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

[PPT Spiral]

It's Showtime

"Stone's Rules: Politics isn't theater. It's performance art. Sometimes, for its own sake."

As the final days of Nevada approached, the Stone campaign was feeling very optimistic about their chances for victory. Stone, ever the man to showcase some flair, felt it was only necessary as the self-proclaimed "champion of Nevada" to embrace a star-studded finish. Politics and entertainment would mix, and in the most captivating of ways—no matter your opinion of Roger Stone.

No one could possibly predict what was coming next.

One of the first bombshells would be the public endorsement by legendary singer, Mr. Las Vegas himself: Wayne Newton. Newton, who partakes in Arabian horse breeding in his spare time, still actively performs on the Vegas Strip and especially holds a loyal following with older voters who are among the likeliest to turn out. The campaign took full advantage of this, deploying Newton to sing and stump for Stone across mainly the Vegas and Reno suburbs (in addition to his regularly scheduled shows for extra publicity). While joining Stone at his rallies, Newton would typically open up the event with a performance and then proceed to some heartfelt words about the man he's supporting for President:

Roger is the one, folks. Roger is the one. He's a good Christian man. He's a man of character. He's a man of strength. You want someone in the White House who'll protect this country, keep us safe, keep us prosperous? No one else can even compete!

I've been around a long time, and I can tell you that Roger Stone would be one of the greatest visionaries that America's ever had—right up there with Reagan and Trump. He's just the man for the moment. Nevada, I love you. Let's show the country on the 22nd all that we've got!

Bombshell #2 to be unveiled: one of the highest charting artists of our time. A rapper, entrepreneur, and visionary all in one. Mr. Worldwide. Mr. 305. The one and only Pitbull. Stone was especially giddy to receive this endorsement, knowing that he would command huge attention across the Latino community he's greatly invested in over the campaign. The high-energy Pitbull took it upon himself to join Stone in multiple rallies across the denser urban areas of Nevada, as well as actively canvass in Latino-heavy neighborhoods across Clark and Washoe County. Pitbull also launched a series of mini-concerts in these areas, appealing to an eclectic mix of crowds who were now enticed to partake in the Republican primary process. In the largest event of his in Vegas over the weekend, Pitbull took the time to offer these comments:

Las Vegas! It's yours truly, Mr. Worldwide reportin' live! *cheers*

I just wanna say, we're all gathered here today for a very good reason. We want to see this country do better. We want that big change. How can you make a change if you won't be bold, though? You need that boldness, you need that stamina. It's what we call "cojones" in Spanish! *laughter*

Lemme tell you, Roger Stone has some big cojones. He ain't afraid of nobody. I've actually been awed by this cat. He preaches what's on all of our minds. He ain't politically correct. America needs some more of that!

To all my Latin brothers and sisters, this man is the real deal. He looks out for us like he looks out for all Americans. Now it's up to us to help make that change. Now you all gotta vote!

The most dramatic unveiling, however, would be the dual endorsements by boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. They would not only stump for Stone on regular campaign appearances, however. Tyson and Mayweather agreed to a once-in-a-lifetime, joint return from retirement to wage a boxing match against one another. Tyson vs. Mayweather would be organized dually by the Stone campaign and UFC President Dana White, a major donor and supporter of Stone. All proceeds would go to charity and it would be held at Allegiant Stadium, the largest venue in Vegas. It would be a spectacle for the ages.

The event went very smoothly, being totally packed for its unprecedented nature. Tyson would end up narrowly winning the fight after a steady 12 rounds. At the end, Tyson, Mayweather, White, and Stone all locked hands with one another and raised their arms in solidarity. They offered forceful words of endearment about Stone being "as much of a fighter as we are," and encouraged all Nevadans to vote in the primary just as they encouraged all Americans to join the movement. This evening functioned not only as an event the whole country (and even world) was glued to, but it was a raucous mega-rally for Stone filled to the brim with the rowdy, working class crowd of all backgrounds most receptive to his message.

By the end, no one in Nevada would remember or be fixated much on the actions of Joe Lombardo. This would yet again be the Week of Stone. This would be his time to shine for a knockout victory.

[John King wannabe]

For the People: Freeway of Love. (Part 2)

"Cut it out, Al"

With the primary quickly approaching in the Badger State and the Vice President hitting the ground and rallying the troops in another freshly made early primary state. She has begun painting herself as more down to earth and easy going to voters. Dancing with supporters and handing out coffee and doughnuts to those volunteering in the Michigan cold. Although the good feels has been shot short upon hearing the news Former Vice President Gore was promoting the idea that the Vice President would lose a general election no matter what.

The Vice President was miffed at the news and personally called Gore herself to tell him to "Cut it out, Al" she would tell the Vice President putting out this rhetoric now would only demotivate voters and depress turnout among Democratic voters if they believe a loss is inevitable. When asked about the rhetoric put out by the Gore campaign, Harris responded "I have won every race I've run in, Let's see if Al Gore can say the same"

Blah, Blah, Blah, the 90's

The Vice President has also begun painting Gore as an "out of touch white guy who is using the American people for a comeback to cover the tracks of his last failed campaign" as put by an aide anonymously to the New York Times. The campaign is seeking to put a clear contrast between Vice President Harris (a cleaner, younger, and relatively fresh to national politics) and Vice President Gore (old, white, dried out 90's politician). The Vice President herself has even gotten a few shots in.

"Ya know and all you hear from Al Gore is, 'In the 90's I led this, in the 90's we did this' I don't wanna hear about what you did in the 90's! Did you stand up to Trump administration officials like I did? Did you fight back and write legislation to protect DREAMERs and curb the influence dark money had on our politics? You can't claim credit for every good thing that happened 30 years ago, disappear for 24 years and then come back and say 'I can fix it!' No!"

"You can't lose a winnable election over 24 years ago and then come back and say 'Just one more chance! I really think I can win this time' No! Americans are tired of dried up career politicians, so when you vote, remind yourself. They say I might lose, but who has lost before?"

The intent was clear and the goal simple. If Al Gore wants to play dirty everyone can play dirty. The campaign was prepared for an all out slog for the nomination, the Gore campaign wasn't. Their candidate was rusty in terms of campaigning and doesn't reflect the new era of the Democratic party that President Biden wanted to "pave the way for"

If this Vice President can't have the White House, no Vice President will.

Super Duper Tuesday (And Beyond!)

With the Vice President decked out in Michigan doing her very best to secure a strong finish before the primary, the campaign began sending out its surrogates to multiple Super Tuesday states especially their own home states to rally the troops and support across the country. The Vice President let them have free reign on their attacks over Al Gore, with NAFTA being a common area of attack, as well as his climate change hypocrisy and his constant use of a private jet since he left the public sector.

The campaign has also begun preparing for the states after Super Tuesday knowing the race won't be wrapped up by the time the final contests close on that Tuesday evening. The campaign has decided that all out is better than slowly limping on month by month. The campaign has prepared by sending in funds, hiring more staff, and opening more field offices in further contests. Of course they have also held discussions with DNC Chairman Jamie Harrison about how a contested convention would work and how balloting, nominations and delegate binding rules will work especially regarding the much sought after by the Harris campaign superdelegates on the second ballot.

The Harris campaign is prepped for the long haul and is not afraid to drag this out to achieve their own nomination, even if they are behind in delegates entering the convention in Chicago.

A Woman First: First Woman

Although originally shying away from the idea at first the Vice President has decided to finally embrace the idea of incorporating the historic element of her becoming the first female President into her campaign. Although subtle traces of the message did exist the Vice President did not want to define the campaign around her gender believing that Hillary Clinton made that mistake in 2016 which cost her dearly in the general election. But now seeing how well that message played in the primaries the campaign has decided to bring it into the fold.

Obviously, the message is a bit more complicated with 2 other women in the race so the campaign has decided to tie it with her already history making accomplishments such as being the first female Attorney General of California and the first female Vice President. Championing the Vice President as a glass ceiling breaker and a warmaker for other women that will come after her.

The Vice President was determined to do everything she could to place well in the state of Michigan and set herself up for a decent night on Super Tuesday. All the campaign could do was wait and see and let time be the judge on if their efforts were in vain.

[PPT Spiral]

Roger Stone GOTV Strategy: Nevada

The aim in Nevada was clear as day: victory. Not only that, but the Stone campaign had a real feeling that a blowout victory was very possible and brewing. In the final days, they would work furiously towards that goal—leaving no stone unturned (pun very much intended).

Helping with the goal of consolidating MAGA conservatives around the campaign, the endorsement by Matt Gaetz proved yet another critical boost of 5% or so of the electorate. These would be among the easiest voters to quickly convert, given the tremendous overlap that Gaetz himself referenced. Gaetz joined Stone and Kari Lake across multiple events to demonstrate a united front. As a standalone surrogate, Gaetz heavily catered to universities (turning out young conservatives with TPUSA plus other campus groups) as well as working class Trumpists.

Stone also broke ground on his law and order message by collecting the endorsement of the Las Vegas Fraternal Order of Police, comprised of both active and retired officers across Clark County. The candidate led a pro-law enforcement march in downtown Vegas sponsored by the group and filled with its members. This demonstration and their support would go a long way toward rallying law enforcement and their families across Nevada around Stone in the final stretch.

The recent publicity with local and national celebrities also would aid the campaign in its closing message. It was essentially free advertising, carefully crafted by the man at the top. They would also activate enthusiasm across all corners of the state, potentially leading to record turnout in different circles closely targeted by the campaign. Stone would humbly boast that "if I could get Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather to finally face off after all these years, imagine what I could get done as President."

