The Fierce Urgency of Now: Governor Blair for President

[Blair]

'Friends I've gathered you here today for an announcement. It's with great responsibility that I announce that I'm running for the Presidency of Atlasia. I do this, in the words of the great Dr King for 'the fierce urgency of now'. We face a challenge in Atlasia for our very survival; this is a battle we've faced since the last summer and it's a battle that we must face together.

I want to start my saying that I have nothing but respect for President Griffin. He's been a true champion for working people, and a tireless advocate for the Labor Party. But now is not the time for party politics; we need a President who can unite the nation, a president who can move us forward through the Constitutional Convention and most importantly a President who has the energy, experience and commitment to govern. I know that challenging an incumbent President is difficult, and I know that to do so in my own party will be a challenge; but it's a challenge that we must seek.

Many of you know me, but there's one thing I don't say enough-I love Atlasia. It's a cringey admission, and no doubt some will mock me for it but over the last year I've committed myself to the game-and I simply can't watch it fall apart. As always I'll be releasing my further campaign policies as I go along, and making my case for why I'm best suited for the job.

I've always seen the Presidency as something more than office-it's why I've passed up the opportunity to run in the past. The role of the President even during peaceful times is simple-you're the engine behind the game. Whether it's bringing new players in (regardless of party lines), putting policies through the Senate, appointing an active cabinet, making speeches or generally giving the game a fighting kick of life it's vital that we have the a President who can lead-I believe that I'm ready for this role.

I've served as Governor of the Northeast since October, and it's been the most enjoyable experience possible I've had in Atlasia. The Northeast has been a beacon... and shows just what is possible for Atlasia. We've united a region after a referendum debate, we've passed an economic bailout that draw together the public and private sectors, we've created jobs, we've expanded mental health care services, we've cut sales taxes, we've got a balanced budget and most of all-we've proved that the regions are a vital part of Atlasia.

I have nothing but respect for the other Governors-Leinad has brought the south out of a deep pit, and been a vocal champion for game reform, VPH  and Speaker NeverAgain have been vocal champions for economic improvement in the Midwest, Governor TMTHfuro helped lead the opposition to the Refugee bill that would have imposed religious quotas and the Senate is helping to rebuild the Pacific. The regions are the heart of the Atlasia, and as Governor I've shown just what they can do.

This has been a difficult decision for me to make friends-I know that some in my own party will question challenging a Presidential incumbent from my own party. I've always been a member of the Labor Party-I've served as an assembly member, Senator and Governor under the banner of Labor-that's why I intend to challenge President Griffin in a primary to let Labor members decide just who is best to lead us into a General Election. Of course if I lose I will not run as a third party candidate but I believe both within the party and outside we can send a signal- Atlasia's best days are in the future. I'll be taking my positive message, my vision and plans around the country. Now is the time for choosing friends. Thank you

[Blair]

Governor Blair (Lab-Northeast)

An interview with Governor Blair.

Q: Mr. Governor, you have decided to challenge President Griffin in the Labor primary. The last attempt to challenge an incumbent President in a primary was the Reaganfan (Fed-Mideast)'s one against President Duke (Federalist when was president, now an independent) but it failed. How do you feel about your chances?

A: I feel optimistic about my chances. President Griffin is respected in Labor. He's been a constant champion for working people. But I think once people in the party look at my own record-of expanding healthcare coverage, of passing an economic stimulus and of consistent leadership I think that Laborites will see that was is possible in the Northeast is possible in Atlasia. I know that it's an extraordinary step to take-but I think that many in the Labor Party feel that now is the time to stand up.

Q: In your announcement speech, you said that "it's time for a President who can unite the nation and for a President who has energy, experience and commitment to govern". Do you think Mr. Griffin didn't worked to unite the nation and that he has not the necessary energy, experience and commitment to govern?

A: I think that the President took good steps in October when he was elected; he's worked with a conservative Senate and appointed a full cabinet. But it takes more than that; my campaign is based on the fact that we need stronger actions. As Governor of the Northeast I've had high approval ratings because I've been active in a wide range of areas. The President is the face of the nation; and they need to be at the front of Atlasia's efforts to rebrand itself.

