Twilight's Last Gleaming: An American Political RP IC (Open)

[Dentali]

CURRENT DATE



June 29th, 2007 - July 13th, 2007

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Welcome to “Twilight’s Last Gleaming”, an American Political and Character RP where players can explore the intricacies of government, from the cloak and dagger politics of the capital, to plainspoken compromise in the heartland, to the gritty in-and-outs of running some of the world’s greatest cities.

The year is 2007, and the divisions from the 2006 elections remain. President John Cush won his reelection decisively in 2004, but the 2006 midterms saw the rise of the Democrats due to the now-unpopular War on Terror. Democrats with control of the Senate (52-48) and the House (233-202), and soon it will be an election year. President Cush is ineligible for a new term, and Republicans are confident that they can rely on Democratic infighting to cruise to a new Republican president.

However, something is brewing. The New Recession is about to begin, and nothing will be the same in its wake. Will you be a populist trying to change America’s DNA, a Republican hanging on to power, or a Democrat faced with the question of how to deal with what might become the most polarizing period in American history?

Play in the Cabinet or the inner corridors and echelons of power emanating from the White House. Or choose to be a Senator, Governor, Congressperson, Mayor, or any other figure with a hand in today's politics. Or run for office, from dogcatcher to the Presidency to fight for your slice of the American Political landscape. Create an original character, make history and steer them through... Twilight’s Last Gleaming.

[align=center]QUICK LINKS
The Out of Character • [url=placeholder]The Congressional Page[/url]
Please note: Roster of Characters is listed on the OOC

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[size=150]

THE RULES:

1. The OP's words are the words of the Gods, but these Gods are not infallible, you can argue your position in a civil way but in the end their decision is final.

2. No real people or celebrities as characters. There is no Bernie Sanders that you can play. As per the introductory note, politicians post-Reagan do not exist, or have been replaced with generic stand-ins: you can play them, should you wish. Records and history are the same, including statistics, save in the places where player-characters have brought about a change.

3. Regarding absences- If you, for whatever reason, must take a leave from the roleplay-that is of course fine. But please inform us ahead and how long it may take. If you are found to have just up and left the RP, we may have to simulate how you character act in votes per say, especially depending on their importance.

4. When it comes to writing; please do it well. We expect a certain level of quality with your posts. One or two sentences will not be acceptable, but we can be permissive-if your character is engaged in conversation, a sentence is fine

5. Please make characters of quality and substance. We don't want Mary Sue flawless characters who are 30 year olds, models, former sharecroppers with military service earning a medal of honor and then returning from Iraq to attend Harvard. Those characters aren't very fun to play or interact with. But on the other hand-no sabotage characters. Just because you hate Democrats, don't make a hopelessly corrupt and scandal-ridden Democrat with no redeeming qualities. Character models also have to be googleable, no photoshopped models, if we can't google your character model you can't have them!

6. No cheat-edits. Once you've made an IC post, leave it. Edits to formatting are all right along with typos, but don't try to change anything major compared to what you have already written, especially if it has already been responded to. If your character said it in public, it must stay. Gaffes happen, after all.

7. If you are not sure if something is legal or okay, ask OOC first. Always better to check-and there is limited leniency for things that are obviously bad.

8. No events that directly affect another character without permission first. In essence, avoid physical altercations and outrageous "accidents". Assassination is banned, any external action taken against politicians will take place in the form of an event.

9. No meta-gaming. Do not let the OOC influence the realism of your character's actions. If they are in a closed situation in which information is limited, they cannot state specific statistics, for example.

10. PG-13 limit. Per site-wide rules, nothing too saucy or racy. You know it when you see it.

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ADMINISTRATORS
Dentali (OP) The Sarangtus Lands Yaruqo Meretica Madrinpoor Skynautics
Administrators are responsible for decision making within the RP, they collectively manage polling, special events and so on. They are your last source of appeal if you have any issue within the RP. Do not hesitate to contact any of the above with any question or issue as you may have.

MODERATORS
TBD •
Moderators are involved on an as-needed basis, and help to moderate the OOC/IC and review applications.

[/spoiler]

[Dentali]

PLACEHOLDER

[New Luciannova]

Friends, Americans, countrymen, my name is Amadeus Putnam, descended from one of the oldest and most notable families of New England. I am a Congressman from New Hampshire's second district and am proud to represent the Republican Party but have always been an original. People have said I am the most conservative and most liberal member of Congress, and I would argue that I am simply one of the few consistent in an ethical belief that our Founding Fathers envisioned of free people pursuing their own lives on their own terms. I want to end the war on drugs as well as abolish the Department of Education. I want a low flat tax and to legalize same-sex marriage. I want to be pro-life in all aspects opposing abortion, the death penalty, and ending these Wilsonian wars of aggression, like Iraq. I want clean energy, and see nuclear power as the most obvious, and to decrease subsides to things like big oil and big tobacco. I believe in the entire Bill of Rights and thus will fight for all the Amendments, including the Second Amendment, and in that faith, I want to revisit and overturn the odious elements of the PATRIOT Act. In New Hampshire it's live free or die. It's time to live up to that motto, because I would rather die as a free man than to live as a slave.

[New Luciannova]

Trivia:
Amadeus Putnam was born December 17, 1962, and is the oldest of four children.
Amadeus Putnam lives in Newbury, New Hampshire in Merrimack County, but was born in Boston. and grew up in Quincy. Massachusetts.
He is a practicing Roman Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus. While very religious and spiritual personally he believes in a separation of Church and state.
Putnam has authored four books, two on stoicism and two on politics.
Amadeus Putnam is married to Dr. Mackenzie "Kenzie" Putnam, a professor of psychology at Franklin Pierce University, they have three children, Thomas Aquinas (age 8_), Dagny (age 6), and Artemis (age 2). Kenzie met him at a talk he was giving in1995 when she was a grad student at Boston University, she was born February of 1973. They began a correspondence, but a relationship developed, and they married in 1998.
Amadeus Putnam has a pet ferret named "Outlaw." Outlaw has become a sort of mini celebrity in his district and regularly appeals with the Congressman, often seen sitting on his lap during meetings. Amadeus Putnam has a bill in committee to legalize ferret ownership in DC.
Amadeus Putnam is a chess enthusiast and also plays Diplomacy and other boardgames.
Amadeus Putnam has an IQ of 138.
Amadeus Putnam supported not-Pat Buchanan in 1992 and 1996 for President and not-Steve Forbes in 2000, he endorsed the Republican Party's nominee after his candidate withdrew. He received nominations (despite not pursuing them) for President in the Libertarian National Convention in 2004.
Amadeus Putnam never smoked nor has done any recreational drugs stating that "Marcus Aurelius is mind-expanding enough." He consumes alcohol rarely.
Amadeus Putnam is an opponent of fur farming despite not being a vegetarian and supporting the rights of hunters and sportsmen. He believes in an excise tax on all farmed fur to penalize what he calls "senseless cruelty."

