Election '92-game thread

[GoTfan]

Okay, let's kick things off.

Turn 1: June 1st-June 7th, 1991

Major headline:

Who's Running in '92?

July 1st, 1991

With President Bush's approval ratings at record highs, it is likely that he will run for re-election. However, John Voinovich, Governor of Ohio has formed an Exploratory Committee to challenge the incumbent for the Republican nomination this year. It is expected that his campaign will amount to little more than a protest vote though.

On the Democratic side though, several candidates have been exploring possible runs. Liberal powerhouse Mario Cuomo is reportedly giving serious consideration to run, and is expected to announce his candidacy soon. In addition, Former Governor of California Jerry Brown is considering a run, as is Senator Al Gore of Tennessee. The big surprise on the Democratic side is that former Mayor of Burlington and Vermont's sole Congressman, Bernard Sanders, a self-avowed socialist is considering a run.

As for third parties and independents, businessmen Donald Trump and Bill Gates are giving serious thought to running, while Congressman Ron Paul is thought to be seeking the Libertarian nomination, as he did four years ago.

Polling question: Who of the current potential candidates has your support? (done by party affiliation)

Republican:

President George H. W. Bush: 86.9%

Governor George Voinovich: 12.7%

Undecided: 0.4 %

Democratic:

Governor Mario Cuomo: 41.9%

Senator Al Gore: 29.8%

Former Governor Jerry Brown: 24.6 %

Congressman Bernard Sanders: 3.1%

Undecided: 0.6%

Independent/Third Party

Mr Donald Trump: 31.8%

Congressman Ron Paul: 27.8%

Mr Bill Gates: 24.6%

Undecided: 15.8%

Notes: Remember, use this turn to outline your primary platforms. Each candidate will receive the chance to influence their party platforms at their conventions. As for the independent/3rd party candidates, you also would do well do outline your platforms now. Come the time of the major conventions, various advisors (simulated by myself) will offer compromises on positions; it's your choice whether to take them up or not.

Good luck!

[msnmllr]

July 2nd, 1991
*outside Cleveland City Hall*

Hello citizens of not only the great city of Cleveland, or from the great state of Ohio, but to all citizens of the United States of America, I am running for Presidential nomination for the Republican Party.

President Bush has been a great president for this nation, but there are things that I believe that President Bush could be doing better. The Gulf War has been an unnecessary war for us to be engaged, and unlike the Cold War, we shouldn't have been aggressive in the war torn Middle East. Our nation has been consumed in an insurmountable levels of debt. As mayor of Cleveland, this city has gone through major amounts of growth after years of a lag in development

I will run on a platform on an elimination of the current debt levels, I will create new jobs, we will reform the current errors plaguing American industry, and America will end unnecessary foreign squabbles in the hope of improving upon this great nation. As Americans, we may already receive some of the best accommodations around the world, but we deserve more. A vote for Voinovich is a voucher for greatness.

Thank you for your time

[QuickHead555]

BILL GATES FOR AMERICA

JULY 2nd: File with the FEC, have interviews with news networks.

FOX INTERVIEW:

EXERT: "Well, America is really being hurt by our two-party system. Our County really needs change, and I believe I can bring it. I am a classic liberal. I am fiscally conservative, and socablly tolerant. I'm the best of the two parties. I would be able to pass the tax-cuts the Republicans want, and reach out to the liberals for their agenda. Now, that is if I will run. I am not sure I am going to yet. I still need to think it over."

JULY 3RD: Wires 30M Dollars into Exploratory Committee.

JULY 4TH-6TH: RESTING, PREPARING FOR CAMPAIGN

JULY 7TH: First Rally

Sacramento, CA

Thank you all for coming here today! Wow, this is a big crowd. This humbles me, it humbles me greatly. So, as you know today, there are many issues with our country. Our taxes are up, it is killing our businesses. You know our president, President Bush, he really is a good man. But he wasn't able to keep one simple promise. Anyone remembered when he said 'Read my lips, no new taxes'? And what did he do? He raised the taxes. And he raised it to an amount to where people are hurting. It pains me to see what is happening in our country. I have a plan to fix this, and I have a vision for America.

