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

[Puertollano]

“I didn’t see, I heard. I heard. Haven’t been on Twitter in awhile...I’ve just been tired. I’ve been so tired. I saw what he said. He’s a dirty rat, I saw what he said. Thank you for defending me, Lil. Thank you.”

The President usually loved to Tweet, and was chided for his incessant use of the platform. But nothing he did was the same as before. It wasn’t so much the cancer as the treatments, the chemo therapy and radiation therapy. He didn’t care much to do them, but the first family pressured him to keep going.

"They're jealous, that's what it is. They're jealous that you arrived and were elected President, but they were stuck pushing pencils in a Governors office with only the dream of getting as far as you have," Lilyana said. "On that note, I heard some of the Republicans have approached you about 2020. I have met with a few of them too. What did you think? I'm not a fan of Richardson."

[Sanabel]

“I wish you’d run,” he said with a small grin.

“Richardson is alright. Solid guy. I don’t see the hype, but he’s a solid guy. Prendergast was strong. Very strong. He believes in my legacy. Strong candidate. Haven’t met any others.”

[Puertollano]

“I wish you’d run,” he said with a small grin.

“Richardson is alright. Solid guy. I don’t see the hype, but he’s a solid guy. Prendergast was strong. Very strong. He believes in my legacy. Strong candidate. Haven’t met any others.”

"Me? I thought Arny Jr might want to?"

[Sanabel]

“I don’t know. Jr hasn’t talked to me about it. I don’t know. I heard you wanted a new political office?”

[Puertollano]

“I don’t know. Jr hasn’t talked to me about it. I don’t know. I heard you wanted a new political office?”

"Yes, I was looking around for a few options. Maybe Main Senate, maybe I could run for President (but that's a lot of work), maybe something else. Do you have any ideas?"

[Sanabel]

“I’ve gotten every candidate so far to agree to appoint you to the cabinet. Hopefully Secretary of Commerce- I would do it myself, but I cant. Nepotism laws. I got every candidate so far to promise to appoint you. Hopefully Commerce, hopefully Commerce.”

He paused for a moment, removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“In the meantime, my Chief of Staff and I made a plan. We made a plan. We are looking to shake up the RNC before the 2020 election. Since I’m not running we need someone stronger than (Not-McDaniel) leading the party. Someone like you. We are shaking up the RNC. We are going to ask (Not-McDaniel) to step down. She’s going to run for something else, help flip a key House seat, I don’t know. Whatever the Chief of Staff says. Ok so I want you to run for Chair of the RNC. That’s the plan the Chief of Staff and I made. We want you to run for Chair of the RNC.”

[Puertollano]

“I’ve gotten every candidate so far to agree to appoint you to the cabinet. Hopefully Secretary of Commerce- I would do it myself, but I cant. Nepotism laws. I got every candidate so far to promise to appoint you. Hopefully Commerce, hopefully Commerce.”

He paused for a moment, removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“In the meantime, my Chief of Staff and I made a plan. We made a plan. We are looking to shake up the RNC before the 2020 election. Since I’m not running we need someone stronger than (Not-McDaniel) leading the party. Someone like you. We are shaking up the RNC. We are going to ask (Not-McDaniel) to step down. She’s going to run for something else, help flip a key House seat, I don’t know. Whatever the Chief of Staff says. Ok so I want you to run for Chair of the RNC. That’s the plan the Chief of Staff and I made. We want you to run for Chair of the RNC.”

Lily sat there for a moment, mulling over what he said. "What does the RNC Chair do? I'm sure whatever it is, I can do it."

[Sanabel]

“I’ve gotten every candidate so far to agree to appoint you to the cabinet. Hopefully Secretary of Commerce- I would do it myself, but I cant. Nepotism laws. I got every candidate so far to promise to appoint you. Hopefully Commerce, hopefully Commerce.”

He paused for a moment, removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“In the meantime, my Chief of Staff and I made a plan. We made a plan. We are looking to shake up the RNC before the 2020 election. Since I’m not running we need someone stronger than (Not-McDaniel) leading the party. Someone like you. We are shaking up the RNC. We are going to ask (Not-McDaniel) to step down. She’s going to run for something else, help flip a key House seat, I don’t know. Whatever the Chief of Staff says. Ok so I want you to run for Chair of the RNC. That’s the plan the Chief of Staff and I made. We want you to run for Chair of the RNC.”

Lily sat there for a moment, mulling over what he said. "What does the RNC Chair do? I'm sure whatever it is, I can do it."

“The RNC Chair is in charge of the party. They lead fundraising, organization, and make the platform. They are in charge of the party. We need a good leader if I’m going to be gone from politics. We need someone strong like you. We had (Not-Reince Priebus), my old Chief of Staff as RNC chair when I was elected. He’s wishy washy. Not my first choice. But I was able to carry the party. None of these other candidates can do that. So we need a strong RNC Chair.”

[Puertollano]

Lily sat there for a moment, mulling over what he said. "What does the RNC Chair do? I'm sure whatever it is, I can do it."

“The RNC Chair is in charge of the party. They lead fundraising, organization, and make the platform. They are in charge of the party. We need a good leader if I’m going to be gone from politics. We need someone strong like you. We had (Not-Reince Priebus), my old Chief of Staff as RNC chair when I was elected. He’s wishy washy. Not my first choice. But I was able to carry the party. None of these other candidates can do that. So we need a strong RNC Chair.”

"I like the sound of that," she said, moving her hair out of her face. "How are you going to get the current Chair to vacate, though?"

[Sanabel]

“It’s an unwritten rule that the RNC chair serves at the privilege of the president. Unwritten. Should be written but it’s common. Ok. So I’m going to ask (Not-McDaniel) to run for senate. In their home state. That’ll be a good reason. Then I want you to take over. Ok.”

[Dentali]

GOLDWATER POLLING APRIL 1st 2019

National

Senator Levi Murphy: 12% (+2)
Secretary Helen Whitaker: 11% (-2)
Senator Timothy Westra: 10% (+3)
Senator Benjamin Little: 10% (+1)
Senator Jillian Dayton: 6% (+1)
Governor Anne Caldwell: 4% (0)
Representative Emily Davenport: 4% (+2)
Governor Miguel Velez: 4% (0)
Businessman John Donaldson: 2% (0)
Senator Erika Goldman: 2% (0)
Undecided: 35%

Iowa

Secretary Helen Whitaker: 12% (-3)
Senator Levi Murphy: 12% (+1)
Senator Timothy Westra: 10% (+1)
Senator Benjamin Little: 6% (0)
Senator Jillian Dayton: 6% (0)
Governor Anne Caldwell: 4% (0)
Governor Miguel Velez: 3% (0)
Representative Emily Davenport: 1% (0)
Businessman John Donaldson: 1% (0)
Senator Erika Goldman: 1% (0)
Undecided: 44%

New Hampshire

Secretary Helen Whitaker: 11% (-2)
Senator Benjamin Little: 9% (0)
Senator Levi Murphy: 8% (0)
Senator Timothy Westra: 7% (0)
Senator Jillian Dayton: 4% (0)
Governor Anne Caldwell: 3% (0)
Senator Erika Goldman: 3% (0)
Governor Miguel Velez: 5% (0)
Businessman John Donaldson: 3% (0)
Representative Emily Davenport: 2% (0)
Undecided: 46%

Nevada

Senator Timothy Westra: 12% (+1)
Secretary Helen Whitaker: 10% (-1.5)
Senator Levi Murphy: 9% (0)
Senator Jillian Dayton: 7% (0)
Governor Miguel Velez: 4% (0)
Senator Benjamin Little: 4% (0)
Governor Anne Caldwell: 4% (0)
Representative Emily Davenport: 4% (+2)
Businessman John Donaldson: 1% (0)
Senator Erika Goldman: 1% (0)
Undecided: 43%

South Carolina

Senator Benjamin Little: 18% (+2)
Governor Miguel Velez: 7% (0)
Secretary Helen Whitaker: 7% (0)
Senator Jillian Dayton: 6% (+2)
Governor Miguel Velez: 5% (0)
Senator Erika Goldman: 3% (0)
Senator Levi Murphy: 3% (+1)
Senator Timothy Westra: 1% (0)
Governor Anne Caldwell: 1% (-.5)
Representative Emily Davenport: 1% (0)
Businessman John Donaldson: 1% (0)
Undecided: 54%

[Puertollano]

“It’s an unwritten rule that the RNC chair serves at the privilege of the president. Unwritten. Should be written but it’s common. Ok. So I’m going to ask (Not-McDaniel) to run for senate. In their home state. That’ll be a good reason. Then I want you to take over. Ok.”

"And where will I be based? I don't really want to move from New York City."

[Dentali]

Nathaniel Richardson
WNIS 790 Radio Interview, Norfolk- Portsmouth- Newport News
April 1st, 2019



Richardson was spending the day in Eastover, North Carolina meeting with a few local politicians about various legislative initiatives and making a few public appearances at local businesses to show he wasn’t an absentee Governor. During his lunch break he took his ISDN unit into a quiet office space to do a scheduled interview with WNIS 790am which commanded the Norfolk- Portsmouth- Newport News market.

Macrini: This is Maverick-minded Tom Macrini for WNIS in Norfolk. We are joined today by Governor Nathaniel Richardson of the state to our southern border, North Carolina. Richardson is the current Republican frontrunner for the Republican Presidential nomination, Governor how are you?

Richardson: I’m doing well Tom, how about yourself?

Macrini: I’m fine thanks for asking… Governor i’d like to start by asking about taxes. Changes to the federal tax code are expected to bring in an additional $1.2 billion in tax revenue. The Governor had proposed spending the money on improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, rural broadband and tax credits for low income families. Republicans have voiced concerns appropriating money we don’t have for certain. Who is right?

Richardson: Firstly, thank you President Wolf for your leadership on tax reform. States are seeing windfalls like this across the country, Americans have more money in their pockets and states are seeing increased revenues almost universally. And making those cuts and reforms permanent is a top priority.

But specifically to your question… you cannot assume revenues you cannot have, i’ve seen again and again whether its from casinos or or taxing marijuana or whatever shiny new proposal to raise revenue there is…. Its a rare thing that we see as much money raised as estimated… we see politicians promising the moon and falling short.

Virginia will see revenues increase, certainly… i’m not refuting that in the least. But you should make a conservative estimate as to how much, that way if you fall short you aren’t adding to the deficit. You can always spend the extra money later.

