1980 Presidential Election: Four More Years? (GAME THREAD)

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

1980 Presidential Election: Four more years?

FIRST TURN WILL START AT DECEMBER 3, 1979

As the 1980 election nears, President Jimmy Carter and America is facing the toughest problems like the recent Iran Hostage Crisis, low economic growth, high inflation and interest rates, and intermittent energy crises. Although his handling of the hostage crisis as of this moment bounced his approval ratings up, he's still lagging in the poll for next year's election. Will he win another four years? or the White House would end up in the hands of the Republicans again?

Gallup Poll: November 15 - 17, 1979
APPROVE: 52%
DISAPPROVE: 40%
UNDECIDED: 8%

Poll taken from the same timeframe
Carter: 40%
Republican: 44%
Others: 2%
Undecided: 14%

You may sign up here. Explain your policies, as well as your campaign plans . President Carter will run for re-election, so you may choose him as your candidate (whoever gets first to choose him). Deadline for signing up will be Sunday, 11:59 PM EST. I will be posting the rules, as well as the schedule for the primaries. However, for fun, I will allow late entries.

NOTE: I've changed the rules.. Okay, so I can still allow late entries

Democratic Party Candidates
President Jimmy Carter - NeverAgain
Governor George Wallace - Haslam2020
Governor Edwin Edwards - Intell
Governor Cliff Finch - Faust

Republican Party Candidates
Fmr. President Gerald Ford - Kingpoleon
Congressman Pete McCloskey - VPH
Fmr. Governor Ronald Reagan - Golfman76
Congressman John Anderson - Oldiesfreak1854
Former Director/Rep. George Bush - Sen. Potus

Third Party Candidates
Barry Commoner (Citizens Party) - LongLiveRock

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Rules for the "Announcement Turn" (first turn will be on Monday)
ANNOUNCEMENT TURN: April 9, 2016 to April 10, 2016
based on cxs018's rules

1. Announce your candidacy. It can be something as simple as a few sentences in an interview, or something as complex as a multiple-page announcement speech. All that matters is that you make it clear that you're running for president.
2. Post your campaign activities from any timeframe before December 3,1979.
3. Private message me to request endorsements. I'll approve them for the most part, unless they don't make sense. Maximum of five endorsements per turn . Endorsement requests will start at this turn


Primaries Rules
1. Post your campaign activities from the timeframe given.
2. Each candidate can choose one primary state to poll; I will privately message them the poll results. Note that national polls and polls for upcoming states will be posted on this thread for all to see.
3. Make your plans realistic. For example, you can't run a lot of ads at the same time if you don't fund raise. I will give high points for realism.
4. Private message me to request endorsements. I'll approve them for the most part, unless they don't make sense. Maximum of five endorsements per turn
5. I will create news stories using a random number generator as well as from real events; as usual, 1-5 = negative news for a candidate, 46-50 = positive news for a candidate, 6-45 = no impact.
6. Rules for the general election will be announced about halfway through the primaries, or whenever both nominees are obvious.

based on Lumine's rules
7.- Note on Delegates: For gameplay purposes, both parties will be using a proportional system for delegates, with a 15% threshold. The only exception to this rule is the decisive California Primary, which as in OTL will be Winner Takes All.

8. You may request for state primaries polls via PM. I will send the results via PM. Three states per turn. National primaries/upcoming state primaries/general election polls will be posted here.

9.NEW RULE: Please post the breakdown of your campaign spending and your raised amount every turn. This includes paraphernalia, ads, rallies, fundraisers, salary of your campaign workers, etc. It's up to you on how you will report it. It will also boost your campaign.

If you're candidate is a well known millionaire (e.g: Ross Perot, Donald Trump), you can spend with your own money as well. Label them as "own money. In order to raise your budget, just organize fund raising events.

