Decision 2008: Crossroads

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN

Rumor: McCain Suffers Minor Stroke

Disturbing rumors from the White House this week, that have shaken many in the political world. The story, first run by Buzzfeed News and then by Huffington Post, but then picked up by Reuters has an anonymous White House source saying that after a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President McCain fell out of consciousness, and after being conscious enough to refuse a trip to the hospital, was treated in the White House, it was determined he suffered a minor stroke. This is so far speculator, White House Press Secretary David Ensor said the following:
"The President is in recovery from his summer heart attack, but there are bumps in the way. But the President is healthy, and the President will lead till his term expires and he transitions to Secretary Romney or Senator Clinton."
The President himself has not been seen very much this week, with the exception of a town hall with Secretary Romney in Delaware Ohio. With the vague dating of this story, it's impossible to know for sure when this could have taken place. The President also visited an elementary school in Leesburg Virginia. He is expected to propose an education initiative after his lobbying bill is likely to pass in the House of Representatives.

Egyptian President Dead at 76

The President of Egypt, and former spy chief and Major General Omar Suleiman was found unconscious  at the Presidential residence in Cairo and after being rushed to the hospital was declared dead of a heart attack. Vice President Khaled Fawzy was sworn as President of the Republic, and as protestors rushed the streets calling for free elections, echoing the Arab Spring, riot police were sent into the streets. President Suleiman was seen as an important strategic partner for the United States. President McCain met with him  earlier in the year and called him:
"The future of Egypt. President Suleiman will be at the forefront of the fight against terror, he'll be the leader of a stronger Egyptian economy, and bring forth democracy for Egypt."
President Suleiman had only been in power for a few months, in that time he had consolidated his power, and with the support of the army and intelligence directorate he once led, was able to take control as a strongman, preserving stability and support US anti-terror interests in the region. He even met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, smiling, shaking hands, and jointly condemning Iran. Press Secretary Ensor called this:
"A loss for Egypt and for the region, we send our condolences, and hope to work with the next government. And seek new, free and fair elections..."
Vice President Khaled Fawzy was largely seen as an inferior to Suleiman, and was largely seen by the people as a puppet and a hack. They had both worked together at the intelligence directorate. President Fawzy is seen as unable to lead the country, and many think it is likely he will be replaced, by an election, or through a military or political coup. Vice President Palin when asked refused to rule out United States military intervention, but given past events it is unlikely her an the President are on the same page.




Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 42%
Disapprove: 47%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 37%
Disapprove: 55%

US Unemployment Rate
7.9% ↓

RCP Polling Average and Map
Clinton +5 (47, 42)

[Huey Long is a Republican]

For a second, I thought that was doctor Phil and I almost screamed "What?!" aloud.

[KaiserDave]

This is still a thing, just busy

[KaiserDave]

Danville Kentucky, Centre University was the site of the Vice Presidential Debate. The Clinton Team was optimistic, Michael was a soft spoken, but direct individual with a district gravelly voice and statesmanlike demeanor. Marco Rubio was in over his head, a two year freshman Senator still not ready for the national climate. But to be fair, Michael was a freshman too. Michael waited in the wings, he spotted Marco on the other side. Michael was ready, he knew America was ready for consensus building, get things done politics. He was ready to deliver it.

Marco was pumped up, ready to go. This time the energy was on the right side, which was not usually the case, given in 2008 and 2004 the real energy was with the left. But Marco was ready to go out there, and make the case for Romney's compassionate conservatism. Mitt was going to be in Pennsylvania tonight, Altoona, rallying the conservative heartland to his side. McCain was going to be at the White House, supposedly watching the debate while meeting with Democratic House leaders on his lobbying reforms. Marco didn't know for sure though, there had been whispers of another McCain stroke, though last week someone had said he was in a coma, and the next day he was flying to Tripoli, so nobody could be sure. He refocused, time to debate.

