2010 US Presidential Election

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Originally Posted by Westbrook 49

Vinick picked him because he's pro-life, and everything else, Sullivan modified his positions to fit the more moderate (And pro-choice) Vinick.

I thought that was it. I remember the scene where he smacked down Don Butler over Butler's opposition to Vinick.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

BBC News Asia-Pacific

N. Korea Planning New "Media Ministry" In Propaganda Push

Pyongyang-Official sources within the reclusive North Korean regime are confirming that a recent film starring American actress Ellen Trudy is part of a major new propaganda effort aimed at enhancing Premier Kang Sun-U's reputation as a filmmaker in an attempt to bring "The glory and beauty of North Korean culture" to the rest of the world. The film, which uses several scenes of the American television programme "Roseanne" dubbed in Korean with new dialogue, is currently being analyzed by American intelligence experts after several YouTube users pointed out a message scratched on a wall in one of the film's scenes which appears to read "Save Me". Ms. Trudy, who became Mr. Sun-U's latest wife in a highly publicized ceremony, has not been seen in public since the wedding.

With tensions increasing between North and South Korea, many, particularly Ms. Trudy's family, have expressed grave concern for her safety and are asking that the North Korean government allow them to make contact with her. North Korea has so far not responded to these requests except to issue a statement saying that Ms. Trudy is in the country of her own free will and is a "loyal subject and devout follower of the Revolution."

In additional news, the Carsey-Werner Company is considering bringing a lawsuit against the North Korean government for copyright infringement in using footage of the programme without their consent.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Monday December 13th 2010

Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News

Senator Howard Niering to be Secretary of Education

In the last few minutes, the Walken Transation team have announced that the out-going Senator from Conniectuict Howard Niering will be the choice for Secretary of Education.
Niering who is a former teacher was Governor of the state for three terms from 1991 to 2003, where one of his main sucess in office where massive inmprovements and investment in school standards.
Niering replaces the first choice of Missouri Senator Ron Fox who withdrew his name from consideration after opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans.
Niering is well respected by all sides, and it is expected that the choice will be welcomed by most from both parties.
Niering was also vetted for Vice-President by the Walken team, and was on the final list of five earlier in the year.
Here is the bio of Howard Niering:
Howard Niering
Born February 25th 1955, Albany, New York
A American Politician currently serving as the Senator from Conniectuict
He had earlier served as Governor of the state for three terms from 1991 to 2003.
On Monday December 13th 2010 he was announced as the choice for Secretary of Education in the in-coming Walken adminstration.
He was born in the city of Albany, in New York State to Parents William and Shirley. He father was a Former Paratrooper who had served 82 Airborne during World War Two.He had earned the Congressional medal of honor during Operation Market Garden in 1944. His mother was a school teacher.
He followed his mother into teaching, after graduating from the school she herself taught at Alabany High School in 1973. He then moved to the University of Connecticut, where he graduated in 1977.
After two years teacher training he began working as a teacher at Hartford High School in 1979.
Until 1984, he had shown no interest in politics until he complained to the state Education board about cuts in funding for his school. Angry about the cuts by the Deomcratic Governor Hugh Callaghan, he decided to run for City Council that same year and won. He carried on Teaching as well. He was seen as a rising star in the Republican party, he was asked to run for Congress in 1988, turning it down in favor of running for Governor against Callaghan in 1990. In a bitter race Niering won by the narrowest of margins 50.2% to 49.8%.
After such a close race four years before he easily defeated Callaghan's former Lt Governor James Foot winning 73% to 27%, although he was helped in part by President Owen Lassiter's landslide election win. He ran for a third term in 1998 winning against Congressman David Henderson 66% to 34%.
Stressing fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, job creation and lean government, his tenure as Governor was highlighted by twelve years without raising taxes, the largest single tax cut and largest budget surplus in state history, "welfare-to-work" policies, increasing annual school funding,paid for by selling of un-wanted Government buildings and land, high academic standards and new college opportunities, the strengthening of law enforcement and improved environmental standards. By the end of his third term, he had an approval rating of 78 %.
Deciding against a fourth term in 2002, he retired to wait for a run against Senator Edward Steel two years later.Niering defeated the five term Senator 59% to 41%.
In the Senate he has been a firm supporter of Education reform, and has worked across party lines. He was also a strong supporter of the intervention by the Bartlet administration in Equatorial Kundu in 2003 and Gaza two years later.He announced last year that he would not seek re-election in 2010.
He married Sarah Carter in 1984, and they have one child Lewis born in 1985. Lewis has followed his Grandfather and joined the paratroopers, he has served both in Equatorial Kundu and Gaza.

