A Nation at Crossroads - A 2024 Election Game (Gameplay Thread)

[GoTfan]

Polis 2024: For the Many, Not the Few

August 1-5: Polis kicked off his campaign in in Boulder, Colorado, outlining a strongly progressive agenda for the Presidency. He rallied his supporters based on his past in Colorado, and on his policies in the digital era. He decried the end of net neutrality, calling for it to be reinstated and solidified into law. The remaining days were focused on planning a schedule and developing a national campaign structure. Heads of state campaigns also began being drafted during these days.

August 6-10: Polis made his first campaign stop in Des Moines, Iowa, where he focused on rallying support from small farmers. Polis outlined his plans to downscale industrial farming in favour of smaller farmers, stating that they were far better land managers than industrial farmers, who endlessly exploit the land in pursuit of profit. He also talked about expanding ethanol production as part of his environmental plan.

August 11: Polis bussed it to South Bend, Indiana, where he received the endorsment of Pete Buttigeg, who had mounted a major campaign for the Presidency in 2020. Buttigieg labelled Polis as one of the strongest choices for a progressive America, owing to his background as the governor of Colorado and his experience in Congress

August 12: This day was spent on bussing to Madison in Wisconsin, where he was overjoyed to be endorsed by Senator Tammy Baldwin. Baldwin, herself a gay woman, said that Polis was one of the leaders of a new generation of leadership in the United States, and that he was the best chance to move the country forward.

August 13-15: Rest days

August 16-20: Polis travelled to New Hampshire to rally supporters of his campaign. He announced his plan to legalise marijuana and pass a Net Neutrality Act, as well as his plans for his campaign to receive endorsements by Bitcoin, building off of both of his gubernatorial campaigns.

August 21: Polis announced a bus tour of New England these days, intending to bring his message as far as he could throughout the states in the area.

August 22: On the day his bus tour began, Polis declared a major fear of his. "I'm A gay man. Happily married with a son and a daughter, as well. This is one of the most conservative Supreme Courts in US history, and I would not be surprised if they intended to try and overturn Obergefell v. Hodges at some point.

August 23-27: Polis began his bus tour with stops in Maine, where he campaigned for the continued establishment of conservation areas within the state, as well as supporting small fisheries over larger industrial fishing companies. Small-town fisheries, like their farming counterparts in Iowa, are better managers of natural resources because that is their livelihood. Industrial fishing companies exploit waters filled with wildlife to no end. We need to put a stop to it, right now!"

August 28-31: Rest days.

[GoTfan]

Polis debate answers

1) I don't believe this administration has done many good things. A trade war with China is slowing down our economy. They willingly separate children from their parents at the border, and what's more, we have lost 8 years in our fight against climate change. We are faced with a dangerous future as this administration has continually isolated us on the world stage. The fight on climate change? China is stepping into the void we left behind. Our trade war with them alienated our foreign allies.

We need to rebuild our reptuation aborad and at home.

2) These allegations deserve to be thoroughly investigated. If he is found to be not guilty, then welcome to the Supreme Court. If he is found guilty, then it must be deal with appropriately. What I find most shocking is that the Justice has remarked that "The Democrats ruined my life, so I'm going to ruin theirs."

These are not the words of a rtional Supreme Court Justice. Someone who is appointed to the Supreme Court cannot pursue a partisan agenda, and it seems to me that the Honourable Justice will do so. No judge can pursue a partisan agenda, and I have real fear that Justice Hanks will.

3) "Of course. I was passionate about education, which is why I ran for School Board all those years ago. In Congress, I was one of the leaders in the fight to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and in the battle against SOPA and PIPA.

In fact, if I may speak on SOPA for a moment, it was one of the most dangerous bills in the history of the US Congress, openly designed to infringe on the free speech rights of millions of people. It was designed specifically to let corporations run our internet. Senator Brown was a co-sponsor of this bil when it was introduced into the Senate! He supported it!

My priority in this campaign is to stand up for average Americans. Some might look at my personal wealth and say "what would he know about average Americans?" And that is a perfectly valid question. I'm self-funding my campaign, which means I am not owned by business interests, banks, oil companies or lobbyists. I don't for one second claim to be from the working class of this nation. That would be dishonest and a lie. But it is the responsbility of us at the top to bear a higher tax burden at the very least, so we can all share in the American Dream."

4) "I question the relevance of this question. I don't want people voting for me on my sexuality alone. That sends completely the wrong message. I want people to vote for me because i represent the best policies. I want people to vote for me because I'm not owned by lobbyists. I want people to vote for me because they think i represent the best future for the United States of America.

Look past the surface and read through my policies. Vote for me based on them. Not based on my sexuality."

[GoTfan]

Polis 2024: For the Many, Not the Few

September 1-30

September 1-15: Polis temporarily suspended is Northeastern Bus Tour and rushed down to Florida to offer Colorado's assistance to the embattled governors. Sayong that helping Americans came before campaigning, he aided initial recovery efforts personally, preparing massive donations to releif efforts in the effective states.

