Atlas Campaign 2032

[Akno21]

This is a fictional account of an election in which every active Atlas member would run for President.

...............................................................................................

In 2024, the nation was taken by storm. The Republican candidate was doomed after it was uncovered that he had masterminded the successful theft of a state via voter intimidation, voter fraud, and other methods to win a family member an election. The Democratic candidate was a populist in an election where the liberals were uptight on social issues and values voters were concerned with the economy. So he had no base. That left the door open for a third party candidate. Enter a man from Massachusetts, Dave Leip. 

An election geek, Leip had gained notoriety earlier in his life since his successful web-site, uselectionatlas.org, became one of the prime sources for United States presidential election data. Since then, he had lived a relatively quiet life, but had seen what was going on in Washington, and was sickened. With the help of some very rich friends, he launched his campaign. His campaign was not just another “Outsider for change” movement, like Ross Perot, it was a very smart guy who somehow avoided the big issues while coming across as much more intelligent than his opponents. On election night, Leip garnered 57% of the popular vote. The Democrat received 23%, and the Republican 20%.

Somehow, Leip was able to use the bureaucracy to his advantage, with thousands of highly skilled workers carrying out the same business that the Democrats and Republicans had, but more efficiently. He was re-elected in Monroic proportions in 2028, but by 2030, it seemed clear that the country was ready to go back to the grit and grind of the Democratic and Republican dominated system, the cleansing had worked. If only they knew…

[Akno21]

DNC Chairman Enters Presidential Race
By Ronald Williams, Star Tribune

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota- With the Vice-President not seeking the Presidency, the field is wide open in the race to be America’s next President. And a man has already stepped into that field, ready to play ball. Saying “It is time that we stop turning a blind eye to the serious problems that our nation faces. The health care system has collapsed. We are seeing the effects of a world in which being an American is less and less of an advantage. We cannot solve these problems by being afraid. We need a strong leader. A liberal. We need Jim Fritz for President!”, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee Jim Fritz entered the race.

A well respected man, he served as a county elections administrator from 2010-2016, when he jumped to the state level. He served with distinction until 2022, when he was chosen to head the state DFL. After the Democratic party was shattered after the 2024 elections, Fritz took over, and slowly but surely regained the party’s once great power.

His age may be a factor in the campaign, it is too soon to tell. However, if there is one thing that the Presidency of Dave Leip has taught us, it is that you don’t need to be a seasoned politician to be a great President. Many pundits expect the field to be young and brash this year, which this candidate certainly is not. His entrance already had repercussions, mainly a controversial joke offered up by Minnesota Governor Chris Verin. “The geezer is so old, he could’ve voted for Fritz Mondale” Whether this Fritz’s campaign will end up like the one before him is still up in the air, but from his tone at the rally today, it’s clear he won’t take any jokes about his campaign lightly.

[Akno21]

Justice Enters Field
By Randy McMichael, Boston Globe

BOSTON, Massachusetts- John Lowell Migrendel, a justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Court, is running for President. While his views are extreme (post birth abortion, near communism), he has shown time and again that he can state them with great eloquence. Justice Migrendel appeared outside the courthouse today in Boston, and spoke to a crowd of reporters.

"I carry this message to the people of America. We have been through a turbulent time. What we need is freedom. It is the medicine that cures all. Social liberalism is a constantly evolving word, and we need to evolve it even more, for our benefit. Nothing can hold us back. I have worked for this as a Justice, and I will work for it as President", he said, calmly but strongly uttering the words that will likely drum up a firestorm of criticism.

While his chances are slim at the nomination, he is a distinguished justice, and has national name recognition, thanks to some very controversial decisions. He practiced law privately until 2023, when he was appointed by the Governor to fill a vacancy on the court. Republican legislators have been searching for a way to get rid of him ever since.

