All Is Fair

[Lennis]

World shocked as Donald Trump elected President; Trump begins to take the reigns
Chris Cillizza, November 9th, 2016, Washington Post
With 320 Electoral Votes (and more expected), and around 51% of the Popular Vote (full numbers are not yet in), Donald Trump's political tsunami has finally hit it's target: the world. International congratulations was landed on Trump, with some more cautious than others.

At a press conference, British Prime Minister David Cameron, whose own establishment was nearly defeated as a result of the June Brexit referendum, said of the election, "I congratulate him [Trump] for winning the role. We shall see in due time if he fits the role needed of him." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "Well, certainly, the U.S. voters have spoken, and we have heard them loud and clear. I welcome President-Elect Trump to the international stage." However, some were harsh, with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo harshly criticizing Trump in a two-page press release.

The domestic reaction, however, is explosive. 20 were critically injured in Los Angeles, as the city is on the brink of war and rioting following Trump's election. However, the economy took a boost following Trump's election, with the Dow jones jumping 405 points.

Trump himself, and Vice President-Elect John Kasich, have started taking the reigns of power. They have met with senior defense and national security experts, and Kasich was named Chairman of the Trump Transition Team.


Democrats in ruins after crushing loss; House Dems in revolt
Josh Gerstein, Politico, November 10th, 2016
In their worst loss since the 1988 election, Democrats have been left reeling after losing the Presidency, House, Senate, and State Governments, with little to no rays of hope.

Hillary Clinton, the woman many thought would be the first female President, appeared worn-out and shellshocked, gave a short and concise concession speech in New York. In it, she said, “I know that this stings, and it will sting for a lifetime. However, we must band together and let the President-Elect lead.” Clinton also said she would be taking a “indefinite break” from public life. Many blame the election defeat for the many scandals plaguing the Clinton campaign, giving way for catastrophic, historic defeats in the midwest, and it appears Maine as well.

While some Democrats are livid at Clinton, it doesn’t compare to the hatred House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi faces, after Democrats lost many winnable seats, and have been put further back on the path to the House Majority.


Trumo-Kasich name initial Cabinet nominees as Kasich leads transition process
Josh Gerstein, Politico, November 25th, 2016
After leaving a White House meeting with President Obama and Vice President Biden, Ohio Governor and Vice President-Elect John Kasich named the initial Trump cabinet appointments outside of the White House:
26th United States Secretary of Defense: James Norman Mattis
84th United States Attorney General: Jefferson "Jeff" Beauregard Sessions III
52nd United States Secretary of the Interior: Mary Copeland Fallin
31st United States Secretary of Agriculture: Samuel Dale Brownback
39th United States Secretary of Commerce: Wilbur Louis Ross, Jr.
27th United States Secretary of Labor: Louis James Barletta
23rd United States Secretary of Health & Human Services: Thomas Edmunds Price
17th United States Secretary of Housing & Urban Development: Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr.
18th United States Secretary of Transportation: Elaine Lan Chao
14th United States Secretary of Energy: Kevin John Cramer
11th United States Secretary of Education: Elisabeth Dee DeVos
9th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Michelle Janine Howard
5th United States Secretary of Homeland Security: Michael Thomas McCaul, Sr.
-----
27th White House Chief of Staff: Reinhold Richard "Reince" Priebus
18th United States Trade Representative: Robert Emmet Lighthizer
5th Director of National Intelligence: Michael “Mike” Richard Pompeo
Director of the Office of Management and Budget: John Michael “Mick” Mulvaney
6th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency: John Francis Kelly
14th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: Edward Scott Pruitt
25th Administrator of the Small Business Association: Steven Joseph Chabot

Several big name offices remain unnamed (UN Ambassador, Treasury Secretary, Secretary of State), as the nominees are still being deliberated, especially with the office of Secretary of State. Sources say the Secretary of State position is seen as the crown jewel of the cabinet. Jon Huntsman, James Stavridis, Marco Rubio, and Mitt Romney, are all in contention for the position.


Bentley resignation muddies Senate appointment
Chris Cillizza, Washington Post, December 2nd, 2016
In one of the most salacious scandals in recent memory, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley was forced to resign following nearly a year of pressure, and an upcoming impeachment vote he was expected to lose, due to campaign contribution violations, and an affair with a senior staffer. After pressure from the local and national leaders, the GOP was more than relieved to let Bentley go, and usher in a new Governor. However, the Bentley scandal may comeback to bite the GOP.

Bentley was due to appoint a successor to Jeff Sessions' Senate seat, due to his nomination as Attorney General. Many saw the lead contender to be Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, however, as Bentley resigned, Strange fell out of favor due to allegations that Strange was only to be appointed to weaken the investigation into the Bentley scandal. Now, the process has been thrown wide open, but the top three contenders for the seat are Tim James (son of a former Governor), Congressman Gary Palmer,  and State Senate President Del Marsh.

Governor Kay Ivey will be appointing the new Senator later in the week.

[Lennis]

Recount settled in certain states, as North Carolina rages on
Josh Gerstein, Politico, December 15th, 2016
In more election closure, Virginia and Maine have finally released their Presidential results following a recount not as closely watched. Donald Trump has won both Virginia and Maine, and Hillary Clinton has won both Colorado and Nevada. In the Gubernatorial results, Bill Cole has been determined the winner of West Virginias governors race, winning the GOP their first election there sine 1996. Steve Bullock has barely held off Greg Gianforte in Montana, and in the only Senate recount, Darryl Glenn has upset everyone by unseating incumbent Senator Michael Bennet. However. One race remains: North Carolina.

In one of the closest elections in state history, Roy Cooper only holds on by 11 votes.  McCrory has promised to fight, and another recount is underway. however, it is expected Cooper will win the election.


