The Atlasian Post.

[Simfan34]

ALL HEADLINES, ALL SPIN, ALL FONTS, ALL THE TIME

"The People, united, will never be defeated!"
THE PEOPLE'S PARTY FORMED
MANY PROMINENT OFFICEHOLDERS JOIN,
EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OVERNIGHT,
WHIGS, LIBERALS IN DISARRAY.

A Liberal amount of love for your Labor?
NAPOLEON AND SCOTT MOOT LIB-LAB MERGER
SUGGESTS PARTY CALL ITSELF JCP,
ATTEMPT AT SHORING UP SUPPORT.

Missing links
Whigs, Liberals find themselves without grandees
Both parties lose Vice-Chairs,
Whigs lose founder,
Liberals without Senate candidate

SIMFAN ENTERS THE FRAY
Announces gubernatorial bid
ENTERS WITH STRONG SUPPORT,
PROMISES ISSUES CAMPAIGN.
CAN HE COME FROM BEHIND
IN EARLY TEST OF TPP STRENGTH?

[Simfan34]

Your second headline is a tad misleading.

Sure.

Napoleon lashes out.
CALLS TPP "PERSONALITY CULT"
ATLASIAN PUBLIC DAZED, CONFUSED,
PRESIDENT SURE TO DROP IN POLLS.
GOV. NIX, ONCE STRONG ALLY,
SAYS HE SHOULD EXPLAIN "BIZARRE ACCUSATION".

[Simfan34]

And I am the Vice Chair of the Liberal Party.

Wasn't that Nix?

[Simfan34]

Ah, he was the Whip.

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post.
ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL FONTS, ALL THE TIME

SPECIAL REPORT:
Is it time for a Popular Front?
ATLASIA'S PARTIES SHOULD WORK TOGETHER
DEFEATING BONEY IN NYMAN
OUGHT TO BE NUMBER ONE GOAL,
STOP THE SECOND TERM AT ALL COSTS!

Franzl wins in "landslide"
DEFEATS JONES WITH 63% OF VOTE
IRREGULARITIES ALLEGED,
BUT MAJOR VICTORY FOR LONG TIME
PARTICIPANT- CAN HE BE TRUSTED?

Snap election in the NE
BELGIANSOCIALIST GIVEN THE BOOT
NOTORIOUS TWEEDIST EXPELLED
AS BORIS PREPARES FOR POLITICAL COMEBACK

More big names.
TPP sees explosive growth
Former president, governors,
senators, party leaders stream into
the new TPP.

ABOVE IT ALL?
Liberals seek party endorsements
ASK FOR NOD OVER PARTIES' OWN MEMBERS
ARROGANCE OR OVERCONFIDENCE?
LABOR, WHIGS, TPP SHOCKED

[Simfan34]

I've spent a lot of time reading threads on recents events. Then I read The Atlasian Post.

The first thing I do should be to read it and get quickly informed on the lastest news. It would save some time. 

I assume this is a complement? This is certainly an efficient way to get one's news.

I'm looking forward to this.

As we all should be.

[Simfan34]

ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL TYPEFACES, ALL THE TIME

A second term for the President.
NAPOLEON WINS
IN MAJOR VICTORY
BEYOND ANY CLEAR DOUBT
LARGEST MARGIN SINCE 2010
WHAT SHALL HE DO WITH MANDATE?

Walking dead?
LESS THAN HALF OF LABOR SUPPORTS TICKET
LABOR PARTY MEMBERS REJECT
SNOWSTALKER AND REDALGO
DENYING VICTORY TO PARTY,
DESPITE STRATEGIC VOTING.

A left turn
LABOR PARTY TACKS LEFTWARDS
SOME MEMBERS ADVOCATE
OVERT COMMUNISM, OTHERS PROPOSE
STRONGER CONTROL OVER
MEMBERSHIP. IS IT ENOUGH?

