Washington 2017: The U.S. Political RP: IC [CLOSED]

[Speyland]

McDonald's, New York City, New York

George was at line at McDonald's when he meets a young woman in front who might be Chinese as well. "Excuse me." said George. "Yes?" asked the woman. "Where are you from?" asked George curiously. "I was born in the United States but my family's from South Korea." explained the woman. "So that makes you...." said George but was later interrupted by the woman. "Korean-American." said the woman. "Okay. I'm George. Yours?" asked George. "Elizabeth." said Elizabeth. The two have a good time together.

[Velahor]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey turned in her seat to follow Carter's gaze towards the door, and unconsciously brushed some of her hair back with her hand before nodding.

"Ready."

Carter stood up and gently opened the door to a room of about 25 individuals, who all stood and clapped for the First Lady.

Nearest to the door was the remainder of the Roberts family; his wife Kara, his older son Jared, clean cut and professional looking in a suit and tie, his high-schooler son Josiah, who was dressed more casually, with a Supreme beanie and his Jordan 1’s along with baggy sweatpants and a t-shirt, and Carter’s parents, both quite elderly. Kara, smiling, with her dark hair and striking features, approached the First Lady.

“Nice to meet you. Kara Roberts. I’m so glad you were able to come up here and give us a hand.”

Closer to the back was Carter’s campaign manager, Jerry, who came over to Carter to lead him aside for a moment.

Whispering, Jerry said, “Carter, I’m sorry but that idea you had for that attack ad on Singh is not going to fly. We talked about this before, no attacks until the last few weeks. And that...especially that, it’s really a low blow. People are going to remember you taking that move for awhile, even if it gets you elected it will ruin the squeaky-clean reputation you’ve put forward. It’s your campaign, but I strongly advise that you wait until Aubrey leaves before we even discuss going that hard on the offensive.”

A bit upset, Carter whispered, “Got it. Is it really that bad though?”

Jerry whispered back, “It is.”

They both regained their composure and looked around the room at the rest of the group.

[Velahor]

Helena, MT

While there was some resistance from some of the environmentalists in the legislature that led to a few changes to the bill, Governor Stephens was still quite happy to sign a bill that would reduce the effects of the Dudley Act on the state. Without much attention, and no public statement from the Governor, the following bill passed and was put on the state’s website early the next morning.

Montana Energy Relief Act

In the wake of the Recify Dudley’s Disservice Act, Montana’s fossil fuels industry is under attack. While understanding the need for a long-term transition to clean energy, this legislature recognizes the need to mitigate the adverse economic effects of the implementation of this punitive federal tax. Hereby, the Montana Energy Relief Act provides for the following.

1. Provides for a tax deduction for producers of fossil fuels within the State of Montana, in an equivalent amount to the amount of taxes paid to the federal government through the Rectify Dudley’s Disservice Act. This provision is nullified if the federal government repeals said Act.

2. Eliminates state property taxes on land used for solar or wind energy.

3. Allocates funds to the Gibson Dam hydroelectric project, with the specific amount of investment to be left to the Montana Public Service commission to decide.

4. Suspends the filing fees for oil drillers currently listed in 36.22.1705 in the Montana Administrative rules for a period of five years.

5. Eliminates property taxes on tractor-trailers that are primarily used in the transportation of oil, coal, or natural gas.

6. Reduces state gasoline taxes from their current rates to 15 cents per gallon.

7. Creates the Montana Electric Bus Grant, which allows public schools and cities to apply for a grant to assist in the purchase of electric busses to replace their current diesel or gasoline fleets.

Passed by both houses of the Montana legislature and signed into law by Governor Douglas Stephens, the provisions of this Act take effect immediately.

[Bruke]

Vietnamese Catholic Center, Santa Ana, California (April 30th, 2017)



Sydney had pushed the interview to April 21st so that she could be in Orange County in time to commemorate the 30th of April. Black April was a painful time for those who had served, lost loved ones, or fled for their lives. And as the service was coming to a close, Sydney looked to her brother Joseph, who was next to her, with a blank expression on his face. She could tell what he was thinking...

On death's door, her father Lu had opened up to his children about his actions during the War. They already knew of his brief but eventful service in the ARVN Rangers, but knew nothing of his time in the Field Police. Having already received his last rites, Lu finally felt free of guilt for not joining his family and leaving them to adjust to a new country on their own. He explained everything, sparing them no detail.

Sydney and Joseph were nothing short of shocked. Their mother, Xuan, had always told them of their father's service in glowing terms- but there he was, describing how he would sick dogs on a man he already beaten within an inch of his life, or move house to house on a search for suspected Viet Cong members, leaving a bloodbath in his wake.

