What Comes After: A 2024 Game (Gameplay-PAUSED)

[Devout Centrist]

Lake Campaign Schedule - Take Back Control! (Part 2)

December
Month's Theme: Chasing It (The American Dream)

In December, Lake's team took stock of its success in Iowa and New Hampshire. Lake had attracted substantial crowds over the past few weeks, but it was unclear if this enthusiam among certain elements of the Republican base would translate into success on primary day. Lake's advisers met with the candidate multiple times and insisted she adopt a more emotional message - one that would key into Republican voter's frustration with both the Biden Administration's relative success and their animosity towards Republican leadership.

The campaign itself divided its time roughly equally between Iowa and New Hampshire, with Lake visiting Nevada on three occasions in order to maintain ties with local grassroots activists and to debut a new ad on conservative talk radio. It was around this time that Lake contracted a mild bout of the flu, and spent several days resting in Berlin, New Hampshire in order to recover.

Upon her recovery, Lake had an epiphany. She burst into a meeting between two of her top advisers and told them she had the answer to her messaging issues. The American people, she said, had endured a lot over the past 20 years. Foreign wars, a mass manufacturing exodus, and the failure of both the Bush and Obama administrations to provide a higher standard of living to the middle class. President Trump, she argued, had done his best to turn the corner and get American back to its former glory. But the COVID-19 Pandemic had derailed all of his progress and had given Democrats the opening they needed to push out the President.

Lake stated that Republican voters were gripped by a sense of loss, of what could have been. They had endured so much to gain so little. Lake theorized that, if her candidacy focused on this sense of frustration, she could tap into Republican anger at establishment and provide the Party with a positive alternative.

To this end, Lake chose to make several changes in her stump speeches. First, she adopted a more authentic speech pattern. In the past, Lake had sought to channel former President Trump in her campaign stops, but this hadn't worked out as well as she had hoped. Indeed, the former President himself had called her out on this, and Lake opted to accept the truth: she wasn't Donald Trump. No one was, anymore. The Trump of 2015 had been lightning in a bottle, and while Lake would incorporate that campaign's spirit into her message going forward, she wouldn't be a copycat. The candidate worked with her advisers to develop a message that honored the spirit of Trump's appeal while also moving on from some aspects of Trump that simply couldn't be recreated.

Over the next few weeks, the campaign reached a fever pitch. Lake visited 5 or 6 campaign stops each day while she could, and began airing ads in earnest on local news and on talk radio. The campaign deployed the money and resources it had saved over the summer to target Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. As for Lake's message, she hit squarely on Republican frustration with the status quo and the feeling of loss shared by many activists. Lake promised that restoring the American Dream, through an American First philosophy, would help conservatives overcome Democratic shenanigans and betrayals by Republican leadership.

Lake noted that it had been Republican leadership who wanted to cut Social Security and Medicare for older Americans. This thinking, she argued, was completely backwards. Social Security might require American tax dollars, but it protected America's elderly from destitution in their golden years. It was an American First program, unlike many other initiatives undertaken by the Federal government. Why was Republican leadership so keen to cut a program that helped hardworking Americans? Lake pointed out that Republican leadership fully supported American aid to Europe, Africa, and Asia. American tax dollars were going to support military bases on foreign soil, and were actively hurting the wellbeing of the American people in the process. Lake reiterated her opposition to foreign wars and stated that she would cut the Federal budget by reducing foreign aid and unnecessary defense spending.

January
Month's Theme: Live Free or Die

At this point, the Lake campaign was running on all cylinders, and focused squarely on Iowa and New Hampshire. Lake practically took up residence in Davenport, rallying her supporters in the Eastern half of the state, and emphasizing her support for farm aid in virtually every speech she made. In New Hampshire, Lake's team rallied around her America First message, decrying her opponents support for everything from foreign aid to corrupt kickbacks and congressional earmarks.

During the month of January, Lake fully deployed its campaign resources, spending money like their was no tomorrow on Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Lake knew that a poor showing in these states would spell the end of her candidacy, and she worked around the clock to contact small dollar donors, friendly elected officials, and sympathetic interest groups. The campaign's finances were not in excellent shape; without support from Republican megadonors and corporate sponsors, the campaign had to rely entirely on invigorated Republican base voters for support. This only made Lake campaign harder, as she felt a righteous call to action to oppose the Republican establishment and their fellow travelers in the media.

Lake made stop after stop in Iowa and New Hampshire in January. Dover. Nashua. Iowa City. Waterloo. Peterborough. Newport. Cresco. Mt Pleasant. Portsmouth. Laconia. One after the other, day after day. Lake pushed herself to the absolute limit, nearly breaking down onstage in Derry after a 12-hour gauntlet through the Merrimack Valley. After a two minute scare, the candidate jumped back to her feet and gave a rousing stump speech in earnest. Lake wasn't going down without a fight.

February
Month's Theme: Made in America

After a flurry of activity in December and January, Lake took a day of rest on February 1st. The campaign had stopped in Dubuque once again, and Lake was preparing herself for the soon to come results of the Iowa caucus. She had poured her heart into this campaign, which had been unlike anything she had ever done before. Memories of her time on the trail in Arizona gave her some comfort that her struggle wouldn't be in vain.

In Iowa, the Lake team redoubled its efforts on Lake's America First message. This month, Lake would focus on bringing back America's moribund manufacturing sector by targeting woke corporations that had moved jobs overseas. Lake directed her fury at these companies, mahy of which were now pushing for political correctness in America. Not only had these billionaires stripped American factories to the bone, she thundered, they were influencing American politics and trying to elect Democrats in the process. Lake harped on this theme in her campaign stops in Sioux City, West Des Moines, and Davenport.

On caucus night, the Lake campaign scrambled to contact its volunteers across Iowa. It was unclear how Lake's professional staff would contend with DeSantis' and Hawley's operations in the last few days. Her team worked overtime to get in touch with sympathetic caucus chairs and get vote counts ahead of the final hour. In Davenport, Lake settled in with her supporters and was ready to watch the results come in.

It was the moment of truth.

[Kuumo]

Gretchen Whitmer Debate Answers

https://wwmt.com/resources/media/720d911d-a64d-499f-b28a-3ebdf2301d0c-full36x25_AP22298850800285.jpg?1667975194198



1. What is your approach to immigration policy. Do you support increasing the cap for asylum seekers and refugees? Do you support more liberal measures like decriminalizing illegal border crossings into the United States?

We should increase the refugee cap. Refugees risk their lives and livelihoods to come here, and we have the capacity to support them. They have made America the place it is today, from Jews fleeing Nazi persecution to dissidents escaping the oppressive regimes behind the Iron Curtain. We have a duty to help these people find a new life for themselves. However, I oppose decriminalizing illegal border crossings. These proposals are well-meaning but don’t address the root of the issue. We would have fewer people in the country illegally if it weren’t for our broken immigration system. We have problems with people overstaying their visas or sneaking across the border because of the unnecessarily long and difficult process of getting a green card or becoming a citizen. We need to reform our immigration system to include a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants with a record of employment and without other criminal offenses. That way, ICE could focus on keeping out the violent offenders while the otherwise law-abiding illegal immigrants wouldn’t have to resort to coming in illegally.



2. There has been an uptick in crime, especially in urban areas like New York City and Chicago since the COVID-19 pandemic. What measures will you support to bring crime, theft, and gun violence under control?

One of the biggest problems today is the distrust of law enforcement in many of our most vulnerable communities. Many people I’ve talked to in Michigan feel that they can’t trust their local police departments to keep them safe. We need to provide adequate funding and training for our law enforcement officers. If we can instill mutual trust between police departments and the communities they serve, fewer violent crimes would go unreported, more criminals would be caught, and we would all be safer. Requiring body cams for police officers and recruiting more nonwhite officers in minority communities would be a start. Most of the current policy on illegal drugs also punishes the wrong people, often in racially biased ways. Measures like mandatory minimums increase our incarcerated population but don’t make us safer. Just as I have as governor, I’d cut down on unfair sentencing for nonviolent drug-related offenses. We can also pass some common-sense restrictions for gun purchases. The vast majority of gun owners are law-abiding citizens, but we need federally mandated background checks to keep them out of the hands of criminals and hopefully reduce the tragically high number of firearm-related deaths in this country. With oversight of police departments, sentencing reform, decriminalization of cannabis, and common-sense regulations on guns, we can bring justice to the families and communities hit hard by crime.



3. What measures would you take as President to protect access to abortion for women in states where state governments have taken measures against abortion rights? What about measures for LGBT people?

One of my top priorities as President would be working with Congress to codify Roe into federal law. Tragically, we’ve already seen the consequences of the Dobbs decision, where women in poverty, underaged girls, and victims of sexual assault are forced to give birth against their will. These incidents will continue if the most radical elements of the conservative base have their way. Additionally, conservative activists are working to roll back rights for LGBT Americans. In about half of the country, legislators have been pushing for suppressing knowledge of LGBT issues in public schools. In half of the country, it’s still perfectly legal to fire someone for who they love or how they identify. Hate crimes and violence against LGBT Americans have increased the last few years. Thus, it’s absolutely necessary that we pass the Equality Act that expands the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include protections against discrimination in employment and housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.



4. Are you concerned about Saudi interference in American elections? How do you view our relationship with the Kingdom in general, is it time to re-evaluate what has been a longstanding alliance?

We definitely need to reconsider our relationship with the Saudis. Though we may have needed their support in the past, this attempted election interference caps off a long series of human rights abuses committed by the regime both domestically and internationally. Moving forward, as we move away from Gulf state-sourced oil, we should think twice before militarily supporting a regime that actively destabilizes neighboring countries, assassinates dissident journalists, and has one of the worst records on women’s, workers’, and gay rights in the world.



5. Raise your hand if you support a gun buyback program, voluntary or mandatory. (You may write one sentence)

raises hand

Yes, I would support a voluntary gun buyback program.



