Characters / TFO USA

Main Character Index Superpowers: Großgermanisches Reich | The United States of America | Dai-Nippon Teikoku | Sovetskiy Soyuz Major Powers: Italian Empire | Iberian Federation | Republic of Turkey Other Countries By Region: Africa: Northern & East Africa | West Africa | Central Africa | Southern Africa Asia: Mainland China Southeast Asia South Asia | Middle East | Central Asia Europe: Northern & Western Europe (British Isles) | (French State) | Southern Europe | Eastern Europe Americas: North America | South America

United States of America

^{Organization of Free Nations} 

Official Name: United States of America

Ruling Party: Republican Party (Responsible Republicans)

Ideology: Modern Conservatism^note Conservatism

The United States of America is a country in North America comprised of 49 states. Its borders are shared to the south by the United Mexican States, to the west by the Pacific Ocean, to the north by the Dominion of Canada, and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

The United States is the leader of the Organization of Free Nations, an alliance made up of members in the entire globe who advocates for a free democratic world.

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Background Lore

Pre-War & Great Depression (1929 - 1939)

Unemployed men queued outside a depression soup kitchen

The United States experienced a similar trajectory as the real world in the 1920s, with a period of economic prosperity followed by a devastating crash and the onset of the Great Depression.

However, during the 1932 Democratic National Convention, Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Governor of New York, presented a passionate argument for a New Deal to counter the Depression, which made him win the elections that same year, and the next in 1936.

Second World War (1939 - 1945)

Thomas Dewey in the Republican National Convention

Fast forward to the 1940 presidential election, where the Republican candidate Thomas Dewey secured a narrow victory. Unlike Roosevelt, Dewey supported isolationist policies, advocating that the United States should avoid getting involved in the conflicts brewing in Europe.

The United States chose to remain neutral during World War II, even as Nazi Germany and Japan made rapid advances across Europe and the Pacific. President Dewey refused Prime Minister Churchill's plea for aid and the American people enjoyed a period of economic prosperity and safety.

The situation changed drastically on December 7th, 1941, when Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, destroying the US Pacific fleet and killing thousands of Americans. Despite efforts to combat the aggression of Germany and Japan, the United States was caught off guard and had few time to fight back.

The atomic bomb being dropped in Hawaii

In 1945, a devastating explosion destroyed Pearl Harbor, killing thousands more. The United States was forced to seek a conditional surrender with Japan and Germany, surrendering Hawaii and most of its Pacific possessions. Although many Americans were relieved that the war was over, others were outraged that the United States had lost its first-ever war in history.

Post-War Period (1945 - 1962)

Eisenhower's speech on segregation

The aftermath of the Second World War saw a significant political shift in the United States, with the Republican Party suffering a massive defeat in the 1948 elections. The public perceived Republicans as the losers of the war, and the Democrats emerged as the clear victors. The election results were a sweeping Democrat victory, and the former general and war hero, Dwight D. Eisenhower, emerged as the new face of the party. However, Eisenhower's policies were considered too radical by some, and the Republicans slowly but surely regained their relevance in the political arena.

Despite the Republicans' efforts, they were unable to convince the American people by 1952, Eisenhower was re-elected as President for a second term. His popularity remained high, and his policies continued to benefit the country, with the Republicans remaining in the shadow of the Democrats.

Richard Nixon on a public rally

In the 1956 elections, the Democrat candidate Estes Kefauver ran against the Republican candidate Everett Dirksen. The election results were no different from the previous ones, with the Democrats winning once again. The country was still riding high on the wave of Democrat victories, and it seemed that the Republicans would never regain their footing.

But in 1960, the tide finally turned in favor of the Republicans. Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate, won the elections against the incumbent President, ending the Democrats' winning streak and marking a significant political shift in the country. The Republicans had finally managed to convince the American people that they could lead the country in a better direction.

A New Type Of War (1962 - 1972)

Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have A Dream" speech

Nixon's administration is characterized by a series of domestic and international challenges. The civil rights movement and Martin Luther King's activism became pressing issues for Nixon's government. As part of his foreign policy, Nixon creates a new doctrine focused on supporting anti-fascist regimes around the world, attempting to decrease Japan's and Germany's sphere of influence. The first victory under him is the Balintawak Blitz and the following Japanese invasion, a major revolt against Japanese-controlled Philippines following the Yasuda Crisis. This victory marks the beginning of a period of US foreign involvement around the world.