In huge shock to the Trump transition, CIA and other intelligence agencies report that Russia interfered in election to elect Donald Trump
Jonathan Allen, Politico, December 16th, 2016
In a political shock unlike anything seen before, the heads of the CIA and other intelligence agencies released a lengthy report, that the Russian government had actively worked by performing operations to elect Donald Trump as U.S. President. This comes as the hacktivist group Anonymous declared war on Donald Trump, and announcing they will actively work to uncover Trump's alleged treason against the U.S.

The report alleged through Wikileaks, Russia hacked the DNC and senior Clinton staffer John Podesta to be informed of information that could have been hurtful to the Clinton campaign.

The Trump Transition has not commented on this breaking news story.

[Politician]

It's impressive you've made a timeline that makes the real world look good by comparison.

[Lennis]

It's impressive you've made a timeline that makes the real world look good by comparison.

Just you wait, for a wild, wild ride.

[Cold War Liberal]

This is very interesting

[Lennis]

In surprise pick, Rubio nominated as United Nations Ambassador
December 17th, 2016
In a surprise move, President-Elect Trump nominated Florida Senator and former Republican Presidential Contender Marco Rubio to be the U.S's next Ambassador to the United Nations. Rubio, who many on the inside of the transition was battling Mitt Romney and Jon Hunstman Jr. for the position of Secretary of State, tweeted, "Huge honor to be nominated by the President Elect to serve our nation, and fight for peace and democracy all over." Rubio, through VP-Elect Kasich, has been able to get back into the good graces of the President-Elect, following what is arguably the most bloody, brutal primary season in history. Rubio is expected to be easily confirmed by the Senate.


Trump releases full cabinet in PR (except for the office of Secretary of State)
December 17th, 2016
The Transition Team of President-Elect Trump released his full cabinet, with the exception of Secretary of State, due to what many say is heavy division over the "crown jewel" position of the administration. The full list:

-----
77th United States Secretary of the Treasury: Thomas Jeb Hensarling
26th United States Secretary of Defense: James Norman Mattis
84th United States Attorney General: Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III
52nd United States Secretary of the Interior: Mary Copeland Fallin
31st United States Secretary of Agriculture: Samuel Dale Brownback
39th United States Secretary of Commerce: Wilbur Louis Ross, Jr.
27th United States Secretary of Labor: Louis James Barletta
23rd United States Secretary of Health & Human Services: Thomas Edmunds Price
17th United States Secretary of Housing & Urban Development: Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr.
18th United States Secretary of Transportation: Elaine Lan Chao
14th United States Secretary of Energy: Kevin John Cramer
11th United States Secretary of Education: Elisabeth Dee DeVos
9th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Michelle Janine Howard
5th United States Secretary of Homeland Security: Michael Thomas McCaul, Sr.
-----
27th White House Chief of Staff: Reinhold Richard "Reince" Priebus
18th United States Trade Representative: Robert Emmet Lighthizer
5th Director of National Intelligence: Michael “Mike” Richard Pompeo
29th United States Ambassador to the United Nations: Marco Antonio Rubio
Director of the Office of Management and Budget: John Michael “Mick” Mulvaney
6th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency: John Francis Kelly
14th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: Edward Scott Pruitt
25th Administrator of the Small Business Association: Steven Joseph Chabot


Who's Who? List of new officials and special elections following Trump appointments
With a new administration in town, the usual influx of new, appointed officials and special elections are more rampant than ever, and as such, a list recording all is key, to sort through all the madness:

NEW GOVERNORS:
Oklahoma: Todd Lamb
Ohio: Mary Taylor
Kansas: Jeff Colyer

NEW SENATORS (Date in parenthesis is expected special election)
Alabama (November 7th): Tim James
Florida (While Rubio has not resigned yet, Governor Rick Scott has named a replacement-June 27th) Carlos López-Cantera

VACANT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS (Date in parenthesis is expected special election)
GOP:
Texas-5th (May 6th-June 7th)
Pennsylvania-11th (November 7th)
Georgia-6th (April 18th-June 20th)
North Dakota-At Large (September 19th)
Texas-10th (May 6th-June 7th)
Kansas-4th (April 11th)
Ohio-1st (November 7th)
South Carolina-5th (June 20th)

Democratic:
California-34th (Aril 4th-June 6th)


Capitol Hill in shock as Russia scandal unfolds
Chris Cillizza, Washington Post, December 17th, 2016
Today, 38 Democratic Senators and 155 Democrats Representatives stood on the steps of Capitol Hill, and called for an immediate, independent special Prosecutor in the Russia interference scandal. Led by Nancy Pelosi, they angrily alleged there was strong evidence that Trump knew of the interference. "This assault on democracy must not go unpunished, and this is why we need a special prosecutor as soon as possible." Meanwhile, the GOP was split down the middle. Led by Senator Bob Corker, Senator John McCain, and Senator Jeff Flake, more moderate, mainstream Republicans were deeply troubled, with many calling for an investigation, and some for a Special Prosecutor itself. The Trump Transition has remained stone cold, not giving a single comment on the matter, as Trump's approval rating dropped to 48%, and is expected to reach lower.


Anonymous hackers uncover November 2015 pay-off in Trump-Daniels scandal
Chris Cillizza, Washington Post December 18th, 2016
In a week that apparently just keeps getting worse for President-Elect Donald Trump, the hacker group Anonymous revealed that Michael Cohen paid off Stormy Daniels, the alleged mistress of Trump, $200,000 dollars in December of 2015. This detail had never emerged when the scandal broke in December in 2015, opening a whole new field of questions and legal problems and ramifications. Trump had still kept numb about the week of scandals beginning to unfold, however, still has a press conference scheduled on the 21st, announcing his pick for diplomatic positions.


