2016: What WILL happen

[dudeabides]

August 6, 2015 - 10 leading GOP candidates debate


"I'm running for President of the United States because I think Americans deserve a proven leader and an optimistic vision for the future. In Florida, I fought to cut taxes, increase our state's reserves, reduce the size of government, and we added 1.3 million net new jobs, more than any other state except California during my eight years. Washington D.C. does not represent America - Americans are hard working and dynamic, and I know they deserve better than what's come out of Washington under this President. As President, my goal will be 4% economic growth. I know we can get there if we change how we tax, how we regulate, embrace the energy revolution, reform our immigration system, and set higher standards for our schools. I know that the coming decades will be the greatest time to be alive, and I want to lead us towards greatness. I want our economy to thrive, I want our world to be safer, and I want our country to have a more hopeful future. It just takes strong leadership and a willingness to create change to get us there" - Jeb Bush

"My name is Scott Walker, and I am ready to change Washington. In Wisconsin, I took on the powerful special interests and won. I'll be nobody's President but yours. I know we can fix the mess in Washington through smart, conservative leadership. This is a moment of great anxiety for many Americans. The federal government has become too big, burdensome, and too expensive. It's time for someone who can go to work on day one and break through the gridlock and rein in the size and scope of the federal government. Every step of my career, the pundits said I couldn't achieve any success, and working with people, I proved them wrong. I will go to Washington to repeal President Obama's failed health care law, cut federal spending, and return power back to states and to the American people. My tax cut plan will reduce income taxes by 30% and cut our corporate tax rate from 35% to 25% so we can be more competitive in a global economy. If your ready to shake things up in Washington, I'm asking for your support" - Scott Walker

"There are a lot of candidates for President standing on this stage, and I applaud everyone of them for running for President. But, we Republicans are not going to win running on the same ideas. That's why I've dedicated my time in the U.S. Senate to reaching out and building coalitions so we can win and govern. Our party should continue to stand for fiscal responsibility, and we must owe up to our past mistakes on federal spending. I'll fight to cut federal spending and move away from our current tax code to a flat tax. Our party must also be a staunch defender of state's rights and to stop the federal government from violating our civil liberties in the name of our security. I support a strong national defense and a well-equipped military, but it's time we stop nation building overseas when we need to grow our economy here at home. Finally, I embrace criminal justice reform because too many people are crowding our prisons for minor crimes, it's time for that to end. I'm running on my principles as a liberty loving conservative, and I hope you'll join me" - Rand Paul

"My parents came to this country because they knew that in America, anything was possible. Like countless immigrants from across the globe, America has always been an example for the world of a place where freedom flourished and where dreams could become reality. Today, our country is in trouble, and the question is, will we continue to be an example for the rest of the world? I got involved in politics because I want to ensure our country's greatness is preserved for our generation and the next. When I look around and see the damage Barack Obama's policies have done, the more I realize we are in need of leadership that is committed to rebuilding the American dream. We have to reverse President Obama's economic policies and re-establish our standing as a leader in this world. I am convinced that it's going to take a new generation of leaders to get things done, and I intend to lead a new generation of leaders to rebuild our military and do those things necessary to help us flourish in the coming decades" - Marco Rubio

"A lot of people across America have asked me why I'm running for President, and what qualifies me to be President since I've never held elected office. Well, look at the mess in Washington. That's the creation of the career politicians, it's going to take a public servant to undo the damage they've created. The only way to reform our medical system and repeal Obamacare, move towards a flat tax, and to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy is through electing someone who can bring people together and end the game of partisan politics. The challenges our country faces are enormous, and we are in need of someone who believes in the rights of individuals before the state, and we need someone who doesn't have a political agenda other than improving the quality of life for all of our people. I have spent my entire life protecting human life, and I will continue to be a defender of life and a healer as President of the United States" - Ben Carson

"The politicians have created such a mess that none of them are able to clean it up. They talk politically correct and tell you to believe in them, but we've been compliant in their policy failures for far too long. I'm a businessman, I don't just talk about things, I do them. I've been extraordinary successful, far more so than most, and certainly far more so than anyone running for President. Stupid people are leading this country and I'm here saying enough is enough. Stop letting Mexico and China rip us off, stop allowing illegals into the country, stop allowing China to rip off our intellectual property. Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio would love nothing more than to give amnesty to illegal aliens, and many up here want to continue to allow China to rip us off, enough is enough. I know how to make America great again, and that's why I'm in this race" - Donald Trump

"In New Jersey, blue New Jersey, I led on reforming our state pension system, cutting taxes on businesses, resisting higher taxes, and in opposing President Obama's agenda on education. If I can lead in New Jersey, I can lead our country. Look, we have an enormous national debt - and I'm the only candidate in this race who has been bold and specific on fixing medicare and social security so we can reduce the national debt. My solution might not be the most popular politically, but it's the most practical to sustain the program for current and future retirees while enabling us to reduce our national debt. The fact of the matter is, Americans deserve a President who will tell them the truth. The truth is, our nation's debt isn't going to be eliminated overnight, but we need to take steps to substantially reduce it so we can eliminate it over time. Unfortunately, my friend Governor Bush has not proposed one cut or cost savings that would reduce our national debt the way I have on social security and medicare. That's not leadership, our party deserves better, and Americans deserve an honest, bold leader in 2016" - Chris Christie

"There is only one candidate standing here tonight who has defeated the Clinton machine in the past. In Arkansas, I not only beat the Clintons, I defeated their allies multiple times. It's going to take hard work and determination for our party to succeed in 2016, and I'm confident I can win. I can win because I have lived the American dream and will pursue those policies to help others do the same. I'll throw out our current tax code and replace it with the Fair Tax to help grow our economy and end the oppressive income tax that plaques working American families. I'll repeal this President's failed health care law and replace it with a plan that allows people to have portable health insurance that is affordable. I'll be the President who rebuilds our alliances with our allies, and who will rebuild our military to protect us in an uncertain world. Friends, we must first defeat Hillary Clinton, and then govern on behalf of all Americans. I have done both before, and I look forward to doing both again" - Mike Huckabee

"The Republican Party has on numerous occasions tried nominating candidates for President who are more moderate than the base of our party because we felt that was necessary to win. As a result, Barack Obama was elected and re-elected President. Now, Hillary Clinton is running for President Obama's third term. Do we want her to win? If we move left on immigration, education, or even Obamacare, we will lose in 2016. I'm running for President because I'm a conservative who believes in free markets, individual liberty, and a strong military. I have been unapologetic in my conservative principles in Texas and in the U.S. Senate. I came to the senate to repeal Obamacare and I fought hard to do so, only to be criticized by the establishment that had won on the same platform, yet failed to act. My friends, my crusade against Obamacare was not, and is not, a political stunt, it is what's right. I'm asking for your help, join me and together, we will repeal this President's health care law and implement our conservative agenda to advance free markets, individual liberty, and a strong America" - Ted Cruz

"While Washington talked, I delivered tax cuts and a pro-growth economy in the state of Texas. I have more executive governing experience than anyone running for President, I led a state that borders another country and has this nation's strongest economy. If you want a thoughtful conservative leader, I'm your candidate. Be it moving towards a flat tax, terms limits for members of congress, or rebuilding our alliances with countries like Israel, I'm your candidate. I am not just someone who has sat in committee rooms in Washington, I'm someone who has led in Texas. After eight years of a President who had no experience, don't you think it's time for someone who has set an agenda and gotten things done? I do, and if you agree, I'm asking for your support" - Rick Perry

[dudeabides]

August 9, 2015 - Poll: Following first debate, Bush surges, Christie improves as Trump falls, Clinton remains Democratic front-runner

GOP nomination
Jeb Bush 22%
Scott Walker 14%
Donald Trump 10%
Ben Carson 9%
Marco Rubio 8%
John Kasich 8%
Chris Christie 7%
Rand Paul 7%
Rick Perry 6%
Ted Cruz 3%
Rick Santorum 2%
Lindsey Graham 1%
Carly Fiorina 1%
George Pataki 1%
Other 1%

Democratic Nomination
Hillary Clinton 50%
Bernie Sanders 38%
Martin O'Malley 8%
Jim Webb 2%
Lincoln Chaffee 1%
Other 1%

August 20, 2015 - Biden: I won't run for President

WASHINGTON, DC - Vice President Joe Biden, who sought the Democratic Presidential Nomination in 1988 and 2008, announced he would not seek the presidency a third time. Biden did not declare who he'd support for President.

September 2, 2015 - Jeb Bush lays out economic policy in New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH - Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush unveiled his economic plan, which he said would be a focus point of his presidency, during an address to New Hampshire voters. Bush's plan called for a comprehensive review of all Obama-era regulations, increasing free trade with latin America, allowing for more energy exploration, tort reform, and a tax cut plan, paid for by eliminating most tax loopholes and deductions. Bush called for a 35% reduction on income, capital gains, and corporate taxes as well as doubling the earned income tax credit and eliminating the alternative minimum tax, as well as taxes on savings below $1 million.

September 5, 2015 - Rudy Giuliani backs Jeb Bush for President

MANCHESTER, NH - Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani endorsed Jeb Bush for the Republican Presidential Nomination. "Jeb Bush has the ability to win and the experience to lead, he has my support for President of the United States" Giuliani said.

September 7, 2015 - Sanders: I can win

DOVER, NH - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bernie Sanders told reporters in New Hampshire that he could win the white house in 2016. "I hear the whispers about how my supporters like it that I speak my mind, but that I can't win. I'm running for President to protect the interests of the most vulnerable in our society and working families, my message transcends party lines. Inequality, outsourced jobs, low wages, and poverty affects all people, and my message is to restore economic fairness to our society, that's a winning message" Sanders stated.

[dudeabides]

Did you write all those debate quotes yourself or take them from real speeches? If you did it yourself, well done you really captured their voices.

I took what I remember hearing in their speeches and added in what I think they'll say. Thank you!

[dudeabides]

Did you write all those debate quotes yourself or take them from real speeches? If you did it yourself, well done you really captured their voices.

I took what I remember hearing in their speeches and added in what I think they'll say. Thank you!

You did a superb job man, keep it up!

Thank you!