A lesser man would have carried these secrets to his grave, but Lu spoke freely because, " in a twisted sort of way, I am atoning for my sins."

"Take this to heart: while I was away, I never stopped thinking of your mother -he held back tears- your mother and you, my children. Those who I've made suffer are long gone... except you. I wanted a chance to ask for forgiveness.... before I die."

Palo Alto, California (2006)



Sydney's apartment was a place of mourning. Both she and Joseph wore white sack-cloth, as was the custom. Those who had known Lu best while he was alive, both family and friends, came from near and far to share in the grief and remember a life well lived.

Despite the show of unity to the guests, the siblings were divided on whether or not to forgive their father. Sydney immediately forgave him, even defending his wartime actions as a necessary evil. Joseph was much less inclined to forgive.

Sydney was born in a time of great peril for Lu and Xuan. The couple had fled northern Vietnam while Xuan was pregnant, as Lu had been an active member of the Vietnamese Nationalist Party (Việt Quốc) for a time and local officials, assisting the Japanese, put a price on his head. Her mother named her after the Blessed Sydney Hodgson, one of the London Martyrs of 1591, after a failed attempt at killing Lu (like Hodgson, a convert) as he and the family were leaving a local church where she had been baptized. Sydney grew up in a heady environment, as her parents moved constantly during her earliest years. She -in her mind- understood why her father was rarely home or how when he was present, it was usually to help her and her mother move to a safer location. She viewed him as latter-day crusader, fighting for freedom.

Joseph was born six years later, and Lu, ever a wayward soul, had since joined with the Bình Xuyên crime syndicate (though the family assumed he was with some kind of nationalist group). Joseph got a glimpse into his father's real work when he went into the "study" -a small room hidden away from prying eyes- and found a letter from French intelligence. Lu denied its existence to his face, and afterwards moved such sensitive items to Le Grand Monde.

Joseph continued in his suspicion, while Sydney continued in her insistence that Lu was a hero.

"Joseph- no. You know what we must do. We must forgive him."

"I see no need to forgive an unrepentant man, a man who lied to his family, abandoned them when they needed him most."

"He showed remorse. There was no need -he did what he had to- yet he still showed remorse. He knew that his life was sometimes... questionable."

"Questionable?! This was more than questionable, it was despicable and cruel. I'm ashamed that he was my father."

"I'm ashamed that I have a brother who is so disloyal to his own flesh and blood."

Joseph scoffed, as they continued to argue throughout the day and long into the night. When all was said and done... they weren't on speaking terms for five years. They had only reconciled when Eugene and Nancy had Elizabeth.

Life had restored what death had taken away. With that thought, she left the service as it ended. She believed, in her heart of hearts, that Joseph had thought much the same of it all.

She could only hope.

[Sanabel]

Liberty University Convocation, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia


It was the biggest audience Clearwater would have yet. Liberty University's weekly convocations had an audience of 13,000 or more, with thousands more live streams.

The catch, of course, was that it was a speech behind enemy lines. Despite the fact that it was a large audience, it was an audience of some of the most conservative students in the United States. Some left-wing politicians did brave a Liberty Convocation, and the students were respectful of course, but having an audience that size was intimidating.

Clearwater's campaign was able to swing the speech easily, with Clearwater's bipartisan fame and military background. The campaign's Virginia tour was beginning to generate a lot of energy and momentum was building. The first stop after Richmond was Virginia Beach, showing their willingness to enter deep red turf to spread their message. The goal, of course was to show voters and donors that Clearwater was unabashed in his policy proposals, and willing to reach out to the most unlikely of people. Given this context, the Liberty Convocation made sense.

First, the campaign spent the morning on the massive Liberty campus, talking with students on their way to class. Less people recognized Clearwater, as the population was majority young and white. Usually middle-aged suburbanites and people of color recognized the former Congressman.

Clearwater confidently strode on to the stage at Liberty's stadium in his trademark outfit. A small contingent of political supports sat in the front rows with Clearwater signs.

He realized he forgot to take his pencil out from his ear before he made it to the podium, so he grabbed it and slipped it into his breast pocket.

"Hello, Liberty University. I heard ya'll are the biggest private university in this great nation of ours. Like many folks in the crowd and the founders of this University, I'm a Baptist. Though maybe cut from a different cloth, given I'm a black guy from Suffolk."

There was some chuckling in the audience.

"My name's Mo Clearwater. I'm a proud Virginian, Gulf War veteran, former Congressman, and now I write books. I'm also runnin' for guvahnuh."

There was some polite applause.