6. Would you sign the PRO Act, which protects collective bargaining on a national level, if elected President?

Definitely. I would sign the PRO Act just as I signed right-to-work repeal in Michigan. Millions of hard-working Americans feel left behind by their employers. The rail strike earlier this year highlights the unsafe working conditions of employees in our most essential industries, in that case a high risk of accidents due to understaffed workplaces and no days of sick leave even at the height of the pandemic. With the PRO Act, they and countless other workers in right-to-work states would be able to get the benefits and protections they need.

[𝕭𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖆 𝕸𝖎𝖓𝖔𝖑𝖆]

South Carolina Democratic Debate

1. What is your approach to immigration policy. Do you support increasing the cap for asylum seekers and refugees? Do you support more liberal measures like decriminalizing illegal border crossings into the United States?

This is a complicated issue - there is a national crisis going on and the thing we should concentrate on is making sure that the federal, state and city governments are on the same page and give cities the resources necessary to handle the arrival of migrants. I am the mayor of a city that has been a centre of the crisis, our shelters are constantly filling up. If we don't acknowledge this and work practically, we cannot even begin to think about increasing the cap and so on. We need to welcome these people who want to experience the American Dream, but we need to make sure that the dream doesn't become a nightmare. And I certainly don't think decriminalizing illegal border crossings is a solution - in fact, it's the kind of typical extreme policy that could only work in utopia.

2. There has been an uptick of crime, especially in urban areas like New York City and Chicago since the COVID-19 pandemic. What measures will you support to bring crime, theft, and gun violence under control?

You're talking to the mayor of New York City here! I know this better than anyone else on stage. We have increased police presence in key areas, we have aggressively gone after guns and especially ghost guns, but we need to focus on preventative measures as well, put in place initiatives to prevent people from going down a spiral of crime, especially our youth and people in vulnerable communities. Of course that goes through work on community trust in the police as well, as Governor Whitmer just alluded to... and right here you have a former police officer who worked on this for decades especially with other Black cops. Think about that for a moment. I think my experience in the field speaks for itself.

3. What measures would you take as President to protect access to abortion for women in states where state governments have taken measures against abortion rights? What about measures for LGBT people?

I think federal Democrats are unified on wanting to codify abortion rights into law and I would be happy to sign that bill as President. It's often forgotten that Roe v. Wade was a moderate, middle-of-the-road decision, which is why most Americans always supported it. Similarly I would be glad to sign the Equality Act to end discrimination of LGBT people in matters of housing, public accommodations and so on. It's always important to support civil rights for everyone.

4. Are you concerned about Saudi interference in American elections? How do you view our relationship with the Kingdom in general, is it time to re-evaluate what has been a longstanding alliance?

Our relationship with Saudi Arabia has been very important, but it's clear that it's hit an inflection point. This attempted election interference is troubling and is not the first instance of the Kingdom undermining our security and thus behaving no better than our enemies. Something that is often missed in this conversation however is where to find alternative sources of oil, for us and for our allies, and I definitely have an answer in increasing our trade with Nigeria, a large African democracy whose incumbent president has been working with the Biden Administration already.

5. Raise your hand if you support a gun buyback program, voluntary or mandatory.

Eric Adams raises his hand

I would support a voluntary gun buyback program, although it shouldn't be our only measure.

Personalized Question. As Mayor of New York you signed a budget with strong cuts to education, including to city libraries, by many millions of dollars. Was this really necessary, is this consistent with the values of the Democratic Party?

Last year's budget came at a moment of fiscal strain for the city and while we weren't able to get the necessary financial help from the state, or Washington for that matter. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions, and this was one of those situations.

Rebuttal.

Vice President Harris gave an answer on crime that is really dodging the question - a program for repeat offenders who are already in jail may be useful, but it's certainly not the first, or second or third thing we need to do to contain a crisis of gun violence in the streets. Maybe she did that to highlight her experience as an attorney... but she forgot to mention her many instances of prosecutorial misconduct that have been recently publicized.

[John King wannabe]

VP Harris shows off Senator Booker to South Carolina

At an event in Columbia, SC in the days leading up to the first in the nation primary in South Carolina, a phone call was placed from the Vice President's hotel room to Newark, New Jersey with the simple message.

"How soon can you get here?"

Believing that a strong victory was certain in South Carolina, the Vice President wanted to bring out the "big guns" to close out the baby phase of the campaign before it kicked into high gear. So with a flight booked and with a baseball cap on, the junior United States Senator from New Jersey embarked to South Carolina.

When the Senator arrived at the high school gymnasium he was quickly embraced by Vice President Harris and instructed to wait for his introduction. The Vice President bounded the stage with clear enthusiasm and the energy was clear. A win was expected and they felt momentum was on their side.

"Wassup Columbia!"

"It is so good to be back in this great city and we are just a few days away from what I hope will be a very good night in this campaign! I'm not gonna count my chickens before they hatch but come Sunday morning I will head to church here in South Carolina with a full heart!"

"Now, I have a guest here with me, and many of you know him and he is really and honestly my little brother. And I- just Cory come out here!"

"Cory, I am so glad to have you here with me and I really wanna say, everywhere I have gone people have asked me about you! You are a celebrity down here in South Carolina! And so we are so glad to have you and you are gonna be all over the state with me in these final days (Laughs) You want the mic- yeah okay"

BOOKER:
"Come on, y'all give it up for the Vice President of the United States! And the next President of the United States Kamala Harris! And we are gonna get here there! With your help and I pledge I will do everything in my power to get here there, I don't have much to say no cause she literally just picked me up from the airport! But when the Vice President calls I'll answer!"

"Let's get to work! And let's get this done! Let's go Kamala! Let's go Kamala!"

After the event the Vice President and Senator Booker traversed the state of South Carolina, visiting diners, shaking hands and chuckled and laughed at the many homemade Harris/Booker signs made by onlookers.

[oldkyhome]

Public Domain, via C-Span

The Debate in Des Moines

Hawley's aides saw this debate as a prime opportunity to catch people's eyes right in the lead-up to the Iowa Caucus. He would enter with significant momentum on his side, being now tied for 2nd place nationally. His staff believed this could make him a target, so they coached him vigorously to be able to quickly respond to attacks and interject when the opportunity was ripe. Striking a distinction is key. People are looking to see whether Senator Hawley has the guts to confront and beat Vice President Harris on a debate stage, and that's exactly what he would show them.

1. Under President Biden America has witnessed a shocking border crisis, with total madness and chaos as thousands of people and unlimited drugs, fentanyl, cocaine, pours into the United States. What steps will you take to bring this crisis under control, and also, how do you approach immigration in general? Do we need controls on all immigration?

"Let me first thank the moderators and the candidates for showing up tonight. I want to start by saying that throughout this campaign I have had the honor of meeting with people across this great state and across the country who have suffered as a result of this crisis. In places where TV cameras never go, where town squares sit half empty, where businesses stand shuttered, people are struggling. They're hurting. They feel like Washington doesn't care anymore, and the truth is they don't.

The D.C swamp lives in a world where people's struggles are just a human-interest story that you read about right along with the gossip page. They couldn't care less, and why should they? They're not accountable to them, or any of their constituents for that matter, apart from a handful of donors and special interests that bankroll their campaign.

These same special interests profit from Joe Biden's open border policy. They profit from shafting American workers and hiring illegal aliens that accept sub-minimum wage. It's pay-to-play at its worst, and Americans are fed up. If I'm elected, I would approach this crisis with the sense of urgency it needs. Let's rein in the cartels! Let's give ICE the resources they need! And yes, let's finish that wall on the Southern border!"

2. Raise your hand if you support cost-controlling reforms to entitlement programs that Senate and House Republicans such as Scott Perry and Jim Jordan are supporting.

(Hand stays down) "Not on your life."

3. Do you support continued monetary and weapons aide to Ukraine in their fight against Putin's Russia?

"Absolutely not. Certainly not as a blank check.

Right now, Americans are worried about how to pay for their gas, their groceries, their insurance. Life expectancy is declining, and drug addiction is exploding. And instead of worrying about our problems right here at home, this administration is blowing hundreds of billions of dollars embroiling us in a quagmire thousands of miles from our border. It's outrageous.

What I struggle to understand is how some Republicans on this stage can stand up here and say they support Biden on this. There's been no oversight. No accountability. Where is our money going? We don't know because the folks in D.C keep blocking our calls for audits. Can anybody at home really tell themselves they're okay with that?

We have to get out of the business of nation-building. It didn't work in Iraq. It didn't work in Afghanistan. It's not going to work in Ukraine. Frankly, we wouldn't even be in this mess if Trump was still in office, and if I'm elected, I would return to those policies that scrapped nation-building and instead focus on projecting strength, investing in America, and addressing the needs and priorities of our people here at home."

Rebuttal to Nikki Haley:

Haley: Senator Hawley is sympathetic to Putin and has said that he doesn't care what happens to Ukraine.  That's reckless and irresponsible. America needs to lead the world in standing up for freedom and democracy everywhere.

"Oh, give me a break. This is exactly what Washington does. If you want transparency, you're 'sympathetic to Putin.' If you oppose nation-building, you 'don't care what happens in Ukraine.' I want the people at home to think about this, because this is exactly what the media did to President Trump for 4 years. She just said she might support deploying troops against Russia if 'absolutely necessary,' and she's trying to tell us putting America first is reckless? Nikki, I want you to tell that to the forgotten places where politicians like you never visit, to the kids that will grow up with a worse standard of living than their parents, to the homeless veterans our system has abandoned. I guarantee you, they won't think what I said is reckless."

Rebuttal to Roger Stone:

Stone: "We all have compassion for what the people of Ukraine and Russia are being subjected to by their governments. War is a nasty business, and nobody really wins when you have that much death and destruction."

