Democratic Primary Race / Endorsement

[Gustaf]

OK, I'm coming out there with my endorsement, since there seems like no new candidates are gonna come around.

This has not been an easy decision. But when I look at our (well, your) country today, I, alas, do not see leadership. Atlas Forum needs to rise above petty stuff and focus on the important things....(continuous boring speech)

For insiders, here are the real reasons (since there are only insiders here, I skipped the rest of the official speech, it wasn't looking good anyway... ): Migrendel lacks electability and is also way too the left on me. CM might prompt a revolution within the liberal base, and is also pretty much my opposite politically since we are centrist for different reasons. Nym90, I believe, is closest to me on issues, and electable enough. I will endorse him, but, with reservations for not yet knowing the GOP-candidate or independents, will rally behind the Dem nominee. (I do hope I will get to vote, haven't had time to check that yet!)

[Gustaf]

OK, this is just for fun, so, please, I don't want any of the frontrunners to get offended, OK?

I tried to imagine what our runners would be like in real life...

There are three major contenders for the Democratic nomination.

Mr. Migrendel's political campaign started out recently, as he ran for congress in his home state of Massachussets. The out-spoken socialist and homosexual, schocked both his own party and the GOP when he, due to a combination of personal charisma and dedicated supporters, managed to win. As he ran for reelection a concerted GOP campaign to oust him, using dirty campaigning accusing him of being an extremist, and running a moderate Republican, came to nothing as he got reelcted in a landslide. With no senate or governor race comingup in his state, and worried about the prospects of a conseravtive Democrat winning the nomination, he decided, urged on by his vast grass-root support, to run for president.

Mr. Cristopher Michael is a more experienced democrat, who caused much controversy, when he, after barely surviving a primary where the left attacked him vigourously, he won the senatorial election in his home state of Michigan. After winning reelection with low turnout and disgruntled party activists, he decided that the time had come to fullfill his old dream; he was going to run for president. Since his senatorial seat was not in play until the next mid-term, he might as well run and get some name-recognition and support from the party faithful.

This might however be hard, considering the fact that another prominent Michigan Democrat is also running. The state's other senator, Mr. Nym90, is a more mainstream Democrat who is well into his third term in office. Worried about the party's future, with the prospect of chosing between controversial candidates, he decided to enter the race to keep the party together. He seems to have more support than his senatorial colleuge in their home state, but Cristopher Michael is expected to make up for this with his support in more conservative states.  

What do you think?

[Gustaf]

CNN live from Minneapolis with Swedish-born Gustaf Lundrgen, a former senior adviser to the Clinton administration, who has agreed to give CNN a short analysis of the candidates...

THE INSIDE VIEW...

Reporter: Mr. Lundgren, many have viewed the Michigan Senator, Cristopher Michael as the strongest candidate in the field, would you care to comment?

ME: He certainly has many strengths, notably the endorsement of the Democratic chairman. He offers an interesting centrist position, with a former Republican as his initial running mate, and he might win back the south for the Democrats. The combination of firm moral principles and genuine compassion for the poor helps create the image of a "compassionate conservative" that rings true.

Reporter: But are there no draw-backs?

ME: His critics point out that his results in Michigan are not that impressive, considering the fact that it is viewed as a firmly Democratic state. However, the senator's real voters are in more conservative states, and that fact that his conservatism has managed to win in Michigan is actually promising. No, the main worry is rather that he represents, what some people like to call the "Republican wing of the Democratic party" and that the disgruntled left may run an independent candidate. That could hurt his candidacy some, but the Democratic party even more.

Reporter: well, thank you, Mr. Lundgren, after the commercial we will be back with comments on the other runners in the Democratic primary, so stay tuned.

[Gustaf]

CNN live from Minneapolis with Swedish-born Gustaf Lundrgen, a former senior adviser to the Clinton administration, who has agreed to give CNN a short analysis of the candidates...

THE INSIDE VIEW...

Reporter: Mr. Lundgren, many have viewed the Michigan Senator, Cristopher Michael as the strongest candidate in the field, would you care to comment?

ME: He certainly has many strengths, notably the endorsement of the Democratic chairman. He offers an interesting centrist position, with a former Republican as his initial running mate, and he might win back the south for the Democrats. The combination of firm moral principles and genuine compassion for the poor helps create the image of a "compassionate conservative" that rings true.

Reporter: But are there no draw-backs?

