The Yankee Dominion.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Saturday, October 14th, 2017: Trump named #2 spot on AHP list.

NEW YORK, NY: Donald Trump angered members of the American Heritage Party when he preempted the party’s official announcement to reveal on Twitter that he had been chosen for the party list; ranked second only behind the party’s leader Tom Tancredo, Trump’s tweet came hours before the party planned to unveil it’s official list for the 2017 Federal Election. The tweet clearly ruffled feathers inside the party; one American Heritage MP, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told ABS’s Kasie Hunt that he “doesn’t know what the hell Tancredo is doing” with Trump’s selection. Another MP, Virginia’s Ken Cuccinnelli, went public with his criticism of Trump, telling Hunt that Trump’s tweet “shows a clear pattern of impulsive behavior” that “the public has long been aware of.”

In response, Trump slammed Cuccinelli for “holding the party back” before sending a third and final tweet declaring his support for the party’s electoral slogan, “Make America Great Again,” which will also be the title of the party’s manifesto, due out next week. Trump, who has in the past been outspoken in his opposition to illegal immigration and free trade, has previously sought public office in his failed 2009 campaign for Mayor of New York City. The campaign failed; Trump placed third, but the iconic political documentary “The Donald” resulted from the failed effort, launching Trump into the national discourse as one of America’s most outspoken voices.

Party insiders claim Trump will be named the parties finance spokesperson, replacing Rick Santorum, who is expected to stay on as party whip. Deputy Leader Jim Gilchrist, who declined a top slot on the list but is contesting his home constituency of Irvine-Orange, praised Trump as “a transformational figure” for the party and called him “a refreshing breath of fresh air” who will “raise holy hell” in Philadelphia. MP Paul Broun, who defected to the party from the Conservatives in 2014, claimed that “scoring Trump will not only bring Tory voters to our cause – it might bring some Tory MPs.” Outside the American Heritage Party, Trump’s announcement was met with silence in Philadelphia. Only Libertarian MP Ted Cruz expressed support for Trump’s announcement, calling it a victory for “alternative voices” in politics.

Sunday, October 15th, 2017: Jindal lays out the case for Tories on Meet the Press.

PHILADELPHIA, PA: Appearing on ABS's "Meet the Press," Bobby Jindal was interviewed on the state of the country, the recently called election, and the future of the Conservative Party. The transcript is below.

CHUCK TODD: So, Mr. Jindal, your party is within striking distance of the government - in most polls just narrowly trailing the Liberals. There are a number of seats that are being contested by multiple parties. How will the Tories break ahead of the pack?

BOBBY JINDAL: Because the people are tired of the status quo in Philadelphia, Chuck. We've seen little positive change since Prime Minister Shaheen took over from Prime Minister Sanders; the economy is still stagnant, jobs aren't being created, waiting times in the hospitals are getting longer and longer, and more and more regulation and red tape is strangling small businesses at a time when we should be encouraging economic growth.

CHUCK TODD: Of course, memories are still fresh of 2008-2009, and the recession that threatened to become a depression. The Tories were at the helm, and they've been locked out of power since then. Will-

BOBBY JINDAL: Well, no, we gained 51 seats last time around Chuck, which was pretty impressive considering our disadvantaged position. Since I have been elected leader of the Conservative Party, I've worked to revitalize our national infrastructure and reengage voters who have either left the party or have switched their support to the other pro market parties. We made the Conservative Party into a truly conservative party, and I think we'll be united and ready to present a credible alternative to the failed policies of Hillary Clinton, Jeanne Shaheen, and Bernie Sanders.

CHUCK TODD: But that raises the question.....these conservative policies are popular with the Tory base, but....but can you really reach out to swing voters when your party wants to make sweeping, and frankly, unpopular changes to the CommonHealth system and social security?

BOBBY JINDAL: Well, I'd remind you that Prime Minister Bush took very bold steps at the time that have been by and large successful and curbing costs, though due to some...untoward influences in our party -

CHUCK TODD: Prime Minister McCain?

