Talk Elections

So, since we're in gameplay mode anyway, at this point...

The 2020 campaign cycle begins in earnest with eleven Democrats and six Republicans vying for the top job. On the Democratic side, the field has been shaken badly by the recent animus against 65+ politicians, as it leaves four top contenders, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bloomberg, out in the cold. This has left an extremely volatile Democratic field, from which no one has yet emerged as a frontrunner. On the Republican front, President Mike Pence seemingly leads the pack, but it would be foolhardy to call him untouchable, especially with everyone from conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to the former President's own daughter running against him. With that, the phrase of the day seems to be this: Game on!

Mike Pence @presidentpence

I don't know why the Democrats are unable to read the bill! Kirsten Gillibrand just said that the middle class is cut out, when over 70% of the cuts are going to them! This is absurd, and is frankly lying to the American people, trying to convince them not to back a bill designed to help them! A disgarace!

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Credit: @NikkiHaley on Twitter

Fmr. South Carolina Governor and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley endorses Ivanka Trump for 2020

In a surprise move today, Fmr. South Carolina Governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley endorsed her successor as UN Ambassador Ivanka Trump for the Republican Nomination, a move strongly seen as solidifying the GOP’s powerful female bloc of voters and the critical primary state of South Carolina.

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Source: Wikimedia Commons

Ivanka Trump becomes first Republican to sign the No PAC Pledge

In a surprising move, Ivanka Trump has announced she will also sign on to the No PAC Pledge — a move clearly meant to differentiate herself from other Republicans running for President, and with an estimated net worth of $300 million, she will follow in her fathers footsteps of largely self financing her campaign in addition to an aggressive fundraising apparatus.

Office of Managment and Budget @OMB

Just to be clear, the percentages reffered to in the tax bill are compared to what they previously paid. As such, the middle class will pay 35%+ less compared to what they paid before, and the other classes 3% less.

Bullock opposes Pence tax plan in statement

TWEET:

@StaceyAbrams
President Pence and his crony capatalist friends have just announced their plan to lower taxes...for the top 1%. Join me and hold the 1% accountable!

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Credit to Prankmenot.com for fake tweet

Transcript: The Pence Tax Plan is a scam for and by GOP donors. It's time to take back our democracy for the people.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

#ReadTheBill

Mike Pence's press release

I must take my time to respond to Governor Bullock who, unlike the socialists and partisans from the Democratic Party, took the time to read the bill and came with an eloquent critique. For starters, the main goal of this plan was to boost the economy. So we gave tax cuts to the people who were most likely to spend the money they received. We concluded they were the middle class and the busniesses. By boosting the economy, everyone will benefit, including and perhaps mostly the lower class Americans. We decided not to give a big tax cut to the lower class Americans because it ultimately would have done nothing but increase the deficit, as their main contribution to the budget is through the payroll tax, not the income tax that this bill addresses. Besides, the lower class Americans will benefit greatly from the tax credits for child care, which will cover child care expenses for poor people for up to 4 kids or elderly dependents. We must pass this bill to help every American, including and most importantly the poor ones.

Since "alternate them" has basically won the poll at this point, and CNN came in as runner up, we'll be alternating but starting with CNN.

(All images below are from Wikimedia Commons)


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Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

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King: And I'm John King. And we're here to bring you the first Election Update of this 2020 cycle.

Blitzer: And it's been a busy opening few weeks for the campaign as seventeen candidates, eleven Democrats and six Republicans including President Pence, have signalled a campaign. They are: President Pence, newly minted UN Ambassador Ivanka Trump, Senators Rand Paul from Kentucky, Rob Portman from Ohio, Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin, Cory Booker from New Jersey, Kirsten Gillibrand from New York, Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, and Jeff Merkley from Oregon, Governors Steve Bullock of Montana and Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Representative Seth Moulton from Massachusetts, former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, entrepreneurs Tom Steyer and Andrew Yang, and conservative commentators Ben Shapiro and Alex Jones.

King: Out of breath yet, Wolf?

Blitzer: *laughs* I think I'll be fine. Numerous early endorsements coming in, as well. Abrams is being supported by former President Carter, Baldwin by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Booker by former President Obama, Bullock by former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, Gillibrand by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jones by fellow conservative commentator Gavin McInnes, Klobuchar by former Vice President Biden, Merkley by Senator Bernie Sanders, Moulton by Senator Elizabeth Warren, Paul by Senator Tim Scott, Pence by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Portman reportedly about to announce an endorsement from either former Ohio Governor John Kasich or Senator Josh Hawley, both of whom have shown support for his bid in recent days, Steyer endorsed by former New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, and Trump by former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley.

King: *blinks a couple of times* Seriously, Wolf, should I be concerned?

Blitzer: *takes drink of water* No, I'll be fine. Now, then, tonight we have a very special guest, Congressman Seth Moulton. Congressman, glad to have you on here.

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Moulton: Glad to be here, Wolf. Always nice to come on here and talk about what matters to the American people.

Blitzer: And do that we shall. Congressman, you’re a Harvard grad, a Marine veteran, and proceeded to come home and get a double master’s degree, also from Harvard. For many other jobs, this would be viewed as an unbeatable resume. However, in political terms, you’re only a U.S. Representative, and no sitting Representative has won the White House since James A. Garfield in 1880. How do you intend to overcome this obstacle?

Moulton: Well, thanks you're making me blush, but you're right many of the political know it alls think I won't bring home the bacon in November. I'm happy to tell them they're wrong, you know who else had a resume like mine? Abraham Lincoln, we need to look at the person not the resume in deciding if they would be a great President. I'm telling you today that when the Democrats in Iowa go to their caucus in 2020, I will be among the forefront of not just Democrats, but Americans calling for change, this isn't an obstacle this is an advantage.

Blitzer: An advantage much needed in a field this size. If elected, you would be the youngest President in American history. Do you believe this would be an asset or a liability to you?

Moulton: This would be an obvious asset to my administration, for too long have the current day politicians been talking about passing the torch to the next generation. Here I am, it is time to pass the torch, and it is time for a new generation of Americans to lead in Washington.

Blitzer: Very much the feelings of the American public following President Trump's unfortunate stroke. If you do become the President, what will your first 100 days be like?

Moulton: As I outlined in my announcement in February, my first 100 days in office would be cornerstoned around enacting common-sense and meaningful gun control and expanding the Affordable Care Act to cover millions of more Americans and bringing in a public option. Since the new congress was elected hundreds of bills have been stopped by the Republican-controlled Senate, and with a new Democratic majority in the Senate, I believe we will make leaps and strides towards making America, a safer and healthier nation.

Blitzer: A strong message to run on in such a year as this. If you could say one thing to the American people tonight, what would it be?

Moulton: Say thank you tonight, to someone. If it is a family member, or a veteran just let them know you care. I remember when I returned from my first tour of duty in Iraq, and I felt alone and afraid, I had just witnessed some of the scariest things imaginable and I returned to a nation deeply divided and a war I opposed myself. I didn't fight because I felt like the war was a righteous or moral prerogative for our nation, but instead because of those men in my platoon when they raided an Al Qaeda safe house, I wanted them to know they could trust the man to their right if that man was me.

Blitzer: Congressman Moulton, always an honor to have you on here.

Moulton: Likewise, Wolf.

Blitzer: And that will be all for tonight. Join us on Tuesday (IRL) for our next Update, in which we interview Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

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Blitzer: Until then, I'm Wolf Blitzer.

King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this has been your Election Update.

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Source: BBC
Nikki Haley Introduces Ivanka Trump at Charleston, SC rally - “A Leader prepared to fight for all of us”


Ivanka walks out on stage and embraces Nikki as the two then turn to wave to the crowd and Ivanka takes the podium.

Trump campaign touts ‘Innovative New Health Care Plan’


Campaign Spokeswoman Kimberley Allen refused to budge on specifics, but emphasized that this would be a proposal that hasn’t been talked about before, and one the campaign believes can achieve bipartisan support in congress under a Trump administration.

Governor Bullock's campaign, despite having a successful launch, still lacks name recognition in many critical states. The main goal of Bullock's 2019 strategy is to create a national profile and build a grassroots base in the early primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire, while balancing campaign duties with gubernatorial ones.

Phase 1: Campaign Launch to May 2019
During this phase, Bullock still has gubernatorial responsibilities, and cannot dedicate his full effort to campaigning. Accordingly, Bullock will work at the Montana Statehouse from Monday to Thursday, and do campaign run-outs on the weekends. Most of these run-outs will be to Iowa, where a strong campaign infrastructure will be set up in all 99 counties. Bullock will also hold many campaign events - rallies and town halls in major Iowa cities (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Waterloo, Iowa City, Council Bluffs, Ames, and Dubuque), in tandem with short visits to individual Iowa towns, where the Governor will hold meet-and-greets. Fmr. Governor Tom Vilsack, Bullock's earliest and most significant endorser, will be present at many of these events, and Vilsack is aiding Bullock's team in understanding Iowa politics, as well as the needs of Iowans and the issues they cherish most. Bullock will also set up campaign offices in New Hampshire and Nevada, and will hold two town halls each in these states (one each in Franconia, Manchester, Reno, and Henderson). In these events, Bullock will emphasize his message of unity, as well as his dedication to getting quality legislation passed by working with politicians from both sides. He will also discuss major policy talking points, such as Medicare-for-all-who-want-it, comprehensive and reasonable gun control, and infrastructure/renewable energy.

Major Dates
January 19 - Campaign launch in Iowa - major rally in Des Moines.
January 20 - Town hall in Ames
January 25 - Town hall in Council Bluffs
February 1 - Town hall in Sioux Falls
February 8 - Interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN
February 15 - Town hall in Waterloo
February 22 - Town hall in Dubuque
March 1 - Town hall in Cedar Rapids
March 8 - Town hall in Davenport
March 15 - Rally in Iowa City
March 22-24 - Town hall and Campaigning in Franconia and Northern New Hampshire
March 29-31 - Rally in Concord, town hall in Manchester, greater New Hampshire campaign launch event
April 5 - Rally in Ames
April 12-14 - Nevada campaign launch and town hall in Reno, campaign in Northern Nevada
April 19-21 - Town hall in Henderson, campaign in Las Vegas Metro and Southern Nevada
April 26 - Town hall in Iowa City
May 3 - Town hall in Fort Dodge
May 10 - Town hall in Mason City

In addition to these major events, Bullock used the weekends to canvass areas around the towns where he held events.

[Phase 2 schedule forthcoming]

Notable tweets from Sen. Portman:

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“In 2016, Wisconsin went to the GOP for the first time since 1984. Last year, we elected Democrats to every statewide office, taking out a conservative governor who weakened unions, cut funding towards education, and approved some of the most gerrymandered maps in the country. Wisconsin is, at its heart, a progressive place, we just need someone who inspires our voters to turn out even when faced with structural challenges. Democrats must nominate someone who knows how to win in the Midwest, someone who upholds the progressive tradition of this great state. Madison, that’s why I’m here, to announce that I am running for President or the United States. I pledge to you that we will fight for collective bargaining, Medicare for all, and  for enshrining civil rights for all Americans. Right now, we have a President who represents the wealthy, corporate interests, and hyper conservative groups, not the every day person. I promise, as your President, to represent all of you.”

Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeff_Merkley_(35047286074).jpg)


Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bernie_Sanders_(19197893134).jpg)

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley and Ohio Governor John Kasich endorse Rob Portman for President-

More info will be posted shortly.

Mike Pence's opening statement at town hall in Dakota City, Iowa defending his tax reform plan - 17th February 2019

Let me start off with something that probably is on your mind right now. The tax reform plan I brought forward a few weeks ago. I know the Democrats, the Fake News media and the DC establishment all viciously attacked this plan, spreading lies about what it will actually do for Americans. They say it is a giveaway to billionaires, a fraud, a plan that cuts middle class out. Those, my fellow Americans, are lies. Lies made by a desperate party, whose only goal is to see us fail. The Socialist Democrats showed, clearly and strongly, that they are not the party of the working class by opposing this plan, but the party of partisanship, bureaucracy and huge taxes. They, who claim to have the working and middle class Americans on their mind more than anyone else, oppose a plan that would do nothing but help them. Their hypocrisy is clear. Now let me tell you what is really in my plan. My plan cuts taxes for middle class people and families dramatically. Dramatically. The biggest middle class tax cut in the history of our country probably. It also cuts taxes for the lower class voters, despite what they said that we forgot them. Every single man and woman in this country will see their taxes go down after we pass this plan. We will also close down some really, really unfair taxes and start closing up tax loopholes, we will make the tax code simple and fair, something even the Democrats wanted before we proposed it. And the great tax credits making child care affordable, a piece of legislation I am very proud of, are badly needed. When you look to all of these facts, you can see that there is no reason for which this bill shouldn't pass, and the socialist Democrats opposing it are during it just for partisanship. My hope lies in the moderate Blue Dogs, who claim to be bipartisan and with whom we, the Republicans, have a lot in common with. I once again call for them to vote for this great tax bill and improve the life of their constituents. Now I will take some questions...

"Thank you for having me be able to speak to each and every one of you, New Hampshire!"

[Crowd Cheers]

"I am honored to be in this great state, which has the famous motto of 'Live Free or Die', a motto that perfectly aligns with the ideas of our nation's founders. Now, however, I must speak on the issues. In fact, I must speak on one issue that concerns me greatly and yet no one else in the campaign seems to care. An end to spending on government programs.

Now, I hear all these other candidates say it's time for fiscal responsibility and other vague terms. The problem is we are close to running a trillion dollar deficit, nearly bankrupting our country! We cannot afford to be vague on the issue of spending. Not now, not ever. The more cuts we put on wasteful government spending, the better off our nation will be. If elected, I will look at each and every government program with a team of unbiased experts and determine whether or not we should cut it from government funding.

However, I already have three cuts in mind. The first cut, the Appalachian Regional Commission, is a remnant of President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society that failed on so many levels to end poverty. The ARC is duplicative of other other federal, state, and local programs, meaning it's current status is indeed irrelevant. By cutting it, however, we can save $162 Million.

The second one is the Justice Department's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program that costs us $304 Million a year. Due to spending of this wasteful program being in earmarks, it has opened itself to corruption when these funds will function best when left to state and local governments. Combined with the last cut, this will save $466 Million, nearly half a billion dollars.

The final program I will immediately cut is the Maritime Guaranteed Loan program and its parent organization, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. This administration is rife with protectionism, subsidies, and handouts to certain entities in politics, while costing taxpayers $815 Million. Such an unneeded and wasteful program deserves to be cut from the budget so we can spend the money on things that shall be more useful to us.

All in all, these cuts will save the American people $1.281 Billion dollars. While that is a relatively small cut to government spending cuts, there will be more government spending and it will continue to happen until we begin to finally run a profit. We can no longer afford to bankrupt our country. We must instead focus on paying off our debt by running a profit. If the President eliminates these programs or other candidates begin to adopt these ideas, just know that I was the first candidate to point it out and thus I deserve to be recognized to help push the party and the Presidency into better financial policy.

Thank you and good night, everyone!"

Mike Pence to visit Iowa extensively through March and April 2019

President Mike Pence seems to put all of his weight in Iowa. Throughout March and April, he will canvass the state on almost daily basis, visiting both big cities and, more frequently, small rural communities. According to sources from the Pence campaign, the President is hoping for a crushing victory in the first state to vote, so big that will "end" the primaries by default. He brings up his tax reform plan, his experience working in the Trump administration and, when in Evangelical communities, his religious, conservative values. The religious communities from the North and West of Iowa seem crucial to Pence's strategy, hoping to have a turnout through the roof by caucus day. Pence also tries hard to lobby popular officeholders from the state to back his bid, even more so after he got Kim Reynolds on board. However, the President knows that even with a blowout win, the primary might not be over, and seek to tour the South in the following months, hoping the evangelical vote from there can give him large wins on Super Tuesday.

Pence Administration desperately trying to have a major accomplishment

President Pence and his aides are focusing a lot of attention in pressuring and/or convincing the House Blue Dogs, who they feel that will decide the fate of Pence's tax bill, to support the reform plan. However, they have a lot of plans if their efforts ultimately fail and the tax reform bill is voted down in the House. The Administration is reportedly considering turning its attention in such an event to laws that the Democratic House might find more appealing, like government ethics reform and a massive infrastructure package, while using the tax reform bill as a campaign tool. However, a growing faction of aides opposes abandoning tax reform for after 2020 even if the current bill fails the House. They support numerous amendments that might make the bill appealing to the Blue Dogs and Democrats at large, like merging it with an infrastructure package, a raise in Social Security or Medicare benefits or even paying for it by abolishing some of the tax cuts for the rich that Trump passed. This is for now a minority in the White House.

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January

January 20th- Official announcement speech/event at the Huntington Conv. Center in Cleveland, OH

Speech excerpt:

January 22nd-30th - Fundraising tour across Ohio, with events at Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, Youngstown, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Athens.

February

February 10th-22nd - Events tour across the midwest including fundraising events in Chicago, Detroit, Appleton, Eden Prairie, Springfield, Columbia, and Omaha, topped off by a speech at the McCormick Place in Chicago.

February 24th - Portman does a live skype call with voters to address questions and state his positions, but mainly to share his message directly with ordinary people. About 500k people tune in over the course of the hour long call, which was advertised on Portman's website as well as internet ads.

March

March 2nd-10th - Meetings with manufacturing industry leaders across the country highlighted with a speech at US Steel Works in Pittsburgh.

March 13th-21st - Tour of New Hampshire, including 3 town halls and 2 other public events, also including meetings with community leaders.


Campaign Strategy

-Focus on winning New Hampshire - The electorate of New Hampshire is populist and moderate, which is prime target material for Rob Portman's campaign. This will be a must win state for the campaign and it will be the campaigns main target state going forward.

-Appeal to Urban and Rural Working Class - The prime target market for the campaign going forward will be the White and Black working class in urban and rural areas. These voters are drawn to populist rhetoric and will be drawn to the campaign going forward. Obama-Trump voters are a prime target demographic as well.

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Mike Pence @presidentpence

Is Rob Portman really implying that the Trump Administration allowed America to be ripped off? Let me remind you, Senator, that we abolished the TPP, fixed NAFTA, raised tariffs on imports to protect our industries, basically ended the WTO, convinced more NATO countries to pay their fair share for defense, cancelled the Paris Agreement and Obama's pandering to Cuba, defeated ISIS and ended the Iran nuclear deal! America is now stronger than ever thanks to the actions of the Trump-Pence Administrations, and more great things coming!

EDITED FOR OCTOBER/NOVEMBER


https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Steyer_2020_presidential_campaign#/media/File:Tom_2020_819a29ab.png


Tom Steyer Schedule for Summer and Fall 2019

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April
April 11th: Announcement Video Released
April 17th: Announcement Speech in Sacramento California
April 26th: Open Des Moines Office with Speech

May
May 1st: Meet with AFL-CIO Leaders
May 9th: Accept John Lynch Endorsement in Concord
May 13th: 10 County Tour of New Hampshire-One stop in Every County
May 20th: 10 County Tour of New Hampshire II-Open Office in Every County with Gov. Lynch
May 25th: Major Speech in New York City on Corruption in Washington
May 28th: Wealth Tax Rollout in Seattle (See excerpt)

June
June 4th: Rally in Cedar Rapids Iowa, meet with local Democratic leaders
June 5th-8th: Barnstorm Rural Iowa with Surrogates
June 16th: Lead Anti-GOP Tax Plan Marches in Washington DC
June 21st: Meet with any House Dems who will to discuss killing GOP tax bill
June 26th: Major Rally in Muscatine Iowa

July
July 4th: Video Address on Patriotism and American Values
July 10th: 10 County Tour of NH III-Town Hall in Every County with Gov. Lynch
July 16th: Lead Anti-Corruption Marches in Washington DC
July 23rd: Meet and Greet in Nashua New Hampshire
July 27th-29th: Tour Hudson Valley New York

August
August 2nd: Major Rally in Los Angeles
August 5th: Major Rally in San Diego
August 9th: Major Rally in San Jose
August 14th-20th: Tour of Coastal California, from Mexican to Oregon Border

September
September 9th: Speech in Portland on K-12 Education
September 15th: Rolls out Plans for Term Limits, Ending Gerrymandering, Ending Citizens United
September 19th: Meet with Teacher's Union members in Boston
September 21st: Meet with Union Leaders in Chicago
September 28th: Meet with Blue Collar Workers in Illinois

October
October 3rd-9th: Start "Deep Red" Tour, Touring SW Pennsylvania, Trump Districts with Surrogates
October 12th-15th: "Deep Red" Tour, Touring Driftless Area Wisconsin, Trump Districts with Surrogates
October 21st-27th: "Deep Red" Tour, Touring Central and Eastern Kentucky, Trump Districts with Surrogates
October 29th: Major Rally in Washington DC, Emphasizing what people he met actually want (Healthcare coverage, higher wages, clean water and air, end to gridlock)

November
November 2nd-9th: Barnstorm New Hampshire, Cities, Towns, Roadside stops with Gov. Lynch and Surrogates
November 12th-15th: Barnstorm Rural South Carolina with Surrogates
November 16th-18th: Tour Coastal South Carolina with Surrogates
November 20th: Major Rally in Concord New Hampshire
November 23rd: Major Rally in Portsmouth New Hampshire
November 30th: Major Speech on Shaking up Washington, Ending Corruption, in Jacksonville

(Surrogates pending Game Progress and Credits)

Response from Sen. Portman

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President says he's "all for" overturning the Citizens United decision

In a town hall in Iowa, President Pence stunned a lot of observers and people by saying, when answering a question about the campaign finance system, that "the Citizens United decision is wrong and I'm all for overturning it. It allowed the DC swamp to develop and flourish and it made politicians puppets of PACs and billionaires. It needs to end if we are to truly drain the swamp like President Trump started to." According to numerous sources, Pence intends to push to overturn the decision by a Constitutional Amendment or by a lawsuit after he gets his tax reform bill passed. Other campaign finance reform and lobbying limitations are also on the agenda of the White House, who hopes will be more easier to pass than the tax cuts. The President more or less confirmed this by saying "campaign finance and lobbying reform are very important issues to me and I can not wait to work with Congress to do something about them."

President Pence's press release

I have got Stacey Abrams' message and I invite Ms Abrams, who I believe is a great, inspiring leader even through I have many disagreements with her, to discuss policies with me on national TV or in a town hall at anytime she wants.

February 20th - 28th | South Carolina
February 20th- Open office in Columbia
February 21st- Rally in Columbia
February 22nd- Appear on a few local TV shows in Columbia
February 23rd- Go on a walking tour of Clemson University with President Jimmy Carter
February 24th- Joint rally with President Carter in Clemson, SC
February 25th- Open office in Charleston
February 26th- Joint rally with President Carter in Charleston, and do an interview/townhall with the Post and Courier’s “Pints and Politics”
February 27th- Meet with HBCU students in Rock Hill
February 28th- Rally in Rock Hill

March 1st - 10th | Iowa
March 1st- Roundtable in Muscatine with Obama-Trump voters about critical issues
March 2nd- Townhall at the University of Northern Iowa
March 3rd- Rally in Dubuque
March 4th- Townhall in Des Moines
March 5th- Rally in Des Moines
March 6th- Townhall at the University of Iowa
March 7th- Roundtable at the University of Iowa about the Climate Crisis
March 8th- Brief interview at photo-op with the Des Moines Register
March 9th- Rally in Cedar Rapids
March 10th- Rally in Waterloo

March 11th - 20th | Nevada
March 11th- Rally in Boulder City
March 12th- Townhall in University of Nevada, Las Vegas
March 13th- Roundtable with students about education issues
March 14th- Rally in Carson City
March 15th- Rally in Las Vegas
March 16th- Townhall at the College of Southern Nevada
March 17th- Rally in Fernley
March 18th- Roundtable with local female leaders discussing women’s rights and women in politics
March 19th- Townhall in Reno
March 20th- Visit Northwest Career College, followed by a speech highlighting the importance of vocational jobs

March 21st - 31st | Nevada
March 21st- Brief interview with the Post and Courier
March 22nd- Meet with workers who were terminated from Boeing because they started a union in Charleston
March 23rd- Go with President Carter to Fort Sumter and visit the USS Yorktown
March 24th- Participate in a marathon across the Thomas Ravenel Bridge benefitting cancer research
March 25th- Pop in restaurants, stores, areas with a lot of people in Myrtle Beach, meeting voters, ask them to commit to voting for Stacey in the primary
March 26th- Open office in Myrtle Beach
March 27th- Roundtable with the families of victims of serious diseases that have been affected by the Trump administration’s changes of Obamacare
March 28th- Rally in Charleston
March 29th- Rally in Columbia
March 30th- Meet with local officeholders
March 31st- Go to a local historically black church

Mike Pence, Kim Reynolds to go to the House of Representatives when it will hold tax vote

In order to increase pressure on the moderate Democrats as well as spreading his message to the American people, President Pence will go to the House floor to give a speech just before the tax reform bill is voted on. He is expected to defend the bill, explain how it will be funded as well as offer compromises on future legislation to the Democrats. He will be joined by Governor Reynolds of Iowa and 10 middle class families who will benefit the most from this tax bill, with their taxes going down by about 40% and the child care tax credits allowing them to invest their money in a new business.

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Source: Wikimedia Commons

Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer and we have breaking news. In response to President Pence's debate offer, former Georgia State House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams has called for a "Commander-in-Chief Forum" to which all seventeen major presidential candidates will be invited, in order to "make everyone's voice heard on the issues facing America."

CNN has agreed to host the event at whatever place and time the candidates agree upon for the forum. Likely issues include the President's tax cuts, climate change, corruption in the government, and partisan gridlock. We'll bring you more details as they unfold, but, until then, I'm Wolf Blitzer, and thanks for tuning in.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

I will obviously take part in the CNN's "Commander in chief" forum, and I urge all other candidates to offer Americans a real debate on the future of our country.

Source: Wikimedia Commons


Ayes (53)
Richard Shelby (R-AL)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Martha McSally (R-AZ)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Rick Scott (R-FL)
Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
David Perdue (R-GA)
Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Jim Risch (R-ID)
Todd Young (R-IN)
Mike Braun (R-IN)
Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
John Kennedy (R-LA)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Josh Hawley (R-MO)
Steve Daines (R-MT)
Deb Fischer (R-NE)
Ben Sasse (R-NE)
Richard Burr (R-NC)
Thom Tillis (R-NC)
John Hoeven (R-ND)
Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
James Lankford (R-OK)
Pat Toomey (R-PA)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Tim Scott (R-SC)
John Thune (R-SD)
Mike Rounds (R-SD)
Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Mike Lee (R-UT)
Mitt Romney (R-UT)
Joe Manchin (D-WV)
Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV)
Ron Johnson (R-WI)
Mike Enzi (R-WY)
John Barrasso (R-WY)

Nays (47)
Doug Jones (D-AL)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Chris Murphy (D-CT)
Tom Carper (D-DE)
Chris Coons (D-DE)
Brian Schatz (D-HI)
Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Rand Paul (R-KY)
Angus King (I-ME)
Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Ed Markey (D-MA)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Gary Peters (D-MI)
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Tina Smith (D-MN)
Jon Tester (D-MT)
Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Tom Udall (D-NM)
Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Rob Portman (R-OH)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Mark Warner (D-VA)
Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Patty Murray (D-WA)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

Paul and Portman, the only Republican dissenters, both of whom are challenging the President in the GOP primary, cited the perceived fiscal irresponsibility of the tax cuts, with Paul stating that he would vote for a revised version of the bill that cut the programs he has mentioned in his campaign speeches.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Great victory for all Americans - the tax reform bill passed the Senate. Hopefully the House will choose to help the middle class tomorrow and cut taxes for every American. Interesting that "conservatives" Portman and Paul voted against the bill! Republicans shall remember...

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Credit to Prankmenot.com for fake tweet

Transcript: I'd be honored to speak directly to the American people in a town hall to promote our progressive ideas in contrast to the Trump/Pence scam.

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Source: Independent.co.uk

Ivanka Trump in Manchester, NH - “Paid family leave, affordable child care are the bedrocks of stronger American families”


Spokeswoman Kimberley Allen said a more detailed proposal would be released in the next couple days. With the proposal, Ivanka is clearly moving to secure her support among both female voters as well as independent minded voters who might lean Republican but see the party as only supporting corporations or elites, in a move clearly set to differentiate herself as a ‘different kind’ of Republican.

Trump Campaign Remains Non-Committal on Tax Proposal

The Trump campaign has also remained non-committal on the Presidents tax plan, though many inside sources say the candidate is skeptical of how it will be paid for given the Presidents lack of specifics. There is a general feeling that her Father’s tax cut proposals in 2017 went far enough, and that any further proposals for the moment should be focused on closing loopholes and providing investment incentives for small and medium sized businesses.

As an active member of the President’s cabinet, it seems unlikely that Ivanka would openly come out again the administrations policies — but in private the candidate has expressed strong reservations, and clearly believes it isn’t the best way forward.  

Mike Pence @presidentpence

New plan by Ivanka Trump is very interesting - I'd be interested in working with her on paid family leave and affordable child care after the tax reform plan vote. First step is in there - great tax credit for low and middle income families for child and elderly care!

Ivanka Trump declines to take part in CNN Debate; “So we can hear politicians talk about the same tired slogans they’ve been talking about for decades? No thanks”; Will host town hall in NH instead.

In a surprising move, Presidential candidate Ivanka Trump has declined to take part in the CNN debate, describing it as a politicians ‘circus’ wherein she expects nothing more than the same tired platitudes and campaign slogans that “politicians have been repeating ad nauseam” for decades.


The town hall will be hosted the day after the CNN debate, and will feature an open style whereby members of the crowd will be free to ask the candidate any questions, totally unscripted. While a risky move in some ways, the format continues Ivanka’s drive to show herself as a political outsider and a ‘New Type of Republican’ like her father but also in her own style.