October 5, 2015 - Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate


"I decided to run for President in 2016 because I have the experience to lead, and the ability to bring change to Washington. For the last eight years, President Obama has done his best to restore economic growth, and I'm proud to have stood with him in restoring America's standing in the world. Now, at this time, we must choose where we go from here. Republicans in congress want to reduce taxes for the few, cut programs that benefit working families, and they want to stop immigrants from coming here to realize the American dream. If the Republicans win the white house, America loses. I believe we need a President who will raise the minimum wage, protect our workers, pass comprehensive immigration reform, expand health care access to the poorest kids in America, and ask the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes. I'm ready to lead our country, but I need your help to fight for working Americans" - Hillary Clinton

"Secretary Clinton and Governor Bush are running for President this year to continue two dynasties which have lasted for decades. I'm running for President to raise our minimum wage, stand up for marriage equality, combat crime and drugs in our urban centers and small towns, to fight for gun control, and to stand up to protect our environment and invest in education again. In Maryland, I stood up for progressive values. I fought for marriage equality, investments in education, and tax cuts for working families, and I don't just talk about asking the wealthy to pay their fair share, I actually got it done in Maryland. I don't agree with the idea that we Democrats are going to win if we move to the political center, we will win by standing up to the special interests and fighting for what we believe is right for America" - Martin O'Malley

"For far too long, money and greed has made it impossible for working people to get ahead. Wall Street bankers are the ones who are truly in control of our government. Banks are too big to fail because congress, funded by these very banks, refuses to regulate them. The growing gap between rich and poor in our society is of great concern to me, and that's why I'm running for President. I don't apologize for my belief that we have to break up the big banks, raise our minimum wage, and invest in education and health care for our people. In fact, I want universal health care in this country, that's what Harry Truman was for 65 years ago, it's what I'm for today because in the end, we need to invest in people and stop special interests from controlling our government. I want to change the Democratic Party to fight for the working person again, and I want America to be the land of opportunity and equality again" - Bernie Sanders

"My name is Lincoln Chaffee, and I have the experience and ideas to be President of the United States. When it was popular to support sending our troops into Iraq, Hillary Clinton supported the war and I opposed it. When it was popular to oppose Obamacare, I supported it. When it was popular to support the Bush tax cuts for the very rich, I opposed those tax cuts. The point is, I have always been an independent voice. I run for President as a Democrat because I believe in the values of our party. I have always been pro-choice, for marriage equality, for President Obama's health care plan, and against the war in Iraq. But, I am also someone who believes in fiscal responsibility, and I think government should live within it's means. In the state of Rhode Island, in the U.S. Senate, and throughout my entire life, I have consistently stood up for what I believed in, and I think I offer fresh ideas for America's future" - Lincoln Chaffee

"Americans deserve a President who has experience and the ability to bring people together to get things done. Throughout my entire life, I have always put the interests of my country before personal ambition. As the nominee of the Democratic Party, I will give our party a new voice and a fresh face. We'll continue to be the party that believes in standing up for the working person. The issue of inequality in our society is very real. We have to invest in education, health care, our infrastructure, and the environment going forward. But we must also do so in a way that is fiscally responsible. When Bill Clinton was President, we saw a time of record economic prosperity because we invested in our people while also living within our means, that is my goal. Additionally, I understand the world we live in, and I know that we must be strong, stand up for our values as a society, and demand accountability in this uncertain world. I believe that my humble beginnings, my service in uniform, and my time in the U.S. Senate prepare me well to be President, and the values I hold will help lead our party to victory in 2016" - Jim Webb

November 2, 2015 - Hillary Clinton, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker announce endorsements

WASHINGTON, DC - The campaigns of Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Scott Walker (R-WI), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) announced endorsements on the presidential campaign trail. Governor Scott Walker announced that Former Wisconsin Governor & Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson and Former U.S. Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire would be supporting his 2016 presidential campaign. Mean while, Senator Marco Rubio announced that he has the support of Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), and. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign announced that Former Secretary of Defense Leon Pannetta and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) would be supporting her presidential campaign.

November 15, 2015 - Bush faces attacks from opponents, refuses to respond

MANCHESTER, NH - The campaigns of Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Donald Trump (R-NY), and Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) have continued to attack Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush over his positions on immigration, education, and in the case of Rand Paul, Bush's position on the NSA. Cruz, Trump, and Jindal have attacked Bush in campaign literature and in Trump's case, television ads as well. The Former Florida Governor responded to the attacks by saying they are to be expected. "I'm running for President to grow our economy and restore our leadership standing in the world, I'm sharing my ideas with voters and of course some are going to attack me, I'll match my record against anyone else's, but this is to be expected" Bush stated.

November 18, 2015 - Poll: Bush, Clinton lead

WASHINGTON, DC - A new poll from Gallup shows Republican Jeb Bush and Democrat Hillary Clinton are the leaders for their party's respective presidential nominations. Nationwide, Bush leads opponents Scott Walker and Marco Rubio 17%-12%-11% respectively. Rand Paul and Mike Huckabee tied in fourth place with 7%. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton leads Bernie Sanders 49%-30%, with no other candidate in double-digits. In a potential general election matchup against Clinton, Jeb Bush fares the best - he trails Clinton 45%-42%, as Scott Walker trails Clinton 47%-40%, and Rubio trails Clinton 46%-42%.

December 1, 2015 - Bush campaign wins endorsements from Ayotte, Huntsman, King

DOVER, NH - Jeb Bush's presidential campaign announced three major endorsements. At a press conference in New Hampshire, Senator Kelly Ayotte announced she supported Bush for the Republican Presidential Nomination. "Governor Bush has the track record and vision to lead our country towards 4% economic growth, which our citizens need and deserve" Ayotte said of Bush. The campaign also announced that Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman and Congressman Peter King of New York were supporting Bush for President.

[dudeabides]

I like what I'm seeing so far, good job. That being said, I quite strongly doubt Huntsman would endorse that early, if at all in the primaries. He's been really tacking away from the Republican Party lately.

Good feedback, thank you!

February 1, 2016 - Iowa Caucus: Bush pulls upset victory as Clinton wins decisive victory, Jindal ends campaign

DES MOINES, IA - In an upset, Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush won Iowa's GOP presidential caucus by 45 votes. Bush and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker each won 20% of the vote, followed by 2008 caucus winner Mike Huckabee and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul who won 15% each respectively. Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana ended his campaign after placing 12th in Iowa's caucus. On the Democratic side, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton easily won Iowa's Democratic Caucus, garnering 60% of the vote.

February 6, 2016 - GOP candidates debate in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, NH - Ahead of New Hampshire's presidential primary, the GOP presidential candidates participated in a debate. Following a victory in Iowa, Former Governor Jeb Bush told voters his message of economic growth and American leadership in the world would enable the Republicans to win the general election. Candidates Scott Walker, Ted Cruz, Rick Santorum, and Donald Trump all took turns attacking Bush as "moderate" and soft on illegal immigration. Candidates Rand Paul and Chris Christie stated they were "different kind of Republicans." In Christie's case, he argued he was "not afraid to be an independent thinker" as Paul touted his different approach to foreign policy. Ohio Governor John Kasich said that he was the "only conservative who could win."

February 9, 2016 - New Hampshire Primary: Bush wins, Christie and Pataki withdrawal, Sanders defeats Clinton

MANCHESTER, NH - Former Governor Jeb Bush defeated U.S. Senator Rand Paul in New Hampshire's GOP presidential primary, 27%-24%. Governor of Ohio John Kasich finished third with 12%. After a disappointing fourth place finish, Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie ended his presidential campaign. Similarly, Former Governor of New York George Pataki ended his campaign and voiced support for Governor Bush after placing 7th. On the Democratic side, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont defeated Hillary Clinton 45%-44% to win New Hampshire's primary.

February 20, 2016 - South Carolina Primary: Bush, Clinton secure victories as Graham ends presidential bid

CHARLESTON, SC - Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush won South Carolina's Republican Presidential Primary, defeating Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham 28%-22%-19% respectively. After failing to win his home state's presidential primary, Graham announced he would end his campaign and support Governor Bush. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton won South Carolina's Democratic primary, defeating Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley 48%-30%.

February 23, 2016 - Nevada Caucus: Clinton, Paul secure victories as Webb, Kasich end presidential bids

LAS VEGAS, NV - Republican Presidential Candidate Rand Paul defeated front-runner Jeb Bush to win Nevada's Republican caucus. Paul defeated Bush 30%-24%, with Marco Rubio in third with 19%. Ohio Governor John Kasich ended his campaign. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton defeated Bernie Sanders 49%-40% as Jim Webb ended his presidential campaign.

[dudeabides]

February 24, 2016 - Chafee ends presidential bid

PROVIDENCE, RI - Former Governor of Rhode Island Lincoln Chafee ended his 2016 presidential campaign, citing a lack of fundraising and his failure to compete in early presidential contests.

February 27, 2016 - Poll: Bush leads GOP field as Sanders closes gap with Clinton

WASHINGTON, DC - Just days before Super Tuesday presidential contests, CNN conducted a poll showing Jeb Bush leading the GOP presidential field, garnering 30% of the vote well ahead of Scott Walker's 18% and Rand Paul's 9%. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton is now just 8 points ahead of Bernie Sanders, 45%-37%.

February 29, 2016 - Ahead of Super Tuesday, Walker goes negative

DENVER, CO - Ahead of Super Tuesday, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's campaign began going negative against front-runner Jeb Bush. Specifically, the Walker campaign highlighted Bush's support for a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants, Bush's refusal to sign a no new tax pledge, and Bush's support for his brother's medicare prescription drug proposal. "Governor Bush, as the Republican nominee, would stand with Democrats on illegal immigration, taxes, and entitlements, how's that offering Americans a real choice" Walker asked a Denver audience.

March 1, 2016 - Clinton dominates, Sanders does better than expected, GOP more divided as Cruz, Santorum call it quits

AUSTIN, TX - Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won 9 presidential contests as opponent Bernie Sanders only won two. Clinton won primaries in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia as Sanders won his home state of Vermont and Minnesota. Of the eleven GOP contests held, Jeb Bush won 6. Bush secured victories in Alabama, Georgia, Maine, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Virginia. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee secured victories in his home state of Arkansas and in neighboring Tennessee. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul won Colorado's GOP caucus as Governor of Wisconsin Scott Walker won Minnesota's GOP caucus. Former Governor of Texas Rick Perry defeated U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas 30%-28% in their home state. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum and Cruz both ended their presidential bids.