"Goin' back to the 1970s, this University's founders have been passionate about their politics. Their conservative views swayed the electorate from then on, and this place has been much the same. Now, I've got some views myself. Maybe some folks will agree, maybe some won't. But I'm gonna lay them out, 'cause I'm passionate just the same."

He cleared his throat.

"I stand first and foremost 'gainst hate of all kinds. So, I am entirely against keeping Confederate statues on the public lands of the state of Virginia."

There was a suprisingly large amount of applause.

"Even though I'm personally pro-life I believe in women's rights, includin' a woman's right to choose, least in the first trimester. Id like to see WAC repealed, and if we can't do that, Id like to see Planned Parenthood in this state funded by the guvment down in Richmond."

There was, again, a surprising reaction from the large audience.

"I believe when both black and white boys spend a life in prison because of doin' somethin' stupid as a teenager, we got a problem with criminal justice. I think we need a change to sentencin' law."

There was less positivity.

"I stand with law enforcement and those who serve this country in any capacity. But we got a problem when black boys are bein' shot in the street for bullshit reasons. I want to see the police officers of this state receive more funding so we can give 'em a pay raise and some extra training. I think it's time for body cameras too while we're at it. As governor I will also create a state commission to come up with a plan for community policin'."

There was a lot of applause to that notion. Hard to argue against.

"I am a staunch conservationist. I believe in protectin' the Lord's creation."

Clearwater smiled a bit at the applause he was receiving. It was unexpected considering the location.

"I believe in common sense gun control, to keep weapons outta the hands of the wrong people. I believe in universal vocational training and community college for those who want it. I believe in Medicare For All."

There was less positivity again.

"Now, as guvahnuh we ain't gonna be able to do all of that I'm sure. But that's not the point. The point is, I'm passionate just like you, and that is a good thing. We all know where we are now, and we all have a different take. That's why I'm here with you all today, folks, to share my take with you. If we know where we are now, we need to figure out where we are goin'.

To figure that out, it takes all of us coming together. It takes discussion with those who don't see eye-to-eye with you. It takes compromise and flexibility. That's life. It was that way as we moved forward past segregation when I was growin' up. It was that way in the Air Force.

You and I are on the same team. We are Virginians, one state under one flag. Americans united under one God, striving to better the greatest nation He ever created," Clearwater roared the last two sentences.

There was raucous applause.

"In this race for governor, campaign for your values, your passion. But at the end of it all, think about this moment. About the message that discourse and compromise are good and make us strong. As the revered Abraham Lincoln said, 'a house divided cannot stand.' No matter who wins, let's build a better Virginia."

There was more applause.

"Thank you, Liberty. I hope this won't be the last we see a' each other," he winked.

[Prolieum]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey flinched instinctively, recoiling slightly at the sudden, unexpected chorus of applause, before mastering her surprise and settling herself, hoping the motion had not been too visible.

Putting on a smile, she offered a small wave to the larger-than-expected group, not quite sure of the etiquette to be used in a situation that had seemed to shift in her perspective from a personal meeting to standing before a crowd. Kara's approach was a relief, as Aubrey turned to the closer woman, offering her own hand to shake as Mrs. Roberts introduced herself, and responding in turn.

"Thanks for having me here. I hope I can make something happen."

[Dentali]

"If i'm going to win a Senate seat i need help, endorsements, money... at the very least if O'Leary doesn't help me being on good terms with him lessens the chance he might help someone else run against me. Thats all I meant by 'left flank', and the emphasis on 'left' is just because O'Leary is a bit to my left. I'm a liberal now and I have been for my whole life, just because I wrote a few bills this year that reached across the aisle to help people out doesnt change that fact."

Vilseck nodded. "I hope you don't take offense Representative, but that sounds very personally motivated"

"My actions towards O'Leary are 100% to help me in the election, but my bills.... my opioid bill, the camera act, the school safety bill, better background checks, my DACA bill and my upcoming prescription price control bill.... All that is to help people, these are bills and progress that cannot be made without crossing the aisle, i'm going to do what I can as Congressman, im interested in results not in making some ideological stance because I don't get 100% of what I want. Thats only self serving in passing good bills makes me more popular with my state."

[Tallahassee News Station]

Vilseck nodded. "I hope you don't take offense Representative, but that sounds very personally motivated"

"My actions towards O'Leary are 100% to help me in the election, but my bills.... my opioid bill, the camera act, the school safety bill, better background checks, my DACA bill and my upcoming prescription price control bill.... All that is to help people, these are bills and progress that cannot be made without crossing the aisle, i'm going to do what I can as Congressman, im interested in results not in making some ideological stance because I don't get 100% of what I want. Thats only self serving in passing good bills makes me more popular with my state."

