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Question: What should I do with Al Franken's sexual harrasement scandal
#1
Use the scandal, have him win re-election
#2
Use the scandal, have him lose re-election
#3
Use the scandal, have him retire
#4
Use the scandal, have him resign before the election
#5
Don't use the scandal
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Author Topic: Shooting Stars  (Read 11054 times)
NewYorkExpress
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« on: May 17, 2017, 05:01:40 PM »
« edited: May 17, 2017, 07:12:03 PM by NewYorkExpress »

Democrats were energized following special election victories in Montana and Georgia, and looked ahead to both the off-year elections in 2017, and the midterm elections in 2018, where they looked to take back the House, and maintain their seats in the Senate, where the math did not favor them.

New Jersey

With Governor Chris Christie historically unpopular (a Siena poll taken between October 19 and October 21 had his approval rating at 9-70), Democrats felt certain they could pick up the Governor's Mansion. They had a competitive three-way primary, which former Ambassador to Germany Phil Murphy won by a narrow margin. He then selected his primary rival, and longtime State Senator Ray Lesniak as his running mate.

Republicans also had a contested primary, and State Assemblyman Jack Ciaterelli, was able to ride the anti-Christie momentum to a narrow victory over Lieutenant Governor Kim Guagdano. Ciatterelli then selected former State Assemblyman Larry Chatzidikas as his running mate.

While it was harder to tie Ciaterelli to Christie, Murphy was able to do it and Chatzidakis's rust on the campaign trail (He hadn't run for re-election since 2005). Murphy also dominated the debates, leading to a easy 57-41 victory for the Democratic ticket.

Virginia

Governor Terry McAuliffe was term-limited, and popular (a PPP poll taken between October 15 and October 18 showed his approval at 57-39), plus the state's rapidly changing demographics led to an expected Democratic advantage. They had a contested primary, with Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam narrowly defeating former Congressman Tom Perriello.

On the Republican side, former RNC chairman Ed Gillespie easily defeated his opposition (including State Senator Frank Wagner, whose seat Democrats managed to pick up, forcing a twenty-twenty tie in the State Senate- they also won Lieutenant Governor's race behind Political Consultant Susan Platt).

With President Trump's unpopularity (the same PPP poll had his approval at 36-54), and McAuliffe's popularity, Northam was easily able to defeat Gillespie 55-42.

Alabama

With Jeff Sessions's appointment as Attorney General, a new Senator was needed. However, the manner of appointing the new incumbent Luther Strange, other Republicans chomping at the bit to challenge him. Strange didn't even make the runoff, as the crowded Republican Primary left the Controversial Judge Roy Moore, and Congressman Mo Brooks duking it out. Brooks ended up defeating Moore by a modest margin in the September runoff.

Democrats thought they might put a scare into Republicans, especially if Strange or Moore were the nominee. However, their nominee, former U.S Attorney Doug Jones, was not a particularly strong candidate, and while he emerged from the Primary without facing a runoff, he was facing the least damaging candidate to the Republican's hopes in Brooks, who emerged with 58-42 victory in the December general.
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2017, 08:12:35 PM »
« Edited: May 29, 2017, 08:13:02 PM by NewYorkExpress »

November 2017

President Trump's nominee for FBI Director, former NYPD Commissoner Raymond Kelly was confirmed by the Senate 51-49 (Heitkamp voted with Republicans, while Paul voted with Democrats) on November 16. A reconciled version of the AHCA passed the House on November 15 by a 225-207 vote, and passed the Senate on November 28 despite a veto threat from President Trump over how much to cut from Medicaid and Medicare (Trump wanted to cut a combined $185 million, House and Senate Republicans wanted to cut a combined $375 million) by a 53-47 vote (Manchin, Heitkamp and Donnelly voted with the Republicans). Trump vetoed the bill on November 29, and the House and Senate both failed to override (200-231 in the House, and 51-48 in the Senate (With Manchin and Donnelly now voting with the Democrats), the next day.

In Foreign Policy news, North Korea conducted another Nuclear Test, this time in Onsong County on November 20. President Trump announced new sanctions against North Korea, as well as against Chinese businesses and entities helping North Korea evade sanctions, two days later.

In Other News, Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, while Rafael Nadal won the ATP World Tour Finals.
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2017, 04:51:45 PM »

December 2016

The big story of the month was Jeremy Corbyn's resignation as British Labor Party leader (and Opposition Leader) on December 5, following the party's landslide defeat in the June early elections, which caused the Conservatives to climb to 418 seats in Parliment. He was replaced in both roles by former Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper at the next leadership election on December 20.