[Jovuistan]

Washington D.C.
March 2nd, 2007
Sen. Carole Martel

The sounds of rolling suitcase wheels and brisk steps did little to stand out amidst the bustle of the DCA. Carole rushed through the airport terminal to reach her flight back home, not because she was running late, but simply because she was growing impatient to get the show on the road. She had spent months meeting with her staff and family to make a decision. It was a difficult call for them to make. As much as she prided herself on her decisiveness, running for President wasn't just something she could jump into. All the variables and options had been weighed, and ultimately, the Senator just couldn't stand to see the highest office be used to execute blunder after blunder as the incumbent had done over the years. The White House could use someone with her experience, she believed.

And so that's what led to her boarding a private flight to California. She went through the baggage procedures and security checks as usual, all motions she had grown bored of after years of back and forth travel. She met up with her staff members who would be flying with her; some were aides who worked under her for a while, while others were those she had only recently become truly acquainted with who would serve on her campaign. After exchanging a few pleasantries and conversing until it was time to board, the team entered the plane and sat down.

Carole spoke first, "Well, this is it. Once we're in the air there's no turning back. Unless you guys only plan on taking a group vacation, that is." A few chuckles resounded at her quip. A deeper voice cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Of course not. We all signed up for this job, and I'll be damned if I chickened out now when it's not even my first rodeo." Walter Cannon, the campaign manager of the Martel '08 ticket, was no stranger to big runs. He was already familiar with Carole having run her re-election bid, and further back was on the (not-Jerry Brown) presidential campaign in 1992, "Just know that this won't be a cakewalk. Presidential runs are brutal, harsh, and bloody. They're not for the faint of heart, though I'm sure you know all that."

Carole nodded, "Indeed. I've had many chats with Senator (not-Kerry) about it. I'm looking forward to the challenge, actually. Bring it on, I say." Walter grinned at her confidence. The announcement for their imminent departure was made, and they all sat back in their seats. Within minutes, they were off. It was a long flight spent mostly discussing the logistics of the upcoming campaign. Messaging, demographic and state targetting, endorsements, websites, and the like were thoroughly gone over. A few hours later, they had landed in San Francisco. It was off to the races for them.

[New Luciannova]

Arlington, Virginia
Friday 2 March 2007
Amadeus Putnam was alone in the study of his condominium in Arlington, alone except for Outlaw, of course. He was missing Kenzie, his wife, and his children. Outlaw, his ferret, was probably missing her sister, Luna. They had school in New Hampshire and he was busy on the Potomoc. Outlaw was gently nibbling on his big toe, he had removed his shoes and socks to give the small mustelid access to her favorite form of affection.
Putnam was drinking tea in his study, and it being a Friday in Lent was cooking some seafood over Farfalle Pasta. He liked the bow shape, in honor of his colorful bowties he became known for wearing.
Putnam gazed outside at the warm spring day and wondered if he really should take time away from DC and run for President this year. He knew he was a long-shot and had little hope of winning. The last Congressman elected and nominated was James Abram Garfield, but the Congressman felt that his brand of libertarian politics could rise in meaning if he wanted to run. He was sure he could win his home state of New Hampshire, the first primary, and he had the money. Winning at least one state could translate into more victories and earn him enough delegates to ensure he would have a chance to address the GOP convention the following summer and build his own movement.
Kenzie had already been persuaded, and his mother and his sister had already agreed to look after his kids. He promised he would not be an absent father and had been true to that promise so far. If he was running for President that would be a tougher pledge, but the fact that he would be in New Hampshire, his home state, a lot, would make that less challenging.
Outlaw had let up on his toe to roam the house foraging for food that was likely already devoured, and the timer went off on the kitchen. He poured himself some iced tea from a pitcher and went to have dinner, He was then going to call his chief of staff and media director to pick what TV show he was going to announce his bid on and where he would make the formal announcement. He was thinking it had to be in New Hampshire, he wanted somewhere historical and iconic. He also would need to talk to a speechwriter to figure out exactly what he was going to say, and he began jotting down an outline as he ate.
He used his left hand with a fork as his right hand scrawled down his thoughts on a yellow legal pad.

[Kavanis]

Date: March 1, 2007
Location: 335 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515.

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“‘…the great promise of the American Dream remains open to all, and the legacy of this country as a beacon of light to all those setting out in hope of a better life for themselves and their children remains undimmed.’”

Kaley, Jack Claassen’s newest staff member, paused reading the speech. “Congressman, this is so beautiful. You really gave this speech?”

“On the floor of the Tennessee House. 198…6? 7?” He waved the golf putter dismissively, then returned to lining up his shot on the mini putting green. The ball rolled sweetly towards the hole, only for Kaley, who wore a crucifix, to have to quietly cross herself at some of the (somewhat less beautiful) language the Congressman issued forth as the ball curved away to the left at the last moment.

“So we should put out a press release reminding people of your stance?”

“Remind people?” he gawked, shaking his head. “Jesus H. Christ, no! I want you to shred every copy. I talk about amnesty, I talk about a god-damn path to citizenship. No! I want every trace of that speech gone! And then find me something to co-sponsor that’ll play well with the crazies.” He walked up to the hole and tapped the ball in. “REAL ID, employment verification, that sort of thing.”

Madison, another young staffer, was already thinking quicker than Kaley. “How about a bill that stops income earned by illegal aliens from counting towards Social Security coverage?”

“Sold!” said Jack enthusiastically, tapping the putter on the ground in applause.

Madison beamed, and Kaley nodded, understanding beginning to dawn. “If you like, Congressman, I could draw up a letter from you to the Interior Department asking what they’re doing about border security…”

“Now you’re talking.” Jack finger-gunned at Kaley in approval. “But make it DHS. Sexier, for the headlines.”

Brooklyn, yet another young staffer, entered the office from the annex. “Congressman, I’ve written up that press release for you.”