M4 Sherman Tank operated by Philippine infantrymen

However, Nixon struggles to contain the spread of fascism in other parts of the world. The government of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean becomes aligned with Iberia and Germany, leading to a US-backed invasion. However, the invasion fails, and the government of Rafael Trujillo remains in power. In another instance, Nixon attempts liberation of the Malayan Peninsula, which results in a protracted conflict that lasted for several months and took up tons of valuable resources, money, and equipment. Despite support from the United States, the Japanese forces eventually emerged victorious.

American soldiers being shipped off to South Africa

Down in Africa, the collapse of Reichskommissariat Madagaskar lead to a power vacuum that resulted in a prolonged conflict between remnants of the German authority and the natives, who eventually win during the conflict. Despite significant US support for the rebels, the situation of their alignment towards the USA or Japan ends with the PADSEM taking the upper hand and abandoning the US. Meanwhile, as Germany was left in a state of a power struggle following Adolf Hitler's death, its African colonies formed the Afrika-Schild, an alliance between the three Reichskommissars, and promptly invaded South Africa to support their Boer allies. However, they were stopped by the United States and the Organization of Free Nations, who (against all odds) managed to push the Schild back, slowly but surely, defeating the Boers in the South African Civil War.

Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office

During the runup to the 1964 elections, Nixon faced a major scandal after news comes out about his dealings in Madagascar and illegal selling of weapons. This allowed Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Baines Johnson and Senator and former primary opponent John F. Kennedy to win the election decisively, securing a Democratic mandate for government.

However, Johnson's presidency was also marked by significant foreign policy challenges. The United States was deeply embroiled in the Indonesian Civil War, a conflict that was quickly becoming one of the most divisive issues in American politics. Johnson believed that the United States had a responsibility to support the allied coalition against the Japanese and prevent the spread of fascism in the region. However, the war proved to be a costly and protracted conflict, and it ultimately undermined Johnson's presidency and his domestic policy agenda, especially after Japan managed to keep Indonesia under its boot, despite the death of nearly 18,000 Americans.

Guerrillas belonging to the Colombian Revolutionary Union

Johnson also attempted to exert US influence in several other regions of the world. The Colombian Civil War was a brutal conflict that tore apart the South American country, pitting various factions against each other, with the Organisation of Free Nations supporting the Colombian Revolutionary Union, who ultimately emerged victorious. The West African War was another bloody conflict, with Free France and Cameroon fighting for control of West Africa, with the United States supporting Free France and Japan supporting Cameroon. Despite the heavy toll taken on both sides, Cameroon emerged victorious, marking the beginning of a new era in the continent's history. Both wars were stark reminders of the toll that war takes on a country and its people, and their scars would remain for decades to come.

US Infantrymen, somewhere in Congo

Meanwhile, Johnson dedicated most of America's resources into the ongoing South African War. After half a decade of war, the Organization of Free Nations ultimately managed to make the last Zentralafrikan forces surrender, effectively ending the South Arican War by late 1968, with the total liberation of Central and Southern Africa.

While the Johnson administration had a rather contentious foreign policy his domestic policy was broadly popular and brought about sweeping reform. Through his "Great Society" Johnson expanded education and welfare to an extent not seen since the New Deal, created Medicare and a public health insurance option for low income Americans and greatly expanded civil rights and the space program. Passing the Civil Rights Act of 1965, the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act and the Hart-Cellar act, under Johnson the United States also landed astronauts on the moon in 1968.

John F. Kennedy on his limousine, moments before being shot

During the 1968 elections, Johnson narrowly wins re-election, however, he unexpectedly suffers a heart attack the following year which along with pressure from others in the executive branch forces his resignation. However, his successor John F. Kennedy doesn't last very long, being shot a few months after entering office, leading to Speaker of the House Carl Albert assuming the Presidency.

A World Divided (1972 - 1980)

Albert's Presidency faced a major crisis in the form of the Oil Crisis, causing oil prices to increase, inflation to skyrocket and a global economic crash.

George Romney speaking at the Republican National Convention

As the Oil Crisis raged on, it became clear that Albert would not be the one to end it. Instead, the 1972 elections saw George Romney from the Republicans win after three consecutive Democrat Presidents. Romney's administration faced numerous challenges, including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.

