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

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
September 28th, 2019

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"Of course." he began, "What state or region would be preferable Levi? And what kind of experience or ideology are you looking at?"

[Azekopolaltion]

Caroline nodded softly, taking a sip. "You failed his crazy, paranoid test and so you're the enemy. It's how these things work. If he wins by some miracle, he'll be in for a rude awakening when his agenda hits reality at ninety miles an hour." Shaking her head, she sipped her drink again. "Did I tell you about the time he met with me and I told him straight up something was unachievable and he was insistent he was going to do it anyway? And the things I've heard through the grapevine about his yearning to purge the party of anyone who disagrees with him, it's very unsettling."

"It is, it really is," Tim agreed, "and the thing is, he's not like Baginski. Whatever you might think of Baginski's political strategy, or his ideology, or his gruffness, I don't think there was much doubt that he was a fundamentally caring man. He was driven by ethical arguments."

"Levi's clearly not the same. He's driven by ego, and revenge, and he's simply not a very nice guy. And that's going to come back to bite him if he gets farther along in the process, if he'd actually cared to cultivate relationships and respect others, perhaps I'd be on his team right now. But I see alternatives that I actually can work with to get good results for this country, so I'd definitely prefer to go with them over Senator Murphy."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"It is, it really is," Tim agreed, "and the thing is, he's not like Baginski. Whatever you might think of Baginski's political strategy, or his ideology, or his gruffness, I don't think there was much doubt that he was a fundamentally caring man. He was driven by ethical arguments."

"Levi's clearly not the same. He's driven by ego, and revenge, and he's simply not a very nice guy. And that's going to come back to bite him if he gets farther along in the process, if he'd actually cared to cultivate relationships and respect others, perhaps I'd be on his team right now. But I see alternatives that I actually can work with to get good results for this country, so I'd definitely prefer to go with them over Senator Murphy."

"See, that's why I think John Atang's in trouble over the Caucus Chair election in the House. He's not a bad guy and he's got the seniority but nobody likes him, and it's the same thing with Murphy. He hasn't built a relationship with anyone except maybe Senator Winthrop. You're the most progressive Senator New Jersey's ever had but he takes you for granted. Despite all my faults, I'm definitely more progressive than Malcolm was but he's instead backing Donaldson's cradle-snatched fiancée in my district." She shook her head, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I don't know what I'm meant to do about him at this stage. I really don't. And I usually have a pretty clear idea of what I'm doing. I shouldn't be more at ease facing off a Middle Eastern dictator than one of our own Senators."

Going to take another sip of tea, she mused. "I hope you don't feel you've been frozen out by the leadership, incidentally. We're trying to go to lengths so as to not seem preferential towards presidential candidates, it's why you were all frozen out on the gun bill."

[Puertollano]

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Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
September 28th, 2019

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(Image)

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"Of course." he began, "What state or region would be preferable Levi? And what kind of experience or ideology are you looking at?"

"I want to double down on the Mid-Western strength. I think our pathway to victory is through those former Obama, turned Wolf voters in the Rust Belt," Levi explained. "I don't mind ideology. I'm willing to reach out to moderates by choosing a VP pick that does not necessarily share my views, but they must be compatible with enacting my core policies. For experience, someone I know who is good with leadership and knows how the system works."

[Sanabel]

(Image)

Meeting Senator Callahan
October 1st, 2019
Washington, D.C.

She smiled at him.

"Of course, don't worry, it'll be top of mind for me. Though maybe first you should announce your support for me before I make you vice president." joked Jillian.

"Is there anything else?"

“I will, and I’ll do my best to share my high opinion of you with the other power players in the Alabama Democratic Party. Thank you for speaking with me today Jillian, I do appreciate it.”

[Sanabel]

“Well, to shoot straight with you, you’re on my shortlist for Vice President. You’d be a great fit- a woman like I’ve promised, midwestern bona fides, winning track record in an increasingly competitive state, great record in Congress- it works out perfectly.”

“Well, that does come as a surprise Mike, one that I’m grateful for being considered for. However, I do have some questions regarding that particular offer.” The Kansas Governor said politely.