"Would you say that supporting O'Leary for Chair is something that you are doing primarily to get votes from more left wing Representatives on bills?"

[Velahor]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey flinched instinctively, recoiling slightly at the sudden, unexpected chorus of applause, before mastering her surprise and settling herself, hoping the motion had not been too visible.

Putting on a smile, she offered a small wave to the larger-than-expected group, not quite sure of the etiquette to be used in a situation that had seemed to shift in her perspective from a personal meeting to standing before a crowd. Kara's approach was a relief, as Aubrey turned to the closer woman, offering her own hand to shake as Mrs. Roberts introduced herself, and responding in turn.

"Thanks for having me here. I hope I can make something happen."

“I’m sure you will. Carter has always done better based on who’s around him,” said Kara, shaking the First Lady’s hand before stepping aside and allowing the rest of the family and the campaign staff to make their introductions and snap the occasional picture.

Meanwhile, Carter and Jerry continued their conversation.

“I got her to agree to come along to all our events the next few days,” remarked Carter to the short, bald man.

Jerry scratches his head and responded. “Run that by me next time. Please don’t go all maverick on us right before the election, or you’re going to make a mistake. But good. Good that you got her to come along. More work for us for sure. But it shows that the White House is devoted to helping our campaign specifically. That’s good news. Not just a photo op and a half-ass speech and done, but a real investment on their part. It means a lot. You told her to steer clear of the gun thing, right?”

[Prolieum]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey settled into the pattern of brief introductions and smiles through the line of people brought to her, something she was more practicing in than practiced, but could handle well enough, occasionally daring to add a simple comment beyond the rote in the brief exchanges.

[Velahor]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey flinched instinctively, recoiling slightly at the sudden, unexpected chorus of applause, before mastering her surprise and settling herself, hoping the motion had not been too visible.

Putting on a smile, she offered a small wave to the larger-than-expected group, not quite sure of the etiquette to be used in a situation that had seemed to shift in her perspective from a personal meeting to standing before a crowd. Kara's approach was a relief, as Aubrey turned to the closer woman, offering her own hand to shake as Mrs. Roberts introduced herself, and responding in turn.

"Thanks for having me here. I hope I can make something happen."

“I’m sure you will. Carter has always done better based on who’s around him,” said Kara, shaking the First Lady’s hand before stepping aside and allowing the rest of the family and the campaign staff to make their introductions and snap the occasional picture.

Meanwhile, Carter and Jerry continued their conversation.

“I got her to agree to come along to all our events the next few days,” remarked Carter to the short, bald man.

Jerry scratches his head and responded. “Run that by me next time. Please don’t go all maverick on us right before the election, or you’re going to make a mistake. But good. Good that you got her to come along. More work for us for sure. But it shows that the White House is devoted to helping our campaign specifically. That’s good news. Not just a photo op and a half-ass speech and done, but a real investment on their part. It means a lot. You told her to steer clear of the gun thing, right?”

Carter replied, “Jerry...buddy...you know I wouldn’t forget something that important...”

Jerry quipped back, “You forgot your cell phone in Bridgeport and I had to send an intern from New Haven up to get it. You forgot your tie before the debate and I had to leave and go to Nordstrom Rack to get you a new one. Oh, and you forgot to tie your shoes when you went on stage at that private school, and I spent the whole time worried you were going to trip on a shoelace. Need I go on?”

Carter chuckled, “I get it bud, simmer down, we got this.”

Turning to the room, Carter spoke.

“The First Lady will be joining us in the calling effort for today, so everybody get on those phones and make it count!”

The majority of the staff began calling. Carter’s father went over to his grandson Jared to ask if he was supposed to call too.

Kara laughed, and spoke somewhat privately to Aubrey; “Reeealy? He’s making you do this. What a goofball. Well, I’ll leave you to it. But let’s chat sometime.”

Carter came over to them and spoke up, “So...what are you two ladies talking about? Babe, can you go pick up the donuts at Marty’s down the block? Take Josiah with you.”

Turning to Aubrey, Carter said, “Okay, I left the desk with the comfy chair for you. There’s a list of numbers there, feel free to make as few or as many calls as your comfortable with.”

[Prolieum]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

For whatever reason, Aubrey smiled at the comment, a genuine one, after the succession of put-on displays as she worked through the staff, the expression partially one of amusement, but holding an appreciation for the simple concern shown as well.

"I've planted myself in my fair share of plastic squeakers and creakers in my life," she commented wryly. "Give an intern a nice change, and I'll grab a cheap one."