“I’m sure it’s fine,” said Jack dismissively, far more interested in the coffees she was carrying. She set his down on his desk beside a print-out of the press release.

“I said you were calling on the Democrats to renew the Cush tax cuts and that you wouldn’t allow socialism by stealth,” she beamed.

“That’s good, but don’t call them the ‘Cush tax cuts’. Call them the Republican tax cuts. We’re done shackling ourselves to that lame duck.”

Press releases

Claassen warns against socialism by stealth

Congressman Jack Claassen (R–TN–1) has urged the Democratic leadership in the 110th Congress to “act urgently” on renewing the Republican tax cuts. “Hardworking Americans deserve to keep more of their paycheck, not have it snatched away by Beltway Democrats for their radical social projects,” said Congressman Claassen in remarks on the House floor. He later elaborated to reporters: “The pro-jobs tax cuts that have seen this era of American prosperity and growth will sunset within four years unless Congress takes action now. The Republican Party is ready to stand up for job creators and workers: why aren’t the Big Government Democrats willing to act?”

Claassen writes to DHS Secretary on border security

Congressman Jack Claassen (R–TN–1) has written an open letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security urging “swift and comprehensive action” to “better secure America’s borders against terrorism”. Congressman Claassen, a leading voice advocating for secure borders, has encouraged fellow lawmakers to co-sign the letter in an effort to get a better sense of what the Department is doing to protect America from the threat of terrorists crossing our porous and unprotected borders. He has also announced his intention to introduce the Securing American’s Future Enforcement Act, which would reimburse state law enforcement officers for training in performing border security and immigration enforcement actions.

[Mareadmonte]

Rayburn House Office Building
March 1, 2007
Representative Robert E. Lee Woolworth (D-NC-11)



"So would you like me to get the message around now, or wait a while, sir?", asked Bob Woolworth's longtime staffer Mary.

The Bulldog himself sat in his brown leather armchair, flipping through television channels idly.

"HGTV...History Channel...Smithso-" he paused, grimacing and grunting as the back pain-plagued North Carolinian stood up and walked over to Mary.

"I suppose if you release it around...4 O'clock or so, primetime'll catch the bait. Get it over to leadership now though, y'here?" he said.

"Of course, sir. I'll take it over now." she replied, taking a stack of papers with her as she out the door.

Wandering back into the other room, sitting back down in his armchair, and picking up the remote, Bob settled on National Geographic. The baritone, thick voice of the narrator became background noise as Bob began to drift off to sleep. A good rest would, after all, be needed to prepare for what's ahead.



Mary delivered the papers to the Speaker, Whip, and other Democratic leaders before returning to the office to find her boss asleep. Quietly tip-toeing around the office, she turned off the television and propped a pillow beneath The Bulldog's head, before returning to her desk. A phone call to senate Democratic leadership was in order to inform them of the news, which was taken care of promptly. Once finished, she sat back in her chair and took in a deep breath. 16 years in the House has taken a toll on the once-proud, rigid Appalachian firebrand that was The Bulldog, worsening his migraines, back pain, and - most importantly, his lungs. A lifetime of smoking anything from raw tobacco, to marijuana, to pine needles has forced him at times to undergo surgery and other treatments. However, through all those 16 years and before that as his aide on the North Carolina corruption task force, was Mary. Now in her 80s, she had met Woolworth during his time as mayor of Maggie Valley, where she lived at the time. Striking a friendship with the man 20 years her junior, she followed him all the way to this point.

Later that afternoon, a formal announcement was distributed to cable news networks, newspapers, and other media in and around Washington - and from there, the nation. It read as follows;

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
from Representative Robert Woolworth

I, Robert Woolworth, have signed the necessary forms, paperwork, and other documents required to form an exploratory committee to run for President of the United States in the upcoming 56th quadrennial presidential election.

-RW

Mary also booked several flights for The Bulldog, as well as piecing together event schedules.

FLIGHTS:

Dulles Intl. ---> Des Moines Intl.
Des Moines Intl. ---> Gerald Ford Grand Rapids Intl.
Gerald Ford Grand Rapids Intl. ---> Dulles Intl.
Dulles Intl. ---> Boston Logan Intl.
Boston Logan Intl. ---> Manchester-Boston Reg.
Manchester-Boston Reg. ---> Boston Logan Intl.
Boston Logan Intl. ---> John F. Kennedy Intl.
John F. Kennedy Intl. ---> Philadelphia Intl.
Philadelphia Intl. ---> Raleigh-Durham Intl.
Raleigh-Durham Intl. ---> Asheville Reg.

[Jovuistan]

Rayburn House Office Building
March 1, 2007
Representative Robert E. Lee Woolworth (D-NC-11)

(Image)

"So would you like me to get the message around now, or wait a while, sir?", asked Bob Woolworth's longtime staffer Mary.

The Bulldog himself sat in his brown leather armchair, flipping through television channels idly.

"HGTV...History Channel...Smithso-" he paused, grimacing and grunting as the back pain-plagued North Carolinian stood up and walked over to Mary.

"I suppose if you release it around...4 O'clock or so, primetime'll catch the bait. Get it over to leadership now though, y'here?" he said.

"Of course, sir. I'll take it over now." she replied, taking a stack of papers with her as she out the door.

Wandering back into the other room, sitting back down in his armchair, and picking up the remote, Bob settled on National Geographic. The baritone, thick voice of the narrator became background noise as Bob began to drift off to sleep. A good rest would, after all, be needed to prepare for what's ahead.



Mary delivered the papers to the Speaker, Whip, and other Democratic leaders before returning to the office to find her boss asleep. Quietly tip-toeing around the office, she turned off the television and propped a pillow beneath The Bulldog's head, before returning to her desk. A phone call to senate Democratic leadership was in order to inform them of the news, which was taken care of promptly. Once finished, she sat back in her chair and took in a deep breath. 16 years in the House has taken a toll on the once-proud, rigid Appalachian firebrand that was The Bulldog, worsening his migraines, back pain, and - most importantly, his lungs. A lifetime of smoking anything from raw tobacco, to marijuana, to pine needles has forced him at times to undergo surgery and other treatments. However, through all those 16 years and before that as his aide on the North Carolina corruption task force, was Mary. Now in her 80s, she had met Woolworth during his time as mayor of Maggie Valley, where she lived at the time. Striking a friendship with the man 20 years her junior, she followed him all the way to this point.