Q: How would a Blair presidency be different than the current one?

A: I'd lead a recruitment drive to bring new players into Atlasia; I know this is a hard thing to do but I joined Atlasia after a simple PM suggesting I'd enjoy it. I want to get more players involved.

They'd also be several policy differences; as proposed in the Senate I'd pass an economic stimulus to give financial support to the regions. We've got 8% unemployment across the nations, and I feel that this has been largely ignored. I passed a stimulus bill in the Northeast where we worked with the public, and private sector; I want to do this for Atlasia. I'd also pass legislation to let Refugees come into Atlasia, and codify the Paris climate talks. There's a lot of policy that I'd want to bring in, and my campaign will be releasing this after a while.

Q: Do you think a primary race between you and President Griffin is going to hurt the Labor Party's chances in the general election, regardless of who win?

A: Not at all. I have nothing but respect for President Griffin. I'm sure that many in the Labor Party understand this, and know the value of electing a strong leader. I'm certain that Labor voters will be able to rally around the winner; whether it's me or President Griffin.

Q: Foreign policy is going to be a major campaign issue. If elected President, what step will you take to stop the rise of ISIS and to make our country safer?

A: Well as we're seeing in the middle east I'd want to continue with our support for the Kurds; something I supported nearly a year ago. I'd want to arrange a peace conference to get peace in Syria, and get a long solution to the Iraq question; we've got three breakaway nations splintering out of Iraq and it's time to get an international solution to this. Likewise I'd want to increase funding for anti-terror co-operation with our NATO and middle east allies; whilst also expanding on the work of President Griffin to better coordinate our own police forces.

Q: You have been elected Governor of Northeast in October and you had to deal with the Northeast independence issue. As of now, looks like the movement is dead, with Register General Clyde1998 (Lab-Northeast) leaving the Northeast National Party and joining your party. If you'll be President and there will be new independence forces, even in other regions, how will you deal with them?

A: I'll deal with them in the way we did in the Northeast: make a positive and optimistic case. Atlasia works best when we have strong regions-the problem with Northeast Independence was that it would have divided us when we most needed to fight. For example, I've disagreed with a lot of the stuff done in the South but I praise them for raising these issues and being active. We've got a clause in the new ConCon to require 2/3rd approval to leave; if that happens that something truly bad would have to happen.

Q: Are you planning to announce your running mate first of the Labor convention vote or only if you win the nomination?

A: I've got a longlist drawn up of Vice-Presidential candidates; I'd have to wait until I hear from then to give you an answer for that. I can't provide any juicy gossip-yet!

[DKrol]

Endorsed!

[Clyde1998]

Endorsed!

[VPH]

Endorsed!!

[Clark Kent]

Dang, looks like I shouldn't have run for Senate.

Mr. Governor, while you're not my first choice in the general, I wish you good luck.

[Blair]

Endorsed!

Endorsed!

Endorsed!!

Dang, looks like I shouldn't have run for Senate.

Mr. Governor, while you're not my first choice in the general, I wish you good luck.

Appreciate it guys

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

ENDORSED!

[Blair]

I'd like to thank Senator Truman for his truly inspiring speech in support of my candidacy; it's a brilliant read.

 

Senator Truman with Northeast Governor Blair at the Labor National Convention

FRIENDS, LABORITES, COUNTRYMEN—Lend me your ears!

I have come here tonight in the knowledge that we stand on the eve of what future generations may well regard as the defining moment of this tempestuous age. The day's events have put me in a contemplative mood, and I beg your forgiveness if what follows is less clear that it might be. Fate is a fickle mistress: she is oft to mesmerize our senses with scenes of magnificent spectacle, seasoning our affairs with such portents and attractive omens as to convince us that here and now is where the battle will be fought, only to so silently, when our gaze is dropped, tip the domino that sets in motion a much greater drama. Such is our plight. What spoke of climax now is revealed to be but prologue, and the curtain now rises for the second Act.