March 2, 2016 - Webb withdrawals after losing home state

RICHMOND, VA - Former U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) ended his presidential campaign after finishing second in his home state of Virginia. Hillary Clinton defeated Webb in Virginia by over 5,000 votes.

March 3, 2016 - Carson calls it quits

BALTIMORE, MD - Dr. Ben Carson, GOP presidential hopeful, announced the end of his 2016 presidential campaign, citing a poor showing on Super Tuesday.

March 5, 2016 - Senator Marco Rubio endorses Jeb Bush for President

LANSING, MI - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, Former GOP Presidential Candidate, endorsed former rival and long time friend Jeb Bush for President. "Governor Bush is a forward looking leader who can bridge the partisan divide and make government work for people again. He's my friend, he's a reformer, and he will be a great President" Rubio said of Bush.

March 7, 2016 - Romney backs Bush ahead of Michigan, other primaries

DETRIOT, MI - 2012 Republican Presidential Nominee and Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA), whose father was Governor of Michigan in the 1960s, endorsed Jeb Bush's presidential campaign. "Governor Bush is the strongest candidate to beat Hillary Clinton and grow our economy again" Romney said of Bush at a Detriot press conference.

[dudeabides]

Thank you all for your feedback, it is much appreciated

March 8, 2016 - Bush, Clinton, Huckabee, Sanders secure victories, Fiorina ends presidential bid

LANSING, MI - Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton each established themselves as their party's presidential front-runners. On the GOP side, Jeb Bush secured victories in Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, and Hawaii. Opponent Mike Huckabee won Mississippi's GOP presidential primary, narrowly defeating Bush 35%-33%. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton won presidential primaries in Idaho, Michigan, and North Carolina as opponent Bernie Sanders won Hawaii. Businesswoman Carly Fiorina ended her bid for the Republican Presidential Nomination.

March 10, 2016 - Trump calls it quits, refuses to rule out third party run

NEW YORK, NY - Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump ended his 2016 presidential bid and said that he would consider either running third party or for Governor of New York.

March 13, 2016 - Bush, Clinton claim victories in U.S. territories

WASHINGTON, DC - Republican Jeb Bush and Democrat Hillary Clinton each secured victories in primaries in Guam, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

March 15, 2016 - GOP candidates debate in Florida ahead of primary


"All across this country I hear people who are optimistic about the future. I want to lead our country into the greatest time to be alive. Here, in this big and diverse state that reflects our country so well, we went to work. We reformed government, reduced taxes, restrained spending, and changed our education system. I have cross-crossed this country and have shared with Americans my heart, my desire to change Washington, and a vision to build a brighter future. Working together, we'll reverse this President's regulations that have hurt economic growth, reform our tax code and reduce tax rates, balance the federal budget, reform our broken immigration system, embrace the energy revolution, and give more power back to states. I am confident we will win this election with a hopeful and optimistic vision for the future" - Jeb Bush

"Governor Bush has told you that the path to victory is through the kind of immigration reform that Americans rejected in 2006 and 2013. He is telling us the path to victory is to embrace federal educational standards. Governor Bush even was critical of those who opposed Obamacare, and he's barely even mentioned Obamacare during the course of this campaign. It's time for fresh new, bold leadership. The special interests in Washington have had their chance to create change, and they have failed. As President, I will block-grant 20% of our federal budget, eliminate the Department of Education at the federal level, secure our border, and reduce our corporate tax rate from 35% to 18% so we can compete in a global economy" - Scott Walker

"The last eight years have been extremely challenging for Americans. The EPA, the IRS, and even some judges have not followed our laws and they have not helped us restore growth to our economy. Obamacare has made it nearly impossible for businesses to grow and expand. This administration has had an inconsistent foreign policy, and they have declared a war on Christianity here at home. I come from a very different place. I didn't grow up rich, and I don't have millions of dollars to spend on a presidential campaign. What I do have is the concern for our country, and I hope I'll help come up with solutions to our challenges. I want to be the President who repeals Obamacare, ends the IRS, and protects religious liberty and economic security for all Americans" - Mike Huckabee

"What brings me to this presidential race is that I am different from the other candidates. I believe in investing in our military and protecting our homeland, but I don't believe in being the policemen of the world. I refuse to sit by and continue to watch the Federal Reserve devalue our currency. I'll fight for a flat tax and criminal justice reform to help grow our economy and stop over populating our prisons. Generic Republicans lost the last two election cycles, and the party must expand it's base. Telling folks that we will pander to them on issues like immigration won't help us win, we have to be willing to listen and speak with everyone. I have gone to places none of my opponents will go to, I've spoken to people none of them have heard from, and I have what it takes to win in the fall of November 2016" - Rand Paul

March 15, 2016 - Bush dominates, Clinton and Sanders secure victories, Walker ends presidential bid

MIAMI BEACH, FL - Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush dominated Florida's Republican Primary, garnering 62% of the vote in the state he served as Governor in. Bush also secured primary victories in Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio. Governor of Wisconsin Scott Walker, who placed second in Florida, Illinois, and Ohio and third in Missouri, ended his presidential campaign. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton defeated Bernie Sanders in Missouri, Ohio, and Florida as the Vermont Senator won a narrow victory in Illinois.

March 18, 2016 - McCain endorses Bush ahead of Arizona, Utah Primaries

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Senator John McCain of Arizona, the 2008 Republican Presidential Nominee, endorsed Jeb Bush for the Republican Presidential Nomination. "Governor Bush can unify the country behind an optimistic agenda, and he has my enthusiastic support" McCain said of Bush.

March 19, 2016 - Santorum endorses Huckabee

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - Former Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum endorsed Mike Huckabee's 2016 presidential campaign. "Mike Huckabee has been a champion of the pro-life position, or traditional values, and for ordinary Americans his entire career" Santorum said of Huckabee.

[dudeabides]

Since it's you writing this, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Bush wins the nomination and the general?

You'll see. Keep in mind that no matter who wins in 2016, that doesn't mean the same party will win in 2020, 2024, or 2028.

I'm trying to be as realistic as possible here.

[dudeabides]

March 22, 2016 - Bush wins Utah, Arizona, Paul withdrawals, Clinton beats Sanders

PHOENIX, AZ - Republican Presidential Hopeful Jeb Bush defeated opponents Mike Huckabee and Rand Paul in Arizona's GOP presidential primary and Utah's GOP presidential caucuses, as Hillary Clinton defeated Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) declared he would end his presidential campaign and support the eventual GOP presidential nominee.

March 27, 2016 - Hours after ending his own campaign, Walker endorses Bush ahead of Wisconsin Primary

MILWAULKEE, WI - Governor of Wisconsin Scott Walker, former GOP presidential candidate, endorsed Jeb Bush for President. "Governor Bush will go to Washington and change the status-quo for the better" Walker said of Bush. Walker's endorsement came just hours after he ended his own presidential campaign, citing poor second place showings in Arizona and Utah.

March 29, 2016 - Baldwin endorses Clinton for President ahead of Wisconsin Democratic Primary

MADISON, WI - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin endorsed Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic Presidential nomination. "Hillary Clinton will be a champion of middle class families, seniors, veterans, and students across America" Baldwin said of Clinton.

April 5, 2016 - Wisconsin Primary: Bush, Sanders secure victories

GREENBAY, WI - Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush defeated Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee 62%-37% to win Wisconsin's Republican Presidential Primary as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders defeated Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 50%-49% to win Wisconsin's Democratic Presidential primary.

April 8, 2016 - Mike Huckabee concedes defeat, pledges to support Jeb Bush

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee announced he was ending his presidential campaign and would support Jeb Bush as the Republican Presidential Nominee. Huckabee made the announcement following an internal poll showing Bush ahead in all but one remaining primary states by double-digits. "Today, I announce the end of my campaign for President. I fought for the conservative values I believed in, and I will continue to fight for the things I care so deeply about. But, now is a time when our party must unite behind Jeb Bush, as he takes our message of limited government and strong families to the voters of America" Huckabee said.

Jeb Bush secures victory as Republican Presidential Nominee

"I want to thank Governor Huckabee and the other candidates for their tremendous contribution to our party and our country. Now is the moment for Republicans to join me in fighting to help every American rise up and achieve earned success. We will bring our message to independents and Democrats, and we'll go where Republicans have not gone in a very long time. We'll fight for every vote, and we will win this election. Our message is clear. We believe that if we reverse the onerous regulations of this era, if we reduce tax rates and close special interest loopholes, if we fix our immigration system, if we embrace the energy revolution that is ours, and if we restore fiscal sanity to Washington, we can achieve 4% economic growth, 19 million new jobs in 8 years, and rising incomes. We know that working together and putting aside our differences, we can grow our economy and restore our leadership position in the world. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have a very different vision. They believe in big government, that Washington should have greater control over our lives, and they believe that 2% growth is the new normal. I refuse to accept the status-quo because this dynamic nation can do anything it sets it's mind to, and I know that we will move our country in a direction where we will restore hope and opportunity for all Americans" - Jeb Bush, Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee

[dudeabides]

April 15, 2016 - Boehner, McConell officially back Jeb Bush as Republican Presidential Nominee

WASHINGTON, DC - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConell (R-KY) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) endorsed Jeb Bush as the Republican nominee for President in the 2016 election. "Governor Bush is the candidate who will promote a hopeful and optimistic agenda for our future, and I look forward to helping him win" McConell said. "Republicans in Congress are committed to working with Jeb Bush as President of the United States to reverse the failed policies of the last eight years and to implementing new, pro-growth, pro-family policies" Boehner added.

April 19, 2016 - Hillary Clinton wins New York

ALBANY, NY - As expected, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won her adopted state of New York in the Democratic Presidential Primary. She defeated opponent Bernie Sanders 67%-32%.

April 24, 2016 - Facing "nearly impossible math", Bernie Sanders ends presidential bid

BURLINGTON, VT - Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) ended his campaign for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, conceding it would be "mathematically almost impossible" for him to win his party's presidential nomination. Hillary Clinton is just 90 delegates shy of clinching the nomination, and Sander's is nearly 450 delegates behind. "Tonight, I announce the end of my presidential campaign. Together, we took a grassroots campaign and finished second" Sanders told his supporters.

