The Great 2020 Free-For-All (Gameplay Thread)

[KaiserDave]

Phil Scott for President

Phil Scott Schedule for June

June
June 1-8: Governor Duties/Rest
June 9: Accept Representatives Charlie Dent and Ryan Costello Endorsement in Allentown Pennsylvania
 

June 10-14: Tour Northeastern Iowa (Dubuque, Cedar Rapids)
June 15-19: Governor Duties
June 20: Accept Chris Sununu endorsement in Concord New Hampshire
June 21: Major Rally with Chris Sununu in Keene
June 22-25: Barnstorm major New Hampshire cities with Chris Sununu and Elise Stefanik
June 26-29: Governor Duties
June 29-30: Doing New Hampshire local radio and television

Phil Scott Remarks in Milford New Hampshire

(Major Excerpt, June 24 )


I'm so honored to be here with Representative Stefanik and Governor Sununu. Elise, well she's the future. She believes in an America where you can work hard and get ahead, where America is a symbol of freedom, and where it challenges us to be better. She believes in listening, when we listen, we get things done. She stands up for her district, for jobs, and for Fort Drum. She believes in working together to get things done, where we listen. We listen to each other. We can never understate the value of listening to each other. That's the only way we get things done for this country. Democrats and Republicans had to work together to defeat fascism, Democrats and Republicans worked together to establish Medicare, Democrats and Republicans worked together for civil rights legislation, we worked together for the Reagan era prosperity. That's how we solve the great challenges of our time.

Governor Sununu is really an example for the rest of the country. Just like in Boston and Annapolis, like Governor Baker and Governor Hogan. The recipe for prosperity, keep taxes low and keep budgets balanced. That's real fiscal restraint and responsibility. They work with Democrats to tackle crime, the opioid crisis, and education. Governor Sununu worked for the biggest tax cuts for middle class families, he balances his budget year after year. Washington buries us in debt, and politicians can't seem to get it together. Now President Romney is a great leader, he led us out of the recession with taxes down. But we can do more. We need to listen each other, and end the Washington culture of division. Concord and Montpelier are examples for Washington, not the other way around.

But, how can we reduce the deficit? How can we move to restore the budget surplus of years past? Now ending this debt helps everyone. When I speak to people across this country, they want to know how this will end? Will schools be defunded? What about our roads and farm loans? We can't go on like this, New Hampshire and Vermont prove we can do it. We need to keep taxes low for working families. First, like Representative Stefanik said. We need to rein in spending. Earmarks are a Washington practice we can't afford. When we spend money on our districts and states, it has to be about helping people. Building schools roads, and community centers, improving our communities. Not for shameless political purposes. We can do better than that, I believe we can.

On defense, cutting our defense is the wrong thing to do. Not only must we maintain a strong national defense, we must also support our allies. And also like in the North Country and Massachusetts, we have important military bases. But it's time that our military spending is advised by our Generals, not lobbyists. Our military contracts should be on the equipment we need. We can't afford to waste money on things we don't need. If I'm elected, I'll work to restrain stuffed contracts, and save billions. Invest in working down the deficit, but also in necessary military sectors, in our schools, and in taxes down for working families. We also need to close tax loopholes that allow billions to be hidden in offshore accounts. Bring the money home, our deficit needs to down, our communities, our people can't afford that. By working with Democrats and Republicans together, I believe, I'm optimistic we can do this.

.......

(Remarks from Chris Sununu in Milford)

Now you may have seen some out of state ads on the television. I've seen them, saying Governor Scott is a tax and spend liberal. This couldn't be further from the truth. Governor Scott is committed to fiscal responsibility and fiscal conservatism. He balances budget after budget, and he's vetoed every tax increase put on his desk. That's leadership, that's not tax and spend nothing. He kept taxes down, and by creating a surplus. Still protected the most vulnerable, still got the roads cleared in the winter, still funded the schools and supported Vermont's farmers. I couldn't be prouder to support this guy for President, and I'm looking forward to see him win this primary!

[Cabbage]

Sorry, all, but due to the sheer volume of endorsements that have come in following the megadump, tonight's election update is getting moved back to tomorrow morning. I'll try to get it up as soon as possible then. Thanks for understanding!

[PApolitics]

SEN. JONI ERNST ENDORSES SANTORUM FOR PRESIDENT
Today, Iowa's Junior US Senator, Joni Ernst, announced her endorsement for president:

"Iowa needs and deserves a committed, conservative, down-to-earth leader who knows exactly what needs to be done and how. A problem solver, someone who can make hard decisions in critical circumstances. Many Iowans, myself included, feel that only one candidate fits the bill. And that candidate is Rick Santorum. He is the man for the job, plain and simple. I'll be caucusing for him, and I hope you join me too."

