The Land of the Free: American Political Roleplay (IC II)

[Jovuistan]

"I know that. There are certainly a few things that are... very questionable. I've had to put on a show in support of them in the past and it's been very gross to keep up. That book... Yeah, I'm ready and willing to go against some of his policies to get that goal done."

"It wouldn't be hard to get you into the Senate. There's any number of unpopular incumbents you could replace, I'm sure. Lilyana could pull the right strings for you... get you an easy run. There'll be accusations of carpetbagging, of course, but you're the President's son." She shrugged softly. "You need to come out from your father's shadow and make a name for yourself, Arnie."

"I have a second home in Idaho. Couer D’Alene, a very nice small city. I could move there once my personal business is all settled and make a run. I'm sure I could win a race there. I would for sure find a platform to shape the party through an office there, probably Senate or House."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"I have a second home in Idaho. Couer D’Alene, a very nice small city. I could move there once my personal business is all settled and make a run. I'm sure I could win a race there. I would for sure find a platform to shape the party through an office there, probably Senate or House."

"Idaho would be a good fit for you. Mormons in the south. Farmers all over the place. I think you can make the Senate, Arnie. You just need to work on your messaging, and for the love of God, hire better campaign staff. Trust me, you have been terribly advised. Your father's people are lucky, they're not good. Get in some real power-brokers. Hold them close, but not too close."

[Jovuistan]

"I have a second home in Idaho. Couer D’Alene, a very nice small city. I could move there once my personal business is all settled and make a run. I'm sure I could win a race there. I would for sure find a platform to shape the party through an office there, probably Senate or House."

"Idaho would be a good fit for you. Mormons in the south. Farmers all over the place. I think you can make the Senate, Arnie. You just need to work on your messaging, and for the love of God, hire better campaign staff. Trust me, you have been terribly advised. Your father's people are lucky, they're not good. Get in some real power-brokers. Hold them close, but not too close."

He chuckled. "I certainly learned that one the hard way. I'll put a lot of thought and research into that before I jump back into things. Hopefully, I'll get to see you there before too long. I think we could work together once I'm in."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

He chuckled. "I certainly learned that one the hard way. I'll put a lot of thought and research into that before I jump back into things. Hopefully, I'll get to see you there before too long. I think we could work together once I'm in."

"We'd make a great team together, Arnie, and I'm really, really glad you're looking up about all this. This presidential thing was nothing. Merely a set-back. It didn't kill Mitter, it didn't kill McDowd. You'll be fine."

[Jovuistan]

He chuckled. "I certainly learned that one the hard way. I'll put a lot of thought and research into that before I jump back into things. Hopefully, I'll get to see you there before too long. I think we could work together once I'm in."

"We'd make a great team together, Arnie, and I'm really, really glad you're looking up about all this. This presidential thing was nothing. Merely a set-back. It didn't kill Mitter, it didn't kill McDowd. You'll be fine."

"Thank you for the encouragement, Augusta. I mean it. I'm gonna take a break from all of this for a few days, then I'll get ready to make my move. I'm sure you'll have my back over the next year."

[Velahor]

Farm Tour Stop #1
Jaquemin Farms
Dublin, Ohio

As the kickoff to the farm tour, Paulson hosted an event as Jaquemin Farms near Dublin, Ohio, a local fruit farm that also distributed goods from other farms as well. This farm tour had been planned to intentionally combat the summer slowdown, and in tandem with her other plans once the farm tour was over, would help her turn the tides even as things began to slow. The event started with a casual pancake breakfast, where Paulson and staff served food to over 2,000 locals, many employed in local farms and businesses. Then, a stage was set nearby where Paulson spoke to those who had stayed after the food would come to listen to her new farming-focused stump speech.

“The United States of America was built on the backs of family farms, and it’s time that we start giving America’s a the attention it deserves! Farmers and small-town Americans of all stripes are FED UP with big city socialists trying to tell them what’s right for their communities, their businesses, and their lives.”

“I’m Diane Paulson, and I’ve served in the United States House of Representatives for over a decade, and I was a key cabinet member in Ronald Reagan’s administration. I chose to run for President this year, because it is imperative that our next Republican President be devoted to fiscal conservatism, individual liberty, and investing in our rural communities and family farms.”

