Interactive Election Game: 2016 (TURN 5)

[NHI]

Rand Paul Debate Answers:

Opening Statements

- To All The Candidates: How do protect both American workers and promote free trade around the globe?

- Sen. Paul, do you consider Edward Snowden a patriot or a traitor?

- To all the candidates: is climate change real, does man contribute to it, and who we combat it?

- Sen. Paul, do you support the tenants of the Iran Nuclear Deal, and if not how do we address the issue of Iranian nuclear ambitions?

- Sen. Paul, is America safer today or do we need to go further to protect the country from terrorism?

- To all the candidates: How do you deal with the continued threat from North Korea?

- Closing Statements

Quote from: NHI on June 06, 2017, 06:49:01 am

Opening Statements

- To All The Candidates: How do protect both American workers and promote free trade around the globe?

- Sen. Paul, do you consider Edward Snowden a patriot or a traitor?

- To all the candidates: is climate change real, does man contribute to it, and who we combat it?

- Sen. Paul, do you support the tenants of the Iran Nuclear Deal, and if not how do we address the issue of Iranian nuclear ambitions?

- Sen. Paul, is America safer today or do we need to go further to protect the country from terrorism?

- To all the candidates: How do you deal with the continued threat from North Korea?

- Closing Statements

Opening Statements
First of all, I want to thank all the candidate here and the moderators of the debate for making this possible.

When I decided to run, not just to president but also to the Senate, I wanted to end acts defend the freedom and the rights of all of us, Americans, I wanted to give a voice to many unhappy people here in this country, our country is growing slowly, Obamacare has made premium prices rise, this needs change, and I hope you all will consider my proposals for change when the primaries come.

Sen. Paul, do you consider Edward Snowden a patriot or a traitor?
A patriot, Edward Snowden did this to show how corrupt is this government and to defend our privacy and our rights, he risked his life, his career, his house for this, he sacrificed all this, for showing us this, and I think this is a patriotic act. People like Marco can say "Oh, but he broke the law!", and my answer is simple, Thomas Jefferson already said "If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so", not because something is in the law it is necessarily good, so I do think he is a patriot.

To all the candidates: is climate change real, does man contribute to it, and who we combat it?

Well, I think many studies are pretty inconclusive, the earth 4.5 billion years old and we have four hurricanes so the theory is proved right? I think that, if it is real, it is a natural occurrence. But regardless of this, I won't be against alternative sources of energy, I would give them tax breaks. I don't think regulating is the answer, the government shouldn't come and say "oh no you can't do this, because I don't think you should", this will only make the business more likely to leave the country.

Sen. Paul, do you support the tenants of the Iran Nuclear Deal, and if not how do we address the issue of Iranian nuclear ambitions?
I am opposed, in my opinion this deal gives to much to them, we are dealing with a state that sponsors terrorism and that hates us and say this to everybody, we should, at least renegotiate the deal, in this new deal we need to make sure that we keep looking Iran, we keep looking if they are not building bombs and if they aren't breaking the deal.

Sen. Paul, is America safer today or do we need to go further to protect the country from terrorism?
No, our country is not safe, President Obama acts like if we were, but we aren't, we are accepting refugees who can be terrorists and we don't know that they are, we are giving money to groups we don't know who they are, they can be terrorists, so, no, we aren't. While Marco Rubio might say that we should establish a no fly zone in Syria and we should continue funding the group, I don't think so, we shouldn't try to establish a no fly zone while Russia is there, this will only make things worse by creating a conflict between us and them, we should try to work with them to end the terrorism there, we should stop aiding the groups we don't really know, instead let's arm the kurds, give them a state in exchange of them helping us against ISIS, let's stop simply accepting refugees, let's make clear that you will only enter if we know who you are and why you are here.

To all the candidates: How do you deal with the continued threat from North Korea?
I am for sanctions against North Korea, North Korea is basically China's puppet, they have control over the North Koreans, if they stop helping them, they die, so I think we should go to China and negotiate with them, do deals with them about North Korea, I think we should work with China to deal with them.

Closing Statements
We are currently in a hard time, we are growing slowly, terrorism is rising in the middle east, America needs a change, something new, different from what we always had, different from what the Democrats propose and different from what the establishment proposes, we need someone who fixes the our debt problem, someone who will deal with the terrorist and with countries like Iran, and someone who will fight for our freedom, and I hope you consider me when you are voting.

[NHI]

Stephen Pearcy: Debate Answers
1.We don't have Free trade. NAFTA and TPP are free trade in name only.  They only help corporations and small businesses get weaken by corporations and more and more keep getting shipped overseas.

As President I will withdraw or at least renegotiate with them or have separate free trade deals with countries and not global alliances.

2.No it's not. Amercia is divided, I see people out there getting called a racist for disagreeing with him,  And as I was this guy this guy still thinks ISIS is some high school football team of some sorts and not a radical Islamic terrorist organization who is now striking  innocent lives in Western civilization. As President I will see ISIS as a threat and not some afterthought Obama think it is.

I very much enjoyed Govenor Haley's rebuttal to the state of the union and I believe she made very good points and I feel like she is a rising star for our party.