In other major news, CBS announced that the Spring season of The Amazing Race, it's 31st would be it's last, following record low ratings for season thirty, and after years of waiting former President Obama finally appeared on the Simpsons (as did Michelle).
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The Other Castro
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« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2017, 05:11:43 PM »

Video mascot sponsor suggestion for this TL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynslyx0G0Vs
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2017, 10:23:58 PM »


Cute.
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Gass3268
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« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2017, 02:07:52 PM »

I would be shocked if any Democrat voted for ACHA.
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2017, 03:22:32 PM »

I would be shocked if any Democrat voted for ACHA.

Well, Trump is popular in West Virginia and North Dakota ITL... and as for Donnelly, this would hurt him in a primary, if someone ran against him.
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Hoosier_Nick
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« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2017, 10:20:07 PM »

Donnelly would never vote for the AHCA... He's made defending the ACA/Medicare/Medicade a central point of his campaign and frequently mentions it in speeches.
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2017, 10:46:23 PM »
« Edited: May 26, 2017, 09:14:21 AM by NewYorkExpress »

January 2018

On January 6, Ruth Bader Ginsberg announced she would retire from the Supreme Court citing health concerns. President Trump nominated Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, on January 16 a move that infuriated many conservatives, largely because Sandoval was pro civil-union marriage and pro-choice, both positions which were anathema to the Republican base. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Sandoval by a 11-9 vote (Ted Cruz Voted With the Democrats, while Dianne Feinstein voted with Republicans) on January 23. On January 29 The full Senate voted 53-47 to reject Sandoval's nomination (Cruz, Perdue, Moran, Brooks and Boozman all voting with the Democrats), leading to a major defeat for the President.

President Trump also had a misadventure in Foreign Policy, as he got into a Twitter feud with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over his (Trump's) beliefs that Japan should have nuclear weapons... among the more priceless comments were Trump calling Abe a "Hideki Tojo wannabe" and Abe's tweet calling Trump an "orange cancer on our society".

In Israel the Shas Party withdrew from the coalition government over Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed peace overtures to the United Arab Emirates (which were rebuffed by the country in question), forcing an election for later in the year.

In more mundane news, the College Football playoff was won by the USC Trojans, who defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 21-19, handing Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban a second straight championship loss. In Tennis, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki won the Australian Open (The latter upsetting Serena Williams in the final). Venus Williams announced the US Open, to be held at the end of August, would be her last tournament, causing an outpouring of love from the tennis community.
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #9 on: May 19, 2017, 10:47:46 PM »
« Edited: May 20, 2017, 09:35:28 AM by NewYorkExpress »

Donnelly would never vote for the AHCA... He's made defending the ACA/Medicare/Medicade a central point of his campaign and frequently mentions it in speeches.

Clearly he didn't read the reconciled version of the bill... seriously though , he's certainly open to Primary challenge now.
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America Needs R'hllor
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« Reply #10 on: May 20, 2017, 02:37:38 AM »

January 2018

On January 6, Ruth Bader Ginsberg announced she would retire from the Supreme Court citing health concerns. President Trump nominated Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, on January 16 a move that infuriated many conservatives, largely because Sandoval was pro civil-union marriage and pro-choice, both positions which were anathema to the Republican base. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Sandoval by a 11-9 vote (Ted Cruz Voted With the Democrats, while Dianne Feinstein voted with Republicans) on January 23. On January 29 The full Senate voted 53-48 to reject Sandoval's nomination (Cruz, Perdue, Moran, Brooks and Boozman all voting with the Democrats), leading to a major defeat for the President.

President Trump also had a misadventure in Foreign Policy, as he got into a Twitter feud with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over his (Trump's) beliefs that Japan should have nuclear weapons... among the more priceless comments were Trump calling Abe a "Hideki Tojo wannabe" and Abe's tweet calling Trump an "orange cancer on our society".

In Israel the Shas Party withdrew from the coalition government over Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed peace overtures to the United Arab Emirates (which were rebuffed by the country in question), forcing an election for later in the year.

In more mundane news, the College Football playoff was won by the USC Trojans, who defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 21-19, handing Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban a second straight championship loss. In Tennis, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki won the Australian Open (The latter upsetting Serena Williams in the final). Venus Williams announced the US Open, to be held at the end of August, would be her last tournament, causing an outpouring of love from the tennis community.

Shas isn't a right wing party, they would never do that. They would only withdraw because of something to do with breaking a religious law, such as maintenance works in Shabbat. Tge Jewish Home, on the other hand, could withdraw because of attempts for peace but probably wouldn't in the scenario you presented- no one really opposes making peace with gulf countries.
But otherwise, great timeline!
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #11 on: May 20, 2017, 09:46:28 AM »

January 2018

On January 6, Ruth Bader Ginsberg announced she would retire from the Supreme Court citing health concerns. President Trump nominated Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, on January 16 a move that infuriated many conservatives, largely because Sandoval was pro civil-union marriage and pro-choice, both positions which were anathema to the Republican base. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Sandoval by a 11-9 vote (Ted Cruz Voted With the Democrats, while Dianne Feinstein voted with Republicans) on January 23. On January 29 The full Senate voted 53-48 to reject Sandoval's nomination (Cruz, Perdue, Moran, Brooks and Boozman all voting with the Democrats), leading to a major defeat for the President.

