The LuLac Edition #5, 821, November 11th, 2026

 

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Our “Write on Wednesday” logo

This year, as we observe Veteran’s Day, I’d like to share a very compelling piece by a veteran who served in the 1980s. This is a piece from Dr. Joseph Leonardi.

 

WAR SPRINGS ETERNAL

 

Today being Veterans Day, I have been doing a lot of somber reflection back to my days of active duty. It was a time that I not only lived and worked with a diverse group of people, but it was the unspoken awareness that no matter how varied our differences -- we trusted one another with our very lives.

I can't help but think about what that means.

We were all well aware, that on any given day, especially serving at sea, we could have been called into a hostile situation, and some days, we were. On those days, I had no doubt my shipmates would have died to protect me, as they knew I would have died to protect any one of them. I'm not talking death in the figurative or poetic sense -- from the moment a ship left port, death, real death, no longer taking a breath, a notice sent to family back home death, was a real possibility. Trusting each other, to the point of dying for one another, is a level of devotion I have not experienced since.

There are no relationships that can ever compare. We were closer than friends. Hell, we were closer than family -- we shared a bond which defies definition.

The more time that has passed since I had the honor of serving, the more I think about those days and the more I realize it was the last time I actually did anything of deep, genuine, meaningful purpose with my life.

It is with those thoughts I wrote War Springs Eternal. I know that the military changed us from the first day of boot camp. From the day military training began to strip away our individualistic attitudes and concerns. The day the military turned young people from “me” to “us.”

I set War Springs Eternal in WWI because I knew it was going to end with the beginning of WWII. The final scene was a dream which woke me from a deep sleep. The dream so much shook me, that immediately I hit the voice record app on my phone, and recorded what eventually became the novella’s tragic, closing scene.

Additionally, the WWI setting gave me a chance to explore a soldier’s suffering in a historical context. By taking it away from the today, it allowed me a bit of temporal removal, making the fictional content easier to write. I was not writing a history book. I wrote a story to help those who have not experienced the military lifestyle a way to become part of the story. In using first person narrative, I took it a step further and allowed the reader to become the main character of that story.

I am a non-combat veteran. While I was in one or two hotspots, I never experienced the trauma of combat. Yet, serving soon after the Vietnam conflict, I knew many who saw the horrors of war. Being someone who utilizes the VA system, I see those who have suffered the impact of war. And being one of the few who did serve, the bond with my patients who currently serve, gives them comfort to open up to me, and share not only the horrors of what they saw – but what they, for their very survival, were forced to do.

Thankfully as of late, PTSD has gotten more and more attention. However, sadly, only once the symptoms manifest into often times horrific actions. What I strived to accomplish with War Springs Eternal, was to expose and explore the inner workings of the mind of a returning veteran as he was dealing with “The Shell Shock” caused by his actions in combat. How a normal life was no longer possible. And the simple fact that even though he left the war, the war never left him – that for him, and others, War Springs Eternal.

If you would like to read War Springs Eternal, it is available on Amazon.com at the following link -- https://www.amazon.com/Springs-Eternal-Damaged-Broken-Collection-ebook/dp/B07FLF6T13

 

Joe Leonardi

U.S. Navy 1982-1987

 

 

War Springs Eternal s dedicated to my brothers and sisters in arms-

 

-To those who were asked to do the unthinkable.

-To those who HAD to do the unimaginable.

-To those who are broken and still fighting.

-To those for whom the fighting became too much.

https://michelleygreen.com/

The LuLac Edition #5, 820, November 10th, 20-26

 

MEUSER FOR MINORITY LEADER

As a person with many Democratic leanings, I have been very hard on 9^th district Congressman Dan Meuser. But as a student of government and politics as well as political personalities, I can put aside policy differences and be objective.

