2004 Presidential Election and Beyond: The Giuliani Years (GAME THREAD)

[NHI]

Premise:
President George W. Bush, facing low popularity and the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq decides not to seek reelection; making it a wide open field.
The timeline will start in September of 2003.

Please indicate who would like to support. I will leave it open through Sunday. First week goes up on Monday.

Candidates will have 48 hrs to post campaign schedules once a week has been posted.
There will be one debate before the first contests.
For endorsements please PM me.

Thanks!

Democrats:
-Guntaker: Joe Biden
-Governor Spiral: Dennis Kucinich.
-BaconBacon: Wesley Clark
-SJoyce: John Edwards
-Brewer: Jeanne Shaheen
-NewYork Express: Hillary Clinton
-The Cranberry: Al Gore


Republicans:
-MadmanMotley: Gary Johnson
-Chairman Sanchez: Pat Buchanan
-Assemblyman Ryan Keaton: Bill Owens
-dkrolga: Rudy Giuliani
-Senator Lumine: Donald Rumsfeld

[NHI]

Another question: May you elaborate on some of the other rules you've set up for the game? How will endorsements and such work?

I've added to first post.

[NHI]

Can I switch to Gov. Gary Johnson (R-NM)?

Sure.

[NHI]

Can I be Rudy Guiliani?

You got it!

[NHI]

I wanna be John Ellis "Jebediah" "Jeb" Bush!

Yes.

[NHI]

I could run as Mike Gravel in primaries but nah...

This race could use a Clinton....

If I'm not banned in the imminent future, I'll probably be Hillary Clinton (D-Senator-NY) (There were points in 2003 she was considering challenging Bush, after all)

I have no problem w/ it.

[NHI]

If we got a game thread up without any polling data or whatever so that the already-announced can start, that'd be great. Let anyone else hop in til the agreed upon start date.

That works.

[NHI]

Prologue:

President Bush faced souring criticism over the War in Iraq and with a fragile economy at home he decided against running for reelection.

"My fellow Americans it has been a great honor and privilege to serve as your President. Over the past three years our nation's has endured trying times, but we've also seen great hope for our nation. We find ourselves in two wars, fighting for freedom. The fight is far from over, but I am confident in the end the forces of good and right will prevail. In this time of war I must put all my energy into our effort so that we are successful. It with this thought that I have reached the decision that I will not be a candidate for President of the United States in the 2004 election. May God Bless you and may God continue to bless America."

George W. Bush's decision to forgo reelection opened up the race for the White House. It was many believed at first to be a shoe-in for the GOP, gave the Democratic Party hope; while for Republicans, they looked to rally around the candidate that could successfully succeed Bush.

On the Republican side many candidates lined up for the nomination including the President's brother and Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush. In addition to Bush's campaign, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Donald Rumsfeld entered the race. Colorado Governor Bill Owens looked to be a dark horse. New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson looked to re-found his party and conservative activist and commentator Pat Buchanan both threw their hats into the ring.

On the Democrats Senator Joe Biden declared his second run for the Presidency, after his failed attempt in 1988. Senator John Edwards entered the race, looking to combat poverty and break through the pack in a field that did not include a clear frontrunner. Other candidates included General Wesley Clark and Rep. Dennis Kucinich both hoping to find their moment in the primary.

The entrance of Hillary Clinton and Al Gore shook up the Democratic Race, with boy vying for the spot of frontrunner.

At the start of the race Bush's approval rating stood at 49 percent, with a disapproval rating of 44 percent.

