Meretican 2035 Elections Thread

[Meretica]

The Election Cycle is underway.
Most are expecting the Federalists to win in a landslide. Led by Roy Davis, few can see any chance of stopping the green wave that is to come. That's assuming, of course, that the international community doesn't find a way to change the hearts and minds of Meretican citizens.

The candidates for president are all men-- the first time that there have been more than two men running for president in sixty years. Meretica tends to elect women presidents with men for vice presidents; a man hasn't served as president since Noctis Graycloak left office in 2009. In addition to Davis (a Federalist running with Senator Amanda Carson of Almaton), Vice President Tumnus Spears of Almaton (running on a Labor-Liberal-Green ticket with no VP nominee), and Governor Austin Nightshade of Tennessee (running on a Conservative/Anti-Federalist/Democratic-Republican ticket with Senator Amanda Carson of Florida) are also in the running. Davis polls at 57%; Spearson polls at 26%; Nightshade polls at 12%. 3% of the population are undecided or prefer other candidates.

In addition to the presidency, the entire Senate is being re-elected this cycle. The Federalists, who were polling at 23% before Davis's nomination, are now polling at 49%-- just shy of a simple majority. All 5,136 have a Federalist running for office, the first time that any party has been able to make a run at every Senate seat. Right now, early voting is taking place. Mereticans are ready to cast their ballots. The next party system may be swept into power-- but only time will tell. For now, the candidates are preparing for a series of debates, and the nations of the world can announce their support (or lack thereof) for the various candidates. Maybe, just maybe, the rest of the world can influence Meretican politics for once instead of the other way around.

Nations and their leaders are allowed to announce endorsements, send letters of support, and ask questions regarding the policies of the candidates. Nations that are found to have been illegally funding campaigns in Meretica shall face legal action.

There will be a series of five debates, each of which shall be hosted by the Meretican Presidential Debate Commission. Three debates shall be hosted by the presidential candidates; one shall be hosted by the vice presidential candidates; one shall be hosted by Senators from each party advocating for their chosen candidates. Reporter Victoria Oliver II and former Senator Carl Wilson shall moderate the debates. The rules of the debates shall be released at a later date.

[Meretica]

The first presidential debate will be held on December 30, 2034 in Governor Nightshade's home state of Tennessee. The debate shall last 90 minutes and shall cover three essential topics with each topic having 30 minutes dedicated to each topic. Each candidate shall have three minutes to address the topic; the remaining 21 minutes shall be dedicated to open discussion. The three chosen topics are Meretica's allies, President Brampton's legacy, and inspiring new energy in politics.

[Meretica]

Victoria Oliver (VO): Good evening! I am Victoria Oliver of Oliver News Network. Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee, the site of tonight's first Meretican Presidential Debate! The participants tonight are Governor Austin Nightshade, Vice President Tumnus Spearson, and Ambassador Roy Davis. This debate is sponsored by the Commission of Presidential Debates. The commission drafted tonight's format, and the rules have been agreed to by the campaigns. The debate is divided into three segments, each lasting an unknown amount of time. Tonight we will discuss Meretica's allies, President Brampton's legacy, and inspiring new energy in Meretican politics. At the start of each segment, I will ask the same lead-off question to each candidate, and they will each have up to three minutes to respond. From that point until the end of the segment, we'll have an open discussion. I will determine when we move on. The questions are mine and have not been shared with the commission or the campaigns. The audience here in the room has agreed to remain silent so that we can focus on what the candidates are saying. I invite you to applaud, however, as we introduce our three candidates: Roy Davis of the Federalists, Tumnus Spearson of the Labour-Liberal Alliance, and Austin Nightshade of the Right-Wing Block!

Audience: (Applauses and cheers)

Davis: (Shaking their respective hands) Mr. Vice President, Mr. Governor.
Spearson: Roy. Governor Nightshade.
Nightshade: Mr. President, Mr. Vice President...

(Each move to stand behind their lecterns; left to right, they are Spearson, Davis, and Nightshade.)

Oliver: Good luck to you, gentlemen. I don't expect us to cover all the issues of these campaigns tonight, but I remind everyone, there are two more presidential debates scheduled. We are going to focus on many of the issues that voters tell us are most important, and we're going to press for specifics. I am honored to have this role, but this evening belongs to the candidates and, just as important, to the Meretican people. Candidates, we look forward to hearing you articulate your policies and your positions, as well as your visions and your values. So, let's begin.