President Trump also had a misadventure in Foreign Policy, as he got into a Twitter feud with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over his (Trump's) beliefs that Japan should have nuclear weapons... among the more priceless comments were Trump calling Abe a "Hideki Tojo wannabe" and Abe's tweet calling Trump an "orange cancer on our society".

In Israel the Shas Party withdrew from the coalition government over Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed peace overtures to the United Arab Emirates (which were rebuffed by the country in question), forcing an election for later in the year.

In more mundane news, the College Football playoff was won by the USC Trojans, who defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 21-19, handing Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban a second straight championship loss. In Tennis, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki won the Australian Open (The latter upsetting Serena Williams in the final). Venus Williams announced the US Open, to be held at the end of August, would be her last tournament, causing an outpouring of love from the tennis community.

Shas isn't a right wing party, they would never do that. They would only withdraw because of something to do with breaking a religious law, such as maintenance works in Shabbat. Tge Jewish Home, on the other hand, could withdraw because of attempts for peace but probably wouldn't in the scenario you presented- no one really opposes making peace with gulf countries.
But otherwise, great timeline!

There was more to it than that... And in any event the UAE was making some rather outrageous demands Netanyahu was unwilling to pay, which was why the deal never made it passed the "are you interested" stage.
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #12 on: May 20, 2017, 11:07:41 AM »
« Edited: May 20, 2017, 07:01:35 PM by NewYorkExpress »

February 2018

Following the rejection of Brian Sandoval to the Supreme Court seat occupied by the retiring Ruth Bader Ginsberg, President Trump tried again, nominating Diane Sykes on February 4. Conservatives were much more pleased with this nomination, as Sykes had a reliable conservative record as a member of the US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by an 11-9 vote on February 12, and was confirmed by the full Senate 52-47 on February 26 (Menendez did not vote, he was in court). Sykes would not be sworn in however, until early March.

In other news the Election Hacking/Collusion investigation took on new life, as Paul Manafort, Kellyanne Conway and Stephen Bannon were subpoenaed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Trump ordered Deputy US Attorney Rod Rosenstein to fire Mueller, and after three days (February 11-14) Rosenstein caved (after Trump made it clear Rosenstein's family would have "huge problems"- a taped conversation that didn't come out until after Trump's death). The Senate Inteligence committee and House Oversight Committee both subpoenaed Manafort, Bannon and Conway, on February 16 (Bannon refused to attend any hearing and would subsequently be charged with Contempt of Congress).

Film buffs around the world cried when Dame Judi Dench announced her macular degeneration was too severe to continue acting.

In sports, the Super Bowl was won by the Dallas Cowboys, who defeated the New England Patriots 20-17. Billy Joel was the performer for the halftime show...and did well, according to most observers, with the primary complaint being the length of the show, as opposed to the quality (it ran almost forty minutes, as opposed to the usual thirty or so).
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #13 on: May 20, 2017, 08:19:12 PM »

March 2018

Israel held its snap election on March 14, with Likud, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gaining seven seats in the Knesset, increasing their total to 37, and forming a coalition with Israel Beitneau's 13 seats, The Jewish Home's 6 and United Torah Judaism's 6 seats for a total of sixty-two in his coalition government. Among the notable names in Netanyahu's new cabinet were Avigdor Lieberman as Foreign Minister (for the third time), and former IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz.

In American news, Bernie Sanders disappointed Progressives by issuing a Shermanesque statement, stating he would not run for President in 2020, claiming he was "too darn old". He suggested Keith Ellison or Elizabeth Warren instead. Ellison denied he was interested, Warren issued a non-denial, stating only that she was "interested in winning re-election first".

Bob Menendez was convicted on multiple corruption charges on March 25, and subsequently resigned his seat. With an election upcoming and the primary having not been held yet (The primary wasn't to be held for several months), Governor Murphy appointed former Senator Robert Torrecelli to the seat, who quickly announced he would not enter the primary (several other Democrats were interested, however). Menendez was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison in early May.

A major snowstorm left almost thirty inches of snow in New York City(and thirty-four inches in Boston) between March 7 and March 8, leaving cars stranded for almost ten days, planes grounded for six days, and Mayors Bill De Blasio and Marty Walsh under heavy fire for lack of preparedness. President Trump also came under fire, as FEMA yet again, botched the response to the storm, and the recovery (power wasn't turned on in parts of Long Island and Cape Cod until Mid-April).