Macrini: Chronic underinvestment and heavy traffic have lead to a disastrous situation on Interstate 81, the interstate is vital for the western part of our state. As President how would you repair our crumbling roads and bridges?

Richardson: We keep seeing again and again states and the federal government prioritizing cheap fixes over real long term solutions and investment.

Macrini: Despite passing Medicaid expansion last year healthcare is still a top issue for many Virginians, especially in terms of cost for prescription drugs… what would you do to lower the cost of drugs?

Richardson: Americans from one end of the country to the other are concerned about prescription drug prices. Laws meant to encourage innovation, increase investment, and ensure access get manipulated to fight off competition and increase prices. Drug prices are captive to these practices, and no one should defend the status quo.

Their is a drug called Duexis, which combines Motrin and Pepcid. You want 100 tablet of motrin or a 90 day supply of Pepcid, it’ll cost between $10 and $20 for either… but you combine them into Duexis and the price is over $2,500 because the drug has no competitors. This is abusing regulations that protect medical innovation, gaming the system. This is just an example of the kind of regulations we need to update.

Rein in the abuse while maintaining incentives for real innovation and discovery. Another example comes from Medicare. Too often we see the same drug receive year-after-year, double-digit price increases without the justification of innovation, shortages, or other market forces. No matter how high the cost arbitrarily increases, Medicare pays the bill. By requiring manufacturers to rebate the increased amount by which drugs covered under Medicare Part D exceed the rate of inflation, we protect taxpayers from bad actors exploiting Medicare and taxpayers.

Macrini: Making the state’s earned income tax credit fully refundable has been listed as a major priority for the governor. Do you think that’s a good idea?

Richardson: Reagan called the EITC the greatest job-creation tool the federal government had at its disposal. The program isn’t perfect, and could use reforms… the IRS should fully verify income, some changes need to be made to what children can be claimed, the marriage penalties need to be eliminated… to name a few. But the tax credit itself supports low income Americans while incentivizing work. We should definitely support it.

Macrini: A bill currently in the state legislature would require schools ban vaping on school property and to teach students about the health risks of vaping. States around the country are talking about banning vaping or restricting it, where do you stand?

Richardson: I’ve never smoked a cigarette and I’ve never vaped before. Vaping is a healthier alternative to cigarettes and it is proven to help people quit. The FDA, the New England Journal of Medicine, and dozens more organizations say that. The industry employs thousands made up almost exclusively of small businesses. Selling e-cigarettes to kids is already illegal, and I personally think the age to buy should be 21 not 18, but I don’t think the federal government should regulate that.

Teen smoking is at an all time low, that’s great news... and yes Vaping is harmful and should be covered accurately in school health courses but we can’t just outlaw bad choices. We shouldn’t ban alcohol or junk food, the Government has no business wiping out this industry. What it should do is enforce restrictions on selling to minors and work against illegal and black market vaping products.

Macrini: If Democrats take the legislature this year Virginia could become the final state needed to ratify the equal rights amendment. Do you support the Amendment?

Richardson: Firstly, its abundantly clear the deadline for the ERA has expired, Article V of the Constitution spells that out.

Secondly the amendment is unnecessary. Women are already protected under the constitution, the treatment of women and injustices faced by them comes not from an absence of legal protections but it comes from cultural rot and societal dysfunction, not the Constitution. You cannot cure cultural problems through legal means.

Macrini: That’s all the time we have for today, thanks for talking to us Governor.

Richardson: My pleasure, have a good day.

[Sanabel]

“It’s an unwritten rule that the RNC chair serves at the privilege of the president. Unwritten. Should be written but it’s common. Ok. So I’m going to ask (Not-McDaniel) to run for senate. In their home state. That’ll be a good reason. Then I want you to take over. Ok.”

"And where will I be based? I don't really want to move from New York City."

“You would be based here in Washington. I know you don’t want to move from New York, but you would have to do that to run for senate or to take another position. You’ll be fine. You’d be here in Washington- you’d be fine. It’s not bad.”

[Azekopolaltion]

---

Tim Westra 2020
Le Claire, Iowa
April 4th, 2019

---

Tim arrived in Le Claire in the morning, and immediately got to work with his volunteers. He had dismissed his campaign manager by call that morning as well; his deputy would be taking over temporarily, and a public announcement was yet to come. He was now focused on heavy campaigning.

He knocked doors in the morning, speaking individually to Iowan families in this quaint town of just over 3,500 people. He took a tour of the local distilling small businesses that were thriving in this town. It was a rural area, so he continued to hone in on his farming plan and pointed out that he was the only candidate to actually have a farming plan.

He shook hands at a local coffee shop, always stopping to take selfies when requested. He was ready with his economic agenda whenever voters had questions. In the evening, he arrived at a public school gym that his campaign had rented out for a small rally.

“Thank you! Thanks for being here! Wow! Thank you, everybody."

"For as long as America can remember, this great state has fed the nation. Hardworking people, industrious Americans, have worked to fuel our country with their agricultural produce. But our nation's economic system is not working for rural America. It's not working for farmers, it's not working for communities, it's not working for our planet. It is working for big agribusiness corporations like DowDupont and Monsanto. Honest folks from Iowa are being exploited by these corporations for the sole purpose of extracting profit from the Heartland.”

"Family farmers are being killed by the big corporations, the revenue of local farms is dropping. Farming is becoming more expensive – and Iowan rural workers are taking on more debt to cover the costs. Then, there's overproduction that makes the goods cheap and allows the big companies to rip you off."

"Our homegrown farm economy is dying. The system is rigged."

“The current president is bribing farmers with excessive subsidies to try and trick Iowans into thinking that somehow, his failed trade strategy is working. But you guys aren't stupid. You know what's up. Wolf is lying to you, he's causing your losses and giving you some temporary cash to keep your mind off of it. All while his big agribusiness lobbyists run off with the cash.”

“The president needs to have a better way. I will be a president that pushes for a farm economy that actually works in the longterm for you guys. And we can do this by building a new supply management model.”

“I would push to have the government guarantee farmers a price to match cost of production. How? Instead of endless subsidies that only cushion your costs temporarily, I'd develop a loan system for production costs. If the farmer can't repay this loan, the government would buy their products at the cost of production. If the private market offers a better price, the farmer would repay the loan. This creates a truly competitive market.”

“What happens when the government receives agricultural produce? We'd be able to provide better prices by holding the produce in reserve, essentially managing the supply and driving up prices for farmers. When the price exceeds a point, we can sell the produce, stabilizing prices once more. Rather than constantly subsidizing farmers, this guarantees them a competitive fair price.”

"In this way, we can sometimes pursue option like the Chinese tariffs without harming farmers. We wouldn't be giving useless subsidies, but rather we'd be revitalizing the farming economy."

"Here in Iowa, farmers are already embracing climate-positive agricultural techniques. And as President, I'll reward you for it. In order to get closer to decarbonization and a healthier environment for our kids, I will create a $10 billion fund to pay farmers for sustainable environmental practices. This makes sustainable farming an economically viable option for farmers, and will reward many of you who are already doing this."

"There is dignity in all work, especially in the work of our farmers who feed America. It's time we value our Iowan rural communities with the respect and the fair system they actually deserve, rather than take them for granted to peddle the interests of big agribusiness."

"It's not just Big Ag that is holding our workers back. For the past few decades, there has been a class war waged against the working families of this country by the billionaire class and the corporate elite. The fat cats in the government colluded with the bigshots of the one percent to destroy the lives of working people in Michigan, in Ohio, in New Jersey, and here in Iowa. They’ve been doing it all over America. While corporations close down plants here in our country to maximize their profits, they throw our workers out on the streets and leave behind ghost towns to die a painful death. Corporations don’t give a damn about you. If they could make a nickel more by killing you, they would. And I’m not even exaggerating. Criminal pharmaceutical executives have ruthlessly marketed and sold their opioid drugs at the expense of thousands of young American lives. It’s not just the manufacturing corporations and the drug companies. Fossil fuel companies, the military-industrial complex, Wall Street, the private prison complex — all of them have collectively conspired to trample on the economic rights of ordinary Americans in order to get away with unethical amounts of profit.”

“Well, we’ve got some bad news for them. We are building a grassroots movement to tackle the unlimited greed of Corporate America. That starts with unions. That starts with workers. That starts with the 99% standing up and saying: you can’t have it all. I’m proud to say that we are running a campaign powered by the people, not big corporations. We are not taking a dime from corporate PACS, or federal lobbyists. You cannot defeat a fundamentally corrupt system by taking their money.”

“Our campaigns message is not about endless platitudes. My record makes it clear that I’ve always shown up for what’s right. I’ve never flip-flopped on worker's issues or consumer rights. I’ve never been vague. My career in politics has only been about making the moral decision. Years before any neoliberal centrist claimed the idea for themselves, I wrote the American Reinvestment Act of 1993 as a Senate policy advisor, which would have doubled the Earned Income Tax Credit to boost our crumbling middle class. I didn’t care about falling out of line with the party. I fought for Americans workers by leading the charge in opposition to NAFTA, against the will of President Clifford and the New Democrats. As a Congressman, I founded the Blue Collar Caucus to give workers real representation in the House. Not only did I loudly advocate against Clifford’s mass deregulation and dismantling of Glass-Steagall, I authored a bill in 2000 that did not pass, but paved the way for the groundbreaking [not Dodd Frank] Act almost a decade later.”

“This was not always the politically popular choice. I was perhaps the staunchest Congressman against the Iraq War. Not only did I vote against the initial invasion, I went beyond that by being one out of a handful of Congress members who opposed enhancing combat operations in Iraq after the invasion. I didn’t just stand against President Burke and the GOP, though. When I thought President Baharia was wrong, I pointed it out. I opposed the decimation of Libya, which was not convenient for me. When President Baharia tried to push for the TPP, I pushed back. Workers had to come first, not multinational corporations.”


"But let’s be clear: I supported President Baharia 100% on issues where he fought the good fight. I helped push for the Affordable Care Act, and I helped to write the public option part of the bill that did not pass. I was with him on banking reform, though I wish he had gone further. I was with him on climate action, though I had hoped he would fight for more.”

"Those who paint me as a candidate singularly focused on economic action are not getting the facts straight. Yes, I believe the economic standing of all Americans is the single most important issue, along with the climate crisis. But I've been a leader on social issues as well. I have been for gay marriage even when this was not the popular stance. I voted against the Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I think that societal stigma against any marginalized group has to be combated, regardless of how politically inconvenient it is."

