The Fight of 2020

[NHI]

*Help us Hillary, You're Our Only Hope will Go on an undetermined hiatus. With Huntsman bowing out of the race I've come up with what I believe is an interesting idea for a timeline.

Election: 2012
Romney/DeMint v. Obama/Biden

Romney/DeMint: 276 (49.6%)

Obama/Biden: 262 (48.3%)

Election: 2016
Romney/DeMint v. Schweitzer/Kaine

Romney/DeMint: 315 (51.0%)

Schweitzer/Kaine: 223 (47.3%)

Election of 2020: Nomination Fights

As 2020 neared The Republicans had reason to be happy. Unemployment stood at 5.2% and Pres. Romney held a commanding 56% approval rating. With Vice President DeMint opting out of the the Republican field became wide open. On the Democratic side the same applied. While Tim Kaine was the favorite among some in the establishment wing, many in the grassroots were opting for a much different candidate.

Among the first to announce their candidacies for the GOP nod were Senators Marco Rubio and Rand Paul. On the Democratic Side Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sen. Tim Kaine  and Rep. Annie McLane Kuster all announced their campaigns. Yet the candidate many were waiting for was the announcement of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

With two strong conservative candidates already in the race, Former Secretary of State Jon Huntsman began to explore the possibility of running for President, once more.

[NHI]

The Republican Candidates:

Declined:

Sen. Paul Ryan: 2019-Present

Gov. Scott Brown: 2019-Present

Frm. Gov. Bob McDonnell: 2010-2014

Democratic Candidates:

The race on both sides was open, though on the Democratic side some believed Cuomo would ultimately win. On the Republican side lied much more uncertainty. Paul, Rubio, and Haley, along with Lamontagne fought for the conservative vote, while Huntsman and Christie fought for the moderate vote. Though Christie was viewed as the favorite from many in the establishment, while others leaned towards Huntsman given his connection to the Romney Administration, for him having served as Secretary of State for the first term. While many wrote him off during his run in 2012, he was now seen by some as the heir apparent.

The real battleground lied in Iowa, for Lamontagne, despite only serving two years as governor was the favorite to win the New Hampshire Primary. Not wanting to have a replay of his mistake in the Grainte State from eight years earlier Huntsman made a play in Iowa, hoping a win there would give him the needed momentum to win the nomination.

On the Democratic side Cuomo led in all states, including the home state of Rep. Annie McLane Kuster. Kuster who was narrowly elected in 2014 after narrowly defeating State Representative Brian Murphy, Kuster was viewed by many to be the favorite among grassroots activists in the party.

Early in the process newly elected Governor Scott Brown endorsed Chris Christie for President, calling him the man who will continue the economic policies that brought America back. While The New Hampshire Union Leader endorsed Marco Rubio, calling him "the first real conservative since Ronald Reagan."

Lamontagne eventually suspended his campaign in late November, citing a lack of funds and poor polling in Iowa and a drop in New Hampshire. By December Rubio, Haley and Paul fought for first place in Iowa, while Christie hoped to capitalize on the division and pull a surprise win. Meanwhile Huntsman decided to shift his focus once again to the Granite State.

"I need you help New Hampshire, now more then ever!"

Polling:

Iowa:

Paul: 24%
Rubio: 23%
Haley: 21%
Christie: 19%
Huntsman: 10%

New Hampshire:

Christie: 29%
Huntsman: 24%
Paul: 21%
Rubio: 14%
Haley: 11%

In a CBS interview Pres. Romney was asked about the race for the GOP nomination and on the prospects of his endorsement.

"I have no plan to endorse right now. Certainly if it were the incumbent Vice President running, I'd endorse him, but this is a very fluid race and I'm going to wait and see how the first few contests go before I make my choice."

"Would you like the President's endorsement?"

