2010 US Presidential Election
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Wednesday February 17th
Breaking News Breaking News Breaking News
CNN to hold debate Saturday February 27th between Sullivan and Walken
CNN can confirm it will be broadcasting a head to head, one on one debate between Glen Walken and Ray Sullivan a week on Saturday.
It will held at the Jefferson Hotel, in Richmond Virginia.
The debate comes after the Sullivan team demanded a final debate with Walken. The two have never gone head to head so far. The Sullivan team clearly believe as Colt Merchant has been telling anyone that has been listening that Sullivan can win the debate and change the direction of the nomination race.
Indiania Senator Rob O'Rourke on behalf of the Walken team flew into Richmond early this morning with talks with Former New York Governor Jack Stephens who was representing the Sullivan Campaign. Also present where officals from CNN and other members of the RNC.
New York Post
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Walken starts to ruminate on VP
Glen Allen Walken is within shouting distance of the presidency. Now, with the Republican nomination virtually sewn up, Walken is facing a barrage of questions about who he might choose as a running mate.
He frequently waves off queries with a joke that the vice president has just two duties: casting tie votes in the Senate and inquiring daily about the health of the president. But that hasn't stopped feverish speculation about his frequent companions on the campaign trail and those who have made the invitation list for weekend retreats to the candidate's cabin.
Many believe that voters' concern about Walken's health means his choice for the No. 2 spot will carry a great deal of weight.
"By the time this election gets around, everyone is going to know Walken's health is still questionable no matter how much he weight he lost," said Republican consultant Kevin Kahn, "It's a concern and it has to be addressed."
But there is little consensus within the party about what issue will define Walken's choice. Should his team look to a candidate who could shore up his economic credentials? Should he choose a partner who could allay suspicions among some moderates that Walken is too conservative? Or does he have the latitude to choose a candidate who might broaden the appeal of the Republican Party?
Walken's most obvious task is finding someone the American people would view as a suitable stand-in as commander in chief.
Khan, who was Ritchie's campaign manager and helped orchestrate the surprise choice of Jeff Heston in 2002, said Walken will look for "a good, strong conservative" with a record of governing who could complement the ticket "both from a generational standpoint [and] a geographical standpoint."
Many believe Walken will consider Senator Liz Clark of Texas -- whose experience could add economic heft to the ticket. Walken also is expected to consider onetime White House hopeful Mike Reed, a skilled campaigner who could appeal to moderate voters. Reed, however, was widely derided by economic conservatives over his record on taxes when he was governor of Ohio.
Several charismatic governors with close ties to Walken are getting attention as well: Indiana Governor Stephen Kendrick, Michael Jack of Minnesota and Georgia's, Charlie Forrester .
Others may include former Lassiter man, Bob Kilner, and even New York Governor Jack Stephens, as a reach-out to Sullivan voters. Maybe even Sullivan himself will perform the role again.
It seems premature to be making a shortlist for the VP nomination, but facing circumstances, it seems impossible for Sullivan to win now, so the future is something to think on.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Walken starts to ruminate on VP
Glen Allen Walken is within shouting distance of the presidency. Now, with the Republican nomination virtually sewn up, Walken is facing a barrage of questions about who he might choose as a running mate.
He frequently waves off queries with a joke that the vice president has just two duties: casting tie votes in the Senate and inquiring daily about the health of the president. But that hasn't stopped feverish speculation about his frequent companions on the campaign trail and those who have made the invitation list for weekend retreats to the candidate's cabin.
Many believe that voters' concern about Walken's health means his choice for the No. 2 spot will carry a great deal of weight.
"By the time this election gets around, everyone is going to know Walken's health is still questionable no matter how much he weight he lost," said Republican consultant Kevin Kahn, "It's a concern and it has to be addressed."
But there is little consensus within the party about what issue will define Walken's choice. Should his team look to a candidate who could shore up his economic credentials? Should he choose a partner who could allay suspicions among some moderates that Walken is too conservative? Or does he have the latitude to choose a candidate who might broaden the appeal of the Republican Party?
Walken's most obvious task is finding someone the American people would view as a suitable stand-in as commander in chief.
Khan, who was Ritchie's campaign manager and helped orchestrate the surprise choice of Jeff Heston in 2002, said Walken will look for "a good, strong conservative" with a record of governing who could complement the ticket "both from a generational standpoint [and] a geographical standpoint."
Many believe Walken will consider Senator Liz Clark of Texas -- whose experience could add economic heft to the ticket. Walken also is expected to consider onetime White House hopeful Mike Reed, a skilled campaigner who could appeal to moderate voters. Reed, however, was widely derided by economic conservatives over his record on taxes when he was governor of Ohio.
Several charismatic governors with close ties to Walken are getting attention as well: Indiana Governor Stephen Kendrick, Michael Jack of Minnesota and Georgia's, Charlie Forrester .
Others may include former Lassiter man, Bob Kilner, and even New York Governor Jack Stephens, as a reach-out to Sullivan voters. Maybe even Sullivan himself will perform the role again.
It seems premature to be making a shortlist for the VP nomination, but facing circumstances, it seems impossible for Sullivan to win now, so the future is something to think on.
Last edited:
townhall.com, Thursday February 18th
Walken Confirmed As CPAC Keynote Speaker For CPAC
It has been the worst kept secret in Republican circles in Washington but confirmation has come today that Glen Walken will be the keynote speaker at this years CPAC convention scheduled for the weekend of 4th -6th of March.
Walken, who many expect will clinch the nomination the previous Tuesday, will be addressing the conference on Saturday night at 6pm. It had been speculated that the name of the speaker would be decided only once the party had confirmed its nominee but the conference schedulers have confirmed that the former acting President has accepted their offer to appear.
The invitation drew criticism from the camp of West Virginia Governor Ray Sullivan. Mary Tabbatha, one his key advisors told reporters “I think it’s inappropriate for CPAC to attempt to coronate him (Walken) while the primary process is still ongoing.”
The conference will play host to a number of top Republicans. Talk show host Nash Rockford will address the conference on Friday night, immediately after Indiana Governor Stephen Kendrick.
In a move bound to increase speculation on her VP credentials Senator Liz Clark is scheduled to appear on the Saturday afternoon discussing “A Conservative Recovery”.
