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

[KaiserDave]

Phil Scott for President

Phil Scott Schedule for October

Note: If there are inconsistencies between where Rubio is between his and my schedule, refer to this one

Schedule
October 1-4: Major Tour of Colorado (Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, rural areas)
October 5: Major Rally in Richmond Virginia with Mitt Romney (Theme: Better Schools)
October 6: Major Rally in Warren Vermont (Theme: Different Politics)
October 7: Major Rally in Lexington Kentucky (Theme: Middle of the Road)
October 8: Major Rally in Dubuque Iowa with Joni Ernst (Theme: Better Infrastructure)
October 9: Major Rally in Burlington Iowa with Paul Ryan (Theme: More Jobs)
October 10: Major Rally in Reno Nevada with Mitt Romney (Theme: Grow Business)
October 11: Major Rally in Lewiston Maine with Susan Collins and Mitt Romney (Theme: Focus on the Fundamentals)
October 12: Major Rally in Portland Maine with Angus King (Theme: Not for Partisanship)
October 13: Major Rally in Manchester New Hampshire with Chris Sununu and NH GOP Senate Candidate (Theme: Tax Cuts for All)
October 14: Major Rally in Albuquerque with Susana Martinez (Theme: Watchdog for Accountability)
October 15-16: Bus Tour of Rio Grande Valley with Will Hurd (Theme: Standing up for Farmers)
October 17: Major Rally in Alexandria Virginia with Mitt Romney (Theme: Climate Change is Real)
October 18: Major Rally in Las Vegas Nevada with Brian Sandoval (Theme: Build on Success)
October 19: Major Rally in Pittsburgh with Rick Santorum (Theme: Rebuild Main Street)
October 20: Major Rally in Cincinnati with John Kasich (Theme: Building a Fairer Tax System)
October 21: Major Rally in Jacksonville with Ted Yoho (Theme: Bring Back Small Business)
October 22: Major Rally in Miami with Marco Rubio (Theme: Standing for Freedom Abroad)*
October 22: Major Rally in Tallahassee with Marco Rubio (Theme: Safer Cities)
October 23-25: Bus Tour of Rural Georgia with Casey Cagle (Theme: Georgian Values)
October 26: Major Rally in Marquette Michigan (Theme: Different Kind of Politics)
October 27: Major Rally in Green Bay Wisconsin with Ron Johnson (Theme: Great Lakes Economy)
October 28: Major Rally in Las Vegas with Brian Sandoval (Theme: Better for Business)
October 29: Major Rally in Virginia Beach with Mitt Romney (Theme: Solutions for Everyone)
October 30: Major Rally in Burlington Vermont with Jim Douglas (Theme: New Leadership)
October 31: Major Speech to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York


*Emphasis on Venezuela and Cuba

Mitt Romney Remarks in Virginia Beach

(October 29, Major Excerpt)


Governor Scott is the best man to deliver jobs and prosperity to the whole of this country. He did it in Vermont, when he balanced the budget, increased the credit rating to AAA, and cut taxes for everyone. That's delivering solutions for everyone. He can do it across this country by investing in the future. In our kids, in our roads, and reducing the tax burden for all. If we can increase middle class incomes, create millions of new jobs, and make our tax code simpler and fairer, that's solutions for everyone. If we can treat every human being with dignity and worth, and make sure they have the best future possible, that's solutions for everyone. That's the Phil Scott plan.

[Cabbage]

Friendly reminder that all schedules/campaign stop quotes/other posts for October are due at the end of the day today (CDT).

[KaiserDave]

 REAIRING

Phil Scott Ad #16: Unite America

To air in Wisconsin, Washington, Indiana, DC, and New Jersey

Phil Scott Narrating: "We have a tremendous division in this country. Between left and right, east and west. Between rich and poor.

"It's on our streets, in our universities, our workplaces. And it's ripping at the heart of this country.."

"Meanwhile, Main Street has been gutted. And our communities torn apart. It doesn't matter what our beliefs are, we all feel this pain."

"We all feel the pain, jobs lost, Main Street hurt, our political division ripping us apart. I just want to say, there is another way......"

(Transition)

"There's a movement. A movement a people, of all kinds of backgrounds and beliefs. That say that we must unite this country. That a House divide against itself cannot stand. We all have the common problems. Let's fix them."

"But do to that. We must unite America. Heal the wounds and then let's reach for the skies and the stars. We aim big, but we know that united. We can do anything.

"United we sent a man to the moon."

"United we defeated fascism."

"United we built a country."

"And United we will move forward like never before."

"I'm Phil Scott, an I approve this message because it's time we Unite America."

