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

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

Simon Hawkins @Hawkins4Iowa As Senator, I will fight to put an end to elected officials having hedge fund accounts. Stop the conflicts of interest!

[Sanabel]

“But Mr. President, how can you be so confident? Anger at you for endorsing a candidate would be far more fleeting and far less dangerous to our party than anger over a contested convention.”

"Tell you what, if Georgia is won be a convincing margin. I will endorse the winner of that State."

Callahan nodded in satisfaction. “I appreciate you comin’ down here and takin’ the advice of a guy like me. I think that’s the prudent thing to do. Now, I’ll also say, you may need to broker some kind of peace between the candidates, should that happen.”

[Emazia]

Erika Goldman
20th of March, 2020.

Goldman came into the meeting room eagerly, carrying a briefcase of notes, along with a cup of coffee. She sat sternly, placing down her briefcase in the table and settling herself in. With the departure of Sullivan came an opportunity to present herself and move up the hierarchy...

[Louisianan]

St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
Hypolite Gaspard
March 21st, 2020

---

The Louisiana Crawfish Festival in Chalmette was a bustling, lively event, people would come in from miles around. this wasn't the Breaux Bridge Crawfish festival for sure, but it was on par. Hypolite Gaspard was a fairly well-known attendee, he'd go to all the crawfish festivals, try all the crawfish dishes, and listen to all of the cajun music that came with it!

Hypolite arrived on the 21st, the last day of the festival, but by far the best. The music was still popping, Hypolite was still trying to master the whip and nae nae with his great-granddaughter, whether it worked or not, Hypolite didn't care. he just wanted to have a good time. Hypolite entered into the crawfish eating contest and came second place,

"I'd have won, but these old fingers don't work like they used to." Hypolite laughed, "I'll tell you, y'all know that if a crawfish eating contest decided the winner of this election, you might as well say I done won already!"

Hypolite continued to enjoy the festivities, he danced the Zydeco, the Jitterbug too, and did some Two Steps with his wife. He took photos with local artists and even played a song or two. Before Geno Delafose and his band began to play, Hypolite spoke,

"Hello! It's me, Ole Hyppie G. Y'all having fun? I sure as hell am! Hey, don't count me out 'cause I'm old, I still got some dancing left in me!" Hypolite laughed, "It's a pleasure to be here with y'all. Crawfish, Gumbo, Etoufee, everything old Cajuns love, is right here. This festival has a place in my heart, and I'll tell you why. This festival is run by local businesses, local musicians, and local cooks!"

"I heard that an opponent of mine, a Democrat from over yonder near NOLA is kicking his campaign into four-wheel drive. I'll tell y'all right now, I ain't afraid of him, and neither should y'all. We have so much support in this race, and I think if we fight hard enough, get more support and all, we could win this election outright!"

"Louisiana is a great state, Governor Long is a good man, and I'm sure this Bellman character is too, but they pledge to support the same party, that gave us Obama, that wants to let women kill their children, and that wants to kill the oil and gas industry, an industry that gives so many of families, life! An industry that puts food on the table for so many people. Yet, they claim to support Louisianans? I think not, they think y'all are dumb, they think WE are dumb enough to believe the crap they spout!" The crowd cheered,

"Now folks, I'm looking out for the youngins here! Some of 'em want to achieve great things, become scientists, politicians even! I want to help them youngins, make it possible for them to become doctors, lawyers, AND Indian chiefs if they so choose! By killing the Oil and Gas industry, you are killing a job opportunity for so many people. I'm all for the environment, but the science ain't telling us the same thing the democratic party is telling us! The Dems love to say Humans are the cause of Climate Change, humans are causing these big ole Hurricanes or these hot ass summers, but let me tell you the truth! The climate changes! It's natural! This is something that happens naturally!"

"God has a master plan folks! He causes these big hurricane, to test our faith in him. God has a plan, and we need to stick to it. We need to take whatever comes at us and fight it head-on with faith! Volcanoes give out MORE smoke than cars do, and yet, nobody is out there looking for ways to stop Volcanoes! The facts are clear here, Climate Change happens naturally, and there ain't a damn thing we can do about it, why? Because God's plan is God's Plan, and it ain't up to us to change it."

