2010 US Presidential Election

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Originally Posted by Marky Bunny

Qumar already has a Prime-Minister Zuben Ahmed. He was the first Prime-Minister appointed after the March 2007 coup. After reading the story above the Sultan was overthrown during that revolution and shot and was replaced by his Cousin, a more moderate Ali Usef.
See this page from July this year.
http://www.alternatehistory.com/disc...09942&page=102

Changed to show that the next prime minister would be Qumar's first elected one. My take on Qumar is that it seems to be a cross between Saudi Arabia (with a royal family that still has great influence) and post-invasion Iraq (subject to political infighting and election disputes.)

[WestVirginiaRebel]

POLITICO2010

Electors Set To Cast Votes

Washington-Presidential electors are set to cast their votes Tuesday as the final act of the 2010 Presidential election is set to take place. GlennAllen Walken is expected to officially be elected President of the United States at that time, after the votes are counted by Congress, which will be followed by certification and reading of the votes by Vice President Wendell Tripplehorn. Walken will then be inaugurated January 20.

Barring any unforseen circumstances, the Electoral College vote is expected to be uneventful. It has been noted that one of the electors is former White House Chief of Staff Josh Lyman, currently head of the DNC and an outspoken critic of Walken during the campaign.
________

I thought it was time for an update as to when the Electoral College would meet...in real life it would have been the middle of December after the election...so, any surprises in the offing?

[WestVirginiaRebel]

N. Korea Agrees To Return Actress's Body

Seoul-Representatives for Premier Kang Sun-u have confirmed that the North Korean leader has agreed to return the body of actress Ellen Trudy to her parents, according to the State Department.

The decision comes as Mr. Kang has extended an apparent invitation to Secretary of State Arnold Vinick for one-on-one talks with the United States over trade and nuclear issues. While Mr. Vinick said that he welcomes this development, no date has yet been announced for such a meeting. Intelligence experts believe that Mr. Kang offered this invitation out of his belief that Mr. Vinick is actually a former Army doctor who saved his father's life during the Korean War.

Ms. Trudy's body will be delivered at a border crossing between the two countries that Mr. Kang established as an expression of goodwill after he first became premier. Her parents are then expected to return to Olympia, Washington, where Ms. Trudy will be buried in a private ceremony.

Ms. Trudy was executed after being accused of attempting to escape with the help of what Mr. Kang claims were American soldiers. Her death has since resulted in widespread international outrage and condemnation.
________

OOC: Based on the MASH episode "The Best of Enemies." Note: While under other conditions he might not be inclined to return the body, he may do so in exchange for concessions from the United States following the botched raid (and maybe some behind-the-scenes pressure from China.)

[KahukuMan10]

politico.com

Mitchell mulling a gubernatorial run

Senator Morgan Mitchell of Pennsylvania had been heavily favored for a cabinet position. However, he has missed out, and his dream job of Attorney General has gone to a much younger, much more conservative candidate in Ellen Luevano. However, he may have found another way to depart Washington, he has a well-known distaste for the capital. The 2012 Governor's race will be wide open. A spokesperson for Mitchell said, "The Senator has not decided on his future in the senate. I can say that he has spoken with RNC and RGA officials about a potential gubernatorial run."

Governor Michael Kellner who was once Eric Baker's lieutenant Governor, who succeeded Baker when he left for the Vice-President. He faced a tough reelection campaign in 2008 for his first full term, and hasn't indicated whether or not he'll seek a second full term. Mitchell's road to the Governor's mansion is clouded even by those in his own party. Congressman Travis Hoyt has long since sought the governorship, and Hoyt who is very popular with the conservatives, could potentially deny Mitchell what would probably be an easy win. Although, that depends on who the democrats decide to send into the race. And it's quite possible Hoyt switches ideas and runs for the senate instead.

Jackson Kennedy is always mentioned as a possibility. But he seems more inclined to make a run for the senate. Other names include congressman Brayden Greene and Matt Claussen, as well as Attorney General Peyton Young all seem like good candidates and might put up a real match. Michell's road is clear, but difficult. But it's very likely that for his time and servitude, the party might help him out a bit.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Marshall Confirmed For Solicitor General

Liberty, MO-President-Elect GlennAllen Walken has confirmed that former assistant F.B.I. director Harlan Marshall, who was under consideration for Attorney General, will be his choice for Solicitor General.

Although Marshall, whose primary experience comes from his years of service in the F.B.I., has not yet argued any cases before the Supreme Court, he worked as a U.S. attorney in the Ford administration and is said to have a "sharp, witty," legal mind, according to former President Newman.

Marshall will be meeting with Walken after the Christmas weekend, presumably to formally accept the offer.