[adamevans]

Statement on Rob Manfred's Acceptance to the Debate

Sherrod Brown agrees that a vibrant democracy requires an inclusive debate of all candidates, but regardless of our commitments to debate and democracy, it is apparent Rob Manfred is out of touch and out of reach with issues at hand. When 33,000 people die every year in the streets of Chicago and other major urban cities, it is clear that there is a need for common-sense gun safety; a FOX News poll found 91% of Americans support universal background checks, 84% support mental health checks, 60% support banning dangerous assault weapons, yet Rob Manfred opposes these common-sense gun safety measures. It is evident that there is need for an inclusive debate; we support his acceptance to the debate, but Rob Manfred is clearly out of touch with what the vast majority of Americans support to put an end to gun violence.

[KaiserDave]

(Debates soon?)

[Cabbage]

(Debates soon?)

Presidential debate will begin tomorrow.

[adamevans]

Sherrod's Schedule.

Constants
Always periodically travel to local campaign HQs & meet staff, emphasize crucial campaign volunteering
Always visit & invest time into small towns & hold local events + town halls, meet with local voters
Always meet with campaign officials & discuss strategy, fundraising, grassroots, social media
Always visit with local Democratic, non-partisan groups, political groups, local leaders, emphasize campaign message
Always do research on new small towns, i.e local leaders, issues, etc. to connect with local voters
Always visit local tour attractions & discuss related issues (i.e forest reservations & environment)
Always meet with local workplaces and talk to workers, small business owners, etc
Always keep note of who is met, bring them up in future speeches
Always talk to anyone who wants to, no matter who they are or what their political affiliation is
Always periodically hold interviews with local radio stations and newspapers, emphasize campaign message

State Schedule
Oct. 4-5: Colorado
Oct. 6-8: New Mexico
Oct. 9-11: Texas
Oct. 12-14: Florida
Oct. 15-21: Wisconsin
Oct. 22-23: Virginia
Oct. 24: West Virginia
Oct. 25-26: Ohio
Oct. 27: Pennsylvania
Oct. 28-31: Iowa

VP Schedule
Oct. 1-15: Florida
Oct. 16-19: Georgia
Oct. 20-27: Virginia
Oct. 28-31: North Carolina

Schedule

October 1st -
Fly to Israel
Meet with Israeli officials
Visit major Israeli attractions

October 2nd -
Deliver speech at Tel-Aviv
Deliver speech at Jerusalem
Fly to Syria
Meet with Syrian officials

October 3rd -
Rest

October 4th -
Town hall meeting in Aurora, CO
Campaign rally in Denver, CO
Stump in Colorado Springs, CO
Campaign rally in Pueblo, CO

October 5th -
Campaign rally in Littleton, CO
Stump in Lakewood, CO
Campaign rally in Aurora, CO

October 6th -
Stump in Roswell, NM
Town hall in Sante Fe, NM
Town hall in Las Cruces, NM
Campaign rally in Albuquerque, NM

"Senator Brown has launched the largest grassroots campaign for working families across this country in history; to produce fresh change and different vision for the country. He has united millions of working families to finally unleash an era of prosperity for working families and dispose of the policies that have undercut paychecks and slowed down our economy. This country was built by families who embarked to prove that every man, woman, and child who dream of a better future for themselves can achieve such; so many Americans followed that wishful creed. But for the past few years, wages have receded, opportunity has shriveled up, families can't make by. The status quo just won't cut it for New Mexico's working families. We need a new congress with new visions to renew the American dream for those who can't obtain it for themselves in this economy.

I come from a family that struggled myself. The Americans struggling from debt, job losses, lower paychecks, are not just a number, they are real people. The reality is that this economy is not working for so many, and because of it, the economy as a whole is failing. Economic and job growth is retracting, and real wages are barely budging.

Sherrod Brown's plan is fresh. Phil Scott, while he pretends to be something new, is proposing the same old, same old. His candidacy is respectable, but his policies are a re-run of this administration's policies. In order to reignite the American dream & economy, we must reignite the middle class; no person is more qualified than Senator Brown to do that; who has spent his whole life fighting for working families."

October 7th -
Stump in Gallup, NM
Stump in Carlsbard, NM
Campaign rally in Roswell, NM

October 8th -
Town hall in Raton, NM
Town hall in Espanola, NM
Campaign rally in Santa Fe, NM

October 9th -
Fly to Texas
Campaign rally in Houston, TX
Campaign rally in Fort Worth, TX
Campaign rally in El Paso, TX

"There is a serious problem with the influence of money in politics on both sides of the political aisle, and people from all sides of the political aisle see the need to root it out and give our government back to the people. We've seen some of the largest pieces of campaign finance reform come from legislators of different parties because the influence of that money is real and we must address it. That's why Sherrod Brown is running for President, and I am running for Senate. Senator Brown has committed himself to spearheading the fight in Ohio, and throughout his time in public service, to holding our government accountable for people and not big donors.

