The Land Of The Free: An American Political Roleplay (IC)

[Azekopolaltion]

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Westra Campaign HQ
Jersey City, New Jersey
May 1st, 2019

---

Jameela was enraged. Westra had bypassed her and delivered his remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations without her approval, or the editing of their new Policy Director. Never had she seen a campaign run in such disorderly fashion. But perhaps this was characteristic of progressive campaigns. Secretary Clifford would be disgusted by this campaign.

Well, that's why Jameela was here. Tim had specifically asked her to reach out to old contacts. She was organizing a public, open-press meeting with Planned Parenthood leaders for Tim to attend and publicly apologize at. But that was on hold because Tim wanted to barnstorm Iowa. Now, Winthrop had abandoned their campaign for Murphy, which she had not seen coming and only advanced her argument that Tim should be catering more to the wider party and less to the progressive nuts.

She gave Tim a call. "Tim, you've seen Winthrop's Twitter? I thought so. Well, I don't think it's a big deal. If anything, this is an opportunity. You can pitch yourself as the pragmatic progressive in this race. Get past the craziness. Show your moderate allies more, like Sharansky, and expand your coalition."

"So, here's what I suggest. We have a chance to win Massachusetts, Winthrop is on a sinking boat and I hope she takes Murphy with her. But first, you have to do something. You must meet Lynskey. Now, chances of him endorsing you is slim. That's irrelevant. You must pitch yourself as a progressive alternative to the crazy wing. He wants to look like a pragmatic progressive, you want a popular governor on your side."

"We've booked you a flight from Des Moines to Springfield. We are waiting for a response for a meeting request with Governor Lynskey. If he agrees, then meet him and offer your full support. But court him heavily. Offer to campaign for him, I don't know. If he doesn't agree, we can get ahead on Super Tuesday campaigning in Massachusetts."

Tim had no choice but to agree. She was domineering, but probably right.

[Azekopolaltion]

---

Tim Westra
Springfield, Massachusetts
May 2nd, 2019

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Tim arrived at Governor Lynskey's Springfield abode in the evening, after requesting to meet. This was important. An endorsement from Lynskey would definitely grow his coalition and cement his position as a progressive who wanted to cooperate with others instead of go it alone. He was very interested in supporting Lynskey's run, even though Winthrop was his friend. It would be an epic showdown, for sure.

He waited outside the Governor's door after ringing the bell.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Brookshire Grocery Co. HQ
Tyler, Texas

Her flats made small thumps as Karen walked out of the conference room. She bit into a French cruller and took out her phone. Her spurious tweeting had made the board uneasy, no one wanted a loud CEO of a 'family' company. But she knew they would not kick her out right now, not when she was making deals for the company. Plus, they knew she wanted to leave already...the Washington arena was waiting for her. Her phone buzzed, and her eyes light up as she saw that Senator Westra had responded to her. Finally, a poor flopping fish had taken the bait.

Karen Brookshire
@BrookshireGal

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@WestraNJ Love the idea but how about balancing the budget first? No need to be spending on aid like this fake 'Marshall Plan' when we all know what it'll do...

Karen Brookshire
@BrookshireGal

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GIVE AWAY JOBS! Why promote American businesses abroad when we can do that right here in the good old US of A? That's where our government should focus on folks.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Tim Westra
Springfield, Massachusetts
May 2nd, 2019[/align]

---

Tim arrived at Governor Lynskey's Springfield abode in the evening, after requesting to meet. This was important. An endorsement from Lynskey would definitely grow his coalition and cement his position as a progressive who wanted to cooperate with others instead of go it alone. He was very interested in supporting Lynskey's run, even though Winthrop was his friend. It would be an epic showdown, for sure.

He waited outside the Governor's door after ringing the bell.

John was at home specifically to meet with Tim. His wife was busy working some fundraisers off on the side, which left the two alone. Opening the door, wearing a shirt and jeans, dressed down, he had been committing this day to speechwriting and phonecalls, which didn't require him to be all suited up. Smiling warmly, he went to shake Tim's hand firmly, nodding. "Well well, if it isn't the racist right's least favorite New Jerseyite. Come in! Can I get you something to drink?"

[Alaskava]

Bragg Presidential Campaign Launch Rally, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“And without further ado, I introduce to you the next President of the United States, Senator Arthur Bragg!” shouted Congressman Bridges, one of the state endorsers who had come in behind the Bragg campaign. Bragg had traded in most of his statewide political capitol to secure his status as the favorite for his home state, and hopefully these endorsements would give him a boost. Hopefully some of that goodwill would translate into Iowa, a neighboring state whose importance could not be understated going into what was going to doubtlessly be an open and intense primary.

Bragg walked confidently onto stage, his campaign song, ‘Whatever It Takes’ sounding loudly through the constructed speakers to the applause of the large assembled crowd. A single lonely protester, a Milwaukee resident dissatisfied with Bragg since his time on the City Council, did not register in a sea of supporters sporting the Bragg gear they had purchased online over the past few days. Shirts, caps, even a baby clad in a Bragg onesie were visible throughout the crowd, and the Senator smiled.