“I grew up in a small town in the woods along the Maine-New Hampshire state line. I KNOW the VALUE of the small town lifestyle. I also am a farmer myself, my Liberty Farms products are distributed throughout the northeast. I know the joys and struggles of the agricultural life. There is NOBODY running for President who understands this industry, this occupation like I do.”

“As such, I see that while President Wolf has brought America economic recovery and job growth, America’s farms are still clawing their way back from the Great Recession. Under a Paulson presidency, we will prioritize American agriculture, and build an economy that keeps costs low and profits high.”

“My tax plan will completely exempt family farms from corporate taxes, and institute a 5% tax rate for agricultural operations with over ten employees. It is important that as we fight back against China’s international influence that we maintain a strong farming industry, to keep prices low. So I plan to continue farm subsidies, create easier access to emergency natural disaster funds for farmers, and significantly reduce taxes on farms to provide a needed spark to America’s agricultural producers.”

“Farming is a way of life, not just an occupation. When you buy a farm, you’re not just a nine-to-fiver who can clock out and check out. All day and all night, your work is still there, and it becomes a passion. To see someone like Bernie Porter threaten your way of life with a destructive, socialistic proposal to tax farmland as ‘undeveloped’ is one of the saddest things. Porter’s $140,000 per year tax on farmers is something that many people who I work with have shown concern over. Between the Porter Farm Tax and his plans to cut Social Security, Porter is BAD for farmers and BAD for rural America.”

“I know, because I did it myself. After leaving the House in 2006, I decided that I would like to buy a farm and take that on as my project for the rest of my life. As of 2019, Liberty Farms distributes dairy products and vegetables throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Agriculture is hard work, and I really believe that strong farms are necessary for a strong republic.”

“Rural communities seem to get left out of the equation when it comes to national politics. Big-city progressives with their constant preaching about the ‘goodness’ of government just don’t get it. In places like New York City and Washington DC, people DON’T EVEN KNOW where their food comes from. This needs to change. Any Paulson education budget will specifically have funds available for urban high schools to open agriculture programs, to teach the value of a hard day’s work on the land, to educate urban Americans about where their food comes from, and to foster appreciation and understanding of rural communities and farmers.”

“Even if you’re not a farmer, my tax plan offers big benefits for rural communities. The 15% flat tax reduces the tax burden on local small businesses by a ton, igniting a spark of innovation, growth, and success for America’s small towns.”

“You see, the current tax code exists as a massive wealth-transfer scheme. If you own a small business, you pay high taxes under our current tax code, but companies like Amazon get MASSIVE amounts of tax breaks. Amazon paid NO TAXES in 2018. Think about that. Your local mechanic, your neighborhood grocery store, they paid MORE money to the federal government than Amazon did last year. How is that fair? How is it okay that a dairy farmer is responsible for more of a tax burden than a company with a market cap much larger than most countries’ GDPs? A flat tax gives our economy all the benefits of standard tax cuts, BUT ALSO puts the money back into the hands of the people who need it the most, America’s farmers and small businesses.”

“But tax cuts and support for agriculture are far from the only way that I’ll represent your interests as president. Recently, I’ve authored and proposed two big-time gun bills that will restore many of the rights that gun-grabbing liberals have taken from you. I’m a strong defender of religious liberties, as evidenced by my work on reforming a constitutional amendment to make sure it protected religious liberty. I believe in the American Dream, and I know that farmers are a big part of that dream.”

“I encourage you to take a look at the candidates who are running for President, and look at the fruit of their work in their current or former positions. I guarantee that I do the best job putting my money where my mouth is.”

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"Thank you for the encouragement, Augusta. I mean it. I'm gonna take a break from all of this for a few days, then I'll get ready to make my move. I'm sure you'll have my back over the next year."

"I'll always have your back, Arnie, don't worry about that." She assured warmly. "I just hope you'll have mine."

[Jovuistan]

"Thank you for the encouragement, Augusta. I mean it. I'm gonna take a break from all of this for a few days, then I'll get ready to make my move. I'm sure you'll have my back over the next year."

"I'll always have your back, Arnie, don't worry about that." She assured warmly. "I just hope you'll have mine."

"I will. Anyways, I think I've taken up enough of your time, Senator. I'll be going now if you don't mind."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"I will. Anyways, I think I've taken up enough of your time, Senator. I'll be going now if you don't mind."

