270sims Campaigns

President Infinity 1900 Election

*This scenario was greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission on August 28, 2017. It can be downloaded here: United States – 1900 v. 2.0

The 1900 election was a rematch between William McKinley and pro-labor, pro-silver Democrat, William Jennings Bryan. Both nominees were virtually unopposed. McKinley’s reelection seemed pretty much assured as the economy was strong and he had just won the Spanish-American War.

The election allows for some what-if scenarios so that these candidates face some competition:

What if Governor Theodore Roosevelt attempted a premature run for president?
What if leading progressive Republican, Robert La Follette ran against McKinley?
What if wealthy, pro-labor publisher, William Randolph Hughes, ran for president?
What if Grover Cleveland, the pro-business, pro-Gold Standard former president ran for a 3rd non-consecutive term?
Admiral George Dewey, a hero of the recent war, wanted to run for president, but the media slammed him for his gaffes and his obvious political naivety.

Feedback to improve the scenario is desired.

President Infinity 1904 Election

*This scenario was greatly updated by the Historical Scenario Commission on August 28, 2017. It can be downloaded here: United States – 1904 v. 2.0

Theodore Roosevelt has finished most of slain president William McKinley’s term. And now he hopes to win election in his own right. Roosevelt’s presidency has been both peaceful and active. However, not everyone is happy. Democrats claim he is using too much executive power. While in his own party, conservative Republicans feel he is becoming too Progressive. A Drop Roosevelt movement was launched by conservatives under Roosevelt’s former campaign manager Mark Hanna, but Hanna died early in the election season. Now, Roosevelt runs unopposed and seems unstoppable. This election takes place in the Progressive Age.

As mentioned above, Roosevelt run unopposed.

For Democrats, two-time nominee and leader of the pro-labor wing of the party, William Jennings Bryan has decided not to run again. For pro-business (Bourbon Democrats), former president Grover Cleveland has ignored calls to run for the presidency again. Not a single major politician among the Democrats has decided to take on President Roosevelt. This leaves the field wide open. By default, the labor-wing rallies behind the wealthy publisher William Randolph Hughes. Bourbon Democrats flock to the front runner New York judge Alton B. Parker. Several other figures seek to become alternatives to these two men.

The Socialist Party is the 3rd party in this election with Eugene Debs as the nominee.

This scenario allows for several what-ifs:

What if former Democratic nominee William Jennings Bryan ran for a 3rd time?
What if former president Grover Cleveland went for a 3rd non-consecutive term in office?
What if the former commanding general of the United States, Nelson A. Miles, listened to the calls to run for the presidency?
What if Mark Hanna had not suddenly died and stood as the conservative option for Republicans?
Former Hanna backers urged Charles Fairbanks to run. What if he had?
Governor-general of the Philippines, William Howard Taft, was pushed by moderates to take on his friend, Theodore Roosevelt. What if he had?
What if Robert La Follette had led Progressive Republicans in 1904?

Feedback to improve the scenario is desired.

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.

Australia – 1975

A series of controversial decisions has culminated in Governor-General John Kerr’s dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam nad his appointment of Malcolm Fraser, who did not have a lower house majority, in his place. Though Whitlam’s supporters are furious, many voters are more concerned about his turbulent handling of the economy.

Playable parties are Liberal, Labor, National Country, Democratic Labor, and Independent – no alternate leaders as of now. I am more than happy to hear feedback and consider further changes!

Australia – 1975

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.