As electoral college meets, mini "revolt" occurs
December 19th, 2016
With all the news going around, the meeting of all 538 Presidential Electors has gone relatively unnoticed, despite the fact of the huge ramifications it has, and the huge news caused because of the actions of some electors.

14 total electors revolted, or became "faithless electors", against the candidate they were bound to. 3 were from Hillary Clinton, going to Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Bideon. The 11 other were Trump electors, who spread their votes mostly to Colin Powell, Carly Fiorina, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz. This gave Clinton a grand, final total of 200 electors, and Trump 224. Those who broke from Clinton cited the email investigation, while Trump faithless electors cited the Russia report, and the Stormy Daniels scandal/payout.


Trump snubs Kasich and Romney, names Bolton as Secretary of State and Rohrabacher as Ambassador to Russia
December 21st, 2016
In a move that has left VP-elect John Kasich "more pissed than a kicked Hornet's nest", President-Elect Trump has bypassed Kasich, called "the real most powerful man in Washington", to nominate John Bolton, former U.N. Ambassador under President George W. Bush, to the office of Secretary of State, and longtime California Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, to the position of U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Both men are highly controversial, with Bolton being seen as a war-hawk who springs to war instead of diplomacy, and Rohrabacher, who was once called "Putin's favorite congressman", is seen as too close to Russia.

This is seen as the work of Stephen Miller, quietly moving up the ranks in the transition, and who is "a true thorn in the side of the future veep." Kasich had preferred either Huntsman or Romney, but Miller, who has waging an inner war against Kasich and the GOP moderates, won the battle that could decide the future of American foreign policy.


Kasich further enraged as Christie, Bannon expected to clinch key RNC roles due to Trump recommendations
December 22nd, 2016
In yet another move that has made John Kasich "want to burn down Trump Tower", Donald Trump recommended New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to be the next RNC Chairman, and Breitbart News Editor and senior Trump Campaign Advisor to be the next RNC Co-Chair. Kasich, who preferred a moderate or mainstream in the position of chair (Charlie Dent according to insiders), was livid, according to those with him when the news broke. "He [Kasich] knows the far-righter, nationalist wing has started to pushback after a seemingly moderate turn during the campaign." Kasich has laid blame yet again on Stephen Miller, who has teamed up with Steve Bannon to take down the Kasich-ers.

Both men, unsurprisingly, are incredibly controversial. Christie, Governor of New Jersey since 2010, was once popular, especially for his leadership in Super Storm Sandy, winning re-election by 20 points in a generally blue state, and this lead Christie to run for President, although he lost the Republican Primary, and soon jumped on the Trump train. He is under fire for the Bridgegate scandal, where he is alleged to shut down a local bridge to punish political opponents. Bannon, editor of Breitbart, has come under fire for his Media organization's controversial history, with many racist, sexist problems alleged.


In combative, angry press conference, Trump pushes back at scandals
December 23rd, 2016
At Trump Tower, the international press gathered to hear President-Elect Donald Trump to respond to the various scandals that had hit his transition team like a Mack truck. Trump took aim at everyone, and took no prisoners, to say the least:

"Everyone, all I want to say is this: this is the biggest witch-hunt in American history. You've got Crooked Hillary and Bill the Bully, okay? And they are hitting me with these disgusting, sick attacks saying Russia tried to get me elected. Listen to me when I say this. I don't need anyone to get me elected. This was not Russia's bidding. This was millions of Americans who wanted to drain the Clinton-Obama-Pelosi swamp, to destroy the dynasties that have been destroying them. Crooked Hillary, who needs to be sitting in a jail cell for a pretty long time, maybe forever, who knows, is trying to take me down, and I do not like it. They are working with Barack Obama, their lackey, who by the way, they started the whole birth certificate thing about him, because they themselves knew there was a chance he was not for here. They worked with him to bug my offices and my house and my plane to rig the election in their favor and hurt my campaign, which is so incredibly sick and disgusting. When I am President, I am ordering an immediate investigation into sick Barack to make sure we get him for this assault on democracy."

"Lemme discuss this Stormy thing. It's absolute crap. It's just another scandal fabricated b crooked Hillary to take me down, okay? She was paid auto lie, and I'd like another FBI investigation into her attempt to blackmail and destroy me and my family."

Trump also called CNN, MSNBC, and CBS "fake news", who should be shut down for their "slander and gossip they call news".


In nail biter finish, Cooper pulls off win in North Carolina
December 31st, 2016
In the closest election in the 2016 cycle, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper has won the Governor's race by 40 votes, after the conclusion of a final recount by the State's Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall. The race is the only gubernatorial pickup for Democrats in 2016.

The race was becoming a real nail biter, as the inauguration for the Governor and other state officials was on January 1st. Marshall announced that after a month of bitter lawsuits, the final result would be released. After announcing Cooper the winner by 40 votes, she proclaimed Cooper the rightful winner of the election. Incumbent Governor Pat McCory conceded at a small press conference with his wife holding back tears in Raleigh, saying, "While this result hurts, I am forever grateful for the gift of democracy, and am happy we live in a system where such liberties are available to all. Thank you, and god bless the state of North Carolina and the United States of America." McCrory was soon whined away via helicopter to the governor's mansion, preparing for the inauguration, and his last day as Governor.


In huge upset, Pelosi ousted as House Minority Leader, Lujan elected as Unity candidate
January 4th, 2017
In a tale only setting for this political day and age, Nancy Pelosi, Democratic House Leader for the last 13 years, has been ousted, in a coup no one could have seen coming a year ago.

It all started when an emergency session was called, due to the fact that the Democrats had not had a leadership election following lat year's election. In the emergency session, new elections took place, with Pelosi only taking around 45% of Democratic Representatives, Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan taking 35%, and the rest abstaining. Four key caucuses, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Blue Dog Caucus, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, formed a formidable coalition to keep Pelosi out of power. After seeing the writing on the wall, Pelosi stepped down, along with Party veterans Jim Clyburn and Steny Hoyer, who feared there ouster as well.