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Sean P. Anderson via Wikimedia Commons

February
5th - Announcement Speech in Austin, Texas.
7th - Jones speaks at the Commonwealth for Life Rally in Richmond, Virginia.
8th - Jones hosts a rally in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
10th - Jones hosts a rally near Durham, North Carolina. There were several protestors at the event.
12th - Jones hosts a town hall in Asheboro, North Carolina.
16th - Jones hosts a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This has the largest attendance so far of any event hosted by the campaign.
17th - Jones hosts a town hall in a suburb of Florence, South Carolina.
19th - Jones hosts a rally in Sumter, South Carolina.
20th - Jones hosts a rally in Columbia, South Carolina.
21st - Jones hosts a fundraiser in Charleston, South Carolina with Proud Boys leader Gavin McInnes
23rd - Jones speaks at a pro-confederate rally in Oxford, Mississippi.
25th - Jones hosts a rally in Tupelo, Mississippi.
26th - Jones hosts a fundraiser in Horn Lake, Mississippi with Infowars editor Paul Joseph Watson
28th - Jones hosts a rally in Memphis, Tennessee

March
2nd - Jones meets with volunteers on Staten Island.
3rd - Jones goes on Fox News Sunday and is interviewed by Chris Wallace. 3 of the questions from the interview:
5th - Jones hosts a fundraiser on Staten Island with Gavin McInnes
6th - Jones hosts a rally in Brooklyn with Gavin McInnes. Many protestors attended the event.
7th - Jones hosts a rally in Yonkers, New York with Gavin McInnes
9th - Jones hosts a fundraiser in Glen Cove, New York with Gavin McInnes
10th - Jones hosts a rally in Babylon, New York with Gavin McInnes
11th - Jones hosts a town hall in Brookhaven, New York with Gavin McInnes
15th - Jones hosts a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire
16th - Jones hosts a town hall in Nashua, New Hampshire
17th - Jones hosts a town hall in Keene, New Hampshire
19th - Jones hosts a rally in Concord, New Hampshire
20th - Jones hosts a rally in Dover, New Hampshire
23th - Jones hosts a town hall in Berlin, New Hampshire. Jones hopes to gain support with many of the Conservative northern New Hampshire voters.
24th - Jones hosts a town hall in Lancaster, New Hampshire
26th - Jones hosts a rally in Portland, Maine
28th-31st - Jones returns to Austin, Texas to air several Infowars shows. He raises close to $500,000 from 4 days of shows as a result of sponsorships and encouraging people to donate.

()

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer, and tonight is CNN's Commander-in-Chief Forum. We invited all seventeen major candidates to this event, and we're going to here from all who chose to come. There will be three general questions, as well as a specific question for each candidate. So, without further ado, here they are:

General Questions

1) Many of you have very strong views on the President's tax cuts, which recently passed the Senate 53-47, with six of you even voting on it (all against). Would each of you care to once again clarify your position on the issue, and would the Senators explain the reasoning behind their votes?

2) Healthcare is the #1 issue Americans are concerned about this election cycle. How would each of you format healthcare under your administration?

3) Climatologists now say we have little more than a decade to roll back our global greenhouse gas input before disastrous irreversibility strikes. Do you agree with this assessment? If so, how would you move to lessen this nation's carbon footprint? If not, why do you believe it not to be the case?

Personal Questions:

Former State Rep. Abrams:

You have proposed closing down all nuclear power plants within the United States. However, many scientists now believe that the use of thorium as an alternative fuel to uranium would remove or significantly reduce nearly all the risks associated with nuclear power. Would you support this solution instead of shutting down all our nuclear plants?

Senator Baldwin:

You are the only member of the LGBTQ+ community on this stage tonight. President Pence has been accused repeatedly of intense homophobia and encouragement of discrimination against LGBT individuals. Did his ascendance to the Presidency have any bearing on your decision to run?

Senator Booker:

Former President Obama has been an early supporter of your campaign, despite the fact that most recent Presidents choose to stay above the fray in their own party's primaries. As a result, many have accused him of putting his thumb on the scale in your favor. How do your respond to these criticisms?

Governor Bullock:

Your main personal critique of President Pence's tax bill has been the more paltry cut offered to the working class. Would you support it if the President increased the cut for the poor?

Governor Cooper:

As Governor of a key swing state, you have a unique insight into the eyes of critical general election voters. What do you believe North Carolinians think of the President's proposed tax cuts?

Senator Gillibrand:

You said in your announcement speech that the President and other Republicans have made this country "a laughing stock." In what ways do you believe they've done this?

Senator Harris:

You have been described as "the next Obama," despite the fact that the original Obama appears to be supporting Senator Booker. Why do you believe the media often casts you in that light, anyway?

Senator Klobuchar:

You were one of the first candidates to sign on to the "No PAC Pledge." Do you believe this could put you at a sharp disadvantage against independently wealthy candidates like Mr. Steyer?

Senator Merkley:

You were the only Senator to support Bernie Sanders in 2016, and now, so far, he has been one of your campaign's strongest allies. What other factors do you believe contributed to your early securing of his endorsement?

Congressman Moulton:

You've been one of the staunchest critics of President Pence's tax cuts in the House. Do you believe your voice may resonate more with House Democrats than those of the other candidates in this race?

Mr. Steyer:

Some members of the "Blue Dog Coalition" have claimed you've threatened them with supporting primary challengers if they vote to support the President's tax cuts. Is there any truth to these statements, and, if so, what about this bill concerns you so that you would attack members of your own party for voting for it?

Mr. Yang:

Your hallmark proposal has been a $1000 a month universal basic income. At $12000 a year per adult American citizen, this would cost more than $2.5 trillion. How do you intend to pay for such a program?

Mr. Jones:

You have attacked what you have called the "globalist social media companies" for attempting to "censor" you because of your views. What with the recent talk on the left of such a proposal, do you believe we should break up big tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter?

Senator Paul:

You cited a lack of spending cuts in your explanation of your "no" vote on the President's tax cuts. As a libertarian, how would you run tax policy in your administration?

President Pence:

No President in recent history has faced a significant primary challenge and gone on to win the general election. How do you intend to buck this trend if you are the nominee?

Senator Portman:

You stated that you would support fiscal responsibility no matter what in one of your campaign speeches, and cited this as to why you rejected the President's tax cuts. Would you, then, raise taxes in order to cut the national deficit?

Mr. Shapiro:

As a 35-year-old (37 on Inauguration Day) political commentator, many believe you are too inexperienced to be President of the United States. How do you respond to these criticisms?

Ambassador Trump:

Many of the President's supporters have complained that your presidential run "reeks of nepotism." How do you respond to these accusations?

All answers are due by the end of the day Jan. 31st, CST (1:00 AM Feb. 1 EST, 6:00 AM Feb. 1 UTC).

EDIT: Oops, missed the general ones.

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Personal and Question 1


Well it's unfortunate that despite the claims we'd get to discuss policy and leadership, we're instead pursuing rumors. Look, I'm leading the fight against this disastrous tax "reform". I've been on the ground in the protests, and our campaign is rolling out bold, progressive reforms to our tax system to end the robbery of working and middle class people and to end the blatant corruption that favors the big corporations and wealthy elite. But this bill, this bill has got to be stopped. The bill is a fiscal disaster, Republicans and Democrats all agree it will balloon the deficit that's already massive, and the fact that makes the same cuts for people like me and the poorest Americans is morally bankrupt. I should not receive a tax break. This proposal is viewed by people in both parties as a catastrophe, that's because it is and we will kill this bill. I'm going to do everything in my power to kill it, and if Republicans or Democrats are afraid the popular movement that we're creating, that's too bad. It's time they listen to their constituents and not the lobbyists in Washington. That's what my campaign is about.

2
We have a crisis of un-insurance, it's not an exaggeration when we say that people are dying are the streets. People can't pay for the drugs they depend on, they're taking desperate measures, they're going up to Canada just to stay alive. We cannot go back to the past, like President Pence would take us and what President Trump tried to do. The past was worse than the present, which is hard to imagine. Obamacare took us further, it expanded access for millions-but not enough. We need Universal Healthcare, so let's finish the job. I support a public option that offers comprehensive, affordable care for every American. We're gonna slash premiums and co-pays to pieces, and end this crisis unfolding on our streets.

3
I 100% agree, we have a Climate Crisis, and human activity is causing it. This is not an opinion, this is a scientific fact. We must act quickly and decisively. One day one of my presidency I'll declare a National Emergency on Climate Change. I want to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2040 and invest over a trillion dollars in infrastructure modernization to bring America into the future and declare war on unemployment. At the same time we will take measures to provide clean air and water, honor the contributions and sacrifice of workers in fossil fuel industries and not leave them behind like fossil fuel executives have, and prioritize justice for communities that have been treated as environmental dumping grounds for far too long. We will put people and communities before polluting corporations through a truly inclusive planning process. We will make sure Americans have all the necessary resources to support stronger, more resilient communities.

From mid-May to mid-July, Governor Bullock will embark on an all-Iowa tour, to visit all 99 counties in the state of Iowa and build enthusiasm for his campaign. The tour will last 2 months and will cover over 200 cities and towns in the state, beginning in the Omaha suburb of Council Bluffs and ending in Dubuque, on the Mississippi River. The Bullock team has planned numerous events on the tour, including numerous town halls and meet-and-greets. Bullock intends to actively chronicle the tour on social media, to draw attention to his campaign and increase name-recognition, and will create a blurb on his website that tracks his location across the state. 

May 18: Launch rally in Council Bluffs with Gov. Vilsack and other campaign surrogates (YTBD). Hold town hall in Chautauqua.
May 19: 2-hour campaign stops in Loveland, Avoca, Oakland, and Macedonia. (Pottawattamie County)
May 20: Campaign stops in Emerson, Glenwood, Sidney, and Hamburg. Town hall in Hamburg that night. (Mills and Fremont counties)
May 21: Campaign stops in Shenadoah, Yorktown, Clarinda, Villisca, and Red Oak. (Page and Montgomery counties)
May 22: Campaign stops in Massena, Anita, Atlantic, Audobon, Exira, and Elk Horn. (Cass and Audubon counties)
May 23: Campaign stops in Harlan, Defiance, Dunlap, and Logan. Town hall in Missouri Valley. (Shelby and Harrison counties)
May 24: Campaign stops in Onawa, Whiting, Mapleton, Schleswig, and Denison. (Monona and Crawford counties)
May 25: Campaign stops in Holstein, Ida Grove, and Moville. Rally in Sioux City. (Ida and Woodbury counties)
May 26: Campaign in Sioux City area, town hall in Sergeant Bluff. (Woodbury county)
May 27: Campaign in Merril, Le Mars, Remsen, Cherokee, and Aurelia. (Plymouth and Cherokee counties)
May 28: Campaign in Sutherland, Primghar, Sheldon, Orange City, and Sioux Center. Town hall in Sioux Center. (Sioux and O'Brien counties)
May 29: Campaign in Larchwood, Rock Rapids, Sibley, and Ocheyedan. (Lyon and Osceola counties)
May 30: Campaign in Spirit Lake, Milford, Estherville, and Armstrong. Town hall in Okoboji. (Dickinson and Emmet counties)
May 31: Campaign in Emmetsburg, Ayrshire, Ruthven, Spencer, and Rossie. (Palo Alto and Clay counties)
June 1: Campaign in Sioux Rapids, Storm Lake, Albert City, Power, and Pochahontas (Buena Vista and Pochahontas counties)
June 2: Campaign in Pomeroy, Rockwell City, Lake City, Sac City, and Early. Town hall in Lake View. (Sac and Calhoun counties)
June 3: Campaign in Carroll, Glidden, Scranton, Jefferson, and Grand Junction. (Carroll and Greene counties)
June 4: Campaign in Perry, Dallas Center, Waukee, and Van Meter. Town hall in Van Meter (Dallas County)
June 5: Campaign in Bagley, Panora, Casey, Fontanelle, and Orient (Guthrie and Adair counties)
June 6: Campaign in Corning, Stringtown, Gravity, Bedford, and Plattville (Adams and Taylor counties)
June 7: Campaign in Redding, Mount Ayr, Tingley, Creston, and Afton. (Union and Ringgold counties)
June 8: Campaign in Murray, Osceola, Van Wert, Leon, and Davis City. Town hall in Decatur City (Clarke and Decatur counties)
June 9: Campaign in Corydon, Promise City, Millerton, Chariton, Russell, and Lucas. (Lucas and Wayne counties)
June 10: Campaign in Winterset, Patterson, Martensdale, Indianola, and Sandyville. Town hall in Indianola (Madison and Warren counties)
June 11: Campaign in Hartford, Norwalk, Avon Lake, and West Des Moines. (Polk county)
June 12: Campaign in Grimes, Polk City, Windsor Heights, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill.
June 13: Rally in Des Moines with Governor Vilsack and campaign surrogates. Rest.
June 14: Campaign in Collins, Zearing, Gilbert, and Ames area. Town hall in Ames. (Story county)
June 15: Campaign in Madrid, Boone, Ogden, Harcourt, and Fort Dodge. Town hall in Fort Dodge (Boone and Webster counties).
June 16: Campaign in Badger, Humboldt, Livermore, Algona, Bancroft, and Lakota. (Humboldt and Kossuth counties)
June 17: Campaign in Thompson, Lake Mills, Forest City, Britt, Garner, and Goodell (Winnebago and Hancock counties)
June 18: Campaign in Belmond, Clarion, Goldfield, Webster City, Blairsburg, and Jewell. (Wright and Hamilton counties).
June 19: Campaign in Iowa Falls, Eldora, Union, Conrad, Grundy Center, and Dike (Hardin and Grundy counties)
June 20: Campaign in Parkersburg, Allison, Greene, Sheffield, and Hampton. Town hall in Latimer. (Butler and Franklin counties).
June 21: Campaign in Thornton, Rockwell, Emery, Freeman, and Mason City. Town hall in Mason City (Cerro Gordo county).
June 22: Campaign in Hanlontown, Manly, Northwood, St Ansgar, Osage, and New Haven (Worth and Mitchell counties)
June 23: Campaign in Rudd, Charles City, Nashua, Fredricksburg, and New Hampton (Chickasaw and Floyd counties).
June 24: Campaign in Saratoga, Vernon Springs, Bluffton, Decorah, Jackson Junction, and Castalia (Howard and Winneshiek counties).
June 25: Campaign in Waukon and Church. Donor event on Mississippi River boat. Campaign in McGregor and Elkader. (Allamakee and Clayton counties).
June 26: Campaign in West Union, Fayette, Olelwein, Tripoli, and Waverly. (Fayette and Bremer counties).
June 27: Campaign in Cedar Falls, Hudson, and Evansdale. Canvass and Town Hall in Waterloo. (Black Hawk county)
June 28: Campaign in Traer, Toledo, Marshalltown, and Rhodes. Town Hall in Marshalltown (Tama and Marshall counties).
June 29: Campaign in Colfax, Newton, Kellogg, Monroe, Grinnell, and Deep River. Rally in Grinnell. (Jasper and Poweshiek counties)
June 30: Campaign in New Sharon, Oskaloosa, Keomah Village, Pella, and Knoxville (Marion and Mahaska counties).
July 1: Campaign in Lovilla, Albia, Moravia, Centerville, Cincinatti, and Moulton (Monroe and Appanoose counties)
July 2: Campaign in West Grove, Bloomfield, Munterville, Agency, and Ottumwa. Town hall in Ottumwa (Wapello and Davis counties)
July 3: Campaign in Maharishi Vedic City, Fairfield, Birmingham, Keosauqua, and Mt. Sterling. Drive into Iowa City.
July 4: Celebratory July 4th rally-picnic in Iowa City, with Eastern Iowa Veterans.
July 5: Campaign in Hedrick, Sigourney, South English, Williamsburg, Marengo, and South/Middle Amana (Keokuk and Iowa counties).
July 6: Campaign in Luzerne, Van Horne, Vinton, Brandon, Independence, and Hazelton (Benton and Buchanan counties).
July 7: Campaign in Manchester, Delaware, Hopkinton, Central City, Mt Vernon, and Fairfax   (Delaware and Linn counties)
July 8: Rally and campaigning in Cedar Rapids area (Linn county)
July 9: Town hall and additional campaigning in Cedar Rapids
July 10: Campaign in Swisher, Solon, and North Liberty. Town hall in Iowa City. (Johnson county)
July 11: Campaign in Iowa City area.
July 12: Campaign in Kalona, Washington, Crawfordsville, Swedesburg, Mt Pleasant, and New London (Washington and Henry counties)
July 13: Campaign in Houghton, Donnelson, Keokuk, Montrose, Fort Madison, and Wever. Hold town hall in Fort Madison (Lee county).
July 14: Campaign in Middletown, Mediapolis, Burlington, Wapello, Grandview, and Columbus Junction (Des Moines and Louisa counties)
July 15: Campaign in Conesville, Moscow, Fruitland, and Muscatine. Town hall in Muscatine. (Muscatine county)
July 16: Campaign in Muscatine, rally and town hall in Davenport. (Scott county)
July 17: Campaign in Davenport and suburbs. (Scott county)
July 18: Campaign in Lime City, Stanwood, Wheatland, DeWitt, Camanche, and Clinton. Town hall in Clinton. (Cedar and Clinton counties)
July 19: Campaign in Green Island, Preston, Maquoketa, Wyoming, Anamosa, and Monticello. (Jackson and Jones counties)
July 20: Campaign in Dyersville, Holy Cross, Peosta, Asbury, and east Dubuque. (Dubuque county)
July 21: Campaign in Dubuque. Town hall in Sageville.
July 22: Closing rally in Dubuque with Gov. Vilsack and other surrogates.

1) Many of you have very strong views on the President's tax cuts, which recently passed the Senate 53-47, with six of you even voting on it (all against). Would each of you care to once again clarify your position on the issue, and would the Senators explain the reasoning behind their votes?



2) Healthcare is the #1 issue Americans are concerned about this election cycle. How would each of you format healthcare under your administration?


3) Climatologists now say we have little more than a decade to roll back our global greenhouse gas input before disastrous irreversibility strikes. Do you agree with this assessment? If so, how would you move to lessen this nation's carbon footprint? If not, why do you believe it not to be the case?


PERSONAL QUESTION) You were one of the first candidates to sign on to the "No PAC Pledge." Do you believe this could put you at a sharp disadvantage against independently wealthy candidates like Mr. Steyer?

Steve Bullock Town Hall Answers

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Source: Creative Commons Author: Gage Skidmore

While I believe my position on the Pence tax cuts is clear, I will reiterate again here. One of the main goals of my campaign is to advocate for the downtrodden - the Americans left behind and forgotten by our supposed representatives in Washington - and I believe the best way to do this is to oppose this irresponsible tax cut. There are many problems with this bill - most importantly, the fact that it callously denies the poor any tax relief. If we were to cut taxes - and I'm not saying that's a sound, fiscally responsible, idea - the poor are the ones who need tax cuts the most, and the Pence plan shaves only 3% of their payments - the same cuts the rich are getting! There is clearly a huge philosophical problem here. Additionally, the language of the bill is certainly vague and filled with loopholes - what are the incomes that define the middle class? Can the Americans close to these income lines - especially the rich - commit fraud to reap a massive tax cut, while others, including the government, could make much better use of that money? And these tax cuts, while a huge boon for the middle class (whatever that is), will necessitate cuts in critical government programs to prevent the debt from ballooning even further. Under President Pence's current plan, programs like Obamacare that provide for some of the most vulnerable Americans, will see cuts - adding insult to injury for the people that our government should be helping the most. And, the plan doesn't specify where other cuts - which, I remind you, are made necessary by our leaner budget - will fall. They could hurt our infrastructure programs, leaving our interstates, rails, and travel facilities worse for the wear. They could hurt our beautiful national parks and forests, as the EPA is further whittled down by representatives who believe in profits, not conservation. They could hurt other welfare programs, a cut that would cause serious grief among the working class. As a governor of a rural, working-class state, the benefits for my constituents are paltry at best, and the side effects will hurt everything from the Billings residents on Medicare to the trees and tourists in Glacier National Park. So, I cannot support it.

As President, I'll advocate for improved healthcare for blue-collar American, while keeping in mind fiscal considerations and other government programs and initiatives that deserve our attention- something that, sadly, some of my fellow Democrats probably won't do. Obamacare was a major step for healthcare in this country, and the expansion of Medicare in most states has been a huge boon for Americans living on the margins. However, there are still some bumps in Obamacare that need to be hammered out, and in some states, expanded Medicare has been made unavailable by politicians eating out of the hands of corporate bigwigs and Big Pharma. If I am elected, I will immediately advocate for a national Medicare-for-all-who-want-it program. This program combines the universal healthcare promise of Medicare-for-all with the freedom of choice that our current private healthcare system provides. Under Medicare-for-all-who-want-it, all Americans will get to choose between a quality Medicare plan and their (possibly current) private healthcare package provided by their employer. I would also advocate for continued improvements in Medicare quality, basic standards for private providers, as well as sensible restrictions on drug prices to keep Big Pharma in line, to bring American healthcare to its rightful place at the forefront of the world. To pay for these ambitious plans, I would back a modest tax increase for the rich and corporations, as well as a transfer in budgets from the foolish border wall to this program that TRULY benefits all Americans - especially the most vulnerable ones.

I'll readily admit that I'm no scientist, and the other candidates here on stage with me today aren't either. So, why shouldn't we all trust the overwhelming opinion of ACTUAL scientists, who say that climate change is a present and dangerous phenomenon? While the implications are horrifying and the timeline is stunningly quick, I'm prepared to take climatologists at their word, and as President, I will help lead a global push to curb greenhouse gas emissions and save our planet. As President, one of my first acts will be to create a Presidential Climate Change Commission, consisting of climatologists, scholars, and willing members of Congress - maybe people like Al Gore would be interested in this initiative. This commission will investigate the climate issue and present a report to Congress on the severity of the situation and possible remedies by late 2021. I will also re-enter the Paris Climate agreement, and pressure all nations, both friends and rivals, on the international stage to recommit to reducing emissions. A remedy that I believe particularly effective is using the government to advance renewable energy. Our oil supplies are fast running out, and our society will, currently, be destitute without it - a terrifying possibility not frequently mentioned. Renewable energy is a perfect, flexible solution. As President, I will advocate for renewable energy grants to individual states, who can decide how to spend it. States like Montana and North Dakota can use this grant to build wind turbines, to harness the powerful winds of the Great Plains to light up the farmlands free of carbon output. States like New Mexico can invest in solar power, and turn the burning desert sun into a robust power source. And, geographically diverse states like California, Texas, and Florida can use the funds to support anything from tidal power, to hydroelectric power, to geothermal power - any and all investment is a boon for both the earth and human civilization. The grants can also be given to companies in the form of tax credits - the free market is remarkable at advancing the frontiers of technology, as seen at Tesla in recent years. As a last resort, if the report from the Presidential Commission is especially dark, I might consider a carbon tax, which would help lower emissions from polluting companies and provide more tax money to spend - on anything from energy to education. Lastly, as a preventative measure, my administration will encourage states to take preventative measures, and low-lying, vulnerable states like Florida and Louisiana can apply for grants to improve levee systems, evacuation systems, and information systems, to keep the wild waves out for as long as possible.

*laughs* That's an intriguing question, Wolf, but it still doesn't affect the big picture much. I'm not disputing that a cut to the poor would be both a solid policy decision and an addition that would make the bill much more palatable, but the problems that I addressed earlier would still be there. The rich would still be getting off easy, and the budget - for which I would pursue ambitious programs to benefit the poor as President - will make further government programs impossible. In fact, it will probably require even more program cuts, given that the rich's tax bills are still getting cut as well. For Pence to win my support for this tax bill, he would need to show that the rich and Big Business aren't getting off easy, that the poor are getting a fair cut, and that valuable programs like Obamacare aren't facing potentially devastating shrinkage. Even then, simultaneously supporting a tax cut and advocating for more beneficial government programs is an impossible position to take, so I would still be reluctant to back it. I'll take this time to advocate another way to improve the lives of the working class - ending this foolish trade war with China. It's clear that communities in Montana, Iowa, Michigan, and other blue-collar states are being deeply wounded by these ridiculous tariffs, and coming to a mutually beneficial free trade agreement will be a big step in bringing prosperity back to these marginalized Americans.

Again, I'd like to thank CNN for inviting me here to share my views, and I wish everyone well on the campaign trail.

Mike Pence's town hall answers

1. Look, I think my position here is obvious. I was the one to write this plan and I want to get it passed because it will help middle class families all across America. However, in coordination with my Administration's fiscal experts, we have decided to remove the 3% rich tax cut from there. It was more of a symbolical policy, since 3% of the previous taxes is not that much to be perfectly honest with you, to signal my commitment to cut taxes for every American, however many people got upset with it, and I get it. I get it. The tax cuts of 2017 did enough for the wealthy, now our focus should be on the lower and middle class. As such, the money that were going to be used as tax breaks for the rich will be used to raise the tax breaks for the lower class instead, raising their cut to about 10%. I will also take swift action after this tax plan passes to wipe the tax code out of special interest provisions that Wall Street put in there for themselves, and we are taking the first step by abolishing the carried interest provision. Given this modification, I think there's no question about who this bill is designed to help: the lower and middle class of America. I urge the House Democrats to pass this badly needed bill and put more money in the pockets of America people, and especially I tell to the Blue Dogs threatened by the billionaire fighting against lower and middle class tax cuts, to stay brave and do the right thing, because your constituents will be greatly helped by this bill despite everything the socialist Democrats claimed.

2. First of all, let me say this. If Obamacare was the success the Democrats claim it was, we wouldn't be discussing health reform right now, because we wouldn't need it. It was a failure by all measures: people are still left uninsured, premiums are high and raising, deductibles are high and rising, co-payments are high and raising. The failure of Obamacare shows me that more government intervention in the heath care system is not the solution. However, I will absolutely not, under any circumstances, put our Medicare and Medicaid in danger. I will put them in a "lockbox" like Al Gore famously said. No one will lose the benefits they are receiving now. It's the right thing to do. And we'll fix the health care system after the disaster of the last years. First of all, a reform that I think is badly needed is allowing health insurance companies to sell across state lines. The biggest problem for the health system right now is the lack of competition, few insurers cover a lot of people and they don't face real competition, as such they can sell with as high premiums as they want. With this, we're going to give them real competition, force them to lower their premiums. We'll also allow individuals to deduct their premiums from taxes, establish full price transparency from health care providers, we'll modify HSA rules to allow everyone to contribute into them more money than they are able to contribute now. We'll also administer Medicaid through block grants, making it more efficient. We'll also lower the prices of prescription drugs by approving an unbelievable number of generic drugs every month as well as fighting the tactics of drug companies that extend the life of patent protection. Priorities for me are also the reform of VA healthcare, with more funding, better servicies and all veterans eligible, and the expansion of mental health programs, including those to fight opioid addiction. This are common sense proposals that will make the health care system better and I trust Democrats and Republicans to help me get them done.

3. Look, this issue has gotten a bit of a rhetorical exaggeration from both sides. There is no question that the EPA massively failed to protect the environment. They passed a lot of regulations which wrecked the economy while pollution was raising through the roof. We can't go with the same old approach when it comes to do this issue. We need to be smart about this, protect the environment while not allowing this to wreck the economy and destroy lives by over-regulating or enact radical proposals to destroy entire industry sectors, and we will develop a plan to do that.

4. Look, if the 2016 election taught us anything, is that conventional wisdom on election is long overdue and the only pundits are the American people when they get to the polls. For me, I've got no doubts that they are going to vote in their best interest, ignoring the pundits and pollsters, and give me the high honor of serving them for another 4 years.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

In response to criticism we have received from many common people about the symbolical tax cut for wealthy people, the Administration removed it from the bill and the money saved this way will be used to pay for additional lower class tax breaks. Now, the tax bill is purely for lower and middle class voters. Let's pass tax relief and simplification for the common American people, despite the threats coming from billionaires opposed to it!

Pence campaign to go in the Blue Dogs constituencies ahead of crucial House vote

Mike Pence's presidential campaign has sent thousands of volunteers from nearby states in the constituencies represented by Blue Dogs and moderate Democrats. There, they will knock on doors of middle class families and to some extent of lower class families and offer to calculate their taxes under the Pence tax plan. Usually, their taxes were much lower than what they were paying at that moment. (for the lower class families not so much, but the child tax credit balanced things out) Afterwards, the volunteers told the families that this can become reality if their House representative voted for it, and they need to call their representative and tell him to vote to make their lives better. Obviously, some were more convinced then others.

"I will gladly answer the questions presented for me, but for a second, I'd just want to say one thing : I'm glad almost every Candidate has agreed to participate in these forums. Instead of waiting for the General Election for four endless debates, we can discuss the issues right here, right now, in front of everyone and the people can decide from there. Now, with that out of the way, I think I have some questions to answer."


"Well, I've said it time and again that we need to be fiscally responsible with our budget. I am indeed all in favor for tax cuts as they give fuel for our economy and gives an incentive for the citizens to spend more, increasing cash flow. However, this bill would add hundreds of millions if not a billion or so, dollars into our National Deficit. That is something we can't afford when we're so close to a trillion dollars in a deficit as such a thing will quickly bankrupt our country. I voted against this bill because the President didn't offer any Government spending cuts to offset the costs of the tax cuts. He didn't even attempt to get the programs I suggested to be eliminated from the budget despite them being unnecessary. Had the president just attempted to get these programs cut from the budget, even if it wouldn't have succeeded, I would've eagerly voted for the bill.

Because he didn't, however, I could not, in good faith, vote for a fiscally irresponsible bill."