When Arthur first assumed office as a member of the Milwaukee City council, he did not have eyes for the Presidency. Milwaukee was his political world, meeting with constituents about small issues, from potholes, to opening new businesses, to making sure housing was appropriate and zoning was fair and unrestrictive. Never, outside of idle fantasy when he was younger, had the idea of running for President crossed his mind. Upon his ascension to Mayor, however, Arthur’s view on the subject began to morph and change. Being a councilman was one thing, being the head honcho of the city was another. The election had placed him in an interesting position. As an Asian man, one who would seek higher office in a swing state and make quite a name for himself, he was something of a curiosity in a state whose politics outside of his own city were largely white. An advantage in some senses, a disadvantage in others. Following his run for Senate, it was all too apparent that he was an anomaly, one of the only Asians in the Senate and the only one affiliated with the Republican Party, and as such, ambitions of a certain nature came naturally, with “being the first” being all the rage and what not. So then, it was only natural that this all culminated here, in that very same city that served as an enclave for him in so many different ways. A bid for the presidency had always been coming even before he knew it, and now it had arrived. His name on the apparel sealed the deal.

“Milwaukee, its so nice to see you!” he shouted, earning cheers from the audience. “Let me tell you something, Washington D.C. doesn’t have anything on you, this is the greatest city in America!” he enthused, earning another round of cheers. “This city, has been so so kind to me. Milwaukee. As many of you know, I was not born in this city. I was born miles away in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born to a third generation Taiwanese immigrant and a humble construction worker, born into a family without many means, without many promises to make. When I was just 9 years old, after my dad lost his job, we moved to Nebraska, where I lived with my grandparents. That was a difficult time for me, as a few years later, My mother became very sick, and we ultimately realized, too late, that she had cancer. My mother, god rest her soul, told me on one of those long nights in the hospital, Arthur, your limits are your own, you will succeed anywhere, anyplace, so long as you don’t give up on yourself. The sky is the limit, and the only person that can stop you, is you. So what did I do. I finished high school, and I came straight here to Milwaukee.”

This earned some laughs from the crowd, some cheers from others, and Bragg himself wore a smile.

“And I sure am glad I did. The University of Wisconsin, not too far from here, and then Marquette, served as spaces where I was able to realize my full potential, and manifest all that my mother had talked about under those dim lights in that hospital room. I knew, using what I had learned here, I was going to be able to make a difference. And made a difference we have my friends. In Milwaukee, and in Washington, the winds of change have begun to sweep away the same status quo, the status quo that took away so many good paying jobs from his community. The status quo that sees us beset by the scourge of opioids and an ever escelating crisis of mental health and lonliness. The status quo that sees families forced to decide between sending their kids to college and caring for their aging parents. The status quo that leaves veterans on the streets while excess is flaunted by elites. The status quo that has over and over again promised to change itself and never delivered. Milwaukee, America, when I am President of the United States of America, we will break the status quo and we'll do it together!”

Roars rippled throughout the crowd.

“If you don't know me, my name is Arthur Bragg, and I’m running for President because I believe we need to jumpstart a new era in America. We need to abandon the old status quo and start working once again on the issues that matter to the American people. We must transform this nation’s politics to reflect the realities on the ground in America’s heartland, not the ideological presuppositions of Washington bureaucrats and career agitators. We must also reject the notion that in order to change our politics, we must embrace radicalism, whether it be the hard socialism espoused by some in the Democratic Party, who shrug off the decimation of the American worker and embrace policies toxic to the American economy and way of life, or the fascism of those who would proudly wave the Nazi flag in a nation that saw its brave men in uniform die by the thousands to defeat Hitler’s Reich. We must reject these false ideological dichotomies and instead return to what has always made America the greatest nation on earth. Our founding values of liberty and justice for all must be what drives us forward at a time when the world is more dangerous and divided than ever before, and hostile actors at home and abroad seek to attack the very basic freedoms many take for granted."

"This campaign will embody those core American values. This campaign will fight for the American family and American worker, committing to tackling issues like wage stagnation and economic insecurity by reevaluating our tax code and ensuring that those who work for a living do not see even more drained from them when tax season comes around. Among other things, this means that those who are doing the work to raise the next generation of hardworking Americans should be rewarded for the work they are doing, which means an expansion of the Child Tax Credit for working families and paying teachers what they deserve."

This drew a cheer from the crowd.

"This campaign believes that healthcare should be affordable. We reject the notion that to achieve this, we must undermine our fundamental principles and adopt a radical socialist healthcare scheme. What must happen, is we must work on bringing down the cost of prescription drugs, make sure healthcare workers are properly valued, and commit to offering a basic, catastrophic insurance plan for any American who needs it. Nobody in this country should be bankrupted because their life was saved, and that’s something each and every one of us can agree on."

Much enthusiasm from the assembled rally-goers was on display now.

