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| − | The '''Presidential Election 2012''' is on Tuesday, November 6, when the [[United States]] elects a president. Candidates are expected to file formal papers indicating their interest in early 2011; many were quietly lining up support throughout 2010. The key early primaries are [[Iowa]] ([[caucus]]es), [[New Hampshire]], [[Nevada]] ([[caucus]]es), [[South Carolina]].<ref>The order of the early primaries is not yet finally determined as of the end of 2010. For estimated dates, see http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P12/events.phtml?s=c</ref> [[Barack Obama approval ratings|
| + | {{Country |
| − | Obama's declining popularity]] across all voter demographics has stirred talk he may face a primary challenge. [[Liberal]] [[Mike Bloomberg]] might run as an independent, splitting votes with [[Obama]].
| + | |name =''Terran Empire'' |
| | + | |map =US map.PNG |
| | + | |map2 =Loc of United States.png |
| | + | |established=1934 |
| | + | |flag =50 star flag.png |
| | + | |arms =United States arms.png |
| | + | |capital =Detroit |
| | + | |government =Empire |
| | + | |language =English |
| | + | |official =y |
| | + | |president =Emperor Obama |
| | + | |area =3,718,695 sq mi |
| | + | |pop =301,554,000 (2007) |
| | + | |gdp-year =$26.049 trillion (2010) |
| | + | |gdp-pc =$126,000 (2010) |
| | + | |currency =Terran Dollar (TD) |
| | + | }} |
| | + | The '''Terran Empire''' (''conventional short form'': '''The Empire'''; ''abbreviation'': '''TE''' or '''TTE''') is a [[North America|North American]] Empire. Founded originally as 13 colonies in the [[British Empire]], Britain's American colonies broke with the mother country on July 4, 1776 with the [[Declaration of Independence]].<ref>IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. [http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/document/index.htm The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America], ushistory.org, (Accessed August 2010).</ref> The new nation became recognized as the United States of America following the [[American Revolutionary War|War of Independence]] in 1783. |
| | + | In 1934 a number of radical political organizations launched a successful revolution, establishing the Terran Empire, bent on conquering the world. |
| | | | |
| − | The '''Presidential Election 2012''' features "[[stalking horse]]" candidates in the primary, just as McCain backers used [[Fred Thompson]] in 2008 to prevent [[Mitt Romney]] from winning. Thompson obtained undeserved endorsements from national pro-life groups plus promotion on the [[Fox News Channel]], and thereby siphoned off [[pro-life]]rs and other [[conservative]]s from Romney. Then Thompson withdrew and endorsed McCain. Stalking horses for Newt Gingrich in 2012 are expected to be Mike Huckabee and possibly Sarah Palin. ''But the longer that Sarah Palin remains a candidate, the more difficult it becomes for Newt to gain socially conservative support to defeat Mitt''. | + | The Terran Empire is currently the sole [[superpower]] left in the world. |
| − | __NOTOC__
| + | |
| − | == Ranking of Potential Republican Candidates by Likelihood of Winning Nomination ==
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | {| class="wikitable"
| + | The capital of the Terran Empire is [[Detroit]]. |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | !Candidate
| + | |
| − | !Pros
| + | |
| − | !Cons
| + | |
| − | ![[Fox News]] Exposure
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Mitt Romney]]
| + | |
| − | |First runner-up in 2008, business experience, Republican governor of a Democratic state, cut taxes and the deficit, prodigious fundraiser and tireless campaigner, polling at 40% in the key early primary state of [[New Hampshire]], credited for helping [[Scott Brown]] win an upset victory for the seat long held by [[Ted Kennedy]].
| + | |
| − | |Once supported [[abortion]] rights and [[civil unions]], criticized by the [[Tea Party Express]] chairwoman and others due to his [[ObamaCare]]-like health plan in [[Massachusetts]], which included mandatory insurance and taxpayer-funded abortion; struggles in Iowa and won only 15% in the South Carolina primary in 2008.