"And the best part is, we know how to solve this. We're not just diagnosing the problem, we're tackling the symptoms. I've done the math, I've looked at the details. We're going to raise wages by providing every worker a living wage through an unprecedented expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit – a real middle class tax cut, not like the Wolf Tax Scam. I want healthcare for all in this country, and we can accomplish this by automatically enrolling every uninsured American and newborn under a public option, which would be made available to all Americans. A Medicare for America public option is the best way forward. We're not just shouting about Medicare for All, we have an idea of how to get it done."

"We're gonna enforce a trade policy that puts workers first, not the multinational corporations. We will no longer be outsourcing American jobs and encouraging a global race to the bottom. Instead, we'll work with our trade partners to assess all economic impact of any trade deal, including job loss, and we will make unions a major negotiation party of the trade agreement process. And, if any nation refuses to comply with our labor and environmental standards, there will be economic consequences."

"We want to make unemployment a thing of the past, so even if big plants pack up and abandon our workers, they won't be out of a good job. We will create a Federal Jobs Guarantee to put every single American who wants a good-paying job to work in much needed areas like green manufacturing, infrastructure development, and scientific research."

"And I'm concerned for our young people, who are being crushed under student debt. As it stands, we will cancel 95% of student debt in this country, providing relief to those who need it most. We'll make college tuition-free for all, and reform the federal loan process to lower interest rates and simplify payment procedure. No young person's future should be stolen just because education is a commodity in the wealthiest country in the history of the world."

"I'll make fossil fuel companies pay for the damage they're doing to our home. We have to impose a price on carbon to lower emissions and make the emitters reckon with their actions. And I'll put the energy execs who lied about the crisis in jail for the harm their disinformation has done. I'll vastly expand tax credits to clean energy companies. This requires a full scale mobilization, and the United States is not the type to sit on the sidelines while others do the heavy lifting. We have to pitch in, for the future of our children and our world. We're the first campaign to even have a climate plan! We listen to the science! We understand the urgency!"

"Let's be clear though: the guys in the coal mines are not my enemy. The guys on the oil rigs are not my enemy. They have to put food on the table for their family. But they are being betrayed by a dishonest industry that is not being upfront about how long their jobs will last. Coal is a dying industry. Oil rig jobs are incredibly unsafe and unstable. As president, money raised as a carbon dividend will be invested in transitioning workers from fossil fuel development to clean energy development. Workers in any industry deserve good-paying, safe, and socially beneficial jobs. I promise all fossil fuel workers: I won't abandon you."

"And I'm serious about the damage the Sackler Family and other opioid czars have done to our communities. I'll decriminalize ownership of small amounts of illegal opioids; the Pharma companies who lied about the addictive nature of certain opioids belong in jail, not those who are hooked. I'll create more safe injection sites, where addicts can seek help and be treated as patients rather problems that will solve themselves. I'll create an Opioid Combatting Task Force carrying naloxone to prevent overdose deaths. Our young folks are lying dead on the streets of Ohio and other economically downtrodden states, and we need to treat this with the sense of emergency and sensitivity that it deserves."

"As your president, I promise you: no voice of the grassroots will go unheard. I'm going to the White House to fight for you everyday, not the greedy billionaire class who wants more and more at the expense of the rest of us. We need a new era of progressive governance, bringing our party back to its working class roots and away from the elitist influences that have infiltrated the Democratic Party. It's time to understand that there should be dignity in work; we are not a developing country, we are not a war zone, we are America, the wealthiest country in the history of the world. It's time to stand up unequivocally and tell the establishment: we are worthy, and we will put workers first. And I, Tim Westra, would be humbled if all of you joined our movement today."

"Only together, in class solidarity that crosses bounds like race, gender, and sexuality, can we defeat the powers that be and reclaim our country from the entrenched corporate elite. Thank you, may God bless our workers, may God bless our troops, and may God bless America!"

[Puertollano]

"And where will I be based? I don't really want to move from New York City."

“You would be based here in Washington. I know you don’t want to move from New York, but you would have to do that to run for senate or to take another position. You’ll be fine. You’d be here in Washington- you’d be fine. It’s not bad.”

Lilyana nodded. "But, obviously, I won't be able to endorse anyone because I'm supposed to be neutral, right? That's why you need to make up your mind on who you want running the party after you. You are going to do that, won't you?"

[Azekopolaltion]

---

Opinion
So-Called "Free Trade" Hurts Farmers
Unmitigated free trade policies have hurt American farmers in concentrated parts of the country. But Wolf's trade war is an incomplete solution.

By Tim Westra
Mr. Westra is a senator from New Jersey and
a Democratic candidate for president.



In decades of U.S. trade policy, under different administrations and supposedly different ideologies, there has only been one winner. Not our workers. Not our environment. Not our farmers.

The only winner has been the multinational corporation.

Proponents of the globalization status quo claim that there are always people who gain and people who lose in trade, but the gains outweigh the losses. What the establishment fails to understand is the very concentrated damage that unfair trade deals cause to specific communities in our heartland and our Rust Belt.

Let's look at NAFTA. Supporters of the disastrous trade deal point out that U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico and Canada jumped from $8.9 billion in 1993 to over $38 billion today. What are they missing? The largest farms control most of the pie, with 20 percent of farms operating 70 percent of U.S. farmland. The increased competition from products originating in Canada and Mexico ended up squeezing the finances of small family farms, who couldn't keep up with the new large-scale demand and nosediving farm prices. In three years, over 42,000 small farms, many of them local cooperatives and family farms in Iowa, ceased operations.

Gargantuan agricultural conglomerates have rushed into the scene, controlling their business out of urban hubs while our actual rural communities languish. Just look at the numbers: farm debt is at $416 billion, an all-time high. Individual farmers, like folks in Iowa, have lost money every year since since 2013. Farm loan delinquencies are steadily rising.

The duration and severity of the current crisis suggests an alarming and once unthinkable possibility — that independent farming is no longer a viable livelihood. Small farms accounted for just a quarter of food production in 2017, down from nearly half in 1991. In the dairy industry, small farms accounted for just 10 percent of production. The disappearance of the small farm is further hastening the decline of rural America, which has been struggling to maintain an economic base for decades. It's leading to a lack of young workers in the agricultural industry, a jump in debt, and ultimately, the cancer of suicide among our farmers.

Individuals and the working families of our heartland are suffering, while the executives in Big Ag companies like Monsanto get rich. This is the story of American trade.

Wolf got the diagnosis right. Unfortunately, as with other issues, he sold us out. His solution – to slap tariffs on Chinese products - is a haphazard strategy that doesn't actually get at the root of the problem, which is corporate consolidation in agriculture and the low farm prices. China is the single largest importer of U.S. farm products - and all U.S. goods, for that matter. Engaging in an unwindable trade war with China, without any further policy change, is a battle that rural America is already losing.

The premise of Wolf's trade war wasn't even to protect farmers; it was to take down foreign steel imports. China retaliated with tariffs on our agricultural exports, further hurting our small farmers who were already struggling with low prices. Tariffs are an important tool, but can only be utilized as part of a comprehensive strategy to protect our workers and farmers, not just the corporations.

I have new vision for farming and trade. One that is not reliant on endless subsidies that simply serve as a band-aid for a system that is failing at its core. One that is not designed by the multinational corporations and Big Ag, who seek to squeeze our small local farms out of the industry. One that is not about mass scale production and supply at the expense of good prices and our family farms.

My plan for the heartland is twofold:

1) Stabilize farm prices with a new supply management system; tackle consolidation in agriculture.
2) Adopt a new approach to international trade agreements.

Let's focus on the first part. President Wolf and the GOP have tried to cover for their failing agricultural and trade policy by flooding rural America with almost $20 billion this year in useless farm subsidies. The reality is that net farm income continued to fall five out of the last six years. Subsidies will increase production, but an increase in supply does not mean an increase in demand - as we all know from basic economics, it's quite the opposite. The overproduction as a result of heavy subsidization is only decreasing the market price.

We can stabilize farm prices simply by stimulating markets to work in favor of our farmers. This is through a policy I call "a supply management system." Under this plan, The Department of Agriculture would guarantee farmers a price for their produce at the cost of production through a loan. This would be different from a standard price stabilization system where the government guarantees a price regardless of market prices. Rather, it would provide farmers with a non-recourse loan for their goods. If the farmer can secure a good market price for their produce, they repay the loan. The loan would have a set maturity rate by which the farmer would repay. If the market price is too low, as is the status quo, then the Dept. of Ag would buy their products as collateral. The farmer would have essentially forfeited their crop for a better price.

The government would store these accumulated products in reserve so as to manage supply. The resulting decreased supply would raise market prices for farmers. If the price exceeds a certain threshold, the government would release products into the market. In this way, the agricultural pricing system would be stabilized by the government. Basic economics.

We would then tackle monopolistic behavior by Big Ag. A Westra Administration will look into breaking up big agribusiness companies. In addition, any remaining farm subsidies would be redirected to small farming cooperatives. And finally, USDA programs that support entrepreneurship, like Value-Added Producer Grants, the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, Intermediary Relending Program, and Agricultural Innovation Centers, would have their funding scaled up to promote entrepreneurship in agriculture.

Next, the new trade agenda. Our current approach to negotiating trade agreements works great for the wealthy and the well-connected. The negotiating text is kept confidential from all but a small set of advisory groups comprised mostly of corporate executives and industry trade group representatives. Once those corporate interests are finished whispering in the ears of our negotiators, the completed text is released. Then, under the expedited “Fast Track” procedure Congress typically uses to approve trade agreements, our elected representatives must vote up or down on the agreement with no ability to propose and secure any changes to it. Meanwhile, the negotiators who constructed it often breeze through the revolving door to take jobs with the corporations whose interests underlie the deal.

This is undemocratic and obviously corrupt. In a Westra Administration, we will negotiate and approve trade agreements through a transparent process that offers the public a genuine chance to shape it. Trade negotiators will publicly disclose negotiating drafts, trade advisory committees will prioritize the views of workers and consumers, the U.S. International Trade Commission will provide a regional analysis of the economic effects of a trade agreement, and t.he congressional approval process will offer more opportunities for the public and elected representatives to shape trade agreements.

The saying goes "the freer the trade, the freer the people." Endless government subsidies, corporate consolidation, and unfair, one-sided trade policies. Are Iowan farmers truly feeling free?