"I'd just like to add I think it's astounding how much Mr. Stone has tried to change his views to win this election. I mean, just a couple years ago he said Putin was acting defensively, he was applauding Russia and insulting our nation, but now he's running for President and he's completely changed his tone. He says he sympathizes with Ukraine. He wants us to be a neutral arbiter. And I can't say I'm shocked by that. He knows the game; he's been in politics his entire life. But now more than ever, our country needs leadership. It needs conviction. Roger can't even stand up for life, and I just have to ask, is there anything you do stand up for?"

4. What will you do to end the spread of Marxism, woke ideology, and Critical Race Theory in America's public schools?

"For the last 4 years, Joe Biden has based his administration on the idea that America's heart and soul needs to be fundamentally altered. He has emboldened this racist ideology that pits people against each other and spits on our nation in public schools. As someone who grew up right in the middle of this country, the Heartland, I can say from a point of personal experience that there's nothing wrong with our values, and I will never apologize for America.

I would propose that we pass my 'Love America Act' which would require that all recipients of federal funding teach kids about the greatness of our country by requiring students to learn about our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, and our Bill of Rights. Some on this stage say the solution is just the opposite, that we should just leave it to localities and individual teachers. That's code for abdication. The next President has to stand up and fight this plague, and unlike others I will not hesitate to get in the ring."

5. Do you believe that free trade is a net benefit for the American economy?

"The same free trade policies that outsourced millions of jobs and factories to China? The same free trade that clogged up our supply chain and spiraled costs for working people? No, absolutely not, and I question the integrity of anyone here who says it has been a net benefit. Our nation has been robbed and duped by Communist China, by the World Economic Forum, by politicians even here at home, into accepting these one-sided deals that enrich nobody but themselves. I've seen it right in my home-state of Missouri, in Iowa, in Michigan, in Wisconsin. It's a disaster. The people that push these deals try and buy off politicians. I won't accept their money.

Right now we need someone who will fight back against them: fight to return to the Trump-era policies that put America first, fight to renegotiate or end these ruinous deals, fight to return our jobs back home from China. We have a President right now who's family has business dealings in China, he has conflicts of interest! Make no mistake, the corruption runs deep, even in the highest levels of our government. If I'm elected next November, I will beat them, and I will end our disastrous trade approach.

To Senator Hawley: Do you support the overturn of Obergefell v. Hodges and return of control over marriage to the states?

"That's a great question. The next President will have the enormous responsibility in appointing a Justice to the Supreme Court to decide on cases like this. I believe we have to stand strong against the Democratic Party's attempt to tear down, to pack, to delegitimize our Supreme Court and stand up for the rule of law and a plain reading of the Constitution. It's important. It's the longest legacy a President has. If I'm elected, you can be very sure I'll review every last part of my nominee's records, whether that's on religious liberty, or abortion, or 2nd Amendment rights. My ideal nominee is Justice Scalia."

After the debate, Hawley went to talk with nearby reporters to answer questions about some of the positions he staked out and some of the attacks he delivered. He spoke extensively on Ukraine, and, when asked about Haley, he made sure to emphasize 'just how out-of-step she is with the party.' The tone, overall, was optimistic, declaring in somewhat of a predictive fashion that 'voters are getting ready to send a big message' and that 'it'll start in Iowa.' His aides felt the performance surpassed expectations, and that it 'highlighted a stark contrast between the candidates,' especially as it related to how voters viewed the field's 'confidence' and 'conviction.' One staffer made clear, 'Hawley is the man to win!'

[Devout Centrist]

Lake Rebuttal

Hawley: "For the last 4 years, Joe Biden has based his administration on the idea that America's heart and soul needs to be fundamentally altered. He has emboldened this racist ideology that pits people against each other and spits on our nation in public schools. As someone who grew up right in the middle of this country, the Heartland, I can say from a point of personal experience that there's nothing wrong with our values, and I will never apologize for America.

I would propose that we pass my 'Love America Act' which would require that all recipients of federal funding teach kids about the greatness of our country by requiring students to learn about our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, and our Bill of Rights. Some on this stage say the solution is just the opposite, that we should just leave it to localities and individual teachers. That's code for abdication. The next President has to stand up and fight this plague, and unlike others I will not hesitate to get in the ring."

Senator, giving Washington more control over education is exactly what the Democrats and the mainstream media wants. They want to be able to dictate what teachers can teach in the classroom. They want to be able to tell school boards what their school's instruction should look like. More Federal control of education is not the answer here. It'll give the radical left the excuse they need to take more control away from the states.

[YPestis25]

Gore Speech: Why me? Why now?
November 11, 2023 Atlanta, GA

Source: Time

   

   Why me? Why now? You all have probably heard those questions asked about this campaign every time you turn on the television, I certainly have, and sometimes after a long day of campaigning I ask myself the same question.

   And then I remember what I’ve seen in neglected corners all across the country. I remember what I’ve seen in communities devastated by climate change induced natural disasters. I think about the challenges at home to our democracy and abroad to liberty everywhere that the new President will have to face, and I remember why I am running.

   Why me, why now? Because we need a candidate who understands the challenges facing rural and small town America. I have seen the hollowing out of so much of the United States. The epidemic of despair that has engulfed small towns across the country. Every summer I went home and worked on my family’s cattle farm. And every summer I saw more farms board up their windows, I saw more businesses go under, and I saw more small towns wither. We need a candidate who will stand up for small town America and I will. But it’s more than that.

   Why me, why now? Because we are now presented with the opportunity to finally grapple with climate change and to protect ourselves, our communities, and our world from its effects. The federal government must take a leadership role in fighting this battle. We are also presented with the opportunity to turn our fight against climate change. I am the only candidate who has made climate change a key part of my platform, and I will take that commitment with me all the way to the White House. But more importantly: 

   Why men, why now? Because the stakes are too high. The stakes are too high to entrust this awesome responsibility to someone who is not ready to do the job on day one. For eight years I served as Vice President, taking on an active role in everyday decisions. If there’s anything that the past eight years have shown us, and the contrast between President Biden and President Trump has demonstrated, it’s that the Presidency is not a profession for learning on the job. You hit the ground running and you don’t stop sprinting until the end of your time in office. The challenges facing the new President are steep and the nation needs someone ready to lead from January 20th.    

   Thank you all very much.

[oldkyhome]

Lake: "Senator, giving Washington more control over education is exactly what the Democrats and the mainstream media wants. They want to be able to dictate what teachers can teach in the classroom. They want to be able to tell school boards what their school's instruction should look like. More Federal control of education is not the answer here. It'll give the radical left the excuse they need to take more control away from the states."

"I have a lot of respect for you, Kari. You're a brilliant speaker and you should've been Governor, but I have to say you're just wrong. If these schools expect to receive federal funding from American taxpayers, they should have to teach our Declaration of Independence! They should have to teach our Constitution! Those aren't peripheral, those are essential! The more we abdicate here, the more we embolden this racist ideology. We have to stand up and fight.

(Don't wanna turn this into a back-and-forth so Kari can have the last word if she wants.)

[Left Wing]

Jeff Merkley statement on withdrawal of Congressman Khanna

I've just received word that my friend Congressman Ro Khanna will be withdrawing from the race for President. I want to congratulate him on a well-run campaign and I want to thank him for being a progressive voice and bringing many important issues to the forefront of the policy debate. I can say myself I've been inspired by the leadership he's taken in congress, whether it comes to standing up for workers in our evolving economy or advocating for a foreign policy grounded in human rights. I am incredibly grateful to have his endorsement and I can guarantee he will have an important voice in my administration.

Jeff Merkley statement on 11/8 Attacks

I am incredibly saddened by today’s horrific events at the Department of Justice. My condolences are with the families of the victims. While the authorities are still investigating the situation, as congress, have to do our part to make sure something like this never happens again. We have to take action against domestic terror threats like these, which have been enflamed by conspiracy theories about our government and election process. Our country's unity, stability and safety depend on it.

The Final Weeks:

Leading up to the beginning of the first primary balloting, Senator Merkley would completely pull all remaining resources from the South Carolina primary. In an email to his campaign volunteers in the state, he would thank them for their efforts on his behalf but emphasize that the campaign's efforts were entirely focused on the states in which they would be most viable. He made a point of noting specifically that "other great progressive candidates, including Vice President Gore" were much better placed to be successful in the state. While this was going on, Senator Merkley would continue with regular visits to New Hampshire and Nevada. In Nevada he would appear with Congressman Khanna as frequently as possible to attempt to fully tap into his former supporters. He would also invest in digital ads targeted towards Khanna's key demographics (Asian Americans, younger voters) where he would appear side by side with the Congressman.

[Devout Centrist]

(Don't wanna turn this into a back-and-forth so Kari can have the last word if she wants.)

(You’re good man, I’ll make my last rebuttal quick)

I respect what you’re saying Josh. You’re a good man and a great Senator. I think we all agree that schools should teach the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. This is America. We should be teaching our kids American values!

But I trust the states on this. I trust the states to enforce their laws and give their kids a good education. I think we should absolutely encourage states and local jurisdictions to teach American history, the right way. But if you make a Federal requirement that certain things be taught a certain way, you’re still taking control away from the states, from local school districts, and from parents. It’s a slippery slope when you think it about it.

[S019]

Des Moines Republican Debate

Jesse Watters: Welcome to the Republican Presidential Debate here in the Des Moines Civic Center. I'm Jesse Watters of Fox News, I'm joined by FOX family members Pete Hegseth and Katie Pavlich. Today we're moderating the second Republican debate for President of the United States. We'd like to thank the venue, the city of Des Moines, and our guests, Senator Ernst, Governor Reynolds, and Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and Congressman Nunn, and we extend our well wishes to Senator Grassley, who is currently hospitalized but is expected to make a full recovery. We wish you the best of health Senator. Let's begin.

1. Under President Biden America has witnessed a shocking border crisis, with total madness and chaos as thousands of people and unlimited drugs, fentanyl, cocaine, pours into the United States. What steps will you take to bring this crisis under control, and also, how do you approach immigration in general? Do we need controls on all immigration?

