Talk Elections

Forum Community => Election and History Games => Topic started by: sentinel on June 24, 2010, 12:11:49 AM



Title: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: sentinel on June 24, 2010, 12:11:49 AM
This is a bit of a long shot, but bear with me and see how it goes.

This is an alternate future election, where you can create your own character --however; you must include a detailed background of that character/person. It can be an up and coming person or a completely fictional person --however; I must approve of all characters in order to be in it. There will be room for flexibility but if its absurd I will shoot it down and I reserve the right to edit your character's background. I will be especially hard on fictional people.

You can assume that anyone born before or in the year of 1945 is no longer in office (or dead...) and not eligible to run for the Presidency (for all intents and purposes of this timeline).

Background:

2010:

Republicans gain in the House (233 seats for Dems) and Senate, no other major bills are passed this year.

Notes:
Charlie Crist wins as an Independent (-1 Rep +1 Independent)

Democrats lose seats in Indiana, Nevada, Delaware, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Arkansas but hold Colorado, Nevada, Illinois Pennsylvania, Washington, California and Connecticut (-5 Dem)

Senate Composition 2011-2013:
3 Independent
52 Democrat
45 Republican

2011:

Obama's approval improves ranging from 50% to 55% for this year. Senator Chuck Schumer becomes majority leader.  Rand Paul tries to oust Mitch McConnell as minority leader but is unsuccessful. Charlie Crist says he caucuses with the Republicans but more often than not votes with the Democrats.

Senator Byrd dies having lived through the administrations of Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush and Obama (17).  He appointed replacement is Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates steps down and is replaced by former Senator Chuck Hagel who serves until 2017.

Immigration reform swarms to the forefront again as Governor Rick Perry tries to pass a even more restricting law in Texas. The law never makes it to the full Texas legislature because the Senate and House pass immigration reform, which by the 2020 election will be seen as positive and a moderate reform. This is seen as a huge legislative victory for the President and the new majority leader. Rick Perry becomes one of the main faces of the Obama opposition.

Republican "Tea Party" Senators Rand Paul and Sharron Angle call for the ouster of any Republicans supporting the Obama agenda citing the usual Tea Party mantra. They, will Sarah Palin, will become an even more formidable force in 2012.

The rest of the year Obama's approvals drop to 40% after a mishandling of a small oil liner exploding in the Gulf of Mexico (due to some weird technicality that the public doesn't understand). The FEMA director gets the blame after. Obama's approvals recover by the end of the year back to 50% after the passage of a weak cap & trade bill.

The deficit is even larger by the end of 2011.

2012:

The year gets off to a bumpy start after a surge in violence following the removal of all American combat forces. Obama's approvals plummet to 38% which will be the lowest of his time in office.

Senator John McCain passes away soon after,  only making things worse for Obama.

Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Rick Santorum, Gary Johnson, Mitch Daniels and Rick Perry all throw their hats in the ring for the Republican nomination.

Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee rule out a Presidential run. Huckabee is happy to have a TV show. No one reads Newts newest book.

Sarah Palin and Romney lead in funds initially, but Daniels pulls out a slim victory over Romney in Iowa and Romney goes onto win New Hampshire. Johnson and Santorum both drop out after a Perry win in South Carolina. Palin drops out blaming other people for her loss. Super Tuesday comes around and its still a 3 way race between Daniels, Romney, Perry and Palin. Romney walks away the winner of Super Tuesday with Daniels coming in second. Perry concedes the next day, and Daniels a week later. Romney selects Senator John Thune as his running mate.

Sarah Palin announces a third party run for the White House and selects Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as her running mate. They run under the Tea Party banner. Grassroots have already begun to make the Tea Party a legitimate political party.

By June, Obama's approvals have recovered to the 48-52% range. Polls show Obama would be vulnerable to Romney/Thune but not to both Romney/Thune and Palin/Bachmann. Conservatives begin calling for Palin to get out of the way.

By the summer Iraq gets its country in control and with positive reports coming out of Afghanistan and Iraq Obama gets a bump in the polls to 53-57% range.