My vision for America is to have a more tolarant society, where we have lower taxes, smaller government, but bigger freedoms. We should return most of the power back to the states! In my vision of America, we will spend less money on waste, and return it to fix our failing infastructure. We will build our country back up from the ground and it will be stronger then ever. Our military will never had been so strong as it would be under me as president. I don't intent on using our military, but instead having them as peacekeepers around the world, so we can preserve our planet, and stop the endless wars.

But yes, there are many problems in our country. And together, with all of us, we can solve them. That is why.... I am officially running for President of the United States. Our nation will return to being number one, and we will be more prosperous. Thank you, together, we can build a stronger America!

[wjx987]

Senator Al Gore Kickstarts His Campaign!

JULY 7, 1991:

"Hello, Nashville and Hello America! I stand here at the War Memorial to announce that, just as in 1988, I will be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the presidency...

On Economy
...We need to oppose trickle-down economics, as it is endangering the prosperity of the middle class, and has lead to the recession that we are just now moving away from. We need to support a limited tax raise so the middle and lower classes can save their money, buy a house, and have some cash to retire with. We need to lower interest rates to bolster our economy. We also need to maintain a balanced budget so our economy can remain stable and function well. We also must put social security and medicare in a lockbox, so Republicans cannot take those programs away from those who need it...

On Industry
...To better expand our industries' international scope, we must push for Free Trade so we can trade more easily with our allies...

On Environment and Energy
...Our environment is being threatened by our energy industries. And that isn't because what they do is dangerous, it's because the bosses of these groups have expanded their scope far beyond what is necessary. I do support the oil and coal industries, but we must regulate them so the average joe can continue working there while the industries don't harm the environment. This is to prevent climate change, which truly does threaten us all. Mother Nature needs to be cherished and protected, and I can provide means for that...

On Cultural Issues
...I consider myself "pro-life". I believe abortion, if possible, should be limited, but I also believe that guns shouldn't be sold to someone who will use them for evil. That is truly what pro-life should mean. I also believe that gay rights are human rights. I do not understand that lifestyle, but the gay community deserves respect...

On Foreign Policy and Immigration
...I have taken a more nuanced stance on Israel and Palestine this time around. I think that the U.S. needs to pursue a path for peace there, and a negotiated peace too. No more war needs o happen there. Also, the U.S. should pull back some of it's troops from overseas; the Cold War has ended. We also should stop intervening in the affairs of third world countries militarily, and focus on sending them aid to help them develop. On the immigration front, we must provide an easier method for legal immigration to help diversify our culture...

On Internet
...The internet is our future, and many of my colleagues' want to ignore it are banishing themselves to an old-fashioned world. The internet can help us communicate, can educate us, and is overall a very good thing. If you want to enable a quick road to the future, vote for Al Gore and the internet...

...So, my fellow Americans, if you want an America and a president who is willing to compromise, one who is willing to embrace the future, and one who is certainly not politics-as-usual, I am your voice!"

JULY 8: File with the FEC.
JULY 9: Start actively fundraising in D.C.
JULY 10: Officially open campaign headquarters in Nashville.

[ASPN]

JULY 3TH 1991

On the steps of Independence Hall in Philadelphia

My fellow Americans, I stand here in the birthplace of freedom and democracy to tell you that less than two years after the end of the eighties, we have seen major changes in both America, and the world. In these times, we need a modern president, not a remnant of the Regan years like Bush. I am here to tell you that the modern President we need is me. As such, I am announcing my bid to represent the Democrats for President of the United States.

Economy

The well being of the middle class have been threatened for too long by Regan and now Bush, I support both a flat tax, and a value added tax starting at thirteen percent. Along with living wage laws, and to appose agreements like NAFTA which threaten to place more power in the hands of the corporations, instead of the hard working American people.

Political Reform

Our election system has been taken over by corporate interests who invents hundreds of millions of dollars to bring in those who promise to work in their favor, instead of the favor of the common folk, and even worse, to keep them there indefinitely. That is why we need restrictions to how money is raised, to destroy these PACs (PACs that I swear to keep far from my campaign) and to limit the years one can serve to ensure any corruption that does ind its way it, is not kept in indefinitely.