---

Tim Westra is a senator from New Jersey and a Democratic candidate for president.

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[Sanabel]

“You would be based here in Washington. I know you don’t want to move from New York, but you would have to do that to run for senate or to take another position. You’ll be fine. You’d be here in Washington- you’d be fine. It’s not bad.”

Lilyana nodded. "But, obviously, I won't be able to endorse anyone because I'm supposed to be neutral, right? That's why you need to make up your mind on who you want running the party after you. You are going to do that, won't you?"

“Yes. I will. Don’t worry Lil. I will. I’m going to I just need...time. I guess I don’t have time. Well I need it. I’ll keep thinking. I’m going to endorse the best one. But I know if the wrong nominee is picked you’ll still be running the party operation. Who do you want for- to be the- who is yo pick for nominee?”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

CNN Interview, Governor Mike Veléz

Will Callaghan: Welcome to CNN, I’m Will Callaghan. In Florida, despite a strong Republican presence and President Wolf having won the state in 2016, Governor Veléz has managed to outmaneuver his GOP opponents to make big policy changes on drug crime and education. He’s here joining us in the studio today.

Governor Mike Veléz: Thank you for having me on your show, Will. It’s good to be here.

Callaghan: Well, let’s gun straight for the elephant in the room, shall we? There’s been a lot of speculation about your future plans, Governor, and there’s little point bandying around it. Do you plan on running for President in 2020?

[Velez chuckled.]

Veléz: Right now I’m working on finishing this legislative session, and fulfilling the promises I made during my re-election campaign. But I’ll be honest Will- I am considering a run for President.

Callaghan: I appreciate your candor, Governor Veléz. What exactly is it that you offer to the Democratic, or wider American, electorates that the wide slate of existing Democratic candidates - from moderates like Secretary Whitaker and Senators Goldman and Little, to progressives like Senators Murphy and Westra - do not?

Veléz: Will, the current candidates are a solid group. Secretary Whitaker in particular- she and I worked together closely during the Baharia administration. But you named a group of professional politicians from Illinois, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, and New Jersey. Will, those are some of the deepest blue states in the country.

And if you listen to candidates like Murphy and Westra, it shows.

I believe I am uniquely positioned as an antidote to Wolfism. I’m a Hispanic guy with working class roots, two refugee parents, and I speak Spanish as my first language. And, I first won in Florida during a Republican wave and beat a Wolf acolyte to win re-election last year. I know how to put together the kind of coalition we need to win in 2020, and unlike many of the candidates running I know how to get stuff done once we win.

Callaghan: Let’s talk about your particular brand of how you ‘get stuff done’, Governor. With both your major drugs pivot, and some of your education reforms, you’ve relied heavily on executive action rather than legislative means to fulfil policy objectives. Critics of the Wolf Presidency highlight his increasingly imperial use of the nation’s highest office. Do you stand by what appears, by all means, to be a very top-heavy approach to government?

Veléz: Will, you and I both know that’s not a fair judgement of my record.

We brought medical marijuana to Florida through statewide referendum, the least ‘top heavy’ form of governance. And statewide referendum is how Floridians are going to legalize recreational marijuana in 2020. In the meantime I acted within the parameters of the Florida constitution to effectively decriminalize it and bring justice to individuals targeted by harsh sentencing.

On education, almost every reform my administration has enacted have been done through legislation. Today we announced that teacher salaries are going up by 10,000 dollars. Why? Because I sat down and negotiated with the Republican leadership in the state legislature.

I know how to act within the constitution. I know how to negotiate and compromise on policy without compromising my principles. President Wolf does not. His executive actions violate not only the Constitution but all norms of good governance. The difference between Wolf and I is that I’m a tough guy, he’s a tyrant.

Callaghan: With the upsurge in demands on the left for sweeping changes under the Green New Deal and Medicare for All, are you sure that compromise is necessarily what Democrats want in 2020? Progressives have been very quick to outline their disappointment in the moderation of the Baharia Administration. Surely by offering compromise and not revolution, you’re, perhaps, out of step with popular sentiment?

Veléz: Will, I’ll be very frank with you. I’m not the one who is out of step.

The Green New Deal is a great aspiration to work towards. This country needs a president who will fight for environmental protection as much as I have in Florida. But even co-sponsors of the Green New Deal have admitted we can’t fully enact it right now. I’ll tell whichever Democratic candidate that wins in 2020 that it’s important we enact what we can now, and work towards the rest in the coming decade.

Medicare for all is a nice thought, but how is ending the private health care coverage of half the country a smart, fair policy? A real solution is a public option, or Medicare for all who want it. And that’s coming from a guy who has spent the last five years fighting for universal healthcare in Florida through fully funding provisions of Bahariacare and expanding Medicare coverage.

Finally, Will- about your last point. President Baharia is one of the best presidents we’ve had in recent memory. Most Democrats and independents agree. Even some Republicans are coming to see him differently, though they definitely didn’t give him a fair shake when he was in office. The so-called Democrats attacking him are the ones who are going against popular sentiment.

Callaghan: Well, some might argue that you’d have a very good reason to be so vocal and glowing in your perspective on President Baharia. You did break from your Clifford-supporting colleagues in 2008 to endorse him as Chair of the Florida Democrats, and he rewarded you with the impressive position of US Trade Representative, despite having no background in international commerce. What do you say to that?

Veléz: Well, that’s just a mischaracterization. As our country’s chief negotiator as Trade Representative, I fought to protect American property and privacy rights by going head to head with state leaders. I gave a voice to entrepreneurs and small business owners who had none under the Burke administration. And during my tenure as Trade Representative, I definitely drew upon experiences from working as a manager within Western Union Latin America and as CFO of one of the largest non-profit credit unions in the country.

Callaghan: As Trade Representative during the Baharia Administration, you supported the President in upholding the neoliberal free trade consensus established under President Clifford, and thus would have been deeply involved in negotiations for the TTIP and TPP deals, deals which were abandoned by President Wolf. Both Wolf and progressives on the left eschew the free trade consensus, under the belief that it has not served the American worker. Senator Murphy wants to continue tearing up America’s deals to negotiate new ones. Where do you stand on now on trade?

Veléz: I cannot speak about the TPP as a negotiator, as I left the administration almost 3 years before it was drafted. I was involved, however, with TTIP negotiations. And I’m disappointed to see them halted under President Wolf.

Look, the TPP and TTIP were not perfect. If I were in President Baharia’s shoes, I would’ve changed some things. I especially would have increased transparency during negotiations.

And I understand the anger espoused by many people in this country over the current economy. Heck, as an immigrant kid growing up I heard them blame it on me. Yes, we should respond to that anger, and yes we should renegotiate deals like NAFTA, it’s been decades since it was first drafted.

We cannot abandon trade. Wolf’s tariffs have hurt our farmers. They have hurt our manufacturers.

What we need for the coming decade is not vitriol, but solutions. We need to increase infrastructure spending to get our industries moving again. We need to protect our intellectual property, which other states try to steal. We need to bolster international institutions to stop bad actors. Will, we need to abandon the pursuit of free trade, and replace it with the pursuit of fair trade.

Callaghan: An interesting answer, Governor Veléz. Trade, of course, frequently overlaps with other parts of foreign affairs. In terms of foreign affairs, what would your priorities be as President of the United States?

Veléz: The first step of any responsible administration would be to rebuild the bridges burned by President Wolf. Four more years of the Wolf Doctrine and we will lose our seat at every table. I would rejoin or renegotiate the Iran Nuclear Agreement. Reaffirm our support to NATO. And, after 20 years, find a way to safely and successfully bring our boys home from Afghanistan.

Callaghan: I’m glad you brought up Afghanistan. Senator Murphy, when he was on my program, said that Afghanistan was practically already back under the rule of the Taliban, and that troops should be brought home come-what-may. What do you say to that? Do you believe US force in Afghanistan should be withdrawn, irrespective of the potential effects this may have on the country and its fledgling democracy?

Veléz: Though they are bad actors for certain, it would be irresponsible and immoral to leave without at least attempting a peace agreement with the Taliban, to ensure fundamental rights held by women and children are maintained. However, it would be equally irresponsible and immoral to reinvade a country that has seen over forty years of bloodshed.

Callaghan: How about your perspective on deployments in northern Iraq and northeastern Syria? Proponents of this strategy point to the effectiveness of deploying US force against ISIS-slash-Daesh, whilst critics say that the US is supporting terror groups with materiel, and drawing out its occupations in the Middle East arbitrarily. What is your stance here?

Veléz: A total withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and Syria would be a stab in the back to our Kurdish allies. We have a duty to remain in those countries so that we can hold a seat at the table. Unfortunately, the Assad regime, with its string of human rights abuses, has won the war. Fortunately, we can still win the peace if we keep our leverage when the time comes to sit down at the negotiating table.

Callaghan: You believe the United States should abandon any plans to see the Assad regime punished for the use of sarin and chlorine gas on civilians in airstrikes?

Veléz: I believe the Assad regime should certainly be punished. The chances of that happening decrease every day the derelict Wolf Doctrine is left in place, however. The last few years have seen the Assad regime turn the tide with the support of its Iranian and Russian allies.

Callaghan: If you were the President, right now, with the entire might of the United States military at your fingertips, the State Department a phonecall away, what would be your strategy for seeing justice done in Syria, then? Speaking theoretically.

Veléz: With all due respect Will, wasn’t this interview about education in Florida?

[Velez chuckled.]

Callaghan: If you'd care to answer the question, Governor, then I can move back to education policy in but a mere moment.

Veléz: That’s fine. Just remember, with these questions you might trick people into thinking I’m running for President.

[Velez bore a half grin.]

Callaghan: So, before we get back to domestic policy angles, what would President Veléz have done in Syria to see Bashar al-Assad punished for the use of chemical weapons on his own people?

Veléz: I would’ve done a few things. First, I would’ve sanctioned the hell out of them, something President Baharia did and deserves more credit for. Second, I would’ve enforced a no-fly zone when we had the chance. Third, I would’ve followed our allies like France to recognize and support rebels against the Assad regime. Of course, Will, hindsight is 20/20. President Baharia and the cabinet acted with less information and political neutrality than you and I have right now.

Callaghan: Of course, Governor. Now, let’s return to your favorite topic: education. Drastically important to many Americans, we’ve seen varying positions on education. Governor Prendergast of West Virginia said in his Nevada town hall a couple of weeks ago that he doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to education set by the Department of Education. What do you think education in the United States needs from the federal government?

