2018 Presidential Election

[KingCrawa]

Well well, I'm not going to be the one to say to Sam Seaborn, "I told you so" but remind me later. How did he not see that the Hollis selection might come back as a big negative? Seaborn may have spun it as thinking "outside the box", but it was reckless & a touch of hubris if not downright naive. Maybe if Josh Lyman had a more prominent role in the inner circle, then C.J. Cregg may have not been the only person offering advise. Andrew Thorn should have been at least considered. His selection would have gone a long way to unifying the party. If I was Seaborn I would have Thorn waiting in the wings, encourage Hollis to withdraw, and get Thorn in there. Maybe Jimmy Fitzsimmons might be useful. This needs to be fixed. Also Lyman needs to be given a more high profile & meaningful role in the campaign. I would reduce Creggs role, not substantially as she has some good instincts. But Cregg's role in making the Hollis choice happen in my view was a doozy.

A: Josh is too associated with Bartlet and Santos to be an advantage. Easy to tar the Dems as moving backwards not forwards or Sam as just Bartlet mk II

B: No way Thorn could be the VP. You need someone you trust, someone you agree with, and someone you like and after the way that he and Sam spent the primary season beating the crap out of each other, it couldn't work. It wouldn't work. See Bartlet/Hoynes or Bartlet/Russell for how it would pan out.

 

[Marky Bunny]

UKElects.com
Tuesday July 17th 2018

Westminster Polling
Conservative: 41% 365 seats
Labour: 30% 231 seats
NPP: 11% 8 Seats
Liberal Democrats: 9% 16 seats
SNP: 2.5% 8 Seats
PC: 0.5% 3 Seats
Speaker: N/A 1 Seat
Northern Ireland: 18 seats
Conservative Majority: 80 seats
Overall Uniform National Swing from Conservative to Labour: 3.68%

Current Make-up of the House of Commons
Conservative: 390 seats
Labour: 200 seats
Liberal Democrats: 21 seats
NPP: 6 seats
Socialist Alliance: 1 seat
SNP: 6 seats
PC: 3 seats
DUP: 8 seats
SDLP: 4 seats
SF: 2 seats
NI Independents: 2 seats
Alliance: 1 seat
UUP: 1 seat
Speaker: 1 seat
Conservative Majority: 134 seats
Working Conservative Majority: 138 seats*
* Excludes the Speaker, three Deputy Speakers (two Labour and one Conservative) and two Sinn Féin members (who follow a policy of abstentionism).
*Also note the House of Commons will have 650 seats at the General Election an increase in 4 seats from the current 646 seats.

 

[heatmaster]

Well with that being said, Seaborn will need to find someone he can live with, the Hollis situation is untenable, I thought as much months ago & I still hold that position. I don't think, however that it is a trust situation with Thorn, I think it's more to do with personality matter, Seaborn should view his choice from a pragmatic point of view, and go with Thorn. There is a history in the Democratic party of alliances being established, you only have to look at JFK & LBJ in 1960, to understand that it's not about liveability, that's an ideal situation, but Seaborn should look at electoral convenience and place Thorn on ticket, as LBJ was quoted as saying, "It's better to have them inside the tent, p***ing out, rather than outside the tent, p***ing in". It's a crude metaphor. Seaborn is not looking for a friend, he's looking for a political partner.

 

[Excelsior]

I think Robinson was and still is the best choice. He's actually viable as a running mate and is a boost to the ticket, unlike Hollis, who really brings nothing of value and is now demonstrating that.

 

[disputed]

politico.com, Tuesday July 17th

Hollis: “I’m all in”

Frank Hollis came out fighting this afternoon telling reporters that suggestions he was considering leaving the Democratic Party Presidential ticket were “complete nonsense”. In an impromptu press conference that took place as he Hollis and his wife were arriving at the second day of the DNC convention the billionaire businessman said he was “all in” adding that he and Senator Seaborn had “a great relationship.”

Asked why he felt the reports were circulating Hollis took a shot at the political world “No matter how much you think you are ready for the world of politics you can’t comprehend how many enemies you can make so fast.” he added that “I speak to Senator Seaborn every day, we are very clear that he’s at the top of the ticket and we’re very clear that we want to change Washington, together.”