Much of the attention will be on possible Vice-Presidential picks with appearances scheduled by Governors Michael Jack, Mike Reed and Rudi Vansen as well as Senators Rob O’Rourke, Thomas Ford and Cody Riley.
Walken Confirmed As CPAC Keynote Speaker For CPAC
It has been the worst kept secret in Republican circles in Washington but confirmation has come today that Glen Walken will be the keynote speaker at this years CPAC convention scheduled for the weekend of 4th -6th of March.
Walken, who many expect will clinch the nomination the previous Tuesday, will be addressing the conference on Saturday night at 6pm. It had been speculated that the name of the speaker would be decided only once the party had confirmed its nominee but the conference schedulers have confirmed that the former acting President has accepted their offer to appear.
The invitation drew criticism from the camp of West Virginia Governor Ray Sullivan. Mary Tabbatha, one his key advisors told reporters “I think it’s inappropriate for CPAC to attempt to coronate him (Walken) while the primary process is still ongoing.”
The conference will play host to a number of top Republicans. Talk show host Nash Rockford will address the conference on Friday night, immediately after Indiana Governor Stephen Kendrick.
In a move bound to increase speculation on her VP credentials Senator Liz Clark is scheduled to appear on the Saturday afternoon discussing “A Conservative Recovery”.
Much of the attention will be on possible Vice-Presidential picks with appearances scheduled by Governors Michael Jack, Mike Reed and Rudi Vansen as well as Senators Rob O’Rourke, Thomas Ford and Cody Riley.
politico.com, Friday February 19th
Sullivan Camp Attempting To Walk Back Wife’s Remark
The campaign of West Virginia Governor Ray Sullivan are furiously back pedaling on comments made by the 2006 Vice-Presidential nominee’s wife on an social networking website.
Responding to a question on the site, Kate Sullivan said “We’ve accepted that the nomination is out of reach. We are just focusing on what the best route out will be.”
The comments have quickly exploded into the national press with many taking it as confirmation that Sullivan intends to withdraw from the race before March 2nd’s raft of primaries.
The Sullivan campaign quickly released a statement claiming that Mrs. Sullivan had not realized that it was a publicly available conversation and was sharing some frustrations with a friend.
Not surprisingly the comments have been seized upon by the campaign of front runner Glen Walken. Spokesman Daniel Kline told reporters “It’s a staggering admission from Mrs. Sullivan. We are currently spending time, money and resources preparing for a debate that Governor Sullivan called for. This seems to be in spite of the fact that he’s already realized that President Walken will win the nomination.”
The offending post has since been removed from the website in question.
Sullivan Camp Attempting To Walk Back Wife’s Remark
The campaign of West Virginia Governor Ray Sullivan are furiously back pedaling on comments made by the 2006 Vice-Presidential nominee’s wife on an social networking website.
Responding to a question on the site, Kate Sullivan said “We’ve accepted that the nomination is out of reach. We are just focusing on what the best route out will be.”
The comments have quickly exploded into the national press with many taking it as confirmation that Sullivan intends to withdraw from the race before March 2nd’s raft of primaries.
The Sullivan campaign quickly released a statement claiming that Mrs. Sullivan had not realized that it was a publicly available conversation and was sharing some frustrations with a friend.
Not surprisingly the comments have been seized upon by the campaign of front runner Glen Walken. Spokesman Daniel Kline told reporters “It’s a staggering admission from Mrs. Sullivan. We are currently spending time, money and resources preparing for a debate that Governor Sullivan called for. This seems to be in spite of the fact that he’s already realized that President Walken will win the nomination.”
The offending post has since been removed from the website in question.
New York Times, Friday, February 19, 2010
Walken endorsed by New York City Mayor
Presidential hopeful Glen Allen Walken has been endorsed by recently inaugurated Mayor Jesse Crase. Mayor Jesse Crase has been conservative player in the 2010 election, and may have helped carry the New York Primary for Walken. This morning Mayor Crase said, "I think we need more conservatives like Walken in control of the country, and I think America is ready for the Walken revolution." Crase has supported Walken in the state which has voted Democratic in every election since 1998, no Republican since Owen Lassiter in 1994 has won the state of New York. Walken is, of course outrun by Santos, by a 59%-39% margin in the general election.
Walken endorsed by New York City Mayor
Presidential hopeful Glen Allen Walken has been endorsed by recently inaugurated Mayor Jesse Crase. Mayor Jesse Crase has been conservative player in the 2010 election, and may have helped carry the New York Primary for Walken. This morning Mayor Crase said, "I think we need more conservatives like Walken in control of the country, and I think America is ready for the Walken revolution." Crase has supported Walken in the state which has voted Democratic in every election since 1998, no Republican since Owen Lassiter in 1994 has won the state of New York. Walken is, of course outrun by Santos, by a 59%-39% margin in the general election.
CBS NEWS, Saturday, February 20,2010
Arkin: "It looks like it's gonna be Walken"
House Minority Leader Jim Arkin, said in an interview with CBS News that in his words "It looks like it's gonna be Walken". He went on to say "It's not an endorsement, but Walken has been shopping for Vice President, he has started attacking Santos like the nominee, so my view is Walken gets the nomination. Ray Sullivan is a great person and I think he'll be back someday, but Walken has the nomination now."
Arkin has not endorsed anyone for President, but he is one of the few that feel this way in Congress today.
Arkin: "It looks like it's gonna be Walken"
House Minority Leader Jim Arkin, said in an interview with CBS News that in his words "It looks like it's gonna be Walken". He went on to say "It's not an endorsement, but Walken has been shopping for Vice President, he has started attacking Santos like the nominee, so my view is Walken gets the nomination. Ray Sullivan is a great person and I think he'll be back someday, but Walken has the nomination now."
Arkin has not endorsed anyone for President, but he is one of the few that feel this way in Congress today.
NBS NEWS, Saturday, February 20, 2010
Reputed "Hoax" Image Shows Walken Engaging in Drug Use
In an image on the image hosting website ImageChan.org, current Presidential candidate Glen Allen Walken is shown engaging in recreational drug use at what appears to be an exotic bar in the 1970s.
The image, which was released two weeks ago to the popular image board, was originally believed to be a fake image making light of Congressman Walken, one of many in the heated election season. However, members of the message board, and later reputable image specialists, found the 900x500 JPEG file to consist of no defects or cause for being fake.