"Who wouldn't is probably the better question. But, look I've spoken with President Romney and he said he was going to remain neutral for part of the race and that's fine. I think we're in an age where endorsements don't matter. Senator Rubio won the Union Leaders and he's fourth or fifth in the polls in New Hampshire. It's about people, they decide these elections."

[NHI]

Iowa Caucuses:

King: Whoever wins Iowa tonight has the real chance to shakeup this race. Christie is going strong in New Hampshire and tonight it will be interesting to see who the conservatives rally around as the alternative if you will.

Burnett: David Gergen, what do you make of Jon Huntsman's campaign, at this point?

Gergen: He's really now different than he was eight years ago. He tried to play Iowa, but when the numbers didn't move he shifted it his focus to New Hampshire again. The problem for Huntsman is he is too much the ambassador, the secretary of the state and not the politician. There is no wow factor with him. I don't expect him to do well in Iowa, but he's got to do well enough in New Hampshire that he can justify staying in. Because, Christie is the establishment pick and after tonight it's going to be either Paul or Rubio.

Burnett: What abou Haley?

Gergen: She had a some strong debate performances, but she opted out of running for reelection in 2014 so that hurt her and in Iowa she's never been able to break out of third place. Which would be find if Rubio and Paul weren't ahead of her. I can't see staying in to South Carolina unless she's number two or first tonight.

Cooper: And with that we have to interrupt because we have some of the first results from Iowa tonight, John.

King: Based on the exit polls we've been receiving Sen. Rand Paul has been sweeping the deck in every column. The biggest shift is in the electability realm. For months Governor Christie and others have said Paul was not electable, well Iowa is proving that wrong tonight. He trumps Christie in this states in terms of electability.

Breakdown: Ideology
Very Conservative: Paul: 42% Christie: 29%
Somewhat Conservative: Christie: 29% Paul: 29%
Moderate/Liberal: Christie: 40% Paul: 36%

Breakdown: Electability
Paul: 39%
Christie: 25%
Rubio: 17%
Huntsman: 11%
Haley: 6%

King: Now looking at some actual results it appears that Senator Rand Paul is leading, though Chris Christie is not far behind.

Iowa:

Paul: 28%

Christie: 26%

Rubio: 21%

Haley: 17%

Huntsman: 7%

King: CNN can now project that Former Governor and Secretary of State Jon Huntsman will finish last, in Iowa tonight and we project that Governor Haley will finish in fourth. The race is now between Paul, Rubio and Christie for first, second and third.

King: On the Democratic side we are able to much a much easier projection. Tim Kaine will finish first in Iowa tonight. An early night for the Democrats who now begin the march towards New Hampshire.

Iowa:

Kaine: 43%

Kuster: 27%

Cuomo: 15%

Schultz: 11%

Pink: Kaine

Dark Red: Kuster

Red: Cuomo

....

King: We are finally able to project that Sen. Rubio will finish third tonight, leaving the race now between Sen. Paul and Gov. Christie.

Iowa:

Paul: 28.9%

Christie: 27.0%

Final Result:

In the end Sen. Paul won the Iowa Caucuses, beating out the insurgent Chris Christie who finished a strong second. The campaign then headed to The Granite State where Huntsman hoped for a rebound, while Paul hoped to capitalize on Iowa with a slam dunk in New Hampshire.

Iowa:

Paul: 29%

Christie: 27%

Rubio: 21%

Haley: 16%

Huntsman: 6%

Green: Paul

Black: Haley

Gold: Tied by Christie and Paul

Blue: Rubio

Orange: Christie

Ron Paul introduces his son Rand Paul following his victory in Iowa.

Folllowing the results Debbie Wasserman Schultz ended her campaign and endorsed Tim Kaine. While Gov. Haley returned to South Carolina, but would not comment yet on the future of her campaign. As the race became to settle and candidates began to thin, the Race for the GOP nomination looked to be between Chris Christie and Rand Paul, while on the Democratic Side a three way fight between Cuomo, Kuster and Kaine.