Oliver: (Reading notes) We will start with Meretica and her allies. Meretica has many allies that have been kept close over the past several decades, and we've picked up more in recent years. Which allies are most important to Meretica and what will be your guiding light in procuring more allies for Meretica? Let's begin with you, Mr. Vice President.

Spearson: Thank you, Ms. Oliver, and thank you Belmont University for hosting us this evening. The central question in this election is really what kind of country we want to be and what kind of future we'll build together. Today is my granddaughter's second birthday, so I think about this a lot. First, we have to keep our allies close. Second, we have to keep our enemies closer. We cannot rely on outdated ideas that keep us opposed to nations that aren't exactly like Meretica. Nations like South Olpen and Vikanias have served as our traditional allies, and right now, I think that's all we need. Our current involvement in foreign affairs is satisfactory to me. President Brampton has kept in line with our political doctrine and she will be remembered for it.

Oliver: Governor Nightshade, which allies are most important to Meretica, and what will be your guiding light in procuring more allies for Meretica?

Nightshade: Honestly, I think that we need to return to isolationism. We don't need to be more involved-- we need to be less involved. We're spending taxpayer dollars on nations that can hardly take care of themselves. We've got South Olpen, and that's all we need. We need to be putting Meretica First, not worrying about everything else going on. President Brampton is not well-liked and she doesn't have a very high approval rating-- she's becoming a "meh" president. She's not going to be remembered for her foreign policy if those plans don't work.

Oliver: And you, Ambassador Davis?
Davis: I'll be honest, Victoria, I think that both of these men are wrong. I've known them for years and we get along pretty well personally, so I think I can say that.
Audience: (Chuckles)

Davis: I don't think we're involved enough. Meretica will not be able to thrive if we don't hold to the Dragonheart Doctrine. Queen Sinestra believed that we ought to be active in our foreign affairs, and I agree. I have served as President of New England, President of the Central Gulf, and the Meretican Ambassador to NATO. I was also a Senator in New England and the Gulf as well, meaning that I have the legislative and executive understandings of foreign affairs that neither the vice president nor Governor Nightshade here has. We have allies in South Olpen and Vikanias, yes, but we need to remain active in NATO, strengthen the Stalwart Syndicate, and protect democracy globally so that it may flourish.

Oliver: Let's discuss this, then. Ambassador, can you give me some reasons that Governor Nightshade's plan doesn't work?

Davis: It's basic economics. When Meretica has gone into isolation without other countries working closely with Meretica, the economy fails. The sole exception was during the reign of PRS and the WTA. Both are practically defunct, and Meretica has too many obligations on ethical, moral, and political levels to abstain from the affairs of the world. We can't abandon our allies and obligations and expect everything to be okay.

Oliver: Governor Nightshade, your response?

Nightshade: Well, we wouldn't have to abandon our allies and so-called obligations if we didn't have them to begin with. The conservative idea in Meretica is that we are a sovereign nation that functions independently of all others. Why should we allow other nations to rely on us when we don't rely on them?
Spearson: If I might interrupt, the governor is misrepresenting the foreign policy ideas that we've held for the last thirty years--

Davis: (interrupting) These are the policies that have been held for the last three years under Brampton, Tumnus. Freedom Williams, Michelle Campbell, and Margaret Channing are all rolling in their graves because you dared to say that Brampton's failed policy plans are anything like theirs. Queen Sinestra helped them develop their plans. Brampton refused any help and then told His Majesty the King to just play along.
Oliver: Please continue, Mr. Vice President.

Spearson: As I was saying, Governor Nightshade is misrepresenting the foreign policy ideas that we've been using. We don't carry other nations across the finish line, and we will not. It's irresponsible.
Davis: Sometimes you have to carry them across the finish line, Mr. Vice President, or do you remember nothing of the NWO crisis?
Spearson: I was a Senator during that crisis, Mr. Davis--

Davis: And I was President of New England, Mr. Spearson. Even then, you advocated for isolationism. Unlike the rest of Meretica, you didn't wise up to the inherent issues with the NWO or organizations like it that want to unite the world under one banner of specific policies that can't change unless two or three nations place themselves in charge without accountability to anyone else agree to do so. While I was campaigning across New England and the Central Gulf to build support for the WTA, you twiddled your thumbs and pretended that there were no issues. How do we know you won't do that again? You following the disastrous policies of Wynefreede Brampton will lead us to our doom.

