The Land Of The Free: An American Political Roleplay (IC)

[Agarntrop]

"Neocon swamp? Neocon swamp? The kind of people who use crybaby terms like 'neocon' to push their argument are cretinous socialists dems. Richardson is the only person who has actually actively commited himself to this, and he has some great policies and has great chances. If you're going to be stubborn and back some kind of hopeless fringe candidate such as yourself, then so be it. But I can guarantee they won't make it through the primaries."

Slater only got more annoyed as Anderson went on, "Barry, you know what he did. You know that he only flipped for the sake of getting elected. He's not a true Wolf Pack conservative. There are a lot of people in the Pack right now watching you, and you wouldn't want them to turn on you for betraying their trust. Believe me when I say that you are actively going against your values as you speak. Now, I'm not going to argue with a traitor if you continue to act as such, just know that the people who elected Wolf are going to have a lot to say to you soon."

"Richard, may I remind you of something. Richardson has never flip flopped on anything, he spearheaded an extremely pro-life law and is the single most fiscally libertarian governor in the country, he has a massive state surplus, and a balanced budget. Plus he’s very conservative on schools, healthcare, foreign policy, immigration, defense and gun rights. Literally the only issue he is not a true hardliner on is the 'rights' of the gays and the hermaphrodites. I can guarantee you we won't find any candidate that is more conservative yet so electable. He is a silver bullet and, quite frankly, I think you're being too stubborn to make a small compromise here, Richard."

[Dentali]

Richardson Immigration Policy Rollout

Border Security

Smart and cost effective border security. The Department of Homeland Security must be directed to deploy practical and effective technology at the border, such as radar and sensor systems to be deployed fully by January 20, 2021. All our nation's assets must be organized into a single coherent system that can put the right resources in the right place at the right time. This includes investments in border infrastructure, organization, technology and resources such as physical walls in key areas, and expanded detention spaces. Additionally it involves an investment in manpower, hiring more border security officers, ICE agents and ensuring that state and local law enforcement cooperate fully with our Border Security.

The DHS Secretary must construct new ports of entry (POEs) along the Southern Border, as well as modernizing existing high-volume ports of entry to increase security and facilitate commerce.

Foreign Policy

The root causes of illegal immigration must be addressed, specifically the conditions in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as incentivizing the Mexican Government to strengthen its own borders. All foreign aid investments in Central America must be conditioned on measurable improvements in the region that reduce illegal immigration to the United States.

We should increase aid to Mexico in return for increased collaboration in dealing with migration to the US border. Aid creating a safer and economically stronger Mexico would reduce illegal immigration to the United States.

We must double down on our efforts to invest in the development of Central American Countries, we must conduct a review of the aid programs to make sure they are effective and to figure out how to best build on them. Additionally we must help secure the border in the Northern Triangle, expanding border patrols, modernizing border crossings and create joint patrols with Mexico and the Northern Triangle nations.

We must also undertake a public information campaign in Central American Countries informing potential migrants of the dangers of illegal immigration into the United States as well as our nation’s immigration law. Today migrants are often provided with inaccurate information on entry requirements

Court Reform

As of October 24th, 2018 the immigration courts were backlogged with nearly 800,000 cases, up from 186,000 in 2008, today it is over 1,000,000. The average wait time for a case is over 700 days, up from 438 in 2008. The backlog is for two reasons, firstly the lack of a sufficient number of judges and attorneys and secondly the lack of Summary Judgement Authority by immigration judges.

We currently have under 450 immigrantion judges to handle a caseload of one million and growing, by comparison 585 US district judges and 400 semi-retired judges manage 450,000 federal cases. The number of immigration judges must be increased by 60 judges each year from 2021-2024 along with all necessary support staff. Furthermore, the staff attorneys for the Board of Immigration Appeals must be increased by 25 each year from 2021-2024 along with necessary support staff.

State and federal judges commonly have Summary Judgement Authority, but immigration judges do not. As it stands nearly 2/3rds of asylum petitions and challenges to removal are considered without merit but are unable to be easily dismissed, which clogs up the docket and hinders legitimate cases. We must give immigration judges Summary Judgement Authority which would allow them to dismiss these meritless cases, and relieve the overburdened system.

Additionally immigration judges cannot hold lawyers and litigants in contempt for disobeying court orders of ignoring deadlines, failing to show up for hearings for example. This adds to the gridlock, reinstating the authority of immigration judges to hold litigants in contempt for not showing up to court cases will go a long way to reducing gridlock.

Enforcement

Those unlawfully in the United States for over one year and who are removed from the United States should be banned from re-entry to the United States for a minimum of 10 years. Those who voluntarily leave the country will not be subject to this restriction, this will incentivize voluntary deportation.

Social Security no-match data must be shared with the Department of Homeland Security and E-verify expanded. Incentives must be provided to businesses that follow the law and avoid hiring illegal labor.

Currently when adults cross the border with a child the DHS is required to release the child within 20 days, we must amend this to allow children to accompany parents awaiting asylum adjudication or prosecution for violation of immigration law. Adults must be required to prove relation to accompanying children to help curb the massive number of children being trafficked over the border to be sold into sexual slavery.

We must expand ICE recruitment and expand the 287(g) program which trains state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration laws. Finally we should use a combination of incentives and detriments to increase compliance with federal immigration law and reduce the prevalence of so called “Sanctuary Cities.”

Merit Based Immigration

The best and most objective way to determine who the best immigrants to enter our country are is through the free market. The United States should not be picking winners and losers of our economy, all immigrants with an offer of employment or financial means to support themselves should be those that receive green cards first, thereby ensuring maximum benefits from immigration. Only immediate family members of the primary immigrant should be eligible for entry.

In the case of more green cards being requested than are available in a given year, a point system must be created that places an emphasis on financial resources, education, professional credentials, job experience, and ability to speak english. While no factor is perfect for determining positive impact, these are objective measures that demonstrate an ability to be independent of welfare while being of benefit to the United States.

Legal Permanent Residence must be conditional on maintaining employment consistently through a period of several years, though switching jobs should be allowed.

Dreamers

A renewable eight year Conditional Permanent Resident Status, which would allow those who came to the country before the age of 18 and who have lived continuously in the United States since December 31st, 2013, to be protected from deportation, work in the United States legally and travel outside the country.

Those applying for the status must pass a government background check, have no felony or multiple misdemeanor convictions and must register with Selective Service. They also must have either earned a high school diploma or equivalent, or must be enrolled to do so.

Current DACA recipients are automatically granted Conditional Permanent Resident Status.

Conditional Permanent Resident Status may be upgraded if; they have spent a minimum of 2 years in an institute of higher education or graduated, served in the military for the minimum obligation required, or been employed continuously for a minimum of 3 years with a valid employment authorization. They must demonstrate an ability to read, write and speak English, and must demonstrate an understanding of American history, government and the principles on which we were founded.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"The United Nations has a lot of flaws, but i'd still rather have it than not. The role would remain a cabinet post, I would consider you among my most vital foreign policy adviser. I am not a Wolfist, I am not an isolationist... In fact I was leaning toward Kost for that role who most certainly is not an isolationist."

"I wouldn't ask you to renounce your party during my campaign, I would ask you speak favorably of my foreign policy when you agree and when you disagree I would ask you do not advertise that fact. You can endorse and campaign for a democrat during the election... thats more than fine. After the election I would want you to get one board with my foreign policy and not undermine the administration, if you disagree with me I would give you all the time you want to set me straight on it... but at the end of the day you need to go out there and work for the policy I decide on."

"Of course, I understand the importance of Cabinet responsibility, though if we're going to talk about the favorability of your foreign policy, Governor, then your announcement speech in North Carolina does raise some alarm bells with me. I pray that it was merely electioneering, and that some of the views you displayed are not sincerely held." She paced about as she spoke on the phone to Richardson, mulling over her thoughts in her mind. "That said, I could live with working with Kost. It's not like you're asking me to work on a permanent basis with someone who doesn't believe in America's role on the world stage."

