Four More Years II- the Third Obama Administration

[America Needs R'hllor]

I wonder if Missouri could end up being interesting. If Eric Greitens lost in 2016, it would be likely that he would have attempted to then run for the Senate seat in 2018. There would then be a large unpredictable variable in when the allegations came out.

If he lost an open seat in 2016 , there is no way he would win the gop nomination to face an incumbent democrat.

Greitens was not the Republican nominee for Governor in 2016. It was Peter Kinder. In fact, Greitens' political fortune was destroyed back in the Republican primaryb for Governor, when his affair scandal emerged to destroy his chances. I looked back at the first part of the TL, and after a slight edit (I mentioned in election night someone losing to Kinder because of a scandal but forgot to write Greitens' name), this is the official version:

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[America Needs R'hllor]

I don't see Mélenchon loosing that much. He would have had appeal on Le Pen's voters.
And the map seems also unrealistic: why would Pyrénées-Orientales vote for him (it's not a lefty region at all), while historic lefty departments like Ariège, Martinique or Val-de-Marne (the last department that communists run)...

Nevermind, great TL !

The margin is fairly realistic imo, it's closer than the irl matchup but I do believe Mélenchon would lose fairly strongly because of depressed turnout from right-wingers. Macron was believed to be center to center-left back then iirc, so I could see many of the PS voters supporting him, all of the LR voters who bother to turn out, and at least some of the FN voters, which means Mélenechon doesn't have a path to a much higher percentage. I guess he could, but I don't think 37% is completely unrealistic.

As for the map- you're most likely correct, since you understand way more than me. I just took the first round results and checked where Mélenchon won or did well I'll probably refain from doing non-U.S. or Israel maps from now on.

[America Needs R'hllor]

June 8th, 2017

British snap election results in hung parliament; next government uncertain



LONDON - The snap parliamentary election called by British Prime Minister Theresa May turned quite sour for her, as her Conservative Party suffered a net loss of seats for the first time since 1997 and could not achieve a majority in the next parliament. While it was originally called by May in order to earn herself a stronger mandate for Brexit negotiations, her campaign proved insufficient and Labour Leader Jermey Corbyn overperformed, leading to a gain of seats for his party. The Liberal Democratic Party gained a few seats as well, while the separatist Scottish National Party lost many seats to Labour's surge.

Results of the United Kingdom General Election, 2017
Conservative Party (Leader: Theresa May)- 306 Seats (41.2%)
Labour Party (Leader: Jeremy Corbyn)- 268 Seats (40.6%)
Scottish National Party (Leader: Nicola Sturgeon)- 34 Seats (2.9%)
Liberal Democratic Party (Leader: Tim Farron)- 18 Seats (8.1%)
Democratic Unionist Party (Leader: Arlene Foster)- 10 Seats (0.9%)
Sinn Féin (Leader: Gerry Adams)- 7 Seats (0.7%)
Plaid Cymru (Leader: Leanne Wood)- 4 Seats (0.5%)
Green Party (Leaders: Caroline Lucas and Jonathan Bartley)- 1 Seat (1.6%)
Independent- 1 Seat (0.5%)
Speaker (John Bercow)- 1 Seat (0.1%)
UK Independence Party (Leader: Paul Nuttall)- 0 Seats (1.8%)

The results leave May and Britain in a tough situation- no party holds a majority in the parliament, and the Prime Minister will have to build a coalition. However, that might get complicated- an idea of a deal with the right-wing Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) was suggested, but would not hold quite enough seats for a majority. The only option, then, is for May to get the support of the Liberal Democratic Party- which would mean significant concessions. While Tim Farron campaigned on a second Brexit referendum, pundits speculate that he'll agree to support May even without it, but it would require making Brexit much softer than the Conservatives would be comfortable with. In a post-election speech, May confirmed that negotiations with the Liberal Democrats will begin soon, which might take some time considering the leadership election triggered by Tim Farron's resignation following an underwhelming showing in the election.

June 14th, 2017

Perriello wins Virginia Democratic nomination for Governor in an upset, Gillespie to be Republican nominee



RICHMOND - Former U.S. Representative Tom Perriello defeated Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam in last night's Democratic primary, becoming the party's nominee for the gubernatorial election to be held in November of this year. Perriello, supported by both President Obama and his allies and progressive Democrats, defeated the favourite and frontrunner in the race, Northam, who was supported by the Virginia Democratic establishment. This is considered a victory for President Obama, and also for Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and the progressive wing of the Democratic party. Northam graciously conceded the race and endorsed Perriello in the general election, calling his opponent "a great choice for Virginians". Perriello, a former congressman and diplomat, will face former RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie in the general election. Gillespie was generally considered a moderate Republican who can win in the state after almost unseating popular Senator Mark Warner in 2014, but has moved to the right during the primary in order to defeat his opponent, Corey Stewart, which he only managed to do by a surprisingly narrow margin. The narrow primary victory and Gillespie's move to the right has reportedly worried Republicans in Virginia, a state trending to the Democrats. Currently, Perriello is holding a narrow lead in the polls.

Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2017- Democratic Primary Results
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello- 50.7% ✓
Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam- 49.3%

Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2017- Republican Primary Results
Fmr. RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie- 42.7% ✓
County Supervisor Corey Stewart- 41.4%
State Sen. Frank Wagner- 15.9%

Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2017- General Election Polling
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello - 47%
Fmr. RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie- 45%
Undecided- 8%

June 17th, 2017

Details of TPP finalized; Obama administration prepares to bring trade deal for ratification in House, Senate



TOKYO - After several months of additional negotiations, U.S. Trade Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and representatives of the other signatories have presented the newly-minted final version of the Trans Pacific Pact. The re-negotiated version is fairly similar to the old one, prompting disappointment amongst some progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans. The changes include small reductions in tariffs cut, from over 18,000 to 17,000, more regulations to online commerce which are expected to benefit small businesses, and even more robust environmental regulations than originally, a change probably meant to appeal to progressive Democrats. Storng intellectual property regulations were slightly relaxed, while labour rights and standards, already meant to be improved and standarized in the old TPP, were increased- according to Commerce Secretary Dean Heller, "countries like Malaysia and Vietnam will now crack down on child labour and forced labour, and take labour and human rights much more seriously", making the agreement, according to Heller, "historic". Lastly, cooperation in the agricultural sector was expanded, allowing for more exports from the U.S. agricultural sector to countires like Japan and South Korea, and at the same time imports from east Asian countries to America.

June 19th, 2017

Progressives, Conservatives attack TPP as Obama, Heller attempt to forge majority for trade deal



WASHINGTON, D.C. - Reactions in the U.S. to the unveiling of the newly-minted version of the free-trade Trans Pacific Pact were mixed. While Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) endorsed the agreement as "a good deal that will help American small businesses and our standing in the world" and promised to try and push it through the Senate, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) criticized it as "the same old lie that will only help large corporations and hurt American workers", Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) warned that it will "leave thousands out of job" and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) claimed that the TPP will "do great harm to my state". Notably, Vice President Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) refused to explicitly endorse the deal, saying that she had misgivings about the agreement and "some disagreements with the President". Though some conservative Senators like John McCain (R-AZ), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), John Boozma (R-AR) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) expressed support for the deal, with the latter of them saying that it will help "revitalize growth and economic strength in the U.S. and drastically lower prices", others were not as supportive. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) criticized the TPP from the right, claiming that it was "full of regulations and tedious big govenrment that will only bog down the economies of those involved". This sentiment was joined by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who also added that the agreement was "tilted against simple Americans". And, of course, 2016 Republican nominee Donald Trump was one of the most vocal in opposition to the bill:





Nontheless, the agreement is expected to pass with the support of both Republicans and Democrats from the more moderate side of the aisles.

June 20th, 2017

De la Portilla, a Republican, wins special election in Florida's 27th congressial district, upsetting favourite Democrat Donna Shalala



MIAMI - In a special election that Democrats hoped to win for a gain in the House of Representatives, Republican Miguel Díaz de la Portilla upset the favourite, Donna Shalala, an important hold for the Republican Party. The seat in Florida's 27th district was held by Ileana Ros-Lehtinen before her appointment as U.S. Trade Representative under the Obama Administration this year, and in recent years appears to be rapidly moving towards Democrats- President Obama won it against Romney in 2012 with 53%-46%, and against Trump and Huntsman in 2016 with 52%-24%-21%. In light of the trend, Democrats hoped to make a rare House gain in a special election, but their hopes were foiled due to a number of factors. A political moderate who often supported gun control, lgbtq rights and a path to amnesty for illegal immigrants, Miguel Díaz de la Portilla, the Republican, was a member of the Miami-Dade County Commission before serving six years in the Florida State Senator. Now, he will replace Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, former HHS Secretary Donna Shalala, the Democrat, was bogged down by her image as an establishment creature, intensified by how easily she won the Democratic nomination and by her tenure as President of the Clinton Foundation. Republican leaders celebrated the victory as a success, with Speaker Paul Ryan claiming it showed "Americans everywhere are sick of the Obama administration's rampaging, bloated government policies" and fmr. Senator Marco Rubio, rumoured to be contemplating a 2018 run for the other Senate seat in Florida, said it "spoke volumes" about the "deep unpopularity of the Democratic Party right now". The victory comes a week after a loss, albeit an expected one, for Republicans, when the election for Virginia's 3rd Congressial District, vacated by Secretary of Education Bobby Scott, was won by his niece and State Delegate Marcia Price, a Democrat, over her colleague, Republican State Delegate David Yancey, with a closer-than-expected 58%-41% result.

Florida 27th Congressial District Special Election (100% Reporting)- REPUBLICAN HOLD
State Sen. Miguel Díaz de la Portilla - 52.3% ✓
Fmr. Sec. of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala- 47.5%
Other- 0.2%

[America Needs R'hllor]

*SNIP when you quote pls*

FL-27 special should say Republican Hold, not Republican Gain, as Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was the former representative.

Correct. Thanks.

[America Needs R'hllor]

Obama only won FL-27 53.0 to 46.3 in 2012.

You have it listed as 53 to 36 why?

Typo.

[America Needs R'hllor]

June 22nd, 2017

POLLING UPDATE: several Democrats in trouble for 2018, Presidential primaries in 2020 remains unclear



CHARLESTON - While the midterms are still more than a year away, several polls are starting to trickle in, providing a first look at the key 2018 races- and beyond. The polls, conducted for both primaries and general elections for the Senate, show several Democratic incumbents in states considered hard for Democrats to win struggling, as GOP primary fields appear likely to be large and close, with many top-level candidates hoping to ride on what's shaping up to be a strong year for Republicans. Some, like Senate Minority Leade Mitch McConnell, have predicted "a Republican wave" after special election victories for the party, in the face of "a failing administration taxing our nation and destroying our freedom". However, Democrats point to the relative popularity of recent measures like the healthcare bill, and claim that the damage in the midterms can be mitigated.

Indiana Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Todd Young- 26%
U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita- 20%
U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks- 18%
U.S. Rep. Luke Messer- 16%
Fmr. State Rep. Mike Braun- 5%
State Sen. Mike Delph- 2%
Undecided/Other- 13%

Indiana Senate Election (General)- Polling
Republican Candidate- 46%
Senator Joe Donnelly*- 39%
Undecided/Other- 15%

Missouri Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
State Att. Gen. Josn Hawley- 22%
U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner- 21%
Businessman John Brunner- 14%
Fmr. Navy SEAL Eric Greitens- 11%
Businessman Austin Petersen- 8%
Fmr. Speaker Catherine Hanaway- 4%
Undecided/Other- 11%

Missouri Senate Election (General)- Polling
Republican Candidate- 46%
Senator Claire McCaskill*- 40%
Undecided/Other- 14%

West Virginia Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins- 30%
State Att. Gen. Patrick Morrisey- 28%
Businessman Don Blankenship- 21%
Undecided/Other- 21%

West Virginia Senate Election (General)- Polling
Republican Candidate- 45%
Senator Joe Manchin*- 37%
Undecided/Other- 18%

As we can see, Democratic incumbents in Republican states are facing an uphill climb in the 2018 midterm elections. In a midterm where a Democrat is sitting in the White House, Republicans were always expected to make gains, but with so many vulnerable Democrats, it might get tough for the President's party. The most surprising poll is likely the one from West Virginia- Senator Joe Manchin was considered a popular moderate Democrat in his state, but is trailing a generic Republican candidate by eight points. However, Republicans are worried that the one facing him will be businessman Don Blankenship, a man jailed for a year for his role in a mine explosion that killed 29 people, who's running as a Trumpist, right wing populist. Other polls conducted checked races in states considered swing states- where Democratic incumbents are also facing a potentially tough reelection, and also a curious primary poll in Utah.