The Winter Olympics, after being delayed for a week due to overly mild weather (over 65 Fahrenheit), finally concluded on March 1 with Canada and China tying for the most medals at 39 apiece (Canada had 20 gold, including the important Men's Hockey, China had 11 gold including all four figure skating medals).
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NewYorkExpress
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« Reply #14 on: May 21, 2017, 03:16:20 PM »

April 2018

On April 24, Alabama's 5th Congressional District held its special election to replace Mo Brooks, who had been elected to the Senate in December. State Representative Phil Williams (who defeated three minor opponents in the March 6 Republican primary without needing a runoff-one would would have been scheduled for April 3 if needed) defeated the Democratic nominee, former State Representative Greg Burdine in a surprisingly close 50-48 result, owing largely to a strong campaign by Burdine, and Williams declaring he would vote for impeachment of President Trump if it came up (Trumps approval ratings in the district were 57-40 according to a Rasmussen internal for Williams, while a PPP internal for Burdine showed Trumps approval ratings in the district at 49-40).

The Russian Presidential Elections, having previously been scheduled for March 18, due to massive protests in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Archangelsk regarding the government's rule (which saw three people killed and thirteen thousand arrested), were moved to April 13. President Vladimir Putin won a second term by an uncomfortably close 53-38 margin over his closest competitor Oleg Smolin , a Duma deputy of the Communist Party. Protests again broke out across Russia over what was perceived, once again as a rigged election (except in Crimea) leading to another forty-five killed across the country, and twenty-nine thousand arrested. The European Union (and Great Britain, which was still trying to leave) added new sanctions, and while both U.N Ambassador Haley and Secretary of State Tillerson sharply critiqued Putin (Haley calling him a "butcher" in a session of the U.N Security Council, where she introduced a motion to strip Russia of its permanent membership and veto power- Both Russia and China vetoed the motion, and Kazakhstan, Morocco and Belarus also voted against the motion). Trump however, refused to criticize Putin, or add sanctions from the United States.

The Kentucky Wildcats won the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, defeating the Arizona Wildcats 71-67 in the finals, while in the Women's Tournament the Connecticut Huskies defeated the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks 87-79, for Head Coach Geno Auriemma's twelfth national title.

In Golf, Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament (the first of the four majors), completing the career Grand Slam (he already the U.S Open in 2011, the Open Championship in 2014, and the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014), and marking his fifth major.
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« Reply #15 on: May 21, 2017, 03:56:08 PM »

March 2018

Israel held its snap election on March 14, with Likud, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gaining seven seats in the Knesset, increasing their total to 37, and forming a coalition with Israel Beitneau's 13 seats, The Jewish Home's 6 and United Torah Judaism's 6 seats for a total of sixty-two in his coalition government. Among the notable names in Netanyahu's new cabinet were Avigdor Lieberman as Foreign Minister (for the third time), and former IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz.

In American news, Bernie Sanders disappointed Progressives by issuing a Shermanesque statement, stating he would not run for President in 2020, claiming he was "too darn old". He suggested Keith Ellison or Elizabeth Warren instead. Ellison denied he was interested, Warren issued a non-denial, stating only that she was "interested in winning re-election first".

Bob Menendez was convicted on multiple corruption charges on March 25, and subsequently resigned his seat. With an election upcoming and the primary having not been held yet (The primary wasn't to be held for several months), Governor Murphy appointed former Senator Robert Torrecelli to the seat, who quickly announced he would not enter the primary (several other Democrats were interested, however). Menendez was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison in early May.

A major snowstorm left almost thirty inches of snow in New York City(and thirty-four inches in Boston) between March 7 and March 8, leaving cars stranded for almost ten days, planes grounded for six days, and Mayors Bill De Blasio and Marty Walsh under heavy fire for lack of preparedness. President Trump also came under fire, as FEMA yet again, botched the response to the storm, and the recovery (power wasn't turned on in parts of Long Island and Cape Cod until Mid-April).

The Winter Olympics, after being delayed for a week due to overly mild weather (over 65 Fahrenheit), finally concluded on March 1 with Canada and China tying for the most medals at 39 apiece (Canada had 20 gold, including the important Men's Hockey, China had 11 gold including all four figure skating medals).

Aaaand Israeli democracy is dead Sad
But intriguing timekine, I'm curious to see what happens with the Trump investigation.
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« Reply #16 on: May 22, 2017, 07:38:17 PM »
« Edited: June 29, 2017, 07:44:01 PM by NewYorkExpress »

May 2018

Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe died of natural causes on May 3 at the age of 95. His successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa quickly faced protests over his (and Mugabe's) ZANU-PF Party's continued rule in Harare, Bulawayo and Chitungwiza on May 6 (The same day as Mugabe's wake), and Harare, Mutare, Gweru, Kwekwe and Kadoma on May 10 (one day after Mugabe's funeral) leaving a total of 2,087 dead, and 15,098 injured between the two days. The African Union condemmed the attacks (with the exceptions of Malawi and Angola), as did the European Union, while the U.N Security Council imposed sanctions (with only Ethiopia voting against the sanctions package), and President Trump added sanctions from the United States, raising eyebrows, as he continued to refuse to do so in regards to Russia.