So all in all Obama in his state of the union is trying to make it look like the country is fine and that you are a racist if you disagree with him but in reality. It's not fine it's not even close to being that. We are a nation divided and we are reaching levels of division that we haven't seen in a long time.

3.I do think the climate is changing and that the planet is getting screwed but I think our government is doing a terrible job at stopping it. Man made or nature it doesn't matter how our government handles it. The carbon taxes aren't working and these  environmental groups funded by the government aren't working either. What I would like to see it's a private voluntary group that is not government officials but rather a private group of citizens that care and put more effort into what they are doing try to stop and deal with this crisis.

4.You can go to my website and social media platforms my plan for the economy is one of the things that pop up first.  We need to deal with the budget first after all we are 18$ trillion dollars in debt.

We need to cut spending on things and then we need to balance the budget and then when the budget also we need to give middle class and small businesses a flat 20% tax cut that will be the biggest tax cut in Amercian history and it will boom the economy like it did back in the 1980s. And Senator Sanders and Warren in a recent Democratic debate totally misread by plan as it just another tax cut on the rich. My response? Did you even read the plan!?!!?! *laughs*

So yes it is the answer we have to cut taxes and balanced the budget.

4.This is a tricky subject.  I will welcome them with open arms but I feel like not all in fact very little but still a few are wanting to do harm to this country. I don't want to per say ban Muslims in this country I think that is a violation of the 1st amendment of this fine country. We are gonna have to check them out and we have to make sure and check that these refugees are indeed not terrorists.
It may sound extreme to some of use but that's just the way it is. 

5.I do think North Korea is being underestimated but I don't think we should get into conflict with them unless something happens like they threatened the Chinese who are not their ally contrary to popular belief, Japan and South Korea who are big allies of our country then we prob would go in and get things settled out and hopefully not try to start World War III.   

Obama has divided our nation for far too long and has our economy close to another recession.  My campaign motto is shoot a arrow into the DC establishment and that's what I want to do.

Yes I am maybe have of been a lead singer of a goofy 80s metal band and yes there are pictures of me that look weird but I want to look behind that and you see a very different person. A person who wants to lead and save our great and beloved country.  Thank you and good night.

[NHI]

Next Turn:
2016 Election
January 15-February 1st

This will be the last turn before the Caucuses

The race for President continues to heat up on both sides; with added speculation of a possible independent run by billionaire businessman Mark Cuban. The media personality recently said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Well, I have to say I'm pretty disappointed. There's a lot of negativity and a lot of big promises being thrown around, but I don't see any real leadership skills coming from the candidates, and I'm talking both sides here."

Cuban said if he decides to run for President he will announce within the next month. A serious third party bid has not been seen since Ross Perot ran for President and received 19% of the vote. A Cuban run would be taken quite seriously and given the presence of social media and the public's disapproval of both political parties Cuban could have a shot at victory.

On the Republican side for President, Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Rand Paul continued to trade barbs back and forth over Syria policy. This latest squabble demonstrates the differences between the two candidates. Those differences were also seen in the most recent Republican debate. Pundits, again declared Rubio the clear winner, followed by Paul and Pearcy, but viewer reaction was quite different. Only 29% thought Rubio won, compared to  26% & 21% who thought Paul and Pearcy won respectively. 14% found the debate to be a draw.

To many viewers the debates are becoming nothing but elongated campaign commercials, with each candidate giving their pitch, while trying to score a few points over the other one. And given the closeness to the Iowa Caucuses (February 1st) all the candidates are wanting to play it safe and avoid any major gaffes.

Also, on the Republican side Stephen Pearcy won a straw poll put on by the Young Republicans of Nevada. Pearcy's win with 40% comes as a surprise to many, given Rand Paul's performance among young Republicans. (29%) Marco Rubio finished third behind Paul with 23%.

On the Democratic side Senator Elizabeth Warren continued her consolidation of the Democratic establishment in an effort to overwhelm Senator Bernie Sanders, who continues to remain a challenge in the race for President. Making a strong play in Iowa, with the belief that win there will give her momentum to do well across the country. Current polls show Warren building a small lead in the first caucus state. 50% to 45%.

As for Sanders, his campaign is not conceding Iowa. His campaign appears to doubling their efforts in the state, while also playing hard in New Hampshire. Both Senators neighbor New Hampshire, so it is considered a crucial state with either candidate hoping for a good enough showing. Sanders is also making a play in Texas, which votes later in primary season; showing his campaign is perhaps playing the long game.

Security and terrorism continue to play a big role in the campaigns for Presidents, with experts saying the shift in focus is likely to benefit Senator Marco Rubio on the Republican side, and Senator Elizabeth Warren on the Democratic side, given their positions on varying issues from terrorism to Syria.  
News:

Congress Passes: the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act

Philadelphia Officer Shot and injured while in car

Polling: Republicans

Iowa:
Rubio: 31%
Paul:   22%
Moran: 21%
Pearcy: 20%


New Hampshire:
Paul: 32%
Rubio: 24%
Pearcy: 23%
Moran: 15%

South Carolina:
Rubio: 30%
Paul: 22%
Pearcy: 18%
Moran: 17%

Nevada:
Rubio: 30%
Paul: 20%
Pearcy: 19%
Moran: 15%

Polling: Democrats

Iowa:
Warren: 50%
Sanders: 45%

New Hampshire
Sanders: 49%
Warren: 46%

Nevada:
Warren: 47%
Sanders: 43%

South Carolina:
Warren: 50%
Sanders: 39%

Rand Paul Endorsements:
Representative from Florida Mark Meadows - Mark endorses Rand Paul due to their shared views on the economy and similarities on the foreign policy.