With speculation running wild over whether Hollis would actually appear at the convention his team have confirmed that he was been working with Oregon Congressman Will Bailey on the speech and that Hollis is “excited to share how he thinks Washington can change to help the people who need it most.”

 

[RRusso1982]

I was really hoping Hollis would get out too.

 

[mspence]

The Hill

Boone Reportedly Being Courted For VP

With the Republicans preparing for their own Convention, speculation is rising that Governor Sean Boone of Washington is seriously being considered for the vice presidential ticket by the Gault campaign. While Gault himself has been coy about the matter, sources within the campaign have hinted that Gault is leaning towards Boone as a "third way" and a moderate voice to appeal to mainstream Republican voters. Gault's own supporters have shown mixed feelings about such a move should it happen, although they have been relentless in mocking Sam Seaborn's choice of Frank Hollis as his running mate, with many blaming CJ Gregg's influence:

"Hollis is the rich guy that the other rich guy picked, because CJ Gregg," one supported wrote on Twitter.

"Hey CJ maybe you ought to let Josh Lyman run the campaign at least he seems to know what he's doing!" another posted.

For his own part, Gault seemed to tone down his previous criticism of the Democratic nominee's problems, saying that "it's more fun to watch this train wreck continue than say anything else, at any rate they don't need my help to go off the rails."

PS Any updates from the Convention?

 

[Excelsior]

Imagine if Democrat delegates try to block Hollis from becoming the nominee and then have an open vote for a new VP candidate. That would be a pretty bad look for the Seaborn campaign, but it would help Democrats get what they want. If I understand the rules correctly, there is nothing stopping the delegates from doing this.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Democratic National Convention 2018

Day Two Highlights

Speaker: Gov. Abbie Heilemann
Quote: "Sam Seaborn represents a new tomorrow, while Henry Shallick and Peter Gault represent yesterday"

Speaker: Sen. Rudi Robinson
Quote: "Voting for Sen. Seaborn is a slam dunk"

Speaker: Pres. D. Wire Newman (via video message)
Quote: "As someone who had crosses burned on his lawn by the Klan for standing up against injustice, I can state categorically that the only candidate in this race who will stand up for the LGBTQ community is Sam Seaborn"

Speaker: VP Eric Baker
Quote: "America doesn't need four more years of this Administration, because President Shallick would be just that and President Gault something even worse"

Speaker: VP Wendell Tripplehorn
Quote: "I served in Congress with President Walken for a long time, and I've never seen someone more capable of doing absolutely nothing and still keeping their job"

Speaker: Fmr. First Lady Helen Santos (Key-note)
Quote: "America has had enough of a President who has spent eight years of doing absolutely nothing. It's time for an American President with real solutions to our nation's problems. It's time for an American President who actually cares about the American people. Ladies & Gentlemen, it's time for President Sam Seaborn"

(With thanks to our special convention correspondent MountainDew17)

 

[Bad'Wolf]

I was really hoping Hollis would get out too.

Whereas I'm really hoping he stays in ^^

 

[TWWFan]

Sam never should've picked Hollis. He's too unpredictable, and this is shaping up to be a rare CJ Cregg miss.

 

[heatmaster]

If TWWFan & this member see's Hollis as a major problem, how come we are the only one's sharing this view? maybe there are others! What was Seaborn thinking when Hollis was placed on the ticket? Was a more conventional choice beneath him?

 

[Excelsior]

Hollis is a pretty bad pick from multiple angles, he brings nothing of value to the ticket and so far all he's done is create problems.

 

[Andrewtsal]

If Sam ends up losing the election, I’m pretty sure the first thing the pundits will point to will be the Hollis selection. The Hollis pick gave him someone who can be easily be focused on as supporting the rich. Whoever comes out of the GOP convention can just run ads saying Sam is out of touch with Americans due to his VP choice.

Sam really didn’t need an outsider for his vp, he needed someone who would please the Thorne wing of the party to help mend the rift caused by the primary or someone who could excite the more liberal wing who don’t think Sam is progressive enough for them.