The image, which is too graphic to be shown here, seamlessly shows what appears to be a young Walken in his 20s, wearing a blue open-collar shirt and smiling at the camera. He is seated next to a topless woman and three other men, with a topless dancer in the background. The young man believed to be Walken is holding a straw in his hand and has a mirror in front of him with what appears to be lines of cocaine, and he had apparently just finished, or is about to inhale the substance.
Dr. Harriet Bunting examined the image for NBS and agrees that there are little-to-no reasons to doubt the authenticity of the image itself. It is possible for a well-trained artist to create the image, and then scan it, and this is believed-to-be the case by the Walken campaign, who refused to comment other than stating it was an "obvious hoax."
The image was posted anonymously, although sources have tracked down its IP address to an internet café in New York City. Sources from the White House and the Sullivan campaign have also yet to comment on the issue.
Reputed "Hoax" Image Shows Walken Engaging in Drug Use
In an image on the image hosting website ImageChan.org, current Presidential candidate Glen Allen Walken is shown engaging in recreational drug use at what appears to be an exotic bar in the 1970s.
The image, which was released two weeks ago to the popular image board, was originally believed to be a fake image making light of Congressman Walken, one of many in the heated election season. However, members of the message board, and later reputable image specialists, found the 900x500 JPEG file to consist of no defects or cause for being fake.
The image, which is too graphic to be shown here, seamlessly shows what appears to be a young Walken in his 20s, wearing a blue open-collar shirt and smiling at the camera. He is seated next to a topless woman and three other men, with a topless dancer in the background. The young man believed to be Walken is holding a straw in his hand and has a mirror in front of him with what appears to be lines of cocaine, and he had apparently just finished, or is about to inhale the substance.
Dr. Harriet Bunting examined the image for NBS and agrees that there are little-to-no reasons to doubt the authenticity of the image itself. It is possible for a well-trained artist to create the image, and then scan it, and this is believed-to-be the case by the Walken campaign, who refused to comment other than stating it was an "obvious hoax."
The image was posted anonymously, although sources have tracked down its IP address to an internet café in New York City. Sources from the White House and the Sullivan campaign have also yet to comment on the issue.
Sunday February 21st
CNN ELECTION RESULT CENTRE
------------------------------------------------
Overseas Saturday Results
American Samoa Sullivan 52.4 263 votes 9 Dels
Walken 47.6 239 votes
------------------------------------------------
Guam Sullivan 54.5 271 votes 9 Dels
Walken 45.5 226 votes
------------------------------------------------
Northern Marianian Islands Sullivan 6O.8 313 Votes 9 Dels
Walken 39.2
------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Walken 54.8 21O, 863 23 Dels
Sullivan 45.2 173,923
-----------------------------------------------
US Virgin Islands Sullivan 58.7 311 votes 9 Dels
Walken 41.3 213 votes
-----------------------------------------------
Elections Won
Sullivan 4 Walken 1
Sullivan 36 Dels
Walken 23 Dels
Vote
Sullivan 175,O81
Walken 211,743
Walken wins Popular Vote by 36,662
-----------------------------------------------
RUNNING TOTAL
Walken 8,4O2,589 1O72 Dels
Sullivan 8,O23,875 821 Dels
Walken leads in Dels 251 cut by 13
Walken 199 Dels from the nomination.
----------------------------------------------
Monday February 22nd
Republican leadership tell Sullivan to end the race
For the first time, the Gop leadership has told Governor Ray Sullivan to quit his bid for the nomination and endorse Glen Walken.
Senate Majority Leader Robert Royce has broken his neutraility by calling for Sullivan to withdraw. He told CNN'S Situation Room.
"It's is clear to everyone, that Glen is going to be the nominee, Ray has fought bravely, but the time has come now, for him to withdraw and stand behind our nominee as we get ready to take back the White-House in the fall"
Asked if this was an endorsement of Walken, Royce replied "It's beyond endorsements now".
Many others including Sullivan supporters are urging him to withdraw now.
On Saturday Sullivan did win more delegates and cacsus than Walken, but he is now only 199 delegates from the magic 1271 needed to win. With Texas 140 delegates a banker for Walken, Walken is in-fect on 59 delegates away, and so it clearly requires a miracle for Sullivan to win.
politico.com, Monday February 22nd
Walken Laughs off Drug “Hoax”
Prospective Republican nominee for President, Glen Walken laughed off a discussion on Meet The Press regarding the reports of his drug use in the 1970s.
Walken told David Gregory that “To say its ridiculous is putting it mildly. I’ve had my vices in my time, but I’m glad to say drugs have never been one of them.” When asked if the campaign could prove that the video was a hoax the former Speaker of the House was unmoved “Truth being told I’ve left that to the campaign team. I know the truth and god knows the truth and I’m happy with that.”
The former acting President, who surpassed veteran Senator Archie Willerby becoming the politician to have appeared most often on the show, focused most of his time talking about the economy and how he was hugely concerned at the inability of the current administration to help small businesses and entrepreneurs to help create jobs. “The President consistently talks about how they have fended off a the worst economic crisis in history, but look below his rhetoric and you see that the private sector is still struggling – that’s why the jobs aren’t coming back, we need action and we need it now.”
Walken also confirmed to Gregory that he will be the key note speaker at the CPAC conference in two weeks time, but denied that it was a sign that he felt the nomination was in the bag “I have to disagree, Governor Sullivan is still in their fighting and I think only once we see what happens on March 2nd will we know who the nominee is.”
Asked to comment on reports over the weekend that he has already engaged former Georgia Governor Caleb Burgess to head a selection committee for his vice-president Walken said “David, you’re looking for mischief. My entire focus is on the primaries on March 2nd. If that goes to plan, then and only then will I start thinking about VPs.”
Walken Laughs off Drug “Hoax”
Prospective Republican nominee for President, Glen Walken laughed off a discussion on Meet The Press regarding the reports of his drug use in the 1970s.
Walken told David Gregory that “To say its ridiculous is putting it mildly. I’ve had my vices in my time, but I’m glad to say drugs have never been one of them.” When asked if the campaign could prove that the video was a hoax the former Speaker of the House was unmoved “Truth being told I’ve left that to the campaign team. I know the truth and god knows the truth and I’m happy with that.”