These are some of the realest issues at hand. Sherrod Brown tackles them head on. Phil Scott sticks to the status quo.

The truth is that it is evident that the same old ideas will not solve growing threats and issues. Our politics is not black and white, and bold solutions to tackle the real threats at hand are not republican or democratic ideas. Senator Brown and I offer a candidacy built regardless of partisanship, race or gender, it's not about conforming to party lines or caving into party bosses. Senator Brown has historically been a maverick in Congress, not because of courage, but because his commitments lie elsewhere than partisanship. Senator Brown is committed to working families, so they get a voice in Congress, not big donors, so they can get a meaningful tax cut, not wall street bankers & hedgefund managers, so they can get the real opportunity to provide their family with a life of prosperity and joy. This election is about a commitment to rebuilding America's middle class, not partisanship."

October 10th -
Town hall meeting in Austin, TX
Town hall meeting in Arlington, TX
Campaign rally in San Antonio, TX
Campaign rally in Dallas, TX

October 11th -
Town hall meeting in Amarillo, TX
Stump in Plano, TX
Town hall meeting in Galveston, TX
Campaign rally in Lubbock, TX

October 12th -
Town hall meeting in Tampa, FL
Stump in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Stump in St. Petersburg, FL
Campaign rally in Miami, FL

"Our position in the world has been weakened by too much unilateralism and too little cooperation; a perilous dependence on imported oil; a refusal to lead on global warming; and two wars in Afghanistan and Syria that burden our military and hurt America's image internationally. Sherrod Brown offers a solid foreign policy vision that reaffirms U.S alliances globally, and I'm proud to back him. Sherrod Brown is ready to be president of the United States. He will work for an America with more partners and fewer adversaries. He will rebuild our frayed alliances and revitalize the international institutions which help to share the costs of the world's problems and to leverage our power and influence. He will put us back in the forefront of the world's fight to reduce nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and to stop global warming.  He will responsibly end two wars in Syria and Afghanistan and make America more respected. He will choose diplomacy first and military force as a last resort. But in a world troubled by terror; by trafficking in weapons, drugs and people; by human rights abuses; by other threats to our security, our interests, and our values, when he cannot convert adversaries into partners, he will stand up to them.

Senator Brown's foreign policy vision is obviously the most in-depth and comprehensive plan to rebuild America abroad."

October 13th -
Town hall meeting in Naples, FL
Town hall meeting in Fort Myers, FL
Campaign rally in Tallahassee, FL

October 14th -
Stump in Gainesville, FL
Stump in Sarasota, FL
Campaign rally in Fort Lauderdale, FL

"It's the shoulders of Florida's working families that give us all opportunity and prosperity. But for the last eight years in Florida, too many families have faced the cost of higher prescription drug prices, childcare, and more. Your Governor, Alex Sink, has excelled in protecting middle class families across this state, but it's time to take that spirit to Washington D.C and shake up the status quo."

Bus tour in Wisconsin

October 15th -
Bus tour in Marshfield, WI
Bus tour in Superior, WI
Bus tour in Middleton, WI
Campaign rally in Eau Claire, WI

October 16th -
Bus tour in Racine, WI
Bus tour in Janesville, WI
Bus tour in Beloit, WI
Campaign rally in Green Bay, WI

October 17th -
Bus tour in Sun Prairie, WI
Bus tour in Janesville, WI
Bus tour in Waukesha, WI
Campaign rally in Madison, WI

October 18th -
Bus tour in Baraboo, WI
Bus tour in Stevens Point, WI
Bus tour in Manitowoc, WI
Campaign rally in Appleton, WI

"What Wisconsinites are worry about is who's going to bring strong job growth to declining industrial communities. While we must bring back our factories back home and putting American workers first internationally, we must create good-paying jobs right now for suffering Wisconsin families. My infrastructure plan alone will supply 13 million good-paying jobs nationwide that will greatly benefit industrial communities who need better roads, buildings, drinking water, and it will give them good jobs as well."