I think we need to increase funding for the Border Patrol, but we also need to finish the wall that President Trump started. I would stop all of the amnesty that has happened under Joe Biden, and make clear that we will actually enforce our immigration laws. I don't think we need further controls on all immigration, immigrants enrich our country, my great grandparents were immigrants, and I'm sure others on this stage have similar stories, but we need them to come legally.

2. Raise your hand if you support cost-controlling reforms to entitlement programs that Senate and House Republicans such as Scott Perry and Jim Jordan are supporting. (You may write one sentence)

(Did not raise hand), I cannot comment on the plan unless it is before me, but my administration does not plan to make large cuts to these programs.

3. Do you support continued monetary and weapons aide to Ukraine in their fight against Putin's Russia?

Yes I do. Ukraine is fighting a war for freedom against an expansionist dictatorship. If Ukraine falls, Russia will not just stop at Ukraine, Putin has dreams of returning to the days of the Russian Empire, and we cannot let that happen.

4. What will you do to end the spread of Marxism, woke ideology, and Critical Race Theory in America's public schools?

In Florida, we have banned critical race theory and gender ideology in schools. These Marxist ideologies used to be taught in Florida schools and they are still taught all throughout the country, I would ban them nationally, just as we have done in Florida. I would also empower parents more, I would push legislation to allow for parents to have a say in their kids' education so they can be aware if their kids are being brainwashed by woke ideology and take the appropriate actions.

5. Do you believe that free trade is a net benefit for the American economy?

I think free trade unfairly hurts American jobs, but we also need trade with other countries, but we need it in balance. I believe President Trump's tariffs on China were a step in the right direction and I would continue that policy. I would also continue President Trump's crackdown on countries that participate in unfair trade practices like China.

Personalized Questions:
To Governor DeSantis: Do you support American military intervention to remove the socialist Maduro regime in Venezuela?

I would not support intervention. I greatly oppose the Maduro regime and would like to see it replaced, but another costly war is not the right approach. I would reverse the Biden administration's softening towards Venezuela, the current administration is strengthening Maduro when we should be weakening him. I guess it makes sense given how Joe Biden has caved to the socialists for the entirety of his presidency, but under my administration strict sanctions on Venezuela would be reimplemented.

6. Rebuttal Period/Free Space

[PPT Spiral]

Roger Stone Debate Rebuttals

On responding to Josh Hawley:

"I'd just like to add I think it's astounding how much Mr. Stone has tried to change his views to win this election. I mean, just a couple years ago he said Putin was acting defensively, he was applauding Russia and insulting our nation, but now he's running for President and he's completely changed his tone. He says he sympathizes with Ukraine. He wants us to be a neutral arbiter. And I can't say I'm shocked by that. He knows the game; he's been in politics his entire life. But now more than ever, our country needs leadership. It needs conviction. Roger can't even stand up for life, and I just have to ask, is there anything you do stand up for?"

That's right, I do know the game. I've had to deal with enough of the destructive ambition and corruption coming from you guys that I see right through you, Senator. I talk about the devastating costs of this war, and you try to get your big moment in the highlight reels while using the same lies and rhetoric they always deployed against President Trump. Sounds like a politician to me.

Bred by Stanford and Yale. Mentored by John Roberts. Every word focus group-tested. Are those your values, Iowa?

On responding to Nikki Haley:

I am the daughter of Indian immigrants, and I know that we are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws.  Immigrants who want to come into our country should come legally, not illegally.  Every immigrant who attempts to cross our northern or southern border should be checked for legal status and deported immediately if they lack the proper documentation.  However, I do not think we should place any restrictions on legal immigration.  Every person who wants to come to this country for a better life should be welcomed as long as they do it legally, just like my parents were.  The Biden Administration has no desire to fix our broken immigration system.  As President, I will work with Congress to simplify our legal immigration process so that there is less incentive for immigrants to come illegally.  I would also establish a Border Task Force to examine other possible solutions to the illegal immigration crisis.

You know what your Border Task Force would recommend, Governor Haley? Not your plan.

On attacking Ron DeSantis:

You dodged your record in the last debate, Ron. Let's see if you'll be straight with the American people tonight.

Back in Florida, you appointed for Broward County Sherriff, my home county, one Gregory Tony. Sherriff Tony has been caught lying under oath multiple times. He's admitted to drug use. He murdered a man! Shot his neighbor six times, two in the front of the head and two in the back. Talk about an upstanding citizen.

Why did you hire a drug-using murderer for sheriff of Florida's largest county? More importantly, why haven't you fired him yet when you removed the last guy?

[S019]

Rebuttal:

On attacking Ron DeSantis:

You dodged your record in the last debate, Ron. Let's see if you'll be straight with the American people tonight.

Back in Florida, you appointed for Broward County Sherriff, my home county, one Gregory Tony. Sherriff Tony has been caught lying under oath multiple times. He's admitted to drug use. He murdered a man! Shot his neighbor six times, two in the front of the head and two in the back. Talk about an upstanding citizen.

Why did you hire a drug-using murderer for sheriff of Florida's largest county? More importantly, why haven't you fired him yet when you removed the last guy?

It's really a shame that Roger Stone has desperately resorted to the same untrue attacks that the liberal media pushed against me. The truth is that I was not aware of the shooting when I hired Sheriff Tony, and the incident was a case of self-defense. The man in question had a gun and threatened to shoot Sheriff Tony and his brother. Sheriff Tony at the time lived in a high crime neighborhood and needed to defend himself. Sheriff Tony acted in self-defense to save his own life and that of his brother. It's really a shame that Mr. Stone claims to stand for the Second Amendment, but does not seem to believe in the concept of self-defense. This is becoming a pattern with him, between the clips trashing Ivanka Trump, the refusal to campaign with Trump, his long record of working with George Bush, and now the fact that he seems to not believe in the Second Amendment. I am actually glad you brought this story up, because it shows the importance of the Second Amendment and your lack of commitment to it. Meanwhile, I will always be committed to people's rights to defend themselves from criminals. Also I did not fire him, because I felt it was up to the voters of Broward County to decide, and whatever decision they would make, I would respect it.

[PPT Spiral]

It's really a shame that Roger Stone has desperately resorted to the same untrue attacks that the liberal media pushed against me. The truth is that I was not aware of the shooting when I hired Sheriff Tony, and the incident was a case of self-defense. The man in question had a gun and threatened to shoot Sheriff Tony and his brother. Sheriff Tony acted in self-defense to save his own life and that of his brother. It's really a shame that Mr. Stone claims to stand for the Second Amendment, but does not seem to believe in the concept of self-defense. This is becoming a pattern with him, between the clips trashing Ivanka Trump, the refusal to campaign with Trump, his long record of working with George Bush, and now the fact that he seems to not believe in the Second Amendment. I am actually glad you brought this story up, because it shows the importance of the Second Amendment and your lack of commitment to it. Also I did not fire him, because I felt it was up to the voters of Broward County to decide, and whatever decision they would make, I would respect it.

Now the man is just making up stuff about me. This is why I dub you Ron DeSnaketis.

Nearly 90% of his fellow sheriffs voted no confidence in this man and begged the Governor to remove him. Clearly the Governor does not stand with local law enforcement.

[PPT Spiral]

TV/Radio Ad: Sheriffs for Stone

SHERIFF #1: I'm a sheriff and I stand with Roger Stone.

SHERIFF #2: So do I.

SHERIFF #3: And I stand with him too.

SHERIFF #1: Roger Stone is the only candidate who has backed the men and women of law enforcement and knows what it takes to defend our streets.

SHERIFF #2: Roger Stone has done the hard work, listening to our communities and knowing our struggles. These politicians talk and talk but never do anything.

SHERIFF #3: This crime wave must stop. It takes bold leaders to get the job done. Roger Stone is the only one who can restore law and order to America.

I'm Roger Stone and I approve this message.

This ad will air in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Heavy rotations for the ad will occur on major networks such as Fox News throughout the day, as well as during multiple primetime programs on local networks.

[YPestis25]

Gore Debate Answers

Source: Ballotopedia

Opening Statement

Thank you very much to the moderators of this debate and I’d also like to thank the Guilford Center for hosting us all tonight. Tonight is another opportunity for you all here and across the nation to consider your choice for the Democratic nomination and I sincerely hope that you will consider me. The stakes are too high to invest the awesome responsibility of the Presidency in someone who is not ready to do the job on day one. The stakes are too high to vote for a candidate not ready to go toe to toe with the threats to our democracy at home and abroad and face headlong the challenges posed by climate change. I hope that after tonight you are ready to support my candidacy as the candidate who is ready to lead on day one.

1. What is your approach to immigration policy. Do you support increasing the cap for asylum seekers and refugees? Do you support more liberal measures like decriminalizing illegal border crossings into the United States?

30,000 is by far too low a number. I absolutely do support increasing the current cap on asylum. We cannot give into the dual temptations of nativism and xenophobia. Across every generation, immigrants and refugees, arriving with little but hope in the American dream have renewed America’s strength and faith in herself, they can do so again and they must continue to do so into the 21st century. We also have to streamline the processes we have in place to allow for the legal entrance of immigrants and for those who wish to come to the United States to obtain citizenship. For all the talk on the Republican side of the aisle about welcoming lawful newcomers to his country, the bureaucracy we have in place for legal entry is so complicated that not even a lawyer could figure it out.

2. There has been an uptick of crime, especially in urban areas like New York City and Chicago since the COVID-19 pandemic. What measures will you support to bring crime, theft, and gun violence under control?

This is an important question, so thank you for asking it Jake. We first have to note that while the current crime rate is up, we still have to remember that it has not reached the highs we saw before I was elected Vice President in 1993, still, there is a serious rise and it is affecting predominantly our poorer and more marginalized communities. What we can do about it is address the root causes of crime. We need more investment in local economies and local education. Most of these crimes are being committed by young men, and we need to let them know that there is a future for them, a future that is bright, and prosperous, and worth working for.

