2012 Election TL (Gameplay Thread)

[feeblepizza]

Governor Mitch Daniels makes a trip to Virginia:

"I believe that Americans have a choice to make. To put it bluntly, they need to choose between socialism and freedom. To put it even more bluntly, they need to choose between Barack Obama and a principled, responsible leader.

I believe that I am that leader. Look at what we've done her in Indiana - we expanded health insurance with the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) via private health savings accounts. We've had a balanced budget for every year I've been in office. We have charter schools and students are learning more and more effectively. WE HAVE NEVER RAISED TAXES. We've capped property taxes, permanently, at 1-3% for all payers. And we've reduced corruption by reforming the congressional redistricting process.

I have the kind of record a good leader needs - more importantly, I have done the things in Indiana that need to be done in the United States of America. We need fiscal responsibility and tax cuts. We need freedom, not Obama brand socialism."

[Del Tachi]

Newt Gingrich, on his website, officially endorses Haley Barbour for President of the United States.

Gingrich:
“I hereby endorse Haley Barbour for President of the United States.  I know that campaign season just started, but I believe that Haley Barbour’s attributes make him very qualified to be the next president.  Haley Barbour’s conservative credentials resonate with the party base and he knows how to wage a good campaign against Obama next fall.  I plan on appearing with him in public shortly, and we have already planned several speaking events together”

[Ⓐnarchy in the ☭☭☭P!]

Ron Paul travels to New Jersey for a campaign speech. In brief:

When he was elected, Obama promised change. Well, I don't see any change! I see the same corporatist agenda that the Bush Administration pursued! I want to offer America real change! A return to the principles of our founding fathers! No entangling alliances, no foreign occupations, no nation building! An economy with a balanced budget, with our debt lower than the trillions it is at today!

[Del Tachi]

The next stop on Haley Barbour’s four state tour is Illinois. 

He arrives at Chicago’s Midway Airport early one morning and is greeted by a crowd of campaign supporters and concerned members of the community.  Before deporting for more campaign events, Barbour makes an unplanned announcement to the group that has assembled.

”I would to thank the people of Chicago for their warm welcome.  The polls say that I’m polling at less than one percent in Illinois, but I believe that after campaigning here over the next few months the people of Illinois will see me for what I truly am: a bonafied, concerned conservative who is fighting to retake control of America from the big-government Obama regime.”

After his impromptu speech at the airport, Haley Barbour attends a business lunch with David A. Herron and his associates at CHX Holdings Inc. (who own the Chicago Stock Exchange).  The breakfast is not open to the press, but apparently Barbour and the CHX associates discuss business matters relating to the newly passed Financial Reform bill.  He concludes his breakfast by speaking to the investors on the floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange only a few minutes after the opening bell:

“President Obama has done nothing to stabilize the American economy ever since he took office in 2009, he and his buddies in Washington have only temporarily pacified the business community by handing bailouts.  However, these bailouts increased the nation debt and are now leading to a decline in the value of the American dollar.  How can Obama expect American businesses to compete in today’s international business market if the money that our nation produces isn’t worth the paper its printed on?  Obama and the Democrats have also suffocated the American business community under their new finance laws.  Mr. Obama, how can you expect our businesses to succeed if you surround them with miles-and-miles of regulatory red tape.  The Obama economic policies make no sense.  In voting for me, you are voting for a clear alternative to these failed policies.  I propose that we reduce the amount of regulation on our businesses, which will allow them to flourish in the ever-changing global economy.”

Barbour’s speech to the C.S.E. is well-received.