October 19th -
Bus tour in Wausau, WI
Bus tour in Brookfield, WI
Bus tour in Rhinelander, WI
Campaign rally in La Crosse, WI

October 20th -
Bus tour in Pewaukee, WI
Bus tour in Waupaca, WI
Bus tour in Cedarburg, WI
Campaign rally in Milwaukee, WI

"We need to get serious about renegotiating our trade agreements, securing anti-outsourcing and buy american provisions, and build enforcement tools for American workers. American jobs shouldn’t be up for negotiation and American workers can’t be traded away as bargaining chips. By setting high standards, putting workers ahead of corporations and refusing to compromise on outsourcing, we can create the best possible deal for all American workers. And it's time to fight back against China's cheating. They have committed systemic labor abuses and manipulated their dollar to hurt American manufacturers. Now, we must send a real movement of American workers to the White House to rebuild the American middle class and revive industrial towns"

October 21st -
Bus tour in Sheboygan, WI
Bus tour in Oak Creek, WI
Bus tour in Lake Geneva, WI
Campaign rally in Madison, WI

October 22nd -
Town hall meeting in Williamsburg, VA
Town hall meeting in Chesapeake, VA
Stump in Lynchburg, VA
Campaign rally in Alexandria, VA

October 23rd -
Town hall meeting in Fredericksburg, VA
Town hall meeting in Fairfax, VA
Campaign rally in Roanoke, VA
Campaign rally in Charlottesville, VA

October 24th -
Town hall meeting in Martinsburg, WV
Stump in Huntington, WV
Town hall meeting in Morgantown, WV
Campaign rally in Charleston, WV

October 25th -
Town hall meeting in Akron, OH
Stump in Toledo, OH
Stump in Lorain, OH
Campaign rally in Columbus, OH

October 26th -
Town hall meeting in Zesterville, OH
Stump in Youngstown, OH
Campaign rally in Cleveland, OH
Campaign rally in Cincinnati, OH

October 27th -
Town hall meeting in Erie, PA
Town hall meeting in Scranton, PA
Campaign rally in Pittsburgh, PA

October 28th -
Town hall meeting in Sioux City, IA
Stump in Ames, IA
Town hall meeting in Council Bluffs, IA
Campaign rally in Des Moines, IA

October 29th -
Town hall meeting in Marshalltown, IA
Town hall meeting in Fort Dodge, IA
Campaign rally in Cedar Rapids, IA

October 30th -
Town hall meeting in Keokuk, IA
Town hall meeting in Muscatine, IA
Stump in Urbandale, IA
Campaign rally in Iowa City, IA

October 31st -
Town hall meeting in Dubuque, IA
Campaign rally in Waterloo, IA
Campaign rally in Sioux City, IA
Campaign rally in Davenport, IA


Surrogate Schedule
Bill Clinton: Campaign in Iowa
Barack Obama: Campaign in urban Ohio
Tammy Baldwin: Campaign in Wisconsin
John Kerry: Campaign in Maine & New Hampshire
Stacey Abrams: Campaign in Georgia
Dwight Evans: Campaign in Philadelphia
John Lewis: Campaign in Atlanta
Kamala Harris: Campaign in Nevada
Mark Warner: Campaign in Virginia
Bernie Sanders: Campaign in Vermont
Elizabeth Warren: Campaign in New Hampshire
Debbie Stabenow: Campaign in Michigan
Joe Manchin: Campaign in West Virginia
Jared Polis: Campaign in Colorado

[Cabbage]

RULES FOR DEBATE PARTICIPATION

The following rules will govern the debates:

The presidential debate will begin as soon as I post it (later today), and end at the end of the day June 3.

Each candidate will be asked to make an opening statement, answer three posted questions, and make a closing statement.

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)

[Cabbage]

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE 2020

Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

Hickenlooper: And I'm John Hickenlooper. And we're here at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, to bring you tonight's presidential debate!

*crowd cheers*

Blitzer: Indeed we are, John. And tonight we have onstage the three strongest candidates for President:

United States Senator from Ohio Sherrod Brown,

Vermont Governor Phil Scott,

and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Hickenlooper: And just to make things clear for the people at home, here's how the debate's going to work. Each candidate will give us an opening statement, answer three questions, and give us a closing statement. That said: Gentlemen, are you ready?

*all three nod*

Hickenlooper: Then let's begin!

Questions for individual candidates:

Senator Brown

1. Your critics have claimed that your economic policies will throw an already weakened economy into the grip of recession. How do you respond to these claims?

2. You went to Israel just a few days ago, arguably at a time when it's critical for a presidential nominee to be on the ground campaigning. Was this a "state visit" made out of confidence of victory, or did you have some other purpose going there, as well?

3. What is one thing you truly respect about your opponents up here tonight?

Phil Scott

1. Some on the right have said, and pardon the language here, Governor, but this is a direct quote, that "the only reason his social views haven't bit him in the ass is because everyone else is worse." How do you respond to this statement?

2. In a surprising twist, you've actually made your home state competitive this year. Do you believe this could be a start to a new trend for Vermont?

3. What is one thing you truly respect about your opponents up here tonight?

Rob Manfred

1. Many in the Libertarian Party have complained about how you're "stealing their show," a claim they support by noting your choice of vice presidential nominee and several of you views. How do you respond to this?