April 25, 2016 - Hillary Clinton becomes presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee, launches general election campaign in Ohio

"This campaign, this election, this moment in history affords us an opportunity to fight to end inequality, injustice, and income disparities in our society. Under President Obama's leadership, our economy has created over 11 million new jobs. The number of Americans without health care is at it's lowest in a generation. The deficit has been reduced by more than half. Education test scores continue to rise. Yet, we still face enormous challenges. Income inequality remains at historic highs, wages continue to stagnate, and the world continues to remain uncertain. Governor Bush is telling Americans that trickle-down economics will help solve our economic challenges, he believes diplomacy has no place in foreign policy. In this campaign, we'll argue for an inclusive economic policy that protects workers and helps small businesses. We'll talk about ending income inequality combating poverty, and expanding health care to all of our people. This campaign is about helping those who have been left behind" - Hillary Clinton, Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee

April 26, 2016 - Obama backs Clinton

WASHINGTON, DC - President Barack Obama endorsed Hillary Clinton as the 2016 Democratic Presidential Nominee. "Over the last eight years, we have restored growth to an economy in recession, made our world safer, and expanded health care access to millions of Americans. Now, it's time for us to make a choice. Do we build on the progress of the last eight years, or do we go back to the same old failed policies of the past? Hillary Clinton is the candidate of the future, and she will help us continue to grow, prosper, and be secure" the President stated.

May 1, 2016 - Laura Bush campaigns with Jeb Bush in Virginia, George W. Bush not present

RICHMOND, VA - Former First Lady Laura Bush made her first public appearance for her brother-in-law, Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Jeb Bush, at a rally of roughly 2,000 supporters, in Richmond, Virginia. "Jeb Bush is a man of deep conviction, he has the experience to lead our country" the Former First Lady said of her brother-in-law. Former President George W. Bush was not at the event.

May 7, 2016 - Romney to lead Bush Vice Presidential Search Committee, media speculates potential Vice Presidential Hopefuls in both parties

MIAMI BEACH, FL - Jeb Bush's presidential campaign announced that Mitt Romney, Former Governor of Massachusetts and 2016 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee, would lead Jeb Bush's Vice Presidential search committee. Media outlets began speculating as to who Jeb Bush, and Democrat Hillary Clinton, would choose as their running-mates. Potential running-mates for Jeb Bush include Former Secretary of State Condi Rice, Governor of New Mexico Susanna Martinez, Governor of Nevada Brian Sandoval, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, U.S. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, Former Republican Presidential Hopeful and Governor of Ohio John Kasich, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, and Senator John Thune of South Dakota. Potential running-mates for Hillary Clinton include U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick, Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo, Former U.S. Senator and Presidential Hopeful Jim Webb of Virginia, and National Security Adviser Susan Rice.

[dudeabides]

This is a great timeline! Will Mitt pull a Cheney and choose himself to be Bush's running mate?

haha, that would be funny!

Great TL, dude! I hope Bush wins the general.

Thank you, much appreciated!

May 23, 2016 - Poll: Clinton leads Bush narrowly

WASHINGTON D.C. - A poll by Fox News shows Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton leading opponent Republican Jeb Bush 47%-45% nationwide. Bush and Clinton are tied in the swing states of Virginia, Colorado, and Iowa as well. Bush leads Clinton 49%-42% in Florida, as Clinton leads Bush 45%-42% in Ohio and 47%-43% in Pennsylvania.

June 5, 2016 - Former President George W. Bush talks about 2016 campaign in public for the first time

HOUSTON, TX - In an interview on Fox News Channel, Former President George W. Bush spoke openly about his brother Jeb's presidential run. "Jeb has the experience to be President, I think he understands the job well, and I think he's prepared for the job, he'll make a great President" the Former President said of his brother. Bush refused to say anything negative about President Barack Obama or Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton.

June 27, 2016 - Sanders: "I accomplished what I wanted to", endorses Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON, DC - Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders told CNN that he accomplished what he wanted to by running for President. "We wanted to have a message about reducing and ultimately ending income inequality, breaking the special interest hold on our politics, and really making government work for working people, and I think Hillary Clinton is a stronger candidate because we ran, I accomplished what I wanted and now it's my duty to support her for President" Sanders stated.

July 15, 2016 - Clinton taps Baldwin as running-mate

CLEVELAND, OH - Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton selected U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin as her running-mate in the 2016 election. Baldwin, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013 following five terms in congress, is the first openly homosexual individual on a major party's presidential ticket. The Clinton-Baldwin ticket is also the first all-female presidential ticket of a major political party. In selecting Baldwin, analysts say Clinton is trying to appeal to the Democratic Party base given Baldwin's liberal record, as well as to mid-western voters. However, some argue that Baldwin's liberal record could alienate independent voters.

August 1, 2016 - Bush chooses Ayotte for Vice President

MANCHESTER, NH - Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush announced that U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire would be his running-mate in the 2016 election. Ayotte, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2011 following five years as New Hampshire's Attorney General, is generally considered conservative, though not too far right. Pundits said that in choosing Ayotte, Bush is seeking to appeal to conservative voters without alienating the political center. Others argue that Ayotte, who has spent much of her career in government, hurts Bush's claims that his election would "change Washington."

[dudeabides]

I like Bush's chances here. I don't find Clinton or Baldwin to be particularly inspiring, and Bush is able to at least somewhat counter the all female ticket with Ayotte, who has more experience than Baldwin, in my opinion. Bush/Ayotte would do very well with the male vote, I think.

I suspect we could see this scenario in a year from now....

Hillary pandering to two groups at once with Baldwin. Nice! It would have been such a better strategic move for Jeb to pick Kasich, though.

Bush won't pick someone who has spent the majority of their career in politics.

Jeb will have to have a Tea Party running mate. Looks like Hilldawg will win. I'd still rather have Jeb but Hillary will win in a rl scenario like this.

I'm trying to base it off what I believe will happen.

[dudeabides]

August 4-7, 2016: GOP National Convention

Keynote Address: Senator Marco Rubio, Former GOP Presidential Candidate

"I have known Jeb Bush for years. He's a friend of mine. I've campaigned with him, for him, and yes, I ran against him. But I know the character of the man, I know his values, and I know his goals for our country. You see, Jeb Bush understands what Hillary Clinton doesn't. The American people want the opportunity to work, provide for their family, and reach the American dream. Too often, under Barack Obama, that dream has been increasingly harder to achieve. This campaign is about reclaiming the dream. In the last eight years, we've set records for poverty, income inequality, underemployment, and debt. In the next eight years, my hope is we can set records for job growth and in higher wages. Jeb Bush will implement the kinds of policies we need to help get us there" - Marco Rubio


Speech by Jeb Bush accepting the GOP Presidential Nomination

"Tonight, I call on all Americans, regardless of religious affiliation, race, gender, or political party to come together. The last eight years have been a display of the worst in our politics, my goal is to lead us to a time where we act on what is best in all of us. It's time to restore hope and optimism. It's time to help all Americans rise up. I'm proud to have created a successful business that employed hundreds of people. I'm proud to have fought for policies to help strengthen job growth and reform government in the State of Florida. Now, I'm ready to lead our country. My goal is to implement policies to help us achieve 4% GDP growth, which would create 19 million new jobs and lead us towards a balanced federal budget. So, how do we get there? We reduce tax rates on all Americans and end special interest loopholes that cost taxpayers billions to subsidize. We reform our broken immigration system and encourage the best and brightest from across the globe to make America home. We reverse the regulatory state created by this administration. We embrace the energy revolution that is ours. We reform entitlements and pass a constitutional balanced budget amendment to restore fiscal sanity in Washington so people want to invest in America again, and so we can afford to have R&D tax credits again. We raise standards, primarily at the state level, in education while increasing school choice to better train the next generation. Creating jobs and a vibrant, diverse economy is the calling of this moment, and I want to lead us to a time that is the greatest to be alive" - Jeb Bush

Speech by Kelly Ayotte accepting Republican Vice Presidential Nomination

"Our campaign is about restoring the American dream and restoring hope to America. As we gather here in the comfort of this hall, there are millions of Americans who are uncertain about the future. In the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression, a record number of our fellow citizens live in poverty, are underemployed, or who require public assistance. After eight years of economic policies that have increased debt, but not jobs, and after eight years of finger pointing with no action, Jeb Bush and I offer Americans a stark contrast with our opponents. Our opponents have spent their entire careers in Washington D.C. Hillary Clinton has opposed tax relief for all Americans, supported over $2 trillion in new federal spending, she supported a $1.2 trillion cap and trade tax hike, she has voted for record national debt, and she has voted against reforming medicare and social security. She has even voted to increase taxes 78 times, totaling $1.5 trllion in new taxes. In the 1990s, Hillary Clinton was a leader in the fight for single payer, European-style health insurance. Time after time, year after year, Hillary Clinton has put special interests ahead of the needs of working families. For eight years, Americans have seen what happens when you put politics first and people second. Jeb Bush and I want to lead us in a very different direction. We believe that working together, we can once again create jobs and improve the lives of working families. We also believe that our next President must protect our country's national security interest, we can't continue to lead from behind as we have under Barack Obama" - Kelly Ayotte

[dudeabides]

August 15-18, 2016 - Democratic National Convention

Keynote Address: Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas

"In the last eight years, thanks to the efforts of President Obama and the hard work of the American people, our economy has been restored, and America is now better respected across the globe. 11 million jobs have been created, and those who invest in the stock market have not been disappointed. Our country is safer because this President has put national security ahead of partisan politics. Now, Americans have a choice. We can either use this moment of restored economic prosperity and security to close the gap between rich and poor, improve access to health care, combat global warming, or we can do what our opponents want. Austerity and tax cuts for the wealthy. A recipe for disaster. To me, the choice is clear, the choice is Hillary Clinton and Tammy Baldwin" - Joaquin Castro

Speech by Hillary Clinton accepting Democratic Presidential Nomination

"All of us here tonight, and the millions of people watching at home understand that by any reasonable measure, our country is better off today than it was in 2009. But, that doesn't mean we should settle for the status-quo. Today, the gap between rich and poor is the largest it's ever been. Thousands and millions of non-violent offenders sit in our over-crowded prisons. Poverty plaques millions of families, including more than 42 million women. Inner cities have been inflicted with episodes of great injustice. Suburban communities have felt the horrible impact of rising drug use. Rural towns across America have lost good paying jobs to overseas competition. My fellow citizens, I have the experience to lead, and I know you are ready to aim higher for this great nation of ours. Together, we will fight to raise our minimum wage, expand health care access, support energy alternatives, support equal pay for equal work, make college tuition affordable by expanding pell grants and opportunity scholarships, and unlike our opponents, we'll keep taxes where they are on middle and lower income Americans by asking the wealthy to pay their fair share. Together, we will restore economic fairness to America and we will lift people up" - Hillary Clinton

