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

[Dentali]

"That's three questions, so I will answer the last one. Yes I am pro-life which should surprise absolutely no one. I believe abortion should be outlawed except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother's life."

"Will you commit to entirely overturning Roe v. Wade?"

Richardson: If I have a chance to support supreme court justices then I will be appointing judges who aren't activists, who place a value on the constitution and the intention of the articles. I am an originalist, who values the independence of the Supreme Court. I think Roe was wrongly decided... something Senator Dayton agrees with me on since she wants to try and codify it. I will only appoint judges who adhere to the Constitution and the laws as they are written, not as they want them to be written.

Right now we are seeing states pass laws guaranteeing abortion on demand for any reason, at any time in the Pregnancy even partial birth abortion and actions I can only describe as infanticide. The first step is stopping that.

[Emazia]

"Will you commit to entirely overturning Roe v. Wade?"

Richardson: If I have a chance to support supreme court justices then I will be appointing judges who aren't activists, who place a value on the constitution and the intention of the articles. I am an originalist, who values the independence of the Supreme Court. I think Roe was wrongly decided... something Senator Dayton agrees with me on since she wants to try and codify it. I will only appoint judges who adhere to the Constitution and the laws as they are written, not as they want them to be written.

Right now we are seeing states pass laws guaranteeing abortion on demand for any reason, at any time in the Pregnancy even partial birth abortion and actions I can only describe as infanticide. The first step is stopping that.

"Alright, thank you. My question goes back to my first question. Will you commit to banning the production of pornography in the United States?"

[Lavan Tiri]

"How do you plan to enforce your total abortion ban, Governor?" the journalist asked as she scribbled something.

Richardson: You had your followup

Mymouth raised his hand. "Governor, if I may. How do you plan to enforce this ban on abortion?"

[Dentali]

Richardson: If I have a chance to support supreme court justices then I will be appointing judges who aren't activists, who place a value on the constitution and the intention of the articles. I am an originalist, who values the independence of the Supreme Court. I think Roe was wrongly decided... something Senator Dayton agrees with me on since she wants to try and codify it. I will only appoint judges who adhere to the Constitution and the laws as they are written, not as they want them to be written.

Right now we are seeing states pass laws guaranteeing abortion on demand for any reason, at any time in the Pregnancy even partial birth abortion and actions I can only describe as infanticide. The first step is stopping that.

"Alright, thank you. My question goes back to my first question. Will you commit to banning the production of pornography in the United States?"

Richardson: You had your followup and you are free to ask next week. But a Richardson administration will crack down on Pornography.

[Dentali]

Richardson: You had your followup

Mymouth raised his hand. "Governor, if I may. How do you plan to enforce this ban on abortion?"

Richardson: A President is not a king, regardless of my personal position about abortion I can't just wave my hand and change the law of the land. As I said I will be appoint judges and justices that will respect the constitution and the individual rights and liberties of human beings. Beyond that I will immediately be pushing for legislation banning third trimester abortion and born alive protections, as well as taking measures such as supporting families financially, making contraception available over the counter, and promoting adoption and foster care services to name a few to reduce the number of women seeking abortions to just name a few.

[Louisianan]

Mymouth raised his hand. "Governor, if I may. How do you plan to enforce this ban on abortion?"

Richardson: A President is not a king, regardless of my personal position about abortion I can't just wave my hand and change the law of the land. As I said I will be appoint judges and justices that will respect the constitution and the individual rights and liberties of human beings. Beyond that I will immediately be pushing for legislation banning third trimester abortion and born alive protections, as well as taking measures such as supporting families financially, making contraception available over the counter, and promoting adoption and foster care services to name a few to reduce the number of women seeking abortions to just name a few.

Ligmanuhtz stands, "So will you attempt to get Supreme Court Justices to do your bidding, and legislate from the bench?"

