2018 Presidential Election

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Excelsior

Excelsior

Former Army Ranger Found Dead in Hotel
Cpt. Christopher Graves, a veteran of Kazakhstan and Qumar, Medal of Honor recipient, and a Fox News contributor, has been found dead in a Boston hotel. Police have ruled it a suicide, as he was found with a gun in hand and with a suicide note in the room. Graves served with Delaware Governor Declan Molloy in Syria and heavily criticized him during his tenure as governor. Molloy has stated he regrets the passing of "a brother and friend, despite our differences" and offered his condolences of Graves's mother, his last surviving family. He also cited the need to take better care of veterans, especially regarding mental issues.
 
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RepMR

The Sunday Times

Sunday 9th December 2018

Sir Andrew Carter: 'I was cut off in my prime. Now, I must look for the next challenge.'

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Carter, pictured outside his home in Shropshire

Last week marked four years since former Prime Minister Andrew Carter suffered a stroke at the end of a Cabinet meeting in 10 Downing Street. It marked the culmination of weeks of pressure, tension and crisis that Carter had faced from several fronts. Severe flooding had battered parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and North West England, junior Justice minister Alan Reiger resigned and was later arrested over allegations of rape and a blockade of Gibraltar by Spain over a border dispute threatened to escalate into military confrontation between the UK and Spain. As each problem built up, Carter faced intense criticism from the press, the Opposition and even members of his own parliamentary party about his handling of the affairs. In the end, Carter says, the pressure finally boiled over and contributed to his stroke.

As he went through a six hour operation to reduce swelling on his brain, the country was plunged into political crisis as it wasn't clear who was running the country in Carter's absence. Maureen Graty, the former Prime Minister who at the time was serving as Carter's Defence Secretary and Party Chairman, claimed that she was in charge of government operations. Richard Samuels, then Deputy Prime Minister, had been visiting those affected by flooding in Dumfries and had become trapped there by heavy wind and rain. With the UK potentially on the verge of war and parts of the country being severely affected by storms, it was Samuels who returned to firmly assume temporary command in Carter's absence and put to rest any questions of leadership.

After his release from hospital, Carter initially planned to remain as Prime Minister but he decided over the Christmas period that it was both in his interest and that of the country to stand aside. It was a sudden, unplanned end to a Premiership that had looked set to last for a much longer time. Carter, who won the Conservative leadership in July 2010 after the deposal of James Taylor, had led the Conservatives to two stunning election victories in less than three years. His first, in April 2011, swept John Green's government from power and established the first Conservative government with a stable majority since the early 1990s. Facing a Labour Party in disarray and succeeding in dominating the political agenda, Carter called a second election ahead of schedule in November 2013. It returned an even larger Conservative majority. The events that led to his resignation were thus a sad end to a whirlwind rise.

Now, four years later, Carter has largely remained out of the public eye. He remained as MP for Leeds North West until this autumn's general election, where his successor Richard Samuels led the party to a third straight election victory. His last major media appearance was in July 2017, where he called for a second referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union and expressed willingness to lead the Leave campaign. The first referendum, held in 2013 during Carter's premiership, saw the UK narrowly vote to Remain. Carter himself voted to Leave but did not actively campaign in the referendum, respecting a Cabinet agreement on the issue.

As we meet at his home in Shropshire, Carter looks relaxed and content. He has good reason to be. It was announced last week that he had been granted a knighthood, one of the customs usually bestowed upon former Prime Ministers, although the practice has fallen out of use with recent former incumbents of Downing Street. The honour accompanies rumours he may be enobled, though Carter denies it. "I don't think I'm quite ready for the House of Lords yet. I may have retired from the Commons but there are things I'd like to do before taking that step." When asked about what exactly he means, Carter is fairly candid. "It could be any number of things that have taken my fancy over the last few years. Writing my memoirs for one, getting back into policy work, exploring roles in business or diplomacy. The possibilities are vast, it's just a matter of settling on what to do first, now that I'm no longer an MP." He elaborates, referring to his sudden departure from Number 10, "I was cut off in my prime. Now, I must look for the next challenge. I intended to stay as PM for seven or eight years and then retire. I sadly was unable to make that goal."

I ask if he intends to transition into becoming an active ex-PM like some of his recent predecessors. Henry Reed became Mayor of London, Maureen Graty served as Foreign and then Defence Secretary and Ricky Meyer became a Middle East peace envoy before being assassinated in the Jerusalem terror attack of 2011, an event Carter was present at. Carter ponders the question before saying "I'd certainly never rule anything out but I don't think at this stage I'll be looking for another role in frontline British politics. Diplomacy perhaps but again it does depend on the role." Since the announcement of him stepping down from Parliament, rumours have circulated that he could be Britain's candidate to become the next Secretary-General of NATO. When asked about this, Carter smiles. "It would certainly be a great honour but I know the role is taken right now and that it'll be a matter of the government to decide who they should put forward. There are plenty of qualified candidates we could put forward."