New Hampshire: Republican Polling

Christie: 30%

Paul: 27%

Huntsman: 27%

Rubio: 8%

Haley: 5%

New Hampshire: Democratic Polling

Cuomo: 32%

Kuster: 32%

Kaine: 30%

[sentinel]

Ron Paul would be 85 years old...

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Ron Paul would be 85 years old...

No, Rand is running, Ron is just campaigning for him, if thats what you mean.

[sentinel]

Ron Paul would be 85 years old...

No, Rand is running, Ron is just campaigning for him, if thats what you mean.

Ah sorry, misread the photo caption.

[Jerseyrules]

Neat!  Rand Paul / Marco Rubio (Christie's okay too though) 2020!

[NHI]

The final days going into New Hampshire were contentious at best. Christie started an onslaught of attacks against Iowa winner Rand Paul, who hoped to unseat Christie in the New Hampshire Primary. Meanwhile Huntsman hoped to pull the biggest comeback of his political career. Having turned down an opportunity to run for the senate to replace Mike Lee who ran for Governor.

"We've got a chance to turn it around ladies and gentlemen, right here in this important state!"

But as the hours ticked away Huntsman's number did not improve and he looked poised to finish third place, yet again. The question remained: Who would come in first and second: Christie or Paul?

On the Democratic side, despite Kaine's finish in Iowa, the fight for the NH Primary raged on between NH Rep Kuster and Governor Cuomo. Kuster who ran in 2010 lost to Charlie Bass and again to him in 2012. When she ran for the third time for his seat following his retirement she stunned the political world by pulling an upset.

On the campaign trail she mingled with old voter and reminded them, "We've made history before, so there is no reason we can't do it again." Most pundits declared it would be a photo-finish.

While popular among the grassroots activists many believed she could not mount a serious national campaign to compete with the likes of Christie or Paul.

"We can either have a government that is too big and too intrusive, or have a government that is lean and efficient. I'm going with the latter option and I would encourage my democratic friends and Governor Christie to join that bandwagon."

"Senator Paul better hope this comment that's been circulating around was in jest, because let me tell you something...if he wants a debate between liberalism and conservatism, bring it on!"

King: Certainly the language is becoming hostile on the campaign trail and it's a coin toss in both races for New Hampshire, but on the ground there is growing support for Paul. You saw it with his father Ron Paul in his respective campaigns and many believe that it Rand's time. I've heard this and the campaign keeps saying this, if Rand Paul wins in New Hampshire on Tuesday night, this race is nearly over.

Cooper: What about Marco Rubio? He's not playing hard in New Hampshire, but there's South Carolina?

King: Yes, but if Paul is able to win here, that's two back to back wins he sets himself up for what then Governor Romney did in 2012. Now Governor Haley is still a factor, a distant factor, but nevertheless a factor. Most polls don't put her in favor to win South Carolina, but the longer she stays in the more the conservative vote splits which helps either Christie or Huntsman.

Cooper: Is Huntsman's finished if he loses New Hampshire?

King: I believe so and the campaign is starting to look at the end game. The numbers aren't great here and unless he pulls an upset and comes in first, not second, first it's over.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I'm guessing much of Christie's popularity with more conservative voters has faded as time has passed, & now he's co soludated a more moderate base.

[NHI]

I'm guessing much of Christie's popularity with more conservative voters has faded as time has passed, & now he's co soludated a more moderate base.

Yes.

[NHI]

New Hampshire Primary:

King: The results are coming in as we speak and we are able to see a very tight race between the two frontrunners Rand Paul and Chris Christie for first place.

NH:

Christie: 30.0%

Paul: 28.9%

King: It is certainly going to be a long night for both parties. As on the Democratic side we cannot project a winner as of yet, though Annie McLane Kuster, the Democratic Representative is leading over Andrew Cuomo.