The Italian Elections, occurred on May 11. Paolo Gentolini's Democratic Party lost one seat in Parliament (specifically the Chamber of Deputies- they gained seven seats in the Senate increasing their numbers to 106 seats), reducing them to 283 seats. They quickly made a coalition with the Democrats and Progressives 18 seats, Italian Left's 12 seats, Progressive Camp's 2 seats and the Italian Socialists's 2 seats for a total of 317 seats out of 630- a narrow majority. Gentolini quickly built his new cabinet, headlined by returning Defense Minister Roberta Pinotta, Former Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema as Foreign Affairs Minister, and former Prime Minister Mauro Monti as Minister of Economy and Finances.

In the United States, a tax bill was introduced in the House on May 1 by Vern Buchanan (and co-sponsored by Lee Zeldin, Dan Donovan, Ralph Norman and Kay Granger), which cut corporate tax rates by 45%, individual tax rates on the top ten percent of earners by 25%, individual tax rates on the bottom ninety percent of earners by 20%, cut the taxes on carried interest by 15%, and cut the IRS's budget by 35%. The omnibus bill passed the House 217-195 on May 18 (Barbara Comstock voted with the Democrats), but with few changes in the Senate, ran into a wall of trouble. While Democrats did not filibuster the legislation (several Republicans were weighing "no" votes), they were united against the package, and despite President Trump's support, the Senate rejected the package 51-48 (Moore Capito, Heller and Murkowski voted no, while Isakson was not present).

Kellyanne Conway and Paul Manafort testified before the House Intelligence Committee on May 9, and the Senate Intelligence Committee on May 13 and May 14. Both confirmed several key figures in the campaign, such as Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions and Michael Flynn were aware of and in Bannon and Sessions' case encouraged the Russian interference. The most damaging information came out, however in the Senate hearing, when Conway stated that President Trump was "aware" of Russia's successful attempts to give him the election. Trump retaliated by firing Conway on May 15, and tapping Hope Hicks to replace her. Still, House Republicans, especially Paul Ryan would not commit to impeachment, while more Democrats (including for the first time party leaders in Jim Clyburn, Tammy Baldwin and Elizabeth Warren) called for Trump's impeachment. John Lewis went a step further calling for Vice-President Pence's impeachment stating "If Trump was aware, than Pence must have been too".

In Auto Racing, Heilo Castroneves won his fourth Indianapolis 500, by a convincing margin over Marco Andretti (Three car-lengths).
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« Reply #17 on: May 23, 2017, 09:37:13 PM »

June 2018

The Syrian Democratic Forces captured Raqqa on June 13  from ISIS/L following a six month campaign which left 3,900 soldiers, 14,075 ISIS/L fighters, and a total of 61,056 civilians dead. ISIS/L leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was killed in a American Airstrike early on the evening of June 12, causing a brief success for President Trump. However, this success was blunted by the myriad of scandals President Trump faced at home and abroad. Still his national approval ratings made a climb from 31-44 in a late May PPP poll, to 38-44 in a late June PPP poll.

In the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte resigned on June 20 following revelations that he had taken bribes from a Yakuza Kumicho (boss) on a trip to Japan. The new President, Leni Robredo pardoned Duterte on June 25, causing some protests in Manila (though not many, as Duterte was still popular, with approval ratings at 62-27 according to YouGov).

In Tennis, Rafael Nadal won the French Open, while on the Women's side Garbine Muguzura won her second French Open (and second major), defeating Serena Williams for the second time in two major finals.

In Golf, Jason Day won the U.S Open for his third major (after the 2015 PGA Championship and 2017 Open Championship), defeating Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff. Meanwhile Tiger Woods, citing continued pain in his back, announced his retirement from professional golf, despite having not played in a tournament since the November 2017 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai (part of the European Tour).


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« Reply #18 on: May 24, 2017, 09:47:40 AM »
« Edited: May 24, 2017, 07:41:33 PM by NewYorkExpress »

July 2018

The Japanese General Elections was held on July 21. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Liberal Democratic Party gained 23 seats in the Diet (the lower house of the Japanese Parliament), increasing his party's number of seats to 304. Abe mostly appointed the same ministers for his new cabinet, with his only change being Bummei Ibuki (who had been Sports, Culture, Education and Technology minister in Abe's first cabinet, all the way back in 2006) as minister of Finance (his second time, he had briefly served in that position in 2008), replacing Taro Aso, who was retiring from the Diet to serve as a political commentator on the Nippon News Network-which some thought was demeaning for a former Prime Minister).

The Mexican General Elections were also held on July 1. Secretary of Agrarian Land, Urban Development Rosario Robles of the Party of the Democratic Revolution won with 23% of the vote against a heavily fractured field, for a six year term. At the Same Time the Senate at Chamber of Deputies were both up for election, with the National Action Party winning a total of 61 seats to become the largest party in the Senate, and won the most seats in the Chamber of Deputies with 199 (their closest opponents, the Institutional Revolutionary Party won 135) seats.

