Election '92-game thread

[GoTfan]

Okay, let's kick things off.

Turn 1: June 1st-June 7th, 1991

Major headline:

Who's Running in '92?

July 1st, 1991

With President Bush's approval ratings at record highs, it is likely that he will run for re-election. However, John Voinovich, Governor of Ohio has formed an Exploratory Committee to challenge the incumbent for the Republican nomination this year. It is expected that his campaign will amount to little more than a protest vote though.

On the Democratic side though, several candidates have been exploring possible runs. Liberal powerhouse Mario Cuomo is reportedly giving serious consideration to run, and is expected to announce his candidacy soon. In addition, Former Governor of California Jerry Brown is considering a run, as is Senator Al Gore of Tennessee. The big surprise on the Democratic side is that former Mayor of Burlington and Vermont's sole Congressman, Bernard Sanders, a self-avowed socialist is considering a run.

As for third parties and independents, businessmen Donald Trump and Bill Gates are giving serious thought to running, while Congressman Ron Paul is thought to be seeking the Libertarian nomination, as he did four years ago.

Polling question: Who of the current potential candidates has your support? (done by party affiliation)

Republican:

President George H. W. Bush: 86.9%

Governor George Voinovich: 12.7%

Undecided: 0.4 %

Democratic:

Governor Mario Cuomo: 41.9%

Senator Al Gore: 29.8%

Former Governor Jerry Brown: 24.6 %

Congressman Bernard Sanders: 3.1%

Undecided: 0.6%

Independent/Third Party

Mr Donald Trump: 31.8%

Congressman Ron Paul: 27.8%

Mr Bill Gates: 24.6%

Undecided: 15.8%

Notes: Remember, use this turn to outline your primary platforms. Each candidate will receive the chance to influence their party platforms at their conventions. As for the independent/3rd party candidates, you also would do well do outline your platforms now. Come the time of the major conventions, various advisors (simulated by myself) will offer compromises on positions; it's your choice whether to take them up or not.

Good luck!

[GoTfan]

SO NeverAgain floated an idea to have the announcement week, then shift immediately to December. His reasoning being that these things tend to die out by the time of the Iowa Caucuses. He also said he would be willing to grant additional poll standings to those near the bottom of their respective primaries.

I happen to agree with him on this, but wanted everyone's opinion first.

[GoTfan]

To give everyone additional time, I'm issuing a 24 hour extension.

[GoTfan]

Okay, NeverAgain has his 5 hour warning. If he fails to post his schedule in time, we'll have to move on. I can't give anymore time. Bush will still have a decent lead anyway (he is the incumbent, after all)

[GoTfan]

Have you msg'd him? Reminding him that he needs to post? Maybe he didn't fully know what he had to do, or was busy, ect. I dunno. Just hate to see someone miss a post chance for something they've had some time now to post.

Twice. If I get no reply, I can probably get someone to take over and I'll simulate him running a rose garden campaign.

[GoTfan]

Oh, I am here. I have been on a couple of things today. I apologize for the AFK responses!

I will get to work here quick.

You have three hours.

Also, only simossad has asked for endorsements. I suppose that has something to do with the coming skip to December though.

[GoTfan]

Endorsements huh? Didn't think about that. Would we just msg you and ask? I'd have to do some research to figure out who would actually endorse brown in 92.

Yeah. Just PM their name, office and reasons for endorsing.

[GoTfan]

Okay, we are moving on in 1 hour.

[GoTfan]

Endorsements huh? Didn't think about that. Would we just msg you and ask? I'd have to do some research to figure out who would actually endorse brown in 92.

Yeah. Just PM their name, office and reasons for endorsing.

Unfortunately, I can't send pms, wish I had discovered this site earlier, can't post pics, can't pm xP.

Try popping over to the other boards to boost yourself.

[GoTfan]

Okay, skipping to December in 3, 2, 1 . . .

Turn 2: December 1-7 1991

Interesting Developments on Campaign Trail

With hindsight over that last few months, it would appear the gloves came off in the announcement speeches. With each candidate having outlined their platforms, there have been some notable surprises.

The big surprises have been Governor Voinovich and Congressman Sanders. Both candidates have been gaining in the polls, with Voinovich beginning to emerge as a visible threat to Bush's renomination. Sanders' brand of 'Democratic socialism' appears to have taken hold in the northeast, as many opponents of the death penalty, disappointed in Governor Cuomo's decision to leave the death penalty to the states, flock to the Sanders base, while Voinovich has won support from those disappointed from Bush's promise not to raise taxes.