When I heard that Mike Johnson the Speaker was getting the hell out of leadership dodge, I saw a man who I thought was optically ill equipped to be in leadership.  Johnson had a rough time defending the Trump record and there were times when his answers stretched credibility.  Johnson used the power of his chair to frustrate Democrats but that caused collateral damage.

This past campaign that even shocked the most liberal Democrat has done damage to the GOP Congressional brand. They need a reboot in image and the way policy positions are articulated. During his debate with Rachael Wallace, Meuser was knocked off his game for a bit. But if anyone listened to what he was saying about parts of the Big Beautiful Bill, some of the things he defended well. But the problem was the governing message got lost in politics.

The GOP House leadership needs to start with a blank slate. Meuser could and should be included in that new set up, He has a safe seat (as he correctly indicated in his debate), is charismatic, wants to be there, and can rebuild the wreckage. While these are trying days for the GOP, politics is cyclical. This legislative landslide is  big as the Johnson one  of 1964. But that success didn’t last all that long. Within two years, the GOP gained in House seats and in ’68 won the Presidency.  Dan Meuser might be the perfect guy to lead the Republicans out of the dumpster fire ignited not by them but by a President people at the core barely  tolerated after a decade of drama. 

 

JAY ROCKEFELLER DIED

We have to make note of the fact that Jay Rockefeller passed away last week.  Born into the prominent Rockefeller family in New York City, Rockefeller moved to Emmons, West Virginia, in 1964 to serve as a Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) worker. He was first elected to public office as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates (1966–1968). Rockefeller was later elected secretary of state of West Virginia (1968–1973) and was president of West Virginia Wesleyan College (1973–1975), and was elected to two terms as governor of West Virginia. He was first elected to the Senate in 1984, while still in office as governor.

As a senator, Rockefeller served on the powerful Senate Finance Committee, including as chairman of the Subcommittee on Medicare and Long-term Care (later Health Care). He became a leading spokesman for healthcare reform, advocating for improved and modernized Medicare, expanded access to healthcare, and increased health coverage for children. He authored the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), that has provided health care coverage for millions of poor children. He played a crucial role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, advocating for a public insurance option. Rockefeller was also a major player regarding veterans' issues, serving on the Veterans' Affairs Committee for his entire Senate career, including multiple terms as its chairman. He focused on expanding research and treatment for service-related illnesses like Gulf War Illness and Agent Orange. He worked to reform the Veterans Affairs healthcare system.

Rockefeller became the state's senior U.S. senator when the long-serving senator Robert Byrd died in June 2010. He did not seek reelection in 2014 and was succeeded by U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican. Rockefeller was the only member of his family to have held office as a Democrat, in what has been a traditionally Republican family.

Rockefeller was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1966. In the summer of 1968, after New York senator Robert F. Kennedy's assassination, Rockefeller's uncle, then-Governor of New York Nelson Rockefeller, offered him the open seat. He refused. He was elected to the office of West Virginia Secretary of State in 1968. He won the Democratic nomination for governor in 1972 but was defeated in the general election by the Republican incumbent, Arch A. Moore Jr. Rockefeller then served as president of West Virginia Wesleyan College from 1973 to 1975.

Rockefeller was elected governor of West Virginia in 1976 and re-elected in 1980. He served as governor when manufacturing plants and coal mines were closing as the national recession of the early 1980s hit West Virginia particularly hard. Between 1982 and 1984, West Virginia's unemployment rate hovered between 15 and 20 percent.

In 1984, he was elected to the United States Senate, narrowly defeating businessman John Raese as Ronald Reagan easily carried the state in the presidential election. As in his 1980 gubernatorial campaign against Arch Moore, Rockefeller spent over $12 million to win his Senate seat. He was re-elected in 1990, 1996, 2002 and 2008 by substantial margins. He was chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs (1993–1995; January 3 to 20, 2001; and June 6, 2001 to January 3, 2003). Rockefeller was the chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (2009–2015).