2. You've polled well behind your opponents for much of this cycle. Do you believe a good performance here could be your breakout moment?

3. What is one thing you truly respect about your opponents up here tonight?

[Jaguar4life]

Manfred debate answers part 1

1.Well I want to be a president for all Americans not just the Libertarians but rather the Republicans Democrats and the Greens so that is why I didn’t decide to run for the Libertarian party nomination. 

At the same time I chose Gary Johnson as a comprise for them to show that I have no bad feelings towards them and I believe he is a good choice for the Republicans not happy with the history of Phill Scott and his tax hikes. 

I do have some Libertarian beliefs but I wouldn’t call myself a Libertarian as I disagree with some of their platforms when it comes to several issues.  But still I have nothing for respect for them.


2.Well I usually I try my best to do great in these things *He did a chuckle* but hopefully a breakout   performance happens tonight I think Americans are tired of the 2 party system and want a 3rd choice in the matter.
 
I’m not here to split votes I am head to give Americans another choice. 

[Jaguar4life]

Manfred debate answers part 2

3.I respect Senator Brown while I disagree with most of his polices I respect the way he  approaches and speaks to the working class people who I think are the most important voters of any presidential election and that fact that I see him out there in official MLB gear out there campaigning sometimes for a less serious but fun reason.  *He laughs*

I respect Govenor Scott and how he always reaches out of parsitan lines and can put aside differences and get things done with other parties on issues.

4.The majority of Americans and voters consider himselfs independents or non affiliates and are tried of the same two party system and what a president that isnt assign to a party and has to do what they tell him or else he won’t get reelectioned.

We need a leader than is for all Americans not just for Republicans or Democrats. Thank you and good night

[NyIndy]

Gary Johnson VP Campaign Schedule for October

October 1st - 5th: Campaign for Manfred in NM
October 6th - 10th: Campaigning in AZ
October 11th: Las Vegas Rally
October 12 - 14th: CO tour
October 16th - 20th: Tour of OR & WA
October 23rd - 26th: Tour of New England
October 27th - 31st: Tour of Western States (MT, ID, ND, SD & WY)

[KaiserDave]

Phil Scott Debate Answers

Opening Statement:
Well, I want to thank Governor Hickenlooper and Wolf for moderating this debate and the University of Notre Dame for hosting us tonight. I want to first express my awe and amazement, and honor at being here tonight. And how excited I am for the vigorous discussion of the issues tonight. I didn't run for President because I'd been planning to for the last 4 years. I didn't run for President because their was a focus group trying to get me into the race for a temporary period or to drop out after that. I ran because I hoped the American people wanted real leadership, leadership that puts people before party. Decency before politicking, and solutions before grandstanding. I asked the American people for their trust and support to help be that leader. My campaign is about the issues, and the solutions I hope can bring us all together and can fix our broken political system. As a son of a single Mom in a blue collar town, I never thought I'd work anywhere beyond the local corner store. But I started a business, and I grew a family. I was honored by the people of Vermont to become their governor. And I hope I can gain your trust to be the President of the United States, and unite America, to make the American dream possible for all.

1. Some on the right have said, and pardon the language here, Governor, but this is a direct quote, that "the only reason his social views haven't bit him in the ass is because everyone else is worse." How do you respond to this statement?

Well look, my views are pretty clear on social issues. I believe in an open, inclusive, and tolerant America. I don't believe there is any shame in that. As a religious American, I can empathize with those who feel strongly about their religion and beliefs. I share many of these beliefs, but as a country, we can't shut people out. We have to bring people in, no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. That's how we create prosperity; correct burning injustices, create equal opportunity, and create a good future for every American.

2. In a surprising twist, you've actually made your home state competitive this year. Do you believe this could be a start to a new trend for Vermont?

Well, Vermonters know me. Vermonters and my friends and neighbors. I believe that Vermonters when they vote, don't look at party. They want leaders who can improve their lives, and make their communities stronger. They don't want partisan broadsides, they want results. I'm humbled by the support I've gotten in my home state, I'm a proud Vermonter, and Vermont has always been my home.  And I'll be voting in Vermont on election day, I hope it goes for me, and as for the future. I'm sure that Vermonters will vote for proven leaders and uniters, not dividers. I hope I can be a uniter for all Americans in this election.


3. What is one thing you truly respect about your opponents up here tonight?

I have a lot to say (laughs). But I think that both of my opponents up here are good and decent men who deeply care for this country. Senator Brown is a man with a long history of public service to the people of Ohio, and a man who's always stood for the average Joe against powerful interests. He's a great father and grandfather and he's a good man. Commissioner Manfred is a good family man who cares about this country and wants to bring a new voice into the political conversation. I think both of my opponents are good, decent citizens.

