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

[Dentali]

"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.

"Lets take this one step at a time..."

"Firstly Infrastructure. I'd like to say that we could just get spur private investment by making a small public investment up front, and while that certainly works in some cases and we will be doing that... private investors won't be interested in fixing old water pipes and filling potholes because they won't see an economic return on that."

"We need to cut red tape and streamline the permitting process, because projects in the US take decades when they would take 2 years in Europe. We should create a grant program that rewards states that streamline and reform their permitting process with more infrastructure spending and then give states a bit more flexibility on how they prioritize that money. Wherever possible we use Public-Private Partnerships on things like airports, ports, toll roads, utilities, and 5G. And we should treat our infrastructure spending as part of a capital budget like states do, these are investments in the future and we can expect real increased economic activity from them... real direct returns."

"Now healthcare.... My plan protects the vulnerable, those with pre-existing conditions, empowers individuals with control, and personalizes health care. Firstly we expand State Innovation Waivers that have enabled states like mine to make real progress on healthcare, lowering premiums and increasing protections. We undo things like the mandatory essential health benefits, the lifetime limits, the preventative care with no cost sharing, etc and let states set these. We then set up Guaranteed Coverage Pools, run by states and subsidized by the federal government. These will allow individuals will the most expensive and risky conditions to have affordable coverage without raising costs on everyone."

"We must restructure our current subsidies and Medicaid expansion into state run programs as well, specifically to provide grants for low income individuals and those with specific vulnerabilities. This also means restructuring the tax code so that employer markets and individual health markets are treated equally. But my most important proposal might be increasing Health Savings Accounts by allowing them to pay for premiums and increase yearly contributions to $9,000 for individuals and $18,000 for families. On top of that we need to lower barriers and promote innovation, like telemedicine, direct primary care, expand what nurses are allowed to do and lower costs without compromising quality."

"Opioids... The Wold administration is making real progress on this overall. We tackle demand, supply and treatment. I want to give HHS $15 billion to support more outreach and education efforts and expand the tools available to doctors to identify and prevent potential abuse. We also need to tackle bad actors, shutting down illegal sales, fraudulent prescribes, and prevent the flow of the drug into our borders, to say nothing of those manufacturers who lied about the addictive qualities of the drug. And then set up a grant program to support best practices for states like West Virginia who aren't taking proactive steps to stop the crisis."

"Student Debt... Unlike Prendergast who literally wants to add a tax to college grads I actually care about the student debt crisis. First we need more transparency laws when it comes to the cost of college and potential income from the college, we should be setting up an easy to read website that compares every single college, public and private, their costs and the average income made by someone graduating with that degree from that college."

"I also support the Bennett Hypothesis, that federal student aid encourages colleges and universities to raise tuition prices. We should be conditioning student aid on colleges cutting costs and their ability to provide real returns on the investment. Most importantly the private sector needs to be restored when it comes to student financing and regulations that increase college costs need to be re-examined to provide the minimal economic impact."

[New Cobastheia]

"Well, given that the Senate is the Senate right now the best thing to do to make sure we can pass something that finally takes gerrymandering out of the picture is to win back the Senate too. So many things to be done, too many Republicans in the Senate you know?"

"Sounds like we need someone on top of the ticket that moderate and red state Democrats are comfortable campaigning with," Jillian smirked, "no good being the nominee if candidates in Mississippi and Kentucky want to avoid you and incumbents on the coasts are fighting off your challengers."

"Not much good in electing pro-life and pro-gun Senators who ran on family values and are more likely than not to vote like [not-Manchin] either if you're asking me," She said as she took a bit of the salad she had put on her plate.

[Sao Nova Europa]

Jonathan Wilson stood before the camera. Flashing his signature smile, he was about to make another one of his YouTube videos. In between the Search for the New Center podcast uploads, he would upload short YouTube videos that would explain in a few minutes things about which he had talked about in his previous podcasts. Jonathan found those videos to be a good way to spread his message to those who couldn't watch his hour-long podcasts.

"Welcome to another one of my videos. I am your host Jonathan Wilson. One of the things about which we've talked a lot in my podcast and in many papers published by the Innovation and Growth Institute, is the Universal Basic Income or UBI for short. It is a radical, yet centrist idea that can help us in both dealing with growing inequalities and with combating red tape, bureaucratic waste and government growth. Why we need such a change? We currently spend almost 482 billion dollars on 126 different welfare programs, many of them mismanaged, overly bureaucratic and which trap people in poverty. It is evidently clear to both liberals and conservatives that the current status quo just isn't working anymore."