While Egypt remained in the grip of fascist powers after an Italian direct intervention, Oman and Yemen's status-quo prevailed in their respective civil wars, and the United Arab Emirates also gained a modicum of independence around the same time, remaining a client state of the Italian Empire. Syria and Iraq united to form the United Arab Republic, which was openly hostile towards the United States. However, the United States was remarkably victorious in the Sudanese Civil War, giving the free world an ally in North Africa.

Nasserist Egypt Infantrymen during the Egyptian Civil War

The demand for oil continued to grow, despite efforts to invest in alternative energy sources and encourage domestic oil production. Saudi Arabia preferred to trade oil with Italy, while Iraq and Syria refused to trade with the United States altogether. The grain embargo with Germany caused prices to fall, affecting farmers' incomes and rural communities, highlighting the need for energy independence and a stable market for agriculture exports.

Despite these challenges, Romney was able to win a second term in the 1976 elections, mainly thanks to the succesful détente with Japan and the return of Hawaii as an american state. Romney's second government faced even more challenges, including the Angolan Civil War, which saw the victorious United States support UNITA against the Japanese-backed PLUAA. The Salvadoran Civil War rages on, with the United States determined in their efforts against Soviet influence in the Central America following their victory in the Sandinista Revolution locate in Nicaragua. Over in South America, the rise of Manuel de Anchorena, a german-aligned fascist peronist, signified a major humiliation to America, allowing the Germans to establish a foothold in the Americas.

The Sandinistas in Nicaragua, victorious in their revolution

That isn't to say the Romney Presidency hasn't been without its successes, his administration has expanded housing access, effectively handled civil rights, brought the economy back to a growing rate and brought gas prices down to a reasonable high as well as making a more cost effective welfare state with a balanced budget, Romney has also helped reinvigorate the country and strengthen the armed forces.

The world remains on a knife's edge. As the cold war continues to escalate and tensions between the United States and their foes grow ever more strained.

General Tropes

• The Alliance: The Organization of Free Nations, or OFN, which depending on how events play out, can either become a glorified extension of American power at the expense of member nations, something more akin to The Federation under US guidance or collapse altogether.

Former Post-War Presidents

Dwight D. Eisenhower

^{Re-Election portrait} 

Role: President

Party: Democratic Party (Central Democrats)

Ideology: National Liberalism^note Liberalism

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• Minor Major Character: Despite being barely mentioned at all, Eisenhower played a very significant role steering the United States away from isolationism following their defeat in the Second World War, tearing the peace agreements and alienating Germany and Japan with the creation of the Organization of Free Nations.
• Action Politician: Formerly an army general, Eisenhower decided to become a politician after the war
• Offscreen Moment of Awesome: Eisenhower is mostly known for advocating strongly against isolationism during his presidency. Rather, he'd become the guiding torch of the free world in a time of confusion and fear, becoming the architect of the OFN.
• Alternate History: Despite being one of the main designers of the modern Republican party historically, Eisenhower is made a Democrat in TNO and TFO to better represent the post-war narrative.
• Long Game: While not immediately jumping as a cold war contender, Eisenhower made sure to set up the base for future Presidents to become formidabl rivals against the fascist empires in Asia and Europe.
• War Hero: Eisenhower was one of the most important generals during the Second World War in the European theatre, despite playing a more minor role than OTL due to the United States arriving too late.
• Stand Your Ground: During the turbulent era following World War Two, Eisenhower becomes the leader everyone needed, reassuring the position of the United States and preventing it from falling into isolationism.
• Colonel Badass: Despite losing WW2, Eisenhower was a high-ranking General within the United States army and very popular among the men he commanded.
• Patriotic Fervor: He was able to command the American spirit through turbulent times and keep hopes high, despite the terrible situation America found itself in at the time.
• Offending a Foreign Country: The tearing of the Akagi Accords greatly offended the Empire of Japan and saw international outrage.

Estes Kefauver

^{Re-Election portrait} 

Role: President

Party: Democratic Party (Central Democrats)

Ideology: National Liberalism^note Liberalism

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• Small Role, Big Impact: Inverted. Despite holding the office of President for two terms, Kefauver isn't particularly remarkable in any achievements he made compared to the rest of the Presidents after the war's end.

