Midterm Election Game: Debate Thread

[S019]

So, this is an idea I've had for a while, and we don't seem to get enough non-Presidential games on this board, so this is an idea of a midterm game (probably 2022, with a simulated 2020, if there's more interest in 2014 or 2018 that will work as well). I'd like to have people do Senate, Governor, and House races, as well as having a central committee for each group of races. So, I'll open this interest thread for a week, and if we get at least 5 people interested, I'll move ahead into setting up the turn (also say which year you'd like to play, as well)

[NewYorkExpress]

How about doing a Presidential and a midterm?

It's not often election games try to do both in the same game.

[VirginiaAaron]

I think I may be interested in this.

[GoTfan]

I could do it

[RGM2609]

Yeah me too.

[Left Wing]

It sounds interesting

[NewYorkExpress]

It's certainly interesting, but you probably should attach a Presidential to it (either before or after the midterm being played, possibly as a sequel game).

I'm not sure I can commit to regular posts, but I'm certainly interested.

I'd recommend either 2018, or alternatively 2006.

[Del Tachi]

Honestly, what about just a Congressional Election game?

Pick a quasi-competitive real-life district and have a non-partisan special election (w/ runoff) for 6-10 players.  Players can write their own character bios and spec out their candidate/campaign attributes using a limited number of "points"

Developing a candidate/campaign around a single, real-life Congressional district seems a lot smaller scale than a whole presidential and/or DSCC/NRSC game. 

[NewYorkExpress]

Honestly, what about just a Congressional Election game?

Pick a quasi-competitive real-life district and have a non-partisan special election (w/ runoff) for 6-10 players.  Players can write their own character bios and spec out their candidate/campaign attributes using a limited number of "points"

Developing a candidate/campaign around a single, real-life Congressional district seems a lot smaller scale than a whole presidential and/or DSCC/NRSC game. 

That seems almost too small scale, and besides, we'd all be arguing about which Congressional District to use.

[Del Tachi]

Honestly, what about just a Congressional Election game?

Pick a quasi-competitive real-life district and have a non-partisan special election (w/ runoff) for 6-10 players.  Players can write their own character bios and spec out their candidate/campaign attributes using a limited number of "points"

Developing a candidate/campaign around a single, real-life Congressional district seems a lot smaller scale than a whole presidential and/or DSCC/NRSC game. 

That seems almost too small scale, and besides, we'd all be arguing about which Congressional District to use.

You'd want a district that is relatively even and not too regionally anachronistic (no New England or Deep South districts), so probably one heavily dominated by suburbs like PA-07, GA-06, GA-07, NC-09, FL-13, KS-02 or maybe some more rural/small town districts with some political diversity like IA-01, VA-05, AZ-01, etc. 

[NewYorkExpress]

Honestly, what about just a Congressional Election game?

Pick a quasi-competitive real-life district and have a non-partisan special election (w/ runoff) for 6-10 players.  Players can write their own character bios and spec out their candidate/campaign attributes using a limited number of "points"

Developing a candidate/campaign around a single, real-life Congressional district seems a lot smaller scale than a whole presidential and/or DSCC/NRSC game. 

That seems almost too small scale, and besides, we'd all be arguing about which Congressional District to use.

You'd want a district that is relatively even and not too regionally anachronistic (no New England or Deep South districts), so probably one heavily dominated by suburbs like PA-07, GA-06, GA-07, NC-09, FL-13, KS-02 or maybe some more rural/small town districts with some political diversity like IA-01, VA-05, AZ-01, etc. 

I was thinking if we did something like that I would back one of NY-2, NY-3 or NY-4 (my home district).

NY-11 is also acceptable if playing in major metro area is needed for whatever reason.

[Del Tachi]

Honestly, what about just a Congressional Election game?

Pick a quasi-competitive real-life district and have a non-partisan special election (w/ runoff) for 6-10 players.  Players can write their own character bios and spec out their candidate/campaign attributes using a limited number of "points"

Developing a candidate/campaign around a single, real-life Congressional district seems a lot smaller scale than a whole presidential and/or DSCC/NRSC game. 

That seems almost too small scale, and besides, we'd all be arguing about which Congressional District to use.

You'd want a district that is relatively even and not too regionally anachronistic (no New England or Deep South districts), so probably one heavily dominated by suburbs like PA-07, GA-06, GA-07, NC-09, FL-13, KS-02 or maybe some more rural/small town districts with some political diversity like IA-01, VA-05, AZ-01, etc. 

I was thinking if we did something like that I would back one of NY-2, NY-3 or NY-4 (my home district).

NY-11 is also acceptable if playing in major metro area is needed for whatever reason.

I'm not opposed to a LI district, but I was personally leaning more towards either one of GA districts or NC-09 because they pretty much run the gambit in terms of both parties' present day bases from which to build a winning coalition -  College-educated White liberals, African Americans, progressive Latinos/Asians, Evangelicals, Chamber of Commerce Republicans, and hardcore Trumpist voting blocs would all be represented. 

