The Great 2020 Free-For-All (Gameplay Thread)

[Cabbage]

So, since I'll be locking the Signup thread tomorrow, I've made a new thread for those who want endorsements but whose PM system is acting up. It will also serve as a chat thread, for when one is necessary.

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=312617.0

[Cabbage]

Election Update 2020
with your hosts, Lester Holt and Chuck Todd


Holt: Good evening. I'm Lester Holt.



Todd: And I'm Chuck Todd.

Both: And this is your Election Update.

Holt: And we start off with what may be the final presidential announcement of this cycle. Let's listen in.

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Holt: However, as one candidate comes, so another goes: let's listen there.

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Holt: Representative Gabbard was actually on our show fairly recently, and, interestingly, Senator Brown now joins us from Pittsburgh, where I believe you just got finished with a Dignity of Work rally. Isn't that right, Senator?



Brown: That's right, Lester. And I must say, I'm still a bit pumped from the energy in the room tonight.

Holt: I'm sure it was palpable, Senator. Now then, my first question: Senator, you’ve cast yourself as a titan of labor over the years. How do you intend to reach out to other significant Democratic voter blocs?

Brown: Well, first off, I'm flattered to have that title, but I think there's a fundamental misunderstanding with the question's assumption. Too many pundits believe you're either fighting for workers or you're fighting for progressive values. But you've got to do both. As a long-time progressive and an advocate for workers, it's not just the way to win elections, it's the way to govern. Dignity of work is a value that every laborer in this country shares: whether you're young, old, black, white, liberal, conservative. Everyone shares that basic value, and I think that whoever the Democratic nominee is should run on that message because I don't think you have to abandon your values in order to campaign to the entire country.

Holt: Having your cake and eating it too, eh, Senator? Now, as you know, President Romney won your home state twice, and Wisconsin in 2016. Do you believe your Midwestern roots would be an asset to the Democratic Party in taking back these states?

Brown: I think, if we're going to win Ohio and Wisconsin, we need to embrace a pro-worker, pro-labor message centered on restoring the dignity of work. Ohioans who voted for President Obama in 2008 didn't turn out for the Democratic nominee in 2012 or 2016. They felt disillusioned by some of the President's policies and message, and some of them felt the change they voted for in 2008 didn't come fast enough. I endorsed and supported President Obama, but I knew their concerns. If we're going to win next year, we need a substantive, policy-oriented message that grasps at and turns out those voters to the voting booth.

Holt: Turnout, turnout, turnout, looking like more of a Democratic asset each year, a lot of people say. Senator, your poll numbers have spiked these past few weeks. Assuming this trend continues, what would your first 100 days be like?

Brown: Well, you're getting a little ahead of yourself there. Connie and I still have to decide whether we want to run at all. But I'd say if we do have a first 100 days, it'd be heavily centered around curbing corporate power over workers and consumers, restoring the power of laborers in the workplace, deliberating with foreign countries concerning the reform of U.S trade policy, and massively reform the way lobbyists influence the White House. It is long overdue that we push a pro-wage growth and pro-worker agenda in the White House to reverse the past 30+ years of wage stagnation. Middle class Americans are being ripped off by corporations who buy out Congress and the White House in order to shift the rules in their favor. When you love your country, you fight for the people that make it work, and I think that is the governing philosophy that the next President should adopt.

Holt: Much as I personally suspect that decision has already been made, Senator, I'll leave you to announce your intentions in your own time. *Holt non-subtly winks* *Brown laughs* Finally, if you could tell the American people one thing tonight, what would it be?

Brown: I believe that average Americans are absolutely fed up with the status quo of our economic system. If I had to say something tonight, it's that we need to volunteer, campaign, vote for the candidate that you believe that can break the status quo. Get involved, put your voice in. That's the only way something will change.

Holt: Senator Brown, thank you so much for being on.

Brown: My pleasure, Lester.



Holt: *faces camera* And that will be all for tonight.



