2010 US Presidential Election

[disputed]

foxnews.com 2.48pm, Thursday September 3rd

BREAKING NEWS: Santos Arrives At Vice-Presidential Residence

The presidential motorcade has arrived at Number One Observatory Circle where Vice-President Eric Baker is convalescing from his recent brain haemorrage, it is widely believed that President Santos is there to accept the Vice-President’s resignation.

[disputed]

politico.com, Thursday September 3rd

Mike Day

Posted 3.04pm by michaelday

Reports leaking out of the meeting between the President and Vice-President seem to be suggesting that the two are meeting in a room with only a handful of advisors – apparently Nate Singer, Trent Cobb and Mitch Bryce are in the room but nobody else.

Maria Lopez has just said she will make an announcement shortly.

[disputed]

FOX News 3.56pm, Thursday September 3rd

BREAKING NEWS: President Returning to White House

President Santos has left the Vice-Presidents residence and his motorcade is now making the short trip back to the White House.

The White House is to make a statement shortly.

[disputed]

FOX News 4.21pm, Thursday September 3rd

BREAKING NEWS: White House Confirms Vice-President Baker Has Resigned

White House Press Secretary has confirmed that Vice-President Eric Baker has resigned his office in a meeting with the President this afternoon.

Speaking in the White House briefing room Lopez said “It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Vice-President Eric Baker has resigned following his brain hemorrhage last week. At this time I have no further comment. The President will address the issue during tonight’s address.”

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM 4.48 PM Thursday September 3rd 2009
BREAKING NEWS: Now Tillman arrives in Washington
The plot is thickning, as former California Governor Gabriel Tillman has arrived in Washington.
It is understood he arrived on private plane into Thurgood-Marshall Airport, in Anne-Arundel County, Maryland some 51.0 km south-east of Washington. He was picked up by a car and wisked into the city. He arrived at the Willard International Hotel, via the service entrance, just two blocks away from the White-House at around 4.40.

[Alexander Hamilton]

Mr. Bunny and Mr. Disputed,

Things are certainly moving quickly in your timeline, what with a war in Europe and a new VP shortly to be announced. I would like to add something in the form of a McGarry Memorial Lecture by either Vinick or Walken (in the interests of bipartisanship) but is Vinick back from his shuttle diplomacy yet? Is the war over? Are there any other topics I should avoid or emphasize?

Your humble and obedient servant,
AH

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Thursday September 3rd 2009
Still no news on who the new Vice-President will be
It has been a day of high drama in Washington today. It seems both the liekly Vice-presidential candidates former California Governor Gabriel Tillman and Former Senate Minority leader Wendell Tripplehorn are in the capital.
We had the announcement which had expected for days, that Vice-President Eric Baker will resign the office effective at mid-night today.
The White-House has for once, managed to keep a tight lid on the choice.
For inside the West Wing, the building has been in almost total lock-down, with the Press being kept on a tight reign.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Thursday September 3rd 2009
Blakemore campaign "We know the Presidents Choice"
Cliff Calley, Marcus Blakemores Campaign Manager has told reporters that the GOP Presidential campaign had recieved a call from President Santos around 5.30 PM EST. Blakemore had been campaigning all day in Keene, New Hampshire.
"The Governor took a call from the President and approx 5.30 this afternoon, to inform him of his choice for vice-president. The Governor offered his full support for the choice. After the call the Governor placed a call with Vice-president Baker.We also understand that all the other candidates have been told as well".
Asked by reporters who the choice is "you aren't going to get me on that one guys, you will have to wait until the Presidents speech tonight".

[disputed]

cnn.com, Thursday September 3rd

Tripplehorn to be Vice-President

Sources close to the White House are reporting that President Santos will nominate former Majority Leader Wendell Tripplehorn for the Vice-Presidency during his announcement moments from now.

Tripplehorn arrived in Washington early this afternoon and is believed to be due at the White House tonight. The President is expected to have a press conference with Tripplehorn tomorrow morning.

If the rumors are confirmed Tripplehorn has beaten out California Governor Gabriel Tillman for the role.

One source said “Tripplehorn has been a close confidant and supporter of the President from the beginning. He was the first high profile Senator to endorse him in 2006, and has been constant source of advice and support. I think at this point that’s what President Santos believes he needs, and that’s swayed his decision.”

