Launcher for MC 1.8.8 Does Not Launch

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<BUG SUMMARY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1. I open my launcher and press "Play" to start.
2. I expected minecraft version 1.8.8 to launch.
3. Instead the "Play" button grays out, changes to "Launching...", and stays that way.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<TRIGGERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

To trigger this bug one must:
1. Run the Minecraft Launcher Executable.
2. Attempt to launch any version of Minecraft in the version select.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<DETAILS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1. This bug started at this time:
7/29/15 12:00AM EST

2. This bug effects many users according to:
http://www.minecraftforum.net/forums/support/unmodified-minecraft-client/2161585-minecraft-isnt-launching