2008 Election Game: Campaign Thread

[Niemeyerite]

When do you want the debate to happen? I have a proposal for you, why doesn't one of the former player serve as moderator in the debates? It would be nice if there were some other people involved in the game. Why not Spamage, Idaho BlueDog Dem or Maxwell? Then they can make up their polls deciding who won the debate, and, obviously, I'd have to keep that in mind for the next update.
What do you think? I believe it'd be the best way to prevent subjectivity on my part.

[Sec. of State Superique]

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[tmthforu94]

Michael Bloomberg Campaign Schedule: May 5th - May 11th

May 5th:
Meet and Greet - Roswell, Georgia
Meet and Greet - Brookhaven, Georgia
Meet and Greet - Decatur, Georgia
Town Hall Meeting - Atlanta, Georgia

Earlier this week, when giving his endorsement of Senator McCain, Mississippi Congressman Gene Taylor, a Democrat - he stated I'm wrong for America - I'd urge him to re-evaluate his opinion on that - Gene is a great guy who has been a voice for bi-partisanship in Washington...we need more Gene Taylors in Washington. I happen to agree with him - my entire campaign is focused around bringing both sides together and reduce the bitter partisanship we're seeing in Washington D.C.

Now he also made another comment, one I take personal offense to, that I "hate the South". That couldn't be farther from the truth - I love America, I love the South. As President, I will serve all of America, regardless of region or political affiliation. It's time we had a President who believes in that philosophy
- Mike Bloomberg, speaking at a Town Hall event in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia

May 6th:
Meet and Greet - Macon, Georgia
Meet and Greet - Tifton, Georgia
Meet and Greet - Lake City, Florida
Town Hall Meeting - Greater Arlington, Florida

May 7th:
Meet and Greet - St. Augustine, Florida
Meet and Greet - Palm Coast, Florida
Meeting with Jewish Leaders - Daytona, Florida
Town Hall Meeting - Port Orange, Florida

I don't expect to get too many endorsements from politicians in D.C. - I happen to believe that they, members of both sides, are part of the problem in Washington D.C., something they probably don't appreciate too much. I'm sure there is also plenty of pressure from the party bosses that control each party to stand in a straight line and vote for the party's candidate.

Luckily, the rest of us don't have that obligation - I'm campaigning to be the first Jewish President in American history, which would be a monumental achievement for us. We must  have a President who will stand with Israel, and that's exactly the kind of President I will be.
- Mike Bloomberg, speaking to the Jewish Community in Daytona, Florida

May 8th:
Meet and Greet - Longwood, Florida
Meet and Greet - Winter Park, Florida
Visiting Elementary School - Orlovista, Florida
Campaign Rally - Orlando, Florida
Flies to Oregon

May 9th:
Meet and Greet - Beaverton, Oregon
Meeting with Small Business Owners - Tigard, Oregon
Town Hall Meeting - Oregon City, Oregon

May 10th:
Speaking to students at Oregon State University - Corvallis, Oregon
Meeting with Teacher's Union Leaders - Salem, Oregon
Campaign Rally, Salem, Oregon

May 11th:
Meet and Greet - Eugene, Oregon
Meet and Greet - Roseburg, Oregon
Meet and Greet - Redding, California
Town Hall Meeting - Red Bluff, California

[JerryArkansas]

bump

[Niemeyerite]

bump

Oprah and McCain haven't posted anything this week! I'll have an update soon. And they'll lose some momentum, of course. It'll be even worse if they decide not to post haha...

[Kitteh]

I'll post in a few hours, sorry. Been busy w/ finals and such.

[Niemeyerite]

No one wants to moderate the debate? I'll do it if necessary, but I think it'd be better if the moderator was someone else

[Kitteh]

Winfrey Campaign Schedule


May 5th:
Interview on Larry King

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Rally in Raleigh, NC (OOC: get it?)