Representative from Ohio Jim Jordan - Jim  endorses Rand Paul due to their shares views on the economy, healthcare and other issues like abortion.

Marco Rubio Endorsements:
R. Carey Davis, Mayor of San Bernardino, endorses Marco Rubio due to their shared determination of fighting terrorism and restoring America's security after the terrorist attack in San Bernardino.

Liz Cheney, Wyoming congresswoman, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on foreign policy issues.

The Family Leader  endorses Marco Rubio due to his intention of promoting strong families and also due to shared views on social issues like abortion, marriage, etc.

Focus on the Family endorses Marco Rubio for similar reasons as the Family Leader.

Tomas Pedro Regalado, mayor of Miami, endorses Marco Rubio because of their close relationship since they are both from Florida and also due to shared views on social and economic issues.

Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM,  endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic issues and due to Rubio's determination of reducing the fiscal burden on businesses in order to make America the best place in the world to do business.

David Valadao, California congressman, endorsesMarco Rubio due to shared views on immigration and foreign policy issues.

Paul LePage, Maine Governor, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic issues and free trade.

Alan Mullaly, former CEO of Ford, endorses Marco Rubio for similar reasons as Ginni Rometty.

Lamar Alexander, Tennessee Senator, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic, social and foreign policy issues.

James Lankford, Oklahoma Senator, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic, social and foreign policy issues.

Mark Amodei, Nevada congressman, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on foreign policy.

Carlos Curbelo, Florida congressman, endorses Marco Rubio due to their shared views on abortion and on economic issues.


Stephen Pearcy Endorsements:
Frank Edelblut GOP Nevada senate  candidate, Andrew Bacevich, Govenor of Guam Eddie Calvo,  Sean Duffy and a total surprise former Democratic senator from Virginia Jim Webb.


Jerry Moran Endorsements:
Ben Shapiro, journalist
Mike Chertoff, Former Secretary of Homeland Security
Donald Rumsfeld, Former Secretary of Defense
Mike Coffman, US Representative (R-CO)
Francis Rooney, US Representative (R-FL)
Frank Lucas, US Representative (R-OK)
Richard Shelby, US Senator (R-AL)


Elizabeth Warren Endorsements:

Elizabeth Warren seeks the endorsements of: Charlie Crist, John Hickenlooper, Mary Landrieu, Dolores Huerta (previously endorsed Biden), Katherine Clark, Seth Moulton, Annise Parker, Chuck Schumer and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

This round will last until Wednesday 11 PM EST
Any requests for polling PM me.

[NHI]

BREAKING: Rubio Jumps to Big League in IA with Moran Exiting Race

Iowa:
Rubio: 40%
Paul: 26%
Pearcy: 21%

Polling:

TX
Rubio: 37%
Paul: 26%
Pearcy: 24%


GA
Rubio: 35%
Paul: 20%
Pearcy: 20%


TN
Rubio: 34%
Paul: 28%
Pearcy: 18%


MA
Rubio: 31%
Paul: 22%
Pearcy: 21%


VT
Rubio: 30%
Paul: 26%
Pearcy: 22%

[NHI]

Seeing all the confusion, I will not allow anyone to take over for me.

I have also not dropped out yet.

Ok. Thanks for the clarification .

[NHI]

Democratic Primary Polling:

Alabama: Warren +12
Elizabeth Warren: 50%
Bernie Sanders: 38%

Arkansas: Warren +10
Elizabeth Warren: 49%
Bernie Sanders: 39%

Tennessee: Warren +11
Elizabeth Warren: 50%
Bernie Sanders; 39%

Georgia: Warren +13
Elizabeth Warren: 51%
Bernie Sanders: 38%

Oklahoma: Warren +8
Elizabeth Warren: 50%
Bernie Sanders: 42%


Maine: Sanders +4
Bernie Sanders: 48%
Elizabeth Warren: 44%


American Samoa: Warren +11
Elizabeth Warren: 51%
Bernie Sanders: 40%

Democratic Primary: National Polling: Warren +4

Elizabeth Warren: 47%
Bernie Sanders: 43%

[NHI]

Mark Cuban for President?

Polling suggest the billionaire businessman would be competitive in hypothetical races against all the candidates. He does best against Stephen Pearcy and Bernie Sanders.