Environment and health

For all the progress made since the EPA's founding, we still find ourselves lacking in protecting not just the earth, but the people on it. We must invest in renewable and more efficient ways of powering our nation. Reduce our oil imports, already costing us billions and furthering the deficit we find ourselves in, and reestablish a Civilian Conservation Corps. Furthermore, our health has been in the hands of the wealthy elite for too long, which is why I support a single payer health care system with universal access. all of this and more will be goals of mine if elected.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

The Cold War is over. The time is now to put away our weapons of destruction and focus our efforts on wending the wounds of the last forty years. Our military spending, the amount more than any nation on earth, must be reduced to more reasonable amounts, the money from those cuts diverted to other programs desperately in need of money, which in turn will help the American people. We should turn to poverty and hunger, now the biggest threat to the world and focus our foreign policy on working with the most struggling of nations, to give them to tools to combat these issues. Finally, we must look to reform our immigration systems, to many people from across the world, we are the dream, the dream of success for them, and more importantly, their children. It is our duty then, to hold open our arms, and provide a clear system to citizenship for all who wish to join America.

...We are in a new age America, one that needs a leader ready to embrace this new age and lead us to a bright future. With your vote, you can ensure that I am that leader. Thank you, and god bless America.

July 5th, file with the FEC
July 6th: open campaign headquarters in San Fransisco
July 7th: Begin plans for tour around Bay Area to begin on the 10th for raising funds.

[GoTfan]

SO NeverAgain floated an idea to have the announcement week, then shift immediately to December. His reasoning being that these things tend to die out by the time of the Iowa Caucuses. He also said he would be willing to grant additional poll standings to those near the bottom of their respective primaries.

I happen to agree with him on this, but wanted everyone's opinion first.

[wjx987]

Let's please skip to December. I'm more than happy with that.

[Representative simossad]

TRUMP '92
Allegiance to the Truth

New York City, NY. July 2nd, 1991

“Thank you, thank you. Thank you very much for joining me tonight. This is a very important day, not just for me, but for all the people I'm doing this for. I don't do this for me. I don't do this for my career. I do this for the people in this country.

This is for the people who are standing up every day and working for this country, for their children, for their future. Those people have been left behind by the reckless and deceitful administration of President George Bush. We are now in an economical crisis, but the people who have to deal with the mess aren't our political elites, no, the people who have to deal with the mess are the normal people in this country who did absolutely nothing wrong. Look at our national debt. Look at all the unemployed people. It's a mess, really, it's a mess.

This is for all the people who fell for President Bush's false promise. He said he won't raise taxes. He bought the election four years ago with a promise he know he was never able to keep. He lied to you, to us. To all the hardworking people in this country. Trust is gone. Confidence is gone. George Bush's record is devastating, at any levels. Our national debt is at its highest. Our inflation is its highest. Our unemployment is at its highest. But meanwhile, trust, and the will of the people to participate in a political process is at its lowest. Why do people watch debates, go to rallies, inform themselves who they should vote for, who they trust more to keep our country strong and wealthy – if everything that we hear, everything that they are telling us are smoke and mirrors?

This is for all the people who are sick and tired of our political parties. Not just of the Republican Party. But also of the Democrats. Their senators, their representatives are campaigning through the whole country, telling everybody that we need a change, that we need a new leadership in Washington. But we all know that they have the majorities in both chambers of Congress! They have the majorities in the legislature? Why don't they make any laws? Why don't they do their job? Because they put party over country. They use the sorrow and the existential fears of the people in this country to make their party strong. Believe me, they have no interest in making our country great again. They are working for no one but themselves.

The two major political parties have divided, have put chains on the American voters for too long. It is time to listen to the will of the people and to overcome our rigged two-party-system. The people want a change. And I will dedicate my life to make the will of the people finally come true. Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, proudly announce, that I am running for president of the United States.

I don't have the support of a major political party. I don't want the support of a major political party. Because I won't walk that path alone. I will have the support of millions of American voters who want to see a change in this country. And I am going to win, believe me.

Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.”

platform & schedule coming soon.

[Representative simossad]

Let's please skip to December. I'm more than happy with that.

[ASPN]

I'm also fine skipping. Nothing worse than an rp that loses steam before it can get to the good stuff.

[Devout Centrist]

Sure! I'll announce soon.

