2010 US Presidential Election

[disputed]

nbs.com, Monday April 23rd

GOP DEBATE DESCENDS INTO OPEN WARFARE AS PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY APPROACHS

With the remaining three Republican candidates seeing last night’s debate as the last chance to influence the Pennsylvania electorate ahead of Tuesday’s Primary last night’s NBS/You Tube debate in Pittsburgh became the most brutal of the cycle.

From the start front runner Henry Shallick bludgeoned his chief rival, Kansas Governor Peter Gault, as an extremist, unelectable and lacking in the any significant achievements over the course of his political career. In a particularly heated debate he accused Gault of “not caring who ends up in the White House as long as he is able to further his personal ambitions.”

Not surprisingly Gault didn’t take this lying down, he accused Shallick of “colluding” with Washington elites, the Republican “establishment” and “the same old people who’ve run this country for decades.” They clashed over who would be able to carry on President Walken’s legacy and Gault accused Shallick of being “indistinguishable from (Democratic Nominee) Sam Seaborn on almost every issue.”

Shallick came out of the debate as he has throughout the campaign, experienced, knowledgeable and extremely well briefed. In his strongest moment he stumped the Kansas Governor who couldn’t name a single world leader he has actually met or done business with, the former White House Chief of Staff emphasised that he knew “all of them”.

On the other side of the fence Gault has made a virtue of that inexperience and again positioned himself as the “man of the people”, heavily pushing his outsider status and the campaign slogan that he would provide a “voice for the voiceless”.

There was a third candidate on the stage, though California’s Will Durham looked slightly ridiculous from very early on when Shallick, correctly, pointed out that he has no way of winning the nomination, adding that his supporters real choice was did they want Gault as the nominee as every vote for their man was really a vote for Gault. The Kansas Governor’s interjection led to a three minute shouting match as he repeatedly quoted Shallick’s previous criticisms of Durham.

In a normal race you’d likely score this debate as a win for Governor Shallick, but Pennsylvania right now is no normal race. The Gault campaign was up immediately after the debate with their now signature ads with normal voters with their mouths taped emphasising Shallick’s lack of concern for “ordinary, working people.”

 

[heatmaster]

looks like Sam Seaborn should start measuring the Oval Office drapes, considering how the Republicans have descended into a mode of partisan fraticide. No matter what happens from here on in, the race could be Seaborn's to lose

 

[Marky Bunny]

looks like Sam Seaborn should start measuring the Oval Office drapes, considering how the Republicans have descended into a mode of partisan fraticide. No matter what happens from here on in, the race could be Seaborn's to lose

They said the same thing about Arnold Vinick at this same point in 2006 & looked what happened!!

 

[heatmaster]

Yes but considering if the thread is not trying to repeat history in an inverted kind of way, the smart money is on a Seaborn win, what has Gault got? i'm an outsider? Yeah right! that message will work for a while, so what's your second act, Governor Gault? Then you have Shallick, "I have a nice resume and I come from Missouri, oh yeah, I am also a good buddy of President Walken, and I'm not Gault" Okay Governor Shallick, so besides those factors in your favor, so what will a President Shallick do for the country? Seaborn on the other hand will be spending time in trying to expand the map, also unlike Vinick, he's likely to campaign in poetry. The map looks more favorable to him, he's likely got Hollis increasing the war chest. The Bartlet-Santos wing of the party are likely in his corner and he can wait for the Republican demolition derby to conclude. Yep I can see the similarities between him and Vinick right now!

 

[KingCrawa]

Yes but considering if the thread is not trying to repeat history in an inverted kind of way, the smart money is on a Seaborn win, what has Gault got? i'm an outsider? Yeah right! that message will work for a while, so what's your second act, Governor Gault? Then you have Shallick, "I have a nice resume and I come from Missouri, oh yeah, I am also a good buddy of President Walken, and I'm not Gault" Okay Governor Shallick, so besides those factors in your favor, so what will a President Shallick do for the country? Seaborn on the other hand will be spending time in trying to expand the map, also unlike Vinick, he's likely to campaign in poetry. The map looks more favorable to him, he's likely got Hollis increasing the war chest. The Bartlet-Santos wing of the party are likely in his corner and he can wait for the Republican demolition derby to conclude. Yep I can see the similarities between him and Vinick right now!

And what will Sam do that Jed and Santos didn't do? He's got several years as Santos DCOS which the Republicans can beat him on and Shallick will be able to campaign as the continuation of a popular and successful presidency.

It's not as clear cut as you think.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Regards the result nothing is off the table, is Sam Seaborn the favourite at the moment, yes, BUT remember he only squeaked out the nomination and was helped by the strong performance of Rudi Robinson who took votes away from Andrew Thorn, he didn't sweep the primaries as everyone thought he would, he does have weaknesses as King Crawa as pointed out above also he has struggled with Black voters, although he has hooved up all the Latino support.

 

[disputed]

thehill.com, Monday April 23rd

HOLLIS: PUBLIC HEALTHCARE OPTION “LUDICROUS”

Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee Franklin Hollis set of a social media storm last night after a video surfaced o f him telling Inksoft employees that a public run healthcare system was a “ludicrous idea” and that socialised medicine was “fantasy of the far-left”.