Todd: And all you'll be seeing us for a while, as we turn over the reins to CNN's Wolf Blitzer and John King for the next few election updates.

*camera pans to Blitzer and King*



Blitzer: Yes, and we'll be sure to give you the breakdown you need to decide among the massive field of 19 candidates.



King: That's right. For the next month, we'll be giving you your Election Updates.

[Cabbage]

And the time-shift has now occurred, making today's in-game date June 1, 2019. However, for anyone who was unaware of the fact that this was going to occur, schedules through June aren't due until the first debate on the 5th. New polling will be released later today.

[Cabbage]

New polling for June of 2019:

Morning Consult Democratic Presidential Primary Poll, 28-31 May 2019
Stacey Abrams - 19%
Sherrod Brown - 16%
John Kerry - 14%
Alex Sink - 12%
Kamala Harris - 8%
Beto O'Rourke - 6%
Jay Inslee - 5%
Pete Buttigieg - 4%
Undecided - 16%

Fox News Republican Presidential Primary Poll, 28-31 May 2019
Lisa Murkowski - 15%
Phil Scott - 14%
Rick Santorum - 11%
Rob Portman - 9%
Paul Ryan - 9%
Justin Amash - 9%
Carly Fiorina - 8%
Nikki Haley - 7%
Ben Shapiro - 5%
Alveda King - 3%
Undecided - 10%

[Cabbage]

Oooooo! Awesome! Any chance of IA or NH polls?

Iowa and Nevada and New Hampshire and South Carolina polling

Statewide polling will be released after the debates (about the beginning of March IRL; December 1 in-game).

[Cabbage]

New Credit Totals:

Democrats
Stacey Abrams: 3.4
Sherrod Brown: 0
John Kerry: 0.8
Alex Sink: 0.1
Kamala Harris: 12.4
Beto O'Rourke: 13.2
Jay Inslee: 2
Pete Buttigieg: 1.4

Republicans
Lisa Murkowski: 2.4
Phil Scott: 3.4
Rick Santorum: 8.2
Rob Portman: 1.4
Paul Ryan: 19
Justin Amash: 2
Carly Fiorina: 10.2
Nikki Haley: 11.8
Ben Shapiro: 7.4
Alveda King: 4.6

Independents
Rob Manfred: 0

[Cabbage]

How much do you have to do in the polls to air a ad.

You can run one ad per week regardless of polling.

[Cabbage]

Sorry, all, but due to the sheer volume of endorsements that have come in following the megadump, tonight's election update is getting moved back to tomorrow morning. I'll try to get it up as soon as possible then. Thanks for understanding!

[Cabbage]

Election Update 2020
with your hosts, Wolf Blitzer and John King


Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.



King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this is your Election Update.

Blitzer: And we begin with a number of major endorsements of pretty much all the major candidates, and here they are:

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Blitzer: Governor Abrams also has a few more endorsements to share, from various organizations.

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Blitzer: *blinks* Is that all of them?

King: *laughs* I think so. And, speaking of Governor Sink, she's joining us tonight from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she and former Senator Harkin just got done with a major rally. Governor, how are you tonight?



Sink: I'm honestly kind of pumped right now, John. It's always great seeing lots of people come out and realize a lot of them are going to vote for you in February.

King: I imagine it is, though I can't say from experience. But now, to business: Governor, many note that most of the endorsements you’ve received are Iowa-based. Do you have any concerns that you might struggle in other primary states, or do you believe the momentum you gain in Iowa will bolster you elsewhere?

Sink: Well, it's true that most of my endorsements so far are based in Iowa. Yet, I have some big endorsements rolling out in the coming days, which I hope will propel me and this campaign over the line in Iowa, New Hampshire, and many other states.

King: Among them, no doubt, the one announced just today by former Governor Hassan. Next up, many of your opponents on both sides of the aisle have discussed infrastructure spending as a key point in their campaigns. Will you be focusing on this issue, and, if not, where will your greatest focus lie?

