America the Beautiful: An American Political RP (IC)

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Paulson leaned back in her chair a bit.

“Well, I’m about out of legislation to talk about. I definitely feel different about this Congress than past ones, that’s for sure.”

"It's a strange position, having traded one house for the other. I suppose on the brighter side, it means that Richardson can't appoint anyone who wants to lock up gay people or put women in chastity belts to the federal bench, but I won't deny that I miss the reins of the House."

[Velahor]

Paulson leaned back in her chair a bit.

“Well, I’m about out of legislation to talk about. I definitely feel different about this Congress than past ones, that’s for sure.”

"It's a strange position, having traded one house for the other. I suppose on the brighter side, it means that Richardson can't appoint anyone who wants to lock up gay people or put women in chastity belts to the federal bench, but I won't deny that I miss the reins of the House."

“I’m really, really hoping that Richardson doesn’t go that far. That would be a nightmare.”

“Come to think of it, I probably feel that way about this Congress because this is an ideal situation for someone like me. Republicans have the House and thus the power of the purse. Democrats have the Senate and can keep check on some of more anti-liberal tendencies of the Republicans. My work goes a lot easier this way…I think…I suppose that’s still yet to be seen.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“I’m really, really hoping that Richardson doesn’t go that far. That would be a nightmare.”

“Come to think of it, I probably feel that way about this Congress because this is an ideal situation for someone like me. Republicans have the House and thus the power of the purse. Democrats have the Senate and can keep check on some of more anti-liberal tendencies of the Republicans. My work goes a lot easier this way…I think…I suppose that’s still yet to be seen.”

"Well, we'll see how it unfolds. There's still Wisconsin," she hummed warily, feeling particularly unpleasant about that particular state.

"Where are you on voting rights?"

[Velahor]

“I’m really, really hoping that Richardson doesn’t go that far. That would be a nightmare.”

“Come to think of it, I probably feel that way about this Congress because this is an ideal situation for someone like me. Republicans have the House and thus the power of the purse. Democrats have the Senate and can keep check on some of more anti-liberal tendencies of the Republicans. My work goes a lot easier this way…I think…I suppose that’s still yet to be seen.”

"Well, we'll see how it unfolds. There's still Wisconsin," she hummed warily, feeling particularly unpleasant about that particular state.

"Where are you on voting rights?"

“I don’t like the direction the GOP is headed on voting rights. I do believe some fraud and interference exists in the electoral system but it’s hardly an excuse for some of the newer restrictions.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“I don’t like the direction the GOP is headed on voting rights. I do believe some fraud and interference exists in the electoral system but it’s hardly an excuse for some of the newer restrictions.”

"Could we count on you to help us with voting rights if it came down to it? Motivate some colleagues?"

[Madrinpoor]

The Ellipse, Washington DC
11:55 AM

Frank stood on one of the walkways circling the edge of the Ellipse, the huge park in front of the White House, watching a little clump of people still protesting the inauguration. He was waiting for the senator from Montana, as they wanted to discuss a possible bill on redistricting. He sent a quick email from his phone:

Hey William,
Just making sure we're still on for today. I'm in the Ellipse across from the White House.
— Thanks, Frank

[Lavan Tiri]

Max O'Halloran
Bethesda, Maryland
6:15 A.M.
January 22, 2021

The Senate Minority Leader awoke with a grunt, hauling himself out of bed as the Sun broke over the D.C. skyline. He untangled his limbs from around Jeanette's pillow, which he'd once more fallen asleep cuddling, and slowly stood up, feeling all of his years in his knees.

"Morning, beautiful," he grunted to the picture of his late wife on the bedside table. It had been taken in 2013, right before the cancer diagnosis. Jeanette was beaming, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, face lit by the candles of her birthday cake. Her face was lined, her hair was iron-grey, and she was the most beautiful creature Max had ever seen.

"Busy day today," he continued as he dressed, "gotta go into the office, get on the Relief Act. Maybe meet with Nate--you would've liked Nate, he's a good kid--about it."

The picture remained silent. Max sighed, finished tying his tie, and gently pressed a kiss to the picture. "Love you, Jeanette. I'll see you tonight."