"First, I would get rid of Federal Healthcare entirely. Everything, when touched by the government, becomes corrupt and overly expensive due to unnecessary bureaucracy in Washington messing it up. I believe if we allow the free market to decide Healthcare, everyone will pick the best options available for them. Some of the best things that ever existed came of the free market and competition because of it. Several car companies have become successful because their opponents were selling cheaper and better products, forcing them to innovate much better and cheaper cars themselves. The same can be said for Healthcare. I already said in April of 2015 that Healthcare was over-regulated before Obamacare and it still is today. As President, I would cut out as many unnecessary regulations as possible and allow several companies to start up locally and compete with one another to make affordable and successful healthcare. My opponents, mainly the Democratic ones that are here tonight, will say that this will lead to corruption and will lead to the low and middle classes being cut out, as is always their excuse. I ask them this : Was Obamacare so much better when the premiums went up 300% in some places? There is no way any low or middle class citizen can afford such a cost and yet, the people were forced to get it.

Healthcare should be a choice and people should be free to choose the coverage they'd like best, not be forced into a coverage they didn't ask for."


"Didn't these same climatologists say this in 2000? Didn't these same climatologists say this in the 90s? Listen, I do believe Climate Change is a serious issue and we should act upon it, but we have to look at the simple facts. All of these so called predictions by these climatologists have been wrong so far and its time we put the fear mongering to an end. As President, I would slowly introduce green energy jobs and renewable energy but not try and force out the coal and oil industries like President Obama tried to do, as that would lead to the loss of millions of jobs. We slowly phase out those jobs and help the workers there still be able to find work even after their job is gone. My opponents seemingly have no plan for this, so I believe it is my time to offer it. If anyone would like to know my plan, they can feel free to ask me on the campaign trail but as for now, I believe I said enough."


"Thanks for the question. Now, I already explained the full reasoning as to my no vote on the tax bill a few minutes ago and I won't repeat it for everyone's sake. As for how I would run my Administration's tax policy, first I would try and end wasteful government spending. People don't want to admit it, but tax costs add to the National Deficit. We simply can't afford all the costs without bankrupting ourselves. What I'll do is what any fiscally responsible person would do : I would cut the most wasteful and unneeded programs in our government and use the extra cash from those programs being cut to fund the tax cuts and help bring our national deficit to hopefully a national profit once again. I'm not saying it'll happen immediately and it might take a lot of time, but my combination of low tax and sliced spending will help our nation in the long run, more than any of the other so called fiscally responsible people in this race."

Mike Pence's campaign ad - "Not with you" airing nation-wide

Narrator: President Pence's attempts at middle class relief and tax simplification were met with full-blown resistance from the DC swamp, Democratic partisans and socialist billionaires. And your Senators, Rob Portman and Rand Paul, were right there with them, voting NAY on the bill to stimulate the economy and make your lives better.

President Pence in speech: The question is simple. Do they back the American people or not?

Narrator: The answer is clear. They're not with you.

President Pence: I am Mike Pence, and I approve this message.

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All credit goes to Prankmenot for the images.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

I don't know what lies @RandPaul is referring to! Is it not true that he opposed a tax reform bill that would have helped the economy and the working-middle class of America? Also interesting that only he and Rob Portman are finding this bill fiscally inadequate or whatever. No other GOP officeholder AND 96% of Republicans according to polls find it irresponsible, but support it and love it! Does it have to do with them running for POTUS and not wanting me to succeed?

Ivanka Trump Launches First Primary Ad; “America Strong”
To air in all early primary states on local networks and nationally.

I’m Ivanka Trump, and I approve this message.

Narrator: Have you seen the negative attack ads?

-Tweets by Rand Paul, Rob Portman and Mike Pence flash on screen-

-Video of Rand Paul and Rob Portman repeatedly voting ‘No!’ on the tax bill-

Narrator: While the swamp is busy tearing each other down, Ivanka Trump is hard at work fighting for you, — announcing bold new ideas like paid family leave, affordable child care, and an end to corporate influence on our elections.

-Video of Ivanka campaigning with Nikki Haley and shaking hands with crowds in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina flow across the screen-

Narrator: We need a President with the determination to get the job done. At the negotiating table (Video of Ivanka sitting in a boardroom as Vice President of the Trump Organization) in the situation room (Video of Ivanka at the United Nations Security Council, pointedly gesturing at the Russian Ambassador) and always on your side.

Ivanka Trump in Manchester NH: “ We need to reclaim our birthright as Americans, the right to the pursuit of happiness, the right to live our lives free from overbearing government, the right to raise happy, healthy families and pass onto our children a stronger and better America — a truly great America.”

Narrator: She’s a new kind of Republican, one we can trust — to get the job done.

Ivanka Trump, America Strong.

Video fades out to a picture of Ivanka campaigning with Donald Trump in 2016.

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JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

"I want to thank you for having me, South Carolina! I am honored to be here in one of the greatest states in the nation and in one of the greatest counties of the state. However, I want to talk about issues right now, perhaps one of the most important issues in my mind. I believe it is time to bring an end to foreign wars.

I want to make it clear, as I have a feeling that the President will attempt to attack me on this, saying that I hate the military and that I want America or our embassies to be open to hostile attack. I do not and never will. I respect the brave men and women risking their lives fighting for our country and for the freedom we all owe to them for their sacrifice. However, I have seen too many Americans be killed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and various other countries to remain silent on the issue.

Ever since 9/11, we have gotten ourselves into the mess of Nation Building and the like, entangling ourselves into things that never should've concerned us in the first place. Yes, I do believe that we should've struck at Afghanistan after 9/11 due to them harboring a terrorist, but we never should've went for Iraq and after we found out Bin Laden was in Pakistan and killed him, what did we do? Nothing. What did we do when we found out Saudi Arabia was funding terrorist groups along with Pakistan that had goals to keep nations unstable and were firmly anti-american? Nothing. President Trump arrived on the scene, promising to end our intervention in these wars and the drone strikes of the Obama Administration, but he was unable to because of Congressional obstruction and President Pence has refused to say anything on the subject.

I believe it is time we pull almost all of our troops out of these countries, only keeping the minimum amount required to guard our embassies, and that we cut the funding to the governments of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and various other countries that have proven time and time again to only be using us. We should be putting all those men to work and circulating all that aid back into our economy. As President, it will be my first thing to do this. It's time to have America be first in our policy and rebuild our nation and I hope you all agree with me.

Thank you and I hope to see you on the campaign trail!"

Mike Pence @presidentpence

I invite Ambassador Trump to the White House as soon as possible to discuss some of her policy initiatives that I believe are great and will certainly be a part of the agenda of the Administration after tax cuts for middle and lower class Americans.

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Mike Pence @presidentpence

1. Fear-mongering appears to be Senator Rand Paul's main campaign tactic! Otherwise I don't know why he claims that the badly needed middle and lower class tax cuts will bankrupt the country. In case he didn't know, tax cuts such as this one which is designed to boost the economy, pay for themselves in the long run. And about the 3 obscure programs Senator Paul keeps bringing up to defend himself, the time to make the budget for the FY 2020 isn't there yet. I will keep in mind his recommendations for when I will be asked to propose one.

2. I will not attack Ms Trump, I have the greatest respect for her and her family and the fresh ideas she brings to the table. I will only attack hypocrisy and when someone opposes the best interests of the American people for political gains.

*Pessimistic shots of Washington*

Narrator: As our economy continues to not work for Americans, as our debt continues to rise, the president pushes a bill which will add hundreds of millions to our debt.

*Pessimistic shots of Mike Pence*

Narrator: Mike Pence blames others and accuses his opponents of being anti-American, all while his administration adds to the debt at a higher rate than Obama's did. That's not being fiscally conservative, not's not how the Republican party should be.

*Black and white picture of Pence with "Failure" in bold lettering covering his eyes*

Narrator: Mike Pence is leading America towards bankruptcy. Will you stand by and let him?

Rob Portman: "I am Rob Portman, and I approve this message."

Hello...I'm Noah Gordon and I'm a US Veteran. I joined the service quickly after 9/11 and I was glad to have served my country. However, I was later sent to serve in Iraq and that is when everything began to go downhill. I was serving with my platoon against ISIS in 2016 and we were patrolling one day when suddenly, everything went to hell as those terrorist attacked us. I lost my legs in the fight after a grenade ruined both of them.

I was sent home after that and was discharged from duty. It took me sometime, but I eventually got reacquainted with normal life once again and when that happened, I began to do my research. When I was deployed, I always asked why we were in Iraq when we should've left years ago?

I eventually got my answer. The Saudis and many within our government want to see us continue this war, so they can profit off it while dozens of young men get wounded or die in countries that despise us. President Obama promised to end these wars and bring the troops home, but when he got into office, he never did as he promised. President Trump said the same thing and it truly seemed like he would get it done but Congress continued to obstruct him.

President Pence has remained silent on this issue, far too silent for me and I fear about what others may think about this issue. But Senator Paul has made his stance clear. He wants to bring the troops, my friends, my brothers and sisters in arms, home and end the foreign aid to countries that have no respect for us. He has promised to make sure this happens no matter what those in congress says. That's why I'll be voting for him. Both for the Republican Nominee and as President. It's time to bring them home.

I'm Rand Paul and I approve this message!"

"The Senator is honestly too exhausted to argue with the President due to his apparent stubbornness and refusal to admit he is being fiscally irresponsible. The Senator has far more plans than his cut to government spending, however, and yet the President only focuses on the government spending issue. The Senator would rather wait to challenge the President directly on the debate stage than continue this argument on twitter."

Mike Pence's campaign ad - "People like you" - airing in the South, the Midwest and New England


*A middle class family is standing in front of their house*

Hello, we've been a family for 10 years and we've forever wanted to start a new business in retail...

*another family appears on screen*

...to move to the countryside and start a farm...

*and another one...*

...to afford treatment for our son's illness...

*and so on*

...to open a restaurant...

...to afford College for our daughter...

...to be able to marry without a penalty...

...to open a shelter for dogs...

...to move into a safer neighborhood...

...to stop living from paycheck to paycheck.

*The family from the beginning appears on screen again*

Our dreams seem now closer then ever, because President Pence has proposed a plan that will reduce our taxes, and make us be able to afford what we want achieve. Senator Portman may be calling him a failure, but I know that he's doing his best for people like me to be able to live a better life.

Mike Pence: I'm Mike Pence, I approve this message and I'm fighting for people like you

Portman tweets out:

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Mike Pence @presidentpence

Have you read the latest HERITAGE FOUNDATION report showing solid evidence that the tax cuts I proposed will largely pay for themselves by increased revenue due to BOOMING economy? (and we'll pay the rest by closing loopholes in the tax code) So much for the politicians fear mongering the population...

Mike Pence's campaign ad - "Spreading fear" - airing nationwide

Steyer in CNN town hall: "This bill is a fiscal disaster, it will baloon the deficit"

Portman in CNN town hall: "tax cuts like these put us at a substantial risk of going, as I call it, budget AWOL"

Bullock in CNN town hall: "This tax cuts will necessitate cuts in critical government programs to prevent the debt from ballooning even further"

Paul in CNN town hall: "this bill would add hundreds of millions if not a billion or so, dollars into our National Deficit"

Paul tweet: "our country will be bankrupted because of Tax Cuts"

Portman ad: "Mike Pence is leading America towards bankruptcy"

Narrator: That is what the politicians are telling us. Now let's hear out the experts.

Heritage Foundation spokesman: "According to our study, there is solid evidence that the tax cuts will largely pay for themselves due to the growth they would produce in the economy, which will automatically increase revenue. And the rest can be paid for by closing loopholes in the tax code which President Pence pledged to do or by cutting a few government programs. The claims that this cuts will bankrupt the country seem to be baseless."

Mike Pence: I'm Mike Pence, and I approve this message.

Spokeswoman Kimberley Allen confirmed that members of President Pence and Ambassador Trump’s teams would both be reaching out to each other to make arrangements in the upcoming days.

Bullock Ad - Pioneers

to air in Iowa, New Hampshire, Montana, and Nevada, and posted on social media

<cheerful, folksy guitar background music plays>

Narrator #1: This nation was built by the pioneers, the independent people.

<image of the Great Plains shows>

Narrator #2: Small-town businesses and farms are the bedrock our nation rests on.

<image of Bullock shaking hands with a local businessman in Iowa shows>

Narrator #1: However, our representatives in Washington have forgotten about our small towns...

<image of Capitol Hill>

Narrator #2: ...and instead sell their vote to the highest corporate bidder.

<image of money piles and dollar signs>

Narrator #1: Governor Steve Bullock aims to change this dynamic.

<image of Bullock rally>

Narrator #2: Steve is dedicated to the everyday pioneers who represent the best of this great county.

<image of Bullock meet-and-greet on a farm>

Narrator #1: Steve doesn't take money from corrupt corporate PACs.

Narrator #2: If we send Steve to Washington, he'll speak up for pioneers like us, and bring our beliefs and values back to Capitol Hill. So, what are we waiting for?

<image of Bullock campaign logo shows>

Gov. Bullock: I'm Governor Steve Bullock, and I approve this message.

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Source: Made on Simitator Fake Tweet Generator

President Pence @presidentpence

Last time I've checked, analyses of legislative proposals is not the job of the OMB @GovernorBullock

"Yet again the President attempts to paint valid criticism as fearmongering and attempts to ignore it. When the Tox Cuts and Jobs Act was introduced, we shall everyone say it will pay for itself but the joint committee on Taxation and the Tax Foundation agreed it would add billions to our national deficit because there wasn't any cuts to government spending elsewhere. We got rid of the mandate, which indeed saved us $700 Billion, but this time, the President has offered nothing to cut for increased to offset the costs. And A politico report added that any and all additional revenue will go to paying for the cuts.

Politico recently published a report that these tax cuts will again add to the deficit in the billions. Any valid criticism is brushed away by the President as fear mongering in an attempt to discredit the ideas of his opponent. All sides deserve to be heard and should not be discredited because you disagree with them. This will be the Senator's last response to the President and he hopes that he will end his petty attacks and focus on the real issues of this campaign rather than blindly slandering his opponents."

Mike Pence's statement with regards to Rand Paul

Once again the politicians ignore the facts like those from the Heritage Foundation report (which is made by experts) in favor of the report of Politico (which is not run by economical experts but is a press institution!).  The American people shall judge

Source: Wikimedia Commons


Ayes: 215
Nays: 215 + Speaker Pelosi (tiebreaker; bill fails)
Present: 4

Party Defectors:

Republicans
None

Democrats
Present:
Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15)
Stephanie Murphy (FL-07)
David Scott (GA-13)
Mike Thompson (CA-05)

Aye:
Anthony Brindisi (NY-22)
Jim Cooper (TN-05)
Charlie Crist (FL-13)
Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
Joe Cunningham (SC-01)
Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05)
Kendra Horn (OK-05)
Ben McAdams (UT-04)
Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01)
Collin Peterson (MN-07)
Max Rose (NY-11)
Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
Mikie Sherill (NJ-11)
Abigail Spanberger (VA-07)
Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02)
Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02)

Mike Pence to address the nation from the Oval Office in a rare circumstance.

https://flic.kr/p/2dm3qok

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https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/08/21/obama-endorse-booker-new-jersey-senate/2680801/



(repost from signup thread)

Massie campaigns for Paul in New Hampshire and Vermont while Scott and Lee both campaigns in their home states, looking to raise support for the Kentucky Senator in those four states.

Mike Pence's address from the Oval Office

Good evening, My fellow Americans

Today we have witnessed the disappointing defeat of a tax reform bill. A tax reform bill that was not perfect, it obviously had its flaws, but a bill that was, in my view, a net positive in the life of millions of Americans. This defeat had several factors attached to it, including a billionaire threatening representatives with fully funded primary challenges if they voted for the bill. This sad event represents fully well the swamp that has plagued DC for so long and that me and Donald Trump have fought against in 2016 and beyond. And in regards to this, I intend to turn the attention of this Administration to campaign finance and lobbying reform, to ensure that Washington will only listen to the people from now on, not to corrupt billionaires, PACs and lobbying groups. This Administration will continue fighting for the people of our nation. Aside from this, I also plan to work out a massive infrastructure package, to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and help boost our economy further. And I will meet in the following days with Ambassador Ivanka Trump, who is a great leader of which I am very proud of, to discuss how to make affordable child care and paid family leave a reality.

I am not doing this address for any electoral gains. I will talk more about the fake conservatives voting against helping the middle class and on how it failed on the campaign trail. I am making this address to reassure the people of Le Mars, Iowa, to which I promised personally to fight for tax relief and all around the nation that I am not dropping the fight to improve their life and that, as disappointing as this defeat may be, we will Make America Great Again.

Thank you, God bless you and God bless the USA.

Mike Pence's schedule in May 2019

While the President only campaigned in Iowa for the last 3 months, he decided to take a break and went on a 2-weeks tour of the South, from Texas to North Carolina, including Florida. There, he made strong appeals to the Tea Party base and evangelicals, emphasizing his religious values and social conservative policies, while also speaking extensively about his tax reform plan and how Portman and Paul opposed it, and about other proposals he wants to see enacted, some more liberal like child care affordability, infrastructure package and government ethics reform, and more about the more conservative ones, such as replacing Obamacare, reforming education, rebuilding the military and stopping illegal immigration. He toured through all kinds of areas, however he emphasized small, rural communities that he believes will put him over the top in the South. Special attention was dedicated to Tennessee, where Bill Lee's endorsement of Paul got the Pence campaign worried that they might be in danger of losing. There, he took the high road, and spoke about his conservative values that make him worthy of the votes of Tennessee, however his surrogates and volunteers attacked Paul for his "weak foreign policy" and offered to calculate people's taxes under the bill that Rand Paul opposed.

In the following two weeks, Pence moved back-and-forth between Washington DC and Iowa, where Governor Kim Reynolds has been relentlessly campaigning for him during his South tour. In Iowa, he continued to focus mainly on the evangelical communities of the North and West, however he largely visited all of the state's areas. On one special occasion, however, President Pence went into Wisconsin for a few hours, holding a rally in the blue collar areas while adopting an anti-establishment rhetoric that won Trump those counties in 2016.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

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Source: Newsweek

Marco Rubio Endorses Ivanka Trump at Miami Rally; “Let’s get to work with Ivanka Trump”


Ivanka embraces Marco and the two then turn to wave at the crowd as she takes the podium.

BREAKING: Ted Cruz endorses Mike Pence during rally in Texas

"Mike Pence is a very brave, very honorable man who will fight day and night for the values of the conservative movement in the White House and get things done for the people: lower taxes, smaller government, moral conduct. I am proud to endorse him and I will campaign extensively in Texas and in the South for him."

BREAKING: Ron Johnson endorses Mike Pence during rally in Wisconsin

"President Pence is a warrior for working class voters in Wisconsin, as shown by his tenure as Vice President and his proposed tax reform plan that would have helped this state greatly, and I will do everything to ensure he gets a full term of his own, including campaigning in my home state."

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Steyer_2020_presidential_campaign#/media/File:Tom_2020_819a29ab.png


Tom Steyer Summer Strategy and Tweets

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The Steyer 2020 Campaign places a great emphasis on winning New Hampshire. That states voters who have traditionally been receptive to populist outsiders with unique backgrounds and pitches, and should be a great state for the Steyer message. Steyer with the support of former Governor Lynch and [surrogates yet to be determined] will make New Hampshire top priority of the early states for the campaign. The campaign will carry out three 10 County Tours, and hold other rallies in major cities and barnstorm the state. The main policy emphasis will be on Tom's outsider nature and ability to break the corporate stronghold on Washington, and his bold progressive platform. Simultaneously, the TV and Radio of the state will be blanketed with Steyer advertisement promoting the same message. Tom Steyer will go to Iowa, but the lion's share of campaign resources will be devoted to a substantial win in New Hampshire. However, with Steyer's substantial wealth, ads in Iowa will still occur and a lot of them. While Steyer's advertisement money outweighs any challenge on the airwaves in either of the first two states, Tom will be touring deep red districts to build a base among non-Democrats, and portray himself as an outsider prepared to fight for the people. Not unlike Trump, but with a progressive pro-people, pro-worker, and inclusive agenda rather than faux-populism and race-baiting. Tom will also tour his home state of California to raise name recognition and build a base in a crucial state. Ads in every state are a priority.




Credit to Prankmenot for Fake Tweet


Transcript: We killed the tax scam. Time to pass a progressive tax plan that benefits working families.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

A disgrace! Faux populist billionaire Steyer is bragging about killing a tax plan that would have ACTUALLY benefited everyone...by threatening representatives with funding primary opponents and BUYING their votes! He can't drain the swamp because he IS the swamp!

Overall theme: Right-Wing Populism

-Cleaning Washington

Portman's #1 campaign stance is ending corruption and logjam in Washington. This will be a bold undertaking, with a focus on increasing government transparency, transparency of actions made by elected officials and the executive branch. There will also be an emphasis on increasing oversight of congress and the executive branch and reducing salaries for elected officials. There will also be an emphasis on justice for corrupt officials and raised consequences for actions of such.

-Enforcing our borders and customs

A major campaign point is a hard line on immigration. We must take no time to solve our problems at the border before our problems at the border solve us. We need to deport all illegal immigrants and create a strong and secure barrier at the southern border. Only after that can we make it easier for people to immigrate to our country, from anywhere, not just Latin America.

-Enforcing fiscal responsibility

Our debt is out of control. Both Democrats and Republicans have failed to stop the rise, both the Obama and Trump administrations have only amplified the problem. We need to finally enforce a spending cap and start controlling how much we spend. When it comes to the budget, the Portman administration will always put debt reduction first. Even over potential tax breaks.

-Protecting American Jobs, Industry, and Retail

Any and all measures will be taken to save and revive the American manufacturing industry. No hesitation will be used to kill unfair trade deals and enact tariffs against countries like China and India which steal our jobs and industries. We must do whatever needs to be done to reclaim our former manufacturing dominance. Reductions of the minimum wage, harsh penalties for companies that outsource, and a federal jobs guarantee are on the table. We must also work to save our dying retail industry, a stable of American culture and the American economy, by any means necessary. From breaking up tech giants to putting restrictions on online purchases to giving large tax breaks for retail, no measure is too great to undertake.


New:

-Freedom from technology

Big-tech exploits the American economic system to the maximum legal extent, and to prevent them from exploiting our systems further we have to remove the loopholes they use to unfairly expand into monopolies, which doing so leads to job reductions and economic decay. Under a Portman administration, significant measures will be taken to reduce the influence of massive companies, such as preventing mergers of a certain size, and perhaps even breaking up bloated corporations to add color to the economic environment. We must also rework our tax laws when it comes to this. Companies like Amazon pay absolutely nothing in taxes. That's going to change during a Portman administration. We must also work to protect internet users from privacy invasion and corporate exploits. Under a Portman presidency, net neutrality will be protected without question, and additional oversight will be provided to ensure no online privacy violations by corporations.

-Leveling of the social playing field

On day one of the Portman administration, affirmative action will be ended. This is not a popular position by any means, but the reality is no one should have an advantage over anyone, in college applications, in applying for a job, for anything. A thing about today's society, we have achieved complete social equality. That said, there is no need to keep affirmative action in place. The democratic party, in both 2019 and 1879, wants certain people to have advantages over other people. It's time to balance the scales.

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Stacey Abrams revealed a new endorsement today...


Rep. Bass issued the following statement after she announced her endorsement of Abrams...


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Image from the Wikimedia Commons

Alex Jones Town Hall Answers()
marketwatch.com


Taxes, especially federal income taxes, are very bad and are enforced through dishonest methods. I support cutting taxes, but we should go further. The IRS should be abolished and we should replace the federal income tax with a consumption tax. There is already a bill for this in Congress with 33 co-sponsors. I want to make it law. If I was in Congress, I would vote for the President's tax cuts but only because it is better than no changes.


Health insurance companies are run by bad people who will scam you and hurt you just to make money. At the same time, government involvement in healthcare has proved to be disastrous. The flouride in your own drinking water has made you dumber and these mandatory vaccines have caused a whole bunch of problems. We should not be forced to choose between these options. We need fundamental and systematic reform of the healthcare industry. First of all we need the government to stop creating diseases and hurting the American people. Then we are going to change the way private healthcare works, putting lives over money and health over power. That will reduce costs and create a healthy America all while keeping the markets free.


They did all this "research" 20 years ago and said we would be dead by now. That was all lies and it is still all lies. The reality is that the earth is going through warming and cooling periods just like normal. Many areas of the country are actually having a cooler than average year. Most scientists are liberal globalist Democrats, so it's no wonder that they want to shut down American industry because of so called climate change. We need more industry, more jobs, not less. We need to finish the job Trump started and abolish the EPA and get the government out of this fake science.


Well it's true they are trying to censor me. I have been banned from many social media sites for daring to call out the corrupt nature of these companies. My supports have also been banned for calling them out on it. Breaking up big tech companies is the first step, but there is much more to be done. After all, 100 small corrupt tech companies is no better than a few large ones. We need to reform these companies by enforcing free speech and increasing transparency so we can really see what is going on when they decide to ban conservative voices like myself.

(All images below are from Wikimedia Commons)


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Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

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King: And I'm John King. And this is your election update.

Blitzer: And this week marked by a bitter Twitter feud between the President and Senators Paul and Portman over the Senators' "no" votes on the President's tax cuts, which would go on to barely fail in the House. The President immediately blamed billionaire megadonor Tom Steyer, who's running this cycle, for threatening to fund primary challengers to Democrats who broke ranks. Steyer categorically denied these allegations as "rumors." Also, many candidates participating in CNN's own Commander-in-Chief Town Hall.

King: Many other news stories, as well, which you can check up on at cnn.com.

Blitzer: Numerous endorsements also flying, with almost all candidates receiving at least one.


Blitzer: That said, tonight we have a very special guest, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Senator, glad to have you on here.

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Gillibrand: I'm good, Wolf. How are you?

Blitzer: I'm well, thank you, Senator. Now, you’ve already received the endorsement of progressive firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. While many agree this will help you with the progressive base in the primary, do you believe it could cause trouble in the general election?

Gillibrand: Well, first, thank you for having me on. I'm so happy to be running for President to represent those who have been left behind by President Pence and the GOP. Now, onto the question. No, I do not believe that the endorsement of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will harm me in the General Election. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez represents Lower Class, and Middle Class citizens from the Bronx, and the Bronx shares many different problems that the rest of America faces. Poverty, Crime, Loss of Opportunity, The rising cost of Healthcare, things like that. I have always fought for these type of people in the House, as well as the Senate. Me and Alexandria have no doubt in our minds that the American People believe in our message, that Brave Will Win.

Blitzer: A bold strategy from a candidate striving to be the first female President of the United States. Now, many of your fellows on the left wing of the Democratic Party have been quick to point out your old views on issues such as gun control, and have labelled you as an opportunist because of them. How do you respond to the criticisms?

Gillibrand: Well, I'm not an opportunist. When I was living in Upstate New York, I really didn't see much violence in my community. It wasn't really a question on if students could go to school, without the threat of a school shooting, or walking down the street without being harassed. When I moved down to New York City, while serving in the Senate, I saw first hand what Gun Violence can cause. Thousands of African American, and Latino Americans have experienced first hand. Our communities are being destroyed because the Republican Party have failed to take action on Gun Violence, and our people are suffering. They're suffering. That is why I changed my position on Gun Violence, because we have a lot of problems, we do. Gun Violence will be dealt with appropriately under my Administration. No person will have to worry whether or not this is the day that they get that call from their kid's school, that the unthinkable has happened.

Blitzer: As former Speaker Boehner put it on marijuana, your thinking has evolved. Now, as you're seen as one of the major contenders for the nomination, what would your first 100 days be like?

Gillibrand: In my first 100 days, you'll see a lot, trust me. We'll take steps towards dealing with a Fair Tax Plan for all Americans, an Infrastructure Plan that rebuilds our Highways, Airports, Trains, etc. You'll also see me present my plan to Congress on how to take on Gun Violence first hand, and a comprehensive Healthcare Plan. Nobody, under my administration will have to worry about what the President is doing, instead, you can focus on your children and your careers. This is what it should be like. We shouldn't have to worry every day when we wake up what the President did overnight. Did he cut taxes again for the wealthy? Did he attempt to take away Healthcare from millions of Americans? I will not let it happen, trust me.

Blitzer: An America without a President dominating the news every day, what ever shall we do? Now, before you go, Senator, if you could say one thing to the American people tonight, what would it be?

Gillibrand: One thing I could say? Well, let me say this. I know you may not know my name off the top of your head, but I hope you know my work. I've fought for Human Rights, Healthcare Reform, Tax Reform, and the issues that so many of you hold dear. I've been a Representative, and a Senator, and now, I want to become your President. I want to serve you in the Executive Branch, and I hope that you give me that honor. Nothing has ever been more important to me, than the well being of the American People. I will never stop the fight to tell the GOP that no, they cannot take away Healthcare from millions of Americans. No, they cannot take away Gun Control Protections that keep millions of our families and children safe. No, they cannot take away the Right to Choose of a Woman. They simply cannot. We have to have a President that will acknowledge there is things wrong in this country. Not everything will always be perfect, but we can strive for better. I will never let you down. I will never stop fighting for you. I will be a President for all Americans, every step of the way. I ask you all to go to kirstengillibrand.com and look at what I stand for, and how we can transform this country. Let's be Brave, together. Thank you.

Blitzer: Senator Gillibrand, always a pleasure to have you on.

Gillibrand: And to be here, as well, Wolf.

Blitzer: And that will be all for tonight. Tune in on Thursday for our interview with billionaire activist Tom Steyer.

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Blitzer: Until then, I'm Wolf Blitzer.

King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this has been your Election Update.