Florida Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Governor Rick Scott- 29%
Fmr. Senator Marco Rubio- 28%
State Att. Gen. Pam Bondy- 11%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. David Jolly- 10%
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis- 4%
Undecided/Other- 18%

Florida Senate Election (General)- Polling
Senator Bill Nelson*- 43%
Republican Candidate- 41%
Undecided/Other- 16%

Ohio Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Governor John Kasich- 38%
State Trs. Josh Mandel- 21%
Fmr. Sec. of State Ken Blackwell- 18%
U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci- 10%
Undecided/Other- 13%

Ohio Senate Election (General)- Polling
Senator Sherrod Brown*- 45%
Republican Candidate- 41%
Undecided/Other- 14%

Pennsylvania Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Fmr. Senator Rick Santorum- 26%
Fmr. Governor Tom Ridge- 24%
U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent- 14%
U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta- 14%
State Rep. Rick Saccone- 3%
Undecided/Other- 19%

Pennsylvania Senate Election (General)- Polling
Senator Bob Casey Jr.*- 45%
Republican Candidate- 39%
Undecided/Other- 16%

Utah Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Fmr. Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.- 23%
Fmr. Governor Mitt Romney- 22%
Senator Orrin Hatch*- 20%
U.S. Rep. Mia Love- 11%
U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz- 9%
Undecided/Other- 15%

Utah Senate Election (General)- Polling
Republican Candidate- 58%
Democratic Candidate- 28%
Undecided/Other- 14%

While all three Democratic Senators from Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania are currently leading, there is trouble in the water in the shape of possible high-profile Republican candidates challenging them. Casey Jr. from Pennsylvania is not expected to lost even if he runs against popular former Governor and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, and is expected to easily defeat the conservative former Senator Santorum or Congressman Lou Barletta. Meanwhile, Ohio's Sherrod Brown is leading too, but he could face a problematic race if popular Governor and 2016 Presidential contender who refused to endorse Trump, John Kasich, decides to run. Florida's Republican primary appears to be potentially very contentious- Governor Rick Scott is widely expected to run, but rumour has it that former Senator Marco Rubio, after losing his seat in 2016, is contemplating another run for a Senate comeback. However, sources inside the Rubio sphere also claim that he's contemplating another option- running in the gubernatorial race to replace the term-limited Scott. Republican leaders are reportedly urging this option, potentially sending two high-profile contenders to two separate races, but it is unknown if Rubio is willing to give up the national standing provided by a Senate seat for a gubernatorial role. In Utah, longtime incumbent Orrin Hatch, who promised to retire but is now reportedly re-considering, is facing a potentially very tough reelection primary bid. He's placing second against two high-profile candidates who are reportedly considering a run- former Governor, Ambassador to China and wildly successful 2016 third party candidate Jon Huntsman, who, according to inside sources, whishes to keep his voice relevant, and former Massachusetts Governor and 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney. It remains to be seen if Hatch retires and either or both of the two decide to run.

Another poll provides a first look at a race further down the road- the 2020 Presidential election.

Who would you vote for if the 2020 Republican Presidential Primary in your state was held today?
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)- 17%
Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ)- 14%
Governor John Kasich (R-OH)- 11%
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)- 8%
Fmr. Governor Jon Huntsman (R-UT)- 8%
House Minority Leader Paul Ryan- 6%
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)- 5%
Governor Scott Walker (R-WI)- 5%
Fmr. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)- 4%
Governor Nikki Haley (R-SC)- 3%
Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)- 2%
Governor Charlie Baker (R-MA)- 2%
Fmr. Governor Rick Perry (R-TX)- 1%
Undecided/Other- 18%

Who would you vote for if the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary in your state was held today?
Secretary of State Joe Biden (D-DE)- 21%
Vice President Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)- 17%
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)- 16%
Senator Elizabetn Warren (D-MA)- 9%
Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA)- 5%
Senator Jason Kander (D-MO)- 4%
Senator Al Franken (D-MN)- 3%
Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA)- 2%
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)- 2%
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)- 2%
Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY)- 1%
Secretary of HUD Julian Castro (D-TX)- 1%
Senator Amy Klobucher (D-MN)- 0.5%
Fmr. Governor Martin O'Malley (R-MD)- 0.5%
Undecided/Other- 16%

The primary polls don't provide much more than uncertainty. Name recognition appears to have large impact, as well-known candidates like Senator Cruz, the 2016 runner-up, Governor Christie, who served as Trump's running mate, and John Kasich, the 2016 third-place finisher, lead the Republican field. Jon Huntsman does surprisingly well despite his perceived betrayal of the party, as does Senator Rand Paul, whose previous campaign crashed back in 2016. On the Democratic side, the titans seem to be sucking all the oxygen from the air- Joe Biden, former Senator, Vice President and current Secretary of State, who hadn't ruled out a run, is leading, followed by the currently not-extremely-visible Vice President Tammy Baldwin and progressive leader Bernie Sanders is a close third. Another progressive firebrand, Senator Elizabeth Warren, is fourth, and other potential contenders with less name recognition are polling in low single-digits. It remains to be seen if any of them can break through.

June 24th, 2017

President Obama has sitdown with Senator Sanders (I-VT) on trade, other issues; Sanders still "strongly against current version of TPP" after meeting



WASHINGTON, D.C. - In light of the fiery opposition by progressives in the Democratic party to the Trans Pacific Pact trade agreement, which, in the words of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), they consider "a very bad deal that will hurt American workers and leave thousands unemployed in already suffering areas of our country", President Barack Obama has surprisingly invited Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), his former primary opponent and a leader of the party's progressive wing, to a sitdown in the White House. The meeting was an attempt by Obama to reconcile differences days before the TPP is brought before the House. According to Press Secretary Josh Earnest, the meeting was "friendly and productive", and the two discussed various issues other than trade, including healthcare, the environment and a possible infrastructure bill. However, Senator Sanders, apparently, remained unconvinced- in a CNN interview a day after the meeting, Sanders said that, while he appreciated the invintation, the environmental and labour regulations added to the TPP in recent negotiations are "too little" to compensate for "a disastrous blow to our workers". In addition to progressives, some more moderate Democratic Senators from midwestern and applachian states have also declared their opposition to the bill, including Joe Manchin (D-WV), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Tom Vilsack (D-IA). Others, like Jason Kander (D-MO), Joe Sestak (D-PA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) are still on the fence.

June 27th, 2017

Trans Pacific Pact passes House in tense vote; differences spark between Democratic leaders



WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Obama administration's signature trade deal, the TPP, won a majority in the House of Representatives today, passing one of its biggest obstacles before arriving at the President's desk for official ratification. The vote in the House was tense, and resulted in a fairly strong victory for President Obama- 228 U.S. Representatives voted for the deal, while 206 voted against it. But the partisan breakdown of the vote was even more interesting- 164 Democrats voted for the bill and 67 voted against it, while 64 Republicans voted for the bill, with the rest, 139 U.S. Representatives, opposing it. The strong Republican support is considered a result of hard lobbying by Commerce Secretary Dean Heller and U.S. Trade Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, both Republicans and among the architects of the newly-negotiated trade agreement. They helped convince enough moderate Republicans from the Main Street Partnership Caucus, as well as pro-free trade conservatives, to essentially pass the deal. On the Democratic side, the split is a result of progressives believing it hurts workers, as well as rural and midwestern Democrats fearing the loss of their seats come 2018, as the TPP is unpopular in these areas. Particularly interesting was the split inside the Democratic leadership itself- while Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) supported President Obama's efforts to whip Democratic votes in the House and voted for the deal, Majority Leader Tim Ryam voted against and even addressed to House to voice his opposition. This is yet another sign of conflict between Pelosi and Ryan, who has become a counterweight to the Speaker.

July 1st, 2017

Senate ratifies Trans Pacific Pact, giving another a victory for the Obama administration; President officially signs deal



WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a vote anticipated for several months, the Senate has officially ratified the Trans Pacific Pact today. President Obama's trade deal was passed with 62-38 majority, avoiding a filibuster mainly thanks to pro-trade Republican Senators joining their Democratic colleagues and supporting the deal, making it one of the least partisan major Senate votes in recent years. It's considered a victory for the Obama administration, who now hope to move on from the TPP and regain the trust of progressives opposing the deal, and particularly a victory for Commerce Secretary Dean Heller, who worked on the deal and lobbied hard, and as we saw today, successfully, for Republicans to support it in the Senate. The responses in the political world were mixed- while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated the passage of "a great agreement", and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) said that he was happy to vote for "a solid trade deal that will stimulate our economy", others were less thrilled- Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) gave a short, curt comment about "a bad deal to our workers", while 2016 Republican nominee Donald Trump tweeted that the agreement is "A TOTAL DISASTER" and that it was "a very, very sad day for all good Americans". President Barack Obama quickly signed the TPP, officially ratifying it, and now, the other signatories are expected to start a quick process to ratify it too and get the deal to finally take effect.

AYE: 62 Senators ✓
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
John McCain (R-AZ)
Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Chris Murphy (D-CT)
Tom Carper (D-DE)
Chris Coons (D-DE)
Bill Nelson (D-FL)
Gwen Graham (D-FL)
Jason Carter (D-GA)
Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
Brian Schatz (D-HI)
Jim Risch (R-ID)
Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Evan Bayh (D-IN)
Jerry Moran (R-KS)
John Neely Kennedy (R-LA)
Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Amy Klobucher (D-MN)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Jason Kander (D-MO)
Jon Tester (D-MT)
Steve Daines (R-MT)
Deb Fischer (R-NE)
Ben Sasse (R-NE)
Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Joe Heck (R-NV)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Tom Udall (D-NM)
Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Kay Hagan (D-NC)
James Lankford (R-OK)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Tim Scott (R-SC)
John Thune (R-SD)
Mike Rounds (R-SD)
Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Bob Corker (R-TN)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Mark Warner (D-VA)
Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Patty Murray (D-WA)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)

Safe NAY: 38 Senators
Richard Shelby (R-AL)
Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Tom Cotton (R-AR)
David Perdue (R-GA)
Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Tom Vilsack (D-IA)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Rand Paul (R-KY)
Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
Angus King (I-ME)
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Ed Markey (D-MA)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Gary Peters (D-MI)
Al Franken (D-MN)
Thad Cochran (R-MS)
Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND)
John Hoeven (R-ND)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Betty Sutton (D-OH)
Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA)
Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Mike Lee (R-UT)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Joe Manchin (D-WV)
Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV)
Russ Feingold (D-WI)
Sean Duffy (R-WI)
Mike Enzi (R-WY)
John Barrasso (R-WY)

[America Needs R'hllor]

I believe more  Republicans supported TPP in OTL than Democrats



Great update though

The new version holds some environmental and labour regulations that turn down the principled conservative types (Paul, Cruz, Lee, Cotton, Sessions, Inhofe) while the more populist-ish midwestern ones (Capito, Duffy, Cassidy etc) oppose it on the same grounds Sanders and co do (takes away jobs). Also, a President's power to persue his party is considerable, so loyal northeastern Democrats fell in line.

[America Needs R'hllor]

July 4th, 2017

President Obama gives Independence Day address urging action on environment, immigration as approval ratings tick down



WASHINGTON, D.C. - Days after signing the Trans Pacific Past despite protests from progressive, midwesterners and others, U.S. President Barack Obama gave his annual Independence Day address to the American people. In his speech, the President barely mentioned the TPP, merely glancing over it by saying that "an agreement to stimulate our economy, lower prices and strengthen our global standing was passed". Instead, he seemed to pivot to issues where he's more in line with the party's progressive wing- he said that he was proud of "finally guaranteeing the basic right of quality healthcare coverage to all Americans, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic position", and urged congress to act on two hot-button issues: the environment and immigration. On immigration, President Obama said that it's time to "finally pass a comprehensive reform to guarantee citizenship to hardworking residents whose life is centered in America while securing our borders". But most of the address seemed to zero in on the environment- the President said that "our planet is in grave danger", and that, while his administration is hard at work on "measures to protect our environment and move us towards alternative, clean energy sources", it's "time for congress to act and pass a package to protect our planet". The President also confirmed that he will soon travel to France to "meet President Macron and discuss another possible environmental agreement". The pivot to this issues seems to be an attempt to regain the trust of anti-trade progressives, whose lack of support after the passage of the TPP seems to be the reason for a recent downtick of Obama's approval ratings, now below the 50% mark.

President Obama Job Approval
Approve- 48%  (-2)
Disapprove- 43%  (+1)
Not Sure- 7%  (+1)

July 10th, 2017

Mosul liberated from ISIS by Iraqi, Kurdish forces; PM Abadi formally declares victory



MOSUL - One of the last significant holdout of ISIS control was finally liberated today by a joint Iraqi and Kurdish assault, with support from the U.S.-lead coalition. The Liberation of Mosul is a blow to the terrorist orgnaization that gained steam in recent years, conquering oil fields and cities. In the past months, ISIS seemed to lose momentum under heavy airstriked of the U.S.-lead coalition and a strong resistance put up by Kurdish forces in northern Iraq, later joined by a resurgent Iraqi army. In Syria, meanwhile, Iran and Russia-supported government forces are also pushing back against ISIS, though they seem to concentrate on moderate rebels just as much as radical ones. President Barack Obama congratulated the Iraqi government and Kurdish resistance for "a brave stand and a successful attack", and promised to continue "fighting ISIS until there will be nothing left from them". This is considered a sign for the success of airstrikes conducted by U.S. and allies.

July 18th, 2017

EPA Administrator Al Gore meets with lawmakers, urges action on environment



WASHINGTON, D.C. - As President Obama prepares to depart to Paris, France for discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator and former Vice President Al Gore made a trip to a closer destination- Capitol Hill. There, Gore had bipartisan meetings with several dozens of lawmakers, where he reportedly urged them to start drafting a comprehensive environmental and energy bill to help transition the U.S. to alternative energy and increase regulation. The lawmakers include liberals like Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jason Kander (D-MO) and Jason Carter (D-GA), more moderate Senators such as Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Jon Tester (D-MT), and moderate Republican congressmen like Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Heck (R-NV), and Representatives Barbara Comstock (R-VA), Charlie Dent (R-PA) and Susan Brooks (R-IN). In recent weeks, Gore's EPA, which experts describe as "the most activist EPA in history", has been intensifying efforts, indicating an increased interest in climate change by the Obama administration. The efforts lead to protests by conservatives, as several state Attorney Generals, lead by Oklahoma's firebrand Scott Pruitt, tried and failed the sue the EPA for its "tyrannical regulations".

