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

[Kargintina the Third]

Christina couldn’t hide her smile as she shook hands with the Governor. As a little girl she would’ve never imagined shaking hands with a Presidential candidate, nonetheless one that could potentially endorse her own current political campaign.

“It’s on honor Governor Richardson. I will admit I have some nerves on the way over yonder. With the senate announcement and now meeting a potential President, it’s almost too much to take in. I haven’t felt this way since I was cheer captain in high school.” She cleared her throat to calm her nerves.

“Anyhow, I suppose ya’ll wish to speak about us endors’n one another?”

Nate's own southern accent was more subtle than Christina's but still present and noticeable, "Please its just you and me here right now, please call me Nate. But yes, don't worry about my campaign right now. This Senate race was important and i think you're an interesting candidate that could go the distance. I'd like to meet with you, get an idea of what you're all about and then if I like what I hear you can count on me to endorse and campaign for you."

"Oh, yussir Mr. Nate. What is it that ya'll would like to know on my campaign?"

[Dentali]

Nate's own southern accent was more subtle than Christina's but still present and noticeable, "Please its just you and me here right now, please call me Nate. But yes, don't worry about my campaign right now. This Senate race was important and i think you're an interesting candidate that could go the distance. I'd like to meet with you, get an idea of what you're all about and then if I like what I hear you can count on me to endorse and campaign for you."

"Oh, yussir Mr. Nate. What is it that ya'll would like to know on my campaign?"

"First thing is first.... why are you running? Whats driving you?"

[Sarenium]

---

Two Airmen and a Southerner
Lubbock, Texas
November 15, 2019

---

Howard and Joe patiently waited as their next guest, Governor Nathaniel Richardson was expected to arrive at any minute.

[Dentali]

---

Two Airmen and a Southerner
Lubbock, Texas
November 15, 2019

---

Howard and Joe patiently waited as their next guest, Governor Nathaniel Richardson was expected to arrive at any minute.

Nate arrived on time as always and made respectful greetings, shaking their hands as he entered. "Thank you both for seeing me, its a pleasure to meet you Joe... Congratulations on your announcement."

[Sarenium]

---

Two Airmen and a Southerner
Lubbock, Texas
November 15, 2019

---

Howard and Joe patiently waited as their next guest, Governor Nathaniel Richardson was expected to arrive at any minute.

Nate arrived on time as always and made respectful greetings, shaking their hands as he entered. "Thank you both for seeing me, its a pleasure to meet you Joe... Congratulations on your announcement."

Jonah Prendergast's meeting was outside by the pond. With Nathaniel, Howard had opted for the fireplace den, on the wall was a painting of the Battle of San Jacinto, between the windows on one side was a painting of a figure Richardson would not recognize, but it was a Frankston from the 1890s in his regiment. Howard was sitting in an armchair with a walking stick by his side and Joe was sitting on the couch.

"Governor," Joe said respectfully as Howard simply smiled widely and gleefully gestured for him to sit.

"Hope it wasn't too out of the way for you Nate," Howard said kindly.

[Dentali]

Nate arrived on time as always and made respectful greetings, shaking their hands as he entered. "Thank you both for seeing me, its a pleasure to meet you Joe... Congratulations on your announcement."

Jonah Prendergast's meeting was outside by the pond. With Nathaniel, Howard had opted for the fireplace den, on the wall was a painting of the Battle of San Jacinto, between the windows on one side was a painting of a figure Richardson would not recognize, but it was a Frankston from the 1890s in his regiment. Howard was sitting in an armchair with a walking stick by his side and Joe was sitting on the couch.

"Governor," Joe said respectfully as Howard simply smiled widely and gleefully gestured for him to sit.

"Hope it wasn't too out of the way for you Nate," Howard said kindly.

"Not at all, Texas is always a pleasure to visit.... How are you feeling Howard?"

[Sarenium]

Jonah Prendergast's meeting was outside by the pond. With Nathaniel, Howard had opted for the fireplace den, on the wall was a painting of the Battle of San Jacinto, between the windows on one side was a painting of a figure Richardson would not recognize, but it was a Frankston from the 1890s in his regiment. Howard was sitting in an armchair with a walking stick by his side and Joe was sitting on the couch.

"Governor," Joe said respectfully as Howard simply smiled widely and gleefully gestured for him to sit.

"Hope it wasn't too out of the way for you Nate," Howard said kindly.

