Forward? – A 2012 Election Game (Sign Up and Rules Thread)

[Lumine]

Forward?
A 2012 Election Game

Can Obama win reelection in a slightly different 2012?

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It’s the middle of 2011 and the historic presidency of Barack Obama stands at a difficult moment as the question of a second term is soon to be resolved. Despite leading the way in several domestic accomplishments such as the famed "Obamacare" and being personally popular with the public the Obama Administration has been blamed for the still high unemployment and a weak economy, and the Democratic Party suffered a historic defeat in the 2010 Midterms at the hands of the so called "Tea Party movement". Holding firm to the advantages of incumbency President Obama remains a strong contender for reelection, but there are clouds in the horizon with his complex relationship with the Clintons (with Senator Hillary Clinton proving a strong rival at times) and the disappointment of several progressives within the Democratic Party.

On the other side of the aisle a reinvigorated Republican Party that sailed triumphant from the midterms is also at the crossroads. While many recognize the President as vulnerable and see a winnable election in 2012, the party is still deeply divided amongst different factions and lacking a clear frontrunner as the natural challenger to the President, many prominent Republicans thought to be considering a run with a primary electorate which may be more volatile than they think. Even in their unity in opposition to many of Obama's key policies (particularly Obamacare), there is a stark divide between those who look towards the center as decisive to winning the election, and those who believe only a "true conservative" can win the White House. And, of course, as the two main parties battle for power there are others that may get in the way, particularly as support for a strong independent or third-party candidate appears promising.

As Super PAC's and social media take a more prominent role in the political system and with millions of young voters at play, who will end up being the Republican challenger? Can the President energize his base once again and overcome internal challenges?

It’s up to you.

Rules:

1.- While Alea Jacta Est picks up steam, I've decided to take another shot at a US Election Game just for the sake of fun. Born as an unofficial sequel to the almost finished "Fear and Loathing in 1972", this Game will cover the 2012 US Presidential Election from September 1st, 2011 to November 7th, 2012, divided into three main phases:

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2.- The in-game length of turns will vary from days to an entire month depending on the circumstances, but all turns will last 72 hours (no more) in RL. Duly informing of a turn absence will yield no penalty (a polling freeze or very limited loss), but simply not posting will bring consequences.

3.- Contact me for endorsements! No candidate may recieve more than 2 per turn, and there are some special endorsements that will be reserved for key events or dates (for example, New Hampshire or Iowa Governors, or relevant newspapers like the Des Moines Register or the New Hampshire Union Leader).

4.- The 2012 race was known to be volatile at points, particularly so with the GOP side. This game will attempt to replicate this by taking note of schedules, events and particularly the debate performances, which may give a surprise boost to a given candidate to rise like Perry, Cain, Gingrich and others did before flaming out. Of course, that boost can be lost in the face of tough attacks from your rivals, so it can be both a blessing and a curse.

5.- There will be debates, several of them to account for the OTL high number of GOP debates and their undeniable impact on the race. The first few turns will all feature limited debates.

6.- Like other games, I will use a number randomizer to determine positive and negative news for the candidates. 1-5 will be negative experiences (1 being terrible news) and 45-50 will be positive experiences (50 being a huge boost). 5-45 will be no news. Real life news will also feature as part of the game for players to exploit (or influence).

7.- Third Party candidates are allowed to join, but their respective gameplay will be focused on the General Election. The only exception is the Americans Elect Primaries, which may be a factor if a player wants to run for their nomination (thus making them more successful and relevant than in OTL).

[Lumine]

Candidate List:

This list focused on OTL candidates or candidates who garnered significant speculation, as well as some extra to account for what may or may not be a more competitive Democratic race. You can also choose someone from outside this list, but I'll have to approve them first (particularly with celebrity candidates).