Simply put, my friends, we of the Labor Party have a momentous decision to make, one whose effects will be far greater than any battle we have waged so far. I speak, of course, of the upcoming presidential primary that now confronts our party. In light of the grave responsibility before us, I ask that I might speak freely to you, unrestrained by the political calculations and partisan strategies that so often shape our words and actions.

In the two months since I assumed the presidency of the Constitutional Convention, I have become more intimately acquainted with the task before this country than all but a few of my colleagues in the capitol. "Challenge" is too soft a word for what we have left to do: ours is a job so vast, so taxing, and so weighty that the labors of Hercules seem small by comparison. I have done and will continue to do everything in my power to win the fight on the Convention floor, but for Atlasia to survive we need more than a presiding officer or a Senate committee: we need a president.

In this fateful hour, with the future of Atlasia in the balance, I offer my full endorsement to Governor Blair in his campaign for the presidency of our Republic. It is not often that we have the opportunity to elect a man with the combined vision and capacity as my good friend, the Governor. As Speaker of the Senate during the dark days of Bloody July, he was a steady hand in a sea of chaos; as Governor of the Northeast, he has united a people divided by a separatist movement and successfully staved off the plague of inactivity that has overrun much of the nation. Since joining the Constitutional Convention little more than a week ago, he has already contributed more than some delegates who have been here since September. In a time when the war horses and chess masters of old have failed to turn this country around, he is a voice of youthful optimism with the courage and ability to see this fight through to the end.

In making this endorsement, I mean no disrespect to our sitting president, who I continue to respect as the honorable public servant he is. As a progressive, I admire him; as a senator, I respect him; as an individual, I enjoy his company. Yet for all this, I am reminded of the parting words of my predecessor, Senator Polnut: this place doesn't have a prayer if it's relying on old war-horses to keep it alive. We cannot forever rely on nostalgia and old leadership to preserve an increasingly worthless status quo: today, as never before, Atlasia needs new blood, and with a competent, determined, and battle-tested champion like Governor Blair in the running, there is no reason to return to the past when we have the future before us.

I make this statement, not out of any deluded hope for personal gain - for indeed I have much to loose by taking up this banner - but because I genuinely believe that this election is an opportunity to breathe new life into Atlasia. No matter what the experts and the pundits say, we have a chance to make a difference, and it is up to us to do everything we can to build a better future for the generations of Atlasians who will come after us.

Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the next president of the Republic of Atlasia: my friend and colleague, Governor Blair!

Harry S Truman, Senator At-Large

[Simfan34]

A primary challenge without attacking the incumbent? What a sight is this!

[Blair]

The Presidency: What we can achieve

This isn't the most exciting speech to kick the campaign off with, and I apologize for the length. It is however crucial to my entire campaign; it's about how I would use, develop and maintain the office of President if I was so lucky as to be elected.

I talked about the fierce urgency of now in my announcement speech; and this most of all applies to the office of President. We need a President who acts as the face of the nation; and there are several ways that I want to do this. I've not only got executive experience as Governor of the Northeast; but I've also served as Senator, Speaker and Secretary of Home Affairs. This experience puts me in perfect position to navigate.

Firstly, I'd introduce a number of changes. I'd hold weekly meetings with both the Senate Speaker and Presiding officer of the ConCon. It's vital that the President keeps in close communication with the different branches of Government. I'd rather be the President that sends nagging PM rather than the President who is silent. I'll be issuing speeches, going on tours of foreign nations and always looking to engage with my Cabinet when I'm President. Likewise as President I'd be open to publishing a newsletter; allowing a clear update for Atlasian players about the state of the game.