"So, should we simply cut those government programs and obliterate the poorest in our society? That would increase inequalities, limit opportunities for worthy individuals to rise from their social strata, have a negative impact on consumption and increase the political polarization that plagues our nation. Should we then spend more money on those wasteful programs or hire more government bureaucrats, hoping that this time the programs will work? Repeating the same behavior and hoping for a different result is the greatest of follies."

"The UBI offers a reasonable alternative. The Innovation and Growth Institute calls for replacing our current welfare programs with a UBI of 600$ per month. Everyone will get the cash each month, no questions asked. This will be universal and as such there will be no incentive for people to not want to rise in the income scale as they do not lose their benefits regardless of how successful they get. It is also too little to disincentive work, as some critics of UBI programs argue, as 7200$ a year are not enough to live comfortable life. As such there is no worry that this will stop people from working. This also ensures that we do not have to worry about inflation."

"Putting such money in the hands of the people will increase consumption and employment, leading to higher rates of economic growth. It will also combat government bureaucracy and red tape, as a single UBI program is far easier to administer than tens of different programs with various clauses and regulations that needs thousands of government bureaucrats to administer and which only add red tape that punishes citizens, limits public sector productivity and wastes valuable time."

"As for the cost of the UBI, as already stated such a program will replace the already existing government programs, which shall pay for the vast majority of the program. Any further funding needs can be easily met by a very low Value-Added Tax, which can also bring much needed revenue to lower the deficit and stop the growth of our national debt. But that is a completely different discussion, which we will be having in some other video or one of our Search for the New Center podcast episodes. Thank you for watching."

[Greater Arab State]

The Office of House Minority Leader Volker, Cannon House Office Building, Washington D.C.

The House Minority Leader found himself staring at the television screen in his office that was showing the news of Representative Patrick's departure from the Republican Party. Admittedly, although Volker found himself... displeased to the say the least at the South Carolinian's decision, it was one that he didn't consider that troublesome.

"If Congressman Patrick wants to make a mockery of himself with another presidential run which will only see him struggling for political relevancy then so be it, at least we can now hopefully retake the 7th District next year with someone wh is a genuine Republican." Volker mused to himself as he considered his next action.

A few brief moments later, the House Minority Leader began to write a statement on the matter before sending it away to be issued.

Statement from the Office of House Minority Leader Thomas Volker regarding Congressman Patrick's departure from the House Republican Conference

The recent departure of Representative Jamal Patrick of the 7th Congressional District of South Carolina from the House Republican Conference, whilst unfortunate is of no concern to either the House Minority Leader or the House Republican Conference.

Recent events, most notably Representative Patrick's use of Twitter to launch attacks on both Senator Colbert, a proud veteran who proudly served this nation in two tours of Afghanistan and is an exceptional example of the leaders that conservatives produce, who the Congressman labelled a 'traitor' as well as launching an attack on President Wolf, who has managed within the past three years to undo the damage done by the Baharia administration to the United States as well as enabling the people of the United States to once again feel pride in America and in being American.

Furthermore, the House Minority Leader condemns Representative Patrick for failing to provide the strong conservative leadership that the people of South Carolina's 7th District fully and rightly deserve, most notably through his open support for the taking of unborn American lives as well as his opposition to the fine work that our law enforcement does across this greta nation of our's in protecting the communities that we live and work in on a daily basis from those wh seek to do the American people harm.

It is clear from his recent actions that Congressman Patrick is purely fuelled by self-interest, seeking another run to the presidency of the United States, an office that calls for its holders to uphold the patriotism, commitment to honesty and strong moral foundations that has enabled this great country to achieve the success that is has today under President Wolf, so soon after his previous campaign in 2016. Consequently, the House Minority is confident that this ill thought decision will be rightly taken into account by the people of South Carolina's 7th District next November, and that they will vote for the patriotic, conservative leadership that they deserve.