July 20th, 2017

BREAKING: Sen. John McCain diagnosed with brain cancer, set to begin treatment



PHOENIX - America has woken up to sad news today, as Senator John McCain (R-AZ), the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, a longtime Senator and a war hero, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain tumor. The news comes five days after McCain, 81, underwent a surgery to removea a blood clot above his left eye in the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona. McCain's spokespersons have announced that he will remain Senator for the forseeable future, and will undergo treatment for his cancer. Well-wishers came from accross the political map- Republicans and Democrats praised McCain and wished him full recovery. President Barack Obama, for example, said that McCain is "a hero and an extremely honourable man who I'm proud to have participated in the same election with", while Secretary of State Joe Biden wished McCain a quick recovery, calling him "a dear friend of mine".

July 25th, 2017

Obama, Macron meet in Paris; discussions include environment, trade, ISIS and North Korea



PARIS - President Barack Obama was warmly welcomed yesterday in Paris, France, and today sat down with new French President Emmanuel Macron for discussions. According to spokespersons, the two world leaders, who begin to emerge as leaders of the western world, discussed another possible environmental agreement in the mold of the fresn Paris Agreement, continued airstrikes against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, new sanctions against the increasingly bold North Korean regime and, surprisingly, another proposition has emerged- a trans-atlantic trade agreement tying the U.S. and the European Union. However, sources confirmed that such a proposition will not be negotiated in 2017. Following the meeting with Obama, Macron has reportedly called three other important western leaders and invited them to meet him- German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and British Prime Minister Theresa May, who recently established a shaky coalition with the Liberal Democrats and began negotiations for a softer version of Brexit than intended. Macron is expected to discuss the new environmental and trade agreements with the leaders and attempt to initiate larger, multilateral discussions.

July 28th, 2017

As North Korean leadership remains stubborn in face of diplomatic attempts, National Security Advisor James Stavridis levels up threats



NEW YORK CITY - After Secretary of State Joe Biden made his Asian trip a few months ago, there were hopes that China would be able to pressure North Kore into beginning talks with the U.S. and its allies for nuclear disarmament. But Chinese pressure was lacking, and the Kim Regime remained stubborn- and now, after yet another ballistic missile test, the Obama administration appears to be taking a harder line. National Security Advisor James Stavridis, who served as Jon Huntsman's independent running mate back in 2016 and is considered one of the more hawkish voices within the administration, said in a recent interview that if the North Korean regime continues making steps that threaten the United States or its allies, "we will respond harshly and forcefully". Asked if it means actual attacks on North Korean soil, Stavridis said simply that "nothing is off the table". U.S. attacks on North Korea could result in an escalation that, according to experts, would likely lead to the toppling of the Kim Regime at a very heavy cost for both Korea and America.

[America Needs R'hllor]

August 5th, 2017

UN Security Council approves sharp new trade, investment sanctions on North Korea; Ambassador Snowe says "more to come" if Kim Regime remains stubborn



NEW YORK CITY - As North Korea intensifies ballistic missile tests and continues making threats against the U.S. and its allies in the region, the Obama administration is leveling up its actions against the Kim Regime. In a show of expert diplomacy, UN Ambassador and former Maine Senator Olympia Snowe successfully pushed a new and sharp package of sanctions against North Korea through the UN Security Council, avoiding vetos by China and Russia. The new sanctions include heavy restrictions on trade and investment, as well as harsher punishment for anyone who sells the Kim Regime military equipment and technology. The approval of the sanctions is considered a success for both Ambassador Snowe, who's proving herself a solid choice and said that there were "more sanctions to come" if the North Korean leadership remains stubborn, and Secretary of State Biden, who worked hard to convince China not to veto the package. Biden is expected to make a trip to Europe soon, where he hopes to convince leaders to increase cooperation against North Korea and the environment.

August 12th, 2017

Unite the Right Charlottesville rally causes uproar as counter-protester is killed; Governor McAuliffe sends in National Guard



CHARLOTTESVILLE - Protesting the expected removal of the Robert E. Lee statue in a Charlottesville city partk, several hundreds of far-right activists marched through the city yesterday night in what was considered an attempt to unite white supremacist and alt-right movements in America. The protesters included a ragtag of groups consisting of neo-confederates, neo-nazis, white nationalists, Klansmen, and other militias, and as they marched they shouted slurs of an extremely racist, antisemitic, anti-Muslim and homophobic nature. African Americans were especially targeted, as protesters called President Obama "a foreign monkey" and "a n**ger". Jews were also heavily targeted, chanting slurs like "Jews will not replace us", "the Goyim know" and "Jews are Satan's children". Over a thousand counter-protesters, many of them peaceful while some more violent, stood against the racist march, which lead to tragedy as the two groups clashed and a white supremacist rammed his car into a croud of counter-protesters, killing one woman named Heather D. Heyer. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency and harshly condemned the march as "repugnant" and "unlawful", sending in the Virginia National Guard with the approval of Attorney General Deval Patrick and leading to dozens of arrests and clashes between far-right activists and authorities.

August 14th, 2017

Responses to far-right rally harsh accross the political spectrum; Attorney General Patrick leads crusade against organizers



RICHMOND - Days after the deadly far-right march in Charlottesville, Virginia, responses in the political world seem to be full condemnation to the rally. President Barack Obama attacked the protest as "a show of hate and extremism meant to tear us apart" and added that the rally was "a hive of wretched people such as nazis, racists and would-be murderers", while Attorney General Deval Patrick said that he would "act in the strongest terms" to persecute "those who incited violence and caused this tragedy". Thus, in addition to violent protesters, several of the protest's organizers were arrested by federal authorities, including organizer Jason Kessler and other far-right figures such as former Klan Imperial Wizard David Duke, dentity Evropa leader Nathan Damigo and National Policy Institute Chairman Richard Spencer. In a short statement, a spokesperson for Duke decried the Obama administration for "attacking the first amendment".

Meanwhile, responses to the march were strong on both sides of the aisel: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that the rally was "a disgusting display of racism and antisemitism" and praised the Obama administration for combatting "those who would like to repeat what my people went through not so long ago", while Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) agreed that the protest was "repugnant", saying that the protesters "have no place in our political discourse". Republican leaders seemed especially eager to condemn the protest, as many of the participants in the far-right rally seemed to identify as Republicans and some wore red Make America Great Again hats, reminding voters of the 2016 Republican nominee. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), for example, agreed with the sentiment, and said that "while the first amendment is a treasure and applies for everyone, these people are just plain monsters". House leaders Nancy Pelosi, Tim Ryan, Paul Ryan and Steve Scalise held a joint press conference where they decried the rally as "terrible and absolutely unacceptable". Another result of the rally seems to be backlash, as progressives, liberals and independents rally around the President's flag, causing a spike in his approval ratings. And in Virginia, Governor Terry McAuliffe's approvals also see a rise, as his handling of the crisis is praised, and in the gubernatorial race, Democratic nominee Tom Perriello seems to be gaining in the polls against Republican nominee Ed Gillespie.

President Obama Job Approval
Approve- 53%  (+5)
Disapprove- 39%  (-4)
Not Sure- 6%  (-1)

Governor McAuliffe Job Approval
Approve- 64%
Disapprove- 27%
Not Sure- 9%

Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2017- General Election Polling
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello - 51%
Fmr. RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie- 42%
Undecided- 7%

August 19th, 2017

Mr. Trump says "very fine people on both sides" in Charlottesville, hints at possible 2020 bid; Republican leaders condemn



NEW YORK CITY - For around a week after the extremely controversial Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where neo-nazis and white supremacists gathered and attacked minority groups, 2016 Republican nominee Donald Trump remained mostly silent, only tweeting againt Al Gore's environmental agenda once. But now, in a surprise press conference in Trump Tower, Mr. Trump was finally asked for a comment about the events. The conference was originally intended to bring Trump's voice back into the political world, and included the 2016 nominee laying out an anti-environmental, anti-trade populist agenda and hinting at a 2020 Presidential run, saying that the Republican field "looks very sad" and that "our movement is not done yet". But it could not escape the shadow of Charlottesville, and when a reporter asked Mr. Trump for a comment, he made a comment that is causing headache for many Republican leaders hoping to escape the controversy- Trump said that the rally was "wrong and violent", but that there was violence in the counter-protest too, and that "there are very fine people in both sides". Republicans were quick to condemn, with House Minority Leader Paul Ryan stating that Trump's comments "do not represent the Republican Party", but the damage was done- 'very fine people' became the most circulated story of the week. Asked for a comment, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that Mr. Trump is "irrelevant".

August 23rd, 2017

Secretary Biden takes major trip to Europe, holds meetings with majort leaders



BERLIN - In his longest trip since the one to Asia months ago, former Vice President Joe Biden continued his role as a very activist Secretary of State and travelled across the European continent. Biden met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Prime Minister Theresa May in London, Prime Minsiter Mark Rutte in Amsterdam, European Union leaders Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk in Luxembourg, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Rome, and Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. According to spokespeople, the discussions were very productive and included multilateral cooperation to combat climate change, a possible increase in trade between the U.S and the EU, and joint efforts to pressure the North Korean regime and finally destroy ISIS. But Biden's trip isn't done yet- the Secretary of State is set to depart to Moscow from Berlin now, where he will hold an important meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the shadow of tensions between the Obama administration and the Putin regime following alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

[America Needs R'hllor]

August 25th, 2017

Biden concludes European trip after tense meeting with President Putin; flash environmental talks to begin soon



MOSCOW - Concluding his major European trip, Secretary of State Joe Biden arrived at Moscow to hold meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials. In the shadow of Russian meddling in the 2016 Presidential election, the meeting was considered important and was widely covered. According to spokespeople, Biden and Putin discussed cooperation against ISIS and pressure on North Korea, and Biden made the administration's environmental agenda a central part of the meeting, receiving Putin's support for starting a new, faster round of talks. The most complicated issue discussed was Syria, on which Biden demanded Russia stops the Assad regime from using chemical weapons and Putin denied that there was such use. Biden also repeated the Obama administration's disapproval of Russian actions in Ukraine, while Putin demanded the relaxation of sanctions. Upon his return to Washington, Secretary Biden announced one result of the trip- he achieved the consent of European leaders, as well as Russian, Chinese and Latin American leaders, for flash talks about a new environmental agreement "supplementing and strengthening the Paris Agreement". The negotiations will be held between the foreign ministers of the nations, and will be "much quicker" than the talks leading up to Paris because of broad agreement between the nations on most issues, as China increasingly begins to support a more environmentally friendly agenda. Additionally, according to rumours, President Putin was expected to expel U.S. diplomats as a response to sanctions and was dissuaded by Biden, preveting furtner deterioration of the Russo-American relations. The cost is likely to be a slight reduction in sanctions, in exchange for Russian cooperation on North Korea and climate change. The increased pressure for climate change action comes as the U.S. is struck by Hurricane Harvey, shaping up to be the costliest natural disaster in United States history.

August 29th, 2017

New York City mayoral race heats up as Obama-backed Shaun Donovan pushes against incumbent Bill de Blasio; Donald Trump Jr. favoured to win Republican nomination



NEW YORK CITY - The 2017 mayoral race in New York City was not expected to be very interesting- in a city turning more and more liberal in recent decades, and with President Obama very popular in the city, Republicans were not expected to put up a significant challenge to incumbent Mayor Bill de Blasio. However, the challenge to de Blasio came from another direction- the President himself. Two months ago, Shaun Donovan, a close ally of Obama formally announced his intention to primary the NYC Mayor, who, with a problematic management of the city, holds falling, underwater approvals. Donovan, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Obama, quickly gained traction, as his experience appealed to the political class in the city and gained him many endorsements, and his closeness to the popular President gained him grassroots support. Still, de Blasio is currently leading the polls and is expected to survive his reelection campaign. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, a surprising challenger has recently declared his intention to run- Donald J. Trump Jr., the colourful son of the even-more-colourful 2016 Republican nominee, is running a populist campaign, decrying de Blasio's "weak leadership" and making law-and-order a central theme. However, he's been striking a far more moderate tone than his father, virtually running as a liberal on social issues and a moderate on economic issues, with hawkish immigration and crime positions. He's favoured to win the Republican nomination, but it won't be a cakewalk, as he has a challenger- Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, running as a mainline conservative Republican, is calling Trump Jr. "a raging liberal" and a "woefully unelectable and incompetent candidate", pointing to Don Jr.'s father, Donald Trump, losing NYC to President Obama by a landslide margin. In the general election polls, Trump has been gaining, and some Democrats are afraid that a damaging primary and a tough environment might lose their candidate the race and bring Trump's son to the Mayoral Mansion.

New York City Mayoral Election (Democratic Primary)- Polling
Mayor Bill de Blasio*- 39%
Fmr. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan- 33%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr- 7%
Fmr. Detective Bo Dietl- 2%
State Sen. Tony Avella- 2%
Fmr. City Councilman Sal Albanese- 1%
Undecided/Other- 16%

New York City Mayoral Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Businessman Donald Trump Jr- 41%
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis- 26%
Pastor Michel Faulkner- 9%
Businessman Rocky De La Fuente- 6%
Undecided/Other- 18%

New York City Mayoral Election (General Election)- Trump vs de Blasio
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D)*- 48%
Businessman Donald Trump Jr- 35%
Undecided/Other- 17%

New York City Mayoral Election (General Election)- Trump vs Donovan
Fmr. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan (D)- 51%
Businessman Donald Trump Jr- 33%
Undecided/Other- 18%

New York City Mayoral Election (General Election)- Malliotakis vs de Blasio
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D)*- 47%
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis- 34%
Undecided/Other- 19%'

New York City Mayoral Election (General Election)- Malliotakis vs Donovan
Fmr. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan (D)- 54%
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis- 27%
Undecided/Other- 21%

September 3rd, 2017

North Korea conducts sixth and most powerful missile test yet; Stavridis threatens action, Biden calls Chinese President



SEOUL - The North Korean regime appears to be taking bolder and bolder steps, increasingly the Obama administration. Today, the Kim Regime conducted a test of its most powerful missile yet, raising further security fears in South Korea, Japan and the U.S. itself. The Obama administration, however, seems determined not to show weakness, and has responded harshly- National Security Advisor James Stavridis made a direct threat against the Kim Regime, saying that if it continues threatening America or its allies, "we will be forced to act, and when we act, they will not know the tsunami coming for them, so I advise North Korea to start acting reasonably". Secretary of State Joe Biden, meanwhile, struck a more diplomatic but still firm tone, reporting that he has called the Chinese President to "demand that China makes it clear to the North Koreans that they can't continue threatening peace in eastern Asia". The North Korean issue seems likely to become the major foreign policy issues for the Obama administration in the coming months.