Secondly, as President it would be about policy, policy and policy with me. It's how I've always governed; and I've got a track record of bringing people in from across the political spectrum. Whether it's police reform, expanding coverage for HIV/AIDS or passing a balanced budget in the Northeast I've always been dedicated to policy even with the ConCon occurring. I'd introduce legislation immediately to deal with the Refugee crisis, and the Paris Climate Talks; In fact we're currently debating a Refugee funding bill in the Northeast but we can't do anything further until the Federal Government acts

My vision for the Presidency is simple; let's have a President who is committed to bringing new players into the game, let's have a President with a track record of delivery, let's have a President with a plan to reform and modernize the office and finally friends let's have a President who is ready to lead.

[Blair]

Governor Blair's 5 Step Plan for the Presidency.

1.) Weekly Updates: We don't just need a President who is active behind the scenes; we need a President who is at the centre of the nation. If I'm elected President I'll hold weekly updates with the Senate Speaker, Cabinet members and the Presiding Officer. I'd also do a series of stump speeches, tours and campaigns to show that we have a truly active President

2.) Policy Leader: I've got experience working in the Senate, and working in the executive branch. I know how to pass legislation; and I intend to introduce to lead the spearhead to pass legislation that would sign the Paris Climate summit agreement into Law.

3.) Support for the Regions: The regions are the life blood of Atlasia; as Governor of the Northeast I've lead the fightback in activity since October. As I've been saying for months the regions need economic support; and I fully support Senator Dkrols effort to pass this in the budget. As President I would work to help get the Pacific back on it's feet.

4.) An International President: As President I'd want to be at the front lines of International diplomacy along with the Secretary of State. This means a tour of both Europe and the Middle East to meet with our most important allies, and of Asia to promote our economic opportunities. Along with appointing an active GM I hope that International relations can be a much bigger part of the Presidency.

5.) A President ready to lead: : We need a President who is ready to lead on the first day; and I've got the experience to do so. There's several things that the President will have to do after this election. They'll have to pass a budget, help lead the ConCon and be the face of the Atlasian Revival. I believe that I'm ready for this job.

Governor Blair

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

Governor Blair's 5 Step Plan for the Presidency.

1.) Weekly Updates: We don't just need a President who is active behind the scenes; we need a President who is at the centre of the nation. If I'm elected President I'll hold weekly updates with the Senate Speaker, Cabinet members and the Presiding Officer. I'd also do a series of stump speeches, tours and campaigns to show that we have a truly active President

2.) Policy Leader: I've got experience working in the Senate, and working in the executive branch. I know how to pass legislation; and I intend to introduce to lead the spearhead to pass legislation that would sign the Paris Climate summit agreement into Law.

3.) Support for the Regions: The regions are the life blood of Atlasia; as Governor of the Northeast I've lead the fightback in activity since October. As I've been saying for months the regions need economic support; and I fully support Senator Dkrols effort to pass this in the budget. As President I would work to help get the Pacific back on it's feet.

4.) An International President: As President I'd want to be at the front lines of International diplomacy along with the Secretary of State. This means a tour of both Europe and the Middle East to meet with our most important allies, and of Asia to promote our economic opportunities. Along with appointing an active GM I hope that International relations can be a much bigger part of the Presidency.

5.) A President ready to lead: : We need a President who is ready to lead on the first day; and I've got the experience to do so. There's several things that the President will have to do after this election. They'll have to pass a budget, help lead the ConCon and be the face of the Atlasian Revival. I believe that I'm ready for this job.

Governor Blair

Well, although I'll be voting for Leinad no matter what, good luck!

[Blair]

Governor Blair's 5 Step Plan for the Presidency.

1.) Weekly Updates: We don't just need a President who is active behind the scenes; we need a President who is at the centre of the nation. If I'm elected President I'll hold weekly updates with the Senate Speaker, Cabinet members and the Presiding Officer. I'd also do a series of stump speeches, tours and campaigns to show that we have a truly active President

2.) Policy Leader: I've got experience working in the Senate, and working in the executive branch. I know how to pass legislation; and I intend to introduce to lead the spearhead to pass legislation that would sign the Paris Climate summit agreement into Law.

3.) Support for the Regions: The regions are the life blood of Atlasia; as Governor of the Northeast I've lead the fightback in activity since October. As I've been saying for months the regions need economic support; and I fully support Senator Dkrols effort to pass this in the budget. As President I would work to help get the Pacific back on it's feet.

