Semi-Presidential America-the game

[GoTfan]

A Semi-Presidential America

Hi everyone! So, Iwp2004 has recently started a TL around the idea of America with a France-like semi-presidential system, and I though this was an interesting idea for a game, so I am proud to present the game based on his TL! Rule will be coming soon, but for now, the parties and potential candidates for President:

Conservative Party
Seats: 272
Leader: Prime Minister Paul Ryan
Potential candidates: Prime Minister Ryan, Governor John Kasich, Marco Rubio MP, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie

The Conservatives have enjoyed remarkable success since 2014, when the party successfully won enough seats to force Obama to nominate Paul Ryan for Prime Minister, replacing Nancy Pelosi. The Conservatives have notably shifted to the right on many issues, trying to counter the Nationalists, while at the same time, moderates such as Kasich and ROmney are trying to keep the party as the moderate option. Whover the Conservative nominee is, they face a tough challenge maintaining both the Conservative Right and the Moderates.

Liberal Party
Seats: 211
Leader: Leader of the Opposition Nancy Pelosi
Potential candidates: Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley, Amy Klobuchar

The Liberal Party has had mixed fortunes in recent years. While successfully holding onto the Presidency in 2012, their loss of the majority in 2014 has put severe dents in their party organisation. As the Liberals desperately try to regroup, they, like the Conservatives, must also guard their flanks, as some members, like Al Franken, advocate moving leftwards to counter the growing threat of the Progressives, while the moderates, led by Joe Manchin, advocate moving towards the center to present themselves as the safe and sensible option this year

Nationalist Party
Seats: 29
Leader: Louie Gohmert
Potential candidates: Louie Gohmert, Ted Cruz, Michelle Bachmann, Rick Santorum, Jim DeMint

The Nationalists are the outgrowth of former Conservatives who are unsatisfied with the party. This breakaway group was formally organised into a party by Louie Gohmert and Ted Cruz, and now they present a very real threat to the Conservatives from the right. However, they are viewed as uncompromising and overly hawkish by the public. THeir nominee will either have to go all out on attacking the other parties, or try to moderate their line and run the risk of alienating other Nationalists

Progressive Party
Seats: 17
Leader: Bernie Sanders
Potential candidates: Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Keith Ellison, Sherrod Brown, Tammy Baldwin

The Progressives have only recently made themselves a force to be reckoned with. Under the leadership of Sanders, the party achieved its best result in 2014, now holding 17 seats. Some Progressives consider themselves out-and-out socialists, but most think of themselves as social democrats. This year, the Progressives stand a chance with their Presidential campaign, as their nominee may benefit from a coalition of youth and working class voters. However, they must also counter the image of them being dreamers, not doers, as well as being overly free with spending.

Independent Party
Seats: 7
Leader: Rand Paul
Potential candidates: Rand Paul, Gary Johnson, Bill Weld, Austin Petersen, Jesse Ventura

The Independents face a unique situation in 2016. Their party is one of the smaller ones, yet their combination of social liberalism and fiscal conservatism has enormous potential for them to grow. With the legacy of Ron Paul firmly on point, the Independents have the potential to take the center this year. However, they face charges from the left that they are reckless and irresponsible in terms of fiscal policy, and from the right on social grounds. The Independents must counter both attacks and appeal to the center to win this year.

Jobs First
Seats: 2
Leader: Jeff Sessions
Potential candidates: Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump, Mike Huckabee, Jon Bel Edwards

A populist party formed from their shared opposition to trade agreements, but otherwise differing, Jobs First is currently the smallest party in Parliament, yet like the Independents, has a unique opportunity to capitalise, but on a disgrunteld working class instead. Some, like Trump, hail from a center-right populist, while others like Sessions are ex-Nationalists, and some, like John Bel Edwards, are disillusioned former Liberals. If Jobs First wants to win this year, they will have to counter charges of neo-fascism and racism, as well untenable economic policies.




Current Candidates

Conservative
Governor John Kasich-Kingpoleon

Liberal
Governor Martin O'Malley-Lok1999

Nationalist
Rick Santorum, former MP for Pennsylvania At-Large-CMB222

Progressive
Tulsi Gabbard, MP for Honolulu-Jaguar4life

Independent
Rand Paul, MP for Kentucky At-Large-Yankee_Mapper

[Hoosier_Nick]

Awesome! Some of these are a little odd (like Bel Edwards), but still looks cool.