He silently made himself breakfast in the little kitchen, frying eggs and bacon while his coffeemaker dripped. He ate soundlessly at the tiny table, ignoring the dead vase of flowers that had been set there in 2014. After breakfast, he hopped in his old Volkswagen bug and drove to the Capitol.

His Chief of Staff, Duncan Whitmore, was waiting at the office when Max arrived at 7 AM. Duncan had been working for Max since 1999, starting out as a simple aide. The men had a close friendship, and after Jeanette's death, Duncan was Max's closest confidante and advisor.

"Hey boss man," Duncan greeted, shuffling through papers at his desk in the corner of the grand office. Max's desk sat in the very middle of the room, in the center of the swirl of interns, aides, constituents, visitors, and lobbyists that ran in and out of the office all day. But this early, it was only Duncan, who handed Max a printed copy of that day's schedule. "President wants to see you."

Max grunted a thank you, took care of some busywork, and set off for the White House.

[Dentali]

Max O'Halloran
Bethesda, Maryland
6:15 A.M.
January 22, 2021

The Senate Minority Leader awoke with a grunt, hauling himself out of bed as the Sun broke over the D.C. skyline. He untangled his limbs from around Jeanette's pillow, which he'd once more fallen asleep cuddling, and slowly stood up, feeling all of his years in his knees.

"Morning, beautiful," he grunted to the picture of his late wife on the bedside table. It had been taken in 2013, right before the cancer diagnosis. Jeanette was beaming, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, face lit by the candles of her birthday cake. Her face was lined, her hair was iron-grey, and she was the most beautiful creature Max had ever seen.

"Busy day today," he continued as he dressed, "gotta go into the office, get on the Relief Act. Maybe meet with Nate--you would've liked Nate, he's a good kid--about it."

The picture remained silent. Max sighed, finished tying his tie, and gently pressed a kiss to the picture. "Love you, Jeanette. I'll see you tonight."

He silently made himself breakfast in the little kitchen, frying eggs and bacon while his coffeemaker dripped. He ate soundlessly at the tiny table, ignoring the dead vase of flowers that had been set there in 2014. After breakfast, he hopped in his old Volkswagen bug and drove to the Capitol.

His Chief of Staff, Duncan Whitmore, was waiting at the office when Max arrived at 7 AM. Duncan had been working for Max since 1999, starting out as a simple aide. The men had a close friendship, and after Jeanette's death, Duncan was Max's closest confidante and advisor.

"Hey boss man," Duncan greeted, shuffling through papers at his desk in the corner of the grand office. Max's desk sat in the very middle of the room, in the center of the swirl of interns, aides, constituents, visitors, and lobbyists that ran in and out of the office all day. But this early, it was only Duncan, who handed Max a printed copy of that day's schedule. "President wants to see you."

Max grunted a thank you, took care of some busywork, and set off for the White House.

"Good to see you Senator" Richardson said shaking the Minority Leader's hand firmly and making eye contact, "We are moving very fast here so thank you for being accommodating." Richardson gestured to a couch and sat opposite it while Bob Abernathy took a chair a short distance away "So you wanted to discuss the relief act?"

[Velahor]

“I don’t like the direction the GOP is headed on voting rights. I do believe some fraud and interference exists in the electoral system but it’s hardly an excuse for some of the newer restrictions.”

"Could we count on you to help us with voting rights if it came down to it? Motivate some colleagues?"

“I like the sound of that. Only if it comes down to it though, I only will if it’s actually going to make a difference. Just cuz it’s a bit of a high-risk thing and I want to make sure that if I’m persuading others to join me that it won’t be in vain.”

[Velahor]

The Ellipse, Washington DC
11:55 AM

Frank stood on one of the walkways circling the edge of the Ellipse, the huge park in front of the White House, watching a little clump of people still protesting the inauguration. He was waiting for the senator from Montana, as they wanted to discuss a possible bill on redistricting. He sent a quick email from his phone:

Hey William,
Just making sure we're still on for today. I'm in the Ellipse across from the White House.
— Thanks, Frank

The Ellipse, Washington DC
11:59 AM

William was in his office, trying to squeeze every last second out of the time he had set for himself for calling people from various parts of the country who would benefit from the MARKET Act and getting them in contact with their Senators. He saw his cell phone buzz at 11:55, and opened it us and read Representative Loloma’s text.

Shit, that was this morning? he thought to himself. He grabbed his things quick and speed-walked toward the Ellipse.