Frowning a little, she continued. "So the price for me to become your Ambassador to the United Nations, Governor, is my silence? For me not to go public with the disagreements I have with you on foreign policy? That may be hard if I'm asked a direct question, especially if you become the Republican nominee and it comes up whilst I campaign for the Democrat. I don't mean this out of mean spiritedness, merely logistical concern. I'm not sure how I could avoid being candid and honest on my foreign policy views, but to extrapolate on that, I would need to be more clear on where it is we do disagree."

[Bruke]

310 East 84th Street, Yorkville, Manhattan

As his protege left, Karel settled into a nap for an indeterminate amount of time, before being awoken by a knock at the door.

He peered through the peephole of the front door to see who was there.

[Dentali]

"The United Nations has a lot of flaws, but i'd still rather have it than not. The role would remain a cabinet post, I would consider you among my most vital foreign policy adviser. I am not a Wolfist, I am not an isolationist... In fact I was leaning toward Kost for that role who most certainly is not an isolationist."

"I wouldn't ask you to renounce your party during my campaign, I would ask you speak favorably of my foreign policy when you agree and when you disagree I would ask you do not advertise that fact. You can endorse and campaign for a democrat during the election... thats more than fine. After the election I would want you to get one board with my foreign policy and not undermine the administration, if you disagree with me I would give you all the time you want to set me straight on it... but at the end of the day you need to go out there and work for the policy I decide on."

"Of course, I understand the importance of Cabinet responsibility, though if we're going to talk about the favorability of your foreign policy, Governor, then your announcement speech in North Carolina does raise some alarm bells with me. I pray that it was merely electioneering, and that some of the views you displayed are not sincerely held." She paced about as she spoke on the phone to Richardson, mulling over her thoughts in her mind. "That said, I could live with working with Kost. It's not like you're asking me to work on a permanent basis with someone who doesn't believe in America's role on the world stage."

Frowning a little, she continued. "So the price for me to become your Ambassador to the United Nations, Governor, is my silence? For me not to go public with the disagreements I have with you on foreign policy? That may be hard if I'm asked a direct question, especially if you become the Republican nominee and it comes up whilst I campaign for the Democrat. I don't mean this out of mean spiritedness, merely logistical concern. I'm not sure how I could avoid being candid and honest on my foreign policy views, but to extrapolate on that, I would need to be more clear on where it is we do disagree."

"Well feel free to ask me whatever question you like. I'm an open book... I don't expect us to agree on everything but I wouldn't ask you to be in my cabinet if we did."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"Well feel free to ask me whatever question you like. I'm an open book... I don't expect us to agree on everything but I wouldn't ask you to be in my cabinet if we did."

"First, Iran. Were you genuinely junking the deal in your announcement speech, or was that just to keep the Wolf Pack in line? Secondly, do you intend to maintain the Mexico City policy? Third, presuming Kost is your Secretary of State, are you prepared to enforce a no-fly zone over Syria?" She started with just three questions for now, but her mind was brimming with so many more. She had to know where Richardson stood, candidly, not as a campaigner, but as a prospective President.

[Fronket]

Ben Little 2020
February 3rd, 2019

Ben felt ready to do this. He didn't need this to be too above the radar, or extremely publicized. He was playing the long game. All he wanted to do was keep a relatively low profile early, hold a few rallies here and there, and portray himself as the sane grown up in the race. The publicity would come with Ben's concrete actions, not big campaign stunts.

As such, he had decided to announce via the Internet with a campaign launch video, available on all of his social media platforms for the world to see. The opening rally was coming later.

---

"Abraham Lincoln, the greatest president in the history of our nation, once famously said: America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. This is the test that the times offer us. Will we succumb to the bitter division, the racism, the xenophobia, and the misogyny that President Wolf has tried to sow amongst Americans? Will we play the Wolfian game of making bombastic promises only to turn our backs on ordinary Americans once in office?"

"Folks, we can make these troubling times into our downfall or our greatest opportunity. As a united country, we can take on the challenges that plague us today and ushered in Wolf's presidency. We can tackle the horrendous economic inequality that is wrecking our nation and dividing our people. We can root out the cancer of racism by coming to terms with our history, not running back towards it. We can rejoin our international allies and lead a global mobilization to solve the numerous challenges we face in the climate crisis and in nuclear proliferation."

"This is our last chance for a return to sanity. And the best way to reject the hatred that Wolf and his acolytes spew is by electing someone who can create unity amongst diversity. I am representative of all those who feel forgotten in a nation that is supposed to be about helping them."

"Friends, 2020 faces us with a choice. Are we going to elect a president who is about good deeds, not just good words? Are we going to elect a president that will allow America to live up to it's ideals? I hope so. And that is why I, Senator Benjamin Little, am running for president. Together, we can triumph over divisions and put people before party."

---

[Fronket]

Yorkville, Manhattan
Ben Little

After the gala, although it was late, Ben had accepted an invite from Senator Karel Volek for drinks at his NYC home. Ben dismounted from the yellow cab and approached the Senator’s townhouse in Yorkville. He rang the bell and waited.

310 East 84th Street, Yorkville, Manhattan- Senator Karel Volek’s home January 26th, 2019



The Senator from Maryland was greeted warmly by his colleague, who welcomed him inside.

The charming brownstone had been inherited from Karel's parents upon their passing, while he was in the middle of his 1992 campaign to become the Congressman for the 14th District.

It was large and spacious- but as with any home in New York City with two floors or more, it was a drain on his finances. By his re-election campaign in 1994, between payments on the mortgage he had taken out to finance his campaign, property taxes and the cost of upkeep, the then-65-year old was drawing down his retirement savings at a quicker rate than what he planned.

Karel framed himself as non-ideological, highlighting his record as State Comptroller of insisting on balanced budgets and warning of the negative effects of not-Cuomo’s pension reform on public employees. Once safely back in office, he proceeded to invest in the tech and finance sectors; his trades were so well-times that they would have triggered insider trading laws had they been in place at that time- and these gains kept him in his townhouse.

The elderly man was a long-time practitioner of the politics of “honest graft”, patronage, and personalized assistance, whether in city, state, or federal office. While he lined his pockets and put friends and allies in positions of power, he also gave back to his constituents- whether through charity, helping people navigate government bureaucracy, or writing checks to those who fell on hard times.

It was no surprise that Karel thought favorably of Little- his sort of politics seemed practical, and practicality was the lifeblood of his own politics.

Ben walked inside the nice townhouse, shook hands with Senator Volek, and took a seat. "I hope you're well, Karel. Looking as energized as ever!"

[Dentali]

"Well feel free to ask me whatever question you like. I'm an open book... I don't expect us to agree on everything but I wouldn't ask you to be in my cabinet if we did."

"First, Iran. Were you genuinely junking the deal in your announcement speech, or was that just to keep the Wolf Pack in line? Secondly, do you intend to maintain the Mexico City policy? Third, presuming Kost is your Secretary of State, are you prepared to enforce a no-fly zone over Syria?" She started with just three questions for now, but her mind was brimming with so many more. She had to know where Richardson stood, candidly, not as a campaigner, but as a prospective President.

"Alright lets take these one at a time, starting with the easiest first. Yes I will maintain the Mexico City policy. Next up Syria, assuming the same strategic situation when I take office, yes I will enforce a no fly zone."

"Now for the Iran Deal... firstly Americans opposed the deal by a ratio of 2 to 1 but I don't plan on governing by polls...."

"The deal gave Iran billions of dollars that Iran has used to sponsor terrorism around the world, still allowed Iran to have a bomb and had incredibly weak enforcement measures. It is almost the same exact deal we made with North Korea in 94, and they have what... a dozen nukes now?"

"The deal allowed Iran to keep its entire nuclear infrastructure and showed that in 10 years down the road we would be willing to accept a nuclear Iran. We signaled that something less than full nuclear dismantlement is okay and that was a massive win for a terrorist state with plans for hegemony over the region. The deal was an illusionary one sided deal that only delayed Irans ambitions without actually stopping research toward the bomb. The agreements did more to dismantle sanctions on Iran than the nuclear program."

"Honestly I consider it one of the worst agreements the United States ever entered into. It gave immediate relief from sanctions that were working for the pledge of good behavior from a regime that has proven time and time again to be untrustworthy. The only requirements of Iran were temporary and easily reversible concessions, and forcing inspectors to announce intentions to inspect facilities a month in advance gives Iran plenty of time to cover up any violations. Even with that Iran has continuously violated the deal by refusing to allow inspections of military bases."