Endorsements: Democrats

-Dennis Kucinich: Frm. Sen. George McGovern, Gore Vidal and The American Civil Liberties Union
-Joe Biden: Frm. Gov. Mario Cuomo, United Automobile Workers
-Jeanne Shaheen: NARAL, National Education Association, IA Senate President Pan Jochum
-Hillary Clinton: Frm. Pres. Bill Clinton and Emily's List and Sen. Chuck Schumer
-Al Gore: Center for American Progress and Frm. Gov. Mike Dukakis

Endorsements: Republicans

-Gary Johnson: Rep. Ron Paul, Gov. Jesse Ventura
-Bill Owens: Bob Perry, T. Boone Pickens, Chamber of Commerce, Mitt Romney
-Rudy Giuliani: Gov. George Pataki and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
-Donald Rumsfeld: Vice Pres. Dick Cheney
-Pat Buchanan: Senator Bob Smith, Rev. Jerry Fallwell

Please PM me for Endorsements. The results from the Iowa Straw Poll will be announced once the field has been set.

First Week of Campaigning: September 7-13th

[NHI]

Could I join in with Fmr. Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)?

Yes, you can.

[NHI]

I know NYE said he wanted to be Clinton, but if it's still free, I would like to have it.
If not, could I join in with Al Gore? (If Clinton is still free, please Clinton, though.)

If I don't here back from NYE, you can be Hillary, otherwise I'll put you down as Gore.

[NHI]

Note:

I will close the filing deadline at 6:00 pm. EST.
The first week of campaigning will be Sept. 7-13.
I will close the first round on Tuesday at 10 pm EST.
The polling and the next round will go by Wednesday, Thursday at the latest.

Thanks.

[NHI]

Is there going to be a specific campaign thread or should we just start posting?

Just start posting.

[NHI]

Is there going to be a specific campaign thread or should we just start posting?

The filing deadline is now closed. The game has officially begun!

[NHI]

Looking at the official calendar for the GOP primaries, I noticed that there are a lot of caucuses (often lasting about a month). Is the primary schedule going to be different than OTL?

Yes, expect an abridged calendar, possibly following in conjuncture with the Democrats in 2004.

[NHI]

Note:

A little house keeping:
We may have a late entrance from George Allen
I will close the first round on Tuesday at 10 pm EST.
The polling and the next round will go by Wednesday, Thursday at the latest.

Well done to everyone so far, all the posts look great!
Thanks,
NHI

[NHI]

Reminder that this round will close at 10 pm EST tonight; with the next round beginning sometime tomorrow.

Also Jeb Bush will be dropping out of the race.

[NHI]

Reminder that this round will close at 10 pm EST tonight; with the next round beginning sometime tomorrow.

Also Jeb Bush will be dropping out of the race.

Any chance we could get a new player as John McCain? Losing one candidate at the first turn would already change the dynamics a lot, and I think it would make things more realistic.

I have no problem with that. We may have George Allen entering the race.

[NHI]

Round II

September 14-20

The Race for the 2004 Presidential Election is heating up as the candidate vie for votes across the country, targeting the key early primary states. Hillary Clinton and Al Gore remain the strongest competitors within the Democratic field, though North Carolina Senator John Edwards is working the state primary states, and focusing on an a message of economic populism. Many pundits agree it could be a three way race for the Democratic Nomination. The dark horse in the race remains Joe Biden, who after his failed bid for the White House in 1988, Biden appears calmer, tested and readier; many pundits believe he is a candidate to watch, especially in Iowa and New Hampshire.

On the Republican side, Rudy Giuliani and Donald Rumsfeld remains the favorites among many in the so-called "GOP Establishment", though this has not stopped the other candidates from making their mark in the race. Colorado Governor Bill Owens is off to an impressive start, with a bunch of big money backers and solid endorsements. The exit of Jeb Bush from the race truly shook up the field, giving all the candidates a viable shot at the nomination. Owens' momentum continues to build after he finished first in the Ames Iowa Straw poll with 31 percent of the vote, his closest competitor was Pat Buchanan with 24 percent. Though the GOP is expected to have a major entrance by George Allen, who many believe can unite both the grassroots and establishment wings of the party.