"Not at all, Texas is always a pleasure to visit.... How are you feeling Howard?"

Howard's smile slightly fainted, "I've felt better," he replied optimistically, "as hopeful as I can be for myself, the concept of Randall Cramp in the Senate churns the stomach."

[Dentali]

"Not at all, Texas is always a pleasure to visit.... How are you feeling Howard?"

Howard's smile slightly fainted, "I've felt better," he replied optimistically, "as hopeful as I can be for myself, the concept of Randall Cramp in the Senate churns the stomach."

"Cramp couldn't have beaten Shah, and he certainly can't beat your son" Nate nodded and smiled at Joe "Your father is going to be a tough act to follow." Nate turned back to Howard "I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough time... it goes without saying but if their is anything I can do please let me know. You've done enough for the country, you deserve anything we can give."

[Sarenium]

Howard's smile slightly fainted, "I've felt better," he replied optimistically, "as hopeful as I can be for myself, the concept of Randall Cramp in the Senate churns the stomach."

"Cramp couldn't have beaten Shah, and he certainly can't beat your son" Nate nodded and smiled at Joe "Your father is going to be a tough act to follow." Nate turned back to Howard "I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough time... it goes without saying but if their is anything I can do please let me know. You've done enough for the country, you deserve anything we can give."

"You can keep Bernard Porter from winning the damn nomination, that's for sure," Howard responded with a grim thought, "and keep Randall Cramp and the Anderson-ites far from Texas," his mouth had a sour taste just thinking about them.

Joe spoke at last, "as overblown as competition may be, it pays to be prepared, I'd rather not deal with any competitive primary driven by the drivel of the far-right, but if I must, then it best be muzzled and put down like the rabid dog that it is to real conservatism."

[Dentali]

"Cramp couldn't have beaten Shah, and he certainly can't beat your son" Nate nodded and smiled at Joe "Your father is going to be a tough act to follow." Nate turned back to Howard "I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough time... it goes without saying but if their is anything I can do please let me know. You've done enough for the country, you deserve anything we can give."

"You can keep Bernard Porter from winning the damn nomination, that's for sure," Howard responded with a grim thought, "and keep Randall Cramp and the Anderson-ites far from Texas," his mouth had a sour taste just thinking about them.

Joe spoke at last, "as overblown as competition may be, it pays to be prepared, I'd rather not deal with any competitive primary driven by the drivel of the far-right, but if I must, then it best be muzzled and put down like the rabid dog that it is to real conservatism."

"I always run like i'm 2 points behind, I try to never underestimate anyone... People like Cramp and Porter need to get beat and beat badly so they lose legitimacy."

[Sarenium]

"You can keep Bernard Porter from winning the damn nomination, that's for sure," Howard responded with a grim thought, "and keep Randall Cramp and the Anderson-ites far from Texas," his mouth had a sour taste just thinking about them.

Joe spoke at last, "as overblown as competition may be, it pays to be prepared, I'd rather not deal with any competitive primary driven by the drivel of the far-right, but if I must, then it best be muzzled and put down like the rabid dog that it is to real conservatism."

"I always run like i'm 2 points behind, I try to never underestimate anyone... People like Cramp and Porter need to get beat and beat badly so they lose legitimacy."

"I'll cut to the chase, Nate, I'm going to endorse one of you or Jonah by Iowa, probably before January, I'd like to be able to endorse confidently, so make your case. Why you? Why not him? Why do you win bigger? Why do you govern better?" Howard asked, Joe would eventually decide.

[Azekopolaltion]

---

Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
November 16th, 2019

---

(Image)

---

Martin had seen the news. One of the race's major players had just capitulated and endorsed the rising Virginian senator, a clear shake up for the race. And it had only made him question his own political propsects. If Westra had taken an opportunty to leave the race, what was keeping someone like himself invested still? Moreso when further polling had revealed his political strength was sporadic and even in the bastion of the West Coast, his numbers were hardly top tier materials. Not to mention internal numbers that had shown that if he intended to launch some sort of bid for Senate right here, it would be an even more uphill battle that he had initially expected.

Alas, Spellman was not a politician nor an insider in the entire process. He relied ultimately on his own gut feelings, the facts presented to him, and his network of advisors. And right now, none of the options laid out in front of him had particularly moved him to one side or the other. So he waited in his dining room, reviewing the clear forest light shining through the cold, crisp air and onto the table in front of him. Beautiful and far simpler than the political environment he had found himself in currently. Hopefully Tim Westra could shine his own advice to illuminate what Marty should do. Or at least present a clearer picture he mused as the door rang. Opening the front door, he smiled and offered his charismatic greeting.