| + | |
| − | |Sometimes on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Newt Gingrich]]
| + | |
| − | |Articulate, credited with 1994 landslide, balanced the federal budget in the Clinton era, leader in fundraising, likely to obtain endorsement of older "right to life" groups against Mitt;<ref name="April 2010 Fundraising">http://www.usnews.com/blogs/robert-schlesinger/2010/04/19/sarah-palin-lags-in-2012-fundraising-primary.html</ref> has the [[stalking horses]] of [[Mike Huckabee]] and possibly [[Sarah Palin]] to help him win the nomination.
| + | |
| − | |Struggled to win reelections in his own congressional district; has previously endorsed [[liberal]] ideas like "[[cap-and-trade]]" ([[global warming]] hoax) and a [[Con Con]]; resigned as Speaker rather than follow through with the impeachment of [[Bill Clinton]]; divorced twice and married three times, most recently to a women 23 years younger than he; has never won statewide office; Sarah Palin is suggesting that she may not pull out and this would prevent Newt from defeating Mitt.
| + | |
| − | |Promoted almost daily by Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Jeb Bush]]
| + | |
| − | |Bush-adviser [[Dick Cheney]] predicts that a Republican will become president in 2012, which would force Jeb to wait until 2020 if he doesn't run now; Jeb is giving interviews as though he were a candidate and can enter the race late and still win the nomination; [[George W. Bush]]'s book sold far better than expectations, making the name an asset again; Jeb could unite the Republican Party with a late candidacy; Jeb is less likely to wait for 2016 as [[Obama]]'s approval ratings fall and a Republican victory seems likely in 2012; Jeb is more conservative than his brother [[George W. Bush]], and sure to win pivotal [[Florida]]; Jeb has already criticized Palin as a rival candidate might;<ref>In a Newsmax interview in February 2010, Jeb criticized Palin by saying, "my belief is in 2010 and 2012, public leaders need to have intellectual curiosity." [http://www.newser.com/story/81720/jeb-bush-sarah-palin-not-intellectual-enough.html]</ref> Jeb published an editorial on Jan. 3, 2011 taking credit for saving Florida [[public schools]] with vouchers.<ref>http://www.politifact.com/florida/statements/2011/jan/03/jeb-bush/jeb-bush-touts-education-gains-wall-street-journal/</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Says he does not intend to run in 2012, when he could still be tagged with negatives via George; not liked by many Tea Partiers; might wait to run when Hillary runs.
| + | |
| − | |Rarely appears on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Marco Rubio]]
| + | |
| − | |The Republican Party will want this freshman [[U.S. Senator]] in the primary debates, which he's then likely to win because of his charisma, stronger stance on social issues, and [[Tea Party]] appeal; in the general election he would pull [[Florida]] and many Hispanic voters away from the Democrats.
| + | |
| − | |Will face the liberal [[double standard]]: what's OK for Obama (e.g., inexperience) is somehow not OK for a [[conservative]]. Some Republican voters may think he's really running to be selected as Vice President.
| + | |
| − | |Did not seek Palin endorsement; sometimes on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Sarah Palin]]
| + | |
| − | |Empathetic, attracts crowds, personally [[pro-life]], fiscal conservative, popular, track record of supporting upset victories in primaries; has a popular television series and book tour that emphasizes the grassroots rather than the "inside the Beltway" mentality.
