Twilight's Last Gleaming: An American Political RP Special

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Senator, nobody is saying we shouldn't be combatting gang violence, but they're like weeds, when one is removed another pops back up in its place, unless you remove the roots. I want to remove that, you don't seem to know nor care what that root is.

"If you have weeds, you drop pesticide on them. And we're doing the metaphorical pesticide, And more than that, we are really dealing with the roots: we're smashing the plants in, hell if you'd indulge the metaphor a bit more, we're burning the field, we're burning the weeds out, from the top to the root. To get to the root, you attack from the top, and you wipe out the weeds not through kindness, but through force. No farmer in the world has ever removed weeds by simply being nicer to the weeds."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Senator, nobody is saying we shouldn't be combatting gang violence, but they're like weeds, when one is removed another pops back up in its place, unless you remove the roots. I want to remove that, you don't seem to know nor care what that root is.

"If you have weeds, you drop pesticide on them. And we're doing the metaphorical pesticide, And more than that, we are really dealing with the roots: we're smashing the plants in, hell if you'd indulge the metaphor a bit more, we're burning the field, we're burning the weeds out, from the top to the root. To get to the root, you attack from the top, and you wipe out the weeds not through kindness, but through force. No farmer in the world has ever removed weeds by simply being nicer to the weeds."

"And just to clarify what I meant by burning the field, before anyone accuses me of this or that or the other, I simply mean that we are wiping out the conditions of lawlessness which allow these gangs to exist. We're stopping them from growing by cutting off the nutrients which they can get."

[New Luciannova]

You extended the metaphor beyond its relevance. Crime has a root. You seem uninterested in what that is. I have not suggested being kind to gangs. I suggested looking at the underlying causes of crime and seeing drug addiction as a health issue, which has been shown to work. You sound like you want to turn America into some kind of police state. You're on this high horse that we cannot stop fighting the war on drugs, even if better options exist. But your high horse is named Rocinante. So while you tilt at windmills, I'm going to approach this issue in a sane, just, and demonstrably effective way.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

You extended the metaphor beyond its relevance. Crime has a root. You seem uninterested in what that is. I have not suggested being kind to gangs. I suggested looking at the underlying causes of crime and seeing drug addiction as a health issue, which has been shown to work. You sound like you want to turn America into some kind of police state. You're on this high horse that we cannot stop fighting the war on drugs, even if better options exist. But your high horse is named Rocinante. So while you tilt at windmills, I'm going to approach this issue in a sane, just, and demonstrably effective way.

"You didn't need to waste time with poetic metaphors, you could've just brought a big sign saying "I majored in philosophy and am a card-carrying member of the ACLU" without needing to do all of that, you know." He winked and laughed. "Perhaps instead of running for President you should be trying to get the Nobel Prize in Literature."

[Madrinpoor]

MODERATOR

"That concludes the first Republican debate. Thank you for watching, we'll be right back."

[Madrinpoor]

Iowa Lincoln Dinner

Polk County Convention Center, Des Moines

---

"It's Sarah Callard, from Fox News, here at the Polk County Convention Center, in Des Moines...tonight, it's home to one of the most important Republican events of the primaries, the Iowa Lincoln Dinner. Most of the big names in the GOP are here tonight..."

Speaking List:
Thomas Sommo (opening remarks)
Deborah Feyrer
Ruskie Helms
Olivia Calalo
Ben Eriksen
Harold Gunsley

"But notable absences on the list to speak are Cassandra Hepburn-Smith, Republican who has fallen out of the party's graces recently, and Amadeus Putnam, self-proclaimed "libertarian" Representative from New Hampshire also running for President. Party organizers confirmed that Bob Woolworth, Conservative Democrat from North Carolina who has been publicly condemned by many Democrats and urged to resign, would not be attending."

---

OOC: If your character is on the list, you can give a speech of any length you want. Regardless, use this opportunity to schmooze other Republicans, especially big names and big donors...

[Hanovereich]

April 22 2007

A Cadillac DTS screeched to a halt outside the Lincoln Dinner. The door was opened and Henry Gallagher came out, to a crowd of DSS agents and journalists. After taking a few questions, he went inside.