From 1967 until his death, Rockefeller was married to Sharon Percy, the chief executive officer of WETA-TV, the leading PBS station in the Washington, D.C., area, which broadcasts such programs as PBS NewsHour and Washington Week. She is a twin daughter of Senator Chuck Percy and Jeanne Valerie Dickerson.

Jay and Sharon had four children, including Valerie Rockefeller Wayne and Justin Rockefeller.

The Rockefellers resided together in Northwest Washington, D.C.,[57] and maintained a permanent residence in Charleston, West Virginia. They had a ranch in the Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. President Bill Clinton, a friend of Rockefeller's, and the Clinton family vacationed at the ranch in August 1995.

Rockefeller was related to several Republican Party supporters and former officeholders: his paternal grandmother Abby Aldrich Rockefeller was a daughter of Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich. John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby's youngest son was the banker David Rockefeller. David's brother Winthrop Rockefeller served as Governor of Arkansas from 1967–1971. Winthrop and David's brother Nelson Rockefeller served as Governor of New York from 1959–1973 and as the 41st Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford from 1974–1977. In the former post, Nelson offered to appoint Jay to the United States Senate seat that came open upon the death of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, but as a Democrat, Jay was compelled to refuse. Jay was also a first cousin of Arkansas Lt. Governor Winthrop Paul Rockefeller. Jay Rockefeller died at his home in Washington, D.C., last Friday  at the age of 89.

 

 

 

 

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The LuLac Edition #5, 819, November 9th, 2026

 MONDAY MEMES 

The LuLac EDition #5, 818, November 8th, 2026

 

  

DOING A SIDE GLANCE AT SIDES

Here’s an idea to make Thanksgiving cooking and hosting less stressful — and to allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time mingling with your guests, soaking in the warmth of the occasion: Outsource the sides.

For those who want to ease things up for themselves during the holiday, quite a few places offer Thanksgiving sides for pickup, shipping and delivery.

Below are options for where you can order Thanksgiving sides, ranging from budget to deluxe. And if none of these suit you, you can also check catering and pickup options at your local grocery store.

Side dishes that are tasty and effort-free? Now that’s something to be thankful for!

Cracker Barrel: The chain known for its homey comfort food offers a ton of heat-and-serve Thanksgiving side options in serving sizes of four to six or eight to ten — and yes, they can be ordered a la carte. Broccoli Cheese Casserole, Cornbread Dressing, Carrots, Green Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Relish? Take your pick from those and more, and Thanksgiving is sorted. Orders are available for pickup between November 21 and 29. You can find more information here.

Harry & David: Harry & David offers a variety of ready-to-heat holiday sides, along with full meals and desserts, that aim to make hosting easier. Traditional Thanksgiving side options, which can be ordered a la carte, include mashed potatoes, stuffing and seasonal vegetables. For instance, you can find Black Truffle and Almond Green Beans, Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes, Sourdough Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, Rainbow Carrots with Lemon Butter Sauce and Loaded Mashed Potatoes; each serves four to six, priced at $39.99. The items arrive frozen — and can be cooked from frozen.

HoneyBaked Ham: You can order sides a la carte from HoneyBaked Ham for pickup in advance of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays at honeybaked.com. For example, the company offers a combination of four sides — one tray each of Sweet Potato Souffle, Country Cornbread Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole and Savory Gravy — that feeds four to six, priced at $54.99. Or you can order HoneyBaked Ham’s ready-made, brown-it-in-the-oven Double Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese for eight (two 32-ounce packages, for a total of 64 ounces) for $34.99. And there are plenty of other heat-and-serve side options. Customers can order ahead as needed and are encouraged to reserve meals and sides as early as possible for pickup later. Same-day pickup is also available, a brand spokesperson says, but customers are urged to check with their local store for availability and pickup times. Also note that HoneyBaked Ham is currently offering a Thanksgiving Shipping sale.