These cuts are meant to be a signal to wealthy donors and corporations that the GOP is on your side. The middle class is largely overlooked yet again by a Republican tax cut, and they have proven that the majority of Republicans do not care about balancing a budget as long as they hold the Presidency. The way to give everyday Americans a real improvement in quality life is expanding access to healthcare through Medicare for All, by busting up monopolies that keep costs high and wages low, and guaranteeing workers spots on their company’s corporate boards, not by cutting taxes to the wealthy.


I’ve been in favor of Medicare for All since I was in the Wisconsin state legislature, and as President, I would lead transition to single payer health insurance. We can not continue to allow people to die because they can’t afford healthcare or to go broke in order to pay for life saving medication. Under my plan, we would have a transition with a public option, as the ACA originally was intended to have, with single payer by the end of my first term.


You don’t have to be a scientist to see that our climate has changed and is changing. We need an aggressive strategy to combat the impact of climate change and prevent irreversible damage to our planet. That’s why I have signed on to the green new deal, and have committed to expanding our energy portfolio so we can get to a carbon neutral reality.


I would be lying if I said the extremism of this administration wasn’t part of the inspiration for my getting into this race. But, the truth is, this is bigger than just the President. This is the fact that LGBTQ people live in a patchwork America, where our rights vary greatly depending on what state we live in. I hear from members of my community daily about their fears of losing their job, their residence, or their safety due to the codified bigotry we are subjected to. We must commit to the Equality Act, and push for federal protections, as well as international ones.

Pence Administration proposed massive infrastructure package

In a press briefing from the White House, President Mike Pence presented an infrastructure package costing about 550 billion dollars. "This package is crucial to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and develop new, very-needed projects" President Mike Pence said. The money will be split like this:

- 225 billion dollars in additional federal incentive grants for state and local projects
- 113 billion dollars specially dedicated to rural infrastructure projects that are commercially viable but posses unique technical or risk characteristics that could deter private investment
- 45 billion dollars specially dedicated to fund and provide technical assistance for bold, innovative and  transformative projects that are capable of generating revenue, provide net public benefits and have a significant positive impact on the life of a community
- 45 billion dollars to expand existing credit programs who address a broader range of infrastructure needs as they give state and local governments increased opportunity to finance large-scale infrastructure projects under terms that are more advantageous than in the financial market
- 23 billion dollars to finance real-estate acquisition for the federal government

Mike Pence: "I hope Congress passes this badly needed package and help so many communities across the country. That is of course if no billionaires try to buy US Representatives again"

President Pence: "It is time to start draining the swamp"

In the same press briefing, President Pence launched in a fiery assault on "the swamp" and mostly specifically the events that led to the failure of the tax reform bill. "On another point, infrastructure aside, I have decided to launch a sweeping, sweeping government ethics reform package that I hope will help us fight the DC swamp that has taken over our institutions. The latest example of that: the tax reform bill, great for many, many Americans, would have allowed people to make their dreams and ambitions come true and give a big boost to the economy. It was killed because this Koch of the Democratic Party threatened Representatives into voting against. It is a sad reality that this fraud has more influence over our elected Representatives than their constituents, who mostly wanted the bill to pass. It is so sad and so telling about the swamp and its strength over the people. Well I say: no more."

The actual policies that President Pence enacted or announced during this conference are:
- A 5 year-ban on Pence White House officials from lobbying the government, not just the agency they worked for like under Trump, with no waivers allowed (EO)
- A lifetime ban on Pence White House officials from lobbying on behalf of foreign governments, with strong penalties and no waivers allowed (EO)
- A 5 year-ban on former members of Congress and their staff from lobbying the government, with no waivers allowed (law proposal)
- Change the definition of lobbyist to "Persons who focus on helping clients navigate Washington politics and on shaping federal policies" so it includes the false "consultants" and "advisors" who would otherwise be excluded from all the regulations (law proposal)
- Prevent all foreign money from influencing elections by placing a lifetime ban on foreign lobby raising money for US elections and close up all the loopholes allowing people to donate through shell companies and political non-profits (law proposal)
- Order the Justice Department to "Very strictly enforce all laws regarding lobbying" (EO)
- Amend the Constitution in order to impose term limits on members of Congress: 6 terms for US Representatives and 2 terms for US Senators (Constitutional amendment proposal)
- Order the Justice Department and the Administration to fight for overturning Citizens United v FEC as for any campaign finance reform to be able to be enacted (EO)

Mike Pence: "It is time to Drain the Swamp and make DC work for the people not for lobbyists or corrupt billionaires"

Mike Pence @presidentpence

And here I was thinking the Democrats are the party of the people while the Republicans of the 1%! LIES! The Republicans proposed relief for the low and middle class and close loopholes for special interests and the Dems opposed it, killing it! Did it have anything to do with closing down the carried interest loophole and other scams from which the Democratic Koch surely benefited and benefits? The Republicans are the party of the working people, it's official now!

Stacey Abrams @StaceyAbrams

I'm happy to see the President and others in his party start to come around on Citizens United. But I've got to ask him, where was he in 2010? I'll tell you where he was in 2010. When President Pence was Congressman Pence, he issued a statement right after the Citizens United SCOTUS decision, praising the court. In that statement, he said "Freedom won today in the Supreme Court. Today's ruling in the Citizens United case takes us one step closer to the Founding Fathers' vision of free speech, a vision that is cherished by all Americans and one Congress has a responsibility to protect."

We need a consistent President...

#Abrams2020

Mike Pence @presidentpence

In 2010 I had a different view on the matter. I used to think that the principle of the decision (Which is constitutionally correct) is ultimately more important than the downsides of making it easier to influence the political system. However the last few years of dealing with the swamp it created (DEM KOCH among many others) convinced that we need to change it or Washington will never serve the people, but special interests.

ABRAMS SCHEDULE PART 3

April: South Carolina
April 1st: Begin 46 county tour in Hilton Head Island (Beaufort County)
April 2nd: Rally in Ridgeland (Jasper County) and Walterboro (Colleton)
April 3rd: Rallies in Charleston (Charleston County) and Ridgeville (Dorchester)
April 4th: Rallies in Moncks Corner (Berkeley County) and Orangeburg (Orangeburg County)
April 5th: Rallies in Saint Matthews (Calhoun) and Summerton (Clarendon)
April 6th: Rallies in Kingstree (Williamsburg) and Murrells Inlet (Georgetown)
April 7th: Rallies in Myrtle Beach (Horry) and Marion (Marion County)
April 8th: Rallies in Dillon (Dillon County) and Florence (Florence County)
April 9-11: Break from campaigning in Darlington, SC
April 12th: Rallies in Darlington (Darlington County) and Bennettsville (Marlboro County)
April 13th: Rallies in Cheraw (Chesterfield) and Bishopville (Lee)
April 14th: Rallies in Sumter (Sumter County) and Columbia (Richland)
April 15th: Barnstom all over Columbia with President Carter
April 16th: Rallies in Camden (Kershaw) and Lancaster (Lancaster County)
April 17th: Rallies in Rock Hill (York) and Chester (Chester County)
April 18th: Rallies in Winnsboro (Fairfield) and Lexington (Lexington County)
April 19th: Rallies in Aiken (Aiken County) and Bamberg (Bamberg County)
April 20th: Rallies in Hampton (Hampton County), Fairfax (Allendale), and Barnwell (Barnwell County)
April 21st: Rallies in Gafney (Cherokee), Union (Union County), and Newberry (Newberry County)
April 22nd: Rallies in Saluda (Saluda County) and Edgefield (Edgefield County)
April 23rd: Rallies in Spartanburg (Spartanburg County) and Clinton (Laurens)
April 24th: Rallies in Greenwood (Greenwood County) and Clarks Hill (McCormick
April 25th: Rally in Greenville (Greenville County)
April 26th: Rally in Pickens (Pickens County)
April 27th: Rally in Seneca (Oconee)
April 28th: Rally in Anderson (Anderson County)
April 29th: Rally in Abbeville (Abbeville County)
April 30th: Closing Rally in Columbia with President Carter

May: Iowa
May 1st: Meet with a group of Iowa women running for the state legislature
May 9th: Accept endorsement of Congresswoman Karen Bass
May 13th: Tour of Western Iowa, speaking with political leaders about how to deliver Iowa’s 6 electoral votes to the Dems in 2020
May 20th: Open office in Dubuque
May 25th: Give commencement speech at Iowa State University
May 27th: Visit with military families on Memorial Day
May 28th: Barnstorm local restaurants and stores in Council Bluffs with Rep. Bass and President Carter.

June: Nevada
June 4th: Meet with Las Vegas Democratic Party leaders
June 5th-8th: Barnstorm Southern Nevada with Surrogates
June 16th: Joint Rally with Rep. Bass in Reno

June-July: South Carolina
June 21st: Briefly return to South Carolina for the annual Clyburn Fish Fry
June 22nd: Speak at the South Carolina Democratic Convention
June 26th: Speech in Columbia
July 4th: Barnstorm Charleston area with President Carter
July 10th: Barnstorm Columbia with President Carter
July 16th: Rally in Columbia
July 23rd: Rally in Mount Pleasant
July 27th-29th: Take a break with family in Charleston

August: Iowa
August 2nd: Rally in Des Moines
August 5th: Barnstorm Des Moines with President Carter
August 9th: Women’s Rights roundtable in Dubuque
August 14th-21st: Tour of Eastern Iowa

September: South Carolina
September 9th: Give a speech to students at Springfield Elementary School in Charleston about the importance of education, followed by a reading of a children’s book in the Kindergarten classrooms
September 15th: Meet with Charleston teachers
September 19th: Barnstorm Rock Hill with President Carter
September 21st: Meet with Union Leaders in Columbia
September 28th: Rally in Columbia

October: Iowa
October 3rd-9th: Tour Western Iowa, visit several counties there
October 12th-15th: Tour areas that voted Obama in 2012 and switched to Trump in 2016
October 21st-27th: Speeches in Eastern Iowa, barnstorming the area with President Carter
October 29th: Return home to Georgia for halloween

June 2019 - Mike Pence keeps focus on Iowa but also visits some big eastern states

Mike Pence bets everything on Iowa in this election, with him dropping out if he loses the state being an open secret. Governor Kim Reynolds was a massive help for him, as well as strong support from the religious Iowans according to the polls, but he doesn't take anything for granted. He spent 2 weeks in June canvassing through the state, promoting his proposals in office which he claims are common sense but suggesting a more conservative route in the second term, especially with regards to immigration, health care and education. Pence's Iowa strategy is winning big numbers in the religious parts of Iowa, which is why he is visiting even the smallest communities there, while pulling a decent performance in the rest of the state. His strategists think this would cause a landslide for Mike Pence, due to the divided field. Whether they are right remains to be seen.

However, in the following two weeks, the President focused his attention on 3 big states: Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. He visited PA and NY and tried to appeal to the blue collar workers by repeating Trump's 2016 rhetoric, in a way drawing himself close to Portman, while also touting his own credentials that made him qualified for the job. He paid special attention to areas with infrastructure problems and promised that his package will solve them. A surprising choice of focus was Ohio, Rob Portman's home state. Pence's strategists think that it is possible for him to drop out by Ohio or be so weakened that he's no longer considered a viable choice, as such a huge state would open up, and they want to be ready. They poured money into organisation in all 3 states, and think they will be crucial for President Mike Pence's victory.

Portman: You, right there.

Middle aged man in a flannel: Me?

Portman: Yeah, stand up!

Man: Senator Portman, during the 2016 campaign, we were promised a wall and a comprehensive solution to the massive solution to the crisis at the border. Three years later there is still no wall, and the crisis at the border is still ongoing. What will you do that Trump couldn't?

Portman: That's a really good question. The Trump administration promised a whole lot on the border and nothing has ever happened. The reality is that what he promised was mostly ear candy and it isn't a sustainable solution. We need a border at the barrier but the wall was, unfortunately, overboard and it had to be funded by a lot of funds that we simply don't have. It would have put us into more debt and I refuse to be fiscally responsible. We should instead put a high tech security barrier and build a fence, which already exists in a few areas, and expand it across the whole length of the border. This does exactly what the wall would do but it's more fiscally responsible. Thus, we will have greater cooperation from congress and actually get done what Trump couldn't.

Man: That addresses my question, thank you.

Portman: You.

Teenage girl: Hi, your positions on police violence and black lives matter aren't very well known. This is an important issue to me and my friends, so could you please state your position?

Portman: Absolutely. Our police officers, who are trying their best to uphold the law in our country, are being labelled for the mistakes of a select few officers. I don't believe that there is a reason for race relations to be as heated as they are right now, and I certainly don't think that any group, our policemen or Black Lives Matter, should have their vocal rights be infringed upon. Both sides have their points.

Mike Pence's strategy to pass the infrastructure package

The Pence Administration is desperate to avoid another defeat like the one suffered at the tax vote. As such, they've decided to take straight up to Blue Dogs and another interesting category of Representatives, the Democrats representing rural areas, which have the most to win from Mike Pence's proposal. The campaign is running ads and campaigning in the districts of Tom O'Halleran, Jared Goelden, Collin Peterson, Anthony Brindisi and Ron Kind, as well as in the districts of those who voted "present" on the tax bill: Stephanie Murphy, Vincente Gonzalez, David Scott and Mike Thompson. The President and the White House idenitified infrastructure problems in every Blue Dog or rural Democratic district and sent them to the voters in leaflets, along with the promise that the package will fix them. Now, the White House is just hoping it will be enough.

Mike Pence decided to submit the lobbying bill first to the Senate, and then submit the infrastructure one.

RULES FOR DEBATE PARTICIPATION

The following rules will govern each debate:

The debates will be posted on Wednesday (starting today). Debate answers will be expected by the beginning of the next debate, the following Wednesday, posted to this thread.

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

Both debates: 2 free endorsement credits, plus any winnings.
1 debate: Any winnings.
0 debates: This will result in a drop to polling when it comes out on Saturday.

If you find you cannot participate in a debate, please PM me with an excuse (if it's personal, it does not need to be specific); the debate will be counted in your total as if you had participated, up to 1 debate (while I do not believe any of you would make up excuses to get free credits without participating, I would rather be safe than sorry).

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

Answers and statements will be judged on:

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

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

*First round of credits will be released on Saturday.

(all images below are from Wikimedia Commons)

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Cooper: Good evening. I'm Anderson Cooper, and I'll be moderating this first Democratic presidential debate in Miami, FL. I'm here with...

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...former Georgia State House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams...

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...US Senator from Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin...

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...US Senator from New Jersey Cory Booker...

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...Montana Governor Steve Bullock...

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...North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper...

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...US Senator from New York Kirsten Gillibrand...

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...US Senator from California Kamala Harris...

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...US Senator from Minnesota Amy Klobuchar...

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...US Senator from Oregon Jeff Merkley...

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...US Representative from Massachusetts Seth Moulton...

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...billionaire activist Tom Steyer...

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...and tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang.

Cooper: Candidates will give an opening statement, answer one specific question, and give a closing statement. Responses and statements will be judged on clarity, length, and, of course, votes from the audience and you, the viewers across the nation. So, without further ado, let's start.


To Ms. Abrams: Some on your left, most prominently former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, have attacked you for saying you would continue the criminalization of undocumented border crossings. How do you respond to these people?

To Senator Baldwin: While you have made clear that your main plan of attack in a general election would be to take back the Midwest, many in your party have suggested that you instead pursue a strategy based in more diverse states, such as Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona. What makes you think your strategy is superior?

To Senator Booker: President Pence has introduced legislation into the Senate that will significantly weaken lobbying in Washington. In your announcement speech, you declared that you would take on government corruption. Does this mean you would support the President's new bill?

To Governor Bullock: Shortly before the failure of the President's tax cuts, you suggested the OMB look into them. Would you submit your financial legislation to the OMB before pushing it as President?

To Governor Cooper: As Governor of a key swing state, you have a unique insight into the eyes of critical general election voters. What do you believe North Carolinians think of the President's proposed legislation?

To Senator Gillibrand: You have stated that you are a proponent of Medicare for All. How would you pay for this program, which is often valued in the trillions?

To Senator Harris: You have been described as "the next Obama," despite the fact that the original Obama is now supporting Senator Booker. Why do you believe the media often casts you in that light, anyway?

To Senator Klobuchar: Many Americans continue to believe that climate change is a hoax, as propagated by former President Trump and Alex Jones. How would you attempt to convince these people of the science behind climate change?

To Senator Merkley: You've often supported infrastructure investment in the past. Does this mean you support President Pence's new infrastructure legislation, and, if not, why not?

To Representative Moulton: According to several sources on Capitol Hill, you were instrumental in taking down President Pence's tax legislation. Do you intend to fight his new initiatives, as well?

To Mr. Steyer: You've attacked lobbying in Washington on numerous occasions; do you support the new legislation that would significantly roll back this lobbying, and, if not, why not?

To Mr. Yang: Your hallmark proposal has been a $1000 a month universal basic income. At $12000 a year per adult American citizen, this would cost more than $2.5 trillion. How do you intend to pay for such a program?

Jay Inslee (https://flic.kr/p/2ga8RnU) by Gage Skidmore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/)

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Washington Governor and outspoken climate activist Jay Inslee has endorsed Tom Steyer's visionary, progressive campaign for President. The two men, both allies in the fight against the climate change are both 100% committed to defeat climate change and reducing obscene wealth inequality. Jay Inslee gave a speech in Seattle endorsing Tom Steyer and pledging his support to the bold progressive seeking to break the corporate stronghold on Washington to get things done for working people. Jay Inslee will join Tom in barnstorming New Hampshire and will help build a ground game in Washington and across the west coast, helping to build a strong coalition across the entire country. The message is clear, Tom is the outsider who's best prepared to end the corporate control of government and fight climate change and corruption.




Transcript: Tom Steyer is a real fighter in the battle against climate change and Washington corruption. I'm proud to support him for President.

(all images below are from Wikimedia Commons)

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Ingraham: Good evening. I'm Laura Ingraham, and I'll be moderating this first Republican presidential debate in Albuquerque, NM. I'm here with...

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...conspiracy theorist Alex Jones...

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...US Senator from Kentucky Rand Paul...

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...US Senator from Ohio Rob Portman...

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...conservative commentator Ben Shapiro...

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...US Ambassador to the United Nations Ivanka Trump...

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...and President Mike Pence.

Ingraham: Candidates will give an opening statement, answer one specific question, and give a closing statement. Responses and statements will be judged on clarity, length, and, of course, votes from the audience and you, the viewers across the nation. So, without further ado, let's start.


To Mr. Jones: A recent theory originating from 4chan claims the President of the United States may have suffered his stroke unnaturally, putting the blame on "Chinese operatives" within the White House. Do you believe these claims hold any water?

To Senator Paul: You voted against the President's tax cuts out of a sense of their fiscal irresponsibility. Now the President intends to instead increase spending on infrastructure. Will you oppose this measure, as well, and why or why not?

To Senator Portman: Similarly to Senator Paul, will you oppose the President's new infrastructure legislation, and why or why not?

To Mr. Shapiro: As an orthodox Jew, do you feel concerned by the rise of anti-Semitism among conservatives in the past few years?

To Ambassador Trump: You chose not to take a position on the President's tax plan. Will you remain similarly neutral on his new legislation, and, if not, are you for or against it?

To President Pence: You have recently put forward legislation that would significantly weaken lobbying efforts in the United States. Do you have concerns about whether or not this could alienate major conservative donors?

Mike Pence's debate answers

Opening statement: Good evening, my fellow Americans. I am President Mike Pence, and I stand here in front of you not as President, nor as a Presidential candidate, but as a patriot who is deeply disturbed by the changes in our federal politics and policies of the last few years. Just like you, I am angry about the failed reform of healthcare called Obamacare which caused very high costs in exchange for useless, unusable insurances. Just like you, I am angry about the tax rates for middle class and working class people, who are getting taxed to death, and about our tax code full of loopholes and useless complications. Just like you, I am angry about our crumbling infrastructure and how the federal government is doing nothing to address the issue. Just like you, I am angry about the illegal immigration that is happening in massive numbers. And just like you, I am angry about our politicians not fighting for America. In 2016, I was selected by President Donald Trump to help him deal with this problems and bring prosperity to the American people. And the Trump-Pence Administration fought for you and for our country tirelessly. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to achieve everything we wanted to because the DC swamp opposed us at every move. Well, I say no more! They won't dictate anything anymore! We will Make America Great Again despite their desperate attempts to stop us, like we saw at the tax reform vote, but only if we have your support. So are you with us?

Answer to the specific question:
No, not at all, and I want to make something very clear. We as a country need to stop being afraid and perhaps even more importantly, we as a government need to stop being afraid! No politician in America should ever think: "Oh, what will the lobbyists say? What will the special interests say? What will the donors say? What will the billionaires say? Will they get revenge on me?" before deciding on policies. Never again should the lobbyists and billionaires be more important than their constituents to politicians. We have seen a very clear example of the opposite when the House voted on my tax reform plan. It was a plan that would have closed loopholes for special interests, cut taxes dramatically for the middle and lower class and ensured affordable child care. It was voted down by some people on this stage for reasons that I think are quite clear, and by many Democrats and moderate Democrats who were afraid of the Democratic Koch throwing them out of office. That was shameful, and I won't fall in this trap. And you said "conservative" donors. Well, if they really are conservative, they would understand that this legislation was necessary to restore the integrity of our government and a voice to the people, which is what conservatism is all about. If they don't get that, they're not conservatives, they're swampists, no better than Steyer, and I don't need their support. I've got the people on my side and that's good enough for me.

Closing statement:
My fellow Americans, I am sure many of you think elections and politics are complicated, and you're not wrong, most of them are. However, this one, this one is very simple. Running against me you have two Senators who constantly tout their fiscal conservatism yet when they were faced with a simple option: "Yes" or "No" on the tax bill that I proposed, a great bill which would have boosted our middle and lower classes as well as the economy, they said "No" for reasons that were repeatedly debunked. One of them asked me to cut 3 random programs he found for a small saving, when we were not in the procedure of drafting a budget! That speaks for itself. Another candidate running against me, Ivanka Trump, said in her announcement speech, and I quote: " the months after have been a return to Washington as usual, a return to the lobbyists, donors and the swamp’ dictating what’s best for the rest of us" That really aged well, didn't it? So my opponents will disagree with everything I say or do, but what matters is your opinion. In the past few months I have tirelessly fought for your prosperity. I proposed tax cuts, affordable child care, a massive infrastructure package, term limits for members of Congress, and I have begun the fight against the swamp by starting to enforce the lobbying laws we have, drafting a new law that will stop the lobbyists from ruling over our elected representatives and by starting the process of overturning Citizens United. And there is more to come. If I am re-elected, I will reform health care so it is affordable not just in name, I will reform education to give parents more choice, I will stop illegal immigration by building a wall and boosting ICE, I will dramatically scale back the federal government so it stops over-regulating our existences and yes, I will absolutely push for tax reform, because we are in desperate need for it. With this vision, I believe we can Make America Great Again for years to come. Thank you

Bullock Debate Answers
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Source: Creative Commons

Opening Statement: Tonight, we stand in a divided nation - a nation where extreme partisanship has stalled nearly every congressional initiative, leaving many of our citizens in the dust. Our divided government is dysfunctional, because neither Democrats nor Republicans are willing to work with each other. Meanwhile, Americans from the mountain peaks of Washington to the bayous of Florida, the fields of Iowa to the deserts of Arizona, suffer, as they have been forgotten by their government and their representatives. Right now, farmers in the Midwest are going through terrible economic downturn thanks to harsh Trump-era tariffs stifling international trade. Corporations and the rich use loopholes in our broken tax code to cheat Uncle Sam out of money that could be used to support the Americans who need government aid the most. And, with the EPA cut to shreds by Republican representatives under the thumb of Big Oil, our nation’s vast natural glory is in decay, and research to help solve climate change, the great crisis of our generation, has all but halted. These grievances against the American people could easily be redressed through congressional action, but partisan deadlock initiated by Majority Leader McConnell and condoned by President Pence has crippled that body. I’d like to ask all of you to think hard for a moment - what major legislation has Congress passed in recent years? The Trump tax cuts? We’ve had more Supreme Court nominees than major bills passed during the Trump and Pence administrations, thanks to the unwillingness of our politicians to work together for the benefit of the American people. I’m running for President to bring compromise and bipartisanship back to the White House, and I believe I’m uniquely well-suited to this role. I’ve served Montana for all my life as Governor, and before that, Attorney General. I‘ve frequently worked with the heavily Republican legislature to pass quality legislation to benefit the people of Montana. As Governor, I convinced Republicans to vote for Medicare expansion - a feat that would be impossible in today’s hyper-partisan Washington environment. I’ve also used my executive positions in Montana to oppose decisions such as Citizens United and the Trump travel ban. As President, I’ll promote bipartisan collaboration and build productive relationships with Congress, so America can get the legislation on healthcare, gun control, climate change, and tax reform that it deserves. Under my presidency, Washington will get things done for once - and our great nation will be all the better for it. Lastly, I’d like to thank Anderson, the city of Miami, and the CNN organization for sponsoring the debate and bringing coverage of it to the American people. This opportunity to address the nation is invaluable.

Personal Question
I’m proud to say that I will do so, without hesitation. The OMB is a group of professional, dedicated, and unbiased experts who have the unique ability to assess the financial impact of a bill, on both the government and the American people, in an accurate manner without partisan influence. It would be irresponsible of any administration to rely on studies conducted by private organizations with political motivations, like the blatantly conservative Heritage Foundation. Fiscal responsibility has long been one of my values, and as President I’ll submit all of my legislative proposals to the OMB to ensure that they don’t inflate our already-burgeoning debt and they balance the need for major reform with the need to spend ONLY the money that we have.

Closing Statement
As many of you know, I recently embarked on a 2-month long tour of Iowa - the One Iowa Tour. I visited all 99 of the state’s counties, and over 200 cities - from rural communities like Zearing and Wapello to large towns like Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. Through completing this tour, I learned much about this diverse state, and I also met many people with unique stories. While visiting a Walmart in the Mason City area, I met Ellen, the wife of a local farmer struggling with crippling medical debt. Ellen and her husband owned a successful family farm a few miles from the city, but in 2018 her husband was involved in a tractor accident and was paralyzed from the waist down. Their family didn’t have health insurance since they ran an independent business, and they thought getting private healthcare was too complicated and not worth the price. Now, Ellen has to run her family’s farm, and is drowning in debt from her husband’s massive medical bills, and she may have to sell the farm in the next year. It’s people like Ellen that show why we need a health plan that’s affordable, accessible, and visible, so all Americans can be insured against unpredictable accidents like these. There are so many other initiatives like these that would greatly improve the lives of many Americans, from combating climate change to investing money in our broken roads, and these problems aren’t new. However, the broken system in D.C has prevented these essential reforms from occurring, and as President I’ll work with both sides to fix this system and get the legislative work done for the American people. The central philosophy of my campaign is ‘reuniting America’, and there is no better way to do this than by finally putting long-awaited reforms in the books of law. However, I’d also like to mention a pitfall that a lot of my fellow candidates are falling into. In recent days, I’ve seen talk about many radical proposals, like Medicare-for-All, and I’m aware that they seem like the strong, progressive reforms our nation hungers for. But, there’s a critical problem with these programs - their cost. I haven’t heard many of my fellow candidates describe how to pay for their ambitious programs, but I think it’s obvious how they’ll pay for them - through tax hikes on the middle class, and the middle class does not deserve to be taxed more. In contrast, there’s a clear path to paying for the more moderate programs I propose - instituting a fair tax increase on the rich and corporations, and redirecting funds from the foolish Border Wall - that allows for major benefits to the American people without murdering the Treasury Department’s reserves. As President, it’ll be one of my top priorities to be fiscally prudent while also being devoted to reforms that help bring American quality-of-life to the forefront of the world. Thank you again for tuning in, and I hope I've earned your vote tonight.

Note: Image policy.....ugh. Just....uuuuggghhhh.




Tom Steyer (https://flic.kr/p/2g9A1Vt) by Gage Skidmore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/), on Flickr

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Opening Statement
Thank you, first I'd like to thank CNN and the venue for hosting us and everyone up here for attending and contributing to the fight against the Trump/Pence disaster. We face a crisis, Donald Trump and Mike Pence have damaged this country and hurt its people. Environmental programs have been slashed, children are being shoved into cages, basic assistance for the poor and elderly is being cut without a second thought, and the Trump/Pence administration despite claims of non-interventionism, has supported or started illegal conflicts in Syria and Yemen. We need to end the Trump/Pence disaster which has devastated working families from McDowell County West Virginia to Gallatin County Montana. The jobs aren't coming back, outsourcing is at an all time high, and wages are stagnant. All the Trump/Pence Whitehouse does is start chaotic trade wars and tweet nonsense. We must defeat them, but then we have to fix Washington. Washington is choked by corruption. Special interests like big oil, big pharma, and big banks have bought congress through legions of lobbyists and congresspeople in both parties have fallen to their sway. I'm not from Washington, I started a business in my garage. As an outsider I'll shake up Washington, end the corruption, and take back our democracy for the people. Then we can get things done for working families across this country.

You've attacked lobbying in Washington on numerous occasions; do you support the new legislation that would significantly roll back this lobbying, and, if not, why not?
A broken clock is right twice a day, the President right on this one. Although I wish he was right on it 15, 10, 5 years ago, or even 5 months ago. Congressman and Governor Mike Pence took 233,850 Dollars from Big Oil, 135,250 Dollars from the Pharmaceutical Industry, 235,039 from Banks, the list goes on. Mike has spent his entire career running from constituents, and fighting hard for special interests. I'm happy he's finally turned to the progressive way of thinking! (Pauses for applause) Let's talk about Mike. You know the President won't even say my name, he's simply terrified. He won't say my name. Well you know, he's just mad I helped kill Tax Scam 2.0. I'm so glad to part of the coalition, with populist fighters like Cory Booker up here, Seth Moulton, and Steve Bullock and Senator Baldwin who told the President we wouldn't allow him to blow up the deficit to give the wealthiest another break when the poor can't get by. So I understand if Mike can't handle that I helped kill his bill. I can't say I'm sorry, and if he tries again I'll be back on the streets of Washington and I'll help kill it again. The progressive movement I'm trying to build terrifies Mike Pence, and its a fantastic feeling.

