God Bless the Silver State

[Israel]

This is a POD with in a POD. Everyone welcome to add!

Chicago Tribune Headline: November 7, 2006.

Vinick Wins Election!

In one of the closest elections in American history, Republican senator from California Arnold Vinick has defeated Democratic Congressman of Texas Matt Santos, scoring 272 electoral votes. About fifteen minutes after the official results came out, Santos gracefully conceded and praised his opponent on a marvelous campaign.

As most experts concur, it was the Republican victory in Nevada which scored them the necessary amount of electoral votes. However, the cheery mood at the Vinick campaign headquarters was dampened by the news of the death of Santos' running mate, Special Adviser to the President Leo McGarry. Vinick vowed to "live up to Mr McGarry," and extended his condolences to the deceased's family.

 

[Israel]

From: Sheila Brooks

To: Kate Harper

Subject: Career

Dear Ms Harper,

Senator Vinick, and I of course, were very impressed by your performance as Deputy National Security Adviser, especially your handling of the crises in Gaza and Kazakhstan. We have spoken with President Bartler, Nancy McNally, and CJ Cregg, and we would like to offer you a role in our administration.

Please note, we will not regard your opinions regarding partisanship in employing you. We are open-minded, and will value any advise you give regarding foreign policy, national security, etc.

Sincerely, Ms Brooks

 

[Israel]

Once again, all are welcome to add to the story!

Senator Vinick's Press Conference: November 13, 2006.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, Senator."

"First off, I'd like to, once again, extend my condolences to the McGarry family. Leo has served his country bravely in the Vietnam conflict as a fighter pilot, having been shot down over enemy lines. He served in the White House as Chief of Staff and Counselor to the President, and ran a brilliant campaign as Congressman Santos' running mate. I will be attending his funeral.

"I'd like to talk about the situation in Kazakhstan. I have been briefed thoroughly by experts selected by the President's staff, and I want the American people to know that I will act in accordance with current policy. In short, I will not withdraw troops from Kazakhstan until the region has become more stable. Questions?

[Points to one]

"Elizabeth Dalton, The New York Times. When do you think the region will become more stable?"

"I am sure that the President of Russia and the Chairman of China are reasonable people, and that we will be able to see a permanent agreement to their dispute actualize."

[Points to one]

"George Taylor, Washington Post. Do you think that troop levels are sufficient?"

"For the time being."

"Can you elaborate?"

"Right now, the situation seems to be improving. But, as always, we must remain cautious. At any given moment, the fragile balance we have created might fall apart, and a troop surge might be necessary."

[Points to one]

"Jeremy Elliot, The Nation. In your opinion, how can the United States retain such a large military presence in Central Asia and yet increase security at our border?"

"That's a very good question. We should mobilize the National Guard in our border states to the south: New Mexico, Arizona, California, Texas. We should expand the Border Patrol, and cooperate with the Mexican government to control the border."

"This is an ambitious and somewhat expensive initiate, wouldn't you say?"

"I am sure we can find ways to fund it. As I mentioned, this is a joint initiative with Mexico. We're not trying to stomp on immigration, only crime."

[Points to one]

"Eleanor Waster, The Guardian. A source has claimed that you have offered Deputy National Security Adviser Harper a place in your Administration. Is there any chance you will extend such courtesy to other Democrats?"

"First of all, we are still only coming up with a short list for Deputy Attorney General, so cool your horns. Thank you, everyone. I'll see you later."

 

[Israel]

"I, Arnold Vinick."

"I, Arnold Vinick."

"Do solemnly swear."

"Do solemnly swear."

"That I will faithfully execute."

"That I will faithfully execute."

"The Office of the President of the United States."

"The Office of the President of the United States."

"And will to the best of my ability."

"And will to the best of my ability."

"Preserve protect and defend."

"Preserve protect and defend."

"The Constitution of the United States."

"The Constitution of the United States."

"So help me God."

"So help me God."

Vinick and Lang shake hands, crowd applauds.

"Thank you! Thank you so much... thank you..."

Applause fades.

"You know, the great Sir Winston Churchill once said, 'democracy is the worst form of government except all of the others that have been tried.' well, I may like the man, but I certainly can't agree with him here..."

"... McGarry was a good man, and a personal friend..."

"... like to think that despite the close results of the election, we came out united..."

"... issue with this country is not moral, in nature, save for the fact that some people try to make it that..."

"... -resident, I'll do whatever that I can, foremost, to preserve the government that we have now..."

"... let us debate, out of the need to debate, rather than out of divisines..."

MSNBC: January 19, 2007 (one day before inauguration)

"... surprised the general public by nominating Congressman Santos for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development..."