 

[Marky Bunny]

Democratic National Convention 2018

Day Three Highlights

Speaker: Businesswomen Shannon Frost
Quote: "Sam Seaborn and Franklin Hollis represent a future that we all can share in”

Speaker: Former Speaker Carol Gelsey
Quote: "Now is the time. We have the Republicans on the run and now is the time to go for the kill. Let there be no doubt that the Republican Party is our enemy and they must be defeated at all costs"

Speaker: VP Robert Russell
Quote: "Having had the privilege of knowing Sam Seaborn for fifteen years now, I can state confidently that he is the best candidate in the race today"

Speaker: President Santos
Quote: "Sam Seaborn will keep America strong and prosperous. He will keep her moving forward, not back. Sam Seaborn represents a new American tomorrow”

Speaker: Gov. Paris Stray
Quote: "Peter Gault is so far outside the main stream that he should not even be allowed to take a tour of the White House, let alone live there"

Speaker: Katheryn Hollis
Quote: "Franklin & I know the value of hard work. We know the value of dollar. And we know that sometimes, everyone can need a helping hand"

Speaker: VP Nominee Franklin Hollis
Quote: "America has come to a crossroads and we have to make a choice. we can keep going to the right, down the wrong path that we've been on for these past 8 years when absolutely nothing has gotten done. or we can go to the left, take the path forward, a path towards a more prosperous, fair, and inclusive America. one where hard work is rewarded, not punished. One where a CEO like myself, doesn't pay a lower tax rate than his secretary"

Balloting then took place and delegates counted for Senator Seaborn, Senator Robinson & Senator Thorn. All totals where as the primary results.

Franklin Hollis was nominated for Vice-President by acclamation.

(With thanks to our special convention correspondent MountainDew17)

 

[disputed]

nbs.com, Thursday July 19th

Hollis Wows Democratic Convention

After a week of rumour and conjecture surrounding Frank Hollis and his status as the party’s Vice-Presidential nominee the billionaire businessman confounded expectations and brought the convention hall to its feet as he seemed to win over even the most skeptical of Democrats with a pugnacious and dynamic speech.

Hollis began by poking fun at the weeks reports saying “I’m sorry to disappoint those who thought they might get an early finish tonight – but now is not the time to backing down from a fight.” He then turned his the focus to himself saying that his success had given up a perspective on what anyone can achieve if they are given the right opportunity.

He won numerous standing ovations by drawing out his humble beginnings speaking about “the most inspirational man he’d ever known” – his father. “Failure is a word that gets thrown round like it’s final, like it’s fatal – it’s not. My father failed, he left school with almost no qualifications, he failed to graduate and everyone told him he was finished – but he never gave up, he raised three children and he started his own courier business and over time grew that business to a size that let him look after his family. He taught me the value of hard work and the value of family – that’s what this country is built on.”

His winning line saying that the “tax system is broken” and that allowing “CEOs to pay less than their secretaries” had to stop.

Hollis lavished praise on Sam Seaborn saying he’d “never been more inspired by anyone in his career” adding “this is a man who will fight every day to take on vested interests and defend the little guy”. He also pointed out that Seaborn gave up a life of “exceptional wealth” to focus on public service “this is a man who turned his back on life in the 1% to fight for everyone else – that’s the kind of man I’ll follow, that’s my kind of President.

Apparently by agreement Hollis steered clear of the traditional attack dog role – leaving that to earlier speakers Vice-President Bob Russell and especially President Matthew Santos who seemed to revel in attacking his former opponent, President Walken.

The convention until last night had been somewhat low key and disappointing but nobody leaving the hall last night was left in any doubt, Frank Hollis is here to stay, and he’s here to win.

 

[Arrowfan237]

If TWWFan & this member see's Hollis as a major problem, how come we are the only one's sharing this view? maybe there are others! What was Seaborn thinking when Hollis was placed on the ticket? Was a more conventional choice beneath him?

Hollis is a pretty bad pick from multiple angles, he brings nothing of value to the ticket and so far all he's done is create problems.