September 16-20: Polis headed back to Colorado to rally assistance in the form of donations and volunteers for the affected states and to arrange for a massive personal donation.

September 21-30: Polis returned to the affected states to aid in coordinating volunteers and relief efforts.

[GoTfan]

Statement from Gov. Polis

In times like these, being an American takes priority over being a Republican or not. I am therefore offering a personal donation to hurricane relief efforts of $75 million, and will forgo campaigning until the situation stabilizes.

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2024: Building Our Future

[Source: kval.com]

October 31, 2023-Myrtle Creek, Oregon: Hello Myrtle Creek! It's great to be back home and addressing you all here form our beautiful Evergreen Park Gazebo.

However, as beautiful as this place is, that's not all I have to talk about. For the last seven years, we have had a President who has favoured the wealthy and privileged. He has forgotten his promises to the working class of this country and has cost them their jobs, their livelihoods and more. He has become a fanatical defender of an economic theory that has been proven to ratchet up inequality, and harm those who are working from 9 to 5.

We live in a nation where already limited access to healthcare continues to be strangled as our administration endlessly sides with insurance companies. We live in a nation where our government, our leaders, have sided with the big banks over the American people. We live in a nation where our infrastructure is failing, yet our administration wants nothing to do with it. We live in a nation that tries to police the world, and only causes people to hate us.

We need to fix this, and we need to fix this now.

Therefore, today, I stand before you in my hometown to declare my candidacy for President of the United States of America!

Key policy points:

-Repeal of Taft-Hartley. It needlessly harms American workers and labor unions

-$15 an hour minimum wage. $7.25 is just inept.

-Universal single-payer healthcare. It is past time everyone was covered.

-Enforce anti-trust laws to break up big corporations and champion small business

-A fair tax system. Institute a wealth tax, a payroll tax exempting the first $2 million, a Wall Street speculation tax, raise top marginal and long term capital gains tax rates

-Trillion dollar infrastructure program. Our roads and bridges are crumbling and must be repaired.

-Fight climate change. Institute a Green New Deal.

-Campaign finance reform. Big money runs our government; Citizens United must be overturned and transparency laws passed.

-Bringing the troops home. Were not the world police; refocus the military for versatility over power projection.

-Break up the big banks. Reinstate the Glass-Steagall and Banking Acts.

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2020: Building Our Future

November 1-3: Senator Merkley spent the days immediately following his announcement establishing his campaign staff in Oregon developing a campaign strategy. The decision was made to effectively take up the mantle of Sanders and Warren, to run a progressive reformer with a bit of western flair thrown in.

November 4-7: Merkley kicked off his campaign by travelling to Iowa, and hosting a rally in Des Moines before criss-crossing the state for town hall meetings and public forums. Moreover, Merkley campaigned heavily on college campuses in the state, banking on his progressive platform to win the youth vote. He revealed a plan for student loan debt forgiveness, and for making community college free to all students who desired it.

November 8-11: Thse days were invested into building up the ground game in Iowa. Volunteers were briefed and offices were opened across the state. It was leaked following one meeting that Merkley would not be accepting any PAC donations to his campaign, relying solely on small donors in the vein of other progressive candidates.

November 12-15: The Senator travelled to and campaigned in New Hampshire these days. A primary that had gone to progressives before, Merkley put his experience in retail politics (gained from three hard-fought Senate elections) to use, meeting as many voters as he could. He continued attempts to rally the youth vote to his side, talking about single-payer healthcare and the Green New Deal, a prominent campaign issue for him

November 16-18: As in Iowa, these days were spent building up campaign staff in New Hampshire and creating a strategy for winning the state's primary. Merkley continued to emphasise that he was not accepting any PAC donations to his campaign, despite the advice that stating this was effectively disarming himself.

November 19-25: Merkley returned to Washington DC for Senatorial duties

November 26-30: These days were spent campaigning in Nevada, as Merkley once again relied on retail politics to try and elevate himself in the polls, considering his late arrival to the primary. Again, targets remained the youth and progressive vote, urging people to come out and get involved in the campaign.

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2024: Building Our Future

December 1-5: Merkley campaigned in Iowa these days, turning fire on Rubio's recent interview and lambasting the Republican Party's love of fossil fuels.

"I agree, space exploration is absolutely necessary, and it's a key part of any Demcoratic platform, but the purpose should not be simple to further our addiction to fossil fuels like oil. The Vice President, as if it wasn't obvious before, is obsessed with big oil companies. Not much of a surprise, consdering where his support comes from.

Instead of focusing on oil production and destroying our environment, why not instead focus on building up clean energy projects? Alternative fuel, like the ethanol made right here in Iowa, is friendly to the environment and can slash our emissions if introduced on a national scale. But of course, the Republican Party is controlled by oil companies and denies the science of climate change."