Closing Statements
I'd like to thank my fellow candidates and the moderation team tonight, our spirited discussion of the issues is a great triumph compared to a Republican debate stage filled on one end with a lunatic conspiracy theorist and the other a desperate wild President. As I travel through America, from deep blue to deep red areas I've gotten to see more firsthand of our common pains and trials. Families in Greene County Pennsylvania struggle to keep up with the costs of living as wages stay down while families in San Diego face the same trouble. Of course there are differences by region, and by race, but we must work together to overcome these troubles and do not believe it cannot be done it certainly can. We know how it can be fixed, but we can't get there if we don't break the corporate grip on Washington. Tonight I promise to everyone I have met and every American, Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever, if I win I will break the Washington cycle of gridlock and failure, I'll end the corruption and take our democracy back for the people. Then we can get the work done, fight climate change, lift up working people, rebuild the middle class, and fight burning racial and gender injustices. Thank you Miami, and let's get to work.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

It was very amusing to hear Steyer (Dem Koch) say that I am terrified of his so-called progressive movement. I am not afraid, and he should be afraid because after we'll overturn Citizens United he won't be able to threaten US Representatives anymore. Also, he didn't kill the tax bill because it helped the rich (spoiler alert: it didn't) but because it was closing some loopholes that he certainly benefits from! FRAUD

Mike Pence @presidentpence

I invite @StaceyAbrams to the White House to discuss with me and the Administration's policymakers a plan to solve opioid addiction. Huge crisis with great potential for fixing with the right plan!

@StaceyAbrams TWEET

I'm happy to have received the President's invitation to the White House to discuss the opioid crisis, an issue near and dear to my heart. I can not in good faith accept that invitation without directly asking him to denounce his previous policies regarding marriage equality and equality for ALL Americans no matter their sexual identity.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Apparently the opioid crisis isn't important enough to Stacey Abrams to accept working with political opponents to solve it #RememberInNovember

Mike Pence @presidentpence

But no harm, no foul - my Administration will solve this crisis even without her help!

Mike Pence announces cabinet change

Press statement:

"In order to ensure that the Education Department is in touch with the people and able to carry out significant education reforms across the country, I decided to call for and accept Secretary Betsy DeVos's resignation from the job of Education Secretary. While I thank her for her service, I think an shift in educational policy is very needed, and as such I will nominate Michelle Rhee to replace her. Michelle is a hero of education reform who has proven while in DC that she can greatly reform the system for the good of the students, parents and teacher and I urge the Senate to confirm her so we can get to work on this very important reform."

General:

1. I was quite frankly not impressed with what President Pence presented before Congress. This bill is nothing more than a giveaway to the corporations and the wealthy, and only further serves to increase income inequality in America. This bill reduces the amount of tax brackets from 7 to a mere 3 tax brackets, it eliminates a few dozen taxes completely, which the loophole removal and middle class tax cuts does not make up for. This is not a tax bill for working class Americans, it does not benefit them in the slightest from this tax bill, while the wealthy and corporations will only benefit more. That is why i opposed the bill, not to mention the reckless fiscal irresponsibility.


2. I will of course support a Medicare for All system. And not only do i support  a Medicare for All system, i support the abolishment of private insurance, as we cannot allow the greedy insurance companies an inch of ground in a Medicare for All system, as otherwise we would still be encouraging the profit-seeking attitude that insurance companies have had for so long.
Medicare for All will allow you more choice than you have now, because as it stands currently you cannot to whichever doctor you want to, there are a lot of restrictions that the insurance companies put on which doctor you can visit, which wouldn't be the case under a Medicare for All system. Not to mention the fact that you would no longer be paying co-pays and deductibles, which actually means you would also have more money in your own pockets under a Medicare for All system. So if you believe in choice, more money in your pockets, and higher quality healthcare, Medicare for All is the way.

3. Yes i do believe that climate change is urgent, and that the entire world will suffer if we don't take major action on the issue of climate change very soon. As for the action i would take, it's clear that our nation needs a Green New Deal to tackle the issue of climate change, as well as declaring it a threat to national security. I want the American government to devote the country to preparing for climate change as fully as Franklin Delano Roosevelt once did to reinvigorating the economy after the Great Depression, by initiate a WWII-scale national mobilization to halt climate change, which is the greatest threat to humanity in our history. We will create 20 million jobs by transitioning to 100% clean renewable energy by 2030, and investing in public transit, sustainable (regenerative) agriculture, conservation and restoration of critical infrastructure, including ecosystems. This is the kind of ambitious action we need to take if we want to combat climate change.


Personal:

1. Well i think it mostly comes down to a closeness in ideology, and being close friends and allies in the Senate, which of course comes naturally from supporting the same side on many issues. A willingness to pass the torch to someone younger than himself, so he can take more of a figurehead role in the progressive movement, and allow the newer generation to take the more active role. That's what i believe are the reasons behind it.

"I would like to start by thanking CNN, this venue, and all attendees and viewers at home for your part in making this debate possible. This administration has brought something important to light, that our current system is only working for the wealthy. If you're wealthy you have a President and a Senate that is looking out for you. But if you're a woman, a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ community, or just someone with aspirations for the American Dream, you will find no ally in this administration. That is what inspired me to run for President, to be an advocate for everyday Americans that have been left behind by this administration. It's why I have rejected corporate PAC money, why I have rejected closed door fundraisers, and have authored the Financial Services Conflict of Interest Act, which would outlaw financial incentives for corporate executives to take a government job, reducing the corruption in Washington. We desperately need real reform in Washington, and while the President rails against the so called 'swamp,' he packs his cabinet with a who's who of special interests. It's time for a change in the business as usual politics, and time for a movement towards an America that works for everyone."


"With all due respect, I reject the idea that Democrats have to pick either the Midwest or the Sun Belt as a path for victory. President Obama won Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin alongside North Carolina and Florida. The way we win is not by writing off certain states and regions just because we lost the last time. The way we win is to actually champion big, bold ideas like Medicare for All, canceling student debt, and passing the Equality Act. These ideas work everywhere, and will only serve to expand our coalition in November.

The reason I believe I'm the best nominee for the party is that I have a record of winning in the very region that decided the election in 2016. I did this not by watering down progressive ideas, but by fully owning and campaigning on them, which is exactly how I plan on campaigning in a general election."


"Right now, we're having a debate on the future of our party. We've heard from pundits that Democrats must water down our platform in order to win, but I stand here today as proof to the contrary. I believe Democrats need to stand for bold progress in the face of opposition, that we are at our best when we are fighting for goals like a $15 minimum wage, for clean air and water, and for debt free education. The truth is, this election will decide who we are, whether we are okay with the corruption and extremism embodied by this administration, or if we will put this chapter behind us. What's next isn't easy, our opponents have the support of corporate interests and dark money, but what my campaign is built on is the support of people like all of you on the grassroots level. If you want a more inclusive America, that works for all of us, then I ask for your help in achieving that vision we share for our country. Thank you!"

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Sen Baldwin was calling my Cabinet one of special interests...while I was replacing a billionaire with a public advocate. #DrainTheSwamp

"I opposed Betsy DeVos' appointment to Education Secretary because I did not believe that she was someone Americans could trust to make decisions about our children's education. Her resignation is long overdue. However, the appointment of Michelle Rhee is incredibly concerning given her tenure as Chancellor of DC Public Schools, where she oversaw a widening of the achievement gap, and appointed political allies to evaluate the results of her programs. The lack of transparency to parents, teachers, and the DC city council is a concerning legacy of Rhee's tenure. The Secretary of Education must work to improve the education quality of all schools, not just increase the focus on wealthy districts."

Statement from Stacey Abrams following the President's tweet

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Make no mistake, the opioid crisis has nothing to do with marriage. Stacey Abrams is just avoiding doing anything to solve the crisis because she doesn't want to help me accomplish anything. SAD!

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Statement from Stacey Abrams to the President

Mike Pence's remarks in Iowa related to Michelle Rhee's nomination, responding question at a town hall:

Well, the Democrats are obviously opposing this nomination, as they oppose almost everything I do, from tax relief and simplification to infrastructure to...well, anything. Now they oppose the nomination of a brave, esteemed public advocate for education reform named Michelle Rhee for Education Secretary. They say that her tenure as DC Public Schools Chancellor was a failure. Spoiler alert, it was not. It was great. Michelle Rhee inherited a troubled public system in the city, with very poor results. During her tenure, the results have improved by 14% in reading and 17% in math, a decrease of violence in schools, better quality and availability of books and other instructional materials. And related to the firings of teacher, I personally don't believe there's everything wrong with firing teachers who had beaten up children, who had sex with children, who missed a lot of days. I really don't. We need better evaluation for teachers and fire the ones who don't do their jobs the right way while improving training. And that's what Michelle Rhee will fight for as Education Secretary, in addition to expanding charter schools and School Choice, ending Common Core, bringing education supervision to the local communities, expand vocational and technical education, make college more affordable for everyone. Thank you. Now next...

Opening Statements : "Hello everyone watching back home in the United States of America. I'm Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, though I'm quite sure you already know me because of my recent feud with the President on Twitter. I stand before you today as a Candidate running for President not for the Washington Machine or the Swamp, but my own man with a focus directly on the people of this great country. For too long, our leaders have gotten us involved in never ending foreign wars a world away, an ever inflating deficit that could and possibly will bankrupt us, a confiscation of our civil liberties to the federal government and so many things that can be brought up. I refuse for that to continue to happen and thus I stand here today to offer up my solutions, as a new kind of Republican running for President."


"That is a very good question to ask me, Mrs. Ingraham, and I’ll have to explain my vote here. On my tax cuts vote, I cited a recent article from Politico about it ballooning the deficit and the President attempted to use that against me, attempting to discredit the source by saying it’s “a press institution”. However, he forgets to mention that Politico has its own independent economists that did the math several times and came up with these numbers. And before the President can attempt to call these economists biased, of the 12, 8 were conservative, 3 were centrist, and 1 was liberal. The same could be said for political analysts looking at the bankruptcy concern statistic amongst Republicans , who were 43 conservative, 5 centrist, and 2 liberal. I voted against the Tax Bill because of that study. Now he is introducing another bill, one that will bring up a cost of $451 Billion, which would likely skyrocket us past the $1 Trillion deficit. Here, the President is attempting to put me and Senator Portman into a doomed if we vote yes, doomed if we vote no position. I’ll make a promise here, however. If the president can assure me that he’ll at least attempt to cut the federal deficit by $10-$20 Billion when the next Budget is introduced, then this bill will have my vote. Otherwise, I’ll vote against it to try and stop us from going bankrupt."

Closing Statements : "Americans of all backgrounds, Sexuality, ethnicities, and ranking on the economic ladder, I am running for you, to make sure you have a happy and prosperous life. For too long, the swamp in Washington has been consumed with fiscally irresponsible politicians that only balloon our national deficit. You may be asking “What’s the difference between Senator Paul and other politicians who’ve been in office?” and the answer is consistency. If you go onto OnTheIssues.org and look on my page, you can see I have been consistent since Day 1 that we need to be fiscally responsible no matter who was in power. Presidents Bush and Obama ballooned our deficit astronomically and while President Trump showed interest in doing that same thing, President Pence has only shown intense interest in increasing our spending, driving up our national deficit, on continuing fruitless foreign wars and screaming that I’m not concerned with foreign policy because I want to put a stop to that. The President calls me and Senator Portman traitors for not attempting to bankrupt our country. I’ll ask you this, my fellow Americans : Is it traitorous to not want to see young Americans die in a country that doesn’t even enjoy our presence? Is it traitorous to not wish to see our nation file for bankruptcy for increased spending? The only reason the President is attacking me and my fellow Senator is because he is scared because our new ideas challenges his old ideas. He is afraid that our ideas are more popular than his in his own party. I know the President will likely go on Twitter and tweet about how me and Rob’s statements here are somehow proof that we don’t care about this country or he’ll cut up our statements to use in ads against us. But by doing so, wouldn’t it prove my point that he is afraid? That he knows we pose a threat? If we don’t pose a threat, than why not remain silent on us? I want everyone to think about that the next the President tweets about one of his primary opponents. I rest my case."

"So, the President had his surrogates attack me for having a 'weak foreign policy' in May. Apparently it is weak to now to be against the use of young american citizens in wars that shouldn't even concern us in the first place. It's now weak to not want to be the puppets of the Sauds in their cold war with Iran or Pakistan in their cold war with India. It is now weak to put our interests first and foremost and not be too concerned with what happens outside of this country. The President no doubt ordered his surrogates to do these attacks while looking like he took the high road so it looked as if he wouldn't take the blame for any attacks. I think me and most other Americans can see right past the veil of Smoke that the President is offering up. In January 2017, The President wanted to put America First while re-engaging the world. Now, I am offering up the exact same thing. I am offering to put America First once and for all. I am not demanding for a complete and utter withdrawal, as you can see with my support for increased Securities of our embassy and if the Nation was attacked during a Paul Presidency, be rest assured that we will strike hard, we will strike fast, and we will end any threat to us. Now, however, it's time to stop nation building and warmongering and instead, it's time to refocus on America while we rebuild our relations with the world that has been severely damaged ever since the Iraq War."

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"I'm glad to be in the great volunteer state of Tennessee, perhaps one of the most beautiful states in the country. I want to talk to all of you here today about one thing : Family. More specifically, I want to talk about Family Values in this nation. Over the last few years, I have seen a decline in close family and community values coincide with the rise of technology and the decline of religion, increasing the partisan divides of this country. I believe it is time we bring back family and community values to this country. We do that by limiting government and reintroducing local community activities. As President, I would limit government welfare to the point to where it was down to those who truly need it, not those who would abuse the system. At the same time, my administration would be working hard, promoting community level activities for every city, town, and village in America. It's time that the American Dream returns with the American family and as President, I would do my best to ensure that that happens."

Mike Pence @presidentpence

This must be BREAKING NEWS for traitorous Senator Rand Paul, but I don't control the minds of other people! If my supporters think he's got a weak foreign policy, that's their opinion (and of many other people). I only answer for my own statements.

July 2019 - President Pence gets to work in DC, surrogates rally the people in Iowa and South (mostly Tennessee)

President Mike Pence was very focused with policy ideas in the 7th month of 2019. While still doing some campaigning, mostly in Iowa, where he regularly gives stump speeches and holds town halls, his main concern was writing more badly needed policy proposals. He met with Lisa Murkowski and Susan  Collins, 2 Senators who famously voted against the Obamacare repeal proposals of 2017, to discuss some mild health care reforms that can be enacted with a Democratic House. They hope the final bills they agreed to will lower costs while increasing transparency, however it won't be anything revolutionary. He also met with Michelle Rhee and other education reform advocates with the goal of writing a comprehensive education reform proposal. While probably too conservative to pass in the House, Pence and Rhee hope it will spark a movement in support of it all across the country, so it can be enacted in 2020 shall President Pence get re-elected. He also hopes for a meeting with Ivanka Trump to discuss affordable child care and paid family leave. Other than that, his staffers were asked to come up with as many EO ideas are possible, and some of them are soon to be announced to the public. August will almost certainly be a busy month in Washington as the President lays off most of his agenda.

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Steyer_2020_presidential_campaign#/media/File:Tom_2020_819a29ab.png




Broadcasted in all major markets and in ALL Markets in Iowa and New Hampshire

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Tom Steyer (https://flic.kr/p/2gZdA1w) by Gage Skidmore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/), on Flickr


Narrator:
Tom Steyer, businessman, activists, progressive is running for President. He's running to end the Trump/Pence scam, fight climate change, end Washington corruption, and take back our democracy for the people. He's not afraid of the lobbyists and special interests because he doesn't take their crooked money. His campaign is 100% funded by Tom and people like you.

Tom Steyer in Manchester, Iowa 10/20/2019. (https://flic.kr/p/2hy9dk8) by Mark Roeder (https://www.flickr.com/photos/82428620@N00/), on Flickr

Tom's running because working women and women have been kicked around for too long. He knows it's time for the government to fight for working families again, and not the powerful and well connected. He's an outsider beholden to the nobody, who'll smash Washington gridlock and get results for you and your family.


Tom Steyer @ Hanover, NH (https://flic.kr/p/QvM6uB) by Marc Nozell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/marcn/), on Flickr

Tom is rolling out bold progressive plans like a wealth tax for the super rich, Tom knows people like him should not be getting tax breaks, instead he'll cut taxes for working families. He's not afraid of Big Oil, so he's rolling out a multi billion dollar plan to fight climate change and create millions of green energy jobs. Tom will stand up to the pharmaceutical industry to hold them accountable for their crimes against good hard working Americans in the opioid crisis. The American people are more important than lobbyists and special interests, and it's time to fight for them.

Tom Steyer (https://flic.kr/p/2g9A2ic) by Gage Skidmore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/), on Flickr

I'm Tom Steyer, and I approve this message.

During a press conference from the White House, President Mike Pence was asked to comment on some political issues of the day. Here is what he had to say:

On the POLITICO panel Rand Paul referred to:

I had my staff to do a little dig in this so-called panel, and those 8 conservatives were big fans of the traitorous Rand Paul. They adhered to his well, misguided economic vision, to his policy proposals and made up this study to defend him. Basically the traitor ordered this study to come up before the vote, so he has something to bring up when I ask: "why did you vote against cutting taxes for the middle and lower class?" It's honestly such a disgrace to the American people that I am not going to talk about this anymore, this man has showed that he is a traitor to his constituents and country and they will judge him at the voting booth.

On the latest Tom Steyer ad:

This man is one of the greatest frauds in the history of American politics. He claims in his ad that I am a scam, yet when I proposed to cut taxes for working people he was out there threatening sitting US Representatives to vote against it. Now he claims he will cut taxes for working people. He keeps bringing up lobbyists and special interests, but he forgets 2 things: first I have been the only president in recent history to seriously address this issue and if he allows my lobbying bill to come into law, not threatening officials to vote against it, the problem will be basically solved, second and this is where my statement ends he is a special interest who has an army of lobbyists. The American people will judge, and I place my faith in them to see through this scam.

Source: Wikimedia Commons


Senate:
Ayes: 98
Nays: 2 (Gary Peters, Cory Gardner*)

*: the two Senators with the highest confirmed receipts from lobbyists, per Open Secrets

House:
Ayes: 433
Nays: 2 (Richard Neal, Frank Pallone*)

*: while the House GOP leadership received significantly more from lobbyists than these two, they saw themselves as having more to lose from a "nay" vote than from an "aye"

Any changes to votes as requested by presidential candidates running as members of Congress will be taken into account as necessary.

Bill passes.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

I probably won't get any credit for it by the Dems and opponents, but we just passed one of the most sweeping government reform bill EVER that in combination to the EOs I signed will make the unlimited power of the lobbyists ancient history. Great accomplishment, and from now on DC will listen to the people again! #KeepDrainingTheSwamp

Mike Pence's speech on the economy in Iowa - June 2019

My fellow Americans, today I want to speak to you about an issue that I know it is on your mind - the economy. The reality is that the economy is not benefiting the middle and lower class of America as it should be, but remember where we were in 2016, when I accepted Donald Trump's offer to join his ticket. Unemployment was very high, 14 million people left the labor force, the lowest labor force participation rate since President Carter, real GDP growth was 1.1%, hourly earnings and weekly earnings the lowest since President Nixon, millions of African Americans and Lations were living in poverty, the weakest recovery ever, 20% of young people were unemployed or in jail, debt and trade deficit were rising, student debt was rising. It was a mess. Ever since the Trump-Pence Administration was sworn in in 2017, we have turned things around radically, and I am proud of being a part of that wonderful Administration who started to tackle America's deepest problems. However more is still to be done. We need to ensure that the economy is dynamic, booming and benefiting everyone. Which is why my economic goal for 2024 is to have an additional 15 million new jobs. It is a very ambitious goal, but I think it is possible if we get our growth at about 4% per year. Here is how I will do that: I will first of all pass the tax reform bill that Paul, Portman and Steyer killed in Congress a few months ago. It is badly needed and, as such, I will rewrite it, modify it and submit it again to Congress, hopefully this time it will pass. That bill would be a tremendous help for our growth and most importantly for the American people living paycheck-to-paycheck, making our tax code simple, fair and an advantage for the American worker, not for millionaires. I will also start an full-blown War on Regulations, continuing what Donald Trump started. I will put a ban on new regulations not required by law or necessary for public safety. At the same time, my Administration will work to find and kill all job-killing regulations that are in place, including work with Congress to scrap laws which increase regulations. By 2024, I think that 50% of the regulations we have right now will be abolished, including 80% of the disastreous EPA ones. This will keep about 2 trillion dollars in wealth in the USA, keep companies here and allowing them to expand while also bringing thousands new ones into the game. I will also continue bringing our trade into balance, label China as a currency manipulator and take them to trial in the WTO while identifying all other abuses. And my Administration will, very importantly, do everything it can to boost energy production: We will support coal production. We will support safe hydraulic fracturing. We will allow energy production on federal lands in appropriate areas. We will also open up vast areas of our offshore energy resources for safe production. The Pence Administration will ensure a reliable, streamlined regulatory and permitting process for energy infrastructure projects, and will work with their sponsors to find workable solutions so that worthy energy infrastructure projects can be completed on time and on budget.
With this plan we will ensure the economy is booming and also that the prosperity is being felt by the working people! Let's Make America Great Again!

Pence, Murkowski and Collins announce new health care initiatives

Mike Pence, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins worked together a package of health care reforms that they think will have a positive effect on the very high costs of medicine.

Mike Pence: "Health care is a very important issue on the minds of a lot of American people and I believe that this legislation will help very much in making health care affordable not just in name but in practice"

The pretty moderate reform package consists of:
1. A requirement to full price transparency from doctors, clinics, hospitals and other health care providers (law proposal)
2. An order to the HHS to do whatever is needed to make the process of approving generic drugs a lot faster and efficient (EO)
3. Banning the tactics of the drug companies to extend patent protection like "pay for delay" (paying generic drugmakers not to produce a drug that has come off of patent protection), "evergreening" (making a change in the original drug and call it a new drug more worthy of patent protection) and simply refusing to give samples to generic drug makers that would allow them to reverse engineer a generic copy (law proposal)
4. Allowing drugs to be imported from other countries with no regulation if they are cheaper than the drugs in the US markets (law proposal)

The Pence Administration plans to submit this proposals to the US Congress once the infrastructure bill gets voted on. A more conservative wish list of the Pence campaign for a second term was also spread around. It includes selling insurance across state lines, tax deductability of premiums, expansion of HSAs, the administration of Medicare through block grants and defunding Planned Parenthood.

(All images below are from Wikimedia Commons)


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Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

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King: And I'm John King. And this is your election update.

Blitzer: And this week marked by the landslide passage of the President's lobbying reform bill, coming on the heels of his narrow defeat on tax cuts earlier this year. Even Pence detractors and primary challengers Rand Paul and Rob Portman voted in favor of the bill in the Senate. Also in the news, the President continues his ongoing feud with billionaire megadonor Tom Steyer, with the two trading jabs over Twitter once again.

King: Many other news stories, as well, which you can check up on at cnn.com.

Blitzer: Numerous endorsements also flying, with almost all candidates receiving at least one.


Blitzer: That said, tonight we have a very special guest, Tom Steyer himself. Mr. Steyer, glad to have you on here.

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Steyer: Glad to be here, Wolf. I'm grateful for the opportunity.

Blitzer: Glad to hear it. Now, you’ve called to impeach President Pence much in the same way as you did with former President Trump; many, particularly on the right, argue that there’s “even less of a case against Pence than there was against Trump.” How do you defend you calls to impeach the President?

Steyer: The Trump/Pence disaster has been the most corrupt administration in history. It's gotten so putrid and vile, and the White House's strategy has been to try and normalize it. But I won't stand for it, I'm not tied up in the special interest cash, so I'll say what needs to be said. Children are dying at the border, the White House is filled with people connected to foreign governments, illegal wars are being started in Syria and supported in Yemen, and the White House lies to the American people every day. This didn't suddenly become okay, these are high crimes and misdemeanors, and the House ought to follow their constitutional duty.

Blitzer: Abuse of power clearly at the core of such an argument. Now, numerous members of your own party have accused you of trying to buy the Democratic primaries with your vast personal resources. How do you respond to these statements?

Steyer: This election will be decided by the American people. I'm trying to spread my message, and I hope people agree. We have to do whatever we can to end the corporate stronghold on our government, to end the Trump/Pence catastrophe before the damage becomes totally irreparable. I'm going to do whatever I can to achieve that, whoever wins the nomination, I'm going to support them, and use my efforts to help them defeat whoever the Republicans nominate. Once a Democrat, hopefully myself (laughs), wins the White House, we're going to achieve public financing of elections, we're going to enact massive anti-corruption reforms, and we will take back our democracy for the people away from the corporations.

Blitzer: No longer the best government money can buy then, I see. Now, assuming you do win, what would your first 100 days be like?

Steyer: My first 100 days will roll back the Trump disaster. We're going to stop leasing out public lands to developers and fossil fuel companies. We're going to end the family separation. We're going to end every criminal, every unjust, every unfair executive action this Presidency has carried out. The actions that target working people, the actions that damage our environment, and the actions assault women and minorities. Then we're going to move into the future. My administration will roll out our Climate Plan to reshape our economy to benefit people and communities, rather than fossil fuel executives. We also look forward to transformative plans regarding ending the corruption in Washington and growing our economy and rebuilding the middle class.

Blitzer: Sweeping reform ahead, I see. Now, before you go, Mr. Steyer, if you could tell the American people one thing tonight, what would it be.

Steyer: I'd like to ask the American people to check out my campaign at tomsteyer.com and to explore our policies to heal the gaping wound opened up in this country by the Trump/Pence administration, and that we can stand up for truth in this country. We don't have to tolerate the lies that come out of the White House, we do have a voice, and with that voice we will take back our democracy.

Blitzer: Tom Steyer, always a pleasure to have you on.

Steyer: Always, Wolf.

Blitzer: And that will be all for tonight. Tune in on Saturday for our interview with former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams.

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Blitzer: Until then, I'm Wolf Blitzer.

King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this has been your Election Update.

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Des Moines, Iowa
- Open Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Iowa Democrats
- Deliver Speech at Simpson College
- Door to Door with Volunteers
- Train and Hire New Staffers
- Interview on CBS
- Town Hall
- Attend Church Service

Dubuque, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Abby Finkenauer
- Door to Door with Volunteers
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Interview on Secular Talk via Skype
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Teachers at Bryant Elementary School
- Speak at the University of Dubuque
- Voter Registration Drive
- Meet with Local Union Workers

Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Abby Finkenauer
- Door to Door with Volunteers
- Train and Hire new Staffers
- Meet with Local Social Care Workers
- Meet with Seniors at Retirement Home
- Fundraiser
- Meet with Iowa Democrats
- Hold Town Hall

Waterloo, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Door to Door with Volunteers
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Voter Registration Drive
- Speak with Students at East High School
- Meet with Iowa College Democrats
- Town Hall
- Attend Local Music Festival
- Meet with Union Leaders

Sioux City, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Train and Hire new Staffers
- Door to Door with Volunteers
- Town Hall
- Speak at Iowa Democrats Event
- Meet with Teachers
- Fundraiser
- Reveal "Western Iowa" Initiative

Fort Madison, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hold Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Meet with Iowa Democrats
- Town Hall
- Speak at Southeastern Community College
- Meet with local Union Leaders
- Attend PTA Meeting at Local High School

Boone, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Speak with College Democrats of Iowa
- Attend Local LGBTQ Event
- Meet with Seniors in Retirement Home
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Volunteer Training
- Ordering more Campaign Material
- Fundraiser

Las Vegas, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with local Union Leaders
- Town Hall
- Speak at Nevada State College
- Meet with High School Democrats of Nevada
- Speak about Gun Violence on the Las Vegas Strip
- Rally with Moms Demand Actions
- Interview with the NY Times
- Interview with POLITICO
- Hire and Train new Staff

Nashua, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Speak on the Opioid Epidemic at Southern New Hampshire University

Opening Statement

I would first like to thank the moderators of this debate, the candidates around me for participating, and the American people for watching. My fellow Americans. We are in a crisis as a country. Our industries are collapsing, our retail sector is collapsing, our economy is falling behind, we as a nation are falling behind. But the media won't tell you that. Congress won't tell you that. The Pence administration won't tell you that. Because they profit from it. They are letting us fail, for profit. The rest of the international community is laughing at us in our decline, while our government busies itself with internal affairs and conflicts. This is not the greatest nation on earth. We should be the greatest nation on earth. We were the greatest nation on earth. What happened? It's simple. We shipped our industry overseas. We outsourced. We allowed other nations to get ahead of us in technology and economics. The previous administrations slacked off, instead getting us into random, meaningless wars in the middle east. We shouldn't be there. We shouldn't be repairing other nations. We should be repairing ourselves. I am running on a platform of repairing us. As your president, the United States will be the greatest nation on earth. That's why I'm here.


If the President can ensure spending cuts that balance it out, absolutely. Our infrastructure in this nation is crumbling, and it's going to take more than private groups to come in and do it all. However, we are talking about costs going into the hundreds of billions. That's extreme, and if the President could ensure a cut that balances out the cost of the bill, then yeah, I would optimistically support the bill.