Henry entered the room in Iowa quietly. It was late; his CoS had decided to squeeze in a few meetings before letting him go to the Lincoln Dinner, and there were piles of papers in his car, waiting for him to finish reading. However, this was the big event. The Lincoln Dinner.

He sat down, looking around. Henry was wearing a black jacket, white shirt and a black bow tie, with a US flag lapel pin. A simple uniform; Henry was known for his modesty. Still, the entrance had most certainly not been modest. Henry chatted to his CoS whilst he waited for more people to enter.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Iowa Lincoln Dinner, Des Moines, Iowa

Ruskie Helms descended down, quite modestly in a clean suit, though one that was clearly fiddled with to look as good as possible to an almost neurotic degree, his wife by his side wearing a modest dress, indeed one so modest that a particularly unkind observer would ask her if she got inspiration from the Handmaid's Tale, while his children came too, all but Conrad, who was apparently caught up in a 'work emergency' despite working at a softwate development company. Berkham was dressed in a sharp suit, and one that looked almost flashy compared to his father's, while Jonathan was dressed similarly to his father - though ever so slightly less neurotically obsessed with the cleanliness of his clothes - and Hattie came in a slightly less modest looking dress, though one that was, thanks to the influence of her father, not the most unmodest in the world. Helms and his children went around, speaking and flattering people of all shapes and sizes, hoping to score as many potential endorsements as possible. He emphasised his mainline, conservative nature and talked about the need for the party to rally together and defeat the Democrats.

Eastmoreland-Northwood, however, was a different beast entirely. After descending from his private jet, dressed in the most expensive wools in the world, as he wore a three piece suit including a rather garish black cape, sporting an expensive, golden designer watch, while his supermodel wife, was dressed in the latest fashionable dresses of the day, as though she were going to a fashion show, and wasn't exactly the most modestly dressed in the world. He arrived in a very expensive limousine, and it seemed the only thing missing was a marching band and a red carpet. He simply went to the bar and started off his time with a nice bit of carbonated water...for now.

[Kavanis]

Note: Governor Eriksen arrived here

---

Date: April 22, 2007
Location: Polk County Convention Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309

---

Most weekends Jack travelled down to his district in Tennessee to press hands with constituents (and donors) or hop over the border to Virginia to press hands with his caddy, but this weekend he was traveling to Iowa for their Lincoln Dinner. It wasn’t an event he’d ordinarily attend but this was promising to be the most unusual, open Republican primary, not to say Presidential election, in his lifetime. Besides, so long as the House stalled on ethics reform, he could write the whole thing off.

“Are you here supporting a particular candidate, Congressman?” asked an Iowan reporter stepping into his path.

“Not at this time,” said Jack, who bulldozed past him and headed straight for the pharma lobbyists.

[Melovinta]

Iowa Lincoln Dinner, Des Moines, Iowa

Representative Gunsley had arrived, entering the main hall as he Ignored all the reporters as he took a seat all by himself, not trying to speak to anyone whilst looking around and observing everything and reading from a piece of paper he brought. He was meant to give a speech, carefully reading every word so that he wouldn't bungle everything up, he just had to wait. He was thinking to himself that he'd see this as more of an informal event than anything, he was looking to make small talk, not continuing the campaigning, it was tiring after all.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Helms met Putnam too, shaking his hand.

"It is nice to meet you, Representative. How are you doing today?"

[New Luciannova]