[Dentali]

Richardson: A President is not a king, regardless of my personal position about abortion I can't just wave my hand and change the law of the land. As I said I will be appoint judges and justices that will respect the constitution and the individual rights and liberties of human beings. Beyond that I will immediately be pushing for legislation banning third trimester abortion and born alive protections, as well as taking measures such as supporting families financially, making contraception available over the counter, and promoting adoption and foster care services to name a few to reduce the number of women seeking abortions to just name a few.

Ligmanuhtz stands, "So will you attempt to get Supreme Court Justices to do your bidding, and legislate from the bench?"

Richardson: If I asked a potential supreme court justice to rule one way or another on a specific case I would want them to walk out of the room. I don't want activists, I want originalists who do not exceed their authority or the law... So the exact opposite of what you suggest.

[The Orion Islands]

From: Utah Senator Everitt Colbert
To: Arizona Representative Kathleen Nez
Greetings Congresswoman
I have recently authored a bill that could have a lot of direct benefits for your district. Seeing as this bill would directly impact your district, and the fact that it requires Democratic votes to pass the House, I was wondering if I could come by your office to discuss it. I understand you have been busy with leadership and the economic crisis, but if my bill is successful, it could bring a lot of good paying jobs to your district.

[Greater Arab State]

Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

Friday, 10th April, 2020

It was the time of the week that the House Minority Leader held his weekly press conference, arriving at the site of the press conference, just outside of the Capitol Building, he went straight to answering the media’s questions of the day.

A gruff tattooed reporter, experianced in martial arts, asked "Who you backing, brohder. Porter or Spellman?"

Another montane reporter "No SNIP act, yes or no? Also, any future plans for the economic crisis?"

“Both I and the House Republican Conference will be supporting Secretary Porter in his upcoming debate with Dr Spellman.” Volker said before addressing the second reporter.

“The House Republican Conference is unreservedly opposed to the NO SNIP Act and its blatant attempt to assault the religious freedom of Americans, and their right to practice their faith, across this great nation. On the subject of any further legislation of the current fiscal downturn the House Republican Conference is continuing to carefully monitor the economic situation and will take any remedial action that is necessary.”

[Louisianan]

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

Hot Damn! I just had a thought! Why don't the Louisiana State parties, organize a debate between me and Mr. Bellman! That way, I can hear him compare me to a cricket right to my face! Can't wait to see how that would turn out, ain't that right Louisiana?

[Free Ward Marchers]

Nate Richardson
Press Pool, Pennsylvania

Richardson: Good morning... as a Congressman and Governor, I have striven to be as open and transparent as possible and it is something I hope to continue as President. With that in mind at minimum once a week I will be holding a press poll for a half hour and answering questions. So without further ado please ask your questions and please limit them to a question and one follow up so more people can participate.

A middle ages women from MSNBC stands up

Mr. Richardson last year an estimated 26 transgender individuals were murdered and a lot of their murderers are free due to the use of the Trans Panic Defense. So my question to you Mr. Richardson is what will you do to prevent those deaths from happening again and the murderers from walking away scott free?

[New Cobastheia]

TO: [Mayor Del Moral]
FROM: [Rep. Nez]
SUBJECT: #RecallMaxSmith

---

Mayor Del Moral,

I'm just reaching out in regards to the recall campaign you recently launched, I'm curious about it. If you have any time free soon I'd be happy to drive down to Tucson.

Also, my apologies for not being able to attend the climate rally on the 4th, I had already planned on attending Phoenix Pride. I heard the climate rally went well though so congratulations on that front.

Ahe'hee',
Kathleen Nez

To: Rep. Kathleen Nez
From: Mayor Del Moral

No need to apologise, being in Congress is already a great responsibility, though I vastly appreciate your congratulation. I'm glad you're interested in the recall effort, after all you have served our state greatly and have been a veteran of positive change- I'd be happy to talk on anything you need to know. Laverna's Coffee shop in Tucson a good meeting place?