Barbour’s next stop is a Town Hall meeting in Rolling Meadows, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago).  The main purpose of this town hall is health care.  Governor Barbour delivers the following words:

[/i]“If elected president, I will work with the Congress to make sure that we repeal the Obama-led takeover of the health care industry that was adopted in March 2010.  Obamacare was a step in the wrong direction.  I believe that we can achieve health care reform and near universal coverage, but we can do it through encouraging competition among health insurance providers.  However, the most important we need to do is encourage the people of this nation to make healthier lifestyle choices.  As governor of Mississippi, I started the ‘Let’s Go Walking, Mississippi’ campaign, made physical education a compulsory requirement for all children in Mississippi public schools, made school lunches healthier, and through a series of public service announcements encouraged Mississippians to become more health conscious.  As a result, recent research shows that rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease are all starting to fall in Mississippi.  We need to start doing this at the national level.” [/i]

Barbour spends the rest of his afternoon attending several events, including a stop to help work at a soup kitchen at a church in Arlington Heights, a tea party rally in Joliet, and speaking to some 500 students and 1,000 community members at North Central College in Naperville, IL. 



Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday arrives in Chicago later in the evening to conduct an interview with Haley Barbour:

Wallace: On behalf of all of us on Fox News Sunday, I would like to welcome you, Mr. Barbour, to the show. 

Barbour: Thank you, its very nice to be here and have a chance to get out my message to the people of this great nation. 

Wallace: So, first things first Haley…why did you decide on running for president?

Barbour: The decision to run for president was not an easy one for me, Chris.  The truth is, Chris, I almost decided to run in 2008--

Wallace: Well, why didn’t you?

Barbour: I realized that my first priority was to be the Governor of Mississippi.  In 2007, I had just be reelected as governor and I felt it was my duty to serve in the role.  Also, my wife didn’t want me to then! (chuckles)

Wallace:  Back to question, so, why did you choose to run this year?

Barbour: Like I said, the decision was not an easy one to make.  However, after I saw how the American people voted in the 2010 midterm elections my decision was pretty much clear.  It was apparent that the American people had rejected the Obama/Pelosi/Reid policies and were looking for a return to government by the people, for the people, and of the people.  That’s why I decided to run.  I believe that Obama and his Democratic friends have taken this nation on a borderline-Socialist veer to the left, and the American people have rejected that.  I’m running to give those Americans a clear choice.   

Wallace: So believe that you best represent the voters who are fed up with the Obama agenda?

Barbour: That’s what I would like to believe.  I stand for smart, fiscal-conservatism and I think the voters will reward me at the ballot box come their respective primary days.

Wallace: What’s your opinions of the other Republican candidates; specifically Marsha Blackburn and Romney?

Barbour:  I have a great deal of respect for both Representative Blackburn and former governor Romney.  They have both stood up for what they believe in and are respectable candidates.  However, I think that Ms. Blackburn might be just a bit to inexperienced to be ready for the highest office in the land.  She has less experience than Obama had in 2008, only serving as representative for about 8 years.  Romney, I think, might just be a bit too liberal for the mainstream Republican Party and I question his stances on health care, gay marriage, and some other issues key to winning against Obama this year.  However, it’s not my job to judge the candidates.  It will be up to the voters to ultimately decide.

Wallace: Thank you so much for being hear, ladies and gentlemen: Haley Barbour.

Barbour: Thank you.

Barbour spends the rest of his time in Illinois at various town halls and rallies (both for himself and the Tea Party).  He stops at town halls in Oak Lawn, Aurora, Crystal Lake, Rockford, Moline, Joliet, Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur,  Belleville, and Carbondale.  He concludes his Illinois visit in Springfield where he is endorsed by Illinois governor Bill Brady.

Brady: After having the opportunity to see what Governor Barbour truly stands for, I officially endorse him for President of the United States.  I encourage all Illinoisans to support Mr. Barbour is he campaign for U.S. president.  I will be staying touch with him and will continue campaigning for him throughout the state up until primary day.   

[feeblepizza]

Governor Mitch Daniels stops in Chicago:

"I'd like to thank Chicagoans and Illinoisans for their warm welcome tonight! I just want to say a few things right off the bat - Illinois and Indiana are doing pretty well. With respect to the economy, both Indiana and Illinois's unemployment rates are under 10%. Neither of our states have raised taxes, and both of our states have had balanced budgets for a good long time. I want to keep it that way in Illinois and Indiana, and all across the county. Fiscal conservatism is the way we have to go to avoid the Obamanites from pummeling our economy to death."

