A Political Fable 2: A Good Day to Vote Hard

[badgate]

GALLUP Apologizes




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

We sincerely apologize to our readers and clients for the accidental use of the 2010 electoral map in previous electoral map projections.

We now have the maps post-DNC, and the bounce is huge for Senator Gillibrand. We'll be interested to see how that can be blunted later today with Vice President Scott Walker's announcement of his VP pick.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand / Governor Julian Castro - 324
Vice President Scott Walker / Republican VP Nominee - 147
Tossup - 67

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand / Governor Julian Castro - 364
Vice President Scott Walker / Republican VP Nominee - 174

[badgate]

XXXVI: Grand Old Ticket


11:49am, Friday, August 30, 2024


Good morning, thank you for tuning into our Friday coverage of the Scott Walker campaign for president. We're going now live to Virginia Beach, VA where Walker is scheduled to begin speaking a little after noon to introduce his Vice Presidential pick. Walker will be introduced by Virginia state Senator Ryan McDougle, the Republican nominee for the state's open Senate seat this November. Alright here is Senator McDougle...


I am proud to be your next Senator, and to have the great honor this day to introduce to you our next President of the United States, Scott Walker!



My Vice President is a candidate of sterling character, a fighter for the families that make America the greatest country in the world, my VP is going to do the party and people proud. It's a battle out there. That liberal Senator from New York is running again, and this time the Democrats are going to try to get her in the White House. We can't let that happen. If you want freedom, liberty, and the American way, vote for me, and vote for my Vice President, the Senator from Pennsylvania Patrick Joseph Toomey!!!


Thank you! Thank you!!


Saturday, August 31, 2024

Gillibrand takes day off after convention for fun with family and the Boys & Girls Club of NYC

Sunday, September 1, 2024

McCain introduced & endorsed Scott Walker in a rally in Arizona, a crucial state Walker needs to get back on his side after the DNC.


Still popular with Republicans and Independents after his 2012 defeat, Mitt Romney and Pat Toomey campaigned in Allentown and Pittsburgh, PA.


Later in the day Ayotte appeared in New Hampshire and Maine, two states she is still popular in, campaigning for Walker/Toomey.


Tim Scott, widely regarded as the runner-up VP choice, endorsed the ticket on the Sunday shows and talked up Scott Walker's campaign proposals.


Former Presidential hopeful Shelley Moore Capito confirmed that she was giving the keynote address next Tuesday night at the RNC.

[badgate]

Gillibrand/Castro 2024!

vs.

Walker\Toomey 2024!

[Enderman]

That's a cool ticket! Toomey for VP? NICE!

I don't know what a Gillibrand/Castro sticker would look like, but here's a nicely fitting Walker/Toomey one... (I don't think that Photoshop or Paint has to be used for this one, but its an idea.... )

WALKER 20
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOOMEY 24

[badgate]

XXXVII: Republican National Convention


Tuesday, September 3, 2024 - Philadelphia, PA


The incumbent party's convention was held in Philadelphia, PA during the first week of September.



The backdrop to the stage was a giant replica of the famous Philadelphia convention, with a big screen hovering above it.


President Kelly Ayotte began the RNC's primetime coverage, entering the hall to chants of "four more years!" She thanked the convention audience for their loyalty and support. "I could not have done this without all of you. I couldn't have led us through eight years of peace and economic growth without your support and loyal reminder of our core values. Ann Curry recently asked me, what will be the thing I miss most about being President. It will be the conversations I've had with Americans across this nation, people I never would have met had we not gone down this path. And now we have an opportunity to continue this history of strong leadership. Scott Walker, you all know him, right?" (cheers) "Well, I do too. For four years we enacted the cheapest budget in American history, and reached across the aisle to unions to make new allies and improve working conditions across America. I hereby nominate Scott Walker officially for President of the United States"


West Virginia Governor Shelley Moore Capito gave the widely-praised keynote address. The speech, however, notably distanced the first night of the RNC from the Walker-centrick speakers that all came after. Capito urged the party to embrace positions and policies she'd pushed for in the primaries, specifically "realizing that a safety net does not capture people and keep them from getting work, it saves them from the fall." The governor announced that her delegates, who had been released to vote for Walker and Toomey, would hold a vote calling for "sending the War on Drugs to rehab!" to a huge response. Many politicos noted the Democratic party largely ignored the issue of the War on Drugs and marijuana legalization in their convention. Capito praised her home state for evolving past the inevitable decline of Coal to make West Virginia the "fastest-growing state for high tech."

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

That morning

"RNC Lady" became an overnight meme. Following the somehow immortal trend of Republican convention-goers saying nutty things, RNC Lady was filmed inside the convention floor giving a 4-minute rant about "that Castro's family history! I can tell he's related to the dictator!" Entertaining as it is, the woman vehemently opposes Walker and admitted she was going to vote for Sarah Palin, despite what the head of her delegation had commanded of her. Walker therefore doesn't seem to be being blamed or associated with her-yet.