He went on to challenge the Democratic Party to accept his new ideas, and not, "be left in the dust of change". Anaylists are interested to see how the party establishment takes to his running. Says Professor Doug Shedemen, of Boston College, "He might actually be helped if he doesn't get state party support, since it would reinforce his image as a real radical. However, author Russ Weinberg disagreed, saying on CNN, "Being a justice his a great asset for him, but he loses it if he doesn't have at least some establishment support."

While nothing is clear at this point, it is certain that we do not know what to make of this entrance, yet it is quite possible it will be talked about for years to come.

[Akno21]

Hmm, very interesting. Keep this going.

Just a question for you, for about half the candidates, they have posted their real names. Should I use those, their forum names, or a combination of both? I'm leaning toward combination, (eg. Jim Fritz) becuase then it's more realistic and people know who I'm talking about.

[Akno21]

A Look At the GOP Senators
By Josh Solomon, The Weekly Standard

WASHINGTON, DC- While their numbers have gone down recently, several Republican Senators have thrown their hat into the Presidential ring.


Steven Nichols (Washington)
The Minority Leader for the Republicans, Nichols is a true Republican, liked by the party's base. On social issues he has taken a firm stance against Gay Marriage, though not so much as his major Senate opponent, Sen. Jeff Rights, of Florida. He is in many ways a Reagan Republican, calling for lower social spending, more defense spending, and, of course, tax cuts. Elected in 2022, he served in the House, representing Eastern Washington. As leader, he has seen his party dwindle do to a profound split between factions.

Jeffrey Rights (Florida)
A staunch supporter of "Family Values", he has always been a target of Moveon.org and other socially liberal groups. He's by no means a populist though, and has favored huge cuts, especially in welfare, where he doesn't feel the government needs to get involved. A true man of Dixie, his Southern pride rings strong. Since his election to the Senate in 2018, he has never served in leadership, but everyone knew he was there.

Vasco Bono (New Hampshire)
Despite efforts to get him to switch to the Libertarian Party, Senator Bono remains a Republican, albeit not along with all of the social policies promoted by the leaders. He may be the most economically conservative candidate in the race, and his budgets have been shot down quickly by liberals and moderates alike. He is still pro-life, and stands a serious chance at the Republican nomination. Elected in 2024, he is one of the youngest Senators.

Dan Reynolds (Illinois)
A moderate, he barely got elected in Illinois, only winning by a hair in 2020, and by distancing himself from the Republican party in 2026 when he was up for re-election. He is respected in the Senate, as a great constitutional mind, and getting him to endorse a bill can almost ensure passage. His chances at the GOP Nomination are slim however, due to his centrism and tendency to be a maverick. However, he has solidly stuck behind Republicans when it matters, although rumors have it he will run as an independent if he doesn't get the Republican nomination.

[Akno21]

Be patient guys, I expect this to take awhile.

Also, for people like Joe, I'm sort of introducing the candidates in chronological Atlas order (Breaking at some points), so don't be offended if I don't get to you for what could be a couple of weeks.

[Akno21]

Controversial Governor Steps Into Race
By Jeremy Colombo, San Jose Mercury News

SACRAMENTO, California- Looking for someone with no Washington connections? Looking for someone with a staunchly conservative record? Looking for someone with charisma? You've got your man, in California Governor Pedro Dawson. Today, at a Press Conference, the Governor announced that he would seek the Republican Nomination for President of the United States.

"We have seen our nation taken over by evil interests. People down the freeway in this very state. People from outside this country. I tell you, this is our country. America, our traditions and values must hold strong, they will stand the test of time, but only if we allow them to. I can, and as President, I will."

Dawson was elected in 2026, when the Democrats ran a moderate, which caused the Green party candidate, Plato Archcow, to pick up nearly 10% of the vote. Dawson recieved 44%, which was 2% more than the Democrat. He has been a controversial Governor, with his plans to increase deportation of illegal immigrants, and with attempts to eliminate the income tax.