Current Candidates:

Democratic Party:

President Barack Obama (D-IL) (Grassr00ts)
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) (Dkrol)
Former Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) (GoTfan)
Former Governor Phil Breseden (D-TN) (New Tennessean Politician)

Republican Party:

Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) (DFL)
Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) (Blair)
Former Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) (LouisvilleThunder)
Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA) (wxtransit)
Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) (Yankee_Mapper)
Mr. Donald Trump (R-NY) (politicalmasta73)
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) (Bagel23)
Representative Walter Jones (R-NC) (Spiral)
Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) (JacksonHitchcock)
Mr. Adam Carolla (R-CA) (Jaguar4life)

Other Available Candidates:

Democratic Party:

Potential Candidates: (Among others)
Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT)
Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)
Former Governor Howard Dean (D-VT)
Former Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL)

Republican Party:

RL Candidates:
Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA)
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
Representative Ron Paul (R-TX)
Governor Rick Perry (R-TX)
Former Governor Jon Huntsman (R-UT)
Representative Michelle Bachmann (R-MN)
Mr. Herman Cain (R-GA)
Former Governor Gary Johnson (R-NM)
Former Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN)

Potential Candidates: (Among others)
Former Governor Haley Barbour (R-MS)
Former Governor Jeb Bush (R-FL)
Governor Mitch Daniels (R-IN)
Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR)

Americans Elect:

Open

Independents:

Open

Primary and Caucus Schedule:

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[Orwell]

Can I have President Obama, if he's taken can I get Rick Snyder

[Jaguar4life]

I set you a message about celebrity request

[Bidenworth2020]

I'll be Donald Trump as a pub

[Huey Long is a Republican]

I'll be Phil Bredesen as a Dem

[Jaguar4life]

When does the game start?

[Lumine]

Can I have President Obama, if he's taken can I get Rick Snyder

As I replied via PM, you can have Snyder (although remember Snyder has been Governor for a few months, I'd recommend a more experienced GOP officeholder).

I set you a message about celebrity request

Replied, you can have Carolla.

I'll be Donald Trump as a pub

Welcome!

I'll be Phil Bredesen as a Dem

Welcome!

[Lumine]

When does the game start?

As soon as we have a sizable field, really. I'd want the GOP and Dem fields to be sustainable (more than 6 Republican candidates, more than 2 Democratic ones) before starting.

[wxtransit]

I'm thinking Bobby Jindal for the Republicans. Is the schedule using in-game dates or real-life dates?

[Jaguar4life]

When does the game start?

As soon as we have a sizable field, really. I'd want the GOP and Dem fields to be sustainable (more than 6 Republican candidates, more than 2 Democratic ones) before starting.

Can I at least have my opener?

[Lumine]

When does the game start?

As soon as we have a sizable field, really. I'd want the GOP and Dem fields to be sustainable (more than 6 Republican candidates, more than 2 Democratic ones) before starting.

Can I at least have my opener?

Yes. Opening speeches go on this thread, they're assumed to have been made well before the starting date of the game (September). I'll give marks to the speeches, so they will influence the opening position of the players in the polls to a degree.

I'm thinking Bobby Jindal for the Republicans. Is the schedule using in-game dates or real-life dates?

Welcome! Yes, it's IG dates.

[Jaguar4life]

JUNE 6th 2011 ON THE ADAM CAROLLA PODCAST

You know on to the next topic and this is a very special one.   I look at the possible candidates for President in 2012. Just awful.  President Obama’s bad enough but the fact that Hillary Clinton wants to primary him? I don’t know when it comes to that what is worse. And then you got some socialist from Vermont. Won’t say a lot about him cause he doesn’t stand a chance against those two.

But really the disappointment really kicks in with the possible Republican candidates.

As I read this from Politico. Sarah Palin? Are you joking!!!?! She sunk Mccain’s Campaign and then we got Jeb Bush who which I honestly think we don’t need another Bush in the White House.

And then you got Newt Gingrich? Newt come on I honestly don’t think you have enough in the old tank to pull this off but right here just throws me off the edge.

Mitt Romney folks. Mitt Romney I remember from 2008. He’s basically George W Bush but more moderate and he also have the same exact idea for Obamacare when he was the governor of Massachusetts.

With all that said I am officially running for the Republican nomination of President of the United States!!

I’m gonna let that sink in. I am tired of the false hope and change especially that Obama promised and that the fact that what we got was a total scam. I am tired of politicians just saying things to get votes and then just abandon that platform.