[ASPN]

Looks interesting, might jump in when rules are posted

[GoTfan]

Awesome! Some of these are a little odd (like Bel Edwards), but still looks cool.

Yeah, my brain hasn't been firing on all cylinders lately. Jobs First is intended to be united around opposition to free trade policies, and some of the pick are odd as a result.

[GoTfan]

Rules

The aim of this game is to win the Presidency of the United States, while also guiding your parliamentary party into a position where they hold the majority, or the balance of power. Make sure you walk the line between appealing to your base and to the widest amount of voters possible.

-The game will occur from January 1st 2016 to October 8th 2016.
-The primary will be a single, nationwide event, a la France
-Make sure to campaign for parliamentary candidates too!


General rules:

-Turns will last 72 hours, however, I can grant extensions.
-Your candidate can conduct up to 5 events per day
-You must PM me for endorsements with their name, office or former office, and reasons for endorsing
-Pacts between candidates (such as preference deals) are allowed, but I must be CC'd when this is the case

Primary rules:

-The primary will be a single, nationwide event to occur in May, with Conventions following in June.
-Delegates are not awarded in this primary; this works by popular vote
-Candidates must release their campaign manifesto before the primary
-The primary phase will span from January 1st to May 5th, when the primaries occur
-Due to necessity (and to avoid my brain exploding), preferential voting has been implemented. The candidate that achieves a minimum of 50% first wins the nomination
-Candidates may drop out at any time to endorse another

Convention phase

-This phase will be short-lived, lasting from May 6th to June 30th
-During this time, negotiations between the nominee and the defeated candidates will occur regarding the party manifesto
-At the conclusion of this phase, the nominee is required to release the party manifesto to the public

General Election rules:

-The general election will be conducted on a two-round system; the first round will occur on September 8th; the two top candidates from this will proceed to the second round on October 8th
-Candidates in the first round have the choice to endorse another candidate or not for the second round
-Candidates are permitted to withdraw from the general election at any time, in order to aid another candidate's appeal to a similar crowd
-Starting from September 24th, there will be a polling blackout for the second round

[GoTfan]

bump

[Kingpoleon]

I will run as Ohio Premier John Kasich.

[GoTfan]

I will run as Ohio Premier John Kasich.

Just an FYI, governors are still governors. The states operate a semi-gubernatorial system.

[Jaguar4life]

I will be Representative Tulsi Gabbard for the Progressives

[Jaguar4life]

So is Obama the president?

[GoTfan]

So is Obama the president?

Yes, the Presidential races have gone down as per original timeline. Obama has been President for 8 years, defeating McCain and Romney.

[GoTfan]

2nd bump. I want to try and get at least one candidate for each.

[Lachi]

Eh why not, I'll try this one. I hope this doesn't go the way of the Australian election game.

I'll have O'Malley

[DeSantis4Prez]

So is Obama the president?

Yes, he is. This scenario starts in mid-2016. Check out the TL for more info.

[GoTfan]

I'll give 72 more hours for sign ups. We desperately need more. If anyone knows someone who would be interested, please contact them.

[GoTfan]

Okay, since I don't want this game to be boring, I will simulate one other candidate from each party for the primary. Objections?

[Jaguar4life]

Okay, since I don't want this game to be boring, I will simulate one other candidate from each party for the primary. Objections?

Ok

[CMB222]

If it's not too late, I'll join as Santorum for the Nationalists.

[GoTfan]

If it's not too late, I'll join as Santorum for the Nationalists.

Done!

[GoTfan]

Turn 1: January 1-7, 2016

With four years having passed, it is once again time for the United States to elect a new President. Four years ago, Barack Obama on his second victory, this time over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, but just two years ago in 2014, was forced to nominate Paul Ryan for Prime Minister after the demolition of the Liberal Party in the midterm elections.

Several candidates are speculated to be seeking the Oval Office this year. John Kasich, the Ohio Governor, is thought to be considering a run for the Conservative nomination, as is Marco Rubio, one of two At-Large Members for Florida. For President Obama's, the Liberals, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has been speculated to be Obama's preferred successor, but will face a considerable challenge for the nomination from Deputy Opposition Leader and At-Large Member for Nevada Harry Reid.