May 6th:
Final election rally in Charlotte, NC with Congressman Mel Watt

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May 7th
Rally in Louisville, KY
Opening KY campaign HQ in Louisville

May 8th
Rally in Lexington, KY
Meeting with Kentucky state legislators (seeking endorsements)

May 9th
Town hall in Hardinsburg, KY
Rally in Owensville, KY

May 10th
Fly to Oregon
Rally in Portland, OR
Opening OR campaign HQ in Portland

May 11th
Rally in Eugene, OR
Meeting with Congressman Peter DeFazio (seeking endorsement)
Town hall in Ashland, OR

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

OOC: I like how right after I start the whole "Dean is the Establishment and Obama is Change" thing that Oprah tries to take he mantle of Change.

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[Niemeyerite]

OOC: people, I'll not release IN and NC results until we have a debate, so, please, be patient. It'll come soon.
____________________

John Goodman drops out, doesn't endorse.
McCain still in Hawaii. Too old for national campaigns?

Democrats divided, keeping their base energized... but independents starting to pay attention to Bloomberg:
"They have to decide now, or they'll keep losing support. Why doesn't Oprah, Lincoln or Obama endorse Dean and end of the story? Obama knows he can't win, Lincoln is there for the VP slot and Oprah has said she doesn't like Obama/Lincoln. It's not that difficult, really. Someone should just drop out and endorse Dean. He may not be the best candidate campaigning, and that's why he's underperforming. But one thing is clear: progressives don't like Obama because he decided to 'betray' them and endorse Lincoln in the South; conservatives are a small minority which is't enough for Blanche, and Oprah can't win alone. It's clear Howard is our path to victory" - Jimmy Carter.

"Wow, Florida jewish community has fallen in love with mayor Bloomberg. And now Oregon progressives are thinking about supporting him. Really? I mean, no one expected an independent candidate to receive the support of 15% of the American people at the beginning of may. This' gonna be huge. That's why I want to make this clear: Michael Bloomberg is the President we need"- Pat Choate.

"Oh, people, come on. Barack Obama rocks. Indiana should be in the bag for him" - Latoya Jackson.

Endorsements:

Congressman Pete Visclosky (D-IN) endorses Howard Dean.
Fmr. representative Jill Long Thompson (D-IN) endorses Barack Obama.

North Carolina Lt. Governor, Bev Perdue, endorses Blanche Lincoln!
Raleigh mayor, Charles Meeker, endorses Howard Dean.


Surprise, surprise! Former Kentucky Governor and current State Senator Julian Carroll endorses Oprah Winfrey.
Howard Dean endorsed by Jerry Abramson, Louisville mayor.
Dan Mongiardo, Lt. Governor of Ky., endorses Blanche Lincoln.

Fmr. Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber endorses Howard Dean!
Hardy Myers, OR Atty. General, endorses Barack Obama.
Peter Courtney, President of the OR state Senate, endorses Barack Obama!
Congressman Peter DeFazio endorses Oprah Winfrey.
Oregon Progressive Party may support Michael Bloomberg if Ralph Nader decides not to campaign.

Real estate entrepeneur Jeff Greene (D-FL) endorses Michael Bloomberg!
State Senator Ted Deutch (D-FL) endorses Michael Bloomberg!
Former U.S. Representative Charles Canady (R-FL) endorses Bloomberg.

__________________________________________________________________

PRP polls (pushes undecideds):

National (D)
Howard Dean 40%
Barack Obama 23%
Oprah Winfrey 19%
Blanche Lincoln 15%
Undecided 3%

Indiana:
Howard Dean 42%
Barack Obama 39%
Oprah Winfrey 16%
Blanche Lincoln 1%
Undecided 2%

North Carolina:
Blanche Lincoln 36%
Howard Dean 33%
Oprah Winfrey 28%
Barack Obama 1%
Undecided 2%

West Virginia:
Blanche Lincoln 46%
Howard Dean 44%
Oprah Winfrey 6%
Barack Obama 9%
Undecided 4%

Oregon:
Howard Dean 41%
Barack Obama 34%
Oprah Winfrey 23 %
Blanche Lincoln 0%
Undecided 2%

Kentucky:
Howard Dean 40%
Blanche Lincoln 36%
Oprah Winfrey 16%
Barack Obama 2%
Undecided 6%

General Election:
John McCain 43%
Generic Democrat 36%
Michael Bloomberg 17%
Ralph Nader 1%
Undecided 3%

[Lumine]

OOC: It's becoming obvious that Dean won't lose a brokered convention. I know each of the challengers has reasons to believe that they should be the sole challenger, but why doesn't anyone drop out yet?