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 817., November 7th, 2026

 

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN;  

 

California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & the Papas "California Dreamin'" became a well-known example of the "Califorsound",and the 1960s counterculture era. It was certified three-times platinum by the Recording industry  Association of America in June 2023 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.[] In 2021, Rolling Stone placed the song at number 420 in its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list. In June 2026, CBS News included the song in its list of the 250 essential American songs of the past 250 years.

 

A GROOVY KIND OF LOVE  

A Groovy Kind of Love – The Mindbenders A Groovy Kind of Love" consists of lyrics written by Bayer Sager and Wine, with music by Muzio Clementi. Composition of the song took place at Bayer Sager's home in New York City, a few blocks away from the Brill Building and 1650 Broadway. Those buildings housed numerous music publishing companies and record labels, including Wine and Bayer Sager's label, Allegro Music (later Screen Gems); the buildings also contained facilities for songwriting and composition. However, Bayer Sager's residence was preferred because it was more comfortable, and more private. Wine composed the music, and Bayer Sager wrote the lyrics.

The title was an early use of the slang word "groovy", and both women were interested in using the word because they recognized it as new and "happening". Wine said, "Carole came up with 'Groovy kinda... groovy kinda... groovy...' and we're all just saying, 'Kinda groovy, kinda groovy, kinda...' and I don't exactly know who came up with "Love", but it was 'Groovy kind of love'. And we did it. We wrote it in 20 minutes. It was amazing. Just flew out of our mouths, and at the piano, it was a real quick and easy song to write."

 

  GOOD LOVIN'</ p> 

 

the Young Rascals he song was written by Rudy Clark and Arthur Resnick It was first recorded in March 1965 by R&B group the Olympics, produced by Jerry Ragovoy, but only reached No. 81 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart

Felix Cavaliere of The Young Rascals heard the Olympics’ version on a New York radio station, adopted it for their live set, and recorded a studio version in February 1966 with co‑producers Arif Mardin and Tom Dow.  The Young Rascals’ take kept the same lyrics and arrangement but added a live, groove‑driven feel.           

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 816, November 5th, 2026

 

RANDOM ELECTION 2026 THOUGHTS

WHEN YOU KICK SOMEBODY AROUND ALL THE TME…

THEY KICK BACK

The polling and the pundits missed one elementary thought. In addition to being betrayed by the lies and the rich getting richer, Americans were sick and tired of being taken for granted. Kicked around. In 2024 Trump painted such a gloomy picture of the Biden administration that the decent President’s character was assassinated by the Trump hate and the American impatience. Trump promised that on Day 1 that he was going to end a war, not start one, and bring high prices down. He got a grace period for at least a year. But he threw in those faces his ball room, his jewel plated office, the reckless spending on renovations, the money being spent on projects that did not bring inflation down. He never talked to them with empathy. The war in Iran which he has not ended added major pain for gas and goods.   Despite Democrats having a lower approval rating, America took a chance on an almost entire slate of Democrats.

THE HISPANIC VOTE

The Hispanic community went for  Trump in 2024. But when they saw the ugliness and their OWN people being abused, it became a reality that the immigration thugs were not going after the 7% already in prison but after people who looked different. It became a realization that this President didn’t care. The Hispanic vote is the most pliable one in the country because unlike poor white MAGAs, they saw the writing on the wall and voted for their own interest.

THE INDEPENDENTS

Make no mistake about it, the Dems could not have done this without the independent vote.  This group had a major say in why red states went blue. A contributing factor of course was that many Republicans stayed home. But the thinking independents were just as angry, even more so than the blues. That recipe was made for an incredible takeover.

THE UNSELFISH SHAPIRO

Josh Shapiro did something no other Governor in the state did for a long time. Not worrying about his voting percentage, he traveled the state to buttress candidates in red districts. While his coattails did not extend to the 117^th, 119^th and 120^th district, his hard work gave us a Democratic Senate for the first time since 1994. This will enable the Democratic administration to do things like raise the minimum wage, getting a plan for medical/recreational marijuana and do other things that were blocked by a resistant Senate. Plus, the years of a late budget deadline being missed will be over.