[Representative simossad]

Schedule: Announcement Week

July 2nd:
- announcement speech in New York City, NY
- meeting with senior staffers, organize campaign in New York City, NY

July 3rd:
- open campaign headquarter in New York City, NY
- publish campaign platform

Government Reform

The campaign slogan “Allegiance to the Truth” is not a lip-service for the Trump-administration. President Donald J. Trump will not accept lies and uncertainty spread by political elites. President Trump will push for a constitutional amendment giving the people the right to demand nationwide referendums on political issues. Donald J. Trump thinks that the electoral college is an outdated and confusing system that distorts the results of presidential elections. As president, he will push for a nationwide referendum whether Congress should vote in favor of a constitutional amendment that abolishes the electoral college and makes the election result based on the nationwide popular vote. A Trump-administration will introduce a decent term limit for representatives and senators. Moreover, a ban on soft campaign contributions will make it harder for companies and businesses to gain influence on the political process.

Economy

The economy is on the brink of collapsing. The American people has been waiting for the trickle-down effect for almost 30 years now. More than 60 percent of all the new income goes to the top 10 percent of our society. While those people are better off after twelve long years of Republican presidencies, the standard of living for middle-class families has barely changed. Lower-class workers' families are even worse off than before. The huge financial burden is unbearable. The Trump-administration will lower the taxes for the lowest 60 percent of income-earners, while an increased one-time tax for the highest 30 percent of income-earners will erase our national debt. With no national debt, the government will be able to invest in our infrastructure, which will help the economy and makes the United States attractive for huge companies. When the national debt is erased, a flat tax will be introduced.

Foreign Policy

The world is changing rapidly. The United States have won the Cold War, but it would be short-sighted to rest on past victories. The United States have to face new challenges. While the United States can bear cuts on military spending, our country should start working together with other countries economically. A Trump-administration will expand free trade and form economical alliances with Russia and the European countries to remain its leading position in the world. The United States should not intervene in third-world conflicts, it rather should invest in aid and development assistance.

Immigration

While Donald Trump accepts and welcomes the pursuit of freedom and free-self-determination, he makes clear that our country is not a self-service store. The United States must show the courage to accept that immigration does not necessarily help the economy. The government will welcome foreigners who graduate on American colleges to stay in the United States. It will also lower the barriers for skilled and trained foreigners to live and work in the United States. Meanwhile, the government will make it harder for foreigners who are not an economic added value for our country. A limited number of political refugees from crisis regions will be allowed to stay in the United States for a limited period of time.

Social Issues

Donald J. Trump thinks that the issue of abortion is used by both sides to polarize and divide our nation. Although Donald J. Trump considers himself as “pro-choice”, he accepts and understands the arguments of both sides and does not want it to be a nationwide political issue. A Trump-administration will leave that issue to the states. Donald Trump celebrates the diversity in our country and will give everyone, no matter which gender, race or religion, the same chances to be successful. Donald J. Trump supports second amendment rights. But making it easier for insane people to do harm to innocent citizens was never the intent for the second amendment. Therefore, background checks for gun-owners will be introduced.

July 4th - July 7th
- organize campaign
- press statements, interviews

[Enduro]

I agree with the proposed changes, and I think I'll get my announcement out tomorrow.

[GoTfan]

To give everyone additional time, I'm issuing a 24 hour extension.

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

Representative Bernie Sanders announces Presidential candidacy!!!


*C-SPAN cameras go to an event goes to Burlington, Vermont.* (July 4th, 1991)

"Thank you, Thank you Burlington!!! This is all as you know... One great, great town. At first, when I was a uh... Young lad, starting off my political career.... I was running against the incumbent mayor, had decades of experience. I was running on a third party ticket... But the people gave me a chance... I won by ten votes, but I kept all my promises. I was re-elected three more times. The people rejected the big parties, who are out of touch with working class America.


The past three elections have had a great toll on the American people, they were tricked into a false prosperity, which is not real. I tried to run for Congress to change that... But in my few months of service, I have seen nothing to suggest that the vast majority of politicians in this country aren't just political hacks, they don't want change because change will kick them out!!! But I'm gonna announce a change, right here, right now!!!!