[Maxwell]

Hey, is it okay if I moderate the Democratic debates?

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Senator McCain's Campaign Schedule
May 12, 2008
-Fundraiser in Portland, Oregon
-Rally in Beaverton, Oregon
-Townhall in McMinnville, Oregon
-Rally at Willamette University, Salem, Oregon

May 13, 2008
-Fundraiser in Seattle, Washington
-Rally in Tacoma, Washington
-Rally in Olympia, Washington
-Townhall in Chehalis, Washington

May 14, 2008
-Rally in Norristown, Pennsylvania
-Fundraiser & Rally in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
-Fundraiser in Newark, New Jersey
-Fundraiser in Bridgeport, Connecticut
-Appearance on The O'Reilly Factor

May 15, 2008
-Fundraiser in San Bernardino, California
-Fundraiser in Anaheim, California
-Fundraiser in Burbank, California
-Appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

May 16, 2008
-Fundraiser in Culver City, California
-Fundraiser in Emeryville, California
-Fundraiser in Pasadena, California
-Fundraiser in Long Beach, California
-Fundraiser in San Diego, California

May 17, 2008
-Rally in Colorado Springs, Colorado
-Townhall in Castle Rock, Colorado
-Fundraiser in Denver, Colorado
-Rally in Broomfield, Colorado
-Townhall in Littleton, Colorado

May 18, 2008
-Rally in Golden, Colorado
-Rally in Greeley, Colorado
-Rally in Loveland, Colorado
-Rally in Fort Collins, Colorado

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

Bump. We doin this dawgs?

[Niemeyerite]

OOC: The debate will start soon, and NHI will be the moderator (sorry, Max). Are you OK with him? I hope you are, I think he'll be a great moderator

[JerryArkansas]

Senator Lincoln's Campaign Schedule

May 10th
-Rally in Charleston, West Virgina
-Town Hall in Charleston, West Virgina
-VRDs

May 11th
-GOTV Efforts
-Rally at University of West Virginia

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May 12th
-Rally in Charleston


May 13th
-Rally in Huntington
-Watch results with family

May 14th
-Fly to KY
-Rally in Louisville


May 15th
-Rally in Lexington


May 16th
-Rally in Bowling Green

May 17th
-Rally in Henderson

[NHI]

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE

"Good evening and welcome to this evening's debate between the remaining candidates for the Democratic Nomination, Senator Blanche Lincoln, Senator Barack Obama, Governor Howard Dean and Television Talk Show Host Oprah Winfrey. Welcome.

This primary has certainly been contentious and at times personal, are all of you willingly to say right now that you will support whoever the Democratic nominee is?

"To all of you, what do you have to say to those who believe this divide in the Democratic Party between the four of you is hurting the party going forward and helping Senator McCain, the Republican Nominee?"

"Now, to Senator Obama, Ms. Winfrey recently said in an interview that you, and I'm quoting here "are not as progressive as he says he is", and that you're an opportunist and no different than any other politician. First, would you like to respond to Ms. Winfrey's remarks, and second state here tonight why progressives and Democrats should back you in the race over Ms. Winfrey and the other candidates?"

"Governor Dean, at the moment you are leading in the national polls for the nomination. Mayor Boomberg, the independent in the race seems to be gaining ground, because of the split in the Democratic Party. If you are the nominee, then first off how do you present yourself a strong alternative to the Republicans, as well as offer yourself a candidate who is above politics; quite like what Mayor Bloomberg is doing?"