On the independent side, Trump, Gates and Paul have been making steady progress in their campaigns, with Trump scoring several notable endorsements this week, notably former District Attorney Rudy Giuliani of New York.

Minor Headlines:

Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: Mario struggling to hold lead

Sen. Gore: Al emerging as moderate alternative to Cuomo

Fmr. Gov. Brown: Jerry Brown campaigns on libertarian agenda

Rep. Sanders: Sanders beginning to gain some ground

Republicans:

Pres. Bush: George Bush on defensive

Gov. Voinovich: Voinovich locked in for primary debate with Bush

Independent/3rd Party

Mr Trump: The Donald begins to gain on major parties

Rep. Paul: Is Ron abandoning the Republicans for good?

Mr Gates: Is Gates a viable alternative to the radicalism of Paul?

Polls (national; conducted by party affiliation)

Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: 38.7%

Sen. Gore: 31.2 %

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 25%

Rep. Sanders: 5%

Undecided: 0.1%

Republicans:

Pres. Bush: 76.9%

Gov. Voinovich: 19.4%

Undecided: 3.7%

Independent/3rd Party:

Mr Trump: 35.7%

Rep. Paul: 29.7%

Mr Gates: 27.6%

Undecided: 7%

State (since this is for the primaries, only Republicans and Democrats are being polled)

Iowa Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: 40.2%

Sen. Gore: 29.2%

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 25.6%

Rep. Sanders: 4.8%

Undecided: 0.2%

Iowa Republicans:

Pres. Bush: 88.7%
Gov. Voinovich: 10.3%
Undecided: 1%

New Hampshire Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: 36.7%

Sen. Gore: 32.9%

Rep: Sanders: 14.9%

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 14.1%

Undecided: 1.4%

New Hampshire Republicans:

Pres. Bush: 71.2%

Gov. Voinovich: 27.4%

Undecided: 1.2%


Notes: Filing for the Iowa Caucuses is now open and will close on the 14th. As the incumbent, President Bush is automatically on every ballot on the Republican primary.

[GoTfan]

Endorsements & Debates

President George Bush: Former President Ronald Reagan; Former White House Director of Communications Pat Buchanan of Washington DC; Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole

Mr Donald Trump: Mr Ross Perot of Texas; Retired Admiral James Stockdale; Former District Attorney Rudy Giuliani

1st Democratic Primary Debate

Location: Iowa State University; Ames, Iowa.

Date: December 3, 1991

Sponsors: Cable News Network (CNN) and the Iowa Democratic Party

Invited: Governor Mario Cuomo of New York; Senator Al Gore of Tennessee; Former Governor Jerry Brown of California; Congressman Bernie Sanders of Vermont

Moderator: Wolf Blitzer

Questions:

General:

The Democratic Party has not won a Presidential Election since 1976. How do you plan to return the White House to your Party?

President Bush's approval ratings have been at record highs since the conclusion of the Gulf War. How do you expect to defeat a man with such support?

Will you all pledge to support the eventual nominee; regardless of who they may be?

Specific:

Governor Cuomo, in 1984 the Demcoratic Party nominated former Vice President Mondale and in 1988 they nominated Governor Michael Dukakis. These men were both noted liberals. How can a liberal reclaim the White House for the Democrats when the last Democratic victory in 1976 was won by Jimmy Carter, a moderate?

Senator Gore, going off of Governor Cuomo's question, how can a moderate such as yourself rally the traditionally liberal Democratic base?

Governor Brown, you have been described as simultaneously the most left-wing and most right-wing candidate in the race. Is this how you would describe yourself?

Congressman Sanders, how can a self-confessed socialist such as yourself hope to win a General Election when the country has moved in a more conservative direction under Reagan and Bush?

1st Republican Primary Debate

Location: University of Hawaii; Honolulu, Hawaii

Date: December 7, 1991

Sponsors: Wall Street Journal and Hawaii Republican Party

Invited: President George H. W. Bush; Governor George Voinovich of Ohio

Moderator: John Harwood

Questions:

General:

Today is the commemoration of 50 years since the Bombing of Pearl Harbor. Hawaii has a large Japanese-American community; and many feel that their efforts during World War 2 were overlooked due to racial discrimination. This question is in two parts. How will you honor and protect our veterans and how will you address the still-festering wounds of racism in this country?