The former acting President, who surpassed veteran Senator Archie Willerby becoming the politician to have appeared most often on the show, focused most of his time talking about the economy and how he was hugely concerned at the inability of the current administration to help small businesses and entrepreneurs to help create jobs. “The President consistently talks about how they have fended off a the worst economic crisis in history, but look below his rhetoric and you see that the private sector is still struggling – that’s why the jobs aren’t coming back, we need action and we need it now.”
Walken also confirmed to Gregory that he will be the key note speaker at the CPAC conference in two weeks time, but denied that it was a sign that he felt the nomination was in the bag “I have to disagree, Governor Sullivan is still in their fighting and I think only once we see what happens on March 2nd will we know who the nominee is.”
Asked to comment on reports over the weekend that he has already engaged former Georgia Governor Caleb Burgess to head a selection committee for his vice-president Walken said “David, you’re looking for mischief. My entire focus is on the primaries on March 2nd. If that goes to plan, then and only then will I start thinking about VPs.”
theeconomist.com, Monday February 22nd
Is Santos Doomed To Only One Term?
In the early hours of November 8th 2006, it was confirmed that Texas Congressman Matthew Santos had carried Nevada and had managed to edge out California Senator Arnold Vinick, to become the 44th President of the United States.
While this newspaper had endorsed Vinick, we felt a certain degree of optimism for the future under Santos. Throughout the campaign he had talked tough about the need for serious reform in education, and in healthcare. Economically the country and the world looked strong. We fretted over how such an inexperienced figure would cope with the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and his predecessor’s decision to get between China and Russia in Kazakhstan but happily admitted that we’d give him the benefit of the doubt.
Three and half years on and Santos faces an uncertain future. The Republicans look certain to nominate their most electable candidate, a genuine heavyweight in former acting President Glen Walken, a challenge that this time last year many Democrats were gleefully dismissing as “unlikely” and “fortunately not going to happen”.
There is little doubt that what the Democrats fear in Walken hits at the core of President Santos’ problems.
In 2007 his presidency started promisingly. His election opponent Vinick looked an astute pick for Secretary of State, both a hand out to Republicans and a means of addressing his perceived inexperience on the international stage. His last minute decision to not choose Stan Rosenthal to be his Treasury secretary appeared risky, but in Christopher Parker many thought he’d selected well.
In fact, his full cabinet was well received with only a couple of odd choices. Democratic Congressman Mike Franco became Secretary of Defense – confusing many who felt Franco lacked the heft required for the post, and Secretary of Energy Felix North, a renowned anti-nuclear expert, was a risky move post San Andreo.
Santos retained a strong approval rating through the first six months, right up until his attempt to push through two major pieces of legislation. Firstly, he set the ball rolling on his flagship education policy – but prompted enormous criticism when he passed most of the leg work to Speaker Mark Sellner and his Chief of Staff Josh Lyman. The end result was a complete mess of a bill that had to be reworked three times before scraping through the House and dying an undignified death in the Senate.
The White House attempted to spin the failure as the Republican majority in the Senate playing a partisan game, but that particular line of argument fell apart, when Santos, Sellner and Lyman followed effectively the same path on healthcare, bizarrely promoting a public option that had no chance of getting the support of the entire Democratic caucus in the Senate let alone the Republican majority.
With the apparent failure of his domestic agenda Santos attempted to regroup calling for more bi-partisanship in Congress attempting to appeal directly to the American public. Polls suggested their response was lukewarm and by end of 2007 his approval rating had fallen below 50%.
Aside from his legislative failure Santos’ first year was dogged by links to disgraced Congressman Tim Fields, a close ally of Santos during his time in Congress. Fields had announced his retirement shortly after the 2006 election in order to stand for Governor in his home state of Texas in 2008. The refusal of Santos to condemn his friend over campaign bribery allegations damaged both himself and the Democrats chances in Texas, where Republican Phil Prior claimed the Governorship in a November landslide.
2008 may well still be looked on as the year it fell apart for Santos. The collapse of Kazakh government under the pressure of interference from both China and Russia cast serious doubt on American mission in the region. Prominent Republicans such as Governor Marcus Blakemore and Georgia Senator James Lancaster attacked Santos as being “totally ineffective” and of “lacking any vision beyond just sitting between two opposing forces and hoping they forget why they’re there.”
Santos seemed lost in his response and hesitated continually to take steps to ensure Kazakhstan retained an independent government, attempts by China and Russia to implement their own puppet regimes only served to further heighten tension. The eventual compromise of an interim government selected by the three powers simply filled a void with a gap and left the leader of the free world looking ineffective.
It wasn’t until 2009, when by all accounts Santos handed Kazakhstan strategy over to his Secretary of State that progress was made. The Vinick inspired Antwerp plan seems to be bearing fruit and winding down the conflict at an almost ideal time for the President, but only time will tell if the pictures of Santos looking dazed by the scale of the problems will be forgotten come election time.
In spite of early difficulties, the administration survived the mid terms relatively unscathed. The Republicans picked up three seats in the Senate extending their majority to ten, and narrowed the majority in the house to only two seats, but such was the concern in the Democratic party going in that this was seen as a good result in spite of losses of apparently safe Senate seats in Maine and West Virginia.
The Democratic plan to relaunch after the mid terms took a hammer blow with the economic collapse in late 2008. Santos had to quickly bailout two leading banks, but was powerless to stop the collapse of Atkins and Sons, the investment bank. Out of the crisis Santos won some praise for swift action in averting what many claimed would be the catastrophic failure of the banking system.
History may well say that 2009 saw Santos finally grow into the role of President. His performances on the global stage were much more assured, helped immeasurably by the improvements in the situation in Kazakhstan. He managed to find common ground with Republicans on a stimulus plan, though only by going against an initially Democratic plan that couldn’t win sufficient support in the Senate.
He took some brave decisions, not firing Treasury Secretary Parker, but instead replacing his controversial Chief of Staff Josh Lyman after a prolonged battle over his budget. The appointment of prominent Blue Dog Nate Singer and the return to front line politics of former Commerce Secretary Mitch Bryce has certainly stabilized the White House operation and improved relations on The Hill.
Santos has also had to face the personal dilemma of having to replace a second Vice-President. Having lost his first choice Leo McGarry on Election Day, the tragic retirement of Eric Baker following a brain hemorrhage must have been particularly galling; Santos carried himself extremely well throughout and made a sensible choice by appointing former majority leader Wendell Tripplehorn.