[Cabbage]

Election Update 2020
with your hosts, Wolf Blitzer and John King


Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.



King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this is your Election Update.

Blitzer: And we begin with a number of major endorsements of pretty much all the major candidates, and here they are:

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Blitzer: Governor Abrams also has a few more endorsements to share, from various organizations.

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Blitzer: *blinks* Is that all of them?

King: *laughs* I think so. And, speaking of Governor Sink, she's joining us tonight from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she and former Senator Harkin just got done with a major rally. Governor, how are you tonight?



Sink: I'm honestly kind of pumped right now, John. It's always great seeing lots of people come out and realize a lot of them are going to vote for you in February.

King: I imagine it is, though I can't say from experience. But now, to business: Governor, many note that most of the endorsements you’ve received are Iowa-based. Do you have any concerns that you might struggle in other primary states, or do you believe the momentum you gain in Iowa will bolster you elsewhere?

Sink: Well, it's true that most of my endorsements so far are based in Iowa. Yet, I have some big endorsements rolling out in the coming days, which I hope will propel me and this campaign over the line in Iowa, New Hampshire, and many other states.

King: Among them, no doubt, the one announced just today by former Governor Hassan. Next up, many of your opponents on both sides of the aisle have discussed infrastructure spending as a key point in their campaigns. Will you be focusing on this issue, and, if not, where will your greatest focus lie?

Sink: Infrastructure is a very large point that I will be focusing on. I'll be releasing an infrastructure plan in the coming days, to ensure that this country's infrastructure works. As Governor I've signed major infrastructure legislation, that has helped Florida, and I plan to do that as President.

King: And, with Florida's tendency for hurricanes, I imagine that's a bit of baptism by fire. And here's the question Lester Holt could probably die happy if he never asked again: what would your first 100 days be like?

Sink: My first 100 days can be outlined in a couple of words:

a. Prosperity
b. Bold Leadership
c. Action

Those are just a few things that are coming in my first 100 days, and the American people can trust me on this, that isn't even close to what we will get done.

King: Prosperity in 100 days, a bold statement from a bold leader who's willing to take action. Finally, Governor, if you could tell the American people one thing tonight, what would it be?

Sink: If there was one thing I could say to every American citizen tonight it would be, I'm in this for you. This campaign is not about me, it's about the people. That is why my slogan is,"For the People." Without my supporters, and without the American people, our country would be nowhere as great as it is in this time. America has so much more to achieve, and so many great things to come, and if I'm elected to the office of the President of the United States, trust me, I'll be in it for you. Thank you.

King: Governor Sink, thanks for being on.

Sink: Glad to be on, John.

Blitzer: And that will be all for tonight. Thanks for tuning in. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this has been your Election Update.

[Cabbage]

Current Endorsements

Democrats
Stacey Abrams
Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and major celebrity
Barack Obama, 44th POTUS
Hillary Clinton, Democratic presidential nominee in 2016
Peter Welch, US Rep. from VT-AL
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US Rep. from NY-14
Pramila Jayapal, US Rep. from WA-07
Mark Pocan, US Rep. from WI-02
Jeanne Shaheen, US Senator from New Hampshire
Des Moines Register
United Steelworkers of America
Change to Win
New Hampshire Union Leader, statewide newspaper
Andrew Gillum, Mayor of Tallahassee
Sherrod Brown
Bernie Sanders, US Senator from Vermont and runner-up in 2016
AFL-CIO, major labor union federation
Jeff Merkley, US Senator from Oregon
Amy Klobuchar, US Senator from Minnesota
Tulsi Gabbard, House Assistant Minority Leader, US Rep. from HI-02, and former candidate
Robert Reich, former US Secretary of Labor
Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota
Marcy Kaptur, US Rep. from OH-09
Ro Khanna, US Rep. from CA-17
Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington and former candidate
Gary Locke, former Governor of Washington
Chris Murphy, US Senator from Connecticut
Pete Buttigieg
Dave Loebsack, US Rep. from IA-02
Steven Horsford, US Rep. from NV-04
Tom Vilsack, former Governor of Iowa
John Kerry
Elizabeth Warren, US Senator from Massachusetts
Joe Kennedy III, US Rep. from MA-04
Steny Hoyer, US Rep. from MD-05
Adam Schiff, House Minority Whip, US Rep. from CA-28
Tim Ryan, House Minority Leader, US Rep. from OH-13
Joe Biden, 47th Vice President of the United States
Jesse Jackson, civil rights activist
Beto O'Rourke
Bill Clinton, 42nd POTUS
Alex Sink
Tom Harkin, former US Senator from Iowa
National Education Union
Chet Culver, former Governor of Iowa
Maggie Hassan, former Governor of New Hampshire
Onward Together, PAC
Kamala Harris, US Senator from California and former candidate