Sincerely, Del Moral

The two offices had talked and managed to work out a good time for the Mayor and the Representative. Kathleen had driven down from Phoenix to Tucson on the day of the meeting. Arriving first she found an empty table and waited for the Mayor.

---

From: Utah Senator Everitt Colbert
To: Arizona Representative Kathleen Nez
Greetings Congresswoman
I have recently authored a bill that could have a lot of direct benefits for your district. Seeing as this bill would directly impact your district, and the fact that it requires Democratic votes to pass the House, I was wondering if I could come by your office to discuss it. I understand you have been busy with leadership and the economic crisis, but if my bill is successful, it could bring a lot of good paying jobs to your district.

FROM: [Rep. Nez]
TO: [Sen. Colbert]

---

I'd be happy to see it. I'm free tomorrow after a committee meeting, feel free to head over to my office at 3 pm if it works for you to.

[The Orion Islands]

To: Rep. Kathleen Nez
From: Mayor Del Moral

No need to apologise, being in Congress is already a great responsibility, though I vastly appreciate your congratulation. I'm glad you're interested in the recall effort, after all you have served our state greatly and have been a veteran of positive change- I'd be happy to talk on anything you need to know. Laverna's Coffee shop in Tucson a good meeting place?

Sincerely, Del Moral

The two offices had talked and managed to work out a good time for the Mayor and the Representative. Kathleen had driven down from Phoenix to Tucson on the day of the meeting. Arriving first she found an empty table and waited for the Mayor.

---

From: Utah Senator Everitt Colbert
To: Arizona Representative Kathleen Nez
Greetings Congresswoman
I have recently authored a bill that could have a lot of direct benefits for your district. Seeing as this bill would directly impact your district, and the fact that it requires Democratic votes to pass the House, I was wondering if I could come by your office to discuss it. I understand you have been busy with leadership and the economic crisis, but if my bill is successful, it could bring a lot of good paying jobs to your district.

FROM: [Rep. Nez]
TO: [Sen. Colbert]

---

I'd be happy to see it. I'm free tomorrow after a committee meeting, feel free to head over to my office at 3 pm if it works for you to.

Senator Colbert had a copy printed of his latest piece of work, had it laminated, and made sure to be there at 3:00 PM exactly. He produced his drivers license to show the Secretary and introduced himself.
“I am Utah Senator Everitt Colbert. The Representative is expecting me to discuss a bill.”

[New Cobastheia]

Senator Colbert had a copy printed of his latest piece of work, had it laminated, and made sure to be there at 3:00 PM exactly. He produced his drivers license to show the Secretary and introduced himself.
“I am Utah Senator Everitt Colbert. The Representative is expecting me to discuss a bill.”

Nez's secretary took the license in hand in gave a slightly confused look given that he was expecting the Senator regardless, handing in back to the Senator after a few seconds he said, "The Representative is indeed expecting you, you can head in Senator Colbert."

[The Orion Islands]

Senator Colbert had a copy printed of his latest piece of work, had it laminated, and made sure to be there at 3:00 PM exactly. He produced his drivers license to show the Secretary and introduced himself.
“I am Utah Senator Everitt Colbert. The Representative is expecting me to discuss a bill.”

Nez's secretary took the license in hand in gave a slightly confused look given that he was expecting the Senator regardless, handing in back to the Senator after a few seconds he said, "The Representative is indeed expecting you, you can head in Senator Colbert."

Colbert headed in. "Hello, Representative. How have you been."

[New Cobastheia]

Nez's secretary took the license in hand in gave a slightly confused look given that he was expecting the Senator regardless, handing in back to the Senator after a few seconds he said, "The Representative is indeed expecting you, you can head in Senator Colbert."

Colbert headed in. "Hello, Representative. How have you been."

"It's been an interesting few weeks but other than that I've been well, how about you?" She asked as she got up from her desk to give the Senator a hand shake.

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert headed in. "Hello, Representative. How have you been."