“What are your questions?”

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

James Burgun
@RoughriderGovernor
Great rallies by Bernie Porter! STRONG!

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

James Burgun
@RoughriderGovernor
Great rallies by Bernie Porter! STRONG!

Liked and Retweeted by BerniePorter

[The Orion Islands]

"Latin America, our own backyard."

"That's a mixed bag. I want to be a good neighbor by and large, and I want to help countries like Argentina which are taking steps to move their economy towards capitalism. If we don't provide that support, they'll slip back into socialism and all the associated hostility that comes with it. With Mexico, we need to figure out a pathway forwards on the border, a way to tone down belligerence with the Mexican Government whilst also achieving a 'win' of some sort of the Wall to keep the base happy. I'd want State to look at how we can work more with the Mexicans than against them. I want to provide a pathway to asylum for Cubans again, and maybe Venezuelans and Nicaraguans, though obviously some of that I can't say outloud. Venezuela I want to isolate, and hopefully pressure into a peaceful transition. So it's a case of keeping our friends close, building positive relations with them, and recognizing where harm is being done and pursuing non-violent solutions to those harms."

Senator Colbert: "Now, your policy with regard to the rest of Asia."

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"I support a new tax credit of $3,000 for single filers and $6,000 for married couples. The credit would increase dollar for dollar with income up to the maximum amount and would phase out 15 cents per dollar above a certain amount of income. The credit would phase out completely for single filers earning above $60,000 and for married couples and single parents earning above $100,000. This credit would be available in addition to the EITC and other tax credits."
"This will provide $359 billion in tax relief for working families and will lead to another economic revolution, along with making the Wolf Cuts permanent. I also support Amazon paying its fair share so small business can have even more relief."

Tim Westra
@WestraNJ
timwestra.com

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Glad politicians from both sides of the aisle are endorsing the spirit of the #RAISEAct, which will expand the EITC and provide unmarried working people with up to $3000, and married couples with children with up to $12,1000 dollars in tax cuts. Let's put more cash in the pockets of middle class families. Read the plan on our site.

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"I don't support free money or socialist handouts, but real tax relief for working families in line with the Wolf Cuts, a package I would of voted for if I was in Congress at the time."

[The Orion Islands]

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"I support a new tax credit of $3,000 for single filers and $6,000 for married couples. The credit would increase dollar for dollar with income up to the maximum amount and would phase out 15 cents per dollar above a certain amount of income. The credit would phase out completely for single filers earning above $60,000 and for married couples and single parents earning above $100,000. This credit would be available in addition to the EITC and other tax credits."
"This will provide $359 billion in tax relief for working families and will lead to another economic revolution, along with making the Wolf Cuts permanent. I also support Amazon paying its fair share so small business can have even more relief."

Martin Spellman
@thespellman

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Tax credits for working-class Americans is good. But how will you pay for it WHILE keeping the Wolf Tax Cuts? Its time we reverse these cuts so the wealthy pay their fair share and the rest of Americans have more in their pocket!

Colbert Twitter @EverittRigbyColbert
"How about we make it so the Hollywood elites and Jeff Bezos pay their fair share. I pay my fair share, you don't, witch is wrong, especially considering how bad your acting and your campaign is."

[Lavan Tiri]

James Burgun
@RoughriderGovernor
Great rallies by Bernie Porter! STRONG!

Representative Jason Evander
@JasonFromSD

Remember to VOTE DIANE PAULSON if you don't want Bernie Mussolini and Franco Burgun running our country! STOP FASCISM IN AMERICA!

[Agarntrop]

Atang sent out an email.

From: Rep. Atang
To: The Democratic Caucus

It is advised that members vote with their conscience on the Family Farms Act.

Yours,
Acting Caucus Chair of the Democratic Caucus of the United States House of Representatives,
John Atang.