America needs a president who isn’t a politician and it’s a outsider and thaf keeps his promise to his words.

And that is why I am declaring this campaign.

JUNE 7th

The website AdamCarolla2012.  Com starts up as a non corporate PAC to raise money.  About 8000$ dollars are raised on the first day.

[Orwell]

The Upton Residence St Joseph, Michigan

June 1st
Hello, I am Frederick Stephen Upton and I am a member of the United States House of Representatives, for many years in the House I have pushed for Bipartisanship, but now the political extremes of both parties have come to a front. Whether it is members of my own party, calling President Obama a communist born in Kenya, or members of the left calling my colleges fascists. I don’t care about party lines and many of you know that I have worked my career in congress with both Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation, not for Corporate Interests, but for you the American people.




I am not launching this campaign, by attacking the President, or by saying I will enact dramatic reforms I am saying that I will work with the Democrat controlled Senate, and the Republican controlled House, to pass things we need in America like reforming the education system. Balancing a budget, that doesn’t cut social security, but also keeps our nation safe. And most of all we need to fight for the American dream, we need Strong unions, Strong workplace safety laws and strong manufacturing industries, protect our jobs from outsourcing and Make America a safer place for our Children and Grandchildren.




I will establish these 3 principles for my campaign and the 8 years of my presidency, Family, Patriotism, and Bipartisanship. 

__________________________________________________________________________________






June 6th
Upton begins recruiting precinct captains in Iowa and New hampshire

[Huey Long is a Republican]

A New Blue Dog: Phil Bredesen For 2012

Knoxville, Tennessee

July 4th, 2011

"Hello Tennessee!" Crowd Cheers loudly for Bredesen "I actually really miss that *small chuckle* anyways, I would like to announce something. Six years ago, I won re-election for governor with every county in this state. Every county. I am still surprised from that but I am very thankful for it. Now, I want to try my hand in an All New Ballgame: the Presidential Election. I know that we have Obama, however he is not fulfilling his campaign promises, now is he?" Crowd shouts "NO!" " We are really witnessing 'change', aren't we Obama? What with our unemployment barely dropping below 8% thanks to you. Well, Obama, I want to say this, I challenge you for the Democratic Nomination for President in 2012."

"Now, I want to get on to the Republican candidates. Seriously? A businessman and a celebrity running  for their Nomination when neither of them knows how this system works? The Republican Party is out of it's mind just for that, Now they are thinking about Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. That man had a charity Scandal. The charity was funded by big businesses that could be at the whim of state regulators and we all know that. He says his wife is running the charity but I'd like to think otherwise. Finally, Upton. I haven't really heard about this guy. Have you heard about him? He's an unknown. America doesn't need a President who doesn't keep his promises, nor what I just mentioned. It needs a hard-working, honest president who will bring back the National Surplus, Bring back Jobs, and restart the economy."

"America, 20 years ago, you gave an unknown governor from Arkansas a chance. He took how were you feeling and fixed out Nation up real good. I'm here to ask you: Do you want more of the same or do you want to give another chance to a Blue Dog Democrat? Thank you, God Bless you all!!!" Crowd cheers as Bredesen leaves the stage to begin his campaign, starting in Des Moines, Iowa.

[PPT Spiral]

I'm tremendously happy you're taking up a game again, Lumine! 1972 was a blast and I absolutely want to contribute to this one as well. (I'd still love to see a resolution to 1972, btw.)

Signing up as Congressman Walter Jones for the Republicans.

[Blair]

Can I have a stab at Chris Christie, running for the Republican nomination obviously?

[Lumine]

I'm tremendously happy you're taking up a game again, Lumine! 1972 was a blast and I absolutely want to contribute to this one as well. (I'd still love to see a resolution to 1972, btw.)

Signing up as Congressman Walter Jones for the Republicans.

Can I have a stab at Chris Christie, running for the Republican nomination obviously?

Great to have you on board! Jones and Christie are in.