After several ballots, New Mexico Congressman and DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan was chosen as the next House Minority Leader as a unity candidate. The entire House Democratic Leadership team has been changed, with New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries elected House Minority Whip, New York Congressman Joe Crowley elected House Assistant Democratic Leader, and Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos elected Chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus.

Sources say Pelosi is considering resigning from Congress soon.


Trump transition implodes as Access Hollywood tapes released, and multiple women accuse Presient-Elect Trump of sexual misconduct
January 10th, 2017
In an explosive day for President-Elect Trump only ten days from his inauguration, The Washington Post released a vulgar, lewd 2005 tape where the President-Elect made highly vulgar comments along with host Billy Bush on the Access Hollywood program. Trump is heard saying:

"I better use some Tic Tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know I'm automatically attracted to beautiful—I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.

Grab 'em by the --------. You can do anything."

All Democratic Senators and Representatives stood on the steps of the Capitol building and held yet another press conference criticizing the President heavily, with several even calling for his resignation. Many Republicans followed suit by criticizing the President, but stopped short of calling for his resignation. More than 70 lawmakers have refused to attend Trump's inauguration, as his transition is fighting alone in a hellstorm.

It seems more, now than ever Donald Trump is a man without a party.

[BigVic]

Bolton as secretary of state...more terrifying than OTL. Let's see how this play out 

[Lennis]

Bolton as secretary of state...more terrifying than OTL. Let's see how this play out 

Not going to spoil anything, but don't forget, he still needs to be confirmed by the Senate.

[adamevans]

So basically, a neoconservative Trump? (which is what he already is, but I guess moreso in this TL)

[Lennis]

So basically, a neoconservative Trump? (which is what he already is, but I guess moreso in this TL)

Well, in short, it’s basically this. However, Trump has a much bigger majority (as well as the GOP), and with Bannon and Miller more key to Trump’s inner circle than RL, things will take a more conservative turn.

[Lennis]

New updates forthcoming.

[Progressive Pessimist]

It's impressive you've made a timeline that makes the real world look good by comparison.

[erſatz-york]

New updates forthcoming.

Can’t wait — this is an intriguing and well-written timeline.

[Cold War Liberal]

New updates forthcoming.

Can’t wait — this is an intriguing and well-written timeline.

[Lennis]

Apologies for the lateness, but I’m a bit busier than expected. I’ll get the new update out tonight, hopefully.

[Lennis]

Trump Transition in flames following fallout from three huge scandals.
January 11th, 2017
As a new CNN/ORC poll shows, the fallout from three Trump scandals may have finally taken a toll on the President-Elect. Trump's approval rating has dropped to 36%. Trump's disapproval rate is 58%. This is unprecedented, as the period usually before an inauguration, the incoming President has a higher approval rating. There are even some rumors that some cabinet appointees may withdraw.

The scandals have taken a toll on Vice President-Elect John Kasich. His approval has slipped to 53%, with a disapproval rating of 44%.

In a hypothetical poll, Democrats have a 48-43 lead in a House Poll conducted by The Washington Post.


After national uproar, Ryan reverses plan to gut Office of Congressional Ethics
January 12th, 2017
After a huge national uproar that has kneecapped the popularity of House Republicans, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) reversed a GOP plan that would place the OCE under the House Ethics Committee, which would make any future review of potential violations of criminal law by members of Congress subject to approval following referral to the Ethics Committee or an appropriate federal law enforcement agency. The rules would also stop OCE from independently releasing statements publicly on pending or completed investigations. Democrats viciously fought the plan, and after a good amount of Republicans hopped on the hate train, Ryan succumbed and reversed the plan. Due to the proposal, Ryan and the House GOP'S approval has dramatically fallen.


DNC Chair Race a dead heat as Beebe jumps in
January 15th, 2017
An already heated and divided race for DNC Chair has gotten more heated and divided, following the surprise campaign of Former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. Beebe faces off against many big namers such as Tom Perez, Howard Dean, Keith Ellison, Martin O'Malley, Jennifer Granholm, and Peter Buttigieg.

Ellison has mainly won the support of the Sander, progressive wing of the party. Perez has wide union support, Buttigieg has widely won the millennial vote, with Granholm, O'Malley, and Dean struggling to gain traction.

The race is a complete tossup, however, some polling has shown Beebe has a small lead. Beebe, who widely has the support of Moderate/Blue Dog Democrats (and some of the Hillary Clinton "camp"), has campaigned on a 50 state strategy plan, and has surprisingly done well with grassroots activists.

The race for DNC chair is a race that many believe is the most crucial DNC chair race, as whoever is chair will have to preside over the party in the 2018 midterms, most likely the 2020 primary season and general election, and generally restore the party to it's former status as downballot winners, and true Presidential contenders.


Trump inaugurated as 45th President, as 1.5 million march in D.C. to protest Trump administration
January 20th, 2017
In a small, short ceremony, Donald John Trump was sworn in as the nation's 45th President, and John Richard Kasich Jr. was sworn in as the Nation's 48th Vice President. 225,000 attended the inauguration, the smallest recorded inauguration in 30 years. 80 Representatives and 15 Senators boycotted the inauguration, for numerous reasons. In Trump's inaugural address, he said:

"We must stop this America carnage, this assault on America. The death of the American worker, the victory of our enemies, the death of the American dream, it all ends today. We are going to make America great again."

Trump inaccurately stated his inauguration was the biggest in U.S. history, and White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer criticized the press in a statement, saying, "The fake news' attempt to try to attack and delegitimize the President is sick, and the American people will know better."