Amadeus Putnam made a pretty dramatic entrance heralded by his son on a plastic recorder. Kenzie and his staffer, Amanda Fleming came with him. He greeted some Iowan politicians, people who's pictures and agendas he had memorized on his way in. He took time to reassure many that his more liberal stances, notably same-sex marriage and the legalization of marijuana were going to be left up to individual states and Iowa would not have to comply if they did not wish to do so. He had a speech ready to go and genuinely needed to make a solid impression. The April polls for Iowa were reassuring, but being attacked almost constantly in the GOP debate was bad optics, even if his points were not unreasonable.
Putnam was going to seek that night to frame himself as a creative thinker, an out-of-the-box kind and more sophisticated and intellectual breed of conservative for the twenty-first century. Putnam knew that religious Iowans, especially in the southern part of the state were going to be the ones most uneasy with his stance on same-sex marriage and he was going to cite scripture that night more heavily than normally. He also was going to avoid referencing obscure literature, like Don Quixote as he had during the debate. This event was looking like it might be more pleasant than other previous events.
Putnam was walking around a bit when suddenly his arm was grabbed and Ethel, one of his key point people was hanging onto his sleeve (see IC for more on Ethel). Ethel enthusiastically informed him that she was now chair of the Des Moines town committee and had been organizing phone banking for Putnam and even some door-knocking. She was wearing the "Ferret for Freedom" grassroots button on her lapel and told him that he had a lot to show for Iowa. Amadeus asked Ethel if she could help introduce him to more Iowans.
Ethel's initiative had been extremely helpful for him. Iowa was all about organization and Ethel, despite seeming like any old woman showed considerable talent for it and influence in her community. Amadeus promised to show Ethel The Freedom Express after the dinner and invited her to travel the state with him.
Ethel stated she was going to stay local, she would be more effective taht way, but would love to see the bus. Ethel then proceeded to escort Amadeus and Kenzie to nearby state legislators and executives in the Iowa Republican Party.

[Jovuistan]

IOWA LINCOLN DINNER
APRIL 22ND, 2007
MARC PENDER

Sure, he wasn't a candidate for President, nor an Iowan, but Marc was still perfectly eligible to appear at the annual Lincoln Dinner. He knew that most of the candidates would show up, giving him a great opportunity to get to know them, plus it'd be a good chance to take a break from Governing. He arrived with his wife Alice in tow, the two entering without much fanfare. He scanned the room to see who else had arrived already, spotting Senator Helms. He smiled, approaching the North Carolina Senator eagerly.

"Ruskie! It's been a while! How've you been?"

[The Sarangtus Lands]

IOWA LINCOLN DINNER
APRIL 22ND, 2007
MARC PENDER

Sure, he wasn't a candidate for President, nor an Iowan, but Marc was still perfectly eligible to appear at the annual Lincoln Dinner. He knew that most of the candidates would show up, giving him a great opportunity to get to know them, plus it'd be a good chance to take a break from Governing. He arrived with his wife Alice in tow, the two entering without much fanfare. He scanned the room to see who else had arrived already, spotting Senator Helms. He smiled, approaching the North Carolina Senator eagerly.

"Ruskie! It's been a while! How've you been?"

"Marc! It's nice to see you too! I'm doing well, thank you, though the campaign trail is a bit tiring. What about you, is the family doing well?" He said, amicably and also eagerly.

[New Luciannova]

Helms met Putnam too, shaking his hand.

"It is nice to meet you, Representative. How are you doing today?"

"It's nice to see you here too, Senator, been doing well, getting a lot of warm reception. This is my lovely wife, Kenzie, by the way," said Putnam.
Kenzie didn't like Helms much, but decided to be friendly and polite.
"Very nice to meet you," said Kenzie warmly.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Helms met Putnam too, shaking his hand.

"It is nice to meet you, Representative. How are you doing today?"

"It's nice to see you here too, Senator, been doing well, getting a lot of warm reception. This is my lovely wife, Kenzie, by the way," said Putnam.
Kenzie didn't like Helms much, but decided to be friendly and polite.
"Very nice to meet you," said Kenzie warmly.

"Thank you. Tell me, Representative, have you read anything interesting recently?"

[New Luciannova]

"It's nice to see you here too, Senator, been doing well, getting a lot of warm reception. This is my lovely wife, Kenzie, by the way," said Putnam.
Kenzie didn't like Helms much, but decided to be friendly and polite.
"Very nice to meet you," said Kenzie warmly.

"Thank you. Tell me, Representative, have you read anything interesting recently?"

"I have been reading a lot of economics lately. More heavy stuff. People might not like me on all the issues, being very socially moderate, but am a reliable fiscal conservative," Putnam said smiling, he didn't want to say anything too detailed, "How about you?"

[The Sarangtus Lands]

"Thank you. Tell me, Representative, have you read anything interesting recently?"

"I have been reading a lot of economics lately. More heavy stuff. People might not like me on all the issues, being very socially moderate, but am a reliable fiscal conservative," Putnam said smiling, he didn't want to say anything too detailed, "How about you?"

"Oh, I read an interesting culture piece in the National Review about how technology could affect culture...all that new-fangled Twitter, Facebook, Youtube technology, looks very interesting. I'm sure you're more well-informed about that than me, however."