[NewYorkExpress]

Honestly, what about just a Congressional Election game?

Pick a quasi-competitive real-life district and have a non-partisan special election (w/ runoff) for 6-10 players.  Players can write their own character bios and spec out their candidate/campaign attributes using a limited number of "points"

Developing a candidate/campaign around a single, real-life Congressional district seems a lot smaller scale than a whole presidential and/or DSCC/NRSC game. 

That seems almost too small scale, and besides, we'd all be arguing about which Congressional District to use.

You'd want a district that is relatively even and not too regionally anachronistic (no New England or Deep South districts), so probably one heavily dominated by suburbs like PA-07, GA-06, GA-07, NC-09, FL-13, KS-02 or maybe some more rural/small town districts with some political diversity like IA-01, VA-05, AZ-01, etc. 

I was thinking if we did something like that I would back one of NY-2, NY-3 or NY-4 (my home district).

NY-11 is also acceptable if playing in major metro area is needed for whatever reason.

I'm not opposed to a LI district, but I was personally leaning more towards either one of GA districts or NC-09 because they pretty much run the gambit in terms of both parties' present day bases from which to build a winning coalition -  College-educated White liberals, African Americans, progressive Latinos/Asians, Evangelicals, Chamber of Commerce Republicans, and hardcore Trumpist voting blocs would all be represented. 

Then I'd go with NY-4. That district has all of those groups (except maybe Trumpists?)

[S019]

Ok, so we seem to have enough interest here, so I'll create a poll to see what type of game we want, run the poll for 3 days, and then set up the game turn. I'll also create a poll for the year, and that will also run for 3 days, after that I'll start getting the turn ready and asking you guys to pick roles (first turn shouldn't take that long to get ready).

NOTE: Disregard the poll above, the correct poll is in this thread: https://talkelections.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=392423.0, thread title will also be changed once we decide on game type

[NewYorkExpress]

Ok, so we seem to have enough interest here, so I'll create a poll to see what type of game we want, run the poll for 3 days, and then set up the game turn. I'll also create a poll for the year, and that will also run for 3 days, after that I'll start getting the turn ready and asking you guys to pick roles (first turn shouldn't take that long to get ready).

Your poll seems to be a bit wonky.

Anyways, it would be kind of unfair for me not to back my own idea, right?

In terms of years... how does the 2006 midterms and 2008 Presidential elections sound?

[S019]

Ok, so we seem to have enough interest here, so I'll create a poll to see what type of game we want, run the poll for 3 days, and then set up the game turn. I'll also create a poll for the year, and that will also run for 3 days, after that I'll start getting the turn ready and asking you guys to pick roles (first turn shouldn't take that long to get ready).

Your poll seems to be a bit wonky.

Anyways, it would be kind of unfair for me not to back my own idea, right?

In terms of years... how does the 2006 midterms and 2008 Presidential elections sound?

I fixed that, check my edited post, anyways that seems fine, but there's a new poll where you can vote for that

And one last note, the poll was edited slightly, so if anyone picked a presidential year, please go back and revote, because the poll was supposed to be for midterm years

[S019]

Going to repurpose this as the debate thread, if you'd like a debate for this turn please state here

[Left Wing]

Just confirming I will debate on November 15 for the primary.

[KaiserDave]

@GotFan, please be active I picked Vermont because I wanted to game with you

[GoTfan]

@GotFan, please be active I picked Vermont because I wanted to game with you

Sorry. I've been struggling badly with insomnia. My mental health comes first, especially given my history.

[KaiserDave]

@GotFan, please be active I picked Vermont because I wanted to game with you

Sorry. I've been struggling badly with insomnia. My mental health comes first, especially given my history.

I understand. Hoping you feel better.

[S019]

FalterinArc wanted a debate, but I then went inactive because school reasons, but now I'm more able to mod this, so I'll restart anyways

Doug Jones AL debate


Good evening, and welcome to our candidates, please give an opening statement


As you may be aware, many Democrats view this race as winnable, however Governor Riley's Katrina response has been popular and has made this race tough, do you believe that there is anything to criticize in Governor Riley's response? Why or why not?

To Doug Jones: Mr. Jones, your opponents have repeatedly called you the most liberal candidate in this race and said that you are unelectable for that reason. What is your response to those attacks?

To Doug Jones and Luxy Baxley: As you may be aware, Governor Siegelman is currently under investigation for federal crimes, do you believe that this should disqualify him for running for Governor? Why or why not?

To Doug Jones and Don Siegelman: As we have already discussed each of you have your weaknesses, Lieutenant Governor Baxley's weaknesses have been tougher to figure out. Do you believe the Lieutenant Governor has any weaknesses why or why not?

What is your view for higher education in Alabama, which much like the rest of the South is perennially ranked low among the states in terms of education quality?