[KahukuMan10]

thedailydose.com

Niering receives acclaim from both sides

After the disastrous attempt to get Missouri Senator Ron Fox appointed as Education Secretary, who was slammed by both democrats and republicans alike, it seems that the Walken administration has found a solid man for the job who will be supported on both sides. Outgoing senator from Connecticut Howard Niering has been named as the nominee, and has received wide praise.

Senator-elect Camille Aubry (D-CO), who has become notoriously well-known for her outspokenness and brash nature, spoke very highly of Niering in her op-ed piece today for the Huffington Post. "Senator Niering has gotten to where he is today because people like him, and because he's able to work deals. He does not always walk the partisan line, and is a good guy to work with. He'll make a great education secretary."

[Westbrook 49]

thewashingtonpost.com, Monday, December 13th, 2010.

Whiteside: Sees "No Obstacle" In Confirming Niering.

Senator Sam Whiteside, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said that he saw "no obstacle" to confirming Senator Howard Niering as Secretary of Education.

"It's not going to be a problem," Whiteside said when reached at his office for comment. "Howard's an excellent choice for Secretary of Education, a bold thinker, and he has plenty of experience. Unless there's some issue in his background, which I highly doubt, I see no obstacle in getting him confirmed."

Niering has been the Senator from Connecticut since 2004, and retired earlier this year. He was Governor since 1994, and displayed an interest in education both times, while his replacement in both the Governor's office and the Senate was Democrat Chris Casey.

[KahukuMan10]

globalaffairs.com

American Foreign Policy of the 2010s

By James Gatsby

With the election of Glen Allan Walken to the Presidency, the United States will see a drastic change in foreign policy. From the years of Jed Bartlet, who sought to use US military only to help those that could not help themselves, to the one-term Matt Santos who attempted, with little success, to emulate his predecessor. Now we, as a country, have a President who will trample the good that the last 12 years have had on US foreign policy.

I'll be the first to admit, that the two conflicts abroad that the US has found itself in, are not smart geopolitically. In Kazakhstan, what could be characterized as the only major disappointment of the Bartlet administration, has finally seemed to resolve itself, as all parties have ended violence and democracy has resumed. In Gaza, recent news shows that hostilities are down, and attacks are infrequent. The Palestinians are showing that they are able to build a nation well, and their middle eastern neighbors are lending a helping hand. Saudi Arabia and Egypt donated over $200 billion dollars in total aid this year alone, and the 'nation,' if we can call it that yet, has begun developing its own industries sending people back to work. All of this has been done under the careful foreign policy developed under President Bartlet and his Secretary of State Lewis Berryhill, and continued under President Santos and Secretary Vinick.

Much of this will change come January 20th, 2011, when Glen Allan Walken, most famous for his three-days as acting President (which, by the way, does not mean anyone had to refer to him as President before he won on November 2nd) in which he bombed the hell out of the nation of Qumar. Literally. He made statements during the campaign advocating his hawkish nature, yet he has seemingly contradicted himself by deciding to keep Arnold Vinick on as Secretary of State. A man who has become increasingly more Bartlet-esque in terms of his foreign policy. Many assumed that President Santos was simply going to use Mr. Vinick as a man to pledge bipartisanship and a good face to lead the State department, myself included, but that was not the case. However, as an expert on foreign policy, I believe that President-elect Walken is doing this. He has always been a hawk in nature, I've watched him since he entered the house, and that has always been his foreign policy style of choice. And he's chosen Vinick as a counter-weight to Bob Kilner, his Defense Secretary to be, who shares his hawkish beliefs.