NH:
Kuster: 33.9%
Cuomo: 31.8%
Kaine: 30.8%

King: Though it is now fair to say that it is a tight race with Iowa winner Tim Kaine coming in a strong third in New Hampshire. David Gergen, try to handicap this race for us tonight?

Gergen: Kuster is from the state so she should win, but Cuomo has been campaigning hard in this state from the start, so if he's able to win this and then go into South Carolina and win there he'll be able to bounce off any challenge from Kuster or Kaine. The fact is he's prepared for the long haul, Kaine's campaign is low on money, as is Kuster's.

King: Sorry to interrupt David, but CNN is now projecting tonight Governor Nikki Haley will finish fifth in New Hampshire with just over five percent of the vote.

Burnett: I think one the things we need to discuss tonight is the turnout among young people in this state, with an unprecedented amount breaking for Paul. He appears to have found a way to tap into the youth vote, similar to how his father did in his respective campaigns.

Gergen: That's one of the differences I've heard between all the comparisons with Ron Paul and Rand Paul. People say Ron Paul had the ideology, but not electability, Rand Paul has both and that's why he is doing well, especially in New Hampshire tonight. Christie is the favorite, but if Paul can keep it close or surpass him then he's in a good position to win South Carolina.

King: And John Huntsman, Gloria?

Borger: Huntsman is done unless he pulls the upset of the century, but that's not likely to happen given the numbers.

King: We have some exit polling from New Hampshire and when asked the question who is the most electable, overwhelming voters responded: Rand Paul.

Breakdown: Electability:
Paul: 49%
Christie: 30%

...

King: CNN is now able to project that on the Democratic Side Representative Annie McLane Kuster will win the New Hampshire Primary.

NH:
Kuster: 35.0%
Cuomo: 34.6%
Kaine: 29.1%

Cooper: David, looking at those numbers does Kuster have the momentum coming out of New Hampshire, or this the year the New Hampshire primary is discounted?

Gergen: I would never say it discounted, but looking at how close the results are between Cuomo and Kuster, I think she'll have a little staying power and will be Cuomo's only challenger. Kaine is done after tonight, despite taking twenty-nine percent.

Borger: Even with that twenty-nine percent Kaine couldn't make the case to stay in?

Gergen: This is a three person race, the results are closer between Cuomo and Kuster and the fact that she won is in part because she represents a district in the state. This is similar to what happened with Bill Clinton in 1992, with his comeback kid moment. Cuomo finished poorly in Iowa, this is his moment now.

King: Turning to the Republican side the race is between Paul and Christie. CNN projected that Sen. Rubio would finish fourth and Jon Huntsman will finish third, yet again in New Hampshire. Surely Huntsman doesn't have a ticket out of New Hampshire?

Gergen: Huntsman needed to win, but the numbers weren't there. He never could break through. I've been getting reports of Huntsman's events over the last few days, and the crowds have been dismals, while Christie and Paul are drawing these enormous crowds. Look, Haley will probably dropout, rather than risk defeat in her home state, Rubio may remain in, or he might be wise to drop out and endorse either Christie or Paul.

NH: Primary

Christie: 31.1%

Paul: 30.9%

Cooper: As we watch the results tighten between Chris Christie and Rand Paul CNN has just learned that Governor Haley is suspending her campaign. She will address her supporters at eleven o'clock tonight and will end her campaign for the White House. Rubio will address shortly afterwards. And... we are just getting word that Governor Huntsman has taken to the stage to address his supporters. This was not expected, but we go live to Nashua where Governor Huntsman is speaking.

"Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen and thank you for being here tonight. Well, third is not first, but I'm proud of our campaign and what we've done in this race. There are so many of you who have worked tirelessly not just for this campaign, but for our previous one eight years ago. I have proudly served this country as governor of Utah, As Ambassador to China under President Obama and Secretary of State under President Romney. I love this country and know that our bests days lie ahead...So it is with sadness tonight that I suspend my campaign for President. Sure we could go on, but I do not want to divide this party. I want to have us united and ready to win!