"Hello Senator, I'm glad we're finally meeting somewhere that's not a debate stage. No more one-liners for us." he offered with a chuckle.

Tim laughed at the the comment as he was invited inside by the celebrity turned candidate. He stretched out his hand to shake Spellman's and handed him the bottle before steeping inside the man's abode.

"This is really beautiful, Dr. Spellman," Tim commented as he looked around the inside of the house, "really, much more tranquil than politicians like me are used to." He looked directly at Marty as they walked further inside. "How've you been? I think everyone's dialed down the campaigning a bit, which is weird considering that it usually gets a lot more frantic at this time."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
November 16th, 2019

---

---

"Well, thank you. I tried to make this second home more tranquil. I've always preferred this style than the lavish Hills life people think actors like myself prefer." he offered as he took the bottle.

"Come on, we can talk in the kitchen." he began, responding,"I have been doing well, still very busy running the background stuff that comes with a campaign. A big ad of ours is set to hit the airwaves in Nevada, California, and right here too."

[Dentali]

"I always run like i'm 2 points behind, I try to never underestimate anyone... People like Cramp and Porter need to get beat and beat badly so they lose legitimacy."

"I'll cut to the chase, Nate, I'm going to endorse one of you or Jonah by Iowa, probably before January, I'd like to be able to endorse confidently, so make your case. Why you? Why not him? Why do you win bigger? Why do you govern better?" Howard asked, Joe would eventually decide.

"Well first lets talk about governing principles and then we can talk about putting them into practice. You and I are principled Conservatives, i've been pro life since day 1 and have a record to back that up. Prendergast only became pro life a few months ago because of political pressure... now when it comes to the general what is to stop him from flipping his stance again when it becomes politically convenient? I'm the only candidate in the race to tax the Grover Norquist No New Taxes Pledge, and Prendergast has pledged to raise taxes on college grads and the minimum wage, I don't need to tell you that i'm clearly closer to you fiscally."

"While I am more pro life than Prendergast when it comes to gay marriage and LGBTQ issues I am definitely more moderate. He goes around during his stump speeches going after Obergefell v. Hodges and pledging to repeal it. I want conservative judges to protect religious freedom of private individuals.... but I have no intention of overturning Obergefell v. Hodges and I have said as much. When they tried to pass a draconian bathroom bill I vetoed it. My lt governor told me very plainly that he would primary me if I did so, i knew that politically it would put me in a really tough position... but I did it anyway because it was the right thing to do... i didn't betray my principles. Someone shouldn't be fired or lose their apartment because they are LGBTQ, they deserve the same rights as the rest of us and to be treated with respect."

"Prendergast isn't a conservative, he's a populist he isn't even original. In how he speaks and acts he is just trying to be Wolf 2.0, its a poor parody and people can tell the difference. And his political instincts are all over the place.... he ran an ad defending his minimum wage stance in a republican primary, which doubled the strength of my attack on him. He did poorly in every debate and even worse he projected weakness, the people who love the strongman aspect of Wolf definitely aren't going to respond to that."

"Then when it comes to electoral chances? I have broad appeal, and I have specifically strong appeal in the suburban communities that we lost in 18 and are the key swing group in this election. This isn't just bluster, North Carolina is right down the center between republican and democrat and its a big diverse state... I overperformed there by big margins twice and have one of the lowest disapproval rates in the country. Prendergast has one election under his belt in a super red state.... and he didn't win by a lot."

"Then Governing... $4 billion in tax relief, conservative judges, comprehensive healthcare reform, greatly reducing the opioid crisis, dealing with major hurricanes, fastest growing economy in the country, school choice education reform, drastically lowered unemployment, tougher sentences for violent criminals and criminal justice reform for non violent offenders. And all of it was done in a bipartisan fashion. I am a proven steward of the economy and of the state in general, I have managed crisises and brought prosperity, using conservative principles to bring people together."

"Prendergast was secretary of labor for (Not Bush) and was accused of corruption multiple times, he inherited billions and didn't grow his wealth, and as Governor his state is one of only five with a shrinking economy and growing unemployment, to say nothing of his response to the opioid epidemic being locking up minorities instead of actually addressing the problem which has given his state a massive level of death and addiction."