I will be a candidate for president of the United States on the Democratic party ticket!!! I am running as a Democrat, because I see the majority of the working class, the farmers, turning towards them, begging them to change. I want to be the voice of change for the people. I want to be the change candidate in this race, to change the never ending wars ,and the downward economic spiral, to change the massive wealth gap in this country!!!! I want to protect fundamental human rights!!!! Let this Fourth of July be the start of a new American Revolution!!!


I am one of you, my friends. I'm not very rich myself... So ask yourself.... Do you want someone who represents you, or big donors??? My candidacy is not just about myself, it is an idea that the Government should get its act together. It's an idea that founded this country. And it is an idea.... That will make it greater than ever before, working for everyone!!!! Thank you everyone and I hope you will support me in this second great revolution at the ballot box!!!"



Sanders for President Campaign Schedule:

July 4th: Announcement Speech, organizing aggressive campaign GOTV HQ operation

July 5th: Work with advisers on finishing a new campaign platform to release next week

July 6th:

Rally in Burlington, VT
Rally in Concord, NH
Rally in Manchester, NH

July 7th:

Rally in Des Moines, Iowa
Rally in Ames, Iowa-

"I am the farmers' candidate!!! I am the Iowan candidate!!! Let's make Iowa the state where the sounds of the Second American Revolution shall be heard!!! Not with bullets this time, but with Democracy!!!".

Interviews

[Devout Centrist]

July 7th, 1991

Cuomo is In!

Albany, New York



Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of New York and people across this beautiful nation! I am so thankful for your support today as I declare my candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States of America! I believe that now more than ever, our nation needs Democratic solutions to the most pressing issues our country faces. Here we stand at the forefront of a new era in global and domestic politics. The iron curtain has crumbled and now many nations that were once under the control of static, communist rulers are now beginning to rejoin the international community. And on the home front, we are witnessing an unparalleled shift in the development of our economy.

And what do we have to show for the past decade of Republican rule in Washington? Rust belt communities in crisis, infrastructure in decay, more homeless veterans on our streets, and incompetence that goes to the highest office in this nation. The people entrusted George Bush to remedy the problems of the Reagan era. Instead, he has only made life worse for millions of Americans. Our economy has been listless, with the President more concerned about his approval ratings rather than hard working men and women in this nation. We have allowed our manufacturing to leave and our veterans to suffer. For a regular American family, the promise of the American dream is farther away and dimmer than the moon.

I will put our nation back on the track of prosperity and ensure that all Americans can join in the prosperity our nation creates. I will lead a pragmatic and moderate administration that addresses the concerns of every working man and woman across this great nation! That means creating good paying jobs in manufacturing, in mining, research and development, along with making sure the men and women who serve this nation come home to a nation that welcomes them for their service.

My economic plan will work to renegotiate trade deals and put our nation's manufacturing back on top, giving industries that stay in this nation benefits for their support along with incentives for hiring Americans. I support linking research and development at our nation's universities with our manufacturing sector, enabling both to benefit by creating a circle of positive benefits, securing the futures of Americans from all backgrounds. To those of you from Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, who have seen your wages decline over the Reagan years, we will ensure than your livelihoods stay intact and that you get the paycheck you and your family deserves. I will pass a program during my first 100 days that will give tax allowances to manufacturers who pay their workers more and give them the health benefits they deserve. And I will also sign a minimum wage increase during that same time span. But I also recognize that many have associated the government with inefficiency and tax increases. Well, I pledge this to you. If you are a middle class American making less than $250,000 a year, you will not see your taxes increase by a single penny.

Our nation also needs a comprehensive plan to ensure all Americans have quality healthcare. With the support of the Congress, I will enact a program that I have called the American Health Initiative, which will reform our broken healthcare system by increasing funding for medicare, ending discrimination against patients with preexisting conditions, and devoting new resources to help the poorest Americans receive the healthcare coverage they deserve.

On immigration, I look to secure our borders and provide comprehensive reform that allows those who have established a life in this country to stay here so long as they don't commit a crime and they pay taxes. I look to give  them and their families a path to citizenship in the coming years.

When it comes to crime, I will leave the controversial question of the death penalty up to the states. However, I can promise you my administration will crack down on violent crime and prevent harmful drugs from getting on the streets of our cities by preventing them at all points of entry. We will also seek to reduce drug addiction by treating addicts and attacking the problem at its roots. I will be tough on the crime our cities are plagued with and greatly reduce the crime rate nationwide by working with local departments and providing specific services tailor made to each city and county in this nation.