King: And there you have it Jon Huntsman ending his second bid for the White House, after an upsetting third place finish in New Hampshire...

12:00

King: It has been a turbulent night on the Republican side with Governor Christie and Senator Paul trading places for first and second place, but tonight we are able to project that Senator Rand Paul will win the New Hampshire Primary.

NH:

Paul: 32.8%
Christie: 31.4%
Huntsman: 15.1%
Rubio: 13.9%
Haley: 5.7%

Rand Paul triumphant victory over once NH favorite Christie. "It's onto South Carolina and beyond!"

As The Republican Race narrowed between Christie and Paul and The Democratic Race narrowed between Kuster and Cuomo the foursomes headed into South Carolina, where Rand Paul hoped to accomplish what President Romney did eight years earlier. Win Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Republican Nomination:
Paul: 40%
Christie: 33%
Rubio: 20%
Undecided: 7%

Democratic Nomination:

Cuomo: 39%

Kuster: 39%

Kaine: 18%

South Carolina: Republican Polling
Paul: 46%
Christie: 28%
Rubio: 21%

South Carolina: Democratic Polling

Cuomo: 37%

Kuster: 32%

Kaine: 26%

Paul v. Cuomo

Paul: 47% v. Cuomo: 43%

Paul v. Kuster

Paul: 49% v. Kuster: 42%

Christie: v. Cuomo:

Christie: 48% v. Cuomo: 42%

Christie v. Kuster

Christie: 50% v. Kuster: 38%

[NHI]

Heading into South Carolina the Republican Race began to tilt towards Rand Paul, while Christie hoped to pull an much needed upset. Marco Rubio remained in the race, but his support wained and many speculated he would be finished after South Carolina.

"Our campaign is in a very strong position heading into the state. I believe that if we win on Saturday we will be able to make the case for being the nominee of the party."

President Romney, in an interview on ABC he briefly commented on the state of the Republican Race.

"...I'm very happy with our candidates, we're going to have a strong nominee and we're going to win in November, but I will not make any endorsement yet."

While Christie and Paul went after each other, The Democratic Race seemed to be drawing to an end. Kuster lacked the funds to properly compete with Cuomo and a distant Tim Kaine tried to make a comeback, but the former Governor, Vice Presidential Nominee and incumbent Senator did not seem to connect.

South Carolina:

The results for the Democrats ended early. Andrew Cuomo came in first, trumping Kuster, handily. While it was Cuomo's first win, the media declared it a slam dunk for him. "He's on his way to the nomination."

"Thank you South Carolina, we did it!"

South Carolina: Democratic

Cuomo: 39%

Kuster: 33%

Kaine: 24%

Most pundits declared it was Cuomo's heavy onslaught against Kuster on the airwaves that made the final difference in his six point win over Kuster. While she did not end her campaign like Kaine did that night, all knew she would finished after Florida.

"The Liberal base loves Kuster but is it enough? No, she doesn't have the money to take the fight to Cuomo is New Hampshire and the fact is even though she won there and did well in Iowa, Cuomo has been the pick since his announcement. She was the dream candidate and like most incidence in American politics the Dreamer is defeated by reality."

On the Republican side the contest was not as decisive. Christie hoped to upset Paul by hoping the vote between Paul and Rubio would fracture, allowing him to slip by. However, with Rubio mostly diminished he lacked the influence.

Red: Paul

Pink: Christie

Entering South Carolina Paul led Christie by eighteen points and by the primary Christie managed to close the gap to a four point lead. All though Paul won Christie spun it is a comeback, though many argued that even he closed the gap he still lost and Paul now had his third straight win.