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS.
NE Assembly opens
TAKES UP ISSUE OF NEW CAPITAL.
WORKING TO BYPASS
REFERENDUM DEFEAT.

Here today, here tomorrow.
LITTLE CHANGE IN SENATE
TPP WITH OAKVALE UNSEATS SBANE,
BK TO BE EXPELLED WITH HIS BLESSING,
BUT OTHERWISE ALL INCUMBENTS SECURE.

[Simfan34]

A common agenda we do have too!

[Simfan34]

Shameless self-promotion

Simfan for President?
20RP12 SAYS HE'D WIN 4-WAY RACE
BETWEEN SCOTT, GRIFFIN, SIMFAN,
AND HIS OWN 'TRAINWRECK' CAMPAIGN
PROBABLE SENATOR IS PLAUSIBLE
NEXT PRESIDENT- IS IT POSSIBLE?

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post.
ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL TYPEFACES, ALL THE TIME

"IT'S A HORSERACE!"
SIX TO BATTLE FOR TWO SENATE SEATS
SIMFAN AND SoS EARLY LEADERS
SNOWSTALKER CLOSE BEHIND
CAN THEY KEEP THE MOMENTUM
OR WILL OTHER BREAKTHROUGH?

Controversy over executive privilege
NAPOLEON INVOKES IT IN SOIA CASE
SEVERAL SENATORS DISPLEASED
PUNDITS CLAMOUR FOR IMPEACHMENT,
BUT PRESIDENT SHOWS THAT HE WON'T BUDGE.

A third term?
Comment by pres. sparks rumours
Says he was just joking,
but mixed response prevails-
some strongly opposed, but many
are receptive to the idea.

OVEREAGER IN THE WINGS
Politicos declare hypothetical runs
SNOWBALL FOR ASSEMBLY
WOLFENTOAD FOR GOVERNOR
BUT NEITHER SEAT IS OPEN-YET
EARLY BIRDS OR TO AN EARLY DEMISE?

[Simfan34]

I am glad to hear that.

[Simfan34]

For the record, I have never declared officially for assembly, but have said that if you succeed in your senatorial race, I will participate in the special election following.

Noted. However you are still declaring your intent- and we'll see if it'll have an effect. I'm glad you're banking on my win.

[Simfan34]

Well you are doing well in polls, but I shall not vote for you, as it would look really bad.

Why not? No one would judge you. I could even say that in a press release.

[Simfan34]

Vote for me based on the issues, that's my advice.

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post.
ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL TYPEFACES, ALL THE TIME

NAPOLEON VS. THE SENATE.
THREE STRIKE VETOS HAS HOUSE UP IN ARMS
MEMBERS CITE INTRANSIGENCE,
INACTION, SPITE, AND
HAUGHTINESS. HOWEVER THE
PRESIDENT STICKS BY HIS WORDS.
WORST CRISIS SINCE TWEEDIST COUP
ATTEMPT, ANALYSTS SAY.

Vice President Wolfentoad!?
NATHAN SAID TO BE IN HOT WATER
PRESIDENT MULLING FRESH
REPLACEMENT OVER VETO BREAK.
SENATE INSIDERS SAY IT'S A
MOVE TO DETER IMPEACHMENT.

All in a day's work?
SEMANTIC DEBATE GRIPS NYMAN
PRESIDENT VETOES ABORTION ACT
DESPITE SEVEN DAY LIMIT.
CLAIMS THAT IT WAS ON THE SEVENTH DAY
SENATORS CLAIM SEVEN DAYS HAD ELAPSED.
NATION'S COMEDIANS SURE
TO MAKE CREATION JOKES.

¿A two week tour?
PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES LEAVE
WHILE GOVERNMENT IS IN DISARRAY
AND SLEW OF VETOES ARE UNLEASHED.
IS THE PRESIDENT DELIBERATELY
TRYING TO DESTABLISE THE REPUBLIC!!?

Oyez, Oyez!
Pacific gets a legislature
Small start with four members.
Major victory of Governor Spamage
and Programme of Reform.