Marco Rubio: 33%
Elizabeth Warren: 28%
Mark Cuban: 20%

Marco Rubio: 34%
Bernie Sanders: 24%
Mark Cuban: 21%

Rand Paul: 32%
Elizabeth Warren: 29%
Mark Cuban: 23%

Rand Paul: 34%
Bernie Sanders: 26%
Mark Cuban: 23%

Elizabeth Warren: 30%
Mark Cuban: 26%
Stephen Pearcy: 22%

Bernie Sanders: 27%
Mark Cuban: 25%
Stephen Pearcy: 20%

Elizabeth Warren: 30%
Jerry Moran: 27%
Mark Cuban: 22%

Bernie Sanders: 27%
Jerry Moran: 26%
Mark Cuban: 23%

[NHI]

I will need a 24 hour extemsion. Again, major uni assignments.

Same.

Given the requests and since this is the last round before the Iowa Caucuses I will allow for a 24 hour extension until Thursday 11 PM EST

Thank you!

[NHI]

I'm having major computer troubles, so if anyone wants to step in as Warren, please let NHI know quickly. I will approve anyone willing to take over, but should no one do so by the conclusion of this turn (Thursday 11PM) Warren will drop out and endorse Sanders.

Why would she drop out right before the Iowa Caucuses?

I don't have access to a computer on a regular basis at the moment, so this has nothing to do with the campaign itself.

If NHI wants to write it as a loss in the caucuses and Warren dropping out and endorsing Sanders immediately thereafter I have no problems with that.

This is fine wth me. I've heard from no one yet.

Iowa caucus results tonight!

[NHI]

I'm having major computer troubles, so if anyone wants to step in as Warren, please let NHI know quickly. I will approve anyone willing to take over, but should no one do so by the conclusion of this turn (Thursday 11PM) Warren will drop out and endorse Sanders.

Why would she drop out right before the Iowa Caucuses?

I don't have access to a computer on a regular basis at the moment, so this has nothing to do with the campaign itself.

If NHI wants to write it as a loss in the caucuses and Warren dropping out and endorsing Sanders immediately thereafter I have no problems with that.

This is fine wth me. I've heard from no one yet.

Iowa caucus results tonight!

I managed to solve my computer problems, so Warren can in theory continue. However, if you (NHI) feels honor bound to stand by our earlier agreement than that is fine.

Thanks for being understanding NHI.

Glad to hear the matter is resolved. Would love to have you continue as Warren!

[NHI]

moderator's note:

I have been so impressed by everyone's contributions. Hats off to all! Thank you for allowing me to take over the role as the game's moderator. I look forward to the next rounds!!

[NHI]

Iowa Caucuses: Flash Poll

Marco Rubio: 39%
Rand Paul: 26%
Stephen Pearcy: 22%
Other/Undecided: 9%

Elizabeth Warren: 49%
Bernie Sanders: 48%
Other/Undecided:: 3%

[NHI]

Yes; I attended a Caucus before Voting in 2016: (54% of the vote)
Marco Rubio: 36%
Rand Paul: 32%
Stephen Pearcy: 19%
Jerry Moran: 13%


No; this is my first Caucus: (45% of the vote)
Marco Rubio: 40%
Rand Paul: 27%
Stephen Pearcy: 23%
Jerry Moran: 10%

Yes; I attended a Caucus before Voting in 2016: (54% of the vote)
Elizabeth Warren: 50%
Bernie Sanders: 49%

No; this is my first Caucus: (45% of the vote)
Bernie Sanders: 51%
Elizabeth Warren: 49%

[NHI]

Iowa Caucuses: Republican & Democratic Results

Breaking News:

Blitzer: Senator Marco Rubio is out with an early lead in the first results coming in. Here is a snap shot of the race in Iowa.

Iowa Caucuses: Republican Primary

Marco Rubio: 43%
Rand Paul: 26%
Stephen Pearcy: 20%
Other: 11%

Rubio: 43%

Paul: 26%

Pearcy: 20%

Jerry Moran: 11%

Blitzer: Senator Rubio is out with a strong lead. We'll turn it over to our panel.

Anderson Cooper: Thank you Wolf, Okay Panel, you've seen a quick snapshot. It's early, but good night for Senator Rubio?

Ana Navaro: Great night for the Florida Senator! Bravo. Bravo. Yes, it's early, but I think this is a good sign of things to come tonight.

David Axelrod: I agree it's early, but if that margin holds then I think Senator Rubio is going to have a very, very decent night and I can say as Democrat, looking at the exit polling, he's running up the scoreboard.

Cooper: Right. According to our exit poll data he's winning the youth vote, albeit narrowly over Rand Paul, 40% to 33% - and --

Blitzer: Anderson, please hold that thought as we make a major projection:

CNN BREAKING NEWS: PROJECTION --

PROJECTION:  ✓ MARCO RUBIO WINS IOWA CAUCUSES

Blitzer: CNN can now project Florida Senator Marco Rubio will finish first in the Iowa Caucuses.
He wins by a convincingly bigger margin than polls suggested. Marco Rubio, the first term Senator from Florida is our projected winner in the Republican Iowa Caucuses. He wins the first big contest of the Republican primary tonight.

Cooper: There you have it. Our first call. Marco Rubio wins the Iowa Caucuses.

Narvo: Watch out Bernie or Elizabeth. Marco is coming!