Richard Nixon

Role: President

Party: Republican Party (Traditional Republicans)

Ideology: Silent Conservatism^note Conservatism

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• Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Nixon was the first Republican to be elected after more than a decade of Democratic dominance.
• Allohistorical Allusion: He became President in real life as well after winning the 1968 elections. In both TNO and TFO, he becomes President almost a decade earlier than historically.
• Minor Major Character: Despite being barely mentioned in-game, Nixon played a key role in the entrance of the United States into the cold war as a formidable rival against Japan and Germany.

Lyndon B. Johnson

^{Re-Election portrait} 

Role: President

Party: Democratic Party (Central Democrats)

Ideology: Dynastic Liberalism^note Liberalism

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• Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Brooke is not only the first African-American Vice President at start, but has the potential to become a President of his own right, marking the first time a non-white person has become Head of State of the United States.
• Minor Major Character: Brooke initially starts as Romney's Vice President, having a more minor role in the government, despite being a potential candidate for the 1980 Presidential elections.
• Our Presidents Are Different: President Minority. Although Brooke expresses he does not want to be known as simply "the black guy", it's undeniable he's the first African-American man to ever hold the office of President.

John F. Kennedy

Role: President

Party: Democratic Party (Central Democrats)

Ideology: Dynastic Liberalism^note Liberalism

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• Allohistorical Allusion: Despite the incident happening years after historically, and the situation and causes for it happening being different, Kennedy still manages to get assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
• Short-Lived Leadership: Only a few months after succeeding Lyndon Johnson and becoming President, he gets assassinated, not even lasting a full year.
• TwentyFifthAmendment: Kennedy gets in power thanks to this amendment, due to him being Johnson's Vice President after he is forced to retire.

Carl Albert

Role: President

Party: Democratic Party (Central Democrats)

Ideology: Liberalism^note Liberalism

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• Short-Lived Leadership: Despite lasting more than Kennedy as President, Albert only lasts slightly less than two years in office.
• Reluctant Ruler: After Kennedy got shot, Albert was forcefully propelled to the office of President, despite never wanting to run for the position.
• Unexpected Successor: Nobody expected for not only Johnson to suffer a devastating stroke, but for his Vice President to then get killed, and the Speaker of the House to become President of the United States in such a short time.
• Small Role, Big Impact: Inverted. Although he became President of the United States of America, he is easily the least memorable of them all of the second part of the 20th century.
• TwentyFifthAmendment: Albert gets to power thanks to the United States constitution after both the President and Vice President, for their own reasons, are ousted from office.

Presidents (1980-1985)

George Romney

Role: Head of State

Party: Republican Party (Responsible Republicans)

Ideology: Modern Conservatism^note Conservatism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show} Placeholder

George Romney is the current President of the United States, having been sworn in on January 20, 1973.

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• Boring, but Practical: Romney has walked a careful tightrope and pursed a generally moderate administration trying not to upset neither liberals nor conservatives.
• Real Men Love Jesus: Romney is a devout Mormon and his religious beliefs in the teachings of Christ have greatly affected his years of public service.
• Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Romney became the first Mormon man to ever hold the spot as President of the United States, appointing the first African-American to be his Vice-President, Edward Brooke.
• Nice Guy: Romney is known for being a kind and polite individual, as shown in his succession letters to any of the victors of the Presidential elections, notably the one directed to Brooke.
• But Not Too Foreign: Romney was originally born in Mexico, becoming the first foreign-born President.
• Realpolitik: Romney has, for the past decade, been succesful in reaching a compromise with the Empire of Japan, being able to even regain Hawaii back and reintegrate it as the 50th state.
• What If?: Historically, although Romney attempted to run for President as the Republican nominee, he withdrawed from the primaries following controversy with statements regarding the Vietnam War. This never happens in The Fading Order, establishing the question of "What if George Romney won the Presidential elections?"
• Minor Major Character: Romney held the position of President throughout almost the entire past decade, being one of the most memorable Presidents in American history and defining the policy of the United States during the 70s. However, he plays a minor role in game, with his tree being about finishing his Presidency and laying out the path for the future President.
• Landslide Election: After regaining Hawaii back from the Japanese in the mid 70s, Romney was easily able to defeat Frank Church in the 1976 elections.
• We Hardly Knew Ye: Romney will leave the Presidency only one year into the game shortly after retiring from politics.
• Offscreen Moment of Awesome: Romney is known for being the President at the helm of the nation during the Japanese-American détente throughout the 1970s.
• Heroic Fatigue: After holding the office of President for almost an entire decade, Romney decides to retire from politics for good.
• You Know What to Do: In his letter to Edward Brooke should he become his successor after winning the elections, Romney assures him that should he need any kind of assistance, he can always count on him for help.