What is your tax plan for Alabama, and do you anticipate families paying more or less under your plan? Why?

Please give a closing statement, and thank you for participating in tonight's debate

[Left Wing]

Doug Jones AL debate


Good evening, and welcome to our candidates, please give an opening statement

Good Evening and I want to thank the moderator and Governor Siegelman and Lieutenant Governor Baxley for being here. Look folks, Alabama has been at the bottom of the barrel of the barrel for two long. We rank near the bottom in many many statistics. Education, healthcare, income, housing. We can't let this continue. That's why I'm in this race. I believe in serving our community, that's why I finally got justice and locked up the Birmingham bombers and that's why I decided to run for governor. I'm not a politician like my opponents, I'm not in this for any political gain. I believe in a better future for Alabama and I hope you share my vision as well.


As you may be aware, many Democrats view this race as winnable, however Governor Riley's Katrina response has been popular and has made this race tough, do you believe that there is anything to criticize in Governor Riley's response? Why or why not?

I do believe Governor Riley did a pretty good job responding to Katrina. I think we should commend him for his successes and not be partisan hacks. Him declaring But that doesn't mean he has done everything right when it comes to hurricanes. Earlier this year, when Hurricane Dennis hit, his  mandatory evacuation of the entirety of Mobile county was not a smart plan.  Parts of the county weren't hit by the hurricane at all and some were displaced for no reason. As governor for future hurricanes I would continue with the approach tried with Katrina where there was a layered evacuation based on each individual area's needs.

To Doug Jones: Mr. Jones, your opponents have repeatedly called you the most liberal candidate in this race and said that you are unelectable for that reason. What is your response to those attacks?

This is just absurd. Don Siegelman lost his election! How can he claim to be electable!? His policies didn't resonate with Alabamans so they threw him out! These attacks on me don't hold any water. When you look at my views on the issues, you'll see I'm a pretty mainstream guy who is in this race because I believe in improving my state. That is how we are going to bring together a broad coalition and win this election.

To Doug Jones and Luxy Baxley: As you may be aware, Governor Siegelman is currently under investigation for federal crimes, do you believe that this should disqualify him for running for Governor? Why or why not?

I believe we can't be hypocrites on this issue. Right now Governor Riley's former press secretary as a congressman, Bob Riley signed onto a letter which asked for casino gambling in Alabama not to be expanded. Well folks, turns out the letter was from a front group which was trying to eliminate the competition. It's a clear-cut case of political corruption. We can attack him relentlessly on this issue but only if we have a nominee who doesn't have the same problems. Governor Siegelman lost re-election, got indicted and now expects to be able to win after that? It just doesn't make sense. Now I don't know if the charges against you are true, Don but you're too much of a risk to put up there against Bob Riley.

To Doug Jones and Don Siegelman: As we have already discussed each of you have your weaknesses, Lieutenant Governor Baxley's weaknesses have been tougher to figure out. Do you believe the Lieutenant Governor has any weaknesses why or why not?

Look I don't want be rude, I think Lieutenant Governor Baxley has done a fine job in office but I do think she has some weaknesses to be sure. When you compare her record to mine, you see that she's been serving as Lieutenant Governor which doesn't get you out there in front of folks as much. I tmore involves meeting with the state legislature and presiding. It's an important role, to be sure, but it doesn't win you votes.  As a district attorney, I met with folks all over Northern Alabama. I fought for ordinary people to improve their lives and grant them justice. People know my record and they know that I'm in this fight for our community as a state.

What is your view for higher education in Alabama, which much like the rest of the South is perennially ranked low among the states in terms of education quality?

Our education system is deeply flawed and I intend to work side by side with our state educators to fix it. One problem is too many of our schools go underfunded. Teachers don't have the resources to give an adequate education to their whole class. We can invest in new computer technologies to meet the moment of our changing job market. We can change our tax code so that impoverished communities can get aid for their failing schools. This is a problem that can be solved. Governor Siegelman didn't do it and Bob Riley sure as hell didn't do it, you can count on me to deliver if you elect me as your governor next year.

What is your tax plan for Alabama, and do you anticipate families paying more or less under your plan? Why?

Working families are going to pay less under my plan. The tax code in our state is completely broken. The top earners are hardly paying anything while we continue to rank near the bottom of average income by state. Bob Riley is shifting the burden down to hard-working people. He increased property taxes without any vote from the legislature or the people. He tries to erase his own deficits with your hard earned dollars. We got to change this system and make sure the elites in our state start paying enough so that everyone can get ahead.

Please give a closing statement, and thank you for participating in tonight's debate


I keep telling people, a new Alabama is rising. As a state we don't have to continue to live in despair and anguish over the crushing inequality we face. We don't have to be pitted against each other by race. We don't have to continue accepting people not being able to get the medication they deserve. Change is on the horizon folks. Let's seize it. Thank you.