Governor Daniels' next stop was in Peoria:

"Abraham Lincoln made a stand for reform right here in 1860. He stood against the evils of divisions and slavery. Now, America's evils are not as severe as they were then, but we are divided. America is divided between those who want to continue on this treacherous path towards debt, deficit, and the dissolution of freedoms with ObamaCare, and those who want to get our fiscal house in order and maintain the freedoms the founders gave us."

Governor Daniels gives a FOX News Sunday interview after Governor Haley Barbour is finished:

WALLACE: Thank you for being here, Governor Daniels.

DANIELS: Thanks, Chris. I really enjoy being here at FOX.

WALLACE: So, Governor, you have made statements before that seem very anti-political: in a 2008 ad you said that Governor of Indiana was the only elected office you have held and the only one you ever will hold; you have said before that someone couldn't send you back to Washington at gunpoint; and you've called D.C. a "hellhole" and a "wolf-pit." Why the change of heart now?

DANIELS: Well, Chris, over the last three years in the Obama Administration, I have seen America abused terribly. First, we're on a rapid road toward another Depression, what with 10%+ unemployment rates; second, we've got ObamaCare, which is a disaster waiting to happen; and we're simply unsafe when it comes to Iran, North Korea, and terrorism. I feel that America needs to go in a different direction, a better one, and I'm the best person to do that. Just look at my record as Gov -

WALLACE: Tell us about your record as Governor...?

DANIELS: Well, Indiana has had a balanced budget every year since 2005 (the year I first took office) and we've never raised taxes once. We remained fiscally sound even during the beginning of the recession. Indiana has improved healthcare with the Healthy Indiana Plan, or HIP, which includes private retirement accounts. We've also improved education, with charter schools.

WALLACE: How about the Indiana Toll Road?

DANIELS: Look at the benefits of globalization and how many jobs we've brought to impoverished nations like Mexico through NAFTA. I support globalization as I think that it's important to support developing nations. Not give them a crutch, no, no, no, but to work with them to cooperatively increase their economic benefit.

WALLACE: What do you think of your opponents, Congresswoman Blackburn, and Governors Huckabee, Romney, and Barbour?

DANIELS: I think that Congresswoman Blackburn is a wonderful woman and a true conservative. I think that Governors Huckabee, Romney, and Barbour have been very effective in their tenure and would be wonderful Presidents. It's just that I think I would be a better one (laughs).

WALLACE (laughing): Well, we'll see about that Governor. Thanks for being with us tonight.

DANIELS: My pleasure, Chris. Thank you.

[feeblepizza]

"I've worked with Mitch Daniels and I believe that he has the courage and the principles to get America back on track again. He's been a wonderful Governor and would make an even better President. I am proud to stand by My Man Mitch."

----George W. Bush, former President of the United States of America, during a Boulder, Colorado speech

[ej2mm15]

February 2011

Republicans
Romney 32.5%
Huckabee 21.2% un-announced
Paul 9.7%
Daniels 5.9%
Barbour 5.6%
Blackburn 5.1%

Red Romney, Blue Huckabee, Green Daniels, Dark Green Barbour, Purple Blackburn

Virginia
Romney 21.0%
Huckabee 20.0%
Barbour 10.9%
Blackburn 10.9%
Daniels 8.5%
Paul 7.2%

Indiana
Daniels 30.7%
Huckabee 19.4
Romney 17.8
Blackburn 5.2
Barbour 4.1
Paul 2.8

Kentucky
Daniels 17.8%
Huckabee 16.7%
Blackburn 15.6%
Romney 14.6%
Barbour 13.5%
Paul 1.8%

Tennessee
Blackburn 19.6%
Huckabee 17.6%
Romney 15.6%
Barbour 13.6%
Daniels 11.6%
Paul 2.0%

General Election Polling
Romney 42%
Obama 41%

Obama 45%
Paul 40%

Obama 45%
Barbour 31%

Obama 44%
Daniels 33%

Obama 45%
Blackburn 29%

[Lincoln Republican]

This is CNN with breaking news.