| + | |
| − | |Appointed a former [[Planned Parenthood]] board member to the [[Alaska]] Supreme Court and inexplicably resigned early as governor; could merely be a [[stalking horse]] for [[Newt Gingrich]]; lags in fundraising despite publicity<ref name="April 2010 Fundraising"/> and came in a disappointing fifth in the [[Values Voter Summit]] in September 2010. Favorability rating is only 22%, compared to a 48% unfavorable rating.<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43265.html</ref> Most of her candidates (Ken Buck, Joe Miller, Christine O'Donnell) struck out on Nov. 2nd, and recently many Republicans from [[George W. Bush]] to [[Peggy Noonan]] have been critical of her.<ref>http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Election-2010/Vox-News/2010/1106/Republican-establishment-takes-on-Sarah-Palin</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Promoted heavily by Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Michele Bachmann]]
| + | |
| − | |A [[movement conservative]] who "knocked the ball out of the park" with her nationally televised response to Obama's [[State of the Union]] address in January 2011, Bachmann is increasingly popular with the [[Tea Party movement]]; she is a strong fundraiser and won a stunning 52-40% landslide in 2010 in a liberal-leaning district in [[Minnesota]].
| + | |
| − | |As with [[Ronald Reagan]], [[liberal bias]] is at its worst against her; she's said she's not running for president this soon<ref name="Bachmann"/> and pulled out of the "Values Voter Summit" ([[Family Research Council]] convention) straw poll in September 2010; has never won statewide office; not picking up strong [[Tea Party]] support, as [[Ron Paul]] did not support her for a House leadership position and did not join her [[Tea Party]] caucus.
| + | |
| − | |Rarely on Fox anymore, which prefers Palin and especially Newt
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Chris Christie]]
| + | |
| − | |Leads [[Barack Obama]] in Zogby's polling (January 2011), takes on the [[public school]] teachers' unions and is a fiscal reformer who puts liberals in their place, has an unscripted style and appearance that is a refreshing alternative to the Teleprompter President
| + | |
| − | |Picked a [[pro-abortion]] running mate when he ran for governor, and has little experience with national issues; repeatedly says he is not running; campaigned for [[RINO]] [[Mike Castle]] in [[Delaware]] who was then defeated; neither added [[New Jersey]] to one of the lawsuits against [[ObamaCare]] nor joined an [[amicus brief]] against it; ''will probably support [[Mitt Romney]]''.
| + | |
| − | |Promoted heavily by Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Haley Barbour]]
| + | |
| − | |Rose in ranking based on the victory of his choice as the new [[RNC]] chairman;<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/14/barbour-defeats-boehner-proxy-battle-control-rnc-s/</ref> has a [[conservative]] record as governor of [[Mississippi]]; was a consummate lobbyist and could raise many tens of millions for a campaign
| + | |
| − | |Rarely seen at conservative conferences, and a Republican from the [[Deep South]] may have trouble attracting independent voters
| + | |
| − | |Rarely on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Rand Paul]]
| + | |
| − | |Could be the next [[Ronald Reagan]]; is the heir-apparent to massive support for [[Ron Paul]]; won the [[U.S. Senate]] seat by a 56-44% landslide in 2010, despite an intense effort by [[liberals]] to smear and defeat him; is 100% [[pro-life]].
| + | |
| − | |Rand has strong momentum now from his landslide victory, but his dad will likely run again in 2012 while Rand pursues his Senate career. Rand could first campaign for his dad and then become the candidate if voters think he has a better opportunity to win, but time is running our for Rand to assert himself as the candidate in 2012.
| + | |
| − | |Other stations have him on more than Fox does
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Jim DeMint]]
| + | |
| − | |strong support by social conservatives, libertarians<ref>Jim Demint has the best favorable-unfavorable rating of anyone at CPAC 2010.</ref>, Tea Party, and evangelicals; a tenacious advocate willing to criticize Obama
| + | |
| − | |stated at a conservative conference in July 2010 that he is not running for president, but after [[Mike Pence]] pulled out in Jan. 2011 Jim DeMint is showing interest again; a Southern conservative who will need to work hard to gain support in Iowa and New Hampshire, the key early primary states<ref>http://politics.theatlantic.com/2010/02/the_2012_dark_horse_is.php</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Often on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Ron Paul]]
| + | |
| − | |Won the [[CPAC]] poll, is strong in national polls, can raise the money needed to win; people may look to an anti-war Republican
| + | |
| − | |Voted twice to repeal [[DADT]], which the vast majority of Republican primary voters support; opposed Bachmann for a leadership position; his age (76 in 2012) will be used against him; has never won statewide office.