That night

Laura Bush, looking awesome, led the convention in the pledge of allegiance.


Tim Scott shared the first hour with Laura Bush. Scott delivered a nasty indictment of Kirsten Gillibrand's "liberal lipstick record" in the Senate. "She voted to make churches marry gay people, she voted to give the government control over your health care, and she'll do it again as President!"


The second hour of night 2 was devoted to "what people are saying about the Republican party." A 40-minute long infomercial (with commercials) featured interviews with everyday Americans talking about how their lives have been made better by Republican policies over the last 8 years.

Thursday, September 5, 2024



3:31pm
MEDIA BLAST: BREAKING NEWS - Former President George W. Bush to speak tonight at RNC, 8pm ET.




Gallup Poll - Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of former President George W. Bush?
Favorable 64%
Unfavorable 30%
Not Sure 6%


8:00pm


Onstage with Bush was a replica of the Liberty Bell. The former President spoke eloquently about how much he has loved the Ayotte years. After his beautiful speech, Bush announced, "We've got this Liberty Bell here. And I asked for it because I wanted everyone to see the crack. Did you know it was cracked? It's a perfect metaphor for how we've always got more work to do, to make America whole and the best far and away country on the planet." Bush then pulled out a mallet and rang the bell. Music began playing and a special guest came on to the stage...


Gloria Estefan gave a surprise musical performance. Estefan came out as a Republican in 2014 after years of gossip that she was a registered Republican. Millenials, who have a penchant for nostalgia, began tweeting excitedly about Gloria, and suddenly 4 million more people were watching the RNC when...

"I'd like to introduce all of you to the next Vice President, who I will proudly cast a vote for, Pennsylvania's favorite son, Senator Pat Toomey!"


Thank you so much for your support. Convention delegates, Mister Chairman, I accept the nomination to Vice President of the United States! Thank you for your support! We're here in Philadelphia, a city with a great part in American history. And it's fitting that we have come here to convene. This is the year that the Keystone State will side with the winning side: this Grand old party!

Friday, September 6, 2024


Tom Cotton, who left President Kelly Ayotte's cabinet in 2023 to run for the Arkansas Governor's Mansion, introduced the GOP nominee. "The next President of the United States, your nominee, Scott Walker!"



"Thank you. Tonight we begin a new era for America. We will have work ahead of us, but nothing is more resilient than the American spirit.

...


"I want to talk to you about the next four years. In the next four years, we will make our elections more secure by eliminating voter fraud. In the next four years, we will finally put the government in between doctors and innocent unborn lives. In the next four years, I will be your champion in Washington. I'll spend every day doing everything I can to keep the government out of your life. Because it's your life. I will never sign a budget that finances privacy atrocities like the Obama NSA. Because remember, that nice lady Kirsten Gillibrand, she voted to collect your phone calls and emails. She let the IRS control your healthcare, and she has already set her sights on weakening our military when she was in the Senate! We can't let someone like that be the Commander-in-Chief!" ("Walker! Walker! Walker!") "In the next four years I'll lower your taxes and enact school choice once and for all.

"Two hundred and fifty years later, what began as a fight for liberty continues here tonight, where it began. We stand together and say, America's happiest days are here again! My fellow Americans, Patriotic delegates here tonight, Mister chairman, and" (gesturing to President Ayotte in the viewing box) "Madame President, I accept your nomination for President of the United States!!!"

[badgate]

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand / Governor Julian Castro - 218
Vice President Scott Walker / Republican VP Nominee - 212
Tossup - 108

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand / Governor Julian Castro - 235
Vice President Scott Walker / Republican VP Nominee - 303

[PolitiJunkie]

Walker/Toomey goes from 174 to 318? I've heard of a convention bump, but sheesh.

[badgate]

Walker/Toomey goes from 174 to 318? I've heard of a convention bump, but sheesh.

I wouldn't compare Walker's post-convention No Tossup Map to Gillibrand's. Compare it to the map we had right before the DNC instead to decide if it's excessive (244 to 318). These No Tossup Maps for the convention bumps don't factor in other polls. Plus, No Tossup Maps are just a dangerous gambit anyway. The major takeaway from the maps should be that Walker and Gillibrand are basically tied in the electoral college, as seen in the post-RNC Tossup Map. If none of those explanations satisfy you, just consider this the Gloria Estefan Bump

[PolitiJunkie]

Walker/Toomey goes from 174 to 318? I've heard of a convention bump, but sheesh.

I wouldn't compare Walker's post-convention No Tossup Map to Gillibrand's. Compare it to the map we had right before the DNC instead to decide if it's excessive (244 to 318). These No Tossup Maps for the convention bumps don't factor in other polls. Plus, No Tossup Maps are just a dangerous gambit anyway. The major takeaway from the maps should be that Walker and Gillibrand are basically tied in the electoral college, as seen in the post-RNC Tossup Map. If none of those explanations satisfy you, just consider this the Gloria Estefan Bump

Fair, but I just have a hard time seeing how, under the circumstances you've created (two terms of an often unpopular Republican President, 2020 election madness, Walker-related controversy, Democratic dream ticket, etc) why this would be anything other than a heavy Gillibrand win.

