Labor NPC Campaigns thread

[Pericles]

*
Good evening Arizona. The local elections are coming up, and yes-these do matter. Those of you who came out to support me and the Labor Party in the last election, and even those you did not support us, these elections are similarly important for determining your future. I have worked with the Labor bloc in this great state for years, even going back to my times as Senator for Fremont. And you can be sure of this-they will fight for you.

The right wingers want you to forget about the important policy issues, but those issues aren't going away. And so the way we actually deal with these issues is to get a Labor majority in the state legislature. As much as national and regional politics are important, so much policy is made at the state level and so you need the best and the brightest in Phoenix.

Climate change in particular is a big problem in Arizona. We're working hard nationally, but Arizona needs a state government that has a plan to reduce emissions and to mitigate and sometimes adapt to the impacts of climate change. Arizona will be one of the worst hit states in the entire country from unchecked climate change. The crisis calls for leaders that are awake to the threat and willing to do everything in their power to protect their state from it. There are also great opportunities if we get this right, and a vote for Labor helps put this state on the path to a clean energy future.

More broadly, Labor is the party that will fight for hard-working Arizonans. The Labor Party will safely reopen Arizona's economy, and build back better from this crisis. Income inequality is already a severe issue here, and it would be wrong to let the gap widen even further. A vote for Labor is a vote for a better future, where the government gives the vulnerable the help they need and reduces Arizona's poverty rate (which is one of the highest in the nation).

The choice before you is about the kind of state you want to live in. Labor stands for a fair, compassionate and open Arizona, and I know our great team will serve you very well. Now is your chance to turn out and vote for that future.

*Jeff Merkley campaigning in Arizona, from this article

[Pericles]

Presidential visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma
UNLEASH OKLAHOMA'S POTENTIAL

Good morning Tulsa!

I'm here today because the great state of Oklahoma has an important choice to make in the upcoming state elections. Yes, these do matter. Those of you who worked your hearts out for our Labor majority federally and for me need to be on full alert again. In less than two weeks time, you get to decide what kind of state you want to live in. Labbor is the party of progress, and a vote for Labor candidates will unleash Oklahoma's potential.

Oklahoma has been held back for far too long by reactionary leadership. This can be seen in several key areas, and it needs to change. A prosperous future depends on good education, and this is an even more pressing issue in Oklahoma than it is for the nation as a whole. Last year, Oklahoma was ranked as one of the biggest underperformers in the nation for education and child wellbeing. We need to do better, and the Labor Party offers the solutions. I am proud to stand alongside a slate that is offering bold and visionary solutions for this great state. We will invest record-amounts in education-rebuilding and repairing broken schools, giving kids the support they need and giving teachers a big boost in pay. We will attract more people into the teaching profession. Finally, Oklahoma kids will have a government that puts them first.

We will do it by raising the state level of corporate tax, and raising the top level of income tax. The richest in Oklahoma have it better than those in almost any other state. It's time those who got ahead give more back, so that the rest of us have a shot, rather than pulling up the ladder behind them. Oklahoma's tax system is one of the most regressive in the nation, so the additional savings will cut the regressive sales tax-which is one of the highest in the nation. Labor is going to give working Oklahoman families the help they need. Oklahoma has great potential, your vote will unleash that potential. Let's do this!

Note; Unlike a certain real-life presidential visit to Tulsa, this visit was in front of a modestly sized, socially distanced crowd in an outdoor space that all wore masks.

[Pericles]

This ad will be going on billboards across Michigan and boosted on social media in the state.

Credit to Harry S Truman for creating this.

[Pericles]

For clarification, as a certain political party fails to get it, I'll just say this. The assumption that we have been making for the NPC elections is that we start from the real-life situation or something pretty close to it. This means that the real-life problems in the states are pretty much the same, for example that Michigan has not fixed the damn roads.

[Pericles]

Presidential visit to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
UNLEASH OKLAHOMA'S POTENTIAL

It's great to be back in Oklahoma! I'd like to thank you all for coming, it's awesome that you are getting out and showing that you care about the future of your state. And indeed, in just a few days time Oklahoma has a very important choice to make-one that could be a turning point for this state.