Spearson: --and you made many enemies during that time--
Davis: (interrupting) Did I? Good. That means that I've taken a stance on a thing or two, unlike some people.
Audience: (cheers loudly)
Oliver: Alright, alright... let's calm down a little... We've ended up merging topics two and three a bit, so let's skip to part three, shall we? Mr. Nightshade, you've been a bit quiet.

Candidates and Audience: (small laughs)
Oliver: Governor Nightshade, Meretican politics has recently seen an about-face change in politics. Mereticans aren't as excited as they were before Margaret Channing left office. The populace, which is typically very active and open to change, has been suddenly reluctant to support either yourself or Vice President Spearson. What do you think is going on and what can be done to change this?

Nightshade: This is a very serious issue that we've been looking at very closely. What I think we're dealing with here is a party realignment. The right is no longer viewed as the realm of Ross or vra Jeanarde. They don't see conservative talking points as support for fascists or Nazis. People are starting to understand and acknowledge our talking points. We just need to let this happen and the voters will return to being more active."

Oliver: Mr. Vice President, you struggled to win your coalition's nomination after the primaries proved to be failures following dangerously low turnout. Instead, the Labour and Liberal Parties held conventions similar to the Federalists and Right-Wing Block. What is going on and what can be done to change this?

Spearson: I think that Governor Nightshade is right to call this a party realignment because that's what it is. We didn't have a far-left candidate running like we usually do because those people are what drives up primary turnout for us-- people voting against them, that is. We're just going to have to wait it out.

Oliver: And you, Ambassador Davis? Are you content to wait it out? Is a party realignment all that's going on?

Davis: That's a very complicated question-- more complicated than I think the vice president or Governor Nightshade have realized. The Meretican people like progressive change on the global level with Meretica leading the charge. That's something we haven't seen in a while. So many of our previous leaders-- at home and abroad-- are passing from this life to the next. We lost Sinestra. We lost Margaret. We lost Miss Sorit. And when did they die? All within a few weeks of one another. Mereticans feel leaderless. This isn't a party realignment: Mereticans are looking for someone that knows how to lead and is ready to fight at a moment's notice. I am that candidate. I am ready to lead Meretica into the glory of tomorrow, wielding the tomes of history and wisdom of my predecessors. Meretica wants someone like Freedom Williams, like Michelle Campbell, like Margaret Channing. Mereticans want a leader they can trust. Mereticans want a leader with a defined set of views. Frankly, Mereticans want their old leaders back. As much as I would love to see Margaret and others in office again, it looks like they might be stuck with me. I am ready and willing to lead this nation much as our greatest leaders did. As a child, I swore an oath to my father to serve my country faithfully in whatever way that I can. I intend to fulfill that oath every day of my life.

Oliver: Thank you, Ambassador. With that, we will now take each of your closing remarks. Mr. Vice President, if you would begin.
Spearson: Meretica, I have served you for my entire life. I have worked dutifully to craft and enforce the laws of this nation. From the reigns of King Michael the Second to the present day, I have worked to provide you with the benefits that you are entitled to. Please, vote for the Labour-Liberal ticket: you will see the progress that truly matters.

Oliver: Governor Nightshade?
Nightshade: At the end of the day, this election is simply a choice between the stale, failing policies of the past, and my bright, positive vision of the future...The overwhelming majority of Mereticans believe our country's path forward is uncertain, and this is the direct result of failures both at home and abroad by the past administrations. I am the change that Meretica needs so that we can move forward and into the future.
Oliver: Mr. Davis?

Davis: We're in the battle for the soul of this nation. We can go with the Almaton elite, we can go with the conservative isolationists, or we can go with the group that falls in the middle... The Federalists. We are the party of John Adams. The party of liberty and economic prosperity. The party of the people. We need strong foreign policy. We need strong allies. We need a strong leader that can unite this country. And I promise you that two of the people at this debate are not qualified for the position. I am the former president of two countries; I help unite those two into one, and then I united that one with Meretica. I have served as an ambassador, twice as a senator, but have been a lifelong Federalist. The Federalist ticket is the winning ticket. We will win because we must. Thank you.