After seeing the statement off to be issued to the media by his office, Volker sat in his chair for a brief moment as his mind drifted to the following year's House elections. Shortly after, he picked up the phone on his desk, usually he would never call his wife during the day, what with the two of them being flooded with work quite often, particularly within the past year. However, he thought it necessary to as a result of the day's circumstances. Consequently, the Congressman dialled in Torrie's cellphone number as he waited for the call to go through.

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"Failed presidential candidate Patrick, and failed Republican as well not only makes personal attacks on me, but all Afghan veterans, all Marines, and all American soldiers ever born. I disagree plenty with Caroline Simone, but have I ever called her a traitor? No, because she isn't one (even if her policies are completely wrong.) To throw around the world 'treason' so casually suggests that Patrick is not in his right mind. He is the one who should be resigning. And I won't point out the hypocrisy, but it's there."

[Sarenium]

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.

"Lets take this one step at a time..."

"Firstly Infrastructure. I'd like to say that we could just get spur private investment by making a small public investment up front, and while that certainly works in some cases and we will be doing that... private investors won't be interested in fixing old water pipes and filling potholes because they won't see an economic return on that."

"We need to cut red tape and streamline the permitting process, because projects in the US take decades when they would take 2 years in Europe. We should create a grant program that rewards states that streamline and reform their permitting process with more infrastructure spending and then give states a bit more flexibility on how they prioritize that money. Wherever possible we use Public-Private Partnerships on things like airports, ports, toll roads, utilities, and 5G. And we should treat our infrastructure spending as part of a capital budget like states do, these are investments in the future and we can expect real increased economic activity from them... real direct returns."

"Now healthcare.... My plan protects the vulnerable, those with pre-existing conditions, empowers individuals with control, and personalizes health care. Firstly we expand State Innovation Waivers that have enabled states like mine to make real progress on healthcare, lowering premiums and increasing protections. We undo things like the mandatory essential health benefits, the lifetime limits, the preventative care with no cost sharing, etc and let states set these. We then set up Guaranteed Coverage Pools, run by states and subsidized by the federal government. These will allow individuals will the most expensive and risky conditions to have affordable coverage without raising costs on everyone."

"We must restructure our current subsidies and Medicaid expansion into state run programs as well, specifically to provide grants for low income individuals and those with specific vulnerabilities. This also means restructuring the tax code so that employer markets and individual health markets are treated equally. But my most important proposal might be increasing Health Savings Accounts by allowing them to pay for premiums and increase yearly contributions to $9,000 for individuals and $18,000 for families. On top of that we need to lower barriers and promote innovation, like telemedicine, direct primary care, expand what nurses are allowed to do and lower costs without compromising quality."

"Opioids... The Wold administration is making real progress on this overall. We tackle demand, supply and treatment. I want to give HHS $15 billion to support more outreach and education efforts and expand the tools available to doctors to identify and prevent potential abuse. We also need to tackle bad actors, shutting down illegal sales, fraudulent prescribes, and prevent the flow of the drug into our borders, to say nothing of those manufacturers who lied about the addictive qualities of the drug. And then set up a grant program to support best practices for states like West Virginia who aren't taking proactive steps to stop the crisis."

"Student Debt... Unlike Prendergast who literally wants to add a tax to college grads I actually care about the student debt crisis. First we need more transparency laws when it comes to the cost of college and potential income from the college, we should be setting up an easy to read website that compares every single college, public and private, their costs and the average income made by someone graduating with that degree from that college."

"I also support the Bennett Hypothesis, that federal student aid encourages colleges and universities to raise tuition prices. We should be conditioning student aid on colleges cutting costs and their ability to provide real returns on the investment. Most importantly the private sector needs to be restored when it comes to student financing and regulations that increase college costs need to be re-examined to provide the minimal economic impact."

"How will you get that healthcare plan through Congress without the House of Representatives?" Joe frowned, "conservative judges is all fine and dandy, but Democrats hold the House of Representatives, the odds of flipping the House," Joe sighed heavily.

[Sarenium]

"Sounds like we need someone on top of the ticket that moderate and red state Democrats are comfortable campaigning with," Jillian smirked, "no good being the nominee if candidates in Mississippi and Kentucky want to avoid you and incumbents on the coasts are fighting off your challengers."

"Not much good in electing pro-life and pro-gun Senators who ran on family values and are more likely than not to vote like [not-Manchin] either if you're asking me," She said as she took a bit of the salad she had put on her plate.