4.) An International President: As President I'd want to be at the front lines of International diplomacy along with the Secretary of State. This means a tour of both Europe and the Middle East to meet with our most important allies, and of Asia to promote our economic opportunities. Along with appointing an active GM I hope that International relations can be a much bigger part of the Presidency.

5.) A President ready to lead: : We need a President who is ready to lead on the first day; and I've got the experience to do so. There's several things that the President will have to do after this election. They'll have to pass a budget, help lead the ConCon and be the face of the Atlasian Revival. I believe that I'm ready for this job.

Governor Blair

Well, although I'll be voting for Leinad no matter what, good luck!

Cheers Good luck with your own re-election race that's happening right now, election night is always fun

[Blair]

I'd like to thank Senator Dkrol for his kinds words, and support.

Senator DKrol Speech at Dalton State College, Rallying Supporters of Governor Blair

Hello, friends! Thank you for having me here today at the beautiful Dalton State College! This institution is a shining example of innovation and 21st Century education. I'm truly glad to be here.

On the other side of town, the Labor Party is holding their convention. At that Convention, they will set out their party by-laws, select the location of their next convention, and endorse a slate of candidates for the Senator. More importantly, however, they will select their nominee for President of Atlasia. I am not a member of the Labor Party, but I am a concerned member of Atlasia and I am a voter. There is only one candidate who can give Atlasia the hope that we need. There is only one candidate that can lead Atlasia out of the ashes. There is only one candidate that I believe in. That candidate is my good friend, Governor Blair!

Atlasia needs a president who has lead an active region and can lead an active nation. Atlasia needs a president who has proven he can handle the challenges of the office. Atlasia needs a president who isn't an establishment cog but still knows how to get things done. Atlasia needs a president who understands how to inspire activity among the citizenry, rather than complain that there is no activity. Atlasia needs a president who is open, approachable, and kind. The only person running for President who meets those requirements is Governor Blair.

I've had several concerned Atlasians come to me in the last few days, asking me to run for President again. I ran in June 2015, as the Assembly Speaker, and I made a strong showing in the results. I have gained infinitely more experience since then and, if I ran, I think I could win against any candidate from the left. But this isn't my time, this isn't my race, because there is already a great candidate who represents the same issues I ran on: Openness is government, activity in government, and bridging the divide between the government and the citizenry. Governor Blair is the candidate I will be voting for in February because I believe that he embodies the concepts that I would have run on had I run.

Governor Blair is not a no name Laborite. He is a former Northeast Assemblyman, At-Large Senator, and is the current Governor of the Northeast. His time in government has been marked by progress. He has brought the Northeast economy back from the brink, caused by the Communist Crisis of 2015 and the apathy of the Bore Administration. He has stood up for the common Northeast citizen as Governor and fought to protect them when the federal government wasn't doing anything. Governor Blair understands how to lead our nation because he's led the Northeast to success.

Friends, this isn't a partisan issue. I'm a founding member of Civic Renewal and a former Federalist. I ran for president on a Civic Renewal/Federalist ticket. I'm considered a leading voice for the Right of this nation. And I'm supporting a Laborite for President because that Laborite is a voice for the common Atlasian. That Laborite is a caring individual who wants to create a national dialogue. That Laborite wants to bring Atlasia back to greatness.

I hope you'll join me in supporting Governor Blair for President of Atlasia! If you're a Laborite, go vote for him at the Convention! If you're not a Laborite, call your friends who are and ask them to vote for the Governor at their Convention! This election is so important because our next President will decide if Atlasia dies or thrives. I trust Governor Blair to make Atlasia a thriving hub of active and engaged citizens!

Thank you all!

[Kingpoleon]

Mr. Governor, your answers are ones that, though I may not entirely disagree with, I respect. I gladly prefer you to the President, who seems to be dodging my questions and avoiding the press overly.

