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

[Dentali]

(Image)(Image) 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 (Image)

Nate Richardson
@GovernorRichardson

@65Ms.Eleanor congratulations on your win in Mississippi

[Kallidrus]

Patrick Campaign Official Statement
November 18, 2019

This statement has been issued to notify potential voters, the press, and other of which it may concern that Representative Patrick has switched party affiliation from Republican to Libertarian. His decision is final for the time being will not effect his Presidential Campaign. If it so happens Representative Patrick remains in the race come January 1, 2020, he will continue his campaign on the Libertarian line.

Jamal Patrick
@realjamalpatrick

America,

I come to announce today that I have decided to register under the #LibertarianParty, and will no longer a member of the #GOP. It's time that as Americans, we rethink our political system and make it work for the people, rather than those in power. I would like to take a moment..

Jamal Patrick
@realjamalpatrick

America,

...to thank the wonderful folks over at the #SCLibertarianParty for assisting me with changing affiliation. It's time we put people over party - common sense over cash - and America over all other things. More info can be found in our official statement. God Bless America, and #VoteLibertarian

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Karen Brookshire
@BrookshireGal

---

Pandering Patrick has finally revealed his TRUE COLORS and that at the end of the day, he isn't part of the party of LINCOLN! He probably voted for CONFUSED (Not-Gary Johnson) over President Wolf. Though as a man who has led RADICAL "protests" aka RIOTS, I am not surprised at all. GOOD RIDDANCE! #PitifulPatrick

[Kallidrus]

(Image)
Karen Brookshire
@BrookshireGal

---

Pandering Patrick has finally revealed his TRUE COLORS and that at the end of the day, he isn't part of the party of LINCOLN! He probably voted for CONFUSED (Not-Gary Johnson) over President Wolf. Though as a man who has led RADICAL "protests" aka RIOTS, I am not surprised at all. GOOD RIDDANCE! #PitifulPatrick

Jamal Patrick
@realjamalpatrick

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Impressive nicknames coming from someone who lost in a safe red state. Honestly I'd expect more from someone "in the party of Lincoln"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

(Image)
Jamal Patrick
@realjamalpatrick

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Impressive nicknames coming from someone who lost in a safe red state. Honestly I'd expect more from someone "in the party of Lincoln"

Karen Brookshire
@BrookshireGal

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That's the best 'comeback' you got? No wonder your first campaign absolutely FAILED, basically IMPLODED! Goodluck at the debates Representative, you'll need it DESPERATELY to avoid repeating the past. Don't worry though, you are already doing FAR WORSE! #PitifulPatrick

[Azekopolaltion]

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Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
November 16th, 2019

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(Image)

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"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."

"That's good to hear, Dr. Spellman, really good..." Tim said as he entered the kitchen, "you're really running a spirited campaign, considering you're not one of the Washington hacks. You know I'm big on policy, and I think your platform is quite brilliant. So kudos to you."

"I, of course, agree with you on most fronts. The reason I decided to sync my exit with endorsing Senator Dayton, though, is that I really want a big progressive win. Levi's already pissed off a ton of people in the party, even if he somehow pulls off a win and becomes the next president, no one will want to work with him and we'll be stuck in gridlock forever. Veléz is a corrupt hack and complete phony."

"And my biggest wish...is getting more progressives in office at every level of government, especially the Senate. There's this conventional wisdom that the House flipped blue because of suburban moderates, and that is true...but House Democrats have been leading on progressive issues with far more success than Senate Democrats. We need some more solid left-leaning Senators...and not just the Winthrop-Murphy type, who I do think are a necessary evil for our side."

"You've turned a lot of heads in this primary, Dr. Spellman. I think there are people in Washington on our side of the spectrum who like you. And there are places you could go where you could get a lot of good work done, push through a lot of ideas that both you and I share...but only if both the White House and Congress is open to people like us."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
November 16th, 2019

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"A spirited campaign, sometimes I feel like that's a tongue-in-cheek comment..." began Spellman before adding, "But I'm sure you mean it genuinely. And I would agree, it's been liberating to have the freedom to campaign without the corporate weight I'm sure others like Velez have to deal with or the whole 'actually being a politician' job like yourself or Jillian."