Nothing exciting happens but the deficit, cybersecurity and education become the center issues of the election.

Palin is allowed in the debates but doesn't surprise anyone.

(
)

Obama/Biden - 401 Electoral Votes - 54% of the popular vote
Romney/Thune - 136 Electoral Votes - 36% of the popular vote
Palin/Bachmann - 1 Electoral Vote (Faithless elector) - 10% of the popular vote

Obama's win is unsurprising to most pundits and Republicans blame Palin for Romney's defeat. Tea Party registration which had been growing before the election, levels off.

Senate Composition 2013-2015:

1 Independent (-1) (Joe Lieberman and Bernie Sanders don't run)
54 Democrat (+2)
43 Republican (No change)
2 Tea Party (Caucus with Republicans)


House:

Democrat: 240 (+7)
Republican: 180
Tea Party: 15 (Caucus with Republicans)

---

2013 - 2015

President Obama's second term gets off to a good start with his approvals jumping to 65-70%. Over his second term the low will be 40% and the high will be 73%. On the day of his inauguration unemployment is 8% and the deficit has not been reduced at all.

Hillary Clinton steps down as Secretary of State before the inauguration. Senator Jim Webb is appointed to be the next Secretary of State, Governor Bill Richardson is appointed to Secretary of Commerce.

Within a few months of Obama's second term, Iran tests a nuclear weapon and Israel destroys all of Irans nuclear facilities backed by the United States, NATO and the EU. An all out war is avoided in the Middle East when Saudi Arabia and Egypt intervene in defense of Israel's actions. Obama's approval are highest at this point having sent carriers into the Mediterranean to defend Israel if needed. US forces go on high alert in Kuwait and Iraq (the remaining ones there).

Economic growth continues at a slow pace.

2014 midterm election results:

Senate Composition 2015-2017:

Charlie Crist caucuses with the Democrats and with Vice President Biden's vote they hold the majority.

1 Independent
49 Democrat (-5)
45 Republican (+2)
5 Tea Party (+3)


House:


The House flips Republican. Eric Cantor becomes the Speaker.

Democrat: 205 (-35)
Republican: 205  (+25)
Tea Party: 25 (+10) (Caucus with Republicans)

2015:

Osama Bin Laden is confirmed dead and most of al-Qaeda is on the run by now.

Eric Cantor proves to be a tough Speaker shooting down much more left legislation nearly forcing a shutdown of the government but Obama gives in (when his approval drops to the lowest of his second term). Obama's approvals won't recover for the rest of 2015.

Obama's approvals recover to the 50% threshold but not much happens this year. Eric Cantor is proving to be the Newt Gingrich of the Obama Presidency. Cantor is being mentioned often as Presidential material in 2016.

2016:

Eric Cantor, John Thune and Bobby Jindal are the major candidates for the Republican nomination.

Jim Webb, Bill Richardson and Andrew Cuomo are the major candidates for the Democratic nomination.

Rand Paul has no major opposition for the Tea Party nomination.

Jindal wins Iowa and goes onto win New Hampshire and seals the nomination early. Richardson performs well in Iowa coming in 2nd. Cuomo comes in 3rd who was seen as the frontrunner is beaten by Webb. Cuomo goes onto win New Hampshire while Webb seals South Carolina and Richardson drops out. Cuomo seals the nomination after winning Super Tuesday. Cuomo, unexpectedly due to what the media thought was a very tense relationship, picks Jim Webb as his running mate.

Jindal picks Senator Scott Brown as his running mate.

The economy goes into a recession making this the main issue. Unemployment rises from 6% to 7%.

(
)

Jindal/Brown - 278 Electoral Votes - 47% Popular Vote
Cuomo/Webb - 260 Electoral Votes - 46% Popular Vote
Paul/Angle - 0 Electoral Votes - 7% Popular Vote



Senate Composition 2017-2019:

Republican control.