"Tough sanctions like the kind Wolf is implementing are far and away a better option, focusing on cutting off Iran's oil and gas exports. They are in a bad economic state and they are being destabilized by protests, by early January 2018, the protests mushroomed to include more than 75 cities, they have verifiably had to severely cut funding to nuclear projects and the funding of terrorist and destabilization efforts in other countries since the sanctions were imposed, for basic economic reasons."

"Any deal with the Iranians must include, a full account of its nuclear program which must be permanently abandoned, end uranium enrichment, give total unfettered access to all nuclear sites to international inspectors, release all US citizens jailed, stop proliferation of missiles, and end support for terrorist groups including harboring Al-Qaeda."

"So yes I am dead serious on the deal"

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"Alright lets take these one at a time, starting with the easiest first. Yes I will maintain the Mexico City policy. Next up Syria, assuming the same strategic situation when I take office, yes I will enforce a no fly zone."

"Now for the Iran Deal... firstly Americans opposed the deal by a ratio of 2 to 1 but I don't plan on governing by polls...."

"The deal gave Iran billions of dollars that Iran has used to sponsor terrorism around the world, still allowed Iran to have a bomb and had incredibly weak enforcement measures. It is almost the same exact deal we made with North Korea in 94, and they have what... a dozen nukes now?"

"The deal allowed Iran to keep its entire nuclear infrastructure and showed that in 10 years down the road we would be willing to accept a nuclear Iran. We signaled that something less than full nuclear dismantlement is okay and that was a massive win for a terrorist state with plans for hegemony over the region. The deal was an illusionary one sided deal that only delayed Irans ambitions without actually stopping research toward the bomb. The agreements did more to dismantle sanctions on Iran than the nuclear program."

"Honestly I consider it one of the worst agreements the United States ever entered into. It gave immediate relief from sanctions that were working for the pledge of good behavior from a regime that has proven time and time again to be untrustworthy. The only requirements of Iran were temporary and easily reversible concessions, and forcing inspectors to announce intentions to inspect facilities a month in advance gives Iran plenty of time to cover up any violations. Even with that Iran has continuously violated the deal by refusing to allow inspections of military bases."

"Tough sanctions like the kind Wolf is implementing are far and away a better option, focusing on cutting off Iran's oil and gas exports. They are in a bad economic state and they are being destabilized by protests, by early January 2018, the protests mushroomed to include more than 75 cities, they have verifiably had to severely cut funding to nuclear projects and the funding of terrorist and destabilization efforts in other countries since the sanctions were imposed, for basic economic reasons."

"Any deal with the Iranians must include, a full account of its nuclear program which must be permanently abandoned, end uranium enrichment, give total unfettered access to all nuclear sites to international inspectors, release all US citizens jailed, stop proliferation of missiles, and end support for terrorist groups including harboring Al-Qaeda."

"So yes I am dead serious on the deal"

"Governor Richardson, you have no experience when it comes to working with foreign powers, so I can understand why prima facie the Iran nuclear deal appeared to be a defeat. However, nuclear inspectors were clear that Iran was in compliance with the arrangements of the deal until the Wolf administration destabilised it, and if you're going to base your foreign policy around illegal nuclearization and non-cooperation with appropriate international inspection authorities, then we'd be at war with Israel. It's really not that simple. The Rouhani regime has been markedly more liberal than the Ahmedinejad administration, and you have to view that as... the thin end of a wedge. A good wedge, for us. Providing opportunities for the reformists in Iran helps cement their grasp on power, and helps avert a reversion to the conservative and extremist factions in the Iranian government. It is a many layered game of chess. I don't disagree that Iran are up to many things we find reprehensible, but so is Saudi Arabia, and frankly, Iran isn't as bad as Saudi Arabia if we analyze them on domestic and constitutional policy." She felt she was lecturing him, which she knew men hated from women, especially in politics. "Governor, my point is that long term Middle Eastern strategic thinking is augmented by détente with Iran. Their regional power and influence could be guided back towards U.S. interests and peeled away from Russia, and that's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow we're looking at here. Saudi Arabia is not a reliable partner, you know that, and Turkey is becoming increasingly unreliable. Foreign policy takes uncomfortable compromises. Iran isn't the same as North Korea, they take a different brush. Yes, sanctions should be used to discourage their other negative and destabilizing actions, but if they feel as if they are existentially threatened by the United States, they will intensify, rather than reverse, military nuclear development. It's not an easy balance, and you feel dirty coming out of it, but trust me when I say that diplomacy takes a lot of wading through the mud to get what is best for your country and the international legal order."

"I am, at least, reassured that when it comes to the international legal order, you are for a no-fly zone in Syria. Their breaches of the Chemical Weapons Convention should have been enough to warrant action, and I know it's hardly a secret that I was in agreement with Secretary Clifford and disagreement with President Baharia about the appropriate recourse in that instance. In a follow-up to that, I would be interested as to whether a Richardson administration would take a similar hard line with regards to the Genocide Convention. Russia and China frequently block action from the Security Council, which means that unilateral action is our only real recourse. Intervention in the former Yugoslavia was instrumental to bringing agents of genocide to justice, but more should be done. Nothing has been done about the Darfur genocide in Sudan, to give but one example on that matter."

"I am a little disconcerted by your desire to uphold the Mexico City policy, but I'm well aware that's practically mandatory for a Republican President, as disappointing as it is. Women's health issues in the developing world are very complicated, but of course, abortions are primarily preventable if contraception and comprehensive sex education are available, but that creeps onto an area of domestic policy."

"Would you consider reorganizing the U.S. aid budget in order to intensify the use of soft power to further LGBT issues? Some European countries do that, like in Uganda, I could see it being more effective coming from the United States. I know you've not been outwardly hostile to LGBT issues as a Governor, so I am interested to see what you think on this proposal."

"And as a final question for right this second, what is your strategy for containing Russia? A job that both Democratic and Republican Presidents have been woefully inadequate at."

[Dentali]

"Governor Richardson, you have no experience when it comes to working with foreign powers, so I can understand why prima facie the Iran nuclear deal appeared to be a defeat. However, nuclear inspectors were clear that Iran was in compliance with the arrangements of the deal until the Wolf administration destabilised it, and if you're going to base your foreign policy around illegal nuclearization and non-cooperation with appropriate international inspection authorities, then we'd be at war with Israel. It's really not that simple. The Rouhani regime has been markedly more liberal than the Ahmedinejad administration, and you have to view that as... the thin end of a wedge. A good wedge, for us. Providing opportunities for the reformists in Iran helps cement their grasp on power, and helps avert a reversion to the conservative and extremist factions in the Iranian government. It is a many layered game of chess. I don't disagree that Iran are up to many things we find reprehensible, but so is Saudi Arabia, and frankly, Iran isn't as bad as Saudi Arabia if we analyze them on domestic and constitutional policy." She felt she was lecturing him, which she knew men hated from women, especially in politics. "Governor, my point is that long term Middle Eastern strategic thinking is augmented by détente with Iran. Their regional power and influence could be guided back towards U.S. interests and peeled away from Russia, and that's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow we're looking at here. Saudi Arabia is not a reliable partner, you know that, and Turkey is becoming increasingly unreliable. Foreign policy takes uncomfortable compromises. Iran isn't the same as North Korea, they take a different brush. Yes, sanctions should be used to discourage their other negative and destabilizing actions, but if they feel as if they are existentially threatened by the United States, they will intensify, rather than reverse, military nuclear development. It's not an easy balance, and you feel dirty coming out of it, but trust me when I say that diplomacy takes a lot of wading through the mud to get what is best for your country and the international legal order."

"I am, at least, reassured that when it comes to the international legal order, you are for a no-fly zone in Syria. Their breaches of the Chemical Weapons Convention should have been enough to warrant action, and I know it's hardly a secret that I was in agreement with Secretary Clifford and disagreement with President Baharia about the appropriate recourse in that instance. In a follow-up to that, I would be interested as to whether a Richardson administration would take a similar hard line with regards to the Genocide Convention. Russia and China frequently block action from the Security Council, which means that unilateral action is our only real recourse. Intervention in the former Yugoslavia was instrumental to bringing agents of genocide to justice, but more should be done. Nothing has been done about the Darfur genocide in Sudan, to give but one example on that matter."