ME: His critics point out that his results in Michigan are not that impressive, considering the fact that it is viewed as a firmly Democratic state. However, the senator's real voters are in more conservative states, and that fact that his conservatism has managed to win in Michigan is actually promising. No, the main worry is rather that he represents, what some people like to call the "Republican wing of the Democratic party" and that the disgruntled left may run an independent candidate. That could hurt his candidacy some, but the Democratic party even more.

Reporter: well, thank you, Mr. Lundgren, after the commercial we will be back with comments on the other runners in the Democratic primary, so stay tuned.

GWBFan, in response to Gustaf's interview, as quoted leaving the CNN building....

GWBFan:  Beware the "Republican wing of the Democratic Party."  They might bite if mistreated.

Haha, that will teach us!

[Gustaf]

If anyone is interested in being my running mate, please notify me by email or on AOL instant messenger. I am still taking applications...I have had a few applicants and am reviewing the resumes.

I thought it was generally speaking a bad idea to pick a running mate during the primaries? (Heck, look what happened to GWBFan!)

[Gustaf]

I know, I haven't picked one yet, but I'm considering the possibilities. Since the primary will be over in one day, and then presumably the conventions will follow soon, all of the potential nominees should at least be considering who they want to choose.

Btw, can someone who was born outside American borders run at all? (Hey, I could appeal to non-Americans!)

[Gustaf]

Yes, as long as you pick a state in the US as your home state, as you have, there's no problem with you running.

Ah, interesting...

[Gustaf]

CNN live from Minneapolis with Swedish-born Gustaf Lundrgen, a former senior adviser to the Clinton administration, who has agreed to give CNN a short analysis of the candidates...

THE INSIDE VIEW...

Reporter: Mr. Lundgren, many have viewed the Michigan Senator, Cristopher Michael as the strongest candidate in the field, would you care to comment?

ME: He certainly has many strengths, notably the endorsement of the Democratic chairman. He offers an interesting centrist position, with a former Republican as his initial running mate, and he might win back the south for the Democrats. The combination of firm moral principles and genuine compassion for the poor helps create the image of a "compassionate conservative" that rings true.

Reporter: But are there no draw-backs?

ME: His critics point out that his results in Michigan are not that impressive, considering the fact that it is viewed as a firmly Democratic state. However, the senator's real voters are in more conservative states, and that fact that his conservatism has managed to win in Michigan is actually promising. No, the main worry is rather that he represents, what some people like to call the "Republican wing of the Democratic party" and that the disgruntled left may run an independent candidate. That could hurt his candidacy some, but the Democratic party even more.

Reporter: well, thank you, Mr. Lundgren, after the commercial we will be back with comments on the other runners in the Democratic primary, so stay tuned.

Reporter: Well, we're back in Minneapolis with Mr. Lundgren. Before the break he was telling us a little of what inside Democrats say about one of the initial favourites, Senator Christopher Michael of Michigan. Now, perhaps you could tell us a little about the other main contenders?

ME: Certainly, John. Well, those in the party establishment who has not rallied behind the above mentioned senator are instead supporting Michigan's senior senator, Nym90. Nym90 is to the left of Christopher Michael, and can thus keep the party intact, but not as far left as to scare away the swing voters. Or at least that's what his supporters claim. He is generally viewed as a sensible middle-of-the-road choice and has during the primary campaign showed that he is a gifted politician. After the set-back when the party chairman officialy endorsed Christopher Michael, many declared his cause lost, but he has kicked back convincingly, going out to talk to the voters, and gained a clear lead in the polls.

Reporter: Has he no weaknesses then?

ME: Everyone do, John, everyone do. He will most likely lose the centrist conservatives supporting Christopher Michael, and it is unclear whether the junior Michigan senator will support Nym90 with the required enthusiasm. There is a great risk that he could lose the election if the GOP get their act together. On the other hand, everyone agree that he would at least lose honourably, might win, and will keep the party intact.

Reporter: Thankyou. We will talk about the out-sider in the race after this break. Stay tuned!

[Gustaf]

Hmmm...independent? ROSS PEROT??

Fox News, Hannity and Colmes

Colmes:  Welcome back to the program.  We continue our discussion with Senator GWBFan from Georgia.  Senator, you've been making the rounds in the political talk shows lately.  Just days ago, you dropped out of the race for the vice presidency.  When I hear you talking, it sometimes sounds like you're still running for....something.

GWBFan:  Alan, I dropped out.  So that's that.  I won't seek the vice presidency.

Colmes:  What about other offices?  Like, say, the presidency?

GWBFan:  I have no plans to make a run for that office.

Colmes:  That's not a definite 'no.'