All of this means is that despite strong US foreign policy over the past 12 years, in which the US has strengthened ties with countries across the globe and fostered several young democracies, we are now faced with a radically different approach. With a President with an entirely different agenda on the global scene that his predecessors, it is unclear how this will affect US standing around the globe. We should be worried. When you leave the internal disputes the country faces and you move onto foreign affairs, there's no messing around. It's not politics at this stage, its the real deal.

James Gatsby is the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and a regular contributed for globalaffairs.com, the New York Times, and many others.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

CNN

Former Secretary of State Sidney Gregg Dies

Washington-Reports are coming in that former Secretary of State Sidney Gregg, who served under D. Wire Newman, has died from an aneurysm, according to his family. Mr. Gregg was 66 years old.

Gregg became known as an effective Secretary of State during Newman's administration, during which the Berlin Wall fell and Iraq invaded Kuwait. He gained international acclaim for a speech he gave at the United Nations on U.S.-Soviet relations. Gregg remained active in diplomatic efforts after leaving the White House, helping to broker an end to the Kosovo conflict in 1995 and supporting the appointment of Lewis Berryhill as President Bartlet's choice for Secretary of State.

Recently, Mr. Gregg had become involved in the Gaza conflict, helping the Palestinians to craft an agreement with the Israeli government for an eventual Palestinian state.

"Gregg was a tireless advocate for the cause of peace throughout the world," former President Newman said on Monday. "Through his efforts, the world became a better place. He will be missed."

Politicians from across the spectrum came together to offer praise for Gregg and to offer condolences for his family. "I knew him when I was a Senator," Secretary of State Vinick said. "He was a true statesman and helped influence my own interest in foreign policy."

"Sydney Gregg was a tireless worker for finding an end to conflict around the world," President Santos added. "A man of peace, who had a warrior's inner strength and passion for helping us to find the better angels of our nature...may he now find his own peace."

"He was a good man, a hard worker, he believed in doing what he thought was right regardless of international policy at the time," President-elect Walken said. "Godspeed, and thank you from a grateful nation and world."

Mr. Gregg will be buried in his hometown according to his final wishes, a family spokesman said.
________

Inspired by the news of the death of Richard Holbrooke; I didn't know if there was an analogue in the WWU or not but I thought Gregg could come close. Since I couldn't find a great deal of information about "Gregg," I decided that this could be a tribute...if it's inappropriate you can let me know; thanks!

[KahukuMan10]

realclearpolitics.com

Seaborn reiterates tax position

With people continuing to clamor over the future of the tax plan that President-elect Walken will put forth once he is inaugurated in January, Senator-elect Seaborn who recently announced his position, reiterated it today.

"As I said last week, I look forward to working with Republicans on achieving tax cuts for the middle class, the working class, and the poor people in our country. I look forward to cutting the small business tax to help reinvigorate the economy, and I look forward to closing all the loopholes that the current tax code has. I am not, however, going to work towards cutting taxes on the wealthiest 1% of americans. I won't stand for it, one, because its bad economics, and two, because it'll blow a gigantic $700 billion dollar hole in our already increasingly large deficit."

Seaborn's position is that of many democrats, left, right, or center now-a-days. They're going to put the ball in the Republicans court. They claim fiscal responsibility, they better play fiscally responsible. You can't cut taxes and not cut spending, and you really can't cut taxes when they blow a $700 billion dollar deficit.

[Prometheus_2300]

Originally Posted by WestVirginiaRebel

________

Inspired by the news of the death of Richard Holbrooke; I didn't know if there was an analogue in the WWU or not but I thought Gregg could come close. Since I couldn't find a great deal of information about "Gregg," I decided that this could be a tribute...if it's inappropriate you can let me know; thanks!

While I like the idea of a memorial I doubt our show's producers would kill off Gregg, especially since his actor (Michael Douglas) is battling cancer right now.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Well, Jon Spencer's death was dealt with directly on the show (and Leo had a heart attack right before it happened). So you never know...