Primary Polling and random events will start in the next turn. This turn will end in 48 hours.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

SCHEDULE

Dates - day that the turn will start. I've pushed most of the primaries up, but the sequence is on par with the 1980 Republican Primaries. I've pushed California down to be the last deciding primary

4/9/16 - Announcement Turn - Announcement Speeches (before December 3, 1979)
4/11/16 - Turn 1- December 3, 1979 - December 15, 1979
4/15/16 - Turn 2 - December 16, 1979 - December 29, 1979 / Democratic Debate
4/19/16 - Turn 3 -  December 30, 1979- January 5, 1980 / Republican Debate
4/22/16 - Turn 4 - January 6, 1980 - January 12, 1980
4/25/16 - Turn 5 - January 13, 1980 - January 14, 1980
4/27/16 - Turn 6 - January 15, 1980 - January 27, 1980
5/1/16 - Turn 7 - January 28, 1980 - February 3, 1980 / Republican Debate
5/4/16 - Turn 8 - February 4, 1980 - February 10, 1980 / Democratic Debate
5/7/16 - Turn 9 - February 11, 1980 - February 17, 1980
5/9/16 - Turn 10 - February 18, 1980 - February 24, 1980
5/11/16 - Turn 11 - February 25, 1980 - February 26, 1980
5/14/16 - Turn 12 - February 27, 1980 - March 6, 1980
5/18/16 - Turn 13 - March 7, 1980 - March 8, 1980
5/21/16 - Turn 14 - March 9, 1980 - March 17, 1980 / Republican Debate
5/24/16 - Turn 15 - March 18, 1980 - March 30, 1980 / Democratic Debate
5/27/16 - Turn 16 - March 31, 1980 - April 1, 1980
5/29/16 - Turn 17 - April 2, 1980 - April 20, 1980
6/1/16 - Turn 18 - April 21, 1980 - May 7, 1980
6/5/16 - Turn 19 - May 8,1980 - May 16, 1980
6/8/16 - Turn 20 - May 17, 1980 - May 26, 1980
6/11/16 - Turn 21 - May 27,1980 - June 3, 1980

PRIMARIES SCHEDULE & DELEGATE ALLOCATION
Due to lack of references and to make the game simpler and easier to manage, the 2016 Republican Party allocation (some numbers will be modified) would be used for both parties in this game. 15% threshold in all primaries for both parties, except for California (WTA) .

January 14, 1980
Iowa (30)

January 27, 1980
Puerto Rico (23)

February 26, 1980
New Hampshire (23)

March 8, 1980
Massachusetts (42)
Vermont (16)
South Carolina (50)
Alabama (50)
Florida (99)
Georgia (76)
Arkansas (40)
North Dakota (28)

March 17, 1980
Maine (23)
Illinois (69)
Connecticut (28)
Kansas (40)
Colorado (37)
Wyoming (29)

April 1, 1980
Wisconsin (42)
Louisiana (46)
Pennsylvania (71)
Texas (155)
D.C (19)
Indiana (57)
North Carolina (72)
Delaware (16)
Utah (40)

April 20, 1980
Tennessee (58)
Maryland (38)
Nebraska (36)
Minnesota (38)
New York (95)
Arizona (58)

May 7, 1980
Michigan (59)
Oregon (28)
Idaho (32)
Kentucky (46)
Nevada (30)
Mississippi (40)
Montana (27)
New Jersey (51)
Missouri (52)

May 16, 1980
New Mexico (24)
Ohio (66)
Oklahoma (43)
Virginia (49)

May 26, 1980
South Dakota (29)
West Virginia (34)
Alaska (28)
Hawaii (19)
Rhode Island (19)
Washington (44)

June 3, 1980
California (172)

If there is a winner before the primaries end, we will IMMEDIATELY go to the convention turn. We'll disregard the upcoming primaries, automatically the presumptive nominee wins the upcoming primaries

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Cliff Finch will also be running for president.

Scratch that Edwin Edwards will be.