Closing statement

It's time for us to move into the 21st century as a nation. The GOP of the old, it's time to move on from that. If we want to win in November, we have to embrace the aspects which really unite this party, such as protectionism and patriotism, and call out the Democratic candidates for what they are, frauds. The establishment doesn't want it, but we are growing, faster then they could believe. It's time to move on from the Trump/Pence administration, and it's time to move on from weak libertarian values. We must now try something different, unite behind a fresh face. I am that fresh face that the establishment and the democratic party doesn't want leading the party, or to have power. It's time to do something new for America, for the America today, for the America tomorrow, for America, forever. That's what this campaign is about, America, forever. I'm asking for your support.

Portman tweet

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Steve Bullock Schedule August-October
This is more of a 'broad strokes' schedule, @DatGOTtho please message me if a more detailed schedule would be appropriate/would help.

August
After taking a campaigning break following a grueling 2-month stretch of near-constant campaigning, Bullock returned to the campaign trail in New Hampshire. During the month of August, Bullock campaigned across the state, visiting every county and nearly every major town in a manner similar to the One Iowa Tour. Working from north to south, Bullock held town halls in the 10 largest cities in the state, and held rallies in Concord and Manchester. He also visited many other small towns in the state. His main focus would to build campaign infrastructure and sell his pro-ordinary Americans platform to the state.

September-October
During this month, Bullock campaigned mostly in the West (though he visited New York from September 10-12 to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks, and also attended debates and such). Kicking off in Missoula, Bullock swings through the states of Montana, Idaho, Nevada, California, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas on a bus tour, focusing on Nevada and Super Tuesday states. Campaigning with surrogates, Bullock continues to stick to his talking points of unity and real legislative progress. Strategically, his campaign combines the usage of town halls in medium and large sized cities with meet-and-greets and aggressive canvassing in all locations.

Campaigning in Montana and Idaho: 0.5 week (stops in Missoula, Couer D'Alene, Boise, and Twin Falls, as well as smaller towns).
Campaigning in Utah and Colorado: 1 week (stops in SLC, Provo, St. George, Moab-Grand Junction, Aspen, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, and Denver, as well as smaller towns).
Campaigning in New Mexico and Texas: 2 weeks (stops in Albequerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, Amarillo, Lubbock, El Paso, San Antonio, McAllen, Corpus Christi, Houston, Waco, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, Wichita Falls, as well as smaller towns).
Campaigning in California: 1.5 weeks (stops in Redding, Sacramento, San Francisco, Monterey, Stockton, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardio, and San Diego, as well as smaller towns).  
Campaigning in Nevada: 1.5 weeks (stops in Reno, Carson City, Henderson, Searchlight, Pahrump, and Las Vegas).
Campaigning in Minnesota: 0.5 weeks (mostly in Minneapolis metro and Duluth).
Campaigning in Maine: 0.5 weeks (focus on the northern rural areas, and Bangor/Augusta)

Endorsements

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Is this some kind of a joke? Dem Koch saw I am draining the swamp, faster than he could imagine, and wants to IMPEACH me to STOP me! I've done nothing wrong!

Mike Pence submits 551 billion infrastructure bill to Congress, gives speech on it in Iowa

"My fellow Americans,

Today I had the honor to go to the Senate and submit a great infrastructure bill that will offer 551 billion additional federal money to fund very needed projects. America has a crumbling infrastructure, but this Administration plans to transform it into a golden opportunity for accelerated economic growth and more rapid productivity gains that will pay for itself. Make no mistake, this 551 billions in federal grants aren't just for transportation, we'll also them to pay for clean water, a more modern and reliable electric grid, telecommunications, security infrastructure and other pressing infrastructure needs. We will also provide maximum flexibility to the states in the process of building this things. With this strategy we will create thousands of new jobs in construction, steel manufacturing, and other sectors to build the transportation, water, telecommunications and energy infrastructure needed to enable new economic development in the U.S., all of which will generate new tax revenues. So if anyone tells you again that this bill will bankrupt the country, they're lying to you again. If this bill passes, I also plan to sign an Executive Order saying that everything built with the help of this bill needs to be built with American steel. However, I am aware that the government is not enough to solve this pressing issue, which is why at the next tax bill I will also propose tax incentives for infrastructure companies taking on risky projects. Our policy experts say that 137 billions in tax incentives will be enough to spark 1 trillion in new investments. Win-win!
With this plan, we will rebuild our crumbling infrastructure while providing a new boost to our economy, helping everyone living paycheck-to-paycheck! Let's Make America Great Again!

Mike Pence and Michelle Rhee present the "Pence-Rhee School Choice and Education Opportunity Act of 2019"

The Pence Administration and Michelle Rhee's staff have been working for a long time on an sweeping education reform bill. Now, they presented it to the public. Here is what it does:

1. It adds 20 billion dollars additional money to the School Choice program immediately
2. It gives states the option to allow these funds to follow the student to the public or private school they attend. Distribution of this grant will favor states that have private school choice, magnet schools and charter laws, encouraging them to participate.
3. It gives all 11 million school aged children living in poverty access to the School Choice program, and provides 110 billion dollars to the states to pay for their access
4. Provides universities with federal tax breaks in exchange for reducing the cost of college and student debt, with periodic controls to ensure they are keeping their promise
5. Expands the existing programs to help students afford college, vocational and technical education
6. Provides grants to states for eliminating Common Core and building their own standards
7. Institutes merit-pay for teachers, with wages based on their classroom results and ability to get fired for very poor results
8. Protects funding for HCBUs, forbids cuts for 10 years
9. A dramatic scale back of the US Education Department, placing an official goal of cutting 50% of it by 2024 and give those attributions back to the states (mainly education supervision)

The Pence Administration is fully aware that the Act will likely fail in the Democratic House, however they hope for popularity among the American people, making it easier to pass in a second term.

Pence signs Executive Orders on Trade, Regulations

In an Oval Office ceremony, President Mike Pence signed numerous executive orders to "fight China's currency manipulating and unfair tactics in order to protect American workers" and "start the War on Regulations to save jobs and wealth". The executive orders were:

1. An order for the Treasury Secretary to label China as a currency manipulator
2. An order for the Trade Representative to sue China at the WTO for trade abuses
3. An order banning any new regulations not necessary for public safety or required by Congress
4. An order for the EPA to repeal all regulations harming coal or energy production not required by law
5. An order for all agency heads to find and repeal all regulations harming jobs not required by law
6. A declaration stating the Administration's goal to repeal 50% of regulations and 80% of EPA regulations by 2024

Mike Pence hopes this new orders will help American workers and boost the economy by reducing the government regulation and interference in the free market.

Mike Pence's campaign schedule in August 2019

With July being largely dedicated to drafting legislation, Mike Pence returns in full force on the campaign trail, holding over 100 rallies and town halls. He started with campaigning in Iowa, which is the central focus of his campaign strategy, together with Governor Kim Reynolds, and went on a few trips to the Plains, namely Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana, presenting his plans to help American farmers and agriculture as well as his evangelical faith and beliefs. However, he focused his attention mostly on the South where, with Senator Ted Cruz on his side, campaigned fiercely, especially in Tennessee, which is a state where Rand Paul is focusing his attention too and the President strategists think it is crucial for a Super Tuesday big lead. According to the Administration, Pence does not want to do any more major policies, except for a few Executive Orders meant to appeal to the immigration hardliners that also backed Trump, and run on his already presented bills. However, his strategists are planning to do tax reform 3.0 as close to the Iowa caucuses as possible, and a Senate vote on it with a week before. It is unknown if the Administration policymakers, who said they need a lot of time to draft this bill, agreed to the plan.

Mike Pence's speech in Nashville, Tennessee, August 2019

"Hello, my fellow Americans! It feels so good to be back here with all of you and thank you for coming to this event! Together we really are Making America Great Again! I can't do it without you!

Ever since tragedy stroke and our very great President Donald Trump was stopped by the forces of nature from continuing with his revolutionary agenda, I have been fighting hard to fulfill his legacy, bring prosperity to our shores and give a voice to the people of the country over the swamp. And while the final say belongs to the people at the ballot box, I can say that I am satisfied with what we've managed to do. We've managed to pass the most significant weakening of lobbying in DC ever enacted, we have passed some Executive Orders that will weaken the power of billionaires and China as well as start a War on Regulations, we proposed a tax reform bill that would have helped middle and lower class Americans substantially, a major infrastructure package, health care and education reforms that will improve the system for people like you. I am very proud of what I have done and I came here to ask for your support, which is crucial if we want to accomplish even more.

I know the DC Swamp told you a lot of lies about me and my Administration. They did it because they are desperate, they are scared that we have started draining the swamp. The Democratic Koch has just called for my impeachment. This is probably the most laughable statement coming from him, and that is not an uncontested award. I have trouble thinking for a single reason for which I need to be impeached. And that is for a simple reason: there is no reason! I have done nothing in office except fighting for working people against the swamp that seeks to profit of them! There is no corruption accusation, let alone evidence for it, against me and there will never be because I am having a clean, moral conduct in office due to my upmost faith in God and the Christian values. You can have the upmost confidence that I will never do anything illegal or immoral in office. Instead, Tom Steyer is the one threatening US Representatives to vote against a bill that was 100% for working people, he should be behind bars and I am certain that he will get there for his many crimes.

Now, one of my opponents is also campaigning here, and he got the Governor to agree to help him in his misguided campaign. When you go to the polls, think very clear about your options. On one side, you have me, a President who fights for you, wants to lower your taxes, improve your infrastructure, get you to afford health care and child care, stop illegals flooding in, rebuild the military, reform the education system and drain the swamp. On the other side, you have a traitor to the Republican Party and to the people who voted against the tax reform bill that would have done wonders for the economy and the Americans who live paycheck-to-paycheck and all just for political gain. As a reason for his vote, he cited a study made by his partisans! The choice is as clear as day.

Look, I know your life isn't perfect, far from it. But with me, if reelected, you have the guarantee of a President who knows your issues and wants to solve them. If one of my opponents gets elected, well, they won't do anything for you. Let's look at one example: someone spoke about the opioid crisis, I invited them to join me in solving it and they pivoted to an unrelated issue, refusing the meeting. All they care about is politics, all I care about is you! Let's Make America Great Again everyone! Thank you, God bless you and God bless the USA!

President Pence opens "Real News TV" on his Facebook page

In a move that reminded many of President Trump, Mike Pence started live-streaming daily a 30-minutes talk show called "Real News TV", hosted by Fox News judge Jeanine Pirro in which the Administration sells its vision of events in contrast with the liberal, "Fake News" media like CNN, NBC or the New York Times. It started last night, in which Pirro invited the WH Chief of Staff and the WH Chief of Council of Economic Advisors. They all reached the conclusion that the tax reform, infrastructure package, deregulation and pro-energy policies of the Administration will create massive economic growth and millions of jobs for the American people. The show will broadcast every 2 days.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

This caused a lot of controversy but I stand by it: TOM STEYER AKA DEMOCRATIC KOCH OR THE CHIEF SWAMPIST SHOULD BE BEHIND BARS!

Tweet retweeted by:
Pence 2020 campaign
Kim Reynolds
Ted Cruz
Ron Johnson
Jeanine Pirro

Transcript: President Pence is out of control and dangerous. Every day we're reminded why we have to defeat him and clean up government in 2020.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Tom Steyer aka Democratic Koch or Chief Swampist is no cleaner of government! In fact he wants to get me, who achieved more than anyone else in cleaning up the DC mess and draining the swamp, IMPEACHED for NO reason! He should be behind bars for threatening US Representatives! #ToJail

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Opening Statement:

"This administration has been a disaster for working people, with their broken promises, tax cuts that mainly benefit the rich and the corporations, and the continued outsourcing of jobs overseas that hurt the American workers that the administrations have claimed to represent. They have also tried to take away what little healthcare that Americans have by trying to repeal Obamacare multiple times, they have unnecessarily increased military spending despite us already spending more money than any other nation on the military, and increasing aid to the dictatorial Saudi Arabian regime, which has only increased the deaths that are happening in Yemen as we speak.
Not to mention that these administrations are ones that are reeking of corruption and corporate influence, while they promised to "drain the swamp". The failures of these administrations are why i am running, and why i am on a bold progressive platform that will bring hope to our working and middle-class families, by giving them quality healthcare through Medicare For All, by making our public colleges and universities tuition free, by cancelling student debt, by reforming our campaign finance system, by investing in our crumbling infrastructure, passing a Green New Deal and creating a progressive taxation system that will pay for all of these investments into America and it's citizens. It's about time we made America a country where everyone once more can have opportunity, and where the government works for everyone's interests, not just the 1%"


Personal Question:
"I am always inclined to vote for infrastructure bills, especially with the state of infrastructure in our country, so i am positively inclined towards the infrastructure plan that President Pence has released, with my only worries being that there is not enough money is being given towards fully revitalizing our infrastructure. But i do not believe i am going to vote against the bill just because of a disagreement over the amount of funding, because it's still going to be an improvement nonetheless. So yes i am inclined to support the President's bill, even if i think the amount of money spent is lower than i want it to be."

Closing Statement:
"Our party must not err on the side of caution when it comes to standing up for bold progress, our party should be the one standing for progress, and yet our party stands divided because of corporate influence, and has made it so that our party only offers half-solutions and compromises with the increasingly right-wing Republicans and moved our party the right along with it. That's not how you motivate your voting base, you motivate the voting base by standing for bold proposals like Medicare For All, tuition free public colleges, getting money out of politics, a living wage, cancelling student loan debt and other progressive ideals. This is the path we should follow, our base will come out in force if you give them something to vote for, and that's not what the establishment is currently doing. That's why i stand as the candidate of the continued political revolution of Bernie Sanders, that's why stand i for the continuation of the ideas he has brought into mainstream conversation in our party, that is why i am running in the first place. The Democratic Party should not be one beholden to corporate interests, it should be one beholden to the interests of the grass-roots, the working and middle class, as well as minorities and other marginalized groups in society, a party that will stand for hope and change as it did during the days of FDR. This party should be for us, not the 1%."

Mike Pence's speech on healthcare - August 2019, Iowa

Hello, my fellow Americans! Thank you for your hospitality and thank you for having me, let's Make America Great Again shall we?

Today, I am here to speak with you about an issue that is on everyone's mind and that is very important to me too: healthcare and how to make it affordable, fair and covering all Americans. You see, there is no doubt that Obamacare is a massive failure. If it had succeeded in reforming the healthcare system, no one, especially not the Democrats, would be proposing a massive overhaul of it. But it didn't. It caused runaway costs, websites worth millions that don't work, premiums going up, competition and choices going down. The healthcare system is in desperate need for a change if it's not to collapse, and we, the Republicans, made a massive mistake in 2017 when we tried to do it. A lack of vision from Paul Ryan, the chief architect of the repeal bill, caused us to present to the public a horrible bill, not much better than Obamacare, which got us stuck with this disaster and created the perception among a lot of people that Obamacare might be the lesser evil compared to what the GOP is trying to do. This Administration will change that. We have already proposed moderate reforms, and we will continue to do so in order to broaden healthcare access, make healthcare more affordable and improve the quality of care.

One of the first reforms that I will seek to implement if re-elected is to modify existing law in order to allow insurance companies to sell across state lines as long as they comply with state requirements. By allowing full competition, prices will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up. I will also seek to allow individuals to deduct their premiums from their tax returns. This will ensure, in combination with the companies selling across state lines, that anyone wishing for insurance can afford it. I will also allow individuals to accumulate a lot more into their HSAs. These accounts would become part of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of any death penalty. These plans should be particularly attractive to young people who are healthy and can afford high-deductible insurance plans. These funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate. I will also block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without federal overhead. States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources. Only if we implement this crucial reforms, together with the plans I announced weeks before with Senators Murkowski and Collins AND we need to remove illegal immigrants from the country so we don't have to pay for their healthcare, grow our economy through tax cuts, deregulation, winning the trade war and produce a lot more energy in order to reduce our reliance on social programs as well as eliminate all waste and fraud from the system. We will also consult foundations, NGOs, think tanks and common people like you to create other policies designed to lower the costs of healthcare.  Only this way, with a valid, functional replacement ALREADY in place we can safely repeal the Obamacare disaster without affecting the life of millions.

Thank you, let's make America healthy again and let's make America GREAT again!

(NON-GAMEPLAY POST, THIS IS THE ONLY TIME I'M DOING THIS)

Today I saw that Stacey is planning to be president by 2040. Last I checked, that's not how that works.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/31/stacey-abrams-president-2040-109869

This article (https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/01/03/2024-presidential-election-candidates-091055) says 2024, even if she isn't Biden's VP.

---

Charleston, South Carolina
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Speak at the College of Charleston
- Meet with South Carolina Democrats
- Town Hall
- Interview via Skype
- Speak at South Carolina Democrats Event
- Launch "South Carolina for Kirsten" Initiative

Columbia, South Carolina
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with local Business Owners
- Speak at the University of South Carolina
- Town Hall
- Meet with High School Democrats of South Carolina
- Launch Economic Equality Plan
- Meet with Moms Demand Action

Greenville, South Carolina
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Town Hall
- Meet Seniors at Retirement Home
- Meet with local Union Workers
- Attend Local Concert
- Meet with local Teachers

Las Vegas, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Town Hall
- Meet with Students at Local Recreation Center
- Meet with Seniors at Retirement Home
- Door to Door with Volunteers
- Voter Registration Drive
- Launch "Nevada for Kirsten" Initiative
- Attend Local Concert
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Fundraiser
- Speak at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Speak at Nevada State College
- Meet with Moms Demand Action
- Launch LGBTQ Equality Plan
- Launch "Latinos para Kirsten" Initiative

Reno, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Nevada Democrats
- Speak at the University of Nevada, Reno
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Town Hall
- Interview via Skype
- Film Campaign Ad
- Fundraiser

Iowa City, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rep. Abby Finkenauer
- Town Hall
- Fundraiser
- Speak at the University of Iowa

Manchester, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Speak at St. Anslem College
- Fundraiser

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Kirsten Gillibrand wants to protect this mass massacre happening in our country ever since Roe v. Wade under the name of "Reproductive rights". I won't stand for it. If re-elected, I will swiftly take away Planned Parenthood's funds and give them back to the people through tax cuts. No organisation performing this massacre will take federal funds under my watch! Let the Dems fund them if they love them so much.

Mike Pence's schedule - September 2019 - Iowa, Iowa and Iowa

Mike Pence did over 150 rallies and town halls in Iowa in September 2019, visiting 70 of the state's 99 counties, especially the evangelical, rural ones. He once again repeated his campaign's narrative of fighting against the swamp and career politicians from DC, with a touch of religious policies. He basically moved there, with only a few days spent in Washington to push for his new proposals.

Mike Pence's speech at the local Church in Estherville, Iowa

Hello, my fellow Christians and my fellow Americans. It feels so good to be here with so many servants of our Lord and thank you for letting me attending religious service with you.

But do you know who doesn't serve our Lord or for that matter of fact the people? Washington. I know it since I lived there for quite some time, that there are some of the worst people, the swamp as I call them, who lost contact with God, with the American Christian values and with the people and couldn't care less about any of them. The only thing THEY care about is their political career and the wishes of donors and lobbyists. They look down on us, who kept the values of Christianity. They call us inadequate, stupid, even deplorable. The swamp and the fake news media thinks we are deplorable. Well, it would be about time for those deplorables to strike back! (pause for applause)

The swamp and the fake news media constantly undermined our very great President Donald Trump whom we the deplorables elected and voted for despite them telling us not to. They said he was elected unfairly, that is was somehow rigged. Ultimately, President Trump was stopped by nature not by them. Now, they're trying to do the same thing to me, spreading lies about me, doing anything they can to stop me from accomplishing anything, even if it would be greatly beneficial for the country. We need to stick it to them, show them again that they are not the boss, and vote for a conservative, Christian Administration in 2020. And I am the only candidate who not only believes in God but has a record of fighting for Christian values and beliefs as a Representative, Governor, Vice President and President. I have always supported the right to life of the unborn, the sacred institution of marriage and the need to care for the sick, poor and disabled. As President, I will continue saying "Merry Christmas" not "Happy Holiday", fight radical islam and if I am reelected, I will immediately, immediately defund the Planned Parenthood murderous organization for the sake of the kids! We need a true Christian in government, and that is what I offer to you.

Thank you, God bless you and God bless the USA! Let's Make America Great Again everyone!

Transcript: After 4 years of corruption and denial in the WH, we support Tom Steyer in 2020. He's a dedicated conservationist and a climate fighter.

Bryant, Ivey, Justice endorsed Mike Pence for President

3 governors of deeply Republican states have endorsed Mike Pence today, following his big lead in the polls. Those are Phil Bryant of Mississippi, Kay Ivey of Alabama and Jim Justice of West Virginia. The Pence campaign hopes to secure the South and republican coal states before the campaign heads into its final phase. All 3 will campaign in their home and neighboring states and expressed the following reason for the endorsement: "President Pence is working hard to Drain the Swamp and MAGA, continuing what the great President Donald Trump started, and we want to help him succeed in bringing prosperity to our country"

Mike Pence @presidentpence

This Administration has been working hard to bring forward proposals that will help the people of this nation, and what did the Democrats do? NOTHING! They are a party which does nothing, while the Republicans are the party that gets things done.

Mike Pence signs executive order on wall

Mike Pence: "This executive order is part of a crucial effort to stop the massive, horrific illegal immigration that is taking place and protect the American workers and jobs. I hope that this will lead to increased prosperity, an end to the crime and drug issues that we've been dealing with for the past years and a country where the rule of law is uncontested."

The orders declares a national emergency concerning the Southern border of the United States and redirects $1.8 billion from military construction, $1.3 billion from DoD's drug interdiction activities and $300 million from Treasury's forfeiture fund into the construction of the border wall.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

@kirstengillibrand Here is a full list of what we have done and you didn't: tax reform, infrastructure package, lobbyist reforms, fight to overturn Citizens United, school choice and affordability, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, full price transparency from hospitals, border security, replacing DeVos etc. I've done a lot of what you listed and Dems didn't...

Transcript: While the President cuts our law enforcement for his fantasy wall, we're rolling out plans to reduce overdoses and end the opioid crisis.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Interesting! When Stacey Nowhere-to-be-found Abrams talked about this issue, I invited her to the WH to walk the walk on opioid addiction! Guess how that turned out! She refused to do anything under some stupid pretexts because the DEMS don't care about this issue and are using it for political gain! So is the Chief Swampist here...

Mike Pence @presidentpence

...because when I proposed a bill making the life of all this people easier, he threatened YOUR US Representatives into voting against (he should be in jail for that if you ask me). My Administration will solve the opioid crisis without their help. It is sad that...

Mike Pence @presidentpence

...so many talented Democrats, even if we disagree on policies, are, according to the polls, under the Chief Swampist and Nowhere-to-be-found. I hope the competent people in the party who care about the people will rise and take it back from people who should have long been in jail and frauds...

Mike Pence @presidentpence

...Also, the WALL will stop all of the drugs coming through that border (90% of them), solving a lot of the opioid crisis. Ironical, right?

()

Adding on to the original tweet:

"The President still refuses to address his record on gay rights. I don't understand what's so difficult about saying whether you are for or against gay marriage. I hope some Republicans join me on this issue and call for the President to clarify his position on gay marriage. A few months ago, I had a nice conversation with Sen. Portman about gay rights. He used to be against it, but he realized he was wrong and supports the right to marriage. Sen. Portman's son is homosexual, would the President take away the right for him to marry the man he loves?"

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Stacey Abrams was busy releasing an opioid addiction plan and when I invited her to put it into action she deflected (probably knowing it was a scam). If you don't want to apply it, why release it? Might it have been for political gain?

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Steyer_2020_presidential_campaign#/media/File:Tom_2020_819a29ab.png

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This speech was made on Tom's "Deep Red" tour to speak to Trump voters

In a surprising twist, the winners of the CNN Commander-in-Chief Town Hall were not the usual frontrunners, but rather Montana Governor Steve Bullock and Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley. Both campaigns touted this as victory when the poll was released. A number of people cited the fact that Bullock and Merkley both explained their rejection of the President's tax cuts (which went on to fail in the House) without denying the tax cuts to the poor and middle class, something Pence had been stressing on Twitter for weeks ahead of the forum.

Experts believe that this showing will help both candidates gain a much-needed boost, as Merkley, in particular, often polls toward the rear of the Democratic Party. Merkley spokeswoman Martina McLennan cited the poll as "proof people really do care about Jeff's position on the issues, and that he has a real shot of winning the nomination next year, regardless of what the pollsters and pundits say about it."

Also in the top five were Rand Paul, Stacey Abrams, and (in a tie) long-feuding frontrunners (per the latest Morning Consult poll) Tom Steyer and Mike Pence.

Source: Wikimedia Commons


Senate:
Ayes: 57
Nays: 43

House:
Ayes: 222
Nays: 211

Bill passes.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

In one of the biggest accomplishments in recent US politics, we have passed a massive infrastructure package. Massive. It will revitalize our crumbling infrastructure, providing millions of communities with clean water, safe and modern transportation, reliable electric grid, improvements in telecommunications and security infrastructure etc. Great bill! #MAGA

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Curious about how Rand Paul voted on this bill...

Senator Portman will aid Senator Paul by campaigning for him in New Hampshire and Vermont.

---

"Thanks for the question and here is the answer. In the days leading up to the vote, I was thinking long and hard, knowing that I had to stick to my principles or I could be declared morally bankrupt, but a vote against the bill would be considered being against the people. Initially, I considered voting present as I had no confirmation on what the President's plan was when introducing the budget in this Fiscal Year and he continued to keep it unclear. The day before the vote however, I received a call from an anonymous aide from the White House stating that at least one of the programs I mentioned a while back would be considered being cut off the FY 2019 Budget when introduced. Despite it not being official confirmation by the President himself, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and decided to vote in favor of the bill. I will hold the President accountable and if he agrees to cut some things in the fiscal budget, I will eagerly vote for his bills out of respect for that promise."


"Honestly, it's sad to see a President fall into the realm of Conspiracy Theories when they go after their opponent. The Article in question came out two days after the bill was announced, when I was busy campaigning elsewhere. I truly didn't have the time nor the interest to contact a media company and make up a fraudulent study with secret supporters of mine, especially when such a thing could be considered an impeachable offense and would be morally bankrupt. I would be caught dead before I ever did something like that and anyone who has followed my career in politics would know that. Now, the President's team claimed that these economists supported me, but I think there is a simple solution. In that very same article, it was asked of who the Economists supported in the past and recently, 2 of the  Conservative ones stated they supported my father, RON Paul in 2008 and 2012 but supported Donald Trump in 2016 and now support the President, just like the other 6, who supported Romney and Rubio in 2008, 2012, and 2016 before supporting President Pence. It is an understandable mistake to confuse the name of my father with my own and a trick of the eye to confuse a person and mix words when reading. But, as I said, these 8 economists stated they supported President Pence in his election bid in that article and later reiterated their support of the President on Fox News the day after his tweet came out. I have never gone into the realm of conspiracy and I never will and while I won't force one out of him, I am sure the economists would like an apology from the President."


"Well, I'll be honest here and I think we should all be honest : When a surrogate attacks their candidate's opponent on the campaign trail when they're from the same party, it's very likely that they were told to attack the opponent by their candidate. We're all guilty of it, though I haven't asked or told my surrogates to do those attacks as of yet. And it is indeed mighty suspicious when a candidate takes the high road while their surrogate goes on the attack. It is reasonable to assume what happened. I won't allow any of my surrogates to attack either of my Primary opponents, as instead, if I have something to say, I'll say it myself and I encourage President Pence to use his campaign in much the same fashion."