Edward Brooke

^{Re-Election portrait} 

Role: Vice President^note Head of Government (Romney cabinet), Head of State (1980 elections victory)

Party: Republican Party (Responsible Republicans)

Ideology: Modern Conservatism^note Conservatism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show} Edward Brooke is a history maker through and through, Senator, Vice President, and now President, all of these further distinguished by his race as an African-American who has long faced adversity.

Born on October 26, 1919, in Washington, D.C., Brooke was the son of a prominent African-American attorney. He grew up in a privileged environment, attending Howard University and Boston University Law School. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II where he experienced intense discrimination, Brooke began his legal career, working as a lawyer in Boston. He later served as the Massachusetts Attorney General in 1963 and held the position before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1966, becoming the first African American to be popularly elected to the Senate and the first since reconstruction.

As a Senator, Brooke was known for his bipartisan views and moderate positions. He was a strong advocate for civil rights, and was instrumental in the passage of several key pieces of legislation, including the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Voting Rights Act of 1966. He also worked to increase funding for public education and promote affordable housing. In addition to his work on civil rights and social justice issues, Brooke was also a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and government accountability. He was a champion of balanced budgets and lower taxes, and he worked to reduce government waste and fraud.

So when George Romney was looking for a running mate in 1972, he found Brooke fit the bill, and together they spent 8 years in the White House. During that time they developed a close friendship, Brooke drastically increased the power of the Vice President, and together they tackled some of America's biggest issues. When 1980 rolled around, Brooke clenched the nomination, having to move more to the right to appeal to the Republican base.

Now at the height of his career, he seeks to bring forth his and Romney's vision of equality and prosperity.

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• Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Brooke is not only the first African-American Vice President at start, but has the potential to become a President of his own right, marking the first time a non-white person has become Head of State of the United States.
• Minor Major Character: Brooke initially starts as Romney's Vice President, having a more minor role in the government, despite being a potential candidate for the 1980 Presidential elections.
• Our Presidents Are Different: President Minority. Although Brooke expresses he does not want to be known as simply "the black guy", it's undeniable he's the first African-American man to ever hold the office of President.
• Black Republican: The tropes defines itself. Brooke, who is an African American, has been a member of the Republican party his whole life.

Bob Dole

^{Re-Election portrait} 

Role: Head of State (1980 elections victory)

Party: Republican Party (Traditional Republicans)

Ideology: Natural Conservatism^note Conservatism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show} Robert Joseph Dole, a son of rural Kansas and a veteran of the Second World War, rose from his role as a former Senator to President, championing beliefs in small government, family values, and most pivotally, integrity and decency. These values were instilled in him throughout his early life: by his father, a small business owner; during his tenure playing for the Jayhawks at the University of Kansas; and, of course, during his time in the Army.

During his deployment in England, fighting off the Germans during Operation Sealion, he found himself pinned down in combat amidst the Scottish mountains. A confrontation with an enemy shell left him grievously wounded. Rushed back home, Dole underwent a grueling recovery. Though he made significant progress, he painfully lost most control of his right arm.

Following his discharge, Dole returned to Kansas and immersed himself in state-level politics, championing the causes of veterans and farmers alike. In 1960, riding the wave that ushered Dick Nixon into power, he was elected to the House. Over the next eight years in Washington, Dole built a formidable reputation by supporting the South African War, Civil Rights, and fiscal conservatism. His 1968 election to the Senate marked a phase where, despite his deep-rooted conservatism, he often collaborated across the aisle, most notably with fellow veteran George McGovern. The duo worked on initiatives ranging from supporting veterans and providing food stamps to combating corruption and ushering in finance reform.