Later that afternoon, a formal announcement was distributed to cable news networks, newspapers, and other media in and around Washington - and from there, the nation. It read as follows;

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
from Representative Robert Woolworth

I, Robert Woolworth, have signed the necessary forms, paperwork, and other documents required to form an exploratory committee to run for President of the United States in the upcoming 56th quadrennial presidential election.

-RW

Mary also booked several flights for The Bulldog, as well as piecing together event schedules.

FLIGHTS:

Dulles Intl. ---> Des Moines Intl.
Des Moines Intl. ---> Gerald Ford Grand Rapids Intl.
Gerald Ford Grand Rapids Intl. ---> Dulles Intl.
Dulles Intl. ---> Boston Logan Intl.
Boston Logan Intl. ---> Manchester-Boston Reg.
Manchester-Boston Reg. ---> Boston Logan Intl.
Boston Logan Intl. ---> John F. Kennedy Intl.
John F. Kennedy Intl. ---> Philadelphia Intl.
Philadelphia Intl. ---> Raleigh-Durham Intl.
Raleigh-Durham Intl. ---> Asheville Reg.

During a meeting at a hotel room in SF, a Martel aide was absentminded watching the news. A quick segment on Rep. Woolworth's exploratory committee popped up.

"Hey, guys, look at this." She called the others. Carole watched the anchor go over Woolworth's brief statement about his announcement. She rolled her eyes and suppressed a scoff, "Ah, 'Robert E. Lee' Woolworth. Is he going to run for the Democrats, though? I'm surprised he hasn't switched parties already." She snickered. She didn't have the highest opinion of the Dixiecrat, finding him to be a gross product of a bygone era. He wouldn't be much of a threat, she assumed.

[Sarenium]

The Gal' from Dixie
284 Peninsula Way, Houston, AL 35572

When Deborah Feyrer woke that morning at her lake house, she knew what to expect. At 7am, she began her exercise. Six full minutes. Not one less, not one more. On the treadmill, first a brisk 4 miles per hour, then at the 2 minute mark she would flip the switch to 7 miles per hour. At 7.06, she powered the machine down, plucked up the two dumbbells and began doing bicep curls. After twenty repetitions, she placed them down. Stretching some more, a member of the House Staff entered. She examined Mabel, the young woman who had entered the room in which she intended to remain alone for the next twenty minutes.

"Ma'am," Mabel apologised profusely with her head bowed down, "I- I- I got told to let you know-"

Deborah lifted her dumbbell.

"The first poll is back-"

Deborah paused, dumbbells overhead, looking at Mabel inquisitively.

"You're not- not first," Mabel winced as she said what she said.

Deborah had no reaction, looking back ahead, Mabel wisely left the room. Then Deborah flung the dumbbell with full hurl at the mirror opposite her. She had no reaction other than to call, "Mabel," she called, with her trademark recognizable Alabama drawl, "clean this shit up. And tell Lonny he's fired. He can go hug his homo bankers in Wall Street."

With that she left, enough exercise for today. Time to get ready, for the most important announcement of her life.

[Melovinta]

Office of Representative Gunsley
March 1st, 11:09 AM
Representative Harold Pierce Gunsley (R-OH-05)

Representative Gunsley was in his office pacing back and forth anxiously.

He was anxious if the Republicans could hold the presidency in '08, anxious if he'll hold his seat in the next midterms, anxious if he could run for Senator or even Governor, and anxious if he should try to gun for the Republican nomination. And then, a sharp pain in his head.

He held the side of his head, rubbing it as he made his way over to his desk where he ducked and saw his safe. He immediately punched the code "1996" into the keypad, seeing inside the safe a photo of him and his family in 1998, an M9 handgun, 2 9mm clips, and a bottle of painkillers. He snatched the bottle, popping it open and pouring 2 pills into the palm of his right hand, gulping them down immediately as he got up and grabbed a bottle of water on his desk and drank the pills down, ducking down again and slowly closing the safe.

He got up and collapsed into his office chair, muttering "Fucking hell..." as he closed his eyes to take a nap.

[Kavanis]

Date: March 2, 2007
Location: The Capital Grille, 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20004.

---

“I’ll have a green salad and a mineral water.”

“Congressman, don’t worry, we’re paying for the meal.”

Jack had come up to D.C. in 1997. For ten years he’d been a member of the Republican majority. In power, in control. His voice and his vote sought out by every lobbyist with two pennies to rub together. But 2007 had brought a new dawn. This was his first time back among the minority since his days in the Tennessee General Assembly, and he’d wanted to test the water a little to check that the lobbyists were still picking up the checks. Relieved that they were, he powered ahead as he always did:

“In that case, give the salad to the rabbits and the water to the goldfish, and bring me a 24oz porterhouse and something off the mid-shelf.”

“Johnny, Dr. Kroeger says you have to cut down on the red meat…” Jack’s wife, Sofie, tutted reprovingly, rolling the r’s in her characteristic accent. The former Miss Aruba patted the back of her husband’s hand. “Remember my father’s heart attack.”

Jack didn’t like to be reminded of that: the man had been ten years younger than him. “Dr. Kroeger isn’t here,” he said, squeezing her hand back. “But you’re right. I’d better be careful. Make it a 20oz.”

Across the table, the lobbyists Hank and Frank (Jack could never remember which was which) put in their own order. Hank (or was it Frank?) represented the oil industry, and… the other one represented gas. Though Tennessee didn’t itself produce much in the way of mineral reserves, and was better known for its nuclear and hydropower, Jack had never been shy about taking donations from anyone willing to give. In return, they had bought themselves one of the most reliable votes against any regulations or restrictions on oil and gas in all of Congress. Immediately upon returning to Congress Jack had jumped to co-sponsor the usual Republican bills on ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf, and routinely offered amendments to strip any renewable fuel language from any bill that happened to be passing through his committee.

“Congressman, we’re obviously aware this is a very different environment now in Congress. We’re hoping to get a read of the situation.”

“Hank, you boys don’t need to worry.”

“It’s Frank, Congressman, but…”

“There are still enough Democrats who haven’t traded their shoes in for Birkenstocks to ensure nothing’ll move, legislatively. That’s so long as there’s strong leadership, of course.”

“President Cush…”

“Quack quack. I’m talking about Congressional leadership.”

Hank and Frank exchanged a glance. “You don’t think the GOP has strong leadership at the moment in the House?”