[WestVirginiaRebel]

CNN

Harrison Forming Exploratory Committee

Charleston, West Virginia-Former Democratic Senate candidate Brett Harrison, who narrowly lost against Senator-Elect Charles Oakley, has confirned that he will be forming an exploratory committee to run for Governor after the holidays.

"I think I can still do a lot of good for the people of West Virginia, and will actively be seeking their help in making our state a better place for all West Virginians," Harrison said in a statement.

Harrison is expected to run for governor in 2012.

[Prometheus_2300]

So I know in the West Wing Universe there was never a war in Iraq or Afghanistan, well besides desert storm, but what has happened to those countries since 1995?

Is Afghanistan still run by the Taliban?

Is Iraq still ruled by Hussein?

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Originally Posted by Prometheus_2300

So I know in the West Wing Universe there was never a war in Iraq or Afghanistan, well besides desert storm, but what has happened to those countries since 1995?

Is Afghanistan still run by the Taliban?

Is Iraq still ruled by Hussein?

I know Iraq was still run by Saddam Hussein prior to 2003...

[JoeMulk]

I also imagine that the World Trade Center is still standing in the West Wing Universe, or maybe it was never built.

[Prometheus_2300]

Originally Posted by JoeMulk

I also imagine that the World Trade Center is still standing in the West Wing Universe, or maybe it was never built.

I never thought of that. I would imagine that the show producers would avoid New York shows then

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Osama bin Laden did exist on the show, however.

[Prometheus_2300]

Originally Posted by WestVirginiaRebel

Osama bin Laden did exist on the show, however.

I was mostly asking because who would be running Iraq nowadays?

[JoeMulk]

Originally Posted by Prometheus_2300

I was mostly asking because who would be running Iraq nowadays?

Maybe Saddam died and Udai took over.

[JoeMulk]

Originally Posted by Prometheus_2300

I never thought of that. I would imagine that the show producers would avoid New York shows then

There were a few episodes set in New York, the Al Smith Diner, the one where CJ's protection is killed but I guess they were set uptown in the city and carefully avoided skyline shots.

[Marky Bunny]

For my part, I have avoid mention of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The World Trade Centre can been seen in the series 2 epsiode "In the Shadow of 2 Gunman" in stock footage when Josh goes to New York City to meet Sam, in scenes set in the fall of 1997, and filmed in 2000.
I assume that World Tarde Centre and the Twin Towers are still standing in this world.

[Prometheus_2300]

Originally Posted by Marky Bunny

For my part, I have avoid mention of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The World Trade Centre can been seen in the series 2 epsiode "In the Shadow of 2 Gunman" in stock footage when Josh goes to New York City to meet Sam, in scenes set in the fall of 1997, and filmed in 2000.
I assume that World Tarde Centre and the Tiwn Towers are still standing in this world.

Ok thanks. I had an idea for an Iraq storyline involving threats of another Oil embargo, but I will pick a different country to put it in, maybe Libya

[Tim Thomason]

Question & Answer time, solely to help prevent more "discussion posts" in the thread:

Originally Posted by Prometheus_2300

So I know in the West Wing Universe there was never a war in Iraq or Afghanistan, well besides desert storm, but what has happened to those countries since 1995?

Is Afghanistan still run by the Taliban?

They were in 2001 according to out-of-continuity Isaac & Ishmael (I don't consider it out of canon, but the show did in their introduction. I've added a couple of vague references to the ep in the thread). As for now...

Originally Posted by Prometheus_2300

Is Iraq still ruled by Hussein?

I actually can't find a reference to Hussein. I thought he was referenced, but they seem to have avoided him, at least in the "Iraq"-centric episodes (Rosslyn eps). I think I had him confused with Yassir Arafat and Osama bin Laden.

The show seems to have avoided Iraq (understandably) post-2001 with only off mentions here and there. I assume, as happened in Palestine, a fictional ruler is in charge of an Iraq similar, but maybe more progressive, than Saddam's, who might've retired or who knows (*shouldn't* dwell on it).

Originally Posted by JoeMulk

I also imagine that the World Trade Center is still standing in the West Wing Universe, or maybe it was never built.

Originally Posted by WestVirginiaRebel

Osama bin Laden did exist on the show, however.

Originally Posted by Prometheus_2300

I never thought of that. I would imagine that the show producers would avoid New York shows then

Originally Posted by Prometheus_2300

I was mostly asking because who would be running Iraq nowadays?

We should imagine how the show would be running things in a sort of "meta-universe" to our story. Producers wouldn't write episodes dealing with trips to the World Trade Center or Saddam Hussein's retirement or Osama bin Laden's future plans, because it's not so much an alternate history show (despite this website and plan!) as it is a pseudo-exploration of a realistic society based on our own. We've had plenty of "New York" stories in this thread and on the show post-2001, and viewing the skylines will point out a possible anomaly that we absolutely *can not* dwell on or talk about (do note though, the Twin Towers weren't mentioned in the show and I don't think stock footage was ever shown of NYC in the first two seasons).