“And of course, this campaign believes we must stand strong in the face of the global threats and challenges that present themselves to us. We must build new alliances and maintain old ones, and respond accordingly when those alliances are threatened. My administration will not back down from the tough fights that play out on the international stage. Attacks on Americans will be met with severe consequences. Attempts to take advantage of our nation’s generosity will be met with consequences as well. We will address trade and ensure it is free and fair, and ensure that trade deals put Americans first, with no exceptions. We must reevaluate the situation on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan and develop a plan of action to bring our troops home from a war that, very soon, will have started before some of the brave men and women serving were even born. As a veteran, one who has worked very hard on these issues, I have seen firsthand the struggles faced by many of those who struggle to return to civilian life, and as President, making help readily available to our vets is going to be one of my highest priorities."

More cheers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this campaign is about moving America in a direction that we can be proud of. President Wolf has reinvigorated the stock market, and provided economic relief to many families, and yet, there is still much work to be done. My record speaks for itself. I have demonstrated to the people of Milwaukee, the people of Wisconsin at large, that I have what it takes to bring about those needed changes. I have proven that with hard work, just about anything is possible in this exceptional nation we call home. Together, we will build the bridge to a brighter future with not a single American left behind!”

The crowd went into another bout of cheering as Bragg winded the rally to a close.

“So join me in this fight, visit Bragg2020.com or Text ‘Bragg’ to 409-59 and make your voices heard, in your small towns and big cities, rural areas and urban metros, join this campaign and let everyone know that America is Ready! Thank you, God bless you, and God Bless the United States of America!”

The crowd went wild as Bragg’s wife came on stage, the two embracing each other and waving to the crowd before making their way down and chatting with many of those assembled, some of the faces familiar ones from years gone by in Milwaukee, some complete strangers from cities miles away. With the campaign officially launched in the traditional fashion, it was time to hit the trail, and by this time tomorrow, Bragg would be at his first stop on the long trail ahead.

[Azekopolaltion]

Tim Westra
Springfield, Massachusetts
May 2nd, 2019[/align]

---

Tim arrived at Governor Lynskey's Springfield abode in the evening, after requesting to meet. This was important. An endorsement from Lynskey would definitely grow his coalition and cement his position as a progressive who wanted to cooperate with others instead of go it alone. He was very interested in supporting Lynskey's run, even though Winthrop was his friend. It would be an epic showdown, for sure.

He waited outside the Governor's door after ringing the bell.

John was at home specifically to meet with Tim. His wife was busy working some fundraisers off on the side, which left the two alone. Opening the door, wearing a shirt and jeans, dressed down, he had been committing this day to speechwriting and phonecalls, which didn't require him to be all suited up. Smiling warmly, he went to shake Tim's hand firmly, nodding. "Well well, if it isn't the racist right's least favorite New Jerseyite. Come in! Can I get you something to drink?"

Tim shook Governor Lynskey's hand as he entered the house. "A beer would be nice, although if you don't have any please don't worry yourself. This is a lovely house." Tim was awkward with pleasantries, it really wasn't his thing. Jameela had reminded him to pick up a wine as a gift but he had forgotten to do so.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet on such short notice, Governor. Presidential campaigns are crazy; leaves us with very little time for meetings like this. But I have to say, your campaign really does interest me. Your record is that of a progressive that gets things done - that's what I like to see in candidates."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Tim shook Governor Lynskey's hand as he entered the house. "A beer would be nice, although if you don't have any please don't worry yourself. This is a lovely house." Tim was awkward with pleasantries, it really wasn't his thing. Jameela had reminded him to pick up a wine as a gift but he had forgotten to do so.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet on such short notice, Governor. Presidential campaigns are crazy; leaves us with very little time for meetings like this. But I have to say, your campaign really does interest me. Your record is that of a progressive that gets things done - that's what I like to see in candidates."

"I remember when Ted was running against Carter, boy, was it hectic. Rushing back and forth between campaigns and the Senate. I can't imagine it's been easy on you." He smiled softly, gesturing through to the living room whilst he went to fetch a couple of bottles of Casual Friday, a pale ale from a local brewery, and he brought them through, capping them and handing one to the other. "It's what I like in you too, Tim. You don't lie to people and tell them you can give them things that won't happen. Murphy's full of shit, to be honest. You dissected him really well in the healthcare roundtable."

[Azekopolaltion]

Tim shook Governor Lynskey's hand as he entered the house. "A beer would be nice, although if you don't have any please don't worry yourself. This is a lovely house." Tim was awkward with pleasantries, it really wasn't his thing. Jameela had reminded him to pick up a wine as a gift but he had forgotten to do so.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet on such short notice, Governor. Presidential campaigns are crazy; leaves us with very little time for meetings like this. But I have to say, your campaign really does interest me. Your record is that of a progressive that gets things done - that's what I like to see in candidates."

"I remember when Ted was running against Carter, boy, was it hectic. Rushing back and forth between campaigns and the Senate. I can't imagine it's been easy on you." He smiled softly, gesturing through to the living room whilst he went to fetch a couple of bottles of Casual Friday, a pale ale from a local brewery, and he brought them through, capping them and handing one to the other. "It's what I like in you too, Tim. You don't lie to people and tell them you can give them things that won't happen. Murphy's full of shit, to be honest. You dissected him really well in the healthcare roundtable."