Speech by Tammy Baldwin accepting Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination

"Our cause as a party, our calling as a country, and our obligation is to restore a sense of fairness and opportunity for all, not just a privileged few. This nation was built on the premise that all are created equal. It is our job to live up to the promise of America. Each generation before us has made strides, but has also faced setbacks. This generation is entering an America where the economy has been restored for many, but not all. Hillary Clinton and I thank Barack Obama for a job well done. But change isn't always easy, the President knows this, and we know this. President Obama has presided over a robust economic recovery, it's our job to now use this time to broaden prosperity to people who have been left behind. Additionally, we must continue to make the world a safer, more peaceful place. Our opponents have a very different view. Governor Bush gave enormous tax breaks for the wealthy when he was last in elected office. He used tax dollars from working families to help fund the education of thousands of wealthy people's kids. He took away gun control protections, and opposed same-sex marriage. That is his record, and that explains the kind of President he'd be. Americans deserve better" - Tammy Baldwin

[dudeabides]

I like Bush's chances here. I don't find Clinton or Baldwin to be particularly inspiring, and Bush is able to at least somewhat counter the all female ticket with Ayotte, who has more experience than Baldwin, in my opinion. Bush/Ayotte would do very well with the male vote, I think.

I suspect we could see this scenario in a year from now....

Hillary pandering to two groups at once with Baldwin. Nice! It would have been such a better strategic move for Jeb to pick Kasich, though.

Bush won't pick someone who has spent the majority of their career in politics.

Jeb will have to have a Tea Party running mate. Looks like Hilldawg will win. I'd still rather have Jeb but Hillary will win in a rl scenario like this.

I'm trying to base it off what I believe will happen.

Which is fine. But Jeb will have a hard winning the right wing.

Not in the general election.

[dudeabides]

September 5, 2016 - Poll: Bush, Clinton in tight race

WASHINGTON, DC - A new NBC News / Wall Street Journal poll nationally and in swing states finds that Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton are in a tight presidential race. The poll found Clinton leading Bush 46%-45% nationally. Bush leads Clinton by between 1 and 4 points in Florida, Ohio, and Iowa as Clinton leads Bush by between 1 ans 4 points in Nevada and Virginia. Bush leads Clinton 46%-44% in New Hampshire, his running-mate's home state. However, Clinton leads Bush 48%-44% in New Mexico, a state the Bush campaign is putting some resources into.

September 17, 2016 - Bush uses mother on campaign trail in Ohio

CLEVELAND, OH - Former First Lady Barbra Bush, the mother of Republican Presidential Nominee Jeb Bush, appeared with the Former Florida Governor on the campaign trail in Ohio. "Jeb has the experience, the courage, and the conviction to lead" the wife of Former President George Bush said.

September 28, 2016 - Bill Clinton campaigns for wife in Florida

MIAMI BEACH, FL - Former President Bill Clinton campaigned for his wife, Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton, in opponent Jeb Bush's hometown of Miami Beach, FL. "Hillary will take the progress made in the last eight years and finally try and solve the complex problems of income inequality, inequality in our schools, issues with our criminal justice system, she's serious about working for you" the Former President said.

October 5, 2016 - Bush, Clinton participate in first debate on domestic issues


"The aspiration that I have is that in the next eight years, we should grow at 4% GDP, which would create 19 million new jobs and balance the federal budget. I have put forward a detailed plan to get us there. First, we need to reform our tax structure - my plan would cut taxes on capital gains, business, and individual income by 35% and we'd eliminate loopholes and cap deductions. Secondly, through executive order and working with congress, we would eliminate the hundreds of new rules and regulations created by this administration, many times without the consent of congress. Third, we need to, in an environmentally friendly way, embrace the energy revolution that is ours for the taking. Fourth, I think we need to reform our broken immigration system to encourage the smartest people in the world to contribute to our economy. We also need to support research and development, that's why I support R&D tax credits. If we fix these things, we can create jobs with rising wages for the millions of Americans who are still undermployed nearly half a decade into a so-called recovery" - Jeb Bush

"Eight years ago, President Obama took office during the worst recession since the Great Depression. Since he has taken office, we have seen the creation of 12 million new jobs after we lost 8 million jobs in the last two years or so of the prior administration. Governor Bush keeps talking about how our economy is weak, I think we should celebrate the jobs that have been created and the fact that President Obama has cut the deficit by 65%. But, our work is not done. The truth is, Governor Bush and I agree that wages are stagnating. But, Governor Bush opposes a higher minimum wage, I will raise our minimum wage to $9.50 by the year 2019. Additionally, I have called for investing $20 billion over the next four years in infrastructure improvements and worker re-training programs because as construction workers work temporary jobs, they can also have the option to be a part of a training program so they can find permanent jobs. I believe our economy is growing, but I want it to grow for everyone" - Hillary Clinton

"One of the areas where I have agreed with President Obama actually is on education reform. Race to the top was successful because it incentived states to raise standards in education without penalizing them if they didn't meet requirements. I have consistently said that I oppose having the federal government be involved in standards, but I have been a passionate advocate of school choice, higher standards, and greater accountability. In Florida, I fought for and implemented higher standards, accountability, and the first statewide voucher program in the country. Test scores improved, and I was very proud that achievement amongst black and hispanic students saw their greatest gains in Florida when compared to the rest of the country during my time as Governor. We ended social promotion which helped us improve gains in reading, and we remain a leader in early childhood education to this day. As President, I won't be fighting to have the federal government set standards in education, and I won't penalize states who have a different view than mine. But, there are ways we can incentivize school choice and accountability without having the federal government overstep it's bounds, and I happen to believe that certain provisions of No Child Left Behind have enabled us to do that, though I don't believe that legislation does enough for school choice" - Jeb Bush

"Governor Bush and I clearly have different views on some of the important social issues facing our country. Like over 60% of Americans, I am a strong supporter of gun control. I also don't agree with Governor Bush signing Stand Your Ground into law. I think we should have universal backround checks and the assault weapon ban that expired should be instated again. Governor Bush also is against a woman's right to choose, a right I strongly support and have been an advocate for during the course of my entire adult life. The issue of same-sex marriage might be our biggest difference. Governor Bush opposes federal protections for same-sex couples, he opposes marriage equality, and the judges he appointed in Florida were anything but for marriage equality. I believe that the federal government should legalize marriage equality for all Americans, this is the civil rights issue of our era. The kinds of judges Governor Bush would appoint would tell us that our constitution forbids same-sex marriage, a woman's right to choose, and that the second amendment allows for the possession of assault weapons. He would appoint judges who have an ideological agenda as opposed to ones who would interpret the law and apply the constitution to today, I would appoint judges who are just the opposite" - Hillary Clinton

"Throughout the course of this campaign, Secretary Clinton has attacked my record and has misled the public about who I am and what I stand for. In a presidential campaign, there are going to be differences, but I believe that the differences between candidates should be based on fact, not rhetoric. The fact of the matter is, I have experience in both the private sector and as chief executive of the second largest state in America. Secretary Clinton spent eight years as a legislator, a Washington insider who filed an amendment from time to time and called it success. She then spent four years as our top diplomat, which is an extremely important position, but she hasn't actually led a business, a state, or a government at any level. But what is most disturbing is her attempts to attack me on issues I care deeply about without knowing the facts. I care deeply about improving our economy because I know that if we fix a few big things, this can be, and I believe it will be, the greatest time to be alive. I care deeply about reforming our education system because I have seen first hand what my brother called the soft bigotry of low expectations, and I have seen students without hope succeed because of a better education system in my state. I care deeply about fixing our immigration system because it's personal to me, the love of my life is from Mexico and I love her culture and have adopted it as my own. I also believe that if we fix our immigration system, we can have the best and brightest coming to our country to contribute to our society. I'm proud of my record, I know who I am, and I will always be truthful with the American people" - Jeb Bush

"I do believe that experience plays a huge role in determining who should be the next President of the United States. In the 1970s and 1980s, I was a young attorney fighting for the rights of people who were faced with enormous challenges in their lives. That experienced helped me understand the importance of having a safety net in our society, it also taught me the importance of the dignity that comes with a job. In the U.S. Senate, I was involved with a series of issues, and I'm most proud of my work on education reform, caring for our veterans, and dealing with tough foreign policy issues. As Secretary of State, I had the opportunity to restore America's standing in the world. America is best when we have strong alliances and are able to negotiate as opposed to going to war. Governor Bush has a very different kind of experience. While I commend his work on education reform, he has spent the last eight years in corporate America, where he's benefited from Obamacare while actively opposing the expansion of health care. He has made millions of dollars from off-shore tax shelters. Governor Bush was essentially a lobbyist for much of the 1980s, that was the extent of his private sector experience. No one can call me unqualified for the job of President. It is no secret that Governor Bush and I know about the presidency given that people close to us have served in that capacity. That's why I know that I am better qualified than my opponent to lead us forward" - Hillary Clinton

[dudeabides]

October 12, 2016 - Baldwin, Ayotte participate in Vice Presidential Debate


"Under President Obama, we have seen the highest level of poverty in three generations, the lowest labor participation rate in thirty-five years, small businesses are closing at a faster rate than they are beginning, we have record national debt, and we are less secure in the world because the President believes that the United States should not be a leader in the world. For most Americans, this era of stagnation has been challenging. Jeb Bush and I have embraced a plan to create 4% economic growth. We believe in the American people and believe it's time to restore hope and opportunity. Our plan reduces regulations that hurt job growth, reduces taxes and reforms our entire tax code, embraces alternative sources of energy, repeals and replaces Obamacare with a plan to lower costs and expand access to those who lack insurance, and we will reform our education and immigration systems to make them work again. This is the path to prosperity. Jeb Bush and I, unlike our opponents, are not career politicians. We've been in the real world, and we've gotten important things done in our careers that have improved lives." - Kelly Ayotte