December 6-11: These days were spent campaigning in Minnesota, where Merkley focused his visits on both impoverished neighbourhoods and college campuses, attempting to play up his base of working class and youth voters. On the last day, he travelled down to Illinois to appear at a rally for Congressional candidate Marie Newman, endorsing her over Dan Lipinski.

"Dan Lipinski opposes a woman's right to choose, LGBT rights, immigration rights and Medicare for All. In a district like this, it is unconscionable that he has been able to hold onto power for so long. Last year, Marie lost by just 2,000 votes. This year, you're gonna send her to Congress, aren't you?!"

December 12-14: Merkley travelled to Idaho to endorse and campaign for Rebecca Casper, who has a chance of becoming the first Democrat elected to Congress from the state in some time. He held a joint rally with New York Governor and his opponent for the 2024 Demcoratic Presidential nomination Andrew Cuomo for the Idaho Falls Mayor.

December 15-17: Merkley travelled to California, staking out ground opposite Tammy Duckworth by endorsing London Breed for Congress, citing her work on the environment, public transportation and on housing.

"London Breed has been a tireless fighter for the issues that matter as we move forward: our housing, our environment and of course, our infrastructure. She is the best candidate for congress this year, and I am proud to endorse her for this district!"

December 18-21: The Senator travelled to Nevada these days, campaigning in Las Vegas and Reno, where he met with service workers in the various hotels and casinos of both cities, announcing his support of their continued efforts to unionize, and his push for a higher minimum wage.

December 22-27: Merkley took a break from camapigning to spend Christmas with his family in Oregon.

December 28-30: These days were spent with leading campaign staff in Oregon as Senator Merkley tried to devise a strategy for the new year. Handicapped as he is, Merkley is aware that his late start and comparatively low name recognition makes him the underdog in the race, and is looking for ways to turn that to his advantage . . .

December 31: New Years' celebrations with family in Oregon.

[GoTfan]

Merkley unveils major endorsements

[credit: Wikimedia Commons]

"We need a progressive to take the hepm avter eight disastrous years of Republicans in the White House. Our middle class is on the verge of being hit with a knockout punch that will wreck us and yet, the Vice President is continuing to push the myth of trickle-down economics which is breaking this nation apart. Jeff Merkley has been a tireless fighter for progressive causes, and will nring those ideas to the White House!"

[credit: Wikimedia Commons]

"Like all progressives, I have been bitterly disappointed with the last 8 years of endless tax cuts for thewealthy, the gutting of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and the crash in funding for public education, not to mention the rollback of environmental laws and shift towards corporate government.

Senator Merkley has fought every single one of these decisions in the Senate, and has been a leader on all of our causes. I'm proud to endorse him for President."

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2024: Bulding Our Future

January 1-3: Merkley spent the New Years' celebreations with his family in Oregon.

January 4-6: Merkley campaigned for Mayor London Breed in California these days, highlighting her work on environmental and housing issues. He also held a mjor housing speech in the centre of the district for his campaign, declaring that a federal housing bill would be one of the first acts he pushes through congress.

January 7-18: Sneator Merkley campaigned heavily in Iowa these days, in particular highlighting his farm plan, calling for increased restrictions and taxes on corporate farms and tax breaks for smaller, family-owned farms. he pointed out that family farmers are far better land managers than major corporations, and far more reliable. He also announced that he would end subsidies to corporate farms. Finally, he campaigned on a bill to introduce ethanol to all fuel blends used in the US while the nation moves towards renewable energy.

January 19-23: Merkley headed to New Hampshire these days, accompanied by Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He announced that after consultation, he was combining his housing bill into his infrastructure bill, which he is now referring to as the National Infrastructure Act. He also campaigned on introducing a wealth tax on the highest earners in the country.

January 24: The Senator attended the Democratic primary debate.

January 25-28: Campaign stops in South Carolina.

[GoTfan]

Further Merkley Endorsements

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
"Jeff Merkley has been in the Senate since 2008. he is a tireless fighter for our workers and our poor. He supported me in 2016 and since then, he has been one of the leaders in our fight for Medicare for All, the $15 an hour minimum wage, and the repeal of Taft-Hartley. If you want a president who will stand up and fight for the people of this country against the insipid corruption of lobbyists and a rapidly encroaching corporatocracy, then vote for Jeff Merkley in 2024!"

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI)
"Our workers in this country need someone who will stand up for a living wage and will spare no expense in taking on the giant corporations who run our nation. Jeff Merkley is the candidate who will fight the billionaire class tooth and nail to defend the rights of the people. I'm proud to endorse the next President of the United States of America, Jeff Merkley!

[Image credits: Wikimedia Commons]

[GoTfan]

Jeff Merkley Debate Answers

"I want to thank Senator Duckworth and Governor Cuomo for being here tonight. I know I decided to get in to this race late, but we need someone to represent the left wing of our party in this race. Wither in the Oregon House or the US Senate, I have been fighting for our working and middle classes my entire life, and want to bring these values to the White House."