I then refer back to his July 2017 comments about an EU referendum, would he still opt to lead Leave, particularly now as Samuels seems set to hold one? Carter smiles again and is more candid this time. "I've not changed my mind since then, I'd opt to Leave and seek a leadership role within that campaign." Wouldn't this then put him at odds with Samuels? "I don't think so. Richard is very fair minded and respects different views across the party and his government. I know he'd respect my view and desire when a new referendum was held. It's great that he listened to the views of the party and decided a second vote was needed to really get to the heart of the issue. I look forward to campaigning in the referendum whenever it comes."

Even in retirement, it's clear that Carter hasn't lost any of the swashbuckling charm or confidence that won him two terms in Downing Street. He is candid yet careful, firm in his views but equally not seeking to offend or undermine his successor. Does he think Samuels will remain Leader for a long time to come? "I think he will, there's a great deal of support for him in the party and it's clear, with all the hurdles that a government in office for seven and a half years usually has, that Richard has succeeded in renewing the public's confidence in the Conservatives." I point out to him that Samuels is in his sixties and could stand down before the next election, due in 2023. "It's possible, but remember we've had Prime Ministers into their eighties before. Age isn't a barrier." Regardless, I try to draw him on who from the current Cabinet or elsewhere he'd like to see succeed Samuels. "There's great talent out there right now. Nigel Jay, though he's out of the Commons now as Mayor of London. Kevin Grimes, Michael Duggan, Fiona Wallace, all doing well in the Big Three offices. I think at this stage it'll probably depend on the EU referendum. Richard won't quit before it and if he chooses to go after it, I think however the referendum goes will determine the next Leader. You could see an outsider like Karen Purvis or James Hawthorne in the mix."

Would he ever explore a comeback himself? "I had my time, it was shorter than I hoped and I do wish I could go back but I think it's just not realistic at this stage. It's not the age for comebacks anymore." A degree of sadness flicks over him at this and it's hard not to feel sympathy for him. Despite the phenomenal efforts of his partner, Janice, and medical staff during his recovery, Carter concedes that he still feels the effects of his stroke some years on. "You have to adjust to dealing with not doing things that you once could do with ease. I still find myself with some weakness in my left side and I've had to really regulate my drinking and calorie intake. I've gotten more into exercise too. As PM, it's difficult to find the time. One of the perks is I can take a walk now with Janice whenever I like, something particularly beautiful when in the countryside too."

Looking around, Carter's home well fits the aesthetics of an English country village. He now lives in Ackleton, a place at the heart of rural Shropshire. He has resided in the home with Janice for a few months since he announced he was leaving the Commons, with domestic improvements still taking precedence for the two of them. Janice joins us at the end of the interview and as we wrap up, I ask the final question of what Carter would've gone back and changed, if he could. He ponders this for a few seconds and then quips "I'd have met Janice a lot earlier." It's a sweet end to our chat, seeing how clear the bond between them has helped Carter through his illness. Looking back at his answers, one gets the sense that this is an active man unfulfilled. Struck down but now sufficiently ready to contribute again, it just remains to be seen if he'll help or hinder his successor with that goal. If Richard Samuels thought he could drive policy uncontested, the reappearance of his charismatic predecessor might convince others to do the same.

Andrew Francis Carter

Curriculum Vitae

Born: February 8, 1957

Education: Rainham Grammar School, York; Cambridge University.

Career: Worked as a solicitor, specialising in family and divorce law, working at legal firms in London and then Leeds. Became a local Conservative councillor in Leeds before being elected as MP for Leeds North West at the 1991 general election. Briefly served as a government whip from 1995 to 1996, then serving as a junior Home Office spokesperson from 1996 to 1998. He became Shadow Policing Minister in 1998 and then Shadow Europe Minister in 2000. Elevated to the Shadow Cabinet in 2002 at Work and Pensions and moved to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport after Graty became PM in 2004. Led Britain's successful campaign to host the 2014 World Cup as Culture Secretary in 2006 but left Cabinet when the Graty government fell in 2007. Shadow Environment Secretary from 2007 to 2009 and then Shadow Joint Treasury Minister from 2009 to 2010 until he resigned in opposition to James Taylor. Elected Leader of the Conservative Party in 2010 after Taylor's deposal and Prime Minister of the UK from 2011 until 2015. Retired as MP for Leeds North West at 2018 general election.

Family: Married to Fiona from 1979 until their separation in 2010. They have one son, Craig, born 1983. Currently lives with Janice, his domestic partner since 2012.

Quick Fire

Seaborn or Shallick? Seaborn. He's got the youthful vigor yet experience and renewal ideas. I respect Shallick though a great deal. Was always good to work with when he was Walken's Chief of Staff.

Hollis - Good or Bad? Right now, bad. A great businessman but needs much better attitude if he's to be a good VP.

Man City or Chelsea to win the league? Hopefully neither but if I had to pick, Chelsea.

