2020 Interactive Signup Game Thread

[NHI]

✓ Marco Rubio: 363 (46.15%)

Elizabeth Warren: 168 (39.05%)

Bernie Sanders: 7 (9.48%)

Ron Paul: 0 (4.31%)

Republican Control of the Senate: 53-47

Republican Control of the House: 248-187

On November 8, 2016 Senator Marco Rubio of Florida defeated Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts in a decisive electoral defeat. The election marked the best showing for the Republican Party at the Presidential Level since 1988.

The Presidency of Marco Rubio: 2017 to 2019.

Marco Rubio was sworn in as the nation’s 45th President in January 20, 2017, ushering in what many believed to be the dawn of a new Republican era. Armed with a 57% approval rating and  GOP control of all three branches of government the President began with an ambitious agenda. Yet, two years into the Rubio era the Republican Party found itself at its nadir, with barely any accomplishments of merit.

Despite dominating Congress, Republican Party became adrift, and inner party fighting brought down any serious attempts at legislating. In earnest Republicans in Congress began a full attempt at Repealing Obamacare, but lack of a clear alternative, and empty rhetoric bogged down the process,
 and while a repeal ultimately passed the House, the effort died in the Senate, when Senators John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins all voted to defeat the bill.

Republicans and Rubio suffered their first political defeat with the failure to repeal Obamacare. Another debacle involved a partial attempt at immigration reform. While, additional security measure cleared the Congressional hurdle, including border fences and additional ICE enforcement,
the package ultimately collapsed over an attempt to deal with the 11 million undocumented immigrants. While the President did not touch President Obama's DACA Executive Order, the initial immigration reform did provide what many conservatives considered to be "blanket amnesty".

President Rubio paid a hefty price politically with his base, and by the summer of 2017, saw his approval rating hit 45%, and 51% disapproval. However, the President and Republican did manage to cobble together a tax cut bill. While, the initial plan was to reform the tax code for the first time since 1986, Republican settled for the one largest tax cuts since the Bush Era, which was aided in part by votes from Red State Democrats, including Senator Joe Manchin who broke with his party to pass the bill through the Senate.

In other areas of Domestic policy, President Rubio did find some accomplishments. First, in appointing a Supreme Court Justice to fill the vacancy left by Antonin Scalia. The short list consisted of Judge Neil Gorsuch, New Hampshire Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte and Nevada Governor Brian  Sandoval. Initially Marco Rubio selected Sandoval, but the Nevada Governor's pro-choice positions drew the ire from many conservative groups, and Rubio was forced to backtrack his nomination. Hastily, he selected Kelly Ayotte; a move which concerned many New Hampshire Republicans, given the Party's fragile control of the Senate. However, Republican Governor Chris Sununu appointed NH Lawyer and Former Senate and Gubernatorial candidate Ovide Lamontagne to serve out the remainder of Ayotte's term. Lamontagne, also suggested he will run for his own term in 2022. Ayotte, was subsequently confirmed to the Supreme Court by an overwhelming margin of 62 to 37.

President Rubio, received his 2nd opportunity to nominate a replacement to the Court, following the announced retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy in late 2018 and the Republican President put forth the name of Neil Gorsuch, but currently the nomination is in limbo, pending a Senate Hearing.

On the Foreign policy front the Rubio Administration largely continued the policies left in place by the Obama Administration when it came to handling the issues of terrorism, and America's role in the Middle East. There was some saber rattling with North Korea, throughout 2017 and into 2018. The President combined a strategy of tough talk and diplomacy, which involved in part showing strength near the Korean Peninsula, and involving China as a strategic partner in helping to curb the ambitions of the regime. As of 2019, talks are still ongoing between the parties.

On the political front, Democrats saw big gains in 2018, by retaking the House of Representatives and deadlocking the Senate 50-50; effectively ending the Republican lock on Washington. Voters in 2018 largely saw the Rubio Administration as 'ineffective' and 'failing to deliver on campaign promises' On election day the President's approval rating stood at 40%, with a 53% disapproval.