"I am a little disconcerted by your desire to uphold the Mexico City policy, but I'm well aware that's practically mandatory for a Republican President, as disappointing as it is. Women's health issues in the developing world are very complicated, but of course, abortions are primarily preventable if contraception and comprehensive sex education are available, but that creeps onto an area of domestic policy."

"Would you consider reorganizing the U.S. aid budget in order to intensify the use of soft power to further LGBT issues? Some European countries do that, like in Uganda, I could see it being more effective coming from the United States. I know you've not been outwardly hostile to LGBT issues as a Governor, so I am interested to see what you think on this proposal."

"And as a final question for right this second, what is your strategy for containing Russia? A job that both Democratic and Republican Presidents have been woefully inadequate at."

"I could not disagree with you more on Iran... Firstly as I said the inspectors were in no condition to effectively assess whether or not Iran was complying. Secondly the reform movement is a heck of a lot stronger now while the country is in economic distress than it was before, thirdly you are wrong on the Iran Saudi comparison, while I make no excuses for the Saudis they are an ally, a reliable ally who are not actively seeking to undermine us at every turn and who are not actively supporting organizations working directly against our strategic interests."

"Next, they would pursue a nuclear policy with or without the United States pressuring them. They want to wipe out Israel and dominate the region, we are standing in their way... perhaps the only thing. We cannot let that happen, and let me be crystal clear you will not convince me otherwise."

"As far as mexico city policy goes, that only handles abortions... I have no problem with contraception and sex education, I plan to make them both more available domestically anyhow."

"I plan on fighting for human rights around the world, that includes LGBTQ rights. I support gay marriage domestically, and I will exert power to stop the murder and criminalization of the LGBTQ community. But in terms of advancing marriage equality in foreign countries it is not high on my list of priorities."

"I'm taking a hard line on Russia. We need to isolate them diplomatically, hit them with sanctions and make sure Ukraine continues to get bi-partisan aid and support. We need to increase military spending especially in the cyber realm and ensure they do not launch cyber attacks on us domestically. We also need to thwart their propaganda war in former soviet nations, by investing in and strengthening ties to those nations. We need to keep sanctions high and make sure Europe can be independent of Russian energy."

"I am committed to a few specific goals with Russia, firstly restoring Ukraine's territory, paying economic reparations to Ukraine, releasing all Ukrainian prisoners, complying with the 2008 Cease-fire agreement with Georgia, ending support for Assad, and ceasing all meddling in domestic elections of the US and its allies. If it accomplishes those things I would support normalization of relations with Russia... I doubt that happens while Putin is in power though. Until such time America needs to lead the world in sanctioning and isolating Russia."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"I could not disagree with you more on Iran... Firstly as I said the inspectors were in no condition to effectively assess whether or not Iran was complying. Secondly the reform movement is a heck of a lot stronger now while the country is in economic distress than it was before, thirdly you are wrong on the Iran Saudi comparison, while I make no excuses for the Saudis they are an ally, a reliable ally who are not actively seeking to undermine us at every turn and who are not actively supporting organizations working directly against our strategic interests."

"Next, they would pursue a nuclear policy with or without the United States pressuring them. They want to wipe out Israel and dominate the region, we are standing in their way... perhaps the only thing. We cannot let that happen, and let me be crystal clear you will not convince me otherwise."

"As far as mexico city policy goes, that only handles abortions... I have no problem with contraception and sex education, I plan to make them both more available domestically anyhow."

"I plan on fighting for human rights around the world, that includes LGBTQ rights. I support gay marriage domestically, and I will exert power to stop the murder and criminalization of the LGBTQ community. But in terms of advancing marriage equality in foreign countries it is not high on my list of priorities."

"I'm taking a hard line on Russia. We need to isolate them diplomatically, hit them with sanctions and make sure Ukraine continues to get bi-partisan aid and support. We need to increase military spending especially in the cyber realm and ensure they do not launch cyber attacks on us domestically. We also need to thwart their propaganda war in former soviet nations, by investing in and strengthening ties to those nations. We need to keep sanctions high and make sure Europe can be independent of Russian energy."

"I am committed to a few specific goals with Russia, firstly restoring Ukraine's territory, paying economic reparations to Ukraine, releasing all Ukrainian prisoners, complying with the 2008 Cease-fire agreement with Georgia, ending support for Assad, and ceasing all meddling in domestic elections of the US and its allies. If it accomplishes those things I would support normalization of relations with Russia... I doubt that happens while Putin is in power though. Until such time America needs to lead the world in sanctioning and isolating Russia."

"Governor, I appreciate your willingness to take comprehensive and conclusive action regarding Russia, and that's an admirable trait considering recent political zeitgeist has been to avoid confrontation and defer to their hostile interests. I don't particularly appreciate, however, the implication that somehow I am endorsing giving Iran a free hand in the Middle East, and I cannot accept the notion that Saudi Arabia has been a reliable ally considering the involvement of Saudi oligarchs in Islamist terror. This is a region which I have worked extensively in consistory with my previous position as Ambassador to Turkey. I know the Middle East."

"I had hoped, optimistically, that you would appreciate my advice on these matters considering my experience. However, I do not think it would be necessarily fruitful for either of us if this conversation is to reflect on the basis of our prospective working relationship. I do not think you would be eager to take me on board were we to get... halfway into your term and then fall out over an irreconcilable difference. Talking truth to power is, perhaps, one of the most important skills of a U.S. Ambassador. It's something I took very much to heart in my dealings with the Turkish Administration."

"I'm not going to work for you on the basis of being the token Democrat, Governor Richardson. I'm sorry, but if your Middle Eastern policy is to continue to tear up any in-roads we've made with Tehran and drive Iran back into the embrace of Russia, you won't just be undermining your Middle Eastern policy, but your Russian policy too. You have to decide which target is more important to you to tackle. The existential threat to Western democracy, or a regional malcontent that is within reaching distance of liberalization."

"I thank you for approaching me with this offer, and I will need some time to consider the repercussions before committing myself to anything. I do have a lot of business to work through today, a lot of meetings, if you'll forgive me, I'd like to get on with it."

[Bruke]

Ben walked inside the nice townhouse, shook hands with Senator Volek, and took a seat. "I hope you're well, Karel. Looking as energized as ever!"

310 East 84th Street, Yorkville, Manhattan

“Welcome, Ben.” Karel walked with him to the main living room, where the New Yorker sat down in the same chair he had before.

“I hope New York is treating you well. If you’d like a drink, I have water, tea, or some stronger stuff- take your pick. Otherwise, we can get straight to business.”

[Dentali]

"I could not disagree with you more on Iran... Firstly as I said the inspectors were in no condition to effectively assess whether or not Iran was complying. Secondly the reform movement is a heck of a lot stronger now while the country is in economic distress than it was before, thirdly you are wrong on the Iran Saudi comparison, while I make no excuses for the Saudis they are an ally, a reliable ally who are not actively seeking to undermine us at every turn and who are not actively supporting organizations working directly against our strategic interests."

"Next, they would pursue a nuclear policy with or without the United States pressuring them. They want to wipe out Israel and dominate the region, we are standing in their way... perhaps the only thing. We cannot let that happen, and let me be crystal clear you will not convince me otherwise."

"As far as mexico city policy goes, that only handles abortions... I have no problem with contraception and sex education, I plan to make them both more available domestically anyhow."

"I plan on fighting for human rights around the world, that includes LGBTQ rights. I support gay marriage domestically, and I will exert power to stop the murder and criminalization of the LGBTQ community. But in terms of advancing marriage equality in foreign countries it is not high on my list of priorities."

"I'm taking a hard line on Russia. We need to isolate them diplomatically, hit them with sanctions and make sure Ukraine continues to get bi-partisan aid and support. We need to increase military spending especially in the cyber realm and ensure they do not launch cyber attacks on us domestically. We also need to thwart their propaganda war in former soviet nations, by investing in and strengthening ties to those nations. We need to keep sanctions high and make sure Europe can be independent of Russian energy."