Iraq and Afghanistan are sovereign nations that have been dealt with very seldomly in this thread due to the nature of RL influences, similar to what happened on the show (where they invented a whole country to avoid them). The Taliban are *probably* not in charge of Afghanistan anymore just like Hussein in Iraq but it hasn't been confirmed or covered by our meta-show. We could develop the nations a little bit, but it's probably best, for these two countries at least, not to delve into what happened circa 2000 to change their governments (and how it didn't seem to affect the Bartlet administration). This again is similar to whatever happened in Palestine to shift from Yassir Arafat to Nizar Farad.

Originally Posted by Prometheus_2300

Ok thanks. I had an idea for an Iraq storyline involving threats of another Oil embargo, but I will pick a different country to put it in, maybe Libya

Oh, and:

Originally Posted by Leo McGarry in "Pilot," 1st world leader mentioned in TWW

Please call the editor of the New York Times crossword and tell him that "Khaddafi" is spelled with an h, and two d's, and isn't a seven letter word for anything.

[Tim Thomason]

So in honor of our 4000th post (which was wasted with JoeMulk asking a question! C'mon Joe!) I give you four follow-ups to the posts:

Post #8 (First Story-line Post):

The Daily Telegraph, England, Sunday December 12th 2010

Former Ohio Governor and Presidential Candidate Arrives Holds Rally in Columbus

Former Governor Mike Reed of Ohio held a political rally in his hometown of Columbus Saturday, urging President-elect Walken to adopt a moderate stance on social issues. The rally was heavily attended and featured many independents and Ohio Democrats, in addition to the self-styled "Reed Rangers," as they look to Reed, who has appointed himself a standard-bearer of Ohio moderates. It was held on the two-year anniversary of his 2010 Presidential campaign, which he dropped out of in October 2009.

Reed will be an elector in two days at the State Capitol for President-elect Walken. There have been challenges to Reed's status as an Elector, given his previous stated intention of holding up the RNC vote (ultimately, he did not), and "rogue" demeanor within the national party. Reed has stated he will not break state precedence and law in voting for someone other than pledged.

Post #1000:

THE GEORGE ALLARD SHOW

Interview with Glen Allen Walken

George Allard:

Ok, I am in Liberty, Missouri, at the Walken Estate, or Compound, or Ranch, or whatever they're calling this home of his, and I was supposed to be interviewing incoming first son Stephen Walken. But Stephen couldn't make it today, so instead I have... let me just check my notes.. oh right. His *father*, the incoming President of the United States and my old friend in Congress, Glen Allen Walken. It's good to see you Mr. President-elect, and it's an honor to be at least your first MSNBC interview, post-election.

Glen Allen Walken:

Ha ha, pleasure to be here, George. You can call it the Walken Money-Waster for all I care. I've been back-and-forth across the country these past two years, I hardly ever see the place. I got a good five years of hometime, but it looks like I'll be in Washington for the next four, leaving this old bucket to waste away once more.

GA: Most of these questions I have written were for your son. You know, who do you have for the Super Bowl this year or how's that wife of yours, but I guess with your sudden appearance I need to refocus on policy issues. So, what are your thoughts about Social Security?

GAW: I've said before I'm against privatization, but I'm not about to follow in Jed Bartlet's footsteps or Matt Santos' crazy idea of extending it to everybody. My HHS Secretary, Steve Gaines, has done amazing work in Social Security Reform during his many years in the Senate. And the Gaines-Turner Bill, written completely independent of Executive influence, is the stuff of genius. I don't agree with all the provisions, but I'll be around in 2014 when it is fully implemented and there will be no interference from me.

GA: Mr. President-elect...

GAW: Please, Glen.

GA: Yes, well, Gaines is noteworthy as a moderate Republican, much more moderate than your or I. Like Caroline Dempsey and the late Jim Carney, Gaines scores a 0% from the National Right to Life Committee, whereas you and I scored a 100%. Are you moderating your position on pro-life issues?

GAW: Steve is a great guy with great ideas on Social Security. On issues where we differ, I think it's an unspoken rule that I'm in charge. And my opinions have not "moderated" as much as people think.

Post #2000:



Tuesday December 21st

Cleanup finished in Houston as Memorial is Planned for Derailment

The aftermath of the Houston train wreck of July 2010 has been completely cleaned up as a new Amtrak station has been built with a small memorial planned for the 30 passengers and nearby pedestrians who lost their lives. Donations are currently being made, and outgoing Congressman Cal Tillinghouse gave a speech in honor of those who lost their lives outside of the new station.