"I would generally agree with you. Though taking a stand is just as important, something Levi has clearly been doing. Maybe I'm just not the best source though, I tend to agree with everyone and I don't think Levi has found a reason to hate me just yet, Tim. But if I endorse anyone but him, I'm sure he will." responded Marty with a smile.

"It's a funny thing to hear you say that we need more solid leftist senators when you are leaving the Senate yourself. Why Tim? You are arguably in a safe seat and hardly at the forefront of being defeated in a primary. And sure, I'm turning heads but you've been turning heads for a while." he offered, before going on, "Ah, so how do you think we can make the White House open to us?"

[Latvijas Otra Republika]

Stanton Stonewell Jr. @Sunny.Stonewell I hope @BrookshireGal comes back BIG! Republican that says what we’re all thinking. Very commendable RETWEETSFAVORITE

[Kargintina the Third]

Earl Tenson @MTAtLarge Jamal Patrick always seemed to not value the core ideals of party, and now he shows his true face.

[Azekopolaltion]

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Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
November 16th, 2019

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(Image)

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"A spirited campaign, sometimes I feel like that's a tongue-in-cheek comment..." began Spellman before adding, "But I'm sure you mean it genuinely. And I would agree, it's been liberating to have the freedom to campaign without the corporate weight I'm sure others like Velez have to deal with or the whole 'actually being a politician' job like yourself or Jillian."

"I would generally agree with you. Though taking a stand is just as important, something Levi has clearly been doing. Maybe I'm just not the best source though, I tend to agree with everyone and I don't think Levi has found a reason to hate me just yet, Tim. But if I endorse anyone but him, I'm sure he will." responded Marty with a smile.

"It's a funny thing to hear you say that we need more solid leftist senators when you are leaving the Senate yourself. Why Tim? You are arguably in a safe seat and hardly at the forefront of being defeated in a primary. And sure, I'm turning heads but you've been turning heads for a while." he offered, before going on, "Ah, so how do you think we can make the White House open to us?"

"I don't question Levi's principles, he's evidently stuck to them his entire career from before he was a politician and that's admirable. But his way of trying to achieve his goals turns me off. Alienating key sections of the party, threatening to primary leaders that we clearly need to win...dialogue is always better than unnecessary standoffs. That's how we got the Affordable Care Act done, and especially in a time where the party mainstream is more progressive than ever before, we don't want to be making our side so punchable by calling everyone slightly less left wing than us a centrist. Neither you nor I have taken that approach in this primary, we've focused solely on issues. The same can't be said for Levi, sad as it is."

"As for me leaving the Senate? Frankly, it's because I promised both my constituents and party leaders that I'd put the party first so that my seat stays blue even as a presidential candidate. I said I'd let a New Jersey Democrat for Senate rise without my muddy involvement in both the presidential and senate races. But you know what, I'm second guessing that decision. No candidate has really emerged in the NJ primary race so far anyway, since I dropped out much earlier than expected...I can still get my name on the ballot. I haven't finalized my decision, in truth. Plus I made the promise to Speaker Douglas, and now we have Simone, and I think she would be quite open to backing my decision to run for reelection. So I'm leaning towards staying, I'll see in the coming weeks."

"My attention right now is squarely fixed on the presidential election. How do I think I can get the White House open to us? By electing a Democrat that listens. Not someone who's hellbent on proving a point and sticking to a narrow worldview. Not someone who's indebted to lobbyists. If we do nothing, or fall behind Murphy? Frankly, the electoral math is not on his side in this primary. Veléz is going to blow him out of the water with Latinos and black voters, sweeping the South and Texas and a fair share of delegates in California. Latinos are usually a core of the new progressive base, and Levi's pretty much ceded that ground. His chances are overrated, whatever you think of him personally."