"Hillary Clinton and I believe that the time has come to knock down barriers that have kept too many citizens in this country from reaching their full potential. This is a historic moment for our country. We have an opportunity to use technology to our advantage to combat global warming, we have an opportunity to reform our criminal justice system to give non-violent offenders a second chance because we've seen it work at the state level, and we must work to end income and gender inequality in our country. Governor Bush and Senator Ayotte are cross-crossing the nation trying to sell a package of tax cuts and less spending, that's been the Republican platform in every election for five decades. They don't want to invest in education, health care, or in combating global warming. Senator Ayotte especially has not concerned herself with criminal justice reform. The Republicans offer nothing new. If they win this election, Wall Street and the wealthy will have champions in the white house again, Hillary Clinton and I are fighting for all Americans, especially working families, seniors, students, and single mothers. This election is a choice of priorities, our priority is you, our opponents is their ideological agenda" - Tammy Baldwin

October 23, 2016 - Bush, Clinton debate foreign policy


"My foreign policy vision is that America should be a leader in the world. The United States should not intervene in every situation, we can't be the world's police, but we must always protect our national security interests, stand with our allies, and stand up to our enemies. What concerns me right now is in Washington, foreign policy has become a political football. I simply reject the idea that politicians should play politics with our foreign policy. We live in a dangerous world. We need to have the strongest military, the best human intelligence, and the strongest alliances with our allies possible. That should be the goal of all Americans regardless of political party. Be it stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear capability, supporting key allies such as Israel as they fight terror, condemning decades of oppression in Cuba, increasing trade with Latin America, or any other goal, the next President of the United States must exercise judgement in foreign affairs, I believe that my skill set in business and government best shapes me to strong judgement" - Jeb Bush

"I believe that over the last eight years, we have engaged in tough diplomacy. As Secretary of State, I had to repair relations that had been badly damaged in the years before I took office. We accomplished a lot, and yes we made mistakes, but I'm very proud to have been a staunch defender of human rights and an advocate for alliances to help make the world safer for countries like ours. That is exactly the kind of President I will be, I'd exercise tough diplomacy and I would continue to ensure our military is the strongest it possible can be. Governor Bush and I completely agree with the idea that foreign policy should not be a partisan issue subject to polls or ideology. My concern is that there are some in congress who have made it so. I am prepared to not only conduct a foreign policy consistent with our values, I am also committed to working with congress to make sure we are on the same page as it relates to the mission of U.S. foreign policy. Let me be very clear though. Governor Bush has no foreign policy experience, I was America's top diplomat for four years, that's a key distinction in this election" - Hillary Clinton

October 30, 2016 - In final presidential debate, Bush and Clinton make closing arguments to American voters


"Fellow citizens, this election offers Americans a choice. If you believe the status-quo is working, that weak economic growth is the new normal, that America shouldn't be a leader in this world, and that our destiny is massive amounts of debt, my opponent would be happy to have your support. I come from a very different place. I helped create and expand a business, and I led a state during a time of historic prosperity and reforms in government. I believe that if we fix how we tax, how we regulate, embrace the energy revolution, raise standards and expand parental choice in education, fix our broken immigration system, and support investments in job training and research and development again, our economy can grow at 4%, which would create 19 million new jobs. Working together, putting aside our differences, we can achieve things that seem like great challenges right now. Washington insiders have made a lot of promises, now is a time for an outsider to deliver results. I'm humbly asking for your votes because I believe that it's time we are a hopeful, dynamic, and energetic country once again, and I'm ready to lead" - Jeb Bush

"Governor Bush and the Republicans are offering the same platform their party has offered since the 1960s. Tax cuts, less regulations, repeat. We've been hearing their rheoric for 50 years. Eight years ago, the Republicans warned that Barack Obama would make the recession they started because of deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy worse. Today, more Americans have health insurance who lacked it in 2009. 12 million jobs have been created. The stock market has made historic gains. Manufacturing has even returned to America. The rust belt is doing better than at any time since the 1960s. Governor Bush wants you to believe things are worse off today than they were when the Republicans left office, that simply is not the case. But, we agree things can be better. By raising our minimum wage, keeping taxes on small business low, supporting alternative sources of energy, expanding opportunities for young people to go to college, and by reforming our criminal justice system, we can restore economic fairness and greater equality for all of our citizens. That will be the goal of my presidency. It has to be our goal as a country" - Hillary Clinton

November 2, 2016 - Powell backs Bush

NEW YORK, NY - Former U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell endorsed Republican Presidential Nominee Jeb Bush for President in the 2016 election during a CNN interview. Powell, who endorsed President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, said Bush was the "kind of Republican who brought many moderates into the party." Powell specifically expressed support for Bush's policies on education and immigration reform.

November 7, 2016 - Bush, Clinton, running-mates campaign ahead of election

WASHINGTON, DC - Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, running for President, each held their final campaign rallies on the eve of the 2016 presidential election, as their running-mates also held rallies. For his part, Republican Presidential Nominee Jeb Bush was joined on the campaign trail by Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, and Governor of New Mexico Susanna Martinez at his last campaign event in Columbus, Ohio. Bush spent the final three days of the election on a bus tour through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa. Bush's running-mate, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, was joined on the campaign trail by Governor of Maryland Larry Hogan, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, Jeb Bush's son, and Former First Lady Laura Bush in the swing state of Virginia after spending time campaigning in Nevada, New Mexico, and her home state of New Hampshire in recent days. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Democratic Presidential Nominee, was joined on the campaign trail by President Barack Obama and her husband, Former President Bill Clinton, on the campaign trail. After campaigning heavily in Virginia and North Carolina, Clinton held her final campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire. Her running-mate, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, was accompanied on the campaign trail by Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. Baldwin completed a three day bus-tour of Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania before holding her final campaign event in her home state of Wisconsin.

[dudeabides]

November 9, 2016 - Without results in Ohio, Virginia, Presidency remains too close to call

WASHINGTON, DC - Republican Jeb Bush and Democrat Hillary Clinton waited patiently for results of the 2016 election, only to find out that no winner could be declared because the race is too close to call in Ohio and Virginia. As of 5 a.m. EST, Bush has 256 electoral college votes as Clinton has 251.

November 10, 2016 - Bush wins Ohio, presidency

COLUMBUS, OH - Republican Presidential Nominee Jeb Bush was declared the winner of Ohio's 18 electoral votes. He defeated Hillary Clinton by less than 4,000 votes in Ohio. Even with the results unknown in Virginia, Bush won more than the needed 270 electoral college votes to win.

Jeb Bush accepts victory, Clinton refuses to concede defeat

MIAMI BEACH, FL - Surrounded by family, supporters, and the press,  Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush declared victory in the 2016 presidential election at a press conference outside his campaign headquarters in Miami Beach, Florida. "There is no question this was a close election. Everyone who voted can now say their vote really did count. I am humbled and honored by this result, and I look forward to serving as the 45th President of the United States" Bush stated.

July 15, 2016 - Clinton wins Virginia by 7,000 votes, concedes defeat

RICHMOND, VA - Despite winning Virginia by 7,000 votes after an automatic recount took place, Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton conceded the 2016 presidential election to President-elect Jeb Bush after failing to get to 270 electoral college votes. "Tonight, I spoke with Governor Bush and congratulated him on his victory. I wished him all the best, and look forward to working with him in the future" the Former Secretary of State stated.

2016 presidential election
Jeb Bush / Kelly Ayotte (R) 50% 274 EV
Hillary Clinton / Tammy Baldwin (D) 49% 264 EV

January 20, 2017: The Jeb Bush Cabinet

Vice President: Kelly Ayotte
Secretary of State: Jon Huntsman Jr.
U.N. Ambassador: Liz Cheney
Secretary of Defense: Douglas J. Feith
Secretary of Homeland Security: Susanna Martinez
Secretary of Commerce: Marissa Mayer
Secretary of Treasury: Glenn Hubbard
Director, Office of Budget & Management: Paul Ryan
Secretary of Health & Human Services: Ben Carson
Secretary of Education: Frank Brogan
Attorney General: Michael Chertoff
U.S. Trade Representative: Roger Noritega
Secretary of Agriculture: Bill Northey
Secretary of Labor: Susan Collins  
Secretary of Energy: Bud Albright

[dudeabides]

Very well done, even though I disagree with the outcome.

Thank you. I am going to take this probably to 2036, so you might not disagree with some future outcomes.



January 20, 2017 - January 1, 2019 - Highlights of the President Jeb Bush administration
-February 1, 2017 - President Bush announces that through executive order, he will reverse all Obama-era executive orders on regulatory policy and immigration
-February 25, 2017 - President Bush signs into law the entirety of his tax cut package, sponsored by Sens. Pat Toomey (R-PA), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and well as Reps. John Boehner (R-OH), lleana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Steve Israel (D-NY). The legislation, known as "The Tax Rate Reduction & Code Reform Act of 2017" reduces individual income, capital gains, and corporate taxes by 35% while closing all tax loopholes and capping deductions for incomes above $60,000 per year at $8,000. The bi-partisan legislation passed the U.S. Senate 91-9 and the U.S. House 390-45.
- April 15, 2017 - In a vote of 62-38 in the U.S. Senate and 300-135 in the U.S. House, congress voted for a constitutional balanced budget amendment, supported by President Bush. The amendment will have to be ratified by the states.
- May 2, 2017 - President Bush signs into law a repeal of individual and employer mandates associated with The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Republicans in both houses of congress, joined by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) voted for the legislation sponsored by Senate Republicans Mitch McConell of Kentucky and James Inholfe of Oaklahoma and Congressional Republicans Kevin McCarthy of California and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee as Democrats opposed the measure.
- July 2, 2017 - President Bush signs into law the "Energy Security Act" which re-directed half of green energy tax credits towards clean coal, natrual gas, and oil tax credits while de-regulating the green energy sector. The other half of the subsidies went to reducing the national debt.
- September 15, 2017 - President Bush announces an overhaul of the Veterans Administration. Bush announced that veteran's care would be subsidized and the federal government would pay community hospitals to open wings specifically for veterans. Bush said under this plan, medical personnel and lower level administrators would keep their jobs.
- December 15, 2017 - President Bush signs into law the "Medicaid Reform Act" block-granting medicaid funding to states, saving $50 billion per year at the federal level.
February 18, 2018 - President Bush signs into law bi-partisan social security reform legislation that means-tests social security, slows the growth of benefits for those earning above $150,000 per year, and raises the retirement age to 69 years old. The legislation is expected to save taxpayers $950 billion over a decade.
- May 1, 2018 - President Bush announces that the U.S. will re-instate economic sanctions on Iran following reports Iran was ducking authorities who were making sure they weren't enriching uranium. A bi-partisan majority in congress voted for sanctions.  
- August 27, 2018 - In a U.S. Senate vote of 48-52 and a Congressional Vote of 210-225, Congress rejects President Bush's call for immigration reform. The Bush plan, sponsored by U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in addition to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-NY) established a pathway to legal status and a guest worker program, in addition to employment verification, for undocumented immigrants.
- October 1, 2018 - President Bush signs into law a presidential conditional veto in which the President could highlight a line-item in the budget and send it back to congress for an up or down vote.
- December 5, 2018 - President Bush signs into law a full repeal of Dodd-Frank after a vote in which all Republicans voted for full repeal as Democrats opposed full repeal.

