The Land of the Free: American Political Roleplay (IC II)

[New Cobastheia]

Eliza LeBlanc Wolf
Standish, Maine

Something had been stuck in Eliza's head since her last meeting with Nate Richardson that she just couldn't shake. So, in the middle of cooking dinner, a tourtière, she decided to call up the Governor of West Virginia, hoping she wasn't interrupting anything on his end.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Eliza LeBlanc Wolf
Standish, Maine

Something had been stuck in Eliza's head since her last meeting with Nate Richardson that she just couldn't shake. So, in the middle of cooking dinner, a tourtière, she decided to call up the Governor of West Virginia, hoping she wasn't interrupting anything on his end.

Governor Prendergast could always make room for some people, and Eliza was on that list. Jonah didn't cook his meals, he did - old fashioned as it was - hire an actual cook to that end, and he was eating quietly at his desk as he went over lists of state representatives to build the majority for his wage hike. Picking up the phone, he nuzzled it into the crook of his neck and shoulder. "This is Jonah speaking."

[New Cobastheia]

Eliza LeBlanc Wolf
Standish, Maine

Something had been stuck in Eliza's head since her last meeting with Nate Richardson that she just couldn't shake. So, in the middle of cooking dinner, a tourtière, she decided to call up the Governor of West Virginia, hoping she wasn't interrupting anything on his end.

Governor Prendergast could always make room for some people, and Eliza was on that list. Jonah didn't cook his meals, he did - old fashioned as it was - hire an actual cook to that end, and he was eating quietly at his desk as he went over lists of state representatives to build the majority for his wage hike. Picking up the phone, he nuzzled it into the crook of his neck and shoulder. "This is Jonah speaking."

"Jonah, how have you been?" She asked cheerfully as she positioned her own cell phone in a similar manner as she began chopping the potatoes into cubes to be boiled.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"Jonah, how have you been?" She asked cheerfully as she positioned her own cell phone in a similar manner as she began chopping the potatoes into cubes to be boiled.

"Personally or politically?" He inquired in return, picking idly with a fork as he spoke.

[New Cobastheia]

"Jonah, how have you been?" She asked cheerfully as she positioned her own cell phone in a similar manner as she began chopping the potatoes into cubes to be boiled.

"Personally or politically?" He inquired in return, picking idly with a fork as he spoke.

"Why not both?" She returned.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"Why not both?" She returned.

"Personally, I'm doing alright. Adam's convalescence is going just fine. Politically, gearing up for a fight on wages that I'm determined to win, and worried about the state of our primary."

[Louisianan]

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

I'd like to officially offer my endorsement to Mrs. Eliza Wolf in her senate campaign! I look forward to working with her in the Senate should we both be elected!

[Louisianan]

TO: Former First Lady Eliza Wolf
FROM: Former Senator Hypolite Gaspard

Dearest First Lady,

Mrs. Wolf, I am absolutely appalled at the actions of a member of my campaign, and I am so dreadfully sorry for any pain or issues my former employee may have caused to your family. I hope that any issues that may have been caused have been cleared up and explained to your liking. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns directed to me or my campaign, this is a way you can reach me. I send prayers to your family, your husband, and to your campaign in Maine. I am willing to donate to your campaign if it would make things any easier for you. Also, I happen to know a few LeBlanc's from around here, good people, good family. Thank you for your time, take care and God bless.

Sincerely,

Hypolite Gaspard

TO: [Hypolite Gaspard]
FROM: [Eliza LeBlanc Wolf]

Dear Mr. Gaspard,

Thank you for reaching out, I appreciate the apology and I'm glad to know the staffer who wrote those tweets has been fired. I'd also like to thank you for the prayers, they're very much appreciated. I'm happy to accept donations to my campaign, but not feel like you'd need to donate as a way to atone, so to speak.

My Dad always said we still have family down in L'Acadiane, but I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting any of them, at least not since I was a kid.

Sincerely,

Eliza LeBlanc Wolf
First Lady of the United States (2017-2019)

TO: [First Lady Eliza Wolf]
FROM: [Hypolite Gaspard]

First Lady,

Thank you for accepting my apology, it really means a lot. I will be sure to donate at least a thousand dollars, every cent can help. Also, feel free to visit Louisiana, nice people here who absolutely adore you. I might plan on smoothing things over with Arnold Junior, his comments that Louisiana could do better, really damaged us in the polls. I'm glad we've cleared this all up! Take Care, and God Bless.