1) "This is inconsequential to every one of our campaigns. We should be talking about education, healthcare and infrastructure, not what symbol our party should use."

2) "Well the Republican Party has never been shy about its friendliness with Russia, and this is only further proof of that. I'm sorry, but when a foreign politcal candidate expresses favortism for a single political party above all else in our country, it returns questions about election interference from Russia, and we should be keeping a very close eye on further developments. We cannot express favortism for one party above all else, or it will hamper our diplomatic efforts throughout the world."

3) "This speaks to the heart of Republican problems in this country. When was the last time Democrats were even competitive in Idaho? It's as red a state as you can get, and now we are making a serious run of it? When a state as ruby red as Idaho is leaning towards the Democrat, you know people are upset. They're so worried about this, that they sent the Vice President of the United States to campaign! In Idaho! This speaks volumes to their vulnerabilities with the public, and we should exploit it for all we can."

4) "And independent Kurdish state should be our starting point, no ifs, ands or buts. What I find most incredible is that the President has decided to intervene now after backstabbing the Kurds in 2019! The backtracking on this, coupled with the revolving door of the White House, speaks to Republicans' problems when it comes to foreign policy. They can't decide whther to be hawks or doves and then completely mess everything up!

Independence for Kurdistan, and nothing more. We have wasted time nation-building in the Middle East for over 20 years. It is time to re-evaluate our foreign policy."

5) "Secretary Mnuchin has done many more things that simply bribe people. He led banking foreclosure efforts in California, and is one of the men responsible for the crash of 2008. The corruption runs deep inside this administration, who selected an out-and-out corporatist cabinet, obsessed with the bottom line of the ultra-rich, rather than the American people. As for whether another investigation is needed, I believe that it is, undoubtedly. I would be happy to partner with Senator Duckworth to lead such an investigation in the Senate, if she'll have me."

6) "It's refreshing to see some good news in foreign policy when one considers how haphazard this administration's has been. However, and not to sound like a downer, but I doubt whether these elections will be fair or whether they will simply be rigged. Pat indicators say that it will be rigged for Kim Jong-Un, and there is zero chance he will allow Western observers into his country to monitor the elections. I have trouble buying the sincerity of this at all, really."

7) "And to think I was just speaking on a tenuous foreign policy success of this administration. This is surge in far-right populism that is shattering the world, and the President's silence on the issue speaks volumes. I believe we should seek UN support for sanctions of these nations without delay. These countries rely on Western commerce, and they will not survive without it."

8 ) "Well, the Whiite House is a revolving door, and any administration that succeeds it must be airtight, with a balance of loyalty and competence, but thankfully I think we have that covered. I would likely consider Governors Whitmer, Raimondo or Kelly or Senators Klobuchar, Gilibrand or Baldwin. Senator Duckworth would make a fine Secretary of State, and I believe that a man of integrity, like Bill McRaven or Wesley Clark sould be Secretary of Defense. Our Attorney-General must be someone ready to take on the big banks and be utterly fearless when doing so; Richard Cordray would be ideal. As for Treasury, well I imagine Senator Warren would be ideally suited."

9) "Is this a trick question? Of course I will, unconditionally."

10) "I'm running because the progressive wing couldn't go through this primary without having its views represented. We needed to have the ideas of single-payer healthcare, of a living wage, a Green New Deal and the repeal of Taft-Hartley front and centre. I'm running because we need a truly progressive president in 2024, and not one who will merely give lip service to progressive ideals, then govern from the middle. That is why I am running."

11) "Honestly, just being in Oregon with m wife and family. DC is a long way from my home, and I like being able to rest in my own bed and wake up at a sane time every day. I'm sure that the Senator and Governor can sympathise!"

[GoTfan]

Merkley introduces Rebuild America Act

"Mr President, our national infrastructure is crumbling. Our roads, highways and bridges are not being peoperly maintained and are falling apart. When infrastructure fails, disasters happen. This has been proven time and time again.

We also need to modernise our infrastructure. A high speed rail network, green jobs and upgrades to the National Highway System will allow us to move forward, and prepare for the transition to renewable energy we all know is coming. Moreover, this investment into our economy will create hundreds of thousands of jobs and attack unemployment across the nation.

With this in mind, in coordination with Senators Sanders and Warren, I am introducing the Rebuild America Act to rebuild and modernise our infrastructure for the future.

Key points:

-Create Jobs Transition Fund. Coal mines are shuttering all over the country, their CEOs continue to file for bankruptcy and it's the workers who will feel the sting when they do. Creating a Jobs Transition Fund will provide job training programs and green job opportunites for coal miners who have been put out of work.

-Invest $1.5 trillion into rebuilding roads and bridges. When they fail, people die.

-Give priority in rebuilding projects to small, local businesses. These small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and giving priority to them allows opportunities to grow. It also allows for localised control of projects, enabling them to be undertaken in great detail.