Oklahoma has been let down by conservative policies for decades. You can see that in your schools. You know that your kids aren't getting the education that kids in other states are getting, the education that your kids deserve. It is time that we invest in Oklahoma kids and teachers. Labor has a plan for real change, so that a vote for Labor candidates will unleash Oklahoma's potential.

You can want change, but change doesn't happen by chance. It happens because we go out and make it happen. There are those who think you'll never turn out for a state election, that your concerns don't matter. That you don't understand how things really work. But who really knows better? Do you really think that corporate fat cats deserve a tax break more than your kids deserve a good education? Do you really think that in the greatest country in the world, we can't even afford to educate our own kids? How dumb is that?!

Our opponents have made clear that they have no real plan, that if they win nothing will really change. It's about time you have leaders that are willing to make the bold, necessary choices to unleash Oklahoma's potential. It's time you reject the politics of despair and post-truth, and embrace the politics of honesty, courage and hope. So get out and vote, and make the change happen. With your support, a better future is possible.

Thank you very much, and Dave bless the state of Oklahoma!

[Pericles]

Statement to the press after returning to Nyman:

The Federalists are sweating badly, because Oklahoma could be about to reject their conservative ideology and vote for real change. They are again misleading the people of Oklahoma. Local devolution is a diversion from what is really at stake. The choices made at the local level are the ones defunding Oklahoma education, and Oklahomans can choose at the local level to give their kids the education they deserve. They are waging a culture war between those who went to college and those who didn't, and with those in different states, but this does nothing to actually help Oklahomans. It is even clearer now that there is no actual plan. What Oklahomans need to ask themselves is this-If conservative policies are the solution, why are Oklahoma kids worse off than those in any other state? The real elitists aren't living in Portland but are getting big fat tax breaks off money that should be going to your kids, right in Oklahoma. Give Labor a chance, and our great team will do so much better than the conservative governments Oklahoma has been stuck with.

[Pericles]

Press-release and post on social media platforms by the New York Labor Party.

NY LABOR FOR GUN SAFETY LAWS:

WE WILL protect New Yorkers from gun violence by-
1. expanding background checks.
2. keeping guns out of the hands of criminals & the mentally ill.
3. imposing harsh additional penalties for the use of illegal guns in crimes.

Don't trust the other parties
ONLY LABOR will get it done

[Pericles]

Today, I visited a contact tracing centre in New York. I thanked the contact tracers for the brilliant job they are doing, and took a photo with them while wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. I then held a press conference, and took several questions from the press.

On New York's fight against Covid-19
"We are seeing great progress in our fight against this virus. New York has been hit hard, and we mourn every loss to this virus as a tragedy. It is a sobering reminder that we must keep on social distancing and wearing masks, and that it is so important to follow the public health guidance. Slowly but surely, we are coming through this and containing the virus. And with the NPC elections, it is relevant to say that we need to stick with proven leadership in these elections. It does matter, and the opposition have not shown the competence needed to lead our Covid response-from wavering on mask mandates to veering in the other direction to demand forever lockdowns even when we can actually reopen safely. Only the Labor Party can provide the responsible, competent government that will get New York and the nation through this pandemic."

On attacks against Labor by the opposition
"Well, of course some politicians like to focus on Discord drama, because they don't have the answers for the actual pressing issues that Atlasia and hard-working people like you face. There simply is not a credible alternative government waiting in the wings, only chaos, extremism and division. The Labor Party has accomplished so much over the last year and several months, and we are still hard at work serving the Atlasian people. Here's the deal-the Labor Party is the party of government in Atlasia, the party of responsible, competent leadership. Their candidates may talk a big game. However, if you vote for our candidates in the NPC elections, our team will walk the talk and deliver for you. There is really a lot at stake, so please make sure to vote, and vote Labor."