With the economy improving and a likely drop in jobless numbers before November Santos now appears to have a chance that few would have expected in the dark days of June 2008. The strongest defense for a second term of Santos has always been the belief that the Republicans would fail on the big stage again, or make yet another divisive choice in their nomination process. As Walken scales the final few feet of his climb to his own personal mountain top, suddenly Santos will face the an opponent who plays to his worst fears. The next six months will decide whether Santos will be more Newman or Bartlet in historical terms.
Is Santos Doomed To Only One Term?
In the early hours of November 8th 2006, it was confirmed that Texas Congressman Matthew Santos had carried Nevada and had managed to edge out California Senator Arnold Vinick, to become the 44th President of the United States.
While this newspaper had endorsed Vinick, we felt a certain degree of optimism for the future under Santos. Throughout the campaign he had talked tough about the need for serious reform in education, and in healthcare. Economically the country and the world looked strong. We fretted over how such an inexperienced figure would cope with the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and his predecessor’s decision to get between China and Russia in Kazakhstan but happily admitted that we’d give him the benefit of the doubt.
Three and half years on and Santos faces an uncertain future. The Republicans look certain to nominate their most electable candidate, a genuine heavyweight in former acting President Glen Walken, a challenge that this time last year many Democrats were gleefully dismissing as “unlikely” and “fortunately not going to happen”.
There is little doubt that what the Democrats fear in Walken hits at the core of President Santos’ problems.
In 2007 his presidency started promisingly. His election opponent Vinick looked an astute pick for Secretary of State, both a hand out to Republicans and a means of addressing his perceived inexperience on the international stage. His last minute decision to not choose Stan Rosenthal to be his Treasury secretary appeared risky, but in Christopher Parker many thought he’d selected well.
In fact, his full cabinet was well received with only a couple of odd choices. Democratic Congressman Mike Franco became Secretary of Defense – confusing many who felt Franco lacked the heft required for the post, and Secretary of Energy Felix North, a renowned anti-nuclear expert, was a risky move post San Andreo.
Santos retained a strong approval rating through the first six months, right up until his attempt to push through two major pieces of legislation. Firstly, he set the ball rolling on his flagship education policy – but prompted enormous criticism when he passed most of the leg work to Speaker Mark Sellner and his Chief of Staff Josh Lyman. The end result was a complete mess of a bill that had to be reworked three times before scraping through the House and dying an undignified death in the Senate.
The White House attempted to spin the failure as the Republican majority in the Senate playing a partisan game, but that particular line of argument fell apart, when Santos, Sellner and Lyman followed effectively the same path on healthcare, bizarrely promoting a public option that had no chance of getting the support of the entire Democratic caucus in the Senate let alone the Republican majority.
With the apparent failure of his domestic agenda Santos attempted to regroup calling for more bi-partisanship in Congress attempting to appeal directly to the American public. Polls suggested their response was lukewarm and by end of 2007 his approval rating had fallen below 50%.
Aside from his legislative failure Santos’ first year was dogged by links to disgraced Congressman Tim Fields, a close ally of Santos during his time in Congress. Fields had announced his retirement shortly after the 2006 election in order to stand for Governor in his home state of Texas in 2008. The refusal of Santos to condemn his friend over campaign bribery allegations damaged both himself and the Democrats chances in Texas, where Republican Phil Prior claimed the Governorship in a November landslide.
2008 may well still be looked on as the year it fell apart for Santos. The collapse of Kazakh government under the pressure of interference from both China and Russia cast serious doubt on American mission in the region. Prominent Republicans such as Governor Marcus Blakemore and Georgia Senator James Lancaster attacked Santos as being “totally ineffective” and of “lacking any vision beyond just sitting between two opposing forces and hoping they forget why they’re there.”
Santos seemed lost in his response and hesitated continually to take steps to ensure Kazakhstan retained an independent government, attempts by China and Russia to implement their own puppet regimes only served to further heighten tension. The eventual compromise of an interim government selected by the three powers simply filled a void with a gap and left the leader of the free world looking ineffective.
It wasn’t until 2009, when by all accounts Santos handed Kazakhstan strategy over to his Secretary of State that progress was made. The Vinick inspired Antwerp plan seems to be bearing fruit and winding down the conflict at an almost ideal time for the President, but only time will tell if the pictures of Santos looking dazed by the scale of the problems will be forgotten come election time.
In spite of early difficulties, the administration survived the mid terms relatively unscathed. The Republicans picked up three seats in the Senate extending their majority to ten, and narrowed the majority in the house to only two seats, but such was the concern in the Democratic party going in that this was seen as a good result in spite of losses of apparently safe Senate seats in Maine and West Virginia.
The Democratic plan to relaunch after the mid terms took a hammer blow with the economic collapse in late 2008. Santos had to quickly bailout two leading banks, but was powerless to stop the collapse of Atkins and Sons, the investment bank. Out of the crisis Santos won some praise for swift action in averting what many claimed would be the catastrophic failure of the banking system.
History may well say that 2009 saw Santos finally grow into the role of President. His performances on the global stage were much more assured, helped immeasurably by the improvements in the situation in Kazakhstan. He managed to find common ground with Republicans on a stimulus plan, though only by going against an initially Democratic plan that couldn’t win sufficient support in the Senate.
He took some brave decisions, not firing Treasury Secretary Parker, but instead replacing his controversial Chief of Staff Josh Lyman after a prolonged battle over his budget. The appointment of prominent Blue Dog Nate Singer and the return to front line politics of former Commerce Secretary Mitch Bryce has certainly stabilized the White House operation and improved relations on The Hill.
Santos has also had to face the personal dilemma of having to replace a second Vice-President. Having lost his first choice Leo McGarry on Election Day, the tragic retirement of Eric Baker following a brain hemorrhage must have been particularly galling; Santos carried himself extremely well throughout and made a sensible choice by appointing former majority leader Wendell Tripplehorn.