Oliver: Well, that concludes the first Meretican Presidential Debate. I want to thank you each for participating in the first of three debates that you have agreed to engage in. We want to thank Belmont University for hosting this event. The next debate, sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, will take place in Sicily in January. The two vice-presidential nominees, Amanda Carson, and Amanda Green, will debate in New York City in January as well. Thank you, and goodnight.

[Canvalland]

The Government of the Republic of Canvalland holds neutrality ground in Meretican Presidential Election, however, PM Dr. John Wesley will endorse Mr. Davis personally in support of his open-minded stances and believes that he would be the best option for the Meretican people. He hopes Mr. Davis a good campaign and may he be victorious.

[Nova Catania]

President Colin Morgan followed the debate, and has decided to endorse Roy Davis, as he seems the most level-headed candidate. In a statement he said: "Although I don't agree with all of his policies, he seems to be the right man for the job." Morgan also said he looks forward to working with whoever wins the election.

[Meretica]

Oliver: Good evening. From the University of Meretica in Esterton, welcome to the only vice presidential debate of 2035, sponsored by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. I’m Victoria Oliver of the Oliver Network. It is my honor to moderate this debate, an important part of our democracy. In Madison Hall tonight, the audience is enthusiastic about their candidates, but they've agreed to express that enthusiasm, only twice. At the end of the debate and now when I introduce the candidates. Please welcome Florida Senator Amanda Carson and Almaton Senator Amanda Green.

Carson and Green: (Greet each other quietly, shake hands, and go to their podiums)

Oliver: Senators, thank you for being here. The two campaigns in the Commission on Presidential Debates have agreed to the ground rules for tonight. I'm here to enforce them on behalf of the millions of Americans who are watching. One note, no one in either campaign or at the commission or anywhere else has been told in advance what topics will raise or what questions I’ll ask. This ninety-minute debate will be divided into nine segments of about 10 minutes each. I'll begin the segment by posing a question to each of you, sometimes the same question, sometimes a different question on the same topic. You will then have two minutes to answer, without interruption by me or the other candidate. Then we'll take six minutes or so to discuss the issue. At that point, although there will always be more to say, we'll move on to the next topic. We want a lively debate, but Americans also deserve a civil discussion. These are tumultuous times, but we can and will have a respectable exchange about the big issues facing our nation. I'd like to remind everyone that the LLC has failed to nominate a vice-presidential candidate. (Pauses.)

Oliver: Our first topic is the role of the vice president. One of you is likely to make history: you will be the youngest vice president to the oldest president Meretica has ever had. Roy Davis will be 67-years-old on Inauguration Day. Austin Nightshade will be 71-years-old. That already has raised concerns among some voters, especially following Vice President Tumnus’s heart attack. Senator Green, have you had a conversation or reached an agreement with Mr. Davis about safeguards or procedures when it comes to the issue of presidential disability? And if not, do you think you should? You have two minutes without interruption.

Green: Yes, we have, Victoria. Roy and I have worked with one another, our staff workers, and party leaders to create several contingency plans. We believe that we are ready and prepared to handle any issues that may come up-- whether they be mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and so forth. We've also taken precautions for plans should something happen to me. Should I die or need to step down, we have already organized a list of potential appointments to the vice presidency. We have worked very hard on our plans and we hope that we will have use for them. Roy has no intentions to die, and I don't either. We have both released our health reports and intend to do so each month between now and election day. If we are elected, we will continue to do so.

Oliver: That's good to know, Senator. (Turns to Carson) What about you, Senator? Have you and Governor Nightshade spoken and made plans?

Carson: We've discussed it to a degree, yes, but we're not worried about anything happening to the governor or me. Like Mr. Davis and Ms. Green, the governor and I have released our health information and will do so periodically when we are elected. We have a shortlist of three potential vice presidents and will review them once a month. Furthermore--

Oliver: Pardon me for interrupting, Senator, but I’m afraid that we’re going to have to cut the time short today. I’ve just received a report that Mr. Spearson will be dropping from the race and that President Brampton has called issued an executive order mandating that all news networks focus on her press conference. I am so sorry that we’re cutting this short.

(Broadcast ends.)