"To all of you. Sen. McCain intends to continue the Bush Tax cuts. They are set to expire in 2010, if you one of you are elected, will you let those tax cuts expire, or lapse?"

[JerryArkansas]

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Later

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[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Governor Dean's Debate Responses:

"If I fail to win the nomination, I will support whoever the nominee is. But you know, I'm hearing every day the worry that our party is split. I'm worried too. Based on current delegate counts, we're headed towards a brokered convention. But my campaign has pulled a significant delegate lead and an even bigger popular vote lead based on polling. I want to be able to transition towards the general election as soon as possible to ensure that we can take back the White House, but if we remain divided until Denver, we get the third term of Bush."

"First of all, I welcome any third-party candidate to the race. I think we need more than two different voices in the general election. I'll welcome the opportunity to debate with Mayor Bloomberg and Senator McCain in the fall. Now, I don't think I'll have any trouble in being an alternative to what Senator McCain represents. He wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years. I want to pull out in 2009. He opposes reform to our broken health care system. I support a single-payer system to ensure affordable coverage for every American man, woman, and child. With the clear failure of this administration and McCain's desire to see that failure continue, I think the American voters will see the contrast and vote accordingly."

"I believe that with the economy the way it is right now, Americans need a little extra money in their pockets. Under my administration, every American household making less than $250,000 a year will see their tax rates either go down or say the same. At the same time, I think that the wealthiest Americans, myself included, should pay their fair share. At the same time, in my first 100 days, I will fight for tax reform that will close loopholes and tie capital gains tax rates to federal income tax rates."

[Sec. of State Superique]

Week 8 – (Nader Return) – Florida, New York City and Vermont.

May 12th/ May 18th

May 12th

Fly from Portland to Miami, FL.
Meet & Greet in Miami – Visiting Hispanic Communities

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May 13th

Meeting with Students of the University of Miami – Talking about green technologies, hydrogen fuel cells and many other devices.

New Campaign Headquarter – Miami, FL
*GOTV Event and Big Rally on Miami
* Ballot-Access Event
* Volunteer Recruitment

May 14th

Meet & Greet in Fount Lauderdale, FL.
Lecture about Electoral Reform in the FAU organized by students.
Fundraising Event.

May 15th

Go to Palm Beach County, FL.
Meet & Greet in Palm Beach County.
Statement at Palm Beach about Electoral Reform.

May 16th

Fly to NYC , NY.
Meet & Greet with African American Communities.

“The equality fought by Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks has not yet been achieved. As President, I hope to help the African American Community to find its route to prosperity. We are going to do that by enhancing our educational system, embracing affirmative action with our heart and souls and setting a strong minimum wage!”

Dinner with Noam Chomsky.

May 17th

Meeting with unionized New Yorkers.
Lecture about Consumer Rights and the Financial System at the New York University School of Law.

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GOTV Event

May 18th

Rest in the Morning.
Fly to Burlington, VT.
Meeting with Bernie Sanders – Dinner.
Meet & Greet in Burlington, VT.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

OOC: Bernie endorsed me a while back.

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

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[Sec. of State Superique]

May 15th

Rachel Maddow: And today, Ralph Nader made a lot of noise in Florida under the Palm Beach County when talking about Electoral Reform and the 2000 Election.

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I'm here with Theresa Amato, Nader's Campaign Manager, and Pat Buchanan, former Reform Party presidential candidate.

So Theresa, don't you think that Nader's harsh Speech is a little bit risky? Especially if you consider the place where he decided to do such a statement.



Amato: Absolutely not Rachel. Nader is not a guy that will remain in silence in front of injustice and unfairness. He is talking about an issue that every corporate-funded candidate prefers to ignore. He is talking about Electoral Reform.

Rachel: Ok Theresa, I agree on the need of an electoral reform but why Florida? Why not New York, Maine or even Montana? If I were a democrat in the Palm Beach County, I would be really fed up with Nader!

Amato: I wouldn't say that. Florida was the exact place that made the Electoral College collapse and if we changed this system many years ago; maybe we would never have had the W Bush Presidency after all.