One more question, if you please: Do you intend on a strict, partisan litmus test, or would you be willing to appoint someone such as Governor Leinad, Speaker Haslam2020, or even Secretary of Federal Elections Talleyrand to a potential Blair cabinet or the Supreme Court?

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Does this mean I'll need to join Labor?

[Adam Griffin]

Mr. Governor, your answers are ones that, though I may not entirely disagree with, I respect. I gladly prefer you to the President, who seems to be dodging my questions and avoiding the press overly.

Excuse me? Not only did I answer one of your questions mere hours before you posted this (and the other one just a short while ago), but I have given interviews within the past week and am participating in a public primary debate. Please do not contribute to an already-exaggerated and completely false narrative about my record.

[Blair]

Governor Blair for President:Press Release

My Opponent President Griffin attacked me in the debate for having the 'wrong type of activity' for Atlasia

Governor, first of all, I would definitely like to congratulate you on having conversations with yourself during the month of December.

You've mentioned that you'd like to "give more speeches" and "have more meetings" - all the while hitting me on "activity" - but these elements are not the definition of "activity". Activity comes from the combined input and output of dozens of engaged citizens and elected officials. Talking to yourself is not the definition of activity.

This attack is completely off the mark, and highlights perfectly why Labor members should back me, and my active approach towards Atlasia. We've got a choice in this election between ignoring certain types of activity and having a well rounded approach to the Presidency. We've got a choice between my opponent ; who has admitted that he doesn't care about the budget process and myself who's passed a balanced budget in the Northeast.

My opponent may want to criticize me for 'talking to myself' but frankly this does not represent my record at all. We brought people together in the Northeast after a referendum-you want to know how we did just... by talking! Don't let us be sucked into a trap where everyone dismisses the  need for political engagement, whilst then complaining about the lack of activity. As President I can combine being active in public where I'll make speeches, debate policy and fight at the ConCon whilst also working behind the scenes to keep the Federal Government working

I want to make one thing clear: I will never apologize for being active. Ask the people of the Northeast what happens when you have an active Governor who takes a lead; it lifts the rest of the region up. We can't let ourselves fall into this cynical trap: we need all types of activity in Atlasia

[Kingpoleon]

Mr. Governor, your answers are ones that, though I may not entirely disagree with, I respect. I gladly prefer you to the President, who seems to be dodging my questions and avoiding the press overly.

Excuse me? Not only did I answer one of your questions mere hours before you posted this (and the other one just a short while ago), but I have given interviews within the past week and am participating in a public primary debate. Please do not contribute to an already-exaggerated and completely false narrative about my record.

I congratulate you on answering with what is currently legal, what we currently have, and a slightly confusing but detailed account. As to avoiding the press, you aren't asking for questions like other candidates will. Mr. President, I did not mean to attack you on a personal level. If you cannot take slight "exaggerations," or, as I would call it, basing how you answer questions with how you answered from a nonaggressive citizen, I rather easily realized that you are, maybe subconsciously, at least sometimes giving a long answer that means nothing.

Mr. President, the fact that you feel the need to intervene aggressively when I, a citizen, post something you deem as a idiotic, uninformed, and incorrect statement in another candidate's thread, concerns me far more than any policy actions you have taken. I appear to have touched a nerve I did not mean to. I apologize, and I promise to do my best to not say anything that may be read as stupid and lying. I hope that in the future you and I may have a more amiable relationship, and I request that the next time someone mentions you in a possibly negative way you do not spring and calm down before answering.

[Adam Griffin]

Mr. Governor, your answers are ones that, though I may not entirely disagree with, I respect. I gladly prefer you to the President, who seems to be dodging my questions and avoiding the press overly.

Excuse me? Not only did I answer one of your questions mere hours before you posted this (and the other one just a short while ago), but I have given interviews within the past week and am participating in a public primary debate. Please do not contribute to an already-exaggerated and completely false narrative about my record.