[Prometheus_2300]

Originally Posted by WestVirginiaRebel

Well, Jon Spencer's death was dealt with directly on the show (and Leo had a heart attack right before it happened). So you never know...

That's different the actor died, not the person's analogue. If Michael Douglas died I could see this, but I can not see the producers killing off a character when the actor that plays him has cancer.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Hmm...maybe a different actor for Gregg? Or a different Secretary of State for the Holbrooke figure although I can't see who aside from Berryhill and he would be too recent I would think.

[Westbrook 49]

chicagotribune.com, December 14th, 2010.

Montgomery Say Senate Needs "True Leader of the Opposition;" Says "Moderation Has Gotten Us Nowhere."

Senator George Montgomery, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, said that he would be the best choice for Majority Leader because he will not "appease" Republicans, and that Democrats need to return to their liberal roots.

Montgomery said that the Republican-controlled Senate needs a "true leader of the opposition, not someone who will pander to the Republicans and carry messages back and forth like a dog who doesn't know who it's master is. I'm not going to appease Republicans, simply because they are in the majority."

When questioned about his meaning, Montgomery went on a rant:
"With the election of GlenAllen Walken, the Republican Party has turned hard to the right. Democrats need to do the same, we need to return to our liberal roots, and get ready for a fight! Enough of this "centrism" and "moderation." Moderation has gotten us nowhere! It is time for the true Democrats to resume their rightful place at the top of the party, it is time for a real liberal leader in the Senate. It's time for the real debate, not this bs of 'compromise.' Let's have two parties, and Democrats be Democrats, and Republicans be Republicans, shall we?"

Though no names were said during the interview, it was clear that Montgomery was referring to his main opponent in the Majority Leader's race, Senator Lloyd Russell of New Mexico. Senator Arthur Breech of Hawaii is also running.

[Westbrook 49]

politico.com, Tuesday, December 14th, 2010.

Ross Says There is "Probably" Some Room for Maneuvering on Health Care and Education; Does Qualify That "No Major Reforms" Could Get Done.

Former Congressman Pete Ross, who will become Counselor to President-elect GlenAllen Walken, said that there was a possibility that issues of health care and education could be worked on in the next Congress.

Ross said that "The main focus is going to be on the economy, obviously, and security issues. But that doesn't mean that we're going to be ignoring everything else. I think that there is probably some room for negotiation on health care and education for example. Honestly, there were some good things in the last plans, and those are issues that I think could be brought up again."

Ross did offer a qualification: "These reforms, if they were taken, would be minor. I think that no major thing could or would be passed, nothing on the level of what the last guy proposed, no truly major overhauls."

[KahukuMan10]

CNN.com

Straus released from hospital

Democratic Ohio senate contender Hayden Straus, who was admitted to the hospital in critical condition last week was released this morning. He has been diagnosed with stage one lung cancer. Straus, who was a heavy smoker in his youth, stated that his mother was right when he started smoking at 16. It could kill him.

He's stated that he plans to go through chemotherapy regardless of whether or not he is declared the winner of the senate race. "I can't stop what the electors have already decided. If I'm elected, I'll go through chemo, if I'm not, I'll go through chemo. My health is not something I want to mess with."

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM

Tuesday December 14th 2010

Re-count finishes in Ohio Senate race-Straus lead down to 29 votes, as now decision begins on disputed ballots

It's been six weeks since the polls closed in Ohio, and today the state wide re-count has ended.
There has been rumour and counter rumour, with some news agencies and blogs giving out conflicting results. It has been announced that Hayden Straus still leads Carrie McIntosh, but now the margin has dropped from 92 votes (or 85 depending on what figures you use) to just 29 votes. This result has not be certified because there are still over 1,200 ballots that are in dispute. These will be looked over the course of 48-72 hours. The Final result will then announced this Friday. It looks almost certain whoever is the loser will straight away be appealing the result, so it still be a while till will find out who will be the next Senator from Ohio.

