Washington (US Political RP; 2016 ; Special Events ; OPEN!)

[Tallahassee News Station]

(Moderator)

Representative Brennan, would you also defend 'that right'?

[Dentali]

(Moderator)

Representative Brennan, would you also defend 'that right'?

“Firstly in 2002 President Shrub increased steel import tariffs up to 30%. hundreds of thousands of Americans lost their jobs because they relied on steel and those companies had to cut costs. US Steel employs a few hundred thousand people, a sizable amount but companies that consume steel employ millions. When your protectionist policies raise the cost of steel or other materials it affects everyone.”

"Now regarding the right to refuse service, I support gay marriage as a right 100%. The government shouldn't be defining marriage on a religious basis, that being said the government also doesn't have the right to force someone to cater a wedding, or do something that violates religious beliefs by servicing a gay wedding."

[Tallahassee News Station]

With our final question in Bob Holan

A thirtysomething man comes up

My name is Bob Holan, and I'm a former intelligence worker for the NSA. I know we get a lot of heat, but I've always believed that especially in a time of growing terror, that the work we do is vital, but there have been threats to strip away our security authority. Representative Brennan, what I'm asking you is whether you'll take the necessary steps to help keep the American people safe."

[Dentali]

With our final question in Bob Holan

A thirtysomething man comes up

My name is Bob Holan, and I'm a former intelligence worker for the NSA. I know we get a lot of heat, but I've always believed that especially in a time of growing terror, that the work we do is vital, but there have been threats to strip away our security authority. Representative Brennan, what I'm asking you is whether you'll take the necessary steps to help keep the American people safe."

"Thank you for your service Bob. Our first duty is to keep the American People safe. We are in a bold new world and need to meet the security challenges of the 21st century head on. I've been heavily involved on the security and intelligence committees my entire congressional career and the threats are greater now than ever before. We need to invest heavily in cybersecurity and rebuild our relationships with our allies, supporting our intelligence network is paramount."

"Now ill be the first to admit the NSA has abused the authority given, and the perpetrators need to suffer the consequences, no one is above the law. The NSA indeed needs checks on its authority as well as oversight to protect innocent American citizens from overreach and abuses. But I will not deprive our armed forces and intelligence services the tools they need to combat terrorism or geopolitical threats."

[Tallahassee News Station]

Mr. Roberts, your thoughts on the matter?

[Velahor]

"First off, I'd like to thank you Mr. Holan for your years of service working for the NSA. You guys fight the good fight in stopping our enemies, and combined with the strength of our armed forces, America is one of the safest places to live in all of history.

An investigation must take place into the overreaches and abuses by the NSA and other intelligence organizations. The privacy of Americans must be respected. At the same time, I will not stop short in allowing the NSA to do their job at protecting Americans from terrorist attacks and other threats.

The NSA has also done some great work at stopping terrorist threats before they start. I commend them for that. The safety and security of Americans, both from external and internal threats and privacy violations from their own government, that safety and security is a high priority for me."

[Tallahassee News Station]

(Moderator)

Both of you spoke of issues of "overreaches" or "abuses of authority" in the intelligence community. What do you believe these overreaches are, and where would you draw the line? For all of the candidates, do you support the NSA's bulk collection of metadata?

[Velahor]

(Moderator)

Both of you spoke of issues of "overreaches" or "abuses of authority" in the intelligence community. What do you believe these overreaches are, and where would you draw the line? For all of the candidates, do you support the NSA's bulk collection of metadata?

Roberts: "I do not support the bulk collection of metadata. I feel like all the energy that is put towards bulk collection of data can be instead invested in more closely tracking people with actual suspected ties to terrorist organizations. Again, some of the collection is necessary, but there has to be limits. We can't give the government unlimited access to everyone's online data, especially without probable cause."

[Dentali]

(Moderator)

Both of you spoke of issues of "overreaches" or "abuses of authority" in the intelligence community. What do you believe these overreaches are, and where would you draw the line? For all of the candidates, do you support the NSA's bulk collection of metadata?