"I can stomach a pro-life, pro-gun Democrat who'll back economic uplifting," Jillian replied as she poured some more juice, "we can't get everything done in the space of two years, and I'd rather build economic foundations for success first. That said, a net of three seats means we can lose Alabama, pickup any three of Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, Iowa, Ohio or Georgia or Texas if you're ambitious. Without the President on the ballot, we're going to struggle because we have no opposition right now. Same deal for them only they have the benefit of competing in a batch of slightly more Republican states," she placed some food next to her salad, "we need to be able to govern, a conservative Democrat is still more likely to back health reform than any sitting Republican would."

[New Cobastheia]

"Not much good in electing pro-life and pro-gun Senators who ran on family values and are more likely than not to vote like [not-Manchin] either if you're asking me," She said as she took a bit of the salad she had put on her plate.

"I can stomach a pro-life, pro-gun Democrat who'll back economic uplifting," Jillian replied as she poured some more juice, "we can't get everything done in the space of two years, and I'd rather build economic foundations for success first. That said, a net of three seats means we can lose Alabama, pickup any three of Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, Iowa, Ohio or Georgia or Texas if you're ambitious. Without the President on the ballot, we're going to struggle because we have no opposition right now. Same deal for them only they have the benefit of competing in a batch of slightly more Republican states," she placed some food next to her salad, "we need to be able to govern, a conservative Democrat is still more likely to back health reform than any sitting Republican would."

"So let's take places like North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas then. Let's say the primaries in those places are close and you feel that you have to make an endorsement. Would you rather support someone more in line with Eleanor Brosnan or someone more in line with the moderate or progressive wing of the party? And in the case that there isn't a Conservative Dem in the running, would you support the more moderate or more progressive candidate?"

[Sarenium]

"I can stomach a pro-life, pro-gun Democrat who'll back economic uplifting," Jillian replied as she poured some more juice, "we can't get everything done in the space of two years, and I'd rather build economic foundations for success first. That said, a net of three seats means we can lose Alabama, pickup any three of Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, Iowa, Ohio or Georgia or Texas if you're ambitious. Without the President on the ballot, we're going to struggle because we have no opposition right now. Same deal for them only they have the benefit of competing in a batch of slightly more Republican states," she placed some food next to her salad, "we need to be able to govern, a conservative Democrat is still more likely to back health reform than any sitting Republican would."

"So let's take places like North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas then. Let's say the primaries in those places are close and you feel that you have to make an endorsement. Would you rather support someone more in line with Eleanor Brosnan or someone more in line with the moderate or progressive wing of the party? And in the case that there isn't a Conservative Dem in the running, would you support the more moderate or more progressive candidate?"

"I wouldn't put up Progressives in any of those three states, but I would also not put someone pro-life up if I can help it, common sense gun measures, and a government has no right to be involved view are both broadly popular in most winnable states, medicare for all, isn't" Jillian pursed her lip.

[New Cobastheia]

"So let's take places like North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas then. Let's say the primaries in those places are close and you feel that you have to make an endorsement. Would you rather support someone more in line with Eleanor Brosnan or someone more in line with the moderate or progressive wing of the party? And in the case that there isn't a Conservative Dem in the running, would you support the more moderate or more progressive candidate?"

"I wouldn't put up Progressives in any of those three states, but I would also not put someone pro-life up if I can help it, common sense gun measures, and a government has no right to be involved view are both broadly popular in most winnable states, medicare for all, isn't" Jillian pursed her lip.

"So I take it you'd support whoever you'd think has the best shot at winning the seat then for most of the 2020 Senate races." As she finished up that sentence she took a bit from one of the chicken skewers, "Are you planning on following the same logic when it comes to the VP choice?"

[Sarenium]

"I wouldn't put up Progressives in any of those three states, but I would also not put someone pro-life up if I can help it, common sense gun measures, and a government has no right to be involved view are both broadly popular in most winnable states, medicare for all, isn't" Jillian pursed her lip.

"So I take it you'd support whoever you'd think has the best shot at winning the seat then for most of the 2020 Senate races." As she finished up that sentence she took a bit from one of the chicken skewers, "Are you planning on following the same logic when it comes to the VP choice?"