Another distinct theme that Stone would hit on in the final days is touting his Catholic faith in a state with the highest Catholic population thus far (including among Latinos). Stone, with some of his most notable surrogates, attended the Guardian Angel Cathedral in Vegas for a service. While there, Stone prayed for many things. An utterly gamechanging performance was among them.

The campaign has an assorted degree of GOTV strategies at their disposal for the Silver State, as follows:

-Coordinating across all political, business, and private levels to activate the Vegas/Reno machines and come out resoundingly on top across Clark and Washoe County
-Maintain sky high enthusiasm across rural stretches of Nevada through Stone's representation of their interests and communities
-Through Stone-supporting groups like the Mining Association and Cattlemen's Association, have their people show up in full force (especially across Western and Northern Nevada, where they are concentrated)
-Hold respectable numbers with LDS voters in the East through the campaign's second greatest level of investment after Youngkin
-Use Bikers for Stone to touch on every small town and community for turnout
-Use Nydia Stone to pump up numbers with Latino and suburban voters
-Have Pitbull and fellow activists swarm Latino corners in populated areas
-Rally and motivate Lake supporters through emphasis of Stone's independent politics and stances like immigration and Social Security
-Rally and motivate Gaetz supporters through emphasis of their shared libertarian and Trumpist priorities, with particular emphasis on the younger generation of conservatives that both men value
-Persuade Hawley supporters on MAGA and religious themes, especially on the need to unite in NV with their candidate's minimal investment and the rise of Youngkin
-Persuade DeSantis supporters by raising the Governor's lackluster campaigning and painting Stone as the true embodiment of the principles that DeSantis claims to have
-Persuade Youngkin supporters on the Trumpier side by pointing out how closely the candidate has been hugging his surrogate Mitt Romney, the epitome Never Trumper
-Appeal to suburban, business-minded conservatives (especially in Clark County) through safe surrogates like the Mayors Goodman and prominent local/statewide officials, emphasizing Stone's commitment to growing their state's industries as well as tax reform
-Launch a full-scale effort to identify and turn out record-breaking numbers of working class voters, made easier with recent MAGA consolidation and the outreach done through the campaign's stunts, with the goal of matching Trump's 2016 performance as closely as possible
-Take the initiative and capture the significant majority of Latino Republicans, stressing issues like economic aspiration and shared values, and decry DeSantis's lack of attention towards the community
-Maximizing turnout among Jewish voters, particularly Orthodox, through Stone's attention on their communities and on Israel
-Target undecided voters through the energy of the moment, promoting Stone as the candidate of Nevada who is commanding statewide attention on all fronts

[John King wannabe]

Back in Baltimore, Harris accepts Moore endorsement

Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the presidential campaign, the Vice President returned to Washington to attend to her duties as Vice President and be close to Baltimore when it was officially announced that Governor Wes Moore would endorse her campaign for President. The Vice President has formed a bond with the Governor of Maryland since being called upon to campaign for him in the 2022 midterm elections and their bond has grown with the proximity of Washington D.C to the Maryland area.

The Vice President would headline an event in Baltimore with a "special guest" which many correctly assumed would be Governor Moore due to his schedule being wiped clean for the day and it (obviously) being leaked to the media the day before by the Harris campaign to generate enthusiasm with the campaign gaining a rising star in the party in their ranks in clear contrast to the Gore's campaign old and aging demographic of endorsee's

Governor Moore began his remarks as such:

"Thank you, Baltimore! It's good to be in Baltimore! Not far from home! And it really feels to good to get behind a dear friend of mine, and the next President of the United States of America, Vice President Kamala Harris!"

"When I look at Vice President Harris, I see the American dream, a daughter of immigrants, a daughter to Oakland, California! And a woman of firsts. Kamala Harris has never had opportunities handed to her, she is a hard worker, a tried and true public servant and I believe with your help and through hard work we can and will elect her as our next President. A President who will protect reproductive freedom, a president who will fight tooth and nail for Universal Childcare, a President who believes in raising the minimum wage so workers across this country do not have to work 2 or 3 jobs just to put food on the tables for their families. That's the Kamala Harris I know and that's the kind of President she will be."

"But, we need your help. Kamala needs your help. I need you to encourage your friends, family and neighbors to get out and support Vice President Harris for President. Our nation needs a tried and true leader committed to America's future and I have the utmost faith in Vice President Kamala Harris!"

The Vice President's campaign is hopeful that with Governor Moore behind their campaign it will breath a new air of life with young voters and especially black men in the primary. Time will definitely tell if it is effective but the campaign believes it is worth trying.

[oldkyhome]

New York Post by Tom Magliery, via Flickr

BOMBSHELL: Campaign Memos Reveal How Lake, Stone Conspired to Stop Hawley, Including 'Potentially Illegal' Activity

"The date was February 5th, 2022, a mere 2 days after Hawley's win in the Iowa Caucus," writes Senior Columnist Emma Jo Morris, "and two Presidential candidates were discussing how they would stop him in New Hampshire." She then asks the reader a simple question, "Would you first assume this to be the work of Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley?" before revealing, "Nope, it was none other than self-proclaimed MAGA candidates Kari Lake and Roger Stone." Attached to the article was a series of bombshell images and PDF copies that revealed emails between - not only the two candidates - but also staffers at every level of both campaigns.

These memos uncovered several back-and-forths between Stone and Lake, depicting, what Morris calls, a 'deliberate plot' to 'throw Hawley under the bus.' She reports that the emails were retrieved from an anonymous whistleblower, and were later authenticated through a series of tests conducted by the Post. The contents of these emails showed that the two worked in concert to influence state activists against Hawley and obstruct ground-game operations. It also revealed a 'damning, potentially illegal' plot to flood Hawley's New Hampshire field offices with faulty data and bogus numbers. Further revelations show that Lake intentionally sought to gain access to crucial information about Hawley's GOTV effort under the guise of cooperation in order to facilitate this.

Hawley commented on the report in a Las Vegas press gaggle, saying it might 'warrant future investigation' but didn't make any hard accusations. Some prominent conservative influencers were outraged by the report, including Candace Owens, Larry Elder, and Mark Levin, who decried Stone and Lake as engaging in 'the worst of dirty politics' and called on MAGA voters to unite around Hawley in light of these revelations. The Post's report has captured the attention of a divided primary, calling into question the legitimacy of Stone's New Hampshire performance and the recent 'coalescing' of MAGA candidates behind him.

(Everything here is approved by KaiserDave.)

[YPestis25]

Al Gore Responds

Source: Me

Al Gore had had enough. Attacking his parents. Attacking his Vice Presidency. Attacking his climate work. If this was how it was gonna be, then so be it. At a press conference in Durham, NC, responding to questions about the recent tenor the race, the Vice President retorted:

“Look, I get why Vice President Harris doesn’t want to talk about the past. Her record is full of bad decisions. She let Steve Mnuchin off the hook. She let Herbalife off the hook after defrauding thousands of Californians. She threw poor kids in jail and let the rich get off the hook. I’ve yet to hear a response from the Vice President explaining her record.

 I’m more than happy to talk about my record. I was Vice President in an administration that brought prosperity to millions, protected democracy around the world, and went toe to toe with Newt Gingrich.”

At an event in Lansing he told a voter:

“The Vice President wants to know what I was doing the past 20 years? I was fighting for progressive causes and climate action. I worked to pass ballot initiatives and make progress across the country. I know its hard for a former Senator to hear this, I am one, but not all the action happens in DC.”

The gloves were off and the Gore Campaign was letting the surrogates off their leashes.

[Kuumo]

Gretchen Whitmer's Last Rally Before Primary Day
Detroit, Michigan
February 26th, 2024

https://cdn.britannica.com/22/237022-050-65750A04/Michigan-governor-Gretchen-Whitmer-2022.jpg


I got a very special guest here tonight, who invested in our jobs and public schools, set us up for the future with green energy, made being governor look cool, and fixed the damn roads. I'm proud to introduce the one and only Big Gretch!
--Gmac Cash



Thanks, Gmac! *laughs* We've come a long way, folks. Just one year ago, I was still just "that woman in Michigan." Today, no matter what happens tomorrow, we've made a splash across the nation. We've shown that despite the all the monumental challenges facing us, and the toxicity and division so common everywhere, we can still come together and get it done. I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without you. I've asked myself many times why I'm doing this. But then I hear from one of the countless people who work hard and play by the rules and still struggle to make ends meet. I've done my best to make our state a better place for everyone. The single mom working three jobs, the father put behind bars as a victim of drug addiction, the people of Flint who lived for years without drinkable water. These people are everywhere, and they need our help.

. . .

So go out and vote, and let's win this thing!
--Gretchen Whitmer

[Devout Centrist]

Statement from Kari Lake

The New York Posts’ report is the worst political hitjob in a century. I endorsed Roger Stone because he’s the best candidate in the race right now. If these guys want to investigate my campaign’s actions in Iowa and New Hampshire, they can go right ahead. I guarantee you other candidates in the race won’t like what they find.

[PPT Spiral]

While engaging in an impromptu press conference after wrapping up one of his final Nevada stops, Roger Stone took the time to address a reporter's question on the New York Post story regarding interference with the Hawley campaign:

STONE: What you have here, ladies and gentlemen, is a classic political hitjob coming up from high places. That's how you know they're running scared. Neither myself, nor Kari Lake, nor our campaigns did anything illegal or whatever other hyperbole that reporter scribbled. This is total garbage and fake news of the highest magnitude.

It's a real good move for the Hawley people to accuse the many patriots who busted their asses and stormed the polls of somehow being illegitimate. That's gonna do wonders for unity. Every vote is earned the hard way. That's true of all of us running right now. It's an outrage to suggest otherwise, and voters see that.