"Louisianan's, hear my words! In November, vote for me, Ole Hyppie G! Show them, Democrats, that WE common folk need to be heard! A lot of folks don't believe me, but look back at Katrina! Look at how the Democrats handled that! (Not Ray Nagin) is currently in PRISON! For things, he did during and AFTER Katrina, as MAYOR! We have got to bring common sense politics back to the Senate, and ain't no Democrat is able to do that! Vote Me, Hyppie G. in the Primary and in November! Look at my record, and what you find is everything you see now! A hard-working man who started out as a poor boy. Socialism didn't help me, Hard Work did!"

"Now give it up to Mr. Geno Delafose and the French Rockin Boogie band!"

With that, Hypolite left the stage, he sat in the front row, and listened to the band play with his family by his side, they stayed well into the night before finally decided to head back home to Forked Island. When he and his wife arrived home, they began packing, they needed to be ready in Georgia for the 23rd, the day of Bernard Porters Rally.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

James Burgun
@RoughriderGovernor
We are ready to take Sec. Porter's message into Congress!!!

[Vaquas]

Lawrence Bellman for Louisiana Statewide Ad Buy, Radio and Television

---

March - April 2020

---

*Video features a single continuous shot of Bellman walking down a street in downtown New Orleans while various related graphics appear on both of his sides as he speaks.*

"Most of y'all already know me, but if you don't, I'm Lawrence Bellman, Candidate for U.S. Senate. Pleased to meet you. Our state is facing a crisis of opportunity. We are consistently ranked lowest in the nation in education, in poverty, in good long-term jobs. And that's not for lack of trying! The people of Louisiana are the most hardworking in the nation, I've seen it firsthand. To our resilience and rebuilding in the aftermath of Katrina, to our unity in the face of the Gulf Oil spill, there's nothing Louisianans can't do when we do it together and put our minds to it.

Which is why its time for us to elect representatives who believe the same thing. I was there on the frontline of those crises, and when it was time to take action, I did, passing the NSL Disaster Preparedness and Energy Worker Protection Acts to great acclaim.

For too long, many of our state's politicians have put Washington above Ruston, Chesapeake Bay over Baton Rouge, and I'm as sick of it as you are. Born and raised in a low-income area of New Orleans by a single mother, I have known what's its like to be ignored by those at the top, or worse, taken for granted by those who are supposed to fight for you.

But more than that, I know what's possible in this state when our kids have a chance to succeed and our workers have an opportunity to prosper. When I was in Congress, I was known for breaking down partisan divides and getting results, and that's why I'm so proud to be running for U.S. Senate. For you. Not powerful interests, not partisan organizations, the people of Louisiana. And I hope that you'll join with me on my quest to help restore the promise of this great state."

[Louisianan]

TO: Fmr. Governor Russell Long
FROM: Fmr. Senator Hypolite Gaspard

Russell,

I may not like your politics, but I respect you. I'd like to have coffee. Well, I ain't no pussyfooter so I'll be frank, I'd like to meet with you to discuss my campaign. Since I'm asking, you can choose the time and place.

-Hypolite Gaspard
Fmr. Senator of Louisiana
Fmr. Representative of Louisiana's 3rd District

[Lavan Tiri]

Russell Long
Atlanta, Georgia

After the rally, Russell checked in with the team and headed to a nearby barbeque place for a meeting and dinner with Kathleen Nez.

[New Cobastheia]

Russell Long
Atlanta, Georgia

After the rally, Russell checked in with the team and headed to a nearby barbeque place for a meeting and dinner with Kathleen Nez.

Kathleen Nez
Atlanta, Georgia

Kathleen sat down with Russell at whichever table the stewardess brought them too after which she gave the normal pleasantries. Once she left Kathleen offered up the start of the conversation, "So how'd you think the rally went?"

