United States Presidential Election 2052 (Donald King Timeline)

The US Presidential Election of 2052 saw the political victory of Rockefeller candidate Annie McPherson, who defeated democratic incumbent Sean Wiley. The results of the election are largely considered to be a result of Wiley's failure as an executive.

Issues
The nation was largely focused on domestic, economic issues during the early 2050s. The Wave of Automation, which saw massive unemployment as a result of robot and computer labour, spurred on governments to find a solution. The Democratic Party platform involved extensive wealth re-distribution from the creative elite (the only segment of the population whose work remained un-automated), to the unemployed population. The Rockefeller Party, while still advocating for some government re-distribution of wealth, proposed less extensive policies than the Democratic Party. Furthermore, Rockefeller politicians proposed that economic policies remain in the hands of states as opposed to the federal government; many, including Annie McPherson, desired to limit state-to-state wealth redistribution.

Pherson's victory is largely seen as a result of Wiley's failures as president. Pherson was seen as a more capable executive, and better able to successfully navigate the political system.

Role of Third Parties
Following the collapse of the GOP in the 2020s, numerous political factions formed, with the Rockefeller Party ultimately taking its place. However, the Patriot Party established political power in the Plains States, and, in the election of 2052, demonstrated its appeal to the public. Some 15% of the popular vote went to the Patriot Party.