Poirot headed for a win.
NARROW BUT CLEAR VICTORY
POSED TO BEAT SIR NICK AND SNOWBALL.
SIR NICK ALL BUT DROPS OUT OF THE RACE
BEFORE VOTING EVEN STARTS.

ATLASIA'S NEWEST HERO
LATE GOVENROR JOHN ENGLE
SENATE TO MREORAILASE
MAN OFWHO GAVE PEOPLE FO IWA AND NATIONS
FOOD. AND  WORDS.

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post.
ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL TYPEFACES, ALL THE TIME

BAD FAITH
CATHCON CALLS WINFIELD "ELITIST ASSHOLE"
PRIVATE COMMENT INDICATOR
OF RISING TENSIONS IN RACE.
WEEKLY NEWS AND CMPA. IN
CAHOOTS TO DEFAME FMR. GOV.
MAJOR FED. AND TPP FIGURES
COME TO HIS DEFENCE.

Labor's overreach?
PARTY TARGETS PPT YANKEE
Rumours say they'd like to replace him.
Angry response from many senators over,
"uppity" and "presumptious" attitude.
Has Labor's lack of deference to tradition gone too far?

Gubernatorial governance.
Scott facing uncontested reelection.
Tmthforu to be challenged- this time from the left
Wolfentoad looking vulnerable.

THE RETURN OF CULTURAL MARXISM
Al declares his bid for the White (Red?) House
GAINS VAST BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.
MEMBERS OF ALL PARTIES JOIN
AS CMPA IGNORES CENSUS REQS.
EVEN AS THIS PAPER DOES NOT ACTUALLY
KNOW WHAT CULTURAL MARXISM IS, WE DO
KNOW WE DON'T LIKE AL AS A PERSON.

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post.
ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL TYPEFACES, ALL THE TIME

CONSPIRACIES AFOOT!
Prominent Federalist and Liberal Politicians Engaged in Secret Talks
WHAT ARE THEY SCHEMING?
IS LIB-FED UNION AT HAND?
WHAT WILL LABOUR DO?

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post.
ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL TYPEFACES, ALL THE TIME

VULGAR CRITICISMS.
President slams Assembly candidate!
Napoleon calls Talleyrand
"Sh-t in a silk stocking."
Reason, origin of insult unknown.

Return of the red!?
RUMOURS ABOUT REAGANFAN.
SENATOR WHO DEFEATED FOUNDER NYM
BUT WAS UNPOPULAR WITH HIS PEERS
AND SERVED AS GOVERNOR OF THE THEN-SOUTH
IS SAID BY SOURCES TO BE MULLING A RETURN
AFTER A SEVEN YEAR HIATUS FROM POLITICS.
CONSERVATIVES HOPE, LIBERALS FEAR, WE WAIT.

It had to be done.

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post.
ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL TYPEFACES, ALL THE TIME

Friday, February 1, 2013

A NIGHT THAT SHALL LIVE IN INFAMY
THE GREAT TRAUMA AND THE MARCH TO BROOKLYN
PUBLISHER TAKES FOUR HOUR 2AM
WALK FROM HOUSE TO BROOKLYN
"I HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE," HE SAYS
AFTER ENDURING WHAT OBSERVERS DEEM
GREATEST SHOCK OF HIS LIFE.
PERHAPS THIS SHOULD GO IN COMMUNITY.

Great Expectations and Great Disappointment
Kafkaesque Tortures.
"I didn't see this coming at all,"
the pathetic victim says.
An end to a half-year saga
of hopes and anxieties in trauma.
"Remember the 1st of February"
Sure to be call for decades to come.

The Agonising Trudge
LURID DETAILS ON THE MARCH TO BROOKLYN
Departs at 2:30, returns at 7.
Frigid subzero temperatures: -2°C
Many sites bring up distressing memories.
Frozen, windswept march across the city.
Much thinking, muttering, and convulsing.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ATLASIA?
SIMFAN MULLING RETIREMENT
SAYS LIFE NEEDS "REFOCUS
AND RECALIBRATION." UNDERSTANDING
"OF MODERN SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS."
MOST OF ATLASIA WOULD WELCOME MOVE.