The current Democratic field includes Congressman Bernie Sanders; an avowed socialist. Most people thought he would not gain much traction, but he is surging in New England and his policies seem to appeal to the younger generations. What does this say about the country today?

Finally, will you pledge to support the eventual nominee; no matter who it is?

Specific:

President Bush, during your time as Vice president, you were a noted critic of President Reagan's economic policy, notably referring to it as 'voodoo economics'. Do you still view trickle-down economics in this light or has your position changed?

Governor Voinovich, why have you challenged an uncumbent President from your own party in his bid for re-election?

1st Independent/3rd Party Debate

Location: Chicago Hilton; Chicago, Illinois

Date: December 5, 1991

Sponsor: Foundation for Free Campaigns and Elections

Invited: Mr Donald Trump of New York; Congressman Ron Paul of Texas; Mr Bill Gates of Washington

Moderator: Larry King

Questions:

General:

Do you believe that our current election system unfairly favors the Democratic and Republican Parties?

The North American Free Trade Agreement is slowly beginning to turn into a major issue. Do you support NAFTA or are you opposed to it?

Why have you decided to run as independents and third party candidates, rather than running in a major party primary?

Specific:

Mr Trump, you notably leveled heavy criticism against trickle-down economics in your platform. As President, would you push to repeal President Reagan's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans?

Congressman Paul, this is the second time in as many elections that you are running as a Libertarian. Have you, as a holder of federal office, finally turned your back on the Republican Party?

Mr Gates, you call yourself a 'classical liberal'. What exactly does this entail and how do you plan to enact your ideas in an increasingly partisan landscape?
 

[GoTfan]

Before I post my shedule, I have a question.

In the 1992 cycle, the libertarian convention happened in August of 1991. Did Ron Paul win, or is the convention taking place on a different date?

I  . . . didn’t  know that. We'll say that Ron Paul won the Convention, but 2ith some thinking that he's turning into the Adlai Stevenson of the Libertarian Party.

[GoTfan]

Before I post my shedule, I have a question.

In the 1992 cycle, the libertarian convention happened in August of 1991. Did Ron Paul win, or is the convention taking place on a different date?

I  . . . didn’t  know that. We'll say that Ron Paul won the Convention, but 2ith some thinking that he's turning into the Adlai Stevenson of the Libertarian Party.

Who did we vote for VP? With Paul convincing Harry Browne to run, and endorsing him for the position.

In that case, we'll say Browne won the VP nomination on the 4th ballot despite a tough challenge from Nancy Lord.

[GoTfan]

Okay, I need to throw something out here. Simossad already know what I'm about to say because I told him in a PM.

Recently, my girlfriend of 6 years and fiance of 3 weeks was killed by a drunk driver. As you can imagine, it's hit me pretty hard.

I won't be updating this game for a few more hours at least to attend her funeral. Sorry guys.

[GoTfan]

Okay, I seem to have recovered. Thanks for the support and everything guys.

I'll wait another 12 hours for NeverAgain to get his schedule up, then we'll move on.

[GoTfan]

Okay, NeverAgain will have his schedule up soon. Then we'll move on.

[GoTfan]

Okay, let's get going. I have been in contact with NeverAgain, and have granted him special conditions.

Turn 3: December 8-14, 1991

Strong Performances in Debates From All

With the first primary debates having passed, it appears that Cuomo is struggling to hold his lead in the Democratic primary, as the moderate-to-liberal ideology of Gore appears to be taking hold in the south, and is directly threatening Cuomo in New Hampshire. With Sanders continuing his surprise surge in the northeast, he is beginning to turn himself into a legitimate threat to the established candidates Cuomo, Gore and Brown.

"Cuomo held his own in the debate." Said the Associated Press's John King. "But holding his own isn't going to help him; he needs solid debate wins, and he didn't get it last week."

Most polls seem to agree with King's assessment, as snap polls taken immediately after the debate seemed to indicate a narrow win for Gore over him.

"Gore was able to push his case for attracting moderates and liberals alike." Said King, "He's definitely got a shot if he can keep up this message."