Hollis made the comments at a private Inksoft conference last December, but the ensuing firestorm further emphasises the emerging chasm between the Democratic ticket and those on the left of the party. Indiana Senator Rudi Robinson, who performed admirably during the primary race and is seen by many as the standard bearer for the ultra-progressive wing of the party, hit out at Hollis saying “this is the kind of thinking that has left some many Americans without healthcare – a focus on what’s in the interests of the 1% not every day Americans.”

The Seaborn/Hollis campaign moved quickly to try to defuse the comments saying “This was a private event before Mr Hollis joined the campaign – we have been very clear that Senator Seaborn’s position is a plan for more public and private healthcare.”

The incident marks the first hiccup for Seaborn since securing he nomination in March, with the Republican race descending into chaos things have gone extremely well recently for the California Senator but it remains clear that his campaign has a real weakness on the left amongst more progressive groups and the Hollis pick has strained that further.

Hollis speaking in the Inksoft video

 

[heatmaster]

And what will Sam do that Jed and Santos didn't do? He's got several years as Santos DCOS which the Republicans can beat him on and Shallick will be able to campaign as the continuation of a popular and successful presidency.

It's not as clear cut as you think.

Ah that being said, Shallick is not too much of change agent; if he's the nominee, then he's basically having to shore up support within a base that will be sharply divided, ergo Clinton-Sanders situation RLT; so basically Shallick has to mend fences with the Gault voters as Vinick tried to do with Butler voter's and his solution was Ray Sullivan as Vice-presidential running mate, Seaborn is basically going to have do same, and solidify his position with other Democratic base supporter's, but one thing in his favor, is he has a head start on Republicans in that department. One critique, maybe he (Seaborn) should have held off on Hollis pick, considering the faux pas on healthcare proposal, that's the story now and it's not helpful when your campaign is into damage control. I have been thinking, perhas he might have gone with Lou Thornton now Virginia"s Senator, instead

 

[ajm8888]

Just reminding folks China is expecting bad outcomes for their relationship with American. Not war but possibly a Cold War. The Chinese have had lots of meeting within their government to determine the best way to prepare for whatever worst case scenario comes to fruition. The Chinese are expecting a much more antagonistic relationship between America and China. A digital arms race will be a certainty.

 

[disputed]

politicalanimal.com, Tuesday April 24th

GAULT SURGING IN PENNSYLVANIA AS POLL LOOMS

With less than 24 hours until the Republican Pennsylvania Primary a shocking poll this morning suggests that Kansas Governor Peter Gault is on his way to unlikely victory, a result that will throw the Republican race into chaos with a dramatically increased chance of a deadlocked convention.

The poll for Monmouth suggests that Gault has moved into a 4 point, a reversal of a 27 point deficit when the same poll was carried out a month ago. The dramatic swing seems to be replicated on the ground where Gault support has clearly surged with yard signs, bumper stickers and t-shirts becoming almost common place. “Gault: Voice of the Voiceless” was the most watched You Tube video in the United States over the weekend.

The Shallick campaign are clearly struggling to cut through despite their massive spending advantage and the day most of their staff had marked in their calendars as the day they would secure the nomination looks increasingly to be a disaster.

If the poll is indeed correct and Gault wins the Keystone State primary, the firebrand populist will likely roar into the convention with enormous momentum – it seems unlikely that Shallick will be able to get over the line and will have to turn his attention to wrangling the nomination on the convention floor

.
A relaxed Gault speaks to voters yesterday

 

[TWWFan]

Regards the result nothing is off the table, is Sam Seaborn the favourite at the moment, yes, BUT remember he only squeaked out the nomination and was helped by the strong performance of Rudi Robinson who took votes away from Andrew Thorn, he didn't sweep the primaries as everyone thought he would, he does have weaknesses as King Crawa as pointed out above also he has struggled with Black voters, although he has hooved up all the Latino support.

One could say that a close primary is good for a party, since it forces the nominee to appeal to all wings of the party. Plus, Sam did clinch the nomination before Pennsylvania, which is a huge state. But Sam's tendency to skate by on potential until it's almost too late could be his downfall.

 

[disputed]

foxnews.com, Wednesday April 25th

BREAKING: PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY CALLED FOR GAULT

In the last few minutes FOX News has confirmed that they are now prepared to call the Pennsylvania Primary for Kansas Governor Peter Gault, a result that will send shockwaves through the Republican Party and makes the prospect of a deadlocked party convention much more likely.

In a closely run race Gault holds a 3 point lead with 97% of the votes counted - the remaining counties are largely rural and expect to be pro-Gault in their votes allowing the major news networks to confidently call the race for Gault.

The result marks one of the most remarkable turnarounds in history, just four weeks ago Gault trailed in all major polls by as many at 30 points. Exit polling suggests a surge in support in rural areas, significant anti-establishment sentiment and anger at a perceived "stich-up" following the recent contested result in Indiana.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Wednesday April 25th 2018

Gault: "The Voiceless have spoken"

Kansas Governor Peter Gault told a victory celebration in Philadelphia following his stunning win in the Pennsylvania primary "the voiceless have spoken".