Sink: Infrastructure is a very large point that I will be focusing on. I'll be releasing an infrastructure plan in the coming days, to ensure that this country's infrastructure works. As Governor I've signed major infrastructure legislation, that has helped Florida, and I plan to do that as President.

King: And, with Florida's tendency for hurricanes, I imagine that's a bit of baptism by fire. And here's the question Lester Holt could probably die happy if he never asked again: what would your first 100 days be like?

Sink: My first 100 days can be outlined in a couple of words:

a. Prosperity
b. Bold Leadership
c. Action

Those are just a few things that are coming in my first 100 days, and the American people can trust me on this, that isn't even close to what we will get done.

King: Prosperity in 100 days, a bold statement from a bold leader who's willing to take action. Finally, Governor, if you could tell the American people one thing tonight, what would it be?

Sink: If there was one thing I could say to every American citizen tonight it would be, I'm in this for you. This campaign is not about me, it's about the people. That is why my slogan is,"For the People." Without my supporters, and without the American people, our country would be nowhere as great as it is in this time. America has so much more to achieve, and so many great things to come, and if I'm elected to the office of the President of the United States, trust me, I'll be in it for you. Thank you.

King: Governor Sink, thanks for being on.

Sink: Glad to be on, John.

Blitzer: And that will be all for tonight. Thanks for tuning in. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this has been your Election Update.

[Cabbage]

Current Endorsements

Democrats
Stacey Abrams
Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and major celebrity
Barack Obama, 44th POTUS
Hillary Clinton, Democratic presidential nominee in 2016
Peter Welch, US Rep. from VT-AL
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US Rep. from NY-14
Pramila Jayapal, US Rep. from WA-07
Mark Pocan, US Rep. from WI-02
Jeanne Shaheen, US Senator from New Hampshire
Des Moines Register
United Steelworkers of America
Change to Win
New Hampshire Union Leader, statewide newspaper
Andrew Gillum, Mayor of Tallahassee
Sherrod Brown
Bernie Sanders, US Senator from Vermont and runner-up in 2016
AFL-CIO, major labor union federation
Jeff Merkley, US Senator from Oregon
Amy Klobuchar, US Senator from Minnesota
Tulsi Gabbard, House Assistant Minority Leader, US Rep. from HI-02, and former candidate
Robert Reich, former US Secretary of Labor
Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota
Marcy Kaptur, US Rep. from OH-09
Ro Khanna, US Rep. from CA-17
Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington and former candidate
Gary Locke, former Governor of Washington
Chris Murphy, US Senator from Connecticut
Pete Buttigieg
Dave Loebsack, US Rep. from IA-02
Steven Horsford, US Rep. from NV-04
Tom Vilsack, former Governor of Iowa
John Kerry
Elizabeth Warren, US Senator from Massachusetts
Joe Kennedy III, US Rep. from MA-04
Steny Hoyer, US Rep. from MD-05
Adam Schiff, House Minority Whip, US Rep. from CA-28
Tim Ryan, House Minority Leader, US Rep. from OH-13
Joe Biden, 47th Vice President of the United States
Jesse Jackson, civil rights activist
Beto O'Rourke
Bill Clinton, 42nd POTUS
Alex Sink
Tom Harkin, former US Senator from Iowa
National Education Union
Chet Culver, former Governor of Iowa
Maggie Hassan, former Governor of New Hampshire
Onward Together, PAC
Kamala Harris, US Senator from California and former candidate