Heading into the President Election of 2020, which arguably began November 9th, 2016 Democrats are lining up for a chance to take on the Republican President, many who sees as weakened after the midterm elections. By April 2019 Rubio's approval rating stands a 45%, with a 49% disapproval A full roaster of Democratic candidates have announced, and there is some rumblings of a conservative challenge to Rubio's nomination, in part as a response to the attempted immigration reform, and Rubio's keeping in place of DACA.

Current polling finds Rubio ahead of an 'unnamed conservative challenger' 78% to 9%, with 13% undecided.

Given President Rubio's mediocre poll numbers, and voters' seeming rejection of his party in the 2018 Midterms, analysts see the 2020 Election as being up for grabs.

"With the right candidate, Democrats could retake the White House, but they also need to present themselves as being more than the "Anti Rubio Party"" -- Chuck Todd, Meet the Press.

Speculated candidates on the Democratic side are seen as, Senator Sherrod Brown, (who won his reelection in 2018 51% to 45%), Senator Tammy Baldwin, Texas Senator Beto O'Rouke (who was elected in 2018 winning race to fill Ted Cruz's vacancy by the close margin of: 47.54% to 47.47%), Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Kirsten Gilibrand, and Senator Kamala Harris.

________________________________________________________________________________


Sign up for Candidates (Democrats/Republicans ONLY at this time) will be held through Friday. First come first serve. I will update candidate roaster. as people declare. 
 Please include your announcement speech and any other campaign particulars. Game will officially commence on Sunday beginning on July 15, 2019. Round will last from 7/15/19 to 7/22/19 and will close on THURSDAY 11/30.

Any questions please PM.

Good night and Good Luck.

NHI

[NHI]

A quick rundown:

NV: Democrat gain
AZ: Democrat Gain
TX: Democrat Gain
ND: Democrat Hold
MT: Democrat Hold
MO: Democrat Hold
FL: Democrat Hold/Republican Hold for Rubio

Speaker Of House is Tim Ryan

[NHI]

Republicans (*Finally) Repeal Obamacare; Now What

In a late night Senate Republicans at long last made good on a seven year promise to Repeal The Affordable Care Act, A.K.A. Obamacare. The Senate deadlocked 50-50, with Vice President Pearcy casting the deciding 51st vote. The move comes after a drawn out process, which first began the House narrowly passed a repeal measure in the spring of 2017. The bill was quickly defeated before a vote could be taken in the summer of 2017, in part do to the efforts of Senators John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. This second repeal efforts, comes after much debate in the Senate, with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell taking up another vote to repeal President Obama's Signature achievement.

However, many political analysts, and even some Republicans have criticized the vote, citing a lack of substance or clear prerogative in terms of replacing the healthcare law. Others, have criticized the vote as being nothing more than a political measure, aided to boost President Rubio's primary campaign against Governor Gregg Abbott, Congressman Justin Amash, and Mr. Richard Spencer.

Senator McConnell blasted the talk a "Washington Spin," and praised his colleagues for 'keeping their word to the American people' and pledged to now work 'to fix our health care system once and for all.'

Gallup Tracking Poll: Republican Primary 2019

Marco Rubio: 70%

Gregg Abbott: 15%

Justin Amash: 6%
Undecided: 10%

[NHI]

The reason I picked Spencer was because a) he'd be a very interesting character in the game, b) it would see how the country is reacting to a Hispanic president, and c) he's eligible to run for President under the mandatory requirements of the Constitution. If not him, I will be picking somebody else on the very far-right.

Richard Spencer for the Republicans.

Does NHI have a veto on candidates...because I think he should use it here...

I agree.

Please pick another candidate. Thanks.

[NHI]

Does the first turn end tonight? Also, UWS, what do you mean about a 'shield' over North Korea?