Tim laughed a little. “Yeah, it’s unfortunate. Levi is a friend, but I believe he’s organizing against me. I don’t believe in the politics of subtraction, whether it’s on healthcare or winning elections. We shouldn’t be taking away health insurance or burning bridges with other politicians. We should be extending health insurance to those who don’t have it and we should build coalitions with our fellow Senators.”

He paused to take a swig of the ale and continued. “That’s what Ted believed, too. He was a big hero of mine, I wish I had known him better. The thing about Ted Kennedy is, he was proud of his liberalism. He never sacrificed his ideals, but he always got something done. I loved that. And your work with him actually makes me think you’d be a great Senator for Massachusetts. As good as him.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Tim laughed a little. “Yeah, it’s unfortunate. Levi is a friend, but I believe he’s organizing against me. I don’t believe in the politics of subtraction, whether it’s on healthcare or winning elections. We shouldn’t be taking away health insurance or burning bridges with other politicians. We should be extending health insurance to those who don’t have it and we should build coalitions with our fellow Senators.”

He paused to take a swig of the ale and continued. “That’s what Ted believed, too. He was a big hero of mine, I wish I had known him better. The thing about Ted Kennedy is, he was proud of his liberalism. He never sacrificed his ideals, but he always got something done. I loved that. And your work with him actually makes me think you’d be a great Senator for Massachusetts. As good as him.”

Chuckling warmly, John shook his head. "Senator, I knew Ted Kennedy. I'm no Ted Kennedy. But I like to think I still know how to get things done. He shot for the Moon, and even when the Republicans made sure he wouldn't land, he still found himself up among the stars. That's the kind of career I want to have in the Senate, aspirational, but not conceited. Abby's vote on Moore's Medicare bill..." He shook his head, a sour expression on his face. "Ted would have been so happy to see a bill like that pass. To think that a Democratic Senator would help kill it... it's heartbreaking." Taking another swig of his beer, he looked back at Tim. "You've had some fuck-ups lately, Tim, but I think you can recover from this. However I think it's very clear now that Murphy is no friend of yours, and is happy to open fire on you. You won't win the nomination if you keep letting him have it easy."

[Von Markstein]

Jack Chambers Western Tour: Aspen, Colorado
May 1st

After a busy few days on the road, Jack freshened up and changed out his road clothes for formal wear. Aspen was a bougie place and Jack would pull out the silver spoon to brush shoulders with the various vacationing big wigs and local elites for a fundraiser at an extravagant ski lodge high up in the Rockies.

Colorado was a good state, apart from the husker hating liberal jackasses in Boulder, and Jack has enjoyed this trip so far for the most part. Mingling up on the luxurious lodge,Jack focused on many of the mining executives in the state promising to deregulate and shut down any green new deal if elected. Jack also attempted to rub shoulders with executives from Coors and even some local pro sports team owners who Jack had been familiar with from his own days as an MLB team executive

Jack spoke about the usual topics of lowering corporate taxes and lessening regulations on key state industries. He was in a good element here and enjoyed the time. Eventually Jack retired to a luxurious suite, which he had used only personal funds for of course, and called it a night

[Azekopolaltion]

Tim laughed a little. “Yeah, it’s unfortunate. Levi is a friend, but I believe he’s organizing against me. I don’t believe in the politics of subtraction, whether it’s on healthcare or winning elections. We shouldn’t be taking away health insurance or burning bridges with other politicians. We should be extending health insurance to those who don’t have it and we should build coalitions with our fellow Senators.”

He paused to take a swig of the ale and continued. “That’s what Ted believed, too. He was a big hero of mine, I wish I had known him better. The thing about Ted Kennedy is, he was proud of his liberalism. He never sacrificed his ideals, but he always got something done. I loved that. And your work with him actually makes me think you’d be a great Senator for Massachusetts. As good as him.”

Chuckling warmly, John shook his head. "Senator, I knew Ted Kennedy. I'm no Ted Kennedy. But I like to think I still know how to get things done. He shot for the Moon, and even when the Republicans made sure he wouldn't land, he still found himself up among the stars. That's the kind of career I want to have in the Senate, aspirational, but not conceited. Abby's vote on Moore's Medicare bill..." He shook his head, a sour expression on his face. "Ted would have been so happy to see a bill like that pass. To think that a Democratic Senator would help kill it... it's heartbreaking." Taking another swig of his beer, he looked back at Tim. "You've had some fuck-ups lately, Tim, but I think you can recover from this. However I think it's very clear now that Murphy is no friend of yours, and is happy to open fire on you. You won't win the nomination if you keep letting him have it easy."

“Oh trust me, the gloves are coming off soon. He’s in over his head, promising Medicare for All in six months...that’s insulting, I wrote the ACA and it took over 8 months for its passage. Levi just keeps promising people things he can’t get done. I think that’s not fair, that’s not what progressivism is about.” Tim had a dark look in his eyes.

“And Abby’s recent endorsement of him, coupled with the Medicare vote, signals to me that she’s not the policy-oriented progressive I thought she was. She doesn’t actually want to make concrete changes that help working people, she’s just concerned about purity tests.”