[Simfan34]

It's a race!

All 4 parties in contention for Senate special election
Napoleon, Fezzy, Goldwater and Griffin
to run to replace Barnes.

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post.
ALL HEADLINES, ALL BIAS, ALL TYPEFACES, ALL THE TIME

THE DEMISE OF THE LIBERAL PARTY.
Prominent figures jump ship as Nappy's campaign flags
Endorsement of Phil prompts Sen. X
to join TPP, Scott to revive JCP.
Napoleon places last in Senate election poll.

PULLING AHEAD
Marduke widens lead over Cathage
LATEST POLL SHOWS LABOR
CANDIDATE LEADING BY 18
POINTS IN FIRST ROUND.
SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE
FROM EARLY, CLOSE POLLS.
RUMOURS OF FIRST ROUND
VICTORY ABOUND.

The revival of the JCP?
Scott founds "New Jesus Christ Party"
Popular NE governor and leading liberal
aims to reverse party dissolution a year on.
PMRC poll, however, shows that 61% think
country is better after end of two-party system.
Also- is write in nomination no coincidence?

US VS THEM
The campaign of Keystone Phil
Former President's campaign
adds momentum with Liberal nod.
Gains prominent supporters.
Will beleaguered Tmth hurt or help?

Post Exclusives
Follow the Post for upcoming
exclusive interviews, editorials, and analyses!
(Yes, this means moving beyond just headlines)

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post Exclusive
INTERVIEW WITH SENATOR X

What role did Napoleon have, if any, in your decision?

President Napoleon definitely had an impact, but it was an indirect one.  I haven't had a problems with the President the way some Atlasians have or claim to have had (depending on who you believe).  However, I do feel like (whether he intends it or not) the Liberal Party is at risk of becoming the Napoleon Party (and already has in the minds of many voters), but such is the danger of personality politics.  So while President Napoleon didn't make me want to leave, the personality politics regarding the President definitely influenced my decision.

How would you rate the president's performance?

If you had asked me this a month ago I probably would've rated it very poorly.  However, I do think President Napoleon has been much more cooperative lately and I think the situation has improved.  That said, I can't ignore everything that came before the past few weeks.  Overall, I'd say it would've been better both for the President, the Liberal Party, and Atlasia if he had limited himself to just one term, with all due respect to the President.  Overall, I'd say the second term has been a 4.5/10 taking into account the recent improvement (but he could get it up to a 5 or 5.5).

You spoke about more competitive elections- how do you feel about the broad Marokai-Duke ticket in that case?

While the Marokai/Duke ticket has many good ideas and has my enthusiastic support, I strongly disagree with Marokai Blue's claim that competition is responsible for ugly side of Altasian politics.  I'd argue the biggest problem is personality-driven politics/individual-centric personality cults.

What specific elements of the Phil-Tmth ticket did you not feel able to support?

Keystone Phil would likely be a very conservative President if elected and I also feel that the Marokai/Duke ticket was much more closely aligned with what the Liberal Party was supposed to stand for than the Phil/Tmth ticket. 

Speaking of Tmth, you are a citizen of the Mideast. How would you rate your governor's performance?

Well, now you'll get a scoop   I think that when looking at Governor Tmthforu94's performance you have to divide it into the time before the TPP-Liberal-Labor coalition won a supermajority and the time after it won a super-majority.  Prior to the victory, Governor Tmthforu94 had done a phenomenal job as Governor.  No complaints whatsoever, 10/10 (I thought he'd make a great President).  Afterward, however, something changed and whether the Governor or the left-leaning super majority was responsible depends on who you believe.  The behind-the-scenes dealings took on an increasingly nasty tone and personality politics began to rear its ugly head.  While the far-left elements in the supermajority definitely wasn't blameless in this by a long-shot, as someone with first-hand knowledge of what happened, I feel confident in saying that the bulk of these events were the result of actions taken by the Governor. 