"When you get down to it the question is, 'How do they protect Americans from a determined enemy while respecting this nation’s healthy distrust of government surveillance and right to privacy?'

"My committee has commissioned numerous studies to see if more targeted information acquisition is possible, but its just not feasible. We do not have sufficient technology to do so, I wish we did. Right now bulk collection is the most effective method, imperfect as it is."

"Courts have been clear that the patriot act does not authorize the bulk collection of metadata, specifically the 2nd circuit. The most immediate solution is to combine the patriot act's section on metadata, with the USA freedom act. Add in cell phone data to the act but include the transparency and emphasis on civil rights and liberties that the USA freedom act gives"

"In the long term I have every confidence we will soon have the technology for targeted collection but right now we cannot afford to stop bulk collection."

[Velahor]

"Representative, if we currently do not have the technology for targeted surveillance, then do you think we should prioritize developing that technology?"

[Dentali]

"Representative, if we currently do not have the technology for targeted surveillance, then do you think we should prioritize developing that technology?"

"Thats why i said we need to 'heavily invest in cybersecurity' as well as intelligence services just a minute or so ago"

[Velahor]

"Okay, good to know that. Next thing: do you believe we should prioritize developing these technologies over staying the course with bulk collection? Which one is more important to you?"

[Dentali]

"Okay, good to know that. Next thing: do you believe we should prioritize developing these technologies over staying the course with bulk collection? Which one is more important to you?"

"I didn't realize you were the moderator Mr. Roberts. But frankly the two are not mutually exclusive in the least."

[Velahor]

"Okay, good to know that. Next thing: do you believe we should prioritize developing these technologies over staying the course with bulk collection? Which one is more important to you?"

"I didn't realize you were the moderator Mr. Roberts. But frankly the two are not mutually exclusive in the least."

"I'm not saying they are, but we both want a balanced budget and lower taxes, and as you know, with a balanced budget comes cuts. I am actually curious...which would you rather cut? Bulk collection or research into targeted collection?"

[Dentali]

"I didn't realize you were the moderator Mr. Roberts. But frankly the two are not mutually exclusive in the least."

"I'm not saying they are, but we both want a balanced budget and lower taxes, and as you know, with a balanced budget comes cuts. I am actually curious...which would you rather cut? Bulk collection or research into targeted collection?"

"I refuse to accept any cuts in defense, as does President Reed. We are at war, to even imply you would cut defense while at war is unacceptable Mr. Roberts."

[Velahor]

"I'm not saying they are, but we both want a balanced budget and lower taxes, and as you know, with a balanced budget comes cuts. I am actually curious...which would you rather cut? Bulk collection or research into targeted collection?"

"I refuse to accept any cuts in defense, as does President Reed. We are at war, to even imply you would cut defense while at war is unacceptable Mr. Roberts."

"I don't think you should speak for the President-Elect sir. That's his job.

I don't think cuts to defense are the wisest decision during a time of war either. But eventually, something is going to have to be cut. You can't have a big overreaching government, a defense budget bigger than the rest of the world combined, low taxes, and a balanced budget at the same time. It doesn't work that way. I believe in a strong defense budget. But something has to give eventually.

I'd personally rather direct our money to more creating more effective methods of stopping our enemies than mass surveillance of American citizens. Money better spent, in my opinion.

This all points to a bigger problem. What the Representative here speaks of is exactly why we've never had a balanced budget. People want cuts somewhere, but not for the parts of government that they like. Maybe defense isn't the right place to cut, but maybe everybody in Congress should be willing to cut some of the government spending that they like if they want a balanced budget."

[Dentali]

"I refuse to accept any cuts in defense, as does President Reed. We are at war, to even imply you would cut defense while at war is unacceptable Mr. Roberts."

"I don't think you should speak for the President-Elect sir. That's his job.

I don't think cuts to defense are the wisest decision during a time of war either. But eventually, something is going to have to be cut. You can't have a big overreaching government, a defense budget bigger than the rest of the world combined, low taxes, and a balanced budget at the same time. It doesn't work that way. I believe in a strong defense budget. But something has to give eventually.