“Tell me, Governor...you endorsed Clifford, I supported [not-Kucinich] and then Baharia...but you and I see things through a similar lens. You get as much good done as possible, without going back on what you believe. What do you look for in a presidential candidate?”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Oh trust me, the gloves are coming off soon. He’s in over his head, promising Medicare for All in six months...that’s insulting, I wrote the ACA and it took over 8 months for its passage. Levi just keeps promising people things he can’t get done. I think that’s not fair, that’s not what progressivism is about.” Tim had a dark look in his eyes.

“And Abby’s recent endorsement of him, coupled with the Medicare vote, signals to me that she’s not the policy-oriented progressive I thought she was. She doesn’t actually want to make concrete changes that help working people, she’s just concerned about purity tests.”

“Tell me, Governor...you endorsed Clifford, I supported [not-Kucinich] and then Baharia...but you and I see things through a similar lens. You get as much good done as possible, without going back on what you believe. What do you look for in a presidential candidate?”

"Honestly? A reality check. There is only so much a President can do, especially if his party doesn't hold both houses of Congress. Even if we take the Senate, short of invoking the nuclear option and abolishing the filibuster - which is a dangerous game - we won't pass the kind of sweeping, enormous reforms that people like Murphy put forward. We lay out our stall with a liberal roar, sure, but when it comes down to the details, we've got to take the good as we can get it. We can't afford to gamble when real people are being affected by our policy decisions." Scratching his chin, he shook his head. "I supported Clifford because she is a damn good organiser. You saw the Baginski campaign three years ago, right? The man's got a loudspeaker for progressivism but he can't organise himself out of a paper bag. Good hire with Jameela, incidentally."

Pacing a little, he scratched the back of his neck. "I want to keep pushing the country leftwards. But the difference between me and a Baginski Bro is that I really, really do not think the Wolf Presidency was a price worth paying to do that."

[Azekopolaltion]

"Honestly? A reality check. There is only so much a President can do, especially if his party doesn't hold both houses of Congress. Even if we take the Senate, short of invoking the nuclear option and abolishing the filibuster - which is a dangerous game - we won't pass the kind of sweeping, enormous reforms that people like Murphy put forward. We lay out our stall with a liberal roar, sure, but when it comes down to the details, we've got to take the good as we can get it. We can't afford to gamble when real people are being affected by our policy decisions." Scratching his chin, he shook his head. "I supported Clifford because she is a damn good organiser. You saw the Baginski campaign three years ago, right? The man's got a loudspeaker for progressivism but he can't organise himself out of a paper bag. Good hire with Jameela, incidentally."

Pacing a little, he scratched the back of his neck. "I want to keep pushing the country leftwards. But the difference between me and a Baginski Bro is that I really, really do not think the Wolf Presidency was a price worth paying to do that."

Tim nodded along. “Agreed. I don’t think it was a price worth paying, either. Handing over the executive branch to a dangerous, unhinged psychopath did not deliver a progressive agenda to workers.” He waited a bit before moving to the next part.

“Governor, this election is going to be tough. It’s not gonna be a cakewalk because Murphy and Winthrop will paint you as an establishment stooge, when in fact you’re a progressive who supported her in 2016. Murphy has the clout to be successful in that fearmongering, there’s a reason he’s leading the current field. It’s because college educated young people, they like his ideological stuff. These voters can afford to worry about democratic socialism vs liberalism or whatever artificial lines they draw in the sand. And the armchair thinker vote, this is a big bloc in Massachusetts.”

“Now, I’d say you are leading the race right now, but if Winthrop can successfully paint you as centrist scum it could be damaging. You don’t want this to be so close.” He drank his beer again before continuing. “As such, I’m open to offering my support to your campaign, and doing whatever it takes to get you in the Senate. Whatever you think is appropriate, I’ll do for you. It might make this more of a progressive vs progressive race, instead of progressive vs establishment.”

“However, as you know, my campaign is struggling with the affluent, college-educated progressives that Levi’s base is made of. I’m hoping to grow there. You’ve won a statewide race in Massachusetts, you obviously had to build a large coalition. Any support I could get from a person as monumental as you, I would deeply appreciate.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Tim nodded along. “Agreed. I don’t think it was a price worth paying, either. Handing over the executive branch to a dangerous, unhinged psychopath did not deliver a progressive agenda to workers.” He waited a bit before moving to the next part.

“Governor, this election is going to be tough. It’s not gonna be a cakewalk because Murphy and Winthrop will paint you as an establishment stooge, when in fact you’re a progressive who supported her in 2016. Murphy has the clout to be successful in that fearmongering, there’s a reason he’s leading the current field. It’s because college educated young people, they like his ideological stuff. These voters can afford to worry about democratic socialism vs liberalism or whatever artificial lines they draw in the sand. And the armchair thinker vote, this is a big bloc in Massachusetts.”

“Now, I’d say you are leading the race right now, but if Winthrop can successfully paint you as centrist scum it could be damaging. You don’t want this to be so close.” He drank his beer again before continuing. “As such, I’m open to offering my support to your campaign, and do whatever it takes to get you in the Senate. Whatever you think is appropriate, I’ll do for you. It might make this more of a progressive vs progressive race, instead of progressive vs establishment.”