"We can't let another milquetoast centrist like Veléz win. The good news is, we don't have to. Jillian is a progressive, she may be measured in her tone and rational in her record but she has never fundamentally strayed from progressive ideals. She listens to all sides of the party and is running on the morals that you and I emphasize. And that would continue in a Dayton Administration, she's shown that as both Governor and Senator."

"We need to close ranks, now. This is about beating Veléz for me and moving forward, not back. There's something very different about his 'back to normalcy' tone and Jillian's 'fundamental change' message. But she's not going to win unless you and I make it happen with our respective bases. We can give her early momentum with a solid win in Iowa, push her to an even bigger win in New Hampshire, give her a respectable showing in Nevada, and a top two finish in South Carolina or even a win if we can get Moore on board. Then onto Super Tuesday, where I think a win in California is definitely in the realm of possibility, along with wins in Massachusetts and Colorado and Minnesota, with a good showing in Texas. And then after that, we help her sweep the Rust Belt, that's where we can crush Veléz and push down Levi."

"I've got it all figured out, Marty, and it'll pay dividends...but we need you on board."

[Meelducan]

Senator Michelle Brown
@MichelleBrownWY

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@realjamalpatrick claims to be a Libertarian now? But isn’t it strange how he wants the Government to regulate abortion and marriages? Something doesn’t add up here...

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"To Martin Spellman: I actually do not want Wolf out of office yet. I want him to remain for the remainder of his term. You still want socialism and command economics. I want a free market controlled by the American people, not a draconian President."

[Sarenium]

"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."

Joe nodded amicably, "how do you intend to repair the lagging infrastructure in our country? Address the growing health crisis, opioids and the like, or address the burgeoning consequences of student debt?"

Howard maintained the same look from before their conversation had started, refusing to allow his view to be hinted at.

[Sarenium]

"Virginia is a beauty," Jillian smiled, as Liam and Agustin fiddled with the barbeque.

"How are you finding the hill? Congress everything you imagined it to be?" she asked.

"Well, I certainly wasn't planning on getting myself into the leadership in my first term, so I guess you could say I'm better at it than I expected I would be," Kathleen said, chuckling, "What about you?"

"When I was in the House the first time around, there was a saying that Republicans were the opposition, the Senate was the enemy. Now it feels very different," Jillian reminisced, "hopefully we can restore some of that civility with a different occupant in the White House."

[New Cobastheia]

"Well, I certainly wasn't planning on getting myself into the leadership in my first term, so I guess you could say I'm better at it than I expected I would be," Kathleen said, chuckling, "What about you?"

"When I was in the House the first time around, there was a saying that Republicans were the opposition, the Senate was the enemy. Now it feels very different," Jillian reminisced, "hopefully we can restore some of that civility with a different occupant in the White House."

"Sounds like it'd definitely be at least one of the many benefits that come with getting a Democrat back in the White House." Nez said in a casual and light tone.

[Sarenium]

"When I was in the House the first time around, there was a saying that Republicans were the opposition, the Senate was the enemy. Now it feels very different," Jillian reminisced, "hopefully we can restore some of that civility with a different occupant in the White House."

"Sounds like it'd definitely be at least one of the many benefits that come with getting a Democrat back in the White House." Nez said in a casual and light tone.

Jillian poured some apple juice, "of course, it matters which Democrat. A free-trader that depresses wages, a revolutionist who antagonizes half the Senate or a real pragmatist."

[New Cobastheia]

"Sounds like it'd definitely be at least one of the many benefits that come with getting a Democrat back in the White House." Nez said in a casual and light tone.

Jillian poured some apple juice, "of course, it matters which Democrat. A free-trader that depresses wages, a revolutionist who antagonizes half the Senate or a real pragmatist."

"I take it you're saying you're the real pragmatist out of Velez, Levi, and yourself." She said as she grabbed the bottle of juice and poured herself some as well.

[Sarenium]

Jillian poured some apple juice, "of course, it matters which Democrat. A free-trader that depresses wages, a revolutionist who antagonizes half the Senate or a real pragmatist."