Going into the minor parties, Former Member for Pennsylvania At-Large, Rick Santorum, has convened an Exploratory Committee for a second ruin, this time under the banner of the Nationalists, despite having finished second in the Conservative primary just four years ago. Santorum can expect a challenge from Utah's Member At-Large Mike Lee. The Progressives meanwhile, have a strong bench from their performances in 2012 and 2014. Tulsi Gabbard is thought to be one leading candidate, but may be opposed by Minnesota MP Keith Ellison, who is also considering a run. Meanwhile Rand Paul is likely to declare his candidacy under the banner of his libertarian Independent Party, but may face a challenge from former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson. Finally, Jobs First does not seem to have a candidate as of yet, and if the party cannot find a candidate before the end of the month, they may be counted out


This turn will last for 72 hours from now. Remember to PM for endorsements. Polls will begin at the end of this turn

[Jaguar4life]

TULSI GABBARD ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTAL CAMPAIGN

My fellow Americans I am officially running for President of the United States *Crowd cheers*

I will be running on progressive values for everyone such as Medicare for All, investing in solar energy and becoming energy independent and going after Wall Street and bring back Glass Stegall and legalizing Marijuana nationwide.

It's time to take what the corporations stole from the people and give it back to them!

I will campaign for peace in the Middle East and as a Army Captain in Iraq I will tell our government to stop selling arms to ISIS!

[CMB222]

Rick Santorum to Run for President


Butler, Pennsylvania

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[Lachi]

O'MALLEY TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT

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[GoTfan]

Additional Candidates

The following candidates are seeking their party's nomination:

Deputy Leader of the Oppostion Harry Reid, MP for Nevada At-Large for the Liberal Party

Mike Lee, MP for Utah At-Large for the Nationalst Party

Tammy Baldwin, MP for Wisconsin At-Large for the Progressive Party

Gary Johnson, Former Governor of New Mexico for the Independent Party

Next turn will be up soon.

[GoTfan]

Turn 2, January 8-15

Campaigns Begin

Martin O'Malley, Former Maryland Governor, on the campaign trail

The last week saw Martin O'Malley, Rick Santorum, Tulsi Gabbard, Rand Paul, Harry Reid, Mike Lee, Tammy Baldwin and Gary Johnson declare their candidacy for President. It would seem that John Kasich is biding his time for the January 30 cut-off, should he decide to run.

Martin O'Malley appears to have positioned himself as a center-left liberal, running to the left of Harry Reid. In addition to the backing of the Baltimore Sun, O'Malley's positioning has won him the support of Minnesota's At-Large MP Al Franken, who has argues that a leftwards turn is needed to counter the Progressives.

Meanwhile, Rick Santorum has enjoyed a solid start to his campaign, and currently leads the polls for the Nationalists, despite only recently defecting to them from the Conservatives. Indeed, he seems to be benefiting from his campaign structure of four years ago, as many of his old staffers have returned to his side. He faces an uphill challenge though, as many Nationalists view him as attempting to hijack the party for himself.

Rand Paul has positioned himself as the heir to his father's legacy, a desirable start for anyone seeking the Independent nomination. He enjoys high name recognition, and the support of many in the Independent establishment. However, he faces a challenge from the party's 2012 nominee, Gary Johnson, the Former Governor of New Mexico. Many Johnson loyalists still exist, particularly among the so-called 'soft libertarians'. Paul is the frontrunner for now, but will have to fight to hold that spot.

Last but not least, Tulsi Gabbard appears to be trying to branch out the Progressive Party's wings, citing her experience in the military. Her vow to stop US intervention in the Middle East is also likely to appeal to many Liberals who have been disenchanted with Obama's foreign policy. However, her youth and experience have made her vulnerable to her opponent, Tammy Baldwin, the MP for Wisconsin At-Large. Baldwin is attempting to frame the primary as the reckless, fiery style of Gabbard against her calm, steady hand.

Regardless, each candidate is sure to be working hard on their manifestos.

Polls:

Liberal:
Harry Reid, MP: 47.8%
Gov. Martin O'Malley: 46.2%
Undecided: 6%

Nationalists:
Rick Santorum, Former MP: 48.4%
Mike Lee, MP: 48.1%
Undecided: 3.5%

Progressives:
Tammy Baldwin, MP: 47.9%
Tulsi Gabbard, MP: 46.8%
Undecided: 5.3%

Independents:
Rand Paul, MP: 57.9%
Former Governor Gary Johnson: 41.8%
Undecided: 0.3%

Endorsements:

Martin O'Malley: Al Franken, MP for Minnesota At-Large, Baltimore Sun

Notes: And we are now underway! 72 hours for your schedules and don't forget to PM for endorsements.