[Jovuistan]

IOWA LINCOLN DINNER
APRIL 22ND, 2007
MARC PENDER

Sure, he wasn't a candidate for President, nor an Iowan, but Marc was still perfectly eligible to appear at the annual Lincoln Dinner. He knew that most of the candidates would show up, giving him a great opportunity to get to know them, plus it'd be a good chance to take a break from Governing. He arrived with his wife Alice in tow, the two entering without much fanfare. He scanned the room to see who else had arrived already, spotting Senator Helms. He smiled, approaching the North Carolina Senator eagerly.

"Ruskie! It's been a while! How've you been?"

"Marc! It's nice to see you too! I'm doing well, thank you, though the campaign trail is a bit tiring. What about you, is the family doing well?" He said, amicably and also eagerly.

"Ah, I know how a campaign can feel, though I bet a national race can't compare to just one state, no matter how big. The family's been doin' great, thanks."

Alice went to shake the Senator's hand, "Hi, I'm Alice. I know you met my husband, but I don't think we've gotten the chance to meet yet."

[Greater Arab State]

The Lincoln Dinner, Iowa

Sunday 22nd April, 2007

Congressman Volker entered the main hall of the Lincoln Dinner in a relatively restrained manner and accompanied by his wife, Abigail. After surveying the other guests for people the Congressman had come to know from his time in federal politics, alongside his regular attendance of the dinner, both he and Mrs Volker mingled with a small number of Republican functionaries and officeholders who they were most familiar with briefly. Following this, the Volker couple noticed amongst the multitude of faces Congressman Putnam and his wife. Thomas had come to know the Granite Stater rather well since the latter’s entry into the House in 2002 and although the two did disagree on certain policy areas like criminal justice, they both shared the same broad worldview and drive to change the conservative movement. And what was more, the Missourian had to admit that Putnam’s primary campaign had so far surpassed his expectations. Of course, it was unlikely that the man would win the nomination, and perhaps it was for the best, considering the current political dynamic, but the Representative’s campaign would still add momentum to their movement, and hopefully swing the pendulum towards it in the future.

And so, the two paleoconservative stalwarts walked over towards the group in which both Congressman and Dr Putnam were part of.

“Amadeus! It’s great to see you here. How have things been on the trail? I’m sure you’ll remember my wife, Abigail.” Thomas greeted whilst extending his hand out for the Granite Stater to shake.

[New Luciannova]

"I have been reading a lot of economics lately. More heavy stuff. People might not like me on all the issues, being very socially moderate, but am a reliable fiscal conservative," Putnam said smiling, he didn't want to say anything too detailed, "How about you?"

"Oh, I read an interesting culture piece in the National Review about how technology could affect culture...all that new-fangled Twitter, Facebook, Youtube technology, looks very interesting. I'm sure you're more well-informed about that than me, however."

"I'll have to check it out," said Amadeus, "Kenzie tries to keep me modern. I did start a podcast before most people knew what that was. You have kids, Senator, they'll be happy to show you more." Putnam smiled and excused himself, seeing Rep. Volker enter the room.

[New Luciannova]

The Lincoln Dinner, Iowa

Sunday 22nd April, 2007

Congressman Volker entered the main hall of the Lincoln Dinner in a relatively restrained manner and accompanied by his wife, Abigail. After surveying the other guests for people the Congressman had come to know from his time in federal politics, alongside his regular attendance of the dinner, both he and Mrs Volker mingled with a small number of Republican functionaries and officeholders who they were most familiar with briefly. Following this, the Volker couple noticed amongst the multitude of faces Congressman Putnam and his wife. Thomas had come to know the Granite Stater rather well since the latter’s entry into the House in 2002 and although the two did disagree on certain policy areas like criminal justice, they both shared the same broad worldview and drive to change the conservative movement. And what was more, the Missourian had to admit that Putnam’s primary campaign had so far surpassed his expectations. Of course, it was unlikely that the man would win the nomination, and perhaps it was for the best, considering the current political dynamic, but the Representative’s campaign would still add momentum to their movement, and hopefully swing the pendulum towards it in the future.

And so, the two paleoconservative stalwarts walked over towards the group in which both Congressman and Dr Putnam were part of.