Sincerely,
Hypolite Gaspard
Former Senator of Louisiana

[Kargintinia]

To:Representative John Logan Ruler, Representative Crawford Clay, Representative Paul Rodman, Representative Chip Renfus
From: House Minority Leader Thomas Volker

---

Greetings,

I am writing all of you to set up a potential meeting to discuss the upcoming hearings about United States Attorney General Michael Jones and his conduct during his investigation of several former United States Senators. I hope to see all of you to discuss potential strategies to ensure the hearings are not used by the Democratic Party to gain political capital. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Sincerely,

Thomas Volker
House Minority Leader and Representative for Missouri’s 8th Congressional District

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Governor John Nathan Lynskey
Saturday 22nd February, 2020
Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

On his way back northwards after having swung by Charleston to boost the Dayton campaign, John decided he'd take advantage of a connecting flight via Philadelphia to spend his evening there. The Met was putting on its first performance of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas in almost twenty years and he was fortunate enough to get tickets. He'd been at that performance in 1982, where Jessye Norman - who'd only died the year prior - had performed magnificently as Queen Dido. The soprano for this production wasn't up to her caliber, of course, but then again, Norman had the privilege of performing at two presidential inaugurations, so she was something quite otherworldly. And yet, he could not fail to be moved by that agonized aria in the final act.

After Aeneas leaves Carthage to establish his 'New Troy' in Italy, Dido withers and dies, pleading that her death leave no trouble in its wake. Though it was not merely the denotation which drew him into things, but the connotation. When Purcell wrote the opera, it had been a commentary. The noble Dido, representing the people of England; betrayed by Aeneas, representing King James; drawn away by the sorceress, representing the Catholic Church. In parallel, he considered his situation - was he risking too much making these trips for Dayton, was he too assured of his eventual victory over Winthrop? Would the people of Massachusetts suffer for his desertion? He didn't know, and that not knowing - despite years of experience - provoked a deep disquiet in him that made him quite uncomfortable in his seat.

He knew that Charleston would not be the only port of call that he, as an eminent black endorser, would have to make for Dayton's campaign. But each one, surely, was a gift to his opponent, and that - in itself - was a gift to the Republican Party. Wound up in his own internal monologue, he started to retreat back from his awareness of the opera, contemplative, his mind aching with worry. Eventually, he relaxed. Not out of contentness - he was still very much on edge about the two wars he was fighting at once - but acceptance that such was how politics simply was. Perhaps he had been out of the game too long. He needed to trust himself. Or moreover, he needed to learn to trust himself again. Too many close shaves as Governor. As Mayor. He couldn't keep that up. He had to do better.

[New Cobastheia]

"Why not both?" She returned.

"Personally, I'm doing alright. Adam's convalescence is going just fine. Politically, gearing up for a fight on wages that I'm determined to win, and worried about the state of our primary."

"Well, that's good, at least on the personal level. Speaking of the primary, I actually have something to ask you related to it."

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Representative Crawford Clay @CrawfordClayJr Joe Frankston is now putting OUTRIGHT LIES about my voting record in his official campaign ads. Texans deserve the truth! #DontMessWithTexas #ClayForSenate

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"Well, that's good, at least on the personal level. Speaking of the primary, I actually have something to ask you related to it."

"Oh? You want my advice?" He perked an eyebrow, going to abandon his plate so he could stand up from his chair, heading over to the window. Watching the rain fall down upon the handsome garden he had the luxury of possessing. "Please, go ahead. It's the least I can do for you at a time like this. I don't suppose you want me to shoot Hypolite Gaspard for you?"

[Kargintinia]

Washington D.C.

Nicky was in his office when he saw the email from Speaker Simone come in. Great, time for a meeting with the devil herself.

He walked to his fellow Democrat’s office and knocked politely before waiting to be called in.

[New Cobastheia]

"Well, that's good, at least on the personal level. Speaking of the primary, I actually have something to ask you related to it."

"Oh? You want my advice?" He perked an eyebrow, going to abandon his plate so he could stand up from his chair, heading over to the window. Watching the rain fall down upon the handsome garden he had the luxury of possessing. "Please, go ahead. It's the least I can do for you at a time like this. I don't suppose you want me to shoot Hypolite Gaspard for you?"

Eliza chuckled in response as she dropped the potato chunks into a pot of water, "Oh no, nothing like that is needed. I was originally planning on asking a question, but I suppose while we're talking asking for some advice wouldn't hurt. Ok then, so I'm curious, if you were on my campaign staff and I asked you how much should I associate myself with my Husband if I want to win, outside of the whole already being married to him stuff, what would be your answer?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Washington D.C.

Nicky was in his office when he saw the email from Speaker Simone come in. Great, time for a meeting with the devil herself.