Veléz: There are a number of things we need, Will. First- I believe we need universal pre-K in this country. We have nearly attained it in Florida under my administration, and just announced today that we will expand funding for the program. We need to increase funding for the Department of Education to assist less-wealthy states with increasing teacher salaries. We need to uphold Common Core principles put into place by the Baharia administration to raise educational standards across the country. We need to provide tuition-free community and technical college to all who want it across the country. We need to sit down with universities which receive federal funding and demand to know why tuition rates are so high in this country- and if necessary take federal corrective action to bring them down. It’s not rocket science, Will. We want our kids to graduate school and enter the workforce well prepared and able to get well paying jobs. As a college degree and other training becomes imperative in the 21st century economy, we have to ensure that they are attainable for more than one third of Americans.

These policies reflect what we have been able to accomplish in Florida. In five years, we have turned one of the worst-funded, mediocre performing education systems into one of the best in the country. We did it through common sense solutions and negotiating with politicians of all stripes and principles. If it can be done in Florida, it can be done in Washington.

Callaghan: The Common Core system has received a widespread backlash after its implementation. Local teaching unions in Chicago and New York have called for it to be scrapped, and Indiana - one of the first adopters - was the first to withdraw from the scheme. Parents are distressed by the impact of intensified testing on their children. How can you promote upholding Common Core in the wake of those broad based frustrations?

Veléz: I never said it was perfect, nor that we have to keep it as-is. I understand these concerns- we have certainly altered the Common Core curriculum in Florida. On principle, it was a solid proposal to bring standards up. It is simply immoral to have such a great disparity in educational quality between a state like Connecticut and a state like Mississippi. To fix this disparity we need increased funding and unifying educational goals. So, the spirit of Common Core was good, even if it was not successful in practice. I would like to see the policy re-tooled and re-implemented rather than scrapped entirely.

Callaghan: Referring back to your previous answer, you also appear to be declining to embrace the push for full, free tuition that has been championed by progressives in your own party, taking a more middle of the road approach. With student debt reaching a crisis pitch, do you think that what many might paint as a ‘half-measure’ is sufficient?

Veléz: Look. Only one third of American adults have a college degree. If we push for debt forgiveness, why should the other two-thirds have to pay for it? People like my Dad, who came to this country from Colombia and supported us without having the luxury of going to college. And what about people like me? Who saved up money to pay for our kids to go to college. Am I going to get a refund? I know parents who mortgaged their house so their kids wouldn’t have debt, what about them?

This is not a solution for working families. It’s not realistic. What we have a responsibility to do is ensure that university tuition goes down for the next generation of kids, and make community and technical colleges tuition free.

I’d like to see state university tuition become tuition free, but that will be a second term push.

[Veléz grinned.]

Callaghan: A very frank answer, Governor Veléz. Thank you. Staying in the United States but moving from education to another issue that reflects both state and federal politics: infrastructure. Senator Goldman has proposed an enormous ‘National Project’ to undertake vast amounts of infrastructure building and investment, but was nebulous on how she intends to finance it. What do you believe needs to be done regarding infrastructure in the United States?

Veléz: Well, I’m a straight shooter Will. I think most Democrats and certainly most Americans agree with me. Infrastructure is another area we have been successful with in Florida. We just broke ground on a new high speed rail in South Florida, the likes of which has yet to be seen anywhere outside of California. I'd like to one day see such railways crisscross the country. But before we can get there, we have to rebuild the roads, bridges, and tunnels millions of Americans depend upon. We have to ensure all Americans, from Phoenix to Flint have access to basic needs like water and reliable electricity. I appreciate Senator Goldman’s agreement on this point, and for that reason she would certainly be offered a position in the potential Veléz cabinet.

Unlike Goldman, I can tell you how we will finance this. On day one of the Congressional session we will reverse the Wolf tax cuts. Then we look at hiking taxes on the top income bracket.

Callaghan: And what would your proposed new top tax rate be, Governor? Senator Dayton proposed 47.5% in a recent virtual town hall.

Veléz:47.5% represents about a 10% increase for the top income tax bracket. It’s a good start, but I would have a slightly different plan. I’d bring up the tax rate on the top bracket by around 12-13%, close loopholes, and eliminate the income tax for the lowest bracket.

Callaghan: A bold strategy, Governor Veléz. Do you not think this might be accompanied with the danger of capital flight?

Veléz: That’s the talking point the Republicans used any time I tried to raise taxes or close loopholes in Florida. The fact is, capital flight is easily prevented. If we revitalize our economy for the 21st century by modernizing infrastructure, creating the best educated workforce, and attracting the best talent from around the world, it would be stupid to move capital out of the United States.

The real capital problem is that President Wolf keeps rigging the system for his rich buddies. I’m not saying we should punish success, but we need to make sure everyone plays by the same rules, with equality of opportunity.

Callaghan: On the subject of opportunities, immigration has become - in many ways - the defining topic of recent politics. A driving force behind the election of President Wolf, what changes would you make to present US immigration and border policy?

Veléz: First, on day one, we have to make sure there are no kids in cages and all food, water, and medical needs are met on the border.

Then, we must pass DACA into law and establish a path to permanent, full citizenship for recipients. These kids are as American as you or I, Will, and most have known no home except the United States. Providing them with legal status here in the United States was the moment when I was proudest to be a member of President Baharia’s cabinet.

We can’t stop there. Listen- my parents came to this country as refugees from the civil war that ravaged Colombia. You could say they came here the right way, but if they couldn’t have properly claimed asylum in Florida, I hope they would’ve still gone by any means necessary. Let’s not force people into that position though. Let’s reverse Wolf’s anti-refugee policy to expand the number of families granted asylum, especially from Latin American countries. The wealthiest, most powerful country in the world has a responsibility to help the desperate and the powerless.

Many of the people coming here illegally are also fleeing countries with some of the most broken governments and struggling economies. These immigrants are looking for a better life. Let’s make it easier for them to do it by creating a guest worker program.

That said, I understand the concerns raised by many. We need to ensure that we stop bad actors from coming into the United States, and while ICE must be reformed, I will not join some extreme voices in calling for it to be abolished.

Callaghan: Let’s talk about refugees. You’ve just said that people from these Latin American countries should be supported as they’re fleeing broken government and struggling economies. Governor Prendergast criticized President Baharia at a rally in Tampa, Florida, for abolishing the wet feet, dry feet policy. Do you believe President Baharia was right to scrap the pathway to residency for Cuban exiles?

Veléz: Look, I’ll defend President Baharia til the cows come home, but you’re talking to the Governor of Florida. I definitely think we need to protect Cubans fleeing poverty and authoritarianism and help them become residents. And I think we can still make efforts to thaw relations with the Castro regime while doing that.

Callaghan: So you believe President Baharia was [i]wrong to abolish the wet feet, dry feet policy?[/i]

Veléz: Yes, I believe it was a mistake on the part of the Baharia administration. Fortunately, that’s a criticism I can make while still supporting President Baharia’s record, unlike the Republicans who have now been subsumed by devotion to Wolf’s supposed infallibility.

Callaghan: Do you believe jurisdiction within the United States should have to right to reject refugees being placed in their communities by the State Department’s resettlement program?

Veléz: I think we need to reverse Wolf’s refugee policy of allowing certain states and cities to reject refugees. The reasons why are pretty clear, Will.

We currently resettle fewer refugees than any time since the existing refugee policy was created.

The State Department’s resettlement program was considered an international model, as it allows refugees to be placed in communities where they are welcome.

If the Mayor of Miramar Florida had slammed the door on my parents, I wouldn’t be here today. My brother wouldn’t have had the chance to serve in the United States Armed Forces in Iraq.

Under the Wolf administration, this is exactly the kind of thing that’s happening. Every year that goes by under this policy, lives are being lost. Not to mention, communities are being denied people who could be valuable civic assets.

Callaghan: What about economic migration? Americans have real and demonstrable anxieties about the effects this has on communities, wages and the job market. A plurality of Americans polled want immigration reduced. What is your response to that?

Veléz: Economic anxieties are a real problem that President Wolf and his allies constantly try to brush under the rug. Wages haven’t grown in decades. Economic stagnation is hitting communities hard, even while Wolf’s buddies get even richer thanks to a surging stock market.

The problem is not immigration. The problem is that our nation's resources are being put in the wrong direction. Wolf and his allies use immigrants as scapegoats so they don't have to answer for the fact that they are the problem.

Like I said before- we cannot punish success. But we need to ensure equality of opportunity and give everyone a fair shake.

Most Americans realize that immigrants are a part of making this into a reality. Immigrants help grow our communities, strengthen our schools and places of worship, and fill jobs that would be otherwise left vacant. Again, this is something most Americans realize. Almost 70% of Americans approve of immigration as it currently stands. There are almost just as many Americans who want to increase immigration to the United States as want to decrease it.

Callaghan: Right now, the Equality Act is being fought over in the Senate after having passed the House of Representatives. Do you think the US Government should be doing more to support and protect LGBT people?

Veléz: Of course I do. It’s right there in the Declaration of Independence that Americans have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have a responsibility as Americans to ensure this for our countrymen- that is what the Equality Act does. It seeks to rectify decades of prejudice and discrimination, and protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals, women, and those suffering from medical problems that are beyond their own control. But there is always more that can be done, Will. One example of this is efforts undertaken by my administration in Florida to ban so-called conversion therapy.

Callaghan: Republican presidential candidate Governor Richardson of North Carolina said to me in an interview some weeks ago now that:

“I do believe our country needs to have a discussion about the trans community, for example to biological males have a right to compete in women's high school sports and then receive scholarship money for athletic performance over biological women? Should a male rapist serving time in prison be able to identify as a woman and get transferred to a female prison? I don't think the American people want that.”

Do you think that position is just and fair? Should the national conversation about trans individuals revolve around crime and cheating in sports?

Veléz: I’m not engaging in a discussion about it with this guy. Richardson’s legislation in North Carolina opened the door to the discrimination of trans people on a wide scale, and it sounds like he wants to de-legitimize trans people further by branding then as criminal or cheaters. You and I can’t even imagine the discrimination the trans community must face already. I’m sure Richardson can’t either.

There are far more productive conversations we could be having, Will.

Callaghan: Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, Senator Little of Maryland has proposed a bill before Congress to assess and provide reparations for African-American slavery. This is an idea that even President Baharia wasn’t keen on, and some Democrats have concerns this could alienate white working class voters which need to be won back to their coalition. Where do you stand on the reparations bill?