[badgate]

XXXVIII: A Month to Remember, the Month of September, pt. 1


Sunday, September 8, 2024
Gallup Tracking Poll
Gillibrand/Castro 44%
Walker/Toomey 49%
Undecided 7%

Tuesday, September 10, 2024


Gillibrand Shifts to Economy
Democratic Presidential candidate Kirsten Gillibrand sought to bring the focus of the voters upon the economy and related issues with a new push the week after the Republican National Convention. In a speech at Florida State University, Gillibrand laid out a progressive tax plan and a slew of items on the Democrats' economic wish list. "My good friend Julian Castro once said" (cheers) "-he once said, to the Texas legislature, 'if these stores and restaurants that we frequent, if they care so much about customer service at their store level, or making money at the store level, we have to make sure they care in equal measure about their employees on the store level!'" (cheers) "so we've gotta make sure anybody who is paid hourly has the security of knowing if they have to show up for work the next day. We've gotta make sure these emlpoyees can't be coerced into working longer shifts than they are scheduled, or coerced into working off the clock. We've gotta raise the minimum wage because the current minimum just isn't good enough!" (loud cheers) "And higher pay means more success for small business, by eliminating the risk of employee fraud. We can make the American dream a reality as tangible and real as the anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck. Why should the harsh realities of our labor market be swept under the rug? You've gotta show up to vote, you've gotta show up to your town hall, your school or library or community park. Decisions are made by those who show up!"

Thursday, September 12, 2024



On CNN Thursday, Republican nominee Scott Walker forcefully panned Gillibrand's economic speech and proposals. "What we need is personal responsibility, and respect for job creators. That's what made me the Governor of Wisconsin. These tired policies of the Obama era are the same that gave us the slowest and most excruciating recession and recovery in our history. The Senator seems keen to return to the times when Food Stamps enrollment was at record highs." Pressed to discuss what he would do differently, Walker jabbed at Gillibrand instead. "It's just condescending. I mean, coming from her? She couldn't even run a Starbucks."

Friday, September 13, 2024


Gillibrand Swings Back: "Is he really saying he opposes giving the hardworking poor a tax cut?"
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand did not mince words on Friday. When a few reporters caught her for a round of questions as she left Majority Leader Dick Durbin's office, she swung back at her Presidential opponent curtly. Notably, aside from the sharp tone, was how the Senator completely ignored Walker's "Starbucks" jab, which has already shown up in DCCC fundraising e-mails. After dismissing the reporters, Gillibrand headed off to Reagan airport for a weekend of campaigning.


Monday, September 16, 2024
Gallup Tracking Poll
Gillibrand/Castro 45% (+1)
Walker/Toomey 47% (-2)
Undecided 8% (+1)


Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Walker up with ads in swing states, Wisconsin

The 2024 TV War has officially begun. Republican nominee Scott Walker's campaign has invested $3 million in every swing state, including Walker's home state of Wisconsin. Walker held the state in polls despite Gillibrand's unearthly convention bump, so the placement of ads in Wisconsin is considered by many a sign of Walker's insecurities about losing the state. Most electoral college experts say Walker must win his home state to win the White House, while others point to the state of Ohio, which still holds the honor of being the state no winning GOP candidate has lost. Walker's campaign insists he has no plans to campaign in the state at this time.




To Be Continued...

[badgate]

XXXVIII: A Month to Remember, the Month of September, pt. 2


Thursday, September 19, 2024

Gillibrand Finds New Fans in East Texas

East Texas is one of the most fickle political regions in the country. The region that went overwhelmingly to the right at the beginning of the millenium seems to have driven just as quickly to the political middle. When Senator Wendy Davis unsuccessfully ran for Governor in 2014, many counties in east Texas were attributed to her better-than-expected 48% finish on election day. Those same supporters who have come out for her and the Castro brothers ever since seem poised to make history again this fall, possibly making the election of 2024 the first election of the 21st century where Texas backs a Democrat for the presidency. Senator Davis and Lieutenant Governor Leticia Van De Putte, who have both been enlisted as in-state surrogates for the Gillibrand campaign, were at the event. Davis, who has many personal friendships with people she has met since 2014 in east Texas, could be seen eagerly introducing her favorite supporters to Gillibrand after the event.

Saturday, September 22, 2024


Republican Vice Presidential candidate Pat Toomey teed off the Presidential debate expectations game on FOX today. Praising Texas Governor and Democratic VP pick Julian Castro, Toomey said, "We're going all out in prep. I've seen him debate that fella Greg Abbott, and boy were there fireworks. You remember that?" Dates, or even the number or topic or format of debates have yet to be coordinated between the campaigns. Most are expecting a set of four, like in 2020.