Delegate Count:

✓ Rubio: 12

Paul: 7

Pearcy: 5

Moran: 3

Breaking News: Early Lead For Warren

Elizabeth Warren: 51.50%

Bernie Sanders: 48.50%

Wolf Blitzer: A snapshot of the Democratic Primary race here in Iowa. Elizabeth Warren is holding onto a narrow lead, but Bernie Sanders is putting up quite a challenge her tonight.

Anderson Cooper: Panel, about as expected tonight. The polls suggested a close race and here we go.

David Axelrod: This is a battle between the establishment and the grassroots of the Democratic Party, and Elizabeth Warren is winning that fight, but is narrow, probably narrower than a lot of people expected.

Kirsten Powers: I'm not, David. Bernie Sanders has tapped into the energy of the base which feels largely ignored and forgotten by President Obama, and is looking for something real and genuine.

Axelrod: You wouldn't call Warren genuine?

Powers: Next to Bernie Sanders? No. She's become the establishment candidate, with Joe Biden out of the race and next to Bernie Sanders she is considered 'acceptable' to the donor class of the party.

11:09 PM EST

Elizabeth Warren: 50.97%

Bernie Sanders: 49.03%

Blitzer: Senator Warren continues to hold onto her lead, now with over half of the caucus preferences in and counted. It is sure to be a late night here on the Democratic side.

11:57 PM EST

Elizabeth Warren: 50.86%

Bernie Sander: 49.14%

1:14 AM EST

CNN PROJECTION: ELIZABETH WARREN WINS IOWA CAUCUSES

✓ Elizabeth Warren: 50.59%

Bernie Sander: 49.41%

Blitzer: CNN can now project Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has won the Iowa Caucuses. She defeats challenger Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in the first contest in the race for the Democratic Nomination. Again, CNN projects Elizabeth Warren the winner in Iowa tonight.

Elizabeth Warren: 23

Bernie Sander: 21

The next round will last from Feb. 2- Feb. 9. There will be a Democratic and Republican debate. The turn will close Monday at 10 PM EST
 Please check your inbox for questions.

[NHI]

Why was I not included in the results? Moran has not dropped out. I even posted a schedule.

Looks like you got 10%

Edited and corrected to reflect Moran.

[NHI]

Endorsements:

Elizabeth Warren:
Janice Hahn, The New York Times, NARAL, Andrew Cuomo, Jimmy Carter, Rush Holt, Ted Deutch and Mazie Hirono.


Marco Rubio:
Dennis Cook, Chairman of Young Republicans, endorse Marco Rubio because he's convinced that 44-year old Marco Rubio is the best Republican presidential candidate in this race to attract young voters and because Rubio understands the economic and social struggles of the Millennials.

Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama,  endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on social, economic and foreign policy issues and also due to their shared opposition to amnesty.

Dan Sullivan, Alaska Senator,  endorse Marco Rubio due to shared hawkish views.

Ron Corbett, Mayor of Cedar Rapids (Iowa), endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on abortion, freedom of religion and gun rights.

Scott Taylor, Virginia congressman, endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on foreign policy issues.

Susan Collins, Maine Senator, endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic issues and foreign policy issues.

Phil Scott, candidate for Vermont Governor, endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic issues and free trade.

Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas, endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic and social issues.

Rob Wittman, Virginia congressman, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic and foreign policy issues.

Charlie Baker, Governor of Massachusetts, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic issues and their shared strong fiscal responsibility position.


Stephen Pearcy:
Frank Edelblut GOP Nevada senate  candidate,  Andrew Bacevich, Govenor of Guam Eddie Calvo,  Sean Duffy and a total surprise former Democratic senator from Virginia Jim Webb.


Bernie Sanders:
Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana: "I may be a Blue Dog,  but one thing I believe is that Sanders is speaking common sense on economics. We may disagree on social issues, but economics . . . well we agree 100%"

Senator Debbie Stabenow: "I'm from Michigan. I've seen what conservatove government has done to my state. If you want a President that will fight tooth and nail for the average America, then Senator Sanders is your candidate"

Lieutenant-Governor Gavin Newsom: "Jerry (Brown) has already endorsed him, and I can see why. Senator Sanders has proved that he is the candidate of the working class and middle class, and I will be proud to cast a ballot for him."

[NHI]

NH Primary Poll: Post Iowa (ABC/WASH POST)

Rand Paul:     33% (+5)
Marco Rubio: 28%
Stephen Pearcy: 21%
Jerry Moran: 9%
Undecided: 9%


Bernie Sanders:    48% (+2)
Elizabeth Warren: 46%
Undecided: 6%


IOWA TAKEAWAYS:

GOP

- Marco Rubio is the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
- Expect fire to come at Rubio from all sides.
- Both Rand Paul and Stephen Pearcy took a combined 46% of the vote in Iowa.
- The libertarian/anti-establishment candidate will likely be decided after NH.
- Pearcy and Paul could draw from the same vote in NH, which could benefit Rubio.
- The collapse of Jerry Moran's campaign efforts in Iowa have hurt him heading into the next contests, but South Carolina maybe fertile ground him for him to stake a comeback. Polls show polling second in the Palmetto State. 42% for Rubio and 23% for Moran. 