Beyond this we need more and better training for our law enforcement officials. The training will allow officers to deescalate encounters, preventing regular stops from escalating into criminal interactions. But more than this, most crimes have an abysmal clearance rate and go unsolved. We have to give our law enforcement officers the training, and yes resources, to get a grip on crime clearance. If criminals know they will be caught they will be less likely to commit crimes.

3. What measures would you take as President to protect access to abortion for women in states where state governments have taken measures against abortion rights? What about measures for LGBT people?

Thank you for this question. There are a few things we can do to both protect abortion rights and to begin to fight against the increasing din of hate and anger being directed at LGBT individuals across the country. As others have mentioned we must must must codify Roe v. Wade. Beyond that, we must ensure that there are federal protections via the USPS for the mailing of various reproductive healthcare related pills. These will both be priorities for me as President.

Turning to the question of LGBT rights, I also echo what my colleagues on the stage have said about ratifying the Equality Act. But we should all be clear here. All of these measures will require your help to pass. They can only pass with the Presidency in Democratic hands and with an increased majority in the Senate and a new majority in the House. No one is coming to save our rights this time, certainly not the Courts. It is up to us all to ensure that Democrats have the power to get this done.

4. Are you concerned about Saudi interference in American elections? How do you view our relationship with the Kingdom in general, is it time to re-evaluate what has been a longstanding alliance?

Absolutely I am concerned about Saudi interference and it is high time that we re-evaluate this long standing alliance. We should be crystal clear here, any foreign interference in an American election must be understood as an act unbefitting of an ostensible ally. As President I will ensure that we tackle foreign interference in our elections and will work with Congress to pass legislation to deal with this.

More to the point of the Saudi alliance, I think it is time to call a spade a spade. The Saudi Kingdom is an authoritarian gang which regularly executes protestors, women and other opponents of their regime without the due process of law. They are engaged in massive human rights abuses, bombing civilian targets in Yemen with reckless disregard for human life. We have tried for decades to moderate the Saudi regime. We tried in the 90s, I remember. It is not working, and if America is to say with a straight face that we are the leader of the free world we must be prepared to predicate our support for the Saudi monarchy on their support for some basic ideas of human rights.

5. Raise your hand if you a gun buyback program, voluntary or mandatory. (You may write one sentence)

I do support a voluntary buyback program as just one part of a Federal program to reduce gun violence including background checks and an assault weapons ban.

To Vice President Gore: Back in the 1980s and 1990s you had a reputation as a moderate, even conservative Democrat. Can Democrats trust you too advance a progressive agenda if you're elected on healthcare, family leave, and other key issues?

Thank you Jake for this question, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my record. I’ve always prided myself on looking at the problems facing the nation at any given time and looking for a path forward. In the 80s and 90s that path forward involved working with Republicans in the face of a Republican President. In the Senate, I, along with then Senator Biden, were able to work with Republicans to pass the 1988 Civil Rights Bill over President Regan’s Veto, for example. But I also want to be clear, compromise didn’t involve giving up on advancing this country in a progressive way, and if you look at my record you’ll see that. During that period I worked to accomplish arms reduction, an investment in new technologies, and held the very first hearings on climate change. I intend to continue that record today, working with Republicans to advance progressive causes if, and only if possible, but going it alone when necessary to protect and expand the progressive vision of America, just like President Biden has. 

Rebuttal

I’m sorry but I have to take umbrage with Mayor Adams’ response to his budget woes. As President, or Governor, or Mayor the buck stops with you. There are going to be challenges, and budget shortfalls, and political deadlock. When the going gets tough you have to be willing to fight for the people who need it most, just like the children in New York’s schools or the citizens desperate for a well funded public library. How are we going to be able to trust you not to throw seniors’ healthcare onto the chopping block, or our children's education when there is inevitably deadlock with Congress over the budget?

[PPT Spiral]

TV/Radio Ad: Movement

The media hates him.

The establishment fears him.

The Deep State went after him.

No matter what they throw at him, Roger Stone is still standing strong.

He knows the stakes are too high to back down. He knows the future of this country is at stake.

Roger Stone is a fighter and a patriot with all the momentum. This goes beyond one man, however. This is a movement.

Millions of Americans, from all walks of life, are waking up and making a stand for the country they love. This is the time.

Will you join us in this movement?

I'm Roger Stone and I approve this message.

This ad will air in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. A substantial amount is being spent on the airwaves for all three states, hoping to escalate momentum to a crescendo. Throughout the ad, clips of media highlights and headlines on Stone are intersected with Stone's jovial, packed public events. This particular ad also has a massive presence through online avenues, with the campaign capitalizing on the candidate's Joe Rogan interview to motivate new swathes of voters to turn out with the anti-establishment message.

[PPT Spiral]

The Final Countdown

Stone has the momentum. Everyone knows it. Now the candidate and his campaign would raise hell to keep that going and going and going. No one would stop him.

In other words, not much would change from the current strategy.

One key focus that the Stone campaign has is making themselves the beneficiary of recent shakeups in the field before anyone else, with the departures of Kristi Noem and Larry Hogan. Noem and Stone are kindred spirits in being fierce public fighters; they also share similar animus in cultural issues including COVID lockdowns as well as representing the Tea Party/grassroots conservative wing. For Hogan, despite the Governor's Trump-hostile reputation, Stone believes there is plenty of room to pick up former supporters who are socially moderate, independent-minded, and attracted to his public safety message (as well as making Stone the lone candidate for Northeastern favorite son status). Picking up substantial numbers of these supporters would change the game in both Iowa and New Hampshire, where the state of the race is in much more flux now. These appeals also directly connect to additional staffing and establishing more robust GOTV operations as the contests approach.

Another area where the Stone camp is feeling optimistic about picking up new voters is with certain blocs of the religious right. Although certain major hurdles still remain, the campaign now has two important endorsements to use in their favor: Mike Lindell and Alveda King. Lindell, a born again Christian who still possesses his loyal following as a former candidate, is proudly stumping for Stone, touting his own life story (from a crackhead to a businessman) and connecting it to Stone's redemption story for more legitimacy. Alveda King has plenty of sway with the born again crowd as well, likening Stone as a unconventional but transformational candidate a la Trump. Both would barnstorm Iowa across the state, focusing most on rural areas, for the months leading up to the caucus. However, the Stone campaign would most double down on the Christian nationalist crowd that has shown the greatest initial openness. Michael Flynn is the campaign's greatest asset in that regard, heavily pitching the case to his crowds wherever he goes, but also focusing on Iowa. On Stone's part, he would connect with sympathetic influencers on radio and other forms of media to drive home why he is their most authentic choice. The campaign is also targeting their messaging and advertisements to hit these voters with patriotic-heavy Christian themes.

Fundamentally, however, Stone is entering the first primaries with the main goal of consolidating as much of the pro-Trump, America First bloc as possible, paired with the enthusiastic backing of libertarians and other fiscal conservatives. By claiming an early, decisive lead with these voters in the first contests, Stone immediately gains the credibility as the leader of the MAGA movement in 2024. A godsend that occurred towards this goal was the recent Truth Social post by Donald Trump, criticizing Kari Lake for seemingly being inauthentic. The Stone campaign believes that Lake is mortally wounded by this, something which is reflected by Lake's own sharp departure and the campaign's aura of dread in the leadup to Iowa. Stone is fond of Lake and has never criticized her on the campaign trail, nor will he even after this event; the record speaks for itself. What this does do is massively open the door to claim undecided MAGA voters and Lake supporters who are now doubting themselves on everything after Trump's statement. The difference between a desperate campaign and a determined campaign is plain to see. For Josh Hawley, Stone is hesitant to blast the Senator on the level of someone like DeSantis given their great overlap in many areas, but he will be unafraid to defend himself and point out contrasts should the Senator launch further attacks. The initial strategy for defining Hawley with pro-Trump voters is painting a picture that he isn't really "one of us": someone whose pedigree and connections indicate an adoption of America First ideals for political convenience rather than lifelong convictions.

Then there is, of course, Ron DeSantis. In contrast to the Governor's positions contrary to American First ideals and his low-energy campaigning, Stone would paint the image of a highly bustling campaign in-tune with the hearts and souls of real conservatives. Stone would attempt to depolarize certain attacks of his, never blaming DeSantis supporters but instead pointing out the Governor's many deficiencies as going against his professed image. Stone also believes that much can be raised over DeSantis's self-inflicted lack of accountability on many aspects of his record, leaving many open questions for voters to doubt who he is and what he stands for. The case of Sheriff Gregory Tony, for example, brings into mind many questions about how such a person could be selected by DeSantis without knowing his full record, as well as why the Governor is so insistent on not removing him from office when he has the power to. DeSantis is essentially viewed internally as a paper tiger whose whole operation will begin to unravel once the first votes start coming in for the early primaries.

On the Stump

From the onset, the Stone campaign has placed the greatest investments by far into New Hampshire and Nevada, with New Hampshire at the top of the list. New Hampshire has all the makings of fruitful ground for Stone: open primaries, an insurgent voter base, and a degree of familiarity being from New England. Stone's campaigning in New Hampshire would often draw on these themes: being their regional son to represent them nationally, always being an independent-minded voice in the GOP, along with capturing the anti-tax and anti-immigration fervor held by the state's base as the proudest Trumpist. Stone realized from the onset that he wouldn't necessarily win over the likes of Chris Sununu right away, but he would work like hell to wow the local Republican clubs, showing up at their events and having his staff get to know them well through regular communication. Stone also continued to work on some of the biggest conservative names living statewide for their support, including Scott Brown, Bob Smith, Bill O'Brien, Don Bolduc, and Jim Rubens. Stone made sure to have his voice dominate in local conservative talk radio in New Hampshire (as well as in Nevada), always trying to stay on top of the will of the grassroots.