Republicans
Justin Amash
Rand Paul, US Senator from Kentucky
Thomas Massie, US Rep. from KY-04
Ron Paul, former US Rep. from TX-14
Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard
Barbara Comstock, US Rep. from VA-10
Lynn Jenkins, former US Rep. from KS-02
Lisa Murkowski
Susan Collins, US Senator from Maine
Kelly Ayotte, US Senator from New Hampshire
Jon Huntsman, Jr., former Governor of Utah
Mia Love, US Senator from Utah
Shelley Moore Capito, US Senator from West Virginia
Tim Scott, US Senator from South Carolina
Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina
Rob Portman
John Kasich, former Governor of Ohio
Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio
Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa
Rick Santorum
Pat Toomey, US Senator from Pennsylvania
Lou Barletta, former US Rep. from PA-11
Joni Ernst, US Senator from Iowa
Phil Scott
Elise Stefanik, US Rep. from NY-21
Charlie Baker, Governor of Massachusetts and former candidate
Jim Douglas, former Governor of Vermont
Larry Hogan, Governor of Maryland
Charlie Dent, US Rep. from PA-07
Ryan Costello, US Rep. from PA-06
Chris Sununu, Governor of New Hampshire
New Hampshire Farm Bureau
Bill Weld, former Governor of Massachusetts

Independents
Rob Manfred
Gary Johnson, former Governor of New Mexico and Libertarian presidential nominee in 2016
Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter
Bill Gates, founder and former CEO of Microsoft

All other candidates have no endorsements at this time.

[Cabbage]

BREAKING NEWS

Carly Fiorina has ended her exploratory committee- “ America has many great choices already in the race and many that will lead this nation forward. I don’t believe it is my time but I do believe it is the time of Justin Amash. Amash is a real fiscal conservative that will fix our debt crisis”

[Cabbage]

Fox News Republican Presidential Primary Poll, 11-14 June 2019
Lisa Murkowski - 15%
Justin Amash - 15%
Phil Scott - 14%
Rick Santorum - 11%
Rob Portman - 9%
Paul Ryan - 9%
Nikki Haley - 7%
Ben Shapiro - 5%
Alveda King - 3%
Undecided - 12%

[Cabbage]

RULES FOR DEBATE PARTICIPATION

The following rules will govern each debate:

The debates will be posted on Tuesday night (starting this Tuesday, February 5), and will be viewed as the conclusion of the in-game month/turn. Debate answers will be expected by the beginning of the next debate, the following Tuesday, posted to this thread.

There will be four total debates during this stage of the game. Each debate will have one winner (who will receive a boost in the polls and 3 free endorsement credits) and one runner-up (who will receive 2 free endorsement credits). Participation in each individual debate is optional, but the following rewards/penalties will be applied based on number of debates participated in:

All 4 debates: 2 free endorsement credits, as well as any winnings.
3 debates: 1 free endorsement credit, as well as any winnings.
2 debates: Any winnings.
1 debate: Unless you finish as either the winner or runner-up, your poll numbers will drop slightly.
0 debates: This will be viewed as a withdrawal from the race, regardless of previous participation or polling numbers.

If you find you cannot participate in a debate, please PM me with an excuse (if it's personal, it does not need to be specific); the debate will be counted in your total as if you had participated, up to 2 debates (while I do not believe any of you would make up excuses to get free credits without participating, I would rather be safe than sorry).

Each candidate will be asked to make an opening statement, answer one posted question relating to them specifically, and make a closing statement. Due to the possibility of people posting initial responses late in the cycle, I will not require or request a rebuttal/response to another candidate's statements or question response.

Answers and statements will be judged on:

• Coherence (note: grammar =/= coherence; as you're playing as candidates who are giving these statements verbally, the omission of punctuation or incorrect capitalization will not result in docked points; in the same way, a grammatically perfect response that makes no actual sense will not be given additional points)
• Length (preferably 100-500 words for statements, and 100-250 words for question responses; the limits are set up in order to better simulate a debate environment, where candidates who talk for too short a period are often viewed as vague, while more verbose candidates often get cut off)
• General appeal (partly my judgment, partly RNG to prevent inherent bias from factoring too heavily into the calculation)

All candidates in the race at the beginning of a debate cycle will be allowed to participate, regardless of polling numbers. If you have any further questions regarding the debates, please post them here, rather than PM-ing me, so that everyone can benefit from the answer.