DEMOCRATS:
- Elizabeth Warren held off Bernie Sanders; albeit narrowly - but a win is a win.
- Bernie Sanders is the progressive and grassroots choice and energy clear lies with him, not withstanding Warren's historic candidacy.
- Sanders is poised to ride a wave of momentum into New Hampshire, after his close loss in Iowa.
- Sanders' proximity to NH is a blessing, but Warren is from MA, where the main media market is located -- this could benefit Warren greatly in the ad war.

National Polling: Gallup

Republicans

Rubio: 39% (+15)
Paul:   24%
Pearcy: 17%
Moran: 11%
Undecided: 9%

Democrats:
Warren: 47% (+4)
Sanders: 43%
Undecided: 10%

[NHI]

Daily Tracking Poll: New Hampshire Primary Gallup

Rand Paul: 33%

Marco Rubio: 29% (+1)

Stephen Pearcy: 22% (+1)

Jerry Moran: 8% (-1)
Undecided: 8%

Bernie Sanders: 48%
Elizabeth Warren: 47% (+1)
Undecided: 5%

WMUR Polling

Rand Paul: 34%

Marco Rubio: 30%

Stephen Pearcy: 25%

Jerry Moran: 8%
Undecided: 3%

Bernie Sanders: 49%
Elizabeth Warren: 46%
Undecided: 5%

[NHI]

Endorsements:

Elizabeth Warren:
Janice Hahn, The New York Times, NARAL, Andrew Cuomo, Jimmy Carter, Rush Holt, Ted Deutch and Mazie Hirono.


Marco Rubio:
Dennis Cook, Chairman of Young Republicans, endorse Marco Rubio because he's convinced that 44-year old Marco Rubio is the best Republican presidential candidate in this race to attract young voters and because Rubio understands the economic and social struggles of the Millennials.

Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama,  endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on social, economic and foreign policy issues and also due to their shared opposition to amnesty.

Dan Sullivan, Alaska Senator,  endorse Marco Rubio due to shared hawkish views.

Ron Corbett, Mayor of Cedar Rapids (Iowa), endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on abortion, freedom of religion and gun rights.

Scott Taylor, Virginia congressman, endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on foreign policy issues.

Susan Collins, Maine Senator, endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic issues and foreign policy issues.

Phil Scott, candidate for Vermont Governor, endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic issues and free trade.

Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas, endorse Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic and social issues.

Rob Wittman, Virginia congressman, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic and foreign policy issues.

Charlie Baker, Governor of Massachusetts, endorses Marco Rubio due to shared views on economic issues and their shared strong fiscal responsibility position.


Stephen Pearcy:
Frank Edelblut GOP Nevada senate  candidate,  Andrew Bacevich, Govenor of Guam Eddie Calvo,  Sean Duffy and a total surprise former Democratic senator from Virginia Jim Webb.


Bernie Sanders:
Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana: "I may be a Blue Dog,  but one thing I believe is that Sanders is speaking common sense on economics. We may disagree on social issues, but economics . . . well we agree 100%"

Senator Debbie Stabenow: "I'm from Michigan. I've seen what conservatove government has done to my state. If you want a President that will fight tooth and nail for the average America, then Senator Sanders is your candidate"

Lieutenant-Governor Gavin Newsom: "Jerry (Brown) has already endorsed him, and I can see why. Senator Sanders has proved that he is the candidate of the working class and middle class, and I will be proud to cast a ballot for him."

I'm pretty sure I have Newsom.

Yes, you do. THank you for catching that.

[NHI]

CNN/ORC POLL: NH

Rand Paul: 36%
Marco Rubio: 32%
Stephen Pearcy: 28%

Bernie Sanders: 49%
Elizabeth Warren: 46%

[NHI]

Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Server while Secy. of State; Possibly Breaking Federal Rules

WH: No Comment on Clinton Email Story in NYT

Press Secy. Josh Earnest told reporters, "The White House and the President were unaware about a separate email server used by Former Secy. of State Hillary Clinton during her tenure at the State Department.

Former Secy. of State Clinton: I did use a private server for convenience.

"What I did was perfectly legally," Frm. Secy. Clinton told reporters. The revelation in the New York Times has drawn criticism from Congressional Republicans, who blame the Obama Administration, as well as the former Secretary of State.

[NHI]

Trey Gowdy Calls for an 'investigation' into Clinton's email server. "She may have crossed a line."

Speaker Ryan calls the email server revelation, "troubling"

[NHI]

GOP DEBATE

Stephen Pearcy:

1.I am proud to be here in the wonderful state of New Hampshire.

Where the tax rate is about where it should be *laughs*  This is a state that really embraces the idea of financial conservativism. It has barely no state taxes and what one of the flattest tax cuts on the middle class in the country.


2.I personally believe that Military action should only be activated if needed.  Now ISIS I do believe Milltary action is needed. They have attacked us on our soil and it just so happen to be close to my home.  The thing is we are arming people who we don't know anything of. President Obama keeps doing it and I feel like Senator Rubio will keep doing it.

We don't need to be some World police where we come in over something that the civilians of the country can deal with. Such as Iraq.


3.I fully respect the Supreme Court's decision to legalize gay marriage and I think when New Hampshire did it I fully respected it.