"My Vice-President has to be understanding of their unique role as the first woman's VP," Jillian paused, "traditional Vice Presidents have never been seen as the man of the table, I was Governor with an ambitious Lieutenant Governor, I refuse to have a deputy with an investment more in themselves rather than the goal we'd be elected to attain. So my shortlist at this hour doesn't account for ideology, rather it accounts for their ability to work with me to reach our goals and their personal belief in my agenda as far as I can tell. How much we agree on, so on."

"I'm not opposed to a Vice President who'd want to run in four or eight years," Jillian continued, "but they do that after most of my agenda, that I want to be elected on, is passed and law."

[Sarenium]

---

Jill & Mac
Tennessee
November 18

---

Flying in from D.C., she made a point of visiting Mac Faulhaber in the morning before events in the afternoon.

[Emazia]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"Failed presidential candidate Patrick, and failed Republican as well not only makes personal attacks on me, but all Afghan veterans, all Marines, and all American soldiers ever born. I disagree plenty with Caroline Simone, but have I ever called her a traitor? No, because she isn't one (even if her policies are completely wrong.) To throw around the world 'treason' so casually suggests that Patrick is not in his right mind. He is the one who should be resigning. And I won't point out the hypocrisy, but it's there."

Liked and Retweeted by Bernie Porter and Theodore Vohoffsky

Bernard J. Porter
@BerniePorter

As much as I disagree with Senator Colbert's comments regarding President Wolf, along with Chairman Wolf, but I believe that Congressman Patrick was fully in the wrong and should apologise for his actions. His words are an insult to veterans everywhere in this country. I served in Afghanistan, just like Senator Colbert, and I fully agree with his words now.

[Dentali]

"Lets take this one step at a time..."

"How will you get that healthcare plan through Congress without the House of Representatives?" Joe frowned, "conservative judges is all fine and dandy, but Democrats hold the House of Representatives, the odds of flipping the House," Joe sighed heavily.

"Compromise and negotiation, thats how America always moves forward... and if we can't talk across the aisle anymore then we are finished as a country. I don't want to destroy the ACA, I'll cut a deal with democrats to reform it while preserving enough bits to keep (Not-Obama's) legacy intact. And I have a fairly good relationship with Speaker Simone. I'm also confident my candidacy will have coattails, i'm most popular in the swing suburbs we lost in 18... so we can make a strong effort to get those back. I'm not saying I can win back the house, but we can make gains and at very least not lose any more. Furthermore many of those dems elected in recent years are pragmatic moderates, the new members of the party in the house don't act like Levi Murphy.

[Sarenium]

"How will you get that healthcare plan through Congress without the House of Representatives?" Joe frowned, "conservative judges is all fine and dandy, but Democrats hold the House of Representatives, the odds of flipping the House," Joe sighed heavily.

"Compromise and negotiation, thats how America always moves forward... and if we can't talk across the aisle anymore then we are finished as a country. I don't want to destroy the ACA, I'll cut a deal with democrats to reform it while preserving enough bits to keep (Not-Obama's) legacy intact. And I have a fairly good relationship with Speaker Simone. I'm also confident my candidacy will have coattails, i'm most popular in the swing suburbs we lost in 18... so we can make a strong effort to get those back. I'm not saying I can win back the house, but we can make gains and at very least not lose any more. Furthermore many of those dems elected in recent years are pragmatic moderates, the new members of the party in the house don't act like Levi Murphy.

"Should Joe fail to win either the nomination or by some miracle Democrats flip a second seat," Howard pondered on the hypothetical with a raised hand...

[Dentali]

"Compromise and negotiation, thats how America always moves forward... and if we can't talk across the aisle anymore then we are finished as a country. I don't want to destroy the ACA, I'll cut a deal with democrats to reform it while preserving enough bits to keep (Not-Obama's) legacy intact. And I have a fairly good relationship with Speaker Simone. I'm also confident my candidacy will have coattails, i'm most popular in the swing suburbs we lost in 18... so we can make a strong effort to get those back. I'm not saying I can win back the house, but we can make gains and at very least not lose any more. Furthermore many of those dems elected in recent years are pragmatic moderates, the new members of the party in the house don't act like Levi Murphy.

"Should Joe fail to win either the nomination or by some miracle Democrats flip a second seat," Howard pondered on the hypothetical with a raised hand...

"Joe would be my Secretary of Defense if he should want it. If I don't cross the finish line then i'll be an advocate for him as much as possible, not that I think he needs my help... He is immensely qualified."