As he walked, he sent a text.

Almost there, sorry.

A bit short-of-breath, he found Frank at the Ellipse, waved him down, and approached him for a handshake.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“I like the sound of that. Only if it comes down to it though, I only will if it’s actually going to make a difference. Just cuz it’s a bit of a high-risk thing and I want to make sure that if I’m persuading others to join me that it won’t be in vain.”

"If a bill restoring voting rights somehow makes it to the House, I'll swim through boiling oil to try to give it a chance. The Republic is at its most precipitous, I don't know if people realize that," She sighed, "You have always been so decent and principled, and I am glad to count you as a friend."

[Madrinpoor]

The Ellipse, Washington DC
11:55 AM

Frank stood on one of the walkways circling the edge of the Ellipse, the huge park in front of the White House, watching a little clump of people still protesting the inauguration. He was waiting for the senator from Montana, as they wanted to discuss a possible bill on redistricting. He sent a quick email from his phone:

Hey William,
Just making sure we're still on for today. I'm in the Ellipse across from the White House.
— Thanks, Frank

The Ellipse, Washington DC
11:59 AM

William was in his office, trying to squeeze every last second out of the time he had set for himself for calling people from various parts of the country who would benefit from the MARKET Act and getting them in contact with their Senators. He saw his cell phone buzz at 11:55, and opened it us and read Representative Loloma’s text.

Shit, that was this morning? he thought to himself. He grabbed his things quick and speed-walked toward the Ellipse.

As he walked, he sent a text.

Almost there, sorry.

A bit short-of-breath, he found Frank at the Ellipse, waved him down, and approached him for a handshake.

"Hey William, doing well?"

[Velahor]

The Ellipse, Washington DC
11:59 AM

William was in his office, trying to squeeze every last second out of the time he had set for himself for calling people from various parts of the country who would benefit from the MARKET Act and getting them in contact with their Senators. He saw his cell phone buzz at 11:55, and opened it us and read Representative Loloma’s text.

Shit, that was this morning? he thought to himself. He grabbed his things quick and speed-walked toward the Ellipse.

As he walked, he sent a text.

Almost there, sorry.

A bit short-of-breath, he found Frank at the Ellipse, waved him down, and approached him for a handshake.

"Hey William, doing well?"

Looking around at his surroundings quickly as he released the handshake, William replied, “I’m alright. There’s a lot going on right now. Just been busy.”

“How are you adjusting to the House?” he asked.

[Velahor]

“I like the sound of that. Only if it comes down to it though, I only will if it’s actually going to make a difference. Just cuz it’s a bit of a high-risk thing and I want to make sure that if I’m persuading others to join me that it won’t be in vain.”

"If a bill restoring voting rights somehow makes it to the House, I'll swim through boiling oil to try to give it a chance. The Republic is at its most precipitous, I don't know if people realize that," She sighed, "You have always been so decent and principled, and I am glad to count you as a friend."

“Thank you for that, I really do appreciate it. I also appreciate that you’re one of the ones here who genuinely cares about making this country better. Even when we disagree on how to do it, at least you use your office for that meaningful goal rather than some sort of greed or ego or anything.”

Diane sighed, and looked down at her shoes.

“The few of us who have that mindset, when it comes down to it, we’re the ones on the same side.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Thank you for that, I really do appreciate it. I also appreciate that you’re one of the ones here who genuinely cares about making this country better. Even when we disagree on how to do it, at least you use your office for that meaningful goal rather than some sort of greed or ego or anything.”

Diane sighed, and looked down at her shoes.

“The few of us who have that mindset, when it comes down to it, we’re the ones on the same side.”

"Problem-solving is not the preserve of the self-proclaimed moderates, but of those with the will to work towards it," Caroline acknowledged, giving a gentle smile.

"Tell me, who do you think we're going to put up next cycle?"

[Velahor]

“Thank you for that, I really do appreciate it. I also appreciate that you’re one of the ones here who genuinely cares about making this country better. Even when we disagree on how to do it, at least you use your office for that meaningful goal rather than some sort of greed or ego or anything.”

Diane sighed, and looked down at her shoes.

“The few of us who have that mindset, when it comes down to it, we’re the ones on the same side.”