"It's been an interesting few weeks but other than that I've been well, how about you?" She asked as she got up from her desk to give the Senator a hand shake.

Colbert took her hand and shook it. "It's been going quite well for me, though I've had to turn down a couple of MSNBC interviews. Oh, by the way, I would like to apologize on behalf of the United States Senate for Levi Murphy's remarks. I feel that he has betrayed the decorum expected of that body, and for that I apologize. His nerve to call you a career climber, while he was on some bus to get the ultimate promotion! But, he's old news, and he will be nothing in a few months. Now, I have an interesting bill that I think would warrant your attention, and I'd like you to read it."
He then pulls out his latest project and gives it to her for her to read.

Official Name: Mountain States Energy Development Bank Act Nickname: MSED Bank Act

Overview: Establishment of the Mountain States Energy Development Bank.

Section 1: The states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are an extremely large, diverse, and important region of the United States. Together, they make up the Mountain States. This region is already a major supplier of energy, but with proper development, it could play an even more important part in not just the economy of the United States, but also of the entire world. This bill hereby establishes the Mountain States Energy Development Bank as a federally controlled corporation in order to further develop the energy generating capacity of this region.

Definitions: Bank shall refer to the Mountain States Energy Development Bank
Director shall refer to the Director of the Mountain States Energy Development Bank.
Section 2: The Mountain States Energy Development Bank is hereby established as a federal corporation. It shall establish its headquarters in a major city within one of the states defined by the United States Census Bureau as within the Mountain region. It shall seek to fund the development of energy related projects in the Mountain region.
Section 3: The Secretary of the Treasury shall write the bylaws and governing documents of the Bank in line with all existing federal laws and regulations and good business ethics. The bylaws shall include lending standards, project requirements, and capitalization requirements.
Section 4: All projects funded by the bank shall conform to all federal laws, regulations, and all state and local laws and regulations relevant to the project.
Section 5: The Bank shall charge interest rates at standard market rates
Section 6: This section hereby establishes the position of the Director of the Mountain States Energy Development Bank. He shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a term of 7 years. The Director shall be able to be removed by the President and be subject to impeachment. The Director shall see to it that the Bank fulfills its duties under this act and all other federal, state, and local laws and regulations that are applicable. He shall oversee the day-to-day business operations of the bank.
Section 7: The Bank shall have a board of directors of thirteen members. One member each will be appointed by the Speaker of the House, the House Minority Leader, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, and the Governors of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. These twelve members shall elect one individual to the board to serve as chairman. The chairman shall be a figure from outside the federal and state governments to serve as an impartial arbitrator on the board. The board of directors shall see to it that all operations and personnel of the Bank fulfills its duties under this act and all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Section 8: The sum of ten billion dollars is hereby appropriated to the Bank by the Treasury to serve as initial start-up capital.

This bill is then honorably presented to the United States Senate for consideration in order to fund energy development in the Mountain States to improve the United States Law and is backed by Everitt Colbert on (insert the date)

Do Not Remove: 1337

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

"Passing the Equality Act, and restoring Baharia Era policy on transgender Americans serving in the Armed Forces are the two I can assure you will happen in quick order, though, I am open to others," she paused, appreciating the food as it arrived, "on the campaign I eat barely ever, if at all, this, is a welcome change," her eyes beamed brightly as the Eggs Benedict was set down in front of her, "when I was in the House, we had a Congressional Trip to Europe, the French of course, as they should, beat us in their ability to put together hollandaise, but this café makes it better than any others I've been to in D.C.," she scooped together her first slice and looked at the Californian, "did you have anything specific in mind for the future of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States that you'd like me to do?"

Buster smiled a bit wider, glad that Dayton was informed on some of the most important items on the LGBTQ+ agenda. He chuckled lightly at her anecdote, tasting his own parfait as she spoke. While he enjoyed small talk, he was interested in business. Levi— Senator Murphy— had taught him that any friendship in politics was only a mind-game. Raph was the exception.