Wait? Which candidate?

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Suggestion to get your poll numbers up:
》ensure to be on time when posting updates each and every turn
》make sure that your plans are organized
》and to make your plans realistic
》simulate a real campaign

This turn will end TOMORROW at 11:59 PM

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

NEW RULE: Please post the breakdown of your campaign spending and your raised amount every turn. This includes paraphernalia, ads, rallies, fundraisers, salary of your campaign workers, etc. It's up to you on how you will report it. It will also boost your campaign.

If you're candidate is a well known millionaire (e.g: Ross Perot, Donald Trump), you can spend with your own money as well. Label them as "own money. In order to raise your budget, just organize fund raising events.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Turn I: Start of the Campaign

December 3, 1979 - December 15, 1979

based on Lumine's rules and layout

LATE ENTRIES/SIGN UPS WILL BE STILL CONSIDERED

1.- Primary Ballot Deadlines: Candidates have until the next turn's end (December 29th) to file in for the Iowa Caucuses. Take notice of the deadlines and plan carefully! You may opt not to join the first primaries. Just indicate on your post whether you will run in a certain primary or not.

In the News!

from Wikipedia

Attack on US Embassy:

After false radio reports from the Ayatollah Khomeini that the Americans had occupied the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the United States Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan is attacked by a mob and set afire, killing 4 last November 21

Some hostages released:

Iranian leader Ruhollah Khomeini orders the release of 13 female and African American hostages being held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran last November 17

Primary Polling

Gallup: Republican Primary:

Gerald Ford: 64.6%
other Republicans: 12.0%
Undecided: 23.4%

As of this moment, Gerald Ford is the only one running in the Republican primaries. His experience as a former U.S President may give him an edge over other Republicans.

Gallup: Democratic Primary:

Jimmy Carter: 56.2%
George Wallace: 22.5%
Edwin Edwards: 5.2%
Undecided: 16.1%

The candidates as of this moment are all Southerners, which the press was taking note of. Incumbent President Jimmy Carter, who's trailing against a generic Republican candidate announced his re-election campaign. Facing with a relatively high approval rating for his current handling of the Iran Hostage Crisis gave him a boost at the polls. Meanwhile, George Wallace, governor of Alabama and a third-party candidate for president last 1968 also entered. Most of the voters seems concerned over Wallace's paralysis that he got in an assassination attempt last 1972, also campaigning for the Democratic nomination. Will he be able to downplay the concern of his critics and voters alike? Most of the political analysts noticed that in his speech, he made no mention of his paralysis, rather he focused on his experience compared to Carter's experience as a politician. Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards also announced his candidacy. Although his name was not that known in the political arena, he still gets a lot of support from his home state and also, from the surrounding southern states. He has still to make a breakthrough as of this point in order to become a viable contender for the Democratic nomination.

Random and Player Consequence Events will start at the next turn

This turn will start today and will end three days later: April 14, 11:59 PM EDT

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

If I can still join this, I'll run as Barry Commoner with the Green Party (lol)

Yes, no problem but take note that there was no Green Party in 1980

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

If I can still join this, I'll run as Barry Commoner with the Green Party (lol)

Yes, no problem but take note that there was no Green Party in 1980

Oh: He ran on the citizen's party or something, right? I'll do that instead, yeah.

Decide on what party and post your announcement speech

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

can you please post polls?

I will post at the next turn.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Expect a lot of changes in the Republican polls.

Be sure that you can manage to equalize your efforts compared to the other candidates

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

I will give another day for the other players to post their campaign plans

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Can I take part in this? If so, I would like to run as Governor Finch (If that's OK with y'all).   

Sure just post your announcement speech

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

How do endorsements work here?