North Korea once again called a diplomatic crisis by sinking a British cargo ship in the Sea of Japan on July 13, killing nine, and kidnapping seven survivors, putting them in work camps. Kim Jong-Un refused to negotiate with the British, and Prime Minister May responded by begging China to help depose Kim. Xi Jinping, however was not interested, fearing U.S and South Korean troops on his country's border.

In Domestic News, RNC chairperson Ronna Romney McDaniel resigned as RNC chairwoman following a low fundraising haul of $8.9 million in the Third Quarter. President Trump recommended former Congressman Mark Neumann (R-WI) as the new chairman, and the RNC voted him in as chairman on the second ballot, defeating Maria Cino and Cynthia Dunbar.

In Tennis, Roger Federer and Serena Williams won the Men's and Women's Wimbledon title's respectively.

In Golf, Jordan Speith won the Open Championship by seven shots over Jason Day.
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« Reply #19 on: May 25, 2017, 05:01:11 PM »
« Edited: May 26, 2017, 02:40:43 PM by NewYorkExpress »

August 2018

UN Ambassador Nikki Haley resigned, citing differences over policy regarding Russia with President Trump on August 7, and stoking speculation that she would challenge the President (or possibly, judging by opinion polls, and the mood of the Senate, a President Pence) in 2020. Trump nominated former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on August 18. Giuliani passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on August 22 by an 10-9 vote (Paul voted with Democrats, Markey was not present), and cleared the Senate by a 50-50 vote with Pence breaking the tie (Manchin, Nelson and Heitkamp voting with Republicans, Paul, Heller and Flake voting with the Democrats).

In New York, following a multi-year string of gang shootings on Long Island, mostly by MS-13, Governor Cuomo called the Legislature back into session to pass an anti-gang bill. The bill, which increased the penalties for belonging in a criminal organization such as MS-13 to a class B felony, and made the owning of "gang tattoos" a class A misdemeanor. While the ACLU protested the bill, and threatened to sue, the State Assembly passed the bill 88-50 on August 20, and the State Senate did so as well on August 23, 33-31.

In Baseball, Washington Nationals Outfielder Bryce Harper signed the richest contract in Major League Baseball history, an eleven year $333 million extension, with an opt-out after five years that would keep him in Washington through 2030 (unless he opted out after the 2024 season).

Brazil became the first FIFA World Cup winner in many years to promptly replace their coach, Tite, who left to coach Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimnares. He was promptly replaced by a non-Brazilian coach, Jurgen Klinsmann (last seen coaching the US National Team), which caused protests amongst soccer fans in Brazil, including angry letters to the head of the Brazilian Soccer Federation Marco Polo Del Nero.

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« Reply #20 on: May 26, 2017, 03:53:41 PM »

September 2018
 
A suicide bombing took place on September 6 at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, after a Lady Gaga concert, killing 41 and wounding 208. While ISIS/L's new leadership, under Abu Fatima al Jaheshi (who had escaped death at both Mosul-which fell in July 2017 and Raqqa, and was now in the terror group/shrinking Islamic State's new capital of Mayadin, Syria) claimed the attack quickly, Indian Prime Minister Naendra Modi blamed Pakistan, a charge which both Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the head of the ISI Naveed Mukhtar, both denied

Congressman Rob Quist got into hot water after a polling company who was doing internal polls for him (and multiple State Senate candidates in Montana), was indicted by the U.S Attorney for the District of Montana on the charges of defrauding Quist (and three other Democrats in the State Senate), by publishing and charging for non-existent internal polls, using checks from the campaigns on personal expenses, including Maserati's, trips to Glacier National Park, and entries into the World Series of Poker Main Event, a total expenditure of $875,050 pilfered. Quist who was trailing his opponent in the polls, was forced to answer some tough questions about his trust in the pollster.

The Senate Intelligence Committee subpoenaed Vice-President Pence to answer questions on President Trump's (and his own) ties to Russia on August 4, and Pence appeared on August 10, and promptly plead the fifth. Also appearing at this hearing was Corey Lewandowski who stated "Russia was helping Trump as far back January 2016", and former Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, who stated "there was no doubt Putin wanted Trump to win".
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« Reply #21 on: May 27, 2017, 09:34:07 AM »

Late October/Early November 2018

On October 15, President Trump (or Pence) got his first challenger, as former Senator Tom Daschle announced his bid for the White House from Pierre, South Dakota. Daschle, who was expected to be the oldest candidate in the field at 72 by the Iowa Caucus (Elizabeth Warren, who had yet to announce a run, would be 70 by the caucus, for example), was in the middle of the pack in Iowa (just behind Kirsten Gillibrand, and ahead of Cory Booker) and near the back in both New Hampshire and South Carolina (there had been no Presidential polling done of Nevada to this point, so no one had any clue what polling was like there).  Daschle's nomination speech accused President Trump of "treason" and called for single-payer health care, and a "parting of the ways" with Saudi Arabia.