[Puertollano]

Levi Murphy Grass-Roots Fundraiser
Burlington, Vermont



The next stop was Vermont. Vermont was the birthing ground of many progressive activists, ideas and figures. It was fertile ground for the campaign and with neglect from all other Presidential candidates, it was a great place for the campaign to visit to lock it in for Super Tuesday. Like they had conducted in Seattle and Portland, Team Levi organised a grass-roots fundraiser mixed with rally to help raise support, funds and enthusiasm for the movement. And in doing so, they'd lock the state in support in the campaign which was hoping to make a big splash on Super Tuesday. Levi had high hopes for the campaign, despite a not very successful meeting with Westra. At this stage, the campaign was preparing for his inevitable dropping out and most probable endorsement of Dayton. The campaigns main pitch was to blunt the effect of the endorsement by making large progressive strides to win over his flailing voters. At the end of the day, many Westra voters would have far more in common (policy wise) with Levi's Presidential campaign than they ever would than with Dayton.

The Senator arrived in the state and the first thing he did was attend the planned fundraiser. There, he would speak with many progressives and die-hard supporters. Before the Senator spoke to the crowd, a few surrogates warmed up the crowd. That included some local personalities, some well-known organizers inside the campaign and Levi's most trusted advisors. However, they were here to see and hear the Senator speak. This event was live-streamed on all campaign social media accounts, including YouTube, Twitch and Periscope. On the side of the video, a fundraising graph would be put up to demonstrate how far they were fundraising and encouraging those to pitch in more to reach 'goals'. Moderators encourage those viewing online to donate if they could.

The Senator walked on to the stage and spoke to the crowd. "Hello, Burlington!" The crowd roared, in a rally-style appearance. "Thanks for coming. This is an emergency fundraiser, so that we can beat the Republicans once and for all. You may have all heard of the ridiculous, if not absolutely insane censure motion against me in the Senate. It's nothing but a complete witch-hunt against progressives, against anti-war activists, against those who want to speak out about the clear crimes committed by this administration. I'm thankful that the censure motion of me was defeated, but this is only the beginning of the stunts they will attempt to pull off to silence progressives. Because, at the end of the day, we all know what the Republicans want more than anything else. Put aside their virtue-signalling on defending the troops, they want us to spend the lives of U.S. soldiers in a costly, regime change war against Iran. I won't have it. I won't take it. We won't take it. We will oppose this so long as we have the passion and power within us to do so."

"But we're fighting for much more too. I'm talking about Medicare for All. Guaranteeing health care for everyone, for free, universal coverage, as a right. People shouldn't be losing their homes over an operation, people should be cared for during those times, not discarded. We're fighting for a Green New Deal. To create new jobs for hard-working Americans and build a new American industrial renaissance. It's not just so we can beat back Climate Change, like we beat back the fascists in the Second World War. It's about reinvigorating the industrial heart land of this nation once again. I want to see the factories re-opened. I want to see workers back to work. I want to see our unions bouncing back and demanding more, fairer treatment. While they try to censure us for opposing war, they are also trying to censure a progressive movement. We cannot let them have their way. And if they did, we'd have another four years of jobs going overseas. Another four years of war. Another four years of economic warfare on the poor and working class. I'm standing up to say no, so please join us."

"That's why your support is needed, and we're so grateful for your support. No matter what you contribute, you are contributing to a large movement of working class people determined on fighting the machine in Washington D.C. This moment should be used to build a movement that can overcome their D.C. rules and gimmicks. So, thank you. To everyone, your support is deeply appreciated.

[Puertollano]

A Phone-Call
Burlington, Vermont

Following a busy day in Vermont, Senator Murphy took some time to relax. He was staying at a friends house while in Vermont for free, he was thankful for that. The bill of hotels, motels were really building up over the time of the campaign and it was good to receive free accommodation from old union friends, progressive activists and supporters of the campaign. Levi opened his phone and flicked through the numerous messages, emails and notifications that were constantly appearing and searched through his contacts. He scrolled on to the 'P' section and found Penny, his former wife. He called.

After a few brief moments of silent pause, the woman on the other end answered. "Hello?" She asked, knowing that he had called, his caller ID would have indicated that.