South Carolina: Republican

Paul: 38%
Christie: 34%
Rubio: 26%

Despite a strong insurgence Rubio ended his campaign and endorsed Rand Paul that night, who by the time of his victory speech he sounded like the nominee.[ However, Christie did not sound so defiant. /i]

Paul sounded like the nominee and shifted his focus to likely Democratic Nominee: Cuomo.

Florida: Republican Polling

Paul: 51%
Christie: 37%
Undecided: 12%

Florida: Democratic Polling

Cuomo: 48%
Kuster: 35%
Undecided: 17%

Christie's Press Conference: "I could drag this out, but that would be selfish. I won't divide our party just so I can be satisfied."

Christie ended his challenge to Paul right before the Florida primary, making him the presumptive nominee. With Paul nearly nominated, the focus shifted to Florida, where Kuster continued her challenge to Kuster, despite running on fumes.

By primary night Kuster was still standing, albeit weakly. She finished badly behind Cuomo who swept the board. The following day she ended her campaign for President and endorsed Cuomo.

Florida:

Cuomo: 54%

Kuster: 39%

"Game on Senator Paul, let's begin the race."

Cuomo v. Paul:

Paul: 46% v. Cuomo: 44%

[Jerseyrules]

Yes Cuomo vs. Paul!  Once again, Paul / Rubio 2020

[Stand With Israel. Crush Hamas]

Go Cuomo!

[NHI]

The pick for Vice President was one that went on for months. With the primaries ending sooner than usual, Cuomo and Paul were able to begin making their cases early, while thinking  about prospective Vice Presidents. The media seemed to narrow down some choices for the candidates.

Paul:
Bob McDonnell
Scott Brown
Paul Ryan
Chris Christie
Tim Pawlenty

Cuomo:
Annie McLane Kuster
Mark Warner
Tim Kaine
Debbie Wasserman Schultz

President Romney offered his endorsement to presumptive GOP nominee Rand Paul and held a large rally before a crowd of 5,000 people in Ohio. In his speech Romney called Paul the future of th Republican Party and a true believer in limited government, lower taxes and personal freedom.

President Romney endorses Rand Paul for President.

Andrew Cuomo speaks before a crowd in New Hampshire.

Andrew Cuomo continued to make his case throughout the country, and while in a stop in New Hampshire he decried Paul's campaign platform and called him, "A downright extremist who will take us so far back that we won't even recognize America!"

Paul v. Cuomo:
Paul: 45% v. Cuomo: 44%

Cuomo was the first to announce his pick for Vice President in New Hampshire we he announced the selection of one time rival Annie McLane Kuster who a day before announced she would not seek reelection for Congress, prompting speculation that she was running for Vice President.

Kuster meets with voters at a house party in Florida.

Paul speaking in Colorado. "I was not surprised by Cuomo's pick. Two liberals who want us to be a European Welfare state. I say no to that and I know you do too!"

As The Cuomo/Kuster ticket began hitting the trail, Paul narrowed down his choice and finally selected Marco Rubio as his running mate; a pick which enthralled the Republican Party.

Map:2020

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Does Paul have any areas if strenght that a "normal" Republican might not?

[NHI]

Does Paul have any areas if strenght that a "normal" Republican might not?

His more left leaning views on foreign policy are appealing to disaffected Democrats.

[Jerseyrules]

Does Paul have any areas if strenght that a "normal" Republican might not?

His more left leaning views on foreign policy are appealing to disaffected Democrats.

Interesting; does he have his father's crossover appeal?  Would he have any chance of taking MN or IL in the general?

[NHI]

Does Paul have any areas if strenght that a "normal" Republican might not?

His more left leaning views on foreign policy are appealing to disaffected Democrats.

Interesting; does he have his father's crossover appeal?  Would he have any chance of taking MN or IL in the general?

Yes, and yes.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Giving the GOP MN would be a cool map.

[Jerseyrules]

Giving the GOP MN would be a cool map.

[Jerseyrules]

Perhaps a bump?