[Velahor]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

For whatever reason, Aubrey smiled at the comment, a genuine one, after the succession of put-on displays as she worked through the staff, the expression partially one of amusement, but holding an appreciation for the simple concern shown as well.

"I've planted myself in my fair share of plastic squeakers and creakers in my life," she commented wryly. "Give an intern a nice change, and I'll grab a cheap one."

“Ron, take the good chair! I know you’ve been asking for better chairs, here’s your chance!” Carter shouts a tall red-headed 20-something guy.

“Okay Aubrey, any of the open seats will work then. Do you drink coffee? I can bring you some, I think I’ll just supervise today.”

[Prolieum]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey grinned at the display, then shook he head in the negative. "A bottle of water is fine. I'll start now."

Cracking her fingers out with a surprisingly loud series of pops, Aubrey rolled her neck, then took a seat before one of the lines. After a brief moment of hesitation, she chose a number from the list at random, dialed, and waited for an answer.

[Vaquas]

213 Crown Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey grinned at the display, then shook he head in the negative. "A bottle of water is fine. I'll start now."

Cracking her fingers out with a surprisingly loud series of pops, Aubrey rolled her neck, then took a seat before one of the lines. After a brief moment of hesitation, she chose a number from the list at random, dialed, and waited for an answer.

After a couple of rings, a man picked up.

"Hello?"

[Prolieum]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

On the answer, Aubrey mentally froze, her mouth drying. Suddenly aware that she lacked a script, uncertain of whether she was supposed to have a script, unaware of any standards she was supposed to follow or barriers she was not to cross, she covered the receiver, momentarily turning, thinking of asking, then a moment later re-realizing that the call was live. A very long five seconds had passed, and she snapped over to rote routine, fearing further delay would have her hung up on.

"Good morning, Sir, my name is Aubrey Reed." A brief pause, as she tried to remember the basic instructions. "Are you considering voting for Carter Roberts for Senate?"

[Vaquas]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

On the answer, Aubrey mentally froze, her mouth drying. Suddenly aware that she lacked a script, uncertain of whether she was supposed to have a script, unaware of any standards she was supposed to follow or barriers she was not to cross, she covered the receiver, momentarily turning, thinking of asking, then a moment later re-realizing that the call was live. A very long five seconds had passed, and she snapped over to rote routine, fearing further delay would have her hung up on.

"Good morning, Sir, my name is Aubrey Reed." A brief pause, as she tried to remember the basic instructions. "Are you considering voting for Carter Roberts for Senate?"

"Aubrey Reed? You're the First Lady?" he asked.

[Prolieum]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

"Yes Sir, I am," Aubrey replied. She briefly considered asking him his name, then dismissed the idea as a silly ond.

[Vaquas]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

"Yes Sir, I am," Aubrey replied. She briefly considered asking him his name, then dismissed the idea as a silly ond.

"Is this a prank call?"

[Prolieum]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

"No Sir, it is not. I am Aubrey Reed," the First Lady reassured.

[Vaquas]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

"No Sir, it is not. I am Aubrey Reed," the First Lady reassured.

There were a few moments of silence, followed by some chat in the background before the man spoke again.

"Why are you calling us again?"

[Prolieum]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

After some reflection during the pause, Aubrey was slightly surprised that the man seemed to be accepting her claim of identity. She had not thought of it beforehand, but the skepticism made sense to her, and she wondered if she would be going through it every time. There would probably be some who accepted it. There were a lot of trusting people in the world, in her experience.

Regardless, this man was waiting for an answer.

"I'm calling to ask if you're going to vote for Carter Roberts, for Senate."

[Vaquas]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

After some reflection during the pause, Aubrey was slightly surprised that the man seemed to be accepting her claim of identity. She had not thought of it beforehand, but the skepticism made sense to her, and she wondered if she would be going through it every time. There would probably be some who accepted it. There were a lot of trusting people in the world, in her experience.

Regardless, this man was waiting for an answer.

"I'm calling to ask if you're going to vote for Carter Roberts, for Senate."

“Oh, uh...” he trailed off for a moment. “I don’t... probably not.” He said. “I’m not sure though.”

[Prolieum]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey conceded the failed task of piecing together the plan, and ad-libbed. "Why not?"

[Vaquas]

Roberts Campaign Headquarters, New Haven, Connecticut

Aubrey conceded the failed task of piecing together the plan, and ad-libbed. "Why not?"

“Well I, uh, there, um.” He said caught off guard a little. “I uh, I’m not that political, but I don’t think he’s, uh, that well qualified.” He said, offering up the first coherent thought to come to mind.