On July 2nd, an Amtrak passenger train out of San Antonio was pulling into Houston Amtrak when a fault in the braking mechanism and driver fatigue caused the sudden braking of the train to lift it into the air, derailing it and smashing it into the Amtrak station and damaging the nearby credit union, as well as several dozen vehicles, telephone poles, and a small portion of the Interstate 10 carpool lane. Over 100 passengers and pedestrians at the Amtrak station were injured in the derailment, with 30 losing their lives.

Post #3000:



BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS

FORMER FIRST LADY LIBBY LASSITER ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL, COMPLAINING OF "CHEST PAINS."

Former First Lady Libby Lassiter was admitted Monday to Orange County Hospital in her local Costa Mesa, California, complaining of "chest pains." She is currently being held for observation. Her Doctors have reported that there is "no need to worry," although her family have been spotted arriving at the hospital. The scene is reminiscent of seven years ago, when her husband, Former President Owen Lassiter, was admitted on routine hip surgery and ultimately died in hospice care less than a month later.

Richard Lassiter was quoted as saying "my mother has had heart issues before. We urge all to pray for a quick recovery, but the doctors seem confident that there is not an issue." The former First Lady is expected to attend President-elect Walken's inauguration on January 20th, with Liz Clark promising to news media that she would get optimal seating in Former President Lassiter's place.

Post #4003:

POLITICO2010

Electors Cast Votes, a Couple Surprises, Nothing Shattering

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Electors met in their respective state capitols Monday and cast their pledged votes for President. The heavily politicized Electors of this season, including Mike Reed of Ohio and Josh Lyman of Connecticut, voted as pledged, for Walken and Santos respectively, and their were no surprises there. The "surprises" came from the other states.

Three odd situations popped up in the various capitols:

• In Oklahoma City, elector Pauline Franklin voted for "Gen Walker." There was confusion on the matter, as some thought it was a sly vote for Congressman George Walker's wife, Genevieve. Upon re-vote, and with a reminder that breaking an electoral pledge can result in state conviction, Franklin correcte her entry to "Glen Walken."
• In Tallahassee, elector Simon Locke, son of Congressman Lawrence Locke, stated on the steps that he "might vote for Alexander," referring to former independent candidate Nicholas Alexander. He was immediately stopped from any such action by Alexander himself, who had just been elected Florida GOP Chair, stating that Locke would be kicked out of Florida GOP politics and would be in violation of state law. Locke later referred to it as "a joke" that was blown out of proportion and voted for Walken as pledged.
• A South Dakota elector, Wallace Union, accidentally voted for "Miguel Santos." Despite protest from the three electors, Republican Governor Chuck Rollins enthusiastically accepted the name and it was certified. Miguel Santos is the name of the controversial President of Colombia and suspected drug kingpin, and will likely be considered ineligible by the incoming Congress. It is unknown if they will consider it a misspelled vote for Matt Santos, as Union insisted it was intended (and he was pledged).

[WestVirginiaRebel]

CNN

Concern Grows For Former President's Health

Manchester, NH-Former President Josiah Bartlet is in serious but stable condition following another MS scare, which apparently happened Tuesday as the former President awaited word of the final electoral count, according to the former President's private physicians.

Mr. Bartlet, who has been confined to a wheelchair in recent years, has been maintaining a low public profile since an MS attack earlier this year, although he did attend the Youth in Revolt Rally as one of the featured speakers at the event.

"My husband's condition is stable, but we're monitoring it constantly in case of any changes," Mrs. Bartlet, herself a doctor, told reporters earlier today. "Jed is a fighter, and he's definitely not letting this stop him, even if he's slowed down a bit."

The revelation of the former President's condition resulted in a major scandal during his first term, during which Republicans held impeachment hearings. The president's condition resulted in temporary paralysis during a visit to China and has been a constant concern in his post-presidency.

Mr. Bartlet was unavailable to speak with reporters Tuesday and has not scheduled any public appearances in the near future, although there was some speculation that he might attend talks between North Korea, the United States, South Korea, China, and Japan that were scheduled for January before the execution of actress Ellen Trudy.

Mr. Bartlet is expected to spend the holiday weekend quietly in the company of his family.

[Westbrook 49]

Vinick Named TIME Person of the Year; Honored for His Work in Diplomacy and Effect on Politics.

Yahoo! News has learned that Secretary of State Arnold Vinick will be named Person of the Year by TIME Magazine.

According to the citation article, Vinick has been named PoY due to his "unparalled work for US interests overseas and his major changes on Republican politics at home." Vinick won the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year, and was named TIME's Person of the Year (Alongside Matt Santos) in 2006.

The issue will be released sometime later this week.