With the economy improving and a likely drop in jobless numbers before November Santos now appears to have a chance that few would have expected in the dark days of June 2008. The strongest defense for a second term of Santos has always been the belief that the Republicans would fail on the big stage again, or make yet another divisive choice in their nomination process. As Walken scales the final few feet of his climb to his own personal mountain top, suddenly Santos will face the an opponent who plays to his worst fears. The next six months will decide whether Santos will be more Newman or Bartlet in historical terms.
townhall.com, Monday February 22nd
Leaked Letters Suggest Sullivan Offered To Make Burke VP
A letter from Governor Ray Sullivan to former Alabama Governor Wes Burke that fell into the possession of a reporter in the Cotton State appears to suggest that Governor Ray Sullivan offered the 54 year old the Vice-Presidential slot on his ticket two days after Super Tuesday.
The letter, which is dated February 4th, contains numerous references to “the VP slot” and at one stage openly suggests that should Burke be interested they could make an announcement as early as “this Friday”.
If the letter is indeed the genuine article there will be interesting questions regarding Sullivan and his electoral strategy. He has, in the past few months managed to secure Burke’s endorsement and selecting him as Vice-President may have played to his outsider image however, Governor Burke is a hugely divisive figure within both the Republican Party and the wider public.
It seems likely that any move by Sullivan to make Burke his VP will be viewed as a desperate “Hail Mary” by the 2006 Vice-Presidential nominee and it’s difficult to see how that would play well with the voters he needs to stage a remarkable comeback to secure the nomination.
Leaked Letters Suggest Sullivan Offered To Make Burke VP
A letter from Governor Ray Sullivan to former Alabama Governor Wes Burke that fell into the possession of a reporter in the Cotton State appears to suggest that Governor Ray Sullivan offered the 54 year old the Vice-Presidential slot on his ticket two days after Super Tuesday.
The letter, which is dated February 4th, contains numerous references to “the VP slot” and at one stage openly suggests that should Burke be interested they could make an announcement as early as “this Friday”.
If the letter is indeed the genuine article there will be interesting questions regarding Sullivan and his electoral strategy. He has, in the past few months managed to secure Burke’s endorsement and selecting him as Vice-President may have played to his outsider image however, Governor Burke is a hugely divisive figure within both the Republican Party and the wider public.
It seems likely that any move by Sullivan to make Burke his VP will be viewed as a desperate “Hail Mary” by the 2006 Vice-Presidential nominee and it’s difficult to see how that would play well with the voters he needs to stage a remarkable comeback to secure the nomination.
Elections.com
In the first of a new series we look back at the US presidential election's from 1986 to 2006.
First its 1986.
The United States presidential election of 1986 was a contest between the Democratic national ticket of Alabama Governor D.Wire Newman and Massachusetts Senator Roland Pierce and the Republican national ticket of Texas Senator Joseph Furman and Illinois Governor Jim Hohner.
On Tuesday November 4th 1986, Newman won a narrow victory in both the electoral and popular vote.
Background
Following the stroke of President Reagan in August 1985, it was clear that he would never be able to return to full duties, and under the 25th Amendment the Vice- President became the nations first Acting President. Many from both Parties began to support a grassroots campaign for a “special election” to be held in November 1986. Senate Majority Leader Joe Furman backed the election and following a ruling by the Supreme Court on November 18th and then a vote of Congress two days later it was agreed for a “special election” to be held on November 4th 1986.Agreement by both the Republican and Democratic parties, and under the strict guidelines proposed by the Supreme Court and Congress.
Republican Nomination
On Thursday December 12th Senate Majority Leader Joseph Furman declared his candidacy, after standing down as the Head of RNC election committee. The only other challenger was the Governor of Illinois Jim Hohner. Two men had looked at running where Georgia Senator Max Lobell, and the junior Senator from California Arnold Vinick but both decided against it.
Furman looked on course for an easy victory on the way to the nomination. On Monday February Tenth 1986 he won the Iowa Caucus beating 68.3% to Hohner’s 31.7%. Eight Days later Hohner gave a better performance gaining 47.9% to Furman’s 52.1%.
Furman won further victories in South Carolina, and Michigan, although Hohner won Nevada, and his native Illinois to keep the race alive.
Then on Saturday March 15th California Governor Owen Lassiter announced he was entering the race. His campaign caught fire and won and impressive string on victories in North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. Hohner dropped out of the race but refused to endorse either Furman or Lassiter.
Furman bounced back to win in Texas, and from there the two candidates engaged in an increasingly bitter nip-and-tuck contest for delegates. By the time the Republican Convention opened in July 1986 the race for the nomination was still too close to call.
Furman defeated Lassiter by a narrow margin on the first ballot at the 1986 Republican National Convention in New Orleans, and chose Governor Jim Hohner of Illinois as his running mate.
Democratic Nomination
The surprise winner of the 1986 Democratic presidential nomination was DW Newman, the Governor of Alabama. When the primaries began Newman was relatively unknown at a national level, and many political pundits regarded a number of better-known candidates, such as Senator Harvey Jackson of Oregon, Governor Peter Hamlinn of Florida, Mike Schafford, Governor of Pennsylvania , and Martin Dale, Senator from New Jersey as the favorites for the nomination. However, in the wake of the Reagan Scandal, Newman realized that his status as a Washington "outsider", and moderate reformer could give him an advantage over his better-known "establishment" rivals. Newman built a formidable grassroots organization in the early states primaries and to eliminate his better-known rivals one-by-one. By early June 1986 he had captured more than enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination. At the 1986 Democratic National Convention Newman easily won the nomination on the first ballot; he then chose Massachusetts Senator Roland Pierce as his running mate.
General Election
Fall campaign
Coming out of the conventions Newman held an average eight point lead in most of the polls, but going into September Furman had started to reduce it, before the campaign was hit by a string of disasters.
The first was when campaign Manager Jimmy Holbuck resigned over the direction of the Furman campaign, and the fact that Furman was trying to micro-manage the entire campaign himself.
On Sunday September 21st the two candidates meet in a highly moderated TV debate, the result was a lacklustre draw. But the main event of the campaign came two days later when Furman was caught on a microphone as he left an event in Louisville, Kentucky describing his opponent as a “tall freak” in reference to his height of 6’7. Newman hit back by listing his freakish behaviour including “his wife, Children and house” which brought up questions in regards to Furmans bachelorhood and his modest house in Texas.
The race started to become a bitter and negative one, with questions regarding Furmans age, and that after the Reagan affair could the country risk another aged Commander-in-chief, whilst Furman saying in the dangerous world with the changes in the Soviet Union, America couldn’t risk a President who “needed training wheels”.