National Democratic Nomination Poll

Hillary Clinton: 24%

Al Gore: 21%

John Edwards: 16%

Joe Biden: 14%

Dennis Kucinich: 11%

Other/Undecided: 14%

Iowa:

Al Gore: 20%

Hillary Clinton: 19%

John Edwards: 16%

Joe Biden: 15%

Dennis Kucinich: 11%

Other/Undecided: 19%

New Hampshire

Hillary Clinton: 26%

Al Gore: 19%

Joe Biden: 14%

John Edwards: 10%

Dennis Kucinich: 7%

Other/Undecided: 24%

South Carolina:

John Edwards: 24%

Al Gore: 20%

Hillary Clinton: 17%

Joe Biden: 13%

Dennis Kucinich: 9%

Other/Undecided: 17%

National Republican Poll:

Rudy Giuliani: 21%

Donald Rumsfeld: 19%

Bill Owens: 18%

Gary Johnson: 12%

Pat Buchanan: 6%

Undecided: 24%

Iowa:

Bill Owens: 21%

Rudy Giuliani: 17%

Gary Johnson: 16%

Donald Rumsfeld: 9%

Pat Buchanan: 8%

Other/Undecided: 29%

New Hampshire:

Rudy Giuliani: 22%

Bill Owens: 19%

Gary Johnson: 17%

Donald Rumsfeld: 15%

Pat Buchanan: 7%

Other/Undecided: 20%

South Carolina:

Bill Owens: 21%

Rudy Giuliani 18%

Donald Rumsfeld: 16%

Gary Johnson: 13%

Pat Buchanan: 10%

Other/Undecided: 22%

Endorsements:

Hillary Clinton:
Al Gore: Joe Lieberman, Evan Bayh
Joe Biden: Mark Warner, League of Conservation Voters Action Fund
John Edwards: Majority Leader Dick Gephardt and Sen. Bob Graham
Dennis Kucinich: Gov. Howard Dean, Sen. Sherrod Brown and United Steel
Workers

Gary Johnson: Gov. Buddy Roemer, Frm. Rep. Barry Goldwater
Bill Owens: Gov. Rick Perry, Elizabeth Dole
Rudy Giuliani: Sen. John McCain and Gov. Angus King
Pat Buchanan: Brent Snowcroft
Donald Rumsfeld: Newt Gingrich

Next Round will close on Friday at 10 pm.

[NHI]

General Election Polls:

Clinton v. Owens

Clinton: 46%

Owens: 45%

Clinton v. Giuliani

Clinton: 45%

Giuliani: 45%

Clinton v. Rumsfeld

Clinton: 45%

Rumsfeld: 43%

Clinton v. Johnson

Clinton: 50%

Johnson: 41%

Clinton v. Buchanan

Clinton: 51%

Buchanan: 35%

Gore v. Owens

Gore: 44%

Owens: 44%

Gore v. Giuliani

Giuliani: 45%

Gore: 43%

Gore v. Rumsfeld

Gore: 46%

Rumsfeld: 44%

Gore v. Johnson

Gore: 48%

Johnson: 42%

Gore v. Buchanan

Gore: 51%

Rumsfeld: 35%

Biden v. Owens

Biden: 45%

Owens: 45%

Biden v. Giuliani

Giuliani: 48%

Biden: 42%

Biden v. Rumsfeld

Rumsfeld: 45%

Biden: 45%

Biden v. Johnson

Biden: 45%

Johnson: 42%

Biden v. Buchanan

Biden: 50%

Buchanan: 37%

Edwards v. Owens

Owens: 45%

Edwards: 43%

Edwards v. Giuliani

Giuliani: 47%

Edwards: 42%

Edwards v. Rumsfeld

Rumsfeld: 45%

Edwards: 44%

Edwards v. Johnson

Edwards: 45%

Johnson: 40%

Edwards v. Buchanan:

Edwards: 50%

Buchanan: 38%

Kucinich v. Edwards

Owens: 46%

Kucinich: 40%

Kucinich v. Giuliani

Giuliani: 49%

Kucinich: 40%

Kucinich v. Rumsfeld

Rumsfeld: 49%

Kucinich: 40%

Kucinich v. Johnson

Johnson: 44%

Kucinich: 40%

Kucinich v. Buchanan

Kucinich: 46%

Buchanan: 39%

** George Allen's name was not included at the time of polling, but will be in the next cycle.

[NHI]

Round II is Officially Closed.