"The Equality Act would be a strong start," he encouraged, making sure Jillian realized how proud he was of her support of that vital bill. "As would a reversal of Wolf's awful, bigoted policies. B— But there's more, and even if they're not legislatively accomplishable," he struggled through the polysyllabic words, "it would do wonders for the LGBTQ+ movement to have the President of the United States showing her support for them." He cleared his throat, wishing he had some notes to guide his speech, but making do without.

"Str— Striking down bathroom bills, requiring health insurance and Medicaid to cover transitions, mandating LGBTQ+ education in public schools..." As Buster went on, his articulation became clearer, his passion overriding his speech impediment. "...preventing border control from deporting LGBTQ+ immigrants to countries with the death penalty for their way of life, legal recognition of non-binary gender, a federal ban on conversion therapy and the gay and trans panic defenses."

The Californian realized he had named enough policies to fill an agenda, and smiled meekly. "Again, I don't expect all of this overnight. If my short time in the Senate has taught me anything, it's that real change takes time. But, like I said, if the President came out in support of these issues, it would mean so much not just to me, but to millions of people the world over."

[New Cobastheia]

"It's been an interesting few weeks but other than that I've been well, how about you?" She asked as she got up from her desk to give the Senator a hand shake.

Colbert took her hand and shook it. "It's been going quite well for me, though I've had to turn down a couple of MSNBC interviews. Oh, by the way, I would like to apologize on behalf of the United States Senate for Levi Murphy's remarks. I feel that he has betrayed the decorum expected of that body, and for that I apologize. His nerve to call you a career climber, while he was on some bus to get the ultimate promotion! But, he's old news, and he will be nothing in a few months. Now, I have an interesting bill that I think would warrant your attention, and I'd like you to read it."
He then pulls out his latest project and gives it to her for her to read.

Official Name: Mountain States Energy Development Bank Act Nickname: MSED Bank Act

Overview: Establishment of the Mountain States Energy Development Bank.

Section 1: The states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are an extremely large, diverse, and important region of the United States. Together, they make up the Mountain States. This region is already a major supplier of energy, but with proper development, it could play an even more important part in not just the economy of the United States, but also of the entire world. This bill hereby establishes the Mountain States Energy Development Bank as a federally controlled corporation in order to further develop the energy generating capacity of this region.

Definitions: Bank shall refer to the Mountain States Energy Development Bank
Director shall refer to the Director of the Mountain States Energy Development Bank.
Section 2: The Mountain States Energy Development Bank is hereby established as a federal corporation. It shall establish its headquarters in a major city within one of the states defined by the United States Census Bureau as within the Mountain region. It shall seek to fund the development of energy related projects in the Mountain region.
Section 3: The Secretary of the Treasury shall write the bylaws and governing documents of the Bank in line with all existing federal laws and regulations and good business ethics. The bylaws shall include lending standards, project requirements, and capitalization requirements.
Section 4: All projects funded by the bank shall conform to all federal laws, regulations, and all state and local laws and regulations relevant to the project.
Section 5: The Bank shall charge interest rates at standard market rates
Section 6: This section hereby establishes the position of the Director of the Mountain States Energy Development Bank. He shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a term of 7 years. The Director shall be able to be removed by the President and be subject to impeachment. The Director shall see to it that the Bank fulfills its duties under this act and all other federal, state, and local laws and regulations that are applicable. He shall oversee the day-to-day business operations of the bank.
Section 7: The Bank shall have a board of directors of thirteen members. One member each will be appointed by the Speaker of the House, the House Minority Leader, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, and the Governors of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. These twelve members shall elect one individual to the board to serve as chairman. The chairman shall be a figure from outside the federal and state governments to serve as an impartial arbitrator on the board. The board of directors shall see to it that all operations and personnel of the Bank fulfills its duties under this act and all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Section 8: The sum of ten billion dollars is hereby appropriated to the Bank by the Treasury to serve as initial start-up capital.