"Look after yourself, Arnie. Remember, this is only the beginning."

[Jovuistan]

"I will. Anyways, I think I've taken up enough of your time, Senator. I'll be going now if you don't mind."

"Look after yourself, Arnie. Remember, this is only the beginning."

"I will. Goodbye, Augusta." Arnold Jr. hung up the phone, sighing as he put it down.

"Only the beginning..."

[Kargintina the Third]

Earl Tenson @MTAtLarge When I am Governor, I will see fit to expand Montana's oil industry and create THOUSANDS of jobs!

[Puertollano]

Levi Murphy Retail
Kossuth County, Iowa



The next location for the campaign was one of the largest counties in Iowa: Kossuth County. He started with a tour of the Union Slough Wildlife Refuge. It was an important ecological landmark in the County, and a prized possession of the locals. Levi and his Team toured the Wildlife Refuge It was established in 1938 to protect migratory birds, the corn and soybean in the local area provided plentiful coverage for the birds to live. While being environmentally conscious, the Team was taken through the Wildlife Refuge, and the local guides pointed out the endangered species in the area. They explained that it used to be a glacier during the ice-age, providing for waterways that stretch the habitat currently. The Senator nodded as the tour continued. The campaign was recording the visit to post on social media later on, and boost his credentials with those who want to preserve and look after the National Parks, not only in Iowa, but across the entire country.

He spoke with a group of environmental defenders following his tour. "As one the largest polluters in the world, as presidential candidates, we must have a policy on climate change. I stand strongly behind my recently released policy, the Green New Deal. The Green New Deal takes heavy inspiration from the New Deal of Franklin D. Roosevelt, as it mobilizes the American populace and industry in the fight against climate change, like we did the fascist invaders in the 1940s. What this means is a transformation to 100% renewable energy by 2045, and in turn, a renewable sector that employs upwards of fifteen-million people in many of the towns and cities that have been left behind in the neoliberal projects of the 80s and 90s. The work on renewable energies have already begun in much of Europe, we can take a look at Germany as a prime example of that. While the coal industry in the Rhine shut its doors, not a single miner or associated worker lost their job. That's true. That's the kind of transition plan that I'm interested in. One that puts workers and the environment first, because they're not diametrically opposed to each other. That's the future that I am going to fight for."

After that, his team organised an event in Bancroft, a town near the Reserve. It was supposed to be a meet-and-greet with the candidate, to meet locals and talk about his vision for America. The event was heavily leaning in towards inviting farmers, workers and working class people to the event. Those where the key demographics that the campaign was interested in winning over. After chatting with them person-to-person, the Senator stood up to give a short speech to the gathered crowd. "The working class of this country needs action now and we're not going to get anywhere playing by the rules of Washington D.C. I will undoubtedly and unreservedly stand up for the working people of this country that have been continuously been denied the true representation that they deserve. No more to criminally-written trade deals to suffocate American workers, no more to bad paying jobs and dodgy bosses, no more to predatory banks. No more means no more and I will use everything in my power to bring justice to the communities devastated by the neoliberal consensus in the Democratic and Republican Party. The era of Clifford is over, it's time to move to policies that people can believe in, not tolerate. It's time for big thinkers and pro-worker individuals to get into Washington D.C. and tell them that there is no more waiting. I want to be one of those people for you, as President I would dedicate my life and soul to delivering progressive economic and social reforms. I'll start with universal, debt-free college for all students in America. Everyone deserves an education. Universal healthcare, with the elimination of private insurance, with the exception of cosmetic surgery. That will eliminate deductibles and co-payments for every American currently burdened with the cost of health insurance. I will continue to be unapologetically progressive, because I believe that's what we need right now. We're sick of people telling us to wait for later, the time is now."


Levi on the campaign trail giving the thumbs up to a supporter.

[Sarenium]

"The Chinese will never move on the climate front unless we do," he shrugged, "I'm aware of the opposition from our party towards any multilateral agreement, but by being out of the Paris Agreement, we let China run amok at the table and set the agenda in our absence. Renegotiating a Republican alternative while countering Chinese hegemony is the only way for us to address Chinese aggression. By being out of the agreement, we have let China set the standard, which with the Sino-Chinese friendship is painting a more and more dire situation for our allies in Europe, the Middle East and just about everywhere else. The only way in which we curtail China and contain Russia is if we return to the agreement, it's easy soft power to sit in an agreement that has no real enforcement mechanism."