[Azekopolaltion]

Speaker Caroline Simone
Washington, District of Columbia
Friday 20th March, 2020

(Image)

Caroline was already sat at the head of the table in the meeting room in the suite of rooms designated for the Speaker's use. She had stacks of papers laden around her, and to see Tim drag more in with him - well that was just stereotypical Tim. They were both a pair of incorrigible overworkers. Giving him a gentle wave, there were glasses and carafes of water on the tables. "I'll be getting Chinese food in later. No cheesesteak, I'm afraid." She winks, shaking her head with a mild chuckle. "Lot to do, lot to do..."

Tim greeted the Speaker with a nod and forced smile, dropping the files and folders onto the sleek wooden conference table. He wasn't very good at faking his emotions, and he was stressed as hell right now. This either had the potential to correct things before they got much, much worse, or they would accomplish nothing at all because of Republican obstructionism and be blamed when the crisis hit. It was a careful game that Tim had to play, with big implications not just for the economy but for his own reelection prospects this year. Willingly joining the effort to lead the crisis response was something of a gamble for Tim. New Jersey was a blue state, but one could never know for sure--such societal upheavals tended to favor outsiders and opponents, while making incumbents punching bags for populist critique.

He gave a short laugh at the obligatory cheesesteak joke from Carrie, not having anything witty to say in response. "Chinese, huh? No irony in that at all." He reconsidered after saying the words, perhaps thinking it was a bit racially charged. He had a tendency to say such politically incorrect things. But given the mistaken impression of him being somewhat pro-China on the campaign trail, this was a chance to correct the record. Tim was feeling real rage at the CCP's decision to impose these crushing import controls. They were already screwing America in just about every way. This was just twisting the knife.

He acknowledged Nez with a nod as she entered the room and seated herself across from himself. In any other universe the two of them would already be solid allies, both united in their progressive politics -- even if Tim perhaps had a slightly less revolutionary streak than her. But they had certainly gotten off on the wrong foot, going way back in the campaign to the plagiarism scandal when the Representative had inexplicably decided to hammer him on Twitter for it. This was probably a chance to leave the past behind.

"Is the old man on his way?"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Tim greeted the Speaker with a nod and forced smile, dropping the files and folders onto the sleek wooden conference table. He wasn't very good at faking his emotions, and he was stressed as hell right now. This either had the potential to correct things before they got much, much worse, or they would accomplish nothing at all because of Republican obstructionism and be blamed when the crisis hit. It was a careful game that Tim had to play, with big implications not just for the economy but for his own reelection prospects this year. Willingly joining the effort to lead the crisis response was something of a gamble for Tim. New Jersey was a blue state, but one could never know for sure--such societal upheavals tended to favor outsiders and opponents, while making incumbents punching bags for populist critique.

He gave a short laugh at the obligatory cheesesteak joke from Carrie, not having anything witty to say in response. "Chinese, huh? No irony in that at all." He reconsidered after saying the words, perhaps thinking it was a bit racially charged. He had a tendency to say such politically incorrect things. But given the mistaken impression of him being somewhat pro-China on the campaign trail, this was a chance to correct the record. Tim was feeling real rage at the CCP's decision to impose these crushing import controls. They were already screwing America in just about every way. This was just twisting the knife.

He acknowledged Nez with a nod as she entered the room and seated herself across from himself. In any other universe the two of them would already be solid allies, both united in their progressive politics -- even if Tim perhaps had a slightly less revolutionary streak than her. But they had certainly gotten off on the wrong foot, going way back in the campaign to the plagiarism scandal when the Representative had inexplicably decided to hammer him on Twitter for it. This was probably a chance to leave the past behind.

"Is the old man on his way?"

"The 'old man' could take your kneecaps if he heard you say that." Caroline remarked with sly amusement. She knew Tim well enough that he knew her sense of humor, and in earnest, she was trying to lighten the mood. They were dealing with a very heavy subject - she was no stranger to having to deal with exceptionally dark topics at the State Department, and dark humor was a coping mechanism as much as any other.