He walked to his fellow Democrat’s office and knocked politely before waiting to be called in.

"Come in!" Caroline said clearly to be heard through the door, though when she saw who it was, she nodded solemnly. "Thank you for coming at such short notice, Senator, I hope this isn't any particular trouble." Furtively, she went to pour two glasses of water from a carafe, and then went to both lock the door, and buzz her secretary to not let anyone into the anteroom, before taking her seat. It was evidently a serious talk.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Eliza chuckled in response as she dropped the potato chunks into a pot of water, "Oh no, nothing like that is needed. I was originally planning on asking a question, but I suppose while we're talking asking for some advice wouldn't hurt. Ok then, so I'm curious, if you were on my campaign staff and I asked you how much should I associate myself with my Husband if I want to win, outside of the whole already being married to him stuff, what would be your answer?"

"In Maine?" He hummed softly. "You live in a state of two states, Eliza. The First and Second districts are starkly, bitterly different. Unavoidably, you will be tarred with your husband's brush for better or for worse, but in the rural Second? It'll be tremendously useful to you. Oh, and talk lots of French, they loved that up around Presque-Isle. That's also (not-Collins') heartland, so you'll want to cut in there. Go hard on gun rights, they're more gun-hicks than God-hicks, if that makes sense. Where you need to flex your liberal credentials will be in the First. Big up defense and industry around Bath though. Portland's probably going to vote against your either way, but you can make in-roads in the suburbs there and in Augusta. In short? It's a mixed bag. Embrace it in some places, and in others, define yourself by your own virtues."

[Kargintinia]

Washington D.C.

Nicky was in his office when he saw the email from Speaker Simone come in. Great, time for a meeting with the devil herself.

He walked to his fellow Democrat’s office and knocked politely before waiting to be called in.

"Come in!" Caroline said clearly to be heard through the door, though when she saw who it was, she nodded solemnly. "Thank you for coming at such short notice, Senator, I hope this isn't any particular trouble." Furtively, she went to pour two glasses of water from a carafe, and then went to both lock the door, and buzz her secretary to not let anyone into the anteroom, before taking her seat. It was evidently a serious talk.

“Ah trust me it’s fine really. Im used to getting short notice meetings from my wife when she’s mad. But I reckon we aren’t here to joke around.” He noticed the Speaker’s serious tone. “What was it you wished to discuss?”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Ah trust me it’s fine really. Im used to getting short notice meetings from my wife when she’s mad. But I reckon we aren’t here to joke around.” He noticed the Speaker’s serious tone. “What was it you wished to discuss?”

"This discussion doesn't leave this room." She says firmly, before settling back into her seat properly again. She looks over Nicky for a brief moment - her gaze betraying an underlying vulnerability. Something was gnawing at her. Mercifully, she doesn't guard it from the Ohioan. "You know both Senators Dayton and Murphy as colleagues, altogether more closely and intimately than I do. So to put it simply... Do you think they've got it in them?"

[Kargintinia]

“Ah trust me it’s fine really. Im used to getting short notice meetings from my wife when she’s mad. But I reckon we aren’t here to joke around.” He noticed the Speaker’s serious tone. “What was it you wished to discuss?”

"This discussion doesn't leave this room." She says firmly, before settling back into her seat properly again. She looks over Nicky for a brief moment - her gaze betraying an underlying vulnerability. Something was gnawing at her. Mercifully, she doesn't guard it from the Ohioan. "You know both Senators Dayton and Murphy as colleagues, altogether more closely and intimately than I do. So to put it simply... Do you think they've got it in them?"

Does she think I’m a closeted Murphyite or something? “Of course. I endorsed Jillian because I know she has what it takes to defeat a corporatist like Nate Richardson or wannabe despot like Porter. But I do also think Levi has what it takes, he is a friend of mine after all. I understand you and him don’t uh, have the best record together, but I do believe he could defeat either of the GOP candidates. I’m not switching my endorsement to Murphy unless he wins the primary if that’s what your worried about. Trust me I want us to win as much as you do, that’s why I was willing to potentially lose face amongst some working class Ohioans to endorse the more electable candidate.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Does she think I’m a closeted Murphyite or something? “Of course. I endorsed Jillian because I know she has what it takes to defeat a corporatist like Nate Richardson or wannabe despot like Porter. But I do also think Levi has what it takes, he is a friend of mine after all. I understand you and him don’t uh, have the best record together, but I do believe he could defeat either of the GOP candidates. I’m not switching my endorsement to Murphy unless he wins the primary if that’s what your worried about. Trust me I want us to win as much as you do, that’s why I was willing to potentially lose face amongst some working class Ohioans to endorse the more electable candidate.”