I'd personally rather direct our money to more creating more effective methods of stopping our enemies than mass surveillance of American citizens. Money better spent, in my opinion.

This all points to a bigger problem. What the Representative here speaks of is exactly why we've never had a balanced budget. People want cuts somewhere, but not for the parts of government that they like. Maybe defense isn't the right place to cut, but maybe everybody in Congress should be willing to cut some of the government spending that they like if they want a balanced budget."

"Im sorry Mr. Roberts are you really telling me to cut back military funding during an active war? When people like my son are fighting on the front lines defending our freedom? When people are actively trying to murder Americans and are committing genocide? Not to mention the number of people employed by military bases in this state. You are dishonoring them, your lack of support speaks volumes to your irresponsible nature and a lack of regard for our military men and women."

[Velahor]

"Yet again, you blatantly lie about my positions. I just stated that it is irresponsible to cut the defense budget during wartime. Now you attempt to paint me as anti-military? Because I don't support the NSA's bulk data collection and think our defense budget could be better in other defense projects? You aren't defending the military right now Representative, you're defending the "abuses" by the NSA that you were against earlier." He paused for a second, then looked at Brennan.

"By the way, where were you when the President-Elect said his opinions on bulk metadata collection? Because you might wanna check that before you try to make it look like you are on the same page."

[Dentali]

"Yet again, you blatantly lie about my positions. I just stated that it is irresponsible to cut the defense budget during wartime. Now you attempt to paint me as anti-military? Because I don't support the NSA's bulk data collection and think our defense budget could be better in other defense projects? You aren't defending the military right now Representative, you're defending the "abuses" by the NSA that you were against earlier." He paused for a second, then looked at Brennan.

"By the way, where were you when the President-Elect said his opinions on bulk metadata collection? Because you might wanna check that before you try to make it look like you are on the same page."

"I said nothing about The president's views on the NSA, i was referring to defense in general. As for defense, you very clearly implied cutting defense. We need to make budget cuts, but even the implication of cutting defense during a war spending is irresponsible. You say we need to focus on more effective methods to stop our enemies? Right now this intelligence gathering is the most effective methods, i've been on the intelligence, armed services and foreign relations committees for almost my entire tenure. I have spent decades pushing for the most cutting edge and effective intelligence techniques. As soon as we have a better method we will use it."

[Tallahassee News Station]

(Mics cut)

Thank you, candidates, for coming here today. You may make your closing statements, in the same order as the opening.

[Velahor]

"Yet again, you blatantly lie about my positions. I just stated that it is irresponsible to cut the defense budget during wartime. Now you attempt to paint me as anti-military? Because I don't support the NSA's bulk data collection and think our defense budget could be better in other defense projects? You aren't defending the military right now Representative, you're defending the "abuses" by the NSA that you were against earlier." He paused for a second, then looked at Brennan.

"By the way, where were you when the President-Elect said his opinions on bulk metadata collection? Because you might wanna check that before you try to make it look like you are on the same page."

"I said nothing about The president's views on the NSA, i was referring to defense in general. As for defense, you very clearly implied cutting defense. We need to make budget cuts, but even the implication of cutting defense during a war spending is irresponsible. You say we need to focus on more effective methods to stop our enemies? Right now this intelligence gathering is the most effective methods, i've been on the intelligence, security and foreign relations committees for almost my entire tenure. I have spent decades pushing for the most cutting edge and effective intelligence techniques. As soon as we have a better method we will use it."

"You clearly implied that the President-Elect would agree with you on the position you were taking. As I've said, and continue to say, cutting the defense budget during wartime is irresponsible. And I will not take you blatantly trying to lie to the people viewing this debate about my opinions. But eventually, this war will be over. And I believe the privacy of Americans is as valuable as security, and that warrant less searches of metadata is something we should transition away from, again into targeted searches of actual suspects. I do not believe in cutting the defense budget during wartime, but I feel like within the defense budget, funds could be better allocated to properly supply troops like your son than spending money on spying on American citizens."