[Meretica]

Wilson: Good evening from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I’m Carl Wilson, a former independent Senator from the state of New York. I welcome you to the second of the 2035 presidential debates between Mr. Roy Davis, the Federalist nominee, and Mr. Austin Nightshade, the RWB nominee. These debates are sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Tonight’s will last 90 minutes, following detailed rules of engagement worked out by representatives of the candidates. I have agreed to enforce their rules on them. The umbrella topic is foreign policy and homeland security, but the specific subjects were chosen by me, the questions were composed by me, the candidates have not been told what they are, nor has anyone else. For each question, there can only be a two-minute response, a 90-second rebuttal, and, at my discretion, a discussion extension of one minute. A green light will come on when 30 seconds remain in any given answer, yellow at 15, red at five seconds, and then flashing red means time’s up. There is also a backup buzzer system if needed. Candidates may not direct a question to each other. There will be two-minute closing statements, but no opening statements. There is an audience here in the hall, but they will remain silent for the next 90 minutes, except for now, when they join me in welcoming Mr. Davis and Mr. Nightshade. As determined by a coin toss, you will go first, Mr. Nghtshade.

Nightshade: Thanks, Carl.
Wilson: Do you believe you could do a better job than President Brampton in this war against Vikanias?

Nightshade: Yes, I do. But before I answer further, let me thank you for moderating. I want to thank Harvard for hosting us. And I know Roy will join me in welcoming all of Massachusetts to this debate.
Nightshade: I can make Meretica safer than President Brampton has made us. And I believe President Brampton and I both love our country equally. But we just have a different set of convictions about how you make Meretica safe. I believe Meretica is the safest and strongest when we are defending ourselves and using our military sparingly. I’ll never give a veto to any country over our security. But I also know how to lead those alliances. This president has left them in shatters across the globe, and we’re now fighting in Vikanias because she wasn't up to the challenge-- she vetoed it, after all. I think that’s wrong, and I think we can do better. I have a better plan for homeland security. I have a better plan to be able to fight the war by strengthening our military, strengthening our intelligence, going after the financing more authoritatively, doing what we need to do to rebuild the alliances, and ending relations with Vikanias after the war. I know I can do a better job in Vikanias. I have a plan to have a summit with all of the allies, something this president has not yet achieved, not yet been able to do to bring people to the table. All of these, and especially homeland security, which we’ll talk about a little bit later.

Wilson: Mr. Davis, your response?

Davis: Recent events have changed the way that we must look at our world. We have a president in office that's done very little for our nation. When the Senate issued a declaration of war, and she vetoed it. The Senate overruled her. Brampton's approval rating has dropped to nine percent-- the lowest that it's ever been for a sitting Meretican president, barring Rachel Ross. The governor and I both agree that we need to do better, but I am the best candidate to make sure that we will do better.

Wilson: New question, Mr. Davis. Do you believe that the election of Mr. Nightshade will result in a terrorist attack like the attempt of President Channing's life by the bear insurgency?

Davis: No, I don’t believe it’s going to happen. I believe I’m going to win because the Meretica people know I know how to lead. I’ve shown the Meretican people I know how to lead. I have-- I understand everybody in this country doesn’t agree with the decisions I’ve made. And I made some tough decisions. But people know where I stand. People out there listening know what I believe. And that’s how best it is to keep the peace. This nation of ours has got a solemn duty to protect the world at large. That's our job. Why? Because for as long as anyone can remember, Meretica has done all it can to protect the many over the few. But we don't back down from protecting our own against the forces of evil, though. We have to defeat this enemy. We have to protect our children and grandchildren. The best way to defeat them is to never waver, to be strong, to use every asset at our disposal, is to constantly stay on the offensive and, at the same time, spread liberty. And that’s what people are seeing now is happening in several nations. If we remain strong and resolute, we will defeat this enemy.

Wilson: Your response, Mr. Nightshade?

Nightshade: I believe in being strong and resolute and determined. And we will hunt down and defeat this evil, wherever it is. But we also have to be smart, Carl. And smart means not diverting your attention from the real war to protect national sovereignty, not dictate foreign policy. Now, I support the war in Vikanias for many of the reasons that Mr. Davis and so many others do, but our goal should be to protect our national sovereignty and the sovereignty of our allies. This president has made, I regret to say, a colossal error of judgment. And judgment is what we look for in the president of the Meretica. I’m proud that important military figures who are supporting me in this race: just yesterday, General Hopkins' son, General Amos Hopkins, endorsed me; Admiral William Crown; General Tony McBeak, who ran the Air Force war so effectively against Rachel Ross-- all believe I would make a stronger commander in chief. And they believe it because they know I would not take my eye off of the goal: national sovereignty.