[Sarenium]

"Should Joe fail to win either the nomination or by some miracle Democrats flip a second seat," Howard pondered on the hypothetical with a raised hand...

"Joe would be my Secretary of Defense if he should want it. If I don't cross the finish line then i'll be an advocate for him as much as possible, not that I think he needs my help... He is immensely qualified."

Howard nodded slowly, "I'll be endorsing in January, keep an eye out for an article in the Wall Street Journal."

Joe stood, "let me show you out, Governor."

"Nate," Howard shook Nathaniel's hand firmly as Joe walked him out.

"My dad says you're a big Eike fan," Joe smiled as they walked out.

[Dentali]

"Joe would be my Secretary of Defense if he should want it. If I don't cross the finish line then i'll be an advocate for him as much as possible, not that I think he needs my help... He is immensely qualified."

Howard nodded slowly, "I'll be endorsing in January, keep an eye out for an article in the Wall Street Journal."

Joe stood, "let me show you out, Governor."

"Nate," Howard shook Nathaniel's hand firmly as Joe walked him out.

"My dad says you're a big Eike fan," Joe smiled as they walked out.

"'If a political part does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power' Ike is my favorite President... I quote him enough to drive my wife a bit nutty"

[Sarenium]

Howard nodded slowly, "I'll be endorsing in January, keep an eye out for an article in the Wall Street Journal."

Joe stood, "let me show you out, Governor."

"Nate," Howard shook Nathaniel's hand firmly as Joe walked him out.

"My dad says you're a big Eike fan," Joe smiled as they walked out.

"'If a political part does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power' Ike is my favorite President... I quote him enough to drive my wife a bit nutty"

"He warned us of a great many pitfalls, but we failed to overcome our own ego, here's hoping we have more Presidencies in the mould of Ike," Joe smiled as he extended a farewell hand.

[Dentali]

"'If a political part does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power' Ike is my favorite President... I quote him enough to drive my wife a bit nutty"

"He warned us of a great many pitfalls, but we failed to overcome our own ego, here's hoping we have more Presidencies in the mould of Ike," Joe smiled as he extended a farewell hand.

"I hope mine to be one of them." Richardson shook the hands of Joe and Howard, bidding them farewell

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

A Dayton in Alaska
November 17
D.C.

---

Jillian hopped on the plane at 11pm, it was a small campaign rented plane, carbon offset-ed and everything. She arrived from Las Vegas early in the morning and headed immediately to Senator Sullivan's D.C. home, hopeful that the near-nothing sleep she'd had overnight would be offset by charisma as they had their morning meeting.

Frankie's home in Washington was small and quaint, focused more on suiting her work needs and less on being comfortable. Alas, from time to time, she had to host friends and guests here and thus she took part of the day before to clean up. By the time that her friend Jillian was set to arrive, the entire home was in order and the Alaskan was sat at the kitchen table as pop music played from her Alexa. It was that big black woman's music that Frankie had come to enjoy though she only left it playing given the fact her guest was likely to not think of it as inappropriate. So when Dayton arrived, she opened the door to greet her with the song traveling out the door.

"Hello Senator, how are you?"

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

---

Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
November 16th, 2019

---

---

"Well, I think I can agree that Levi is a bit of a rougher force around the edges though maybe that's what we need. Politics, as it has been, has hardly delivered the progressive and systematic changes we have both called for and I doubt Jillian Dayton will deliver on those all-encompassing promises either. She's a career politician Tim, sure, thankfully she's more progressive than the rest and sure, she has delivered big change for education, but she has been in politics almost her whole life. Though thankfully she is at least new on the Washington scene. And I certainly hope you choose to stay on in the Senate. I'd prefer to have a friend there..." began Marty with a smirk.

"That's actually my plan. If I do end up dropping out, I'd' like to make a bid for the Senate right here in Oregon. The whole issue in the way is of course, not a promise like yourself, but the fact that Doyle remains both in the Presidential race and if he drops out, there's a good chance he will run for reelection. So I have to be honest, and as you said yourself, I'm both a progressive and a pragmatist. But I'd like whoever I endorse to really help clear my path to the Senate. Oregon is a safe seat I am sure I can hold but the real question will be how to either beat Doyle or get him out of the equation. Levi has promised to back me in a primary challenge though I feel that that approach may be too aggressive. Perhaps promising him a cabinet position and simply pushing him out will be enough? I would certainly hope to have your support on that Tim and Jillian's too if I decide to back her too." spoke Spellman with a charismatic smile.