Governor Tmthforu94's commitment to the game is admirable and he has done a great deal of good, but there is a dark side to his persona that is well-known but never spoken of.  I think that his approvals are low because The People are upset about both his tactics and style, but afraid to say anything because they don't want him to retaliate the next time they run for office (I've heard him referred to as "Boss Tmth" or "Tmanny Hall" by folks wishing to remain anonymous ).  The Governor isn't a bad guy or anything, but there is a flip-side to the friendly, good-natured part of his persona.  Again, no one says anything because they're afraid of his supporters (some of whom are unbelievably dedicated) and there is a personality politics element to his machine.  That being said, he is also a skilled politician and I am pretty confident he'd have been elected and reelected even without the personality politics component.  Honestly though, part of why I'm being so blunt about this is that he has a right to know what The People are really thinking and it does need to be said.  I'm sure there will be some blowback to this answer, but I always say what mean and mean what I say   At this point I'd give him a 3.5/10 post-supermajority.  Overall, a 5/10.

Shall we see any particular changes is your approach to government, or political opinions?

Nope   I intend to keep doing what I've always done throughout my political career: championing the interests of The People and governing as a principled pragmatist while still staying true to my progressive values.

[Simfan34]

Mr. President, would you be willing to confirm or deny rumours you are "blackmailing" Gov. Tmthforu?

[Simfan34]

A former Senator and appointee of Tmth, actually.

[Simfan34]

The Atlasian Post Exclusive
INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT NAPOLEON

Mr. President, many people feel you have taken a fairly hands-off approach to the Presidency, which has been criticised from some corners. How would you respond to such critics, and what particular initiatives or achievements would you point to?

Critics will be critics. I was once voted the worst Senator by 45% of the polled Atlasians. I was reelected to the Senate with the highest total in a regular Senate election in Altasian history, according to the SoFE at the time. I was criticized in my first term for being too involved in the Senate. Now I am going to be criticized for being hands off? Some people are impossible to please. All I need to do is work hard, put in my best effort, learn from my mistakes, and fulfill my obligation of service to the Atlasian people who have bestowed upon the honor of serving as Northeast Representative, Northeast Speaker, Northeast Senator, Northeast Governor, President, and now hopefully as Senator At-Large. They haven't rejected me yet- I hope this record keeps.

As for my accomplishments- I should be offended at the very question!! Equal rights regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Restricting the ability of the government to conscript our young. Expanding our education network at the federal and regional level, with higher education and vocational education funding. Reaching out to Iran and establishing relations that could help build a bridge. Reforming military pensions so that veterans get what they deserve. Balancing the budget. Rewarding federal agencies for saving money to help balance the budget in the future. Protecting regions from unlawful federal activity. Protecting investors from corporate corruption. Enacting comprehensive employment reforms. Should I keep going? My administration's accomplishments are beyond any other President's in my time here, and I think we ought to remember that.

A very common criticism of your presidency has been that you have taken a "combative" or "hostile" approach to the Senate. Certainly, many Senators would say that relations between the White House and the Capitol are chilly at best. Could you explain what your approach to the Senate has been throughout your presidency, and perhaps why relations are so strained.

Certainly, the Senate was equally hostile and combative with me, if you buy into such a thing as a collective Senate. I'm not sure I do. In my first term, the Senate and I got along just fine. I do regret ending what seemed to be a successful approach- reaching out to each Senator before the session begins. I recommend it to my successor. When certain individuals I wanted nothing to do with were elected to the Senate, I elected not to for personal reasons. Perhaps this was a mistake but you do reach a point where you feel certain individuals aren't worth a second of your time and as unfortunate as it may be, that was my feeling. With regards to legislation, I have always put the interests of the people first. Unlike some people, I don't believe in using my position to try and "teach someone a lesson". That's pathetic and immature.