"As you said it had no enforcement mechanism, which would encourage signatory countries to cut emissions and weaken them on the energy front while China ignores the guidelines and keeps getting cheap energy. We and the world have spent decades encouraging China to get carbon emissions under control and they haven't budged with or without international treaties. Furthermore the United States has cut carbon emissions and met the goal of the Paris agreement despite pulling out because of the natural gas boom in states like yours, while China signed the treaty and didn't meet the guidelines."

"You want me to support an international treaty in the spirit of Paris? That curbs carbon emissions? Sure i'll do that, but we need to start from scratch. Heck I want to start a "Roosevelt Caucus" in the house dedicated to conservative solutions to climate change and environmental protection and I have a number of people interested.... But Paris as written is just a bad treaty, and signing onto no treaty is better than signing onto a bad treaty."

"Paulson can't win, Porter flat out doesn't believe in climate change, and Prendergast is quite literally a Coal Baron. I believe in climate change, I acknowledge we need to take measures to combat it but we need to do it smartly, conservatively and without throwing our economy away. This is the best you can get in the Republican field."

Frankston nodded along, it wasn't as much of a commitment to slashing emissions but Frankston nonetheless appreciated his candor, "where do we land on the BRI in South America and Eastern Europe?"

[Titanne]

Representative Felix Holt
Iowa Campaigning for Dayton

After a long week of drumming up some support for his sex ed bill back on the Capitol Hill, Felix was ready for a change of pace. Senator Dayton had asked him to help stump for her in Iowa, the Hawkeye State, the first state to vote on the party’s presidential nominee. He had convinced Troy to come with him because… well, in all honesty, he didn’t trust himself without him anymore. But he had told his husband it was because he wanted company on the trip. He was supposed to meet with Senator Goldman the next day to campaign, but he felt awkward not being with someone closer to him.

Shortly after the plane landed, Felix and Troy made their way to Des Moines to speak at Drake University. He was greeted by some tech guys, who told him where he’d be speaking and how to use the microphone properly. Apparently it was a different sound system than normal.

He got up onto the stage to face the students gathered in front of him.

“Good morning Drake! I’m so pumped to be here today, I just love Iowa, everything is sunny, and there’s a certain charm about the place. Also, corn. Gotta love that too.”

He laughed, hoping his joke had landed.

“So, I’m here right now to talk about the primary. I know you for some of you guys, this is actually your first primary. This moment is special! You’re finally getting to make your mark on the world and getting to decide who we Democrats put forward as our candidate. That’s a momentous thing. Our future is in good hands, I’m sure of that.”

“But who should we entrust with the future right now? There’s a field of really great candidates out there jostling to be our nominee. One stands above them all, at least in my eyes, and hopefully yours. Senator Jillian Dayton is the clear choice to lead our nation into the future. There’s so many reasons that I could stand here today and talk and talk and talk about them the whole time. But I’m not going to do that, because I know how busy you are. I know how difficult college can be. I get that. So I’ll keep it short, and sweet.”

“Senator Dayton is the only candidate in the field to have made a meaningful mark on the issue of education. Back home in Virginia, she made college affordable for everyone to attend. She made the cost almost zero, by simply analyzing prospective income and having your employer withhold small amounts to return to the colleges and the state. The program costs very little to students, very little to the government, and helps thousands of kids just like you get their degrees. Getting an education is becoming more and more important part of our young lives, and it can’t be overestimated how valuable it is.”

“And Senator Dayton brings so much more to the table. Electability is a key factor to choosing the nominee, and Jillian is miles ahead of the competition on that front as well. Her appeal to suburbanites will help Democrats take back the areas we lost in 2016. Her appeal to women will help us drive up turnout higher than ever. Her appeal to the middle-class will push us ahead in the Rust Belt and beyond. Even here in Iowa.”

“I think I’m repeating myself. You get the point. Senator Dayton is the absolute best choice for the party in 2020. So, will you join me in the fight of our lives, and turn this country in the right, or should I say, left direction? Will you join us in making college as affordable as possible? Now is your moment. Seize it, don’t waste it. A vote for Jillian Dayton is a vote for you.”