WHO’S TO BLAME FOR THE LEGISLATIVE LOSSES IN THE LU?

Not the candidates in the 117^th, 119^th and 120^th. Benscoter, McGary and Leard were not defeated by themselves, their campaigns or their energy. If the Democratic Legislative arm of the State party had only give them more funding, they might have pulled it through. The margins were very close and with some infusion of added cash, you might have seen a different outcome. The Democrats here always shoot themselves in the foot, even on a nationwide basis. Imagine if they added more money in Florida.

But getting back to the local races, one has to wonder why some money wasn’t given to these worthy candidates who had credentials. AND WITH MONEY……….A CHANCE.

THE 120^TH RACE

Fern Leard was viciously attacked by Brenda Pugh who was on the ropes. Apparently, there are Republicans in that district not happy with her. Her campaign spread lies about Leard pulling out the MAGA bullshit about her left leaning views, accusations of Communism, getting their nose out of joint when Leard allegedly made a wisecrack and attacking her campaign manager who is in recovery from drug abuse and sober for decades. Yet the Pugh campaign via Walter Grifith brought up legal things about her past. Quite rich since Walter got jammed up for wiretapping. Pugh’s campaign was desperate, mean and below the standards of the norm. But there are disciples of Trump and follow his lead.

 

WHERE DO THE DEMOCRATS GO FROM HERE?

The Congress has to stay united in an agenda. A few leadership changes might be in order. When they get sworn into Congress on day 1 they need to have a plan.

a.  Codify things that the Trump administration and that twerp Johnson took away.  Women’s choice is one thing.

b.  Get out of the Iran war as soon as possible and get aid to Ukraine to protect that country.

c.  Hold hearings regarding corruption at the federal level. If someone ignores a subpoena, ARREST THEM ON THE SPOT.

d.   Pass legislation that requires companies to have price guidelines.

e.  Work out an agricultural program for farmers.

f.    Ban inside trading and if a member has stocks, put them in a blind trust.

g.  After a bill is passed, promote the hell out of it.

h.  Don’t trust Trump. At all. He needs to be made irrelevant.

i.     Build a bridge with GOP members who can’t stand Trump.

j.     Reorganize ICE and put sane guidelines in place.

k.  Work out an immigration plan that will be FAIR.

l.     Expand the Supreme Court.  That needs fixing.

m.                Impeach Pete Hedgfeith. This will be the only way to restore the military to its former self.

n.  Finally in terms of impeaching Trump, DO IT NOW. There are plenty f Republicans who lost their seat BECAUSE OF HIM.  But after that, let him implode on his own.

HATEFUL SOCIAL MEDIA

This campaign brought out the worst in social media. I am convinced that this country is full of ignorant, hateful keyboard thugs that are ingrate delusional mean-spirited people who should go away.

 

THE 8^th, 9^th and 10^th

 Paige Cognetti ran a great campaign and was the perfect candidate to oppose Rob Bresnehan. She had a record to run on and did well in the debate. That stated, Bresnehan in any other year with a normal President might have breezed in. The hard work done by his district and he and his wife was hampered by the albatross around his neck which was the Trump comedy of errors and incompetence. He has a future.

In the 9^th, Dan Meuser’s prediction of “the farmers are going to vote for me anyway” came true. Rachel Walace ran a hell of a campaign but Meuser prevailed. I’ve been tough on Dan but my advice to him is to run for Minority Leader.

The 10^th made me very happy. Scott Perry, who was part of the insurrection, begged for a pardon, violated his oath as a soldier and lawmakers deserved to get beat.

MAGA REPUBLICANS

You had you say, now get the fuck out of the way.

THE DELUSIONAL DON

Trump said that if he was on the ballot, the GOP would have won. It’s time and here’s the theme song for him.

