In light of President Snowguy's decision not run for a a second term, I'm officially exploring the possibility of seeking the White House.
I've been here once before. The February, 2011 campaign was at once exhilarating and fraught with tension and anger. I'm profoundly thankful that all concerned have put the experience behind us, and there's few people I respect more than my opponents in that race. Tmth was a fine President (and of course, put me on the Supreme Court, which doesn't hurt
), Marokai is a passionate and dedicated proponent of game reform in the Senate, and Ben has distinguished himself in a long career as Atlasia's most prominent diplomat. And Snowguy, my running-mate, who I felt especially bad about letting down, has gone on to become a wonderful President.
Today, Atlasia stands, potentially, at the dawn of a new era. The ambitious dual dissolution proposal will reinvigorate a game that many feel has become stagnant, ushering in a vibrant and exciting multi-party system. With an influx of new members due to the real world events of 2012, I'm hopeful that we could see a Golden Age of activity, debate and civic engagement.
At a time like this, Atlasia needs a President with the experience to work across party lines and lead the nation into this Golden Age. My record is out there - I was privileged to serve two terms as Governor of the great region of the Pacific, and to be elected twice to the Senate, and honoured to be nominated by the President to the Supreme Court.
I have never been an ideologue - when we were both Governors, Tmth and I worked together on common sense regional initiaves, I enthusiastically supported Junkie's Senate campaign, and one of my best friends and political partners is Senator Napoleon, whom I couldn't be further from on several issues, most obviously foreign policy. My instincts, however, are liberal, and if I run I look forward to debating Assemblyman ZuWo on the issues we disagree on, but I am fundamentally a pragmatist, and will take results over perfect ideological alignment any day.
Speaking of my potential opponent, I do not know Assemblyman ZuWo well, but while we disagree on many things I have come to greatly respect his unflinching dedication in standing up for what he believes in. He is a person of integrity, and I believe the nation would be well served by a debate between candidates with markedly different stances on the issues. If I run, that is a debate I would be eager to have. I must also applaud his choice of running-mate. Former Senator Jbrase has a laudable record, and would make an effective and active Vice-President.
Atlasia, as I have said, stands at what could be a Golden Age. In the coming weeks, I hope to speak with citizens both old and new to the game to see whether a Presidential campaign is the right decision. Please feel free to ask questions and give your input.
If I decide to get into the race, I will publish a platform detailing my vision for the new era of Atlasia that I'm hopeful we are entering.
Thank you and Dave bless!