“However, as you know, my campaign is struggling with the affluent, college-educated progressives that Levi’s base is made of. I’m hoping to grow there. You’ve won a statewide race in Massachusetts, you obviously had to build a large coalition. Any support I could get from a person as monumental as you, I would deeply appreciate.”

"And I'd be open to giving it, but I wouldn't be unhappy with some of the other candidate either. Veléz and Dayton aren't exactly dyed-in-the-wool centrists either. Only Goldman stands as the last bastion of that kind of politics and her campaign's been an unmitigated disaster." He smiled softly. "I'd be happy to work with you, Tim, but first, we need to get you past these gaffes. The abortion stuff isn't going away any time soon, and that foreign policy interview... well, I saw Simone's tweets. You really should try to make your peace with her. Not because she's at all likeable, I think she's a little tyrant, but because she's got power, and that power would be better mobilized against Murphy than against you. If you can get a 'reset' for your campaign out of the way for where you've tripped up, then I can come out for you. Massachusetts is very much in reach for you. We'll do something at my alma mater in, let's say, late May. Something to give you a bump before the debates roll around in June."

[Azekopolaltion]

"And I'd be open to giving it, but I wouldn't be unhappy with some of the other candidate either. Veléz and Dayton aren't exactly dyed-in-the-wool centrists either. Only Goldman stands as the last bastion of that kind of politics and her campaign's been an unmitigated disaster." He smiled softly. "I'd be happy to work with you, Tim, but first, we need to get you past these gaffes. The abortion stuff isn't going away any time soon, and that foreign policy interview... well, I saw Simone's tweets. You really should try to make your peace with her. Not because she's at all likeable, I think she's a little tyrant, but because she's got power, and that power would be better mobilized against Murphy than against you. If you can get a 'reset' for your campaign out of the way for where you've tripped up, then I can come out for you. Massachusetts is very much in reach for you. We'll do something at my alma mater in, let's say, late May. Something to give you a bump before the debates roll around in June."

Tim liked the timeline. “Governor, a reset is what we’re headed for. More staff hires, I’m looking at potentially picking up some Whitaker employees if they haven’t all moved to Veléz yet. Again, I personally don’t have anything against Dayton or Veléz, but I think they too are selling snake oil in some respects. Dayton in terms of her healthcare plan, she’s just not being forthcoming about the cost of implementing Australian healthcare in America. It’s the socialized medicine plan that Republicans always warn about. And Veléz, well, he was a wonderful Governor, but I personally can’t forgive his time in the Baharia Administration. I can’t trust him, he was the one who initiated TPP negotiations. I’ve seen trade deals destroy industry in my state, I can’t look past that.”

“But a reset is what we’re looking at. My campaign manager is scheduling a meeting with Planned Parenthood to clarify my vision for abortion and to help me get past my blind spots on the issue. And I’ll take your advice, I do need to meet with Representative Simone sooner rather than later.”

“All of this will hopefully have me in a good position come Iowa. But Governor, if you’re ok with it, I will make my endorsement of your campaign public in the coming days.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Tim liked the timeline. “Governor, a reset is what we’re headed for. More staff hires, I’m looking at potentially picking up some Whitaker employees if they haven’t all moved to Veléz yet. Again, I personally don’t have anything against Dayton or Veléz, but I think they too are selling snake oil in some respects. Dayton in terms of her healthcare plan, she’s just not being forthcoming about the cost of implementing Australian healthcare in America. It’s the socialized medicine plan that Republicans always warm about. And Veléz, well, he was a wonderful Governor, but I personally can’t forgive his time in the Baharia Administration. I can’t trust him, he was the one who initiated TPP negotiations. I’ve seen trade deals destroy industry in my state, I can’t look past that.”

“But a reset is what we’re looking at. My campaign manager is scheduling a meeting with Planned Parenthood to clarify my vision for abortion and to help me get past my blind spots on the issue. And I’ll take your advice, I do need to meet with Representative Simone sooner rather than later.”

“All of this will hopefully have me in a good position come Iowa. But Governor, if you’re ok with it, I will make my endorsement of your campaign public in the coming days.”

"Of course, I'd be delighted to have your endorsement, Tim." He smiled and nodded. "The Planned Parenthood thing is good. If you want to try to dig yourself out of a pit on the abortion thing whilst also taking a pop at Murphy, highlight how you respected Goldman's leadership on the issue as a woman, and that you didn't want to take away or distract from that. That way, you can make it look like Murphy was trying to make the issue about him, rather than about women. Won't clear the whole thing up entirely, but it might help reduce some of the flak. And uh... calm down with the criticisms of the Baharia Administration. There's plenty to attack, sure, but he was also very popular, and it'd be better to build on that rather than undermine it. A lot of people respect President Baharia."