Round III: September 21-28

2004 Presidential Primary

Governor Bill Owens continues to make his name known in the GOP primary. Coupled by a strong week on the campaign trail and groundswell of support, he clearly has many in the party looking at the Colorado Governor as a serious contender for the nomination.

John Edwards is making his case to be a 'new democrat' and appealing to the working class. Early polls put him a strong contender for the nomination and in a race against the Republicans. His strong campaign push in the early primary states has pushed him past Al Gore into the number two spot in the race for the Democratic nomination.

Rudy Giuliani remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination and views Donald Rumsfeld as his strongest competitor. He opened fire on his rising candidate Bill Owens as 'inexperienced' when it comes to handling crisis. Giuliani continues to play up his experience in dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 Attacks, which is the cornerstone of his campaign.

George Allen's late entry into the race is seen by many as a way of uniting the factions within the party. Coupled with a strong resume and a powerful fundraising apparatus Allen maybe the man to be beat.
Hillary Clinton still remains a favorite for the Democratic nomination, but some have question her campaign's infrastructure and longevity in what many suspect to be a slog of a primary process. John Edwards remains a strong insurgent for the nomination and with Al Gore and Joe Biden still factors pundits believe Clinton will need to step up her game and separate herself from the other candidates and make the case on why she should be the Democratic nominee.


Candidates Joe Biden, Pat Buchanan Gary Johnson and Dennis Kucinich continue to be factors in the race, and are running strong efforts in the early primary states and getting their message out. Whether they have staying power remains to be seen. In the case of Johnson, Biden and Kucinich all have come on strong in the early primary states and a targeting key components of the primary electorate, hoping to build a strong coalition that can propel them to victory in the early states.

Democratic Nomination Poll: September 2003

Hillary Clinton: 24%
John Edwards: 20%
Al Gore:            15%
Joe Biden:         13%
Dennis Kucinich: 11%
Undecided: 17%

Republican Nomination Poll: September 2003

Rudy Giuliani: 21%
Bill Owens:      19%
Donald Rumsfeld:  16%
George Allen: 13%
Gary Johnson: 13%
Pat Buchanan: 5%
Undecided: 12%

---

Iowa: Democrats
Hillary Clinton: 23%
John Edwards: 21%
Joe Biden:       18%
Al Gore:            12%
Dennis Kucinich: 11%
Undecided: 15%

Iowa: Republicans
Bill Owens: 22%
Gary Johnson: 19%
George Allen: 13%
Rudy Giuliani: 11%
Donald Rumsfeld: 10%
Pat Buchanan: 7%
Undecided: 16%

New Hampshire: Democrat
Hillary Clinton: 27%
John Edwards: 22%
Al Gore:            12%
Joe Biden:         12%
Dennis Kucinich: 12%
Undecided: 15%

New Hampshire: Republicans
Rudy Giuliani: 20%
Bill Owens: 18%
Gary Johnson: 16%
Donald Rumsfeld: 14%
George Allen: 11%
Pat Buchanan: 10%
Undecided: 11%

-----
Mini-Super Tuesday Polls:

Arizona: Democrats
Hillary Clinton: 21%
Al Gore:           16%
John Edwards: 16%
Joe Biden:        13%
Dennis Kucinich: 13%
Undecided: 19%

Arizona: Republicans
Bill Owens: 20%
Rudy Giuliani: 20%
Gary Johnson: 18%
George Allen: 13%
Donald Rumsfeld: 11%
Pat Buchanan: 4%
Undecided: 12%

Delaware: Democrats
Joe Biden: 48%
Hillary Clinton: 17%
Al Gore: 9%
John Edwards: 9%
Dennis Kucinich: 9%
Undecided: 8%