[Tallahassee News Station]

(Mic is cut)

Closing statements, gentlemen

[Velahor]

"First of all, I would like to thank Representative Brennan for this great discussion, and thank you to our wonderful moderator and audience as well.

I want to see a show of hands...who in here loves this great country?" Carter looks out on the audience, seeing lots of hands raised. "That's a beautiful thing. Wouldn't it be great to have your Senate seat held by someone who loves this country, and our home state as much as you do? If that's what you want, I'm your guy.

I stand for three core values: faith, family, and freedom. I believe that faith, believing in something, whether Christian, Muslim, Jew, Atheist, or anything else, is a driving force behind this country's past successes. If what you believe in makes you a better person, makes you treat your neighbor as yourself, then you are making our country a better place. Family is an important part of the fabric of our nation, both in the values it teaches us and the unity it brings. And finally, freedom, guaranteed to us in the constitution and setting us apart from other nations as a shining city on a hill, as Ronald Reagan once spoke of.

I'm pro-America, and pro-American. I believe in leaving our nation better than we found it, building a place we can be proud to pass down to our kids. If you believe in an America like that too, vote for me. I won't let you down. I'm tenacious. I'll fight for Connecticut. I'll fight for America. And I'll give you a voice in Congress, as opposed to contributing to their ideological echo chamber. I hope you are all with me. Vote Carter Roberts for Senate in the special election."

[Dentali]

In the 70s I served our country in Vietnam. In 1984 I returned to serve our country in congress. In 1994 I became secretary of state for connecticut and in 2000 I returned to congress and have served you there since. Almost my entire tenure in congress I have served as a member of the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees. For 30 years I have championed American businesses, the military and education, proud to serve our state and the 5th district.

For 30 years Carter Roberts has played basketball extremely well. Now he wants to be a senator, a man who wants open borders to illegal immigration, a man who consistently tells you, truthfully, that he is ignorant on many issues and will get a number of experts to advise him. A man whose protectionist policies will lead to a skyrocketing cost of living, a man who support employer contraceptive mandates regardless of religious objections. A frankly a man who consistently takes positions without any depth of understanding.I have spent the last 30 years as an expert on these topics, with a wealth of experience that few in congress can match, with a consistent set of principles shared by our now vice president.

We have a new path open to us, it is a path we cannot afford not to take. Times like this we need experienced leadership, to take advantage of this opportunity the likes of which I haven’t seen since the 80s. The only thing I ask is that you continue to let me serve our state and our country in the best capacity I can. Let us fight disastrous policies of Winston and the progressives and help guide our country to economic prosperity and strength around the globe. Together we can rebuild our nation's strength and reputation abroad, and create a business friendly nation at home. Grow our jobs and economy, higher better paying wages and education beyond the one size fits all system we have now. Together we will secure peace in the middle east, security against china and russia, rebuild our network of alliances and reaffirm our support to Israel. We need strong leadership, it’s time to get tough. Bold choices, bold decisions, now I ask you to let me lead you down that path

[Terrelis]

Inaugural Luncheon

The tables were set, the decorations were in place, and the cutlery was properly shined. Reuben felt like he was turning into his mother fretting over every minor detail that he found to be wrong; but he knew that this could possibly be the only inauguration Reed ever saw so he wanted everything to be perfect. Even down to the famous painting hung perfectly behind the head table. Reuben had gotten an early look at Reeds inaugural speech and its what led him to choose the painting that would be the backdrop for the afternoons events; every four years the painting at the inaugural luncheon was chosen because it had some connection to the new president and Reuben felt he'd made an impeccable choice.

He looked up once more just to admire the Scene of the Constitution of the United States by Howard Chandler Christy.



He gave the room one more inspection before smiling and grabbing a drink off of a tray being carried by a passing waiter. This was going to be a long day and he was going to need as many drinks as possible to get through it. He downed the drink and placed the empty glass on the tray of the next waiter that passed him. He then straightened his suit and awaited the guest to arrive.