Monday, September 23, 2024

Electoral Math on Gillibrand's Side

Polls have come back to reality, somewhat, since the conventions of the two major parties. However, our analysis of the electoral map shows that the math is heavily on Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand's side. Here is the current toss up map as of September 23:

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand / Governor Julian Castro - 243
Vice President Scott Walker / Republican VP Nominee - 210
Tossup - 85

Here's how easy the math is for Gillibrand right now: She has two states up for grabs where, if it was the only swing state she won, she would win the election. Florida would get Gillibrand to 273, while Texas would get the Senator to 284. Or, Gillibrand could take the once-Democratic stronghold of Pennsylvania, putting her at 262, only 8 electoral votes away from victory. From there Gillibrand could take any of the other swing states, except for Maine, and win.

Walker's path is much more narrow. The GOP nominee would absolutely need to win Texas, putting him at 251 electoral votes. The only current scenario in which Walker loses Texas and still wins would require the former Vice President to take Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. There is no logical scenario in which Walker wins those states while losing Texas. Winning Texas, though, gives Walker some options. Texas + Pennsylvania put Walker directly on the magic number of 270. Walker has a reasonable shot at seizing both states; Pennsylvania has been close since 2012 and Texas has not given a Democrat its electoral votes since 1976. Absent Pennsylvania, there are a variety of combinations that could put Walker narrowly over 270.

So that's where the election stands near the end of September. The campaigns have announced an agreement on debates to be revealed by the Presidential Debate Commission on Thursday. Nationally, Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand leads Republican Scott Walker 49% to 46%, according to the latest Gallup tracking poll.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Walker Campaign Makes Headway in Philadelphia
Who knew the effect that several joint appearances from Scott Walker and Pat Toomey, as well as twelve other events between them over the last month would have such an effect. The Philadelphia suburbs key to the state's swing are now polling in Scott Walker's direction. The surge is buoyed by attention Walker has paid to small-town Pennsylvania as well, visiting each community his campaign bus drives through. Across the state there are anecdotal stories of diner patrons and gas station cashiers who got to meet the Republican presidential nominee at an impromptu campaign stop. These oft-overlooked parts of the state, according to new polling data, are driving up the amount of likely voters for the GOP to new levels.

Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand's campaign has been obsessively focused on Texas, Florida, and Missouri, hoping to expand the map for their party in impressive ways after two consecutive close elections. These developments will most likely see a shift of focus to include the Keystone state by the Gillibrand campaign. Some Democratic county chairs have privately griped that Gillibrand had taken the state for granted. Having wrapped up the nomination weeks before Pennsylvania's late primary, Gillibrand only visited the state the weekend before the primary's election day.

Another factor is definitely the RNC. The Republican party did its level best replicating the success the Democrats had in 2008 of holding their convention in a new swing state, and using that opportunity to build an activist network. Walker campaign's spending receipts do show an aggressive ground game investment as well. Of course, the Democrats have executed this strategy as well in Texas, the largest state up for grabs. As Heath Kliff noted in his FiveThirtyEight article earlier this week, Gillibrand can take every state leaning her way and one of two swing states and win the election. Scott Walker has no such strategy to victory.


Thursday, September 26, 2024


1:01am


REPORTS: CASTRO UNHAPPY WITH CAMPAIGN ROLE


May go rogue...


FLASHBACK: Obama prefers Castro...


Sources from within the Texas capitol spilled all to conservative Texas blog Holdingthelineintexas.com. Apparently, Democratic VP nominee Julian Castro is unhappy with the lack of joint appearances or time spent with Senator Gillibrand, and has been complaining to his staff. Sources close to the campaign say that Castro is 'tired of being used only in the hispanic states.' The aide goes on to list the non-hispanic heavy states that Castro won in the Democratic primary, trying to demonstrate his national appeal. 'He feels he should be in Pennsylvania, which polls said he could have won had he not dropped out, or in Iowa where he trounced Gillibrand.' The whole ordeal looks to be embarrassing for the Democratic ticket, which of course we here at the Drudge Report are all about.


Sunday, September 29, 2024


Walker seizes on discord in 60 Minutes interview
Walker sought to take advantage of the reported disagreements between the two candidates on the Democratic ticket, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and VP pick Julian Castro. Walker talked about his government accountability campaign proposal, a legislation that would make all branches of government more accountable and transparent. On health care, Walker endured the evolution paragraph that Republicans have been reciting since Obamacare hit a 60% approval rating in January 2016. On the political current, however, the Republican held nothing back. "So the American people, seems to me, have a clear and easy choice. My ticket, I've been Vice President. I know I can make the tough decisions as President and keep us on the right path. Or you can vote for the Democrats, a pair of divas who both wanted to be on the top of the ticket. They're more concerned with status than helping out Americans, seems to me."


Monday, September 30, 2024
Gallup Tracking Poll
Gillibrand/Castro 48% (-1)
Walker/Toomey 47% (+1)
Undecided 5% (-3)

[Enderman]

aw snap! this is crazy! (oh, and badgate, thanks for the vote )

[Maxwell]

Go Walker/Toomey!