Meanwhile, Protesters made history, as 1.5 millions participated in Women's Marches in Washington D.C, and 8 million participated worldwide, becoming the largest protest in U.S. history. The marches were mainly aimed at the Trump Administration, due to many controversial stances on women's issues.


Trump nominees face hard road, as Senate cracks down on them
January 20th, 2017
List of confirmed Trump nominees:
Marco Rubio (U.N. Ambassador): 89-5
Jim Mattis (Defense): 96-3
Michelle Howard (Veteran's Affairs): 100-0
Elaine Chao (Transportation): 82-14
Robert Lighthizer (Trade Representative): 70-22

However, with a number of nominees still to be confirmed, interims are serving in place. Many are waiting until the hearings of DeVos, Bolton, Sessions, Fallin, Rohrabacher, and Carson.


Bolton attacked from all sides in "brutal, disastrous" nomination hearing
January 22nd, 2017
In a hearing that was widely watched, Secretary of State appointee John Bolton was attacked by both sides in a hearing one anonymous Republican aide called "disastrous, and just plain brutal." One exchange that went viral was between Bolton and Senator Chris Murphy:

MURPHY: Mr. Bolton, I want to focus on an interview given on December 29th, 2016, with Fox News, focusing on-

BOLTON: North Korea, this is pertaining to North Korea, correct, Senator?

MURPHY: Yes. You detailed a "Libya approach" to North Korea, do you support this as of late?

BOLTON: I have always supported a Libya approach from day one, and will do so as Secretary of State.

MURPHY: The same Libya approach that led to [Muammar] Gaddafi being drag through the streets, beaten, and assaulted with a bayonet, as this nation's Secretary of State?

BOLTON: Well, not that mischaracterization, but yes.

Senate support of Bolton has fallen, with the GOP desperately clinging on to the 50 votes needed to tie the nomination.


In shock, Senate votes against Bolton 53-47, as Rohrabacher confirmed 50-50, as Trump declares “war” on “phony GOP RINOs”
February 2nd, 2017
After an all-out war, John Bolton will not be the nation's next Secretary of State. Due to Republican Senators who broke rank, and Democrats outright outraged, the former Ambassador was stopped in a closely watched Senate vote. The last minute charge was led by Lisa Murkowski and Jeff Flake, who according to those behind the scenes, used the shock and embarrassment from the Bolton to rally votes against a nominee from their own paty. Democrats managed to stay together following a disastrous hearing from Bolton. In was yet possibly even more of a surprise, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher was confirmed after a tie-breaking vote. VP John Kasich, who was in charge of breaking the tie, was “incredibly angry” he had to do so.

Kasich’s anger was nothing compared to President Trump’s, who went on Twitter to call for the resignation or primarying of Senator Jeff Flake, Senator Bob Corker, Senator Susan Collins, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Senator John McCain “if McCain doesn’t remember who he’s supposed to be fighting for.” Trump’s entire tweets:

“This is a complete sham! For all these RINO Senators, war is here! Murkowski, Fleke [sic], Corker, and Collins must be primaried if they do not remember who elected them! Resignations if they continue to milk the Crooked-Clinton FBI investigation!

McCain’s defection is saddening! He must stop this actions.”


Comey refuses to close Russia-Trump investigation
February 4th, 2017
In a move that led to criticism from the right, FBI Director James Comey has refused to close the Trump-Russia investigation opened in December. Come, in a statement to the press said, "There is enough evidence to warrant a proper investigation, and this is shown greatly by the reports the intelligence community released in December. The FBI, like always, will remain unbiased in the fight for the truth."

The continuing of the investigation is said to have greatly angered the President, and it's all he discusses (despite the fact the White House is conducting interviews for Supreme Court candidates, as they have said they will announce the successor to late Justice Antonin Scalia on February 20th.) Many on the right have attacked Comey, with Iowa Representative Steve King saying the move "can lead to [Comey] being fired justifiably."


"Me Too" scandals rock Washington in short span
February 19th, 2017
Since August of 2016 and the Franken Scandals, Capitol Hill has been set ablaze by numerous sex scandals, and the politicians at the center have rarely survived. The list of politicians who have resigned are:

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn. resigned January 12th, 2017)
Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich. resigned December 10th, 2016)
Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Tex. resigned February 3rd, 2017)
Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz. resigned February 19th, 2017)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (R-Fla. resigned February 16th, 2017)
Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Penn. resigned February 11th, 2017)
Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Penn. resigned January 20th, 2017)

The many resignations come due to a larger outrage than usual by voters (especially women), who have protested hard against corruption concerning sexual misconduct, following the Trump and Franken scandals.

Special elections have been scheduled for a year that is packed with them, to say the least.

Gorsuch nominated to Supreme Court
February 20th, 2017
Today, the right was handed another potential win as President trump nominated 49-year old Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, due to the vacancy left by Justice Antonin Scalia's last year,

Gorsuch is a widely acclaimed jurist, a favorite of conservatives and libertarians but also very respected by liberal colleagues. He’s exactly the kind of elite, educated figure who's traditionally made it onto the Court. His mother, Anne Gorsuch Burford, was Ronald Reagan's director of the Environmental Protection Agency from 1981 to 1983. A graduate of Columbia (where he was a Truman scholar), Oxford (where he got a doctorate under the acclaimed Catholic legal philosopher John Finnis as a Marshall scholar), and Harvard Law (which five other members of the Court attended), Gorsuch clerked on the DC Circuit and then for both Justices Byron White and Anthony Kennedy before working at a boutique litigation firm in Washington, DC, for 10 years and doing a brief stint in the George W. Bush Justice Department.

Senate Democrats have vowed to fight Gorsuch, however, he is widely expected to be confirmed, due to a strong GOP majority, and Democrats in hostile 2018 re-election bids who will likely vote for Gorsuch.