Republicans
Justin Amash
Rand Paul, US Senator from Kentucky
Thomas Massie, US Rep. from KY-04
Ron Paul, former US Rep. from TX-14
Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard
Barbara Comstock, US Rep. from VA-10
Lynn Jenkins, former US Rep. from KS-02
Lisa Murkowski
Susan Collins, US Senator from Maine
Kelly Ayotte, US Senator from New Hampshire
Jon Huntsman, Jr., former Governor of Utah
Mia Love, US Senator from Utah
Shelley Moore Capito, US Senator from West Virginia
Tim Scott, US Senator from South Carolina
Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina
Rob Portman
John Kasich, former Governor of Ohio
Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio
Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa
Rick Santorum
Pat Toomey, US Senator from Pennsylvania
Lou Barletta, former US Rep. from PA-11
Joni Ernst, US Senator from Iowa
Phil Scott
Elise Stefanik, US Rep. from NY-21
Charlie Baker, Governor of Massachusetts and former candidate
Jim Douglas, former Governor of Vermont
Larry Hogan, Governor of Maryland
Charlie Dent, US Rep. from PA-07
Ryan Costello, US Rep. from PA-06
Chris Sununu, Governor of New Hampshire
New Hampshire Farm Bureau
Bill Weld, former Governor of Massachusetts

Independents
Rob Manfred
Gary Johnson, former Governor of New Mexico and Libertarian presidential nominee in 2016
Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter
Bill Gates, founder and former CEO of Microsoft

All other candidates have no endorsements at this time.

[Continential]

Pete Buttigieg will tour Nevada and California for the entire month.

[McGovernite]

SINK CAMPAIGNS ON A STRONG MILITARY IN VIRGINIA

At a Campaign Event in Virginia Beach, Governor Alex Sink gave her stance on the Military:

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[NyIndy]

Amash June 2019 Campaign Schedule



Blank Spaces are rest/ Congressional Duties

June 6 - 9th:
Touring Southern New Hampshire (Portsmouth, Manchester, Concord)
Speech at Rally for Liberty at SHNU campus
Speaking at Don't Spy on Me Rally

June 14 - 16th:
Nevada Speaking Tour
Rallies in Carson City and Las Vegas
Fundraiser in Las Vegas

June 22 - 24th:
North Dakota Tour
Bismark and Fargo Rallies

June 29th - July 1st:
Iowa Speaking Tour
Events at Cedar Rapids and Des Moines
Events at Drake and Iowa State University

[terp40hitch]

Carly Fiorina has ended her exploratory committee- “ America has many great choices already in the race and many that will lead this nation forward. I don’t believe it is my time but I do believe it is the time of Justin Amash. Amash is a real fiscal conservative that will fix our debt crisis”

[Cabbage]

BREAKING NEWS

Carly Fiorina has ended her exploratory committee- “ America has many great choices already in the race and many that will lead this nation forward. I don’t believe it is my time but I do believe it is the time of Justin Amash. Amash is a real fiscal conservative that will fix our debt crisis”

[Cabbage]

Fox News Republican Presidential Primary Poll, 11-14 June 2019
Lisa Murkowski - 15%
Justin Amash - 15%
Phil Scott - 14%
Rick Santorum - 11%
Rob Portman - 9%
Paul Ryan - 9%
Nikki Haley - 7%
Ben Shapiro - 5%
Alveda King - 3%
Undecided - 12%

[NyIndy]

Amash Thanks Fiorina for her Endorsement!



I'm sure you all heard about our newest endorsement?

*Cheers*

I'd like to thank Ms. Fiorina for her Endorsement! Welcome to the team, together we're gonna spread the message of liberty first to the party, and then the country!

*Crowd Roars*

[Cabbage]

RULES FOR DEBATE PARTICIPATION

The following rules will govern each debate:

The debates will be posted on Tuesday night (starting this Tuesday, February 5), and will be viewed as the conclusion of the in-game month/turn. Debate answers will be expected by the beginning of the next debate, the following Tuesday, posted to this thread.

There will be four total debates during this stage of the game. Each debate will have one winner (who will receive a boost in the polls and 3 free endorsement credits) and one runner-up (who will receive 2 free endorsement credits). Participation in each individual debate is optional, but the following rewards/penalties will be applied based on number of debates participated in:

All 4 debates: 2 free endorsement credits, as well as any winnings.
3 debates: 1 free endorsement credit, as well as any winnings.
2 debates: Any winnings.
1 debate: Unless you finish as either the winner or runner-up, your poll numbers will drop slightly.
0 debates: This will be viewed as a withdrawal from the race, regardless of previous participation or polling numbers.