Wilson: Thank you both. Now, for the past several terms, we have had at least two major nominees for the presidency be women. A woman has served as president since Noctis Graycloak left office. Winthrop, Williams, Ross, Williams again, Channing, Finch, Channing again, and now Brampton. Are men actively involved enough in our nation's politics, and why do you suspect that no men have won the presidency in recent years? Mr. Nightshade, the question is yours.

Nightshade:
I think that Meretica has done very well in promoting women and other gender groups for decades. I am proud of the fact that Mereticans elected the world’s first female president in 1923 and the world’s first transgender president in 2029. In the process, though, I feel like some Mereticans have adopted a sense of anti-masculinity deep inside of them. There’s just a slight male bias in Meretica because we’ve had so many issues where we’ve enforced the rights of women, minorities, and so on. But as an effect, Mereticans may view men to be a potential peril in higher offices. The number of men in the Senate has dropped drastically in the last ten years-- less than a third of our Senators are men. Now, I do think that some degree does lie on men themselves. Men, especially single men, are typically one of the least active voting blocks in Meretica and the Central Gulf alike. In my first term as governor of Tennessee, I implemented a rewards system just to get people out to vote-- raffles, prizes, and so on. We saw voter turnout rise from 53% to 62%, and its risen a little every election since then. If we implement a similar system on the national level, I’m sure we’ll see turnout rise among not just men, but all voting groups.

Wilson: Your response, Mr. Davis?

Davis: I think that what the governor just gave us was a bunch of bull. You don’t get people out to vote by offering them prizes-- you get them out to vote by offering them a better future.

Audience: (Cheers and Applause)

Wilson: Quiet down, please. Mr. Davis, continue.

Davis: I am a feminist. I am also a masculinist. I believe that all people, regardless of their race, color, creed, or gender ought to be treated fairly and equally under the law, and in the eyes of all people. I don’t believe that Meretica has an anti-male bias; I believe that Mereticans make their best choices in their elections with the options provided. In recent years, the best options provided have been women. That’s all there is to it. Going back to voter turnout, polls from the Oliver Network indicate that there would be a higher youth turnout, a higher male turnout, and generally a higher turnout this year. That’s because people are excited to vote because they want to fire President Brampton. They’re tired of her failed policies and want to see change in Meretica.

Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Davis. We’ll now be taking a short break.

[The King Isle]

What do the federalists support?

[The King Isle]

To Roy Davis
We hereby support your great and noble cause to make Meretica A better place. We hereby endorse you and the rest of the federalists. We would like to support you in your campaign to run Meretica.
From:
Prime Minister of The King Isle Anna Hanvoson

[Laka Strolistandiler]

With Lakans making some advancements in understanding the complexity of foreign policies, comes Lakans actually making sensible decisions such as not openly declaring support for the candidates they view as workable.

Noting their past cooperation with Federalists via a lot of secret treaties (notably Lakan interrogation of Meretican terrorists, Laka attempting to assist the Meretican during the coup, etc.), they are well interested in the victory of this party, moreover than that, they believe that Laka will actually benefit from an aggressive foreign policy, “outsourcing” the dirty/illegal work Mereticans don’t want to or cannot do.

However, as said before, openly supporting the candidate will be a disaster due to many Meretican electors still having a fairly negative attitude towards Laka, as such, the Inner Circle decides to act undercover… Sending an unmarked letter with propositions to assist in elections via monetary and “other” (not exactly legal stuff implied) measures.

[The King Isle]

(Image)
To Roy Davis
We hereby support your great and noble cause to make Meretica A better place. We hereby endorse you and the rest of the federalists. We would like to support you in your campaign to run Meretica.
From:
Prime Minister of The King Isle Anna Hanvoson

Bump

[Meretica]

Due to actions that were taken by sitting President Brampton, the remaining debates have been forcefully canceled.

Roy Davis is happy to accept the endorsements of PM John Wesley of Canvalland and President Colin Morgan of Nova Catania. He announces that he will not recognize the King Isles endorsement, and he privately, quietly accepts Laka's.