Senator Hawley lost New Hampshire and came behind me. He made the choice to campaign there and split the vote when he damn well knew he wasn't going to win there, just like he won't win here. I extended an olive branch to Josh before New Hampshire that if we can work together there, we can work together in other states. He did nothing and he let Youngkin and DeSantis have their way. That's on him to explain. And, yes, I have the receipts.

There's a pattern with Josh Hawley. He's always this slick, methodical guy, planning everything out to perfection. He does everything possible to advance Josh Hawley. It's all about him. That's been his whole life and career. When things don't go to plan, he lashes out. Exhibit A: this sad, weak excuse of a story.

There's a reason why all of our former opponents have endorsed me and not Josh. I'm just saying.

To the haters and losers, as President Trump eloquently put it, I'll see you at tonight's victory party. Nevada is ready to move on from this bullsh**t.

[S019]

Team DeSantis is privately viewing NV as a lost cause following the Stone surge and Lake's drop out, and thus will fly out to Texas.

Team DeSantis will be campaigning in full force in Texas, knocking doors, sending out flyers, and motivating voters. They will also run ads in the state and other Super Tuesday states (Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia). No new ads will be produced this turn. Governor DeSantis will also meet with Governor Greg Abbott of Texas to seek his endorsement and will secretly meet with former President George W. Bush (this is only here for context, no game actions can be taken based on this) to see if his machine can aid a behind the scenes effort.

[KaiserDave]

Michigan and Nevada Final Results

Gretchen Whitmer: 32%% | 411,967 | 48 Delegates ✓
Kamala Harris: 25% | 316,380 | 35 Delegates
Jeff Merkley: 18% | 227,794 | 26 Delegates
Al Gore: 14% | 177,173 | 16 Delegates
Eric Adams: 4% | 50,622 | 0 Delegates
Kirsten Gillibrand: 3% | 37,966 | 0 Delegates
Gavin Newsom: 2% | 25,310 | 0 Delegates
Ro Khanna: 1% | 12,546 | 0 Delegates
Pete Buttigieg: 1% | 11,489 | 0 Delegates

Total Precincts Reporting: 100%

Roger Stone: 27%% | 23,890 | 10 Delegates ✓
Glenn Youngkin: 24%% | 21,236 | 8 Delegates
Josh Hawley: 20%% | 17,696 | 7 Delegates
Ron DeSantis: 16% | 14,157 | 5 Delegates
Kari Lake: 6% | 5,309 | 0 Delegates
Matt Gaetz: 3% | 2,939 | 0 Delegates
Nikki Haley: 1% | 892 | 0 Delegates
Larry Hogan: <1%| 345| 0 Delegates
Justin Amash: <1% | 235 | 0 Delegates
Lin Wood: <1% | 37 | 0 Delegates

Total Precincts Reporting: 100%

[KaiserDave]

The Delegate Race

Kamala Harris: 115 Delegates
Al Gore: 77 Delegates
Gretchen Whitmer: 73 Delegates
Jeff Merkley: 40 Delegates
Eric Adams: 31 Delegates
Gavin Newsom: 18 Delegates
Kirsten Gillibrand: 0 Delegates

Ron DeSantis: 80 Delegates
Josh Hawley: 24 Delegates
Roger Stone: 16 Delegates
Glenn Youngkin: 15 Delegates
Kari Lake: 10 Delegates
Nikki Haley: 7 Delegates
Matt Gaetz: 2 Delegates
Justin Amash: 0 Delegates
Lin Wood: 0 Delegates

Note: The new turn will come tomorrow or Thursday whenever I can make it. There will be a new format.

[John King wannabe]

Vice President Harris celebrates strong Michigan showing

As the polls closed and the news networks flashed on the screens in the suite rented out by the Harris campaign to watch the Michigan results the campaign was semi-confident in their ability to at least get a second place finish in the state of Michigan. Although even after the race was called for Governor Whitmer a new reality set in for the campaign. Not only would they get second place in the state of Michigan, they would keep Governor Whitmer underneath a 10% margin of victory, much more than they could've asked for or expected.

The campaign was ecstatic. They saw the Michigan results as a moral and political victory for them even though it was a tried and true victory for Governor Whitmer in all reality. The campaign rang up donors, volunteers and surrogates telling them this showed the Vice President's momentum and strength in swing states. Fighting off strong challenges in Georgia, Nevada, and now keeping the incumbent Governor within 6 points was a clear sign that if Democrats put their faith in Vice President Harris she can and will win the Presidency in November.

The Vice President herself was ecstatic over the results, and after a quick march downstairs to the hotel ballroom the Vice President addressed supporters gathered for the event in a very cheerful mood.

“Wassup Detroit!”  (Laughs)


“Oh my god! Thank you all so much! We had a great night here in Michigan! Thank you all so much, and this great showing tonight in this beautiful state is a testament to the power of organizing, and getting out there and rocking your vote, you showed the political class that our campaign is very much alive and kicking! And so as we celebrate our incredibly strong showing tonight, let’s prepare for tomorrow as we take this campaign across the country!”


“I want to congratulate Governor Whitmer on a strong showing tonight, it is clear that her home state loves her and I would be lying if I didn’t say I love her back. And so a huge congratulations to her and to her supporters and of course to the other candidates in this race and their supporters you all should be proud of the effort that you have put in to do the important work of yourself and encouraging others to participate in democracy and let’s give them a round of applause!”


“But to you all! You showed up! You showed out and you showed everyone that momentum is really on our side and it is growing by the day. Because of you I believe that this campaign is just getting started, delivering our message for the American people and what we plan to do. And I truly and honestly am thankful from the bottom of my heart for this incredibly strong showing, I wanna shout out our volunteers! My VP VIP’s who did the important work of ensuring that our new generation of voters knew where to vote, how to vote and when to vote! Thank you for doing all you can to increase civic participation, we owe you an immense debt of gratitude!”


“So! Let’s continue the work we started in South Carolina and brought here to Detroit. The work of fighting for quality affordable healthcare, getting deadly assault weapons off of our streets, raising wages for workers, fighting the climate crisis and show the world that yes, America can elect a woman as President of the United States!”


“Our work is not done! And so I need you to keep up the fight for the people! This campaign is for you! This is our campaign and to all of you out there watching, I hope you will join us to continue the battle that President Joe Biden began 4 years ago for the Soul of the Nation!”


“Thank you, Michigan! May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America!”

With Michigan out of the way, the campaign prepared the Vice President for the way back home to Los Angeles where she will officially kick-off the Super Tuesday portion of her campaign. The Vice President thanked her Michigan staff and urged them to keep up the energy and support up to November before leaving Michigan for the last time in the primary season.

[McGovernite]

Gillibrand Speaks in Boston, Hints About MI Results

Accessed via Imgur

After her loss in Michigan, Senator Gillibrand did not speak publicly about the race or her performance. However, the campaign did send out the following memo:

"Hey, folks. Full results in from Michigan - KG at 3%. Not bad. Didn't set up a big infrastructure, almost beat out Adams. Do not worry - this was GW country from the start. We will continue moving forward. Good fundraising numbers in the leadup to Super Tuesday. We will be hitting the northeast HARD, as well as VA, CO, TX, CA, and establishing some presence in MN and UT (we will also continue to run ads in other states). We're going to have surrogates out nonstop in the leadup. This is make or break. Kirsten needs at least one victory, but preferably 2-3 with good showings elsewhere. This week, we need to work as hard as possible. We're ramping up spending, staff, and outreach in every Super Tuesday state. We will not be embarrassed and we WILL be formidable. Keep up the good work folks, KG is very proud."

The Senator was confident that despite showings on other states, she would have a great night come Super Tuesday. Aiming for wins in MA, ME, and either victories or really good showings in other states across the country, she was proud of the campaign she had established. She planned to campaign 24/7 over the next weeks to ensure good showings.


* More will come out as turn update comes *

[KaiserDave]

Chapter V: The Ides of March
March 2024

We are MOVING. Wow, look at us go. This turn will operate differently than prior turns. What we're gonna do is give you FOUR days, so until the evening of the 7th to post ALL your remaining Super Tuesday content. After that, we will have a debate, then another SIX days until ST II. I will compile a list of ST II states, for the benefit of my sanity, we will have to group a lot of contests together and fudge up the RL schedules a bit for the sake of conciseness, watch the signup thread for STII states. For now, focus exclusively on ST. Keep up the good work.

NOT doing an endorsement list this turn because I HATE doing them and I think you guys know who you have to use at surrogates, if you have a question or a request, message me and I'll answer it.

At this point, you are free to produce television advertisements as you please, the money is flying.


Chinese Naval Exercises near Taiwan called "unprecedented provocation" by President Lai
CNN, February 11th, 2024

Ganjar Pranowo elected President of Indonesia in third defeat of right-wing Subianto
CNN International, February 14th, 2024

If Republicans cannot UNITE for an America First, pro TRUMP candidate I will have to re-enter the race! I would win, by a lot!
@realDonaldTrump, Truth Social, February 16th, 2024

Despite losses among Black Men, Harris holding strong in the South
The New York Times, February 17th, 2024

President Putin calls for 100,000 more mobilized to "defend the motherland from imminent fascist invasion"
The Washington Post, February 20th, 2024

GOP establishment donors shifting to Youngkin, DeSantis struggling
POLITICO, February 21st, 2024

"Republicans have a choice to make, unite behind a true America First candidate, or lose the country to Kamala Harris in November. If they don't win now our culture is gone and this woke monstrosity will steal the kids."
Tucker Carlson, Live on FOX News, February 23rd, 2024

The Would-Be King Stands Battered: DeSantis stands defeated in three of four contests with unclear future
POLITICO, February 24th, 2024

WOW! Huge win for ROGER STONE! Nobody saw that coming except for Trump! Ron DeSanctimonious should drop out now, pathetic performance!
@realDonaldTrump, Truth Social, February 24th, 2024

Is Josh Hawley now the strongest champion for constitution conservatives?
National Review, February 26th, 2024

Michigan result leaves Democratic primary confused
POLITICO, February 28th, 2024

Report: Gore operatives trying to make Gore/Whitmer ticket a reality, unite Dems
The Hill, February 29th, 2024

Foreign Interference in 2024 Election Persists....
Powerful Saudi Lobby allegedly backs Youngkin, DeSantis....Russian based social media accounts supporting Hawley.....Ukrainian based information warfare accounts backing Gore
The New York Times, March 1st, 2024

Chinese Jets Continue to Enter Taiwanese Airspace Unimpeded, Biden reportedly in conversations with President Lai
CNN, March 1st, 2024

Chinese land forces reportedly building up in Fujian province
The New York Times, March 2nd, 2024



FOUR RL DAYS TO SUPER TUESDAY: SEE SIGNUP THREAD FOR THE STATES INVOLVED!!!