[disputed]

politico.com, Thursday September 3rd

Abbreviated Text from President Santos Address:

My fellow Americans, as you are by now all aware, Vice-President Eric Baker suffered a brain hemorrhage last week whilst going about his duties in executing the office of the vice-president.

I am pleased to inform you all that after emergency surgery and a short period of convalescence, Vice-President Baker is on the mend and we have been told by his doctors that in time a full recovery is possible.

I have spoken with the Vice-President and his family and expressed the best wishes of the American people and our hopes that Eric recovers fully from his illness. He knows that he and his family are in our prayers.

Whilst, it is clear that with extensive physiotherapy and a huge amount of hard work and patience from both himself and his family that Vice-President Baker will be able to achieve a full recovery it is also clear that there is a large constitutional question to resolve and that the country can not continue indefinitely without a Vice-President.

With this in mind, at 15.22 this afternoon I have reluctantly accepted the resignation of Vice-President Baker. He has been a wonderful public servant to this country, giving up twelve years of his life to serve in Congress before returning to his beloved Pennsylvania as Governor, finally he has served his country as a fine Vice-President and a valued advisor. Eric Baker is an outstanding man, an outstanding public servant and I think all Americans will tonight agree that the country has lost one of the most impressive men in its public life.

Eric himself said in his resignation letter that whilst he intends to beat this illness that he can not expect the country to wait indefinitely for its Vice-President and I reluctantly agree.

Due to the uncertainty that this will bring I have decided to take the following action. Tomorrow morning I will nominate Senator Wendell Tripplehorn of South Dakota to Congress as my choice for Vice-President of the United States. It has been speculated that I would look for an interim choice before deciding on a more permanent running mate ahead of next years General Election. I do not believe that this serves the country well and as a result I can confirm that assuming Senator Tripplehorn is successfully confirmed that he will be my Vice-Presidential pick for the rest of my time in office.

Senator Tripplehorn has served his country admirably for thirty years, firstly as the sole Congressman from South Dakota, and then as Senator for the Mount Rushmore States. He served on a number of key committees in congress including Appropriations, Finance and Foreign Relations across both houses, before becoming Senate Majority Leader. I believe that Senator Tripplehorn’s experience, knowledge and values will help to fill the enormous void left by Vice-President Baker’s resignation.

I have consulted with the house leadership of both parties and we are confident that a quick confirmation will be possible allowing the country to move on from these traumatic events as quickly as possible.

President Bartlet always said that the test of a nation comes during adversity; it is my view that through a speedy resolution to this process we will again prove that the constitution of the United States will withstand even the most difficult of circumstances.

I ask you all for you support and patience through this difficult time, but assure you all that we will manage this transition as smoothly as possible.

Thank you for you time. God bless you all, and God bless America.

[Peter_Winchester]

Alex Hamilton is quite correct; the pace of the story is extremely quick. Might it not make more sense to accelerate the dating of the story, otherwise I feel the entire Democratic Party might have moved to new jobs by the time we get to the general election?

[disputed]

politico.com, Friday September 4th

Tripplehorn Pick Suggests Santos Is Up For The Fight

Last night’s Primetime address seemed to have achieved exactly what President Santos wanted. He showed great compassion and empathy and for the first time in a couple of years showed his ability to connect with the American people.

Santos was assured and confident in presenting the situation as he told the country that he had lost his second vice-president.

If Baker’s resignation was expected, few could have said this time last week that Wendell Tripplehorn would be returning to Washington as Vice-President. Seemingly focused on the Gubernatorial Election in South Dakota, he seemed to have been in the process of removing himself from Washington life, he even sold his house in Virginia in June. Over the weekend it became increasingly clear that the former Senate Majority leader was near the top of the President’s wanted list.

So what does the appointment of the former South Dakota Senator say? Firstly, it suggests that Santos is tired of being on the back foot with congress. Baker offered little in negotiations with either the Senate or the House and was much more comfortable as a a figurehead Vice-President. Tripplehorn is likely to be much more of a front line player, and will play a very interesting good cop, to Nate Singer’s wolverine like tenacity.
Secondly, it suggests that Santos is up for a fight. The Republicans will nominate Glen Walken, Ray Sullivan or Marcus Blakemore and any of the three will be a formidable General Election opponent. The President needs a strong communicator and someone who fight his corner in the months to come; there are few who do that better than Wendell Tripplehorn. Finally, choosing Tripplehorn over the like of Gabriel Tillman suggests that Santos thinks he needs someone who understands the details of governing. The former Senator is a policy wonk from back. He’s extremely well versed on foreign affairs and the economy and will offer strong advice on both as well as being able to confidently communicate the White House agenda to the media – something Baker often struggled with.