"Problem-solving is not the preserve of the self-proclaimed moderates, but of those with the will to work towards it," Caroline acknowledged, giving a gentle smile.

"Tell me, who do you think we're going to put up next cycle?"

“For President you mean? Who you will put up and who you should put up are two different things. I don’t know, I something’s gotta change if you don’t want Diehl 2.0. I mean, who do you have that’s young and energetic and has broad support?”

Paulson got up and walked over to the drink stand, topping off a little more gin on the ice that remained in her glass.

“I’d be looking at your Governors and Senators who have been elected in red states for next cycle if I were you. I know it’s risky, possibly losing a seat like that. But the ones who have done that know what it takes to win swing voters. You’ll need to find young talent that can excite the base while not alienating the middle in the primaries, who can run a very big-tent campaign in the fall.”

“You know that I mostly think highly of Nate, so I’m really unsure when it comes to individual names who you have who could be much of a challenge.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“For President you mean? Who you will put up and who you should put up are two different things. I don’t know, I something’s gotta change if you don’t want Diehl 2.0. I mean, who do you have that’s young and energetic and has broad support?”

Paulson got up and walked over to the drink stand, topping off a little more gin on the ice that remained in her glass.

“I’d be looking at your Governors and Senators who have been elected in red states for next cycle if I were you. I know it’s risky, possibly losing a seat like that. But the ones who have done that know what it takes to win swing voters. You’ll need to find young talent that can excite the base while not alienating the middle in the primaries, who can run a very big-tent campaign in the fall.”

“You know that I mostly think highly of Nate, so I’m really unsure when it comes to individual names who you have who could be much of a challenge.”

Caroline frowned a little - the insistence on a young candidate, no matter how energetic she was, was a troubling prospect. She'd have to build her support too if she was going to solidify her position.

"You don't think there're some people in the US who might want to look to more mature, robust leadership in light of the present maelstrom?"

[Madrinpoor]

Looking around at his surroundings quickly as he released the handshake, William replied, “I’m alright. There’s a lot going on right now. Just been busy.”

“How are you adjusting to the House?” he asked.

"Well...damn, it's bigger than Arizona! My first day, I had a news crew from NBC come and ask me questions on the Clean Congress bill. I've never had a bunch of reporters dressed up like bank tellers come and try to get my opinions and film me on national TV. It's crazy. Kind of scary too, you know, but it's worth it."

"Sorry to change the subject so abruptly, but I have a meeting with a lobbying group in a little while and I want to talk with you about redistricting. Being a congressman has gotten me very busy, I'll tell you that. I was looking at census data last night — Montana has more than 1,000,000 people now, I believe, so you are getting another house district. So are Texas and Florida and North Carolina and a couple other states, and a bunch of states are redistricting. You know North Carolina's congressional district map. It's hideous. Illinois is hideous. Maryland is hideous. Only 21 states have nonpartisan electoral commissions. It's crazy! It's definitely a problem that needs to be fixed, urgently."

[Velahor]

“For President you mean? Who you will put up and who you should put up are two different things. I don’t know, I something’s gotta change if you don’t want Diehl 2.0. I mean, who do you have that’s young and energetic and has broad support?”

Paulson got up and walked over to the drink stand, topping off a little more gin on the ice that remained in her glass.

“I’d be looking at your Governors and Senators who have been elected in red states for next cycle if I were you. I know it’s risky, possibly losing a seat like that. But the ones who have done that know what it takes to win swing voters. You’ll need to find young talent that can excite the base while not alienating the middle in the primaries, who can run a very big-tent campaign in the fall.”

“You know that I mostly think highly of Nate, so I’m really unsure when it comes to individual names who you have who could be much of a challenge.”

Caroline frowned a little - the insistence on a young candidate, no matter how energetic she was, was a troubling prospect. She'd have to build her support too if she was going to solidify her position.

"You don't think there're some people in the US who might want to look to more mature, robust leadership in light of the present maelstrom?"

“Mature and robust is great, needed in fact.”

From a level of principle, Carrie was on the money. The strategy is what she questioned. Diane got a look of curiosity on her face, feeling the need to dig in a little deeper.

“That avenue works as well, but you’re then going to be tasked with finding someone significantly more mature and robust than Nate. Robust you can certainly find, mature, well, that will come down to how the next four years shape up and how your strategists can market them.”