[KaiserDave]

General Polling Update

Presidential Polling Shows A Changing Race
NATIONAL POLL: Who do you support of the following candidates for President? (Republican)
Josh Hawley: 27%
Ron DeSantis: 24%
Glenn Youngkin: 23%
Roger Stone: 18%
Justin Amash: 1%
Undecided/Someone Else: 7%

NATIONAL POLL: Who do you support of the following candidates for President? (Democratic)
Kamala Harris: 24%
Al Gore: 21%
Jeff Merkley: 17%
Gretchen Whitmer: 15%
Eric Adams: 7%
Kirsten Gillibrand: 4%
Undecided/Someone Else: 11%
CNN, February 29th, 2024


California Poll
Who do you support for the Democratic nomination for President?
Kamala Harris: 33%
Al Gore: 22%
Jeff Merkley: 19%
Gretchen Whitmer: 9%
Eric Adams: 5%
Kirsten Gillibrand: 2%
Undecided/Someone Else: 6%

Who do you support for the Republican nomination for President?
Ron DeSantis: 29%
Glenn Youngkin: 27%
Josh Hawley: 21%
Roger Stone: 14%
Justin Amash: 1%
Undecided/Someone Else: 8%
Emerson College Poll, February 28th, 2024


Texas Poll
Who do you support for the Republican nomination for President?
Ron DeSantis: 28%
Josh Hawley: 25%
Glenn Youngkin: 20%
Roger Stone: 20%
Justin Amash: 1%
Undecided/Someone Else: 5%


Who do you support for the Democratic nomination for President?
Al Gore: 24%
Kamala Harris: 23%
Gretchen Whitmer: 16%
Jeff Merkley: 15%
Kirsten Gillibrand: 8%
Eric Adams: 8%
Undecided/Someone Else: 6%
CNN, February 29th, 2024


Massachusetts Poll
Who do you support of the following candidates for President? (Democratic)
Jeff Merkley: 24%
Al Gore: 19%
Kamala Harris: 18%
Gretchen Whitmer: 14%
Kirsten Gillibrand: 12%
Eric Adams: 4%
Undecided/Someone Else: 6%

Who do you support of the following candidates for President? (Republican)
Glenn Youngkin: 32%
Ron DeSantis: 25%
Josh Hawley: 19%
Roger Stone: 15%
Justin Amash: 1%
Undecided/Someone Else: 7%
Quinnipiac University, February 26th, 2024


Alabama Poll
Who do you support for the Republican nomination for President?
Josh Hawley: 36%
Ron DeSantis: 22%
Glenn Youngkin: 17%
Roger Stone: 16%
Justin Amash: 1%
Undecided/Someone Else: 7%

Who do you support for the Democratic nomination for President?
Kamala Harris: 37%
Al Gore: 20%
Eric Adams: 15%
Gretchen Whitmer: 8%
Jeff Merkley: 7%
Kirsten Gillibrand: 1%
Undecided/Someone Else: 11%
Fox News, February 27th, 2024

[YPestis25]

John Kerry, Jerry Brown Endorse Al Gore at Bay Area Rally

Source: Wikimedia Commons

February 28th, 2024

Al Gore’s campaign knew that it was entering its most crucial hour. Michigan had been a disappointment, though it did appear that the Vice President’s momentum had continued to grow nationwide. Even with positive signs of support nationally, the Vice President’s campaign was heartened by news that party luminaries like Jerry Brown, John Kerry and Janett Mills were throwing their weight behind the campaign.

At a rally in the Bay Area with Gavin Newsom, the former California Governor and the former Secretary of State made their unequivocal support for the Vice President clear, with John Kerry commenting:

“I know Al Gore, I have worked with Al Gore, and I have governed with Al Gore. There is no one that I trust more not just to protect America’s democracy at home, but to protect and foster liberty abroad. This is an election with enormous stakes. Al Gore is the only candidate I trust to deal with them.”

Jerry Brown followed up the Secretary of State with a full throated endorsement of the Vice President based on his climate policy:

“I have been sounding the alarm on climate change for 30 years - and Al Gore has been with me all the way. In the 1990s when it was politically toxic, in the 2000s when you’d be mocked and in 2010 when it started to dawn on all of us how serious the crisis facing us was. Al Gore has shown the political courage on this issue that has so frequently been lacking and that is why I am backing him today. Vote for the candidate who has shown political courage. Vote for the candidate who is ready to take us into the future on climate policy. Vote for the candidate who will guarantee a future for your children and your children’s children.”

Finally, Gavin Newsom gave the last introductory remarks:

“Look everyone, you know why I’m up here today, and I’ve made my thoughts on this race more than clear. This race is about electing a candidate who can protect the progress over the past four years. This race is about electing a candidate who will be square with you all on the major issues of the day. This race is about electing a candidate who can govern and lead and go toe to toe with foreign adversaries around the globe on day one. Al Gore is that candidate. Now, without further ado, the next President of the United States!”

With the support of these luminaries, the Vice President bounded on stage and prepared to make his case to California voters, for the first and final time before heading South where the campaign would be decided.

“Thank you California! You know, several of my advisors told me to stay clear of this state - they said that you shouldn’t waste your time in California, we’ve got no shot here, but looking at this crowd today, I think you all have something to say about that. If there’s something I’ve learned these past several months, it is that even one vote is too valuable to leave on the table - and that is why I’m here this morning.

I’m not in this race as a vanity project, or because I’m bored, or because I like the attention. I’m certainly not in this race because running for office is a walk in the park, the past few weeks have told me that. I’m old and I’m tired, but there are more important things at stake here than anyone’s comfort. I am running to protect our democracy. I am running to protect the progress we have made under President Biden. I am running to be a champion for liberty abroad. I am running because I am ready to get to work on day one.

California, in a week you all have a choice to make. I would be honored if you chose me.”

From there, the Vice President headed South, ready to barrel through Texas.

[YPestis25]

Gore Campaign: Overview

Source: Me/Imgur

This was it. The next seven days would make or break the campaign. Six states: Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Those were the six states that the Gore Campaign felt that they could win. Of these, the candidate himself would focus personally on Texas, North Carolina and Virginia. With only seven days between Michigan and Super Tuesday there was not enough time to devote to other states. That task would have to be left to the campaign’s many surrogates, who would crisscross not just Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, but also the other states across the country. The next week was critical and all hands were on deck.

Themes

Source: CNN/YouTube

Unifying the Party

With the Gore Campaign now popping at the seams with endorsements, from New England to California and from Iowa to Georgia, a new campaign theme would begin to emerge this week: Vice President Gore could unify the party. With support from mainstream and even liberal Democrats like Mark Kelly and Tom Harkin, from conservative Democrats like John Bel Edwards, and even from independents like Angus King, the campaign would have plenty of material to highlight this theme. In campaign advertising, Gore’s support within the party would be highlighted, and the campaign’s messaging would focus on this fact heavily.

Electability

Besides the above, the campaign will continue to hammer the electability of Vice President Gore, highlighting his strong general election polling numbers showing him ahead of every Republican candidate nationally in advertisements and messaging to the press. The campaign will be careful not to continue its spat with Vice President Harris on this front unless absolutely necessary, wary of a damaging tit for tat that left both candidates’ weaker.

Progressive Bonafides

While the above themes are important for holding the center and mainstream of the party where the Vice President’s base is, it was also important to emphasize the Vice President’s progressive record in order to expand his vote share, particularly as the campaign seemed increasingly to boil down to a two person race between himself and Vice President Harris. Spots showing his record of fighting Reagan and Gingrich, as well as his bonafides on the fight against climate change and gay marriage (he endorsed it in 2008!), will be utilized in targeted online, television and radio advertising. Additionally, surrogates and the candidate himself will continue to hit on this theme.

Leadership

Finally, the Gore Campaign would continue to emphasize the Vice President’s leadership on crises throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It is hoped that this will be especially potent with the increasing prominence of foreign policy as an issue in this election. Crises in the South China Sea and of course in Ukraine should accentuate this point for the campaign. In effect, the country needs a steady hand for the next four years, and Gore is that hand.

Surrogate Strategy

Source: Listal

With the candidate only having so much time over the next seven days, most of the campaign’s activities outside of the South would be delegated to surrogates.

New England:

In New England, the Gore Campaign would rely on Secretary Kerry as well as Representatives Auchincloss and Moulton in its efforts in the Bay State. These three would focus their efforts squarely on the eastern part of the state, with Auchincloss and Moulton holding events and canvassing throughout their congressional districts and Secretary Kerry hitting Boston and its suburbs. The surrogates would be encouraged to hew to the progressive and unifying the party messaging while hitting the trail.

