"By 1968, two terms of Kennedy had left Democratic voters feeling complacent. Republicans knew this would happen, and it resulted in a rather crowded primary field. In what was considered one of the biggest political upsets of all time, former Governor of Minnesota turned perennial candidate Harold Stassen was the man that ended up being that years nominee. While at the time it looked like the Democrats had it in the bag, Stassen demonstrated that you should never underestimate your opponents."
A summary regarding how Harold Strassen would beat the odds and become the president of the United States. By 1968, the Kennedy terms have brought in plenty of prosperity for the Americans in many fields, including healthcare reform through the expansion of Medicaid, Medicare and so on. As such, the Democrats were feeling fairly confidant over their potential victory, which the Republicans tried to exploit. However, this led to many of them eating their own support off one another, especially when the accusations of blackmail or worse came about.
This was a major contibuting factor over to the victory of Strassen in the primaries. Strassen meanwhile would end up doing quite well in spite of or because of his liberalism. While he did not agree completely with all of the healthcare reforms of President Kennedy, he still supported government healthcare in his own form. This along with having a bit more of an affable image than Lyndon B Johnson allowed for Strassen to become President with his running mate Willian Scranton becoming Vice President. Strassen would have a relatively smooth presidency and despite some of the controversy of his positions among his contemporaties, they would prove beneficial in the long run. His concern over the Vietnam War led to less American involvement in Southeast Asia, instead focusng on North and South Korea joining the United Nations. The nations ended up in an armistice and then later joined under the Ho Chi Minh government though at the same time, siding informally with the Americans, much to the shock of many (though some pundits noted that in retrospect, it was somewhat obvious given the history Vietnam and China had together). President Strassen also led to the increasing relations with Cuba (something that won him points over Kennedy). And of course, Strassen heading over to China.
While somewhat criticized for his dovish approach, it had positive effects and helped continue the peace and stability. One note was Strassen's refusal of involvement in the Six-Day War, at least in supporting Israel. This would lead to Israel forced to make some concessions regarding their 'acquired' territory. While some noted this led to a worsening of relatons for a while, others noted that this also aided the economy given the concerns over Arab nations with oil. On a domestic level, Strassen focused on continuing to aid America's problems. Despite his view on the healthcare matter, he did increase Medicare coverage to children 10 and under. This would be expanded to 18 and under in his second term due to the concern of America's adolescent youth. He also helped put in a sort of UBI over pregnant women, especally single mothers, to aid them. President Strassen would be highly regarded and would swing the Republicans more to the left (along with the Democrats). Other noteworthy things was the creation of the EPA (a bipartisan project Strassen noted was inspired by Theodoe Roosevelt's ideals) and the like.
He would leave 1976 in good spirits though bittersweet as Vice President Scranton would lose against Democrat Mo Udall in 1976. Udall would continue on similar ideals along with helping America out of the turmoil that was the 1979 Oil Crisis, which saw a massive need to invest in alternate fuel (which would see the expansion of nuclear power on advice from Jimmy Carter). President Udall would win reelection in 1980 and would finish overhauling Medicare into a single-payer healthcare system covering everyone. 1984 would see Scranton make a win and firmly solidfy the new political status quo, despite the supposed rise of a new form of conservatism.
The Strassen victory was important for showing the importance of not underestimating your political opponents, the concerns of a crowded field in political parties and that the liberal Republicans still had some life left, and indeed resurged thanks to Strassen. Beyond helping to contibute to civil rights, healthcare, welfare and growth, Strassen would become highly regarded for his foreign policy prevent escalation and helping America avoid potential conflicts and unnecessary wars. At the same time, he also contributed to a growing schism with the Republicans that led to the rise of the Constitutional Party, a third party more on the hard-right. That said, the Republicans bounced back thanks to an increase of Republicans of color and the Constitutional Party would prove to be the ground for the ex-Dixiecrats and for the harder conservatives though would be unable to gain much traction, instead earning an unsavory reputation.
"American involvement in the Soviet-Afghanistan War changed from just arming to the mujahideen to restoring the constitutional monarchy. This would turn out quite successful."