---

---

Campaign Manager:
David Plouffe, Former Senior Advisor and Campaign Manager for Obama 2008

Financial Director:
Dennis Cheng, Former Hillary for America Finance Director

Campaign Chair:
Steve Hildebrand, Former Obama 2008 Deputy Campaign Manager

Vice Campaign Chair:
Marcus Jadotte, Former Kerry for America 2004 Deputy Campaign Chairman

Communications Director:
Stephanie Cutter, Former Kerry for America 2004 Communications Director

Iowa Field Director:
Derek Eadon, Iowa Democratic Chairman

National Field Director:
Amy Dacey, Former Kerry for America 2004 Political Director

Campaign Treasurer:
Martin Nesbitt, Former Obama 2008 Campaign Treasurer

Volunteer Coordinator:
Jon Carson, Former Obama 2008 National Field Director

Political Director:
Thomas Wheatley, Former Kate Brown for Governor Campaign Manager

Scheduler:
Jennifer Goodman, Former Obama 2008 Campaign Scheduler

Technology Manager:
Stephanie Hannon, Former Hillary for American Technology Coordinator

Office Manager For HQ:
Patty Solis Doyle, Former Joe Biden Chief of Staff

Legal Adviser:
Clifford B. Ammons, Lawyer from Mississippi

Campaign Lawyers:
David C. Ashburn, Lawyer from Ohio
Thomas J. Bond, Lawyer from Texas
Donald C. Brey, Lawyer from Ohio
Tom Clark, Lawyer from Louisiana

Press Secretary:
Dan Pfeiffer, Former Obama 2008 Traveling Campaign Press Secretary

Senior Advisor:
Jeff Weaver, Former Bernie for Us 2016 Campaign Manager

Director of Speech Writing:
Ben Stein, Former Speech Writer for many U.S. Presidents

Director of Internet Strategy:
Kenneth Pennington, Former Bernie for Us Digital Director

Pollsters:
Ben Tulchin, Founder of Tulchin Research
Paul Harstad, Former Pollster for Obama 2008
Cornell Belcher, Former DNC Pollster

Research Director:
Devorah Adler, Former Obama 2008 Research Director

Director of State Campaigns:
Brandon Maheu, Former Director of State Campaigns for Bernie for Us

Battleground State Director:
Robert Becker, Former Battleground State Director for Bernie for Us

Regional Directors:
Dulce Saenz, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico
Carlos Sanchez, Florida
Scott Siebel, New Hampshire and Maine
Javier Gonzales, California

National Student Organization Director:
Kunoor Ojha, Former NSOD for Bernie for Us

Lation Outreach Strategist:
John Podesta, Former Hillary for America Campaign Manager

Rapid Response Director:
Mike Casca, Former Bernie for Us RRD

GOTV Digital Director:
Melissa Byrne, Former Bernie for Us New Hampshire Digital Director

Digital Fundraising Director:
Tim Tagaris, Former Bernie for Us DFD

Digital Fundraising Manager:
Robin Curran, Former Bernie for Us DPD

Lead Graphic Designer:
Camilo Caffi, Former GD for Bernie for Us

African American Outreach Director:
Nadia Garnett, Former African America Vote Director for Hillary for America

Labor Outreach Director:
Fernando Losada, Former Labor Outreach Director for Bernie for Us

Native Outreach Director:
Nicole Willis, Former Bernie for Us NOD

LGBTQ Outreach Director:
Sarah Scanlon, Former LGBTQ Outreach Director for Bernie for Us

Muslim and Arab Outreach Director:
Ahlam Jbara, Former Bernie for US MAOD

AAPI Outreach Director:
Erica Lee, Former Bernie for Us AAPI Outreach Director

Women Outreach Director:
Alicia Toffoli, Former Bernie for Us Women Outreach Director

Director of Email Engagement:
Will Easton, Former DEE for Bernie for Us

Calling Program Director:
Kyle Machado, Former Bernie for Us CPD

Text for Alex Sink Director:
Daniel Souweine, Former Bernie for Us Text Director

National Data Director:
Willie Desmond, Former Bernie for Us NDD

National Targeting Director:
Kyle Cox, Former Bernie for Us NTD

Regional Data Desk:
John Miller, West Coast and Great Plains

National Director of Surrogates:
Rania Batrice, Former Bernie for Us NDS

National Surrogate Scheduler:
Julielyn Gibbons, Former Bernie for Us NSS

Travel and Logistics Coordinator:
Sarah Shaw, Former Bernie for Us TLC

Human Resources Director:
Aurora Hurd, Former Bernie for Us HRD

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the United States Congress, I rise to introduce a bill to the floor of the United States Senate. This bill, I believe, will solve a very real problem facing our legislature in the United States Congress that will make it For The People once again. It is no secret to any of us of those who stay in congress far past their time. We have people in their seventies in eighties in Congress when we should be allowing new blood into congress. Every 20 years, we should have a generational shift in Congress to keep up with the technological progress of the decade and be knowledgeable about the issues facing the modern day generations. However, we have seen people refuse to step down and instead continue to stay in Congress until they perished. There are many, especially in recent years, but I'll name a few Senators so this list doesn't go on too long : John McCain, Republican Senator from Arizona, who served a tenure from 1983 to 1987 in the House and from 1987-2018 in the Senate, dying of Brain Cancer last year. Ted Kennedy, Democratic Senator from Massachusetts, who served a tenure of 1962-2009 in the Senate, before he died of Brain Cancer nearly a decade ago.

These two examples are men who stayed in Congress for over 30 years, a statistic I believe to be unacceptable. Thus, with the support of my fellow Senators Tim Scott and Rob Portman as well as New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, I'd like to introduce a possible 28th Amendment set to finally Drain the Swamp by bringing in term, age, and health limits to Congress. Here is the statement in the possible amendment."


"As all of you might see right now, I have added in no Grandfather clause and that's because, if a Grandfather clause did exist, then we would continue to see Politicians long outlive their welcome in Congress and continue to abuse the unlimited terms the grandfather clause of this amendment would bring. I have always been an advocate for Congressional Term Limits and I know many in this chamber share my thoughts as well. I believe I can use this moment to announce that I will not be running for re-election to the Senate in 2022 should I fail in my bid for the Presidency this year. I hope to see this possible amendment garner support across the aisle and one day pass so we can finally drain the swamp of officials who have been around for far too long."

Following the end of his rest days and his announcement, along with campaigning for the Presidency, Senator Paul would also campaign to garner support for the proposed Amendment.

President Pence's speech in Iowa related to VA reform

Hello, my fellow Americans! It feels so good to be here with you discussing a very important subject: VA reform. In the past few years, remarkable progress has been done by the Trump Administration, however it is vital to protect it and expand on it if we want for our veterans to be offered quality care like they absolutely deserve.

If I am re-elected, I will make choosing the VA secretary one of my top priorities. I will choose a man or a woman that has the guts to take on the federal bureaucracy and put the veterans that he is serving first. I will also ask Congress to pass a law that will allow the VA secretary to swiftly dismiss any employer that puts a veteran's health, well-being or safety in danger. I will also not be afraid to use the office of Presidency to put the VA in order, I will remove all federal employees and managers that don't do their job personally. At the same time, I will protect all employees who do their jobs, seek to improve the service, cut waste and save lives, and only them will receive any kind of bonuses. In this mission I will be helped by my staff, the VA Secretary and The Commission to Drain the VA Swamp that I will form. This Commission will act like Special Prosecutors, and bring to light every single fraud, cover-up and wrong-doing that happened and happens in the VA. There is a huge swamp in the VA Department, just like there is in Washington. This swamp is particularly nasty however because it is putting our veterans at risk. With this strategy, we're going to drain it very quickly, in a matter of months. It's going to be a very brief but intense take-over of competent, compassionate officials from the DC Swamp that was tolerated by the other Administrations. I won't do that mistake.

However, simply removing the swamp from the equation doesn't entirely solve the problem. We need to fix the system that it leaves behind. We will as soon as I win re-election or maybe even before it, pass legislation to reform the visa system to ensure veterans are at the front of the line for health services, not the back, increase the number of mental health care professionals, and allow veteran's to be able to seek mental health care outside of the VA and also ensure every veteran has the choice to seek care at the VA or at a private service provider of their own choice. Under a Pence Administration, no veteran will die waiting for service.

If we enact this reforms, we will absolutely have one of the world's most envied veteran health care system in the world, and I promise you that I will do just that. Thank you, God bless you and God bless the USA. Let's make America great again, everyone!

Mike Pence @presidentpence

I have proposed months ago a term limits amendment that would limit House terms to 6 and Senate terms to 2. This is a weaker version of it. Also, there's just no way to impose an age limit for running. I believe that people of all ages have a viewpoint to bring to the table. This idea (age limit) is ridiculous. I believe the Amendment proposed by my Administration is a better way to do this.

Mike Pence for President ad - "Fighting" - airing nation-wide

*Pictures of young, middle aged and old Mike Pence discussing with people are shown on screen, then Karen Pence appears*

Karen Pence: I have been married to Mike for 34 years, and so I can say I know him pretty well. And what attracted me to him was his passion. His passion to fight everyday for a better life for his family, his passion to fight everyday for a better government. Since 2000, when the people of Indiana repeatedly put their trust in him to serve them as their Representative and then Governor, I have seen him work until the dusk writing legislation, going to town halls and really trying to get what the people were going through so he could help them. I have seen him caring, which is a trait which is not often found in DC or in politics. And then, President Trump selected him to join the ticket. And as Vice President and President, he has really done his best to help people like you. Tax reform, infrastructure, lobbying, health care, education. This were all issues that no one knew how to solve. And he started solving them. I've got full confidence that if re-elected, he will Make America Great Again not just for some, but for everyone.

Mike Pence: I am Mike Pence, and I approve this message.

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Mason City, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Rep. Abby Finkenauer and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Speak at the North Iowa Area Community College
- Meet with Seniors at Retirement Home
- Launch "Northern Iowa for Kirsten" Initiative

Burlington, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staff
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Launch "Southern Iowa for Kirsten" Initiative
- Voter Registration Drive
- Meet with local High School Students
- Speak about Middle Class Tax Cuts

Sibley, Iowa
- Launch "Rural Iowa for Kirsten" Initiative
- Pick up Campaign Bus from local RV Park

Alvord, Iowa
- Meet with Local farmers

Gray, Iowa
- Meet with Local Teachers

Clinton, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staff
- Fundraiser
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Lansing, Iowa
- Speak with Local Union Workers

Cresco, Iowa
- Speak with Local Union Workers

Decorah, Iowa
- Speak with Local Farmers

Fayette, Iowa
- Speak with Local Farmers

Carson City, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Fundraiser
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Speak at Western Nevada College
- Launch "Western Nevada for Kirsten" Initiative
- Meet with Local Union Workers
- Attend Local Concert

Smith, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Fundraiser
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen
- Meet with Seniors at Local Retirement Home
- Speak with Teachers at Local High School

Vya, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen
- Speak about Opioid Crisis

Midas, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen
- Fundraiser

Concord, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Speak about Opioid Crisis
- Speak with Local Union Workers
- Fundraiser

Alex Jones Debate Answers


()
Photo by Jared Holt for Right Wing Watch

Opening Statement:

Hi, I’m Alex Jones. I created the online news company Infowars 20 years ago. Since then, the left has been trying to stop me every single day. When I correctly predicted that Mueller’s investigation against Trump was a fraud, I was banned from Facebook. When my audience reached into the millions, I was banned from Youtube. When I called out antifa and the mainstream media, I was banned from Twitter. I’m running to make sure what happened to me doesn’t happen to the American people. Donald Trump ran on the same message I am fighting for right now, and he got the job started. He started to build the wall, he got us out of bad globalist deals, he is bringing our troops home from places they should have never gone.  I want to finish the job Trump started and truly make America great. The social media companies, the mainstream media, they are just as afraid of me as they were of Trump. That's why they are trying to censor me. They know I can get the job done. If I am elected, I will continue the Trump journey away from elitism and away from globalism. That’s how we won in 2016 and it will be how we win in 2020. Thank you.

Personal Question:

Listen, there is no good reason why Trump could have suffered a stroke in the White House. In 2016, he had a perfect bill of health. He was out there doing 3, 4, 5 rallies a day while Hillary Clinton could barely give a speech. He was the “stamina” candidate. Nobody goes from having perfect health to a stroke in 3 years when they have access to the best healthcare in the country in the White House. If you don’t suspect foul play, you aren’t paying attention. Now, I’m not sure if the Chinese did it. I’m still listening to the evidence before I make up my mind. But the point is that Trump had good health and he should not have had a stroke under normal circumstances. There were definitely other people involved and I would not be surprised if these claims are correct.

Closing Statement:

The left has been trying to stop Trump ever since he was elected. We have all this manipulation by the media, cnn msnbc, all spreading lies. We have antifa harassing our people, destroying our constitution, suppressing our voices. In the midterms, they got the illegals to vote like never before. We saw all these safe red districts in Southern California flip after they took weeks to count the illegal votes. No matter what happened, Trump still fought. He fought for the wall, he fought for our country, he fought for our people. Now the establishment is celebrating his stroke. They know they can mislead our country once again without Trump in power. They know that most of these candidates will let them do whatever they want. The one exception is me. They know I will expose them as frauds, cheats, liars. The media has ignored me, social media companies have banned me. It’s because they are afraid. They are afraid that I will be the next Trump. They are afraid that I won’t let them rip off this country. They will do whatever they can to stop me, but ultimately you all have the votes to elect the next president. That’s why I’m asking for your vote. It is you all, we the people, versus the establishment, the media, the left. If you elect me, they will be stopped. Thank you.

(All images below are from Wikimedia Commons)


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Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

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King: And I'm John King. And this is your election update.

Blitzer: And this week marked by the narrow passage of the President's infrastructure legislation, bolstered by progressives even as it was being shot at by fiscal hawks. Also, the first polling of the cycle led Senator Rob Portman to drop out and endorse his colleague Rand Paul. As for the polls themselves, the Republican race appears to be the President's to lose, as he garners nearly half the vote to Ivanka Trump's 19% and Senator Paul's 16%. Conspiracy theorists and InfoWars head Alex Jones, meanwhile, pulling in 4% support. On the Democratic side, a much less clear-cut race, with Tom Steyer, Stacey Abrams, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Seth Moulton raking in more than 10%, but several other candidates in striking distance, as well.

King: Many other news stories, as well, which you can check up on at cnn.com.

Blitzer: Numerous endorsements also flying, with almost all candidates receiving at least one. Stacey Abrams has been endorsed by civil rights leaders John Lewis and Al Sharpton, Tammy Baldwin by the SEIU, Cory Booker by the NAACP, Kirsten Gillibrand by Senator Jacky Rosen, Amy Klobuchar by Congressman Dave Loebsack and former Senator Tom Harkin, Seth Moulton by both Representatives from New Hampshire, Tom Steyer by Congressman Ted Lieu and the Sierra Club, an environmentalist organization, Rand Paul by Senator Portman and his endorsers, and President Pence by Governors Kay Ivey of Alabama, Jim Justice of West Virginia, and Phil Bryant of Mississippi.

King: You scare me sometimes, Wolf.

Blitzer: *laughs* I'm fine, really.

Blitzer: That said, tonight we have a very special guest, Stacey Abrams. Ms. Abrams, glad to have you on here.

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Abrams: Glad to be here, Wolf. I'm grateful for the opportunity.

Blitzer: Glad to hear it. Now, you’ve coined the term “Medicare for All Who Want It” to describe your healthcare plan. What convinced you that “Medicare for All” wasn’t the best plan for the nation?

Abrams: One thing you know about me, and I hope all of America gets to know about me is that I'm not going to be in favor of something without knowing all of the facts. Every single medicare for all proposal that's been put forward doesn't adequately state how we will pay for this. Ideally, everyone will be on a government health care plan once I sign Medicare for All Who Want It into law. But there will always be people who'd rather keep their private insurance plans. I like the freedom of choice. In my view Medicare for All Who Want It has all of the good stuff of Obamacare and the good stuff of Medicare for All, but remedies the problems with both bills.

Blitzer: Not the usual Democratic use of "right to choose," but not an unappreciated one, by any means. Now, some of your critics have attacked you over your support for the USMCA, the signing of which, in their eyes, would result in a retroactive victory for former President Trump. Why do you support this trade agreement, and would you edit it in any way before signing it?

Abrams: I just want to preface with, I don't support the original version of USMCA. I support the rewritten version that was edited by House Democrats. They've gotten rid of the corporate control that was previously in the original draft, assures that we're adding jobs here at home, and that we're having more things made here in America. What I would say to my fellow Democrats is, who cares who wrote USMCA. Who cares if it's a victory for the President? I don't think it's a victory for Presidents Trump and Pence, I think it's a victory for the American people. So I'd like to call on my fellow candidates to join me and give credit where credit is due. I'd like to also say that this is not an endorsement of all of the Trump-Pence trade policies because there's a lot that I disagree with. However, I think USMCA is a win for the US.

Blitzer: A solid defense of a difficult position. Now, assuming you do win, what would your first 100 days be like?

Abrams: We've got several plans on what we want to do on our first 100 days. First of all, I'll instruct Congress to pass a bill requiring universal background checks for all weapons. I'm sick and tired of Republicans saying that they're in favor of universal background checks, right after a shooting, then they do nothing about it. It's all about scoring political points. I'll never forget right after the Sandy Hook shooting, a devastating shooting, to say the least. I remember President Obama called several people across the nation, I was lucky to be one of the people he asked "What would you do next?" I told the President "If I were you, I'd have a prime time address from the Oval Office explicitly explaining the contents of the background check bill. I'd explain how this bill isn't a Democratic bill or Republican bill, it's an American bill. This bill is for the good of this nation and has the support of Democrats AND Republicans." Unfortunately, he didn't take my advice. But we need to have the Gang of 8, key members of the Cabinet, the Vice President, and the President showing support for a BIPARTISAN bill requiring background checks. If Congress doesn't pass that bill within the first 100 days, I will sign an executive order doing just that.

I'll also be pardoning several people that are currently incarcerated for having just a little bit of cannabis. These nonviolent drug offenders don't need to be rotting in jail for having a little bit of cannabis, people like Alice Johnson that the President pardoned, a decision both sides praised. I'll also be pardoning Edward Snowden. What he did was not a crime, we need to protect our whistleblowers, because they're incredibly important in our society.

Lastly, I'll be signing a bill (if Congress doesn't pass it, then an Executive Order) requiring that former Members of Congress wait 3 years after retiring or losing re-election to become a lobbyist. This is just the beginning of our journey to reducing the stranglehold that big business and corporate interests have on our federal government.

Blitzer: Sweeping reform ahead, I see. Now, before you go, Ms. Abrams, if you could tell the American people one thing tonight, what would it be.

Abrams: If I could say one thing to the American people tonight, that would be that this election is the most consequential election in our history. We've got quite a few people running. Rather than give you some sort of cliche slogan or a cringeworthy ad, I'm gonna make a promise to you. I will not back down. Our nominee must be someone that's effective, pragmatic, and knows how to win. I am that person. I hear a lot of people as I travel through the country, some say they want someone that's been in government all of their life, some say they want an outsider. I'm kind of the happy-middle in there. I've never served in Washington, which I think is an accomplishment, if I'm honest. But I have some government experience. We tried an outsider, businessman as president, and we've seen how that's gone. I'm here tonight to ask you for your vote. I look forward to criss-crossing the country meeting many many voters to discuss the issues ahead of us.

I'd also just like to briefly respond to Congressman Moulton, he had a "rebuttal" to me a couple weeks ago that I never had the opportunity to fully address. Clearly, the Congressman wants to attack before discussing solutions. By his logic, the President has to be a genius on every single issue and every topic in the world. I was honest to the American people last night. I told them I had never heard of this other type of nuclear energy. I couldn't immediately decide on the spot if that was the best option. I have to do more research and I'll tell you, since I left the stage that night, I immediately researched thorium. I've discussed with a close friend of mine that I grew up with, who works at a nuclear power plant, and she told me that thorium seems to be the next step. So I'm not hiding behind a curtain after I change my position. He accused me of not answering the question fully. He said that the question was about renewable energy as a whole, it was not, it was about my position on nuclear power, which I just cleared up. But I'll also say that if he wants my position on renewable energy, I'll give it to him. We need to ban fracking and 100% invest in alternate energy sources like nuclear, solar, wind, and geothermal solutions.

Blitzer: Stacey Abrams, always a pleasure to have you on.

Abrams: Thank you for having me on tonight, I really appreciate it.

Blitzer: Glad to have you here with us. And that will be all for tonight. Tune in on Saturday for our interview with US Ambassador to the UN Ivanka Trump.

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Blitzer: Until then, I'm Wolf Blitzer.

King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this has been your Election Update.

June:

1-8th: Iowa

- Hold rally with Cindy Axne in Des Moines
- Visit Des Moines campaign HQ to expand the operation and meet with campaign staff
- Rally on forgiving student loan debt in Ames, followed by a town hall
- Stretch of town halls in central Iowa, including in Fort Dodge, Lake City, and Ida Grove
- Rally in Sioux City
- Open campaign office in Sioux City
- Town hall in Le Mars

9th-12th: Nevada

- Open campaign HQ in Las Vegas
- Meet with culinary union members on protecting collective bargaining
- Rally in Las Vegas on de-criminalizing border crossings
- Town halls in Henderson and Paradise on universal background checks and bump stock bans

13-18th: New Hampshire

- Visit campaign HQ in Concord
- Tour Concord public schools, meeting with members of the teacher's union
- Rally in Concord on Medicare for All
- Rally in Manchester on the Equality Act
- Town hall in Manchester on the impact of gun violence
- Rally in Nashua on a Green New Deal
- Open campaign office in Nashua, meeting with staff and volunteers at the launch
- Rural tour of northern New Hampshire, holding both physical and digital town halls on trade, agriculture, and the fight for 15

19-26th: South Carolina

- Rally in Charleston
- Rally in Goose Creek
- Rally in Sumter
- Rally in Columbia
- Add staff to Columbia campaign HQ
- Tour public schools in Columbia
- Host a rural tour of western South Carolina, rolling out a green infrastructure bill, which includes laying down fiber for universal broadband, updating roads and bridges to be greener, and testing and updating the water system to prevent another Flint

27-30th: Texas

- Rally in El Paso on de-criminalizing border crossings
- Town Hall in El Paso on DACA and DAPA
- Visit border communities from El Paso to Del Rio, speaking with locals on the impact of this administration's immigration policy

July

1-4th: Wisconsin

- Return home to Madison, celebrate July 4th with family and friends
- Spend downtime strategizing with the campaign team

5-10th: Iowa

- Open new campaign office in Dubuque
- Rally at Dubuque university on free college tuition and forgiving student loan debt
- Town hall in Dubuque to take questions in regard to Baldwin's education policy plan
- Rally in Cedar Rapids
- Rally in Iowa City on the fight for 15
- Rally in Davenport on fair trade policies

11-15th: Minnesota

- Rally in Minneapolis on the Equality Act
- Town hall on universal background checks and assault weapon bans
- Rally in Saint Paul on single-payer
- Rally in Rochester on Baldwin's infrastructure bill
- Rally in Mankato

16-20th: Nevada

- Rally in Reno on the ERA
- Town hall in Reno on paid family leave
- Rally in Carson City
- Digital town halls for outreach to rural parts of the state, highlighting opposition to the trade war, which hurts farmers and ranchers and increases prices in rural America

21-31st: Texas

- Complete border tour with town halls in McAllen and Brownsville
- Rally on canceling student loan debt in Corpus Christi
- Town hall in Victoria on criminal justice reform, highlighting an end to cash bail
- Rally in San Antonio on breaking down trade barriers to help farmers
- Rally in San Antonio on immigration reform
- Town hall in Austin on renegotiating and modernizing trade deals to protect American workers
- Rally in Austin on passing the ERA and the Equality Act
- Rally in Austin on overturning Citizens United
- Town halls in Round Rock, Temple, and Waco
- Rally in Dallas on increasing teacher pay
- Rally in Fort Worth on increasing access to mental healthcare for veterans
- Rally in Arlington on using American steel to rebuild infrastructure, especially in regard to pipes
- Town halls across Dallas-Fort Worth on closing tax loopholes for the wealthy

August

1-5th: Oklahoma

- Town halls in Ardmore, Davis, Pauls Valley, and Norman
- Rally in Oklahoma City on codifying Roe
- Tour public schools, speaking on how unions helped protect workers from politicians in the state stripping education funds
- Meet with union leaders in Oklahoma City, speaking with SEIU members on strengthening unions
- Rally in Oklahoma City on protecting public lands from drilling

6-12th: Iowa

- Joint Rally in West Des Moines with Cindy Axne, speaking on winning back the Midwest
- Rally in Des Moines on Medicare for All
- Digital town halls throughout the Western and Southern portions of the state, highlighting Baldwin's infrastructure plan
- Town halls in Osceola, Leon, Lenox, and Atlantic
- Rally in Sioux City on fairer trade deals
- Open new campaign office in Fort Dodge
- Rally in Ames

13-17th: New Hampshire

- Open campaign office in Keene
- Rally in Keene on education reform
- Rally in Concord on common sense gun control
- Town hall in Concord
- Rally in Manchester on canceling student loan debt
- Rally in Portsmouth on a Green New Deal
- Town hall in Portsmouth on fair trade deals

18-23rd: Massachusetts

- Rally in Boston on M4A
- Town hall in Boston on gun violence
- Rally in Salem on codifying Roe
- Rally in Worcester
- Town halls on immigration reform in Auburn, Sturbridge, and Palmer
- Rally in Springfield
- Rally in Northampton
- Rally in Amherst

24-26th: Georgia

- Rally in Atlanta on battling voter suppression
- Town halls in Atlanta suburbs on implementing common-sense gun control
- Rally in Atlanta on ending cash bail
- Rally in Athens on Baldwin's infrastructure plan

27-31st: Iowa

- Rally in Davenport on Medicare for All
- Rally in Iowa City on closing corporate tax loopholes
- Town halls in Riverside, Mt Pleasant, and Burlington
- Town halls in Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, and Pella on protecting farmers by having the USDA buy overstock
- Rally in Des Moines on strengthening unions by ending right to work laws nationally

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.

• Invest in wind and solar and support rural energy development. As President, Senator Klobuchar will invest in interregional transmission lines and grid improvements to support the development of renewable energy. She will launch a grant program to help rural cooperatives develop energy storage and microgrid projects for renewable energy generation, transmission and storage. She will also support increased investment in small, distributed wind, solar and biogas projects.

• Provide technical resources for small, rural energy producers and distributors. As President, Senator Klobuchar will push for new economic and environmental opportunities in rural America by investing in rural renewable energy development and by passing and signing into law her bipartisan Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy (EASE) Act to provide rural electric cooperatives access to technical resources and expertise to overcome the barriers to renewable energy storage and grid improvements.

• Investing in and providing incentives for homegrown energy. Senator Klobuchar believes that homegrown biofuels are an important part of our rural economies, our nation’s energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the Senate, she has been a leader when it comes to standing up to the Administration’s misuse of small refinery renewable fuel standard waivers. She has also worked successfully in the Senate to provide financing and grant support to biobased manufacturers.

• Strengthen rural transportation infrastructure. Rural transportation infrastructure is at risk from the effects of climate change. As President, Senator Klobuchar will invest in the repair and improvement of rural bridges that are not part of the federal-aid highway network and invest to improve inland waterways and ports, including funding to modernize and expand outdated locks and restore ecosystems along the Mississippi.

• Expand energy efficiency programs. Energy costs can be a significant burden on farms, small businesses and households in rural communities. Senator Klobuchar has long worked to see that we have the resources needed to provide grants to farms and rural businesses to install energy efficient technologies, and she will continue to push for additional resources. In the Senate, she authored bipartisan legislation that was signed into law that empowers the nonprofit community to make energy-efficiency improvements to their buildings and offices.

• Upgrade levees to account for more frequent and severe floods. The floods we saw throughout the Midwest this year show why we cannot wait to upgrade our levees so they can protect communities from more frequent and severe floods. Senator Klobuchar will make upgrading levees a major focus of her infrastructure investment in the heartland.

• Update the rural housing stock. Much of the existing rural housing stock is outdated and in poor condition, which contributes to the rural housing crisis. Investments in weatherizing and updating homes and their heating and cooling systems will build value and help renew the rural housing stock.

• Bring high-speed broadband to every household and business in America. Broadband access can reduce commuting and make business and farms more efficient. In an effort to close the rural-urban divide, Senator Klobuchar has previously announced a commitment to connect every household in America to high-speed internet by 2022. She will focus on creating accurate broadband maps to identify areas that lack adequate access, bringing high-speed internet infrastructure to areas most in need, including by expanding Rural Utility Service grants, and providing greater incentives for existing providers to upgrade their networks to cover unserved and underserved areas.

                               (source hyperlinked)

Campaign Constants
Always periodically travel to local campaign HQs & meet staff, emphasize crucial campaign volunteering
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 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

New Jersey (Jan. 1 - 6)
Deliberate and consult potential staff hirings in campaign preparation
Visit New Jersey NAACP officials, discuss police reform, crim. justice reform
Hold interviews with major news companies regarding 2020 election
Renounce corporate money for all future campaigns


South Carolina (Jan. 7 - 19)
Hold campaign rallies in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach
Meet with African-American seniors, emphasize expanding social security
Meet with local NAACP officials, discuss closing racial wealth gap
Tout work as mayor increasing affordable housing, reversing population trends
Receive endorsement from Barack Obama in Charleston

Alabama (Jan. 20)
Deliver speech on Selma bridge discussing history of civil rights
Meet with Barack Obama and other local African-American leaders
Visit national NAACP leaders, discuss endorsement and economic justice
Emphasize up-bringing and housing discrimination story


New Hampshire (Jan. 21 - 31)
Hold campaign rallies in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth
Deliver campaign speech on opioid epidemic, promise action against big pharma
Meet with local climate activist organizations to discuss net-zero emission plans
Visit local college campuses, unveil plan to cancel student debt

Iowa (Feb. 1 - 5)
Hold campaign rally in Davenport
Deliver agricultural summit speech, emphasizing rural broadband
Visit factories, farms, college campuses, emphasize economic justice message
Emphasize empowering family farmers and addressing corporate consolidation

South Carolina (Feb. 6 - 17)
Hold campaign rallies in Greenville, Florence, Columbia, Spartanburg
Visit major newspaper editorial boards for interviews, emphasize campaign message
Tour South Carolina's major cities, emphasizing reducing homelessness and raising wages
Earn endorsement from NAACP, citing Booker's mayor record, economic justice message
Receive endorsement from Jim Clyburn at campaign rally in Columbia


Nevada (Feb. 18 - 31)
Hold campaign rallies in Las Vegas, Reno and Henderson
Visit local culinary workplaces, hold Q&As and town halls with workers
In Las Vegas: emphasize urban revitalization and wage increases
Meet with working moms, hold town halls discussing gun violence

---

Campaign Messaging
- Hammer away on Cory's message of economic justice and open opportunity for all.
- Present Booker as the candidate of MLK's dream message.
- Use social media to build the campaign and reach out to young people.
- Present Booker as the candidate of "forgotten America" and the 99%.
- Make strong initial steps at targeting African-American and other minority voters.
- Tout up-bringing and housing discrimination story.
- Tout successful record as 'superstar mayor.'
- For other references, read Cory's announcement speech.

"Mr. Booker, what do you have to say to people criticizing you for voting for President Pence's legislation on lobbying and infrastructure?"
"We have to remember why we are against this President to begin with. This President has divided America into categories and let the rich run away with more of the wealth. He has pushed tax cuts which give wealthy Americans yet another unneeded tax break to please his donors, and he has attacked the foundation of the Affordable Care Act losing millions their coverage. We are against him because he has allowed the wealthy to gain exponentially at the expense of all of us, but the proposals brought forth on lobbying reform and infrastructure investment have not meant that. I'm not sure whether it is just a political ploy to boost his re-election chances or a genuine attempt to undo the work the wealthy have done to subvert our democracy, but we will fight for progressive proposals whether they come from a Democrat or Republican."