By 1980, Dole's soaring reputation within the party's right-wing factions and his burgeoning support among the public positioned him to overcome both the Democrats and the Republican establishment. Thus, he carried his ethos of fair governance to the White House. Yet, even after all these years, occasional twinges in his right arm serve as painful reminders that reality isn't always kind to even the most decent of men.

Bob Dole is the leader of the Traditional faction within the Republican Party. He can potentially become President after winning the 1980 Presidential elections.

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• Allohistorical Allusion: Dole ran for President three times. His presidential campaigns were in 1980, 1988, and 1996. However, he was unsuccessful in all of these runs. Despite this, he can be succesful and reach his goal in TFO.
• Patriotic Fervor: Dole espouses a sense of American pride and patriotism not seen much since the defeat in the Second World War. His Presidency has the potential to rejuvenate the American spirit.
• War Hero: Dole was severely injured during the war defending the Scotland during World War II and has since lost most control over his right arm.
• Dark Horse Victory: Dole is mentioned to be the least likely candidate to win the 1980 elections, having to deal with both Republican unpopularity nationwide and the fact most Republicans side with Brooke in the primaries.
• War Hawk: Part of Dole's policies is strengthening the US military to combat the threat of foreign powers more effectively.
• Odd Friendship: Despite their differing political views, Dole has worked with Senator McGovern, a prominent progressive democrat, on a number of issues and has also maintained personal friendship with him.
• The Determinator: Dole is determined to fulfill his conservative agenda and will take any steps necessary to do so, without caring much about compromise.

Ronald Reagan

^{Re-Election portrait} 

Role: Head of State (1980 elections victory)

Party: Democratic Party (Third Way Democrats)

Ideology: Third Way Liberalism^note Liberalism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show} President of the United States, Governor of California, union leader, actor, and transformative figure in the Democratic Party - Ronald Reagan's rise to power is both astounding and wholly predictable. Born in rural Illinois to middle-class parents, Reagan displayed an exceptional intellect early on. As a student at Eureka College, he passionately immersed himself in sports, theater, and campus politics.

After obtaining his Bachelor's Degree, Reagan embarked on a career as a sports announcer, lending his voice to notable teams such as the Chicago Cubs. In 1937, he transitioned to Hollywood and began his acting career. Although he spent most of his acting career as a B-tier actor in rather forgettable films, Reagan's charisma was undeniable.

His military service during the Second World War was not on the front lines due to poor eyesight. Instead, Reagan contributed in public relations and produced a series of propaganda and training films for the Army. Post-war, he returned to acting, featuring in movies like 'Louisa' and 'Bedtime For Bonzo'.

In 1947, Reagan's political journey took flight when he was elected President of the Screen Actors Guild, putting him at the forefront of union politics and endearing him to Democrats. His growing political prominence, notably his effective ad work, led to his narrow victory against long-standing Governor Pat Brown in the 1966 Democratic Primaries, followed by a comfortable win in the gubernatorial election.

His political ideology, now known as Third Way Liberalism, guided his practices during his time as governor. This belief system propelled him to defeat Ted Kennedy in the 1980 Democratic Primaries and secure victory in the subsequent election. Reagan advocated for a more free-market approach than past Democrats, coupled with firm law and order policies and a strong defense stance. The implications of his presidency, however, remain to be seen.

Ronald Reagan is the leader of the Third Way Democrat faction within the Democratic Party. He can potentially become President after winning the 1980 Presidential elections.

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• Allohistorical Allusion: Reagan, who was President of the US for the majority of the 1980s, is electable in the 1980 Presidential elections. The difference being that he is now a moderate Democrat instead of a Republican.
• War Hawk: Reagan is known for his tough foreign policy particularly on Japan and Germany as well as his advocacy for the Star Wars program.
• The Charmer: Reagan, a former Hollywood star, is known for his charisma and public speaking skills, which can potentially propel him to the White House.

Ted Kennedy

^{Re-Election portrait} 

Role: Head of State (1980 elections victory)

Party: Democratic Party (Progressive Democrats)

Ideology: Eastern Progressivism^note Progressivism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show} There is a trend generally that those born into wealth and affluence are disconnected from those less off than themselves, that they are uncaring without a desire to help people in need. Edward Moore Kennedy bucks that trend. Edward "Ted" Kennedy can count among his relatives, Senators, Mayors, Representatives, Ambassadors and of course a President - the lost John F. Kennedy. The Kennedy family was always one of power but Ted was never expected to amount to much. As the youngest, there lied little hopes for his career. But still he persevered.