[NHI]

The Democratic Convention opened in Los Angeles to fanfare and a united party. The week long event included appearances by many prominent Democrats including Bill and Hillary Clinton, who both gave steering speeches in favor of Cuomo.

Clinton reminds the Democrats why they love him.

"He is the man we need at this time in our history. They've had the White House, for eight years the Senate for eight years and the House for ten. It's time for a change and Governor Cuomo will bring us back to where we belong."

Perhaps the most shocking convention speech was that of former President Barack Obama. Having not appeared at the previous Democratic Convention due to a "conflict" Obama gave a speech that mirrored the one he gave in 2004, before he became even Senator Obama. "America is still the beacon of hope, the land of freedom and in our the moment of discontent, we find it necessary to tear each other down in hopes that we can succeed. America does not work like that. America works when all are united, all are onboard. Let's bring America together, let's get it right. For today, for tomorrow."

Obama takes the Democrats on a trip back to 2004.

On the final night of the convention Governor Cuomo gave a speech filled with economic populism and made his best efforts to step outside the traditional liberal/conservative divide. He called on Congress to work together, he called on Republicans to join their effort, for as he put it, "Our campaign is about America, not parties. Mr. Paul seeks division, I seek unity."

Cuomo rallies the Democrats in LA

As expected Cuomo received a bounce going out of the convention. With the first female on a Democratic ticket and a popular governor at the top Democrats had reason to be hopeful. After eight years out of the White House they were seeking a comeback.

Cuomo v. Paul

Cuomo: 48% - Paul: 44%

Who do you trust on the economy?

Cuomo: 41%

Paul: 48%

President Romney Approval Rating:

Approval: 56%

Disapproval: 34%
No Opinion: 10%

Unemployment Rate: August 2020

5.0%

State by State Match ups:

Ohio:
Paul 48%
Cuomo: 45%

Florida:
Paul: 50%
Cuomo: 45%

New Hampshire:
Paul: 52%
Cuomo: 42%

Pennsylvania:
Cuomo: 50%
Paul: 44%

Colorado:
Paul: 50%
Cuomo: 45%

New Mexico:
Paul: 45%
Cuomo: 44%

Minnesota:
Cuomo: 47%
Paul: 43%

Michigan:
Cuomo: 46%
Paul: 46%

Illinois:
Cuomo: 52%
Paul: 43%

Wisconsin:
Paul: 47%
Cuomo: 45%

New York:
Cuomo: 61%
Paul: 35%

Kentucky:
Paul: 62%
Cuomo: 33%

Maine:
Cuomo: 48%
Paul: 45%

Though the Democrats left Los Angeles united and ready for victory some of the recent polling in many of the key battleground states showed Paul leading Cuomo, in some cases by double digits a la New Hampshire. Compared to the numbers of 2012 and 2016 Cuomo knew he needed to make in roads if he was going to keep the states won by Obama and Schweitzer and flip the states won by Romney.

2012/2016: Key Battleground Results

Ohio:
Romney: 49%
Obama: 48%

Ohio:
Romney: 54%
Schweitzer: 43%

Florida:
Romney: 50%
Obama: 48%

Florida:
Romney: 51%
Schweitzer: 47%

Pennsylvania:
Obama: 49.5%
Romney: 49.2%

Pennsylvania:
Romney: 51%
Schweitzer: 46%

New Hampshire:
Romney: 51%
Obama: 46%

New Hampshire:
Romney: 55%
Schweitzer: 44%

Michigan:
Obama: 49.3%
Romney: 49.0%

Michigan:
Romney: 50%
Schweitzer: 48%

Wisconsin:
Obama: 50%
Romney: 48%

Wisconsin:
Romney: 51%
Schweitzer: 48%

[Jerseyrules]

Neat.  President Paul please . Seriously though, I'm really liking this TL.

[NHI]

Neat.  President Paul please . Seriously though, I'm really liking this TL.

Thanks.