"I'm very grateful that you've already gotten the ribs of a package together, Tim, though there's some people already trying to make this a fight about stimulus checks. Now, we all know that stimulus checks are one of the least important things that could form a package like this but we'll see whether we need to throw them in, might want to have language for that ready. Better to do too much than too little in this situation. Eviction moratorium's making the rounds, and Atang's drafted language on that frontier..." She fishes through a pile of documents, setting a printout of Atang's draft bill on eviction freezes. "Depending on the resilience of the US oil market from Middle Eastern pressures, we might want to consider SPR purchases but that gets us into sticky territory with the environmental lobby, and we were looking at expanded green investment to offset that..." She looks down over her lists, humming. "Tawney's blowing a one-hundred and eighty billion dollar hole in Social Security, Volker wants to make that hole bigger, so that's something we need to tackle head-on, and we need a backup plan to stabilize the health insurance market because I suspect that the final bill won't contain your Medicare package - good as it is, you know Warrick'll never budge on it. I definitely want to keep it in the package was pass in the House though the first time around."

[Lavan Tiri]

Russell Long
Atlanta, Georgia

After the rally, Russell checked in with the team and headed to a nearby barbeque place for a meeting and dinner with Kathleen Nez.

Kathleen Nez
Atlanta, Georgia

Kathleen sat down with Russell at whichever table the stewardess brought them too after which she gave the normal pleasantries. Once she left Kathleen offered up the start of the conversation, "So how'd you think the rally went?"

"All things considered, pretty damn good." Russell sat back in his chair, hands resting on his ample belly. "You're a helluva speech maker, Ms. Nez."

[New Cobastheia]

Kathleen Nez
Atlanta, Georgia

Kathleen sat down with Russell at whichever table the stewardess brought them too after which she gave the normal pleasantries. Once she left Kathleen offered up the start of the conversation, "So how'd you think the rally went?"

"All things considered, pretty damn good." Russell sat back in his chair, hands resting on his ample belly. "You're a helluva speech maker, Ms. Nez."

"The same with you, and I can't take all the credit, I know a good speechwriter or two. I only hope my speech resonated with Black voters, at this point in the race we need to do something to get them into our coalition. Good call on Atlanta if that's what you were planning to do with the rally."

[Lavan Tiri]

"All things considered, pretty damn good." Russell sat back in his chair, hands resting on his ample belly. "You're a helluva speech maker, Ms. Nez."

"The same with you, and I can't take all the credit, I know a good speechwriter or two. I only hope my speech resonated with Black voters, at this point in the race we need to do something to get them into our coalition. Good call on Atlanta if that's what you were planning to do with the rally."

Russell grunted, obviously somewhat pleased. "Levi's messaging has appeal to African-American voters, the problem is getting it heard. We can win the general on the backs of the white working class but without Black voters--Black women especially--you can't win a Democratic primary."

He fixed Nez with a penetrating look. "Levi wants you to be his running mate. If I didn't know better I'd swear to God he was in love with you."

[Dentali]

BiPartisan Crisis Meeting
Oval Office

Senator Warrick waited patiently in the Oval Office, the first of the group to arrive for the meeting to handle the crisis. The invitation to Democratic leadership was public and if they didn't show it would be political suicide. They had to act NOW if they had any hope of sparing the American people the worst of the crisis.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

(Image)

BiPartisan Crisis Meeting
Oval Office

Senator Warrick waited patiently in the Oval Office, the first of the group to arrive for the meeting to handle the crisis. The invitation to Democratic leadership was public and if they didn't show it would be political suicide. They had to act NOW if they had any hope of sparing the American people the worst of the crisis.

There was no question whatsoever that the Speaker would make it to the meeting. The Democrats were taking the crisis profoundly seriously and so far had been the only ones to put up any serious plans for tackling the crisis, compared to the only major Republican action so far being to start trying to gut Social Security. Alongside the Speaker, and Leader Volek, the Democratic delegation had decided to include Senator Westra in their party as he was taking significant lead on the drafting of the relief legislation. In truth, Caroline didn't have high hopes for the meeting - she didn't know Warrick to be a compromiser, she wasn't impressed with Republican actions so far, and she didn't have a particularly good sense of what the President's deal was. She respected the President's Chief of Staff, at least - he'd been a pretty straightforward operator when last they'd spoken.