BOBBY JINDAL: -thanks to some voices of the old guard, the plan was basically outright neutered. The Conservatives were returned in 2005 -

CHUCK TODD: Under McCain, who campaigned against such proposals-

BOBBY JINDAL: Well Chuck, McCain critiqued the Ryan Bill in 2005, yet he voted for it, and as Prime Minister he kept it in place, mainly because he knew the base would not stomach him turning back the clock and kicking the can down the road

CHUCK TODD: But....McCain lost. Hillary Clinton defeated him in 2008-

BOBBY JINDAL: Yeah, but-

CHUCK TODD: It was a landslide. 112 seats were lost. Are you sure that you want to take your party into this election on a platform that frankly sounds like a guaranteed loser?

BOBBY JINDAL: Well, it may be a political loser - but I contend that entitlement reforms are a victory for America. Yes, there are going to be some changes, and those changes will effect some people. But our system will be quicker, more efficient, and cost effective. What we are doing is modernizing entitlements, not cutting them.

CHUCK TODD: Well, lets go into some of the details of the Tory plan. You want to cap how many people can partake in the CommonHealth plan. You claim that this will create a larger market for private insurance, therefore driving down costs. How are you going to create competition and how do you think insurance companies will go about lowering premiums?

BOBBY JINDAL: Well, for starters, we're going to act on the Gingrich-Kemp plan from the 1990s. We had a chance to implement it, and Prime Minister Clark decided not to act. This was one of the biggest mistakes we as a party have made, because it allowed for us to get to this point. You can never rely on the Liberals or the Progressive Democrats to be fiscally responsible, but when the Conservatives kick the can down the road, there are severe consequences-

CHUCK TODD: But you didn't really answer my question; explain to some in the audience who might not remember what the Gingrich-Kemp plan was, and how is it similar to your plan.

BOBBY JINDAL: Well, what Newt Gingrich and Jack Kemp, with some help from John Kasich and Brian Mulroney at the time, had proposed a plan that would do two major things, both of which we are proposing with slight alterations to fit the realities of our time. The first change was opening up health insurance sales across state lines. This would have dramatically reduced costs and create real competition. The second plan would restrict CommonHealth to the most vulnerable Americans and the Middle Class, creating a massive influx of wealthier, healthier consumers who can afford their own healthcare.

CHUCK TODD: On to immigration...

[wxtransit]

Great to see this return!

Saturday, October 14th, 2017: Trump named #2 spot on AHP list.

Ahh...it was from this TL.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Monday, October 16th, 2017: Shaheen blasts Jindal on Social Security.

PORTSMOUTH, NH: Prime Minister Jeanne Shaheen hit the ground running in her home riding of New Hampshire, where she kicked off the government's reelection efforts at a large rally alongside Deputy Leader Barack Obama, who confirmed to the press that he will indeed be seeking reelection in his Chicago riding. During her speech to party activists, Shaheen blasted Jindal as "a regressive force" who "wants to take us backwards" to "a time in which women are repressed and working families are left behind" and vowed to "keep fighting for a Commonwealth that works for everyone."

Since taking office in 2013, Prime Minister Shaheen has largely moderated the policies of the preceding Sanders administration. This has made her a hated figure among the increasingly energized grassroots of the Progressive Democratic Party, who are currently the junior partners in a coalition government with the Liberals. Despite the criticisms, Progressive Democratic leader Amy Kloubuchar was defensive about her record when questioned by reporters in Philadelphia. "In 2013, we had a choice" she said, "we could take baby steps forward or run a marathon backwards - our party chose to keep moving America forward."