-Provide federal overseers for projects that cross state lines and liaisons for the companies enlisted for rebuilding to allow for greater coordination.

-Hiring priority to be given to those that have lost employment due to automation or offshoring of jobs.

-Invest $500 billion into high-speed rail where feasible. Research shows that high-speed rail is, over distances of up to 1000 miles, more efficient than air travel. Trains can run in nearly any weather, can be powered from electric lines run on renewable energy and rail lines can be constructed with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area. Ease of transport also opens up investment opportunities for businesses.

"This bill provides the tools necessary to fix and modernise our infrastructure. I hope my fellow senators will support this bill."

[GoTfan]

Merkley Concession Speech

[credit: Wikimedia Commons]

"First of all I want to congratulate Senator Duckworth on her win tonight. I've just called her to concede Iowa.

We may not have won tonight, but we gave it one hell of a contest for starting this campaign so late. A tie in delegates! Tonight, the people of Iowa sent a message that they want real, progressive change. They want a $15 minimum wage, they want a national healthcare system, they want Wall Street and our big banks held accountable, they want to rebuild our nation's infrastructure.

This fight is just getting started. We will continue to bring progressive issues to the front of this election and resurrect the legacy of the New Deal and the Great Society.

[GoTfan]

Merkley scores major endorsements

[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

The Working Families party can now officially announce it will be endorsing Senator Jeff Merkley for President in 2024. Senator Merkley has been at the forefront of progressive causes since his arrival in the Senate in 2008, and has fought endlessly for universal healthcare, green energy transition and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. Senator Merkley is the progressive candidate for President in 2020, and we are proud to support him

[credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Since 1955, the AFL-CIO has been standing up for the working class of this country, represent nearly 12 million workers, both active and retired. Our unions have been needlessly gutted by right-to-work laws, endless tax cuts for the richest and the demonization of unions that has taken place under conservative administrations.

We need a president who will stand up for the working class in this nation, who will raise the minimum wage and ensure that people can live comfortably after working 40 hours a week. That is why we support Senator Jeff Merkley for President of the United States in 2024.

[GoTfan]

Merkley announces support of the Protect Working Families Act

"Right now, there are working mothers forced to return to their jobs without properly raising their child, fathers too. We have families that live in poverty as a matter of daily life. We are the only developed nation on Earth that doesn't provide at least some paid family leave.

I am proud to co-sponsor the Protect Working Families Act, and hope that my fellow Senatoes will see the light and support this as an anti-poverty measure.

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2024

February 6-7: Merkley travelled to Kentucky to campaign for Democratic Congressional nominees Jim Glenn and Pamela Brown. A lot of effort was put into canvassing and doorknocking for Brown, who is seen as the best chance for a Democratic pickup, but while Brown received a lot of support from Merkley campaign staffers, the Senator himself focused personal stops in Glenn's district in an effort engineer a dark-horse victory. The AFL-CIO was also mobilised in both districts to campaign for them and for Gerald Bordreaux in Lousiana.

[credit: Wikimedia Commons]

"In 2021, renewable energy overtook coal as our main source of power in this nation. This has lead to emissions cuts in spite of an administration that believes climate change is a myth. The downside is that as a result, Republicans have continually made false promises about bringing back coal jobs.

People of Kentucky, you have been lied to.

But our quarrel is not with you. It is with the mining company owners who will gladly sell their workers downriver to protect themselves. Men like Bob Murray and Don Blankenship, who ignore the needs of their workers if it means a few extra dollars. Our problem is not with the miners who have risked their lives day in, day out.

The Rebuild America Act provides the tools to keep our miners in the workforce by establishing a Transition Fund and a massive retraining program. These miners already have the skills needed to aid our transition to 100% renewable energy, and the more Democrats we can send to Congress, the more supporters we have for it!"

February 8-9: These days were spent campaigning in New Hampshire with Senators Warren and Sanders. Merkley continued to spruik the Rebuild America Act, and also focused on a federal legalisation of marijuana, now part of his campaign. He also stopped by several small businesses in the state, in particular speaking havily on his support for them over the major businesses that had bankrupted the state

February 10-11: Merkley spent these days in the Senate, meeting with Senators and Represenatatives to win support for the Rebuild America Act. He would in particular focus his meetings on Democrats known to be in coal country, selling the act as a jobs bill rather than an environmental one.

February 12: Today was spent in South Carolina, where Merkley attempted to rally support from impoverished neighbourhoods with his infrastructure plan and its priority on creating inner-city jobs. He also announced a plan to gradually demilitarise law enforcement groups that were responsible to the federal government, and convince states to do the same.

"We have police departments that are using surplus military equipment for policing efforts. THis does not send a message of protection. It sends a message of fear. No matter your skin colour, we can all agree that police forces using Armoured Fighting Vehicles more suited to the battlefield than to main street sends a disturbing message that belongs more to the pages of one of Orwell's novels than to America in 2024."