"Yes, hello, it's just Levi here. Wanted to check in with you all," he said calmly.

"Oh, we're all good. How are you? I guess things are busy running for President and all," Penny said, trying to make small talk.

"Yeah, it's been pretty busy. How is your family going? I haven't seen Michael in a long time, how is his family going?"

"He's moved out with his fiancee now, they're moving to North Carolina for his work," she said, but there was a noise of someone in the background. Not directly talking into the phone she said something about 'your father', but that is the most he could catch. "Max is here if you wanted to talk with him, he's been wanting to catch-up."

"Of course! Put him on for me," Levi said.

A voice of a teenager came through. It was Levi's son, Max, he was living with the mother. "Hey?"

"Hey!" Levi said excitedly. "It's good to hear your voice again, it's been awhile. How is school going?"

"Eh, good," Max said, mostly uninterested in that avenue of conversation. "I've got a funny story about how I managed to sign my humanities teacher up to your campaign." He seemed to be laughing at his deeds.

"Maybe I should trust you as my new Chief of Staff," Levi joked.

"Yeah, yeah. He was talking about pay and all that. I just said 'do something about it' and join your campaign. So he did, he emailed me the other day thanking me," Max said, obviously quite proud of himself.

"And you've been taking care of yourself?"

"Yeah," the teenager responded again. Yeah was probably his favourite word in this conversation.

There was a bit of a pause. Both of them accidentally started talking at the same time, but Levi beckoned Max to go first. "Right, uh, I saw on the news your censure, it didn't pass. What was that even all about?"

Levi didn't really want to talk about politics that much. "It was just a big scam, organsied by the Republicans and supported by a Democrat or two. You really can't trust the fuckers in Washington D.C. Max, if there's anything you don't do, it's not to become a politician. Make change from the outside, that's what I wished I kept to. Because now they will stop at nothing to smear me on a personal level, it's just not good for someones mental health really." Without wanting to drone on, he thought he should maybe wrap it up. "Hey, I'll be coming back to Minnesota soon. I'll be coming back to campaign and meet with you all again. I also look forward to seeing you in Iowa with me one time. That'd be neat, right?"

"Hell yes! I'd love that. Bring me next time you got to Iowa," Max answered quickly.

"Alright. See you all soon, love you," Levi answered, waiting for a response before ending the call.

"Bye, you too."

The call ended.

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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Spellman Family Home
Philomath, Oregon
September 28th, 2019

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Marty nodded.

"Well, okay. I was just curious more than anything. Sounds like you have yet to find anyone who has made an impression on you." he said. "As for my own campaign, returning to the topic at hand, well, I'll let you know our next steps as they happen."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Senator Colbert: "Now, your policy with regard to the rest of Asia."

"I'd like to lean on India a little to halt their unethical practices, but in the broader realpolitik, they're probably one of the better counterweights against China we can work on. There's a lot of work that needs to be done to fix our relations with the South Koreans, and I'll put time and energy into that. Japan too, we need to have squarely on side if push comes to shove. I'd like to reinforce our newer ties with Vietnam and the Philippines, I want to see if we can do something about Burma, and I'd like to build economic ties with Singapore. Moving from East Asia to the Middle East, I want to try reducing our reliance on Saudi Arabia, perhaps working with the British to improve our bilateral ties with Jordan and Oman, I'm entirely committed to backing Israel, and I want to really tighten the ropes around Iran to try to bring them back to compliance."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Meeting Senator Callahan
October 1st, 2019
Washington, D.C.

"No worries Gordan. My door is always open if you want to talk further or have anything on your mind." she said, standing up.

"And thank you for reaching out and supporting me, truly. It means a lot especially from a fellow colleague."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 18th, 2019

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“From experience, I know it’s certainly been more enjoyable than some of the conversations I’ve had on the Hill since I first arrived back in 1995.” Thomas added before sipping some sweet tea.

"Well, I've always enjoyed Southern food when I've had the opportunity to eat it. I think we had this one dinner at the State Department and (not-Colin Powell)'s people had served up quite the feast." She smiled, shaking her head. "Was a very laid back staff affair. I do miss Foggy Bottom." Looking between the Volkers, she smiled. "I'm surprised the White House didn't officially comment on the Murphy business."