If you find you cannot participate in a debate, please PM me with an excuse (if it's personal, it does not need to be specific); the debate will be counted in your total as if you had participated, up to 2 debates (while I do not believe any of you would make up excuses to get free credits without participating, I would rather be safe than sorry).

Each candidate will be asked to make an opening statement, answer one posted question relating to them specifically, and make a closing statement. Due to the possibility of people posting initial responses late in the cycle, I will not require or request a rebuttal/response to another candidate's statements or question response.

Answers and statements will be judged on:

• Coherence (note: grammar =/= coherence; as you're playing as candidates who are giving these statements verbally, the omission of punctuation or incorrect capitalization will not result in docked points; in the same way, a grammatically perfect response that makes no actual sense will not be given additional points)
• Length (preferably 100-500 words for statements, and 100-250 words for question responses; the limits are set up in order to better simulate a debate environment, where candidates who talk for too short a period are often viewed as vague, while more verbose candidates often get cut off)
• General appeal (partly my judgment, partly RNG to prevent inherent bias from factoring too heavily into the calculation)

All candidates in the race at the beginning of a debate cycle will be allowed to participate, regardless of polling numbers. If you have any further questions regarding the debates, please post them here, rather than PM-ing me, so that everyone can benefit from the answer.

[NyIndy]

OOC: This isn't exactly about the debates, but polling in IA and NH is releasing before the debates, correct?

[Orwell]

When will the first debate be up?

[Cabbage]

OOC: This isn't exactly about the debates, but polling in IA and NH is releasing before the debates, correct?

Statewide polling will be put up following the conclusion of the fourth and (in this stage) final debate.

[Cabbage]

When will the first debate be up?

Tuesday, February 5th

[KaiserDave]

When will the first debate be up?

Tuesday, February 5th

This is exciting!

Two things:
1. Can we have Dem polls?
2. I think we might need a dedicated chat thread

[Cabbage]

When will the first debate be up?

Tuesday, February 5th

This is exciting!

Two things:
1. Can we have Dem polls?
2. I think we might need a dedicated chat thread

1. New Dem and GOP polls will be released Tuesday after the debate.
2. Despite the name, that's effectively what the endorsement thread is for.

[McGovernite]

ALEX SINK RUNS AD, "FLIP FLOPPER" IN IOWA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, SOUTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA

In which way would John Kerry lead? First he supported the Iraq War.



Then, he opposed it.



He said he was in support of allowing Ethanol year-round for farmers,



Now, he's against it.



He has voted for Education Reform,



Then he was against it.



He said that he supported lowering Medicare Premiums...



Then he voted 5 times to do the opposite.



John Kerry, whichever way the wind blows.

[McGovernite]

ONWARD TOGETHER PAC, BEGINS FUNDING ALEX SINK

The spokesman of the Onward Together PAC said on Monday:

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[PApolitics]

RICK SANTORUM FOR PRESIDENT AIRS FIRST AD
The Rick Santorum for President Campaign is proud to announce it's first ad, "Courage." It will air in the following states and media markets:

Iowa: Des Moines
         Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City-Dubuque
         Davenport

New Hampshire: Boston
                         Burlington-Plattsburg
                         Portland-Augusta

South Carolina: Greenville
                       Columbia

[PApolitics]

COURAGE

Rick Santorum's voice: I'm Rick Santorum, and I approve this message.



Narrator:America needs a leader with the courage to fight.



Narrator: Someone who will fight for our agriculture,



Narrator: someone who will fight for our allies,



Narrator and be tough on our enemies.



Narrator: America needs someone with the courage to fight for strong borders, less spending, more national sovereignty, better businesses, Constitutional rights.

America needs someone with the courage to fight for our future.



Narrator: America needs Rick Santorum.

On-screen text: Rick Santorum: The Courage to Fight for America.

[Orwell]

Press release from the Kerry Campaign:

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[Jaguar4life]

Manfred campaign ad. A 3rd choice airing in all 50 states
Narrator:In this supposed democracy we are only givien 2 choices these days.
 Red for Republican
And blue for Democrat


As for people who want something different they are out of luck.  Our voting system is messed up and needs to be changed.

That is why Rob Manfred is running for President.

To give Americans a 3rd choice for president. And Give a candidate to the people who will fight for them not corporations.



Americans for Manfred approve this message.