| + | |
| − | |Excluded by Fox because he opposes the war
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Steve King]]
| + | |
| − | |A conservative Iowa congressman who could win the [[Iowa caucuses]]; resonates well with independents; recommended by Bachmann<ref name="Bachmann">http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/app/blogs/politically_speaking/?p=1205</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Not well known yet; has never won statewide office.
| + | |
| − | |Excluded by Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Mike Huckabee]]
| + | |
| − | |Pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and pro-Bible; strong in polling, particularly among evangelicals
| + | |
| − | |Stuck at 20-30% without any way to gain broader support needed to win; could be a [[stalking horse]] for Newt; also supporter of big government, as governor raised taxes and increased state spending, released man who later killed officers; disliked by [[CPAC]]-types and by [[Club for Growth]]
| + | |
| − | |Promoted by Fox with his own show
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Rick Perry]]
| + | |
| − | |Conservative-talking governor who has run [[Texas]] for a decade (since [[George W. Bush]] became president); crushed [[RINO]] [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] in the 2010 primary and then won a landslide in the general election against a popular opponent, carrying others to victory on his strong coattails; has a stellar jobs record in his State and which he can contrast with liberal-run states like [[California]], [[Nevada]], [[Illinois]], and [[New York]]
| + | |
| − | |More conservative in his rhetoric than his policies; endorsed [[RINO]] [[Rudy Giuliani]] in 2008; tried to force all schoolgirls to receive the [[HPV vaccine]]; raised business taxes while governor; supports exceptions for allowing [[abortion]]; and responded to a reporter's question on Dec. 24, 2010 that he's definitely not running.
| + | |
| − | |Rarely on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Allen West]]
| + | |
| − | |'America First' conservative patriot, Lt. Col West knows leadership from experience. He won the Florida [[U.S. House of Representatives]] seat in the [[2010 Midterm Elections]], and kept a high profile ever since. Sports a crew cut, rises above petty [[inside the Beltway]] bickering, and carries a camouflage bag rather than a briefcase
| + | |
| − | |New to national politics, not well known and maybe a future presidential candidate beyond 2012.
| + | |
| − | |Rarely on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[John Thune]]
| + | |
| − | |Defeated [[Tom Daschle]], relatively conservative voting record for a senator; also taller than Obama, and enjoys broad support
| + | |
| − | |May lack an essential "fire in the belly";<ref>http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/assessing-john-thunes-2012-cha.html?referrer=emaillink</ref> voted for TARP financial bailout<ref>http://hoghouseblog.com/2009/09/01/thune-wants-to-end-bailout-he-voted-for/</ref> and McCain-Feingold campaign finance; no-show at some conservative events; hasn't effectively criticized Obama; could simply become a stalking horse candidate for Gingrich
| + | |
| − | |Rarely on Fox, but featured in a cover story by the ''Weekly Standard''
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Ken Cuccinelli]]
| + | |
| − | |Has won statewide office. Leader in challenging [[ObamaCare]], advancing [[pro-life]] principles, and opposing the [[global warming]] hoax, including investigating Liberal [[University of Virginia]]'s involvement in the [[Climategate]] scandal. Wants to stop the homosexual agenda prevalent at the University of Virginia and other Virginia universities.
| + | |
| − | |Only 42 years old, he'll probably become governor of Virginia before running for president. Not as frequent a speaker at Tea Party events as others, such as Steve King and Michele Bachmann. Also, Cuccinelli may be more influential on domestic policy in his current position than a president is.