"They told you I had no chance, that you had to support the establishment, this is your victory as much as it is mine, the voiceless have spoken".

The final margin of victory looks like being around 65,000 votes a margin of about 4%, with Gault on 46%, Shallick on 42% and Durham on 12%. Delegate wise it leaves Shallick with 1,241 delegates, Gault on 1,062 delegates and Durham with 164 delegates. Shallick is still 40 delegates from reaching the required 1,281 to win the nomination. Three states are left to vote, Nebraska (36 delegates) & Oregon (28 delegates) on May 15th and South Dakota (29 delegates) on May 29th. Shallick needs win to both Oregon and South Dakota, which would take him over the top, but the Gault campaign has been saying that even if Shallick does reach 1,281 he will not drop out before the convention in Tampa.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Wednesday April 25th 2018

Final Republican Primary results from Pennsylvania

1. Gault 735,049 votes 45.78%
2. Shallick 669,827 votes 41.72%
3. Durham 200,589 votes 12.49%

Margin: 65,222 votes 4.06%

 

[Marky Bunny]

Thursday April 26th 2018

Final Democratic Primary results from Pennsylvania

1. Seaborn 1,145,326 votes 68.12%
2. Thorn 297,547 votes 17. 70%
3. Robinson 238,401 votes 14.18%

Margin: 847, 778 votes 50.42%
* Thorn and Robinson remained on the ballot despite Sam Seaborn having already won the nomination.

 

[ajm8888]

CNN.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 26th, 2018

Qian: "We expect a cold winter in relations with America"

President Qian of the People's Republic of China told reporters during one of his walking press conferences that Chinese-American will enter a "long cold winter"

A domestic Chinese reporter asked Qian his opinions on the US election to which Qian told the media, "I think all the American candidates are going to rail hard against China, and they will, in part, get into office by attacking China. The candidate that attacks us the hardest will win. That is what all my experts are saying. That is why we expect our relations will enter a long cold winter. Whomever is elected they will come out swinging against us when they are in office. We are not expecting good things."

A French reporter asked Qian if he expects this to start a second Cold War, the Chinese president cryptically stated. "We're probably already in it and don't know it yet."

Our own reporter, CNN's Owen Jamison, asked if this statement is due to Franklin Hollis being picked by Senator Seaborn to be his running mate. To this Qian flatly answered, "Possibly, but there are other more important factors."

The Chinese president did hint something was in the works but all he said was, "We'll be mending fences."

 

[disputed]

foxnews.com, Friday April 27th

Indiana GOP Chair: “We’ll Back Gault on a 2nd Ballot”

With the Republican Primary hurtling towards a deadlocked convention, Indiana State Chairwoman Patsy Sewell added to the woes of floundering front runner Henry Shallick last night when she said that if the first ballot is deadlocked then Indiana will back Kansas Governor Peter Gault on a 2nd ballot.

Sewell who has been a noted critic of the Supreme Court decision to exclude a number of votes in her state’s Primary that resulted in the race being awarded to Shallick. The news that Sewell and her 57 delegates will cross the floor to back Gault will heap pressure on Shallick who remains 40 delegates short of securing the nomination.

Ms. Sewell said that the state would owner the court ruling and that the delegates would be bound for the first ballot but that “we owe it to Indiana to allow the delegates to back Govenor Gault”.

Should Indiana back Gault on a second ballot there is a reasonable chance that he would vault past Shallick onto the cusp of securing the nomination, a result that will send shockwaves through the Republican establishment who remain sceptical of Gault’s who outsider image is largely reflected in his relationships with Washington Republicans where he has few allies.

 

[Darth_Kiryan]

Flustercuck of a GOP convention unless SHallick wins those last three states.

 

[disputed]

nbs.com, Friday April 27th

Durham Rejects Walken “Drop Out” Plea

Sources close to California Congressman Will Durham have suggested that he intends to stay in the Republican Primary until the very end and has even rejected a direct plea from President Walken to stand aside.

The reports suggested that the President contacted all three candidates on Wednesday morning urging them to find a solution to the current stalemate and apparently encouraged Durham to stand aside – a move that is widely believed would help former White House Chief of Staff Henry Shallick over the line to the nomination.

The President is said to have been concerned by Democratic nominee Sam Seaborn’s reported haul of donations in the weeks since he secured the nomination and warned all of the candidates that waiting till the convention to have a nominee risks handing an enormous advantage to Seaborn.

The Durham team are, however, said to be resolute “we got in this to represent the views of our constituency – we’ll keep doing that till the bitter end.”

 

[heatmaster]

Those WH drapes are already measured up by the Seaborns, and the Republican's could be so embittered and divided by the primary battles. Walken is unlikely to have the same kind of stature within the Republican ranks as Bartlet had within the Democratic Party in 2006. The Santos-Russell battle was not an ideological driven divide; essentially it was more about who might be a winner against Vinick; neither Gault nor Shallick see eye to eye on a number of issues and neither individual seems to have the ability to be a unifier. Maybe I'm wrong, but as things now stand this sounds unlikely.