Democrats led in the generic ballot (by as much as 50-41), but despite high hopes of taking back the House, they knew the best they could hope for was minimal losses in the Senate, due to the map advantage the Republicans had (most of the seats up were in states Trump won).
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« Reply #22 on: May 27, 2017, 10:13:52 AM »

Looking good!
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« Reply #23 on: May 27, 2017, 12:37:49 PM »
« Edited: September 12, 2017, 11:35:46 AM by NewYorkExpress »

2018 Midterm Elections-Part One

North Carolina

While the Tar Heel State had no Gubernatorial or Senate races on the ballot, there was a full slate of Congressional races. Most were expected to be uncompetitive, however. one stood out, as Walter Jones's tenure of defying House leadership was ended in the primary by Pamlico County Commissioner Paul Delamar III 53-44. Delamar then defeated a weak Democrat 60-33 in the General Election.

Kentucky

The Bluegrass State also had no Senate or Gubernatorial elections atop the ballot, but Democrats were eager to prove they weren't completely out of it here yet. National and Statewide Democrats targeted Andy Barr, however their first choice, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray (last seen losing statewide to Rand Paul in 2016), declined to run. Democrats settled for State Representative Derrick Graham, who quickly cleared the field of Primary opposition and ultimately defeated Barr 50-49 in one of the closest races in the country, for a key Democratic pickup.

Republicans for their part, targeted John Yarmuth early, despite the districts demographics not favoring them (they had to try to pick up seats somewhere), and recruited Louisville Metro Councilwoman Julie Denton to challenge him. Despite early polls which showed the race within ten points (mostly Denton internals), Yarmuth pulled away as Trump's scandals got even worse, and National Republicans triaged the race in late August. Yarmuth won 57-39, his lowest margin of victory since 2010.

Louisiana

Louisiana also did not have a Senate seat or Gubernatorial seat up for grabs, and no one expected its six House seats to be competitive. However, like in Eric Cantor in 2014, Steve Scalise's position in House Republican Leadership (He was Majority Whip), left him open to a primary challenge from his right, in this case Tangihopa Parish Councilman David Vial. Unlike Cantor, Scalise defeated Vial in both the in jungle primary 45-32 and the runoff 53-47.
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« Reply #24 on: May 27, 2017, 03:49:39 PM »
« Edited: May 27, 2017, 05:28:46 PM by NewYorkExpress »

2018 Midterm Elections-Part Two

New Jersey

There was a Senate Election on the ballot, and Bob Menendez's scandals had already drawn primary challengers, and strong Republican opponents. His resignation changed nothing, especially when the appointed Senator, Robert Torricelli announced he would not run. Democrats nominated former Congressman Rush Holt, who defeated State Senator (and former Governor) Richard Codey, and former Congressman Rob Andrews 43-29-25 in that order. Republicans also had a competitive primary, with State Assemblyman Jon Brammick defeating former Senator Jeffery Chisea 49-45. In the General Election former Governor Christie's continued unpopularity (his approval ratings were up to "only" 23-58 according to Quinnipiac), and Menendez's scandals weighed on the race, to make it one of the closer Senate races in the nation. However, the Democratic lean of the state, plus the anti-Trump feeling led to a 50-47 Holt victory-a Democratic hold.

Democrats had multiple targets amongst New Jersey's Congressmen. Frank LoBiondo faced Gloucester Township Mayor (and former State Assemblyman) David Mayer in a race that set a spending record for the district. LoBiondo lost 48-47, for another Democratic gain.  

Tom McArthur meanwhile, contemplated a Senate bid before passing, and ended up facing former Burlington County Freeholder Aimee Belgard, who had been the nominee in 2014. This time Belgard was able to pick up the seat for the Democrats by 50-48 margin, largely by stressing McArthur's work on two separate versions of the AHCA act.

The third of the Democrat's targets, Leonard Lance, saw his opponent become Franklin Township Mayor Phillip Kramer after a contested primary, which Kramer won with 56% of the vote against four opponents. Like LoBiondo's race, this race set an expenditure record for the district, and resulted in another Democratic gain, as Kramer defeated Lance 51-46.

The fourth and final Democratic target was Rodney Frelinghuysen. He faced Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark after a contested primary (Kazmark had entered the race three days before the filing deadline, and ultimately won with 49% of the vote against three opponents). While Trump was unpopular, the Frelinghuysen name was still golden in New Jersey, and many thought it would be an upset if the incumbent lost. However, on election night, Democrats gained a fourth seat, as Kazmark won 49-46.

