2016 Election Game: Rules/Sign-Up Thread

[Jahnson]

I'd like to run as Bernie, if possible.

[Jahnson]

Bernie Sanders 2016

CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT

Burlington, VT, Friday, April 24th, 2015

"Thank you!

My name is Bernie Sanders and as of right now I'm running to give those whose voices are drowned out by billions of dollars in political contributions a say in the Oval Office.

I'm running to be your next president because I cannot sit idly by while our nation is plagued by egregious levels of inequality. Income inequality - the gap between the wealthiest and poorest citizens- is more than a problem. It is the defining issue of our time. We need to act now to reverse the tides of inequality before it's too late. The wealthy are doing better than ever while everyone else are having a tough time trying to get by in an economy rigged in favor of those who already have their share. Right now the 85 richest people in the world control as much wealth as the bottom half of the entire population of the world, more than 3.5 billion people, a statistic that should shock the  conscience of every single person, but sadly their are far too many members of our own Congress who refuse to even attempt to address widening inequality because they're too busy pandering to the billionaire class to bankroll their re-election campaigns. 

We need to increase the minimum wage to a truly living wage because the fact is, $7.25 is simply not enough. I propose an increase to $15 an hour including an index to inflation, because nobody who works hard everyday should go to sleep at night with an empty stomach. It is unacceptable that  this is the case for so many, and it's repulsive that some members of our Congress believe that the status quo is acceptable. If you put your faith in me to be you President I will seek to end this true economic injustice so that our hard workers can actually survive off of their earnings.

Today, our fundamental democratic values are being threatened due to the morally bankrupt Citizens United Supreme Court ruling which has enabled billionaires like the Koch brothers, who, but the way have already pledged to donate $800 million to advance extreme far right policies such as privatizing social security and abolishing public education, to hijack our electoral process to turn a quick profit. We, as a nation, cannot continue to be led down the path toward oligarchy. As your President I will push for an overturn of Citizens United and end corporate personhood to ensure that the people, not the wealthy few determine who goes to Washington.

Our environment must be a top priority, not only on the campaign trail but throughout the next administration whomever we elect, and I sure hope it's someone who doesn't deny basic science. The scientific community agrees, and no matter how many snowballs fringe Senators toss, our climate is changing and humans are indeed significant contributors. The United States must act now in order ensure that the earth that our parents left for us remains here for our children and their children.

Our road to the White House will not be easy. Others will have the backing of the oil companies, Wall Street bankers, the Koch Brothers, Walmart, and so on. They'll pay top dollar for spinmasters, attack strategists, and the like who'll tell them focused grouped lines that they say the people want to hear. I will not sacrifice my convictions to win a political campaign at any level, much less the Presidency, and I firmly believe that I don't have to. I believe that there are enough Americans who are fed up with a government that caters to the whims of corporations while millions of Americans suffer. Who believe that healthcare is a right not a privilege for those who can afford it. Who are tired of inaction while our Earth warms and our livelihoods are threatened. Who are sick and tired of trade agreements that benefit multinational corporations while so many lose their jobs back home. I believe that if we all unite to simply do the right thing we can achieve a society we can all be proud of. A society that cares for the sick, elderly, and poor, and ensures basic human rights for all its citizens. I believe that we can achieve these great things if we unite for progress. Thank you once again for attending, and I look forward to seeing you all on the trail!"

((occ: sorry if this is too long, wasn't sure if there are word limits on these things.))

Edit: Changed city from non-existent Bloomington to actual city Burlington