Yes, it does

[NHI]

NHI, can you post the monthly economic figures such as unemployment rates, job creation, stock markets, GDP growth rates, and GINI during the Rubio administration.

Yes can do in my update

[NHI]

President Rubio has announced his campaign for reelection. His agenda is in tatters; with few accomplishments to run on( save for a 1 T dollar tax cut and a partial Obamacare repeal) the president is betting on Americans giving he and the republicans a second chance.

The public is equally divided with 44% approving of the president, and 47% disapproving.

The president is also facing a contested fight for the primary. Congressman Justin Amash seems to be making a play for the conservative libertarian vote; and younger voters; while Governor Gregg Abbott is running as the conservative alternative; in part as a result to the attempted immigration reform pursued by Rubio and senate republicans.

Noted white suprmacist David duke has also thrown his hat into the ring. His candidacy has received a strong rebuke from both sides.

Current polling finds Rubio ahead with 70% support. Abbott is his closest rival; with a meager 14%.

Economic Analysts forecast a slight down in the economy. The last quarter’s growth was revised; the economy grew at 1.9%. This is the second straight quarter of a decline in economic growth

Unemployment currently stands at 5.8%. A slight downtick from last months 5.9%.
Jobs created: 2017-2019 1.1 M
Stock market reached 24,000 level in March 2018
Concerns over a meltdown. “Stocks continue to climb, it can only go down.” — Robert Reich

 



——-

On the Democratic Side a slightly smaller field than expected. Big names like Cory Booker and Andrew Cuomo and Kirsten Gillibrand took a pass on running.

Currently, Former Vice Presidential nominee and incumbent Ohio Senator sherrod Brown leads the pack with 21%. He is followed by California Senator Kamala Harris and Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin. Both seem to be vying for the consensus candidate. Both are considered rising stars.

After the debacle of 2016 Democrats are eager to avoid a similar problem. Party Chair Keith Ellison has called for a “fair and transparent process”. Several democratic debates are planned throughout the primary process with the first taking place at the end of August.

Other democrats running are Virginia Senator Tim Kaine; who is looking to fill the establishment Lane; Bernie Sanders running mate and Congressman Tulsi Gabbard is also running for the nomination

Perennial democratic candidate and former congressman Dennis Kucinich announced his bid for the presidency; hoping to pick up the threads of Sanders candidacy.

Two wild card candidates are: Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander. Kander a former senate candidacy has been a harsh critic of the republicans attempts at voter reform.

Bel Edwards campaign is an appeal to the white working class voter who broke for Rubio in 2016. Bel Edwards has also been critical of the Democrats focus on identity politics.

Brown: 21%
Harris: 17%
Baldwin: 14%
Kaine: 9%
Gabbard: 6%
Kucinich: 5%
Kander: 3%
Bel Edwards: 2%
Undecided: 23%
[/i]



PM for endorsements.
Round will last: 7/15/19 to 7/22/19.
Please have your schedules up by Thursday at 10;09 pm est

[NHI]

Primary Dates
February 3, 2020 - IA
February 11, 2020 - NH
February 22, 2020 - SC gop / NV Dem
February 25 2020 - NV gop
February 29, 2020 - SC Dem
March 3, 2020 Super Tuesday
- AL
- AK
- CA
- CO
- GA
- IL
- MA
- MN
- OK
- ND
- TN
- TX
- VT
- VA


IA Caucus Poll:

- Rubio: 73% Abbott: 13% Amash: 3% Duke: <1%
- Brown: 18% Baldwin: 17% Harris: 15% Gabbard: 10% Kander: 6% Kaine: 4% Kucinich: 3% Edwards: 1%

NH Primary Poll:

- Rubio: 67% Amash: 8% Abbott: 6% Duke: <1%
- Brown: 15% Baldwin: 10% Harris: 8% Gabbard: 7% Kaine: 3% Kander: 2% Kucinich: 2% Bel Edwards: 1%