I will fight for the rights of women and minorities in this country! I will pass equal pay legislation and push for an end to the Hyde amendment! I will promise more funding for women's healthcare and I will never waver from the pro choice position! We also need to secure greater rights for gay and lesbian Americans, which includes repealing the ban on gays in our military. This is an issue that has support from some conservative Republicans, including former Senator Barry Goldwater. We can come together on these issues for real reform.

On foreign policy, we need to greet the former Communist nations into the world community with open arms. I support extending more resources into helping nations like Poland, Romania, and Germany grow their economies and create partnerships with America and the European Economic Community. NATO will be strengthen and membership will be increased to more of our allies in the years to come. I also support helping end the humanitarian crisis in Somalia and prevent the potential for ethnic tensions in Yugoslavia.

For veterans, I promise that the Veterans Administration will be reformed and given the resources it needs to provide benefits quicker to those who have served our nation. Unlike the Bush administration, I will value your service and ensure that you find good paying work the minute you return home from service.

For younger Americans in college, I want to pledge you that I will reduce the cost to attend public colleges across this country by devoting more funding to the Department of Education and lowering the interests on your student loans. We will give more resources to our states and local jurisdictions that suffered so much under the Reagan years so that you can graduate with as little debt as possible and pay it off within five years.

Our nation has its best days ahead of it. The stagnation felt from this recession will abate, but only if you select the man who will change the broken culture of Washington and make the American dream work for all Americans. I promise you that I will put America back on top and propel our nation into a new century of optimism and prosperity. Thank you and God Bless the United States of America!

[Enduro]

"Today, I, Ron Paul, announce my candidacy for president of the United States on the Libertarian Party ticket."

Platform
Social Issues: Every person has a God given right to exist, and to live a life full of freedom. The only way to do that is to get government out of our daily lives.

Economic Issues: I will cut government spending, and taxes, in order to balance the budget and introduce a consitutional amendment to keep it balanced. Furthermore, I support a switch to the gold standard to restore value to our currency.

Foreign Issues: No more unnecessary wars ending the lives of our troops. I will scale back our involvement in other nations' business.

Immigration: We should protect our border with the U.S. Military.


Schedule.
July 2-July 7
-Organize campaign team.
-Meet with potential donors.
-Begin building up coalition of delegates to the convention.

[GoTfan]

Okay, NeverAgain has his 5 hour warning. If he fails to post his schedule in time, we'll have to move on. I can't give anymore time. Bush will still have a decent lead anyway (he is the incumbent, after all)

[GoTfan]

Have you msg'd him? Reminding him that he needs to post? Maybe he didn't fully know what he had to do, or was busy, ect. I dunno. Just hate to see someone miss a post chance for something they've had some time now to post.

Twice. If I get no reply, I can probably get someone to take over and I'll simulate him running a rose garden campaign.

[ASPN]

Have you msg'd him? Reminding him that he needs to post? Maybe he didn't fully know what he had to do, or was busy, ect. I dunno. Just hate to see someone miss a post chance for something they've had some time now to post.

Twice. If I get no reply, I can probably get someone to take over and I'll simulate him running a rose garden campaign.

Fair enough, didn't expect a response that quick, realized based off what you posted my question was kinda silly and just deleted it xP

[NeverAgain]

Oh, I am here. I have been on a couple of things today. I apologize for the AFK responses!

I will get to work here quick.

[GoTfan]

Oh, I am here. I have been on a couple of things today. I apologize for the AFK responses!

I will get to work here quick.

You have three hours.

Also, only simossad has asked for endorsements. I suppose that has something to do with the coming skip to December though.

[ASPN]

Endorsements huh? Didn't think about that. Would we just msg you and ask? I'd have to do some research to figure out who would actually endorse brown in 92.

[GoTfan]

Endorsements huh? Didn't think about that. Would we just msg you and ask? I'd have to do some research to figure out who would actually endorse brown in 92.

Yeah. Just PM their name, office and reasons for endorsing.

[NeverAgain]

President Bush Is Running For Re-Election!

President Bush Announcing Re-Election Campaign

Hello friends, today, I want to talk to you about our future - together. But first, I want to talk about where we've come.