Diane realized that with Carrie, who had called her a “friend,” and who she felt similarly about (albeit begrudgingly due to her general lack of trust in politicians), that she’d be safe to talk names.

“Was there somebody in mind?”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

“Mature and robust is great, needed in fact.”

From a level of principle, Carrie was on the money. The strategy is what she questioned. Diane got a look of curiosity on her face, feeling the need to dig in a little deeper.

“That avenue works as well, but you’re then going to be tasked with finding someone significantly more mature and robust than Nate. Robust you can certainly find, mature, well, that will come down to how the next four years shape up and how your strategists can market them.”

Diane realized that with Carrie, who had called her a “friend,” and who she felt similarly about (albeit begrudgingly due to her general lack of trust in politicians), that she’d be safe to talk names.

“Was there somebody in mind?”

"There is someone on my mind, yes. It's early days though, there's no moving and shaking to be done on that road for them yet. But..." She hummed a little, glancing at the window for a moment, "Four years is enough time to build up the good will. Pull someone out of the unpopularity of their former job and... perhaps be viable."

[Newne Carriebean7]

Cheap Hotel room in Washington, D.C.
January 22nd, 2021
6:03 AM
"BEEP BEEP BEEP"
Those three words kept repeating over and over as Representative Durant groggily rose from the cheap hotel bedroom that she chose to stay hidden within. Her first muscle movements were rather jerky and downright clunky, as the signals from her brain tried to rush on a diet of Coca-Cola and Krispy Kreme doughnuts that she had emptied just before getting into bed. Her first swat at the nightstand beside the bed only knocked over a thin black painted thing with an android logo on it. Groaning, she finally stopped the beeping and squinted hard who in the sam hell would be calling her at this hour of the day.

"Whoever you are, this had better be important. I promised the Whip I'd sleep on my decision, and you had better not be wasting my ti-"

"Mom?"

The once harsh, morning tone of the female representative immediately evaporated, in it's place was a overtly sweet sounding gushy, lovely, overtly interested tone that middle aged mothers tended to give to their oldest offspring.

"Norton! Boy, how are things? How's the teaching job going so far? Did those Miamians turn you into a homosexual? Are you coming for thanksgiving? Please tell me you're flying back for Thanksgiving."

"Mom, If we could go over it one thing at a time.. I'm good. Teaching High School kids never gets easier the longer I do it." There was an audible laugh on both ends before the woman managed to sneak a word in-between her last chuckles, jostles and hee-haws.

"Well, that's wonderful to hear. Hopefully they won't have to ever meet me. Y'all know I bite."

"Mom, I know you bite, but your barks a lot worse. I've seen you on twitter."

Maxine suddenly got defensive. "Oh. Damn it. Y'all saw me make an ass of myself?"

"N-no.. but I liked one of your tweets and then it was gone. Somethin' about shovin' it to the Whip, I think was what it said. Any idea what happened? Did ya git hacked or some shit?"

"Well..here's the funny thing, I got in hot water for that. That was why I had to get rid of it. Dumbo didn't take too kindly to me 'railing against him' or some shit like that."

"So, did y'all smooth things over with 'em?"

"Oh yes!" Maxine nodded. Then she remembered that Norton wouldn't be able to see that while on the phone with her mother. "Yes.. I only got i-in a lil' bit o' shit. I just said I'm thinkin' about it... Norton, can you give your poor, old, dementia ridden ma some advice?"

"Dementia? Bullshit Mom. You're as sharp as a tack. That's only something that happened to Grandma and Grandpa, not you."

"Well, I wouldn't count me out of the elderly woods just yet. Hell, I'm almost old enough to start collecting social security...which I might begin to need more."

"Mom, if there's any problems, I'll drop everything in a heartbeat to make sure you're alright."

Maxine blushed before the same realization that 'on the phone, no-one can see your middle finger'.
"W-why that is the sweetest of you to offer, but you don't need to start packin' right now. You've got your own life now in Florida and I've got my life here in the Swamps. One Part's in Mississippi and the Other Part's in D.C." They both shared yet another laugh before returning to the original proposal.

"Y'all said you wanted somethin'?"

"Y-yeess, Norton, I've got this here 'bill' per say. I said I needed some sleep over it, but I'm still not really sure where to fall on it."

