Decision 2008: Crossroads

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



Ron Paul Announces Presidential Campaign

Libertarian firebrand, and representative of the 14th congressional district Ron Paul announced his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. The President has not yet announced whether he will run for reelection, but Ron Paul went on the attack.
"This nation...was founded on sacred ideas of liberty. We have seen the decay of these ideas for several decades now. No more! President McCain has spent three years starting more wars, and bombing more countries, and sending more of our boys overseas. While under his watch, the insolvency of entitlement programs remains, our economy is failing, and this is just the beginning. Within the next decade, our economy will tank further. We're approaching trillions more in debt, a trillion more wasted in foreign wars, and we continue to tap our phones, and the development of a police state continues. We must, we must Restore America Now! The Republic is at stake, and we can't let these sacred ideals of liberty fall to authoritarianism!"
He received massive applause, and the place in Austin was packed. Press Secretary Ed Gillespie responded with the following.
"The McCain presidency has reduced the deficit, restored confidence in the stock market, which has recovered from 2008 lows. We've killed Osama Bin Laden, and driven the Taliban to the brink of defeat. The unemployment rate is headed down, a better START treaty has been ratified, and President McCain restored confidence in America. Congressman Paul is free to say what he likes, but his critiques are incorrect. The President has not decided whether he is running for reelection. But he is looking at all his options closely."

Phil Bredesen Announces Presidential Campaign

Former Governor Phil Bredesen of Tennessee gave a small speech to a group of press and Nashville Democratic Party activists in a communal area in Nashville's State House. He spoke about his record as governor in Tennessee, mentioning bipartisanship in Nashville, restoring the solvency of state programs, and creating jobs. After his speech, he got a polite applause, and then went to answer questions from people outside on the street.


Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 48%
Disapprove: 49%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 55%

US Unemployment Rate
9.2% ↓

Republican Primary Poll:
John McCain: 68%
Ron Paul: 29%

Democratic Primary Poll:
Hillary Clinton: 38%
Barack Obama: 29%
Russ Feingold: 16%
Phil Bredesen: 9%
Donald Trump: 4%

[America Needs R'hllor]

Never Trump!

[Cold War Liberal]

Please no successful Democratic Trump. That's been done a million times. Palin vs. Hillary would be interesting

[Continential]

Can Phil Bredesen be darker

[Mycool]

H I L L A R Y

[Politician]

Go Feingold!

[Continential]

Why would Feingold run against McCain as they are close friends as they worked together to introduce and pass the McCain-Feingold campaign reform bill known as the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002?

You understand that Lieberman endorsed McCain when he was Obam's Senate mentor

[OBD]

Can Phil Bredesen be darker

You mean the text right not like...skin color?

[Continential]

Can Phil Bredesen be darker

You mean the text right not like...skin color?

Yeah

[UWS]

I hope McCain runs in 2012.

[KaiserDave]

I hope McCain runs in 2012.

We shall see.
But even if he runs, he still has to deal with Paul, and horrible odds against Clinton, Obama, or Feingold.

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



McCAIN BOMBS ASSAD: PUTIN PROMISES RETALIATION

The rebellion in Syria has only just started to evolve, but the United States has taken a side. After speaking with President Sarkozy of France and Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, and after contact with rogue elements of the Syrian Army, President McCain authorized a bombing mission against the Assad regime. The strike was conducted from US Air Force bases in Turkey, and aimed to cripple the Syrian Government's ability to conduct air operations. Shayrat Airbase in the Homs province was targeted, and both of it's two main runways were destroyed, alongside 30 of it's 40 fortified plane shelters. Tiyas Military Airbase, the largest in Syria, was targeted, it's runway destroyed, as well as over half of its 60 plane shelters. Many soldiers, personnel, and several air squadrons on the ground were destroyed in this attack. Defense Secretary Robert Gates did not comment on the attack, it is believed he was against the attack. Press Secretary Ed Gillespie described the attack as a "firm signal to the dictators of the region that they are on the ropes, and America will not hesitate to depose tyrants in the region, who use violence on their own people." Vladimir Putin, a longstanding supporter of President Assad, promised retaliation.