Meanwhile in Maine, Senator Angus King would hit the trail on several events this week, focusing on rural northern Maine and the Portland suburbs. Here, the progressive bonafides messaging and electability would be the focus, with Maine having a competitive electoral vote and a sizeable progressive base.

South:

The South would be the site of some of the heaviest Gore surrogate work, with senators, governors, and former elected officials fanning out throughout the region. Senator Tim Kaine and Representatives Bobby Scott and Don Beyer would hit Virginia, emphasizing Gore’s leadership and party unifier credentials. These elected officials would focus heavily on the NoVa suburbs and Richmond and its environs.

In North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper, and Representatives Deborah Ross and Jeff Jackson would focus on similar messaging, in addition to more emphasis on the electability message: the less Democratic the state, the more a focus on electability would come into focus, and in particular on ensuring that the federal government would be there to protect peoples’ rights when the states would not. These officials would focus heavily on the Charlotte area as well as the Raleigh-Durham metro.

In Tennessee, while the Gore Campaign expected a substantial win, the surrogates in the state would not let up the gas, with Steve Cohen, Jim Cooper and Phil Bredesen, canvassing the state, focusing on Gore’s homegrown roots and ensuring that the campaign would get a substantial win in its home state.

Meanwhile in Alabama, Former Senator Doug Jones would take the lead on the Gore Campaign's efforts in the state, focusing primarily on Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile. Senator Jones would focus his efforts on energizing the Gore field program in the state, and to the extent possible with such a short amount of time, recreating the consolidation that happened in both Georgia and South Carolina behind Al Gore's candidacy.

Efforts in Arkansas and Oklahoma, if less extensive than the aforementioned states, would still be energetic, with Former Governor Mike Beebe and Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., hitting Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas with a focus on Gore’s electability and southern roots on their stops. In Oklahoma, former Congresswoman Kendra Horn would head up Gore’s campaign in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with a similar electability focus.

Finally, coming to Texas, the campaign would be full gas on the throttle. Texas was the great prize of the night and as such nothing could be left on the field. Representative Lloyd Doggett would campaign and canvass extensively throughout Austin and its suburbs. Meanwhile Houston Mayor John Whitmire would work to ensure that Houston went for Gore on Tuesday, working to win over special interest groups and generally energize the local party for the Vice President. Finally Lizzie Fletcher would focus her efforts on the Houston suburbs, working to win over this crucial area of the state. Lloyd Doggett in his Austin campaign would focus on the Vice President’s progressive bonafides, whereas Fletcher and Whitmire would lean heavily on Gore’s leadership, experience, and party backing. These surrogates, recognizing the crucial nature of Texas, would work to put their machines and resources behind the Vice President.

Midwest:

In the Midwest, the Gore Campaign’s efforts would be the most limited of the four major regions, but the campaign would deploy Former Senator Tom Harkin to head up its Iowa efforts, and activist Khizr Khan and Pilot Sully Sullenberger to head up its Minnesota campaign. In Iowa Harkin would remind voters of Gore’s rural commitment and his leadership ability. Meanwhile Khan and Sullenberger would canvas Minneapolis and St. Paul suburbs for support, focused on Gore’s electability and his role as the mainstream choice in the primaries.

West:
Turning west, the campaign would devote significant resources to deploying surrogates in California. With high powered campaigners in the form of Governors Newsom and Brown. These two would be the Gore campaign’s trump card in California. There was no expectation of winning in the state, but a strong showing would deflate any Harris momentum, and perhaps more importantly decrease whatever delegates Harris may net from the state. Newsom and Brown would focus on Gore’s environmental commitments, a key selling point in a state beset by wildfires and floods, as well as his leadership in standing up for democracies around the world. Gore’s leadership on gay marriage would also be brought up as the two canvassed the state, with both officials focusing heavily on the Bay Area and the LA suburbs.

In Colorado meanwhile, Senator Hickenlooper would spend his efforts in the Denver suburbs and El Paso counties, focusing on Gore’s mainstream Democratic position and his electability. In Utah former Congressman Ben McAdams would focus his efforts on Salt Lake City and his former congressional district, hammering home Gore’s leadership and experience throughout his campaign events.

Media Strategy

Source: MSNBC

The Gore media strategy will pivot this week. As mentioned above there will be efforts to avoid the needless and mutually damaging tit-for-tat that had broken out with Vice President Harris in the days leading up to the Michigan Primary. Instead paid media, television, radio, and internet would focus on the positive, highlighting Vice President Gore’s record and leadership on foreign policy, climate issues and gay marriage, while also highlighting his strong national poll numbers against all of the leading Republican candidates.

Likewise, the campaign will work to highlight the new theme of this week: Vice President Gore as the party unifier. This effort will include highlighting the various endorsements the Vice President has received, as well as his strong performances in states as different as New Hampshire, Georgia and South Carolina. By presenting himself as the candidate that can unite the field and keep the GOP out of the White House, the Vice President hopes to expand his voter base without going negative against any one candidate.

*Expect a proper campaign schedule in the coming days*

[John King wannabe]

"She has what it takes" Oprah Winfrey endorses Harris in Richmond Rally

In one of the biggest bursts of energy given to the Harris campaign since their strong Michigan primary showing, the Vice President's campaign received the endorsement of beloved American actress, journalist, and talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, in a rally very much reminiscent of the fiery and strong endorsement Winfrey gave Senator Barack Obama in 2008.

Known by Americans across the country, Winfrey's endorsement is a welcome addition to the Harris campaign that has been riding off of it's momentum by a string of wins in recent primary states and fighting off a strong challenge from Former Vice President Gore. The campaign has already begun airing side by side contrasts of the Winfrey 2008 endorsement and now the Winfrey 2024 endorsement to amp up supporters and show Democratic voters in the south who they should really be backing in their upcoming primaries.

The rally in Richmond, Virginia was packed, the largest crowd the Vice President had seen in months as well as the largest media presence she had seen since the launch of her campaign. The Vice President first rose the stage to introduce Winfrey seeing as it would be hard to follow the impassioned Winfrey who is known to deliver soul stirring speeches. The Vice President and Winfrey were announced jointly and the crowd went deafening upon seeing the face of Winfrey which made the Vice President wonder who they were really here to see.

"Thank you Richmond, wow! Oprah, I think I have to start bringing you with me everywhere I go if this is the reception that we get! But please, thank you all so much it is so good to be back in the great state of Virginia and if you can't tell already, I have a friend of mine here" (Laughs)

"I am gonna introduce her in a minute but let me just say how glad I am to be here with all of you as we kick-off this new phase of our campaign, and let me just say the energy here! I hope you all keep that energy when you head out to vote on March 5th! Because we need you! We need you to get out and vote and to support this campaign! And so I guess that is why I brought my dear friend here with me today. Because if anything she is gonna make sure you guys get out and vote!"

"A vote for better wages, better jobs, affordable healthcare and childcare, the ability to start your small business or seek that new career path without worrying that everything will fall apart if you do. A vote where parents can send their babies to schools without worrying a bad man with a gun is going to storm in and snatch away their future like that. Our campaign is truly standing up and fighting for you, the people. And I hope that when you cast your vote, you vote to make that dream a reality!"

"So without further ado, my dear friend, and the next Vice Pre- (Laughs) I'm kidding! Come on everybody, Oprah Winfrey!"

The crowd went up in louder cheers and applause as Winfrey stood behind the podium opening her speech from her binder not screened at all by the campaign and stood before the crowd.

"Thank you so much, Madam Vice President, soon to be Madam President I am hoping. Come on, you all can give her a hand. And being here in Richmond is really bringing back some strong deja vu. I remember about 16 years ago, I endorsed a young, bright and up and coming Senator from Illinois for President, a candidate I believed in, a candidate who's vision motivated me, and my friends when I saw Kamala giving her remarks I felt that same stirring in my soul I felt watching then Senator Obama speak"

"I first met Kamala when she was District Attorney in San Francisco, and I was so impressed with her work I invited her to Chicago to be on my show, you can all look it up on YouTube and see how much younger we look, But anyway, I have seen firsthand her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the betterment of our nation. She has dedicated her career to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities and seeking justice for those who have been wronged."

"Kamala Harris is a leader who possesses the vision, the experience, and the courage necessary to navigate the complex challenges of our times. Whether it's addressing systemic racism, ensuring access to quality healthcare, or strengthening the economy for all Americans, Kamala has a proven track record of delivering results."

"And let's not forget, she is a trailblazer who has shattered glass ceilings throughout her career, becoming the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian woman to hold the office of Vice President. She knows what it takes to break down barriers and make progress in the face of adversity."

"So! When the time comes Virginia and everybody watching across the country, I want you to vote! And not just vote for anybody, you get into that ballot booth and you look at that names and I want you to fill in that bubble next to Kamala Harris! Let's get it done! We can do this!"

When it was all said and done, Winfrey offered to travel the country for Harris in the coming days down South in the lead up to the March 5th primaries which Harris gladly accepted. The campaign was energized and prepared to continue their fight in the leadup to the biggest batch of primaries with the wind on their back.

[Left Wing]

Tipping Points:

Michigan Election Night Reaction:

As the results from Michigan came in, Senator Merkley's campaign team was mildly pleased. 18% was a strong results and always omnipresent in staff discussions was the fact that Senator Merkley was barely cracking 1% in national polls a year ago. But still, there was some disappointment considering the Senator had sunk the entire week's appearances into the state and still only managed to outperform his polling by a few points. While few actually expected it, they hadn't achieved a Sanders 2016 level lightning result.

Still, there was a lot of reason to look optimistic. Governor Whitmer had dominated the competition at the debates and was always going to perform strongly in a state where she enjoyed so much institutional support. And by passing Adams in delegates, they had helped to push back on ay narrative that the Senator was a one-state wonder. As Senator Merkley took the stage, strategy discussions for Super Tuesday continued.