After these bitter attacks, Furman refused to appear in the two scheduled TV debates for October, although the vice-presidential candidates of Hohner and Pierce did debate on Sunday October 12th at the Munro Hotel in Washington DC. Again like main debate three weeks before, the result was conceded a draw.
Following these exchanges, and despite the mood from Furman that he had no chance of winning, he left much of the campaign to Hohner and new Campaign Manager Colt Merchant. Many where turned off by Newman’s attacks on Furman, and despite the many errors and mistakes, the gap in the polls started to close, and by Election Day on November 4th the race was judged a dead heat
Results
The election turned out to be one of the closest in American history in both terms of the Electoral College and the popular vote. With the exceptions of Florida, Georgia and Alabama, Furman carried the rest of the Southern states and also secured wins in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Newman balanced Furman by sweeping the Pacific Coast states of Washington, Oregon, and California, and carried Hawaii, as well. He also won Iowa and the bellwether sate of Missouri. Although a surprise came when Furman won three north-eastern states, Maine, New Hampshire and by just 1,329 votes Vermont.
By early morning, Newman had won a total of 249 electoral votes, while Furman was just nine behind on 240. Just two states remained in play, Illinois with 24 electoral votes and Pennsylvania with 25 electoral votes, Newman needed to carry only one of the two, but Furman needed both.
At 3.25 am EST, NBC called Illinois for Furman by a margin of 1.36%, some 62,758 votes. Furman now lead the Electoral College by 264 to 240, with just one state left Pennsylvania. The joy in the Furman camp did not last long, when at 3.43 NBC , followed two minutes later by CBS called Pennsylvania for Newman,Newman carried the state by 1.42%, 63,923 votes and was declared the winner and President elect of the United States.
In a surprise move, Furman flew to Alabama from Texas to concede the race in person, and helped to reconcile the two men after the bitter election campaign.
Election Stats
· The electoral vote was the closest since 1916; Newman took 20 states along with DC 274 electoral votes, while Furman won 30 states and 264 electoral votes.
· Newman won the popular vote by just 315,170 votes, a mere 0.34% making it the closest election in terms of the popular vote since Kennedy’s win over Nixon in 1960, when the margin was 0. 01%.
· The 30 states Furman won were and remain the most states ever carried by a losing candidate. Ford in 1976, Eisenhower in 1998 and Vinick in 2006 all carried 27 states.
· Furman also became the first candidate since Nixon in 1960 to win the state of Ohio and lose the election. Eisenhower and Vinick would also achieve the same feat in 1998 and 2006.
·Also, this was the first time since 1964 that the following states voted Democratic, California, Connecticut,Iowa, New Jersey, and Oregon.
·This was also the first time a Democrat won the White House without winning the state of Texas. Josiah Bartlet would go onto win twice without it in 1998 and 2002.
·Newman is one of only six Democrats to gain a majority of the popular vote since the Civil War, with the others being Samuel Tilden, Franklin Roosevelt Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Josiah Bartlet.
Results and Map
DW Newman Roland Piearce Dem 46,053,991 50.17% 274
Joseph Furman Jim HohnerRep 45,738,821 49.83% 264
Note that this site uses the orginial 1976 NBC Colour scheme of Blue for Republicans and Red for Democrats.
Images from the campaign
Joseph Furman watching the results coming in on Television at his home in Texas on Election night.
DW Newman at a eve of election rally in Birmingham Alabama.
Republican vice-presidential candidate Jim Hohner being interviewed by NBC at the RNC in New Orleans after his nomination.
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Roland Pierce lands in Missouri on Saturday November 1st 1986, the last Saturday before election day.
In the first of a new series we look back at the US presidential election's from 1986 to 2006.
First its 1986.
United States presidential election, 1986
The United States presidential election of 1986 was a contest between the Democratic national ticket of Alabama Governor D.Wire Newman and Massachusetts Senator Roland Pierce and the Republican national ticket of Texas Senator Joseph Furman and Illinois Governor Jim Hohner.
On Tuesday November 4th 1986, Newman won a narrow victory in both the electoral and popular vote.
Background
Following the stroke of President Reagan in August 1985, it was clear that he would never be able to return to full duties, and under the 25th Amendment the Vice- President became the nations first Acting President. Many from both Parties began to support a grassroots campaign for a “special election” to be held in November 1986. Senate Majority Leader Joe Furman backed the election and following a ruling by the Supreme Court on November 18th and then a vote of Congress two days later it was agreed for a “special election” to be held on November 4th 1986.Agreement by both the Republican and Democratic parties, and under the strict guidelines proposed by the Supreme Court and Congress.
Republican Nomination
On Thursday December 12th Senate Majority Leader Joseph Furman declared his candidacy, after standing down as the Head of RNC election committee. The only other challenger was the Governor of Illinois Jim Hohner. Two men had looked at running where Georgia Senator Max Lobell, and the junior Senator from California Arnold Vinick but both decided against it.
Furman looked on course for an easy victory on the way to the nomination. On Monday February Tenth 1986 he won the Iowa Caucus beating 68.3% to Hohner’s 31.7%. Eight Days later Hohner gave a better performance gaining 47.9% to Furman’s 52.1%.
Furman won further victories in South Carolina, and Michigan, although Hohner won Nevada, and his native Illinois to keep the race alive.
Then on Saturday March 15th California Governor Owen Lassiter announced he was entering the race. His campaign caught fire and won and impressive string on victories in North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. Hohner dropped out of the race but refused to endorse either Furman or Lassiter.
Furman bounced back to win in Texas, and from there the two candidates engaged in an increasingly bitter nip-and-tuck contest for delegates. By the time the Republican Convention opened in July 1986 the race for the nomination was still too close to call.
Furman defeated Lassiter by a narrow margin on the first ballot at the 1986 Republican National Convention in New Orleans, and chose Governor Jim Hohner of Illinois as his running mate.