I congratulate you on answering with what is currently legal, what we currently have, and a slightly confusing but detailed account. As to avoiding the press, you aren't asking for questions like other candidates will. Mr. President, I did not mean to attack you on a personal level. If you cannot take slight "exaggerations," or, as I would call it, basing how you answer questions with how you answered from a nonaggressive citizen, I rather easily realized that you are, maybe subconsciously, at least sometimes giving a long answer that means nothing.

Mr. President, the fact that you feel the need to intervene aggressively when I, a citizen, post something you deem as a idiotic, uninformed, and incorrect statement in another candidate's thread, concerns me far more than any policy actions you have taken. I appear to have touched a nerve I did not mean to. I apologize, and I promise to do my best to not say anything that may be read as stupid and lying. I hope that in the future you and I may have a more amiable relationship, and I request that the next time someone mentions you in a possibly negative way you do not spring and calm down before answering.

I realize that you are relatively new to the game and may not be familiar with some of the policies the game has implemented or rulings from the courts based on your initial questions: that is perfectly understandable.

I also see that you think I have acted "aggressively" in the wake of your statement that essentially accused me of not answering your questions or otherwise speaking publicly, despite the fact that I have been persistently active in both of these areas (I'm not sure if I am supposed to create my own media outlets and then issue my own interviews, but any request for an interview is always responded to affirmatively). I am active in the areas that truly affect the game's long-term health; I do not deal in pomp and circumstance, especially in such difficult times. I'm genuinely perplexed at what "asking for questions" means, as I am debating, discussing and campaigning simultaneously across multiple threads on this forum (that doesn't cover the ongoing ConCon, responsibilities in filling a cabinet now that the roles are stabilized via the Senate, and other elements). The President certainly has responsibilities that transcend that of a normal candidate, so there is not as much time or focus for/on some of the areas you seem to be implying I fall short of doing well.

With regards to me seeming aggressive, all I can say is that those who have been in the game for a considerable amount of time would tell you that my response to you was not aggressive in the slightest. Aggression is something I actually do quite well and intensely (it is in part why I was elected in the first place), and well, what you received from me was definitely not aggression. I was merely taken aback by your claims. Again, it seems a false narrative is being painted here; most know that I am aggressive, but they also know when I'm being aggressive. This is not one of those times.

And of course I am going to respond to criticisms about my record anywhere I see them, whether that be in an opponent's thread, in my own, in a publication or on the Senate floor. If that is considered to be aggressive, then I'm guilty as charged.

[Kingpoleon]

Mr. Governor, your answers are ones that, though I may not entirely disagree with, I respect. I gladly prefer you to the President, who seems to be dodging my questions and avoiding the press overly.

Excuse me? Not only did I answer one of your questions mere hours before you posted this (and the other one just a short while ago), but I have given interviews within the past week and am participating in a public primary debate. Please do not contribute to an already-exaggerated and completely false narrative about my record.

I congratulate you on answering with what is currently legal, what we currently have, and a slightly confusing but detailed account. As to avoiding the press, you aren't asking for questions like other candidates will. Mr. President, I did not mean to attack you on a personal level. If you cannot take slight "exaggerations," or, as I would call it, basing how you answer questions with how you answered from a nonaggressive citizen, I rather easily realized that you are, maybe subconsciously, at least sometimes giving a long answer that means nothing.

Mr. President, the fact that you feel the need to intervene aggressively when I, a citizen, post something you deem as a idiotic, uninformed, and incorrect statement in another candidate's thread, concerns me far more than any policy actions you have taken. I appear to have touched a nerve I did not mean to. I apologize, and I promise to do my best to not say anything that may be read as stupid and lying. I hope that in the future you and I may have a more amiable relationship, and I request that the next time someone mentions you in a possibly negative way you do not spring and calm down before answering.

I realize that you are relatively new to the game and may not be familiar with some of the policies the game has implemented or rulings from the courts based on your initial questions: that is perfectly understandable.