[Consciously Unconscious]

Just out of interest, do you think the electoral map could really look like this in the future?

[badgate]

Just out of interest, do you think the electoral map could really look like this in the future?

I'm not sure how NHI came up with the numbers (I used his future map) but all of the state totals look realistic for the next decade to me.

[badgate]

XXXIX: Weekend Warriors


Thursday, October 3, 2024

Durbin, Thune concoct Senate drama

Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin brought up for a vote the Expansion of EITC of 2024 in committee, a bill the Senate GOP oppose reluctantly in an election year. The vote looked to be an embarrassment for the Republican's VP candidate, Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey, who would be going against 81% of Pennsylvania voters if he voted against.
The Minority Leader, failed Presidential candidate Senator John Thune, responded in kind by attaching a Marijuana legalization amendment to the bill, which easily passed in the committee. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is not in the committee, but her vote if Durbin brings the bill to the floor could jeaprodize the broad coalition she has built through the DNC and month of September.


Friday, October 4, thru Sunday, October 6, 2024


Gillibrand Settles In For Debate Camp
Democratic nominee Kirsten Gillibrand hunkered down in her family's upstate New York cabin for a weekend of debate prep this afternoon. The first debate, to be held in Chicago, will be focused on foreign policy and America's role in the 21st century. The debate deal announced by the Presidential Debate Commission last month includes three Presidential debates and one Vice Presidential debate sandwiched in between. FOX lead anchor Megyn Kelly is slated to moderate the first debate, and MSNBC All In host Ezra Klein has accepted the moderator role for the VP debate.
The Gillibrand campaign announced that Arizona Senator Mark Kelly will be representing Republican Scott Walker during the debate prep. Kelly and his wife, retired Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, have appeared for Gillibrand at events in Arizona, and will both be decamping to Lake George for the weekend.



Pretend that's Scott Walker, ok?

Walker Comes Home for Debate Prep; Buys Groceries
Scott Walker was photographed at the local Copp's Food Center buying groceries for his campaign staff, and house guests for the weekend of debate prep. Both campaigns, according to their spokespeople, agreed to both go dark the weekend before the first debate. Walker used his "Key Savings Card" for special discounts, but unfortunately today was not double coupon day. Alabama Senator and VP runner-up Martha Roby was asked to play Gillibrand for the debate, but she declined and suggested Walker ask the toughest debater he knew, no matter the gender.



Walker chose failed Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz because of his 21-hour floor speech in 2013.














Monday, October 7, 2024




"Good evening, I'm Megyn Kelly. Welcome to our first Presidential debate for the election of 2024 at the University of Chicago. I'll be the moderator this evening. We have from the far left, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and from the moderate right, Vice President Scott Walker. Tonight's topic of debate will be international affairs and America's global role in the 21st century. I'm going to lift the applause ban here in the audience to welcome our candidates onto the stage..."



"Thank you for that descriptive introduction, Megyn."


"Good to see you Megyn, thank you."




Megyn: Let's get started...





11:00pm

CNN Flash Poll
Who won the first debate?
Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand 57%
Republican Scott Walker 33%
Tie 10%


Friday, October 11, 2024

New Memoir Spills On Ayotte's 2020 Deal; Hits #1

A new memoir penned by a former high-ranking member of the State Department has a chapter devoted to the aftermath of the 2020 Presidential election. "Ayotte was terrified the Libertarians wouldn't side with her, giving Gene Taylor 26 votes and the Presidency. She summoned all the pertinent congressional leaders to the residence of the White House late at night: Speaker Von Hollen, Majority Leader Durbin, Republicans Cantor and Thune. And Raul Labrador, who had led the charge that now gave the Libertarian party almost 10 seats in the House. Labrador's support was crucial. But the demands came from all in the room: Durbin wanted his protege Kimberly Lightfoot considered for a cabinet post, and as a favor to his friend Julian Castro insisted Ayotte remove George P. Bush from the political landscape in Texas. Bush was the most likely and most dangerous challenger to Castro's grip on the governorship in 2022. Bush became Secretary of Commerce and Castro was reelected by 4 points against Texas senator Dan Patrick. Labrador wanted the Treasury, which he got. And Von Hollen wanted Duckworth out of the House; she had run against him for Speaker after 2018 and a thorn in his side ever since. Von Hollen also said he wanted to take up electoral reform, but insisted on Ayotte introducing it to the agenda. The final, and hardest sacrifice was Ayotte's Vice President. The Democrats in the room gave the President an ultimatum: you keep your office if you give us your second."

The book also goes to length to describe how Scott Walker's resignation was a separate event. "It is a well known rumor in the administration that after Walker knew that Ayotte had secured her reelection by the House, he asked to meet her in the Oval Office that morning. While nobody was in the room, it is said that Walker offered Ayotte his resignation right off the bat, telling her that it would be inappropriate and bad for her if she had to wrestle the Senate to get him reelected. 'Scott,' Ayotte said, 'I've already agreed with Durbin to have the Senate elect Gene Taylor.' The meeting ended amicably, and the first female president was finally able to turn her attention to the second term she had just secured."