Beebe elected DNC chair in razor-edge race
February 25th, 2017
In a closely watched battle that would determine the future of the Democratic Party, Former Arkansas Governor (widely considered a dark horse candidate) Mike Beebe managed to defeat Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm in the final round of the race.

Beebe, a Centrist whose main campaign promises were implementing a 50 state strategy, creating a fundraising machine that could raise potentially up to two billion a cycle, and focusing on grassroots efforts, touted his own political career, where he won election and re-election as Arkansas by double digits, and even managed to carry every county in his state with 60% of the vote in 2010, a disastrous year for Democrats up and down the ballot.

In the first round, Beebe took 35% of voting members, with Granholm slightly edging out Keith Ellison with 29%. Ellison, seen as the favorite, along with every other contender, withdrew, leaving the race between Beebe and Granholm.

After a long fight, Beebe edged out Granholm 220-215. Granholm conceded shortly after. Beebe promised a "new, lean, mean fighting machine DNC." He appointed Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren as the party's Vice Chair, and has kicked off a report on the controversial issue of the DNC's role in the 2016 Democratic Primary.


100 killed, 79 injured in terror attack against Somali immigrants as perpetrators arrested
March 2nd, 2017
In the worst act of terror in the United States since the September 11th attack, a mosque and apartment complex in Garden City, Kansas were destroyed in the explosion that has killed and injured nearly 200. Shortly after, the three men responsible, Patrick Eugene Stein, 49, Curtis Allen, 50, and Gavin Wright, 49, were arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office, who have said they plan on seeking the Death Penalty for all three men.

The attack was inspired by the June 12th Pulse Night club attack, where nearly 60 were either killed or injured on the attack against a Gay night club. The men had expressed hatred for Somali immigrants and Muslims in general.

Trump under fire for racial incidents
March 10th, 2017
The presidential honeymoon is supposed to be a period where Presidents get their most ambitious achievements completed. For Donald John Trump, it has been political defense, against three scandals, against an investigation that, if true, many allege it is an act of treason, and now, the literal explosion for racial incidents.

Following the Garden City attack, other than offering condolences, the Trump Administration was widely quiet as the Democratic Party criticized the administration's controversial racial politics potential leading the attacks to commit the act of evil that they did. The "travel ban" signed by President Trump, where certain Muslim countries could not send refugees to the U.S, has been widely called inspiration for the terrorists who committed the Somalian immigrant attacks.

Even further, Neo-Nazi, White Supremacist and Alt-Right groups gathered in Boston, Massachusetts for a "Unite The Right" rally. The rally was the largest recorded White Nationalist rally in U.S. history. However, the rally goers were met in force by huge number of protesters and Antifa groups, who even outnumbered the UTR rally goers. 50 people who went to the rally in support were critically injured, and 5 were killed. 2 protesters were also killed when a car plowed through the protesters' line, and 61 protesters were also critically injured. Among the injured is famed White Supremacists David Duke and Richard Spencer. Duke clings onto life, as he was accidentally shot in the throat by a fellow White Supremacist. Spencer also remains wounded in the hospital, after being knocked upside the head with a rock from an Antifa protester.

More controversy was lashed onto the President due to inflammatory comments made at a press conference in Bedminster, New Jersey, where the President said of the protester and rally supporters:

"And you know, I watched the film of the attack. It's horrifying, absolutely horrifying what happened. There were many great and bad people on both sides, and this happened because of the actions of both sides."


In huge utter shock seen by none, Trump fires FBI Director Jim Comey and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus
March 14th, 2017
In what may the largest shock of Donald Trump's political career, the President fired the man in charge of investigating him, as well as arguably one of his most senior aides. Comey, speaking to Samford University's Cumberland Law School, was fired via twitter half way through the student Forum. Trump tweeted:

"Crazy Comey repeatedly lies to the press, and he helped Crazy Obama wiretap my plane and office. The deep state MUST go! That's why I'm am firing James Comey effective immediately."

Priebus, who was livid with Trump, reportedly went off on the President. Shortly after, Trump had Priebus escorted off of White House grounds, and also fired him via twitter:

"Rabid Reince was always a never-trumpet [sic]! It's a shame I hired him. He's fired, as well. Stephen Miller will be serving as Interim Chif [sic] of Staff."

Democrats, while enraged, had a field day in the press. 22 Democratic Representatives have filed Articles of Impeachment against the President.

[Progressive Pessimist]

That sure escalated quickly.

[Lennis]

UPDATED NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS


NEW GOVERNORS:
Oklahoma: Todd Lamb
Ohio: Mary Taylor
Kansas: Jeff Colyer

NEW SENATORS (Date in parenthesis is primary and special election)
Alabama (August 15th; September 19th if needed for runoff-November 7th): Tim James
Florida (April 4th-July 11th): Carlos López-Cantera
Minnesota (August 15th-November 7th): Lori Swanson

VACANT CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS (Date in parenthesis is special election)
GOP:
Texas-5th (May 6th-June 7th)
Pennsylvania-11th (November 7th)
Georgia-6th (April 18th-June 20th)
North Dakota-At Large (September 19th)
Texas-10th (May 6th-June 7th)
Kansas-4th (April 11th)
Ohio-1st (November 7th)
South Carolina-5th (June 20th)
California-48th (April 4th-June 6th)
Texas-27th (May 6th-June 7th)
Pennsylvania 7th (November 7th)
Pennsylvania 18th (November 7th)
Arizona-8th (September 4th)

Democratic:
California-34th (Aril 4th-June 6th)
Michigan-13th (November 7th)
Florida-20th (July 11th)

The amount of special elections taking place in 2017 in unprecedented, and is believed to be a mini-midterm election.

[P. Clodius Pulcher did nothing wrong]

Eerily realistic

[Lennis]

Started writing the new update. It's news packed, to say the least.

