Validity: Must have elections
Spare a Couple Endorsements, @@LEADER@@?
The Issue:
A critical legislative seat is up for grabs in an upcoming election, with several candidates running increasingly intense campaigns in an effort to claim the spot. In order to boost their voter appeal, these candidates have approached you asking for a public endorsement.
The Debate:
1. "@@LEADER@@, my old friend!" exclaims incumbent @@RANDOMNAME_1@@, as @@HE@@ presses your hand for an uncomfortably long time. "You'll throw your support behind me, right? I've been a loyal member of the party for years now, and you can count on me to bring in the voters like I always have. I've always supported you and your policies, so surely you won't mind making an appearance at a few of my rallies, to help me increase my standing in the polls?"
Effect: the nation has adopted 'same old, same old' as its de facto motto
2. "Don't listen to that geezer!" interjects @@RANDOMNAME@@, a radical independent. "@@RANDOMLASTNAME_1@@ brings nothing new to the table. I know I may have criticized some of your more moderate stances, but if you endorse me, then I can bring in some fresh ideas to completely revitalize the government. Be bold and dream big! Together we can change @@NAME@@ for the better!" @@HE@@ concludes, with a grand flourish and camera-ready smile.
Effect: the elderly reminisce on the time when government officials were able to compromise
3. "Really? Those are your party's candidates?" sneers opposition party candidate @@RANDOMNAME@@. "Face it @@LEADER@@, your party just doesn't have the voter appeal to win this election. So instead of tearing one another to bits with electoral in-fighting, maybe you should try reaching across the aisle and giving me an endorsement. Sure, I may have disparaged every single one of your policies, but what's in the past is in the past! This election could be the perfect opportunity to increase my party's power…er, I mean, begin a new era of compromise.
Effect: cries of 'Et Tu, @@LEADER@@?' can frequently be heard coming from party headquarters
4. "Endorsing all those career politicians is a bad bet," interrupts wealthy ex-CEO @@RANDOMNAME@@, who has thus far made up for @@HIS@@ lack of political experience by egregious amounts of campaign spending. "I may be new to the political scene, but I'm still the one you should support. I'll be sure to properly represent my business investments—I mean, the people, when I win. Your backing would be a big help, and I'm sure I can make it worth your while." @@HE@@ winks, surreptitiously sliding an envelope flush with cash across your desk.
Validity: Must have high corruption
Effect: the legislature doubles as a yacht club
5. "You can't possibly be considering this kind of quid pro quo!" accuses watchdog @@RANDOMNAME@@, who isn't running for office, but has been listening intently from outside your door. "Exchanging any kind of favoritism in return for party loyalty is blatant corruption. Plus, you're unfairly influencing voters, threatening our political freedoms! The voters need to choose their representative, not you. For the sake of this nation's integrity, you must remain neutral in any and all elections.
Effect: The reelection campaign for @@LEADER@@ has been halted for fear of influencing voters
2nd Draft
1st Draft