GWBFan:  No plans means no plans.  You're in politics.  You know things change everyday.  Right now, I'm supporting only one candidate in the entire field of both Democrats and Republicans, as well as independents, and that is Christopher Michael.  I will not support any other candidate.

Hannity:  Senator, good to see you again.  You know, I've always had great respect for you.  But lately, I don't know what's gotten into you, you're all over the place.  It's like you're not the person you were two years ago when you were elected as a Republican.

GWBFan:  No, I'm the same.  Circumstances led me to the Democrats.  But I must say, the Democratic Party is not as open as they claim to be.

Hannity:  Well, I can believe you there.  So things didn't work out with the Democrats.  Why not switch back?

GWBFan:  I won't do that.  Just look at how much we're in debt under Republican rule.  My grandkids will be paying for the mistakes made under this administration.

Hannity:  I disagree with you big time there, but I don't want to focus in on that now.  If there seems to be no place for you in the Democrat party, why stay there?

GWBFan:  That's actually a good question.  They've shunned me without giving me a chance.  This is a party that claims to be open to all.  They ought to rethink that claim.

Hannity:  Say, come election day, CM is not the nominee for your new party.  Who do you then vote for in the general election?

GWBFan:  We'll see.  But it won't be the Democratic candidate, I can tell you that.  They stuck me with the sword that I admit I may have given them...now I'm gonna stick them with the sword they gave to me.

Colmes:  So you'll actively work against the Democrats, if CM isn't nominated?

GWBFan:  One word:  Yes.  They said if I was the VP nominee, I would split their vote.  Well, I can tell you, I'll be the one to split their vote now that I'm not their VP nominee--unless, of course, CM gets the nomination.

[Gustaf]

CNN live from Minneapolis with Swedish-born Gustaf Lundrgen, a former senior adviser to the Clinton administration, who has agreed to give CNN a short analysis of the candidates...

THE INSIDE VIEW...

Reporter: Mr. Lundgren, many have viewed the Michigan Senator, Cristopher Michael as the strongest candidate in the field, would you care to comment?

ME: He certainly has many strengths, notably the endorsement of the Democratic chairman. He offers an interesting centrist position, with a former Republican as his initial running mate, and he might win back the south for the Democrats. The combination of firm moral principles and genuine compassion for the poor helps create the image of a "compassionate conservative" that rings true.

Reporter: But are there no draw-backs?

ME: His critics point out that his results in Michigan are not that impressive, considering the fact that it is viewed as a firmly Democratic state. However, the senator's real voters are in more conservative states, and that fact that his conservatism has managed to win in Michigan is actually promising. No, the main worry is rather that he represents, what some people like to call the "Republican wing of the Democratic party" and that the disgruntled left may run an independent candidate. That could hurt his candidacy some, but the Democratic party even more.

Reporter: well, thank you, Mr. Lundgren, after the commercial we will be back with comments on the other runners in the Democratic primary, so stay tuned.

Reporter: Well, we're back in Minneapolis with Mr. Lundgren. Before the break he was telling us a little of what inside Democrats say about one of the initial favourites, Senator Christopher Michael of Michigan. Now, perhaps you could tell us a little about the other main contenders?

ME: Certainly, John. Well, those in the party establishment who has not rallied behind the above mentioned senator are instead supporting Michigan's senior senator, Nym90. Nym90 is to the left of Christopher Michael, and can thus keep the party intact, but not as far left as to scare away the swing voters. Or at least that's what his supporters claim. He is generally viewed as a sensible middle-of-the-road choice and has during the primary campaign showed that he is a gifted politician. After the set-back when the party chairman officialy endorsed Christopher Michael, many declared his cause lost, but he has kicked back convincingly, going out to talk to the voters, and gained a clear lead in the polls.

Reporter: Has he no weaknesses then?

ME: Everyone do, John, everyone do. He will most likely lose the centrist conservatives supporting Christopher Michael, and it is unclear whether the junior Michigan senator will support Nym90 with the required enthusiasm. There is a great risk that he could lose the election if the GOP get their act together. On the other hand, everyone agree that he would at least lose honourably, might win, and will keep the party intact.

Reporter: Thankyou. We will talk about the out-sider in the race after this break. Stay tuned!

Reporter: We are back in Minneapolis with Gustaf Lundgren. Before the break you promised to tell us a little of the final runner in the Democratic primary, Congressman Migrendel?