“Amadeus! It’s great to see you here. How have things been on the trail? I’m sure you’ll remember my wife, Abigail.” Thomas greeted whilst extending his hand out for the Granite Stater to shake.

"Thomas! And yes, I do remember Abigail! How are you, how have you been? It's great to see you too!" asked Putnam, "I'm sure you'll remember my wife, Kenzie." Putnam grabbed Volkder's hand and shook it double-handedly.
He gestured to where his kids were seated, the three walked over, "I don't think you've met my kids, this is Thomas Aquinas, Dagny, and little Artemis. Kids, this is Thomas Volker, he's a good friend of mine from Congress."

[Meretica]

Leaving Glenn to talk to whomever he would, Cassie happily walked over to Henry Gallagher, a smile across her face. She was still extremely angry that she had not been given permission to speak (in her mind, it was the party's attempt to silence any talk of bringing back the moderate big-tent coalition that had kept New England Republicans in power), but she did not let it show. Rather, she would do what she could to make the event useful to herself.

"Good evening, Mr. Secretary," Cassie greeted him, right hand extended. "How do you do?"

[The Sarangtus Lands]

"Marc! It's nice to see you too! I'm doing well, thank you, though the campaign trail is a bit tiring. What about you, is the family doing well?" He said, amicably and also eagerly.

"Ah, I know how a campaign can feel, though I bet a national race can't compare to just one state, no matter how big. The family's been doin' great, thanks."

Alice went to shake the Senator's hand, "Hi, I'm Alice. I know you met my husband, but I don't think we've gotten the chance to meet yet."

Helms shook her hand, smiling. "Yes, it's great to meet you. I was just talking with Congressman Putnam here. He's a decent man, from the sounds of it. Anyway, what have you been up to recently, down there in the lone star state?"

[Greater Arab State]

The Lincoln Dinner, Iowa

Sunday 22nd April, 2007

Congressman Volker entered the main hall of the Lincoln Dinner in a relatively restrained manner and accompanied by his wife, Abigail. After surveying the other guests for people the Congressman had come to know from his time in federal politics, alongside his regular attendance of the dinner, both he and Mrs Volker mingled with a small number of Republican functionaries and officeholders who they were most familiar with briefly. Following this, the Volker couple noticed amongst the multitude of faces Congressman Putnam and his wife. Thomas had come to know the Granite Stater rather well since the latter’s entry into the House in 2002 and although the two did disagree on certain policy areas like criminal justice, they both shared the same broad worldview and drive to change the conservative movement. And what was more, the Missourian had to admit that Putnam’s primary campaign had so far surpassed his expectations. Of course, it was unlikely that the man would win the nomination, and perhaps it was for the best, considering the current political dynamic, but the Representative’s campaign would still add momentum to their movement, and hopefully swing the pendulum towards it in the future.

And so, the two paleoconservative stalwarts walked over towards the group in which both Congressman and Dr Putnam were part of.

“Amadeus! It’s great to see you here. How have things been on the trail? I’m sure you’ll remember my wife, Abigail.” Thomas greeted whilst extending his hand out for the Granite Stater to shake.

"Thomas! And yes, I do remember Abigail! How are you, how have you been? It's great to see you too!" asked Putnam, "I'm sure you'll remember my wife, Kenzie." Putnam grabbed Volkder's hand and shook it double-handedly.
He gestured to where his kids were seated, the three walked over, "I don't think you've met my kids, this is Thomas Aquinas, Dagny, and little Artemis. Kids, this is Thomas Volker, he's a good friend of mine from Congress."

“Oh I’ve been well as usual, it’s been fairly uneventful for me on the Hill lately, luckily I’ve managed to handle some more affairs in my district because of it though. I certainly do remember her.” Thomas replied, smiling warmly towards Dr Putnam before turning his attention to the Putnam children.

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I’ve know your father for some time now and I can certainly say that your father is a truly great man, and I’m sure you are all very proud of the work that he’s doing for our country.”

“You have some truly wonderful children. I apologise that mine aren’t here tonight, they’re all still in Missouri.You know, my second-born, Sarah, is actually considering volunteering for your campaign. Needless to say that it seems like your campaign could be gaining some momentum after all!” Thomas said humorously.