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 18th, 2019

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Torrie nodded, serving herself a generous amount of mashed potatoes as she spoke.

"Quite surprising. But its not really our place, the Senate was handling it just fine. And no need to give him any more paper for that garbage can fire of a campaign he's trying to incite." she responded curtly.

"Murphy is quite annoying."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 18th, 2019

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(Image)

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Torrie nodded, serving herself a generous amount of mashed potatoes as she spoke.

"Quite surprising. But its not really our place, the Senate was handling it just fine. And no need to give him any more paper for that garbage can fire of a campaign he's trying to incite." she responded curtly.

"Murphy is quite annoying."

"He annoys you? You should try being in a party with him." She laughed, shaking her head. "Mind you, you've got to deal with Porter, and Anderson, and Burgun."

[Sarenium]

The Lowell Farm
La Crosse
Wisconsin

The farmer turned nurse turned politician sat on the porch of her farm reading over her notes and initial draft of the housing reform bill, she had been sure to add provisions for family farm retention and suburban redlining, acutely aware of how the odds of Republicans blocking the bill were already astronomically high.

Why on Earth would they allow Suraj Shah any victories?

She looked up, ah yes, Mister Spellman would be arriving soon...

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

"Well, I've always enjoyed Southern food when I've had the opportunity to eat it. I think we had this one dinner at the State Department and (not-Colin Powell)'s people had served up quite the feast." She smiled, shaking her head. "Was a very laid back staff affair. I do miss Foggy Bottom." Looking between the Volkers, she smiled. "I'm surprised the White House didn't officially comment on the Murphy business."

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 18th, 2019

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Torrie nodded, serving herself a generous amount of mashed potatoes as she spoke.

"Quite surprising. But its not really our place, the Senate was handling it just fine. And no need to give him any more paper for that garbage can fire of a campaign he's trying to incite." she responded curtly.

"Murphy is quite annoying."

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 18th, 2019

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"Anderson is quite tolerable once you move past his facade. Now Porter and Burgun. I question their political loyalty to this party and wonder if they are even well suited for their former and current positions. They have undeniably put that into doubt."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

(Image)

The Lowell Farm
La Crosse
Wisconsin

The farmer turned nurse turned politician sat on the porch of her farm reading over her notes and initial draft of the housing reform bill, she had been sure to add provisions for family farm retention and suburban redlining, acutely aware of how the odds of Republicans blocking the bill were already astronomically high.

Why on Earth would they allow Suraj Shah any victories?

She looked up, ah yes, Mister Spellman would be arriving soon...

Marty arrived, in tall rain boots as he treaded through the dirt road and path up to the farm. He turned off the rental car and began to wave to the Congresswoman on the porch.

"Representative!" he began, "Sorry if I'm making a mess."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 18th, 2019

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(Image)

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"Anderson is quite tolerable once you move past his facade. Now Porter and Burgun. I question their political loyalty to this party and wonder if they are even well suited for their former and current positions. They have undeniably put that into doubt."

"Yet the White House hasn't fired a shot over their bows either." She mused slightly, pursing her lips. "Burgun's quite demented, as for Porter, I can't quite tell if he's brilliant or unhinged."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 18th, 2019

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(Image)

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"Anderson is quite tolerable once you move past his facade. Now Porter and Burgun. I question their political loyalty to this party and wonder if they are even well suited for their former and current positions. They have undeniably put that into doubt."

"Yet the White House hasn't fired a shot over their bows either." She mused slightly, pursing her lips. "Burgun's quite demented, as for Porter, I can't quite tell if he's brilliant or unhinged."

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The Volker Residence
Falls Church, Virginia
September 18th, 2019

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"The voters will choose who they prefer. Especially with Porter. I trust the process and I wholeheartedly believe that their shouting from their rooftops doesn't hurt anyone but themselves. It's not like they are our front runners for President like Murphy." she responded.