Some of the players via PM (which is the actual rule), others just post it directly here (it's ok).. Of course I'll intervene in either way if their endorsements are not realistic.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

When will this extension end? really want to see the polls

Actually the turn extension ended two hours ago Polls will be posted later morning EDT.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Turn II: The Field Widens

December 16, 1979 - December 29, 1979

One last player, who is planning to run as Gov. Fitch, will be the last player to be accepted in this game as of now

1.- Primary Ballot Deadlines: Candidates have until this next turn's end (December 29th) to file in for the Iowa Caucuses. Take notice of the deadlines and plan carefully! You may opt not to join the first primaries. Just indicate on your post whether you will run in a certain primary or not.
2.- Primary Debates (Democratic Party) A Democratic Party primary debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters will be held this turn. I will post the rules later. Just indicate on your post whether you will join the debate or not. However, I will post questions for all candidates. Take note that this debate, whether joining or not will be a critical factor in the polling next turn.

In the News!

from Wikipedia

Exchange rate falls between US and West Germany:

The United States dollar exchange rate with the Deutsche Mark falls to 1.7079 DM, the all-time low so far.

Star Trek World Premiere

The world premiere for Star Trek: The Motion Picture is held at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

and one not IRL news.......

LWV announces primary debates sponsorship

The League of Women Voters announced that they will, just like in 1976, sponsor the presidential debates in next year's election as well as the primary debates per party.

Primary Polling

Gallup: Republican Primary:

Ronald Reagan: 37% (+37%)
Gerald Ford: 34% (-31%)
John Anderson: 11% (+11%)
Pete McCloskey: 7% (+7%)
Undecided: 11% (-12%)

Ronald Reagan, whom Ford narrowly defeated in the 1976 primaries, was the early favorite even before announcing his intention to run again. Meanwhile, Ford benefited from his early announcement to run. The liberal Republicans were favoring McCloskey and Anderson. However their low polling numbers, which may improve or not, given that they've just announced their candidacies this December, is a reflection of the status of the liberals in the Republican Party. 

Gallup: Democratic Primary:

Jimmy Carter: 50% (-6%)
George Wallace: 28% (+5%)
Edwin Edwards: 8%(+3%)
Undecided: 14% (-2%)

Although gaining ground in the hypothetical pollings, Jimmy Carter faces a lot of opposition (in terms of polling numbers) as an incumbent president running for the party's nomination. This was attributed to the "Southern primaries" since that all of the candidates as of now, are from the Deep South. Carter got a lot of support from the south in the 1976 primaries.

Random and Player Consequence Events

RULE: If the number generated was from (6 - 45), I will not post it anymore.

Anderson laid out plans in new ad

A new ad released by the Anderson campaign, portrayed Anderson as a person who will bring change, while highlighting also the "bad four years" of Jimmy Carter. Most of the pundits like David Brinkley and Howard K. Smith believed that this ad can be translated into higher polling numbers for Anderson. Meanwhile, Rep. McCloskey and Gov. Reagan also released television and radio ads.

Carter hurt by attacks

Polling numbers reflected the worst for the Carter campaign, according to the voters, they were amazed or any term they would want to call it to the rampant attacks made by Gov. Wallace and Gov. Edwards, his opponents for the Democratic nomination. A speech made by Gov. Edwards was well-received by the public and contributed to his rise in the polls. Meanwhile, Wallace downplayed his paralysis, citing that FDR was able to serve the country even though he is paralyzed.

This turn will start today and will end three days later: April 19, 11:59 PM EDT

[/quote]

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Early Polling

Gallup: Iowa Caucuses (Republican)

Ronald Reagan: 40%
Gerald Ford: 32%
John Anderson: 7%
Pete McCloskey: 4%
Undecided: 17%

Gallup: Iowa Caucuses (Democratic)

Jimmy Carter: 55%
George Wallace: 16%
Edwin Edwards: 6%
Undecided: 23%

Gallup: Approval Rating of President Carter

Approve: 59%
Disapprove: 33%
Undecided/No Opinion: 8%

Mostly because of the hostage crisis handling. But if it's only based on domestic policies, he won't get that rating.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Democratic Party Presidential Debate I

Des Moines, Iowa - December 1979

Good evening. I'm Ruth Hinerfeld of the League of Women Voters Education Fund. We're pleased to be in Des Moines for the first of our 1980 Democratic Party Presidential Debates. The League is a non-partisan organization. We're presenting these debates to provide citizens an opportunity to see and hear the candidates state their positions on important issues of concern to us all. Our moderator is David Brinkley.