Wow, thank you folks! Thanks you all!

Listen folks, we've achieved a great result here in Michigan tonight! First of all I want to commend Governor Whitmer on her win, I just spoke with her on the phone a few moments ago and congratulated her and her campaign's efforts in the state. She clearly loves Michigan and clearly Michigan loves her back. But I also don't want us to lose sight of what we've achieved here today. We've outperformed our polling and more than doubled our delegate count. Together we've shown this campaign is a viable force everywhere in the country. Every town, county, state, region, no matter what, we're going to get out there and present our message to the American people.

Make no mistake- we are in this race. And we are heading into Super Tuesday strong. So if you want a progressive voice in this election, someone who isn't beholden to special interests, someone who will fight to overhaul our economic system for working people, stick around, keep voting and dream forward! Thank you to all of my supporters here in Michigan, I am unspeakably grateful and now onto Super Tuesday!

Priority #1: Latino Voters

As the Merkley campaign kicked into overdrive ahead of the massive contest coming up on Tuesday, they felt they needed to lock down support in the west. While initially heavily concentrating his campaign efforts there, in recent months Senator Merkley had been more pre-occupied with the contests in New Hampshire and Michigan. But at the end of the day, he had to remember that the areas where Bernie Sanders held up best in 2020 were indeed in the west. The melting pot of Indigenous People, college students, tech workers and importantly, Latinos were key to achieving a strong result in these states.

The campaign staff almost universally agreed that they would have to aggressively target Latino voters in the week ahead. While Newsom had shown some strength among Latinos, it was very possible that many of his former supporters in the community would prefer Merkley to either of the former Vice Presidents. The campaign immediately got to work on implementing a strategy in the next week that could really run up the score with their community.

Immediately Senator Merkley would sit down on a conference call with his campaign co-chair Andrea Salinas (herself the daughter of Mexican immigrants) and former Sanders advisor/author of Tio Bernie Chuck Rocha on the best way forward in the weeks ahead. Several points were agreed on, including an endorsement surge, emphasizing Senator Merkley's history of fighting against the Trump administration's immigration policies, his support for Medicare For All (consistently polling as Latino voters highest issue) and hitting Spanish language media markets hard. They also agreed Merkley's lagging Texas poll numbers had to be reversed immediately. Senator Merkley accordingly cancelled his appearance in Salt Lake City, believing Bernie's strongest 2020 win outside of Vermont would be the place he could most afford to cut back on personal appearances. Rocha would immediately get his contacts in Texas into gear to ramp up the Latino canvassing effort in Texas while Senator Merkley headed to California for an event in which he unveiled a very special endorsement.

Alexandria:

A few hours before his arrival on the ground at LAX, Senator Merkley's campaign announced for his rally in Los Angeles he would be accompanied by a certain congresswoman. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had proven herself for years now as a consistent voice for young people, Latinos, progressives and anyone outside of the establishment within the Democratic Party. Her trailbazing victory in 2018 was a huge part of what set the progressive movement now fully behind Merkley 2024 in motion.

Her endorsement was exactly what Jeff needed-a young, confident, Latina progressive fully ready to get behind Jeff Merkley. Her endorsement had been extremely advantageous to Bernie in 2020 in helping him ward off the image of "tired old white man" and Senator Merkley hoped she could do exactly the same with him. At the outdoor event, her reception onstage was massive, the rally was the largest Senator Merkley had conducted yet and they made you feel it.

Hello Los Angeles!

It's so great to be back in your city where four years ago I rallied with my friend, mi tio, Bernie Sanders! During that campaign I was so overjoyed to see the outpouring of support from all corners of the Democratic Party for the progressive vision we were offering. I recognized it as the same groundswell of support I received when I challenged a ten term congressman who had left behind the people he represented and won. And although we didn't quite achieve victory that year, progress is a process and since then we've seen so many people be inspired to follow in our footsteps and run on bold, progressive platforms.

And if we are going to continue that movement, we need to elect Jeff Merkley in this primary. He's stood with me and Bernie and all our fellow progressives on more occasions than I can count. Whether it's fighting for the dignity for every single human being to have healthcare, to standing up for undocumented Americans or fighting for a Green New Deal to save our planet, Jeff has always been there fighting with us. He's not a puppet of the establishment, he's only beholden to you.

This primary is the moment where we can make a decision about the future we want for the Democratic Party. Jeff Merkley is the choice for anyone who wants the party to look ahead, to think about our future, the planet's future. And for any concerns about electability, and look I know I'm tired of hearing this complaint, but let me just say, you will not see in any other campaign in this primary the level of enthusiasm for their candidate's platforms and policies. And if you're running and not willing to tackle the issues that concern most voters, that aren't going to generate enthusiasm or turnout, or hope, then there's no room for you to decide which Democrats are and aren't electable.

...

After the event, AOC would remain with Senator Merkley in California for the next two days as he hit important stops between Los Angeles and San Diego. He didn't have any hope of winning the state, but he could not afford an underwhelming performance with how delegate rich it is. After his tour of SoCal concluded, he would make an appearance in Denver the following day to shore up support in a state whose establishment seemed to be moving toward Whitmer before heading down south to Texas, where he would be making his big push.

[YPestis25]

Gore Campaign Schedule

Source: Me/Imgur

February 28th through March 1st: Lone Star State of Mind

With the California kickoff rally behind him, Vice President Gore set off for Texas. As the largest competitive state voting on Super Tuesday, Texas was the ultimate prize. The Gore Campaign, and the candidate himself would devote significant time and resources to the state, working to ensure that no vote was left on the table. The Gore Campaign would kick off in Texas with a Houston rally. Joined by Houston Mayor John Whitmire, and Representative Lizzie Fletcher on the afternoon of February 28th, the Gore campaign hoped a strong start would power a good showing in Houston and its suburbs and get them over the finish line in the Lone Star State.

“I am so incredibly thrilled to be joined by Mayor Whitmire and Congresswoman Fletcher. Look, if there’s one thing that Texas Democrats know, that is how to win tough elections, so I’m hoping their good luck rubs off on our campaign this afternoon. I’m here today to talk about my vision for this country and my vision for the future because I sometimes think in the raucous election season we forget what these elections are really about. It’s not about making sure that the candidate with the nicest slogan, or the nicest bumper sticker, or the nicest ads win, no. It is about making sure that the candidate who can build a better country and a better world wins.

I’m telling you today exactly what we’ll do if you choose me to serve as your next President. We will launch bold new economic plan that will grow American prosperity from coast to coast and that will help us craft solutions for the climate crisis; enact policies that are pro-choice, pro-education and pro-family; establish a foreign policy that is smart as well as strong; and expand the social safety net for the most vulnerable. President Biden has gone a long way to realizing this dream, but we must continue to build on this legacy.

That is why I am asking for your support today - to continue this legacy and to make sure that we are ready to continue great Democratic victories from the very start of next year.”

Following the rally, and the subsequent launching of canvassers, organizers and other volunteers from the field program, Gore and Lizzie Fletcher set out across the Houston suburbs, working to win votes and rack up the margins in what would be a crucial area of the state for the Gore Campaign.

After the Houston swing was completed, and after a short night’s rest, the Vice President headed north to Dallas and its suburbs, ready to continue building momentum across Texas. The Dallas swing would last the entirety of the 29th, and with how tight the campaign schedule was, the Vice President thanked the calendar for giving him an extra day to get to work. The Dallas push would see the campaign focus heavily on Gore’s leadership in taking on right-wing extremists for the past forty years.

Source: Houston Chronicle

“You know, I’ve been tackling the extremists in the Republican Party for 40 years. In the 1980s I helped to overcome President Reagan’s veto of the 1988 Civil Rights Act. In the 1990s I went toe to toe with Newt Gingrich when he was hellbent on destroying any semblance of functioning government. In the 2000s, well in the 2000s I saw what happens when you let those extremists back into power and in 2016 we all saw that lesson tragically replayed. Now I’m running because we cannot allow these extremists to get their hands back on the levers of power.

We need a nominee who has the experience and the knowhow to beat Republican tricks both on the campaign trail and in the White House. I am ready to do that today. The stakes are too high to risk otherwise.”

Repeating his leadership and experience pitch, the Vice President sprinted through the Dallas suburbs, meeting voters and holding canvass launches in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties. These four counties provide over 25% of the primary vote and a strong showing here will be key to any statewide victory.

From Dallas, the Gore Campaign bus sped through the night, heading south first to Austin and then to San Antonio. In Austin on March 1st, and joined by longtime Representative Lloyd Doggett, the Vice President was ready to show his progressive bonafides, and make his case to the famously liberal city, and less famous and more moderate suburbs, why he was the best choice for both mainstream and progressive Democrats.

“....in addition to all of the other issues that this election is about: protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, fighting for democracy at home and abroad, and keeping extremists out of the White House, this election is also about grappling with climate change while we still can. For too long we have lackadaisically watched as temperatures rose, wildfires spread, and storms got worse. I have been sounding the alarm on this for the better part of forty years. Make no mistake, President Obama and President Biden got us on the right track when it came to making significant progress both at home and abroad, but we have got to do more and we have got the tools to do more.

More importantly, climate activism has for too long been pilloried as the purview of nosy, goody-two-shoes liberals, and I’ll tell you now that I reject that premise entirely. Climate change is not about ending jobs, but creating them. Climate change is not about making our present dull and unfun, but making our future worth living for. Fighting climate change today means not just taking a progressive stand, but also investing in jobs and infrastructure across the country, creating a rising tide of government investment which lifts all boats.”

