomas Dewey (the leader of the moderate Eastern establishment) and Robert Taft (son of former president Taft and leader of the conservatives). The party eventually settled for the dark horse candidate, Wendell Wilkie, a former Democrat and businessman with no political experience. Other notable Republican candidates in the running include Arthur Vandenberg, who was one of the most powerful senators at the time, and former president Herbert Hoover. Many other candidates for the party also ran.

For the Democrats, FDR could have run virtually unopposed, but he didn’t announce that he would run until much later than when candidates usually make their announcement. This upset some of FDR’s critics, including his own VP, John Nance Garner, who would run against him and his New Deal. James Farley, FDR’s campaign manager in 1932 and 1936, thought that the presidency was rightfully his, assuming that FDR and he had intimated that he would serve the regular two-terms and then support his candidacy for office. Farley decided to launch his campaign anyway. Millard Tydings was a candidate non-Southerners opposed to FDR’s New Deal.

The Socialist Party was once again the largest 3rd party.

What-if scenarios in this election include:

What if the Republican nominee from 1936, Alf Landon, ran again?
William Borah, the progressive Republican icon, was expected to make a run, but he suddenly died. What if he had not?
Many wanted Teddy Roosevelt Jr to run against his distant cousin. What if he had?
Many conservative Republicans wanted John Bricker to run. What if he had?
Fiorello LaGuardia was arguably the most popular mayor in the history of New York City. He was a supporter of much of FDR’s New Deal policies. Could he have won over independents to his side?
Some wanted Henry Cabot Lodge Jr, the grandson of one of the most powerful Republican Senators, to run for the presidency.
FDR’s Secretary of War, was a war hawk and a Republican. What if he had bolted from the cabinet to be the pro-war Republican nominee?
Some tried to push FDR’s Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, to run against FDR. What if he had?
Huey P. Long was assassinated in 1935, but he had plans to run in either 1936 or 1940 or both elections on his Share Our Wealth platform, which claimed the New Deal did not go far enough. What if was not assassinated?

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.

President Infinity 1936 Election

*The Historical Scenario Commission greatly updated this scenario on Sep 30, 2017. It can be downloaded here: United States – 1936 v.2.0

America is still caught in the Great Depression; however, most of the country has rallied behind the New Deal created by the Roosevelt administration and allied members in Congress. Roosevelt’s popularity virtually assured reelection.

For the Republicans, most of the major figures are unwilling to face certain defeat in the election. As such, Republicans rally behind a liberal alternative to FDR–Alf Landon. His only serious competitor is the progressive icon William Borah, who is even more liberal than Landon, and arguably more so than FDR.

FDR, for the most part, is running unopposed. His closest serious challenge is the inexperienced conservative anti-new deal politician Henry Breckinridge.

*Various inconsequential “Favorite Son” candidates also won delegates. They currently are not in the game, but will be added in a future update. They really won’t impact an election with two most unopposed candidates; however, they would work well in the what-if scenarios.

The Union Party and Socialist Party are the two default third parties.

This scenario allows for some What-If candidacies:

What if the Southerners had pushed FDR’s Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, to run as a Southern moderate compromise choice against FDR?
What if FDR’s VP, John Nance Garner of Texas, an anti-New Dealer, had run against FDR in 1936 instead of waiting for 1940?
What if the ambitious populist, Huey P. Long, had not been assassinated in 1935 and ran as a Democrat instead of under his proposed 3rd party?
What if Huey P. Long was not assassinated and ran under his proposed progressive party, Share Our Wealth. This party believed that the New Deal did not go far enough, and that certain basic needs must be provided. None should be too rich and none should be too poor–every man a king.
Some Republicans were trying to push Herbert Hoover to run against FDR again. What if he had ran?
Robert Taft, a leading conservative Republican voice and son of former President Taft, had supporters urging him to run. What if he had listened to the calls for his candidacy?
Arthur Vandenberg, one of the most powerful senators of his time, was urged to run for office, but he declined as well. What if he had not?
Some called for Theodore Roosevelt’s son, Teddy Jr, to run in order to excite the party and invoke a time of Republican vitality. What if he had run?
John Bricker, an attorney in Ohio, with higher political ambitions, was a noted conservative Republican opposed to the New Deal. What if he had listened to the calls to run?

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.

President Infinity 1932 Election

*This scenario has been greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission. It can be downloaded here: United States – 1932 v.2.0

America is facing economy disaster as the Great Depression enters its third year. Will President Herbert Hoover be able to win a second term after a marred first term? Can the Democrats find a politician that can inspire optimism in one of the most trying times in US history?

For the Republicans, the incumbent Herbert Hoover has the most powerful campaign machine despite being a marred candidate. He faces only two serious challengers: John J. Blaine and Joseph France. The goal for France is to win enough delegates to lock up the convention so that former president Calvin Coolidge can be nominated as a compromise choice (Coolidge declined to enter the race personally).

The Democrats enter the race with a clear front-runner. New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt has the confidence and optimism that the leading Democrats are wanting in their candidate. However, FDR’s mentor and 1928 nominee, Al Smith, believes that the nomination is rightfully his. Feeling betrayed, he fights FDR just as hard as he fights the Republican administration. Another strong candidate is the conservative Speaker of the House John Nance Garner from Texas. Can FDR unite the urban and rural wings to launch an effective campaign? Other candidates include the locally popular candidates James Reed and Newton D. Baker.