Having walked the way from the Capitol to the White House, rejecting the notion of driving such a short distance, she went through the familiar security checkpoints and into the West Wing. As she was marshalled into the Oval Office, she glanced around, looking at Robert Warrick curiously. Going over to shake his hand courteously, it was clear that the choice of venue intrigued her. The Oval Office didn't lend itself well to conferences, the Roosevelt Room was more the venue for this kind of legislative jostling. Was this some attempt to have Tawney flex the authority of his office over them? There was a lot she had to unpeel here.

[New Cobastheia]

"The same with you, and I can't take all the credit, I know a good speechwriter or two. I only hope my speech resonated with Black voters, at this point in the race we need to do something to get them into our coalition. Good call on Atlanta if that's what you were planning to do with the rally."

Russell grunted, obviously somewhat pleased. "Levi's messaging has appeal to African-American voters, the problem is getting it heard. We can win the general on the backs of the white working class but without Black voters--Black women especially--you can't win a Democratic primary."

He fixed Nez with a penetrating look. "Levi wants you to be his running mate. If I didn't know better I'd swear to God he was in love with you."

"Can't win much of a general election either if you're a Democrat," Nez responded before Long fixed his eyes on her.

"I've been told he promised Secretary of State to you as well, interesting choice if you ask me," she whispered, meaning no offense, as this was a public restaurant, "So what makes you know better then?" She joked, hoping to learn what Long thought of a Murphy/Nez ticket.

[Bruke]

(Image)

BiPartisan Crisis Meeting
Oval Office

Senator Warrick waited patiently in the Oval Office, the first of the group to arrive for the meeting to handle the crisis. The invitation to Democratic leadership was public and if they didn't show it would be political suicide. They had to act NOW if they had any hope of sparing the American people the worst of the crisis.

Karel, wanting to not keep anyone waiting for a minute longer than necessary, showed up early- or early as possible after going through the usual security hullabaloo that was expected for a visit to the White House. Upon arrival in the Oval Office, he noticed that the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House had already arrived. He respectfully greeted and shook hands with both of them, looking to each person as he did so.

“Mister Majority Leader.”
“Madame Speaker.”

[Lavan Tiri]

Russell grunted, obviously somewhat pleased. "Levi's messaging has appeal to African-American voters, the problem is getting it heard. We can win the general on the backs of the white working class but without Black voters--Black women especially--you can't win a Democratic primary."

He fixed Nez with a penetrating look. "Levi wants you to be his running mate. If I didn't know better I'd swear to God he was in love with you."

"Can't win much of a general election either if you're a Democrat," Nez responded before Long fixed his eyes on her.

"I've been told he promised Secretary of State to you as well, interesting choice if you ask me," she whispered, meaning no offense, as this was a public restaurant, "So what makes you know better then?" She joked, hoping to learn what Long thought of a Murphy/Nez ticket.

"Frankly," Russell said, "I didn't understand that one at all. What exactly about being Governor of Louisiana qualifies me to be the top diplomat? My picks would be Kelly or Bunker for State, honestly. Besides," he smiled slightly, "I also got him to promise Chairmanship of the DNC, which I believe I would be very good at."

He smirked when Nez fired back, trying to dig for his thoughts. "Well, for one, he's happily married. As for Murphy/Nez...high risk, high reward. I'm not sure yet which is higher though. The way I see it, you've got two massive, glaring weaknesses that any half-brained Republican would be a fool not to hammer on. You've been in the House for what, a year now, and nobody knows who you are besides Politico readers and your constituents."

Long took a sip of his water. "I'm not trying to cast aspersions on your character, competency, or your capability to be a good Vice President, but first you've gotta be a good running mate. You've gotta bring something to the ticket, or at least not hurt it. And right now I can see the attack ads going out all across the nation, asking if Kathleen Nez is ready to be Commander in Chief."