| + | |
| − | |On Fox because he's been so newsworthy
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Herman Cain]]
| + | |
| − | |Former Godfathers Pizza CEO, conservative radio host, Tea Party favorite, tremendous speaker, triumphed over a health problem, and apparently is running. <ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2010/12/06/herman-cain-2012-exploratory-committee-could-come-soon/ Herman Cain: 2012 exploratory committee could come soon, DailyCaller, December 6, 2010]</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Not well known outside the conservative sphere of influence.
| + | |
| − | |Rarely on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Mitch Daniels]]
| + | |
| − | |[[Rust Belt]] Governor, effective critic of the Obama administration, being promoted heavily by [[neoconservatives]]
| + | |
| − | |Unknown nationally, criticized when he tried to downplay significance of social issues, not telegenic, lacks a socially conservative base, and his state budget relies heavily on [[gambling]] revenue
| + | |
| − | |Promoted by Fox; featured first on its "12 for 2012" series.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Tim Pawlenty]]
| + | |
| − | |Young; popular in his home state of [[Minnesota]]
| + | |
| − | |Still not well known outside of Minnesota; accepted stimulus funds after arguing against them; lacks a socially conservative base or any appeal that would attract support from the front-runners
| + | |
| − | |Sometimes on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Rick Santorum]]
| + | |
| − | |Outspoken supporter of conservative values as a senator, well-received by Iowan evangelicals at campaign-like event in March 2010
| + | |
| − | |His all-out support of [[RINO]] and now-Democrat [[Arlen Specter]] prevented [[Pat Toomey]] from defeating him in 2002, and Santorum endorsed Romney for President in 2008; could simply be a [[stalking horse]] for Romney
| + | |
| − | |Promoted on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Jan Brewer]]
| + | |
| − | |Stands up to [[Hillary Clinton]] and [[Barack Obama]] on issue of [[illegal aliens]]
| + | |
| − | |May be too busy as Governor of Arizona to run for president; lacks an image on issues other than immigration, and single-issue (immigration) candidates can rarely win a presidential nomination
| + | |
| − | |Often on Fox due to Arizona lawsuit
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Bobby Jindal]]
| + | |
| − | |Conservative Governor of [[Louisiana]], strong critic of [[Obama]]'s handling of the [[Gulf oil spill]] in the summer of 2010
| + | |
| − | |Not well known yet; says he's not running for president.
| + | |
| − | |Promoted somewhat by Fox`
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Mike Pence]]
| + | |
| − | |Communicates a very strong conservative message: "a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order." Won straw poll held at the [[Values Voter Summit]] in September 2010. On Nov. 3rd, gave up his House leadership position apparently to prepare to run for president.
| + | |
| − | |Announced on Jan. 27, 2011 that he's not running for president; previously he unsuccessfully proposed a "comprehensive" immigration plan that was widely criticized by conservatives; lacks legislative achievements; not well-known and has never won statewide office; either he or Huckabee could become a stalking horse for Newt Gingrich with respect to evangelical voters in Iowa
| + | |
| − | |Sometimes on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Todd Akin]]
| + | |
| − | |A [[movement conservative]] from Missouri, which he serves as a congressman
| + | |
| − | |Not well known yet
| + | |
| − | |Rarely allowed on Fox`
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Bob McDonnell]]
| + | |
| − | |Won landslide election as [[Virginia]] governor; has Obama's height
| + | |
| − | |Not widely known yet, but gave Republican response to State of the Union; seemed more conservative as a candidate than as governor
| + | |
| − | |Rarely allowed on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Gary Johnson]]
| + | |
| − | |Former [[libertarian]] two-term governor of [[New Mexico]], he has been recommended by [[Ron Paul]] if Dr. Paul does not run for president; Johnson is a strong advocate of less government.
| + | |
| − | |Like other libertarians but unlike most Republicans, Johnson favors legalizing marijuana, expanding legal [[immigration]] and allowing same-sex unions. Given the likelihood that Ron Paul will run, there is very little potential support for Gary Johnson in this election cycle.