From Austin, the Vice President would head to San Antonio, hosting events through the city and its suburbs before preparing to leave Texas. The campaign could only hope that its efforts in the state would be sufficient. Of course, the campaign had one final Texas trip scheduled: a final rally on March 4th, but in the meantime other states called.

March 2nd and 3rd: Tar Heel Trucking

Source: MTSU News

If Texas was the largest prize of the Super Tuesday states, North Carolina was a close second. The state, the most populous of the Upper South, and a perennial swing competition in Presidential Elections would showcase not just a candidate’s ability to win a diverse electorate, but also their ability to win in what promised to be a key swing state in November. For the Gore Campaign, the swing through North Carolina would involve stops in Asheville, Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington and finally Charlotte. With only three days left until voting, there was not enough time to do much else.

Beginning in Asheville on March 2nd, the Vice President engaged in a series of smaller meet and greets and canvass launches with local voters and volunteers. The Sandhills, while not the most populous region of the state, would nevertheless be important in securing a winning margin in such a closely divided contest. In Ashville the campaign’s message would focus on its progressive bonafides, while outside the city messaging would focus more heavily on Gore’s experience and electability.

Leaving Asheville, Gore arrived in Raleigh-Durham for a series of larger events and rallies with Governor Roy Cooper and Representatives Deborah Ross and Jeff Jackson. Starting in Forsyth County, the candidate would make his way through Guilford, Orange, Durham and finally Wake counties, meeting with voters and volunteers in this vote-rich region of the state. The day would end with a rally in, fittingly, Raleigh, where the Vice President, with his surrogates in tow would make his case to North Carolina voters.

“You know, for the better part of 15 years it feels like education has fallen on the backburner, but we have to acknowledge now that we have a crisis in education in this country. Our schools are underfunded, our teachers are underpaid and under attack day in and day out by right wing extremists. Nearly 1,000 school districts in this country no longer have the money to keep their doors open five days a week and here in North Carolina that number is growing. Imagine that, 1,000 schools losing 20% of their time to educate our next generation. New federal funding must be allocated to cover these schools’ shortfalls.

But it is more than that. We are the greatest and richest nation on the face of this planet, and our schools and our students and our teachers deserve more than just five days a week of education. We need a massive new investment into our schools for revolutionary improvements in the classrooms, for higher standards and more accountability, to put fully qualified teachers in every classroom, test all new teachers and give teachers the training and professional development they deserve. It's time to treat and reward teachers like the professionals they are. This is about more than just solving a problem of the present, this is about securing our future.”

From there, on March 3rd, the Gore Campaign would swing through Wilmington before hitting Charlotte and its suburbs. March 3rd would be the final day the candidate could afford to spend in North Carolina and so the Vice President hoped to capitalize on this time by hitting an incredibly vote dense Charlotte metropolitan area. There, again joined by Governor Roy Cooper, the Vice President tied the struggles for open and free government in North Carolina to those struggles nationally.

“You all here in North Carolina know what is at stake for our democracy. You and your governor have been fighting Republicans hellbent on taking away your rights for the past eight years. Make no mistake, DC Republicans are looking at North Carolina for inspiration. They have adopted root and stem and leaf the same anti-democracy platform that you all have been fighting for years. That’s what makes this election so important. You let them get a foot in the door and before you know it your right to choose is gone, your right to vote is reduced, your child’s freedom to learn is constrained. This is no ordinary election - this is an election for our national soul and whether we will go backwards or forwards.

March 4th: Carry me Back to Virginia (and Texas)

March 4th, the final day, found the Vice President with a jam packed schedule. The day would begin in Virginia with a Richmond rally, would see a visit and several events in the DC suburbs, and would finally conclude with a brief return to Texas, and the final rally of the campaign before voting began.

On beginning the day in Richmond, the Vice President would be joined by Senator Tim Kaine and Representative Bobby Scott. In Richmond, Gore would continue to hammer home the campaign themes and turning north to the DC Suburbs, where he was again joined by Senator Kaine in addition to Representative Don Beyer, he would continue to flesh out his education policy. Beyond that, the Gore Campaign’s focus in Virginia remained portraying the Vice President, as the consensus, electable option. Reminiscent of Biden’s 2020 victory in the state, the campaign’s messaging presented Gore as the bridge between the progressive and moderate wings of the party, and as the candidate who could keep the White House in Democratic hands in November.

Source: SF Gate

Leaving Virginia, Al Gore flew to Houston for a final rally, before settling in for the long wait. In Houston, joined by his slate of Texas endorsers, and key campaign leaders, Gore’s campaign wanted to end the Super Tuesday sprint with a forceful display of the Vice President’s momentum, and thus planned their largest rally to date at the NRG Arena. Before a crowd of thousands, and an overflow crowd pooling outside, the Vice President made his final case.

“I'm happy that the stock market has boomed and so many businesses and new enterprises have done well. This country is richer and stronger for President Biden’s efforts and countless working families are doing better today than they were four years ago. But we must redouble our focus on working families, people trying to make house payments and car payments, working overtime to save for college and do right by their kids. We are Democrats, not Republicans. We are the party of regular Americans.

Whether you're in a suburb or an inner city, whether you raise crops or drive hogs and cattle on a farm, drive a big rig on the interstate or drive your kids to school in a minivan, whether you're starting out to raise your own family or getting ready to retire after a lifetime of hard work, so often powerful forces and powerful interests stand in your way and the odds seem stacked against you, even as you do what's right for you and your family.

How and what we do for all of you, the people who pay the taxes, bear the burdens and live the American dream, that is the standard by which we should be judged. And for all of our good times, I am not satisfied. I am not satisfied that one in six Americans still live in poverty. I am not satisfied that there are still millions of Americans who feel forgotten. I am not satisfied that we are a rich country with far too many people who have been left behind. This is our chance to renew the American dream and I hope that you join me.”

With that, the Vice President strode off stage and got ready to wait.

March 5th: Waiting

Election day would see the Vice President attend a few canvass launches and do several media spots with Texas, North Carolina and Virginia television stations. By 3PM he had flown back to Nashville to nervously wait for the returns.

[YPestis25]

Gore Advertisements

Crisis:

Source: NavyTimes

*Images of a dangerous new world play out across the screen: Chinese ships in the South China Sea, Vladimir Putin leaving meetings etc.*

*Voter 1*

I’m worried about the future.

*Voter 2*

It feels like things keep getting worse around the globe.

Source: Decider

*Insert images of Roger Stone, Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump*

*Voter 3*

…and even at home.

*Voter 1*

That's I’m voting for the candidate who can lead on day one.

*Voter 2*

I’m voting for the candidate who can go toe to toe with dictators around the world.

*Voter 3*

I’m voting for Al Gore.

Courage:

Source: Lombard Odier

*Al Gore Addresses the Audience*

My father taught me the meaning of political courage. He lost his last election to the United States Senate for supporting Civil Rights. He taught me that it is better to stand up for what’s right than do what is easy.

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica

*Narrator changes to a third person and images of Al Gore’s career play across the screen.*

That’s why Al Gore stood up in the fight against climate change. That’s why Al Gore supported gay marriage in 2008. That’s why Al Gore is running for President today. America needs a candidate with the courage to do what is right, and not just what is easy.

America needs Al Gore.

*These will play across all Super Tuesday states, with particularly focuses to be provided later.*

[Left Wing]

Lone Star Progressive

After arriving on the ground in Austin, Senator Merkley would be greeted by a delegation led by Chuck Rocha. He had procured everything in his power for Jeff Merkley to make a major push here in the final days before the primary in the state and Jeff wanted him front and center for all of it. Rocha ensured that reporters would be recording his greeting to Senator Merkley as he left the airport in which Rocha, fully outfitted in his traditional cowboy outfit, would exclaim "Bienvenidos, welcome to Texas!" and hand Senator Merkley a cowboy hat for him to wear during his time in the state. Image was key and camping up the state's culture would go a long way to making Jeff look like a relatable affable guy.

His first rally in the state, at the University of Texas would be a powerhouse for his efforts. Austin in a lot of ways embodied the core demographic for Merkley's campaign. It had been a famous progressive bastion in the state for decades and was reputable for its alternative culture. Its high concentration of students and artsy types would be a major boon to the Senator. But it also represented a city in which many were concerned about corporate America infringing on local culture, with more and more tech workers eating up the local economy and rising homelessness. The Senator believed his message of housing and 21st Century progressivism was the perfect blend for the city.

He had obtained the endorsement of Austin Congressman Greg Casar, a noted progressive. He would join Merkley throughout the day for canvassing in East Austin before heading central to the rally at UT. The campaign had secured two very special guests to headline the event, legendary Texas musician Willie Nelson and Chicago Mayor Chuy Garcia. Garcia had announced his support for Merkley's campaign the previous night and had flown down to Texas to join him at this crucial event. As one of the first Mexican-born mayors of a major American city, the campaign hoped that he could speak to the many Mexican-Americans in the state about Merkley's commitment to their community.

Of course, Willie Nelson's appeal in the state hardly even needed to be stated. The 90 year old musician's support for Democratic candidates was believed to have made an impact in past elections and he was more than happy to perform at the Senator's rally.

After finishing his performance of "On the Road Again", Willie introduced to the stage Congressman Casar. After Casar's speech, Mayor Garcia appeared onstage before introducing Senator Merkley himself.

Thank you! Thank you!

Let's hear it for Willie Nelson everyone! Alright! How are we doing Austin? Hahaha. My name is Greg Casar, and I'm probably some of the people here's tonight congressman. In my time in Congress, I've fought constantly for Texas values. Not the values that political pundits and Republicans try to ascribe to this great state, but the values of reward for hard work, of protecting individual liberty for every citizen and of building our communities up, not breaking them down. I know so many people here in this city and this state are tired of people telling us what we are, what we should do, persecuting immigrants and LGBT folks and women's bodies and any other enemy that they come up with.