Delaware: Republicans
Rudy Giuliani: 27%
Bill Owens: 21%
Donald Rumsfeld: 13%
George Allen: 12%
Gary Johnson: 11%
Pat Buchanan: 4%
Undecided: 12%

Missouri: Democrats

Hillary Clinton: 25%
John Edwards: 23%
Al Gore: 16%
Joe Biden: 10%
Dennis Kucinich: 7%
Undecided: 19%

Missouri: Republicans
Bill Owens: 20%
George Allen: 19%
Rudy Giuliani; 19%
Donald Rumsfeld: 14%
Gary Johnson: 11%
Pat Buchanan: 5%
Undecided: 11%

New Mexico: Democrats
Hillary Clinton: 24%
John Edwards: 18%
Joe Biden: 17%
Al Gore: 14%
Dennis Kucinich: 12%
Undecided: 14%

New Mexico: Republicans
Gary Johnson: 50%
Bill Owens: 14%
Rudy Giuliani: 13%
Donald Rumsfeld: 8%
George Allen: 7%
Pat Buchanan: 4%
Undecided: 3%

North Dakota: Democrats
Hillary Clinton: 29%
John Edwards: 19%
Joe Biden: 18%
Al Gore: 11%
Dennis Kucinich: 11%
Undecided: 12%

North Dakota: Republicans
Bill Owens: 26%
Gary Johnson: 22%
Rudy Giuliani: 16%
Donald Rumsfeld: 13%
George Allen: 9%
Pat Buchanan: 5%
Undecided: 9%

Oklahoma: Democrats
Hillary Clinton: 28%
John Edwards: 18%
Joe Biden: 14%
Dennis Kucinich: 10%
Al Gore: 10%
Undecided: 20%

Oklahoma: Republicans
Bill Owens: 23%
Rudy Giuliani: 23%
Donald Rumsfeld: 15%
George Allen: 11%
Gary Johnson: 11%
Pat Buchanan: 4%
Undecided: 13%

South Carolina: Democrats
John Edwards: 29%
Hillary Clinton: 22%
Al Gore: 16%
Joe Biden: 14%
Dennis Kucinich: 11%
Undecided: 8%

South Carolina: Republicans
Rudy Giuliani: 24%
Bill Owens: 23%
Donald Rumsfeld: 18%
George Allen: 12%
Gary Johnson: 10%
Pat Buchanan: 4%
Undecided: 9%

Endorsements:

Hillary Clinton:

John Edwards: Sen. Fritz Hollings, Mayor Riley and SIEU

Dennis Kucinich: Jesse Jackson, Bernie Sanders and Sierra Club

Al Gore:

Joe Biden: Sen. Arlen Specter

Rudy Giuliani: Nancy Reagan, Senator George Voinovich, Sheldon Adelson

Bill Owens: Senator John Ensign.

Donald Rumsfeld: Gov. Mark Sanford and Sen. Peter Fitzgerald

Round III is Open and Will Close on Monday at 10:30 pm EST

After this round I am proposing a debate between the candidates, for Round IV, then moving ahead to the middle of December for Round V? Let me know if you're all in agreement. -- NHI

[NHI]

This round closes tonight at 10:30 pm EST.
I will have polling/info up by tomorrow for Round IV.  
Is everyone up for a debate to take the place of Round IV and then moving to the middle of December for Round V.

[NHI]

This round closes tonight at 10:30 pm EST.
I will have polling/info up by tomorrow for Round IV.  
Is everyone up for a debate to take the place of Round IV and then moving to the middle of December for Round V.

Can we move that to tomorrow night please??

I'll move the deadline for tonight until tomorrow night at 9pm est.

[NHI]

Round IV

George Allen and Bill Owens Battle for Conservative Mantle

George Allen's entrance into the race has made it as two-race with Bill Owens to be the conservative candidate in the race. Rudy Giuliani, who has come under attacks from Allen over his conservative credentials is fighting back, along with Gary Johnson and Donald Rumsfeld, calling for a civil discourse and for all the candidates to remember "we're all republicans". Bill Owens, who has avoided personally going after his rivals, instead focusing on his message continues to his see poll numbers rise. The real test will be in the state of Iowa between him and Allen. The winner of Iowa is seen to be the likely challenger to Rudy Giuliani for the nomination.