"I am committed to a few specific goals with Russia, firstly restoring Ukraine's territory, paying economic reparations to Ukraine, releasing all Ukrainian prisoners, complying with the 2008 Cease-fire agreement with Georgia, ending support for Assad, and ceasing all meddling in domestic elections of the US and its allies. If it accomplishes those things I would support normalization of relations with Russia... I doubt that happens while Putin is in power though. Until such time America needs to lead the world in sanctioning and isolating Russia."

"Governor, I appreciate your willingness to take comprehensive and conclusive action regarding Russia, and that's an admirable trait considering recent political zeitgeist has been to avoid confrontation and defer to their hostile interests. I don't particularly appreciate, however, the implication that somehow I am endorsing giving Iran a free hand in the Middle East, and I cannot accept the notion that Saudi Arabia has been a reliable ally considering the involvement of Saudi oligarchs in Islamist terror. This is a region which I have worked extensively in consistory with my previous position as Ambassador to Turkey. I know the Middle East."

"I had hoped, optimistically, that you would appreciate my advice on these matters considering my experience. However, I do not think it would be necessarily fruitful for either of us if this conversation is to reflect on the basis of our prospective working relationship. I do not think you would be eager to take me on board were we to get... halfway into your term and then fall out over an irreconcilable difference. Talking truth to power is, perhaps, one of the most important skills of a U.S. Ambassador. It's something I took very much to heart in my dealings with the Turkish Administration."

"I'm not going to work for you on the basis of being the token Democrat, Governor Richardson. I'm sorry, but if your Middle Eastern policy is to continue to tear up any in-roads we've made with Tehran and drive Iran back into the embrace of Russia, you won't just be undermining your Middle Eastern policy, but your Russian policy too. You have to decide which target is more important to you to tackle. The existential threat to Western democracy, or a regional malcontent that is within reaching distance of liberalization."

"I thank you for approaching me with this offer, and I will need some time to consider the repercussions before committing myself to anything. I do have a lot of business to work through today, a lot of meetings, if you'll forgive me, I'd like to get on with it."

Richardson actively rolled his eyes as she spoke spewing unhinged idiocy about the Iran Deal "Well thank you for hearing me out Congresswoman. I wish you luck and hope we fine occasion to work together in the future."

[Imperial Esplanade]

Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Johnstown High School - Rep. Emily S. Davenport (D|CA-34)

---

Late into Friday evening, during the late-January/early-February House recess and following spending her time holding/partaking in a few volunteer events back in her home district, a few black SUVs pulled into the circular parking lot. The night was abuzz with activity at the locale, a modern-esque building in the midst of one of the poorest counties in the entire United States -- certainly that of the state of Pennsylvania, a state that Wolf narrowly won in the 2016 election. A state that was once hailed as part of the "Big Blue Wall," a state Diane Clifford was supposed to win with ease. And yet.... she failed. The task was set before the Democratic Party, to attempt to reclaim what was supposed to be theirs: Pennsylvania, among others. If some of the other candidates were to take it for granted, and failed to learn from the past, that would be on them. Davenport was a candidate hardly anyone would have thought was one to run for President, not now nor ever, though all that changed when the tenured Congresswoman openly tweeted her interest in the position by announcing an exploratory committee.

The stage was set, though it was certainly not made official, and her "camp" sent out clarifications that Emily was truly just "testing the waters" to discern if such a campaign were even possible, or plausible, in the first place. First step, though? Town halls. And, a whole lot of them. Davenport scheduled many of them, across a couple of states, and she specifically chose places like Johnstown: an oasis of blue nestled in a sea of red. The town itself was a small one, Democratic in nature, but in a Republican house district and in a county that was heavily conservative. "Bingo." Emily recalled thinking to herself as the list of proposed locales shrunk down to the list that contained this place. It is normally quite easy to pin the blame on the town's struggles on their Republican "overlords," if such a comparison could be made. Whether they can be or not. Emily certainly wouldn't hide her attempts at doing so.

A few of the SUVs doors opened, and out with it came a motley crew of advisors and security personnel to let Emily enter into the school, assuming there were going to be reporters or other curious individuals seeking to make it to the occasion. There wasn't any expectation of a massive crowd, but they were to be prepared for every circumstance. As Emily stepped into the high school, making her way to a nearby gymnasium, it would become apparent that her announcement incurred a decent crowd of curious residents. Emily stood off to the side, mingling with a small host of local residents, while some staff members set up some more additional chairs while the rest took to the bleachers of the gymnasium.

Eventually, the time came to begin the event...

"Hello, everybody. Good evening." The middle-aged woman left a deliberate pause following her immediate opening, hoping that combined with the pausing would incur the crowd to silence and settle long enough for Emily to formally begin the event.

"I don't know if an intro is particularly necessary; but in case it is, my name is Emily Davenport. I am a member of the United States House of Representatives, and while I represent a district way on the other side of the country, I truly believe my job is to represent all of America. From coast-to-coast, on top of my obligation to my constituents. And, yes, to get it out of the way now... I am still currently deliberating a run for President. But let me clarify one thing: regardless of that announcement, about establishing an exploratory committee, I want to understand your struggles. I want to go out of my way to visit the people who felt left behind, feeling as though they only had one option back in 2016: and that was to vote for Arnold Wolf."

"I want to understand, because we Democrats will fail you again if we do not. We Democrats will lose again in 2020 if we fail to consider what you have to say matters. It does matter, and after the disaster that was the Wolf Administration through these first three years, the Republican Party is actively doubling down on disastrous climate policy predicated on unraveling as much regulation as possible, an economic policy that is dedicated to making the rich even richer, and an immigration policy dedicated to terrorizing families by separating parents from their children."

"This is their legacy, this is their agenda, this is who they are. They do not represent what makes America great, but they love to tout these things as if they do. President Wolf may not be running for re-election, but his ideals are. And if we're going to have any hope in overcoming these things, we must listen to plight of the American people and answer their questions or concerns in earnest. At the end of the day, this isn't just about winning, but it's about how we win. It's about knowing we didn't get to where we are without the rest of us. It's about knowing the teamwork, the dreams of this country coming to fruition, are inseparable from each other."

"And so, without further ado, I want to open the floor up to any questions. This isn't about me, it's about you. I came here to listen, to answer, and to be with you guys. If there is anything you have to say or ask, I just request you to raise your hand so we can get a microphone to you." Emily said, adding "thank you" before waiting for the first attendee to take up the opportunity to speak.

[Dentali]

Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Johnstown High School - Rep. Emily S. Davenport (D|CA-34)

---

(Image)

"And so, without further ado, I want to open the floor up to any questions. This isn't about me, it's about you. I came here to listen, to answer, and to be with you guys. If there is anything you have to say or ask, I just request you to raise your hand so we can get a microphone to you." Emily said, adding "thank you" before waiting for the first attendee to take up the opportunity to speak.

"Hi my name is Jim Kirwan, I was a third generation steelworker before the EPA essentially killed the mill through regulations. Now I work for the Lockheed Martin, a lot of people here work for Northrop Grumman... our town relies on the defense industry to survive. Since President Wolf was elected the increased defense spending has been a boon to our town, as President would you continue this level of defense spending?"

[Azekopolaltion]

Tim Westra 2020: Dealing With Unjust Student Debt

---

There is no equal opportunity when education, "the great equalizer", becomes unaffordable. We must act decisively to tackle the unjust burden of student debt.

---

The idea of the American Dream is essentially equal opportunity. Equality of opportunity in the job market. Equality of opportunity in quality of life. Where you start should not determine where you end up.

A major sign of that ideal's demise is the American student debt crisis. Young people seeking higher education have been collectively wracked with over $1.5 trillion in debt towards paying for tuition, room, and any other college fees. It is an unjust expectation in a modern, moral, wealthy society that our young people should be investing themselves in such a death cycle of debt just to cover the exploding cost of college.

It's time that college is restored to its original purpose: to pave the way for financial opportunity, not financial difficulty.