Many events in New Hampshire beyond the standard rallies and town halls have been versatile, yet predictable in some manners. Stone would march with anti-Biden protestors; stand with sheriffs and police unions; and tour rusting towns with the industries of old. The thread that binds these together is organizing flashy displays for media attention that also highlight different elements of the Trump coalition, tying everything back together to how Stone is the purest continuation of Trump. The closer that Stone can reach up to Trump's 2016 total of 35%, the better. Stone also has taken advantage of the full force of the libertarian movement, starting from the ground up with the Free State Project all the way to national organizations like FreedomWorks, to stage numerous public events that would attract the 23% reached by Ron Paul 2012. Dr. Paul himself would make some notable appearances on the trail, stressing how Stone is the strongest fighter out there for both economic and personal liberty. A general state strategy has been to build commanding margins in the rural counties first as they work their way up to growing more and more of the vote in bigger cities like Manchester and Nashua.

Much has been written about the Nevada strategy earlier (see the "Rainbow Coalition" post), but Stone would close to equally balance out the amount of time spent between there and in New Hampshire over these months. Intense lobbying is done to hopefully win the support of Governor Joe Lombardo and Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, with them both fitting more of the mold that Stone represents as a no-nonsense candidate focusing on quality of life issues. At the heart of Stone's campaigning here is winning over Las Vegas and its political machines. Sin City represents probably the closest analogue to Stone himself, and Stone would barnstorm the city and its suburbs with vigor on how he would be their fighter on a national platform. Stone saw opportunity to quite possibly win the support of Mayor Carolyn Goodman: a political independent whose record has shown similar streaks of thinking as Stone's. He and the Mayor would meet several times, discussing primarily economic matters. Stone also reached out to a healthy mix of notable Nevada conservatives, including Joey Gilbert and John Lee. Two of Stone's most notable Nevada endorsements thus far, Sharron Angle and Danny Tarkanian, would go across the state and especially establish an organized movement in the rural, libertarian-leaning parts.

Overall, Stone has been steadily adding on his already robust organization on these early primaries with extensive investments from the beginning on field operations. Now, with momentum on their side, the campaign can go even further.

Now comes Iowa.

[PPT Spiral]

Roger Stone GOTV Strategy: Iowa

The Hawkeye State has always had a reliable level of investment pumped by the Stone campaign, although these developments have mostly been under the radar. The main focus has been to fine tune their state operations for maximal caucus turnout. Their staff and volunteers would be among the best trained and the most experienced, pulling from prior campaigns such as those of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Ron Paul. It may not be the largest and flashiest, like the Hawley campaign's, but it would be efficient as hell. The Iowa team has been waiting for its moment to shine, and the campaign is now rising at just the right time to prove their model.

Stone made a calculation that, with a restless field and even more restless voting populace, there is much benefit from barnstorming Iowa to capture a great deal of the unsettled and undecided vote. He would do just that, spending great amounts of the final weeks in an all-out spree across the state.

Based on most polling, the chances of an outright victory by Stone in Iowa are quite unlikely. Earning a truly shocking overperformance that upends the race, however? That was very much in the cards, buoyed by several key factors: 1) recent candidate withdrawals, 2) unrest in the MAGA sphere (e.g. Kari Lake), and 3) minimal organizing by many other candidates. The Stone campaign would take advantage of these all. One metric that the campaign is closely watching is whether Stone ends up outperforming Lake in the final tally, which would only give credence to the Trumpists consolidating around his bid in New Hampshire and beyond.

As Stone began his barnstorming, he would carve out his distinct bases for maximum turnout from the beginning. The candidate paid visit to Fairfield, home of the Transcendental Meditation movement, where he hoped to rapidly win their bloc vote by touting his foreign policy of peace as well as years-long advocacy of alternative medicines. Stone also quickly established his base as being in the big cities: Des Moines, Davenport, Sioux City, Dubuque, and so on. The college towns would mark another launching pad, both for Stone's libertarian themes appealing more to younger voters along with the Campaign for Liberty having extensive chapters on their campuses for bringing out more votes.

Surrogates would come out in full force for barnstorming, including in areas that Stone doesn't have the time to canvass in. Michael Flynn, Mike Lindell, and Alveda King all have been on the ground for weeks, focusing on bumping up support in rural areas and among religious voters. Ron Paul came along for a few visits at college campuses. Allen West and Ronny Jackson would rally grassroots conservatives, and Sheriff Joe Arpaio came up to attest to Stone's credentials on immigration and crime. The most noteworthy surrogate, however, would be firebrand Steve King. Although now banished from Congress, people conveniently forget that he was for years the Iowa caucus's kingmaker. He knows this state well. King rallied as many of his fellow patriots as possible on why Stone would always stand up and protect America as the purest America First candidate, and King would also use his remaining institutional connections and goodwill to pump up caucus operations across the state (with a greater emphasis on the Western part he represented).

Stone knows that he will not win the religious vote or come close here in Iowa. That vote is split between the likes of Hawley, DeSantis, and Haley. Stone's recipe for success will instead be to consolidate the secular vote around him (neglected by near everyone else), while also playing to the cultural issues of immigration and crime compatible to GOP sects across the board. The campaign is carefully microtargeting these voters and highlighting his more moderate stances, especially to suburban and working-class white voters who are turned off by extreme social conservatism.

A final main point: More than all the other campaigns, Stone will do the most work in appealing to the remaining undecided voters. They will ultimately decide the margins and the order of the candidates. Stone is using his momentum in the early states to his advantage here, continuing to hype up his campaign and tout the excitement across all corners as he's out on the streets. People are attracted to positivity and energy; Stone is overflowing with both. The candidate calls on Iowans to "join the movement and shock the world," believing that he can build up enough press and organic interest with his anti-establishment themes that no other campaign could anticipate just the level of support coming in for Stone on caucus night. Not only that, but the campaign also developed a careful strategy of attracting and convincing supporters of poorer-performing candidates to switch over to them on caucus night. These appeals would be most greatly worked on supporters of Kari Lake, Matt Gaetz, and Justin Amash.

All in all, the Stone campaign will be ready to have their supporters show up in force at the caucus sites throughout the state. Their hard work, they feel, will ultimately pay off.

[oldkyhome]

Self-made campaign material

Campaign Ad #4: What Really Matters.

Public Domain, via Hawley's Facebook page

- Scene opens with various pictures of Hawley with supporters, with kids, and with Erin. The ad is narrated by a speech Hawley is giving to a crowd of town hall attendees, where he strikes a more somber and personal tone. -

"In today's politics, it's easy to get caught up in the here and now. The bickering. The negativity. The arguments. This Christmas, I want folks to know there's so much more that matters. This is a time for reconciliation and for hope. A time to put aside our differences and realize that what really matters is being together with friends and family to celebrate the birth of Christ. (cue applause)"

- Scene shifts to Hawley speaking directly to the camera from his home in Ozark, accompanied by his wife Erin -

"From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas. I'm Josh Hawley, and I approve this message."

Campaign Ad #5: Darkest Hour.

P20210428AS-2203 by The White House, via Flickr
Edits are self-made

- Ad opens with various clips of factories shuttering, smugglers crossing the border, politicians making deals, etc -

"Record inflation. Jobs leaving. Drug addiction exploding. D.C corruption at its worst."

- Cuts to the above picture -

"America's darkest hour has arrived."

- Scene pans to a list of candidates before honing in on Hawley -

"Only one candidate to take on this mess: Josh Hawley."

- Scene cuts to a clip of him as MO AG. Headlines in bold appear on screen. -

"He cracked down on human trafficking rings."
AP: Missouri businesses raided for alleged human trafficking.

- Scene cuts to a clip of him speaking on the Senate floor -

"He fought corrupt insider trading in Washington."
KTTN: Hawley introduces bill banning insider trading in Congress.

- Scene cuts to a picture of Hawley at a Senate hearing -

"And he's the only Senator to vote against all of Biden's cronies."
Independent: Josh Hawley is only senator to vote no on all Biden cabinet confirmations

- Scene pans to clips of Hawley speaking to crowds, shaking hands w/ supporters -

"A fearless leader - not afraid to tell it like it is - building a movement with you to take on the D.C establishment and put America first."

- Cuts to Hawley logo and legal information -

Voiceover: "I'm Josh Hawley, and I approve this message."

Campaign Ad #6: Decimated.

This is a :30 radio ad. It's narrated by Sean Crawford, a construction worker and resident of Colesbrook, NH.

"I live in Colesbrook, a town that was decimated by the Opioid epidemic. The drug companies came here and poured thousands of painkillers here to profit off addiction. I know people that died because of it. People feel like Washington has abandoned them. Only one candidate for President has had the guts to come here and talk about that, and that's Josh Hawley. The pharma companies that have been robbing us blind and destroying our communities have something to worry about with him. This is a man of conviction, a man of integrity, a man who won't accept the bribes of an industry that kills and destroys.

That's why I'm supporting Josh Hawley for President."

Notes: December is a critical point in the campaign where many undecided voters start to break for a candidate. With attacks flying and the election heating up, Hawley's aides thought it might be important to cut a more personal ad that highlighted his faith and family values, as part of a continued attempt to win over Iowa's overwhelmingly religious electorate. "What Really Matters" presents a more old-fashioned pitch to voters by defining Hawley as honest, honorable, and poignant. As always, voters like someone who can stand up for something, especially their values. This ad airs in Iowa, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee for December.

On the contrary, the two other ads Team Hawley put out focused more on problems, defining Hawley as a 'tell it like it is' fearless conservative champion. Voters here are typically less religious, so the integrity of Hawley's religious faith is of less importance than in Iowa and South Carolina. Instead, the first of these ads hammered home on Hawley's record: a tough lawyer as AG, a no-nonsense conservative as Senator, and a trusted fighter against the Biden administration. It airs in Nevada, New Hampshire, and Colorado. The second of these ads played exclusively in New Hampshire, pushing for the state's large demographic of 45-64 blue-collar voters.