Our political reporters are confident that this will not hurt Scott Walker's chances. "Walker comes out of this book smelling like a rose, and besides, he has done a good job of keeping his former boss at arm's length since the Republican primaries," said NYTimes columnist Lalana Patel. "This will mostly just serve to embarrass the Congressional leaders involved, the people who were given jobs as part of the deal, and ultimately President Ayotte herself." As of midnight ET 10/10/24, the book was #1 on our Best Selling list, in both the Non-Fiction ranking and the integrated ranking.


Saturday, October 12, 2024
Gallup Tracking Poll
Gillibrand/Castro 49%
Walker/Toomey 45%
Undecided 6%

[Brewer]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Aw.

[badgate]

XXXIX is finished.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Aw.

[badgate]

XL: Faux Poes Foes


Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Gallup Tracking Poll
Gillibrand/Castro 50%
Walker/Toomey 45%
Undecided 5%


Friday, October 18, 2024


Gillibrand, Walker dodge questions on ethics investigations

As the House Ethics Committee moved toward issuing subpoenas in response to the recent memoir "Beltway Diplomacy" that dished on the 2020 Election aftermath, both Presidential candidates avoided taking positions on the investigations. Gillibrand, herself a member of the Senate Ethics Committee, repeatedly insisted that she didn't respond to hypotheticals when asked how she'd vote or participate in an investigation of whether any laws were broken. Republican Scott Walker ignored questions in Texas while passing the press pool to board his campaign's airplane.


Saturday, October 19, 2024


Kirsten Gillibrand
Favorable 56%
Unfavorable 40%
Not Sure 4%

Honesty and Intelligence
Very 31%
Somewhat 29%
Average 16%
Negative 24%

Jobs, Healthcare, & Entitlement programs
Very 29%
Somewhat 21%
Average 11%
Negative 39%

National Security and ability to run military
Very 19%
Somewhat 28%
Average 15%
Negative 38%


Scott Walker
Favorable 52%
Unfavorable 38%
Not Sure 10%

Honesty and Intelligence
Very 25%
Somewhat 29%
Average 13%
Negative 33%

Jobs, Healthcare, & Entitlement programs
Very 20%
Somewhat 23%
Average 25%
Negative 32%

National Security and ability to be commander-in-chief
Very 27%
Somewhat 18%
Average 28%
Negative 28%


What is most important to you in the 2024 election?
Honesty and Intelligence 40%
Jobs, Healthcare, and Entitlement programs 28%
National Security and ability to be commander-in-chief 32%


Tuesday, October 22, 2024


"Good evening, welcome to the Vice Presidential debate in Missoula, Montana at the University of Montana. We've got two of the brightest minds in professional politics who are both about to come out here and discuss the issues and represent their campaigns. Let's welcome to the stage the Governor of Texas, Democrat Julian Castro.........and the Senator from Pennsylvania, Republican Pat Toomey!"


"Scott Walker and I are committed to responsible government. Kirsten Gillibrand has voted throughout her Senate career for a bigger, bloated government. As President, she would be a disaster to our sovereignty. It's no secret: Scott Walker and I are freedom fighters. We're committed to protecting your rights from the invasive Democrats. A vote for Walker/Toomey is a vote for liberty itself."


"What you're hearing are the same old talking points from the same tired paint-by-numbers Washington campaign. The Gillibrand/Castro administration would bring new ideas and the spirit of compromise to the table. I am fully committed to my job as Senator GIllibrand's Vice President. We're not a ticket of divas, like Scott Walker would have you believe. While the Republicans are trying to misdirect you with namecalling, we're the party forcing President Ayotte to pass balanced budgets year after year, we're the party that has never shut down the government since the Republican Shutdown of 2013. You know us. Vote for us."



Who won the Vice Presidential debate?
Julian Castro 40%
Pat Toomey 38%
Tie 22%

[badgate]

XLI:Everybody's Got The Right (To Be Happy)


Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Gallup Tracking Poll
Gillibrand/Castro 49%
Walker/Toomey 47%
Undecided 4%


Newspaper Endorsements Roll In



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Thursday, October 24, 2024


"Hello! Welcome to the town hall-style Presidential debate, where for the next ninety minutes the candidates for President will answer questions composed by and asked by regular American citizens. We're here at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Thank you for joining us at home. Now, I want to warn you that you will be asked to leave if you shout or applaud during the debate. We will temporarily suspend the rule, however, to welcome our candidates..."


AUDIENCE MEMBER: Mister Vice President, you have criticized Senator Gillibrand's tax reform proposals and said she couldn't run a Starbucks. But many people are still not sure what you would do as President. Can you talk about what you would do for tax reform and what's a priority for your administration?