On the Republican side, Voinovich is nearly within striking distance of President Bush in New Hampshire. This could be a major worry for the Bush campaign, as the last challenger to an incumbent President that won a state was Ronald Reagan in 1976. However, he also seems to have taken a slight hit in the south, as his comments on Congressman Sanders at the Republican debate seem to have lessened his support among conservatives

There also seems to be some old rifts surfacing on the Republican side, as Gerald Ford has made a surprise move and endorsed Voinovich, perhaps hinting to some bitterness towards Reagan over the 1976 primary.

On the side of the independents, Trump was widely seen as the winner of the independent/third party debate, despite what everyone agreed was a strong performance by all candidates. Indeed, some news outlets are already suggesting that Mr Trump might be able to disrupt the election, especially if he is allowed into the main Presidential debates. Not to discount the other candidates though; Paul's libertarianism appears to have struck a cord with Repulicans who support the Reagan tax policies, but are tired of war, while Gates seems to be focusing on his mix of social liberalism and fiscal conservatism, citing it as a way to get things done.

Minor Headlines:

Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: Can Cuomo hold on?

Sen. Gore: Gore is gaining

Fmr. Gov. Brown: Brown a hypocrite? Steve Forbes and his magazine endorse the Governor.

Rep. Sanders: The "Sanders Surge" continues

Republicans:

Pres. Bush: Bush running rose garden campaign?

Gov. Voinovich: Voinovich: "We should not fear Sanders"

Independent/3rd Party

Mr Trump: Can Trump throw a wrench into the election?

Rep. Paul: Paul: "The Republicans left me"

Mr Gates: Gates promises to end partisan gridlock, but can he really?

Polls (national)

Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: 38.3%

Sen. Gore: 31.4 %

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 25.1%

Rep. Sanders: 5.2%

Republicans:

Pres. Bush: 76.7%

Gov. Voinovich: 21.6%

Undecided: 1.7%

Independent/3rd Party:

Mr Trump: 36.9%

Rep. Paul: 30.3%

Mr Gates: 29.2%

Undecided: 3.6%

State:

Iowa Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: 39.8%

Sen. Gore: 29.8%

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 25.4%

Rep. Sanders: 5%


Iowa Republicans:

Pres. Bush: 88.4%

Gov. Voinovich: 10.9%

Undecided: 0.7%

New Hampshire Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: 36.3%

Sen. Gore: 33.1%

Rep: Sanders: 15.6%

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 14.4%

Undecided: 0.6%

New Hampshire Republicans:

Pres. Bush: 69.1%

Gov. Voinovich: 30.7%

Undecided: 0.2%

[GoTfan]

Endorsements and notes

Endorsements

Governor Voinovich: Former President Gerald Ford

Senator Gore: Senator Tom Harkin; Senator Byrd; Governor Clinton; Senator Lieberman

Mr Gates: Congressman Allan Swift

Mr Trump: Governor Bill Weld; Former Congressman John Anderson; Senator Paul Simon; Senator John McCain; United Steelworkers

Former Governor Brown: Steve Forbes; Forbes Magazine

Congressman Paul: Former State Representative Andre Marrou; Mr Ed Clark; Mr Charles Koch; Mr David Koch; Mr Drew Carey; Mr Penn Jilette; Mr Clint Eastwood

Notes:

The following candidate are on the ballot for their party's Iowa Caucus

Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo

Fmr. Gov. Brown

Sen. Gore

Rep. Sanders

Republican:

President Bush

Gov. Voinovich


Filing for the New Hampshire Primary begins this week and will close on the 21st.

[GoTfan]

We have 11 hours left.

[GoTfan]

Hey guys, I'm having to quit this TL, after finding out that my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Between this and finishing HS, I am unfortunately going to have to drop out

No need to apologise mate.

[GoTfan]

When is the next turn going to start?

Soon. I've been preparing for my trip to the US, so it might become difficult for me to coordinate, but I'll do my best.

[GoTfan]

Okay, next round will be kicking off soon. I'm been a little preoccupied with getting ready for my trip to the US. Just bear with me for a few more hours.

[GoTfan]

Turn 4: December 15-21, 1991

Morgenthau: We Are Taking This Seriously

The big story this week was an advertisement released by the Gates campaign featuring a woman with a blurred face and distorted voice to hide her identity. The woman claimed that Gates' fellow independent candidate, Mr Donald Trump, and forced himself on her, that he "threatened to hurt me if I ever came out about it" and she urged the American people "not to vote for this vile man"

In light of these accusations, New York County District Attorney Robert Morgenthau has stated that the New York Police Department is preparing an investigation of Mr Trump.