“Funny you should bring that up, Frank!”

“It’s Hank. But please, Congressman, continue…”

[Melovinta]

"Gunsley for 08" Rally, Toledo
March 2nd, 3:09 PM
Representative Harold Pierce Gunsley (R-OH-05)

Representative Gunsley was backstage, right before the rally was supposed to begin, consulting with one of his staffers.

"Do I look professional enough?" Representative Gunsley said, standing upright with his chest puffed out and a large pearly white smile.

"Absolutely, Mr. Gunsley. You look amazing, I'm sure you'll look amazing on TV." said one of his aids, Michael.

"Good, can't risk looking like Nixon in the 1960 TV debates. We know how that turned out for him."

"I'm convinced the crowd will cheer you on like its a presidential inauguration, your suit is stainless, your face is clean, teeth are shining like they're made of gold, well kempt hair, and most importantly a good posture." Michael said to the Representative.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, son." Representative Gunsley said as he took a deep breath, preparing to step onto the stage.

"Well, no going back now." Representative Gunsley said as he walked onto the stage, looking and waving at the crowd as he walked over to the podium.
As he reached the podium, he turned his body to face the crowd and spoke into the mic: "Thank you, thank you!", he said as the cheering died down to let him speak.

"Thank you all for coming here, you're all too kind, most of you can likely guess why I'm at this rally. Any ideas?" He said, as the crowd waited with anticipation "I am officially announcing that I am running for a sixth term as Representative of the fifth congressional district of Ohio." As soon as he finished the sentenced, he pressed a button on the podium hidden from the crowd, which signaled to his aids to release the banner which was on the stages ground floor level.

The crowd went into a frenzy, shouting the slogan "GUNSLEY FOR 08'!" over and over, it was deafening. Representative Gunsleys smile widened, as he waved to the crowd in an attempt to get them to let the fervor die down so he can speak.

"We stand at a critical crossroad in the history of our nation, and now is the time for action, not idleness. And to get our country on the right track we need to keep the Republican party strong in D.C, which is why you should vote for me as Representative of Ohio's 5th Congressional District. Let it be clear that I am a moderate and advocate for a big tent in the Republican party. We appeal to moderates, conservatives, libertarians, and even some moderate Democrats! The Democrats keep shifting further and further to the left while we stay as the mainstream moderate party who's willing to negotiate if our opponents are sensible. The Democrats have neglected the Rust Belt for far too long, even with Ohio as a critical state they'll go here, campaign for a few days and then leave back to D.C where they'll forget about us completely. It's about time we stop them, and let them know that we buckeyes aren't gonna take it from them anymore!" The crowd exploded into an even larger frenzy than before as the Representative said this, shouts of "GUNSLEY! GUNSLEY! GUNSLEY!" were chanted and the rally become almost religious in nature.

"But let's not be negative! If we can get me into office I will work tirelessly to get Congress and the President to make Ohio not a state in which a presidential candidate and campaign in and forget about, but a shining example of the shining model of the US of A! Low taxes, many jobs, the prime manufacturer of cars in these great states! A RUST BELT WITH A FRESH COAT OF PAINT!" The crowd had gone full die-hard for the Representative, although they did not represent all of Ohio, he still felt proud that he was able to whip them into a frenzy.

The rally went on as normal as the Representative talked about his plans for Ohio as a whole, and when it finished, he went to the backstage again, seeing Michael. "How'd I do?", Gunsley said. "Absolutely amazing, Mr. Representative."

[Goddess Taytay]

Office of Congresswoman Allison Schnell
Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Allison Schnell knew a hnumber of her colleagues were pursuing the Presidency, she liked the campaign trail. She genuinely loved people and being out in public. She was used to fame and attention and was used to charisma and charm. She had been famous since her teenage years and the camera and public eye was constantly on her. She was a singer, a musician, a song-writer, an actress and a model, now she was a politician, and the campaign trail and even talking to the press were things she could manage, getting any legislation through was frustrating, especially as her staff were still unpacking boxes to finish setting up her office.
The fact she was young, only 32, and it was her first term resulted in a lot of fellow legislators eager to push their agendas on her and see her as a pushover and a lightweight. The fact that many of them had lengthy political careers, a history of backroom deals, and advanced degrees, resulted in her being met with skepticism. However, she was no pushover and won in a relatively competitive district, of course she brought her own war chest, but money can only get you so far in terms of votes.
She had encountered misogyny, gaslighting, and being under-estimated before, but welcoming the challenge of de-throning this old boy's club, even if she had to do it brick by brick.
Her catalyst was also not rooted in blind ambition, but in presenting a different kind of image in Washington. So many Republicans in her state were talking about "Christian Tennessee values." Schnell said she was a Christian and was from Tennessee and disagreed with their social positions that were often punitive and extreme regarding issues like a woman's right to choose or people to be allowed to marry who they pleased.
Now that she was in Washington she could pursue her own vision and causes, and she would play ball with her caucus, but wanted to secure a major win quickly. She had a bill proposal to be written that would expand the civil rights act to cover gender identity and sexual orientation. Everyone was taking her calls, but Republicans were mostly stonewalling her, even the ones who were more socially progressive. Democrats were hardly any better, even ones who she would be considered to be more moderate than.
She needed an easier bill that she could speak on, and decided to push for more funding for youth music education. She was going to call some house members to look into the logistics of this less controversial project. Maybe with so many people looking toward the upcoming election she could achieve some good for something nobody could doubt she knew enough about.

[Jovuistan]

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 7TH, 2007
CAROLE MARTEL

A substantial crowd had turned up for Carole's big announcement. A voice came over the PA system to declare the Senators entrance, eliciting wild cheers as she and her family walked onto the stage. Holding onto her husband's hand, Carole Martel waved at her audience, many of them staunch supporters of her already. The news media was sure to get on the event, cameras at the ready to broadcast nationwide what they were all sure was about to be the start of the big race.

Letting go of Winston's hand, Carole positioned herself behind a podium, a logo with her name and the words 'Make Washington Work' plastered on the front.

"Thank you! Thank you all! Let me just say how proud I am of my city. You know, I was born right here in San Francisco. I was raised here, I went to school here, and every day I am just in awe of how much our city has grown. In the 80s I ran for Mayor because I believed and still believe in the beauty and promise of San Francisco. During my administration, we brought in effective governance that made our city safer, more equitable, more prosperous, and a better place for our children. The American dream is truly alive here in San Francisco.