He, like his brothers, went to Harvard and eventually studied law at Virginia University, spending the next few years working on political campaigns for his family, chiefly in Colorado during Jack's time on President Kefauver's ticket as the Vice Presidential nominee. He fell in love with the state and eventually decided to move there and run for Senate in 1962.

In the next 18 years he, inspired by the spirit of his brothers, fought for healthcare, welfare, and labor rights. He endured the tragedy of Jack's death and the crippling attack on Bobby's life. However, he managed to through these difficult moments in his life and thrived, becoming known among his peers as the 'Lion of the Senate', chairing numerous committees and possessing a great control over legislation.

When the 1980 election came around, he decided to make a name in his own right. No longer just the younger brother, or the Senate leader, unknown to much of the public. He would become President of the United States. And so, following in Jack's footsteps and progressing past Bobby's failures he won, beating out Reagan and the Republicans.

Now, his Presidency is in a tough spot and if he truly wants to achieve his goals he's going to need to get down to work and fast.

Ted Kennedy is the leader of the Progressive Democrat faction within the Democratic Party. He can potentially become President after winning the 1980 Presidential elections.

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• Allohistorical Allusion: Kennedy announced he'd be running to be nominated as the Democratic candidate for the 1980 elections in the primaries. However, various campaigning mistakes made him ultimately drop out and face defeat against Jimmy Carter. In TFO, the roles are swapped, with Carter not being electable despite running in the primaries and Kennedy being Reagan's main rival in the primaries.
• Defector from Decadence: He was born into an extremely rich and well off family, raised in privilege and surrounded by the elite. However, Kennedy still manages to care for the poor, fighting particularly hard for Universal Healthcare.
• Taught by Experience: By 1980, Kennedy has been in politics for nearly two decades, serving in both chambers of Congress, chairing committees and heading up Congressional leadership.
• Heroic Lineage: The Kennedy family is renowned for their social status and importance in American politics, with the biggest example being former late President John F. Kennedy.
• Black Sheep: Many people consider Ted to be the black sheep of the three Kennedy brothers, and this feeling is accentuated should he lose the 1980 elections. This is due to the older two Kennedy brothers, Bobby and Jack, being much more succesful in their political careers than him.
• Disappointing Older Sibling: Inverted. Ted is considered by the general public to be rather disappointing compared to his older siblings in terms of achievements and relevance.
• Big Brother Worship: He sees his late brother, John, and to some extent Robert as well, as role models to follow, refusing to acknowledge any past mistakes they committed and at first believing he'll never live to their standard, despite being continuously told otherwise.

Romney's Presidency Characters

Henry Kissinger

Role: Secretary of State^note Foreign Minister (Romney cabinet)

Party: Republican Party (Responsible Republicans)

Ideology: Modern Conservatism^note Conservatism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show} Henry Kissinger holds the position of being one of the most truly unique individuals in the US Government, who unlike most of his peers experienced Nazi persecution and oppression firsthand. Born in 1923 to a middle-class Jewish family in Bavaria, he would grow up experiencing discrimination, beatings by Hitler youth members and state enforced segregation before he and his family finally fled to America in 1938. Kissinger would assimilate quickly after arrival, eventually graduating high school and studying accounting before he joined the US Army in 1943, having a rather uneventful career serving in Army Intelligence and being discharged in 1946.

After the war, he would attend Harvard were he would study political science eventually graduating with a PhD. Kissinger would remain at Harvard, serving as the director of the Harvard International Seminar and a key advisor. He would also serve as a consultant to numerous think tanks and several government agencies, becoming a respected figure in foreign policy.

Eventually, seeking greater influence and power, he would become a foreign policy advisor to Nelson Rockefeller and a staunch supporter of his campaigns. When 1972 rolled around, he had been lended to Republican candidate George Romney as his top foreign policy advisor. Thus, as soon as Romney reached the White House, Kissinger would soon find himself with a promotion to the office of Secretary of State.