In a shocking turn of events on the campaign trail, just moments ago, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has withdrawn from the Presidential race.

In an emotional appearance, Governor Romney stated that he was withdrawing from the race for personal reasons, explaining that his wife Ann's MS condition had taken a turn for the worse, and that he would be dedicating his time to looking after her, stating

My priorities are to look after my dear wife Ann, who needs me now more than ever before.  As I take my leave of public life, I wish to thank all those who have supported me over these many years.  I trust that my many supporters in this campaign will not feel that I have let them down, but will understand that  my responsibilities are now to help Ann through this difficult time.     

Romney, the leading candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination, and the only Republican polls show currently beating President Obama in an election, also made the following surprise statement.

I am not making any endorsements, and I know there are several fine and capable candidates seeking the Republican Presidential nomination,  but I believe that Marsha Blackburn has the qualities that would enable her to become an effective President.

This is CNN.

[tmthforu94]

Congressman Marsha Blackburn makes a statement while in Washington D.C...

I am simply shocked my Mitt Romney's decision, and I thank him for his support. But more importantly, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife. I've had the chance to meet with Anne several times, and she is such a joyous woman. I pray she has a speedy recovery.- Marsha Blackburn

[tmthforu94]

Advisor: Marsha, did you know Romney's basic endorsement was coming?
Marsha: Honestly, Dave, I had no idea. I'm simply floored. This is great for our campaign, but it's disappointing that the Governor had to drop out.
Advisor: This could really give us momentum. After his wife starts to get better, if we could possibly get him to make an appearence with us, we'd be golden.
Marsha: Let's plan some visits in the Northeast. With Mitt's exit, we have a real shot there.

[Ⓐnarchy in the ☭☭☭P!]

Ron Paul continues his heavy campaigning in the North East, traveling throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.

"We need to end our wars of aggression! America needs to get out of Afghanistan! America needs to abandon our bases in Iraq entirely! By remaining in these countries, we offer the terrorists reasons to attack us!" Was Ron Paul's statement on foreign policy, an issue he has been pressing heavily in the Northeast,  as well as an end to the Federal Reserve.

Furthermore, Senator Rand Paul, Gary Johnson, and Barry Goldwater Jr. have all announced their support of Ron Paul.

Ron Paul also mentioned that while he disagreed with Romney heavily on his policies, he wished him luck in his personal life and announced that he prays for Anne's survival.

[feeblepizza]

Governor Mitch Daniels travels to Grand Junction, Colorado where President Bush gives a tremendous speech in his support:

"Mitch Daniels is the man who can put America back on track! He can restore conservative principals to this nation! He will cut taxes, improve health care, improve education, and keep America safe from threats both at home and abroad! My Man Mitch is the man for America!"

[ej2mm15]

March 2011

Republicans
Huckabee 32.2% un-announced
Paul 17.3%
Daniels 10.9%
Blackburn 10.2%
Barbour 9.4%

Yellow Paul, Blue Huckabee, Green Daniels, Dark Green Barbour, Purple Blackburn

Indiana
Daniels 39.5%
Huckabee 25.0%
Blackburn 6.7%
Barbour 5.3%
Paul 3.6%

Colorado
Barbour 21.9%
Daniels 18.1%
Paul 16.0%
Huckabee 15.5%
Blackburn 8.5%

Texas
Huckabee 39.2%
Barbour 18.2%
Paul 10.2%
Blackburn 7.2%
Daniels 5.8%

General Election Polling

Obama 45%
Paul 42%

Obama 45%
Barbour 32%

Obama 44%
Daniels 35%

Obama 45%
Blackburn 31%

[Ⓐnarchy in the ☭☭☭P!]

Ron Paul decides to take a break from campaigning personally, spending the month resting at home in Texas.