Veléz: To be honest with you Will, I am in favor of the bill. African Americans have been disadvantaged for generations, and the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow is a fundamental cause. This is shown through school segregation, by looking at which communities have seen job growth, and understanding where our criminal justice system is harshest. So, yes I am in favor of creating a commission to find a way to resolve this disadvantage.

I’ll be just as clear with my follow-up. I do not believe in cash reimbursement as a form of reparations. I do not think it makes sense to put a price tag on slavery and segregation. To echo (Not-Jim Clyburn), you cannot brush away the deep seated problems the African American community faces through a cheque in the mail.

Reparations will have to include efforts to expand and overhaul education. It will have to include bringing jobs to our inner cities and the rural south. It will have to include reforming our criminal justice system and ending the so-called war on drugs.

Will, you talked about rebuilding a coalition in your question. This is not about doing what is politically expedient, this is about doing what is right. If we don’t take a moral stand on the problems faced by our fellow Americans.

This election is about the soul of our country. If we as Democrats feed into the cynicism and negativity that President Wolf embodies, then no one will. If we don’t stand for the working class, then no one will. If we don’t stand for righting historic wrongs, then no one else will.

Callaghan: One more question before we run out of time. Continuing on the topic of civil rights, let’s examine elections. Both Governors Richardson and Prendergast embrace voter I.D. laws, whilst Senator Goldman has been wholly condemning of those initiatives. There are studies to show that those laws can have a disproportionate effect on minorities. Governor Prendergast has gone further with his policy expressions, calling for US jurisdictions to return to paper ballots over concern regarding the security of electronic ballot machines. Regarding both access to elections, and the security of elections, what is your policy, Governor Veléz?

Veléz: I’m absolutely against voter I.D. Laws such as the Governors are proposing. It’s proven that such laws discriminate against individuals on the basis of literacy and financial ability, which is unconstitutional and wrong. Case closed.

As for paper ballots- any Floridian will tell you that paper ballots bring problems of their own. Remember the hanging chads back with Burke vs (Not-Gore)?

What this country needs is a federal agency to oversee election security and election administration. We can accomplish this by expanding the scope of the FEC. Our intelligence agencies couldn’t be more clear that our elections are at risk of interference- including 2020. Let’s do everything we can to mitigate that risk.

Speaking more broadly, Florida has always had a key place in the electoral college. But I believe it’s time for our country to move past it. We should be having a national conversation on transitioning over to a national popular vote system. Many states are already doing that with the Popular Vote Compact. Unfortunately, Republicans know all too well that Wolf lost the popular vote by a few million votes, and Republicans control the Florida legislature. So I don’t think we will be joining any time soon.

Callaghan: Thank you for your answer, and all your answers today, Governor Veléz. I’m afraid that’s all we’ve got time for.

Veléz: Well thank you for having me, Will. Sorry for being long-winded. It’s just the politician in me.

[Puertollano]

Lilyana nodded. "But, obviously, I won't be able to endorse anyone because I'm supposed to be neutral, right? That's why you need to make up your mind on who you want running the party after you. You are going to do that, won't you?"

“Yes. I will. Don’t worry Lil. I will. I’m going to I just need...time. I guess I don’t have time. Well I need it. I’ll keep thinking. I’m going to endorse the best one. But I know if the wrong nominee is picked you’ll still be running the party operation. Who do you want for- to be the- who is yo pick for nominee?”

She paused, thought of it for a second. "Well, let's deduct some people first. I'd say no to Chambers, obviously. Pass on Goldwater. It's down to Richardson and Prendergast. Richardson is a politician at heart, reminds me a bit of [not-Kasich], but he could be a safer option. I'm not personally a fan of him, I thought he was quite bossy, really," Lily said. "Prendergast, on the other hand, is trying to follow in your footsteps. Not sure if it's totally natural, maybe he's trying to imitate you too closely. I found it strange that he took a pilgrimage to the farm in Maine. But, he'd definitely carry your torch. So, I don't know. I don't know."

[New Cobastheia]

To say the energy in the room was palpable would be an understatement, Kathleen was practically shaking with the energy, "Damn right you did, now this is what I'm talking about!" Taking a swig from the water bottle, she wiped her lips with her arm before continuing, "I'll reach out to their offices and let Dayton know the bill is back on, Dayton was the moderate co-sponsor by the way, I'll put you down as one too. If you think you can get Volker to sign on, hammer him into it if you have to."

"So what's the plan with your bill then? I don't know if you can just withdraw a bill or if you'd have to either tablet it or just avoid it when it comes time to bring up another bill."

"I like Senator Dayton. She's... well, she's what she says on the tin. Pragmatic. And we can try to pass both bills. As I explained to Representative Nuñez, we have just under two years until the next election. There is time enough for us to both show what we want, and submit bills that we believe we can pass. There's no need to panic about moderate and progessive bills sharing the docket, there's no shortage of time at this stage. I might be more hesitant if we were in... say, summer of 2020, but that's months and months away." She nodded softly. "What we can do is move to introduce your bill first, and if that gets totally kiboshed, we can let mine spring up as a 'softer' option. But we will have, at least, drawn our line in the sand and shown what we stand for."

"Ah, makes sense. Just to make sure then, you'd still want to be a co-sponsor on my bill then right?"

[Puertollano]

Levi Murphy Latino Voter Drive
San Bernadino, California



California was the largest state in the Democratic primary, but it was also one with a large Latino and Hispanic population that are very influential in a Democratic primary. Thus, next on his California Tour, Senator Levi Murphy arrived in San Bernadino to rile up enthusiasm for the presidential campaign and register many Latino voters for election day during Super Tuesday. Canvassers from the Levi Campaign went on a mass door-knock in the suburbs of San Bernadino, the volunteers handing out forms to vote and telling them about why Levi Murphy should be elected as the Democratic nominee. They mentioned important issues for Latino and Hispanic voters like immigration, Medicare for All and how Levi is best positioned to defeat the Republicans come September.

After the door-knock, which Levi attended himself, the campaign moved on to retail politics in San Bernadino. Levi visited the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, which employs a great deal of the population. In fact, the government was the largest employer in this region. There he was able to get a quick ride on a train and speak with many of the workers on the railway, where he said he supported unions (as he was a union man himself) and supported raising the wages of all government workers in all sectors. "As employees of the federal government, we can set the tone by paying our workers a livable wage, in turn forcing private industry to increase their wages for their employees too," he said. The campaign emphasized how important public transport will be with a Green New Deal and the de-carbonization of the economy.

The campaign then stopped by a local school in San Bernadino. The San Bernadino School District was the sixth largest in California, and employed many people as teachers, superintendents and groundspeople. Levi toured some classrooms, read a book to a class of five year olds and attended a short press conference at the front. "Education is important for children, so that they grow up in an environment that is safe, caring and will put their needs and wants first. We can start doing that by putting more money into our schools and remove the special subsidies that already rich Charter schools receive from the Federal government. Next thing, we need to be paying our teachers more. I spoke to some today who work other jobs just to get by! You can't expect a quality education when your teacher is juggling two to three jobs on the side. Pay teachers with a respectful wage and we will achieve better educational outcomes not only in California, but across all America."

[Great Franconia and Verana]

---

Hanover
New Hampshire
April 6th, 2019

---

9:50 AM

"Youll do fine."

Charlie was not one for emotion, even at the best of times. The old professor was straightening a bright blue tie in the mirror of the newly acquired campaign bus. His long, elegant face belied his patrician heritage, and his expertly combed grey hair exemplified the discipline he expected from all his students. Today was not about him though.

Sitting across from him, flipping through an already memorized speech, his wife, Christina Wynne sat uneasily. Her dark brown hair was coifed perfectly, falling just to her shoulders. She had decided on a bright blue pantsuit, suitably Democratic with a blue beaded necklace, white blouse, and white heels, which added some four inches to her slight 5'4 frame. Her makeup was light, some lipstick and foundation, mascara and eyeliner. Charlie had told her she looked too much like an actress the first time she had tried putting makeup on for today; her second attempt was much more successful.

"I know I will be fine," the Senator said with a sigh, closing her binder and placing both hands at her temples. "Today will go well, its what comes later that I am concerned with."

"The Primary?"

"We have some good candidates Charlie."

"Who?"

Christina knew it was a rhetorical question but answered anyways.
"Levi Murphy, Benjamin Little, Tim Westra, to name a few."

Charlie finished straightening his tie, and leaned against the wall of the bus. His face was deadpan.
"Murphy is an up jumped union boss who thinks running a small mid-western backwater entitles him to a tilt at the greatest job on earth."
Charlie continued before Christina could protest his rudeness.
"Little is an old man..."

"Four years older than me and three younger than you."

"... whose primary achievement is staying in office for as long as he has. And Westra..."

Christina stood, straightening her suit jacket.
"There is a reason, my darling, that you are not allowed to drink at fundraisers. This is why."

"Because I am honest?"

"No, because while I as your wife appreciate the candor, most others find it abrasive and needlessly confrontational. There is a reason you are an academic, and I am the diplomat."

Charlie nodded with a smirk.
"Quite so. You look beautiful."

Christina rolled her eyes with a smile.
"Come on, Charlotte and Ben are waiting, as are the kids. We should go."

---

10:30 AM

Christina took a deep breath as Charlotte, her eldest daughter began the denouement of her introductory remarks. Charlotte had begun by telling tales of her childhood, but spent most of her time telling of her pride at being the daughter of such an accomplished figure. She similarly lingered on her coming out, and her mother's support for her marriage to Cynthia, her wife of five years. That drew quite the applause from the assembled crowd. Packed as they were in one of Hanovers many historic halls, Christina's supporters waved signs, chanted, and cheered as Charlotte began to close. The event was supposed to be held outdoors, with a view of Dartmouth College, but the weather had decided to become a downpour.

The hall itself was bedecked in blue signs reading "Christina for America." Some unofficial volunteer had taken the liberty of liberally sprinkling the crowd with sparkled signs saying "Win with Wynne!" in rainbow letters. All in all, it was quite a sight.

A tap on her shoulder broke Christina our of her reverie.

"And so," Charlotte was saying on stage, "It is my greatest pleasure to introduce, my mother, my hero, my insperation, Senator Christina Wynne!"

The Crowd went wild as Christina walked elegantly to the podium. Halfway there, she hugged Charlotte tight.
"I love you darling," she said with immense pride, holding back a tear. Charlotte wasnt so lucky; a proud smile had crept onto her face and water was already welling in her eyes.