He finished triumphantly, and bounced on the balls of his feet as he walked off the stage. He threw himself at his husband and embraced him.

“That felt good?” Troy asked.

“Yeah.” Felix beamed.

Throughout the day, Felix and Troy toured several more colleges, including Iowa State, Clarke, Grinnell, and Coe, slowly making their way east. Felix repeated the speech, but with tweaks for the specific location. It felt really good, to be out here on the front lines, fighting for his candidate, boosting his name recognition, to be having fun with his husband. They stopped at a hotel in Dubuque for the night.

“How have you been doing, babe? I know it’s tough, having me drag you around the country campaigning.”

“It’s been great. I’ve seen parts of the country I’ve never seen before, and got to spend some time alone with you.” Troy leaned over and kissed his husband on the cheek.

Felix felt a good deal of guilt at that moment, and his face flushed. He kissed his husband back. He was now emboldened, trying to get as close to the man as possible, in order to sort of make up for his still-secret betrayal.

“Let’s do something fun. Adam isn’t here, let’s take advantage of it.”

“What would that ‘something’ be?’

Felix smirked and cocked an eyebrow.

“Oh!” His eyes widened. “Yes, let’s do that…”

Troy normally didn’t see this version of Felix, it was typically hidden behind his nerves. It was a pleasant surprise, to say the least. He smiled, and steeled himself.

Later that night, the two were nestled into each other, fast asleep, ready for the next day, and the campaigning with Senator Goldman.

[Sanabel]

Velez Roadtrip, East Tennessee and Northern Alabama

(July 8th-15th)

The Velez couple made sure to document the long drive from the Charlotte area into East Tennessee. Through livestreams and posts, the couple chronicled their stops for food, the mood of their dog Sukie, and various reflections on the sights they had seen thus far. Moving into Tennessee was interesting- the eastern third of the state was heavily white and rural. However, that made campaigning there important, so as to undercut margins of Mike's opponents, an important lesson learned campaigning for Shah in Texas.

The first major stop was in Knoxville, the third largest city in Tennessee and the largest in all of Appalachia. The couple spent the night at the home of a supporter, then got to work on their busy retail schedule. They made the usual rounds to restaurants and small businesses and community centers, especially focusing on the newly redesigned Market Square, a large walkable shopping and business district. The next day, they toured the Tennessee Valley Authority headquarters in the morning, to learn more about energy policy from the largest public utilities organization in the country, to better inform Mike's policies on infrastructure. They made an effort to speak to workers on their lunch breaks or on the job as well. That was the case as well for their afternoon visit to the large Gerdau Ameristeel plant, a foundry which employed thousands in the process of manufacturing rebar. After their time in Knoxville, Mike and Laura made their way to Chattanooga, another large Appalachian city. There they conducted their usual practice of retail politics along the Tennessee Riverwalk, and visited the Volkswagen plant, one of the largest foreign automobile plants in the United States. After that, the couple went to the Chattanooga Market, considered to be the largest farmer's market in Tennessee. There they put up a stand, spoke to voters and local media and handed out pamphlets, ate delicious fair food and listened to bluegrass music.

After their swing to the southwest through Tennessee, the Velez couple and Sukie returned to a state they campaigned in before, Alabama. They made their way to the northern city of Huntsville, where they stayed with friends made during the Norm Lee protest. As one of the most important cities for scientific research and development, Mike of course was given a tour of the Marshall Space Flight Center as a major governor of a neighbouring state. There he touted his defense and foreign policy credibility, and spoke eagerly with scientists and other researchers. After that, he and his wife toured the University of Alabama Huntsville campus, including its world-renown biotechnical initiative. Following those trips, they made their way to the Toyota Manufacturing Plant, to speak to workers and discuss the importance of future unionization and the repeal of right-to-work laws. After their time in Huntsville they swung down to Decatur, one of the largest inland ports in the United States that was not on the Mississippi River. There they toured the port, then visited restaurants, businesses, and community centers in more commercial and residential areas, especially in predominantly minority areas like Moulton Heights.