February 13: This day was spent campaigning in Texas, again on both infrastructure and universal healthcare. Merkley was joined by AFL-CIO leaders who continued to build Merkley's support among working class voters of all skin colours. In many ways, Merkley is attemtping to replicate Jess Jackson's 'Rainbow Coalition' of 1988 to show himself as a candidate for everyone.

[GoTfan]

@JeffMerkley: Will tue Vice President continue to ignore the fact that renewable energy has overtaken coal production? What about the fact that Bob Murray filed for bankruptcy in 2019?

[GoTfan]

Merkley Victory Speech

[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

"I want to thank the people of New Hampshire for showing such extraordinary faith in me to lead our nation. I also want to thank Senator Duckworth and Governor Cuomo for the spirited campaigns they have run in here.

Again, I want to thank the people of new Hampshire for their support, and I say we will ride this momentum all the way to the White House!"

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2024

February 14: Senator Merkley spent the day with his his wife Mary in the spirit of Valentine's Day.

February 15-18: Merkely campaigned in Delaware, attempting to rally support from younger voters which drove him to victory in New Hampshire. In addition, he spoke in support for the Protect Working Families Act, expressing severe regret for failing to pass it.

"This was a necessary bill to pass and unfortunately, Republicans chose to play political games instead of invest in the future of the nation. Tammy, i'm sorry something like this fell short of being signed, but I promise right now, a Democratic administration, regardless of who leads it, will fight tooth and nail to pass it. This is far from over!

February 19-21: These days were spent campaigning in South Carolina, where Merkley is hopeful of a strong showing and to expand on his polling margin. He would focus his campaign on hitting impovershied neighbourhoods, attempting to buil a coalition of working-class whites, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics and Latinos.

february 22-24: Merkley campaigned in nevada these days on union and immigrant rights in particular, promising to establish a full pathway to citizenship within his first year in office. Union rights would also be pushed front and centre, including his support to repeal taft-hartley.

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2024

February 25th: Merkley campaigned in Nevada on union rights and support of workers. He also declares he would lead a filibuster of any attempt to nominate a new Supreme Court Justice, citing that the GOP themselves had set a precedent for refusing to appoint judges in an election year.

"It was in 2016 when President Obama watned to appoint Merrick Garland, a credible centrist with an impeccable record, to the Supreme Court. This was a choice approved of by the vast majority of legal scholars throughout the country, and yet the Republicans decided to filibuster the nomination.

I and my colleagues in the Senate will use the precedent set by the Republican Party to prevent the confirmation of another Justice to the Supreme Court. We must wait for the will of the people to be made known in November."

February 26-28: Mekley, accompanied by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Joe Kennedy, campaigned extensively in Massachusetts, hoping to build on Warren's support and Kennedy's political machine in the state. He also formally endorsed Kennedy in his Senate race and appeared at a rally for him.

February 29: The Senator headed south to campaign in South Carolina, where he hopes for another primary win to solidfy his base and continue to build his progressive coalition further. he would also attempt to broaden his appeal to black voters, unveiling plans to invest further in black neighbourhoods and create more job opportunities

March 1-3: Merkley campaigned in new York with the state Attorney-General Bill De Blasio and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His big issue in New York, as ever, was infrastructure. He touted the Rebuild America Act as the first step in modernising New York's electrictiy grid and transport network, as well as creating thousands of good-paying jobs and furthering the state's transition to renewable energy.

March 4-5: For the final days before Super Tuesday, Merkley planted himself in California. Though unlikely to in, He wanted to at least make it close. He also kicked the powerful machines of the AFL-CIO and Working Families Party into high gear, having them campaign among working class and minority voters in all states possible. It's hoped that these two organisations can close a perceived gap in Super Tuesday and beyond.

[GoTfan]

Merkely debate answers

1) "I have the AFL-CIO and Working Families Party campaigning for all Democrats running. This is not a low level of support either; it will be key in rallying working class voters from across the country. Regardless of whether the next President is Tammy or I, we will both pursue a pro-worker agenda. We both support a higher minimum wage and stronger unions. We can enact these reforms with more Democrats in office. It strengthens our hand.

2) "I oppose this and you know why? We already have term limits. They're called elections. If these Senators and Congressman are as out of step with the people as Republicans claim they are, then why do people like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren keep getting re-elected? It is because their voters are happy with them. If they are so out of step, Republicans should have no problem running against them.

It's also an attempt to deflect from the actual issue. Republicans say this is a corruption issue. It wouldn't be an issue if the Koch brothers who have bankrolled many Republican candidates didn't push so hard for Citizens United, nor would it be a problem if Republicans didn't keep pushing for total deregulation of campaign financing. We need to completely reform campaign financing, and it would be far easier if Republicans didn't keep opposing it.

In fact, let's see them put their money where their mouths are. I intend to propose a comprehensive campaign finance reofrm bill. Let's see what they do.