Me: Yes, certainly, John. Congressman Migrendel is an out-sider, viewed with suspicion from the party leadership for two reasons. They question his electability, being so far out on the left, and are worried what he might do to their own careers if he yanks the party left. His supporters point at his youthful appearance personal charisma, dedicated supporters and success in elections. His critics claim that he could never win outside Massachusetts, and that his advantages are the same that McGovern had.

Reporter: But he could he win?

Me: The primary? Possibly, though thins are looking bad right now. In the general he would have a hard time, having to defend his positions. On the other hand, he would stand up for his principles, and maybe that is what it's all about, really.

Reporter: Well, thank you Mr. Lundgren. Finally, would you like to comment on some of the more extraordinary events of the campaign so far, like the actions of the Georgian senator, GWBfan, or Demrepdan?

Me: Yes, indeed, their actions have surprised many, myself included. Demrepdan could be accused of running in, what currently look like a weaker, Republican field, to reach the presidency. GWBFan is a mystery, but I think he will most likely run some sort of independent campaign if CM is not nominated. That could really be an interesting one...

Reporter: Before we leave you would you give us your predictions on the races?

Me: Sure. The Democratic primary will be a hard fought contest between the two Michigan senators: Cristopher Michael and Nym90. I thought Nym90 was wrapping it up, but Cristopher Michael is now moving ahead in the polls, and it is hard to say who will win. On the Republican side, Demrepdan is too moderate, I think. Supersoulty will win, most likely lose against Cristopher Michael, even if an independent Migrendel campaign steals votes, bu against Nym90, it could be tough. I am hoping for such a match-up, with CM running as an independent together with GWBFan, b/c that would be a race to remember, my fellow Americans!

Reporter: Thank you Mr. Lundgren, that is all from Inside View this week, see you again next, week, same time, same channel, I am John Porter.

Taatatattatatata...

[Gustaf]

I'm seeking the nomination of the Republican Party to be the President. However, I will give my endorsement for who should be nominated to be the Deomcratic nominee for President.

I truly believe it is the moderates who have the power. Although I did think of running as a Democrat, I decided not to do so. I would have probably been more liberal than Christopher Michael, but more conservative than Nym90. Therefore, it has taken me quite a bit of time in think who I should endorse. And since I am a moderate, I think Christopher Michael would be the best choice for President. He would be someone who Democrats and Republicans could work with, and I would be proud to work with him. The Democratic Party should nominate Chritopher Michael for President.

I am highly doubtfull, however hopefull, that the Republican Party will nominate me, a moderate, to run for President. There should be decency, there should be a moderate. And I'm willing to endorse him whether he is Democrat or Republican. And Christopher Michael is that person.

Although I endorse Chritopher Michael for the Democratic nomination, I do NOT yet endorse him for President. I may very will endorse my Republican oppnent, Supersoulty, that is if he can settle down near the middle before the General Election. That's considering if I do not receive the Republican nomination myself. But if I do get the nomination, then I would no doubt be endorsing ME.

OK...complicated statement, huh?

[Gustaf]

GWBFan's interview is troubling.  It sounds like he may make a run for the presidency as a third party candidate.

Yes, he will. Still, if we look at the primary polls (before they got messed up by cross-overs) there were 16 Dems, of which 7 supported CM. The others will most likely vote for Nym90 in the general. There were only 6-7 votes given in the GOP primary, before we entered. So we will have the edge on them with our party base. So I wouldn't be too worried.

[Gustaf]

My fellow Americans, tonight I announce my choice of a running mate. I am choosing Harry, the esteemed Senator from Mississippi. Harry is solidly in the mainstream of the Democratic party, and he will offer geographic balance to my ticket. I find his positions on issues to concur with mine in many respects. I will allow Harry himself to announce his platform.

Ah, interesting. The west ie really getting left out...so far of the 5 contenders, three are mid-westerners, one Pennsylvanian and one from New England. All are pretty far up in the north-east. Of the running mates, one is from the South and one from WV. There is no westerner. (But perhaps the GOP nominee will chose PD as a running mate, who knows?)

[Gustaf]

My fellow Americans, tonight I announce my choice of a running mate. I am choosing Harry, the esteemed Senator from Mississippi. Harry is solidly in the mainstream of the Democratic party, and he will offer geographic balance to my ticket. I find his positions on issues to concur with mine in many respects. I will allow Harry himself to announce his platform.