Facing a tough re-election battle this fall, he announced he would not seek another term, and his Lt. Governor, Michael R. L. Wildcard, who had been planning to run for senate, is the Republican on the ballot. He gained national recognition (or just raised eyebrows) when he said "But you won't take the Governorship from me. Not even over my dead body. To WildCard: If one of them kills me or I for some reason die, you must abandon your quest for the Senate and take my place as Governor.", in response to a reporter telling him he would likely lose his re-election battle.

He will likely far better outside the Golden State than in it in a general election, but his approval rating among Republicans was 82%, and in this delegate rich state, he could gain enough delegates to be a major player even if he doesn't recieve the nomination.

[Akno21]

Is Pedro Dawson supposed to be somebody from the forum?

Yes, "PD". Go through his posts and you're sure to find some interesting stuff. Ask Peter about him, he was before me as well.

Bob, thanks.

[Akno21]

Is Pedro Dawson supposed to be somebody from the forum?

Yes, "PD". Go through his posts and you're sure to find some interesting stuff. Ask Peter about him, he was before me as well.

Bob, thanks.

Oh yeah!  I missed that connection.  Who is Plato Archcow, if anybody?

Another red cali. avatar. He didn't actually run against PD but it explains how someone like PD wins in California.

He was a member of the United Left who ran in the August D5 Senate election. He disappeared 2 weeks before the election, but he got far enough to make the final round, where he lost to StevenNick. If Mr. Hobbes makes it to the Final Round (He had 3 first prefs to Archcow's 4), then StevenNick loses in August, and not in December.

[Akno21]

I normally wouldn't whine, but a metion would be nice.

Here's my order of stories as of now.

1. Boss Tweed (partially done)
2. A very interesting PA Senate race (Remember, it's still 2030)
3. Supersoulty (As Governor of PA, unless you have a strong objection)

[Akno21]

Mayoral Madness
By Samantha Wineman, The New Yorker

NEW YORK, New York- The Big Apple hasn’t seen a mayor like Boss Tweed since, well, Boss Tweed. Easily the most influential mayor since Rudy Giuliani, Tweed has consolidated, and used, his power. Born in New York, Tweed spent his childhood pulling for the Mets and Jets, before heading off to the University of Miami. However, he couldn’t stay in South Beach forever. “I’m a New Yorker,” he says in the famous New York accent. Upon returning to New York, he rose rapidly in the state Democratic party, and was the executioner of a plan to bring the state senate back to Democratic control in 2016. It succeeded, and despite his young age, he became the chairman of the state Democratic party in 2017.

“That was a huge transition for me,” Tweed told The New Yorker “I had to lead.” Lead he did, and despite being a moderate himself, he drew headlines in July of 2018 when he threatened to revoke the party status of a state senator who said he would accept a job in the administration of a Republican Governor. The Democrat won, and Tweed’s power grew even more. In 2021, the Democratic National Committee made him their chairman.

It was potentially a career ending decision for Tweed, to accept the role. His heavy handed ways did not go over well at all in Washington DC. Scaring off donors, alienating voters, and ultimately losing control of the Senate, Tweed resigned after the 2022 election. It seemed as if his career was over. But in 2024, he announced that he would seek the position of Mayor. Many skeptics thought he was too moderate to get the Democratic nomination, but he shocked them all, winning in a divisive primary with only 33% of the vote. However, he unified the base, and won the general election 58-29, surviving a third party challenge.

Everything goes through Tweed these days. Every decision, he has a say in it. And don’t dare argue, or he’ll pull a pink slip out from a drawer, and hand it over. However, he is still very popular among both constituents and government officials, for his ruthless efficiency, and focus on achievement. He’s not on anyone’s side, even his most bitter enemies agree he would never give a job to an unqualified person simply because he had a good relationship with that person.

Easily re-elected in 2029, Tweed’s opponents were virtually powerless. They are angry that Tweed controls so much. He is major of the country’s largest city, he runs the state Democratic party, he has many legislators in his back pocket thanks to favors he’s done for them; he’s become the 21st century symbol of Tammany Hall arrogance and corrupt behavior. His critics may soon may have to add something else to that list: President of the United States.