Closing Statement:
This has been a good discussion of the issues, and I believe it has been good for our discourse. As the election approaches, I want us to focus on the fundamentals. A strong economy, a fairer tax code, creating bipartisanship, new jobs, higher wages, cheaper prescription drugs, a more welcoming country. If we focus on the issues, we'll do better. I hope I can prove to Americans that we are the campaign most focused on the issues. But we're also a movement, to unite this county. To bring everyone together, to end the indecency and divineness in politics. If we do that, we can do so much for Americans. For the poor and most vulnerable, and for every American struggling to make ends meet. Let us ascend to the heights of Vermont's own green mountains. With that spirit, I humbly ask for your vote and may God Bless America.

[adamevans]

Oop- I forgot when the debate was due. I thought it was Wednesday. I can finish it today.

[Cabbage]

Oop- I forgot when the debate was due. I thought it was Wednesday. I can finish it today.

Ok. I'll go ahead and start the VP debate, but you're fine.

[Cabbage]

RULES FOR DEBATE PARTICIPATION

The following rules will govern the debates:

The vice presidential debate will begin as soon as I post it (later today), and end at the end of the day June 6.

Each candidate will be asked to make an opening statement, answer three posted questions, and make a closing statement.

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)

[Cabbage]

VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE 2020

Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

Hickenlooper: And I'm John Hickenlooper. And we're here at the University of Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut, to bring you tonight's vice presidential debate!

*crowd cheers*

Blitzer: Indeed we are, John. And here onstage tonight we have the top three contenders for Vice President:

Florida Governor Alex Sink,

United States Senator from Florida Marco Rubio,

and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.

Hickenlooper: And just to make things clear for the people at home, here's how the debate's going to work. Each candidate will give us an opening statement, answer three questions, and give us a closing statement. That said: Gentlemen, and lady, are you ready?

*all three nod*

Hickenlooper: Then let's begin!

Questions for individual candidates:

Alex Sink

1. Your critics say you're a borderline socialist who's dragged the party "dangerously and irreparably to the left." How do you respond to those claims?

2. Some of your supporters have blamed sexism directed towards you for the recent tightening of the race in the polls. Do you agree with this sentiment?

3. What is something you truly respect about both of your opponents up here tonight?

Marco Rubio

1. Many on the left have blamed the President's economic policies for the recent correctional phase the economy has entered. Do you see this as the case, and, if not, what do you believe is to blame?

2. Your campaign has received numerous endorsements from former Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents. Do you believe this could help you break through into constituencies previously viewed as nearly impassable for Republicans?

3. What is something you truly respect about both of your opponents up here tonight?

Gary Johnson

1. You've been known in the past to gain oversized margins in your home state of New Mexico whenever you were on the top of the ticket; do you believe that will cross over to this year, with you now running as VP to Commissioner Manfred?

2. Some Republicans have complained about Commissioner Manfred being a spoiler to Governor Scott, especially given that both you and he have socially liberal and economically conservative views. How do you respond to these claims?

3. What is something you truly respect about both of your opponents up here tonight?

[NyIndy]

VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE 2020
Gary Johnson


1. You've been known in the past to gain oversized margins in your home state of New Mexico whenever you were on the top of the ticket; do you believe that will cross over to this year, with you now running as VP to Commissioner Manfred?

2. Some Republicans have complained about Commissioner Manfred being a spoiler to Governor Scott, especially given that both you and he have socially liberal and economically conservative views. How do you respond to these claims?

3. What is something you truly respect about both of your opponents up here tonight?[/center]

JOHNSON VP DEBATE ANSWERS

I would like to start my remarks by thanking the university for hosting us tonight, and for the debate commission for allowing the American people to listen to more than the two sides who have dominated American politics.

1. I think my strength in New Mexico comes from my strong record in the state of balancing the budget and protecting the personal freedoms of the people of our state while cutting back on state government. My strength in New Mexico will come with me to the Manfred ticket because New Mexicans know that when promise change, I mean it. Who do you trust to change things for us? The same old two parties who always promise change and do nothing when they get elected or us? If you want real change, send us to the White House. Thank you.

2. Look, we are campaigning with somewhat similar views to the Governor, there's no denying that. However, while we promise change with an increase in civil liberties. We've seen the Romney administration continue to harm civil liberties through a throwback to the war on drugs and continuing NSA spying. If you agree with Governor Scott on many issues but don't want those policies to continue, consider supporting us. If Governor Scott wishes to win these voters, maybe it's more appropriate to criticize them for failing to appeal to these voters than us for speaking to them about the issues that they care about?

3. Look, to be a politician means having smarts and tenacity. To be on this stage means having it in spades. The people with me on this stage have proven themselves strong in their own right by making it here and that is something I greatly respect. There are many from their parties to pick from and that they were chosen shows their skill.