"You have explained how Jillian has the electoral math behind her in this primary not to mention how her opponents...well, my opponents too I suppose...are less than ideal for a real race given their connations and history. And I think I am more than inclined to agree with you. I met with Jillian actually in Florida shortly after the first debate and she came off as a real trustworthy woman. And I am always more than happy to ensure that the face of a progressive America is the face of someone who isn't a white man. So I am more than willing to endorse and close ranks behind her. But I hope she's ready to make changes to her platform or at least the platform of the Democratic Party. Now is the time to move to the left Tim, especially if she's as progressive and open-minded as you say. And of course, I'd like to have some promises that she'll clear a path for me to the Senate as well. I hate this political talk of trading favors for endorsements but I think we both know...and Jill knows...that this is how things work."

[Azekopolaltion]

---

Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
November 16th, 2019

---

(Image)

---

"Well, I think I can agree that Levi is a bit of a rougher force around the edges though maybe that's what we need. Politics, as it has been, has hardly delivered the progressive and systematic changes we have both called for and I doubt Jillian Dayton will deliver on those all-encompassing promises either. She's a career politician Tim, sure, thankfully she's more progressive than the rest and sure, she has delivered big change for education, but she has been in politics almost her whole life. Though thankfully she is at least new on the Washington scene. And I certainly hope you choose to stay on in the Senate. I'd prefer to have a friend there..." began Marty with a smirk.

"That's actually my plan. If I do end up dropping out, I'd' like to make a bid for the Senate right here in Oregon. The whole issue in the way is of course, not a promise like yourself, but the fact that Doyle remains both in the Presidential race and if he drops out, there's a good chance he will run for reelection. So I have to be honest, and as you said yourself, I'm both a progressive and a pragmatist. But I'd like whoever I endorse to really help clear my path to the Senate. Oregon is a safe seat I am sure I can hold but the real question will be how to either beat Doyle or get him out of the equation. Levi has promised to back me in a primary challenge though I feel that that approach may be too aggressive. Perhaps promising him a cabinet position and simply pushing him out will be enough? I would certainly hope to have your support on that Tim and Jillian's too if I decide to back her too." spoke Spellman with a charismatic smile.

"You have explained how Jillian has the electoral math behind her in this primary not to mention how her opponents...well, my opponents too I suppose...are less than ideal for a real race given their connations and history. And I think I am more than inclined to agree with you. I met with Jillian actually in Florida shortly after the first debate and she came off as a real trustworthy woman. And I am always more than happy to ensure that the face of a progressive America is the face of someone who isn't a white man. So I am more than willing to endorse and close ranks behind her. But I hope she's ready to make changes to her platform or at least the platform of the Democratic Party. Now is the time to move to the left Tim, especially if she's as progressive and open-minded as you say. And of course, I'd like to have some promises that she'll clear a path for me to the Senate as well. I hate this political talk of trading favors for endorsements but I think we both know...and Jill knows...that this is how things work."

"I see you're learning fast," Tim said jokingly, laughing at Dr. Spellman's newfound political ability for horse-trading, "Marty, I'd be more than happy to support you in a Senate run. Frank is a friend of mine, he's done a great job as Senator and he's been an important progressive voice. But I do agree that we need fresh perspectives and fresh leadership, and I think Senator Doyle would happily find a way out if he's offered a position in the Dayton Administration. I think keeping him out of the race should be fairly uncomplicated if Jillian or I have a word with him."

"I can't speak for Jillian, but I'm sure she'd throw her full support behind you. And I know she's open to listening, she's expressed a willingness to take advice from folks like you and me on the issues and I am confident we can push the platform left. But only if we ourselves are open to sitting at the table with people who might not seem exactly like us, but who are sympathetic to many of our causes. So I'll give you my word, Marty: I'll have your back in the Senate race. I'm sure Jillian will do the same. Now the question is – will you have ours?"