Well that's great.  I believe CNN will interview me this afternoon.  Anyway, for my stances,
I was against the Iraq war, but now that we're there, it's time to get the
job done.  The Bush administration had no strategy apparently, but we can't
withdraw and leave the Iraqis hanging.  Don't start what you can't finish.
Turn Iraq over graudally to the UN.
I oppose the Death Penalty morally, and right now definitely oppose it as it is more than twice as expensive to execute than housing a criminal in jail for life.
I do not believe any type of drug shuold be legalized for other than medical reasons, as that would give the wrong impression to everyone.
The environment is a huge issue to me.  Whatever can be done to protect it must be done.  The Bush administration has not done a good job at this.  We
only have one Earth.
I am not a big fan of guns at all--some gun control needed.
I say tax the people much, as long as the money is being put to good use.
If the money is just going to be squandered, then don't tax.
I'm very against school vouchers as that is no solution at all--it's just giving up on the public schools.
I am definitely against affirmitve action as it another form of discrimination.
I am opposed to abortion but I don't believe it shuold be totally illegal.
Problem posters on this board should be warned, and if nothing works, banned, but only as a last resort.

You are the only one so far to take MiamiU's talk about forum policies seriously. That part is even more of a fantasy or mock election than all the rest, since the real power is with the administrator... (Washington bureacracy? )

[Gustaf]

Don't be dissapointed.  I am the one that is dissapointed, believe me.

In what?

[Gustaf]

Don't be dissapointed.  I am the one that is dissapointed, believe me.

In what?

Once I get things cleared up, I will anounce what exactly what I mean.

Thank you.

[Gustaf]

Well, I don't see how you are more to the middle than I am, MiamiU. I agree with all of the positions that you stated. Perhaps there are other differences?

There's no way he would be more middle of the road, MiamiU is certainly more to the left than you, Nym90. That's one of the reasons you have my Endorsement and Blessing. Don't abandon your more moderate stances once nominated, then elected. Because, if you do, I will hold news conference asking the people's forgiveness for my error in supporting you.

So I was correct in my originial assesment . . . .

What original assessment are you referring to Harry? Please elaborate.

That Miamiu is to the left of Nym90 and myself.
I said it, and Miamiu got extremely upset because he said it was not true.
Now, however, Nym90 is backing up my statement, so I now believe that I spoke the truth in the first place.

I back up your statement as well. Nothing personal here, MiamiU.

Yeah, I mean "liberal" is not a bad thing, as much right-wingers try to say it is.

Look at the political tests Miami posted, it does not make him out as a liberal at all. He isn't even in the same quadrant as Nym90...

[Gustaf]

I know this is prolly a bad thread to do it in, but is there anyone I could talk to / a thread I could look at, that could provide me with more details about these fantasy elections?  I think I got the gist of it, and I'd like to know more about it.

Hm, everything on this board...we don't know that much ourselves though, we're just doing it, dealing with issues as they arise, basically.

[Gustaf]

I have not been here for about a month. I missed the dem fantasy primaries. But I will get to the point. I am here to announce my endorsement of Nym90 for president. I would like to support him were ever it is needed.

Thankyou,

Great, we need every vote we can get! Have you voted for them in my poll, it's supposed to give an idea of the forum electorate's views on the candidates...

[Gustaf]

I just got into this thing recently ,so bare with me if I ask dumb questions.  Do the Democrats have a central place of organization (probably not, we are Democrats)?  When and where is the convention?  And finally, how can I help get the great Nym90 elected?

Nym90 has already won the nomination. Now we need you to register to vote on the register to vote thread.

Carry Idaho for us, that would be great!

[Gustaf]

Maybe you two should have a deathmatch.

lol

We're not having an EC, so it doesn't really matter. We could take note of home states of voters, though, couldn't we, and then put together an elction map from that, just for fun.

[Gustaf]

Idaho would still go to soulty.

Why? Or do you mean in the "reallife" election maps we're doing?

[Gustaf]

Idaho would still go to soulty.

Of course, just like California goes Dem despite the fact that the only Californians here are Reps.

Why? Or do you mean in the "reallife" election maps we're doing?

Yeah, the real life maps.

[Gustaf]

I have not been here for about a month. I missed the dem fantasy primaries. But I will get to the point. I am here to announce my endorsement of Nym90 for president. I would like to support him were ever it is needed.

Thankyou,

Jtf, get over to the register thread and register to vote! All you need to do is post on the thread and say you register, but you need to do it before Jan 19th, or you wont be allowed to vote! We're trailing the Reps by 1 vote among registered voters, we need every vote we can get!

[Gustaf]

Also, are we going to draw up a platform? If so, I would like a seat on the platform committee.

No idea. Talk to the chairman...

We don't want any wacky socialist ideas on that platform though, mind you!