This bill is then honorably presented to the United States Senate for consideration in order to fund energy development in the Mountain States to improve the United States Law and is backed by Everitt Colbert on (insert the date)

Do Not Remove: 1337

Nez gave the Senator a grateful smile as they shook hands and he went on to apologize on behalf of the Senate. Taking the bill in hand, she sat down, motioned for the Senator to sit in the chair opposite to her, and read it. Overall, she liked what she saw, but she did have a couple of questions.

"Has anyone else signed on to the bill yet?" She asked as she finished up.

[Dentali]

(Image)
Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

Hot Damn! I just had a thought! Why don't the Louisiana State parties, organize a debate between me and Mr. Bellman! That way, I can hear him compare me to a cricket right to my face! Can't wait to see how that would turn out, ain't that right Louisiana?

James Moore
@MichiganMoore I understand the world revolves around you but their are a number of candidates in the Jungle Primary. I’d be happy to explain it to you if it’s confusing.

[Louisianan]

(Image)
Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

Hot Damn! I just had a thought! Why don't the Louisiana State parties, organize a debate between me and Mr. Bellman! That way, I can hear him compare me to a cricket right to my face! Can't wait to see how that would turn out, ain't that right Louisiana?

James Moore
@MichiganMoore I understand the world revolves around you but their are a number of candidates in the Jungle Primary. I’d be happy to explain it to you if it’s confusing.

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

Listen jackass, I've lived in this state my whole life, I've run for positions in this state my whole life. I know about the jungle primary, but it seems to me as if it will come down to me and Mr. Bellman. You need to shut up and get to work, not tweet tweet tweet all day. WORK! Thats exactly what I'll do if I'm elected.

[Lavan Tiri]

James Moore
@MichiganMoore I understand the world revolves around you but their are a number of candidates in the Jungle Primary. I’d be happy to explain it to you if it’s confusing.

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

Listen jackass, I've lived in this state my whole life, I've run for positions in this state my whole life. I know about the jungle primary, but it seems to me as if it will come down to me and Mr. Bellman. You need to shut up and get to work, not tweet tweet tweet all day. WORK! Thats exactly what I'll do if I'm elected.

Governor Russell E. Long
@RussellLong

Imagine being a professional museum piece and calling any dude with a job a jackass and telling him to work. And don't pretend you do anything besides tweet about your beard and your prejudices, Hippie. Bible says no lying.

[Lavan Tiri]

Governor Russell E. Long
@RussellLong

I'm sorry y'all, I'm just still in AWE at the idea of HYPOLITE GASPARD telling people to stop tweeting and get to work.

Russell, back home for a brief break from campaigning, called up his assistant and asked her to set up a meeting with Lawrence Bellman.

[Louisianan]

Hypolite Gaspard
@HGLouisianaFirst

---

We're in the middle of an economic crisis, and people are surprised at my call for them to get to work? Of course, Russell Long wouldn't know what that means because he just lost his Grandfather's job! I'm a man of the people, Governor, you're a man of the establishment! God forbid anyone brings up the Clifford scandal because you were apart of that, AND his administration!

[New Cobastheia]

Nez was working on some Congressional business in her Congressional office when she got the call from Daisy, looking at the caller idea on her phone she was quick to pick up, "Hey Daisy, what's up?"

"...interested in working more closely with the Dayton Campaign and any future Dayton Presidency?"

"Oh, we're doing that then. Why yes, I would be interested in working more closely with the Dayton Campaign and any future Dayton Presidency." She joked.

"If offered, would you serve as the Vice-Presidential Running Mate for Senator Jillian Dayton in the 2020 Presidential Election?"

"I've said yes every time some has asked me that question for the last year or so. So yes, and I'd be honored if chosen."

"What do you believe are your greatest weaknesses as a running mate?"