[Pericles]

A socially-distanced campaign event with mandatory masks was then held in the Bronx.
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Thank you very much. It's great to be here in the great state of New York. Very soon, you get to make a critical decision for the future of your state. Today, a washed-up Federalist politician [the crowd, knowing who I'm talking about, boos that person], that politician, was peddling their tired old right-wing talking points to the nation. They think you don't deserve a high minimum wage, or Dave forbid a living wage. Well, the facts are these-in every area of the country the actual living wage is higher than the current minimum wage, and much, much higher than what the Federalists wanted the minimum wage to be. And he also spread that fake news that the minimum wage increases unemployment. Well people here, if you get more money to spend through our living wage, you'll spend it. That will grow our economy and help get us through these tough times. It is a much better use of money than letting the fatcat CEOs rack up ever more millions and billions, people who will never spend it on our economy and will try get out of paying their fair of tax on that money. The Federalists think it's only good to give people more money when it's rich people, but Labor believe in you and our great team will fight for you in government.

And then, you have this guy going around and saying that somehow, the way to avoid austerity is to implement austerity. No! The way to avoid austerity is to elect a Labor government. Now more than ever, we can see the need for strong public services, the need for example to invest more in health. Their 'fiscal responsibility' BS really means less money for vital services that you depend on. Less money for health, education, infrastructure, and for police. Labor will always protect our vital public services. We recognise that government spending is usually for a good reason, rather than assuming it's waste, and support for the people of the Bronx is not waste according to the Labor Party.

Finally, they also are promoting their ideology of 'deregulation'. Yet again, this is a direct threat to you. Big corporations under their neoliberal ideology routinely rip off consumers like you and make us worse off, and worst of all their deregulation caused the Great Recession that wiped out so much wealth here. This economic recovery must be fair, and that's what Labor are fighting for. Labor will ensure that we regulate the economy responsibly, and protect consumers here and across the nation.  By holding the big corporations to account, a Labor government will look out for you and your interests. Unlike the Federalists, we won't give them the benefit of the doubt when they don't deserve it, we won't look the other way while they rip you off and leave you poorer.

The choice is clear. These elections do matter, so it is so important that you get out and vote. If you don't, the Federalists will win and they won't be on your side but for the elites. Their right-wing ideology will leave you worse off. Or, you can get out and vote for the Labor candidates. Then, you'll get a government that is on your side. We care about you, we will fight for you and we will make you and your family better off with our strong progressive government. Now, it's up to you.

[Pericles]

Statement in response to West_Midlander's attack-
"The Federalist personal attacks prove that they are a party focused on Discord drama, a raging troll machine rather than a serious governing party. Furthermore, they seem to think that opposition politicians should be exempt from legitimate criticism for their actions, and that I am supposed to be some kind of mind reader? Who the hell are these people anyway to lecture us on personal character and decency?! C'mon, man!

In any case, Labor are focused on delivering for Atlasians, and providing the proven leadership that has served Atlasia so well recently. Our team is making our case on the basis that we have the best policies on offer for you, and yes-the most credible team to deliver them. The choice is between economic fairness, compassion, and a society that works for everyone on the left, or austerity and social reactionaries on the right."

[Pericles]

Statement-I'd like to thank my friend Oregon Blue Dog for correcting the record and rooting out the misinformation. Labor is the party that is delivering the strong, responsible government that we need right now. We are the party of government in this game. This has of course been a challenging year, a terrible year actually, but I am leading us through it along with my great Labor team. Finally, I want to thank Oregon BlueDog and so many other great Laborites for fighting the good fight. It would be a great honor and relief if you Atlasian people follow their good advice, stick with proven leadership, and vote Labor in the upcoming elections.

[Pericles]

Presidential visit to Houston, TX

Labor is the responsible governing party for our entire nation, and we have the plan to make Texas even stronger. A Labor state government will enable Texas to build back better from Covid-19. We will invest in our vital public services, so that all Texans have the chance to get ahead. Texas under conservative governments has lagged behind the rest of the nation, we will change that and invest in schools so that we can unleash the full potential of this great state. Labor will improve infrastructure, healthcare and we will address systemic disadvantage in our society too such as bias in the criminal justice system. We will also enable Texas to be leaders on climate change action by investing in renewable energy. We can afford progressive government, and we have a fully costed plan with a manageable tax increase on the top 1%. What we can't afford is inaction and stagnation that a conservative Federalist government will bring. You have seen the results that Labor has delivered on federally. It's time to stick with proven leadership. This election is close, every vote counts, so get out and vote Labor.