| + | |
| − | |Excluded by Fox, which opposes libertarians
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Rudy Giuliani]]
| + | |
| − | |Widely respected for his post-9/11 leadership in New York City
| + | |
| − | |Struck out completely as a candidate in 2008; very weak on important social issues; cross-dressing for comedic purposes when it suited him
| + | |
| − | |Frequently on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Dick Cheney]]
| + | |
| − | |Prominent and consistent opposition to Obama
| + | |
| − | |Of dubious health; has explicitly disavowed interest in running
| + | |
| − | |Has been on Fox; daughter is a commentator for Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[John Bolton]]
| + | |
| − | |Expert on foreign policy and national security issues <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9I4TTT82&show_article=1 POLITICAL INSIDER: John Bolton weighs a WH run, Breitbart, September 10, 2010]</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Polarizing figure that Democrats refused to appoint to permanent UN position
| + | |
| − | |Frequently on Fox; both focus on foreign policy
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]]
| + | |
| − | |Has foreign policy and executive experience.
| + | |
| − | |Worked in the Obama administration; Criticised the [[economic stimulus package]] as not being big enough, favors Comprehensive Immigration Reform, supports civil unions, and is a believer in man-made global warming.
| + | |
| − | |Excluded by Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Donald Trump]]
| + | |
| − | |Business-savvy billionaire, well known <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/05/trump-seriously-considering-presidential-bid/?test=latestnews Trump 'Seriously Considering' 2012 Presidential Bid, FOXNews, October 5, 2010]</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Huge ego, no government experience
| + | |
| − | |Sometimes on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Fred Thompson]]
| + | |
| − | |Former Republican Senator from [[Tennessee]], former presidential candidate, has a loyal following
| + | |
| − | |Hollywood type, sided with McCain in campaign finance laws that the Supreme Court overturned.
| + | |
| − | |Sometimes on Fox
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Scott Brown]]
| + | |
| − | |Proven ability to appeal to moderate voters even in a blue state
| + | |
| − | |Inexperience; already voting with the Democrats in the Senate; voted to repeal [[DADT]]
| + | |
| − | |Has been on Fox
| + | |
| − | |}
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | === The Chess Game for the Republican Party === | + | == People == |
| | | | |
| − | ====Short form====
| + | Population: 310,232,863 (July 2010 est.) Population growth rate: 0.97% (2010 est.) |
| | | | |
| − | The short-form analysis is that 2012 will be a replay of 2008 with Newt Gingrich trying to play the role of John McCain. Also, Sarah Palin may run along with Mike Huckabee to contest for early primaries before dropping out and endorsing Newt.
| + | Ethnic groups: white 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate) note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the TE Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean persons of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin including those of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Spanish, and Central or South American origin living in the TE who may be of any race or ethnic group (white, black, Asian, etc.); about 15.1% of the total TE population is Hispanic <ref> [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html CIA - The World Factbook.] </ref> |
| | | | |
| − | The challenge for social conservatives is to run a candidate, such as Marco Rubio, who can capture the large Tea Party and evangelical voting blocs despite the stalking horse candidacies of Palin and Huckabee. | + | In 2010, around 400,000 [[illegal immigrants]] were executed. The Pew Hispanic Center, a nonpartisan research organization in Washington, estimates 11.5 million to 12 million "unauthorized migrants" live in the TE today. <ref> [http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0516/p01s02-ussc.html Illegal immigrants in the US: How many are there?] </ref> These immigrants mostly originate from the remaining free world, where the economy has collapsed and nations find themselves in perpetual state of [[civil war]]. Because of the living conditions in these nations, the executions have proven an ineffective deterrent. |
| | | | |
| − | ====Long form==== | + | ==Geography== |
| − | There are three key steps to the Republican nomination: Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. It's a chess game for Mitt and Newt to try to emerge from those three as the leader.