"We'd be fools not to take this seriously" said Morgenthau, "These accusations are very serious and demand legal attention."

However, Morgenthau also urged people to hold back from passing judgement. "No man is guilty until he's been proven so, and Mr Trump has not been proven guilty of anything."

Lee Patrick Brown, the New York City Police Commissioner, has confirmed that the NYPD is investigating the accusations, but has not made any further statements.

This affair has brought Mr Trump's surge to a screeching halt. He now faces a stiff fight to hold his lead over other independents, particularly Mr Gates, who has experienced a surge in the polls.

On the Democratic side, Cuomo has managed to hold onto his status as frontrunner, but Gore continues to close the gap. Brown has experienced a surge in western states, and now leads in Washington, Oregon, Nevada and his home state of California. Sanders meanwhile, continues to surge in New England, and is now within striking distance of Gore for second place in New Hampshire, while continuing to romp ahead in his home of Vermont.

The withdrawal of John Voinovich has left Bush unopposed in the Republican primary, but Bill Gates is reportedly seeking to get on the ballot for the New Hampshire primary. However, he has faced opposition from Former President Reagan, who calls it "an attempt to hijack the Republican Party". Moreover, Governor Judd Gregg is vehemently opposed to Gates being on the ballot. The New Hampshire Supreme Court will make a decision on that this week.

Minor headlines:

Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: Cuomo still has no major endorsements

Sen. Gore: Gore closing on Cuomo

Fmr. Gov. Brown: Brown surges in the west

Rep. Sanders: Sanders emerging as a threat?

Republicans:

President Bush: Bush now presumptive nominee; will Quayle be renominated for VP?

Independent/3rd Party

Trump: Donald in hot water

Gates: Gates launches attempt to be on NH primary ballot

Paul: Ron goes cowboy with Eastwood in new ad

Nationwide polls (since Bush is unopposed nationally, Republican primary polling will no longer be taken:

Democratic:

Gov. Cuomo: 37.9%

Sen. Gore: 31.5%

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 25.2%

Rep. Sanders: 5.4%

Independent/3rd Party

Mr Trump: 35.8%

Mr Gates: 32.7%

Rep. Paul: 30.9%

Undecided: 0.6%

State Polls:

Iowa Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: 39%

Sen. Gore: 30.2%

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 25.5%

Rep. Sanders: 5.3%

New Hampshire Democrats:

Gov. Cuomo: 36%

Sen. Gore: 33.4%

Rep. Sanders: 16%

Fmr. Gov. Brown: 14.2%

[GoTfan]

Endorsements and notes

Endorsements:

President Bush: Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia; Senator Phil Gramm of Texas; House Minority Whip Newt Gingrich of Georgia; Senate Minority Whip Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming; Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania; Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana

Senator Gore: Former Lieutenant Governor Jo Ann Zimmerman of Iowa; Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska; House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri

Congressman Sanders: Reverend Jesse Jackson of South Carolina; Mr Ralph Nader of Connecticut

Former Governor Brown: Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell of Maine

Mr Gates: Governor Ann Richards of Texas; New Hampshire Union Leader; Governor John R. McKernan Jr. of Maine

Notes:

So last turn threw up some surprises. Gates' attempt to get on the Republican ballot in the New Hampshire Primary will be under consideration this week, and both Gates and Bush will have the opportunity to present their cases to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, or send a surrogate to do so on their behalf.

The other surprise is Gates' use of his attack ad on Donald Trump. Robert Morgenthau or the NYPD may request a private interview with either candidate this week as part of the investigation. The woman featured in the ad may also be subpoenaed to appear in court should the case proceed to a trial.

New Hampshire Democratic Primary Ballot:

Sen. Gore

Fmr. Gov. Brown

Gov. Cuomo

Rep. Sanders

Filing for the Maine Caucuses begins this turn and will close on the 28th.

[GoTfan]

Official document of the New Hampshire Supreme Court

The following persons are requested to attend a hearing on the 17th of December, 1991 in regards to the ballot confirmation of Mr Bill Gates in the 1992 New Hampshire Republican Primary Election.

Mr George H. W. Bush, 41st president of the United States of America

Mr Bill Gates, Chief Executive Officer of the Microsoft Corporation

The persons may send an individual on their behalf. Failure to fulfill both of these requests will force the court to use testimony provided by local volunteers to both campaigns.