The Prime Minister is scheduled to campaign with several Liberal candidates in Brooklyn later this afternoon, before travelling onwards tomorrow to North Carolina to address another rally in Charlotte where she is expected to campaign alongside Liberal candidate Deborah Ross, who is challenging Mel Watt for his constituency seat based in the city. Campaigning in Wolfeville*, Tennessee against Liberal incumbent Jim Cooper, Bobby Jindal was unconcerned by the Prime Minister's criticisms. "Her record speaks for itself" Jindal said, "and the voters will see through the whole throw-grandma-off-the-cliff variety of fear mongering that the Liberals and Progressive Democrats have been throwing our way for years.
*In our timeline, this would be Nashville.

Tuesday, October 17th, 2017: Spencer speech draws controversy.

GAINESVILLE, EF: The University of East Florida in Gainesville is under fire for hosting controversial White nationalist leader Richard Spencer. The event attracted heavy protests and sporadic acts of violence as "antifa" groups clashed with pro-Spencer demonstrators. The incident is the latest in a string of controversies as the "alt-right" continues to assert itself around the globe. Earlier this year, protests in Charlottesville, Virginia over Republican monuments* turned violent and one protester was killed after a white nationalist plowed through the crowd in his car.

Spencer has been stridently condemned by all of the major party leaders throughout the campaign aside from American Heritage leader Tom Tancredo, who called the speech by Spencer a "non-issue" and instead blamed the media for "spreading fake news" and "dividing the country on the Prime Minister's behalf." Bobby Jindal, the son of Indian immigrants, had harsher criticisms for Spencer. "I think he's a distraction on the whole" said the leader of the opposition, "he's just a loud little cancer eating away at this country's tradition of civilly debating political issues." Prime Minister Shaheen called his presence on the campus "a danger" to both "the morality of the students and their physical well being." "This government is committed to muzzling hate speech" said the Prime Minister as she campaigned in Charlotte, North Carolina, "and more importantly, combating hate crimes and violent manifestations of this kind of rhetoric."

Spencer is scheduled to address a number of other campuses as part of a college tour currently underway. At each event, he has faced overwhelmingly hostile crowds and repeated interruptions from protesters and hecklers. Despite this, Spencer remains outspoken about his views and the current political landscape. "There is no decent party representing the interests of the white majority" said Spencer, "and the next Prime Minister will not be a racial realist regardless of the outcome." "Someone might come along in the next few years" said Spencer, "but right now, we're on the defensive. And that's to our advantage."
*There was no civil war in this timeline, but rather, a series of republican revolts in various provinces for various reasons in 1848 IIRC. The details were a bit fuzzy,

[MycroftCZ]

Really liking this! Keep it up!

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Cabinet of Jeanne Shaheen (2013-2017)
Prime Minister: Jeanne Shaheen(2013-2017)
Deputy Prime Minister:Amy Kloubuchar(2013-2017)

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Barack Obama (2013-2017)
Minister of Finance: Paul Krugman (2013-2017)
Minister of Defense: Wesley Clark (2013-2017)
Minister of Justice: Thomas Mulcair (2013-2017)
Minister of the Environment: Justin Trudeau (2013-2015), Patrick Murphy (2015-2017)
Minister of Trade: Scott Brison (2013-2017)
Minister of Labor: Robert Chisholm (2013-2017)
Minister of Agriculture: Heath Schuler (2013-2015), Bennie Thompson (2015-2017)
Minister of Health and Social Security: Tammy Baldwin (2013-2017)
Minister of Infrastructure: Martin O’Malley (2013-2017)
Minister of Transportation: Andrew Cuomo (2013-2017)
Minister of Energy: Howard Dean (2013-2016), Edward Kennedy(2016-2017)
Minister of Education: Kirstin Gillibrand (2013-2017)
Minister of Veterans: Tammy Duckworth (2013-2017)
Minister of Internal Security: Nathan Cullen (2013-2017)
Minister of Immigration and Naturalization: Gavin Newsom (2013-2016), Luis Gutierrez (2016-2017)
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs: Romeo Saganash (2013-2017)
Minister of Sports and Culture: David Ciccilie (2013-2015),Justin Trudeau (2015-2017)

Leader of the Government in the House of Commons: Debbie W. Schultz (2013-2017)
Leader of the Government in the Senate: Valerie Jarrett (2013-2017)
Chief Government Whip: Jared Polis (2013-2017)
Wednesday, October 18th, 2017: The American Broadcasting System (ABS) announces plans for a televised leadership debate to be conducted on Wednesday, November 1st, 2017. The invitees to the debate will be determined by polling.
Thursday, October 19th, 2017:

Donald Trump draws a large crowd in Boca Raton.