SC Primary Poll:

- Rubio: 72% Abbott: 11% Duke: 5% Amash: 2%
- Brown: 14% Harris: 14% Kaine: 9% Bel Edwards: 8% Kander: 3% Baldwin: 2% Kucinich: 1%

[NHI]

NV Caucus Poll:

- Rubio: 75% Abbott: 12% Amash: 4% Duke: 1%

- Brown: 20% Harris: 15% Baldwin: 9% Gabbard: 5% Kaine: 3% Kucinich: 2% Kander: 1% Bel Edwards: 1#

[NHI]

Update 1: July 15-July 22, 2019

The Race for the White House is underway! President Rubio has announced his bid for reelection, amid what some analysts have described as a mediocre firs term of accomplishment. However, the incumbent President has not been deterred. He has come out strong against his Republican rivals and seems to be making the election a choice, rather than a referendum on his administration; a strategy which has been employed by both George Bush and Barack Obama in recent memory.

Current Endorsements for Pres. Rubio:
- Michael Reagan
- Ted Cruz
- Clint Eastwood
- Lindsey Graham
- Club for Growth
- Joni Ernst
- Rick Perry
- Scott Walker

As for Rubio's Republican rivals, the two top contenders are seen as Texas Governor Gregg Abott and Congressman Justin Amash. Abbott, seeking to positions himself as the conservative alternative has sought to contrast himself with the President, particularly on the issue of immigration. He has nabbed a few key early endorsements from Former New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. He has also received the backing of his states senior senator John Cornyn, while the junior Senator Ted Cruz has backed the President.

Like many conservative underdogs, Abbott seems to staking his campaign entirely on the Iowa Caucuses. A strong showing, or even a win could boost his campaign for the Presidency.

Justin Amash, as expected is running as the libertarian candidate, and is hoping to peel away millennial voters who broke for the President in 2016. Pundits see his best shot lies with an upset in New Hampshire, a state which currently has a Republican Governor, and a strong libertarian bent. Currently, he has received the endorsements from 2016 Independent nominee and former Congressman Ron Paul and Former Congressman Thomas Massie.

The other candidate seeking the Republican nomination is David Duke. His candidacy is largely seen as a white nationalism, masquerading as populism. He has been rebuked by the RNC as a serious candidate for the Presidency, and there is a question over whether or not he will be allowed to appear at Republican Primary debates. That being said, Duke continues to draw large crowds and is showing strong support in a recent Fox News South Carolina Primary Poll.

Republican Primary Poll: Fox News

Marco Rubio: 70%

Gregg Abbott: 11%

Justin Amash: 6%

David Duke: 2%

Iowa Caucuses Poll: Fox News

Marco Rubio: 72%

Gregg Abbott: 13%

Justin Amash: 3%

David Duke: 1%

New Hampshire Primary Poll: Fox News

Marco Rubio: 69%

Gregg Abbott: 9%

Justin Amash: 8%

David Duke: <1%

South Carolina Primary Poll: Fox News

Marco Rubio: 68%

Gregg Abbott: 9%

David Duke: 7%

Justin Amash: 2%

Nevada Caucuses Poll: Fox News

Marco Rubio: 77%

Gregg Abbott: 5%

Justin Amash: 2%

David Duke: 1%

On the Democratic side, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown continues to lead the pack, but his lead is seen as a fragile, and given the diversity of the field it is expected to be a fluid race for the nomination. Brown, has received the backing of his former running mate and 2016 Democratic nominee Elizabeth Warren, as a Former Iowa Governor Tom Vislack. Other Endorsements include Patty Judge and Jackie Rosen.

For many Democrats, despite his association to the Warren ticket, Brown is viewed as one of the stronger candidates. His appeal to working class whites is seen as a crucial in winning back states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan (all that flipped to Rubio in 2016). However, for many young progressive he seems like a figure of the past, and many are looking for fresh blood to lead the party to victory in 2020.