Additional Debate Content

Stone: "That's right, I do know the game. I've had to deal with enough of the destructive ambition and corruption coming from you guys that I see right through you, Senator. I talk about the devastating costs of this war, and you try to get your big moment in the highlight reels while using the same lies and rhetoric they always deployed against President Trump. Sounds like a politician to me.

Bred by Stanford and Yale. Mentored by John Roberts. Every word focus group-tested. Are those your values, Iowa?"

"Oh please. Leave it to a D.C creature like Roger Stone to dodge and deflect a straight-forward question. The fact of the matter is he doesn't believe in anything. He thinks he can dupe the country into buying the same tricks he learned in the Washington world for 50 years. And now he styles himself as anti-establishment? What a fraud."

[RGM2609]

Gavin Newsom ad - "Time of Choosing" airing in New Hampshire and Nevada

"This year could define America.

We have the opportunity, now more than ever, to enact the change we need and deserve. To have a country with universal healthcare, with a higher minimum wage, a greener economy, redpect for immigrants and protections for the right to choose. We can build a brighter future.

 But it all goes away if we take a wrong turn. If we nominate someone who can't win. Our country would fall to hatred, division and kleptocracy. We can't let that happen.

Gavin Newsom is ready to take on the fight in the General Election. He can unite both the party and the country around his progressive values. He will stop the conspiracists and buils a brighter future. Gavin Newsom for President.

Newsom: I'm Gavin Newsom and I approve this message."

[McGovernite]

Gillibrand Ad: Imagine

Aired In: NH, NV, VA, PA, MA

All photos accessed via Imgur

Imagine an America where harmony displaces hate.

That protects our planet.

That provides healthcare for everyone.

An America where all places are safe spaces.

Where morality overrides money.

Power is restored to the people.

Imagine a leader driven by compassion.

Someone that's brave enough to take on the impossible.

Someone who looks beyond herself to do what's best for us.

[McGovernite]

Gillibrand Unveils Major Mental Health Plan

All photos accessed via Imgur

My plan to tackle the mental health crisis in America
Transcending race, gender, age, religion, or life experience, mental health is a growing crisis in our country — and it has gone without sufficient attention, care or resources for too long. Antiquated stigma and systemic failures have kept millions of Americans from sharing their suffering with others, forcing them to struggle quietly.

One in five American adults is coping with a mental health condition and the mental health of our youth is in decline. This has debilitating everyday impacts for too many Americans. And with such limited access to mental health services, the untreated mental health problems of today can too often turn into the tragedies of tomorrow.

It’s all too clear that America is facing a mental health crisis, and it demands more than attention from our leaders — we need a real plan.

I’ve spoken to Americans across the country, and I’ve seen that we have to fundamentally change our mental and behavioral health system. This includes developing community-based treatments, expanding delivery systems, and ensuring true parity with insurance coverage for mental health treatment. We must strengthen our nation’s mental and behavioral health safety net by ensuring that policies address the communities most affected and hardest to reach. And we need mental and behavioral health systems that work for everyone.

If we truly believe that health care is a right and not a privilege, then access to quality mental health treatments cannot be up for debate. It’s time for mental health to be taken as seriously as physical health.

I’ve spent my career fighting these important fights and standing up for families just as I would my own. As president, I’ll deliver on this issue.

Here’s how I’ll get it done:
Reform treatments so they can work for everyone
Too many Americans struggle with inefficient and inadequate treatments or delivery systems. As president, I will fundamentally change the way we currently provide mental health treatments, and tailor different treatments to different communities. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for mental health issues, so we should stop treating this issue like a monolith. My administration will invest in and account for different perspectives so that everyone has access to the treatments they need.

1. I will invest in a community-based approach to mental and behavioral health. We need a robust and aggressive expansion of our nation’s Community Health Centers, aimed at delivering high quality, cost-effective mental and behavioral health care. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which provide a comprehensive range of addiction and mental health services to vulnerable individuals, should be fully funded and supported. Community Health Centers continue to provide innovative, high-value health care and they are primed to deliver it in medically underserved communities across the nation.

Community-based approaches like the peer education model are not only cost-effective, but have also been shown to be more effective at reaching populations who find the information more credible coming from someone with a familiar background and who understands their communities and the issues they face.

2. I will make sure our health care system is responsive to the historical and cultural context that communities bring with them, and confront implicit bias in the medical system. Different communities face different barriers to seeking mental and behavioral health care. I will push providers to develop and promote alternative community-based options for treatment, so that patients are met where they are and with the treatment that works best for their needs, without obstacles or stigma.

Implicit biases in health care, especially mental and behavioral health care, disadvantage already vulnerable people. Health care providers must be trained to look out for and stop the ways in which our system has historically ignored or outright harmed communities and people of color.

I will also make sure our health care system overcomes implicit bias toward individuals facing poverty, sexual minorities, children, mothers (particularly new mothers), the elderly, the overweight, and people with disabilities. Every patient deserves respect from their health care practitioners and that respect must inform a new approach to mental and behavioral health treatment and effective services beyond traditional therapy.

3. We must expand reimbursement for mental health services for non-traditional treatments such as peer-support and alternative therapies. Cultural support can provide a gateway to other support systems. That’s why I will embrace non-traditional treatment and prevention strategies such as the peer education model, which is cost-effective, and connects those seeking treatment with a peer who understands their background and brings with them significant credibility. As president, I will make sure these non-traditional treatments are given proper reimbursement rates as well, so that high costs aren’t barriers to those looking for help.

A perfect example of this within the Latino community is the use of promotoras. Promotoras are generally people from hard-to-reach populations who act as bridges between their community and the complicated world of health care. They learn about health care principles from doctors or non-profit groups, and share their knowledge with their communities. I will make a point to encourage these localized programs and provide them with the support they need to be maintained and expanded.

Personalize the way we deliver mental health care

It’s important to reform our mental health treatments, but that alone isn’t enough to tackle this crisis. As president, I will go further to specifically address the barriers that either make it too hard or outright prevent Americans from accessing the mental health care they need. Every community is different, which is why I will invest in solutions that make health care more accessible for all Americans, regardless of who they are or where they’re from.

1. We need a mental and behavioral health system designed for and informed by young people. The world my sons are growing up in now is so different than the one where I was raised. Young people are more connected and engaged than ever, but that comes with costs. It never once occurred to me growing up that someone with a gun might walk into my school and open fire.

We can’t ignore the ways in which our young people suffer, so as president, I will invest in a trauma-informed mental health system that embraces young people’s preference for peer-based support and support from adults from their own communities with shared experiences. And I will make sure that young adults in low-income communities have the same access to these opportunities.

I will fund and expand School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), which are important providers of mental health services for young people. SBHCs help children and adolescents nationwide receive primary, preventive, and mental and behavioral health care and health education in a convenient, high-quality, and efficient manner.

I will also pair school-based mental health services with investment and comprehensive school climate reform. School systems can leverage opportunities in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to hold schools accountable for school climate as a key, non-academic quality indicator. ESSA also offers funding opportunities for low-income schools and schools in need of improvement to leverage resources for support including mental health services.

By changing the way in which we deliver mental health care, we have the opportunity to change norms and beliefs about these types of services for young people who may otherwise not be suited for traditional, institutional care models.

2. I will improve mental and behavioral health care access for rural Americans and improve rural workforce programs and supports such as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), which places primary health care providers in our nation’s most underserved rural communities.

No one should have to suffer because there just isn’t access to any treatment near them. In America’s rural communities, young people in particular face too many barriers to health care already, and it is unacceptable that so many are being discouraged from receiving treatment because of who they are or what they believe. Our LGBTQ+ youth are so often discouraged from getting treatment or forcefully isolated because of where they live.

Right now, there’s only a small amount of spending for all rural health discretionary programs, but it already plays a critical role in solidifying the fragile health care infrastructure in rural communities. As president, I will continue supporting government policies that improve rural health outcomes and strengthen care delivery.

To provide long-term solutions for the lack of health care access in rural areas, the best thing we can do is invest in future physicians, doctors, therapists, and other mental and behavioral health care providers in rural places. So, I will also support programs that further develop our national health care workforce, such as the Rural Physician Training Grant program, the Targeted Support for Graduate Medical Education program, and Area Health Education Centers, which plays a critical role in addressing the health care workforce shortage. And I’d invest in the Office for Advancement of Telehealth (OAT) to make health care more accessible for all and to give people privacy as they receive treatment.

Require insurance coverage of mental and behavioral health

If we truly believe that mental and behavioral health are just as important as physical health, then our insurance coverage and reimbursements must reflect that. As president, I will ensure true parity implementation with robust oversight and consequential enforcement. Treating mental wellbeing shouldn’t only be something available to the wealthy, but insurance companies’ failure to appropriately cover these treatments acts as a barrier to millions who can’t afford the treatments they need.

1. Create accountability measures for mental and behavioral health care providers. It shouldn’t be difficult for Americans to get coverage for the treatments they need, but that’s what has happened with our current for-profit system. A watchdog would give all Americans access to oversight measures so that insurance companies are held accountable if they fail to provide coverage or reimbursements.

A watchdog program would also educate individuals and families on their legal rights to insurance coverage for mental and behavioral health services, resolve complaints when care is denied, and identify areas where insurers may have an inadequate network of treatment programs and providers.

2. Secure financing methods for mental health service improvements through insurance. If we expand what is covered under our current health care system as a part of a broader overhaul and expansion of our mental health services, overall costs will go down as fewer emergencies arise.

As president, I’ll also invest in areas like community case management, transportation, rehabilitation-recovery services, and job training to make overall and long-standing improvements to our system and create a fully coordinated system.