David Brinkley: Thank you, Mrs. Hinerfeld. My colleagues and I agreed to participate tonight, although the questioners are limited by the constraints of the format, because we thought with the League of Women Voters, that it is desirable to seek a comparison of views on a few issues in a joint appearance by the men who would be the nominee of the Democratic Party in the next year’s election.

[/b]
The following candidates at stage, accepted the League of Women Voters' invitation to be here. The candidates will respond with their views on certain issues posed by questions from my colleagues Max Frankel, associate editor of the New York Times; Harry Reasoner of CBS News; Marvin Stone, the editor of U.S. News & World Report; Jack Nelson, Washington bureau chief of the Los Angeles Times and Walter Mears, special correspondent for the Associated Press. None of the questions has been submitted in advance to either the League of Women Voters, or to the candidates, or to their representatives. The candidates do not have prepared notes or comments with them this evening, but they may make notes and refer to them during the debate.

Gentlemen, thank you both for coming. The ground rules you agreed upon with the League are brief.
>FIRST ROUND: Each panelist will ask a single question from every candidate.
>SECOND ROUND: You may make a rebuttal on the answers, as a candidate, or not. Indicate whether you will comment on the answers or not.
>THIRD ROUND: Before the debate ends and after all had answered the questions, each of you will make closing remarks and counter-rebuttals for the rebuttals made on the second round

We ask the audience to abide by one simple ground rule: Please do not applaud or express approval or disapproval during the debate. You may do that on the primaries.

ROUND ONE

Max Frankel’s question for PRESIDENT CARTER: Mr. President, as you're well aware , your main opponent last 1976, Gerald Ford is running again on the Republican primaries. In case he’s the nominee or even the other candidates like Gov. Reagan, will you still run your campaign the same as almost four years ago? Will you use the same strategy in this year’s primaries like the one that you’ve used to clinch the Democratic nomination in ’76?

Harry Reasoner’s question for EDWIN EDWARDS:. Governor, I would just like to repeat what then-Governor Carter said in an interview with the Associated Press last 1976, he said that he believed these debates would alleviate a lot of concern that some voters have about him. I believe, also others said that you’re in the same position as President Carter was four years ago, a Washington outsider. Question one, do you also believe in what then-Governor Carter said? Well, one of those concerns, not an uncommon one about uh - candidates in any year, is that many voters say they don't really know where you stand. Can you say now, Governor, in specific terms, what your number one priority, if you are nominated, and what will be your first step to achieve that in case you’re inaugurated in January?

David Brinkley’s question for GEORGE WALLACE:. Governor, you’ve made repeated runs for the presidency which dates back to 1963 when you challenged John F. Kennedy days before he’s assassinated. In 1968, you ran as a third-party. In 1972, you were paralyzed because of an assassination attempt while campaigning for the Democratic Nomination. You ran also in 1976 which you’ve said you facilitated Jimmy Carter’s win. This year, with the worries of the voters about your ability to serve as the most powerful man in the nation, how will you make sure that your paralysis will not hinder you in campaigning, and in serving the country in case you’re elected in November?

Marvin Stone’s question for PRESIDENT CARTER:  Mr. President you’ve been criticized by Republicans as well some of the Democrats for responding late to aggressive Soviet impulses, for insufficient build-up of our armed forces. and some paralysis in dealing with Afghanistan and Iran. Specifically, what will be your military plan as of now to make sure the hostages in Iran are freed?