[Azekopolaltion]

Tim liked the timeline. “Governor, a reset is what we’re headed for. More staff hires, I’m looking at potentially picking up some Whitaker employees if they haven’t all moved to Veléz yet. Again, I personally don’t have anything against Dayton or Veléz, but I think they too are selling snake oil in some respects. Dayton in terms of her healthcare plan, she’s just not being forthcoming about the cost of implementing Australian healthcare in America. It’s the socialized medicine plan that Republicans always warm about. And Veléz, well, he was a wonderful Governor, but I personally can’t forgive his time in the Baharia Administration. I can’t trust him, he was the one who initiated TPP negotiations. I’ve seen trade deals destroy industry in my state, I can’t look past that.”

“But a reset is what we’re looking at. My campaign manager is scheduling a meeting with Planned Parenthood to clarify my vision for abortion and to help me get past my blind spots on the issue. And I’ll take your advice, I do need to meet with Representative Simone sooner rather than later.”

“All of this will hopefully have me in a good position come Iowa. But Governor, if you’re ok with it, I will make my endorsement of your campaign public in the coming days.”

"Of course, I'd be delighted to have your endorsement, Tim." He smiled and nodded. "The Planned Parenthood thing is good. If you want to try to dig yourself out of a pit on the abortion thing whilst also taking a pop at Murphy, highlight how you respected Goldman's leadership on the issue as a woman, and that you didn't want to take away or distract from that. That way, you can make it look like Murphy was trying to make the issue about him, rather than about women. Won't clear the whole thing up entirely, but it might help reduce some of the flak. And uh... calm down with the criticisms of the Baharia Administration. There's plenty to attack, sure, but he was also very popular, and it'd be better to build on that rather than undermine it. A lot of people respect President Baharia."

“Of course, as I do. TPP itself is not something I will cease to attack, but President Baharia was a fine man and one of the few presidents in modern times that I was happy to support against primary challenges or third party candidates.” Tim was only half joking. “I worked with Baharia on healthcare and I remember how historic his effort on that front was. I couldn’t respect him more.”

“Your advice about lauding Goldman seems sound, and will allow me to slowly ramp up my attacks on Murphy.” He finished off his beer after that sentence.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Of course, as I do. TPP itself is not something I will cease to attack, but President Baharia was a fine man and one of the few presidents in modern times that I was happy to support against primary challenges or third party candidates.” Tim was only half joking. “I worked with Baharia on healthcare and I remember how historic his effort on that front was. I couldn’t respect him more.”

“Your advice about lauding Goldman seems sound, and will allow me to slowly ramp up my attacks on Murphy.” He finished off his beer after that sentence.

"Tackling the question of trade will be a difficult one. Don't get dragged down the Murphy route of 'we should tear up all trade deals', because that'll cause you more problems than solutions. In the campaign, it'll mobilize more money against you, and if you become President, you'll face a very wobbly market that'll slow your agenda." He finished up his own beer, shaking his head. "Look at a Theodore Roosevelt avenue, perhaps - businesses owe workers a square deal, and if they give that square deal, then they should receive a square deal from society. Being pro-business isn't always exclusive from being pro-worker."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Karen Brookshire
@BrookshireGal

---

Senator Bragg wants to tackle economic insecurity for our next generation of American patriots, finally something I can get behind...

Karen Brookshire
@BrookshireGal

---

But hopefully with the focus of finally BALANCING THE BUDGET! Time to get this goverment back on track!

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Goldman Rally - Los Angeles, California



Goldman had begun to realise that her strategy of appealing to white working-class voters wasn't going to work out, so she began to gather support in cities such as LA and NYC, hoping to get a strong middle-class, urban base in, with her message of sensible politics built on reason.

"Good morning, my friends!" She said with enthusiasm, getting her largest crowd yet fired up.

"Today, we stand at a great crossroads in American history. There are populists, not just on the right but also on the left, that want to take this country down to the road to either communism or fascism. We stand in a country of demagogues, of people that want to tear up this nation in a crusade against an establishment boogeyman.

On one side, you have people who want to abolish NATO, who want the United States to be subordinate to China. On the other, you have misogynists, Islamophobes and monsters who want to build walls to keep Central American refugees out.

It is time, my friends, that we must resist the death of the age of reason, that we must resist the rise of left- and right-wing populism, and that we must restore the reason and sensibility that is the bedrock of this nation.

The Age of Reason, the Age of Enlightenment - of which this nation was born - was a resistance against demagoguery, against despotism and an appeal to the reason of man. And those are the values my campaign is built on.

My campaign is built on the values of reason, of sensible politics and of pragmatism. I will do what is necessary to defend the democracy of this nation against whichever Wolf patsy gets the nomination.

Let me be clear: my campaign represents the best of America, our strong optimism, our pragmatism and our reason. I appeal not to hatred, to fear or to envy, but rather to the highest denominator: to reason, to logic and to our values.

I will rebuild this country, as I did when I was serving under the Baharia administration. It is time, my friends, that we reintroduce sanity back into our politics. I stand here today, not as just a candidate for the presidency, but rather as someone who will bring New Democracy for a New America!"

The crowd was mildly roused, clapping her off. She wasn't the most charismatic speaker, but she was good enough.