-A rally for the American Heritage Party in Boca Raton, Florida headlined by Donald Trump and Allen West, the party's candidate for the riding of Palm Bay-Port Saint Lucie drew a large crowd of over 5,000 people to Misner Park. The crowd size is nearly five times that of the local AHP chapter's membership in Palm Beach County, a fact that Trump highlights repeatedly.

-Campaigning in Ohio alongside Premier John Kasich for a number of Conservative candidates, visiting small businesses, gladhanding in diners, and touring soup kitchens among other things. Conservative leader in the House of Commons John Boehner makes headlines by announcing that he'll retire after a final term in parliament, but insists he'll retain his role on the opposition frontbench for the time being.

-Progressive Democratic list MP and former comedian Al Franken comes under fire after a number of women accuse him of making unwanted advances. One comedian, Leanne Tweeden, tweets a photo that was supposedly taken on her camera by Franken groping her breasts while she slept on a plane on route to a USO show in Afghanistan.
Friday, October 20th, 2017:
-In an interview with the ABS's Katy Tur while on the Liberal campaign bus heading to a rally in the swing constituency of Nova Scotia, Prime Minister Shaheen claims "it isn't my decision" in regards to whether or not embattled MP Al Franken should stand down from parliament. All the while, Progressive Democratic leader and fellow Minnesotan Amy Kloubuchar is more proactive, immediately suspending Franken from the Progressive Democratic caucus in parliament and describing his behavior as "intolerable."

-The Conservative Party's Central Committee announces that a draft manifesto has been completed and will soon be released; hours later, the document leaks to the New York Times. The Tory manifesto of 2017 includes greater restrictions on abortion, support for broader deregulation, a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants (a proposal drafted by East Florida's Tory wonderboy Marco Rubio), greater defense spending, the implementation of both a balanced budget and tax cuts, and most controversially, a plan to scrap the MMP electoral system in favor of a completely FPTP system.

-Gallup releases a poll showing some movement since the last tracking poll.

Gallup: 1,500 Registered Voters.
Conservative (Bobby Jindal): 30%
Liberal (Jeanne Shaheen): 26%
Progressive Democratic (Amy Kloubuchar): 22%
American Heritage (Tom Tancredo): 13%
Libertarian (Gary Johnson): 4%
Green (Elizabeth May): 2%
Progressive Conservative (John Tory): 2%
Undecided/Other: 1%
Saturday, October 21st, 2017: In a speech to retirees convention in Miami, East Florida, Bobby Jindal formally unveils the Conservative plan for entitlement reform authored by MP Paul Ryan (Conservative-Wisconsin West) and Maxine Bernier (Toronto-Durham-Scarborough). The plan stops short of full scale privatization, and instead allows seniors the opportunity to invest social security income into the stock-market. To offset potential losses, a FDC-like corporation would be established by the Ministry of Finance funded by capital gains taxes on the wealth generated by this investment would be established to ensure financial security for seniors.

In response to Jindal's proposal, Minister of Finance Paul Krugman - who for the first time is actively campaigning on behalf of his party (the list MP had previously eschewed political activities in order to focus on his work at the Ministry) lambats the Ryan plan as "looting." "This isn't a serious proposal" warns Krugman, "only serious parties propose serious proposals."

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

So here's the plan: I'm gonna keep this up as a timeline and still allow the election to be decided by a weighted poll. I'll continue on to the present day, in which case this will become a "as it happens" project as it was originally intended.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Sunday, October 22nd, 2017: Kloubuchar on "Meet the Press."