"I'd say my biggest weakness is that I'm a bit of blank space to most Americans. I don't think it's the biggest problem in the world, but we would probably need to put some resources into defining myself to the average American. Probably means the Republicans would want to put some resources into trying to define who I am too, but I'm confident we would win the messaging war on that front."

"The former Vice President and the Speaker actually brought up some attacks they think the Republicans would make against me too. Diehl brought up my family life, how my marriage is and how my children have two different biological fathers. Then Carrie brought up the whole thing about how I'm a loud woman of color and how certain sections of American voters are assholes. Personally, I've never let either of those things stop me and I don't plan on letting them stop me now but I can at least see the logic in why they brought their points up.

"What do you believe are your greatest strengths as a running mate?"

"I think it's my story. I grew up poor, I've spent most of my life poor, I've had to rely on food stamps for more years than I can count, all that stuff. And yet, somehow I beat the system. If you had told me when I was a kid that someday I would of been the first Navajo woman to run my nation and the first Native American woman to serve in Congress, I would of called you funny. If you had told me that I'd be a serious contender for the Vice Presidency, I would of laughed, maybe even called you a bully depending on the circumstance. If I can get where I've gotten and if I can make my way to the Vice Presidency, who's to say what's impossible for anyone in America?"

"Besides that, there's also the traditional stuff. Arizona isn't exactly nearby Virginia, it's more on the other side of the country. It's western but not coastal, it's also a swing state, and I think having the Senator and I on the ticket could give us a pretty good chance of winning it. Not to mention the role the rest of the Southwest is going to play in the election, having someone from the region on the ticket would obviously be a big help on that front. Ideologically, I think it's clear I'm to the left of the Senator. I was a Murphy endorser until a week or two ago, not to mention I was a Baganski surrogate in 2016. If I'm going to advocate for myself I might as well bring up how I think we're going to need someone on the ticket who can unite the party, especially if the Porterites keep on making a stink on the Republican side of the aisle, and I think I'd be one of the best choices on the unite the party front."

"I should also mention my friendship with the Speaker here. Frankly, she's one of my best friends on the Hill and whether it be from the White House or the Hill, I'm intending on keeping that friendship active. Obviously, that'd be a clear asset for the Administration. It also seems I'm generally well-liked here on the Hill if you guys want to favor that in too."

"What color is the dress?"

"Which dress?"

"..."

"Oh, that dress. Give me a second, I have to google it, I never really cared about it that much... Looks white and gold to me."

"How do you believe your working relationship with the Senator can be characterized in your own personal view?"

"I'd call our relationship very formal. I'd say it's clear we respect each other and I'm assuming you guys already know where I prefer the Senator over Levi given my statement. She's more forgiving and less likely to burn a bridge down over a disagreement, she's more likely to listen to advice and more likely to take it, as far as I'm aware she hasn't threatened anyone into staying out of the race. She's an easier person to work with than Levi, whenever I was with Levi later in the race it felt like I had to walk on eggshells, it doesn't feel like that when I'm with the Senator."

"I will say though, I would prefer it if our relationship was more casual. I just work better in more casual relationships, just take me and Carrie's relationship or the relationship between my staffers and I for an example. If I were to serve as the Senator's Vice President I would want to, or atleast, would prefer to have a relationship like that with her."

"If you could synthesize your ideological views into a set of descriptions, what would they be?"

"I'm a progressive, an activist, an anti-racist, an environmentalist, and I'm a peacenik with a few exceptions... I think that sums it up well enough."

"Do you envision any history that could potentially lead to fallout that diminishes the stature of the ticket?"

"Nothing that I can think of."

"But... for the sake of transparency, I was a very angry young adult of color who wrote for college magazines at one point in my life and the end of my marriage wasn't all peaches and roses. Again, nothing that'd diminish the stature of the ticket as you put it, but if the campaign is planning on seriously vetting me, you guys should at least be made aware of it."

"Are you prepared to turnover further documents, and undergo a full background check of your financial, personal and professional history?"

"Of course I am, just let me know what you'd need and I'll send it over."