[Dentali]

(Image)

BiPartisan Crisis Meeting
Oval Office

Senator Warrick waited patiently in the Oval Office, the first of the group to arrive for the meeting to handle the crisis. The invitation to Democratic leadership was public and if they didn't show it would be political suicide. They had to act NOW if they had any hope of sparing the American people the worst of the crisis.

Karel, wanting to not keep anyone waiting for a minute longer than necessary, showed up early- or early as possible after going through the usual security hullabaloo that was expected for a visit to the White House. Upon arrival in the Oval Office, he noticed that the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House had already arrived. He respectfully greeted and shook hands with both of them, looking to each person as he did so.

“Mister Majority Leader.”
“Madame Speaker.”

"Madame Speaker, Mister Minority Leader" Warrick shook their hands and greeted them "The President and Volker will be here shortly, thank you for coming so quickly."

[Sarenium]

(Image)

BiPartisan Crisis Meeting
Oval Office

Senator Warrick waited patiently in the Oval Office, the first of the group to arrive for the meeting to handle the crisis. The invitation to Democratic leadership was public and if they didn't show it would be political suicide. They had to act NOW if they had any hope of sparing the American people the worst of the crisis.

Burton entered from the side-door that led to the President's private study, "Madame Speaker, Senators and Representatives," he shook their hands, "a month ago we thought such a gathering would be a happy celebration of a new Vice-President," he remarked lightly, "yet here we are," Burton's face did not hide his exhaustion well, while he smiled and appeared attentive, the newly formed white hairs seemed to grow by the hour and as he walked over to pour water for himself, he sniffled a sneeze into a handkerchief.

The Roosevelt Room had been delegated to the meeting before theirs, the one the President, Treasury Secretary, Director of the OMB and other members of the President's economic team were still in.

Daniel turned back around and counted those around him, "where is Thomas?" he said almost inaudibly to Senator Warrick.

[Dentali]

(Image)

BiPartisan Crisis Meeting
Oval Office

Senator Warrick waited patiently in the Oval Office, the first of the group to arrive for the meeting to handle the crisis. The invitation to Democratic leadership was public and if they didn't show it would be political suicide. They had to act NOW if they had any hope of sparing the American people the worst of the crisis.

Burton entered from the side-door that led to the President's private study, "Madame Speaker, Senators and Representatives," he shook their hands, "a month ago we thought such a gathering would be a happy celebration of a new Vice-President," he remarked lightly, "yet here we are," Burton's face did not hide his exhaustion well, while he smiled and appeared attentive, the newly formed white hairs seemed to grow by the hour and as he walked over to pour water for himself, he sniffled a sneeze into a handkerchief.

The Roosevelt Room had been delegated to the meeting before theirs, the one the President, Treasury Secretary, Director of the OMB and other members of the President's economic team were still in.

Daniel turned back around and counted those around him, "where is Thomas?" he said almost inaudibly to Senator Warrick.

"He's on his way, don't worry" Warrick said addressing the Chief of Staff.

[New Cobastheia]

"Can't win much of a general election either if you're a Democrat," Nez responded before Long fixed his eyes on her.

"I've been told he promised Secretary of State to you as well, interesting choice if you ask me," she whispered, meaning no offense, as this was a public restaurant, "So what makes you know better then?" She joked, hoping to learn what Long thought of a Murphy/Nez ticket.

"Frankly," Russell said, "I didn't understand that one at all. What exactly about being Governor of Louisiana qualifies me to be the top diplomat? My picks would be Kelly or Bunker for State, honestly. Besides," he smiled slightly, "I also got him to promise Chairmanship of the DNC, which I believe I would be very good at."

He smirked when Nez fired back, trying to dig for his thoughts. "Well, for one, he's happily married. As for Murphy/Nez...high risk, high reward. I'm not sure yet which is higher though. The way I see it, you've got two massive, glaring weaknesses that any half-brained Republican would be a fool not to hammer on. You've been in the House for what, a year now, and nobody knows who you are besides Politico readers and your constituents."