After a brief trip into Alabama, Mike had to leave his wife and head to Iowa for a few days for an important event. So, he was dropped off at the Huntsville International Airport. However, they promised to resume the road trip after he was finished, which would include the central "Black Belt" of the state where his support was strongest.

[Rijkenlandd]

Rep. Kevin Villalobos @ElDiablo EARL TENSION IS THE (goat emoji)!

Rep. Kevin Villalobos @ElDiablo Currently at the in-field as Estefan's crew chief for his first Cup race. Packed stands! #ProudDad

FOX: NASCAR @NASCARONFOX In a last-minute move by Diablo Motorsports as a result of the suspension of #15 Crew Chief Terry Michaelson, 7-time Cup Champion, Hall of Famer and US Congressman Kevin Villalobos becomes temporary one-race crew chief for his son Estefan at the Quaker 400 at Kentucky Speedway during the House Recess. He becomes the first Congressman to actively work a NASCAR race and, as soon as he stepped into #15's pit box, greeted by a 100k-packed-stand ovation as loud as 125 dB.

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Simone also stood, giving his hand a firm shake and a confident look. She held the power in the situation and she wasn't going to part with it without major concessions.

Volker returned the handshake before nodding and making his exit, his next destination would be to Representative Vohoffsky's office.

After a brief walk, the House Minority Leader found himself at the Congressman's office, entering it, he approached the secretary.

"Good afternoon Ma'am, would you happen to know if Representative Vohoffsky is in his office? I have some legislative matters to discuss with him."

"Yes, he is right now, sir. He's addressing constituent matters, but I'll send over a message to see you urgently."

The secretary sent over a message to Vohoffsky's computer as a pop-up, and he immediately closed off his constituent call.

"Let him in."

"Sir, he's ready."

[Greater Arab State]

Volker returned the handshake before nodding and making his exit, his next destination would be to Representative Vohoffsky's office.

After a brief walk, the House Minority Leader found himself at the Congressman's office, entering it, he approached the secretary.

"Good afternoon Ma'am, would you happen to know if Representative Vohoffsky is in his office? I have some legislative matters to discuss with him."

"Yes, he is right now, sir. He's addressing constituent matters, but I'll send over a message to see you urgently."

The secretary sent over a message to Vohoffsky's computer as a pop-up, and he immediately closed off his constituent call.

"Let him in."

"Sir, he's ready."

“Thank you, Ma’am.” Volker replied, entering into the Californian Congressman’s office.

“Afternoon Congressman.” Volker opened, stretching his hand out for Vohoffsky to shake.

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

"Yes, he is right now, sir. He's addressing constituent matters, but I'll send over a message to see you urgently."

The secretary sent over a message to Vohoffsky's computer as a pop-up, and he immediately closed off his constituent call.

"Let him in."

"Sir, he's ready."

“Thank you, Ma’am.” Volker replied, entering into the Californian Congressman’s office.

“Afternoon Congressman.” Volker opened, stretching his hand out for Vohoffsky to shake.

Vohoffsky stood up, shaking Volker's hand lightly.

"Afternoon as well, Mr. Minority Leader."

[Greater Arab State]

“Thank you, Ma’am.” Volker replied, entering into the Californian Congressman’s office.

“Afternoon Congressman.” Volker opened, stretching his hand out for Vohoffsky to shake.

Vohoffsky stood up, shaking Volker's hand lightly.

"Afternoon as well, Mr. Minority Leader."

"I've spoken to Congresswoman Simone about whether we might be able to get some agreement with the Democrats with regard to your Dodd-Frank repeal bill. We could get parts of it through but she's pressing for us to compromise on either gun control or House reform in exchange, two key elements of our platform that I don't think we can compromise on, so I don't think it's likely that we could get elements through at this point. I have an idea though, Congressman, if you're interested?"

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Vohoffsky stood up, shaking Volker's hand lightly.

"Afternoon as well, Mr. Minority Leader."

"I've spoken to Congresswoman Simone about whether we might be able to get some agreement with the Democrats with regard to your Dodd-Frank repeal bill. We could get parts of it through but she's pressing for us to compromise on either gun control or House reform in exchange, two key elements of our platform that I don't think we can compromise on, so I don't think it's likely that we could get elements through at this point. I have an idea though, Congressman, if you're interested?"