"That's where I fall in, right? Well, I'd have to say... this is rather embaressing for a congresswoman to need a..what's that thing on that gameshow called? A li- lifeline!"

"Think of it as a 'shoutout from the street' Cash Cab n' shit like that. So, enough bull. What I wanted to ask you was, what do you think of the Relief Act?"

"The what?"

"... Oh. I meant the 'big rescue bill thingy'."

"Well, actually, I think we need that sort of thing right now. It's got some pretty big names sponsoring it. Why wasn't your name on it too? It might get you some good press, mom."

"I don't want to see it passed. I'm against it, truth be told."

"Mom! President Robertson is promising a lifeboat to sinking buisnesses, schools and individuals. Are you saying you just want us to go back to ..uh, '08 when we had George Burke in office? You wanna go back to the hard times?"

"Nortie, sweetie. That's not what I'm saying. I've just got legitimate gripes and bitching and moaning with the bill. It's waay too much money, for starters."

"Everyone else is for the bill, and you're sayin' you still want to oppose it? I guess it'll be your political funeral."

"Political landmine, sure... will I be blown up politically for a month or two, yes. Funeral? Oooh, I disagree Nortie. I want responsibile spending from the White House, not the shit-flinging, cash throwing we had under Baharia and then Wolf of all people. It's the few things I can say I didn't like about the man."

"What about 'Big Ears'?"

"Oh! You mean Dumbo. We'll have to just wait n' see how pissed off he gits at me. I've got a laundry list of concerns with the bill, and I'll hopefully be able to speak with other Republicans..." the next word came out with a strenuous groan. "..and Democrats, on negotiations with the bill. It's being ram rodded. We all have too keen a memory for what had happened in '08 with the Moe Johnson shit-show that happened. That would've been the one time I wish I had jumped in the House earlier.. Maybe in '10 or '08?"

"Well, it's like what y'all never shut up 'bout inna my growin' on up: 'Good things take time', I guess. I think we might need this relief sonn-sooner rather than later."

"I wanna let it be known that I ain't opposed to it on principle, it's the meat n' potatoes I've got a real fuzz 'bout. It's what I've been raisin' hell with anyone who'll listen to my onna my twat-eer account."

"So, more than just your son and yourself? Touching. But mom, this country, and lemme borrow a metaphor from down inna the Florida swamps, Say this country is an alleegator, just got hit by a car. WHAM! What would you do? Get on the horn for the pow-pow-powl-lice or run away n' pretend nothin' like that happened?"

"I will not sell my political soul to the devils within Congress! I ain't denyin' the body's wounded, but I also ain't the mortician cuttin' open his damned corpse. The U.S Economy is still alive, just a lil' bit disorientated. What it needs ain't not shot in the arm for flu season, that's an over-reaction. We just need a band-aid, dust ourselves off n' have the state's do shit instead of Uncle Sam. I promise y'all this my boy, there ain't no price that no one can tag onna ol' "Cotton Maxine!"

"Cotton Maxine? Let's hope to god you don't share phone conversations like this with reporters, or your ass would've long been sunk for such shit."

"Oh, it's just rhetoric between my son n' myself. Nothing more, nothing less. Besides, the feller I'm referencin' died in South Carolina, not Mississippi. I swear I ain't that much of a racist. If I was able to survive the shit my opponents pulled, I'll be damn safe for '22."

"Alright then Ma. Well... It seems like you're busy being a congresswimmen n' all that. Anythin' else y'all wanna chat 'bout ma?"

Maxine suddenly remembered, a smile being brought forth upon her face.

"Are we going to have Thanksgiving at my house this year? Miles has been itching out to buy a new gas stove built specifically for cookin' us up some birds. He ain't good for much these days, but I ain't about to critique his cookin' skills no more. That man can make me breakfast anyday of the week!" Maxine laughed at the last part about her husband.

"Uhh, mom, I guess... sure, whatever. I'll bring lil' Sharp over for it. It's been nice talking mom. We ought t' do it more often. Maybe in a week or two when I ain't too swamped with this 'teachin' shit'."

Maxine laughed before hanging up the phone. "Alright dear, I'll talk to y'all soon. 'member t' call me. Buh-bye now."