[Jaguar4life]

Rest of the beginning of Adam Carolla’s Presidential bid and June and July 2011

Adam the day after his anncoument officially finished his paperwork to the FEC for his Presidental Run.

Carolla then made several online videos detailing his campaign by saying that he is running a grassroots campaign and that he wouldn’t accept any money from big corporations and SuperPacs.

Then Carolla made a speech next to the Ronald Reagan Presidental Library as the second official Presidental announcement.

Carolla then went on a tour of sorts around California on his issues and polices.  Ads of sorts started apppearing around Social Media and the internet. Carolla is expected in late July to hit the campaign spotlight in New Hampshire Iowa and Florida.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Campaign Summary of Former Governor Phil Bredesen from July to September

Phil would visit the city of Baltimore the day after his announcement stating that he fondly remembers the 1990s economy and How Bill Clinton was able to give the Nation a Surplus instead of A debt (Which he states Obama has not been able to get rid of). He then Continues this up by saying that the Democratic Party has moved away from what won Bill Clinton his Economy, being in the center, for Progressivism. He follows that up by saying that the cause of Progressivism is nothing but idoicy and that as President he will work with both the Republicans and Democrats and attempt to reign in the Democratic Party back to it's more Centrist position of the 90s. He finishes by saying that ever since Bush took Office, the American Dream died and with Obama, it still is dead. He then says to the citizens of Baltimore that he will make sure that America has been returned to the brink if he's elected President.

He then started an online fundraising campaign much like Howard Dean of 2004 did to avoid Corporations and SuperPacs.

He would then continuously campaign in the states of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Virginia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, and Michigan to explain his policies and issues, specifically, the Economy and Foreign Policy in which he hits Obama hard, saying that FDR, Woodrow Wilson, JFK, and Bill Clinton would be ashamed with what Obama has done to the Democratic Party and America and that he will do his best to bring it back from the brink.

He ended this tour in Des Moines, Iowa, in which he stated that he would work for the Evangelical and he would work for the average man. He finally stated this little quote: "Politicians nowadays always say 'I'll fight for you!' but never mean it. Well, I want to change that. John F. Kennedy once said "Ask not what your country can do for you, Ask what you can do for your country." That is something both the Republican and Democratic Parties have forgotten as of late. Let's bring up a quote for now on and when politicians say it, they must mean. "I will work my hardest, not for you,
 but for everyone and for America, for no country is no greater and no people is as great than here.".

He is suspected to fight the Democratic Challengers in the Debate and then Campaign in New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and Iowa some more.

[Lumine]

Can I play as Ron Paul? (As a Republican, obviously)

Certainly, welcome!

At this point we'd need Obama to start, and hopefully a couple more GOP or Dem candidates to make for a wider field.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

At this point we'd need Obama to start, and hopefully a couple more GOP or Dem candidates to make for a wider field.

Let's hope we get someone to choose Obama quickly and there ready to fight a Blue Dog Dem as respectable as Bill Clinton in 1992.

Bernie would also be a good challenge.

[Jaguar4life]

ADAM CAROLLA CAMPAIGN TRAIL UPDATE FOR 2011

Carolla giving a economic policy speech in Manchester New Hampshire

Carolla would start campaigning in New Hampshire Florida and Nevada while using his podcast show and would use his podcast show to spread his on his idea and the issues.

Carolla in the Liberty minded state of New Hampshire by promoting his economic polices in which he proposed a simpler and fairer tax code and a all cross the board 15-20% tax cuts and proposed a 4 bracket system of incomes of 5% 10% 15% 30% and said that as president he would the “Unconstitutional” IRS.
Carolla also plans the corporate tax rate to be cut by 20%.

When asked about what is the perfect income tax to him he responded with “0”

Carolla up in Dairy also talked about balencing the budget and a push of a balanced budget amendment by his first term. He said “We have a bunch of wasteful spending on things we don’t really use and we spend money on things that we really can’t afford”

Carolla praises the free market system in the same speech and said that he is the only candidate in this race that would defend the free market no matter what.

[GoTfan]

Feingold please

[Lumine]

Feingold please

Welcome!