"Mr. Booker, you've decided to cosponsor Republican Senator Rand Paul's legislation mandating term limits in Congress. Can you elaborate why you've decided to support this proposal?"
"Absolutely. When I first really began my venture into politics, I ran against a four-term mayor who had built a political machine from sheer corruption and time in office. Incumbents have begun staying in office for an egregious amount of time in America today, and it's working great for no one except the well-connected. You've got congresspeople staying in office for generations, and whether or not they joined that office with good intentions, they're being corrupted over time, building political machines, voting the way their donors tell them, just to win re-election. We've got to break that system, and term limits is one of many proposals to make it happen."

(on a smaller note, sorry for my absence from the beginning of this game. i've been preoccupied with stuff outside of the game, but i do plan to post more in the game going forward)

Mike Pence's speech on the Second Amendment - september 2019, Iowa

Hello, my fellow Americans! Thank you for having me and it's good to be with you. It really is. Now, I want to talk to you about a very important issue, namely the Second Amendment and the Constitution at large. First of all, there is no doubt that the Second Amendment was put in place to protect the right to keep and bear Arms of all Americans. That right is clear, and should not be infringed upon with any bureaucratic measures like the ones proposed by the Democrats or with anything at all. No ifs, no buts, that right is inalienable, period. And as President I am treating and will always treat it as such. I will also nominate Justices to our Supreme Court that treat is as such, will protect it and will protect our Constitution as it was written. And what we really need is not more federal intervention, but better enforcement of the laws that we have, getting serious about prosecuting violent criminals. I will also bring back and expand programs like Project Exile and get gang members and drug dealers off the street. When we do, crime will go down and our cities and communities will be safer places to live. I will also empower law-abiding gun owners to defend themselves, because the police can't be everywhere at all times, as great as it is. Another priority for me will be fixing our broken mental health system. All of the tragic mass murders that occurred in the past several years have something in common – there were red flags that were ignored. We can’t allow that to continue. We must expand treatment programs, and reform the laws to make it easier to take preventive action to save innocent lives. Most people with mental health problems are not violent, but just need help, and these reforms will help everyone. I will also protect the rights of gun owners by expanding the right to carry to all 50 states, abolishing gun-free zones in military bases and recruiting centers, abolishing gun and magazine bans and make background checks currently in place work rather than expanding a broken system.

If we do this, we will have the Second Amendment working for all Americans and protect the constitutional rights of everyone while preventing crimes. And that's what I intend to do. Thank you, and let's make America great again!

Mike Pence's schedule in October 2019

Mike Pence is going all in the Midwest in October. While September was all about Iowa, now the President sees an opportunity in Ohio, where he wants to win now that Rob Portman is out of the race. He is reportedly lobbying hard for an endorsement from Mike DeWine, but even without it he is canvassing through the state while sometimes crossing into Pennsylvania. He is campaigning on Trump's accomplishments on trade and the USMCA, as well as on "the ongoing draining of the swamp" that he started. He spent about 10 days in Ohio, 9 in Iowa, 5 in Pennsylvania, 2 in New York and the rest in Washington.

Pence Administration submits its own Amendment on term limits to Congress

Seeing as the moment for this issue is being stolen by Rand Paul, President Pence submitted his own Amendment to the Constitution related to this issue. The amendment lowers the term limits from 3 to 2 terms for Senators and from 9 to 6 terms for US Representatives. It also gets rid of the age limit and it waters down the health requirement to "if they suffer of a medical condition that makes them mentally incapable of fulfilling their duties". The Administration hopes this version will be more acceptable to Congress than the one proposed by Paul.

Campaign Manager:
David Axelrod, former Senior Advisor to President Obama and Chief Strategist for the Obama campaigns

Financial Director:
Penny Pritzker, former Secretary of Commerce under the Obama administration

Campaign Chair:
Symone Sanders, former National Press Secretary for the Sanders 2016 campaign

Communications Director:
Brian Fallon, former press secretary for the Clinton 2016 campaign

National Field Director:
Jen O’Malley Dillon, former Obama staffer and former campaign manager to Beto O’Rourke

President Pence's starting points in childcare affordability and paid family leave reforms were leaked

A fact sheet worked by the Pence Administration related to the planned childcare affordability and paid family leave reforms was leaked to the press today. Here are the main points of the 25-page document:

1. Pass a child care and elder care tax deduction (main point of the plan but not yet clear whether it will be included in this reform package or in the tax reform 3.0): The deduction will exclude child care costs from income tax for kids up to the age of 13, will include parents, foster parents and adoptive parents and will cover up to 4 children per family. The exclusion will apply to all different kinds of childcare, but limited to the average cost of child care in the state of residence. Similarly, there will be a deduction for elder care of up to $5000 per year, but limited to only those who need it to stay in the workforce, and cover costs of home care or adult day care. For those not paying income tax due to their very low income, President Pence plans to raise the Earned Income Tax Credit for those who have costs of child care and elder care and don't pay income tax. The credit boost will be half of the payroll tax paid by the lowest earning parent.

2. Create child care savings accounts: This will provide Americans with the option of creating child care saving accounts. Annual contributions to a dependent care savings account and earnings on the account will not be subject to tax. Immediate family members and employers will also be able to set aside funds in these accounts, which will be established for the benefit of specific individuals, including unborn children. Total contributions could not exceed $2,000 per year from all sources, but balances in a DCSA will rollover from year-to-year so that substantial amounts could be accumulated over a period of years. When established for a child, parents can use the accumulated funds to enroll their kids in a school of their choice or for other enrichment activities that prepare them for their future. Funds remaining in the account when the child reaches 18 can be used for higher education expenses. To encourage low-income families to establish DCSAs for their children, the government will provide a 50 percent match on parental contributions of up to $1,000 per year. That’s an extra $500 per child for families that qualify. When established for an elderly dependent, the funds can be used for adult day care, in-home or longterm care services.

3. Create a new market for family and community-based solutions: The plan will reduce regulations that disproportionately favor center-based care to create a new, dynamic market for family-based and community-based solutions. Families will be given the power and information to choose who will be providing care and where that care will be provided without fear of loss of government benefits. The marketplace will be free to develop alternatives that provide care where needed, and at the times when people who work irregular hours need care. In addition, informal networks of friends and relatives are an important source of childcare. The costs of such care will be excluded from tax under the plan if allowed by the state.

4. Incentivize employers to offer child care at the workplace: The plan will incentivize employers to provide childcare at the workplace by making the existing tax credit for employer-based childcare facilities more effective, and will allow the same income tax exclusion allowed to individuals to businesses that contribute to an employees’ cost of childcare.

5. Provide 6 weeks of maternity leave to new mothers: The plan will enhance Unemployment Insurance (UI) to include 6 weeks of paid leave for new mothers so that they can take time off of work after having a baby. This would triple the average 2 weeks of paid leave received by new mothers.

This plan was not officially endorsed by the Administration but it seems to be the leading option. The Press Secretary admitted that this is under consideration.

"Well, it seems like the President wants to attempt to hijack a movement. It is true that he wanted to impose term limits onto Congress, but this idea only came up recently. Meanwhile, I have always been for Congressional Term Limits and I have even signed onto my term limit pledge, something that President Pence never motioned for while in Congress. Furthermore, he didn't even try to push for these term limits to go through congress. had he at least attempted to get it passed through congress, I would've voted in favor. However, he failed to do so while I brought it to a vote in congress. Something like this simply can't be introduced as a bill or vague policy idea during an election that might never be fulfilled after it. It must be brought up to a vote in Congress now. As the Roman Poet once said, "Carpe Diem!" and I jumped onto the opportunity the present presented to me. Already, I have begun rallying support for the amendment in Congress and across the country, with the United States Senate Leadership already examining the proposed amendment.

The President, now upset that he failed to seize his moment and push for the amendment in Congress before I did, now wants to try and push for his own amendment to this proposed Amendment, attempting to "Make the Bill More Acceptable to Congress." yet if he had been in favor of term limits, he would've supported the amendment being pushed, no matter who is peddling it. This Amendment is even getting something that is increasingly rare in this day and age, Bi-Partisan support and yet the president is looking to extend the Process by several weeks or even months to soothe his own envy at not introducing his bill first.

The President's proposed amendment gives too small a window for replacement generations to take over in Congress, offering 12 years instead of an 18 years that could allow generations to grow up and for certain individuals to gain the experience necessary to run. And then he states that attempting to bring up age limits to office is simply impossible when we witnessed several deaths in the Senate and House by Natural or Accidental Causes in the last two decades alone. 30, in fact, with 25 of them being above the age of 59 and 16 of them being above the age of 69. That is a number that I deem too large and I think many congressmen would agree with me as well. I agree that my ideas on what happens if an Incumbent turns 70 or above during their tenure in the Senate and I will willingly address that I recommend that I will at least add in that should a member of Congress turn 70 or above during their tenure, they will not be allowed to run for another term unless it is their third term and if a Candidate running will turn 70 in their first year, then they will be barred from running as well.

As for the President saying "if they suffer of a medical condition that makes them mentally incapable of fulfilling their duties", I already addressed the issue in the bill itself "No person shall be allowed to run for office in Congress should they be suffering from fatal illness or be over the age of 70." and a fatal illness can be considered a medical condition that makes one mentally incapable, especially when you take into account that this would include things such as Cancer, Hemorrhages, Parkinson's, Dementia, and other various things that could cause a person to perish over time. What the President simply did was take a sentence I was saying and attempt to turn it into something else seem like his own idea.

Mr. President, I am asking you, not as an opponent, but as a fellow American, to put aside your personal feelings and instead support the bill I already pushed towards Congress. This is an issue that needs to be taking head on and should the bill pass both legislatures, I will not consider it my victory, just as you shouldn't consider it your victory. Instead, it should be considered everyone's victory, for we all worked together to make it happen. I want everyone here and at home to take notice of what the President does next, as I have laid out my response and case here right now. If he refuses to support the amendment I already proposed to Congress, then we will know he isn't fighting for the American people and instead for his own personal vanity. If he does decide to support the bill, however, then I believe we should all applaud and thank him for getting on board with a term limit amendment that most Americans can agree with./i]"

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Unless Senator Rand Paul doesn't know, I can't just propose everything to the Congress in a moment. I chose to do it in an order so everything gets the debate it needed. Term limits amendment was coming. And I have all right to propose my own version for a certain policy proposal both as President, politician and citizen. I don't see anything shameful about proposing my own version to do something, Rand Paul is trying to...

Mike Pence @presidentpence

...suggest that having 2 versions of a policy that the Congress can choose from is somehow a national tragedy. I say it is democracy at its best and I am sure all Americans agree with me! The more viewpoints being considered, the better. That is what conservatism is all about, but Rand Paul doesn't know that because he isn't one.

"The President has made his case clear to the American people. Everyone can now see it and discuss it openly. This is the last time the Paul Campaign will focus on the President and his rabid rants. Now, it is time to focus on the issues and the issues of this campaign alone."

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Good to hear that Paul will focus on policy ideas from now on (if he even has any). He wasn't saying anything interesting before anyway.

Pence White House working on tax reform 3.0 as well as legislation on energy, immigration and defense

The Administration prepares a new wave of proposals just before January comes in. While they mostly agreed on a child care plan, the President still insists for meeting Ivanka Trump before proposing anything. However, they are working on legislation on energy, immigration and defense, as well as on tax reform 3.0 which is the Administration's main priority. They hope this slightly changed new version will get the additional vote needed in the House to be enacted in 2020. Some officials hope for a new effort on health care, but President Pence and his strategists seem skeptical on going any further on this issue for now after the debacle the GOP suffered in 2017. It remains to be seen whether they can be persuaded.

---

Day One:
- Launch Tour, Alvord Iowa

Day Two:
- Speech in Sibley, Iowa
- Speech in Spriti Lake, Iowa
- Speech in Estherville, Iowa

Day Two:
- Speech in Algona, Iowa
- Speech in Forest City, Iowa
- Speech in Garner, Iowa
- Speech in Mason City, Iowa

Day Three:
- Speech in Northwood, Iowa
- Speech in Osage, Iowa
- Speech in Charles City, Iowa
- Speech in New Hampton, Iowa

Day Four:
- Speech in Cresco, Iowa
- Speech in Decorah, Iowa
- Speech in Waukton, Iowa
- Speech in West Union, Iowa

Day Five:
- Speech in Elkader, Iowa
- Speech in Waverly, Iowa
- Speech in Allison, Iowa
- Speech in Hampton, Iowa

Day Six:
- Speech in Clarion, Iowa
- Speech in Dakota City, Iowa
- Speech in Pocahontas, Iowa
- Speech in Emmetsburg, Iowa
- Speech in Spencer, Iowa

Day Seven:
- Speech in Storm Lake, Iowa
- Speech in Cherokee, Iowa
- Speech in Primghar, Iowa
- Speech in Orange City, Iowa

Day Eight:
- Speech in Le Mars, Iowa
- Speech in Sioux City, Iowa
- Speech in Ida Grove, Iowa
- Speech in Sac City, Iowa

Day Nine:
- Speech in Rockwell City, Iowa
- Speech in Fort Dodge, Iowa
- Speech in Webster City, Iowa
- Speech in Eldora, Iowa
- Speech in Grundy Center, Iowa

Day Ten:
- Speech in Waterloo, Iowa
- Speech in Independence, Iowa
- Speech in Manchester, Iowa
- Speech in Dubuque, Iowa
- Speech in Maquoketa, Iowa

Day Eleven:
- Speech in Anamosa, Iowa
- Speech in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Speech in Vinton, Iowa
- Speech in Toledo, Iowa
- Speech in Marshalltown, Iowa

Day Twelve:
- Speech in Nevada, Iowa
- Speech in Boone, Iowa
- Speech in Jeferson, Iowa
- Speech in Carroll, Iowa
- Speech in Denison, Iowa

Day Thirteen:
- Speech in Onawa, Iowa
- Speech in Logan, Iowa
- Speech in Harlan, Iowa
- Speech in Audubon, Iowa
- Speech in Guthrie Center, Iowa

Day Fourteen:
- Speech in Adel, Iowa
- Speech in Des Moines, Iowa
- Speech in Newton, Iowa
- Speech in Montezuma, Iowa
- Speech in Marengo, Iowa

Day Fifteen:
- Rest

Day Sixteen:
- Speech in Iowa City, Iowa
- Speech in Tipton, Iowa
- Speech in Clinton, Iowa
- Speech in Davenport, Iowa
- Speech in Muscantine, Iowa

Day Seventeen:
- Speech in Wapello, Iowa
- Speech in Washington, Iowa
- Speech in Sigourney, Iowa
- Speech in Oskaloosa, Iowa
- Speech in Knoxville, Iowa

Day Eighteen:
- Speech in Indianola, Iowa
- Speech in Winterset, Iowa
- Speech in Greenfield, Iowa
- Speech in Atlantic, Iowa
- Speech in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Day Nineteen:
- Rest
Day Twenty:
- Speech in Glenwood, Iowa
- Speech in Red Oak, Iowa
- Speech in Corning, Iowa
- Speech in Creston, Iowa
- Speech in Osceola, Iowa

Day Twenty One:
- Speech in Chariton, Iowa
- Speech in Albria, Iowa
- Speech in Ottumwa, Iowa
- Speech in Fairfield, Iowa
- Speech in Mount Pleasant, Iowa

Day Twenty Two:
- Speech in Burlington, Iowa
- Speech in Fort Madison, Iowa
- Speech in Keosauqua, Iowa
- Speech in Bloomfield, Iowa
- Speech in Centerville, Iowa

Day Twenty Three:
- Speech in Corydon, Iowa
- Speech in Leon, Iowa

Day Twenty Four:
- Speech in Mount Ayr, Iowa
- Speech in Bedford, Iowa
- Speech in Clarinda, Iowa

Day Twenty Five:
- Speech in Sidney, Iowa

Day Twenty Six:
- Rest

Day Twenty Seven:
- Finale in Des Moines, Iowa

Keene, New Hampshire
- Speech with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Put up Billboards and Signs
- Sign Wave
- Meet with Local College Students

Mount Washington, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Sign Wave

Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Local Seniors
- Attend Local Festival
- Put up Billboards

Mike Pence to visit Russia in December 2019

As the Press Secretary announced today, the Pence Administration planned a visit in Russia with Vladimir Putin in December 2019. He is planning to discuss Ukraine, Syria, Iran and other important areas in which conflict exists. Many Administration staffers are saying that big announcements are to be expected out of this meeting.

Steve King Endorses Alex Jones - April 17, 2019

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(Brian Frank/Reuters)

IA-04 Representative Steve King endorsed Alex Jones during a Jones rally in Sioux City. A quote from his endorsement:


Jones hopes to have a strong showing in Iowa, the first contest of the primaries, to show he is a serious contender and to overcome the media (social media and the news media) blackout of his campaign.

LEGISLATION ROUNDUP (EDUCATION)

MICHELLE RHEE CONFIRMATION VOTE*

Aye: 54 (All GOP + Manchin)
Nay: 46
Secretary Rhee confirmed.

SCHOOL CHOICE BILL SENATE VOTE*
Aye: 55 (All "Aye" above + Gillibrand)
Nay: 45
Bill proceeds to House.

SCHOOL CHOICE BILL HOUSE VOTE*
Aye: 206
Nay: 227
Bill fails.

*As usual, if Senators or Representatives would like me to change their votes, please let me know.

Mike Pence @presidentpence

Great news that Michelle Rhee was confirmed to be Secretary of Education! I've got my full confidence in her as a reformer of a broken education system. Speaking of the system, it's sad to see that Dems will keep a lot of students (ESPECIALLY POOR HISPANICS AND AFRICAN AMERICANS) trapped in public schools which are horrifying failures instead of offering them the opportunity of better education. This will be my priority if re-elected.

(All images below are from Wikimedia Commons)


()

Blitzer: Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer.

()

King: And I'm John King. And this is your election update.

Blitzer: And this week marked by the confirmation of Secretary Michelle Rhee and the subsequent failure of the President's school choice legislation.

King: Many other news stories, as well, which you can check up on at cnn.com.

Blitzer: Numerous endorsements also flying, with almost all candidates receiving at least one.

Blitzer: That said, tonight we have a very special guest, Governor Steve Bullock of Montana. Governor Bullock, glad to have you on here.

()

Bullock: Glad to be here, Wolf.

Blitzer: Glad to hear it. Now, you’ve taken a more moderate tack on a number of issues, even drawing praise from the President for pointing out the fiscal irresponsibility of his tax cuts rather than unilaterally declaring it a tax cut for the rich that doesn’t benefit the middle class. What makes you believe this approach will be more viable among both Democratic and general election voters?

Bullock: I believe that, in this divided era, moderate views and approaches are refreshing to most American voters. Sure, you have people on the far left and right who are completely unreceptive to these views, but most Americans, whether Democratic, Republican, or Independent, are tired of Washington's hyperpartisan environment, and would be willing to vote for someone who's going to challenge this environment and bring unity back to the politics of these United States. The goal of my approach is to be the standard-bearer for this movement, and I am confident I can use it to win both the primary and the general election.

Blitzer: The partisan gridlock ends with you, I see. Now, you were viewed as one of the top finishers in CNN’s own Commander-in-Chief Forum earlier this year, according to a recent poll by AP News. What about your message do you think connected with so many voters?

Bullock: I think that my emphasis on unity and getting things done in Washington really resonated with voters. For all of recent memory, our federal government has been a symbol of bureaucratic inefficiency and partisan deadlock, and these perceptions were justified, as the passage of major legislation was a rare phenomenon. This remains true today - the only two major legislative additions made by Trump and Pence were the 2017 tax cuts and the recent infrastructure bill, and the former bill was basically a partisan affair. I believe nearly all Americans have tired of this, so my aim to work with all sides to pass urgently needed and quality legislation is relateable to many. Also, as I mentioned earlier, Americans have tired of the message of divisiveness being spread by the extremes of the Republican and Democratic parties that has become increasingly prominent in recent years.

Blitzer: A good message, given some pundits have spoken openly of civil war. Now, assuming you do win, what would your first 100 days be like?

Bullock: To be completely honest, because of how Congress works, I don't expect to have much passed by the 100-day mark. However, that doesn't mean I won't try. Upon taking office, I will start numerous initiatives, both legislative and otherwise, to ensure that Americans will get the reforms and new laws that they deserve by the end of my term. Firstly, I'll create a Presidential Commission on the environment. Climate change is perhaps the biggest crisis of our time, and as the world's superpower it's our duty to lead the charge in mitigating its effects. The goal of this Presidential Commission will be to evaluate the severity of the problem, both in the United States and globally, as well as the timeline for potential crisis points, like sea level rise. They will also be tasked with advising my administration and Congress with potential solutions, involving both the legislative and executive branches, that could help stop or even reverse its effects on our nation and others. I intend to appoint qualified candidates to the commission, such as professors from America's great universities and experts from both public and private fields. I will also have America re-join the Paris Climate Agreement. Secondly, I'll introduce multiple plans to Congress for consideration. A healthcare plan that creates a quality, low-cost, and optional government healthcare plan based on Medicaid to ensure that all Americans are receiving quality healthcare coverage. New, reasonable, gun control codes to finally bring an end to the age of horrific, heart-wrenching school shootings. Flexible energy subsidy grants to states to advance renewable energy across the nation and end the age of oil for good. And, a tax code that eliminates loopholes and ensures that the rich and corporations pay their fair share. During my first 100 days, I'll work with both sides of Congress and the public to craft and refine these plans, and through this process I hope to have strong, bipartisan plans addressing all these issues by the end of the year.

Blitzer: Brutal honestly better than sweet lies. Now, before you go, Governor, if you could tell the American people one thing tonight, what would it be.

Bullock: I'd like to emphasize the importance of pragmatism. Candidates to both my left and right are proposing aggressive ideas, like Medicare-for-All and drastic tax cuts, that sound revolutionary and appealing on paper. But, more importantly, they don't specify how they're going to support these plans, and where the money may come from. One of my major criticisms of Pence's failed tax plan was that it would require drawing funds from Obamacare, and the larger tax cuts some Republicans have proposed would gut other programs as well. To me, it seems like these tax cuts allow the rich to cheat the government of money while depriving the poor of the healthcare coverage and government aid they need to survive and succeed. On the other side, some of my fellow Democrats have proposed things such as Medicare-for-All, free college, and other plans that are solidly on the left of the political spectrum. While these plans would certainly help many in a vacuum, my colleagues didn't say how they were going to pay for these plans. Raising taxes on the rich can only provide so much money - these expensive projects would require tax hikes on the middle and lower classes, also known as regular Americans. I'm sad to see my fellow candidates ignoring this reality. As I've said before, as President I'll balance the need to control our debt with the need to provide more services for our citizens and the Earth that we live on. Lastly, I'd like to thank Wolf, CNN, and you viewers out there for making this interview possible.

Blitzer: Governor Bullock, always a pleasure to have you on.

Bullock: Likewise, Wolf.

Blitzer: And that will be all for tonight. Tune in on Wednesday for our interview with President Mike Pence.*

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Blitzer: Until then, I'm Wolf Blitzer.

King: And I'm John King.

Both: And this has been your Election Update.

*: Due to no response to interview questions (sorry if I forgot to send them; I did write them up), I'm temporarily assuming Ivanka is AFK; if I get some responses, her interview will go forward as planned.

"Like many Americans, I have firsthand experience with the opioid epidemic that is wracking our nation. I was raised by my grandparents because my mother was battling an addiction to opioids. In 2017, she died, and I decided I would honor her legacy by working to end this crisis and make sure no one has to fight this on their own."


"Since the 90s, we've seen a dramatic uptick in abuse, even while we have restricted overprescribing from medical professionals. I've heard from Americans, and we all agree that we can and should do more."


"As Senator of Wisconsin, I have fought to increase funding for community-based treatment and worked to halt illicit fentanyl intake into our country. As President, I will work to treat addiction as a public health crisis rather than a crime, increase access to Narcan to prevent deaths from overdoses, and legalize marijuana to allow alternatives to opioids to manage pain."



"I'm Tammy Baldwin, and I approve this message."

Hello, I am Seth Moulton and I am running for President of the United States this upcoming November, I have served as a Marine infantry commander, a fighter for freedom and equality, and a United States Congressman from Massachusetts. When I commanded one of the first Marine platoons into the city of Baghdad in 2003, it was not for a war I believed in, but it was for my brothers and sisters in uniform that I did it. the motto of the corps is Semper Fi, Always Faithful, words for every citizen to live by. I won't make my experience in the military an issue in this campaign, because if you ask a veteran what they think of grandstanding politicians, who don't walk their talk, they don't care about party they care about policy. That's why I ran for Congress, and that's why I'm running for President. We need a President who puts country over party and puts the people over politics.


I didn't work to fight the tax cuts, to be known for it here on the debate stage. I fought the tax cuts because they didn't help who would need them the most. In Iowa, I met a farmer who's struggling to make ends meet because of the tariffs, In New Hampshire, I met a family who had lost a father and son to the opioid crisis, and in Lowell, Massachusetts I saw a town get ripped to shreds over my entire life by the loss of the textile industry. I won't fight legislation put forward by anyone that helps those people, those in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Lowell who need the help. I will fight legislation that puts the people in the back seat and the President's "image" in the driver's seat. We need a President who has seen the dark side of things, and I have a message for President Pence today, I would like to work with you, to help fix Veterans Healthcare in this nation, why? Because those who have spent their lives protecting this nation and working for freedom and safety have been neglected, by both Democrats and Republicans for too long.


When I came to Washington, I came to create a better nation for my children. One where they will not be hampered by the bad policies of their predecessors, one where they won't be afraid of being shot and killed in school, and one where no parent and no child has to lose a loved one to opioid addiction. Together with me on this stage tonight is a group of career politicians and insiders. When I was in Iraq, it was to protect the men and women around me from harm. When I am in Washington it is to protect my constituents and my nation from harm, and when I am President my duty will be to my nation, my people, and my family. As I run for President, I am running not just in my own future, but the future of my children, and the future of our nation. I plead for you to give me the chance to launch America into a bright future, and not into a misguided, dark path.

---

Ledyard, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Door to Door with Volunteers
- Speak with Teachers at Local High School
- Release Plan for Workplace Sexual Assault Prevention
- Barnstorm Rural Areas

Leon, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staff
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Seniors at Retirement Home
- Barnstorm Rural Areas
- Fundraiser
- Attend Local Concert

Logan, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staff
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Barnstorm Rural Areas
- Meet with Local Union Workers

Algona, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Barnstorm Rural Areas

Rowland, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Union Workers

Mountain City, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- House Party

Austin, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Union Workers

Elgin, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- House Party

Lida, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Union Workers

Gabbs, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Union Workers

North Folk, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- House Party

Steptoe, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Union Workers

Thousand Springs, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser

Smith, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- House Party

Nixon, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Farmers

Charleston, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Union Workers

Ione, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Teachers

Unionville, Nevada
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Rally with Sen. Jacky Rosen and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet Local Union Workers

Bakersfield, California
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Release Plan to End Climate Change

Surveys of 2148 voters (evenly conducted among Democrats and Republicans, with 630 independents) conducted by Gallup found that 44% of Republicans and conservative leaning independents believe InfoWars host Alex Jones won last week's Republican presidential debate, while 28% apiece said Senator Rand Paul and President Mike Pence performed the best. This comes as a surprise, given the fact that Jones, prior to the debate, had only 4% support in the Republican primaries.

Among Democrats and liberal-leaning independents, 35% said they most approved of Senator Jeff Merkley's performance (again a surprise, as Merkley had not previously been doing well in polling, either), followed by those of Senator Amy Klobuchar (28%), Representative Seth Moulton (21%), and Senator Tammy Baldwin (11%). No other candidate was most supported by more than 10% of voters, although no candidate received an approval rating of their debate performance lower than 70%.

OOC: Per this, come Saturday, Messrs Jones and Merkley will receive three additional endorsement credits, and Messrs Pence and Paul, as well as Mrs. Klobuchar, will receive two additional credits. Also, these debates were very close, so don't despair if you didn't do as well as you hoped.

---

New York City, New York
- Open new Campaign Office
- Hire and Train new Staffers
- Fundraiser
- Attend Pride Parade
- Speak at NYU
- Door to Door with Staffers
- Sign Waving in Times Square
- Speak about College Tuition Costs
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Albany, New York
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Attend Pride Parade

Buffalo, New York
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Door to Door with Staffers

Syracuse, New York
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Pride Parade

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Fundraiser
- Speak about Reproductive Rights at Local Women's Health Center

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Fundraiser

Erie, Pennsylvania
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Launch "Heartland for Kirsten" Initiative

Derry, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Fundraiser

Rochester, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Meet with Local Labor Unions

Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Meet with Local Teachers

Londonberry, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Attend Local Concert

Hampton, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser
- Meet with Homeless at Homeless Shelter

Durham, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Local Teachers
- Pride Parade

Littleton, New Hampshire
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Meet with Local Union Leaders

Miami, Florida
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- "Latinos para Kirsten" Event

Orlando, Florida
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Speak about Gun Violence at Pulse Night Club
- Pride Parade

Tampa, Florida
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Local Union Workers
- Speak about Climate Plan

Jacksonville, Florida
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Local Teachers
- Speak about Plan for Racial Justice

Pensacola, Florida
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Seniors at Retirement Home
- Speak about Plan for Social Security

St. Petersburg, Florida
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Fundraiser

Key West, Florida
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Meet with Seniors
- Speak about Plan for Social Security

St. Louis, Missouri
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Speak about Plan for Racial Justice
- Fundraiser

Springfield, Missouri
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Meet with Local Teachers

Branson, Missouri
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Pride Parade
- Meet with Local Union Members

Kansas City, Missouri
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Speak about Plan for Healthcare
- Interview via Skype on CBS

Altoona, Iowa
- Open new Campaign Office
- Rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Abby Finkenauer
- Speak about Plan for Farmers
- Meet with Local Farmers