If elected I will not do anything to try to overturn the Supreme Court's rulling. I personally don't see it as a big issue and I fully believe that LGBT citizens of this great country should be treated as any other Amercia.


4.I feel myself to be more populist and more moderate than he is.

I respect Senator Paul a lot but on some issues I disagree with him.

I am Liberty minded as well but I consider myself more moderate on some social issues after all my campaign slogan is "A different kind of Republican"

I support gay rights and marriage, I am pro life but I will not be when it comes to a few exceptions.  I don't really have that much Christian values to my campaign. I mean I respect the religion and all but my campaign seems to have more Jewish values to it.

As for the Keystone Pipeline? I don't really know what to do with it I know Senator Paul says he supports it but as for me I am gonna be honest I will look into it and see what will happen with it.


5.The democrats are smearing me over pictures of me in the 80s. And I tell them that's is not the same Stephen Pearcy you see campaigning for president. I have a lovey daughter and I am completely sober.

 I want you to look beyond me doing a lead singer of a 80s metal band called Ratt I want you to see that yes I am presidental. I have the same views as you. I want to cut taxes, I want to balance the budget, I want to destroy the  corrupt swamp in Washington DC. I want to make Amercia Great Again just like you.

[NHI]

GOP DEBATE

Marco Rubio:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

Exactly 105 years ago today, on February 6 1911, a great conservative, great leader and great American was born. This great American was Ronald Reagan.

President Reagan believed in the future of our country, believed in its greatness, had a hopeful and optimistic message. He drew people, Republicans, Independents and Democrats, towards our cause. We need someone who has a proven record to take our case to the American people because our philosophy is by far the best one. Limited government, entrepreneurial capitalism and peace through strength. As a child of the Reagan Revolution, I have the skills and ability to take our party to victory in November and to get things done as Ronald Reagan did for the sake of a brighter future for America. Thank you.


Senator Rubio: You and Mr. Pearcy have been going back and forth lobbing attacks on one another over a variety of issues. What, Senator would be the Rubio doctrine when it comes to foreign policy, should you be elected President?

Well first of all, Mr. Pearcy, I was only rebuking your lying accusation claiming that I flip flopped on the Iran deal. Since the very beginning, I have always been against the Iran nuclear deal and I am still against it. I will not tolerate any deal allowing America's foes to develop nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction that will be aimed at killing Americans and innocent people around the world.

And I need to remind you, Mr. Pearcy, that six months ago, during the first Republican primary debate you said that the Iran nuclear deal was a step in the right direction towards peace. You got it wrong, because this so-called deal lifted sanctions, which gives Iran the necessary revenues to support international terrorism and to build nuclear weapons that will wipe Israel off the map and strike us as well as our allies. That will cost millions of lives and trigger a nuclear war. This deal is not a step in the right direction to peace. I like Mr. Pearcy, but he does not have the national security experience and judgement to lead this country and keep it safe against radical Islamic terrorism and the Iranian threat.

But let's come back to your question, Martha. My doctrine has four pillars. Number one, American strength. We need to undo the damage caused by the sequester, which is why I've endorsed the National Defense Panel's recommendation that we return as soon as possible to Secretary Gates's fiscal year 2012 budget baseline. Adequately funding the military will allow us not only to grow our forces, but also to modernize them, which in turn will allow us to remain on the cutting edge in every arena before us—land, sea and air—but also cyberspace and outer space, the battlefields of the 21st century. By modernizing and innovating, we can ensure that we never send our troops into a fair fight, but rather always equip them with the upper hand. And when they come home, we should be as firmly committed to their well being as they have been to ours.

A strong military also means a strong intelligence community, equipped with all the tools it needs to defend the homeland from extremism both home-grown and foreign-trained. And key to this will be extending section 215 of the Patriot Act. We cannot let politics cloud the importance of this issue. We must never find ourselves looking back after a terrorist attack and saying « We could have done more to save American lives ». Some will argue that with all the fiscal challenges our nation faces, we simply cannot afford to invest in our military. But the truth is, we cannot afford not to invest in it. We must remember that the defense budget is not the primary driver of our debt. And every time we try to cut a dollar from it, it seems to cost us several more just to make up for it. This is because the successes of all of our initiatives depend on the safety of the American people and the stability of the global economy.

Which brings me to the second pillar of my doctrine : the protection of the American economy in a globalized world. When America was founded, it took more than 10 weeks to travel to Europe. In the 19th century, the steam engine cut that down to around 12 days. In the 20th century, the airplane cut it to around six hours. And now in the 21st century, you can access global markets in a single second with the tap of your Smart Phone. Millions of the best jobs in this new century will depend on international trade. That is why I support the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Those such as Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders failed to grasp trade's role as a tool of statecraft that can bolster our relationship with partners and in the process create millions of better-paying American jobs. As president, I will use American power to oppose any violations of international waters, airspace, cyberspace, or outer space. This includes the economic disruptions caused when one country invades another, as well as the chaos caused by disruptions in choke points such as the South China Sea or the Strait of Hormuz. Russia, China, Iran or any nation that attempts to block global commerce will know to expect a response from my administration. Gone will be the days of debating where a ship is flagged or whether it's our place to criticize territorial expansionism. In this century, business must have the freedom to operate around the world with confidence.