September 9th, 2017

Hurricane Irma hits, becomes the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin outside the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico



TAMPA - The second hurricane in a short span of time hits U.S. coasts from the south, and it's not expected to be the last. What is now known as Hurricane Irma swept over the Caribbean and affected several states in the south, especially Florida, but with less damage than expected- Governor Rick Scott (R-FL), whose handling of the crisis received praised as he cooperated with the Obama administration's disaster relief efforts, said that "we expected to see a lot more damage, and we're relieved that we didn't see it". Irma was extremely powerful at first, the strongest storm on record to exist in the open Atlantic region, and it caused major damage in Caribbean island-nations, but the U.S. appeared less affected. Still, President Obama traveled to Florida to observe the situation and the relief efforts, appearing in a show of unity with the state's Republican Governor and Democratic Senators, and even appeared serving food at a shelter.

September 13th, 2017

Donovan upsets de Blasio in New York City Democratic mayoral primary, earning another victory for Obamaworld



NEW YORK CITY - A major political victory for President Obama, and a huge shakeup in the New York City political scene, occured today. Shaun Donovan, Obama's former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Budget Director, has narrowly defeated incumbent Mayor Bill de Blasio in New York's Democratic mayoral primary. Donovan's victory is considered a major upset, as de Blasio had the city's powerful Democratic political machine behind him. However, pundits observe that the Mayor's defeat was caused by his unpopularity, combined with the fact that many important political players in the party didn't show up to support him, or outright opposed him- Obamaworld was strongly behind Donovan, progressive Democrats, such as Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and the Our Revolution organization, refused to endorse a candidate despite de Blasio trying to position himself as the progressive in the race, New York's Governor, Andrew Cuomo, actively worked against the New York City Mayor, and even his traditional allies, the Clintons, who still hold considerable sway in the city's politics, didn't provide much support, only issuing a tepid endorsement of de Blasio two weeks before the primary. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, 2016 Republican nominee Donald Trump's son won with a large margin as expected, and will face Shaun Donovan in November. And, of course, Donald Trump the father himself didn't keep silent, loudly congratulating his son on twitter before attacking Donovan and the President.



However, Donovan is not considered particularly vulnerable against Trump Jr, considering he's a fresh face and virtually represents a President who holds strong approvals in the city.

New York City Mayoral Election (Democratic Primary)- Results
Fmr. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan- 45.4% ✓
Mayor Bill de Blasio*- 42.8%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr- 4.9%
Fmr. Detective Bo Dietl- 2.3%
State Sen. Tony Avella- 1.5%
Fmr. City Councilman Sal Albanese- 0.6%
Other- 2.5% 14 left

New York City Mayoral Election (Republican Primary)- Results
Businessman Donald Trump Jr- 52.1% ✓
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis- 31.7%
Businessman Rocky De La Fuente- 10.4%
Pastor Michel Faulkner- 5.2%
Undecided/Other- 0.6%

New York City Mayoral Election- Polling
Fmr. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan (D)- 53%
Businessman Donald Trump Jr- 34%
Undecided/Other- 13%

[America Needs R'hllor]

Run Rand run!

He'll definitely have a role, as you can see by his very vocal presence

Also, important note: I forgot to mention McCain's brain cancer diagnosis, and it's an important piece of news which will have effect in this timeline, so I edited it in:

July 20th, 2017

BREAKING: Sen. John McCain diagnosed with brain cancer, set to begin treatment



PHOENIX - America has woken up to sad news today, as Senator John McCain (R-AZ), the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, a longtime Senator and a war hero, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a very aggressive brain tumor. The news comes five days after McCain, 81, underwent a surgery to removea a blood clot above his left eye in the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona. McCain's spokespersons have announced that he will remain Senator for the forseeable future, and will undergo treatment for his cancer. Well-wishers came from accross the political map- Republicans and Democrats praised McCain and wished him full recovery. President Barack Obama, for example, said that McCain is "a hero and an extremely honourable man who I'm proud to have participated in the same election with", while Secretary of State Joe Biden wished McCain a quick recovery, calling him "a dear friend of mine".

[America Needs R'hllor]

September 22nd, 2017

Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in full force; Obama administration approves massive aid package



SAN JUAN - Another hurricane has swept through the Caribbean Sea, this time hitting Puerto Rico, a major U.S. territory, in full force. The damage was huge- dozens of deaths were reported, in addition to damage to property and infaustracture worth hundreds of millions, and harsh humanitarian conditions including widespread electric shortages, food shortages and many cases of hypothermia. President Obama urged congress to quickly pass a major package to aid the territory, and it happened in less than two days- a massive package of hundreds of millions was passed through congress, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as Republican leaders who joined the bipartisan effort, were praised for the quick package. FEMA and army forces were deployed to aid the relief efforts, and today even President Obama himself made the journey to San Juan, Puerto Rico, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Tammy Baldwin and Health and Human Services Secretary Howard Dean. Obama appeared with the city's popular mayor, Carmen Yulín Cruz, before a crowd of Puerto Ricans, and observed the relief efforts. The President's handling of the recent hurricanes was widely praised, and with the national spotlight turned to consensus issues such as natural disasters and North Korean agression, his approvals are seeing a considerable rise. This is worrying for Republicans, so close to the first test of their attempt at a wave in 2018- the Virginia Gubernatorial election, where their nominee, Ed Gillespie, has been struggling to keep up with Democrat Tom Perriello.

President Obama Job Approval
Approve- 56%  (+3)
Disapprove- 37%  (-2)
Not Sure- 5%  (-1)

New Jersey Gubernatorial Election, 2017- General Election Polling
Fmr. Ambassador Phil Murphy- 54%
Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno- 37%
Undecided- 9%

New York City Mayoral Election, 2017- Polling
Fmr. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan (D)- 55%
Businessman Donald Trump Jr- 34%
Undecided/Other- 11%

Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2017- General Election Polling
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello - 49%
Fmr. RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie- 45%
Undecided- 6%

September 24th, 2017

Merkel wins uneasy victory in German Federal election, alliance with FDP likely



BERLING - The bad news for Chancellor Angela Merkel is that she lost 49 Bundestag Seats in last night's German Federal Election. The good news? Her main rival, SPD's Martin Schulz, lost even more. After an intensive election season, Germans made their choice known, and chose to let Angela Merkel's party, the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) retain a plurality of the parliament seats, despite heavy losses. Both major parties- the CDU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD)- have bled a large number of seats, over a hundred, to the smaller parties. These parties, which will take up over half of the Bundestag, have all gained seats, but some performed better and some were disappointed by the results. The trend of declining performances for far-right parties following the landslide election loss of Donald Trump in 2016 seems to continue, as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party could not become the third biggest party as they had hoped, and will instead have to settle on fourth place. Meanwhile, the Left Party managed to gain an impressive number of seats from the declining SPD, while the Greens gained a disappointing number of two seats only. The real winners of the election came third- Christian Lindner's Free Democratic Party (FDP) managed to present themselves as the alternative to the disappointing major party's, as many voters were turned off by the radical politics of the AfD and the Left, and by the Greens' overly-liberal immigration views. From no seats at all due to not passing the thershold in the last election, FDP became the third biggest party in the Bundestag. Now, with Schulz refusing to commit the SPD to another national coalition, the centrist, pro-EU Lindner has become the kingmaker, and will likely be Merkel's partner in the next government, with significant leeway in the negotiations to come- together, the CDU and FDP make up 362 Seats, a narrow but sufficient majority.

German Federal Election, 2017
Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (Angela Merkel)- 262 Seats  (-49)
Social Democratic Party (Martin Schulz)- 135 Seats  (-58)
Free Democratic Party (Christian Lindner)- 97 Seats  (+97)
Alternative for Germany (Alice Weidel & Alexander Gauland)- 79 Seats  (+79)
The Left (Sahra Wagenknecht & Dietmar Bartsch)- 71 Seats  (+7)
Alliance 90/The Greens (Katrin Göring-Eckardt & Cem Özdemir)- 65 Seats  (+2)

October 2nd, 2017

Mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada kills fifty-eight people to become deadliest shooting by lone gunman in U.S. history; Obama, Democrats calls for gun control



LAS VEGAS - Tragedy struck the U.S. yesterday night, when a gunman opened heavy fire on a large crowd of concertgoers attending a musical festival. The attack left 58 people dead and 851 injured, making it the single deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in American history, surpassing the Orlando Nightclub shooting last year. The shooter, 64-years-old Stephen Paddock, whose motive is unknown as of now and who commited suicide after the act, used semi automatic rifles equipped with bump fire stocks- making them fire at a rate similar to that of a fully automatic rifle. Following the shooting, Democrats begun calling for gun control measures, including the banning of bump stocks, with President Obama saying that "action must be taken to prevent such horrible tragedies in the future" and Speaker Pelosi calling her colleagues to "get [their] act together and start passing meaningful reforms". The Democrats found an unlikely ally on this issue- Brian Sandoval, Nevada's Republican Governor rumoured to be considering a Senate run in 2018, has officially announced his support for a bill banning bump stocks which already begun making its way through the state's legislature.

October 5th, 2017

Feinstein, Collins introduce bumpstock ban in Senate; Obama urges congress to pass bill



WASHINGTON, D.C - Several days after the Las Vegas shooting, with the national mood souring on gun control activists, the first sign of action appeared on Capitol Hill. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have officially drafted a bill that will regulate bump stocks just like all other fully automatic weapons- which means that bump stocks will be banned for civilian use, with heavy sanctions for those who try to sell them to customers without a license. President Obama immediatley announced his support for the bill, calling it "an important first step", and urged congress to pass it swiftly. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joined the call, promising to "work hard on ushering this through the Senate as quickly as possible". But conservative Republicans were less supportive, with Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) calling the bill "an atrocious and unnecessary attack on the second amendment". The measure is expected to face a rock road ahead, with some Democrats from conservative-leaning states likely to oppose it, and Senators Paul and Cruz (R-TX) already promising to filibuster it, meaning that it will have to win at leasy 60 votes in the Senate.

October 11th, 2017

Biden, Gore meet with global leaders, renewed environmental flash talks begin in Paris



PARIS - Accompanied by EPA Administrator and former Vice President Al Gore, Secretary of State Joe Biden has arrived to Paris, France today to begin the first round of negotiations for a new multileteral climate deal with Foreign Affairs Ministers from many important countries. The new talks are expected to be quick and to result in an agreement that bolsters and strengthens the Paris Agreement rather than a brand new one. In a busy day, Biden held meetings with many important figures- Nicolas Hulot, French Minister of the Ecology and Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sir Vince Cable, new Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and British Minister of Foreign Affairs following the Conservative-Social Democratic coalition after the last election, and Michael Gove, British Minister of the Environment; Sigmar Gabriel, German Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sergei Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Wang Yi, China's Foreign Affairs Minister; Angelino Alfano, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Aloysio Nunes, Brazil's Foreign Affairs Minister; and others. According to spokespersons, the main issues in the talks were similar environmental laws agreed to be passed by all the involved governments in each individual country, as well as ways to bolster the Paris Agreement and increase its efficiency in halting climate change.

October 17th, 2017

In a major setback for the Obama administration's agenda, bumpstock bill fails in the Senate



WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Barack Obama's third term agenda, so far advancing fairly smoothly, has received a major blow today, as the bill banning bump stocks for civilian use, introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Susan Collins (R-ME), failed to garner the 60 votes necessary to bypass a determined filibuster in the Senate. While the bill did gain support from several moderate Republicans, namely Susan Collins (R-ME), one of its main sponsors, Joe Heck (R-NV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and John McCain (R-AZ), it also received opposition in a group of Democrats from conservative-leaning states- Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), who participated in the filibuster against it, Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Evan Bayh (D-IN), Jon Tester (D-MT) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO). The opposition of these Democrats, as well as most Republicans, ended the chances for the bump stock ban's passage. Asked for the reasons to their votes, Senator Manchin said that the bill was "an unnecessary restriction on the Second Amendment that would not help anyone", and Senator McCaskill reasoned that it would "do an injustice to a great many good, law-abiding citizens in Missouri and elsewhere". Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), a notable gun control advocate, expressed his disappointment that congress could not pass "common sense reforms that harm nobody and could potentially save many lives" despite Democratic majorities, while others seemed to get increasingly pessimistic after even the national mood following the Las Vegas shooting couldn't push gun control through, with U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings saying that he does not believe "common sense gun restrictions will be passed in the coming years if this trend goes on". Asked for a comment on the bill's failure, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the President Obama was "very disappointed", but that the administration's eyes were already set on their next focus- combating climate change.