[Akno21]

Late Entrant into Senate race
By Molly Drew, Philadelphia Inquirer

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania- It seemed likely that Senator Patrick Guinan would get re-elected easily. The latest poll showed him having a 52% to 44% lead over his Republican opponent, Rep. Phil Innamorato. But the race just got a whole lot spicier.

Rep. Bill Moose, of the district next to Innamorato's, entered the Senate race, citing the need for an economic conservative and social liberal. While it eliminates any chance Innamorato doing better than an average Republican in the southeast, it creates many more problems for Guinan. Innamorato's base in the west is still unaffected, and he is the only socially conservative candidate in the race. However, Moose can cut into Guinan's strength in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Moose is being funded by the Libertarian party, which is not running a candidate. An overnight poll by The Inquirer shows the race is now:

Rep. Phil Innamorato (R) 44%
Sen. Patrick Guinan (D) 40%
Rep. Bill Moose (I) 10%

The race has some national implications, as Guinan has expressed interest in the Presidency, but he would need to survive his re-election first. Rep. Moose will likely be added to the field in the October 24 Debate, to be held on the campus of Penn State University.

[Akno21]

Looks good but my last name is spelled "Innamorato." 

Fixed

[Akno21]

Hey, when will I factor into this little Future History?

It's going ROUGHLY in chronological order of when you became active here, so you've got some time to wait.

[Akno21]

Governor Enters Presidential Race
By Sam Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania- At a press conference today from the capitol, Governor Chris Soult announced his intentions to run for President. The two term Governor said “We have a lot of work in front of us, but it’s nothing we can’t accomplish with a lot of dedication and a lot of hard work.” Four GOP Senators have already entered the race, but Soult is the first Governor.

Elected Governor in 2022, he is a conservative on social issues, but moderate on economic ones, the Erie Republican won the Governorship in 2026, defeating State Senator Daniel Waxman in a landslide, 57% to 38%.

He has revamped the health care and educational systems in the state, and signed some of the toughest anti-abortion measures in the country. This announcement was not unexpected, as it had been rumored that he would throw his hat in the ring. He currently has a 56% approval rating in the state.

His Lt. Governor, James Jefferson, is running for the top spot, and is expected to win handily. Soult is expected to begin forming his staff within the next few weeks, and will have an advantage, experts say, by being a big-name Governor from a big-name state.

[Akno21]

Majority Leader Enters Fray
By Julia Evanston, Detroit Free-Press

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senate Majority Eric Nyman (D-MI) entered the Presidential Race today, confirming to a group of reporters that he will indeed run. The news came as no shock to many observers, who expect him to be a front-runner in the Democratic field. He did make a formal speech, but he has a high national profile, and is known as an economic liberal with some moderate stances on social issues such as gun control.

Elected in 2014 as a successor to the legendary Carl Levin, he was elected Democratic leader in 2025, after the failure of the previous leadership in the Senate. He is 50 years old, and his followers like to say he speaks like a 30 year old but knows as much as a 70 year old.

However, it is unlikely that his entrance will stop his Senate colleagues from jumping in. Many view the 2032 election as their best chance at getting to the Presidency, and the entrance of a superior isn’t going to prevent them from taking their chances. His adversary, Minority Leader Steven Nichols (R-WA) said “I wish Senator Nyman the best of luck. While we have clashed on many issues, he is a man of great integrity, and he, if we both receive our party’s nomination, will be a tough opponent in the general election.”

Senator Nyman is the first Senator or Governor to enter the race on the Democratic side, and faces opposition from DNC Chairman Jim Fritz of Minnesota and Mayor Boss Tweed of New York.

[Akno21]

Will the international members feature into this?  I guess they could be from their fantasy-registered states.

That's what I plan to do.

[Akno21]

I only joined in June, so if one of the oldtimers could post a simple list of who was active back before then and has since left, that would be appreciated. I know some of them, but not about them. Jvransbo? Christopher Michael? Dunn?