[Pericles]

Seminole County, Florida
Socially distanced event, masks mandatory, held outdoors
Thank you for having me, it's great to be here in the great state of Florida. This is much warmer than Minnesota, I'll tell you that. So let's get to it-you face an important choice in these elections. I always say it, but these elections really do matter. Just as you vote for President and for Congress, this is your chance to make your voice heard. In just a few days time, you can set the direction, policies and values for your state. This is going to be really close, so please get out and vote, and encourage your family, friends, even strangers to do the same. It's going to take all of us together, to be the change we want to see.

And what change is that? What does the Labor team offer for you? We stand for pragmatic progressive governance. Florida faces great challenges, and so it's vital to stick with Labor's proven leadership. You've seen us lead federally and regionally, and you know a Labor government will bring positive change. Labor will get things done for Floridians. Firstly, we'll protect Florida from Covid-19. Under our leadership, we've avoided the tragedy that other countries have seen. In very difficult circumstances, we have kept Floridians safe. It isn't over though, I'm very concerned about how we get through the winter. So we need a Labor government to ensure that we get through this and stay safe. Then, Labor will help Florida built back better. We've got a clear platform-to pass a state stimulus bill, raise the minimum wage, and invest in public services like schools and healthcare. We will increase the state police budget, while addressing the 'bad apples' so that police do protect and serve the community, rather than inflicting more harm. Another big issue we need to face is the environment. The recent algae blooms are a reminder that politicians can't just stick their heads in the sand, Labor will show real leadership. Our team will invest in renewable energy, take on the special interests, and invest heavily in mitigating the effects of climate change. We can build back better by creating green jobs and being a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous state, so let's turn the page on the denialism and cowardice we see on the right. Labor will reject far-right conservative views, and will act pragmatically to tackle social problems. Gun safety is a key example of this-we reject the ideological approach of the Federalist Party and will be focused on one thing-keeping you safe. We will conduct a full and through review of Florida's gun laws, and make sure that only law-abiding citizens get access to guns, not criminals, terrorists and the mentally ill.

From Covid to climate to gun safety, a common theme runs through our approach-we listen to experts, not ideology. We follow evidence, not dogma. All the opposition are offering is chaos and division. I don't think that's what you're looking for. You're a smart, forward-thinking state, bringing the best of Atlasia together. I know you'll rise to the occasion, and with a Labor government, the best is yet to come for Florida. Thank you very much!

[Pericles]

This ad is to run in The Villages and target voters 65 years and older on social media.
"When Covid hit our shores, Labor kept Florida seniors safe.

Show footage of then-President Pericles saying "Go hard and early"

Our mask mandate is saving lives.

Show footage of masked Pericles signing the bill

The Federalist Party opposed the bill.

They voted to put Florida seniors at risk.

Only Labor will keep seniors safe.

The FLP is responsible for the content of this advertising."

[Pericles]

Duval County, Florida
Socially distanced event, masks mandatory, held outdoors
Thank you for having me in Jacksonville. I really appreciate you coming out today, showing your support, and showing that you care. I believe that on Saturday, Florida will set the path for the nation and again help the whole nation unleash its full potential. You know these elections matter, and this is your chance to decide what kind of state you want to live in. Today, I want to discuss opportunity, and how a Labor government will increase it.

Firstly, I want to make one thing clear. We applaud success. Hard work and free markets make Florida great. The Atlasian dream is a unique promise, and one that we must honour. We need ground rules in place so that free markets can serve working people effectively. We need government support to give people a helping hand when they need it. Labor has massively reduced child poverty federally with my Child Tax Credit bill, and that is the kind of approach we will bring to state government. Now, every child will have the opportunity to succeed. A part of this is making the welfare system less punitive. The Federalist Party believes that government support makes people lazy, but we know that when you need help, the government should be there. We reject the neoliberal ideology that has hurt the vulnerable in our society.