"I have principles which I have stuck to my entire career, I have successes and experiences. Prendergast has failures and no principles."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

"CHANGE WILL COME"
All Oregon, Urban Northern California, and Urban Southern Nevada Online Markets Targeting Likely Democratic Primary Voters
November 18th to December 20th - Background Music

Right now, right here, in the greatest country on Earth, families are still struggling.



Children are still living in rundown homes, attending poor schools, and going underserved.



Fathers and mothers are still working too hard to put too little on the table.



Entire communities are bleeding jobs and opportunities, as the cries of unions and activists go unheard.



All the while bigotry and hatred are being weaponized against hard-working Americans.



Systematic racism and erasure against our communities of color still continue undeterred too.



One thing is clear: The status quo has failed us, failed the American people. Real change needs to happen now and it will.



So let's fight for real democratic change, for a future that will put people and families first as it should.



It's why we will pass a new bill of rights that guarantees every American family good jobs, clothes on their back, and food so no one goes hungry...



...And also guarantees universal healthcare, universal housing, and freedom from all bigotry.



It's why we will pass Medicaid for All to transition us to Medicare for All and pass Social Security for All to give everyone a basic income.



It's why we will raise the minimum wage to $22 an hour and repeal all falsely named anti-labor laws.



It's why we will create public banks and reverse every single bad trade deal until they put workers, communities, and the environment first.



It's why we will pay reparations to uplift marginalized black communities and decriminalize border crossings to end fearmongering against immigrants.



It's why we will pass the Green New Deal in its entirety and end fossil fuel consumption while ensuring environmental justice for all communities.



By putting people first, that's how we build a better United States.

Our New America.

Paid for by Spellman for President.
"I am Martin Spellman and I approve this message".

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"Martin Spellman's communist plan for America is disgraceful. He will roughly triple the minimum wage, force socialized medicine down our throats, make MS-13 and al-Qaeda using our borders to enter perfectly legal, use a communist basic income scheme and a jobs guarantee and destroying any restraints on labor to impose a command economy."
"The definition of a command economy is North Korea. And by the way, the Chinese realized a command economy was only making their impoverished country worse so they ditched it. Fascinating."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"Martin Spellman's communist plan for America is disgraceful. He will roughly triple the minimum wage, force socialized medicine down our throats, make MS-13 and al-Qaeda using our borders to enter perfectly legal, use a communist basic income scheme and a jobs guarantee and destroying any restraints on labor to impose a command economy."
"The definition of a command economy is North Korea. And by the way, the Chinese realized a command economy was only making their impoverished country worse so they ditched it. Fascinating."

Martin Spellman
@thespellman

---

Well, I didn't expect that we would agree on much Senator but at least we both agree President Wolf needs to go.

[Lavan Tiri]

Russell Earl Long
Election Night Watch Party
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Russell, grimacing, watched the results from across Louisiana roll in. As the night wore on and Holland's lead stayed, his grip on the glass in his hand grew tight and threatened to shatter the poor thing, until he noticed what was happening and set the glass down, not wanting to look like a petulant child in front of a crowd.

Then, the race was called.

He was unemployed.

Russell breathed a deep sigh--half relief, half disappointment--set his glass down, and walked outside, to where many of his supporters from across the state had gathered.

Let's all get together and watch the big guy lose, he thought as he crossed the stage that had been set up, it'll be fun!

A hush fell over the crowd, Russell's footsteps echoing dully. He grabbed the microphone in one meaty hand, smiled at his soon-to-be former constituents, and cleared his throat loudly.

"Well...I'll be honest with you, Louisiana, it looks like we've lost."

He paused.

"Like I've lost. I'll ask for a recount, just for safety's sake, but those numbers are pretty telling: John Holland is gonna be the next Governor of Louisiana."

He cleared his throat again.

"Louisiana, I'm proud of us. I'm proud of all of the hundreds of thousands of people who came out to vote, four years ago and tonight. I'm proud that y'all gave me a chance to be your Governor, to be your servant. I'm proud that, over the past four years, we have gotten to the hard work of rebuilding Louisiana's infrastructure, of rebuilding Louisiana's prosperity, and of building Louisiana into a more fair and just society for us all! I'm proud to live in a state where your granddaddy's name doesn't mean squat, except for cuttin' in line at KFC."