  

BRESNAHAN PUSHES FOR PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM IN CONGRESS

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced that he cosponsored several pieces of legislation targeted at improving accountability from insurance companies and protect patients from unnecessary delays in care.

“Insurance companies have a responsibility to manage healthcare costs, but that should never mean putting profits ahead of patients,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Families pay their premiums every month and shouldn’t have to fight with an insurance company to get the care their doctor says they need. We need reforms that cut red tape, hold insurance companies accountable, and make sure medical decisions are driven by doctors and patients, not the bottom line.”

Prior authorization is intended to help insurers manage costs and ensure certain treatments meet coverage requirements, but the process has led to significant administrative and access challenges. In a 2024 American Medical Association survey, 94% of physicians said prior authorization delays access to necessary care, while physicians reporting spending an average of 12 hours per week completing prior authorization requests. Additionally, a 2022 HHS Office of Inspector General review found that 13% of sampled Medicare Advantage prior authorization denials met Medicare coverage rules, meaning those services likely would have been approved under traditional Medicare.

“Insurance companies operate in a multibillion-dollar market, but patients are not dollar signs,” continued Rep. Bresnahan. “Doctors should not have to spend hours fighting with insurers over treatments they have already determined are medically necessary. We can protect taxpayer and premium dollars without letting insurance companies put profits ahead of care. Prior authorization reform is about putting patients first and giving doctors the ability to do their jobs.”

To combat the delays in necessary care, contributions to patients abandoning recommended treatment, and added time from doctors and their staff, Rep. Bresnahan cosponsored:

H.R. 3514, Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025, which establishes requirements for prior authorization in Medicare Advantage, including electronic prior authorization, faster decision timelines, transparency requirements, and greater accountability for MA plans.

H.R. 2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025, which establishes stricter federal standards for prior authorization decisions made by Medicare contractors and private Medicare plans. This bill mandates that coverage denials must be based on clear, evidence-based clinical criteria developed with input from practicing physicians. Furthermore, it requires plans to post their authorization rules online, provide advance notice of changes, and publicly report approval and denial statistics. Finally, all final denials of care must be reviewed and issued by a qualified, board-certified physician.

H.R. 9396, Prior Authorization Accountability Act, which requires insurers that use prior authorization to publicly disclose approval and denial rates, appeal volumes and outcomes, average and median decision times, and the percentage of decisions made using AI or other specified technology.

H.R. 9734, Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act, which establishes requirements for the use of artificial intelligence in prior authorization denials by Medicare Advantage organizations.

H.R. 9192, Prior Authorization Reform for Autoimmune and Blood Disorders Act, which addresses insurance coverage and prior authorization barriers involving drugs for autoimmune diseases and certain blood disorders.

 

SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION INVESTS $2 MILLION IN RESEARCH AND MARKETING TO GROW PENNSYLVANIA'S WINE INDUSTRY

Pa Secretary Russell Redding announces $2 million in investments to increase sales, production, and quality of Pennsylvania wines, at Penns Woods Winery in Chadds Ford, PA on October 23, 2026.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that the Shapiro Administration has invested $2 million in Wine Marketing and Research Grants to increase sales, production, and quality of Pennsylvania wines. He made the announcement in celebration of Wine Month from Penns Woods Winery, a PA Preferred® member, and the first Pennsylvania winery nominated for American Winery of the Year in the 2026 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.

"As America's 250th year celebrations continue, we're honoring William Penn, who planted the seeds of Pennsylvania's wine industry, and what better place to celebrate than at Penns Woods where his legacy continues," said Secretary Redding. "Pennsylvania's wine industry has grown from transplanted vines in a colonial-era Philadelphia park to the fourth-ranking wine producer in America. Shapiro Administration investments in research and promotion, business planning, infrastructure, and tourism are keeping that success growing."

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WVIA FM  

WALN

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River.