[America Needs R'hllor]

Why not just ban bump stocks via executive order?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nepg69ysfTI

[America Needs R'hllor]

October 21st, 2017

As mayoral race between Obama ally, Trump son approaches finish line, 2016 campaign is repeated in New York City



NEW YORK CITY - With the November elections less than three weeks away, New York City's mayoral race is heating up, and it's shaping up to be especially interesting. Businessman Donald Trump Jr., son of the 2016 Republican nominee, is running an insurgent, populist campaign endorsed by the state's Republican and Conservative parties, and is campaigning as a social and economic moderate, while taking after his father's campaign flanks as an immigration and law-and-order hawk. Meanwhile, Shaun Donovan, a close Obama ally who served under him as Budget Director and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is heavily favoured in the Democratic-leaning city where the President is very popular. Trump has been releasing scathing attacks on his opponent, dubbing him "a low-energy puppet of a corrupt President" and positioning himself as the only one "standing between the corrupt Democratic political machine and the power they want", promising to "drain the swamp" if elected. He has been joined by his father, who called New Yorkers to vote for his son and repeatedly launched into Tweeter attacks similar to his style during the 2016 campaign.



Meanwhile, Donovan had an ally of his own campaign for him- President Obama, who dismissed the Republican nominee as "a joke and an old face New Yorkers are tired of seeing and rejected en-masse last November". The former HUD Secretary echoed the President's sentiments, saying that he represents "clean, competent politics against the corrupt and shady dealings of my opponent." Additionally, Donovan rejected the claim that he would be the President's puppet, claiming that he will be "a mayor for New Yorkers from New Yorkers" and deflecting the attack by calling Trump Jr. "a lightweight who would just be his father's puppet". Political observers have curiously noted that this dynamic seems to repeat the 2016 Presidential race, when Obama and Trump were running against each other, but in the minimized stage of New York City- so far, it looks like the President is heading for another victory against the man who started a political career by trying to delegitimize him.

New York City Mayoral Election, 2017- Polling
Fmr. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan (D)- 50%
Businessman Donald Trump Jr (R)- 41%
Undecided/Other- 9%

October 29th, 2017

Virginia Gubernatorial race a dead heat, Murphy decisively leading in New Jersey



NORFOLK - Though the New York City proxy war between the 2016 major party nominees has been sucking up a great deal of attention, two more consequential races are about to reach their conclusion- the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. In New Jersey, outgoing Governor and 2016 Republican Vice Presidential nominee Chris Christie is deeply unpopular after a bunch of scandals, government shutdowns and tasteless gaffes, sinking him to a shockingly low 15% approval rating, a huge decline for a former rising star who once held an approval of 80% in the state. Thus, it's unsurprising that, despite her attempts to distance herself from him and run for the governorship as a fresh, moderate Republican, Christie's Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno is far behind the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, former Ambassador to Germany and Goldman Sachs employee Phil Murphy. Running as a progressive and rejecting that his past will influence his policies, Murphy seems almost assured victory in the state, where President Obama is popular and Christie is a heavy weight on Guadagno's ankles.

New Jersey Gubernatorial Election, 2017- General Election Polling
Fmr. Ambassador Phil Murphy (D)- 52%
Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno (R)- 40%
Undecided- 8%

But in the other race, the Virginia gubernatorial election, the situation is much closer. The Democratic nominee, fmr. Rep. Tom Perriello, another close Obama ally, is running a strong campaign after upsetting Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam in the primary. However, the national environment naturally favours Republicans, and the enthusiasm of his party's activists seems to be propelling former RNC Chairman and Republican nominee Ed Gillespie up in the polls, making it essentially a dead heat, with Perriello only narrowly in the lead. Both parties are heavily investing in this race and marking it as an important landmark before the 2018 midterms- Republicans like House Minority Leader Paul Ryan (R-WI), former Governor and later Senator George Allen (R-VA), 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney (R-MA), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Governor John Kasich (R-OH), Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and others came to campaign with and for Gillespie in an attempt to rally the base for him and appeal to independents. Meanwhile, Democrats deployed their heaviest guns with local politicians like popular Governor Terry McAuliffe, Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, and former Senator Chuck Robb, as well as national politics like Vice President Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Jason Kander (D-MO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Jason Carter (D-GA) and, of course, President Barack Obama himself. Democrats have high hopes of keeping the governor's mansion in the state to help prevent another midterm disaster.

Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2017- General Election Polling
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello (D)- 48%
Fmr. RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie (R)- 47%
Undecided- 5%

November 3rd, 2017

Al Gore arrives at Capitol Hill again, reportedly seeks to form bipartisan group of Senators to help draft environmental bill



WASHINGTON, D.C. - Former Vice President Al Gore continues being one of the most activist Environmental Protection Agencies to date, and is now reportedly working on forming a bipartisan group of Senators, that pundits now dub "An Inconvenient Gang". The group of lawmakers will work with Gore to draft a comprehensive, ambitious environmental bill that will combat climate change and promote green sources of energy, with the hope that the bipartisan manner of its drafting will allow it to achieve consensus in Congress. This is yet another result of Secretary Biden's work in Paris, where he agreed with several high-profile Foreign Affairs Ministers that they will work on passing such a bill in each of their respective states, thus creating a balance between the Paris partners and preventing, in Biden's words, "a situation where just a few more countries pass such laws, and rightfully feel like the rest don't pay their fair share to the combined efforts." According to sources on the Hill, Gore interviewed a large number of Senators from both parties to decide who will join the Inconvinient Gang and work with him on the climate change bill. In his long day on Capitol Hill, from morning to evening, Gore was constantly busy with his interviews, displaying impressive political capital as Senators pilgrimaged to his rented office in impressive numbers, especially Democrats, who were seemingly eager to join the high-profile environmental effort. The ailing Senator John McCain blessed the efforts as "the bipartisanship I want to see in the Senate", but took himself out of considerations due to his lack of availability. Gore is expected to make his decision in the coming weeks and start working on the draft of the ambitious bill.

Senators interviewed by EPA Administrator Al Gore to potentially join the Inconvinient Gang:
Democrats

• Jason Kander (D-MO)
• Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
• Cory Booker (D-NJ)
• Evan Bayh (D-IN)
• Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
• Chris Murphy (D-CT)
• Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
• Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
• Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
• Ron Wyden (D-OR)
• Patty Murray (D-WA)
• Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
• Kamala Harris (D-CA)
• Jason Carter (D-GA)
• Betty Sutton (D-OH)
• Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
• Bill Nelson (D-FL)
• Gwen Graham (D-FL)
• Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
• Tom Vilsack (D-IA)
• Russ Feingold (D-WI)
• Amy Klobucher (D-MN)
• Al Franken (D-MN)
• Brian Schatz (D-HI)
• Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA)
• Joe Sestak (D-PA)
• Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
• Ben Cardin (D-MD)
• Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
• Angus King (I-ME)
• Mark Warner (D-VA)
• Tim Kaine (D-VA)
• Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

Republicans

• Susan Collins (R-ME)
• Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
• Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
• Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
• Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
• Tim Scott (R-SC)
• Joe Heck (R-NV)
• Thom Tillis (R-NC)
• Cory Gardener (R-CO)
• John Thune (R-SD)
• Mike Rounds (R-SD)
• Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
• Ben Sasse (R-NE)
• Richard Shelby (R-AL)
• John Neely Kennedy (R-LA)
• Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
• Jerry Moran (R-KS)
• Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
• Bob Corker (R-TN)

November 7th, 2017

ELECTION NIGHT 2017: Perriello wins Virginia governorship by surprisingly strong margin; Murphy coasts to New Jersey governor's mansion; Donovan defeats Trump Jr. to become next NYC Mayor



RICHMOND - Several major elections finally came to their conclusion in election night 2017- and the President's party can celebrate an important electoral victory. All three closely-watched elections resulted in a Democratic victory, with new governors for Virginia and New Jersey, as well as a New York City mayor allied to the President, being elected from their party against high-profile Republican challengers. In New Jersey, the least watched race tonight, former Ambassador to Germany Phil Murphy, the Democrat, easily defeated Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, the Republican, who was bogged down by the deeply unpopular Governor Chris Christie, with a healthy margin of over 12%. Meanwhile, in New York City, Donald Trump Jr, the son of the 2016 Republican Presidential nominee, was unable to win the upset he was hoping for, and was instead trounced by former HUD Secretary and Obama ally Shaun Donovan, by an impressive 10% margin. But the biggest race tonight, expected to be the closest, was no doubt the Virginia gubernatorial election. There, the Democratic nominee, former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, outperformed the polls and defeated the Republican nominee, former RNC Chairman Ed Gillsepie, by over 4%. This is despite Gillespie being considered a strong candidate after nearly beating popular Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) in 2014, a divisive Democratic primary setting different segements of the Democratic Party against each other, and the national environment, usually favouring the opposition party. Thus, Virginia was definitely the biggest surprise of the night, as Democrats easily won the Governor's Mansion and made impressive gains in the state's House of Delegates, showing that the state might just be getting more and more Democratic. President Obama congratulated the victors, calling them "good friends and advisors who will be the best executives possible for their constituents", while the new Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA), said that the people of Virginia, New Jersey and New York "have proved the pundits wrong and showed their support for the President's progressive agenda". Now, the two parties brace for their biggest test since the 2016 election- the 2018 midterms, where Democrats afraid of large losses will try to look at 2017 and tell themselves there's a place for optimism.

New Jersey Gubernatorial Election, 2017 (99% Reporting)- DEMOCRATIC GAIN
Fmr. Ambassador Phil Murphy (D)- 55.4% ✓
Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno (R)- 43.3%
Others- 1.3%

New York City Mayoral Election, 2017 (100% Reporting)- DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Fmr. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan (D)- 52.6% ✓
Businessman Donald Trump Jr (R)- 42.2%
Fmr. City Councilman Sal Albanese (RE)- 2.5%
Others- 2.7%

Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2017 (99% Reporting)- DEMOCRATIC HOLD
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello (D)- 51.4% ✓
Fmr. RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie (R)- 46.8%
Attorney Clifford Hyra (L)- 1.7%
Write-in- 0.1%

[America Needs R'hllor]

November 16th, 2017

As worldwide #MeToo movement gains traction, Sen. Al Franken accused of sexual misconduct



ST. PAUL - The United States, and the whole world with it, are engulfed by a new movement called #MeToo after a Tweeter hashtag started by actress Alyssa Milano, encouraging women (or men) to stand up and tell their stories of sexual assault and harrassment by powerful figures. Triggered by the sexual assault allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein, the movement had been wildly successful, and lead to allegations of sexual assault against actor Kevin Spacey by fellow actor Anthony Rapp and others, causing Netflix to terminate their relations with him, allegations against Bill O'Reilly which lead to his firing from Fox News, comedian Louis C.K., Israeli media mogul Alex Giladi, USA Gymnastic national team doctor Larry Nassar who was accused of child molestation, and many others. But the movement had major impact on politics, too- dozens of political candidates, state legislators and 2016 Republican nominee Donald Trump were already accused, many of them forced to resign or drop out of their races, and now they were joined by another big name. Senator Al Franken (D-MN), a popular politician and former comedian who many Democrats were cheering as a possible Presidential contender, was accused today by radio host Leeann Tweeden of forcibly kissing her during a skit rehearsal. A picture also surfaced of Franken putting his hands on or above her breasts while she was asleep. The Minnesota Senator issued an apology, though claiming that he does not recall the skit rehearsal like that. High profile Democrats seem reluctant to comment on the story- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) became the first Democrat to do so and said that if the allegations were true it was "very serious and disappointing", while White House Press Secretary said that the Obama administration "hopes Franken has a good explanation to this".

November 21st, 2017

The flood continues- longtime U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) accused of sexual assault, resigns under pressure from President, Democratic leadership



DETROIT - The waves made by the #MeToo worldwide movement of women revealing stories of sexual assault continues to make waves, this time felling one of the most respected and revered members of congress coming from the civil rights movement. A story first reported on Buzzfeed asserts that longtime U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) settled a wrongful dismissal complaint in 2015, leveled by a former staffer who said she was fired for refusing his sexual advances. Shortly after the story was reported, several other women accused Conyers of inappropriate sexual conduct, leading top Democratic leaders to start pressuring him to resign his seat, as Democrats nationwide embrace the #MeToo movement. The Michigan representative reportedly resisted calls to resign from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Leader Tim Ryan (D-OH) at first, but when President Barack Obama personally called him to ask for his resignation, he finally agreed to step down. Conyers, who served in congress for over 50 years, and has the distinguished title of the longest-serving African American there and an activist in the civil rights movement, is considered an icon, and Democratic leaders were praised by feminist activists for acting despite that. In a statemnet, President Obama said that Conyers is "an icon with years of distinguished service", but added that "the allegations are credible and disappointing, and he was right to resign".

November 26th, 2017

As Washington is engulfed by #MeToo, EPA Administrator Gore reportedly removes Franken from consideration to join "Inconvenient Gang"



MINNEAPOLIS - Initially considered likely to begin working on an environmental bill this week, EPA Administrator Al Gore has reportedly delayed forming his bipartisan team of Senators in light of the recent turmoil caused by sexual misconduct allegations against major political figures. Notable, sources confirm that Gore was ready to choose Senator Al Franken (D-MN) to take part in the group, called by pundits "an Inconvenient Gang" after Gore's famous documentary film about climate change. Now, the former Vice President has reportedly ruled out Franken's participation and will choose a different Democrat to join the group. A spokeswoman for Gore confirmed that the EPA Administrator will make his choice "in the coming weeks" and immediately begin work on "the most ambitious bill to combat climate change that we have seen in America".