Democratic Nomination
The surprise winner of the 1986 Democratic presidential nomination was DW Newman, the Governor of Alabama. When the primaries began Newman was relatively unknown at a national level, and many political pundits regarded a number of better-known candidates, such as Senator Harvey Jackson of Oregon, Governor Peter Hamlinn of Florida, Mike Schafford, Governor of Pennsylvania , and Martin Dale, Senator from New Jersey as the favorites for the nomination. However, in the wake of the Reagan Scandal, Newman realized that his status as a Washington "outsider", and moderate reformer could give him an advantage over his better-known "establishment" rivals. Newman built a formidable grassroots organization in the early states primaries and to eliminate his better-known rivals one-by-one. By early June 1986 he had captured more than enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination. At the 1986 Democratic National Convention Newman easily won the nomination on the first ballot; he then chose Massachusetts Senator Roland Pierce as his running mate.
General Election
Fall campaign
Coming out of the conventions Newman held an average eight point lead in most of the polls, but going into September Furman had started to reduce it, before the campaign was hit by a string of disasters.
The first was when campaign Manager Jimmy Holbuck resigned over the direction of the Furman campaign, and the fact that Furman was trying to micro-manage the entire campaign himself.
On Sunday September 21st the two candidates meet in a highly moderated TV debate, the result was a lacklustre draw. But the main event of the campaign came two days later when Furman was caught on a microphone as he left an event in Louisville, Kentucky describing his opponent as a “tall freak” in reference to his height of 6’7. Newman hit back by listing his freakish behaviour including “his wife, Children and house” which brought up questions in regards to Furmans bachelorhood and his modest house in Texas.
The race started to become a bitter and negative one, with questions regarding Furmans age, and that after the Reagan affair could the country risk another aged Commander-in-chief, whilst Furman saying in the dangerous world with the changes in the Soviet Union, America couldn’t risk a President who “needed training wheels”.
After these bitter attacks, Furman refused to appear in the two scheduled TV debates for October, although the vice-presidential candidates of Hohner and Pierce did debate on Sunday October 12th at the Munro Hotel in Washington DC. Again like main debate three weeks before, the result was conceded a draw.
Following these exchanges, and despite the mood from Furman that he had no chance of winning, he left much of the campaign to Hohner and new Campaign Manager Colt Merchant. Many where turned off by Newman’s attacks on Furman, and despite the many errors and mistakes, the gap in the polls started to close, and by Election Day on November 4th the race was judged a dead heat
Results
The election turned out to be one of the closest in American history in both terms of the Electoral College and the popular vote. With the exceptions of Florida, Georgia and Alabama, Furman carried the rest of the Southern states and also secured wins in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Newman balanced Furman by sweeping the Pacific Coast states of Washington, Oregon, and California, and carried Hawaii, as well. He also won Iowa and the bellwether sate of Missouri. Although a surprise came when Furman won three north-eastern states, Maine, New Hampshire and by just 1,329 votes Vermont.
By early morning, Newman had won a total of 249 electoral votes, while Furman was just nine behind on 240. Just two states remained in play, Illinois with 24 electoral votes and Pennsylvania with 25 electoral votes, Newman needed to carry only one of the two, but Furman needed both.
At 3.25 am EST, NBC called Illinois for Furman by a margin of 1.36%, some 62,758 votes. Furman now lead the Electoral College by 264 to 240, with just one state left Pennsylvania. The joy in the Furman camp did not last long, when at 3.43 NBC , followed two minutes later by CBS called Pennsylvania for Newman,Newman carried the state by 1.42%, 63,923 votes and was declared the winner and President elect of the United States.
In a surprise move, Furman flew to Alabama from Texas to concede the race in person, and helped to reconcile the two men after the bitter election campaign.
Election Stats
· The electoral vote was the closest since 1916; Newman took 20 states along with DC 274 electoral votes, while Furman won 30 states and 264 electoral votes.
· Newman won the popular vote by just 315,170 votes, a mere 0.34% making it the closest election in terms of the popular vote since Kennedy’s win over Nixon in 1960, when the margin was 0. 01%.
· The 30 states Furman won were and remain the most states ever carried by a losing candidate. Ford in 1976, Eisenhower in 1998 and Vinick in 2006 all carried 27 states.
· Furman also became the first candidate since Nixon in 1960 to win the state of Ohio and lose the election. Eisenhower and Vinick would also achieve the same feat in 1998 and 2006.
·Also, this was the first time since 1964 that the following states voted Democratic, California, Connecticut,Iowa, New Jersey, and Oregon.
·This was also the first time a Democrat won the White House without winning the state of Texas. Josiah Bartlet would go onto win twice without it in 1998 and 2002.
·Newman is one of only six Democrats to gain a majority of the popular vote since the Civil War, with the others being Samuel Tilden, Franklin Roosevelt Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Josiah Bartlet.
Results and Map
DW Newman Roland Piearce Dem 46,053,991 50.17% 274
Joseph Furman Jim HohnerRep 45,738,821 49.83% 264
Note that this site uses the orginial 1976 NBC Colour scheme of Blue for Republicans and Red for Democrats.
Images from the campaign
Joseph Furman watching the results coming in on Television at his home in Texas on Election night.
DW Newman at a eve of election rally in Birmingham Alabama.
Republican vice-presidential candidate Jim Hohner being interviewed by NBC at the RNC in New Orleans after his nomination.
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Roland Pierce lands in Missouri on Saturday November 1st 1986, the last Saturday before election day.
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Four more stories:
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I can't find when the Mississippi primary is (or any future primary other than Texas, which is on March 2nd/Mini-Tuesday), so sorry if there's a mistake in the text (I tried to be vague).
Matt Albie and Danny Tripp were unavailable for comment, due to paradox.
This is (loosely) based on something that happened in the (believe-it-or-not) NBC cafeteria earlier this month.
...
I can't find when the Mississippi primary is (or any future primary other than Texas, which is on March 2nd/Mini-Tuesday), so sorry if there's a mistake in the text (I tried to be vague).
Matt Albie and Danny Tripp were unavailable for comment, due to paradox.
This is (loosely) based on something that happened in the (believe-it-or-not) NBC cafeteria earlier this month.
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Disputed is right, Libby is very much alive, although the sketch was very funny!!!!
Gah! For some reason, I thought someone killed her off at some point. And I thought Gellman was Press Secretary.
That's what you get for posting late and fast (I spent too much research time trying to figure out how many delegates Sullivan would need, before giving up on that). I'll fix it, somehow, as soon as I get some sleep.
That's what you get for posting late and fast (I spent too much research time trying to figure out how many delegates Sullivan would need, before giving up on that). I'll fix it, somehow, as soon as I get some sleep.
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