[Cabbage]

OOC: This isn't exactly about the debates, but polling in IA and NH is releasing before the debates, correct?

Statewide polling will be put up following the conclusion of the fourth and (in this stage) final debate.

[Cabbage]

When will the first debate be up?

Tuesday, February 5th

[Cabbage]

When will the first debate be up?

Tuesday, February 5th

This is exciting!

Two things:
1. Can we have Dem polls?
2. I think we might need a dedicated chat thread

1. New Dem and GOP polls will be released Tuesday after the debate.
2. Despite the name, that's effectively what the endorsement thread is for.

[Cabbage]

BREAKING NEWS

Jay Inslee Withdrawal Announcement

"After discussing it with my family, I have decided to withdraw from the Democratic primaries and I am announcing my endorsement of Senator Sherrod Brown for President. Thank you."

[Cabbage]

Morning Consult Democratic Presidential Primary Poll, 26-28 June 2019
Sherrod Brown - 20%
Stacey Abrams - 19%
Alex Sink - 16%
John Kerry - 14%
Beto O'Rourke - 6%
Pete Buttigieg - 4%
Undecided - 21%

[Cabbage]

BREAKING NEWS

KAMALA HARRIS ANNOUNCEMENT

Kamala Harris said Monday:

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[Cabbage]

Credit repost, as requested by candidates:

Current Credit Totals:

Democrats
Stacey Abrams: 0.4
Sherrod Brown: 0
John Kerry: 0.8
Alex Sink: 0.1
Beto O'Rourke: 13.2
Pete Buttigieg: 1.4

Republicans
Lisa Murkowski: 2.4
Phil Scott: 3.4
Rick Santorum: 2.2
Rob Portman: 1.4
Paul Ryan: 19
Justin Amash: 2
Nikki Haley: 11.8
Ben Shapiro: 7.4
Alveda King: 4.6

Independents
Rob Manfred: 0

[Cabbage]

Election Update 2020
with your hosts, Wolf Blitzer and John King


Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.



King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this is your Election Update.

Blitzer: And there has been a rash of recent dropouts prior to the first debates. Let's listen in.

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Blitzer: Other endorsements were had recently, as well.

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Blitzer: And that will be all for ton-

King: Wait, hang on, we've got two more. Play the tape.

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Blitzer: And, with all of those out of the way, we have an update on the polls: for the first time since 2018, Governor Stacey Abrams is out of the lead in a Democratic primary poll.



King: Yes, Senator Brown, with the endorsement from Governor Inslee, moving ever so slightly ahead of Abrams, but it'll be interesting to see how the first debate shakes that out.

Blitzer: It will, indeed. Which reminds me: tune in tomorrow night to CNN for the first Democratic Presidential Debate. The Republicans will be holding theirs on Fox News at the same time. Until then, I'm Wolf Blitzer.

King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this has been your Election Update.

[Cabbage]

First Democratic Debate

Please note: any June schedules posted today after this post will not be viewed as late.

Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.



King: And I'm John King, and we're here at Iowa State University in Ames, not to bring you an Election Update, but to moderate the first Democratic Presidential Debate!

*crowd cheers*

Blitzer: That's right, John. We're here with...



...Sound Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg...



...Former Representative from Texas's 16th District Beto O'Rourke...



...Former Senator from Massachusetts and 2004 nominee John Kerry...



...Florida Governor Alex Sink...



...Georgia Governor Stacey Abrams...



...and, finally, Senator from Ohio Sherrod Brown.

King: Now, the candidates have all been briefed on the format of the debate and their responses, but, to our viewers at home, here's how it's going to work. Candidates will give an opening statement, answer one specific question, and give a closing statement. Responses and statements will be judged on clarity, length, and, of course, votes from the audience and you, the viewers across the nation.

Blitzer: Indeed. Let's get started.

Specific Questions

To Mayor Buttigieg: While many have poked fun at your generally less than awe-inspiring polling averages, it should be noted that, if most other mayors of cities the size of South Bend had run, they'd have been completely overrun. What do you think makes you stand out from that crowd?