January 2, 2019 - Poll: Bush approval at 62%, Potential Democratic Field of Candidates causes party division


Bush Approval
Approve: 62%
Disapprove: 32%

2020 Democratic Presidential Nomination
Daniel Malloy 15%
Tammy Baldwin 10%
Kristen Gillibrand 9%
Cory Booker 9%
Andrew Cuomo 9%
Chris Coons 8%
Bill DeBlasio 8%
Al Franken 7%
Martin O'Malley 6%
Susan Rice 6%
Rahm Emanuel 6%
Other/Undecided 7%

[dudeabides]

Thank you all for the feedback, it is much appreciated and I will take it into consideration.

[dudeabides]

January 10, 2019 - Warren launches presidential campaign despite signals she wouldn't run

MANCHESTER, NH - Despite signaling she would not run for President in 2020, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) declared her intention to seek the Democratic Presidential Nomination. Warren, one of the Bush administration's fiercest critics, said banking reform, raising the federal minimum wage to $12.00 per hour, reversing the Bush tax cuts, and universal Pre-K education would be her top goals if elected President.

January 25, 2019 - Emanuel to seek Democratic nomination for President

CHICAGO, IL - Democratic Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel declared his intention to seek the Democratic Presidential Nomination in 2020. Emanuel argued that Jeb Bush's administration was "soft on gun control, harsh on non-violent drug offenders, and useless on voting rights."

February 5, 2019 - Malloy to seek Democratic Presidential Nomination

DOVER, NH - Former Governor of Connecticut Dan Malloy became the third Democrat to enter the race for President. Attacking the Bush administration on education, health care, and tax policy, Malloy said he would emphasize increasing funding and raising standards for poorer school districts in education, reversing Jeb Bush's tax cut for the wealthiest 5% of households, and he said he would pass comprehensive immigration reform if elected President. Malloy served as Governor of Connecticut from 2011-2019.

February 18, 2019 - McAuliffe to seek presidency

RICHMOND, VA - Former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe, a favorite of establishment Democrats, announced his intention to seek the 2020 Democratic Presidential Nomination. In his announcement speech, McAuliffe argued that income inequality was a "generational challenge" and that cutting taxes for middle and lower income Americans, raising the federal minimum wage, and expanding health care coverage to all American children would help close the income gap.

March 15, 2019 - Booker in for 2020

NEWARK, NJ - Calling for sweeping criminal justice reform, a ban on assault weapons, cap and trade, and public financing of all elections, U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Former Mayor of Newark, NJ, declared he was a candidate for President. Unlike his opponents, Booker stayed away from attacking the Bush administration.

April 5, 2019 - Hagan to run for President

CHAPEL HILL, NC - Former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan entered the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. Defeated for a second term in the U.S. Senate by a narrow margin, Hagan argued for a "more moderate" Democratic Party and voiced support for President Bush's economic policies, but called for a "pro-choice, pro-marriage equality, pro-peace Democrat" as the party's presidential nominee.

April 27, 2019 - DeBlasio to run for President

IOWA CITY, IA - New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio announced he would be a candidate for President of the United States. Calling for universal Pre-K, a return to Obamacare, and investments in infrastructure and higher education, DeBlasio promised he was the "true progressive" in the race for President.

May 1, 2019 - Shaheen says she's running for President

CONCORD, NH - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced she would be a candidate for President in 2020. Pledging to keep the Bush tax cuts in place, pass comprehensive immigration reform, support bi-partisan entitlement reform, and to increase funding for K-12 education, Shaheen presented herself as the most electable Democrat. Prior to her service in the U.S. Senate, Shaheen served as Governor of New Hampshire.

[dudeabides]

The Democratic Clowncar... Heh.

Challenging an incumbent isn't that easy. See the 2012 GOP field, the 1996 GOP field, and the 1984 Democratic field.

June 5, 2019 - Poll: Malloy, Warren, McAuliffe are Democratic front-runners

Dan Malloy 22%
Elizabeth Warren 19%
Terry McAuliffe 19%
Cory Booker 15%
Jeanee Shaheen 10%
Kay Hagan 7%
Bill DeBlasio 4%
Rahm Emanuel 2%

August 10, 2019 - Democrats hold their first Presidential Debate


"What brings me to this presidential race is that this President promised Americans four years ago he would govern in a way that brings us all hope. Hope isn't repealing legislation that asks businesses to provide health care for their employees. Hope isn't failing to raise our minimum wage. Hope certainly isn't cutting funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In Connecticut, we expanded health care access to our poorest kids, invested in education including early childhood education, and we supported job training for displaced workers. My priorities as President would be even higher standards in education, providing health care access for who can't afford it once and for all, supporting marriage equality at the federal level once and for all, raising our federal minimum wage immediately, and revamping job training programs to help displaced workers. If you believe it's time for action and less talk, I'm asking for your support" - Dan Malloy

"Unfortunately, what I have seen from both parties in Washington too often is that special interests have a hold on both parties too often. We have banks that are too big to fail and yet, we continue to allow predatory lending that hurts working families. Our federal minimum wage hasn't been increased in over a decade, yet tax breaks for the rich have been implemented by President Bush and Congressional Republicans. There is too much money in politics and few in Washington actually support public financing of elections, I do, and I'll continue to fight for it as President of the United States. What we need now more than ever is a progressive champion, someone who won't apologize for holding the beliefs that we Democrats know are right for America. I am running for President to end gridlock and the special interest hold on Washington D.C. that has dominated our politics for far too long" - Elizabeth Warren

"Everywhere I go across this country, I hear from people who want Democrats and Republicans to work together to solve immigration, solve our environmental problems, reform our criminal justice system, and protect a woman's right to choose. As Mayor of one of America's largest cities, I exercised fiscal discipline and reduced property taxes. In the U.S. Senate, I've been the leading advocate for criminal justice reform and immigration reform, and those are two areas where I plan on succeeding as President of the United States. Voters should hear about our records, our ideas, and our values. My record is one that I am confident voters of all ideologies can acknowledge is one of inclusiveness. I want to bring people of all backgrounds, incomes, and geographies together to do the hard work that needs to be done. My intent is to win the Democratic nomination for President, build a coalition to win the general election, and govern with the interests of all Americans in mind, always" - Cory Booker

"Throughout my entire career in public service, I have been a proud Democrat, but I have always put my ideology aside when trying to make tough decisions, be it as a Governor or a U.S. Senator. What I see today is a President who hasn't made tough decisions. We were told four years ago that Jeb Bush would be the education President. Yet, for four years, this administration has refused to expand pell grants and college loan assistance, arguing it's fiscally irresponsible. We were told the President would end our dependence on foreign sources of energy, yet we have slashed energy tax credits in half. We were told he'd do something about immigration, yet his own party wouldn't allow him to pass meaningful reform. All of us up here agree on most of the issues facing this country. The difference is, I have an actual plan to reform our tax code - we keep tax rates where they are for the middle class, we raise the top tax rate to 40%, and we use the extra revenue for debt reduction. I have an actual plan to end our dependence on foreign sources of energy, an actual plan for immigration reform. It's about leadership, it's about experience, and I have both" - Jeanne Shaheen

"After four years of a Republican administration, we have failed to invest in our inner-cities, funding for infrastructure improvements has remained flat, funding for housing vouchers has remained flat, and yet somehow we have money to give tax breaks to the rich. Somehow, we have money to fight in the middle east when we have crumbling cities here at home. I think what we have in Washington today is a lack of political will to admit that we have not properly invested in infrastructure, K-12 education, and in job training not only at community colleges in suburban and rural communities, but in LA, Detroit, or Chicago. I will gradually reverse the Bush tax cuts in it's entirety and fight to make those investments, plus we'll provide health care to every single American, I am for single-payer health care and I'm the only one on this stage aside from Senator Warren who is. Instead of focusing so much on what happens across the globe, let's try and rebuild what is broken here at home" - Bill DeBlasio

"The path to victory for the Democratic Party is clear. We are the party that is for the working men and women in this country, we are the party that is strong on national security, and we are the party that is fiscally responsible. We can increase aid for college tuition assistance, expand SCHIP to cover 100% of our kids with health care, and we can still balance the budget. At the same time, we can keep our country safe in this world by having the strongest military, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't negotiate with any country, and it sometimes means we have to try and work out differences we have with nations like Russia and China. In Virginia, we doubled funding for K-12 education in four years, reduced the uninsured rate of our children by 90%, and we still balanced our budget and delivered a 10% property tax reduction. I did it with a Republican majority in our state house, I'm the only candidate up here who has really had to pass bi-partisan legislation in order to govern" - Terry McAuliffe

"What I have seen under Jeb Bush's administration is a complete lack of understanding about how to solve the challenges of our time. There is no doubt that we've seen strong economic growth over the last three years or so. But, this administration has failed to address the racial division and the inner-city violence that is the great challenge of our time. President Bush told congressional Democrats that he would veto any gun control measures. I believe the next President of the United States must actively pursue gun control and through executive order push the F.B.I. to do the same. As far as the racial division in our country, the federal government should seek to fully enforce existing civil rights legislation at the local level, this President has been absent on this. At the same time, nothing has been done to reform our criminal justice system, Republican Governors are still implementing voter suppression laws, and four more years would allow this President to appoint judges who are not sympathetic to what is going on. Simply put, it is time for a change, and I offer a very stark contrast" - Rahm Emanuel