Unfortunately, that dream isn't being realized all over this country nowadays. For six years President Cush has led America on a downward spiral, leaving Americans all over to go down with his ship. The current administration has not only squandered the growth created under the last President but has pushed a long, bloody war for no other reason than a stubborn refusal to accept failure. Families across this country are grieving. They are grieving the loss of their children to a war started on a fabricated premise. Iraq has turned into not just a disaster, but an indictment of the Cush administration's incompetence. We the people deserve better than this. We need something better than this.

As a Senator representing the great state of California, I have stood up to John Cush and fought to make Washington work for you. As Secretary of Housing, I fought to make housing across America more affordable. As Mayor of this great golden city, I fought to get criminals out of the streets, get housing to families and those who needed it, and I turbo-charged our economy. That is what competent, effective governing looks like, and I want to bring that to the White House. I want to get our country out of the gutter President Cush threw us in, and guide America through a new 21st century of change. That is why I am running for President of the United States.

You know, the American dream is something that's been going for centuries, and it's changed so many lives for the better. My family is a product of the American dream. My grandparents came to this country with nothing but pocket change and the clothes on their backs. Even with the odds stacked against them, they built a family, and my father was the first to get to go to college. He was able to start his own business and through it was able to support his wife and children, including myself. He really is my hero, I miss him dearly. That is the American dream is action. Coming to this country with nothing and a generation later living a secure and happy life is a story so unique to America. That story is what defines America.

And it's thanks to his story that I stand here now as a candidate for President. I'm a public servant because I don't want that American flame to die out. So I've dedicated my life to public service, to making our homeland a better country for our children. That belief and drive to keep America strong is why in the State Assembly I fought to improve our infrastructure and balance the state budget. It's why I was a tough-on-crime Mayor who led San Francisco to a swift recovery after the horror that was the Loma Prieta Earthquake. It's why (not-Bill Clinton) entrusted me to lead HUD and change the way we do housing to make it more available and affordable to those who couldn't afford it. It's why as a Senator I've fought to improve child care, make prescription drugs more accessible to those who needed it, and reform our immigration system.

Contrast that with what John Cush is doing now. We've got a drawn-out invasion of Iraq that's left so many empty seats at the dinner table. We've got an economy that's slowing. We've got fewer kids pursuing higher education, especially in science. We had a major hurricane smash into our south and our President put in the bare minimum effort to help the community recover. America is not better than it was six years ago. If the course John Cush charted goes on we may see the first generation that's left worse off than the previous one. This administration, to put it bluntly, has been a disaster. I and millions of Americans can't sit idly by and watch America lose it's place as the model of a world leader.

We can't sit idly by while our economy is experiencing some of the slowest growth we've seen in decades. Just not long ago we saw the biggest fall in stock prices in years, meanwhile, ordinary Americans are struggling to afford housing while wages are stagnant. We're facing a massive deficit and mounting debt. Cush economics simply isn't working for American families. I want to make America's economy work for all Americans, not just the wealthy few who fund the corporate lobbies crafting these terrible policies. As President, I am going to roll back the Cush tax cuts for the wealthy and make them pay their fair share. I am going to get our spending under control and balance our budget like it was under (not-Clinton). I am going to make sure our free trade is fair trade and our trade deals put laborers and the environment before lining corporate pockets. I am going to raise the minimum wage. I am going to energize our unique American innovation and small business to create decent-paying jobs. These are all things that are possible, and yet President Cush has failed to deliver.

And he has failed to deliver, of course, in Iraq. The fact is we can't afford to throw away more American lives futilely trying to solve a problem John Cush's stubbornness created. We've given hundreds of billions of dollars to the Iraqis to help them establish a new democratic government and stabilize their country. It's up to the Iraqis now to decide their future, it's up to them now to use the tools we've given them to pave their future. It's time for us to bring our brave soldiers back home to see their families again. I am calling for an immediate phased withdrawal from Iraq, something that many of my colleagues from both parties support. This isn't about win or lose - this is about whether or not it's worth it to throw lives away for a war long past it's expiration date.

I think, in addition to a President who can lead our military effectively, we need a President who respects a woman's right to choose. Look, I think we all understand that abortion is a sensitive issue, I understand the strong feelings that arise from just the mention of the word. I believe, as a woman, in our right to control our own bodies. I believe in Roe v. Wade, and I stand strongly and proudly against Republicans' efforts to overturn it. And you know, for all the talk about wanting to stop abortions, some Republicans just don't seem interested in taking steps to actually reduce the need for abortions. I believe that abortions should be safe, legal, and rare, and so I believe we should be making birth control more available, we should be trying to reduce teen pregnancy. There are places where we can come together on this, let's not attack women's health care and our rights for the sake of avoiding tackling the real problems that lead to that difficult decision in the first place.

And they don't want to tackle the real problems in our education either. The reality is America is falling behind the rest of the industrialized world in education. We've go to better prepare our kids to lead our country into the future, and to do that we need to change the way we do education in America. We have to overhaul No Child Left Behind, it was a mistake to pass it in the state it was in. We need to get better teachers, raise their salaries, get them better training. The facts show that kids learn better with well-trained teachers and smaller classrooms. We need to emphasize science and math to make America the leader in innovation like we were in the 20th century. I've talked to teachers all over this country and they all told me the current system doesn't work. Families deserve better for their kids, plain and simple, and as President, I will fundamentally reform the way we school our kids so they can have the same opportunities kids in other countries have.

Because this election is about their future, it's about our future. Will we continue on the path of incompetence and arrogance under John Cush? Or will we chart a new course, a course founded on experience, decisive leadership, and a willingness to listen to the American people, not just the lobbyists and big donors? I want to chart a new, better course for America and make Washington work. Make Washington work for you, for America. That is something we can do if we unite as a country and vote for it. I promise you, I will whip Washington into shape, and we'll get this country back on track, working for ordinary Americans. God-willing, we will get that done. It's a long journey ahead, my friends, but together we will lead this country into the 21st century, the American century! Thank you! God bless you!"