"I want to first say that I believe the Senator is a great thinker, and would be a great ally for my tax reform plan in the Senate. I want to cut the burden of government spending from the middle class, and make our tax code fairer to everyone who works, not just the people making medium incomes. I've got a two-for-one plan. For every dollar of spending cuts, I'm cutting your taxes by two dollars. The other priorities for my administration, which you asked for, would be to expand the healthcare exchanges across state lines, allowing providers in neighboring states to expand their pool of customers and giving Americans more options."


AUDIENCE MEMBER: Senator Gillibrand. We have all heard new revelations about how President Ayotte made a back room deal to get reelected, and her mishandling of an aborted strike on China disappointed many Americans. Trust in the executive branch is at an all-time, while trust for Congress is up. How can we know to trust you in the White House?


"I'm glad we've got a chance to talk about this. I was shocked by the possible quid-pro-quo that went on four years ago. If elected, the first hour my Attorney General is confirmed by the Senate, I would direct the Attorney General to appoint a special prosecutor and investigate the extent of any wrongdoing. No bureaucrat, no matter the party, will escape their day in court. As for me, I mean what I say. My record in the Senate shows that. My relationship with the people of my home state shows that. If elected, I would be President of the whole United States, and I can't promise-no politician can-to always do exactly what you'll want. You can always count on me to look into the camera, or a fellow American's eyes, and honestly say what I think should be done in a given situation. You may not always agree, but you'll know where I stand and know I mean it. I think, given the current mindset of the American people, that's the least that should be expected of our President."



Who won the town hall debate?
Gillibrand/Castro 30%
Walker/Toomey 25%
Tie 45%

[badgate]

XLII: The Last Debate

Sunday, October 27, 2024

The Stubborn Undecideds: Will they run away with the White House?

With our most recent poll released today, Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand is at 48%, tied with Republican Scott Walker (48%). Easy money is on Gillibrand, but it's the stubborn undecideds, a block that has not dwindled as in previous elections day as October draws to a close. We have some new information from our recent poll that shows why.

Those still undecided are part of the 32% of Americans who hold "national security and ability to be commander-in-chief" as the most important issue when casting their vote for President. Of those still undecided, it is the top issue for 91% of them. This is the issue that Gillibrand is weakest on; 42% of Americans have a negative opinion of Gillibrand in this regard; for Walker, that number is only 29%. And 70% of those still undecided say they will probably make up their mind on election day itself. This puts even higher stakes on the upcoming final debate, centering on foreign policy and America's global role in the 21st century.

Monday, October 28, 2024

Gillibrand and Walker star in GOTV PSA

"No matter who you vote for, you've gotta get out and vote."
"Decisions are made by those who show up. We've all got to make sure we're a part of this national decision."


Tuesday, October 29, 2024


"Good evening, welcome to the final Presidential debate at Auburn University in Alabama. Tonight we will be discussing American foreign policy and our country's role in the 21st century. After the first half-hour, I will ask the candidates some of the questions submitted by tonight's audience."

...

"Senator Gillibrand, this is a question from the audience. In the Senate you removed the chain of command from being involved in sexual assault charges. While the situation improved somewhat, this weakened our armed forces and it has yet to be proven that this will not lead to major problems about following orders in battle. Why should we trust you to be the commander-in-chief?"


"I, uh, will not tolerate disobeying orders in the military, and-"

WALKER: But you already did by taking out the chain of command as a Senator. This is why I am the only candidate fit to lead our armed forces.

GILLIBRAND: Now hang on. I am more than ready to lead our brave soldiers. But as I've said throughout this debate, I believe in exhausting all diplomatic solutions before turning to senseless violence.

...

"Vice President Walker, you've said during this campaign that you do not want to see America tethered by superfluous international organizations. Can you cite speficially what you don't want America involved with? I should note, this is a question from our audience."


"Well, look at NATO. We've basically admitted every country that the organization was created to fight. But let me state perfectly clear, because Senator Gillibrand's campaign spokespeople seem to be confused: I in no way would end the United States' membership to the United Nations. I mean, the headquarters is in our own country for cryin' out loud. I'm interested in a forward-looking foreign policy, and it does not include antiquated international organizations that have widespread, unexpected implications in trade and diplomacy. Senator Gillibrand wants us to be weighed down. I mean, if it were up to her, we'd still be in the League of Nations!"


"Do you realize that America never joined the League of Nations?"


"Of course, but that wouldn't have been the case if you'd been in charge back then!"


11:50pm

FOX Flash Poll: Who won the last debate?
Gillibrand/Castro 20%
Walker/Toomey 19%
Tie 61%

[badgate]

XLIII: The Day To Vote Hard Has Arrived (and it is a good day)


1:29am, Tuesday, November 5, 2024


Dixville Notch and Hart's Location continued their tradition of midnight voting earlier this evening. In the small hamlet of Dixville Notch, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has won by almost 2/3rds of the town. Specific numbers are not yet in but we predict 9-6.

In Hart's Location, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has the former Vice President dragging behind by a comfortable margin.