The third pillar of my doctrine is more clarity regarding America's core values. We must recognize that our nation is a global leader, not simply because it has superior arms, but also because it has superior aims. America is the first power in history motivated by a desire to expand freedom, rather than simply expand its own territory. In recent years, the ideals that have long formed the backbone of American foreign policy—a passionate defense of human rights, the strong support of democratic principles and the protection of the sovereignty of our allies—these values have been replaced by at best caution, and at worst, an outright willingness to betray those values for the expediency of negotiations with repressive regimes. This is not just morally wrong, it is also contrary to our interests. Because wherever freedom and human rights spread, partners for our nation are born. But whenever foreign policy comes unhinged from its moral purpose, it weakens global stability and forms cracks in our national resolve. In this century, we must restore America's willingness to think big, to state boldly what we stand for and why it is right. Just as Ronald Reagan never flinched in his criticism of the Soviet Union's political and economic repressions, we must never shy away from demanding that China allow true freedom for its 1.3 billion people. Nor should we hesitate in calling the source of atrocities in the Middle East by its real name : radical Islamic terrorism. As president, I will support the spread of economic and political freedom by reinforcing our alliances, resisting efforts by large powers to subjugate their smaller neighbors, maintaining a robust commitment to transparent and effective foreign assistance programs, and advance the rights of the vulnerable, including women and religious minorities who are so often persecuted, so that the afflicted people of this world will know the truth. The American people hear their cries, see their suffering, and most of all, desire their freedom.

And finally, the fourth pillar of the Rubio Doctrine is to support anti-terrorist forces by providing them the necessary materials to fight radical Islamic terrorism. We are providing the Kurds in weapons because we know they are fighting ISIS, which is a good thing. Since we don't know whether some Syrian rebels are fighting for ISIS or other jihadist groups like Al Qaida or Al Nusra, I will, before arming the Syrian rebels, put in place background checks on Syrian rebels in order to help us to identify these rebels by learning more about their backgrounds, their past and their connections. If we don't know who these rebels are, who they are fighting for and why they want weapons, we will not provide them.

That's how we're going to make the world more free, safer and peaceful.

[NHI]

GOP DEBATE

Here is the second part of Marco Rubio's debate answers.

Senator Rubio: Granite Staters have taken to both Mr. Paul and Mr. Pearcy's message of limited government and maximized freedom. How do you differ from the two men, but more importantly how do you draw in libertarian and liberty minded Republicans who have not embraced you as strongly here in New Hampshire?

As President, I will cut taxes for all the American people, from the bottom to the top, I will abolish the IRS and replace it by a 15 % flat tax. I will reduce government spending and promote free market solutions to our problems. I will oppose all government intervention and regulation on wages, prices, rents, profits, production and interest rates and advocate the repeal of all laws banning or restricting the advertising of prices, products or services. I believe that free markets will stimulate the technological innovations and behavioral changes required to protect the environment and ecosystem. I will put in place a balanced budget amendment and will make America the best place in the world to do business, which requires cutting taxes for American business owners, reducing the cost of doing business in America and reducing America's corporate tax rate from 40 % to 20 %.

When it comes to my opponents, we've got Mr. Pearcy who is calling to reinstate Dodd-Frank, a big government liberal policy that will keep making big banks bigger by expanding regulations through an army of lawyers and compliance officers, that will keep reducing consumer choice while driving consumer costs and the compliance burden higher and that will keep eviscerating small businesses and small banks by wiping out small and mid-size banks that loan money to small businesses, which will cause America's small businesses' decline. All of this will happen, unless we repeal Dodd-Frank, which I will do as President of the United States because America's economic strength comes mostly from this country's status as the best place in the world to do business. That is why Libertrians, Liberty minded Republicans and fiscal conservatives can't trust Stephen Pearcy to handle the economy. I have the best experience to handle economic issues as a son of immigrants who came here for economic opportunities offered by the American Dream and as a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.


Senator Rubio: Senator Warren and Senator Sanders have both suggested tax increases will need to be high on the priority list for the next President. Is there any scenario in which you would support raising taxes?

Absolutely not. I am a proud conservative Republican who believes in free market, in small government, in a stronger American competitiveness in the world economy, and in a business-friendly America. Taxes will reduce our people's purchasing power in addition of driving businesses overseas. So I will not, in any case, support tax increases. I will cut taxes for all the American people in order to reinforce their purchasing power because consumption is one of the most important elements of America's prosperity. It will make America's businesses more competitive and increase their ability to produce and to hire people.

Closing Statements:

Thank you. You know, this week I had the great pleasure of having my kids join me on the campaign trail. I hadn't' seen them in a while, and it was great to have them alongside me, but the most important part of it is that it once again reminded me of what's at stake.

Here in New Hampshire in less than 72 hours, we are literally deciding what kind of country we will be like when they are my age. What kind of country they will be able to raise their families in. And, that's why I'm asking you for your vote. You vote for me, and we will unite this party, we will grow the conservative movement, we will defeat Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders, and we will leave our children what our parents left us. The single greatest nation in the history of all mankind.