I also see that you think I have acted "aggressively" in the wake of your statement that essentially accused me of not answering your questions or otherwise speaking publicly, despite the fact that I have been persistently active in both of these areas (I'm not sure if I am supposed to create my own media outlets and then issue my own interviews, but any request for an interview is always responded to affirmatively). I am active in the areas that truly affect the game's long-term health; I do not deal in pomp and circumstance, especially in such difficult times. I'm genuinely perplexed at what "asking for questions" means, as I am debating, discussing and campaigning simultaneously across multiple threads on this forum (that doesn't cover the ongoing ConCon, responsibilities in filling a cabinet now that the roles are stabilized via the Senate, and other elements). The President certainly has responsibilities that transcend that of a normal candidate, so there is not as much time or focus for/on some of the areas you seem to be implying I fall short of doing well.

With regards to me seeming aggressive, all I can say is that those who have been in the game for a considerable amount of time would tell you that my response to you was not aggressive in the slightest. Aggression is something I actually do quite well and intensely (it is in part why I was elected in the first place), and well, what you received from me was definitely not aggression. I was merely taken aback by your claims. Again, it seems a false narrative is being painted here; most know that I am aggressive, but they also know when I'm being aggressive. This is not one of those times.

And of course I am going to respond to criticisms about my record anywhere I see them, whether that be in an opponent's thread, in my own, in a publication or on the Senate floor. If that is considered to be aggressive, then I'm guilty as charged.

You are a defensive, dramatizing, and polarizing person. I could admire these traits if you combined them in a positive manner. As it stands, I have offered an apology, which you have refused to accept. I attempted to get a clear answer, and instead you cited a lawsuit and did not indicate your position on such. I appreciate your detailed healthcare answer after having read my complaint and reading into it, apparently, some assumption that you would not answer or would dodge the question. I wish you did not come in, guns ablazing, "non-aggressively" into this thread because of a few words rather than contact me privately. If you wish to discuss more, I ask that you PM me so we do not clutter this thread. I gladly consent to the publicization and misconstruction of any of my PMs as you see fit and recognize that any lawsuit against you for miscontruing such would be illegitimate and pledge not to give a misconstruction on my end.

Mark my words, Mr. President: you should not engage me lightly, because I will not take personal attacks on my person because I may have had possibly intended to offend you. You ought to be above this, Mr. President. You can drop it, or you can continue your verbal abuse in the face of opposition rather than healthy discussion.

[Blair]

Labour Party Members: Are you still undecided?



Blair2015, Governor of the Northeast. Former Speaker and Senator, Fmr Secretary of Home Affairs and member of the Northeast Assembly.

See my campaign speeches:
The Fierce Urgency of Now: Announcement Speech

The Presidency: What we can achieve

Labor Values

Read my Endorsements:

Senator Truman's Endorsement

Senator Dkrol's Endorsement

My Campaign Plans.

A record that shows I'm ready to serve

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Why I'm a Labor member

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On the budget

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On Activity

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3 reasons to vote for Blair

1.)I can take on the Federalists: Not only am I the opponent the federalists fear the most but I've got a record of winning and governing in a state that has become more conservative. I've got high approval ratings of 12:1, and record trust levels in the Northeast.

2.) A Positive Record: Fixing the Northeast's economy, bringing new and old players into the game, passing an economic stimulus, protecting a women right to choose, defending refugee's rights and expanding mental health coverage. I've got a strong, and active record that can't be attacked

3.) Proven Leadership: During TNF's rebellion I lead the Senate in approving troops, and impeached Attorney General Al. I helped lead the effort to keep the Northeast in Atlasia, I lead the calls for a new, and improved Refugee plan and I challenged an incumbent President when many told me to wait. Atlasia cannot wait for real leadership

[Kingpoleon]

One more question, if you please: Do you intend on a strict, partisan litmus test, or would you be willing to appoint someone such as Governor Leinad, Speaker Haslam2020, or even Secretary of Federal Elections Talleyrand to a potential Blair cabinet or the Supreme Court?

[HagridOfTheDeep]

Popped in from an alternate dimension to see what was going on down here. And it's pretty glorious to see the sh!t hit the fan. I love when a certain character gets his knickers in a bunch. The true colours speak for themselves.

Anyway, good luck!