Make up a map between you and the preceding poster.

[badgate]

President Jefferson took office in 2021 to huge popularity. Unemployment dropped below 5% in March of that year, and President Jefferson secured a major campaign promise in his first 100 days by presenting a balanced budget to Congress, which passed both chambers with 70% of support from its members.

Meanwhile, Congressman Badgate - who improbably unseated TX-24 Republican Rep. Kenny Marchant in 2016 - is appointed Senator by Governor Julian Castro, elected in 2018, after there is outcry that the Governor may appoint his own brother. Senator Badgate replaced John Cornyn after his sudden death. Due to Texas' lax appointment laws, Senator Badgate does not have to face the statewide voters until 2026.

Senator Badgate declines to run in 2024, and endorses Governor Julian Castro. Two days after the Democratic National Convention, however, Governor Castro suffers an aneurism and dies. Vice Presidential candidate Senator Alison Grimes declines to take the top of the ticket. After two days of emergency voting online by the delegates of the DNC, Senator Badgate is improbably nominated. Because why not! Senator Badgate convinces Grimes to stay on the ticket, but many Americans who were undecided flock to President Jefferson because they know him.

The debates were considered to be quality discussions of policy, but the President was clearly the better politician on the debate stage. Senator Badgate is considered to have won the town hall debate, but disappointed in the final debate on foreign policy. As election day approaches, President Jefferson has gained more support by opening up on his second term agenda...

Texas Senator Badgate / Kentucky Senator Alison Lundergan Grimes - 166
President Jefferson / Vice President Something-Or-Other - 372

ALTERNATE ENDING: In 2023, crisis erupts in Taiwan and President Jefferson digs his heels in too far. A trade war is initiated by China, decimating America's economy and putting 19.5 million Americans unemployed by August 2024. Even still, toxically unpopular President Jefferson looks like he may pull out victory because of Senator Badgate's low name recognition before the debates.

Texas Senator Badgate / Kentucky Senator Alison L. Grimes - 279
President Jefferson / Vice President Mary Cheney - 259