[Melovinta]

Office of Representative Gunsley
March 7th, 06:09 PM
Representative Harold Pierce Gunsley (R-OH-05)

Representative Gunsley sat in his chair, holding a rubix cube as he attempted to solve it, "Why are these things so hard to solve..." he muttered to himself. Then someone entered his office as he fiddled with the rubix cube, looking up, seeing his middle aged staffer Doyle. "Yes?" Representative Gunsley said, "Sir, the window for entering the race for the Republican nomination is wide open. Have you considered ever declaring yourself a candidate?" Doyle said. "Well, I have. Representatives usually don't get the nomination easily, what do you think?" Representative Gunsley said, Doyle responding as he said "Sir, if you enter the race and get enough delegates, your endorsement if you lose will be something the Republican nominee will want, which could give you considerable sway.", Representative Gunsley started speaking, saying "The main problem for me would be funds, I'm afraid that the race would be a fire that I shuffle money into, it's a huge gamble is what I'm saying.", Doyle responded, "I'll let you make that decision sir, just inform us and we'll get an announcement going.", exiting the office thereafter. Representative Gunsley went back to fiddling with the rubix cube, mumbling to himself as he did so.

[New Provenance]

Office of President John W. Cush
March 8, 8:04 AM
President John W. Cush (R-TX)

The President of the United States of America sat silently in the Oval Office, sitting behind the Resolute Desk in tranquility. The morning rays of the sun showered into the room as the blinds had been opened to allow the President to read his daily report with proper light. On the desk lay the actual report, a pen, and one of those new-fangled "iPhones" invented by one of the guys over in Silicon Valley. Jobs was the name, he thought. John W. Cush put adjusted his glasses as he continued reading the document, which explained in detail the growing worries over a 'New Recession' of sorts. The economy wasn't doing so well at the moment, and Cush was well aware of the situation. Even so, however, he sighed in exasperation has he read all the red numbers.

One of his long-time staffers, Marilyn, entered the Oval Office after a very recognizable sharp knock. "Mister President, your Congressional updates."

She approached the Resolute Desk, her hair disheveled, possibly because she had rushed through her morning routine, which was unlike her, and handed to the President a rather large pile of documents, numbering more than five or so pages, detailing recent Congressional events and announcements from the members of Congress. The President smiled at Marilyn before turning his eyes to the document.

"Carol Martel running for president . . . Gunsley seeking re-election in Ohio . . ." Cush muttered thoughtfully as his staffer awaited at the door of the room in silence, ready for the inevitable request from the President to fetch a document somewhere.

After several minutes of looking back and forth between the documents laid out on his desk, Cush looked up and noticed Marilyn, smiling. "Thanks for waiting, Mary. If you will, please fetch me the, uh, list of Senate seats up for election this year and in 2010."

"Of course, sir," the staffer replied, "I'll take care of it right away."

Before walking out of the Office, however, Marilyn turned around and spoke. "And before I go, sir, the Secretary of Defense will be visiting to provide updates on MENA operations."

Cush winced for a brief second before smiling. "Of course. Thank you, Mary."

[New Luciannova]

Logan International Airport
Boston, Massachusetts
Saturday 3 March 2007
1300 Hours, Local
The sign up above the gate showed the flight from Virginia-Dulles was arriving. Kenzie Putnam had made a small sign that said "Amadeus" for her husband. Eight-year-old, Thomas Aquinas Putnam, was holding a sign with "and Outlaw" in big letters. In front of Kenzie was six-year-old Dagny and a stroller with two-year-old Artemis inside. While it was warm in Arlington, Boston was a far colder place, and the family was wearing coats and Kenzie's copper-colored hair cascaded down from a bell-shaped women's hat. While appearance and style to Amadeus was simply a matter of ensuring he looked put together enough that nobody would think him insane or coupled with his occasional social awkwardness, refuse to vote for him. Kenzie took dress and appearance more seriously. She also was in many ways the more social partner, being far more outgoing and less awkward. She was also younger than her husband by a decade, she didn't marry him for looks or money, although he had plenty of the latter, she found his character and intellect absolutely intoxicating. Despite that, she often needed to ensure he was reasonably well-dressed.
While Kenzie was able to sit still the kids were far more anxious. Thomas Aquinas was fidgeting, and Dagny had gotten antsy too, they both stood on opposite sides of Kenzie to stop any fighting that small children will do with their siblings. At least Artemis was quiet, but she was asleep. To Kenzie, behavior was vital in the children as they hadn't seen their father in a month. Conversations over the telephone or even video chatting online helped but were not truly the same as in-person contact.
The restless family finally seemingly lit up when Congressman Putnam dragging a rolling bag behind himself and wearing a backpack, carrying a carry case with a cranky Outlaw inside it from terminal. He was wearing a red sweater over his Oxford shirt and a pair of khaki pants and rushed toward his family. “Daddy!” shouted Thomas Aquinas and Dagny in almost unison as they ran toward him hugging him around the waist and knees respectively.
Amadeus bent down to hug them properly and then embraced his wife, before turning attention to Artemis who remained asleep. Amadeus handed Outlaw to Thomas Aquinas and the family headed to their minivan parked outside. The minivan was Amadeus’ idea, Kenzie would have preferred a more stylish vehicle, but was persuaded by the spatial needs of three rambunctious and growing youngsters. The minivan had both a Jesus fish and a “Who is John Galt” bumper sticker on the outside. Amadeus said “a man can like Atlas Shrugged and the Bible, and every man should.
Amadeus sat in the passenger seat, Kenzie felt he was too tired from his flight and the kids really wanted to talk to him. Amadeus put Kenzie into her car seat and his bags into the trunk and before turning to face the kids said, “let’s get Outlaw back home and reunited with his sister, then I say we get some lunch. I have a very important matter to talk over with y’all.”

Amadeus was going to announce his intention to run for President and his campaign plans to run as a favorite son in New Hampshire and while he would compete in other early states like Iowa, Nevada, and Wyoming, he had little expectation of winning, just one of raising his national profile and discussing his positions on a number of issues. The grim state of the War in Iraq, the housing market, and the national deficit, three things he criticized his party over, had earned him some positive attention and help him secure a seat at the table.

[Dentali]

Senator George Pierce Jr
Assembling the Staff

On September 1st 1939 George Marshall became chief of staff of the US Army, the very day Germany invaded Poland. At the time the military he commanded wasn’t even a ‘third rate military power’. A small army, with antique equipment, smaller than the Bulgarian military. By the time he stepped down he commanded a modern, mechanized and mobile military of 9 million.