As president, Tim will commit to implementing a host of reforms to tackle the student debt crisis head-on so that young people can be liberated from this unfair load and instead succeed in what is becoming an incredibly competitive world.

REDUCING THE COST OF COLLEGE

In the past three decades, the cost of attaining a college degree has increased by more than 3,000 percent, with 1 in 10 borrowers now owing more than $54,000 in debt. It's easy to trace the source of this crisis: the exploding cost of college.

Tim won't sit around waiting for colleges to realize that they're costs are disastrous for this generation. He will take real action to ensure that college becomes a viable investment for all, because Tim realizes that equal opportunity only exists when education is guaranteed as a right, not a privilege.

He will accomplish this by:

- Making 4-year public institutions of higher education free for all. It is beyond time to treat higher education as the public good that it is, just as we treat our public schools. All students, regardless of their family's income, should be able to attend college without worry about cost. This is why Tim endorses the Future For All Act, which would eliminate tuition for all students at public universities.

- Incentivizing private universities to lower costs. There are several policy proposals in Congress to deal with the profiteering of private universities. Tim believes that if private colleges want to be treated as nonprofits, they should start acting like them. We should not be afraid of revoking the charity status of private institutions who raise their tuition by more than 4% of the annual inflation rate. Bills like the Student Investment and Deferral Act also mention several payment methods of reducing costs at private institutions.

- Doubling the maximum Pell Grant and expanding eligibility standards. Scholarships like the Pell Grant provide invaluable financial support to smart kids who just had unlucky circumstances. Tim would increase the maximum Pell Grant amount to $15,000 per year, and would extend eligibility to families making up to $100,000/year, so that intelligent kids from the poorest backgrounds don't have to take up monstrous amounts of debt.

REFORMING THE STUDENT LOAN SYSTEM

The federal and private practices of student lending is clearly broken. Confusing repayment plans, conspiring loan service providers, and soaring interest rates are driving young people further into debt.

Tim will make it a priority to systematically reform the student loan system so that students can go to college by accumulating the least amount of debt possible.

This plan will:

-Make income-based repayment the default federal debt service plan. The current federal income-based plan, Revised Pay as You Earn (REPAYE), allows borrowers to pay 10% of their discretionary income for a 20 year maturity, leaving the remaining loan balance forgiven. Our policy would universalize REPAYE, ensuring that student debt never exceeds or pushes the limits of one's income.

- Discourage students from borrowing from private lenders or the federal government. In an ideal world, no one should be making a profit of off student loans. A primary purpose of the Student Investment and Deferral Act is to incentivize the creation of "tuition deferral programs" at private colleges, which would allow the educational institutions to directly loan a student's tuition to be repaid over 20 years after graduation.

- Require high schools to notify student borrowers of their total loan obligations, estimated interest rate, and expected monthly payment. A lack of financial literacy is an unfortunate factor in the student debt crisis, and a little more clarity could go a long way.

DEALING WITH CURRENT OUTSTANDING DEBT

Borrowers who are currently drowning in their debt should see justice. Tim will make debt justice for young people a top priority of his first year in office. This plan seeks to:

- Cancel student debt for more than 95% of all current borrowers. All borrowers making less than $100,000 would see up to $50,000 of their debt canceled. This would result in all student debt being eliminated for more than 75% of borrowers. This cancellation amount would phase out by $1 for every $3 above $100,000 income.

- Allow borrowers in the top 5% percent of earners to refinance their loans at lower rates. Student debt has been proven to be a financial burden for anyone who has it, including high earners. A Westra Administration would work with Congress to allow borrowers earning more than 250,000 to refinance their existing loans.

We can build a movement of young people and working people to ensure that education is restored as a public utility, not a means of mass revenue for colleges, private lenders, and the federal government.

[Shah Rukh Khan]

Ben Little 2020
February 3rd, 2019

Ben felt ready to do this. He didn't need this to be too above the radar, or extremely publicized. He was playing the long game. All he wanted to do was keep a relatively low profile early, hold a few rallies here and there, and portray himself as the sane grown up in the race. The publicity would come with Ben's concrete actions, not big campaign stunts.

As such, he had decided to announce via the Internet with a campaign launch video, available on all of his social media platforms for the world to see. The opening rally was coming later.

(Image)

---

"Abraham Lincoln, the greatest president in the history of our nation, once famously said: America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. This is the test that the times offer us. Will we succumb to the bitter division, the racism, the xenophobia, and the misogyny that President Wolf has tried to sow amongst Americans? Will we play the Wolfian game of making bombastic promises only to turn our backs on ordinary Americans once in office?"

"Folks, we can make these troubling times into our downfall or our greatest opportunity. As a united country, we can take on the challenges that plague us today and ushered in Wolf's presidency. We can tackle the horrendous economic inequality that is wrecking our nation and dividing our people. We can root out the cancer of racism by coming to terms with our history, not running back towards it. We can rejoin our international allies and lead a global mobilization to solve the numerous challenges we face in the climate crisis and in nuclear proliferation."

"This is our last chance for a return to sanity. And the best way to reject the hatred that Wolf and his acolytes spew is by electing someone who can create unity amongst diversity. I am representative of all those who feel forgotten in a nation that is supposed to be about helping them."

"Friends, 2020 faces us with a choice. Are we going to elect a president who is about good deeds, not just good words? Are we going to elect a president that will allow America to live up to it's ideals? I hope so. And that is why I, Senator Benjamin Little, am running for president. Together, we can triumph over divisions and put people before party."

---

Rep. Alejandro Nuñez
@Nunez4MA

---

I'm proud to offer my wholehearted endorsement to Senator Ben Little. His bold advocacy for the underrepresented for the past few decades has inspired me in my own public service today. We can only root out the hatred sowed by Wolf with someone who prioritizes unity and embraces our diversity. Ben Little is that candidate. #Little2020

[The Democratic Marxists]

Abby Winthrop
@SenWinthrop

---

Obviously, we're still very early in this election cycle. But America needs a presidential candidate who has a record of prioritizing the climate crisis and has a thorough plan to deal with it. We haven't seen any candidates demonstrating their concern for this issue yet. #GreenNewDeal #ClimateCrisis2020

[Imperial Esplanade]

Johnstown High School | Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Emily stroke her chin, nodding her head as she listened, and then looked directly toward the speaker once he was finished.

"Hello Jim. So yes, I have publicly put out there that I am hoping to run for President. But, I am not deciding here and now to actually run for President. I won't pretend to speak naively or vaguely on that, but it is important to distinguish that I am not here to speak to you as Emily the Presidential candidate, but as a Congresswoman, from outside of your district, wanting to hear the concerns of people across this country, starting right here in Pennsylvania."

"So, as a Congresswoman, I'll tell you what I think and what I know. The Department of Defense has a lot of wasteful spending, between redundancies and red tape and poor accounting. We are overfunding and purchasing some equipment that is completely unnecessary while short-changing elsewhere. What we have, currently, is a dynamic that is completely inherently unstable, and it's time that we audit as much of what we can out of military spending. Especially because your story is a pretty unique one. Most defense contractors will quickly shed jobs left-and-right, if they think can save a nickel here-and-there, and they have been cutting jobs despite getting even more money from the federal government."

"So, no. I will not promise to maintain defense spending, for the sole purpose of job-retainment, simply because the data proves jobs like yours are still very much at-risk, no matter if Congress or the President were to call to vote on the matter to keep it the way it is for the foreseeable future. Of course, this is generally-speaking since 'defense spending' is more of an entire category in-and-of itself, and I'll consider proposals as they come, but given the market of manufacturing jobs as a whole, I am sure you have had concerns about job-security with the rise of automation and outsourcing. At the end of the day, there are just so many more factors and options that play into a corporate decision to increase their bottom-line these days than there were in the 1970s. But, that doesn't mean you should give up."

"I've introduced legislation that would ease any worker's path to attaining a college degree, by proposing a method to pay for your college tuition and other fees that would otherwise be a significant hurdle for individuals to leap through. For people like yourself, who have had to jump from job-to-job as they struggled to make ends meet. I'm in the process of drafting up legislation as it pertains to unions, which I hope will help people who may be in a similar situation such as yourself, Jim, to empower workers like yourself and to grant you guys more workplace democracy. This would, in-theory, affect large corporations and their decisions, like Northrup Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Several of my colleagues are taking an initiative in drafting their own legislation, and I'm sure the plights of people like yourself are considered. So no, I won't increase defense spending for the purpose of job-retainment, because again those jobs may disappear regardless, but I will and I am fighting for ways to invest in your future possibilities and your present circumstance, and I hope what I am offering you is just the start of ways we can work out these problems."