1 Independent (Crist causes with the Democrats)
46 Democrat (-3)
49 Republican (+4)
4 Tea Party (-1) (Caucuses with the Republicans)


House:


Repbulican control.

Democrat: 203 (-2)
Republican: 213  (+8)
Tea Party: 19 (-7) (Caucus with Republicans)






Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: sentinel on June 24, 2010, 12:12:14 AM
2017 -

Democrats blame overconfidence with the Cuomo ticket for the loss, having millions of unspent campaign contributions and having left the convention with a 15 point lead (much like Dukakis).

Bobby Jindal, the first Indian-American President, begins his first term with a bang freezing all unnecessary spending until the deficit is under control. His approvals start around 80%.

Jindal's first budget is a bipartisan slam dunk and his approval stays high throughout much of his first year.

Jindal's second year is a bit more rocky with his approvals dropping quickly to the high 50's as a debate on abortion begins and when he fires a senior aide for derogatory off-the cuff comments. The Supreme Court sees a Supreme Court case involving abortion this year and upholds Roe v. Wade.

Jindal's third year is marked by upheaval in Pakistan and sends forces to the border of Afghanisan and Pakistan to ensure that the chaos does not spill over. Indian forces rush into chaotic Pakistan to secure its nuclear facilities, successfully, but with a blood toll. Pakistans official government condemns India as does the not-very-well-organized insurgency.

The European Union calls Pakistan a Civil War zone between local warlords who have rallied behind one warlord, the remnants of al-Qaeda, the government and a faction of the military. Jindal refuses to call it a civil war instead calling it an "internal conflict." His approvals drop to the lowest of his term - 35%.

A report comes out saying that American special ops forces are helping Indian forces dismantle Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The Jindal Administration refuses to confirm or deny anything.

Jindal announces late in his third year as President that he will not run for a second term. Instead he will focus on the situation in Pakistan. As of August 2019, the field is wide open for the Republicans and for the Democrats.

Current conditions (August 2019):


50,000 US Forces on the border with Pakistan.

Afghanistan is stable and making a lot of money off of mineral deposits.

Gas prices are $5 a gallon on average across the US. Experts agree there is a huge energy crisis on the horizon. Prices could soar above $8 per gallon after 2020.

The Obama Administration never passed education reform, he left office with a 57% approval rating, the average rating for his entire 8 years was 53%.
 
Unemployment has declined to 6.5% since Jindal took office. Inflation is rising at 3%

In terms of voter registration, the Tea Party has 7% of all registered voters.

Iraq is barely stable and could breakdown at any point in time. Sunni and Shia tensions have not gotten better.


Current Supreme Court:

Conservatives:

Chief Justice John Roberts, age 64, Bush II
Justice Antonin Scalia, age 83, Reagan (Expected to retire soon)
Justice Clarence Thomas, age 71, Bush I
Justice Samuel Alito, age 70, Bush II

Toss Up:

Anthony Kennedy, age 83, Reagan (Expected to retire soon)

Liberals:

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, age 65, Obama
Justice Elena Kagan, age 59, Obama
Justice Merrick Brian Garland, age 66, Obama
Justice Harold Koh, age 64, Obama


Jindal's current approval is 43%.

The deficit is over $7 trillion.



Senate Composition 2019-2021:

Democratic Control.

1 Independent (Crist causes with the Democrats)
49 Democrat (+3)
47 Republican (-2)
3 Tea Party (-1) (Caucuses with the Republicans)


House:


Republican control.

Democrat: 210 (+7)
Republican: 210  (-3)
Tea Party: 15 (-2) (Caucus with Republicans)








Possible Players:


Democrats:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Sen. Chuck Schumer
Sen. Jim Webb
Sen. Mark Warner
Sen. Alexi Giannoulias
Sen. Charlie Crist - tb75
Sheldon Whitehouse - Sewer
Sen. Carte Goodwin - Tmthforu94


Republicans:

Vice President Scott Brown
Gen. David Patreus - hawkeye59
Gov. Bob McDonell - electoraljew2
Sen. Pat Toomey
Sen. John Thune
Gov. Mike Pence - feeblepizza


Tea Party:

Sen. Rand Paul
Gov. Sarah Palin
Rep. Marsha Blackburn
Rep. Michele Bachmann



Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: hawkeye59 on June 24, 2010, 05:48:34 AM
David Petraeus


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: ej2mm15 on June 24, 2010, 08:13:03 AM
Bob McDonnell


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: Dancing with Myself on June 24, 2010, 10:37:45 AM
I would to be Charlie Crist either as a Democrat or an Independent.