And if "many Senators" are saying that, I would like to know what those Senators have done to try and improve relations. If you get the chance to ask them, please do so because I am curious.

On that note, many have accused you specifically of "intransigence" or "obstructionism" in dealing with legislation- signing few bills, delaying vetos, and proposing an unprecedented amount of redrafts (as opposed to, I would imagine, commentary during the debate process). Would you say this is a fair assessment, and if not, why have you taken the approach you have in regards to legislation?

No, I would not say that is fair. Why should I bear the blame for taking the time allotted to me by our governing document to make a decision of incredible importance, and yet we continue to ignore that the Senate cannot stick to a reasonable schedule or follow the rules that the Senate set for itself in its own OSPR. Let's talk about that instead.

I want to zero in on one specific piece of legislation. While most bills passed by the Senate have had fairly broad support, the Freedom to Eat Act divided the Senate and the nation. It passed narrowly, but earned your veto; at this time it seems unlikely the Senate will attempt an override. How did you react to the proposal of this bill?

I found it disgusting. I worked extensively on the original bill. I was the first Senator to comment on the Canine Protection Act.

This should be considered non-controversial, no?

And I still believe those provisions should be considered non-controversial. At some point, you start to question whether or not you recognize your country anymore. Dogs are friends, not food.

In December, Mr. President, your disapproval rating hit an unprecedented low of 88%. You're now down to 60% disapproval, but still you remain a polarising figure at best. Why do you think you have been the target of such ferocious criticism? Would you deem it valid?

I've always been a target for criticism, usually for the most misguided of reasons. I've always accepted responsibility for my mistakes but sometimes people can be downright juvenile. I remember in my first Senate campaign (June 2011), I raised the possibility of allowing the SoFE and RG to be the same person. To me, it made sense to combine them because the elections administrator would have to be completely familiar with the Census. Certain figures used it to tar and feather me, claiming that they had tried it before and it was a disaster. I actually got my proposal passed by the Senate but it was vetoed by President Polnut. Luckily, we were smart enough to come up with the Cabinet Flexibility Amendment (amendments cannot be vetoed). SoFE/RG Homelycooking has been excellent at his job, but if the Napoleon haters had their way back then, his work would not even be possible today. I remember people getting upset at one point because I motioned to table a couple bills as a young Senator. It must have been the end of the world. It couldn't have had anything to do with how things were when I entered the Senate. For example, on my very first bill, Senator Antonio V decided it was worthy of an "LOL motion to table" instead of actually debating the End to Imperialism Act. But I persevered, got it passed with a veto-proof majority and brought our troops home safely and timely. If wanting to do the right thing can make one polarizing, I wish more Atlasians could"grow a pair" figuratively speaking.

In the latest PMRC poll on the special Senate election, you polled last, at 14%. Do you feel confident about your political prospects?

Other polling suggests otherwise. I tend not to enter any election "expecting" to win. I do hope to win. My first election I won entirely by accident. I wrote myself in! Whoops! That's how my political career here begun. So, I'd like to say anything could happen. I haven't lost an election but this race has given me some good opponents. It's been fun.

Erm, breaking news. Governor Scott and Senator X have both just left the Liberal Party. What are your thoughts?

That is their choice. I'm happy to work with anyone regardless of their party. The rest of it can be dealt with by party leadership. I don't want to get involved in stuff like that. I have enough on my plate as it is.

I want to quite simply end the interview by asking one more question- would you deem your presidency a success? Why or why not?

Of course my presidency has been a success. Some things could have been better. I wish there was less Cabinet turnover. I wish I could have gotten more cooperation from the Senate at some points. I wish I had been more active earlier in my second term, but things were beyond my control then. If you look at my accomplishments, some of which we've talked about already, it's hard to deny my presidency has been a success. It isn't over though- I'm hoping this last pursuit pans out and we can really change the world for the better.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you and good luck in your elections.