Well Jeff Merkley is here today because he sees Texas as more than this. He knows we have so many people here who know that to fight back against backwards Republican policies, we need to be bold. We can't afford to argue on their terms when it comes to healthcare or the climate crisis or any other issue. And that's why we're going to vote for Jeff on Tuesday.

...

Hola Texas!

My name is Chuy Garcia and I'm grateful for the welcome your state and your city have given me. Up in Chicago where I'm Mayor, we see a lot of the same issues that you are experiencing here in Austin. Rising homelessness and housing costs have threatened to make our cities unlivable for the vast majority of people. As Mayor I've made extensive efforts to turn this issue around by investing in our public housing and pursuing smart policies to take care of the homeless safely and humanely. We've seen real results and that's why I want to tell you we need Jeff Merkley as President. His housing bill is sorely needed to tackle this issue from the national level and give our cities the resources we need to remain safe and livable.

But I also want to talk to you tonight as not just a mayor, but also as a Mexican immigrant. When I was a boy my family was granted access to the United States through the Bracero Program, part of the Mexican labor agreement originally secured by President Roosevelt. This was in the days when government was willing to think big and make bold changes to help our economy. It was also when the Government understood sensible ways to reform immigration and allow people to share in the prosperity of this great nation.

Unfortunately, we just don't see this anymore, with Republicans continually shutting the doors to all immigrants. Demeaning them and using a political props in acts of unthinkable cruelty. It's time we elect someone who understands this issue. Jeff Merkley will end the thuggish crackdowns of ICE on our communities and he'll protect DREAMers to the last stand. We've had a lot of false promises from Washington, but I believe in Jeff and I'm hoping you can too.

...

Wow, thank you Austin!

Thank you all for being here tonight, that includes Congressman Casar, Mayor Garcia and of course, Mr. Willie Nelson. Let's hear it for them! applause Texas, I know many of you feel neglected. You're tired of being written off as a red state, a right wing state. Too many Democrats are prepared to triage our efforts here in the name of other ventures. But I believe in Texas. I see the enthusiasm here tonight and all over this state, there are so many people fighting for change, for a better future and we're going to make it happen.

I want to build an America in which every worker can succeed, whether you're in art or tech or service or manufacturing, you'll all have a place in our economy. And that's a place in which you are ensured basic human dignities; free medical care, affordable housing, reasonable wages. Our movement right now is moving full steam ahead right now and if we keep this momentum, we can take it to the White House. That's what you have the opportunity to do right now Texas.

...

After the rally, Senator Merkley would spend the next day in San Antonio canvassing more Hispanic communities. He would also meet with former Congressional Candidate Jessica Cisneros and announce her endorsement for his campaign. After an entire day of covering the city, The Senator would depart Texas and head north for a rally in Boston headlined by prominent endorsers like Senators Warren and Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Mayor Michelle Wu. He had done practically everything he could in the Southwest, he now needed to lock down the bay state and prevent the upset Sanders 2020 loss in the state from repeating itself.

Surrogates:

With his inability to hit every state, Senator Merkley would rely heavily on his surrogates to keep his campaign present across Super Tuesday states. His most endorsement-rich states-Vermont and Massachusetts, would be met with campaigning from both of their Senate delegations in addition to some more popular local politicians like Representatives Balint and Pressley and Mayor Wu

Ilhan Omar would make some appearances for the Senator in Minneapolis, emphasizing his support for her in face of racist Republican attacks, Keith Ellison would also tag along. Former Utah gubernatorial candidate Chris Peterson would speak at some Merkley events in Utah to attach a known name. Troy Jackson would also make a heavy effort in Maine, especially in the northern areas near his district where Bernie underperformed in 2020.

Nationwide he would rely on AOC to get the word out through social media, making frequent use of her popular Twitter and Instagram accounts to emphasize the importance of voting for Senator Merkley on Tuesday.

Campaign Ad: "Relentless"

To be aired in all Super Tuesday States, in English and Spanish in CA, UT, CO and TX

Images and footage of actions described, Trump and Stephen Miller in press conferences

NARRATOR: When the Trump administration separated families at the border, tried to ban immigrants based on their religion and started brutal crackdowns against migrant communities things looked dark.

Footage of Jeff Merkley at Southern Border interlaid with headlines

NARRATOR: But Jeff Merkley never backed down. He went to Trump's detention facilities and shown a light on the appalling conditions. He lead the charge to introduce legislation to protect children and prevent raids on schools and churches. Because when Jeff Merkley fights for something, he'll be relentless until he gets it. And he'll do the same thing as President.

Merkley: I'm Jeff Merkley and I approve this message.

[PPT Spiral]

Keep Crying

Victory finally arrived. To the most enthusiastic of crowds, Roger Stone took the stage at his watch party in Trump International at Las Vegas to address his moment, the movement's moment, with the nation watching:


*crowd chants "Stone! Stone! Stone!"*

*Stone arrives and flashes signature Nixonian V sign*

This is incredible! God bless you all! Thank you, thank you!

 I just got off the phone with Governor Youngkin, who gave a very gracious concession. Without any doubt or hesitation, we can now say victory is ours! This is our moment! This is *your* moment! *cheers*

We have seen a true demonstration of the will of the people tonight, folks. Nevada came out far and wide, from the streets of Vegas to the ranches across our frontier. Workers showed up. Conservatives showed up. Americans showed up!

We have overcome together with everything against us. The establishment and all their cronies have been slandering you and I for many months, thinking they can get their way with their divide-and-conquer methods. They clearly have work to do.

To all the fakes, tools, dipsh**ts, and other haters who thought they could bury Roger Stone tonight, I say to you only this: Keep crying. *laughter and cheers*

I've been around the game a long time, folks. Here's what they'll try doing now. Their golden boy DeSantis is no longer, and they'll drop him for the next shiny object. Who can blame them? We just made him go from first to fourth here tonight! *laughter* All the while, this media and establishment will only try harder to keep the America First movement split. We must fight like hell, every minute of every day until the convention, to stop them dead at their tracks.

There are so many people I'd like to thank, but I'll mention a few I mustn't forget. I'd like to thank Kari Lake, Matt Gaetz, and all the patriots who have joined this campaign of unity. I'd like to thank President Trump for speaking truth and staying strong through all the persecution and turmoil. I especially have to thank my wife Nydia and my whole family for always being at my side. They always keep me grounded about what this campaign is all about: you and your families.

For all of us here and all of you watching across these United States, it's full speed ahead to the White House! Thank you all!


Stone has been vindicated by his win in Nevada. He has been vindicated through all of the endorsements by former opponents. He knew, of course, that there would only be more obstacles ahead after this shocking evening scrambled everything.

He would be ready for it all.

[PPT Spiral]

The Peace Candidate

The world was shifting. Russia mobilizing troops like never before. China finally making their play at Taiwan. Meanwhile, American leadership was in a precarious situation like never before. Roger Stone would capitalize on the global rumblings in the lead-up to Super Tuesday, defining the race and his campaign under his terms. He would stand proudly against further escalations in Ukraine and Taiwan, furnishing his America First credentials on military adventurism in contrast to the field. Stone would also set the public narrative on his lobbying days under Black, Manafort & Stone before any opponents ever used that period against him. He advanced American interests and went up against some of the toughest world leaders; only he could negotiate real peace.

As part of his California tour, Stone paid homage to past bosses and friends of his. After making a visit to reconnect with past colleagues at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, the candidate delivered a major foreign policy speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library:

Look at what we have seen out of China and Russia in recent weeks. It's a sign of utter failure from the top. Old Man Biden and Cackling Kamala are in no position to do anything worth a damn with leadership. This all never happened under Trump, and for a reason. What our leaders are doing now to compensate is a dangerous path, and we've got to call them out on it.

The War Party, the foreign policy blob, the neocons. Whatever you call them by, they have long been instigating the downfall of America and the ransacking of the rest of the world. Their careless judgment in spending trillions of dollars and sacrificing thousands of precious American lives has only caused further pain and suffering. It's not the role of America to propogate bloodshed. What we must do, as my bosses President Trump and Reagan had done, is fiercely defend our interests at home and be the stern peacebroker. Peace through strength, as the old saying goes.

The billions that we have already spent on Ukraine and on Taiwan come at a steep cost, but our institutions in Washington and the media will never tell you that. They only steer us towards a head-on collision with Russia, or China, or both! Do we truly want to start World War III before our very eyes? The death and destruction would be unthinkable. There's talk from Biden and others about troops on the ground. Have they thought for a second to reflect on what that would mean?

All of my Republican opponents have sadly been complicit in this charade. Glenn Youngkin, the establishment's Mr. Bought and Paid For, is in lockstep with the Military-Industrial Complex and all their wishes. So is Ron DeSantis, who is really a Bush at heart. Even Josh Hawley, who we all know talks a big game on America First, has used the establishment's same Russia talking points against me and President Trump. Now, when you've got chickenhawks like Little Marco Rubio on your side, that shows your true colors.

I am the only peace candidate in this race. We will keep America safe under my watch and we will bring order to this world. I've got the street cred for this, too. During the Reagan years, I started a consulting firm and worked with the administration to advance pro-America foreign policy across all continents. I have more experience dealing with thugs and killers in my pinky finger than the rest of these guys combined. Putin and Xi will know that we're not to be messed with.

As your President, I will never endanger American lives on a reckless military campaign. I will never pump billions of taxpayer dollars into only escalating conflicts. I will bring these countries to the table, and we will make some real peace agreements with backbone. It's time! No longer will we play with American lives and resources! This is America First!