[Meretica]

"It is March 1, 2035-- otherwise known as Election Day!" Victoria Oliver Jr. says excitedly from where she sits in her newsroom. She is sitting at a long, curved table with several people sitting on either side of her. "Today, we have two men vying for the presidency, with two women running for the vice presidency. Polls indicate that former NATO Ambassador Roy Davis and his running mate, Senator Amanda Green, are ahead by a large margin nationwide. Their opponents, Governor Austin Nightshade and Senator Amanda Carson respectively, are the only other major candidates in the race, and they are almost certainly the underdogs. Tonight, I have several panelists working with me this election day. Each will introduce themselves and explain their roles."

After they each introduce themselves, Victoria says, "We have our first several states to call in the European parts of the country. Istanbul, Athens, Vienna, and Sicily are already counting their votes. We can project that Davis and Green will win Istanbul and Athens. Vienna and Sicily are too early to call. Please remember, too early to call means that we don't have enough data to project, too early to call means that the data is too close to project. Ted, how does the Senate look so far?"

The camera switches to Ted. "Well, Victoria, the Federalists are certainly gaining ground in many different seats, including the European bellwethers of Florence's 12th, Almaton's 1st, and Esterton's 8th. The Labour-Liberals and Centrists are being hit extremely hard, and the Right-Wing Block is also taking some early hits. This is an early indication of a Federalist-led Senate, I can guarantee that much."

"Yes, the LLC is suffering this year," pipes up Carl Wilson, a former Labour Senator from Almaton-- another panelist. "Pity that Tumnus Spearson had to drop out when he did. They might have stood a chance had he been able to stay in the race. His endorsement has all but ensured Roy Davis's victory, though."

"I can see why you think that way," Victoria answers. Then, looking back at the camera, "We'll be back soon after these messages."

The hours passed by and slowly more results began to come in. Eventually, the East Coast and Mississippi Region states' polls closed, and one by one, the Oliver Network began to call the states.

"We can confirm," Victoria said, "that Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, Maine, Vermont, Quebec, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ontario, and Manitoba will go to Roy Davis. West Virginia, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Florida, North and South Carolina, Nova Scotia, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and the Caribbean will go to Governor Nightshade."

"Tennessee was extremely close, I must say," Wilson says. "It would have been nigh on insulting if Davis had picked it up."

"On the contrary, I'd argue it's insulting that it was so close, given that he won it by thirty points in the last gubernatorial race," Ted replies. "This was by a margin of ten thousand votes. One with five zeros. That's too close. Davis is going to win. I can see it happening."

"It's hard to find a path forward for Nightshade now," agrees Samantha, another pundit. "Davis is the favored person here."

"Lucky that you mention that because now we have more states to call," Victoria says. "We are projecting that Davis will carry every state in Central America, the Mexican region, Texas, Oklahoma, the rest of Canada, and Alaska. Nightshade will take the Dakotas, Montana, Nebraska, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Minnesota, and-- very narrowly-- Louisiana. Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas are just too close to call. That leaves the West Coast-- assuming that the results for president ever come in. We are, however, able to make our final Senate projections."

"We can say that the Federalists will take an outright majority with lots of gravy!" Harold, another pundit, says. "The Federalists will have 3289 seats, the LLC group will have 823, the RWB will have 772, the Greens will have 132, and then the remaining parties will hold 120. The Federalists have taken a landslide victory in the Senate, and a lot of this can be attributed to Roy Davis. The Labour-Liberals just weren't able to catch--"

Harold is interrupted as a map appears on the screen showing all of the previously called states plus all the rest (which unanimously go to the Federalists) on a map. The camera then cuts to Roy Davis's campaign HQ in Richmond, Virginia, where he spent his last days campaigning.

"The networks have called this election!" he said from where he stood behind a podium. "We have won this election in a landslide. We have, together, taken 79% of the popular vote. We have taken more than 64% of the Senate. We have shown Meretica and the world what we can do! My fellow Mereticans, you have spoken, and what you have said is clear: we now have a victory for the people! I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify. I just received a very gracious call from Gov. Nightshade. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for Meretica that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Sen. Carson for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead. Presidents Nightshade and Brampton have also called us to congratulate this campaign on our victory. The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but Meretica— I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there. Thank you. God Bless Meretica. And God Bless our Political Union! Meretica Today, Meretica Tomorrow, and Meretica Forever!"