Lastly, the Socialist Party is once again the strongest 3rd party.

This election allows for some what-if scenarios:

Former President Calvin Coolidge did not listen to the “Draft Coolidge” movement. What if he had?
What if former VP Charles Dawes had run?
What if the Republican progressive icon William Borah had listened to his supporters and run for the presidency?
What if the severely conservative James Wadsworth had run?
Some Southerners wanted Sen. Cordell Hull to make another run for the Democratic nomination.
Hamilton Lewis, an aged protegee of Woodrow Wilson, had many supporter wishing for him to run.

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.

President Infinity 1928 Election

*This scenario has been greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission on September 15, 2017. It can be downloaded here: United States – 1928 v.2.0

The Roaring Twenties is still raging. However, an unforeseen economic crises due in part to the high tariff of the 1920s is only a year away. President Coolidge has declined to serve another term, making the way for many Republican candidates in the 1928 election.

For the Republicans, Herbert Hoover has the closest ties to the Coolidge administration. His “Play It Safe with Hoover” campaign revolves around this connection as he attempt to be the candidate of continuity. However, Hoover, unlike the conservative Coolidge, is a moderate with some progressive tendencies. As such, he has challenges within his own party from the left and from the right. Although, Frank Lowden, another moderate, is his toughest challenger.

For the Democrats, they’ve learned that choosing a rural conservative for their ticket led to a major landslide defeat in the last election, as well as many voters flocking to La Follette’s Progressive Party. In an attempt to unify the party, the Democrats give most of their support to the leader of the urban wing of the Democratic party, Al Smith. However, Smith is a Catholic, which may scare away many severely Protestant voters. Can he overcome his drawback to his candidacy? Al Smith’s challengers are primarily Southern Democrats, who have little chance of beating Smith in the primaries.

Unlike in 1928, there is not a major 3rd party. The Socialist Party is only a fragment of its former self.

This scenario has many what-if possibilities:

There was a Draft Coolidge movement trying to convince him to run for another term. What if he had?
What if Coolidge’s VP, Charles Dawes, whom Coolidge hated, had run?
What if the Progressive Republican Icon, William Borah, had run. Many hoped he would have.
Judge Charles Evans Hughes, who was nearly victorious in 1916 against Woodrow Wilson, was still considered a possibility in 1928. However, he’s hoping to succeed former President Taft as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
What if the Progressive Democratic Icon, Thomas Walsh, had listened to his supporters and ran?
Some wished for Newton D. Baker, a Wilsonian Democrat from Ohio, and former Secretary of War for Wilson during World War I, to run for the presidency.
Lastly, what if former VP-nominee Franklin D. Roosevelt had decided to run for the presidency rather than for the Governorship of New York in 1928. FDR at this time would be no less charismatic, but his experience, leadership and organizational power is nowhere near where it will be in four years.

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.

President Infinity 1924 Election

*This scenario has been greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission. It can be downloaded here: United States – 1924 v2.0

This election takes place in the middle of the Roaring Twenties, in what has been called “High Tide of Conservatism,” as both parties nominated conservatives. The political conservatism of the decade was a reaction to the Progressive Age, which was prevalent for two decades.

For the Republicans, Coolidge has proved popular choice after taking over the presidency after the death of the scandal-ridden Warren G. Harding, clearing out the offenders in the administration and leading during a time of economic prosperity. However, many progressive Republicans who did not like Coolidge’s inactive presidency preferred progressives such as Hiram Johnson and Robert La Follette.

The Democratic party was much less unified, which placed them at a disadvantage. Al Smith led the urban wing of the party. William Gibbs McAdoo (son-in-law of Woodrow Wilson) led the rural wing of the party. Oscar Underwood attempted to be the leader of the Democratic South. The compromise choice during the nomination fell on former ambassador John W. Davis, a conservative from West Virginia. He seemed to be the best candidate at the time to compete against a successful conservative Republican. However, his nomination upset many progressive Democrats.

A strong Progressive Party reemerged with Robert La Follette as the leader. Although, he was nominally a Republican, most of the progressives that joined his ranks, outside of Wisconsin, were Democrats that would not support Davis. As such, Coolidge won in a major landslide. The Socialist Party is still available, but much weaker in 1924.

The campaign allows for what-if scenarios:

What if Warren G. Harding had not died in office and attempted a second term amidst a series of major scandals?
Some Republicans wanted a more moderate president and pushed for popular Illinois governor Frank Lowden to challenge Coolidge for the party ticket.
Other possible Republican challengers include: Sec. Herbert Hoover, extreme conservative Nicholas Butler, and former 1916 nominee Judge Charles Evans Hughes.
Democrats also have many possible what-if candidates, including three-time nominee and populist leader William Jennings Bryan, popular progressive Thomas Walsh of Montana, brilliant Southerner Cordell Hull and New Orleans mayor Martin Behrman, a Jewish Southern politician.

Feedback, along with any suggestions to remedy any problems, is desired.