[adamevans]

Debate Answers.

Opening Statement

Thank you, John and Wolf. The central question we need to ask this election is what kind of country we want to be for our families, for our local small businesses, for moms & dads, kids and rising adults. I embarked on this journey to reclaim President Roosevelt's testament and message to our nation. 'Equality of opportunity… Jobs for those who can work… Security for those who need it… The ending of special privilege for the few… The preservation of civil liberties for all… a wider and constantly rising standard of living.' That's America's basic bargain, it supersedes party lines. For the past eight years, our basic bargain hasn't been what it was. Rising drug & insurance costs, paychecks have barely budged for so many, a shrinking number of Americans have done fantastically well. All this, while we spend trillions of dollars in overseas wars that the vast majority of the American public disapproves of.

This is our defining moment where we can stand up and say that we are Americans. I make my destiny. We deserve better. My children deserve better, my family deserves better. My country deserves better. We can tell the special interests and D.C politicians that 1% growth and stagnant paychecks is not the best we can do. It's time to rebuild America's middle class; the people that built this country to begin with.

1. Your critics have claimed that your economic policies will throw an already weakened economy into the grip of recession. How do you respond to these claims?

I've been endorsed by the non-partisan Tax Policy Institute because it's clear to them and so many others that the only way we're going to build growth for this economic is by supporting the people who drive this economy and that's working families. We are on the brink of recession because those 9-to-5 working moms and dads have been shunned by this administration's policies; we need someone to get in the White House and make middle class Americans the #1 priority to strengthen this economy and build an economy where families across this country thrive.

In order to stimulate this economy, we need to put those families first. What we need right now is not stale ideas and continuing the status quo, we need fresh vision and bold ideas that stimulates this economy for families across this country stressed by the negative turn of this economy while they struggle with medical bills, prescription drug and childcare costs. Manufacturing workers in the mid-west have seen good-paying jobs off-shored by the President's policies; so many communities have been devastated by an economy that favors wealthy Americans over ordinary people. This election is about middle class pocketbooks, not partisanship.

What we need is a change from the status quo, not more of it.

2. You went to Israel just a few days ago, arguably at a time when it's critical for a presidential nominee to be on the ground campaigning. Was this a "state visit" made out of confidence of victory, or did you have some other purpose going there, as well?

The next President's foreign policy is critical to our role as a nation in the 21st century, and rebuilding America must mean rebuilding America abroad too. The president's foreign policy has left us off more vulnerable and less respected in the world, while we spend trillions in unnecessary overseas wars. It's why I've been endorsed by Secretary Madeleine Albright and Generals James Conway and Hugh Shelton. I visited Israel and Syria to express my commitment to creating a foreign policy that supports diplomacy over unilateralism and keeps us out of unnecessary, costly wars that pose a threat to our image and relationships internationally; my commitment to restoring American leadership in the world.

We spend so much overseas that foreign policy might as well be called a domestic issue as well. Unnecessary, unpopular wars have sucked money that could be used on rebuilding our infrastructure or investing in quality education. I will work for an America with more partners and fewer adversaries and responsibly withdraw from the wars in Syria and Afghanistan. I will work for less unilateralism and more diplomacy, and I will put the world at the forefront of tackling international challenges. I'll stand up to adversaries, those who cheat our workers, those who commit human rights abuses, those who threaten America with nuclear annihilation. Our country deserves better than a foreign policy that hurts our standing internationally and helps those that cheat off American workers.

3. What is one thing you truly respect about your opponents up here tonight?

Phil is a respectable governor who has taken a courageous stand for LGBT minorities in the fight for equal rights as a Republican. We have really moved some great steps towards equality in the past 20 years, and Phil has really been an ally of those who've pushed for that. He's really someone with a lot of courage. And Anyone who knows me personally knows I love baseball, so obviously Rob is someone who I have great respect for. Him and I both understand the real need to take this country for big changes. I'm glad he's at this debate; the need for an inclusive debate of all major candidates is something we've need for a while.

Closing Statement

Thank you very much Wolf, Governor Scott, and to Commissioner Manfred. You've now heard a debate, months of campaigning, and way too many TV commercials. Now, you've got a choice to deliver a message at the ballot box. For the past eight years, the status quo has crippled and stressed too many working families with paychecks barely budging coinciding with rising corporate profits, the cost of everything going up, and two prolonged wars in the middle east. The status quo isn't what's working; what's working is working families, and they're who needs to be put first in this economy. What we need right now is fresh vision from the status quo, to take our fight to the White House, stick it to Wall Street and really build a nation where working families can get ahead.