Striding to the centre of the stage, Christina beamed at the assembled crowd, despite the spotlight making it difficult to make out individual faces. She waved and laughed as chants of "Win with Wynne" rose from the crowd.

"Hello! Hello! Thank you!"

The cheers continued over her words, drowning them out.

"Hello New Hampshire! Hello!
Oh, my goodness!"

The crowd was still wild, but some were realizing she was actually trying to speak.

"It is so amazing to be with you today, what a day! A little rainy but we dont mind up here do we?"

The crowd was finally quieting.

"Wow, thank you so much my friends, thank you so much."

A woman cried "We love you Christina," eliciting laughter from the entire room, the Senator included.

"Oh,Thank you! I am so pleased to be here today with you all, with Charlie, and my kids. New Hampshire has been my home for almost forty years. I was a bright minded 20 something when I first came here, and by god I've never wanted to leave! I have loved this state for decades, and I have only gotten your love in return."

"My friends, I want to talk to you today about the American Dream. Franklin Roosevelt once said that a strong and prosperous nation needed only six key ingredients. Equality of opportunity, jobs for those who can work, security for those who need it, the ending of special privilege for the few, the preservation of civil liberties for all, and a wider and constantly rising standard of living. All these years later, and do you know what? That still sounds good to me!"

Cheers broke out as Christine took a well rehearsed pause.

"The American Dream is constructed on these principles. If you work hard, you should get ahead, and if for some reason outside of your control, you can’t, then you should have the support, and the security to make sure that you do not get left behind."

More cheers came, smaller this time.

"But the Dream only works if you uphold these principles, and honor it. I had the honor of serving two President who did their very best to uphold these values.
When President Clifford honored the dream, we saw the first balanced budget in decades, and a period of unprecedented economic growth where the bottom 20 percent of workers increased their incomes by the same percentage as the top 5 percent."

A round of applause spontaneously erupted, as Christina tried to talk over it.

"When President Baharia honored the dream, and honored me with a spot in his cabinet, we pulled the economy back from the brink of collapse, saved the auto industry, provided health care to 16 million working people, and restored America's tarnished image around the world."

The mention of Baharia brought several people to their feet.

"But the problems we face today are not the same as 2009, or 1993, or quite like any time in our history.
This administration has not honored the American dream. It has undermined it. From attacking our civil liberties, to giving massive tax breaks to those who don’t need them, to stoking racism, and fear around immigrants and minority groups, they have worked to re imagine America. We currently have a President in the White House who is thrilled with Americans getting ahead only if they fit his definition, his narrow image, of how an American should act, what they should look like, and who they should love."

"Shame," came a shout from the audience.

"Instead of an economy built by every American, for every American, we have once again been told that if we let those at the top pay lower taxes and bend the rules, their success would trickle down to everyone else. What has happened in these last four years? We have seen corporations making record profits, with CEOs making record pay, but your paychecks have barely budged. While many of you are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, this administration has ensured that the wealthiest don’t have to work at all."

"So, you have to wonder: "When does my hard work pay off? When does my family get ahead?"
Well do you know what? I say the time is Now! Now!"

"Now!" chanted the crowd in unison.

"Prosperity is meant to be shared, nor hoarded. It belongs too all Americans, from the factory worker in Detroit, to the small business owner in Philadelphia, to the teacher in Dallas, to the nurse in Miami; from the farmers who feed us, to the miners who power our cities, to the soldiers and policemen who protect us from those that would do us harm."

"That is why I am running to be President of the United States!"

"Because I want you, and your families, friends, and neighbors to have access to the same American Dream I had, and that our parents had. It was right here, in Hanover, that I began one of my most important jobs. My first job, the first job I truly loved, was right here, as a teacher at Dartmouth college. I remember waking up every day inspired, inspired by the young people that I had the privilege to teach, the new generation of Americans I was helping, in my own little way, to push towards success. But that generation, the first of the millennial's, have not had the success I wished for them."

"Instead, they, like too many other Americans, have seen the nation we love let them down, and watched helplessly as the opportunities that I had, and our parents had, slipped away. From city to town, from coast to coast, the American people have for too long been given a bad deal by their government, and by the corporations and institutions that are supposed to lift Americans up, not drive us apart. The 21st century has provided us with immense opportunity, opportunity which, till now, has benefited the wealthy few, at the expense of the many."

"Our factory workers and farmers have seen foreign competition edge into their business on one side, and increasingly unregulated automation on the other.
Our teachers are overworked, and underpaid.
Our students are burdened with debt, crippled by their dreams to earn a decent education.
Our families are torn between paying for their rent or paying for their health, haunted by stagnated wages and an increased cost of living.
Our nations vast beauty, our environment, the endowment we leave for future generations, is being ruined as though it was merely an afterthought, a convenience meant to be enjoyed, and then removed.
Our commitment to human rights, equality, justice, and civil liberties is being attacked, both at home, and through our foreign policy abroad."

Shouts of shame, or boos punctuated her every word.

"This is the vision, my friends, of Arnold Wolf, and his Republican Party. Hardship for the many, provided that there is success for the few. This administration is so paralyzed by chaos and dysfunction that most Americans have lost confidence that anything can actually get done."

"Our next President must work with Congress and every other willing partner across our entire country. And that is what I would do as President. I would bring this country together, heal the divisions that this Administration has cleaved for their own petty political gain, and start finding common ground, and common sense solutions to our modern problems. At our best, that's what Americans do. We're problem solvers, not deniers. We don't hide from change, we harness it, and use it to drive us forward. We don’t stand in the way of progress; we are the drivers of it. We are a nation of innovators, of trailblazers, a nation of people for whom tomorrow can always be better. In our hearts we know, better is always possible!"

A wave of cheers washed over the stage.

"But we cannot harness our full potential under this administration."

"Republicans trip over themselves promising lower taxes for the wealthy and fewer rules for the biggest corporations without regard for how that will make income inequality even worse.
We've heard this tune before. And we know how it turns out.
Ask Republicans about climate change, one of the defining threats of our time, and they'll say, “It’s as Hoax” or "I'm not a scientist." Clearly! But then, why don't they start listening to those who are?
They want to wipe out tough rules on Wall Street, rather than rein in the banks that are still too risky, courting future failures.
They tried to take away health insurance from more than 22 million Americans without offering any credible alternative.
They shame and blame women, rather than respect our right to make our own reproductive health decisions.
They attack immigrants, and people of colour, just for pointing out systemic racism, and structural inequalities that have disadvantaged too many for too long.
And they turn their backs on gay people just for having the courage to show the world their love.
Fundamentally, they reject what it takes to build an inclusive economy. It takes an inclusive society."

"Now, my values and a lifetime of experiences have given me a different vision for America. I believe that success isn't measured by how much the wealthiest Americans have, but by how many children climb out of poverty. How many start-ups and small businesses open and thrive. How many young people go to college without drowning in debt. How many people find a good job. How many families get ahead and stay ahead."

"Just weeks ago, I met a single mom juggling a job and classes at community college, while raising two kids. She doesn't expect anything to come easy. But she did ask me how she can be expected to succeed when the deck is so stacked against her? She hears about prosperity; she hears about the stock markets doing well, she hears about corporate earnings and the bonuses of CEO’s. Why can she not see it in her life? Or her neighbor’s life? Why is our society so tilted to favour those at the top?"

"I want to be her champion. I want to be your champion. If you give me the honour, I will fight for you every day, as I have been for all of my life."

"Before I was a Senator, I fought for Americans in Moscow as your Ambassador to Russia. I stood face to face with bullies, like Vladimir Putin, and I fought and won. I fought for you when President Baharia appointed me to cabinet and was honored to fight on his team at the UN and around the globe. I have never given up fighting, and, with your help, I want to take that fight all the way to the White House. I will take that fight from the capitals of foreign nations and the halls of the UN and bring it to bear on all our troubles at home. But it wont be easy."

"We are facing a concerted campaign from the right, from the privileged and the powerful, to derail all hopes for change. They are well funded, well organized, and have a loyal following. But, here's the good news: There are allies for change everywhere who know we can't stand by while inequality increases, wages stagnate, and the promise of America dims. We should welcome the support of all Americans who want to go forward together with us. There are public servants, troubled by four years of chaos, and spasms of vengeful anger. There are business leaders, and innovators, who know that America needs a better deal, higher wages, a healthy environment, and a fair and just society. There are union leaders who are investing their own pension funds in putting people to work to build tomorrow's economy. We need everyone to come to the table and work with us."

"And together, with your help, we can win the four existential fights of our time."

"The first, is ensuring that our economy works for all people, and that we can grow our economy, while protecting our environment. I will promise today that in the coming weeks we will put in place plans to do the following."

"I will rewrite the tax code so it rewards hard work and investments here at home, not quick trades or stashing profits overseas. I will give new incentives to companies that give their employees a fair share of the profits their hard work earns. We will unleash a new generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing tax relief, cutting red tape, and making it easier to get a small business loan. We will restore America to the cutting edge of innovation, science, and research by increasing both public and private investments."

And we will make America the clean energy superpower of the 21st century, by eveloping renewable power, wind, solar, advanced biofuels.
Building cleaner power plants, smarter electric grids, greener buildings. Using additional fees and royalties from fossil fuel extraction to protect the environment, and ease the transition for distressed communities to a more diverse and sustainable economic future from coal country to cabin country, from small towns in the Mississippi Delta to the Rio Grande Valley to our inner cities, we have to help our fellow Americans adapt to our ever changing world."

Applause broke out at the mention of the environment.

"Now, this will create millions of jobs and countless new businesses and enable America to lead the global fight against climate change.
We will also connect workers to their jobs and businesses. Customers will have a better chance to actually get where they need and get what they desire with roads, railways, bridges, airports, ports, and broadband brought up to global standards for the 21st century.
And we will establish an infrastructure bank and sell bonds to pay for some of these improvements."

"But ensuring an inclusive economy is impossible without investing in America’s greatest resource, its people. Our second fight is to ensure that all people, regardless of faith, creed, colour, sex or sexuality are treated fairly, with equal opportunity. And today's families face new and unique pressures. Parents need more support and flexibility to do their job at work and at home."

"In order to achieve this, we must make preschool and quality childcare available to every child in America. We must make college affordable and available to all and lift the crushing burden of student debt."

"We must ensure that you have the right to earn paid sick days."