Rachel: So Pat, what do you think about Nader's statement?



Buchanan: I would say that you are absolutely right Rachel! This Statement is really risky to the Nader campaign in Florida, especially on those circumstances. I couldn't agree more on the abolition of the Electoral College, but I would never made a speech like that.

It seems to me that Nader actually enjoys being called a spoiler candidate and, if I were a Florida Republican right now, I would be cheering all the things that are happening! Bloomberg and Nader are destroying the chances of a Democrat pick of Florida.

Amato: It surprises me that a former third-party candidate is criticizing the courageous attitude of Mr. Nader. You should praise him!

Pat: I praise him every time I can but not today here in Florida.

Rachel: All right guys, thank you Pat and Theresa. And we will be right back with "Who is going to be McCain’s VP?"

[Sec. of State Superique]

OOC: Bernie endorsed me a while back.

OOC: That makes me sad... No hope anymore =( (Maybe Kucinich...). Anyway, the dinner with Sanders will help with other stuff...

[tmthforu94]

Michael Bloomberg Campaign Schedule: May 12th-18th

May 12th:
Meeting with Jewish Leaders in Miami, Florida
Campaign Rally in Miami Florida (Endorsed by Jeff Greene, Ted Deutch, and Charles Canady)
Flies to Illinois

I am proud to stand here today with Senator Deutch and Mr. Greene, two Democrats, in endorsing Mayor Bloomberg as our next President!

I'm tired of the partisanship in Washington D.C. I'm truly glad that I don't have to be there any more. We need a President who can offer a fresh voice - someone who can shake out the corruption and stench of Washington. Senator John McCain is part of the problem - he's been there for decades! I believe in elected a true reformer, someone who can take our country back and put us on a path towards prosperity. The only person in this race who can do that is Michael Bloomberg!
- Former Congressman Canady (R)

May 13th:
Meet and Greet - Libertyville, Illinois
Meeting with VFW Post - Arlington Heights, Illinois
Opening of Campaign Office - Oak Lawn, Illinois
Private Dinner with Mayor Daley and Rahm Emmanuel - Chicago, Illinois

May 14th:
Meet and Greet - Hammond, Indiana
Campaign Rally - Chicago, Illinois
Town Hall Meeting - Elmhurst, Illinois
Private Fundraiser - Chicago, Illinois

May 15th:
Meet and Greet - Janesville, Wisconsin
Meet and Greet - Tomah, Wisconsin
Town Hall Meeting - Eau Claire, Wisconsin

May 16th:
Meet and Greet - Woodbury, Minnesota
Meet and Greet - Eagan, Minnesota
Campaign Rally - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Private Fundraiser - Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 17th:
Breakfast with former Governor Jesse Ventura - Richfield, Minnesota
Meet and Greet - Bloomington, Minnesota
Flies to New York City, New York

Well, Governor, we're in an interesting situation right now - my goal all along was to attack both sides as being part of the establishment. Republicans made my job easy by nominating McCain, but I'm at the point now where I don't really want to spend any time attacking Democrats, because we have no clue which of them is going to win! It seems almost certain that they're headed for a broken convention. At this point, we're just going to start hammering on McCain, and between our efforts and the disunity of the Democratic Party, hopefully we'll find the opening to make this a true, three-man race.
- Mayor Bloomberg, discussing strategy with Governor Ventura

May 18th:
Mayoral Duties


Mayor Bloomberg has released the following radio advertisement. For the first time, he will be running it in all 50-states, an unprecedented move in Presidential races.

Radio Ad: Work For You

Bloomberg: Look at American politics today. On the left, we have four candidates, disorganized and tearing each other down to try and claim the party's nomination. On the right, we have a candidate who is part of the reason we're in the mess we're in today.

America needs new, bold leadership in Washington D.C. Someone who is ready to shake things up and bring an independent perspective to the White House. I'm Mike Bloomberg, and I approve this message because I'm ready to work for you, the American people.