[Akno21]

CM was fairly moderate, IIRC?

[Akno21]

It'll be easier with Governors once we pass the 2030 election, so...

Election Night!
By Lauren Chang, CNN.com

WASHINGTON, DC- There were no real surprises this election night, though the Pennsylvania Senate race captured much attention. Expected to lose his re-election bid, Senator Patrick Guinan (D-PA) somehow pulled out what appears to be a victory. Up against two Representatives, Phil Innamorato and Bill Moose, he and Moose were expected to split the vote enough in Southeast Pennsylvania to hand the election to Innamorato.

But it didn't happen. Instead, Guinan recieved higher than expected support from inner-city Philadelphia. He did so well there that it offset losses elsewhere, enough to set the results at

47% Sen. Patrick Guinan (D-PA)
46% Rep. Phil Innamorato (R-PA)
6%   Rep. Bill Moose (I-PA)

Rep. Moose has already conceded, but Rep. Innamoratowants more specific data on inner-city votes, thinking there might be fraud. Sen. Guinan denied such claims, saying, "I'm very proud of the work my GOTV team did, and I can assure you that it was entirely legal and all votes cast are legal."

Rep. Innamorato has said, "While I would like to trust the words of Senator Guinan, I would like more information before I concede defeat." Whatever happens next, it will certainly be interesting.

[Akno21]

Guinan recieved higher than expected support from inner-city Philadelphia.

Um, "inner-city Philadelphia" will no longer exist by 2032.

Why not?

Palpatine, how is it spelled?

[Akno21]

Two Candidates Jump In, Innamorato concedes
By David Washington, Washington Post

November 11 was a busy day in American politics, from Iowa to Pennsylvania. First, Iowa Senator Hugh Bartlett announced he would run for President from a back porch in Davenport, Iowa. While not big on party loyalty, he was a Democrat today. Bartlett has gained a reputation as an economic centrist and reformist, while being socially liberal. Since his election to the Senate in 2022, the native-born Australian has switched from being Democrat to Independent, and now back to Democrat, for his run at the Presidency. His entrance drew a swift response from party chairman Jim Fritz. The chairman said, via telephone, “While I like Senator Bartlett, I really do, we need a true democrat to represent us in this crucial election, and that candidate is not Senator Bartlett.”

Bartlett was not the only candidate to enter the race. Recently re-elected Michigan Governor Christopher Michael announced that he would seek the Presidency, saying “We need someone truly from the heartland, someone who can not only say they believe in American values, but can actually live them. I believe in the right to bear arms, the sanctity of marriage, the value of life, and that government cannot get too large. Yet I am still a Democrat, and damn proud of it.” The centrist Michigan Governor was re-elected by a 54-43% margin, but will have trouble in a crowded and liberal Democratic field. “His only hope is to stand out as a centrist, but if another centrist enters the race, he loses his biggest strength,” said CNN political analyst Brit Bloggie. 

In other news, the hotly contested Pennsylvania Senate race is finally over, now that Rep. Phil Innamorato (R-PA) conceded the election to Sen. Patrick Guinan, saying, “While I think that a few car tires have been slashed and my signs were torn down, I am not going to pursue this election any longer.”

[Akno21]

Uhm, Akno, I'm kinda fantasy-married to Fritz But thanks for putting me in there (I'm also now an Oregonian and if I ran it'd be as an independent, but hey, I got in, so nyeh nyeh na nyeh nyeh )

I know, but it hasn't happened yet in this.

[Akno21]

In other news, the hotly contested Pennsylvania Senate race is finally over, now that Rep. Phil Innamorato (R-PA) conceded the election to Sen. Patrick Guinan, saying, “While their were independent voter regularities, I did not find anything big enough that would have affected the outcome.”

Um, this is rather far from what would happen in real life.

Nobody would have conceded this battle if there were irregularities involved.    The courts would be dealing with it for years.

All right, I'll change it.

[Akno21]

I was only kidding!  I was thinking more about the two people involved in particular.

I see.