Facebook or Twitter? Twitter

Bake Off or Strictly? Strictly
 
Excelsior

Excelsior

13 September 2017
nbs.com
IOC Announces Olympics Games for 2024 and 2028
At the 131st IOC Sessions in Brasilia, Brasil, the hosts of the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics were announced. The 2024 Games will be held in Seoul, South Korea, and the 2028 Games will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The double announcement was done due to the lack of bids for the 2028 Games after Madrid and Melbourne both withdrew. A planned late entry by a collection of German cities collapsed due to a lack of funding. The 2028 Games will be the first held in the continent of Africa.
 
Excelsior

Excelsior

List of Winter Olympics
1994 - Östersund, Sweden
1998 - Aosta, Italy
2002 - Salt Lake City, United States
2006 - Nagano, Japan
2010 - Innsbruck, Austria
2014 - Beijing, China
2018 - Montreal, Canada
2022 - Kiev, Ukraine
2026 - to be determined in 2019
 

Tim Thomason

Excelsior said:
13 September 2017
nbs.com
IOC Announces Olympics Games for 2024 and 2028
At the 131st IOC Sessions in Brasilia, Brasil, the hosts of the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics were announced. The 2024 Games will be held in Seoul, South Korea, and the 2028 Games will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The double announcement was done due to the lack of bids for the 2028 Games after Madrid and Melbourne both withdrew. A planned late entry by a collection of German cities collapsed due to a lack of funding. The 2028 Games will be the first held in the continent of Africa.
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A little early to be announcing 2028, but the IOC must be looking for publicity following the huge outcry due to not gaining a consensus at the Sessions in September 2017.

Here's a list of how the Summer Olympics have shaped up in our WW universe previously. Looks like Sam will be going to Istanbul in a year and a half. Let's hope the Greco-Turkish War doesn't flare up again.
 
Excelsior

Excelsior

TheHill.com
National Enquirer Alleges Molloy Killed Graves
Today, the National Enquirer's front page declared "MOLLOY KILLS HERO FRIEND," alleging that Delaware Governor Declan Molloy ordered the murder of Captain Christopher Graves, who served with him in Syria. Although Graves's death was officially ruled a suicide, his ex-girlfriend Lizzie McShane tweeted "Chris was killed for what he knew...he would never kill himself." The tweet was deleted an hour later. It is unclear what she thought Graves "knew." Governor Molloy's office was reached for comment but did not respond.
 

Marky Bunny

NBS.COM
Monday December 10th 2018

Breaking News Breaking News

Republican Governor Sean Boone is Seaborn nominee for Secretary of the Interior

In a surprise move, the Seaborn transition team has announced that Republican Governor Sean Boone of Washington State will be it's nominee for Secretary of the Interior.

Transition spokeswomen Cassie Tatum said that the "President Elect wanted a "team of all the talents" in his cabinet, and that Governor Boone has fine record on conservation and the environment during his eight years as Governor, and is an exceptional choice for the role". Boone is believed to have beaent off competition for the job from fellow Governor Kurt Carner of Montana and former Oregon Governor Paul Chang.

Governor Boone who turns 41 early in the New Year, lost very narrowly his bid to unseat Senator William Wiley, but many in the Republican party had been predicting that Boone who is not term limited as Washington Governor would run for the Republican President nomination in 2022. A source within the transition team told NBS "It's a win-win for us, Boone has a good record as Washington Governor, he has fought his own party on the environment and climate change. He has a good administrative record as well, sorting out the mess left to him by Governor Nolan back in 2010. Also from a pure political standpoint it removes one of the strongest possible Republican Challengers in four years time from the table".

Governor Boone confirmed he had been offered the job and had accepted leaving him the first Republican to be nominated for the incoming Seaborn cabinet during an interview with NBS this morning "I am honoured to have been given this chance to serve, the President Elect is going to be my President, regardless of party, and it will be my pleasure to serve as his pleasure" he also added that he had spoken to Henry Shallick, his long term friend Senate Majority Leader Cody Riley and former Secretary of State Arnold Vinick who famously served as Matthew Santos Secretary of State before accepting the position.

Governor Boone before going on air for his NBS Interview this morning.
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TWWFan

What's Donna up to these days? I was thinking of doing a small story for her but don't want to interfere with anything that's been established.
 
mspence

mspence

Banned
Another Republican might be a good fit for Secretary of Labor, mirroring how Leo McGarry, a Democrat, served in that position under Bartlett's predecessor, Republican Owen Lassiter.
 

lord caedus

mspence said:
Another Republican might be a good fit for Secretary of Labor, mirroring how Leo McGarry, a Democrat, served in that position under Bartlett's predecessor, Republican Owen Lassiter.
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I can't think of a better way for Sam needlessly antagonize organized labor more than picking a Republican to head the Labor Department. It'd also be especially egregious for them since it's almost certain that labor leaders would have had to fight to keep enough of their members from voting for Straus to throw the election to Shallick.
 

Arrowfan237

The men in the Seaborn administration should do a yearly calendar in order to help pay off the national debt.

I’m just saying I know a lot of women and quite a few men would buy it.
 
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