With that, she sat up from her hotel bed, quietly locked the door behind her and soon found herself back within her own House Office, busily reading back up on Constituent e-mails with the remnants of yesterday's Coca-Cola and doughnut run evident in crumbs that the janitor had simply forgotten to clean off.

Maxine Durant @MaxineDurant2 You can't just rush into spending trillions of dollars recklessly now. Things like this, take time. That's what I have been hard at work doing for Mississippians for over twenty years. Remember, my doors are open to ANYONE, Donkey, Elephant or Porcupine. If this Administration is to get things right, time must be taken on it. Slow n' Steady wins the race, after all! Unfortunately, IDK how to vote on the ARA, but, don't worry MS, My office will release a statement within the next day confirming my position. #Slow and Steady#Always Open #Undecided on Relief RETWEETSFAVORITE 258166 6:24 am - 1/22/2021

[Velahor]

“Mature and robust is great, needed in fact.”

From a level of principle, Carrie was on the money. The strategy is what she questioned. Diane got a look of curiosity on her face, feeling the need to dig in a little deeper.

“That avenue works as well, but you’re then going to be tasked with finding someone significantly more mature and robust than Nate. Robust you can certainly find, mature, well, that will come down to how the next four years shape up and how your strategists can market them.”

Diane realized that with Carrie, who had called her a “friend,” and who she felt similarly about (albeit begrudgingly due to her general lack of trust in politicians), that she’d be safe to talk names.

“Was there somebody in mind?”

"There is someone on my mind, yes. It's early days though, there's no moving and shaking to be done on that road for them yet. But..." She hummed a little, glancing at the window for a moment, "Four years is enough time to build up the good will. Pull someone out of the unpopularity of their former job and... perhaps be viable."

For a moment, Diane drew a blank on who Carrie could be referring to. Then, she remembered what had been said earlier about Simone being blamed for some of the Democratic House losses.

Diane gave her a knowing look, took a drink, and spoke.

“Running for President from a House seat is hard, I know from experience.”

“I’ll be very honest with you. I think your career speaks for itself, and it won’t take people all that long to get over 2020. You’ll be fine rehabilitating your good standing with your fellow Democrats. Twist it how they want, your party ran a bad candidate for President in 2020 who is much more culpable for those losses than you. If you run in 2024, I think you could figure out winning the primary just fine.”

Diane set her drink down and leaned forward to ask another question.

“But how do you plan to pitch yourself to the people that Diehl lost to Nate? That really would determine how you’d perform in the general.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

For a moment, Diane drew a blank on who Carrie could be referring to. Then, she remembered what had been said earlier about Simone being blamed for some of the Democratic House losses.

Diane gave her a knowing look, took a drink, and spoke.

“Running for President from a House seat is hard, I know from experience.”

“I’ll be very honest with you. I think your career speaks for itself, and it won’t take people all that long to get over 2020. You’ll be fine rehabilitating your good standing with your fellow Democrats. Twist it how they want, your party ran a bad candidate for President in 2020 who is much more culpable for those losses than you. If you run in 2024, I think you could figure out winning the primary just fine.”

Diane set her drink down and leaned forward to ask another question.

“But how do you plan to pitch yourself to the people that Diehl lost to Nate? That really would determine how you’d perform in the general.”

"Diehl projected weakness, and he failed to unify the coalition. I have always been better at keeping Democrats on one page, and I don't think anyone doubted the authority I brought to the role of Speaker. Fundamentally, what separates me from him is that I will look ready to govern. And when Richardson inevitably holds on solving major issues - race, civil rights, infrastructure, health - there'll be major policy planks that I'll be offering that he won't. I confess, I failed to shepherd a lot of my agenda through the Senate - but I got a lot through the House, and not only did I get a lot through the House, but when I was Speaker, I was able to leverage concessions from the other side. People will believe I can do things, either in a partisan environment or a bipartisan environment. At least... that's the theory."

There was doubt in Carrie's expression - not necessarily doubt in her ability to govern, but whether she could make that case, but she evidently did believe that it wasn't fantastical.

"Yeah, running from a House seat is hard, and it was tough for you. The difference is that I don't have to build up my national presence, people know who I am, and I have the sizeable campaign apparatus to back me."

[Velahor]

Looking around at his surroundings quickly as he released the handshake, William replied, “I’m alright. There’s a lot going on right now. Just been busy.”