November 30th, 2017

As more sexual misconduct claims surface, Sen. Gillibrand says "enough is enough", calls for Franken to resign; Pres. Obama, White House officials and dozens of Democratic Senators quickly join her



WASHINGTON, D.C. - After more and more women came forward to accuse Senator Al Franken of problematic conduct- with the most prominent accusations being that the Minnesota Senator groped them when taking photos, and today an allegation of an unwanted kiss when appearing at his radio show- the back of many Democratic lawmakers has finally snapped. The first to call for Franken's resignation was Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a longtime crusader against rampant sexual misconduct, who said that "enough is enough" and that Franken "should not continue to serve, because we can't let anything go unanswered- not sexual assault and not sexual harrassment of any type". She seemed to have opened the floodgates, because later that day dozens of other lawmakers joined her, including women like Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO). They were joined by President Obama himself, who stated that "with all of these credible allegations, Senator Franken cannot continue to serve, and should resign". According to a spokesman, Senator Franken will be making an announcement in the coming days.

December 4th, 2017

Franken to resign from congress "effective immediately" after successor is chosen, apologizes for any "grief" caused



WASHINGTON, D.C. - Minnesota Senator Al Franken, accused by several women of inappropriate sexual conduct and harrassment, has made a speech on the Senate floor officially announcing his resignation "effective immediately" after his replacement is chosen. In his address, Franken apologized for "letting down my constituents" and for "any grief caused by my actions and this recent episode". This is considered a relief for Democrats, who hoped not to appear hypocrticial in their support of the #MeToo movement, and a show of strength by President Obama, who called for Franken to resign, as well as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who was the first to make the call and put herself in the forefront of the political support for #MeToo. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton will now have to choose a replacement for Senator Franken.

December 8th, 2017

U.S. Reps. Trent Franks (R-AZ), accused of sexual misconduct, to resign from House seat



PHOENIX - Yet another politician was taken down by sexual harrassment allegations, as U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) resigned his seat after pressure from family and Minority Leader Paul Ryan (R-WI). According to the allegations by two women who worked as staffers for Franks, he repeatedly asked them to carry his children as surrogate mothers, retaliating against one of them when she refused. The two woman feared that the suggestion was of a sexual nature. Minority Leader Ryan was praised for quickly acting on the allegations, saying that they were "credible claims of misconduct" and pressing Franks to step down. The pressure worked and, after his wife was admitted to the hospital, the Arizona congressman resigned his seat.

December 10th, 2017

Gov. Dayton appoints his Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to Franken's seat; special election scheduled for 2018



ST. PAUL - Following embattled Senator Al Franken's resignation from the Senate, pending an appointed replacement, due to sexual harrassment accusations, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton (D) has finally made the choice of Franken's replacement. Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith, who previously served at Planned Parenthood and later as Dayton's Chief of Staff, will be appointed to Franken's seat after his resignation- and have to face a potentially tough reelection in 2018's special election. Despite Franken's seat only being up for election in 2020, a special election will be held in next year's midterms due to Minnesota Senate vacancy laws, and Republicans see a potential pickup opportunity, with the national climate favouring them and Smith holding low name recognition in her state. Several high-profile Republicans in the state are rumoured to be considering a run, including former Governor Tim Pawlenty, U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, and former Senator Norm Coleman, who previously held the seat before Franken ousted him in 2008. But with a gubernatorial election and the other Minnesota Senator, Amy Klobucher (D), running for reelection in 2018, Republicans will have to spread their bench thin in the state.

[America Needs R'hllor]

There is no way that Kander,Bayh and other Democratic Senators from the rust belt would support the TPP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTQPIjkWpYY

"This is a bad deal for Missouri, which is why I oppose it."
"and that’s one of many reasons why I oppose the Trans Pacific-Partnership."
This video proves my point.

Yes, but you see, politicians don't always vote according to what they've said.
Let's start with Evan Bayh- I do not believe he's a protectionist by any measure, and most of his trade views seem to concetrate on opposing China- which would make the TPP an attractive deal for him.
As for Kander- he just seemed to me like someone who could break from the traditional dogma of "I I won't be a blue-dog protectionst, I'll lose". And there's another thing- I've already been pretty generous to Democrats with the whole voting against the President issue. Most of the times, especially in our polarized era, pressure from the White House and leadership can be very effective in whipping Senate votes. Look at how Rand Paul, for example, straightened up and voted for the Republican healthcare bills each time, and how only 3 Seantros could find it in them to break the line. This time, due to Republican support, the White House could let Senators up in 2018 vote against it, but Kander is up in 2022 so I could definitely see him shifting to support the TPP after its new form was presented. It was actually a smart move from the Obama administration- not that much was changed in the deal, but enough changed to allow people like Kander and Bayh to say that they now support it.

[America Needs R'hllor]

Bayh voted against CAPTA so he wouldn't vote in favor of the TPP either.

Ok but it's an alternative timeline and not reality so you could 1. concentrate your arguments in one post 2. not get worked out over an alternative timeline lol
And my previous line of argument stands- the White House has considerable power over Senators, and if anything, Senators like Gary Peters, Debbie Stabenow and others would likely vote for the re-negotiated TPP due to this sheer pressure.

[America Needs R'hllor]

What is Obama’s Approval Rating?

Soon. In the post after next, he'll have his first year "celebration". Also, I can confirm that the next few months will pass fairly quickly, with the environmental bill and foreign policy being the major issues, before we delve into the really interesting part- the midterms. I promise they'll be eventful

[America Needs R'hllor]

December 11th, 2017

Al Gore makes final selection for Inconvenient Gang- 5 Democrats, 5 Republicans to help draft ambitious climate change legislation



WASHINGTON, D.C. - Finally, after weeks of deliberations, the work on the drafting of an ambitious environmental bill can begin- EPA Administrator Al Gore has made his choice for an unprecedented bipartisan group of Senators who will help him brainstorm, write and then, presumably, push the bill through the Senate. The group consists of 5 Democrats and 5 Republicans, and According to an EPA spokeswoman, it deliberately includes both young, new Senators who can "provide vigour, enthusiasm, fresh ideas and new insight" and older Senators who've been on Capitol Hill for years and have "a deep knowledge of the issues and the ins and outs of the legislative process". Thus, from the Democratic side of the aisle, Gore and his team have chosen Senators from different wings of the party. One is Senator Jason Kander (D-MO), a young, popular and relatively moderate politician elected in 2016 after running a widely-praised campaign, remaining true to his progressive ideals while appealing to the people of the conservative Missouri. There is the very liberal Senator Kamala Harris (D-MO), also elected in 2016 but with a lengthy law experience as a prosecutor, district attorney and then Attorney General of California. Senator Gwen Graham (D-FL), also elected in 2016 but with experience as a congresswoman, and coming from a state which is projected to be deeply impacted by climate change, was also chosen by Gore to join the group. From the progressive wing of the party, Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), who is very popular with progressives and has a long record in the Senate, was chosen. Lastly, centrist Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), who has many years of experience as Governor and later Senator from the Hoosier State and usually puts strong emphasis on bipartisanship, joined the group.

On the Republican side it's more compliacted- due to the low amount of Republicans who support environmental legislation, Gore had to choose members from the more moderate wing of the party. The first obvious choice was Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), considered the most moderate member of the Republican Caucus and who is usually supportive of Gore's agenda. Also chosen was Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), another Senator open to environmental legislation who is known for his ability to work on compromises. Another obvious choice was Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), a famously pragmatist Senator and a relative environmentalist from Gore's original home state who has known the former Vice President for decades. Another choice was Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ)- originally, Gore hoped to choose Flake's senior Senator, John McCain, but the ailing Senator could not join. Thus, with McCain's blessing, Flake was chosen. Lastly, Gore also chose Senator Cory Gardener (R-CO), a fairly controversial choise due to the Colorado Senator's past tedency to oppose environmental legislation. However, sources around the EPA Administrator hope Gardener will tack left on the issue to increase his reelection chances in 2020. With these choices made, Gore is expected to begin the work on his ambitious environmental bill, meant to honour an agreement made between Secretary of State Joe Biden and other Foreign Affairs Ministers in Paris, in the coming days.

December 16th, 2017

U.S. Reps. Ruben Kihuen (D-NV) and Blake Farenthold (D-TX) won't seek reelection in 2018 after sexual misconduct scandals; Sec. Bobby Scott denies allegations against him



LAS VEGAS - #MeToo continues to make waves in political world, sparing neither Democrats nor Republicans. In the past few days, following mounting pressure from party leaders lead to announcements from two congressmen that while they won't resign from congress, they will forego their plans to seek reelection in 2018. Kihuen is a freshman Democrat from Nevada elected in 2016, and was considered a rising star before a former campaign staffer accused him of sexual harrassment and unwanted touching. Meanwhile, Farenthold took office as representative from Texas' 27th district back in 2011, and was accused by a former staffer of sexual harrassment, inappropriate behaviour and gender discrimination in his office. Now, both will end their political career in shame. Meanwhile, the waves reached the White House, as a woman accused Education Secretary Bobby Scott of sexual harrassment. However, Scott said the allegations were "completely false and fabricated", and pointed to the woman, Marsheri Everson, former congressial fellow, appearing with attorney Jack Burkman, who is a Republican party lobbyst, an anti-gay activist and a conspiracy theorist. Details from Everson's past and her giving several versions of the events also lead many to question the allegations, to the point that President Barack Obama, asked for a comment, said that he will "reserve judgement" but that the allegations "have a certain stench to them". Secretary cott thanked the President for backing him up and called Everson's attorney "a renowned homophobe, extremist and liar". Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) echoed the President's sentiments, saying that "clearly, the case here is less straightforward and Ms. Everson's choice of attorney speaks volumes."

January 1st, 2018

As midterm year arrives, candidates start entering key races; Manchin, Nelson, Flake reportedly pondering retirement



WASHINGTON, D.C. - As 2017 passed and 2018 begun, people around the world celebrated the New Year's Eve. But in America's political world, the preperations begin for a different event- the 2018 midterm elections. With Democrats scrambling to defend many vulnerable seats and Republicans hoping for a comeback after two bad years, it seems like there are many dramatic races to watch. Candidates are already starting to run campaigns around the country, challenging incumbents or aiming to fill open seats. In three key races, Democratic incumbents facint a potentially tough reelection are pondering retirement. Senator Joe Manchin, 70 years old from West Virginia, a state that trended hard to the Republicans in recent years, is being challenged by several strong Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and young West Virginia Delegate Pat McGeehan, endorsed by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and other libertarian-leaning Republicans. Polls have been showing Manchin consistently struggling against his opponents, and sources around him report that he's seriously considering retirement, which could strike a blow againt Democrats' efforts to keep the Senate.

West Virginia Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
State Att. Gen. Patrick Morrisey- 25%
U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins- 24%
Businessman Don Blankenship- 19%
State Delegate Pat McGeehan- 15%
Undecided/Other- 17%

West Virginia Senate Election (General)- Polling
Republican Candidate- 46%
Senator Joe Manchin*- 40%
Undecided/Other- 14%

Meanwhile, in Florida, Republican leaders are trying to convince former Senator Marco Rubio, defeated by Gwen Graham in 201 and reportedly considering a Senate comeback, to run for Governor instead and let the term-limited Governor Rick Scott run for Senate, thus running two very high-profile and strong recruits in both races. But already, moderate former U.S. Rep. David Jolly and   State Attorney General Pam Bondy are running in the Florida Senate race, promising a competitive primary. Nontheless, with both Rubio and Scott considering, 75 years old Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson is facing a tough race, and is reportedly considering retirement, too. If that happens, Democrats will have a hard time finding a good candidate in this race, which could jeopardize their chances in the Senate.

Florida Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Governor Rick Scott- 27%
Fmr. Senator Marco Rubio- 25%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. David Jolly- 14%
State Att. Gen. Pam Bondy- 13%
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis- 5%
Undecided/Other- 16%

Florida Senate Election (General)- Polling
Republican Candidate- 44%
Senator Bill Nelson*- 43%
Undecided/Other- 13%

The last incumbent pondering retirement is 55 years old Republican Jeff Flake in Arizona- despite his young age, Flake is fairly unpopular in the state, with low approval ratings, and is facing both a strong Democratic opponent- popular U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema is likely to run unopposed- and a very hard Republican primary, with radical conservative Kelli Ward running against him and, right now, leading the polls. The controversial Former Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio, despite a criminal conviction, is also considering a run, and could gain right-wing support. If Flake retires or loses the primary to Ward or Arpaio, and even if he wins the primary, it could be a prime pick-up opportunity for Demorcats in an otherwise tough map for them. Additionally, there's an increasing possibility that Senator John McCain would retire in 2018, opening up another possible seat in Arizona.

Arizona Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Fmr. State Sen. Kelli Ward- 35%
Senator Jeff Flake*- 30%
Fmr. Sheriff Joe Arpaip- 18%
Undecided/Other- 17%

Arizona Senate Election (General)- Sinema vs Flake Polling
U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema- 46%
Senator Jeff Flake*- 43%
Undecided/Other- 11%

Arizona Senate Election (General)- Sinema vs Ward Polling
U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema- 49%
Fmr. State Sen. Kelly Ward- 38%
Undecided/Other- 13%

January 10th, 2018

Feingold says work on environmental bill "going well", final draft to be submitted soon



WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), one of the ten members of the 'Inconvenient Gang', a bipartisan group of Senators helping EPA Administrator Al Gore draft his ambitious environmental bill, has given an interview yesterday, confirming that the work is "going very well", and that the final draft will most likely be released and submitted very soon, in January. Asked how it is to work with five Republcian Senators, Feingold, who worked with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on campaign finance reform, said that he's "not unaccustomed to the feeling", and praised the five Republicans, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Cory Gardener (R-CO) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) for their "great spirit of unity and great ability to work together and hammer out agreements". Feingold also said that he's very "enthusiastic and optimistic" about the bill, claiming that it will be "the largest and most substantial legislation to protect our planet ever". Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), another member of the group, agreed with Feingold and said that he believes it will be "a tremendous piece of legislation". Senator Alexander echoed the sentiments, saying that he's "really enjoying the work with each and every one of them", despite "obvious disagreements". The bill is expected to leave the five Republicans in a tough place, clearly favouring Gore's strong approach against climate change, and has been a central point of attacks from State Senator Kelli Ward, Flake's primary opponent, against him.