The next few months will be interesting – Santos has now comprehensively changed his team with fourteen months till a general election. How the new team force the President’s agenda may be the difference between one term and two.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Monday September 7th 20009
Vinick gets peace talks underway again in Paris
Arnold Vincik is nothing but a hard working, and this morning he has managed to get Greece and Turkey talking again in Paris.
Talks broke down two weeks ago, but Vinick and the British represeentive Lord Schofield have managed to get both sides back to the table.
A ceasefire is again in place on Cyrpus where fightning as gained little for either side.
Secretary Vinick told reporters "I am very that both groups have returned to talk, and I hope that they will see that this war is not in both there interests".

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Tuesday September 8th 2009
Lastest Polls out
National Poll
1.Sullivan 23%
2. Walken 22%
3. Blakemore 22%
4. Alexander 16%
5. Haffley 13%
6. Skinner 3%
7. Reed 1%
Selected State polls (top 4 only)
Alabama- Sullivan 22%, Walken 21%, Haffley 19%, Alexander 12%
Arizona-Sullivan 24%, Blakmore 23%, Walken 22%, Alexander 13%
Cal-Blakemore 25%, Walken 24%, Sullivan 22%, Alexander 16%
Florida- Walken 25%, Blakemore 23%, Sullivan 21%, Alexander 20%
Georgia-Sullivan 25%, Walken 24%, Haffley 18%, Blakemore 13%
Illnois-Walken 25%, Blakemore 24%, Sullivan 23%, Alexander 12%
Iowa-Walken 60%, Sullivan 17%, Haffley 12%, Alexander 5%
Minn-Blakemore 25%, Walken 23%, Sullivan 19%, Alexander 12%
Montana-Walken 23%, Haffley 22%, Sullivan 21%, Blakemore 11%
New Hampshire-Blakemore 24%, Sullivan 23%, Walken 21%, Alexander 20%
New York- Blakemore 24%, Walken 20%, Sullivan 19%, Alexander 18%
Ohio-Walken 23%, Reed 20%, Blakemore 19%, Sullivan 18%
State by state Polls

Blue=Walken
Red=Blakemore
Grey=Sullivan
Green=Haffley

[geniustkw]

CNN.com, 10 September 2009

BREAKING NEWS: TALKS COLLAPSE, WAR BEGINS!

The talks between Greece and Turkey collapse once again, in front of Secretary Of State Arnold Vinick, as both delegations continue to dispute the territory borders and Cyprus.

Turkish Delegation Head, Foreign Minister Hakan Mehtas reportedly slammed British Representative Lord Schofield for interfering with talks and supposed bias towards the Greeks.

Mr.Mehtas, 54 told CNN before leaving Paris, that Lord Schofield had chose to side with the Greeks over the Aegean issue, unlike Secretary Vinick who was more neutral, Schofield apparently cast doubt over the Turkish delegation's work.

Just as news of the collapse of talks broke out, the ceasefire was once again broken. President Ahmet Fahria, has apparently launched a massive rocket campaign against Greek territories. President Alexander Economies retaliated by executing Deputy Defence Minister Mehmet Karhan's family who were on holiday in Athens.

Karhan, who was with the Turkish delegation, collapsed after hearing that his whole clan of 34 family members were executed.

Analysts believe that if this continues, Bulgaria and other neighbours might join in the war especially after the expulsion of the Patriarch of Constatinople. Bulgarian President Torid Kadov, expressed disappointment over the collapse of talks.

Secretary Vinick was unavailable for comment, though Lord Schofield himself claims that the Turkish were uncooperative throughout the whole talks. "The Turks are becoming more and more aggressive" observed Schofield.