Pat Buchanan scored an impressive endorsement from Former Senator Gordon Humphrey in New Hampshire and continues to play for a win in the First in the Nation Primary.

Democrats Divided over a Nominee

The Democratic Field is still an open race. Hillary Clinton remains a factor, but Joe Biden appears to be a dark horse to watch. He received a surprise endorsement from Republican Senator Arlen Specter, which helps Biden as he tries to appeal beyond the traditional Democratic electorate. John Edwards' campaign continues to be on the rise as he looks to be the candidate to take on Hillary Clinton, who despite some missteps is still a strong contender for the Democratic Nomination.
Al Gore and Dennis Kucinich continue to be factors in the race, both scoring some endorsements. The two continue to focus on the early primary states and thus far have run gaffe-free campaigns. Both candidates are viewed as viable and seem to in the wings, waiting for an implosion from either Edwards or Clinton.

Republican Nomination Poll:

Rudy Giuliani: 19%

Bill Owen: 17%

George Allen: 16%

Gary Johnson: 15%

Donald Rumsfeld: 13%

Pat Buchanan: 8%

Undecided: 10%

Democratic Nomination Poll:

Hillary Clinton: 20%

John Edwards: 20%

Joe Biden: 17%

Al Gore: 14%

Dennis Kucinich: 12%

Undecided: 17%

Round IV

This round will consist of a Republican and Democratic Debate. This round will open today (4/9/14) and close on Friday at 12:01 AM (EST). Round V will move the game to December.

Republican and Democrat Presidential Nomination Debate:

From Greenville, South Carolina

Questions: Republicans

To All the Candidates: What is the biggest difference between you and President Bush and where are you similar?

To Gov. Johnson: You called on all Republicans to act like adults and to be civil to one another during what at time has been a hotly contested primary over the last few weeks. If you become the nominee one how will you bridge the party together and how will you reach out to Democrats and independents?

To Sen. Allen:  "Senator, what is the reason Republicans should nominate over the other candidates?

To all the candidates: "How would you handle the War in Iraq and the War on Terror?"

To Sec. Rumsfeld: "On the question of National Security is America safer today than on 9/11 and how do we prevent another attack?"

To Mr. Buchanan: "Mr. Buchanan, you've never held elected office, you are not a politician by trade, so a direct question sir can you win the nomination and more importantly can you win the election?"

To Gov. Owens: "Governor, assuming the Democratic nominee is Hillary Clinton, what is her biggest weakness and what will you do to keep the White House in Republican hands?"

To Mayor Giuliani: "Mr. Mayor, your position on abortion and gay marriage seems to be at odds with some in your party, what can you do to put their minds at ease?"

Questions: Democrats

To All The Candidates: "This election will likely focus a lot on national security, what experience do you have to make a credible case that you are well informed on the matters, if the eventual Republican nominee is Rudy Giuliani or Donald Rumsfeld?"

To Sen. Biden: "Senator, you've often come under fire for gaffes you've made in the past, can you reassure voters in this country that you would have the discipline you would need on the world stage?"

To all the candidates: "What is your position on gun control?"

To Sen. Clinton: "Senator, do you regret your vote on the resolution for the Iraq War?"

To Vice Pres. Gore: "Mr. Vice President, what can the United States do to tackle the issue of global warming?"

To Rep. Kucinich: "What is the biggest difference between you and your fellow Democratic rivals?"

To Sen. Edwards: "Senator, you've talked about two Americas, how do you solve the wealth gap?"

Please PM me for Endorsements, also primary state polls will be up soon.

[NHI]

If I had the time, I would be running as Dean

Perhaps we can get you in as a surrogate or VP...

[NHI]

When are we getting state by state polls?

Will have them up tomorrow.
Sorry for the delay.