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Tuesday December 14th 2010

Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News

Chancellor Lamont "I am going make the rich bxxxards pay"

Chancellor Daniel Lamont has been caught saying at a Labour fundraiser at Hilton hotel in London, tonight saying that he was "going to make the rich bxxxards pay" at the next budget due in March.
More later

[Marky Bunny]

BBC.CO.UK/News

Tuesday December 14th 2010

Three Former PM'S pay tribute to Gregg

Three Former Prime-Ministers Henry Reed, Ricky Meyer and Maureen Graty paid to tribute to Former US Secretary of State, Sidney Gregg.
Henry Reed called him "a giant", whilst Ricky Meyer praised his work in the Balkans and the 1998 Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement "Sidney showed working for the Lassiter administration as special envoy he could get things do and working for the other party, he was a great statesman".
Maureen Graty "He was a great man, a man who worked for peace amongst nations".
A poll from US today has voted Gregg the "best President we never had" even ahead of Arnold Vinick.

[KahukuMan10]

themarketplace.com

Critics need to shut up

By Jim Hohner Jr.

No matter what anyone tells you, regardless liberals or conservatives, the Walken economic plan will be headed up by soon-to-be President Glen Allan Walken, not Stephen Kendrick, not me, nor anyone else. Just President Walken. While you have the left wing critics out there like Paul Krugman and Brandon Fields, who say that government needs to be involved, I say we've had 12 years of government involvement, it's time for a change. So far dubbed, Walkenomics, the economic plan put forward by President Walken, (which if I may remind readers was vindicated this past November with his election to the Presidency) is a fairly simple policy of four crucial steps to reinvigorate the economy.

1) Reduce government spending, our economy has been driven deep into debt and it needs to get out, the only way to do so is to cut spending. Not only that, but it does not even actually stimulate the economy in any way. 2) Reduce income and capital gains marginal tax rates, we don't need government intervention in the economy, we need real, hard core stimulus. And the only way for that to happen is to cut taxes on all classes of society. It's simple economics at that point, when people have more money, they spend more money. 3) Reduce government regulation, for 12 long years our economy needs to be freed up, not tied down more. The American people seem to agree. Wall Street and our financial industries cannot afford to be bothered with government regulators while they're trying to readjust following this long recession. 4) Control the money supply to reduce inflation, the most important aspect our governing is our ability to keep the US economy strong, which also means keeping our currency strong. And to do this, we need to control our monetary supply so that the value of the dollar never falls off dramatically.

All of these policies have been done by Presidents Reagan and Lassiter, and its proven to be very lucrative for the economy when they've been in control. It is for that reason that I, on behalf of my good friend, and a good friend to all Americans, Glen Allan Walken, ask that you trust us to guide the country through this rough economic times. If you live in a district where a democrat is representing you, but not your interests in the economy, I strongly encourage you to call them up to voice your opinions on how to fix the economy, and make sure they listen to you. For the only way to achieve progress, is by working together, and for that, we need everyone on the same page as Glen Allan Walken.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Global Business

Walken Calls For Asian-American Free Trade Zone

Liberty, MO-Taking a break from spending his last holiday in his home town to discuss his foreign policy plans, President-Elect Walken today called for the creation of an Asian free trade zone which would include Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and India in his most ambitious statement yet on what has come to be known as "Walkenomics."

"Free trade is good for America, and good for the world," Mr. Walken said. "Japan and the United States have already agreed to share technology through our two space agencies. While we expand the frontiers of knowledge together, let's also expand the frontiers of opportunity for the free people of Asia's most important democracies."

Mr. Walken said that he was confident he could get a free trade deal passed through the Democratic-controlled House, reminding potential foes that the Bartlet administration crafted a similar deal with India and that President Bartlet supported CAFTA while he was in Congress, in a not-so-subtle reminder of President Santos's "I supported it before I was against it" gaffe during his first campaign.

President-elect Walken will be spending the remainder of the week meeting with his foreign policy team to craft a strategy for Gaza and supporting the upcoming elections in Qumar.