"The Democratic Party is not going to win elections if we over promise and under deliver. I am running for President because I am deeply concerned about how the federal government has remained out of control and out of touch despite promises made by this President four years ago. When Jeb Bush said he wanted a constitutional balanced budget amendment, I wrote an op-ed in support of his proposal. But now, funding for education, housing, and infrastructure has remained flat even as military spending has grown at twice the rate of inflation. My presidency will focus on reining in the power of the federal government by reducing the size of bureaucracy, but we'll also send money back to the states. President Bush's overhaul of our VA system has been a disgrace, and too many in our party supported him in that effort. What he has done, long term, will double the cost of veterans care while privatizing their care. I would fight to reverse Jeb Bush's policies in this regard, and we can start with an executive order. Finally, the way to balance the budget is not to give a tax cut for wealthy Americans and the largest corporations in America, I'll reverse those tax cuts and balance the budget. I'm going to work like crazy to ensure that your priorities are my priorities" - Kay Hagan

[dudeabides]

September 7, 2019 - Malloy wins endorsements, puts forward five-point agenda

IOWA CITY, IA - Fresh off winning endorsements from Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack (D-IA), Democratic Presidential Hopeful Dan Malloy laid out his "five point vision for change" at an event in southeastern Iowa. Malloy called for overhauling worker re-training programs to be available, free of charge, whenever someone loses a job, and he pledged to award grants to colleges that agreed to host such programs. Malloy also called for doubling SCHIP funding to "cover every child in America with health care." Malloy also called for closing the gun show loophole, reversing the Bush tax cuts for higher income households to balance the budget, and for higher national standards in education. Malloy criticized the Bush administration on health care and education especially, arguing they "gutted health care reform" and "allowed Republican Governors to privatize education."

September 20, 2019 - As McAuliffe introduces himself to national audience, he wins more establishment backing, gets into specifics

CHARLESTON, SC - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Terry McAuliffe, Former Governor of Virginia, picked up four major endorsements in recent days in his quest for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. McAuliffe won the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, and U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia. Presenting himself as a more electable Democrat this his opponents, McAuliffe called for doubling aid for K-12 education, restoring tax credits for alternative sources of energy, and voiced support for President Bush's proposed immigration reforms, but criticized the administration for not fighting hard enough for their proposal.

October 5, 2019 - Poll: Bush well ahead of all Democrats in potential general election match ups


Jeb Bush 53%
Dan Mallloy 41%

Jeb Bush 55%
Elizabeth Warren 38%

Jeb Bush 49%
Terry McAuliffe 42%

Jeb Bush 51%
Cory Booker 41%

October 5, 2019 - Bush urges congress to reconsider immigration reform

WASHINGTON, DC - President Jeb Bush urged Congress to reconsider immigration reform. The President asked congress to send him a bill with a pathway to legal status, an employment verification system, and a guest worker program in the bill. Bush also urged congress to reform the nation's legal immigration system in an effort to "narrow family petitioning and increase the number of immigrants coming here for economic reasons."

October 15, 2019 - Booker calls for criminal justice, immigration reform, wins endorsements

HILLSBOROUGH, SC - U.S. Senator Cory Booker, seeking the Democratic Presidential Nomination, took the unusual step of agreeing with the man he sought to defeat in the election of 2016. Booker, a co-sponsor of the immigration reform legislation the Bush administration supports, says congress should pass immigration reform. Booker was critical of the Bush administration, however, on criminal justice reform. Arguing for job training and voting rights for non-violent former offenders, Booker said that Jeb Bush's administration "failed to give people a second chance." Booker, fresh off winning endorsements from Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) and Former Attorney General Eric Holder, told voters he would "bridge the gap between the two parties."

November 1, 2019 - Despite conservative backlash, Congress passes Bush-backed immigration reform, includes guest worker program, pathway to legal status, e-verify, and reforms to the legal immigration system

WASHINGTON, DC - In a U.S. House vote of 320-115 and a U.S. Senate vote of 71-29, bi-partisan legislation proposed by President Bush and introduced to congress by a bi-partisan coalition passed the U.S. House and U.S. Senate in it's original form. What changed was that the President promised, though executive order, that he would double border patrol agents over a three year period and deport undocumented workers who committed serious crimes. 

[dudeabides]

As always, I appreciate the feedback!

December 1, 2019 - Shaheen outlines presidential agenda in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, NH - Campaigning two months ahead of her home state's presidential primary, Democratic Presidential Candidate Jeanne Shaneen outlined her presidential agenda. Shaneen endorsed a bi-partisian bill to increase medicare premiums by 15% on upper-income households and phase out the program for those earning above $500,000 by the year 2027. She also endorsed repealing No Child Left Behind and replacing it with higher standards and reduced class sizes with federal funding. Shaheen also endorsed indexing the federal minimum wage to inflation.

December 15, 2019 - DeBlasio blasts Bush administration on gun control, HUD

DOVER, NH - Arguing that the Bush administration "bypassed congress to loosen gun control restrictions," Democratic Presidential Hopeful Bill DeBlasio called for sweeping gun control - including a ban on assault weapons, universal backround checks, and 14-day waiting periods. DeBlasio also said the Bush administration has "failed to rebuild our cities" and called for a $20 billion program to increase housing vouchers, fund anti-drug programs, and add 25,000 police to city streets by 2026.

January 10, 2020 - President Bush launches re-election campaign

MIAMI BEACH, FL - With his family and supporters at his side, President Jeb Bush announced he would seek a second term as President. "In the last three years, we've grown our economy at an average GDP rate of 3.9%, we've added over 11 million jobs, our poverty level is now at it's lowest since 1994, wages last year grew at their fastest pace in 15 years, and we've reduced welfare rolls by 25%" the President declared. Bush touted the passage of tax reform, immigration reform, social security reform, and a constitutional balanced budget amendment as key accomplishments of his first term. Bush pledged to reform medicare and medicaid, invest in research & development, aggressively pursue energy independence, and invest $10 billion in infrastructure if re-elected. Democrats quickly pointed out that income inequality grew, drug use increased by 17%, and home ownership declined during the President's first term.

January 12, 2020 - Emanuel blasts Bush re-election launch, proposes alternative agenda

BAY SHORE, SC - Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel, seeking the Democratic Presidential Nomination, attacked President Jeb Bush's re-election launch speech and offered contrast as to what he'd do as President. Emanuel said one of his top priorities would be to raise the minimum wage, raise the top income tax rate to 40%, and raise the capital gains tax for those earning above $1 million to invest in health care for lower-income Americans, job training, and college aid. "President Bush has failed to realize that for the last 40 years, there has been a growing gap between the rich and the poor. He said four years ago he'd try to enable everyone to rise up, but much of the growth in wealth in the last four years has gone to those earning above $100,000 per year" Emanuel stated.  

January 17, 2020 - Hagan: Democrats can't win if we complain about the economy

BOCA RATON, FL - Democratic Presidential Hopeful Kay Hagan told a group of supporters in Florida that her party couldn't win in 2020 "making an argument we have a weak economy." Hagan said the top priority of the Democratic Party was to "hold the Republicans accountable for allowing money to too easily influence politics, reform our education system, and balance the budget without making cuts to medicare and medicaid."

January 25, 2020 - Clinton's back McAuliffe in Presidential Bid

SILVER PARK, IA - Former President Bill Clinton and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic Presidential Nominee, endorsed Terry McAuliffe for the 2020 Democratic Presidential Nomination, touting his experience as Governor of Virginia and ability to win as reasons for the endorsement.

February 2, 2020 - McAuliffe wins Iowa Caucus, Deblasio outperforms expectations

DES MOINES, IA - Former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe won the Iowa Democratic Caucus, defeating Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy 25%-23%. The big suprise of the night was that New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio, often polling in single digits nationally, placed third - with 19% of the vote.  

February 3, 2020 - Ayotte attacks McAuliffe, Malloy at RNC fundraiser in Nevada

LAS VEGAS, NV - Just a day after Democrats cast their first votes in Iowa, Vice President Kelly Ayotte attacked Democratic front-runners Terry McAuliffe and Dan Malloy at a speech to Republican National Committee members in Nevada. "President Bush and I are confident of victory this fall. But we take nothing for granted. Governor McAuliffe and Governor Malloy are formidable opponents, but they must run on their records. Governor Malloy increased taxes by over $1.2 billion on the people of his state, and he increased state spending at twice the rate of inflation. Governor McAuliffe has a record of sweetheart deals and scandals in his past. This will be a great contrast with our record of 4% economic growth, 11 million new jobs, and 25 million people who left welfare" the Vice President stated.

[dudeabides]

Fun TL to read, keep it up! Especially love the selection of Huntsman for SoS and Collins for Labor. Can't wait to read how 2020 turns out

Thank you!!!

February 9, 2020 - Shaheen wins New Hampshire, Warren comes close

MANCHESTER, NH - With all of the votes counted, longtime New Hampshire politician Jeanne Shaheen won her home state's presidential primary. However, Shaheen didn't perform as strongly as analysts predicted. She won just 38% of the vote, compared with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren's 31%. Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe placed third with just 15% of the vote, followed by Former Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy with 8%.

February 15, 2020 - McAuliffe wins South Carolina primary as Emanuel exits campaign, backs Malloy

CHARLESTON, SC - Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe won South Carolina's Democratic Presidential Primary, garnering 47% of the vote. Runner-up Dan Malloy won just 29%. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel exited the presidential race and backed Dan Malloy.

February 19, 2020 - Warren wins Michigan Primary

LAS VEGAS, NV - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MI) won Michigan's Democratic Presidential primary, her first win of the 2020 campaign season. Warren defeated Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe 39%-37%.

February 22, 2020 - POLL: McAuliffe strongest general election hopeful, tied with Warren as national Democratic front-runner


National Democratic Primary
Elizabeth Warren 30%
Terry McAuliffe 30%
Cory Booker 15%
Jeanne Shaheen 10%
Dan Malloy 9%
Bill DeBlasio 4%
Kay Hagan 1%
Other 1%

General Election Match-Ups

Jeb Bush 57%
Elizabeth Warren 37%

Jeb Bush 49%
Terry McAuliffe 41%

Jeb Bush 53%
Cory Booker 38%

Jeb Bush 49%
Jeanne Shaheen 39%

Jeb Bush 51%
Dan Malloy 37%

Jeb Bush 59%
Bill DeBlasio 34%

Jeb Bush 49%
Kay Hagan 39%