CHUCK TODD: This morning we have as our guest the Deputy Prime Minister Amy Kloubuchar, who is running a relatively untraditional campaign this year. Mrs. Kloubuchar, why are the Progressive Democrats running on the coalition's record in such a way -

AMY KLOBUCHAR: How do you mean?

CHUCK TODD: Well, it seems like...it seems like your running to be Deputy Prime Minister again. There have been some criticisms in recent days about how enthusiastic you seem about this campaign, such as showing a seeming reluctance to attacking the Prime Minister.

AMY KLOBUCHAR: Well, our party's policy has always been total honesty with the voters. And to be honest, we're proud of our work with the Liberals under the Prime Minister. We're even prouder of what we did in power under Prime Minister Sanders, but none the less, whether we do a little or a lot, it's worth it if we're doing it on behalf of the American people.

CHUCK TODD: So in recent days there have been very troubling and serious allegations against Al Franken. We all saw the photo. In this #MeToo era, what are you going to do about? You've expelled him from the caucus, but he legally can hold onto his seat and theoretically can either be relisted by the party or even another party. Will the government move to expel him in light of this pretty damning evidence?

AMY KLOBUCHAR: Expulsion is a very serious matter that shouldn't be taken lightly. If Mrs. Tweeden wants to bring charges against him - if any can be brought against him - than we would have recourse to remove him based upon past precedent. But for right now, all we can do is suspend his membership in the Progressive Democratic Party and make a clear statement that this kind of behavior can't be and won't be tolerated.

CHUCK TODD: Do you think he should resign?

AMY KLOBUCHAR: Absolutely. If he really cares about this party - and I know Al well and I love to death, which is why this has been so painful for me personally - than he would stand down and allow the party to place a new MP in parliament as per the provisions of the Electoral Reform Act of 1964.

CHUCK TODD: And who is currently in the wings?

AMY KLOBUCHAR: I think Al's going to do the right thing and stand down, so that would mean that the next Progressive Democratic member of the House of Commons would be Liz Schuler of Oregon -

CHUCK TODD: The AFL-CIO treasurer?

AMY KLOBUCHAR: Yes, she's currently our candidate in the riding of Salem against the sitting Liberal MP Kurt Schrader. We're really excited about her candidacy there and I think she would be a tremendous addition to parliament as well as an important asset as we work to turn Oregon pink.

CHUCK TODD: So elements of the Tory manifesto leaked this weak, ahead of their expected launch. Where is your party in this process? When will you have a manifesto out?

AMY KLOBUCHAR: Well, I think the tradition our party has retained of dropping our manifesto two weeks before the election for good reason. We want Americans to hear our platform, to digest our proposals, and make an informed choice.

CHUCK TODD: So it's in the works?

AMY KLOBUCHAR: We're cooking it up, stay tuned.

CHUCK TODD: We saw in the draft version of the Tory manifesto some pretty radical proposals. I mean, Jindal is definitely running on one of the most conservative platforms in recent memory from what we've seen. The proposal that has seemed to generate the most debate is his proposal to amend the Electoral Reform Act of 1964 to include requirements for photo-ID in order to combat what they claim is voter fraud, even though we've seen no evidence of such activities, and want to roll back the use of MMP.

AMY KLOBUCHAR: The Tory's latest attack on democracy doesn't surprise me one bit. The fact is, our MMP system has opened up the Queensway regardless if the two other main parties like it. We wouldn't have as many of our Libertarian or Green or Progressive Conservative colleagues without it, and I think their voice ought to be heard. We're going to litigate this issue on the campaign trail and I'm convinced the American people will see eye to eye with us as we continue the tradition of progressive government in the Commonwealth.

CHUCK TODD: And that is all the time we have. Mrs. Klobuchar, thank you for joining us today.