Martha Raddatz spoke, "Please welcome the candidates."
Marco walked on, waved to the crowd and flashed his million dollar smile, before shaking hands with the more composed Michael.
"Let's go!" said Marco.
"Alright Senator." Commented back Michael with a hint of a smirk.

"Let's get back to the numbers Martha. Let's get back to the facts. Unemployment is at 8%. The national deficit is at almost a trillion dollars, middle class incomes are down from 2007. Wages have been down for over a decade, we are at record wage stagnation. The Romney solution is the same was the McCain solution, which was the same as the Bush solution. Giant corporate tax cuts, cuts to vital services like Food Stamps. That's not something the American people can afford."

Marco smiled and shook his head as Michael pursed his lips and turned to see what he was going to say.

"Senator, this is the same talking point of obstructionist Democrats in congress."

"I hear that a lot, are you running against congress or against me and Senator Clinton?"
Marco smiled again.

"You're both in congress. And frankly, you're both part of the gridlock that has kept President McCain from enacting his agenda of fiscal prudence and financial stability. President McCain proposed a new austerity, tightening our belts, while reducing taxes to strengthen the economy. Sounds pretty reasonable, restrain Washington spending, a fight the President has fought for years, and cut taxes for the same Middle Class Americans that Senator Bennet is saying have less money. I wonder why?"

"Well that's not-"

"Now Secretary Romney is pushing back on Democrats who think they've already won this election. We're proposing cutting taxes for working Americans, and restraining Washington. I don't see where the problem is there."

Martha moved on to the next question. Michael shuffled his feet underneath the desk. This was not going to plan. Despite using the best arsenal of facts, all of which on his side, Marco was just outshining him. This was not going to be a good morning.





First Vice Presidential Debate- Podium Placements
Rubio - Bennet

FLASH POLL- Who won the First and Only Vice Presidential Debate?
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)- 56%
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)- 40%

None\Undecided- 4%

Presidential Polling- National
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)- 47%
Secretary Mitt Romney (R-MA)- 45%

Other\Undecided- 8%

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN

Romney Flops at Town Hall Debate

The Hofstra University Town Hall debate between Senator Clinton and Secretary Romney ended with a clear victory for Senator Hillary Clinton. The post debate poll had undecideds giving the debate to Senator Clinton 54/40. Secretary Romney often appeared uneasy with audience questions, and his aggressive strategy didn't work with questions from ordinary voters. Clinton appeared personable, intelligent, and her answers were done with skill and precision. Candy Crawley was also viewed as an effective moderator. Romney particularly stumbled on the question of the auto crisis. Where he said, "I deeply respect the hard working auto workers of this country, but they need to see reality." This was largely seen as out of touch.



Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 43%
Disapprove: 44%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 34%
Disapprove: 56%

US Unemployment Rate
7.8% ↓

RCP Polling Average and Map
Clinton +8 (51, 43)

[LoneStarDem]

PRESIDENT McCAIN



Election Day: Turnout Rising

It's decision time 2010. It's been two years of the McCain presidency. It started for Republicans by snatching victory out of the jaws of defeat, and pulling off an amazing comeback in the 2008 election. But politics has been cruel to the McCain Presidency. They've had to deal with angry Democratic majorities in Congress, and they've been forced to give up a SCOTUS seat to a moderate, even liberal leaning Judge. The economy has continued to fail, and joblessness has only risen. President McCain has certainly worked to make the situation better, but he's been hampered by his allies in the White House like Steve Schmidt leaving, and an angry Republican base which dislikes him. Democrats feel optimistic about these elections, and hope to set the stage for a Democratic control of all three branches come 2012. Turnout this year is expected to surpass the 2006 mark of 36.8%, which has high already, and even reach 40%.

Show of Unity: McCain/Palin Rally for Flake

In this administration, many of doubted whether the Vice President and President actually work together. Few deny it was a political pick to galvanize conservatives, and most think that the Vice President does very little work in the administration. Some say she is preparing to bypass the President and run for President herself in 2012. But President McCain would have none of that at a rally in Tuscon. Senator Flake, the President, and Vice President gave speeches to a full house. Downtown, AG Terry Goodard, the Democrat was giving a speech with Senator Barack Obama, the house was packed like sardines. Sarah Palin's no apologies conservatism is a stark difference from the President's bridge-building bipartisanship. But for now, they remain united.



Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 53%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 37%
Disapprove: 55%

Generic Ballot Final Poll
Democrats: 52%
Republicans: 43%

Indiana Senate Poll
Evan Bayh: 50%
Dan Coats: 47%

Arkansas Senate Poll
Blanche Lincoln: 47%
John Boozman: 47%


North Dakota Senate Poll
John Hoeven: 52%
Byron Dorgan: 47%

Pennsylvania Senate Poll
Joe Sestak: 54%
Pat Toomey: 43%

Louisiana Senate Poll
David Vitter: 55%
Charlie Melançon: 43%

Arizona Senate Poll
Jeff Flake: 50%
Terry Goodard: 48%

What happened to IL Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) ?

[KaiserDave]

Excellent question, he will end his term without much scandal, Pat Quinn wins the 2010 Illinois Governor Election by 7 points.

[LoneStarDem]

Excellent question, he will end his term without much scandal, Pat Quinn wins the 2010 Illinois Governor Election by 7 points.

But will Quinn live in the IL Executive Mansion in Springfield on part-time basis ?

[KaiserDave]

Excellent question, he will end his term without much scandal, Pat Quinn wins the 2010 Illinois Governor Election by 7 points.

But will Quinn live in the IL Executive Mansion in Springfield on part-time basis ?

I would say full time, he is the governor.

[LoneStarDem]

Excellent question, he will end his term without much scandal, Pat Quinn wins the 2010 Illinois Governor Election by 7 points.

But will Quinn live in the IL Executive Mansion in Springfield on part-time basis ?

I would say full time, he is the governor.

Which would make Quinn the first IL Governor to live in the IL Executive Mansion full-time since Jim Edgar (R).

I'm also assuming Blagojevich didn't live there, even on part-time basis when the IL General Assembly was in session ?

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN

McCain signs Lobbying Reform Bill, campaigns in Leesburg

President McCain signed his lobbying reform bill, long a goal of his administration with a bipartisan crowd in the oval office, with many cameras. Alongside Democrats like his old friend Senator Russ Feingold, as well as Democratic Senators Joe Sestak, Terry Goddard, and Jeff Merkley. Republicans like Lamar Alexander, Olympia Snowe, and Susan Collins were also there. Independents Lisa Murkowski and Bernie Sanders were also in attendance. A dour Vice President Palin was also behind the resolute desk. President McCain, putting potentially health issues aside, also campaigned in Leesburg Virginia for the Romney campaign, in critical Loudon county. Virginia, a McCain state, is critical to any Romney victory in November. In international affairs, Libya continues to dominate headlines, with new militias, violence against US soldiers, and other unrest persists.

Romney Performs Strongly in Final Debate

All three presidential debates are now concluded. The final Presidential debate, moderated by Bob Schieffer at Florida's Lynn University focused on specifically on foreign policy. Topics discussed included the recent attack on US soldiers stationed in Tripoli, Libya, Iran's nuclear program, the Arab Spring, especially the Syrian civil war and US troops stationed in Northern Syria, relations with Israel, relations with Pakistan, the War on Terror, the continued presence of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, the size and scope of the U.S. military, and relations and trade with China, as well as the rise of that nation. Secretary Romney also briefly broached the subject of the ongoing insurgency in Mali. Topics such as deficit reduction and taxes were also discussed. Mitt Romney was seen as tenacious, and whenever Clinton seemed to be burying with an onslaught of talking points, and attacking the administration's unpopular policies, Secretary Romney clawed back. He was seen certainly as a fighter. Undecideds gave the debate to Romney 55/39. The election enters the final stretch, with but a week or two left to go.