The 29th and 30th Amendments are clear attempts at doing nothing more than increasing executive power. The electoral college should be redistributed based on population, not on the idea that it protects smaller states, because it doesn't. When was the last time the Republican nominee visted Vermont? or the Democrat visited Wyoming? The 30th could be charitably described as grnating quasi-dictatorial powers. Must we be reminded of how many times Republicans have exploited partisanship? That is what they are doing right now. "

3) "we're seeing World War 1 play out in the 21st century. We must bring all parties to the negotiating table and look to end the fighting before millions are rendered homeless and thousands more are killed.

4) "Absolutely, but it's not even the matter being discussed. The Republican Party set the precedent that no judge should be confirmed during an election year, so why in the hell should they get to violate their own precedent?!

They set the precedent eight years ago with Merrick Garland. I and my colleagues in the Senate are fully prepared to filibuster this nomination until election day. Another conservative appointment will result in women losing the right to control their bodies (it is somewhat strange that the party of small government is attempting to take away authority from the individual but I digress), enforcing the abolition of Medicare, Medicaid and supporting Republican gerrymandering all over the country as well as abolishing Social Security. And that's just for starters.

We have one of the most openly partisan courts in history, with a judge who's openly said he will try to make Democrats' lives hell. That comment . . . that comment is grounds for impeachment."

5) "Whenever an American is attacked, that is one case where I believe we are warranted in pursuing a limited retaliation. Identify strategic military targets and attack them. Don't try to nation-build at all. A limited strike yes. A full invasion? Asolutely not. It would ruin our budget even more than Republicans are bent on doing so."

6) "This id designed to override the will of the people because Republicans know they can't win the people. They have lost the popular vote and won the electoral college three times this century. Ask yourself, which side benefits from taaking away voting power from people."

7 "Tammy has very good credentials. She would make an outstanding Secretary of State or Defense based on her past with the military. I know that as a former soldier, she will commit herself to diplomacy first, force second."

"I reject these calls to be honest. I, my staff and my supporters believe we have a path to the nomination, and as long as that path remains open, I will stay in. I make this promise tonight that i will run no negative ads against Tammy, I will not disparage her priavtely or publicly, and will campaign vigorously for her should she win the nomination."

9) "Because the neutrality of the court is at risk. There is already one Justice who has confessed to wanting to make life as hard as possible for the Democratic Party (which is grounds for impeachment), and now the confirmation of another right-wing judge will put at risk not just the right of a woman to control her body, but also gay marriage, campaign finance laws, gerrymandering and the abolition of vital services like Medicare,Medicaid and Social Security.

We cannot and will not allow this to happen. I intend to stand in the way of this nomination as long as necessary, and let us not forget, you need 60 votes for cloture, not 51. I believe we can and will be successful."

Closing statement: "Tonight, you have seen an exchange of ideas, rather than a mudlsinging match. That is what should happen whe you run for your party's nomination. No matter who you vote for when you go to the polls, vote for the candidate who represents your views best, regardless of who that might be, or you will always wonder what might have been."

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2024

March 6: Merkley, enraged by the terrorist attack on Gov. Holcomb, went straight to the US Senate to propose a hastily-written bill. After condemning the attackers and the group the represent, he entered the Senate to propose the bill, designating New Socialism as a terrorist group, co-sponsered by Sens. Warren and Sanders. The bill will be proposed by Rep. Ocasio-Cortez in the House and co-sponsored by Reps. Kennedy and Grijalva

"These people have attacked an elected official of this nation. This is unacceptable. These are not the actions of a group that wants to change the nation. These are the actions of people who hate others without bothering to engage with them. Something shcokingly reminiscent of far-right and Islamic terror groups. I urge the Senate to support this bill to designate New Socialism a terrorist organization."

March 7-8: Merkley travelled to Michigan with Sen. Sanders to campaign among blue-collar workers, which he hopes will propel him to victory. He would hold large rallies in Detroit and Flint, unveiling his plan to protect US manufacturing while simultaneously engaging in fair trade with other nations. He also announced that his infrastructure plan would bring water pipes up to standard, ending the prospect of dangerous amounts of lead in the water. He also supported the urban farming initiatives that had taken place in both cities.

March 9-11: Travel to Missouri. Rallies and Town Halls were held in Kansas City, Columbia and Chesterfield, with the Senator sometimes doing 5 or 6 events per day. He also led knocked on doors in several rural communities, attempting to build up his support outside of urban areas. In addition, he also met with several black leaders in the state, attempting to further build his Rainbow Coalition, which he hopes will lock down the nomination.

March 12: Travel to Kansas. Merkely spent time highlighting his infrastructure and farming agenda, pointing to the successful,passing of the Rebuild America Act, though he also expressed skepticism the President would sign it. He again affirmed his intention to filibuster the nomination of Sandoval to the Supreme Court, stating:

"Yes, I intend to block the nomination. While his stance on the right to choose is reassuring, that is not the only reason. I have serious concerns over his position on Citizens United. That was one of the most egregious, shortsighted decisions in US history. I'm sorry, but unless he opposes Citizens United, I will filibuster the nomination."