AMY KLOBUCHAR: Any time Chuck, any time.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Monday, October 23rd, 2017:
-Syrian government forces discover mass graves of murdered civilians; they are believed to have been killed by ISIS fighters active in the Homs governate.

-In response to the developments in Syria, Opposition Leader Bobby Jindal addresses a packed out VFW Hall in Ames, Iowa, where he laments the Shaheen government's "weak-willed" approach to Syria. "People are dying" Jindal warns, "and the Commonwealth just seems unwilling to flex it's muscles and step up to the plate like we've always had. This is dangerous - it's just flat out dangerous."

Jindal speaks to veterans in Iowa.

-Progressive Conservative Party leader John Tory kicks off his party's campaign in the Progressive Conservative bastion of Saint Petersburg, East Florida, where he is joined by fellow MP Charlie Crist, Florida MPP Jack Latvala, and former Mayor Rick Baker (who is the Progressive Conservative candidate in neighboring Tampa North against incumbent Progressive Democratic MP Alan Grayson). During his address to supporters, Tory expresses optimism that the Conservative's shift to the right will drive centrist voters disillusioned with the Liberal government. The party even adopts "the true Tories" as their campaign slogan, hearkening back to the days of Jacob Javits, Gerald Ford, and Joseph Clark.
Tuesday, October 24th, 2017:
-The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China votes to adopt changes to the constitution that include enshrining President Xi Jingping's name alongside that of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping in the document's preamble. The party also effectively removes term limits, meaning that Xi is likely to retain power for decades to come as he asserts control over the party.

-The Conservatives release the first TV attack ad of the race, entitled "Compass." The humorous ad depicts C-SPAN stock footage of a confused looking Jeanne Shaheen stumbling through a forest during a tour of a national park spliced with scenes of protests in the Middle East as well as combat in Syria and the Crimea.

-Addressing a large Liberal rally in San Francisco (where Foreign Minister Barack Obama is stumping with the Liberal nominee in the riding, Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandberg against incumbent Nancy Pelosi), Barack Obama condemns the "Compass" ad. "This is the type of politics that turns people against each other!" warns Obama, "this arrogance that says your rivals are fools or unintelligent only serves to divide America."

-Jindal makes an appearance on ABS"s "Andrea Mitchell Reports" to discuss the campaign's "Compass" ad. "I'm not trying to make the Prime Minister look in an unflattering light" says Jindal, "we're just trying to show the ineffectiveness of this government's foreign policy." Asked about Obama's comments, Jindal claims "the Liberals are playing the class warfare card with enthusiasm that even Bernie Sanders would envy!"
Wednesday, October 25th, 2017:
-At a voter's forum in Fargo, Dakota, Amy Klobuchar seemingly backtracks from the Progressive Democratic Party's long held position of re-nationalizing railroads and communications lines. "We're going to make sure that these services are accountable to you" insists Klobuchar.

-The Royal American Mounted Police release a report that warns of the rise of "fake news" on social media influencing the outcome of the election. The report specifically credits Russian intelligence services with using this strategy to create chaos in the election.

-In response to the RAMP's findings, Prime Minister Shaheen calls on the Conservatives, Libertarians, and American Heritage parties to disavow the use of "divisive social media tactics." In response, Libertarian leader Gary Johnson tells the Continental Broadcasting System's that the Prime Minister's message is "hollow." "It's unity! unity! unity! with her" quipped Johnson, "because she wants everyone to think like she does and has nothing else really to say."

-A Turkish immigrant armed with an AK-47 opens fire in a Berlin restaurant, killing 9 people and injuring a further 44. The attacker is widely believed to be inspired by the Islamic State. In response, Donald Trump - the #2 figure on the American Heritage party list - tweets out his support for the party's proposed immigration ban.

Thursday, October 26th, 2017:
-During an appearance on Continental Broadcasting System's Morning Joe, Libertarian leader Gary Johnson responds to a question about the Syrian civil war by asking "what's Aleppo?" The moment is viewed as the worst stumble the Libertarian leader has made since assuming the party's top job in 2013.