Some Democrats fear they are headed towards another catastrophic loss, and that Hillary Clinton could choke at the last minute, just like Senator Obama. Such a loss would be disastrous for the party, and could open the question of whether Bill Clinton could be the last Democratic President, and could open up soul-searching, even question the idealogical decisions of the party from the Presidency of Lyndon Baines Johnson. A victory for Republicans, snatching it from the jaws of a seemingly inevitable defeat, would be unprecedented and terrific, and would again prompt Karl Rove's question of a potential permanent Republican majority. However, they would almost certainly face 4 years of a Democratic House and Senate, just like President McCain.



Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 45%
Disapprove: 42%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 34%
Disapprove: 57%

US Unemployment Rate
7.7% ↓

RCP Polling Average and Map
Clinton +2 (47, 45)

[OSR stands with Israel]

If the Republicans get 16 years it will be stunning given all the events what have happened over the previous 12 years.

I think if Dems lose this one they will be out for another 8 , this is an election they just can not lose given how easy it should be for them to win this one

[LoneStarDem]

If the Republicans get 16 years it will be stunning given all the events what have happened over the previous 12 years.

I think if Dems lose this one they will be out for another 8 , this is an election they just can not lose given how easy it should be for them to win this one

I'm going to laugh if that happens.

[KaiserDave]

PRESIDENT McCAIN

Campaign Enters Final Stretch: Campaigns Race to the Finish

The 2012 Presidential Campaign is entering the final stretch and the two campaigns (and four) are racing to the finish. Let's start with the third party campaigns, Governor Gary Johnson and Dr. Jill Stein are running libertarian and Green party bids for the Presidency respectively. Gary Johnson has polled usually higher than most libertarians, many credit this to many Ron Paul backers who joined the Libertarian ticket after Paul walked out of the Republican National Convention. He's polled around 3-5%. Dr. Stein has not gained much support outside the left wing fringe.

Senator Clinton and Bennet have deployed all their surrogates. Senator Bayh patrols Indiana, in support of Clinton and now the shocking favorite in the Senate race, Representative Joe Donnelly, who in the latest Monmouth Poll, leads State Treasurer and Palin-acolyte Richard Mourdock by 9 points. Senator Nelson and Governor Sink have campaigned hard for Clinton in Florida, however the Romney campaign's extreme efforts in Florida have kept the race extremely close. Senator Nelson's reelection bid is seen as an easy bet for reelection, with some polls giving the Senator a 17 point lead. Senator Obama has worked to rally the black vote, while Senator Feingold is rallying the base with populist rhetoric in the midwest, it appears to be working, with the Romney campaigning withdrawing from Michigan and Minnesota, and leaving a shell operation in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, Representative Tammy Baldwin now holds commanding leads over former Governor Tommy Thompson in the battle for Herb Kohl's senate seat.

The Romney campaign has deployed the President, who's approvals are now in the green, to many swing states. The President was in Northern Virginia, and also to Clarksburg West Virginia, Lexington Kentucky, and most recently, Toledo Ohio. Despite concerns over his health, the President appears well, and has just passed major lobbying related legislation. Secretary Romney has spent very little time in Washington, and has campaigned thoroughly in the west and south. He's campaigned with Senator Dean Heller in Nevada, and in Colorado, as well as New Mexico with Senator Rubio. Senator Rubio has spent most of his time in the must win state of Florida, but he's also gone to New Mexico, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. The race continues to be close.

Egypt in Turmoil as Military Seizes Control

Egypt faces new unrest, as after the death of President Suleiman, various riots and several suicide bombings have rocked the country. President Khaled Fawzy has resigned and the government became effectively leaderless. The head of the army Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi took control through a military coup, with tanks in the street, as well as seizing various buildings of importance and other facilities. Riots occurred protesting military rule, and Islamist factions have demanded a change of government, and have agitated for the Muslim Brotherhood to take control. Field Marshal Tantawi has declared himself "Interim President" as the military attempts to form a government.

Press Secretary David Ensor called for "international cooperation for a more stable Egypt."


Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 45%
Disapprove: 42%

Vice Presidential Job Approval
Approve: 34%
Disapprove: 57%

US Unemployment Rate
7.7% ↓

RCP Polling Average and Map
Clinton +5 (50, 45)

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Watch Romney win the Electoral College but lose the Popular Vote, making this TL a basic EC abolishment TL. Not really upset with that because you can do whatever you like in your tl, but I think it's a bit easy to predict if this is where you're going. If you are able to surprise me, then I would greatly appreciate that. Can't wait for election night 2012.

[KaiserDave]

Watch Romney win the Electoral College but lose the Popular Vote, making this TL a basic EC abolishment TL. Not really upset with that because you can do whatever you like in your tl, but I think it's a bit easy to predict if this is where you're going. If you are able to surprise me, then I would greatly appreciate that. Can't wait for election night 2012.

We shall see

Thoughts on the McCain presidency if you lived in this world?

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Watch Romney win the Electoral College but lose the Popular Vote, making this TL a basic EC abolishment TL. Not really upset with that because you can do whatever you like in your tl, but I think it's a bit easy to predict if this is where you're going. If you are able to surprise me, then I would greatly appreciate that. Can't wait for election night 2012.

We shall see

Thoughts on the McCain presidency if you lived in this world?

kms

EDIT : What I mean is that his foreign policy just isn't good and while the lobbying bill is a good idea, not enough for me to support him.

[KaiserDave]

Election Day 2012

Campaign Enters Final Stretch: Campaigns Race to the Finish

It is Election Day 2012, November 6th. The year and a half long campaign is at an end. The campaigners are scrambling to get out the vote, and the final television and radio ads are airing in the critical battleground states. President McCain and Vice President Palin are hunkering down at the White House to await results, Secretary Romney and Senator Rubio are in Boston, and Senator Clinton and Senator Bennet are at the Jacob Javits center in New York City with a large crowd of supporters. The indicators point to a large turnout, and that voters are energized at a higher level than in 2008. As the results near, America has a decision to make. Will it pick 4 more years of Republican rule, and elect Mitt Romney President? Cementing 16 years of Republican leadership in a historic and unprecedented accomplishment. Or will it pick a different direction, and elect the first female President in the history of the Republic? The nation eagerly awaits the result.

[Elcaspar]

The indicators point to a large turnout, and that voters are energized at a higher level than in 2008. As the results near, America has a decision to make.

Oh might we have over 60% turnout for the first time since 1968? Sure seems like a high chance.

[OBD]

The Democrats have a lot of questions to answer if Romney wins.

[Elcaspar]

The Democrats have a lot of questions to answer if Romney wins.

Agreed.

[KaiserDave]

Decision 2012

Wolf Blitzer: This is it, a crucial moment for the presidential candidates, and for the American people.

Anderson Cooper: We are counting down to the first results on this election night in America.

It's the tense finale of a long and heated Presidential race.

"The fact is, Mitt Romney failed everybody in this room!""

"Attacking me doesn't make an agenda, doesn't put people back to work."

Voters are choosing, and America is waiting, for the first result and the last words on who will win the White House.

"We will win this election my friends!"

Tonight Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton will battle for the highest office in the land.

"It's time to time be big, time to be bold."

A contest that's been close for months, in a nation divided between red and blue.

We don't know who will win, or when the outcome will be clear.

"The next President of the United States-Mitt Romney!"

Now CNN's coverage of Election Night in America, the fight for the Presidency, the battle for congress and fight for the nation.

"We win this for every American folks!"

The polls are open, the nation is watching, and history is in the making. Right now.

Wolf Blitzer: "It's all up to the voters right now."

Anderson Cooper: "It's 6 o'clock on the East Coast, and this election night is just beginning.

[2016]

Will this be 2000 again given how close the Race is?

[KaiserDave]

Will this be 2000 again given how close the Race is?

We shall see

Thoughts on the McCain admin in this TL?

[2016]

Will this be 2000 again given how close the Race is?

We shall see

Thoughts on the McCain admin in this TL?

I think McCain himself recovered nicely. Palin of course was useless.