Obama: "I'm not running"

Senator Barack Obama, the icon of the 2008 elections yet shockingly, lost the 2008 election, has announced he will not seek the presidency in 2008. He gave a speech outside his senate office to a group of the press, where he stated that he has lots of work to do in Washington, wants to avoid the time-consuming, tough, effort of another run, and work with a Democratic president in 2013. He said:
"The 2008 campaign was a great experience. I cannot tell you how much it meant to me..the faith people put in me, in that campaign. But this campaign, we need new faces, new leaders, to lead us into the coming days. There is much to be done for the people of Illinois, and my family is more important to me, Malia, Sasha, and Michelle, than ever."
He did not say anything about endorsing a candidate.

RUSS! Feingold announces candidacy, electrifies Milwaukee

Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold announced his candidacy with an electric rally in Milwaukee. He spoke to a crowd of over four-thousand, where he blasted the Bush administration, fired a few shots at Vice President Palin, lambasted the wars and the Syria bombings, and orated about the failing economy. Every line about ending the wars, a new economic stimulus, single-payer healthcare, the incompetency of the administration, ending Citizens United, and his record as a Senator lit the crowd on fire, unleashing waves of cheer. It is clear Senator Feingold is defining himself as the progressive in the race. Challenging the inevitability of Senator Clinton, who, while not having announced yet, has bought up property in Des Moines and Brooklyn for campaign headquarters.


Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 46%
Disapprove: 52%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 39%
Disapprove: 55%

US Unemployment Rate
9.2% ↓

Republican Primary Poll:
John McCain: 61%
Ron Paul: 31%

Democratic Primary Poll:
Hillary Clinton: 43%
Russ Feingold: 28%
Phil Bredesen: 11%
Donald Trump: 7%
Ted Strickland: 6%

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Trump v McCain would be beautiful to see

[Joe Biden 2024]

Feingold 2012!

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



Russia Deploys Attack Helicopters, Advisors to Syria

Putin's promised retaliation for the American airstrike against Syrian targets as the country descends into civil war has emerged. As 12 Mil Mi-24 helicopter gunships were deployed to a small airstrip near Damascus. As well as several military advisors deployed to assist President Assad, and a small detachment of 75 Russian Soldiers for training Syrian troops, guiding them in battle, and personal protection of the President. Prime Minister Putin bashed President McCain, issuing the following statement:
"America is only now beginning to understand that we no longer live in a unipolar world, and they cannot enforce their will on sovereign nations with bombs anymore."
President McCain gave a televised address, slamming Assad, and promising further strikes unless the President agrees to mediation and resignation.

Libyan Fighting Continues, US Air Strikes Begin

The NATO no-fly zone above Syria, partly put together by Secretary of State Joe Lieberman, has continued to function. On the ground, vicious fighting has emerged between forces loyal to the dictator Gaddafi, and rebel forces. However, President McCain has ordered American planes to move from no-fly zone, to an aggressive campaign of airstrikes against Gaddafi's forces. The White House says they are purely military targets, but Amnesty International has said there as been some level of civilian casualties. The White House released a statement calling for "the victory of the Libyan and Arab peoples against dictators across the region." Polls say the bombing of Libya is unpopular among registered voters.

We want Hill! Clinton Announces Campaign

Hillary Clinton finally confirmed what everyone expected, she's all in in 2012. In a big rally in Brooklyn, she brought the crowd to their feet speaking about the glass ceiling with 18 million cracks, and how they are finally gonna shatter it at last. She hit the the McCain administration for being a "veto first, solutions last administration." And hit the Vice President as "incompetent, unprepared, erratic, and frankly deranged. But we shouldn't be surprised." She extolled the need for "comprehensive, immediate, healthcare reform. Universal coverage, and lower costs for all." She called for patriotic unity against Middle Eastern dictators, but said, "The solution isn't provoking war in Syria, or going in without our allies in Libya. The solution is diplomacy, working together, to apply diplomatic and economic pressure." She criticized the administration for incompetence and partisanship, and called upon Democrats to end "11 years of disappointments, frustration, and anger. Let's send a clear, definitive message in 2012, no more half-wins, and close 2nd place finishes, we are going to win loudly and clearly in November!" Senator Clinton maintains a large lead in the polls. Senators Shaheen, McCaskill, and Governor Alex Sink of Florida have already endorsed Clinton.


Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 46%
Disapprove: 53%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 54%

US Unemployment Rate
9.1% ↓

Republican Primary Poll:
John McCain: 58%
Ron Paul: 34%

Democratic Primary Poll:
Hillary Clinton: 46%
Russ Feingold: 27%
Phil Bredesen: 10%
Donald Trump: 7%
Ted Strickland: 5%

[Cold War Liberal]

GO HILLARY

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



McCain, Cameron announce sanctions on Russia, Dow falls 500 points

US-Russia tensions have shot up recently, with the war in Syria, pitting both global superpowers against each other. President McCain has been in close contact with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, and McCain flew over to London for impromptu talks with the Prime Minister about strategy. Upon his return to Washington, sanctions targeting Russia's petroleum industry were announced, London announced similar sanctions. President Sarkozy of France is expected to make a similar announcement soon, while German Chancellor Merkel has met with EU leaders, as well as Sarkozy, and Nordic Prime Ministers. President Medvedev of Russia condemned the sanctions and slammed the US for backing "terrorists, and suspect groups" in the region.

Strickland Announces Presidential Run: Bashes Palin, Economy

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, launched his presidential campaign with a rally in Columbus, rallying a larger-than-expected crowd, and launching his campaign with a fire. He called upon Washington to work more like Ohio. And he emphasized his record as governor and blasted the McCain economy, but saved his biggest salvos for the Vice President.
"Washington I belive, should work more like Columbus. Washington is running us into the ground with debt, what happened to the surplus? I remember it. 12 years ago we had one. Not anymore. But Ohio's balanced its budgets year after year after year! Why can't Washington work like that!"
He then hit the Vice President.
"We need leadership in Washington, what do we have now? Chaos. Havoc. Sarah Palin. How on earth, did we elect Sarah Palin? What has she contributed to government? Nothing!" The Ohio Governor won a resounding victory over John Kasich in the gubernatorial election, and trails in the Democratic field.

McCAIN WON'T RUN

President McCain has finally answered the burning question, he's not running for a 2nd term. McCain will be the last President since Lyndon Johnson not to run for a second term. He gave a lengthy speech behind an array of American flags. Where he announced that he spend the rest of his term 100% committed to the resolving for of current national security crises, and working with congress to pass a tax bill. He also spoke honestly about his health, and the stress of the office of the presidency, but pledged himself 100% committed to the last year of his term. Here is an excerpt:
"The last three years have been by no means easy. We've faced great tests and challenges as a nation. And I've been honored by the American people to serve as commander-in-chief during these tough times. We've met these challenges head on, to cut taxes, reduce the deficit, and work to amend the burning injustices wrecked by this financial crisis. And I have worked tirelessly to strengthen America's position abroad, bring an end to our active combat role in Iraq, and end the terrorist threat in Afghanistan, and elsewhere. But these tough times call for total commitment, and robust leadership. That's why I am not running for a 2nd term. The world needs strong American leadership, and I cannot provide that fully if I am running a contentious campaign. I believe if I ran, I could win reelection. But that's no the point, these tough times demand tough leadership in Washington, and that's my job. To fight like hell for America, and that is what I'm going to do." McCain briefly touched on his age, and the difficulties of the office but clearly struck a tone of fighting hard. Many praised his speech as historic. Some said it was weak, and conservatives opposed to the President reveled, but the President got a visible bump in his numbers. But the big question is, who will Republicans turn to now?



Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 48%
Disapprove: 53%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 54%

US Unemployment Rate
9.3% ^

Republican Primary Poll:
Other: 41%
Ron Paul: 39%

Democratic Primary Poll:
Hillary Clinton: 45%
Russ Feingold: 29%
Phil Bredesen: 10%
Donald Trump: 7%
Ted Strickland: 5%

[America Needs R'hllor]

Strickland seems promising! Also wow, I really hope we won't get something like Trump vs Palin now that McCain isn't running. I'd support a 3rd party in such a scenario.

[President of the great nation of 🏳️‍⚧️]

Please God let Feingold win

[Cold War Liberal]

I honestly think I'd back Palin if it came down to her and Trump. Not happily or vocally, but she'd be better than President Pussygrabber.

[Grassroots]

Interesting turn of events. It would be cool to see a wide republican primary this year.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Mitt Romney for President

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



McCain in Baghdad, promises end to active US role

President John McCain flew over to Baghdad to meet with Prime Minister Maliki, and meet with US troops and commanders. After a strategy conference with US commanders in the area, McCain met with Maliki, and gave a speech to an arranged group of press. After joking about the shoe thrown at President Bush, McCain spoke at length about the US role in the region. He said that the withdrawal of US troops would take place, but over a lengthy, gradual timeline. He said that US permanent bases would remain, to preserve stability, but active combat role would be passed to the Iraqis. The speech has largely been received with a grown, but not many were surprised, McCain stuck to his hawkish beliefs.



Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 47%
Disapprove: 51%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 39%
Disapprove: 54%

US Unemployment Rate
9.3% -

Republican Primary Poll:
Sarah Palin: 37%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Ron Paul: 21%

Democratic Primary Poll:
Hillary Clinton: 41%
Russ Feingold: 33%
Phil Bredesen: 9%
Donald Trump: 9%
Ted Strickland: 6%

[KaiserDave]

Note: Thanks to Parrotguy for letting me use this awesome format!

The First Democratic debate was highly anticipated. 2008's debates saw some of the most gripping, dramatic debate moments of the century, and so when the first Democratic debate was planned to be at Dartmouth University, the media storm quickly gathered. And on the day of the debate, outside the debate hall large crowds of supporters of each candidates gathered. The debate was just about to start. Donald Trump, who had tweeted the start of his campaign three weeks before, had quickly shot up to fourth in the polls, and would be a surprising addition. He'd already created a media storm by calling the Vice President "stupid Sarah" and tweeting "Democrats should stop being so nice to McCain. Failing Economy! Horrible deals! Be tougher! I will, they won't. Sad!" He's inclusion will most likely make the debate quite a spectacle.

Hillary

Hillary waited backstage, sending a final text to Paul Begala, and giving her phone to an aide. She has ready, and revved to go. She had waited four years for another crack at this, and she wasn't going to mess this one up. No matter what Wisconsin Senators, game show hosts, or random governors tried to get in her way. She listened as Strickland and then Bredesen were introduced, then Trump and Feingold, and finally.

"and Senator Hillary Clinton."

Hillary walked out to thunderous applause from the audience, waving and smiling. She got behind her podium, and set her notes on it. She shook hands with Feingold to her right and Trump to her left. God, how did Donald Trump get here? She shook her head internally. Wolf Blitzer began with opening statements. Bredesen said something about fiscal restraint, and supporting veterans, and making Washington work like Nashville, generally uninspiring. Strickland shouldn't have been here, he was a loyal supporter in 2008, now he was getting out of his league. But he wasn't likely to be getting anywhere. He started real fast, slamming the Bush and McCain administration, and McCain's administration as a Bush third term. Already Hillary was getting nervous, just like when she saw Obama speeding in her rear view mirror back in 2008. She calmed down, and watched the Donald.

"Hello. I am Donald J Trump, I'm the only person up here who can make deals, run a business, and fix the big giant mess we have right now. We were left with a booming economy by Bill Clinton,"
He looked to Hillary, "can I say that? I think I can. And then Bush and McCain ruined everything, we're at war in 20 different countries, I can't even count. And the Vice President, I mean, how stupid are our leaders? They can't run the economy, they can't end the wars, they love the wars, they love the unemployment. I run a business, I'm worth 12 billion, billion with a b, dollars. Our economy isn't worth anything, because Republicans and phony Democrats keep destroying it, I alone can fix it. They..nah, they're lightweights, they can't fix it. Maybe Hillary," looking to Hillary again, Hillary looked back quizzically. "If Bill can help her. I don't know. But we have a huge mess, I'm running, so I can help fix this."
It was like a pie hit her in the face, Hillary was just shocked. There was a strong, but scattered applause. And Hillary gave her default expression, just wondering. What was going on? But things were still moving. Feigned started big and bold. He slammed 11 years of Republican rule, hitting Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, George Bush, and Sarah Palin, all the names that got Democrats enraged. He called for single-payer healthcare, an immediate end to the wars, ending the Bush tax cuts, and ending Citizens United. His statement was punctured by spontaneous outbreak of applause, and by the end. Hillary felt outmatched, but she didn't have much time. And then,
"Senator Clinton?"
"I’m Hillary Clinton. I have been proud and privileged to serve as First Lady, and as a Senator from New York. I’m the granddaughter of a factory worker and the mother of my lovely daughter Chelsea, who just got married. And every day I think about what we need to do to make sure that opportunity is available, not just for her and her future kids, but for all of our children. But these past years, that opportunity has been lost. Our future has been gambled away, and this administrations seem unconcerned with stopping it. Our soldiers still fight abroad in a war that has proven itself to be a disaster. The climate is changing, but the Presidency isn't. The President promised Americans their savings would grow again, the Vice President promised to fight for every hockey mom. But they've spent three years in the White House, the President hasn't kept his promise, the Vice President didn't even try. My promise to Americans is the same promise I made four years ago. Invest in clean energy jobs, regulate Wall Street again, actually cut taxes on middle class families, not just scraps. Guarantee affordable healthcare to every American, and childcare to support every working Mom. I have am ambitious and optimistic agenda, but if there has every been a time for optimistic bold leadership, now's the time, and I'm ready to do it."
The crowd cheered, Hillary was back!