-Green Party leader Elizabeth May, campaigning for incumbent Ben Manski in his riding of Green Bay-Wisconsin East, faces allegations of workplace bullying. "These reports are 100% false" says May, who claims the reports are being pushed by "corporate media" who are "perverting #MeToo."

-Former Prime Minister Bernie Sanders, who is not seeking reelection as a list MP, delivers an emotional farewell address to the House of Commons. "We've done what's right, you and I" said Sanders as he motioned to the teary eyed PDP MPs behind him, "and I know that the generations that follow will do the same so long as there are the Progressive Democrats." Afterwards, Sanders joins Amy Klobuchar on the campaign trail in upstate New York, where they stump together for incumbent

*OTL MSNBC.
Friday, October 27th, 2017: ABS releases new polling showing a three way tie between the major party leaders as the critical debate nears.

American Broadcasting System: 1,000 Registered Voters.
Conservative: 23%
Liberal: 23%
Progressive Democratic 23%
American Heritage: 15%
Green: 3%
Progressive Conservative: 3%
Libertarian: 2%
Undecided/Other: 5%
Saturday, October 28th, 2017: Prime Minister Shaheen joins Tim Kaine to canvas in his riding of Richmond before traveling onwards to join Liberal candidate Elizabeth Etsy, who is challenging Progressive Conservative Rob Simmons in his riding of Middleton-Connecticut.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Sunday, October 29th, 2017: BREAKING: Debate details released.

PHILADELPHIA: The American Broadcasting System finalized details for this week's televised leaders debate as the election draws to a close. The debate - which will be a critical event considering the short nature of this campaign - will consist of six participants. The invitees are Jeanne Shaheen of the Liberals, Bobby Jindal of the Conservatives, Amy Klobuchar of the Progressive Democratic Party, Tom Tancredo of the American Heritage Party, John Tory of the Progressive Conservatives, and Elizabeth May of the Green Party.

The exclusion of the Libertarians is the latest in a string of embarrassments to a party that seemingly peaked under the leadership of Ron Paul. Johnson's poor performance both on the floor of the Commons and on the campaign trail has resulted in some rumblings of a vote of no confidence in his leadership in the aftermath of the election. Johnson is taking proactive steps to regain his party's position, including threatening legal action to get into the debate, though it is unlikely that this avenue will be successful.

The debate, which will be moderated by Peter Mansbridge, will take place on November 1st at 8:00 PM. The questions will center around a broad variety of issues, and will be the only opportunity for the party leaders to pitch their case to the voters ahead of the federal election. With the race currently a three way deadheat, a strong performance in the debate will be necessary for all of the participants. "The stakes have never been this high" said ABS's Chuck Todd, "we've never had this short of a campaign in the era of debates. It's almost like a summer college course - everything will have to be condensed. It's crunch time."

Most of the party leaders, spare Johnson, are taking the next few days off the campaign trail in order to prepare for the debate on Wednesday. Prime Minister Shaheen has hunkered down with top aides and allies, with her debate prep reportedly using Kirstin Gillibrand as a stand-in for Klobuchar and Justin Trudeau taking on the role of Jindal. The Conservatives have been more tight lipped, with Jindal practicing with a number of top consultants and aides at his home in West Florida according to reports.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Composition of Parliament ahead of the 2017 Federal Election.
Liberal (Jeanne Shaheen): 188 Seats.
Progressive Democratic (Amy Klobuchar): 188 Seats.
Conservative (Bobby Jindal): 185 Seats.
Libertarian (Gary Johnson): 64 Seats.
Green (Elizabeth May): 38 Seats.
American Heritage (Tom Tancredo): 32 Seats.
Progressive Conservative (John Tory): 4 seats.
Alaska Independence (Don Young): 1 seat.
Republican (Russ Feingold): 1 seat.
Note: There are 351 ridings and another 300 list seats that are divided proportionally.