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• Allohistorical Allusion: Kissinger adopts a strategy of exploiting the split between the German Reich and Japan, by approaching the latter diplomatically to get a edge against the former. This very much corresponds to how his OTL counterpart used the Sino-Soviet split to dethaw USA's relationship to China in order to get an edge against the Soviet Union.
• Realpolitik:
  • Kissinger is the main architect of the Japanese-American détente, a strategy done in order to focus all US efforts against Germany.
  • He was also the strongest advocate of the alliance between Iberia and the United States, indirectly forcing the United States to allow Iberian-backed dictatorships in Latin America.
• Firing Day: Despite Brooke keeping most of the Romney cabinet members, an exemption is made for Kissinger. He is fired by Brooke, being replaced by George Bush.
• Necessarily Evil: Kissinger knows that allying the United States with Iberia will need them to recognize the Iberian-aligned dictatorships in Latin America as legitimate, despite them rejecting American influence in their respective nations. However, he sees this as a necessary evil in order to secure a foothold in mainland Europe.

William E. Simon

Role: Secretary of Defense^note Security Minister (Romney and Brooke cabinet)

Party: Republican Party (Responsible Republicans)

Ideology: Modern Conservatism^note Conservatism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show} Businessman, philanthropist, Secretary Of The Treasury. Many words describe the man who now serves as Romney's economy minister, as one of his closest friends and advisors.

Born in 1927 to an insurance executive and housewife, he would attend Lafayette College before entering the business world. Starting at Union Securities, he served as a vice president, senior partner and board member at many corporations, as well as the chair of President Nixon's energy policy board. By 1973, this experience and influence was large enough to secure him the position of Secretary of the Treasury, where he now brings his proposals of Laissez Faire economics to the forefront.

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• Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Brooke is not only the first African-American Vice President at start, but has the potential to become a President of his own right, marking the first time a non-white person has become Head of State of the United States.

Donald Rumsfeld

Role: Secretary of Defense^note Security Minister (Romney and Brooke cabinet)

Party: Republican Party (Responsible Republicans)

Ideology: Modern Conservatism^note Conservatism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show} Donald Rumsfeld is, in many ways, the most suitable man to work in the government. A consummate insider with a mastery of foreign and defense policy whose colorless nature has helped disguise his relentless ambition.

A Midwestern Navy veteran who won his first election in the suburbs of Chicago while barely 30 years old, Rumsfeld has compiled for himself an impressive record and reputation in the halls of Congress. Quickly becoming the ring leader of a group of Republican reformers, Rumsfeld has led an active and ambitious career in Washington, forging close ties with academics and intellectuals involved in defense, aerospace and foreign policy. As a consensus-minded conservative broadly amenable to both the GOP's right and left flanks, Rumsfeld's selection as Secretary of Defense owes as much to the divisions within the Republican Party as it does to his own political expertise.

Rumsfeld's deep ties to the Washington beltway and aptitude in international affairs have already turned him into the public face surpassing even the Secretary of State of the administration's foreign policy. One whose intellectual prowess and connections to Capitol Hill have made him an indispensable part of the Romney administration's day-to-day operations and policies.

In-Game Biography (Brooke Cabinet) ^{Click to Show} Donald Rumsfeld is, in many ways, the most suitable man to work in the government. A consummate insider with a mastery of foreign and defense policy whose colorless nature has helped disguise his relentless ambition.

A Midwestern Navy veteran who won his first election in the suburbs of Chicago while barely 30 years old, Rumsfeld has compiled for himself an impressive record and reputation in the halls of Congress. Quickly becoming the ring leader of a group of Republican reformers, Rumsfeld has led an active and ambitious career in Washington, forging close ties with academics and intellectuals involved in defense, aerospace and foreign policy. As a consensus-minded conservative broadly amenable to both the GOP's right and left flanks, Rumsfeld's selection as Secretary of Defense owes as much to the divisions within the Republican Party as it does to his own political expertise.

Rumsfeld's deep ties to the Washington beltway and aptitude in international affairs have already turned him into the public face surpassing even the Secretary of State of the administration's foreign policy. One whose intellectual prowess and connections to Capitol Hill have made him an indispensable part of the Romney and now Brooke administration's day-to-day operations and policies.

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• Internal Reformist: Rumsfeld's time as Secretary of Defence oversaw transition to an all-volunteer military and heavy development of new military technologies, such as cruise missiles.