Just under 3 years ago, I walked into this office daunted with the task of being your Commander and Chief. At that moment, the Berlin Wall held strong, the Soviets showed no sign of weakness, and millions of Americans were persecuted for having a Disability. Since then, we have single-handedly ended the Cold War, ensured that Americans with Disabilities are not discriminated against based on disabilities, and stopped the Iraqi Government from invading an unarmed, sovereign nation. Together we did these tasks, and I assure you we can do so much more.

And so now, I ask you to join me in a new conquest for what I have showed you in the past four years and what we know works: Freedom works. We know what's right: Freedom is right. We know how to secure a more just and prosperous life for man on Earth: through free markets, free speech, free elections, and the exercise of free will unhampered by the state.

Our children are watching in schools throughout our great land. And to them I say, Thank you for watching democracy's big day approaches again. For democracy belongs to us all, and freedom is like a beautiful kite that can go higher and higher with the breeze. And to all I say, No matter what your circumstances or where you are, you are part of this day, you are part of the life of our great nation.

Now, I hear the siren calls of the Democrats on their faux attacks on this great Administration. And my only response is to ask them to look at the strength of our world over the past four years and tell the American people that our world isn't better than it was four years ago.

In the next four years, I plan to have a Balanced Budget so that we can pay off our national debt and lower interest costs on American Tax-Payers. In 1990, as the deficit was threatening to balloon and further harm the economy, I pushed for cuts in government spending overall and for caps on mandatory spending. The Democrat Congress insisted, however, on a tax hike as their price for controlling spending. In short, the Democrats held the U.S. economy—and U.S. jobs—hostage in order to raise taxes, much as they had done to President Reagan.

Just as they did with President Reagan, the Democrat-controlled Congress promised me they would abide by binding controls on federal spending; and just as with President Reagan, they broke their word. I will not again agree to such a program.

 I also promise to lower tax rates to 4 simple rates of 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30%. With these cuts, American families and Businesses will grow and prosper. This year, to create jobs and promote growth, I have already submitted a program of tax cuts and incentives designed to get the economy moving again—a program very similar to one I had sent to Congress in early 1990. The Democrats' response was predictable—instead of cutting taxes, they passed a $100 billion tax increase that would have smothered growth and jobs. I, true to our American philosophy, vetoed this tax hike, and sustained his veto with the support of Republicans in Congress.

The Democrats call for increased government intervention in the lives of the American People, but at these times I look to Abraham Lincoln, our first Republican President, who expressed the philosophy that inspires Republicans and Americans to this day: "The legitimate object of Government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all, or cannot so well do, for themselves in their separate and individual capacities. But in all that people can individually do as well for themselves, Government ought not to interfere."

The interests of older Americans are addressed throughout my administration, for the elderly play an honored role in all walks of American life. From reducing inflation to fighting crime, from quality health care to a cleaner environment, the Republican agenda for all has particular relevance to those who have worked the longest and grown the wisest.

We reaffirm our commitment to a strong Social Security system. To stop penalizing grandparents and other seniors who care for children, we pledge to continue the Republican crusade to end the earnings limitation for Social Security recipients. More than ever, our Nation needs older Americans in its schools and workplaces. There should be no barriers to their full participation in our country' s future. We pledge support for greater availability of long-term care and for research to combat Alzheimer's disease. Republicans also took the lead in expanding home health care in government programs, and we want to build on that accomplishment.

Some see leadership as high drama and the sound of trumpets calling, and sometimes it is that. But I see history as a book with many pages, and each day we fill a page with acts of hopefulness and meaning. The new breeze blows, a page turns, the story unfolds. And so, today a chapter begins, a small and stately story of unity, diversity, and generosity -- shared, and written, together.

Thank you, and God Bless This Nation.

Platform

• A Balanced Budget Within the next Four Years

• Social Security Reform to Protect Our Seniors

• Tax Reform to Create 4 New Tax Brackets and Simplify the Tax Code

• Keep Promoting Democracy Abroad, and Strengthen the New Russian Federation

• Create a Healthcare Voucher System to Promote Growth in the Healthcare Industry and Cover Millions of Americans

• Create new rural programs for agriculture workers

• Create new Infrastructure Programs to rebuild our roads and bridges left destitute by the Democrats in Congress