[Louisianan]

Campaign Announcement Speech at a Dolly Parton Concert
Lafayette, Louisiana
Hypolite Gaspard
November 17, 2019

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Hypolite Gaspard arrived at the Lafayette Cajun Dome, not in a fancy tuxedo, or in a slick suit, but in a button up dress shirt, and blue jeans. He wore his 2016 Arnold Wolf Hat, his 1965 rodeo belt buckle, and his favorite set of cowboy boots. He walked into the Cajun Dome through the front entrance, he shook the hands of many of his constituents. He walked through the crowds and onto the stage, the cheering could have been heard miles away. Hypolite sat his lovely wife on the side of him, and stepped up to the microphone. He looked over the crowd and up to the roof where banners were strung up. After about five minutes, he motioned for the crowd to quiet down, and he began his speech.

How ya'll doing out there? I see you folks, I hear you folks, and I absolutely love you folks! I would first like to thank, my lovely momma up in heaven for letting me be on this earth, my lovely wife for letting me come to this wonderful place today so late after supper, and last but not least, this marvelous crowd. I am only here because you voted me in office in about 1989, then in 2000 and again and again until I retired in 2010. I know that ya'll love me, even that man with a sign in the back loves me, I can't even read what that says. Anyway, you folks know me, you folks know what I have done for this state, ya'll remember, my actions after 9/11, ya'll know what I found out about that old John Kerry back in 04.

Later, in 2010, I left office, looking for greener pastures, I felt that I had done all I could do, I had no reason to take up space. Washington became so crooked, I couldn't look straight down my nose no more, it veered off to the left. All kidding aside, I retired, I thought that was it for me. Well, a few months ago, my doctor found a shadow in my lung, we thought it was cancer. I thought it was really it for me, I prayed to my daddy, I prayed to my momma, and sure enough, it was a benign tumor. During my surgery, I saw something, I saw god, I saw my family, I saw paradise. That paradise was Louisiana! I was worried and terrified, when I had read that the crooked, hateful, lying brown-nosed Democrat Russell Long was running for reelection, I said nope, I refuse to leave my state in the hands of that crook. I donated a large sum of money to the John Holland Campaign, that man will do more for this state in one term than that old Russell Long did in his whole career. I refuse to let the democrats take over our country, our state, or our lives.

Today folks, I come to you, asking for your approval, I want to not only run, but I want to win the United States Senator Election for Louisiana. I will bring out the voices of our elders, the folks my age. I will bring out the voices, of our youngins! Our kids, grandkids, in my case, Great-Grandkids, will flourish with me in the senate, I will hold your voices above the voices of those Washington rats! I will keep your voices heard in our senate, I will keep your voices heard in our goverment period. The Republicans can come back into control as we did in the Gingrich Revolution! The voice of the Average Joe needs to be heard again, just as it was with Dwight Eisenhower, just as it was with our fellow, Ronald Reagan. We need to liven up Washington, make the folks there more accessible to all of you, not just the rich, not just the Highfalutin, and not just the lily livered, brown nosed Democrats! I want to help, I'm not in it for the money, I'm not in it for the fame, I'm not in it for the recognition. I am in it, for my people. Again, I need your help, I need all of the support and love that you Cajuns can muster up. I'll get off the stage and let the beautiful Dolly Parton come out and sing us some good tunes. I'll be off, Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

The crowd cheered, whooped, and hollered, as Hypolite waved, and blew kisses at the crowd. Despite his love of country music, Hypolite had to leave, he was off to Baton Rouge to meet with the governor to talk about an endorsement later in the campaign!

[Sarenium]

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A Dayton in Alaska
November 17
D.C.

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Jillian hopped on the plane at 11pm, it was a small campaign rented plane, carbon offset-ed and everything. She arrived from Las Vegas early in the morning and headed immediately to Senator Sullivan's D.C. home, hopeful that the near-nothing sleep she'd had overnight would be offset by charisma as they had their morning meeting.

Frankie's home in Washington was small and quaint, focused more on suiting her work needs and less on being comfortable. Alas, from time to time, she had to host friends and guests here and thus she took part of the day before to clean up. By the time that her friend Jillian was set to arrive, the entire home was in order and the Alaskan was sat at the kitchen table as pop music played from her Alexa. It was that big black woman's music that Frankie had come to enjoy though she only left it playing given the fact her guest was likely to not think of it as inappropriate. So when Dayton arrived, she opened the door to greet her with the song traveling out the door.

"Hello Senator, how are you?"

"Quite good, Senator," Jillian smiled, "I trust your keeping well?"