[Dentali]

CNN Interview
02/08/2019
Governor Nathaniel Richardson




Craig Benfield: Good morning, this is FOX News. The 2020 Presidential race has its first candidate on the Republican side, Governor Nathanial Richardson who joins us today. Richardson spent 4 years in Congress representing North Carolina’s 7th Congressional district and is currently serving his second term as Governor of North Carolina. Governor thank you for joining us today.

Richardson: Thank you for having me, i’m delighted to be here.

Benfield: You are running to essentially pick up the torch from President Wolf, who has fundamentally reshaped the Republican Party. You are a more traditional conservative… at times you have opposed the President’s policy and rhetoric, and other times praised him. What aspects of Wolfism would you keep going forward and which would discard.

Richardson: Before I say anything else I just want to ask all Americans to keep the President and his family in their prayers. It was… My wife and I watched that rally together in shock and horror, and I think he deserves… massive credit for handling it all with such grace and confidence. The man is a fighter and an inspiration to anyone in this country facing steep odds. I want to thank him for that.

But in terms of policy… I and many republicans were concerned how Wolf would govern when he won the primary, he isn’t exactly a ‘traditional’ conservative by any means. But overall he has done a great job. The tax cut and jobs act alone would have been enough for me to praise his tenure. The economy is incredible under his leadership, just explosive. We have 4 million new jobs, more people employed than ever before many of them manufacturing jobs that Democrats said would never return. Unemployment for Hispanic, Asian and African Americans is at an all time low, overall unemployment is at a 49 year low, median household income is the highest level ever, we have 3.9 million Americans off of food stamps under his administration.

The President ended the individual mandate, lowered taxes, cut regulations, hundreds of billions are back in the economy. Small businesses have the lowest tax rate in 80 years. Our military is stronger than ever, the VA is more accountable, Illegal immigration has decreased sharply, we we are no longer a net oil importer. We have the best poverty rate since the 90s, the highest workers earning growth since the 80s and the best unemployment since the 60s. But perhaps most importantly... people all over the country are confident once again in our country going forward. That wouldn’t happen without President Wolf.

I can sit here and say ‘he could have done this better’ or ‘I didn’t like his rhetoric on that’ but its nitpicking. Truth is he’s been damn good on policy and has the facts to back that up.

Benfield: That’s lavish praise. What do you think the next steps are on the economy? How do we keep it going strong, how do we get it even stronger?

Richardson: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as it stands is projected to increase the long term US economy by 2%, $3,000 per household. So the first step is to make it permanent, which increases the projection to 2.75%... I want to add two measures to the act specifically. Firstly, shorten depreciation schedules, which would be a modest change and then to expand expensing, for all investments. That expansion alone would increase US economic output to 4.3%.

We also need to expand the earned income tax credit, it does require some reform though. We need to require the IRS to fully verify income, allow it only for those with formal legal custody, eliminate the marriage penalties… Welfare should complement and reinforce self support through work and marriage, not weaken it.

There is also an executive order I would sign on day one of my Presidency, a requirement for the federal government to cover the cost of agency decisions to increase spending. Essentially right now agencies can basically mandate spending increases, placing them in the mandatory category… they don’t require spending authorizations, congress doesn’t need to sign off. Tens of billions of dollars would be saved saved and the debt would be slowed.

Benfield: You mentioned strengthening our military. As governor you were obviously focused on domestic issues, how do you want to move forward strengthening our military?

Richardson: We have a rising China, an imperialistic Russia, rogue regimes of Iran and North Korea, ISIS itching to resurface… Defense spending is vital to our future, President Wolf has treated this with the urgency and seriousness it deserved. But there are few specific areas I wish to double down on.

The first is Cyberwarfare, Russia, China, Iran and North Korea have all launched attack on the US, our businesses or our allies. Defending networks is incredibly challenging and sometimes the best defense is deterrence. We launched an attack against organizations used to interfere with the 2018 elections for example. The DoD agrees with a defend forward approach, last year US Cyber Command became a full unified combatant command, all great progress. We need to develop a military school like West Point or Annapolis where we can train the next generation of Cyber Warriors and increase our investment into technologies for both defense and retaliatory strikes.

We need to show Russia, China, Iran and North Korea we can fight, and we can win the big conflict, so it never comes to that. Some specific priorities of mine at B-21 bombers, Columbia class submarines and long range precision fires for the Army. Right now we are now gearing towards counterinsurgency, and rightly so, but our Army specifically is unsure if it can pivot to more conventional conflicts. From 2002 to 2014, every major Army weapon system in development was canceled for a number of reasons. The last two commanders of the Army recruiting command had no prior recruiting or personnel experience, they are good men i’m sure but we lack senior leadership specialized in certain vital roles.”

Our Army is still struggling to rebuild and modernize, our navy has deferred maintenance which kept ships at sea but affects our ability to deploy, our air force has a shortage of pilots, the Marines need modernization of aviation platforms… We could probably handle the demands of a single major regional conflict but would be hard pressed to do more. To enable our soldiers, sailors and airmen to operate at their full capacity we need to overturn the defense spending caps.

Benfield: Related to our military is our ability to fight terrorism around the world, but we have many in this country calling to bring our troops home. Where do you stand on that?

Richardson: I think that by late March or early April we are going to see the last Syrian town freed from the clutches of ISIS. But ISIS is not going to go quietly, they are going to become an insurgency. We need to be ready to deal with them, ensuring no new safe havens for terror emerge and whenever possible work with local partners.

We ignore ISIS at our own peril. Vigilance is essential, they have shown time and time again they will do anything to advance their cause, no matter how many atrocities or crimes against humanity they commit. Terrorism is rooted in a rejection of the promise of liberty, tolerance, individualism, all the values we hold dear. I don’t believe in a forever war but ISIS is not beaten.

In Afghanistan, evidence suggests that with gradually declining levels of support from the United States, the Afghan government will be able to sustain itself and keep itself from being a terrorist haven. Eventually I would want America to just maintain a high level train and assist mission in the country, like Mali and Kenya. We must keep up pressure on Pakistan, perhaps through suspending aid until they stop double dealing. If the Taliban enter good faith negotiations, I support that and we can walk away, but a bad deal is worse than no deal.

Domestically I also think its time to declare war on White Nationalist Terrorism. Radical, online-organizing and vicious white nationalist terrorists have been growing and entered public consciousness after the Charleston Church massacre. Targeting Jews, African Americans, Hispanics, these are terrorists. Charlottesville, Tree of Life, dozens of smaller incidents… these are not just online trolls. We need to make domestic terrorism a federal crime and get more resources from the DoJ to combat it.

Benfield: Republicans stand for fiscal responsibility at least on paper. Do you feel we need to curb in government spending? If so what do we need to cut?

Richardson: I am proud to say North Carolina not only has a balanced budget but one of the largest surpluses per capita of any state. As for the federal budget, will be releasing a full plan for how to balance the federal budget, without cutting military spending or raising taxes.

For right now i’ll give a few examples… Some of it will be small, privatizing the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation for example, thats $30-40 million. Some of it will be reformed based like Airport funding for capital improvements. Some of it will be elimination of programs that just frankly don’t work like the Job Corps, or consolidating it in other departments.

Big items are mostly around welfare reform… Medicare and Social Security carry $70 trillion worth of unfunded obligations over the next 75 years. Thats close to a half million bucks per US worker. Instead of providing vital resources to the most vulnerable, America’s entitlement programs have ballooned to the point that about one in every three Americans relies on federal entitlements. Some reforms to this include shifting Social Security towards a flat antipoverty benefit, which would save close to $700 billion and reduce the shortfall in revenue by 84%. Even correcting errors that allow people to double dip SSDI and unemployment would reduce the SSDI shortfall by a third. Simply reducing subsidies for high income beneficiaries, the top 6% could save half a trillion dollars before 2030.