Republicans for their part, targeted Josh Gottheimer. After successfully persuading the controversial Scott Garrett not to run a rematch (though it took until December 2017), Republicans nominated State Assemblyman Robert Auth without opposition. Despite Trump's unpopularity, Auth was able to keep it close, however he was unable to seal the deal, and Gottheimer held the seat for Democrats 50-45.


New Hampshire

New Hampshire elects its Governors to two year terms, which meant Chris Sununu was up again for a second term. He dodged a primary challenge, while Democrats had a primary fight between former Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand (last seen running for Governor in 2016) and Attorney General Joseph Foster, which Marchand won 51-48 in a minor upset. Sununu was in hot water for pardoning a man convicted of pistol whipping his wife, who'd gone on to murder her two weeks after the pardon (he'd pled guilty to that charge, and received a sentence of life in prison), and for going on record opposing U.S aid to Muslim countries, calling them "savages" in a mid-July rally. Marchand picked up the Governor's mansion for Democrats 54-43.

Republicans thought they could beat both Carol Shea-Porter and Ann McLane Kuster. Against Kuster, they ran Claremont City Councilor Bruce Temple, however the race was triaged in September and Kuster was able to hold the seat by a convincing 55-43 margin. Against Shea Porter, their nominee was Dover City Councilman Jason Gagnon, who vanquished Eddie Edwards in the primary, fending of charges he (Gagnon) was not a real Republican in the process. The race was close, however Shea-Porter rode the anti-Trump/Sununu mood to 49-47 victory.

Indiana

There was a key Senate race atop the ballot here. Progressives (and Democrats in general) were angry with Joe Donnelly for his vote in favor of AHCA the previous November, and targeted him for defeat. He faced Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and Indianapolis City-County Councilwoman Christine Scales in the primary. Donnelly hoped a divided field would allow him to win, however it was not to be, as Scales won with 38% to 34% for Donnelly and 26% for Freeman-Wilson.  Republicans also had a contested primary battle, as Congressman Todd Rokita, Former Congressman Marlin Stutzman and State Senator Mike Delph dueled for a likely pickup. Rokita ultimately won the Primary with 44% of the vote to 30% for Stutzman and 23% for Delph. Democrats quickly triaged the seat in November, as they had so many defend (they likely going to with Donnelly as the nominee anyway, as polls showed him down by as much as 50-39 to Rokita, 47-40 to Stutzman, and 48-42 to Delph), and Rokita gave the Republicans their first gain in the Senate with a 58-40 victory.

Democrats actually put up a fight in multiple House Districts in Indiana. First was the seat being vacated by Todd Rokita. Democrats nominated Kokomo Common Councilman Robert Hayes, while Republicans saw former Congressman Steve Buyer seek a return, and clear out the field. Despite criticism for being a tobacco lobbyist, Buyer defeated Hayes 57-41, the closest race in the district in decades.

The Other seat Democrats (with half an eye on it) attempted to target belonged to Susan Brooks. She faced Marion Mayor Jess Alumbaugh. Democrats put more effort here than they did against Buyer, but Brooks ended up holding the seat 56-43, her closest race ever, and the districts closest since 2012 (Brooks' initial election to Congress).

Vermont

With Bernie Sanders having essentially taken himself out of the Presidential race, all eyes were on who he might endorse (and he was playing coy about that, for most part, only talking up Elizabeth Warren, Keith Ellison, and to a lesser extent Kirsten Gillibrand). However he was also up for re-election, and despite speculation he might retire, he filed to run for re-election, stating he "was committed to changing American lives". For the first time he filed to run as a Democrat, stating that "this is my party now", and faced no primary opposition. Republicans, meanwhile, nominated former Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie, a surprisingly strong candidate to face Sanders, as they wanted to stop cold his growing national influence. Despite the race gaining national attention, mainly because Sanders had a serious challenger for the first time, Dubie faced an uphill battle, especially in an anti-Trump midterm and ultimately lost 57-40.

Like New Hampshire, Vermont elects its Governor every two years. Phil Scott was relatively popular, however with President Trump so unpopular in-state, many thought he would have to fight to hold on. Speculation that Sue Minter, the Democrats 2016 nominee for Governor, and early front-runner would seek a re-match ultimately came to naught, as she passed on the race. Instead, Democrats turned to State Assemblyman Tristan Toleno as their nominee. Despite rumors that Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman would run for the Republicans, he chose not to, instead running for re-election. The race was tight, but Scott ultimately hung on, and defeated Toleno 50.3.-47.8.

No one realistically thought that Vermont's At-Large Congressional District would be remotely competitive, however Peter Welch announced in October 2017 that he would run for Secretary of State instead (He would win easily), making this an open seat (however no less safe for Democrats, at least according to Stu Rothenberg). Democrats nominated Secretary of State James "Jim" Condos, while Republicans nominated former Auditor Randolph "Randy" Brock. Republicans put no money into the seat, and Condos, who was only expected to serve one or two terms won 60-38.
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