“How are you adjusting to the House?” he asked.

"Well...damn, it's bigger than Arizona! My first day, I had a news crew from NBC come and ask me questions on the Clean Congress bill. I've never had a bunch of reporters dressed up like bank tellers come and try to get my opinions and film me on national TV. It's crazy. Kind of scary too, you know, but it's worth it."

"Sorry to change the subject so abruptly, but I have a meeting with a lobbying group in a little while and I want to talk with you about redistricting. Being a congressman has gotten me very busy, I'll tell you that. I was looking at census data last night — Montana has more than 1,000,000 people now, I believe, so you are getting another house district. So are Texas and Florida and North Carolina and a couple other states, and a bunch of states are redistricting. You know North Carolina's congressional district map. It's hideous. Illinois is hideous. Maryland is hideous. Only 21 states have nonpartisan electoral commissions. It's crazy! It's definitely a problem that needs to be fixed, urgently."

Rogers rubbed his chin while thinking, the 5 o’clock shadow making a light scratching noise in the morning air.

“I agree wholeheartedly.”

He paused, glancing over toward the White House before back at Loloma.

“The first thing that comes to me is how worried I am that the Republicans turn the second Montana seat into a guaranteed pickup with a little gerrymandering voodoo. There isn’t a thing I won’t do to prevent that from happening.”

“We’re going to have a hard time getting a lot of states to wanna sign onto having the feds mingle in their elections…and especially with all Representatives currently sitting on safe gerrymandered House seats…I’m just wanting to know what your angle is on how you’ll get them to sign onto it?”

[Velahor]

For a moment, Diane drew a blank on who Carrie could be referring to. Then, she remembered what had been said earlier about Simone being blamed for some of the Democratic House losses.

Diane gave her a knowing look, took a drink, and spoke.

“Running for President from a House seat is hard, I know from experience.”

“I’ll be very honest with you. I think your career speaks for itself, and it won’t take people all that long to get over 2020. You’ll be fine rehabilitating your good standing with your fellow Democrats. Twist it how they want, your party ran a bad candidate for President in 2020 who is much more culpable for those losses than you. If you run in 2024, I think you could figure out winning the primary just fine.”

Diane set her drink down and leaned forward to ask another question.

“But how do you plan to pitch yourself to the people that Diehl lost to Nate? That really would determine how you’d perform in the general.”

"Diehl projected weakness, and he failed to unify the coalition. I have always been better at keeping Democrats on one page, and I don't think anyone doubted the authority I brought to the role of Speaker. Fundamentally, what separates me from him is that I will look ready to govern. And when Richardson inevitably holds on solving major issues - race, civil rights, infrastructure, health - there'll be major policy planks that I'll be offering that he won't. I confess, I failed to shepherd a lot of my agenda through the Senate - but I got a lot through the House, and not only did I get a lot through the House, but when I was Speaker, I was able to leverage concessions from the other side. People will believe I can do things, either in a partisan environment or a bipartisan environment. At least... that's the theory."

There was doubt in Carrie's expression - not necessarily doubt in her ability to govern, but whether she could make that case, but she evidently did believe that it wasn't fantastical.

"Yeah, running from a House seat is hard, and it was tough for you. The difference is that I don't have to build up my national presence, people know who I am, and I have the sizeable campaign apparatus to back me."

“I mean, I had the national presence and name recognition, enough people knew me from the White House and my old Fox show, but that’s a fair assessment. You’re not particularly working against your party’s establishment nor are you all that far from its platform, so that helps you too.”

Diane found Carrie’s shifting confidence rather fascinating; on one hand, she seemed to be aware of the power she held, but on the other hand, her face showed that she herself may not be completely convinced. She wasn’t going to give a Democrat a pep talk to run for President, but she also felt like she owed it to her friend to share her two cents.

“Your plan is logical, but it relies on Richardson’s failure to govern effectively. Now, the guy is far from perfect, so I get why you see that failure as inevitable. But if you really want to make this happen, you’re probably going to need a backup plan, in case he comes out of his first term as a highly favorable incumbent.”

“You’d have had a hell of a chance in 2020.”

Paulson took a drink.

“You probably will in 2024 as well, but it’d be really sad to see you end up looking like Mondale in ‘84 against a popular incumbent.”