A few people in the crowd laughed. Russell guffawed and pointed at one.

"She knows what I mean! If being a Long was all you needed in this state, I'd be givin' a different speech right now! But no, in Louisiana we vote based on our values and our hearts and our visions for the future, and unfortunately, more people's vision for the future included gettin' my fat butt out of Baton Rouge."

More laughs rippled across the crowd. Russell laughed too, feeding from the crowd's energy like a Broadway star.

"Lousiana, I'd like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you tonight. Not just the voters, but the believers, the believers in a Lousiana for us all, the believers in a better tomorrow. I wanna thank my campaign staff for doin' their very best, but I'm not sure if they did."

He paused, looking very serious, before breaking into a smile.

"Nah, I'm kiddin'. My campaign staff, who are excellent. I'd like to thank my wife, for puttin' up with me, for bein' patient with me, and for lettin' me call her pretty in front of crowds. I'd like to thank my supporters and donors from outside Louisiana,
those around the nation who thought our race was worth their time, effort, money, and prayers. And finally, I need to thank the Lord, for allowing an old screwup like me a chance to make something good in the world."

He paused again, nodding slowly and scanning the crowd.

"I need to congratulate Governor-Elect Holland, for a well-run, well-fought campaign that put real Louisianans before the interests of national players. I wish him the best of luck as Governor, and I know he'll do well for us. And of course, if he ever, ever needs advice, assistance, or just a friendly ear who understands the hardships of being Governor, my phone is always on and my door is always open. As long as he doesn't text me, because I can't figure out how to work those tiny little buttons."

The crowd laughed again. Russell held his hands up and bowed his head, and they quieted down.

"Louisiana, before we go home for the night, I'd like to ask y'all something. I don't know if you're the praying type, but if you are, please keep John Holland in your prayers. Pray that he'll lead Louisiana capably and fairly. Pray that he'll be able to fulfill the promises he made to get elected. And thank God for a country of free and fair elections. And then, Louisiana, pray for old Russell Earl Long, because you ain't done hearing from me."

There was a short pause, as those in the crowd looked around and muttered, confused. Russell grinned at them again, before speaking.

"Alright, Louisiana, I need to get house hunting and tell the wife I lost my job. Wish me luck, pray for me, and good night! God bless you all!"

[Lavan Tiri]

Representative Jason Evander
@JasonFromSD

The Relief Act of 2019 has officially passed the House of Representatives and is on it's way to the Senate. I urge my colleagues to pass it and get help to those in need!

[Dentali]

Nate Richardson
@GovernorRichardson

Governor Long lost by several points and is apparently going to ask for a recount anyway, he's a sore loser wasting the time of the people of Louisiana that clearly want him gone.

[Lavan Tiri]

Nate Richardson
@GovernorRichardson

Governor Long lost by several points and is apparently going to ask for a recount anyway, he's a sore loser wasting the time of the people of Louisiana that clearly want him gone.

Governor Russell E. Long
@LongForLouisiana

I want to make sure every vote is counted, even though I lost. It's the right thing to do, not the politically expedient thing to do. Wouldn't expect you to understand, Nate.

[Lavan Tiri]

Governor Russell E. Long
@LongForLouisiana
My sincerest congratulations and prayers to John Holland, and my eternal gratitude to ALL the people of the best state in the country!

[Dentali]

Nate Richardson
@GovernorRichardson

Governor Long lost by several points and is apparently going to ask for a recount anyway, he's a sore loser wasting the time of the people of Louisiana that clearly want him gone.

Governor Russell E. Long
@LongForLouisiana

I want to make sure every vote is counted, even though I lost. It's the right thing to do, not the politically expedient thing to do. Wouldn't expect you to understand, Nate.

Nate Richardson
@GovernorRichardson

@LongForLouisiana I would expect you to understand that Louisiana law only allows for recounts if the number of absentee and early votes cast for all candidates for the office in question could change the outcome of the election.

[Kallidrus]

Jamal Patrick
@realjamalpatrick

Congratulations to John Holland, who just flipped another governorship to the GOP column!

[Latvijas Otra Republika]

Eleanor Brosnan @65Ms.Eleanor Nate is running a campaign of divisive agitation, state after state and tweet after tweet. Nate Richardson can’t be trusted to be President. His inadequate bridge burning in numerous gubernatorial elections and with his own Congressional leadership will blister America’s wounds. #VoteJillian RETWEETSFAVORITE