To Rep. O'Rourke: When you entered this race, you were generally polling above 10%; now your campaign seems to be struggling significantly. What do you intend to do to reverse this trend?

To Senator Kerry: Many still recall your narrow defeat by President Bush in 2004; aside from your ideological changes, what are you doing differently this time to prevent a déjà vu experience?

To Governor Sink: You've been criticized recently for airing attack ads against Senator Kerry. Do you still believe that it was wise to launch them, and will you continue to do so in the future?

To Governor Abrams: Over the past few years, your ideology has been incorporated more and more into the Democratic mainstream, and you've been endorsed by both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Do you believe that this makes you a part of the Democratic establishment, and, if so, could you tell our viewers why you don't think that's a bad thing, as many have begun trumpeting over the years?

To Senator Brown: You've only recently taken the lead over Governor Abrams, largely because you've inspired several other progressive candidates to drop out and endorse you. What do you think makes you stand out from the other progressives in their eyes?

[Cabbage]

First Republican Debate

Please note: any June schedules posted today after this post will not be viewed as late.

Carlson: Good evening. I'm Tucker Carlson.



Kelly: And I'm Megyn Kelly, and we're here at the University of South Carolina in Columbia to bring you the first Republican President Debate!

*crowd cheers*

Carlson: That's right, Megyn. We're here with...



...Former Georgia State Representative Alveda King...



...Conservative Commentator Ben Shapiro...



...Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley...



...Vice President Paul Ryan...



...Senator from Ohio Rob Portman...



...Former Secretary of Commerce and Senator from Pennsylvania Rick Santorum...



...Vermont Governor Phil Scott...



...Representative from Michigan's 3rd District Justin Amash...



...and Senator from Alaska Lisa Murkowski.

Kelly: Now, the candidates have all been briefed on the format of the debate and their responses, but, to our viewers at home, here's how it's going to work. Candidates will give an opening statement, answer one specific question, and give a closing statement. Responses and statements will be judged on clarity, length, and, of course, votes from the audience and you, the viewers across the nation.

Carlson: Indeed. Let's get started.

Specific Questions

To State Rep. King: You were one of the first candidates to declare, and yet you've struggled to get above 5% in the polls. Do you believe there's any outside reason for this?

To Mr. Shapiro: Two of the four candidates currently polling above ten percent currently identify as at least partly pro-choice. What is your opinion on what this says about the Republican Party?

To Governor Haley: As an icon to many conservatives, you've shown minorities and Republicans need not be mutually exclusive. Do you have a plan to finally end the Democratic advantage in securing nonwhite votes?

To Vice President Ryan: As President Romney's seeming handpicked successor, to what do you attribute your struggles in the polls of late?

To Senator Portman: Many have noted that you could well face your fellow Ohio Senator, Sherrod Brown, in the general election if you win the primaries. Do you think this would affect your campaign style at all?

To Secretary Santorum: As Commerce Secretary, many see you as having a hand in the somewhat volatile current state of the economy. How do you respond to this?

To Governor Scott: Many describe you as "too liberal" to be the Republican nominee. How do you intend to make sure conservatives don't stay home next November, or go over to other candidates, such as the Libertarian or Constitution Party nominees, or independent Rob Manfred?

To Representative Amash: The last sitting Representative to become President was James A. Garfield in 1880; how do you intend to win against an opponent who, if the Democratic frontrunners hold, will be viewed as having significantly greater experience than you?

To Senator Murkowski: This question's mostly just to calm some nerves, but it's still relevant to ask. In 2010, you ran as an independent following your defeat in the Republican Senate primary in Alaska. If you lose this primary, what are your intentions for the general election? Also, speaking of independents, what are your thoughts on Rob Manfred's candidacy?

[Cabbage]

Also, when posting your responses, please do not forget your opening and closing statements.

[Cabbage]

Is not one else going to post their response?

They're not due until next Tuesday.