Phil

Phil Bredesen was not having a great debate. Hillary Clinton was on the comeback trail, Russ Feingold was getting every progressive on their feet, Donald Trump was giving the crowd perplexing but engaging answers, even Strickland was getting in strong answers on the economy. Clinton just hit a home run on a question about gridlock and veto in Washington. Now Feingold was getting a question on healthcare. Oh no. More calling for some kind of Canadian socialist system. This was Phil's chance. There were still Democrats out there, across the South, West Virginia, and indeed Tennessee, where conservative Democrats were only Democrats in registration, and often voted Republican up and down the ballot. If they were watching, this was his chance to win over the south, and claim moderate Democrat's from Hillary's hand.
"universal, single-payer healthcare. Zero cost. Zero. 20% of Americans are uninsured. That is disgusting. The wealthiest nation in the world must be able to provide to the neediest of us. If we bail out Wall Street will 700 Billion dollars, and then we can bail out suffering Americans!" Phil pounced.
"Senator, what you are calling for, is a 2 trillion dollar plan, with no plan to pay for it. In the midst of a crushing financial crisis. That's irresponsible, and dangerous! What we need is fiscal restraint, that's what I did in Nashville, balancing several budgets. When we have almost, well a 20 trillion dollar debt, that's just the wrong thing to do. But I agree, we must reduce the uninsured number. I propose expanding Medicaid, and forcing insurance companies to cover preexisting conditions. And we can pay for that, by ending veto and gridlock in Washington, and actually passing a new tax bill." Phil got a strong applause. But Russ smiled, and it was clear he was gonna fire back.
"That's funny, because that's not what you did as Governor. You defunded TennCare in Tennessee. You cut off the elderly, the disabled. Those dying of horrible diseases, that's what's dangerous Governor." Phil tensed up.
"I did what had to be done Senator. That's what leaders do in a crisis, the state budget was exploding in debt, and I ended that, and we got everyone covered at the end. I you don't have the guts to reduce the debt, I will."
Wolf Blitzer moved the conversation on. Phil knew that no liberal was going to vote for him, and progressives were really going for Russ, but if he had any hope of winning those Blue Dog Democrats, that was his chance. But maybe, there just weren't enough.


The debate went on, Russ hammered home every progressive issue, though he didn't go after the President very much, and didn't abandon his bipartisan effort with the President back in 2002, he used the chance to bash Citizens United. Hillary sparkled, and Trump emerged as a crazy, but serious candidate. Strickland had his moments, but didn't stand out much.


First Democratic Debate- Podium Placements
STRICKLAND - TRUMP- CLINTON- FEINGOLD- BREDESEN

FLASH POLL- Who won the First Democratic Presidentia Debate?
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)- 27%
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI)- 24%
Businessman Donald Trump (D-NY)- 17%
Former Governor Phil Bredesen (D-TN)- 9%
Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH)- 7%

None\Undecided- 16%

Democratic Primary Polling- National
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)- 35%
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI)- 26%
Businessman Donald Trump (D-NY)- 12%
Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH)- 9%
Former Governor Phil Bredesen (D-TN)- 9%

Other\Undecided- 9%

Democratic Primary Polling- Iowa Caucuses
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)- 33%
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI)- 28%
Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH)- 15%
Businessman Donald Trump (D-NY)- 10%
Former Governor Phil Bredesen (D-TN)- 6%

Other\Undecided- 8%

Democratic Primary Polling- New Hampshire Primary
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)- 31%
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI)- 23%
Former Governor Phil Bredesen (D-TN)- 17%
Businessman Donald Trump (D-NY)- 10%
Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH)- 7%

Other\Undecided- 12%

[Grassroots]

Bumping since I will not let this die under any circumstances.