Tune in tomorrow night for our live election night coverage!

[badgate]

XLIV: Happy Trails


FLASHBACK: The Final Weekend


Thursday, October 31, 2024

Gillibrand went negative on Scott Walker in a Texas, Colorado, Arizona swing.


The Walker campaign responded in kind the same day. Both campaigns seemed to have decided after the last debate that winning required amping up their negatives.

Friday, November 1st, 2024

Former President Barack Obama joined Gillibrand for a swing through Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.


Walker campaigned for himself and Wisconsin Senate candidate Paul Ryan in his home state along with Mitt Romney, then the trio went to a swing through Ohio and Pennsylvania.


Democratic VP nominee Julian Castro campaigned with his brother all across Texas. Senator Castro is up for reelection and facing a close challenge from the Republican Stefani Carter. Democrats are hoping the effect of having one Castro on the Presidential ticket and another will bring out the coalition that first made Texas a swing state for state-level races in 2018.


Republican VP nominee Pat Toomey tried to drum up support for Walker/Toomey in Virginia.


Saturday, November 2, 2024


Former Louisiana Governor, now President of the Heritage Foundation, came to a Walker rally in Florida.


Matriarch of the Clinton dynasty Hillary Rodham Clinton fired up Gillibrand supporters in Ohio before joining her daughter on the stump in West Virginia.


Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, his wife & retired Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, and the astonishingly still-in-office Congressman Ron Barber all campaigned for Gillibrand/Castro in Arizona.


Sunday, November 3, 2024

Presdient Kelly Ayotte came out for Walker events in the rust belt.


Obama and Biden were back together again, and clearly having a ball in Wisconsin.


New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez to New Mexicans: You better vote for Scott Walker!


Gillibrand greets men in uniform at North Carolina base.

Monday, November 4, 2024


Walker ended his campaing with a whirlwind of events in Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, and finally a last huge rally in his home state of Wisconsin.


Crowds gathered outside the Wisconsin state house for Walker's final campaign speech.


Gillibrand's final day of the 2024 campaign began in Phoenix, Arizona, before a marathon through Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia before a final touching speech at midnight in Times Square.

[badgate]

XLV: Election Night!

6:00pm CST, Tuesday, November 5, 2024


Good evening! Welcome to our Election Night coverage here on MSNBC. We're an hour out from the first round of poll closings, so let's take a moment to take a look back at the exciting Presidential race of 2024




The Scott Walker campaign kicked off to sky-high expectations that it was unprepared to meet in the summer of 2023. After a few weak debate performances, the Republican primary electorate began to consider the other candidates in the field. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and West Virginia Governor Shelley Moore Capito all held leads in the national polls at one point or another. While Walker eventually won a majority of the primary states (twenty eight, as well as the District of Colombia), the primary schedule was structured against him and gave Capito and Palin openings to try to seize the nomination. Neither succeeded, and Walker was nominated along with Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey at the Republican Convention earlier this fall.


Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was hesitant to run for president after the hard-fought 2020 Democratic primary. She had been burned by former President Bill Clinton, who at the eleventh hour pulled his DNC endorsement of her in favor of the rapid unity that solidified around Vice President Gene Taylor. And her chief rival, after Taylor dropped out, was the same as her chief rival in 2020: Texas Governor Julian Castro. Out of a crowded field of many great candidates, the field whittled down to Gillibrand, Castro, and late entry Kentucky Senator Alison Lundergan Grimes. Gillibrand stood aside while Castro took out Grimes; Castro's narrow wins over the Kentucky Senator in Oklahoma and Alabama convinced Grimes that there was no path to the nominations. This spring, when the primaries seemed to have come to a draw, Castro's campaign reportedly reached out and offered to discuss the Governor's withdrawal from the race. Castro was rewarded with the Vice Presidential nomination.

It's going to be a long night, but most pundits have pointed toward a Gillibrand victory. Throughout election day, the weather has been as perfect as possible. There have only been two reported rain storms during the entire day, and temperatures have ranged from a tolerable 58°F in Minnesota to a balmy 76° out in California. That's right, we are expecting the highest voter turnout in history. We'll be back after these messages from corporations that basically control your lives...



...





Here's Senator Gillibrand, who voted at 9am Central time today in her home state of New York. Gillibrand seems to have given up morning coverage on the east coast because of her focus on Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Arizona.


The Walker campaign, however, quickly got coverage to switch to their candidate at 9:20am when Walker showed up in his home town in Wisconsin to vote.

[badgate]

XLVI: 7pm

7 PM Closings
Georgia – Too Close to Call
Indiana – Too Close to Call
Kentucky – Gillibrand 45% Walker 54% Other 1%
South Carolina – Gillibrand 46% Walker 53% Other 1%
Vermont – Gillibrand 63% Walker 35% Other 2%
Virginia – Too Close to Call

Currently we have Walker/Toomey ahead at 17 electoral votes, and Gillibrand/Castro is at 3.