 

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

Tune in every Saturday morning at 9am for The Laurie Cadden Show on WILK FM 103.1 and AM 980 and 910. Laurie’s program has been a northeastern Pennsylvania mainstay every Saturday. Tune in to hear her insights and take on local issues as well as entertaining and informative interviews.

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

THE LULAC TIME MACHINE

November 1988

Bush Vs. Dukakis

Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 8, 1988. The Republican ticket of incumbent vice president George H. W. Bush and Indiana junior senator Dan Quayle defeated the Democratic ticket of Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis and Texas senior senator Lloyd Bentsen. The election was the third consecutive landslide victory for the Republican Party.

Incumbent President Ronald Reagan was ineligible to run for a third term due to the term limits established by the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution. As a result, it was the first election since 1968 to lack an incumbent president on the ballot. Bush entered the Republican primaries as the front-runner, defeating Kansas senator Bob Dole and televangelist Pat Robertson. He selected Indiana senator Dan Quayle as his running mate. Dukakis, campaigning on his state's record of strong economic growth, won the Democratic primaries after Gary Hart (a prominent "Atari Democrat" representing the party's moderate wing) withdrew and Ted Kennedy (representing the party's traditional liberal wing) declined to run. Dukakis selected Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen as his running mate.

Bush ran an aggressive campaign that concentrated mainly on the strong economy, reduction in crime, and continuance with Reagan's policies. He attacked Dukakis as an elitist "Massachusetts liberal" and soft-on-crime, to which Dukakis ineffectively responded. Despite Dukakis initially leading in the polls, Bush pulled ahead after the Republican National Convention and extended his lead after two strong debate performances. Bush won a decisive victory over Dukakis, winning the Electoral College and the popular vote by sizable margins. Bush is the only sitting vice president to be elected president since Martin Van Buren in 1836. Despite his loss, Dukakis flipped nine states that had voted Republican in 1984: Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Voters 44 years of age or younger (born in 1944 or later) were estimated by the exit poll to comprise 55% of the electorate. As such, Baby boomers and Generation X constituted the majority of the voting public.

As of 2026, this remains the most recent election in which a candidate won over 400 electoral votes, as well as 40 or more states. It is also the most recent open seat election in which the outgoing president's party retained the White House, and the most recent time in which a party won the presidency for a third consecutive term.As of 2026, this is the earliest election in which at least one of the major party nominees for president (Dukakis) or vice president (Quayle) is still alive.

While Bush had long been seen as Reagan's natural successor, there was still a degree of opposition within the party to his candidacy. Historical precedent was not seen to favor Bush's chances, as no incumbent vice president had been elected as president since Martin Van Buren in 1836. Dole attracted support among those who were concerned that Bush, whose electoral experience outside of his campaigns with Reagan was limited to running unsuccessfully for the Senate and twice successfully for the House of Representatives in the 1960s, had not done enough to establish himself as a candidate in his own right. Others who wished to further continue the shift towards social conservatism that had begun during Reagan's presidency supported Robertson.[citation needed]

Bush unexpectedly came in third in the Iowa caucus, which he had won in 1980, behind Dole and Robertson. Dole was also leading in the polls of the New Hampshire primary, and the Bush camp responded by running television commercials portraying Dole as a tax raiser, while Governor John H. Sununu campaigned for Bush. Dole did nothing to counter these ads and Bush won, thereby gaining crucial momentum, which he called "Big Mo". Once the multiple-state primaries such as Super Tuesday began, Bush's organizational strength and fundraising lead were impossible for the other candidates to match, and the nomination was his. The Republican Party convention was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Bush was nominated unanimously and selected U.S. senator Dan Quayle from Indiana as his running mate. In his acceptance speech, Bush made the pledge "Read my lips: No new taxes", which contributed to his loss in 1992 and the number one song in LuLac land and America was “ “Kokomo”  by The Beach Boys.