I’ll also further invest in suicide prevention efforts for young people, with a renewed focus on college campuses and adults 25 and older, and LGBTQ people. LGB kids are almost five times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers, and bullying or abuse of LGBTQ kids is directly and dramatically correlated with self-harm. I will increase funding and access to mental health services for LGBTQ youth, and I will innovate and invest in broad suicide prevention efforts that focus on scaling in small and hard-to-reach communities.

3. Pass Medicare for All and preserve and expand successful mental health programs. One of the best ways for us to ensure that everyone has the coverage for mental and behavioral health care is to provide universal health care. I’ve supported Medicare for all since 2006 because for over a decade I’ve witnessed the worry and fear and impossible choices that come from our for-profit insurance industry. As president, I will pass Medicare for All and I will make sure that everyone has the care they need and the coverage they deserve.

I’ll also start to immediately incorporate a wellness framework into what is considered a “medical necessity” and “health care,” with ample opportunities for state and federal reimbursement. And I’ll preserve and expand existing Medicaid programs, like the Community Mental Health Services Demonstration Program, that improve mental health coverage for low-income adults.On the campaign trail, I hear a lot about mental wellbeing. I hear it from the grandparents in New Hampshire who have taken their grandchild in now that their daughter passed away from Substance Use Disorder. I hear it from kids scared to go to school in case there’s a mass shooting. I hear it from health care providers in Iowa who don’t have access to the resources they need.

There is not one family in this country that isn’t concerned about mental health to some extent. But for all of these conversations I’ve had, they’re almost always whispered. People are too afraid of the stigma to voice them loudly. As president, I will break down those barriers.

I will make sure everyone across the country knows and sees that mental health care is real health care. I will increase access to care, fight stigma and change the way people perceive mental health care, and then provide resources for communities to invest in solutions that are already working.

Together, we can spark a fundamental shift in our country that will make us all more understanding, compassionate, and healthy in every sense of the word. That’s a world that I want to live in, and as president, I’ll get it done.

[John King wannabe]

For the People: Final Push

"Alright Florence! Y'all ready to complete the work we started earlier last year?"

The Vice President was wrapping up the final push of her campaign before the South Carolina primary and taking absolutely no chances with any close margin in the Palmetto state. The campaign is hoping for a major blowout victory to help propel the Vice President into a victory in Nevada and at least the top 3 in New Hampshire, something even Joe Biden could not do.

The campaign is also deploying its GOTV strategy in South Carolina. Sending automated text messages to voters registered as supporters of the campaign in South Carolina reminding them to vote, sending volunteers to knock on doors and even the Vice President herself descended across neighborhoods in South Carolina to knock on doors. The Vice President also recorded several messages on social media and radio broadcasts encouraging them to get out to the polls and vote in their primary.

The campaign also began their planning for the victory party, the Vice President will be introduced by Congressman Clyburn, initially set at the Charleston Place Grand Ballroom with the lights illuminated in the vibrant purple of the campaign, the campaign instead had to change it to a high school gymnasium due to the expected crowd overflow. The campaign also is planning a side by side compilation of the Harris 2024 and Biden 2020 victory parties to truly show the contrast in both campaigns and to show Democrats who is most capable of bringing a strong fight to the general election.

South Carolina has not been the Vice President's only focus however. The campaign has especially honed in on the state of Michigan and in particular Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. The Vice President has appeared all over neighborhoods in Detroit hoping to make inroads in the state as well as speaking at church's in the area, notably Greater Emanuel Institutional COGIC where she gave her "Where does your faith lead you?" speech.

"And, I know many of the media may not believe it but I am most definitely a person of faith, and a believer in the gospel of Jesus Christ and often when I wake up in the morning I ask myself, where will my faith lead me? Where will it take me, and what opportunities will my faith open up to me"

"Well, my faith has led me in lots of directions and I believe it is up to us as believers of the gospel to walk by our faith and not by sight, amen? And so I think that is a large part of why I have the career that I have today, I walked by faith and not by sight. When I first ran for office in California it was always, 'Well, Kamala, we like you, we really do. But you can't win! You're a black woman running against a well established incumbent' well I didn't listen to them and I walked by faith and I won!"

"My faith teaches me that all things are possible if I just say I want it, and so that is why my faith has led me to run for President! This is not the first time I have been doubted but I know that if you all have faith in me, and I put my faith in God there is nothing we cannot do and I truly and honestly believe that"

With the campaign starting to wind down the Vice President in good spirits before the South Carolina primary the campaign is optimistic and preparing for a good night in the Palmetto State.

[Alcibiades]

Matt Gaetz For President — October 2023 to early February 2024


Credit: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons

As the first primaries approached, Gaetz focused his efforts on Iowa, as well as increasing his presence in New Hampshire, in addition to Trumpists, seeking to appeal to the libertarian voters the state is well-known for with his stances on issues such as marijuana legalisation. While he has largely written off South Carolina, due to it being a winner-takes-all contest, he has campaigned heavily throughout the broader South. Gaetz continued to bring an aggressive, irreverent tone to his speeches, assailing his rivals, particularly Ron DeSantis as he had been throughout the entire campaign, and now Josh Hawley as well, picking up on the incongruence between the Senator’s supposed populism and own elite background, in an attempt to win over Trumpist voters from him.

Gaetz had proven to be the candidate of choice for young Republicans, and he has continued to capitalise on this, touring college campuses and speaking at Turning Point USA events. Gaetz has also been leaning into his social media appeal among the so-called Gaetzheads by posting memes attacking rivals on his Twitter account. Particularly popular efforts included a picture of Hawley at a black-tie event in Yale days captioned “How do you do, fellow populists?”, and responding to a Tweet from DeSantis sending his condolences to Kent Stermon’s family with the “We’re all looking for the guy who did this” meme.

DeSantis joined with fellow candidate Roger Stone and Congresswoman Anna Luna to deliver a press conference demanding accountability for DeSantis’ alleged corruption, where he delivered the following remarks:

Beheading the Snake

Over his years as Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis has garnered a commanding power over his state. The state party and government has largely been beholden to him, and he has exercised great powers from that. However, there's always been an undercurrent of discontent over the Governor's practices. There are those with simmering resentment over DeSantis, who is not exactly known as the most personable figure in interactions. Certain acts of his in office have also been quite alienating. There is also, of course, the many stories dripping out regarding improper conduct.

In late October, a significant puncture is to be made in the armor of DeSantis. Roger Stone invited Matt Gaetz and Anna Paulina Luna, both vocal in exposing deceit and corruption, to come along for a press conference in Jacksonville. They would call out DeSantis forcefully and demand accountability. Stone's remarks are as follows:

Good morning, everyone. Today I'm standing side by side with the honorable Congressman Gaetz and Congresswoman Luna because we all demand truth. There's been an utter plague of rumors, scandals, and other stories coming out about Governor Ron DeSantis for months now. While I can't claim to know just what is true and what is not, I do know this: Where there's smoke, there's fire. We've seen this time and time again with other governors in other states.

Governor DeSantis—who I won't refer to by his other name today out of courtesy *laughter*—has browbeat the State of Florida into always getting his way. He thinks he's above the rest of us and that the same rules don't apply to him. Clearly he believes someone like Andrew Cuomo is a good role model to look up to. Just like Cuomo, though, things have a way of eventually catching up to you.

The three of us are hereby calling on the Florida Legislature to open up nonpartisan investigation proceedings on DeSantis and his office. Has the Governor and his team abused powers and gone against the laws of Florida? To what extent has DeSantis had knowledge or involvement in any schemes or other acts, illegal and unethical? There have been credible reports of corruption, conflicts of interest, and outright bullying coming out for years across the political spectrum. They deserve to be looked into with a fair and open mind.

This is not a witch hunt, nor do we want this to be. Matt and I are especially familiar with how that goes. *laughter* What we want as constituents of Governor DeSantis, as fellow Floridians, is basic accountability. After an impartial investigation, the record will speak for itself. The truth will prevail.

With that, I'll turn it over to Matt and Anna.

Thank you, Roger, for the kind words and the very important message you delivered.

As a Florida Republican, you begin to notice certain things about how the Governor runs this state. All dissent crushed, an iron fist, an atmosphere of fear. Sadly, it’s unsurprising that far too few of my fellow Republicans in this state don’t want to speak out. The Governor has made it plainly clear what the consequences will be. But I’m here today to say enough is enough. We can’t have a Governor, and we certainly can’t have a President, who cares only about himself and will do anything to further that goal. No principles, no scruples, no loyalty. Why did he stand by and do nothing as President Trump, a resident of our great state, was mercilessly hounded by the Biden DOJ, but puts all his effort into quashing investigations into the infinitely more questionable conduct of himself and his allies?

In particular, I’d like to focus on the tragic case of Kent Stermon. Kent was a loyal Republican and MAGA patriot who I had the pleasure of meeting on several ocassions. Like many, he initially he put his faith in Governor DeSantis, who, after all, used to claim to be a staunch Trump supporter. But in recent months he grew increasingly disillusioned with the power-hungry, egomaniacal direction the Governor was taking. I’d heard he was planning to quit, with an explosive statement to boot. And then he turns up dead. Just like that. And then, even stranger, the Governor puts considerable effort into suppressing an investigation into the manner of his death. Look, I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but y’all are intelligent people, I don’t think I have to connect the dots here for you…

That’s why Roger, Anna and I are demanding a full investigation into Mr Stermon’s untimely death. Everyone knows the Governor has a lot of skeletons in his closet — and I mean that in more ways than one.

Congressional Votes

Senator Gillibrand's Family Bill of Rights: NAY
Senator Merkley's DISCLOSE Act: YEA

For too long special interests have dominated politics, on both sides of the aisle. Corruption is deeply embedded within Congress, where too many have forgotten they’re supposed to represent their constituents, not the Swamp. I’ve always made it clear I’ll work with my Democratic colleagues where we can find agreement on this issue, and that’s why I’m supporting this bill.

Senator Hawley's Stop the Censorship Act: YEA
The Sanders-Tillis Veteran's Healthcare Bill: YEA