However, the Ron Paul Campaign Committee is still busy at work. Supporters organize independent rallies and advertisements for Paul in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado. Furthermore, Ron Paul gains the endorsements of multiple Tea Party organizations. The Tea Party Express throws its support behind Paul, as well as regional Parties in California, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, Idaho, Texas, and Oregon.

[tmthforu94]

Energized by rising poll numbers, Marsha Blackburn announces as Southern tour, with planned stops in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. She focuses on her conservative credentials. She is accompanied by Governor Bob McDonnell.

[feeblepizza]

Mitch Daniels, too, travels through the U.S. South, with former President George Walker Bush accompanying him. He visits Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana the most heavily.

[tmthforu94]

Marsha Blackburn flies out to Sacramento, California, for a rally with Meg Whitman. A popular former Governor also makes a surprise visit...

It's great to be in the Sunshine state! Today, I'm here to make an endorsement. I've looked through all the candidates carefully, but one stood out, and her name is Marsha Blackburn! (crowd roars) Today, I ask you all to vote for Marsha. She is a woman of integrity, honesty, and conservative principles. Let's win back the White House!!!
- Sarah Palin

[feeblepizza]

Mitch Daniels travels to Oregon immediately after a rally in Crawford, Texas, to focus on his credentials in green energy:

"Indiana is the second state when it comes to renewable energy. The Hoosier State built the biggest and most successful wind farm in the history of the nation. America needs energy independence. I would propose an all-of-the-above energy policy: we'll use oil, coal, natural gas, wind power, solar power, hydro-power, industrial hemp, and any other innovative energy sources possible. But you know what we won't do? We will NOT pursue the Cap&Tax policies of the Obama Administration."

[tmthforu94]

Marsha Blackburn suspends her campaign for President...

Personal issues have caused me to step aside. I will not be making an endorsement till after the primaries.
- Marsha Blackburn

[tmthforu94]

Jeff Bingaman makes a statement on CNN regarding a run for the Presidency...

Reporter: Senator, have you considered running for President yourself?
Bingaman: The fact is, I'm sick of the politics being played by both sides. I'm ready to get more Americans back to work. It's time to put political differences aside and come together for the sake of Americans. I haven't decided if I'll run myself, but if the course remains the same, I may jump in.

[feeblepizza]

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn releases a statement regarding the 2012 election campaign:

"I have reviewed my options and will be more than happy to offer my endorsement to Governor Mitch Daniels. His record as Governor has been excellent, and I believe that he would make for a fine President."

[feeblepizza]

The Daniels campaign releases its reaction to Marsha Blackburn's endorsement:

"We are humbled and honored to accept Mrs. Blackburn's endorsement. She is a wonderful woman and a wonderful politician with astounding conservative credentials. We will be happy o work with her in coming months."

[tmthforu94]

Jeff Bingaman announces that he will be conducting a tour, titled "Hearing the American Voice". Bingaman will mainly tour the Southwest where he will mainly listen to the concerns and problems of Americans and offer his solutions.

I'm doing this for a simple reason: The government has become out of touch with the American people. It's time we listen to them and start working for them again, not ourselves or our party.
- Jeff Bingaman

[ej2mm15]

April 2011

Republicans
Huckabee 26.3% un-announced
Daniels 21.1%
Paul 20.2%
Barbour 12.4%

Yellow Paul, Blue Huckabee, Green Daniels, Dark Green Barbour

No State Polls Requested

General Election Polling

Obama 45%
Paul 44%

Obama 45%
Barbour 33%

Obama 44%
Daniels 38%

[feeblepizza]

Mitt Romney stages a press conference outside of his Los Angeles home:

"I left this race some time ago, and Congresswoman Blackburn left the race after me. I have come to a final conclusion, however: I am endorsing Governor Mitch Daniels for President of the United States. Governor Daniels has an amazing record as a fiscal conservative, and he is the best choice to lead this nation from the dark path that it has been going down for so, so long. I won't be able to campaign actively for Governor Daniels, but I do wish him the best of luck. God bless you, and thank you coming."