[Continential]

Do More

[Lennis]

Well guys, I've checked the word-count, and this update will be so large, that I'll need to split it into two parts. So Part One of this update will momentarily.

[Lennis]

Third times the charm: Cameron forced out in Conservative party Coup; Boris Johnson expected frontrunner in race for P.M.
April 22nd, 2017

Today, outside of 10 Downing Street, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation as the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister after nearly seven years in office. His resignation comes after the third coup attempt against him, following the “Stay” result in which the U.K. voted to stay in the European Union.

The first two times, the attempt came from fringe, little known MPs whose coups whittled away quickly. However, in late March, half of Cameron’s cabinet resigned, and 80 MPs called for Cameron to resign. There was even talk that some of the MPs would not vote for Cameron’s budget, causing a new general election to ensue. Cameron quickly resigned.

Boris Johnson, former London Mayor and current MP is seen as the frontrunner to replace Cameron.

[Lennis]

War rumors loom as Syria alleged of Human Rights violations
April 28th, 2017

For the past week, White House National Security officials have gathered in the White House, split and divided over what approach to focus on as the Syria conflict continues to escalate in violence and bloodshed, as allegations of war crimes force the U.S into an uncomfortable position.

On April 21st, the Pro-Government forces dropped chemical weapons on the cities Aleppo, Homs, Damascus, and Al-Nabek, killing thousands. The action evoked international condemnation, with soon to be Ex-U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron saying, “This actions proves the Government of Syria as a clear and present evil.” Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau said “The line has been crossed, from civil war to outright genocide.” A bi-partisan group of U.S. lawmakers have condemned the Syrian Government, led by South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. “This is the type of evil you see when you read about Hitler, Stalin, and to think it’s happening across the pond, so to speak? It requires action.” Graham said on 60 minutes.

The most debate, however, is in the White House. Behind closed doors VP Kasich is, according to some, backing full military action against Syria. Another main camp in the debate, the President’s National Security team, fears action which could provoke an deadly, dangerous, unwanted Russian action in protection of the al-Assad Government.



Former FBI Director Bob Mueller appointed as Special Counsel in Russia Probe
April 29th, 2017

Another development has occurred in the fast moving Russia investigation: Former F.B.I. Director Robert “Bob” Mueller has been appointed as Special Counsel in the Russia Probe, and is now the man who must lead the probe.

The news of Mueller’s appointment, by Deputy A.G. Rod Rosenstein, has made huge waves. Both Democrats and most Republicans support Mueller, and wish to see the full investigation conducted in a fair and unbiased way. The White House has not commented on the appointment.
 


World watches as Korean Nuclear Crisis unfolds: Jung-Un announces completion of Nuclear warheads and promises "Death and Destruction upon American pigs"; Trump quickly deploys Seventh Fleet to North Korean coast
May 4th, 2017

A nuclear crisis, not seen since the October 1962 “Cuban Missile Crisis”, has occurred, and it has the eyes of the world.

It started when on May 1st, 7 North Korean ballistic missiles were fired on the Sea of Japan. North Korean Leader Kim Jung-Un also announced the completion of several nukes, and that they could reach Washington, D.C. and New York City. Then, in a televised statement, North Korean television anchors declared “This is a new era! The era we fight back from the stupid American pigs! We shall fight, and Death and Destruction shall fall on the American Pigs!” Immediately, Defense Secretary James Mattis increased the DEFCON Level to 3, with possible standby to Level 2. President Trump quicky ordered the Seventh Fleet to the Korean coast in “Preparation for an attack on the United States.”

In a televised address, the President ordered the U.S. to stand strong. “My fellow Americans, we are dealing with a crisis the likes of which have never been seen. Our enemy wants to destroy us, and we must not let them do this. We must stand together as one, and stand united together as Americans, and if we do not, we have handed the enemy their first win.”



Johnson elected P.M. as Trump gains a foreign ally; Johnson announces new elections to be held August 10th, 2017
May 30th, 2017

In a decisive win, former London Mayor and MP Boris Johnson defeated fellow MP and Secretary of State of Wales Stephen Crabb with 59% of the vote compared to Crabb’s 41% in the final round of voting. The election was a tossup, until a sexual harassment row involving Crabb broke, giving momentum to Johnson.

Johnson, in his first speech as Prime Minister, said, “I am incredibly grateful for the Conservatives who elected me to this honored position. Together, we shall change our country, and together, we shall make this country the haven it should be.” Johnson has also called for an August Snap election, as a “true, new Brexit.”


Baugh defeated by Quirk-Silva as Democrats pick up second congressional seat
June 4th, 2017

In yet another disastrous special election result, Republicans lost a key, ancestrally red seat: the California 48th District, held by U.K. Ambassador Dana Rohrabacher.

RESULTS:

QUIRK-SILVA, Sharon: 100,326 (51.78%)
BAUGH, Scott: 93,399 (48.21%)
Total: 193,725

Democrats completely bombarded the race for the popular, rising star Quirk-Silva, as National Republicans were forced (mainly by the Vice President some say, angry over how his desired candidate was not supported by the RNC) to stay out of the race in late May, when Trump campaigned for the scandal plagued Baugh. Baugh refused to concede, and filed complaints with the California Secretary of State’s Office, due to, “extreme problems with immigrant voting.”


Trump, Kasich, RNC endorse Snyder in Virginia Governor’s race, snubbing Stewart
June 2nd, 2017

In a snub to a former Trump loyalist, President Trump and Vice President Kasich endorsed businessman and rising Republican star Pete Snyder in the Virginia Gubernatorial Primary, snubbing former Virginia Trump campaign Chairman Corey Stewart, who held the job of leading Trump efforts in Virginia from December 2015 until February 2016, fired in the far-right campaign purge done by Ivanka Trump. Many thought Ed Gillespie would run in the race, but he was nominated as U.K. Ambassador.