[GoTfan]

Merkley 2024

March 13-15: Merkley, flush from success on Super Tuesday, campaigned in heavily in Florida these days. He would speak notably on the issue of climate change, pointing to the rising sea levels around Miami, and the environmental crisis in the Everglades. He also brought up plans to fight climate change, intent on selling the fight as an economic stimulus. He brought up the need to focus on construction of renewable energy plants and prepare adaptation to the effects in areas being affected, in addition to cleanup efforts. Finally, he hit his usual talking point on raising the minimum wage, repealing Taft-Hartley and so on.

He also spoke on his bill to designate New Socialism a terrorist organization.

"What else would you call a political organization that fires on government officials and kills elected politicians? I call people who do that terrorists, and so does everyone else. This bill designates New Socialism as a terrorist group because they are one.

Also, they are right. I'm not a socialist. I'm a social democrat. I want to reform capitalism to make it fairer for people who don't have the ability to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. I don't want to abolish it, that is talk from a bunch of fringe groups.

March 16-19: These days were spent in Ohio, where Merkley campaigned on his infrastructure plan and of course, his union agenda. Notably, he also talked more on his minimum wage hike and the various economic benefits that it would bring. Again, he highlighted his Taft-Hartley repeal, and that it would be high on his list of priorities. He also introduced his plan to reform the military .

"Our military needs to be reformed for versatility, not power projection. We spend nearly $900 billion a year for power projection. The problem is that it hampers our ability to respond. We are in the 21st century. We are entering an age where tanks are close to being obsolete, and that's just for starters. We need more airborne troops, a special forces expansion and a reorganisation of our armored divisions.

These are not radical ideas. We live in an age where one mperson with a recoilless rifle can render a tank inoperable. This will not only save money, but will ensure we are properly prepared to respond to threats in the world."

[GoTfan]

Sneator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) endorses Tammy Duckworth for President

[credit: Wikimedia Commons]

"It is natural to be disappointed at how things have turned out. To all of my supporters, you have given your heart and soul into the campaign, and I thank you immensely for it. Rest assured, it will not soon be forgotten. It's funny, but in 2016, some crazy man from Vermont decided to run against one of the most powerful Democrats in US history. Everyone wrote him off, but he didn't write himself off. He ran twice for President. He won neither, but our party has effectively been reshaped in his imagie into a strong, progressive party that fights strongly for change and a fairer system for all.

Bernie, I hope you are feeling better. I'll be coming to see you soon.

But let's not dwell on what might have been. Let's look to the future. Our current administration has systematically been destroying our environment through its pushing of fossil fiels over renewable energy and its disastrous land conservation policies. It has cast our workers aside by refusing to raise the minimum wage. It has encouraged a failed, survival-of-the-fittest economy by cutting taxes for the rich and shifting their burden to the middle and working classes. It has encouraged the richest among us to consolidate their corporate monopolies, strangling small business in this country.Now we have a Republican nominee who wants to continue thos policies.

Let me present you an alternative vision for the future. One with a President who stands with our workers over corporate America. One who will protect our environment with effective policies on renewable energy and conservation. One who will encourage an economy that is fair for all, not just those at the top. One who will provide tax relief for our middle and working classes and not those at the top. One who will bust up corproate monopolies and create a fairer marketplace. That option is standing to my left here. She served our nation on the battlefield, one of the most selfless acts one can think of, and it cost her much, but she continues to stand with the people of this nation, and not those at the top.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the first female President of the United States of America, Tammy Duckworth!"

[GoTfan]

Governor Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) rallies with Duckworth

"Thank you Tammy! What an advneture this is going to be!

When I became Governor of this great state, I said I would pursue a progressive agenda, and look at what we have accomplished: a higher minimum wage, environmental protection and expansion of renewable energy, and defence of our middle and working classes. Tammy Duckworth wants these things for our whole country, and she has the guts to do them.

She served our nation on the field of battle. Unlike the Vice President, she and I both know what it's actually like to go to war. Meanwhile we have Republicans in Washington determined to send men and women off to war without due diligence. I was a Marine, and Tammy was a Black Hawk pilot. We know what it's like to fight a war. We've endeavoured to work hard for our fellow warfighters in office. Tammy's service in the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affars proves that.

Some time ago, Tammy proposed the Protect Working Families Act. What would it do that Republicans objected to so much? Simple. It provided paid leave for mothers and fathers to raise their newborn children, so that they wouldn't go bankrupt, so that they could pay their rent, their mortgage, buy essentials that they need, and not be fired. Republicans object to this bill because they don't want to make this nation fairer. They want to exacerbate our massive problems with income inequality. They don't want this system to work for anyone but those at the top.

Tammy and I are here to put an end to that, so let's stand as one and put Tammy into the White House!"