"We must establish a public option for our Healthcare so that you never again have to choose between rent or your wellbeing!"

As if it were planned, the crowd rose to their feet in unison, clapping and cheering.

"I believe we should offer paid family leave and that it is way past time to end the outrage of so many women still earning less than men on the job and women of color often making even less. "And I believe that we need to raise the minimum wage all across this nation."

"I believe that America should accept all kinds of families, no matter where they come from, or who they love. In America, every family should feel like they are safe and accepted. Therefore, I support a pathway to citizenship for law abiding, hard working immigrants, who pay taxes, and are merely seeking for themselves and their loved ones a better life. And, we should ban discrimination against LGBT Americans and their families so they can live, learn, marry, and work just like everybody else."

"You know, America's diversity, our openness, our devotion to human rights and freedom is what's drawn so many to our shores. What's inspired people all over the world. I know. I've seen it with my own eyes."

"Our third fight is to restore Americas reputation on the word stage, and return to our traditional role at the heart of the international system; working with our allies, not insulting them. Standing up to dictators, not befriending them. And working through all our institutions, NATO, the United Nations, and others, to promote human rights and democracy around the globe. We need to remember that the President’s priority is to keep Americans safe, and isolating us from Europe, from the Western world just so that we can gain a kind word or two from Moscow, or Pyongyang, is an abdication of this responsibility."

"We need to fight for American workers in our trade deals, and ensure that yes, we have free trade, but free trade that’s fair. Fair to our workers, our consumers, and our companies. Fair trade that gets American goods to market, and lowers costs for consumers. Fair trade that protects jobs, not makes it easier to ship them overseas."

"And we need to fight around the world and rally a global effort to combat climate change. On day one of my administration, I would sign back up to the Paris Climate accord. Because our future generations deserve to inherit a world as beautiful and pristine as the one we were born into."

"Being strong abroad however means being fair at home. Our fourth fight is to reinvigorate our democracy, reform our criminal justice system, and ensure that our government is truly working for you."

"I would put in place Justices on the Supreme Court who will protect every citizen's right to vote, protect every woman’s right to choose, and protect everyone’s right to love and marry who they want. And I would fight, day and night, to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn citizens united, and ensure that real political power is returned to the people and does not remain in the hands of the corporations who have usurped it. I want to protect peoples right to vote through automatic voter registration. I’ll fight back against Republican efforts to disempower and disenfranchise young people, poor people, people with disabilities, and people of color. And I will fight every day to reform our criminal justice system so that no one is judged by the colour of their skin, and no one is treated any differently by the law"

"My friends, this fight will be hard. And I will need everyone one of your to win it. So go to my website, volunteer, phone bank, or go knock doors. We need all of your do do your part if we want to retake our country and repair the damage that four years of Arnold Wolf have wrought. And what damage there has been my friends! My daugher, Charlotte, and I were looking through photo albums recently, of her wedding to my lovely daughter-in-law Cynthia, just after the Supreme court verdict on Obergefell v. Hodges came down. When we saw that picture, it just reminded the both of us of what is at stake of the Republicans get another four years in the White House, what four more years of right wing appointments and policies would bring."

"But my friends, despite that threat, I truly believe in American potential. Not only because we're a tolerant country, or a generous country, or a compassionate country, but because we're a better, stronger, more prosperous country when we harness the talent, hard work, and ingenuity of every single American. We need a President who cares for all people. We need a President who unites, not divides. We need a President who will tackle the challenges of our time, not run from them, or use them to cleave friend from friend and neighbor from neighbor."

"That my friends is why I believe I am the best person to be the President of our great country. I hope you will join me, as we fight for what is right."

"For everyone who has ever been knocked down, but refused to be knocked out, this is your campaign.
For everyone who has felt that the deck was stacked against them, this is your campaign.
For everyone who wants to work hard, and share the prosperity that all Americans deserve, this is your campaign.
For everyone who believes that true equality means being proud of who you are, or who you love, this is your campaign.
For everyone who believes in the promise of the American dream, this is your campaign.
And for everyone who truly believes that in America, better is always possible, this is your campaign.
Join me! Join our team! Join our fight!
Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the United States of America."

Beaming, Christina waved as the crowd exploded as the speech reached its crescendo. Those supporters on the risers behind her swept the stage, lifting her arms, as though they had already won victory. Out of the corner of her eye, Christina saw Charlie, nodding approvingly.

The easy part was over. She had dived into the pool. It was now sink or swim.

[Agarntrop]

Senator Richard Slater
FOX news Interview
6th April 2019

Ed Corbin: Hello and Welcome. The Republican Presidential race has been going on now for almost 4 months, and it is said that North Carolina Governor Nathaniel Richardson is in the lead. Shortly following Richardson is West Virginia Governor Jonah Prendergast, and, according to polls, the third main candidate, Governor Jack Chambers, is a distant third. Joining me is Arkansas Republican Senator Richard Slater to speak on this matter. Good morning, Mr Slater, and thank you for joining us.

Slater: Thank you for inviting me here.

Corbin: I understand that you have endorsed Governor Prendergast for President. What qualities or attributes does Prendergast have that you find admirable and thus make him worthy of the nomination?

Slater: I think that for us to be able to move forward as a nation and keep up the progress we've made we need a President who will follow in Wolf's footsteps. Governor Prendergast represents and has fought for the exact people that Wolf fought for in 2016. He is a man of the people who has worked to defend workers in his state who have had their jobs threatened by Democrats and their failed policies. He ran a very successful business, and he knows how to get things done. I think he can not only rally the troops to vote in November 2020, but also expand upon the policies of Wolf.

Corbin: Presumably, when you say the word "expand" you're talking about more, correct? Therefore, you imply he wants to add new policies to Wolfism. What policies do you see him adding?

Slater: I'm talking about not just continuing, but expanding, yes. The campaign has just released several policy papers detailing a ton of ideas that he'll implement that will work to make our country even greater. He is going to finish the job on immigration, end chain migration, he will reform our immigration system. He will support farmers who are suffering from a lack of action due to the establishment only caring for the big cities by redirecting subsidies to support local farmers instead of companies who are completely fine already. Look, there are so many things that are going to get done here, it's going to be great.

Corbin: I see. Wolf ultimately failed to fully implement many of his policies, such as building a border wall with Mexico, banning muslims from the United States, and securing the prosecution of Diane Clifford. How do you know Prendergast will be different?

Slater: We have seen first off that the economic policies of Wolf are starting to really work their magic this year. We are now under 4% unemployment, we've got a ton of new jobs month after month. Obviously Democrats will do whatever they can to block these policies, and unfortunately they have succeeded at times. What we need to do and where I think Prendergast will make the difference is take back the house from the Democrats. The left ran a campaign of identity politics and blaming Wolf for the problems they caused to take the House, but we've already gotten a clear picture of what they'll do with that power. Nothing is happening in the House under their leadership, and Americans are seeing it. Prendergast will unite the party and disaffected voters more than Wolf has. He is going to use his business experience to show voters across the country that things can get done with a united Congress.

Corbin: Wolf had the house for two years. How come the policies weren't implemented then?

Slater: Firstly, we got a massive tax cut passed that has stimulated job growth in this country like never before. The unfortunate reality is that there are people in the party who are Wolfist in name only. These fake conservatives tried their hardest to block our progress back then, but they've for the most part either lost their primary or have resigned. The Republican Party is much more united behind Wolf than we were two years ago. I think also many of the Never Wolfers will be a little more careful with stepping out of line after seeing what happened to their buddies.

Corbin: Okay, moving on, you have sponsored the DOVE Act, why?

Slater: I worked with Representative Simone to create the DOVE Act because it is clear that action needs to be taken against the corruption of the Communist Maduro regime in Venezuela. Maduro has very clearly rigged elections and oppressed his people for far too long, and it would be an embarrassment for the United States to do nothing when we have a dictator harming his own people and creating so much instability in the region. I hope that we as Republicans and Democrats can come together and agree that we need to do something to take on this tyrant and help the people of Venezuela.

Corbin: What is your response to people who claim that the DOVE Act is hypocritical as the United States provides a large arms market to dictators in countries such as Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE, and even states involved in accusations of financing terrorist groups, such as Saudi Arabia?

Slater: In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to be giving to these countries, but they are our best line of defense against terrorists aside from invading the region, which is something nobody wants. We need to have relationships with some of these countries so we can work with them to make sure people aren't being slaughtered by groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda. Now, countries in the first category you mentioned, while their governments are absolutely terrible, they are a necessary evil to fight terror. It's a different case with that second category. I know this is going to get some backlash from some people and a few headlines, but I do not believe we should be funding the Saudis when they murder journalists in cold blood and support terrorists who want to destroy us. They have escalated the war in Yemen into a full-on humanitarian crisis. We shouldn't be rewarding them with more weapons when they do things like that.

Corbin: Then what is your view on extreme efforts by President Wolf to increase arms sales with the Saudis?

Slater: Look, I think for the most part Wolf has done a tremendous job at making America respected on the world stage again. I don't agree with that policy. Saudi Arabia is not doing anything substantial to help stop terrorism, they are perpetuating it. I'm not going to keep repeating myself on this other than saying I don't think it's the best thing to do.

Corbin: Okay, that's all we have time for, thank you for joining us.

Slater: Thank you.

(Edit: dent asked me to change name)

[Sanabel]

“Yes. I will. Don’t worry Lil. I will. I’m going to I just need...time. I guess I don’t have time. Well I need it. I’ll keep thinking. I’m going to endorse the best one. But I know if the wrong nominee is picked you’ll still be running the party operation. Who do you want for- to be the- who is yo pick for nominee?”

She paused, thought of it for a second. "Well, let's deduct some people first. I'd say no to Chambers, obviously. Pass on Goldwater. It's down to Richardson and Prendergast. Richardson is a politician at heart, reminds me a bit of [not-Kasich], but he could be a safer option. I'm not personally a fan of him, I thought he was quite bossy, really," Lily said. "Prendergast, on the other hand, is trying to follow in your footsteps. Not sure if it's totally natural, maybe he's trying to imitate you too closely. I found it strange that he took a pilgrimage to the farm in Maine. But, he'd definitely carry your torch. So, I don't know. I don't know."

“He said he would put you in the administration. That’s what matters. You could keep him in line. You could keep him in line. I trust him more than Richardson or any of the others. He loves me. He’s a true patriot. He loves me. Still waiting to see if Rick will get in.”