Now is the time for millions of working families to come together and make that happen. On November 3rd, you have the option to make it happen, to write a new chapter in American history, and rebuild America for those who make it work to begin with, the working dad or mom who wakes up every day to work. That's who really matters this election, that's why we need to take a fight to the White House.

[Cabbage]

Just a reminder that VP debate responses are due at the end of the day today.

[Orwell]

Just a reminder that VP debate responses are due at the end of the day today.

Could I get an extension I'm at Wrigley

[Cabbage]

Just a reminder that VP debate responses are due at the end of the day today.

Could I get an extension I'm at Wrigley

Yes, that's fine.

[adamevans]

Jakobisgood is currently on vacation, can he get an extension?

[Cabbage]

Jakobisgood is currently on vacation, can he get an extension?

Yes, he can.

[Orwell]

Marco Rubio Debate Responses

Opening Statement

Hello, and I would like to begin by saying thank you to Wolf and Governor Hickenlooper for hosting this debate tonight. I would also like to say thank you to the American people for tuning in to this historic debate, and finally, I would like to thank Governor Sink and Governor Johnson for debating these issues with me today, so the American people can make this election the most informed in our nation's history. I'd like to begin with three questions for the American people tonight, Is your life better than it was 8 years ago? Do you want lower taxes? and, do you want to see an Administration that is working for the next 40 years and not just the next 4 years? If you said yes to any of those questions, you should be voting for Phil Scott on November 3rd. The government should be serving the American people, the people should not be serving the government.

1. Many on the left have blamed the President's economic policies for the recent correctional phase the economy has entered. Do you see this as the case, and, if not, what do you believe is to blame?

Economic correction is nothing, in this case, if the liberal media tells you different then they're simply fear mongering. We expect this type of correction after so many years of great economic growth, under a Scott administration we will continue to improve on the great progress we have made in the last 8 years of the Romney Administration. We will do this by continuing to lower taxes on hardworking middle-class Americans and small businesses because small businesses really are the backbone of this nation. On the trail, I spoke to a single mother in Miami she owns a small deli that employs 8 people, she said that her business has never been better than these last 8 years with President Romney, and said she looked forward to voting for Governor Scott in November to continue this path forward for the future, because we need a future that hardworking Americans can depend on. That is why Governor Scott and I have presented our plan to continue building upon the progress America has made, and make it easier for small businesses and middle-class Americans to succeed because they are the backbone of our nation and without them, we are weaker as a country.

2. Your campaign has received numerous endorsements from former Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents. Do you believe this could help you break through into constituencies previously viewed as nearly impassable for Republicans?

It's simple, these Democrats or Independents see that Governor Scott and I are offering common sense solutions. We're not endorsed by literal Socialists, because we have learned from history that Socialism doesn't work. We're seeing breakthroughs in people that 20 years ago someone would call me crazy for believing we could be winning. 20 years ago someone would call you crazy for suggesting someone with my skin color and my background could be the next Vice President of the United States of America. To return to the fact that these Democrats are endorsing us, it is that they know what we're proposing is good for America and is good for Americans. The agenda that Senator Brown and Governor Sink are putting forward is as we would say in Cuba, No es tan bravo el león como lo pintan. Or in English, their bark is worse than their bite. They want radical solutions to problems that we know the answer to. Instead of lowering taxes on small businesses to raise the wages of Americans, they want to make the $15 minimum wage which will destroy millions of American jobs. We need to focus on putting money back in the hands of all Americans. Senator King has worked closely with me in the Senate, and he knows too even after being a lifelong Democrat, he hasn't abandoned the party, the party has abandoned him. That is why Governor Scott and I are preparing for a Presidency to turn Washington D.C. around so we can have a government that works for the people and not against them. So we can have a government that works to lower taxes and cut spending to end the deficit. So we can have a government that guarantees equal rights for All Americans. 

3. What is something you truly respect about both of your opponents up here tonight?

There are many things I respect about both of the Governors I am sharing the stage with tonight. I respect Governor Sink for representing the people well, I may not agree with the Governor and I may not think some of her so-called fixes for Florida really are fixes, but she has worked with the GOP Legislature in the state to pass Veteran's choice to give Vet's the choice to use private care facilities. For Governor Johnson, I really respect his efforts as Governor of New Mexico to lower the state deficit but still protect the programs that the citizens of his state really needed, all of the candidates on this stage want what is best for the American people.


Closing Statement

Again,  I would like to begin by saying thank you to Wolf and Governor Hickenlooper for hosting this debate tonight. I would also like to say thank you to the American people for tuning in to this historic debate. On November 3rd we need you the American people to vote for a future Administration that represents us for not just the next 4 years but for the next 40 years because a strong America means a strong world. That is why Phil Scott and Marco Rubio are the best options for America to lead our nation into a strong future.