[Wendell]

This continues to be a wonderful project, but may soon require more maps pertaining to the wider world.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Friday September 11th 2009
Breaking News: Bulgaria gives Turkey 48 hours to end attack on Mainland Greece, or she will join the war on Greece's side
The War between Greece and Turkey threatened to ensclate as Bulgaria which shares a border between the two warring nations, said it given Turkey 48 hours, (12.PM-Local time-Sunday), to withdraw from the attack on mainland Greece.
The last three days, have seen the Turkish army move through the mountains in northern Greece, in three places.
Bulgarian President Torid Kadov has made it clear it is very un-happy which Turkey espically after the the expulsion of the Patriarch of Constatinople, who is now in Bulgaria. We also believe that he is worried by the advances made by the Turkish army, and fears that his country may be next.
The Bulgarian army has started to move up towards the Greek/Turkey border. The pictures below taken early this morning show Bulgaria is serious.


Both Turkey and Greece have yet to respond to the Bulgarian announcement.
Also we believe that Secreatary of Stae Vinick, has flown from Paris to Sofia to attempt to stop this third NATO member from joining the war.

[geniustkw]

The Washington Post, 12 September 2009
Opinion by Kate Harper

As if the war between Turkey and Greece is bad enough, now we have the intervention of Bulgaria, whose president Torid Kadov, is obviously unhappy with Turkey's expulsion of the religious leader Patriarch Of Constantinople.

With Turkey and Greece at war, it seems unbelievable that Bulgaria, under the euro-friendly Torid Kadov would suddenly spring to battle mode. But it does not seem very surprising to me or members of the White House, especially veteran mavericks like Secretary Vinick.

Torid Kadov was elected Bulgarian President in 2004, he was obviously elected under a euro-friendly platform. Kadov, however has shown tendencies to prove that he is right, sort of like the old Soviet dictators we see. Kadov ordered the arrest of opposition leader Valdid Zundev, for corruption charges, which were later proven to be falsified. Kadov's administration is perceived to be nonetheless democratic, as Kadov has never really slammed critics, even the most vociferous ones.

But why would a peace-loving Bulgarian leader order his nation to go to battle mode. There can be only security reasons. Under Turkish President Ahmet Fahria, Turkish-Bulgarian relations have been freezing. In fact, it is in the opinion of several Bulgarian politicians, that Turkey's war with Greece might spread to Bulgaria, and that Bulgaria's defensive mode should be switched on right from the start, as they fear Turkey could just "blitzkrieg" Bulgaria.

In Sofia, Secretary Of State Arnold Vinick might be trying to convince Kadov to stop his "warmongering" actions. Kadov's Cabinet too is relatively split, as usual the finance minister would say "Hey! We're wasting money!" The foreign minister says "We're going to lose NATO!" The home affairs minister would say "peace-lovers would riot!" On the other hand, the defence minister would say "We can't lose Bulgaria," The Generals would say "It's time to move the tanks"

With a split cabinet over joining a war, Kadov's actions means only one thing- he's determined to wage a war to stop all wars. Problem is will this intervention move things to a speedy halt or an even longer war.

In the US viewpoint, Bulgaria's intervention could only mean that things will get complicated, in my viewpoint, Bulgaria's move for religious reasons does seem complex to understand, with its real motive for self-defence, would be much more clear.

Secretary Vinick is in Sofia,problem is will Vinick last that long? If Vinick can't work out his magic, would it now take President Santos, who's facing incredible challenges to face this foreign challenge itself. We'll know soon enough

The Author was a former deputy national security advisor under the Bartlet Administration, she is currently a new york times best selling author. Ms Harper is also engaged to Democratic congressman Will Bailey.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Saturday September 12th 2009
Bulgaria ready for war, as Turkey gives no answer to Sofia's threat
With the Turkish forces still advancing in Greece, on three fronts, Bulgarian forces have moved up to the Greek/Turkish border in five places.
The Greek army has taken several hevy hits over the last few days, and the Government in Sofia, fears that if Turkey carries on, it may be next.

[Marky Bunny]

CNN.COM Sunday September 13th 2009
Breaking News: Breaking News: Bulgaria declares war on Turkey
Bulgaria President Torid Kadov in a televised address to the nation has decalred war on Turkey.
"We cannot allow the bully-boys of Turkey to threaten our neighbours and us. They are threanting all of the region. We do not seek extra terriorty, we seek justice for ourselves and our allies Greece. We gave the Turkish Governemnt a chance to withdraw from its attack on Greece, and prevent war but they did not take the chance".