Benfield: Arguably the most iconic issue of President Wolf’s 2016 campaign was building a wall on the Southern border. Where do you stand on immigration, both legal and illegal?

Richardson: Immigration has become a third rail of politics in so many ways while Americans actually for the most part agree. Keep those who are violent criminals out of the country and let those who boost the economy and help build our society in. E Pluribus Unum, out of man, one… We embrace common ideals, a history and a civic culture, immigration is a strength. The debate isn’t about whether we should allow immigration, its about how to do it in a way that protect our sovereignty, respects the law, and works for everybody.

Now security comes first, we cannot compromise our public safety. An unorganized, chaotic system is a clear invitation for bad actors, gangs like MS-13, Human traffickers, and even terrorists. Failure to enforce immigration laws is also unfair to those who obey and follow the rules to enter legally, we shouldn’t reward those entering illegally or it encourages further lawbreaking. I do support amnesty for Dreamers, those who have known no country but this one.

We also need to transition to a merit based immigration system, ending the visa lottery, chain migration…. We need to close immigration loopholes, and give overwhelmed immigration courts the resources they need to process asylum claims and give them more leeway to dismiss meritless cases.

We can address this in a way that is responsible, fair and humane. But we need to stop talking rhetoric and start talking reality.


Benfield: President Wolf supported a bi-partisan bill known as the First Step act which was a major piece of criminal justice reform legislation. Do you support the act and what steps would you take regarding crime and criminal justice?

Richardson: I’m very supportive of the First Step Act… but like it says in the name its a first step. We need to take more steps to ensure that those incarcerated can become productive law abiding members of society when they are released. States like Mississippi, Texas and Georgia have had great successes bringing down crime, saving money and stimulating the economy through criminal justice reform, we need to ensure that people going to prison don’t just learn to become better criminals, they get to learn job skills and even earn diplomas. They of course need to serve time for their offenses, and repeat violent offenders need to get harsher sentences, but in general its a very positive step.

Benfield: Some have said this is the “Healthcare Election” with healthcare being the number one issue for many voters. How would you address rising healthcare costs.

Richardson: I am proud to say thanks to reform of the past few years North Carolina has obtained a ACA waiver and my administration has implemented Carolina Choice Care which has been steadily and substantially reducing healthcare costs, and its a model for what I want to bring to the country.

In general I want to put patients in the drivers seat, harness the free market to make healthcare providers and insurance companies compete for customers. I will be detailing a full plan in the near future but in general, I want to eliminate the ACA spending schemes and replace them with block grants to states which would be distributed based on each states number of low income residents. It will be conditional, with half the states grant needing to be used to assist in purchasing private coverage, it must offset pre-existing conditions through programs like re-insurance, and would include pro-life protections.

It would repeal the single risk pool, expand regulatory flexibility, and most importantly guarantee individual choice. Lower Cost, Greater Choice and Better Care. Having an approach to healthcare that is centered on the patient and based on the free market is the single best way to improve healthcare in the country.

Benfield: Thank you for your time Governor

Richardson: My pleasure

[Agarntrop]

Barry Anderson
@MissouriPeoplesSenator

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Impressive performance by @GovenorRichardson on last night's #FoxNews. #Election2020 #Richardson2020

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Tara Misra
@TMisra

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The #GOP are and have have always been the party of law and order. If any candidate is to win my endorsement, they must promise to support increasing police powers and harsh sentences for criminals. #Election2020

[The Democratic Marxists]

Johnstown High School | Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Emily stroke her chin, nodding her head as she listened, and then looked directly toward the speaker once he was finished.

"I've introduced legislation that would ease any worker's path to attaining a college degree, by proposing a method to pay for your college tuition and other fees that would otherwise be a significant hurdle for individuals to leap through. For people like yourself, who have had to jump from job-to-job as they struggled to make ends meet. I'm in the process of drafting up legislation as it pertains to unions, which I hope will help people who may be in a similar situation such as yourself, Jim, to empower workers like yourself and to grant you guys more workplace democracy. This would, in-theory, affect large corporations and their decisions, like Northrup Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Several of my colleagues are taking an initiative in drafting their own legislation, and I'm sure the plights of people like yourself are considered. So no, I won't increase defense spending for the purpose of job-retainment, because again those jobs may disappear regardless, but I will and I am fighting for ways to invest in your future possibilities and your present circumstance, and I hope what I am offering you is just the start of ways we can work out these problems."

"Hi Congresswoman Davenport, my name is Fred Lowey. Studies have attributed a loss of 26,300 jobs here in Pennsylvania to NAFTA, which includes the type of manufacturing jobs that people like my father occupied. You have expressed support in the past for trade deals like NAFTA, and even initially supported the Trans Pacific Partnership. How do you think a Democratic White House and Congress will deal with trade, and what are your current views on international trade deals that have hurt folks like my dad here in Pennsylvania?"

[Puertollano]

Des Moine, Iowa




"I appreciate your reception, Iowans," the Senator said, microphone in hand as he approached the elevated stage. The crowd roared his name as he came to the podium, with the Levi 2020 logo emblazoned on the front of it. "The opportunity to be your President is beyond what I could have imagined when I entered the Senate. From a unionist, to a Senator. But, at heart, I am still a unionist in and out. I've never given up on my working brothers and sisters while I've been lobbying for progressive change in our nations capital, but sometimes there so much you can do from in the Senate. There is so much more we can achieve if we can win, we the progressive people of this country, the White House. There's no compromise anymore, we made our voices heard in the 2016 Democratic Primary - now it's time for a voice not only be heard, but also be the voice of the entire Democratic Party. That starts with you, Iowa. There's no primary race without Iowa and it is your ballot that sets the scene of the entire primary. Do you want it to be a race espousing incy-wincy change?" The crowd responded with "No!". "Do you want it to be about pragmatism?" "No!" "Do we want it about progressive, populist, working class policies!" 'Yes!"

Levi caught his breath back. "If the union taught me anything, it is that we are strongest united. Our voice is unparalleled when united, when we stand-up to the corporate Democrats and the Republican Party, we make it clear that we are sick of the politics for the rich and powerful. That's why we decided on our campaign slogan as: 'For the many, not the few.' Because it is of our belief that this political system has been working brilliantly for the top 1%, but has been ignoring the bottom 99%. That's why we cannot continue to elect Democrats or Republicans that continue to take dirty money from the banks or major corporations. We need clean politics, based on the votes of the people, not based off the Super PACs and corporate contributions from Wells Fargo. And speaking of Wells Fargo, we cannot forget the Senator Ben Little attended a closed-door fundraiser with them, to build up the dirty money for his upcoming Presidential campaign. It's appalling, it's detestable. That's why I stand here in a clear manner and say that I will not accept any corporate contributions whatsoever. We cannot only just overturn Citizens United, but we need to change the electoral laws to ban the donations that rig the election against the working people of this nation and this state."

"Nothing will change if we continue to the massively wealthy run our elections. President Wolf said that he would drain the swamp: that was the biggest lie of the decade. He has re-filled the swamp with his own cronies to suit his own business needs. If I am elected President, the only people I would put in my cabinet are strong, proven progressives who have a record of service and values. No CEO, no ex-Clifford staffer, no centrists. Only pro-working class individuals could serve in my cabinet," the crowd cheered. "This is my promise to you, because some people are progressive on the campaign trail then veer to the right when the general election comes. There is no need in that, if people are already Republican, they will vote for the actual Republic, no matter how far-right you decide to go. I am unapologetically progressive now and I would be in the general. You can trust me because I ran as a progressive for Senate and I've stayed a progressive. There's no moving me," Levi joked. The crowd laughed too. "In fact, I'm proud to call myself a Democratic Socialist. And as I barnstorm around this nation, I believe people will realize that is is time to wake up from this neoliberalist nightmare and start to make amends with working families in the country and in Iowa. Thank you."

[Puertollano]

Levi Murphy @LeviMurphy The Green New Deal is the solution to the climate crisis - I thank you for proposing it the Senate and I am proud to co-sponsor the bill. Maybe it's time we have a Climate Crisis Townhall?