Sam never should've picked Hollis. He's too unpredictable, and this is shaping up to be a rare CJ Cregg miss.

I am not the biggest fan of Hollis as a VP either but it is still their thread. We should try to keep the criticism to PMs.

 

[Arrowfan237]

NBC
(July 19, 2018)
“Shallick campaign in hot water after Bartlet remarks”

Rebecca Jackson, a communications aide for Republican Presidential Candidate Henry Shallick has put the campaign in hot water by implying that former President Josiah Bartlet resides in hell. The statement is said to have come after former First Lady Abigail Bartlet claimed that the former President was looking down on the nomination of California Senator Sam Seaborn, a former protege of his, and was smiling.

Jackson was heard by reporters to have said: “I think Dr. Bartlet confused up and down for a second and who ends up where.”

The Shallick campaign could not be reached for comment.

 

[TWWFan]

nbs.com, Thursday July 19th

Hollis Wows Democratic Convention

After a week of rumour and conjecture surrounding Frank Hollis and his status as the party’s Vice-Presidential nominee the billionaire businessman confounded expectations and brought the convention hall to its feet as he seemed to win over even the most skeptical of Democrats with a pugnacious and dynamic speech.

Hollis began by poking fun at the weeks reports saying “I’m sorry to disappoint those who thought they might get an early finish tonight – but now is not the time to backing down from a fight.” He then turned his the focus to himself saying that his success had given up a perspective on what anyone can achieve if they are given the right opportunity.

He won numerous standing ovations by drawing out his humble beginnings speaking about “the most inspirational man he’d ever known” – his father. “Failure is a word that gets thrown round like it’s final, like it’s fatal – it’s not. My father failed, he left school with almost no qualifications, he failed to graduate and everyone told him he was finished – but he never gave up, he raised three children and he started his own courier business and over time grew that business to a size that let him look after his family. He taught me the value of hard work and the value of family – that’s what this country is built on.”

His winning line saying that the “tax system is broken” and that allowing “CEOs to pay less than their secretaries” had to stop.

Hollis lavished praise on Sam Seaborn saying he’d “never been more inspired by anyone in his career” adding “this is a man who will fight every day to take on vested interests and defend the little guy”. He also pointed out that Seaborn gave up a life of “exceptional wealth” to focus on public service “this is a man who turned his back on life in the 1% to fight for everyone else – that’s the kind of man I’ll follow, that’s my kind of President.

Apparently by agreement Hollis steered clear of the traditional attack dog role – leaving that to earlier speakers Vice-President Bob Russell and especially President Matthew Santos who seemed to revel in attacking his former opponent, President Walken.

The convention until last night had been somewhat low key and disappointing but nobody leaving the hall last night was left in any doubt, Frank Hollis is here to stay, and he’s here to win.

Impressed but still skeptical. Hollis does have the ability to hit the right points, but is he consistent enough to carry this through November?

 

[Arrowfan237]

NBC
(July 19, 2018)
“Bartlet gives Hoynes the cold shoulder”

New Hampshire Governor Liz Bartlet, the eldest daughter of former President Jed Bartlet, was seen by some to be giving the cold shoulder to her father’s former #2, former Texas Governor John Hoynes, who served as Vice-President from 1999-2003 before resigning.

According to witnesses the incident occurred during a reception at the Democratic National Convention in which Governor Bartlet was talking with her mother, Dr. Abigail Bartlet. Governor Hoynes was seen to walk over to the Bartlets and greeted Dr. Bartlet. Governor Bartlet, though, walked away from the two.

The incident is believed to have been caused by Hoynes’s revelation that he intends to publish an alternate history book in which he is President and Jed Bartlet serves as his Secretary of the Treasury.

Hoynes claimed in interviews that he had sent select sections of the book to any real-life figures who are portrayed in his novel in order to ensure that they were happy as to how they were portrayed. Since President Bartlet had passed away the book was sent to Dr. Bartlet for approval. Governor Bartlet apparently was not shown the early copy and is angry at the idea that her father’s former VP would write a book in which her father is given such a subordinate position.