Long took a sip of his water. "I'm not trying to cast aspersions on your character, competency, or your capability to be a good Vice President, but first you've gotta be a good running mate. You've gotta bring something to the ticket, or at least not hurt it. And right now I can see the attack ads going out all across the nation, asking if Kathleen Nez is ready to be Commander in Chief."

Nez put her forearms onto the table and clasped her hands together as she leaned towards Russell, "Well, nothing against you're character, competency, or capability to be a good diplomat or chairman, but last time I checked I ran a place worst off than Louisiana could ever hope to be and had to deal with a whole lot more intervention from the federal government than any Southern Republican could ever dream of and actually did well enough to get re-elected, and then I did well enough again to the point where I could of ran for and won a third term if the Supreme Court didn't rule against it."

"I know I'm ready to be the Commander in Chief if Levi gets shot or goes awol. But I'd have to agree with you that you probably wouldn't be the best diplomat in the world if you want to do this over barbeque."

Overall, there wasn't anger in Nez's voice per say, but one could definitely tell she wasn't happy with the fact that she came here to get some wings and now had this going on.

[Puertollano]

James Burgun
@RoughriderGovernor
We are ready to take Sec. Porter's message into Congress!!!

Randy Cramp re-tweeted.

[Lavan Tiri]

"Frankly," Russell said, "I didn't understand that one at all. What exactly about being Governor of Louisiana qualifies me to be the top diplomat? My picks would be Kelly or Bunker for State, honestly. Besides," he smiled slightly, "I also got him to promise Chairmanship of the DNC, which I believe I would be very good at."

He smirked when Nez fired back, trying to dig for his thoughts. "Well, for one, he's happily married. As for Murphy/Nez...high risk, high reward. I'm not sure yet which is higher though. The way I see it, you've got two massive, glaring weaknesses that any half-brained Republican would be a fool not to hammer on. You've been in the House for what, a year now, and nobody knows who you are besides Politico readers and your constituents."

Long took a sip of his water. "I'm not trying to cast aspersions on your character, competency, or your capability to be a good Vice President, but first you've gotta be a good running mate. You've gotta bring something to the ticket, or at least not hurt it. And right now I can see the attack ads going out all across the nation, asking if Kathleen Nez is ready to be Commander in Chief."

Nez put her forearms onto the table and clasped her hands together as she leaned towards Russell, "Well, nothing against you're character, competency, or capability to be a good diplomat or chairman, but last time I checked I ran a place worst off than Louisiana could ever hope to be and had to deal with a whole lot more intervention from the federal government than any Southern Republican could ever dream of and actually did well enough to get re-elected, and then I did well enough again to the point where I could of ran for and won a third term if the Supreme Court didn't rule against it."

"I know I'm ready to be the Commander in Chief if Levi gets shot or goes awol. But I'd have to agree with you that you probably wouldn't be the best diplomat in the world if you want to do this over barbeque."

Overall, there wasn't anger in Nez's voice per say, but one could definitely tell she wasn't happy with the fact that she came here to get some wings and now had this going on.

"Ouch," Russell chuckled, as the waitress arrived with their food, "and to the contrary, difficult conversations should always be had with good food." He tore a strip off a hot wing and chewed thoughtfully before swallowing. "Eating is elemental. Essential to every one of us. Families eat together. You ever read The Cathedral? The jackass main character can't see his wife's blind friend as human--until they eat dinner together. It's exaggerated, sure, but the basic premise is true. But I digress."

He shook his head and sighed. "Kathleen, I'm not attackin' you. Or at least I don't intend to. And I'm sorry for any offense I've caused you. But these are questions you'll have to face up to, from journalists, colleagues, ordinary folks. There's definitely a way to use your relative obscurity, define you in the eyes of a public that hasn't seen you yet, and if that's what we're doing then we'll do that. I'll stand by Levi's choice and do my damndest to make it work."

There was a moment's pause as Russell ate another wing.

"Now see, that's a good response right there. Hit back. Show some spine. Don't take shit. Democrats are terrible at fighting back and everyone knows it. Break the stereotype."