[America Needs R'hllor]

January 20th, 2018

Obama's first year as a third-term President: with a strongly Democratic congress, the President finally enjoys success



DENVER - While liberals praised the Environmental Protection and Clean Energy Act, many conservatives had sharp criticisms against it, and against those who participated in its creation. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) called it "a perfect display of bloated government and federal invasion of Americans' freedom and lives", while Senator Jim Inhofe, a known climate change denier, said that it was "a waste of money and an attack on businesses, all for a total hoax" and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) proclaimed that the five Republican Senators who helped draft it are "traitors to the conservative movement". One of them, Senator Cory Gardener (R-CO), who was generally a conservative on environmental issues before, explained that his change of heart came from the realization that "climate change is very real and we have to act in order to stop it", but added that he has "some disagreements with the EPCEA", and was rumoured to be the least enthusiastic supporter in the Inconvenient Gang. Meanwhile, the rest of the group mostly praised the bill, with Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) calling it "a great and balanced measure", Senator Jason Kander (D-MO) saying that it would "protect the planet and provide and a stimulous for Missouri's economy", and Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) called it "an important first step". Senator Gwen Graham (D-FL) held a rally in her home state, and promised Floridans that the bill would "protect our state and our wonderful cities from an impending disaster". Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) appeared with Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to praise the bill as a "bipartisan creation that will protect our planet from a big scientifically proven problem". President Barack Obama also had praise for the bill, congratulating Gore for "a wonderful job" and saying that he chose "the absolute best person to lead the EPA and act for our planet's well-being". But with conservative opposition and a likely problem securing the votes of applachian Democratic Senators, with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) already leaning against it, the Obama administration's ability to reach 60 votes in the Senate is in doubt, and Administrator Gore said that and the President are "gearing up for a fight". At the same time, Secretary of State Joe Biden is reportedly getting closer to reaching a deal with dozens of foreign ministers on a bolstering of the Paris Agreement.

[America Needs R'hllor]

January 31st, 2018

Reports: almost all Democrats on board for EPCEA, fight for swing votes continues; Schumer to bring bill to a floor vote "in few days"



MIAMI - The battle for the EPCEA, Al Gore's ambitious environmental protection bill, continues. As the Obama administration rushes for an attempt to quickly pass it through congress, in time for the signing of a deal bolstering the Paris Agreement currently being negotiated by Secretary of State Biden, the battle lines are starting to form. With strong efforts and pushing from President Obama, Vice President Baldwin, Administrator Gore, Majority Leader Schumer and Majority Whip Durbin, most Senate Democrats have rallied around the flag, pledging to support the bipartisan legislation. While most conservative Republicans announced opposition to the bill, which includes increased regulation and taxation in addition to tax relief for "green" companies, at least six Republicans have already announced their support- Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Cory Gardener (R-CO), Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who are five of the original authors of the bill, as well as Senator Joe Heck (R-NV), a moderate appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to replace Secretary of Commerce Dean Heller. Additionally, the ailing Senator John McCain (R-AZ), undergoing treatment at his home in Arizona and unable to vote, is also supporting the bill, while Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), whose state might be hurt by the bill's increased taxation of fossil fuels, is undecided. But while the Republican support would be enough to give the bill more than 60 votes necessary to bypass a filibuster (already announced by Senators Cruz (R-TX), Paul (R-KY) and Inhofe (R-OK), it's not a sure thing, as some Democrats are also undecided. Already, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), a supporter of the coal industry, is leaning against the EPCEA, while Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN), whose states are supportive of fossil fuels, are undecided. Yesterday, Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Evan Bayh (D-IN), supporters of the bill, met with the three undecided Democrats to try and convince them to support it too. Indeed, Democrats are determined the pass the bill quickly- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that the bill will be brought to a vote "in a few days". It remains to be seen whether the efforts will succeed, but what's certain is that a failure would be a huge embarrassment for President Obama, former Vice President Gore and the involved Senators.

February 4th, 2018

Environmental Protection and Clean Energy Act passes Senate in 61-38 vote; Biden signs agreement with foreign ministers in Paris in the same day



WASHINGTON, D.C. - A big victory for the Obama administration was achieved today, as the EPCEA passed the higher chamber of congress with 61 Senators supporting and 38 opposing, bypassing a possible filibuster which would've caused the failure of the bill. It's the largest and more comprehensive piece of environmental legislation passed in the last decades, and the victory was received with celebration amongst Democrats and green groups. It's also a big victory for Gore himself, who came out of the status of a has-been and became a hero amongst Democrats, and is now one of the most talked-about names for the 2020 Demcoratic primary. The Senate vote was mostly as expected- most Democrats supporting, as well as six Republican Senators, five of whom helped draft the bill, and all other Republicans opposing, except for John McCain who isn't in the capital to vote. However, the single biggest surprise of the evening came when only one Democrat voted Nay- and that Senator wasn't Joe Manchin (D-WV), but Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). While Heitkamp's opposition was not surprising, given that North Dakota is heavily dependant on oil, Manchin's vote was a shock to many. Usually supportive of the coal industry and rated as the most conservative Democratic Senator, Manchin voted for the bill against all expectations and has not yet given a rationale for his action, avoiding media question. Meanwhile, in Paris, Secretary of State Joe Biden finished his flash negotiations with diplomats and foreign ministers from dozens of nations, signing a small deal bolstering the Paris Agreement by reducing deadlines for various goals and imposing stricter limits on pollution. The deal also included a promise to attempt passing environmental bills in each country, and indeed, like in the U.S., many other such deals appear likely to pass- namely in Russia, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Brazil and maybe even China. This combination of events makes today a joyful one for all environmental activists around the world.

AYE: 61 Senators ✓
Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Chris Murphy (D-CT)
Tom Carper (D-DE)
Chris Coons (D-DE)
Bill Nelson (D-FL)
Gwen Graham (D-FL)
Jason Carter (D-GA)
Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
Brian Schatz (D-HI)
Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
Evan Bayh (D-IN)
Tom Vilsack (D-IA)
Angus King (I-ME)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Ed Markey (D-MA)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Gary Peters (D-MI)
Amy Klobucher (D-MN)
Al Franken (D-MN)
Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Jason Kander (D-MO)
Jon Tester (D-MT)
Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Joe Heck (R-NV)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Maggie Hassan (D-NH)
Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Tom Udall (D-NM)
Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Kay Hagan (D-NC)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Betty Sutton (D-OH)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA)
Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Mark Warner (D-VA)
Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Patty Murray (D-WA)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Joe Manchin (D-WV)
Russ Feingold (D-WI)

Safe NAY: 38 Senators
Richard Shelby (R-AL)
Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Tom Cotton (R-AR)
David Perdue (R-GA)
Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Jim Risch (R-ID)
Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Rand Paul (R-KY)
Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
John Neely Kennedy (R-LA)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Thad Cochran (R-MS)
Stever Daines (R-MT)
Deb Fischer (R-NE)
Ben Sasse (R-NE)
Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND)
John Hoeven (R-ND)
Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
James Lankford (R-OK)
Tim Scott (R-SC)
John Thune (R-SD)
Mike Rounds (R-SD)
Bob Corker (R-TN)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Mike Lee (R-UT)
Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV)
Sean Duffy (R-WI)
Mike Enzi (R-WY)
John Barrasso (R-WY)

February 5th, 2018

After EPCEA vote, Joe Manchin gives heartfelt, emotional speech announcing retirement



CHARLESTON - After shocking the political world by voting for the EPCEA, the Obama Administration's landmark environmental protection bill which is extremely unpopular in his state, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a powerful aftershock. In a heartfelt speech before a crowd of supporters and journalists outside Capitol Hill, Manchin explained the motives for his vote, saying that he "just couldn't let the opportunity to create thousands of new jobs in my state pass for electoral reasons". The Senator somberly proclaimed that "no matter what we want to believe, the coal industry is slowly dying, and it hurts to see it leaving so many in my state unemployed", so he "had to vote for this bill, with all its flaws, because it will bring jobs and new industries to West Virginia". Manchin admitted that "I know this vote is very unpopular with the people of my state", and vowed that he did it "only for their good". However, Manchin said, "after much consideration, prayer and consultations with family and friends, I have decided that I will not be seeking another term in the Senate this year, and want to apologize if my vote has hurt anyone in West Virginia". The emotional speech was widely praised on both sides of the aisle, with President Obama calling Manchin "a brave man" and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell saying that he's "a friend who I admire and respect". However, Manchin's retirement strikes a heavy blow on Democrats' hopes of keeping the Senate, as Republicans, who would have a hard time to unseat the popular Manchin, will now have a very good chance to win his seat in the deeply conservative state of West Virginia. Democrats are now scrambling to find a recruit before it's too late, and according to inside sources Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is zeroing in on one man- former Senator Carte Goodwin, who lost the 2016 West Virginia gubernatorial election to Bill Cole but is still considered popular, if too liberal, for the state. Polls are showing that Republicans are heavily favoured in the race, but that conservative firebrand Don Blankenship, who's very unpopular in the state, could win the primary and potentially sabotage their chances.

West Virginia Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
State Att. Gen. Patrick Morrisey- 25%
U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins- 23%
Businessman Don Blankenship- 21%
State Delegate Pat McGeehan- 18%
Undecided/Other- 13%

West Virginia Senate Election (General)- Polling
Republican Candidate- 54%
Democratic Candidate- 37%
Undecided/Other- 9%

February 10th, 2018

BREAKING NEWS: plane carrying Sen. Casey Jr. crashes in Colorado; officials proclaim "no survivors found"



COLORADO SPRINGS - Tragedy hit Washington today, as news arrived that an airplane carrying Senator Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA) has crashed on an open plane in Colorado, enroute from D.C. to San Diego, California, where Casey was to attend a fundraiser for a local congressial candidate. Officials at the scene quickly issued a statement proclaiming that no survivors were found in the tragic crash, which means that the accident has left 58 people dead, including airplane staff, many of Casey's aides and the Senator himself. According to a perliminary investigation, the crash seemed to have occured because of an engine failure. Politicians from across the aisle have already issued statements mourning the popular Senator, with President Obama calling him "an amazing public servant who served the people of his state like no other" and ordering the flags at the White House to be flown at half mast, Senator Joe Sestak (D-PA) saying that "it's a very tragic day for our state- Bob was an amazing human being and one of the best Senators we ever had", and former Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) adding that "we all mourn Bob and wish that this never happened". This is a developing story.

[America Needs R'hllor]

encironmental is a typo

Fixed

[America Needs R'hllor]

February 14th, 2018

Mass shooting in Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, Florida leaves fourteen students and three staff members dead



PARKLAND - Another tragic mass shooting occured today, when a shooter entered the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and begun a massacre that resulted in the deaths of fourteen students and three staff members, as well as wounding seventeen others, making it one of the deadliest school massacres in U.S. history. 19-year-old Nicolas Cruz, arrested after the massacre, confessed to being the shooter, though his motives are unknown yet. While politicians across the spectrum have obviously called the event "a great tragedy" and offered their prayers, many voices begun rising again to call for gun control, like after the recent Las Vegas shooting. Only that this time, the national mood seems to be even stronger, and according to sources inside the NRA, the gun loby is fearful of what it might cause in the coming weeks.

February 18th, 2018

Parkland survivors urge passage of gun control, promise future activism; President Obama says they are "brave and absolutely correct"



PARKLAND - Just a few days after surviving the mass shooting in their school, several Stoneman Douglas HS students have formed an activist group calling for more gun control. Emma Gonzales, one of the leaders of the student group, said that "enough is enough and we're going to fight for a change", with David Hogg, another student leader, adding that "we know what a horrible experience it is and we're in this fight to save the next bunch of teenagers from a shooting". President Obama himself addressed the issue, calling the students "brave and absolutely correct" and vowing that his administration will "encourage and actively fight for the passage of a comprehensive gun control measure through congress". Spekaer Nancy Pelosi echoed the sentiments, promising to "start working on a bill with my colleagues in the House and Senate very soon", and Senators Gwen Greaham and Bill Nelson (D-FL) issued a joint statement praising the teenagers for "getting involved and fighting for justive, making our state proud". But not everyone was so supportive- Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), a known opponent of gun control, said that the survivors "went through a terrible experience and mean well, but they're advocating an ineffective measure that hurts decent Americans", while Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) went even further, slamming them as "kids who just don't know what's best for the country". This, in turn, was condemned by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) who called Cruz "an extremist who'd disparage and attack anyone, even shooting survivors, for political purposes". It remains to be seen whether the group's activism will have any result, but they're already promising a march for gun control in several weeks, and begun planning the event.

February 21st, 2018

Gov. Tom Wolf appoints fmr. Gov. Edd Rendell to Casey Jr.'s seat, announces Senate run after urging from Democratic leaders; McGinty to run for Governor instead



PHILADELPHIA - The March 6th filing deadline for the Pennsylvania primaries didn't leave Democrats much time to mourn the tragic death of the late Senator Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA) in a plane crash less than two weeks ago. After strong recruiting efforts from Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Vice President Tammy Baldwin and President Obama, who believe that he's the only one they can trust to safely keep the seat, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has announced that he'll be running for Senate in 2018 rather than a second term in the Governorship. Wolf said that he did not, initially, want to do it, but that "it's crucial that we uphold Bob's legacy and keep this seat". Additionally, the Governor made an appointment to the Senate seat for the remainder of the year, choosing the 74 year-old former Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA), who thanked Wolf for the choice and said that he'll treat the responsibility "very seriously" and vote "like I'd think Bob would until, hopefully, I'm replaced by Tom, our wonderful Governor". This opens up a gubernatorial race in the state, too, and the primary seems likely to be between Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack, who had a falling-out with Governor Wolf and was considered likely to lose the primary for his own position to one of his challengers, and Katie McGinty, former Chief of Staff to Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Secretary of Environmental Protection, who lost the Senate primary in 2016 to Joe Sestak and who Wolf is likely to endorse. A third candidate, fmr. U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, is also likely to jump in.