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: California8429 on June 24, 2010, 01:10:06 PM

curse you! :P haha


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: sentinel on June 24, 2010, 01:18:51 PM
Everyone got theirs so far.


I would to be Charlie Crist either as a Democrat or an Independent.

Your call. You can also run as a Democrat and if you lose, run as an independent.


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: Dancing with Myself on June 24, 2010, 02:32:28 PM
Everyone got theirs so far.


I would to be Charlie Crist either as a Democrat or an Independent.

Your call. You can also run as a Democrat and if you lose, run as an independent.

Alright, i will do that


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: President Mitt on June 24, 2010, 02:35:56 PM
We actually have a board for these sort of things nowadays.


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: tmthforu94 on July 13, 2010, 06:15:35 AM
I'll run as Carte Goodwin.


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: sentinel on July 25, 2010, 11:28:06 PM
If people are interested, I'll accept sign-ups and we'll continue this. Everyone gets what they wanted so far.


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: tmthforu94 on July 30, 2010, 09:23:11 PM
I'd like for this to continue. :)


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: ej2mm15 on August 05, 2010, 08:02:55 AM
I second Tmthforu94


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: sentinel on August 09, 2010, 06:21:46 PM
Alright, we only have 4 people but lets start then. More can join as we keep going.


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: pbrower2a on August 12, 2010, 09:46:53 PM
I'd wait until we see the result of the Michigan gubernatorial race. So far the Republican nominee for Governor

1. Follows a state governor who leaves with extreme unpopularity

2. Can ride an economic situation in a state -- sort of like the 2004 Detroit Tigers (53-119, they have to get better because they can't get worse)

3. Has lesser connection and commitment to the GWB Administration than anyone else

First, he must win. Second, he must show himself as something other than a stooge. 2012 is of course far too early.


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: tmthforu94 on August 12, 2010, 09:58:52 PM
I'd wait until we see the result of the Michigan gubernatorial race. So far the Republican nominee for Governor

1. Follows a state governor who leaves with extreme unpopularity

2. Can ride an economic situation in a state -- sort of like the 2004 Detroit Tigers (53-119, they have to get better because they can't get worse)

3. Has lesser connection and commitment to the GWB Administration than anyone else

First, he must win. Second, he must show himself as something other than a stooge. 2012 is of course far too early.
What??? ROFLMAO


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: sentinel on August 13, 2010, 01:31:12 AM
I'd wait until we see the result of the Michigan gubernatorial race. So far the Republican nominee for Governor

1. Follows a state governor who leaves with extreme unpopularity

2. Can ride an economic situation in a state -- sort of like the 2004 Detroit Tigers (53-119, they have to get better because they can't get worse)

3. Has lesser connection and commitment to the GWB Administration than anyone else

First, he must win. Second, he must show himself as something other than a stooge. 2012 is of course far too early.
What??? ROFLMAO

No comprende senor


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: feeblepizza on August 15, 2010, 08:31:18 PM
I'll run as Mike Pence (reelected to the House in 2010, elected Governor in 2012 and 2016)


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: sentinel on August 15, 2010, 09:40:56 PM
I'll run as Mike Pence (reelected to the House in 2010, elected Governor in 2012 and 2016)

You're in!


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: Sewer on August 23, 2010, 08:40:25 AM
Sheldon Whitehouse


Title: Re: Alternative Future 2020 Sign-Up/Background
Post by: sentinel on August 23, 2010, 10:40:53 PM

You're in