"I take it you're saying you're the real pragmatist out of Velez, Levi, and yourself." She said as she grabbed the bottle of juice and poured herself some as well.

"Well between the three of us, only one has endorsements from moderates and progressives alike, Tim Westra and Erika Goldman are on opposing ends of the political spectrum, yet both believe in restoring fairness to our national identity, both believe that we can expand healthcare, make college affordable and jump-start wages. Only one candidate has convinced the left she's progressive, the right she's moderate and herself that she's just trying to make some change," Jillian sipped her juice, as she alluded to her chops as a pragmatic centrist, "we can't expand healthcare coverage if half the country believes we want to take theirs from them. We can't raise the minimum wage if half the country is convinced we'll just tax it off them. We can't expand retirement options if half the country thinks they've gotta sacrifice good paying jobs for them, can't address a climate crisis if miners and workers are convinced it'll mean the loss of jobs, houses and wages."

[New Cobastheia]

"I take it you're saying you're the real pragmatist out of Velez, Levi, and yourself." She said as she grabbed the bottle of juice and poured herself some as well.

"Well between the three of us, only one has endorsements from moderates and progressives alike, Tim Westra and Erika Goldman are on opposing ends of the political spectrum, yet both believe in restoring fairness to our national identity, both believe that we can expand healthcare, make college affordable and jump-start wages. Only one candidate has convinced the left she's progressive, the right she's moderate and herself that she's just trying to make some change," Jillian sipped her juice, as she alluded to her chops as a pragmatic centrist, "we can't expand healthcare coverage if half the country believes we want to take theirs from them. We can't raise the minimum wage if half the country is convinced we'll just tax it off them. We can't expand retirement options if half the country thinks they've gotta sacrifice good paying jobs for them, can't address a climate crisis if miners and workers are convinced it'll mean the loss of jobs, houses and wages."

"I'll admit, I've taken more of an interest in your campaign as of late. What role do you imagine Progressives will have in a Dayton administration?"

[Sarenium]

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Dayton Retail & Rally
November 14-16
Nevada

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Jillian proceeded following the rally with Tim Westra to host roundtables with union representatives and members, speaking to the issues of raising wages, affordable housing and protecting union rights. Tim joined her in most of these, that evening she proceeded to visit three bars over Vegas, not on the main strip, preferring instead to visit quieter pubs and bars in selective communities rich with working Americans. The Drinks with Dayton events were reasonably popular, they were always casual, she didn't wear a suit, and stuck to one beer at most, often selecting a local brew to back local businesses. At the end of the event she stood and spoke to the attendees at the last of the three bars.

"Folks, thanks for coming out tonight. You've already heard from my good friend Senator Westra, hell you've heard from me too, the reality is that there's no point to me yapping away if folks don't get out to caucus, to vote and to make their voices heard. We have a serious chance to do damage to Wolfist politics, it should, can and will be defeated. What does Wolfist politics look like? It's giving yourself a tax cut and asking working American taxpayers to foot the bill. It's prioritizing your ego over jobs and wages. Jobs. And Wages. The cornerstone of the American Dream is a good paying job with decent wages, now with low unemployment, wage growth lags far behind, folks are still working multiple jobs and the vice of medical bills, exorbitant housing and broken schools continues to grip our communities. That's the way it's been, the way it'll keep being if we don't put pragmatic policymaking first. Just some food for thought," she smiled, "thanks very much for your support, enjoy your night!"

The following two days was a triangle tour. The campaign bus drove from Vegas to Reno, stopping in major towns, touring stores, restaurants and talking to people in community settings. For lunch she'd stick to a major town, instead of a small town coffee shop, she'd take a seat and briskly eat her food, inviting a staff member or two to sit down with her if it was quiet otherwise she'd talk with business owners. She'd only patron small locally owned businesses, extra props if it was a family-owned business. That night she'd be in Reno for a rally, drinks and then hit the road again this time up to Elko. This end of Nevada was more Republican. In the south she confidently spoke about healthcare expansion, college affordability and rebuilding a fairer criminal justice system. In the north she stuck to one message: choice. The south was entirely predicated on jobs and wages with workers, health, education and criminal justice with anyone else. In the north she stuck to the concept of choice as she swung through Elko, Ely and eventually Crystal Springs as she returned to Vegas. In Elko she held another Drinks with Dayton event, naturally there was lower turnout. As a result, her volunteers had stuffed letterboxes with invitations and when Jillian eventually arrived, the lower turnout figure was somewhat compensated for.