Two other strong contenders for the nomination are both Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Senator Kamala Harris of California. Both are viewed as rising stars, and are seen as trying to unite the fractured wings of the Democratic Party. Baldwin, has received some key endorsements from progressive figures and organizations, which may provide her with a leg up over his competition, especially ahead of the first vote in Iowa.

Another Democrat, who is seen as trying to mold the wings is Virginia Senator Tim Kaine. A mentioned running mate for Obama in 2008, and Warren in 2016, Kaine brings a strong resume to the table, as well as a moderately progressive record.

Other wild cards in the race for the nomination include Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who ran along side with Bernie Sanders in 2016. Her association to the progressive grassroots wing gives her a leg up in the race in Iowa, but has many Democrats viewing her with skepticism; as many blame the Sanders-Gababrd ticket as the reason for Elizabeth Warren's loss to Marco Rubio.

Three other candidates are Former Congressman and Democratic candidate for President in 2004 and 2008 Dennis Kucinich. A long time stalwart of the progressive base, Kucinich odds of winning the nomination are low, by most expectations, but he could play a spoiler in a race where many candidates are vying to be the 'liberal alternative'

Next is Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. A blue dog Democrat, by today's standards, he has done something which has Democrats taking notice -- winning in a Red State!

Lastly, there is Jason Kander, the Former Missouri Secretary of State and Senate Candidate. A staunch critic of the Rubio Administration's affront on voter reform; Kander is staking out a claim in both Iowa and New Hampshire, two states which offer him the best shot to gain momentum.

Endorsements for Kander:
Senator Claire McCaskill, MO State Auditor Nicole Gallaway, KY SOS Allison Lundergan Grimes.  Lacy Clay and Emmanuel Cleaver.

Endorsements for Kaine:
- Ralph Nader,
-Jesse Jackson,
-Mark Warner

Endorsements for Baldwin:
Former Senator Russ Feingold. A liberal Democrat from the same state.

Herb Kohl. Previously occupied Baldwin's current seat.

Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Executive. A prominent Democratic figure in the state.

Paul Soglin, Mayor of Madison, which is Baldwin's hometown.

Harvey Milk Foundation. Baldwin is the first LGBT candidate for President.

Equality Federation. See above.

Human Rights Campaign. Again, see above.

National Nurses United, due to her support of a single-payer system.

Our Revolution.

Democratic Nomination: CNN Poll

Sherrod Brown: 21%
Tammy Baldwin: 15%
Kamala Harris: 13%
Tim Kaine: 10%
Tulsi Gabbard: 10%
Dennis Kucinich: 6%
Jason Kander: 5%
John Bel Edwards: 4%

Iowa Caucuses: CNN POLL

Sherrod Brown: 22%
Tammy Baldwin: 19%
Kamala Harris: 15%
Tulsi Gabbard: 12%
Tim Kaine: 6%
Dennis Kucinich: 5%
Jason Kander: 5%
John Bel Edwards: 2%

New Hampshire Primary: CNN POLL

Sherrod Brown: 19%
Tammy Baldwin: 16%
Kamala Harris: 15%
Tulsi Gabbard: 13%
Tim Kaine: 7%
Jason Kander: 6%
Dennis Kucinich: 4%
John Bel Edwards: 3%

Nevada Caucuses: CNN POLL

Sherrod Brown: 19%
Kamala Harris: 17%
Tammy Baldwin: 15%
Tulsi Gabbard: 12%
Tim Kaine: 7%
Jason Kander: 5%
Dennis Kucinich: 5%
John Bel Edwards: 2%

South Carolina: CNN POLL

Sherrod Brown: 20%
Kamala Harris: 19%
Tammy Baldwin: 13%
Tim Kaine: 8%
Tulsi Gabbard: 7%
Jason Kander: 5%
John Bel Edwards: 4%
Dennis Kucinich: 2%
 