Caroline blinked in confusion, shaking her head. "I'm not trying to get you to switch your endorsement, Senator. I'm not sure what I said that gave you the impression that I was. I'm not asking you about this as a Daytonite or a Murphyite or whatever, I'm asking you this because you're from a state which has served as a vital bellwether since 1964 and I value your insight and perspective on the matter. How do you see the race panning out with either candidate?"

[New Cobastheia]

Eliza chuckled in response as she dropped the potato chunks into a pot of water, "Oh no, nothing like that is needed. I was originally planning on asking a question, but I suppose while we're talking asking for some advice wouldn't hurt. Ok then, so I'm curious, if you were on my campaign staff and I asked you how much should I associate myself with my Husband if I want to win, outside of the whole already being married to him stuff, what would be your answer?"

"In Maine?" He hummed softly. "You live in a state of two states, Eliza. The First and Second districts are starkly, bitterly different. Unavoidably, you will be tarred with your husband's brush for better or for worse, but in the rural Second? It'll be tremendously useful to you. Oh, and talk lots of French, they loved that up around Presque-Isle. That's also (not-Collins') heartland, so you'll want to cut in there. Go hard on gun rights, they're more gun-hicks than God-hicks, if that makes sense. Where you need to flex your liberal credentials will be in the First. Big up defense and industry around Bath though. Portland's probably going to vote against your either way, but you can make in-roads in the suburbs there and in Augusta. In short? It's a mixed bag. Embrace it in some places, and in others, define yourself by your own virtues."

"So, you're saying I should try something along the lines of if I were running in two different states?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"So, you're saying I should try something along the lines of if I were running in two different states?"

"When I was running for President, I gave a very different speech in Colorado than I would in Kentucky. So too here, you want to talk to the people in Houlton differently than you would people in Lewiston. You're going to want to develop a broad policy base, a broad pitch. Suburban moms and farmers and factory workers and young professionals all want to hear different shit, Eliza. I think you can do it though. Hell, do you want me to come up there and give you a boost? I can try to find the time."

[Kargintinia]

Does she think I’m a closeted Murphyite or something? “Of course. I endorsed Jillian because I know she has what it takes to defeat a corporatist like Nate Richardson or wannabe despot like Porter. But I do also think Levi has what it takes, he is a friend of mine after all. I understand you and him don’t uh, have the best record together, but I do believe he could defeat either of the GOP candidates. I’m not switching my endorsement to Murphy unless he wins the primary if that’s what your worried about. Trust me I want us to win as much as you do, that’s why I was willing to potentially lose face amongst some working class Ohioans to endorse the more electable candidate.”

Caroline blinked in confusion, shaking her head. "I'm not trying to get you to switch your endorsement, Senator. I'm not sure what I said that gave you the impression that I was. I'm not asking you about this as a Daytonite or a Murphyite or whatever, I'm asking you this because you're from a state which has served as a vital bellwether since 1964 and I value your insight and perspective on the matter. How do you see the race panning out with either candidate?"

“I’ll be honest, it depends more on the Republicans nominee than ours. Nate Richardson is just the type of person that Ohioans fucking hate, excuse my language. Secretary Porter actually poses more of an issue in the state than the Governor does. I support Jillian all the way, but honestly in a matchup of her and the Secretary I think he’s got it. I met with a lot of average Ohioans, and they’re good folk but...” He tried to figure out how to politely say it, “some of them don’t have up to date opinions on women, especially Jewish women from the coast. And if they have a man who promises to defend their jobs from the Chinese they’ll turn out for him over Senator Dayton. Obviously I don’t support that it’s just the way it is, unless...” He paused. “There was a way to make the ticket more appealing to Ohioans.”

[New Cobastheia]

"So, you're saying I should try something along the lines of if I were running in two different states?"

"When I was running for President, I gave a very different speech in Colorado than I would in Kentucky. So too here, you want to talk to the people in Houlton differently than you would people in Lewiston. You're going to want to develop a broad policy base, a broad pitch. Suburban moms and farmers and factory workers and young professionals all want to hear different shit, Eliza. I think you can do it though. Hell, do you want me to come up there and give you a boost? I can try to find the time."

"Well, if you can find the time, I wouldn't be complaining."

"Speaking of another primary though... Before I endorsed Richardson I met with him in New Hampshire. He told me one time he met with you and you demanded that Richardson should push woman our of powerful positions in the party, something about us belonging in the kitchen," She said as a very large chop could be heard in the background, "Was he telling the truth or was he lying?" She asked.