"I'm happy to be sharing some beers with folks out here in Elko tonight, I know many of you came for the beers not for me, so I'll wrap this up quickly. Every few years we rehash an old debate. What's the role of Government?" she cut to the chase.

"Is Government there to dock some of your pay at the end of the week and introduce new rules here and there?" she asked, "for some, that's their belief. For me, it's the role of Government to let the ingenuity of American individuals shine through the grim outlook we often start with. That means that ZIP Codes no longer determine life expectancy. It means public schools aren't backwaters of American intellect but foster the conditions for critical, creative and innovative thinking. Government must build choice. That's choice in your healthcare, choice in education, choice in your decisions for you and your family. That's the role I want to create, of course I need your support to do it, so I expect we'll have many more conversations about this in the weeks and months to come, in the meantime, enjoy your beers. Thanks folks!" she wrapped up very efficiently.

[Sarenium]

"Well between the three of us, only one has endorsements from moderates and progressives alike, Tim Westra and Erika Goldman are on opposing ends of the political spectrum, yet both believe in restoring fairness to our national identity, both believe that we can expand healthcare, make college affordable and jump-start wages. Only one candidate has convinced the left she's progressive, the right she's moderate and herself that she's just trying to make some change," Jillian sipped her juice, as she alluded to her chops as a pragmatic centrist, "we can't expand healthcare coverage if half the country believes we want to take theirs from them. We can't raise the minimum wage if half the country is convinced we'll just tax it off them. We can't expand retirement options if half the country thinks they've gotta sacrifice good paying jobs for them, can't address a climate crisis if miners and workers are convinced it'll mean the loss of jobs, houses and wages."

"I'll admit, I've taken more of an interest in your campaign as of late. What role do you imagine Progressives will have in a Dayton administration?"

"I'll nominate members to roles that best suite their merits," Jillian responded, "that means putting Tim Westra up for a role, it means elevating folks from all over the party for the roles they're best suited for. Progressives naturally fall into that."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr.
@JPJ4USA

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The Senate will never quite be the same without Howard Frankston, but will - I believe - continue to benefit from powerful Texan Republican leadership and vision with Joe Frankston. I'm very glad to endorse Joe Frankston to be elected US Senator from Texas in 2020! A patriot, a veteran, a conservative, and a visionary!

[New Cobastheia]

"I'll admit, I've taken more of an interest in your campaign as of late. What role do you imagine Progressives will have in a Dayton administration?"

"I'll nominate members to roles that best suite their merits," Jillian responded, "that means putting Tim Westra up for a role, it means elevating folks from all over the party for the roles they're best suited for. Progressives naturally fall into that."

"Have you had the chance to think of who you'd appoint to the various cabinet spots, specifically any progressives or any cabinet spots you specifically want progressives serving in?"

[Sarenium]

Joe Frankston
@JoeForTexas

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Welcome the support of both Governors Richardson and Prendergast, retaining this seat in the Republican column in 2020 is fundamentally necessary for the next Republican President.

[Sarenium]

"I'll nominate members to roles that best suite their merits," Jillian responded, "that means putting Tim Westra up for a role, it means elevating folks from all over the party for the roles they're best suited for. Progressives naturally fall into that."

"Have you had the chance to think of who you'd appoint to the various cabinet spots, specifically any progressives or any cabinet spots you specifically want progressives serving in?"

"A progressive Interior Secretary," Dayton alluded, "a progressive VA Secretary, a progressive HHS Secretary, are the ones currently locked in. Have you any suggestions?" Dayton smiled, "or aspirations of your own?"