February 22nd, 2018

CNN holds guncontrol townhall with Parkland survivors, Florida politicians and NRA spokeswoman



PARKLAND - CNN held a panel on gun control yesterday in Parkland, Florida, with the Parkland shooting survivors and their family in attendance. The participators were major Florida politicians, those representing the state in congress or rumoured to be vying for that job- Senators Bill Nelson (D) and Gwen Graham (D), U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch who represents Parkland in the House, and former Senator Marco Rubio (R), rumoured to be considering a bid for the Senate or for Governor this year, and basically confirming one of the options is true with his attendance. NRA Spokeswoman Dana Loesch also participated, receiving booes and criticisms of a "cold performance", and Governor Rick Scott (R), another rumoured Senate candidate, declined to attend. Senator Bill Nelson attacked Scott for "showing utter disregard for his constituents" during the event, praising Rubio for "at least showing up". However, Rubio's night wasn't great. The hightlight of the event was likely a moment reminding many of his disastrous New Hampshire debate- when Parkland survivor Cameron Kasky asked Rubio again and again whether he'll continue receiving NRA donations, the former Senator repeated a line about taking money from those "buying into [his] agenda", receiving booes from the audience. The bad performance will likely hurt Rubio's chances at a 2018 comeback, though sources close to the former Senator say that he will make his decision about which race to join soon. Gun control continues to remain the hottest issue in the national spotlight, and lawmakers from both parties are beginning to work on comprehensive legislation regarding it.

February 25th, 2018

Former Governor Ridge running for Senate in Pennsylvania, calling Republicans to reject Rick Santorum; two U.S. Reps. join the now-open gubernatorial race



PHILADELPHIA - The Republican primary in the Pennsylvania Senate race seems like it's going to be intensive- former Senator Rick Santorum, an ultra conservative, was already running against U.S. Rep. Lou Berletta and State Rep. Rick Sacone, but now former Governor Tom Ridge, a moderate who was wildly popular in the state as its chief executive, has also jumped into the race, citing the need to stop "a man like Santorum, who has no real solutions save for extremism and homophobia", from "spoiling our chances here". This will now become a closely-watched battle between the extreme and moderate wings of the Republican party, and the battle-lines are already being formed, with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) endorsing Santorum and former Governor Jon Huntsman (R-UT) endorsing Ridge. On the gubernatorial side, State Senator Scott Wagner was considered the likely nominee, but now that it's an open seat, he's challenged by two candidates with a higher profile, moderate U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent and his more conservative colleague, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, jumping in. This makes the gubernatorial race another proxy war between these two wings, as Dent is considered even more moderate than Ridge, while Kelly is, like Santorum, an ally of the Christian Right. Polls are showing close Republican primaries and strong leads for the Democrats in the general, likely thanks to sympathy from the recent tragedy.

Pennsylvania Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Fmr. Senator Rick Santorum- 33%
Fmr. Governor Tom Ridge- 32%
U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta- 15%
State Rep. Rick Saccone- 4%
Undecided/Other- 16%

Pennsylvania Senate Election (General)- Wolf vs Santorum Polling
Governor Tom Wolf- 51%
Fmr. Senator Rick Santorum- 36%
Undecided/Other- 13%

Pennsylvania Senate Election (General)- Wolf vs Ridge Polling
Governor Tom Wolf- 47%
Fmr. Governor Tom Ridge- 39%
Undecided/Other- 14%

Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent- 25%
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly- 22%
State Sen. Scott Wagner- 18%
Businessman Paul Mango- 11%
State House Speaker Mike Turzai- 6%
Undecided/Other- 18%

Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election (Democratic Primary)- Polling
Fmr. Chief of Staff Kathleen McGinty- 42%
Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack- 24%
Fmr. U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz- 13%
Undecided/Other- 21%

Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election (General)- Polling
Fmr. Chief of Staff Kathleen McGinty- 49%
Republican Candidate- 37%
Undecided/Other- 14%

February 30th, 2018

Mitt Romney passes on Utah Senate race; Huntsman officially enters race, will be challenged by Chaffetz



SALT LAKE CITY - Following Senator Orrin Hatch's announcement that he will finally retire from the Senate, the Utah Senate race received another shakeup- former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has officially announced that he will not run for the now-open seat. Instead, former Governor and 2016 independent candidate Jon Huntsman (R-UT) will run for the seat, hoping to use his popularity in the state, which he won by a landslide in 2016, to add his independent-minded voice to the Senate. He's challenged in the primary by conservative U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who, interestingly, is also Huntsman's former campaign manager who rose in power thanks to his former boss but fell out with him. Chaffetz endorsed Romney in the 2012 Republican primary, and Huntsman previously called him "power hungry and a self-promoter". According to inside sources, Romney polls showed him having a hard time to beat Huntsman, and many Utah politicians like Governor Gary Herbert, who served as Huntsman' Lieutenant Governor, indicated support for the former independent candidate, prompting Romney to decline another grueling political campaign. This is considered a huge victory for Huntsman in an ongoing Romney vs Huntsman feud in the Mormin political arena, since he's now considered an almost certain victor in Utah's Senate race.

Utah Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Fmr. Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.- 55%
U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz- 29%
Undecided/Other- 16%

Utah Senate Election (General)- Polling
Fmr. Governor Jon Huntsman Jr.- 59%
County Councillor Jenny Wilson- 28%
Undecided/Other- 13%

[America Needs R'hllor]

March 4th, 2018

Brian Sandoval officially announces U.S. Senate bid; Heck declares surprise run for Governor



LAS VEGAS - The race for the Senate seat once held by Commerce Secretary Dean Heller, and now by his appointed replacement, Joe Heck, just got a high-profile candidate- after months of speculation, Nevada's popular Governor, Brian Sandoval (R), officially announced today that he will be running for the Senate. Sandoval, a moderate, pro-choice Republican, will be facing conservative businessman Danny Tarkanian in a potentially challenging primary, trying to win over an increasingly hardline voter base, but if he wins the primary, the Governor is expected to win the general election with his statewide popularity and the anti-Democratic national midterm environment. On the Democratic side, former gubernatorial nominee Rory Reid is running virtually unopposed in the primary after higher-profile potential candidate, U.S. Rep. Jacky Rosen, declined to run. Meanwhile, current Senator Joe Heck, who was likely appointed by Sandoval with the promise not to run for the seat, declared a bid for Governor, where he will be facing the more-conservative State Treasurer Dan Schwartz and the current, more-conservative frontrunner, Attorney General Adam Laxalt in what is promising to be a close Republican primary. Heck had been a very moderate Senator, moreso than when he served as U.S. Representative, likely because of his appointment by the moderate Nevada Governor, and will be facing an uphill battle against a popular Nevada politician from a conservative dynasty. On the Democratic side, Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak is facing his Vice Chair, Chris Giunchigliani.

Nevada Senate Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
Governor Brian Sandoval- 48%
Businessman Danny Tarkanian- 33%
Undecided/Other- 19%

Nevada Senate Election (General)- Reid vs Sandoval Polling
Governor Brian Sandoval- 51%
Fmr. County Commissioner Rory Reid- 37%
Undecided/Other- 12%

Nevada Senate Election (General)- Reid vs Tarkanian Polling
Fmr. County Commissioner Rory Reid- 45%
Businessman Danny Tarkanian- 38%
Undecided/Other- 17%

Nevada Gubernatorial Election (Republican Primary)- Polling
State Attorney General Adam Laxalt- 37%
Senator Joe Heck- 29%
State Treasurer Dan Schwartz- 19%
Undecided/Other- 15%

Nevada Gubernatorial Election (Democratic Primary)- Polling
County Commissioner Steve Sisolak- 41%
County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani- 36%
Undecided/Other- 23%

Nevada Gubernatorial Election (General)- Polling
Republican Candidate- 44%
Democratic Candidate- 43%
Undecided/Other- 13%

March 6th, 2018

Lupe Valdez to face Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race; Andrew White will run against Gov. Abbott



AUSTIN - The first set of primaries leading up to the 2018 midterm elections was held today in Texas, where voters voted in the first rounds of Gubernatorial, Senate, House and local races. However, most races were decided in the first round, with only some House and local primaries going to the 2nd round in May 22nd. Incumbent Senator Ted Cruz (R) and Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) both easily won their party's nominations for their positions, with the controversial Cruz defeating a minor primary challenge. Meanwhile, Democratic former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez won the Democratic primary to face Cruz with little opposition, becoming the first Latina and first openly lgbt person to win a major party's nomination to such a position in Texas, while Andrew White, entrepreneur and son of former Governor Mark White, won the Democratic nomination for the Gubernatorial race. Both are considered mid-level recruits, bracing for a Gubernatorial primary race before Valdez decided to run for Senate, following the announcement of U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, a rumoured candidate, that he won't run. The Republicans are very unlikely to lose any of these two races in November, but Valdez and White are hoping to pose a challenge and force national Republicans to spend money on Texas, a still-conservative state, but one President Obama won in his 2016 landslide.

Texas Senate Election (General)- Polling
Senator Ted Cruz*- 52%
Fmr. Sherriff Lupe Valdez- 34%
Undecided/Other- 14%

Texas Gubernatorial Election (General)- Polling
Governor Greg Abbott*- 57%
Entrepreneur Andrew White- 28%
Undecided/Other- 15%

Marth 13th, 2018

President Obama, Democratic leaders tell Parkland survivors gun control is "on top of the agenda"



WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a press conference held on Capitol Hill today, President Barack Obama, Vice President Tammy Baldwin, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi directly addressed the Parkland shooting survivors, fiercely advocating for gun control, and told them that the issue is "on top of the agenda". President Obama called them "brave teenagers who are fighting for the right cause", Vice President Baldwin said that she admires their "resolve and will so soon after going through such a horrible event", while Pelosi claimed that "make no mistake, these teens will change America". Senator Schumer promised that legislators in both houses of Congress are working "very hard" on a "comprehensive gun control legislation". Vice President Baldwin also announced an interesting piece of news- she will be "heading a bipartisan negotiation on the issue" with"a group of like-minded Senators who "truly want to work for change on the issue", reminding of the successful Inconvenient Gang lead by EPA Administrator Al Gore that recently passed the biggest environmental reform in decades. This will finally allow Baldwin a spotlight and a leadership position in the Obama administration. But there are some critics within the party for the new efforts- Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) said that targeting gun control before the midterms will "cause headaches for many of us".

March 20th, 2018

Gov. Rauner crushes primary challenge in Illinois, will face J.B. Pritzket in general election



CHICAGO - Another set of primaries were held before the 2018 midterms tonight, this time in the state of Illinois. There, in addition to all the House seats and local races, a high profile gubernatorial race will be held. Democrats are hoping to unseat the moderate Governor Bruce Rauner (R) in President Obama's state, and it appears like one of their best chances at a gubernatorial gain this year. However, it won't be a cakewalk with a problematic national environment, and Rauner is poised to put up a fierce fight- today, he defeated a conservative primary challenge from State Representative Jeanne Ives, running on a pro-life, social conservative platform, by a wide margin. With this primary victory, Rauner will go to the general election with a mostly unified Republican base. On the Democratic side, billionaire venture capitalist J.B. Pritzker handily defeated opponents Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss, and many in the party worry that despite his ability to self-fund, he'll be a problematic candidate. Already, the Rauner campaign has released a bombshell recording where Pritzker appears to be discussing appointments to statewide offices with former Governor Rod Blagojevich, who's in jail for corruption, and the Governor's aides promise that there are more to come, including recordings involving the extrmeley unpopular long-time State House Speaker Mike Madigan.

Illinois Gubernatorial Election (Republican Primary)- Results
Governor Bruce Rauner*- 73.8% ✓
State Rep. Jeanne Ives- 26.2%

Illinois Gubernatorial Election (Democratic Primary)- Results
Businessman J.B. Pritzker- 36.2% ✓
State Senator Daniel Biss- 31.4%
Businessman Christopher G. Kennedy- 27.6%
Others- 4.8%

IllinoisGubernatorial Election (General)- Polling
Businessman J.B. Pritzker- 44%
Governor Bruce Rauner*- 37%
Undecided/Other- 19%

March 24th, 2018

Gun control activists, lead by Parkland survivors, lead massive "March for Our Lives"



WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Parkland shooting, increasingly described by many as a tipping point for gun legislation in the United States, continues to hit waves. Demonstrations lead and organized by students, including the Parkland survivors and others, were held today in Washington D.C., other American cities and even in cities abroad, such as London, Paris, Berlin and Tel Aviv, where three Jewish Parkland survivors spoke near the U.S. embassy. It was considered a wild success, as tens of thousands attended the marches overall, and will continue to put strong pressure on lawmakers to act. Vice President Tammy Baldwin spoke at the D.C. march, and promised that she will "make the utmost efforts to pass a comprehensive reform soon, because kids and teens shouldn't ever be afraid to go to school". Tomorrow, Baldwin is scheduled to go to Capitol Hill and hold meetings with many legislators from both parties.

[America Needs R'hllor]

On an unrelated note, what would have the electoral map looked like without huntsman?

Likely something like that (I'm assuming someone like McMullin runs):

In the Senate, due to higher turnout from Republicans, the Democrats likely lose in Ohio, but otherwise it remains the same (Dems had strong recruits in 2016, like Vilsack in Iowa).