Jack Nelson’s question for GOVERNOR EDWARDS:  Governor, you’ve been embroiled in several ethics controversies during your first two terms in office. You’ve been remarkably candid about your questionable practices. You’ve been reported receiving illegal campaign contributions and you’ve demonstrated your gambling prowess to the press on one of your frequent gambling trips to Las Vegas. During your first term as governor, a disaffected former bodyguard of yours made several high-profile accusations of corruption, including the sale of state agency posts. The accusations were investigated by a grand jury, but you’ve attacked the credibility of the accuser and the investigation stalled.It also came to light that you and your wife had received questionable gifts in 1971, while you're a U.S. representative. My question is, would you care to say anything about these allegations and accusations in front of the American people? And would you continue your gambling habit in case you’ve  been elected president?

Walter Mears’ question for GOVERNOR WALLACE:  Governor, you’ve recanted your segregationist stance. My question is, do you now regret (or does it haunt you back) what you’ve did during the 60s like the stand at the schoolhouse door, the words segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever? Is this due to the political climate of the country that the whole country is embracing civil rights including in the Deep South or it a personal choice? In case segregation or anti-civil rights will be resurrected as an issue this coming elections, would you make civil rights a platform in your campaign?

QUESTION TO ALL CANDIDATES: Which episode in your career as a politician you’ve most regretted?

NO ONE MAY MAKE A REBUTTAL UNLESS ALL HAVE ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS. I MAY EXTEND THE TURN'S DURATION BY A DAY

P.S.: I know most of the questions are about campaign issues or the past of the candidates. Think of it as the ABC News Democratic Debate last April 2008. Too personal questions, I think

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

The working Man's friend: Finch for President.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand here before you to announce my candidacy for the presidency of the United States of America. I'll keep this short and sweet: both unemployment and inflation rates are rising to unacceptable levels; an energy crisis looms over us; and worst of all, American are now, in a clear violation of international law, being detained by a belligerent power.
 
In these trying times, an insidious question pops in the back of our minds: Is this the end of the grand American experiment? I answer with a resounding no! What we see now is a storm, a strong one I admit but nothing this great nation has not survived before. Defeatism has never been the American ethos: not during the Revolution; not during the Civil War; not during World War Two; and most certainly not now!

It's under this spirit that I carry forth my campaign. Make no mistake; the road ahead of me will be immense and filled with nails. But danger has never stopped me before: not as a soldier in Italy, nor as a Governor in Mississippi. As the great orator William Jennings Bryan once said, "The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error.” 

Thank you for your time, and God bless America.

Due to your late entry, you can't join the debate. Next time

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

BTW, NeverAgain... playing Carter means you can also play as president. You may announce important events done by your government

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

BTW, NeverAgain... playing Carter means you can also play as president. You may announce important events done by your government

Wonderful, I was planning on doing a SOTU if that's okay.

Also wanted to thank you for doing this. I know it is a lot of work.

Forgot to do this last time, but President Carter will file for all upcoming caucuses and primaries.

Yup, no problem

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

.

Just making sure, since I'm running 3rd party I,
a) Don't have to file for primaries or anything
b) Don't have enough funds to do ads]
c) Don't get to be in polling

I guess to keep things real, you are automatically the nominee of your party. B. yes but through fundraising you can raise your funds up.. just make sure to put your campaign's financial status. C, I would be posting the hypothetical national polls next turn, you're included there .

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Alright, this turn ends on Friday, 11:59 PM EST. (extended)

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Fmr. President Gerald Ford's wife is now suffering an organ shutdown. Her liver was being replaced, as it had been found to be ruined by her alcoholism and addiction to pills. Her body has rejected the new liver, and therefore the Former President is withdrawing from the race. Within six months she will either have recovered or died, but the Former President will not continue to run for President during this time of grief. He therefore suspends his campaign.

Noted.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Another day extension.