More than anyone else Pierce admired George Marshall and decided to run his campaign in much the same way. Marshall focused on Generalship, he immediately cleaned out the officer corps of the US Army which was filled with antiques in much the same way the equipment was. He saw in WWI that Pershing spent much too much time firing generals, and Marshall was determined to fire them before the war ever started. Marshal Immediately retired 200 generals and commanding officers, saying ‘you are too old to lead troops in combat’. He also told division commanders they would be training divisions but wouldn’t be leading them overseas.

Marshall had written up what he believed the good qualities of a general were; Good Common sense, professionally educated, physically strong, optimistic, energetic, loyal, and determined.

Pierce knew that he would not go into this his senate campaign fully prepared, and later on his senate term. He told his staff and inner circle ‘get used to it, it's as reliable as bad weather, don’t complain.’ He believed any campaign he ran would be subject to early demoralizing defeats,so the requirement would be managers and staff who were optimistic, energetic, and resourceful, who possessed a relentless determination which would prevent the worst errors through rapid decision and action. These managers would be able to learn and adapt.

Successful staffers would be promoted and rewarded, unsuccessful staffers would be relieved. Relief did not mean getting fired, it would not be the end of the road however for staffers who had the key traits required.

The Pierce team was in a unique starting position, they had no existing veteran staffers, his inexperience would make many career campaigners hesitant to sign on but his personal favorables and moderate politics would attract many ‘mercenaries’ instead of true believers. The Pierce team would reject many of the more experienced potential hires, or team them in positions below what might be expected. The senior leadership of the Pierce team would largely be made up of younger staffers, the deputies of other teams who had shown innovative and resourceful tendencies, who possessed optimism and energy and whose rapid elevation in a major national campaign would link them to Pierce.

If you failed you were relieved but this was NOT a terminal act. You could be demoted and then redeem yourself. What would get someone relieved? Mistakes didn’t get you relieved, the number one way to get relieved was if you weren’t a team player. You would be required to have immediate and continuous loyalty to the concept of unity among the coalition. This was the price for being given a large deal of autonomy on the team. The staffer would be assigned a mission, given the resources to accomplish it and then would be interfered with little. However if the results were unsatisfactory, they would not be admonished they would be relieved. Bottom line you would have 60 to 90 days to be successful or be relieved. It did not mean you were bad or cowardly, it just meant you were out of step and were a bad pick for that position.

His chief of staff was a man who was a team player, could hold his temper, and was a team player that could work in a coalition. Travis O’Brien was a sharp legal mind, only in his early 30s who had spent his life in and around congress. He was plucked surprisingly from the third spot on the staff of another Senator, advancing very quickly compared to similar careerists.

It was Pierce’s hope that a team with such strong fundamentals would be able to allow him to punch above his weight in the Senate.

[Melovinta]

Office of Representative Gunsley
March 8th, 09:09 PM
Representative Harold Pierce Gunsley (R-OH-05)

Representative Gunsley sat in his chair, looking at the button on his desk, tapping the desk with his finger as he did so, then reaching out for the button, pressing it, causing the buzzer outside his office to buzz to life. His elderly staffer, Ronald entered the room, "Yes, Mr. Gunsley?" Ronald said, "I want you to leak the word out to the press that I might be setting up an exploratory committee for the office of President, building hype, all that. Hopefully it'll direct attention to my campaign, then you bring the papers to me on the 10th and I'll sign them to officially set it up." The Representative replied. "Yes Mr. Gunsley, it will be done." Ronald said back, "And another thing, schedule a flight for me, from Toledo to Columbus on the 21st, first class. We need to get a rally over there so I can announce it." The Representative said, "It will be done, Mr. Gunsley.", Ronald said as he exited. "Let's hope this works out..." The Representative said as he ducked back down to his safe to grab his pills.

[Melovinta]

Office of Senator Pierce
March 9th, 02:17 PM
Representative Harold Pierce Gunsley (R-OH-05)

Representative Gunsley walked calmly over to the door of the office of Senator Pierce, thinking if he should ask a staffer to let him in or to simply knock. As he reached the door, he formed his hand into a fist and knocked on the door, waiting for a response as he twiddled his thumbs, looking around at the staffers walking around outside the office as he reached into his suit and pulled out a hair comb, combing his hair and standing upright in an attempt to look professional, waiting as he put the comb back into his suit.

[Dentali]

Office of Senator Pierce
March 9th, 02:17 PM
Representative Harold Pierce Gunsley (R-OH-05)
(Image)

Representative Gunsley walked calmly over to the door of the office of Senator Pierce, thinking if he should ask a staffer to let him in or to simply knock. As he reached the door, he formed his hand into a fist and knocked on the door, waiting for a response as he twiddled his thumbs, looking around at the staffers walking around outside the office as he reached into his suit and pulled out a hair comb, combing his hair and standing upright in an attempt to look professional, waiting as he put the comb back into his suit.

"Congressman" Senator Pierce said welcoming Gunsley into his office, a rather spartan place with a few mementos from the Senator's career and of his family "I'm happy we could speak, obviously the Presidential race is heating up and I wanted to speak with all the candidates I could potentially see myself getting behind." He gestured to a chair for the Congressman to sit, and he Pierce sat behind his desk.

[Melovinta]

Representative Gunsley sat down, looking over at the Senator as he said "Does this mean you're not running?", as he readjusted his position in the chair and looked around the office analytically.

[Dentali]

Representative Gunsley sat down, looking over at the Senator as he said "Does this mean you're not running?", as he readjusted his position in the chair and looked around the office analytically.

Pierce sighed "Where the Republican party is and where its going.... I couldn't win a primary and it would hurt my legacy to do what i had to do to win... besides im technically an independent.... I think I can do more good with my backing and endorsement than an abortive presidential run."

"But lets talk about you... why do you want to be President?"

[Melovinta]

"I see you've heard the rumors. Well..." he sighed "It's all about keeping our people in power, Cushs popularity is in the gutter, the Vice President isn't gonna run since his popularity is as low as Cush, and I believe I can win over moderate voters. If some guy who isn't with the establishment wins the nomination and is either too far to the center or too far to the right, we'll lose. If I can get the nomination or even paint myself as a moderate, my endorsement could swing enough moderate voters over to the nominee and land me a position to speak at the convention. Believe me, I'm not gonna endorse a Democrat, I ain't a party traitor. Back to if I win, Ohio won't be swinging to the Democrats, so I could focus on other swing states like Florida and Pennsylvania which is why I think I'm the best option for the party to nominate and get behind."