Other Updates:

Unemployment Rate:
July: 5.8%
Dow: 24,000 +
Consumer Confidence: 18 Year High

Pres. Rubio looks to have Congress tackle 'infrastructure' project. Calls for Investments

Next Round: July 23-August 1, 2019
Will end, Dec. 6, at 10:00 PM EST

[NHI]

NHI, can UWS unilaterally claim as many accomplishments as he has? It seems that no matter what happens, UWS is trying to engineer a Rubio landslide. It becomes pointless if he can get away with everything. At this point, why should any of the Democrats even continue when Rubio has all sorts of ridiculous accomplishments?

OOC : Not everything. The accomplishments mostly depend on leadership. And I guess that anyway Baghdadi would have already been dead by now since ISIS has already lost almost all of its territory on December 2017, so I think that it would have been entirely freed due to Rubio's tough stance on foreign policy and terrorism and since under a Rubio Administration there would surely have been additional U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/68/Syrian_Civil_War_map.svg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Iraq_war_map.png

And you know, Bin Laden's death didn't give Obama a landslide, just like the capture of Saddam Hussein didn't give a landslide to Bush, just like the victory in the Gulf War didn't give a landslide to Bush Sr. Right?

Except this isn't the first time. I've gone to NHI over your claimed abolition of the IRS, and he agreed that it was over the top; he said the same about intervening in Syria, as an intervention there would piss off Russia to no end and push the world to the edge of a nuclear war between Russia and the US.

You're trying to engineer a Rubio landslide, and It's pretty plain to see.

I have Ok'd this one scenario, however I am going on the record; from this point forward all: All narrative will be decided by me. You are welcome to bring suggestions to me, but I will have the final say.

[NHI]

Democratic Primary Polling:

California:
Kamala Harris: 55%
Sherrod Brown: 10%
Tammy Baldwin: 9%
Tulsi Gabbard: 5%
Tim Kaine: 5%
Dennis Kucinich: 3%
Jason Kander: 1%
John Bel Edwards: 1%

Virginia:
Tim Kaine: 50%
Sherrod Brown: 11%
Kamala Harris: 9%
Tammy Baldwin: 8%
Tulsi Gabbard: 4%
Jason Kander: 4%
John Bel Edwards: 2%
Dennis Kucinich: 1%

Illinois:
Tammy Baldwin: 18%
Sherrod Brown: 17%
Kamala Harris: 15%
Tim Kaine: 8%
Tulsi Gabbard: 7%
Jason Kander: 7%
Dennis Kucinich: 2%
John Bel Edwards: 1%

Minnesota:
Tammy Baldwin: 20%
Sherrod Brown: 16%
Kamala Harris: 13%
Tulsi Gabbard: 11%
Tim Kaine: 7%
Jason Kander: 4%
Dennis Kucinich: 3%
John Bel Edwards: 1%

Georgia:
Kamala Harris: 17%
Sherrod Brown: 15%
Tim Kaine: 10%
John Bel Edwards: 5%
Jason Kander: 4%
Tammy Baldwin: 3%
Dennis Kucinich: 2%

[NHI]

Official Statement from the Edwards Campaign

[/b]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

I chose someone I knew wouldn't have much of a shot because I knew my ability to commit time to this wasn't guaranteed. With finals and the like coming up I just don't have the time or energy to run an actual campaign anymore. My apologies for such an early exit, but regardless thank you for running this sim, and good luck to my fellow Dems running!

Sad to see you go, DFL!

Sorry to see you go.

[NHI]

Hello everyone,

I apologize for the delay -- this week has been hectic on my end and I'm not sure I'll be able to continue my role as moderator. I am currently putting out feelers to people who might be interested in taking over. If someone is interested, please PM me.

Again I apologize for the delay and will remedy a solution so the game can continue.

All my best,
NHI