Similarly, we will protect our frontline public services, and in fact boost them. There will be no cuts to police, health, schools, and infrastructure. The Federalists cannot credibly make the same pledge. Labor will further support working Floridians by passing a stimulus bill immediately, with tax relief for low and average income earners. If we get in, the state minimum wage is going up. It's time we reject the baseless neoliberal idea that minimum wage increases hurt the economy. Putting money in the hands of working Floridians will help our economy far more than enriching those at the very top.

A key example of how we will build back better is that in our recovery plan, we will invest in thousands of green jobs across the state and in Jacksonville. We will massively boost the renewable energy industry in Florida. This will take this great state into the future again, and enable us to be at the forefront, leading Atlasia and the world. It will be a huge boost too for brand Florida, if this can be the clean, green, booming Sunshine state. The very name points us to where we should be getting energy from, and where the jobs of the future will be coming from. It will also protect Floridians from the dire threat of climate change. Like with Covid, acting early is far better than acting late. It is the same exponential curve, even if it's spread over years instead of days. We have flattened one curve and we will flatten the next one too, creating jobs and hope along the way.

Labor is the party of prosperity. We are the party that ensures that if you work hard, you can get ahead. Your prospects will not be defined from birth, you will not be trapped into low incomes but be free to unleash your full potential. That is the Atlasian dream and with a Labor government, from Sunday onwards it will be the Florida reality. We will be there for you, Labor is on your side. So let's reject the neoliberal trickle down ideology, vote for the approach that works and is grounded in evidence-the Labor approach. On Saturday, every vote counts. You can make the change you want to see. So please, get out and vote.

[Pericles]

Boston, Massachusetts
(This event followed the social distancing guidance in force at the time)

Good evening Boston. Thank you for all for coming out, it's great to see people invested in these elections. Your vote does matter, and it is important that you vote, and encourage other people to vote too.

What you need to ask yourselves is, which party is on your side? The Labor Party is fighting for hard-working people. We will lift people up, regardless of your race, gender or background. It is our proven leadership that has gotten us through the Covid pandemic-which, if we all keep up the good work, can be over for us in little more than a few weeks. It is our proven leadership that has protected jobs and livelihoods, and is now building back better with a higher minimum wage. It is our proven leadership that has already made great progress on criminal justice issues-breaking the school to prison pipeline, providing police accountability and restoring fairness and proportionality to sentencing. Our policies are giving people hope, and you can be sure that your leaders in the Labor Party are looking out for you and working hard, every single day. That's what you voted for before, and that's what you will get if you re-elect Governor Murphy and a Labor state legislature. Conor, I'll let you speak in a few minutes, but I just want to say this-you have been a great partner through these very difficult times. I know that you don't just talk the talk, you walk the walk. Don't let a quality public servant like that go to waste. It is clear, Labor are the clear choice to keep on delivering, we will keep on making your lives better and build back better from Covid.

However, I do want to say something about Poirot and AGA, because they have been saying a lot of things, and it's not ok to just let it slide. They call themselves Liberals, but for all intents and purposes, they are Federalists. Poirot likes to act all moderate, but he has an awfully consistent right-wing voting record whenever he holds office. And we can see it too in AGA, who unfortunately got elected because not enough people actually voted-let's not make the same mistake twice. They rushed to bust our budget, not on helping out people like you, but with massive giveaways to the rich. Removing the wealth tax, cutting capital gains taxes, that's what they stand for. It never occurred to him-what about cutting our taxes? Why do those who have so much already deserve more, but we don't? All this talk about being 'fiscally competitive' and 'fiscally responsible' from Poirot, what does it actually mean for you? It means that if the Liberals win, you get less government services, a nasty helping of austerity, but the very rich and big corporations get to pay less. They even seem to suggest that they buy into this idea that cutting taxes for the rich pays for itself, it never does and the wealth does not trickle down. Funny how they never say it will pay for itself when we try to help YOU out?

You can count on the Labor Party, we deliver results, not empty talk. We are on your side, and frankly, they are not. If you want to actually get those results, actually build back better, then you do need to get out and vote for it. Get as many people as you can to vote, tell them the truth-that this election really matters. Then, with a re-elected Labor government, I know our best days are still ahead of us.

Thank you!