[Puertollano]

"Let's break this down," she was scribbling the figures Westra had spoken of, "$2.5tr over a decade will fund the insurance network, roughly 1,200 out of 5,100 hospitals are wholly publicly owned. A remaining 2,900 hospitals are not for profit organisations. That leaves 4,100 hospitals which under my plan will adhere to the masterlist. The reason is simple, not for profit hospitals operate by paying no taxes under the premise that they benefit their community, lowered fees and the end of exclusivity arrangements benefits the community, that would apply to all not for profit practices. In terms of quality of care, my system wouldn't result in worse care for the poorest in our society, the poorest in our society aren't visiting doctors, or receiving care. My plan expands coverage, and gives every American the opportunity to get care. You won't need to skip a visit to the doctor due to the cost, which as Senator Murphy said, means more Americans, getting the care they need. To summarize, my plan isn't short on a single dollar, we can have fully funded medicare for all who want it, and we can have it within my first hundred days in office."

Senator Westra was not at all convinced of her math - if Australia had a population 13 times smaller than the U.S. how could this system be only $700 billion more expensive in America - but he decided to move on to the next plan. "We're going in order of extremeness here, with Senator Murphy supporting Medicare for All, Senator Dayton advocating for a vastly expanded free socialized medicine option, and now we move to Senator Doyle. Senator, you're calling for something more than a public option; you call it 'Medicaid for All.' Talk us through your plan, Frank."

Levi butted in. "Sorry Senator, but for the record, Medicare for All isn't an extreme. It's the sensible, common-sense approach in other industrialized nations."

[Agarntrop]

Barry Anderson
@MissouriPeoplesSenator

Today's comments outed tiny Timmy as an ENEMY OF NATIONAL SECURITY, not surprising from a guy who HELPED WRITE A BILL TO LEGALISE SPYING!!

[Agarntrop]

Atang's secretary exclaimed, "ah, Congressman Parpazian, here you are." And she handed him a "VISITOR" badge. Atang was talking to his staff before abruptly turning to Parpazian, motioning to shake hands, and exclaiming "hey!"

Papazian, noticing the considerably warmer welcome at this office, reached out to shake hands with a hearty “heyyyy!” He took the badge and held it in his left hand while he did so.

He then continued, “Pleasure to meet you Representative,” he replied, with a smile and eye contact.

Atang sat down and said "please take a seat."

"What are you here for today, then?"

[Puertollano]

"I understand, and thank you. We need to pull out all stops to win your primary. Would you appreciate me visiting to campaign for you, or is that something you wouldn't prefer?"

Levi scratched his head before adding. "Massachusetts is still an important state in Super Tuesday, and while I barnstorm there I can also promote you. Perhaps I could throw in a bit of money from my campaign into your PAC."

Abby leaned back and thought for a moment. Massachusetts was a state were college-educated voters were perhaps the most important bloc, and Levi's popularity with that group would probably pay dividends. Lynskey was not running to her right, he was trying very hard to be a progressive. Having a progressive leader on her side would help her.

Westra was also facing hell for his recent gaffes on foreign policy and abortion. Levi Murphy would probably boost her in Massachusetts.

"Heck, you know what, you're right. I don't need to be on the fence about it. We're democratic socialists, Tim's a centrist in progressive clothing. I'll release a full-throated endorsement of your campaign on Twitter. And yes, I'd appreciate your support. We can campaign together in Massachusetts, that's a good plan."

---

Abby Winthrop
@SenWinthrop

---

Glad to announce my full endorsement of @LeviMurphy, the most progressive candidate in the presidential race. He supports single-payer Medicare for All, against the wishes of the political establishment and insurance companies. He doesn't hire Clifford staffers to lead his campaign. And he has the experience of a worker that will be so valuable in the White House.

Abby Winthrop
@SenWinthrop

---

I'm #TeamLevi.

Levi liked and re-tweeted.

Levi Murphy @LeviMurphy I greatly appreciate the support of my close friend, Senator Winthrop. Let's transform this nation together, to create a United States of America that works for the many, not the few.

[Puertollano]

"I understand, and thank you. We need to pull out all stops to win your primary. Would you appreciate me visiting to campaign for you, or is that something you wouldn't prefer?"

Levi scratched his head before adding. "Massachusetts is still an important state in Super Tuesday, and while I barnstorm there I can also promote you. Perhaps I could throw in a bit of money from my campaign into your PAC."

Abby leaned back and thought for a moment. Massachusetts was a state were college-educated voters were perhaps the most important bloc, and Levi's popularity with that group would probably pay dividends. Lynskey was not running to her right, he was trying very hard to be a progressive. Having a progressive leader on her side would help her.

Westra was also facing hell for his recent gaffes on foreign policy and abortion. Levi Murphy would probably boost her in Massachusetts.

"Heck, you know what, you're right. I don't need to be on the fence about it. We're democratic socialists, Tim's a centrist in progressive clothing. I'll release a full-throated endorsement of your campaign on Twitter. And yes, I'd appreciate your support. We can campaign together in Massachusetts, that's a good plan."

"Yes, let's do it." Levi said. He stood up from his seat and went to shake her hand. "I'll be seeing you in Massachusetts soon, I've just got to wrap up my program in Nevada."