The move does not come as a major surprise. Snyder, who gave a moving speech at the Republican National Convention in 2016, is the darling of the Kasich faction, and iis widely supported due to the fact he could spend millions in a general election campaign against whoever the Democratic nominee may be. Stewart declined to comment, but in a Youtube video, criticized VP Kasich, saying “We know who is stopping our fight against those who hate our country, and it is a shame it’s our own party’s Vice President.”
 

Snyder edges Stewart, as Perriello shocks establishment, beating Northam
June 14th, 2017

In a win for the Trump Administration, businessman Pete Snyder edged out controversial for Virginia Trump 2016 Chairman Corey Stewart 53%-33%. With Snyder spending millions, and the Trump-Kasich endorsement, the result was never in doubt. Stewart has not spoken since the result, and is not expected to endorse Snyder immediately, but Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney has scheduled a unity breakfast between the two. The RNC is also pleased with the result, as Snyder had either tied or beat Tom Perriello and Ralph Northam in the polls, and can spend millions in the race if nominated.

However, on the Democratic side, an ugly contest showed the “quiet Democratic civil war” slowly brewing, as Former U.S. Representative Tom Perriello defeated Incumbent Virginia Lt. Governor Ralph Northam 50.9%-49.1%. Perriello was endorsed by Elizabeth Warren, who resigned in May as DNC Vice-Chair, Bernie Sanders, as well as Kamala Harris. Bill and Hillary Clinton endorsed Northam. Interestingly, Northam spent more money in the primary, only to lose. Perriello, however, had a massive grassroots advantage, who stoked up GOTV efforts in the final days in the primary.



GOP congressional candidate faces disaster after healthcare townhall; GOP worry yet another GOP seat will go Democratic
June 16th, 2017

Democrats have won two special congressional elections, and if the townhall by GOP congressional candidate Ralph Norman is an indicator, they are on their way to winning a third.

Norman, who held a townhall with Governor Nikki Haley, received great resistance from protesters at the townhall. A transcript of what occured is below:

(SCREAMING, SHOUTING, as NORMAN begins to speak to a citizen)

NORMAN: Now, now, folks, I know you are all ensured rights, but I’m trying to hold a townhall here. Let’s calm-

PROTESTORS: HEY HEY, HO, HO, RALPH NORMAN HAS GOT TO GO!

NORMAN: I’m feeling a bit unsafe right now. (Reaches down, places pistol on table.)

(Protestors scream, rushing the mic as they spot the pistol. In the chaos, the pistol goes off twice, with pandemonium ensuring.)

The confrontation occurred when Norman stated his support for completely repealing Obama care. While no one was shot, State Police are investigating Norman. The GOP has fled from under the race, with fear of associating itself with the controversial candidate. Archie Parnell, the Democratic nominee, was shown to be behind Norman by 10 points in April. Parnell leads by 1 in a CBS News poll.


Stock market jumps highest in Trump Presidency; Unemployment drops drastically to 3.0%, as Trump's approval ratings jump as well

Donald Trump lifted the Dow Jones industrial average in his first five months in office more than any other president since Franklin Roosevelt.
The Dow has surged more than 42 percent since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017. That marks the index's best performance during a president's first year since Roosevelt. The Dow skyrocketed 96.5 percent during Roosevelt's first year in office. Unemployment has also dropped to 3.0%, and some economists even believe that it could drop to 2.8% by the end of the year. Americans are also making more than they ever have in the past 30 years. Since Trump’s presidency, Black unemployment is the lowest it’s ever been in U.S. history, according to some reports.
Along with the stellar economy, Trump’s approval rating is hovering at 42/43%.

June 19th, 2017


Recount underway as Norman barely leads Parnell in SC-05 special election
June 21st, 2017

Despite becoming internationally infamous, it appears Ralph Norman, the gun-wielding State Representative, GOP nominee for the seat, may very well be on his way to Congress.

After RNC Chair Chris Christie pleaded with the White house to fight back in the election following the scandal, President Trump and VP Kasich went down to South Carolina, brnging a troupe of millions and big name endorsers such as George W. Bush, John McCain, and Mitt Romney, to save face for Norman. Democrats, who had already burned millions in resources in the Kansas, Georgia, and California Special Elections, struggled to keep up. Norman has a 350 vote lead over Parnell, and once the recount is completed, is expected to win the race.



BREAKING NEWS: ABU BAKR AL-BAGHDADI, OTHER ISIS LEADERS, KILLED IN US STRIKE, TRUMP ANNPUNCES
July 3rd, 2017

Just in time for the 4th of July, President Donald Trump has released what may be the best news of his presidency in a national address: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS, Gulmurod Khalimov, Minister of War, and Abu Fatima al-Jaheishi, Deputy Leader of ISIS, were killed in a drone strike in Southern Syria. The U.S. Government has been extremely tight-lipped about the killings, but have said they have confirmed all three men are dead. The U.S. also launched attacks on minor leaders, that were successful as well.

Excerpt of President Trump’s Address:

“We have fought for so long, and so hard, to rid the world of these evil, evil men. And it is my honor to say this: we got ‘em. These men, and I’ll be frank, are burning in hell for their atrocious, evil, and unspeakable crimes against men, women, and children. We could not have stopped their blood quest without help from Germany, the U.K., andFrance, who assisted in this targeting.

…
…
…

A new day of peace and harmony is on the horizon. We are truly making the world great again. Thank you, and god bless America and the world.”

The Trump Administration has received widespread praise from both sides of the aisle, and across the world. Tracking polls has President Trump’s approval at 49%, and is expected to climb higher as the news spreads.

[erſatz-york]

Great update