"What is it? I'm certainly interested in any way of expanding our economic freedom...I have a few ideas for compromise bills. One is an environmental bill to fight runoff - just a few billion dollars in their direction, set up a commission, it'll help shift the environmentalists and farmers towards us without having to attack our friends in coal and oil..."

[Sarenium]

End of the Speech titled:
Rural America and the Wealth of Opportunity
Delivered: Mason City, IA

One in five Americans live out here in rural America, the crops, fuels and jobs you provide fuel Americans from one day to the next, but this President, and this Administration have nothing but contempt for hardworking farmers. If you don't believe me, ask yourselves, why on earth would the President press for tariffs that make it harder for American goods to be sold abroad?

It baffles me.

What doesn't baffle me is the way we fix the injustice afforded ordinary Americans at the register, we'll start by bringing our allies on board with us when we negotiate with China, to ensure that we are in the strongest possible position. Then we'll be able to implement a trade policy that works for American farmers. If I am elected President, we'll expand the Baharia-Diehl Administration's microloan program for new farms, doubling the maximum loan amount to $100,000. All the while we reinvest in rural America, in rural communities. That's better hospitals, better schools, better roads all so that there's more opportunities for all Americans.

The great vast unknown of the twenty-first century is rich in opportunity for every American, and should not differ by income. That's why I am devoted to building the infrastructure network of the twenty-first century. That's why I'm devoted to the expansion of college education to all Americans. That's why we're in this race.

Thank you all!

She placed the microphone on the stool and began shaking hands, answering questions and generally just being as jovial as usual.

[Greater Arab State]

"I've spoken to Congresswoman Simone about whether we might be able to get some agreement with the Democrats with regard to your Dodd-Frank repeal bill. We could get parts of it through but she's pressing for us to compromise on either gun control or House reform in exchange, two key elements of our platform that I don't think we can compromise on, so I don't think it's likely that we could get elements through at this point. I have an idea though, Congressman, if you're interested?"

"What is it? I'm certainly interested in any way of expanding our economic freedom...I have a few ideas for compromise bills. One is an environmental bill to fight runoff - just a few billion dollars in their direction, set up a commission, it'll help shift the environmentalists and farmers towards us without having to attack our friends in coal and oil..."

“Well, I’ve been thinking that potentially what we could do is if you write the bill with only a minor attempt at compromise, of course, we know it won’t pass the House but it might help in energising our voters in the run up to next year and also to provide an outline of our legislative agenda come next year’s House election, a second Contract with America so to speak.”

[Kargintina the Third]

(Image) Rep. Kevin Villalobos @ElDiablo EARL TENSION IS THE (goat emoji)! (Image)

Liked and retweeted by Earl Tenson despite the typo

[Dentali]

"As you said it had no enforcement mechanism, which would encourage signatory countries to cut emissions and weaken them on the energy front while China ignores the guidelines and keeps getting cheap energy. We and the world have spent decades encouraging China to get carbon emissions under control and they haven't budged with or without international treaties. Furthermore the United States has cut carbon emissions and met the goal of the Paris agreement despite pulling out because of the natural gas boom in states like yours, while China signed the treaty and didn't meet the guidelines."

"You want me to support an international treaty in the spirit of Paris? That curbs carbon emissions? Sure i'll do that, but we need to start from scratch. Heck I want to start a "Roosevelt Caucus" in the house dedicated to conservative solutions to climate change and environmental protection and I have a number of people interested.... But Paris as written is just a bad treaty, and signing onto no treaty is better than signing onto a bad treaty."

"Paulson can't win, Porter flat out doesn't believe in climate change, and Prendergast is quite literally a Coal Baron. I believe in climate change, I acknowledge we need to take measures to combat it but we need to do it smartly, conservatively and without throwing our economy away. This is the best you can get in the Republican field."

Frankston nodded along, it wasn't as much of a commitment to slashing emissions but Frankston nonetheless appreciated his candor, "where do we land on the BRI in South America and Eastern Europe?"

“Priority 1 is getting BRI out of the America’s, way too close for comfort... Eastern Europe is a close second. I’ve advocated a hardline on China, we need to get tough on them economically and make them play by our rules and that take international support. Once we hit them economically I would expect BRI falters a bit, but we need to use the carrot and the stick and to get nations back on our side. Mostly the carrot of course but we can’t accept China dominating nations.”