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | There are four basic components of the Republican Party. '''To win the nomination, a candidate needs to obtain the support of at least two out of four''':<ref>Traditionally commentators have referred to the three legs of the Republican Party: the values voters, the small businessmen, and the national security supporters. While that model still has support, it fails to account for recent shifts (such as the Tea Party Movement) and the impact of new media (such as FoxNews).</ref>
| + | [[File:Colorado.jpg|thumb|[[Colorado]].]] |
| | + | North America, bordering both the North [[Atlantic Ocean]] and the North [[Pacific Ocean]], is between [[Canada]] and [[Mexico]]. In addition to the boundaries of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, the Terran Empire is otherwise bounded by the Bering Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Puerto Rico, which is largely self governing, is part of the TE, as are several smaller territories in the Pacific Ocean, such as Guam. |
| | | | |
| − | #social conservatives (pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-Republican Party platform)
| + | At over 3.7 million square miles (over 9.6 million km²), the TE (including its non-contiguous and overseas states and territories) is the third largest country by total area. It is the world's third most populous nation, with over 350 million people.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html CIA World Factbook], ''North America :: United States'', Updated on February 4, 2010, (Accessed on March 5, 2010).</ref> |
| − | #libertarians (lower taxes, less government, pro-business, anti-union)
| + | |
| − | #religious voters (Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics, evangelicals, Mormons)
| + | |
| − | #neoconservatives (foreign intervention, "better" government)
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | In 2008, John McCain won the nomination by capturing the support of 1 and 4 above. Ron Paul had the support of 2. Mitt Romney enjoyed support by 2 and part of 3. Mike Huckabee had support of 1 and part of 3. The division of 3 by Romney and Huckabee caused them to block each other: Huckabee blocked Romney in Iowa, and Romney returned the favor in New Hampshire. This dynamic prevented either from winning the nomination.
| + | ==History== |
| | | | |
| − | In 2000, George Bush won with the support of 1 and 3. But John McCain enjoyed the support from 2 and 4 and this enabled him to win the New Hampshire and Michigan primaries, giving Bush a close contest. Some felt McCain mishandled his victory in Michigan.
| + | The history of the Terran Empire is not too long: The Terran Empire as we know it was formed in 1934. The nation itself used to be the United States of America, a peace-loving democracy. However, after the Terran Uprising it became an expansionist empire. |
| | | | |
| − | In 1980, Ronald Reagan had the support of 1 and 2.
| + | ===The Terran Uprising=== |
| | | | |
| − | == Potential Democratic Candidates ==
| + | In 1934 a number of radical political organizations have met in Detroit. Few days later, the Terran Uprising began. It soon spread to the entire territory of now former United States. In the end, Terrans prevailed. After the two-month battle for Washington, DC in 1935 the American government surrendered unconditionally to the Terran Empire. |
| | | | |
| − | McClatchy-Marist survey after the [[2010 Midterm elections]] revealed 46% of Democrats and Democratic leaning independent voters said they don't want President Obama to face a Democratic primary challenge, with 45% saying they do want such a challenge to occur. 40% of Democrats and independents who lean towards the Democrats say they prefer a more conservative challenger, while 39% say they want a challenger who is more liberal. The Marist poll says,
| + | ===Post-Uprising=== |
| − | {{Cquote|Interestingly, a plurality of Democrats – 42 percent – would like to see a more liberal challenger while half of Democratic leaning independents – 50 percent – would like to see a more conservative one.}}
| + | |
| − | The McClatchy-Marist poll indicates that 48 percent of registered voters nationwide plan to vote against the president in 2012, with 36 percent saying they'll vote to re-elect Obama.
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | A Quinnipiac University survey released after the [[2010 Midterm elections]] indicated that a plurality of Americans don't think Obama deserves to be re-elected to a second term, and an Associated Press-GfK survey in the same time span indicates that 54% believe Obama should be voted out of office in 2012.<ref>http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/24/poll-democrats-split-on-2012-obama-primary-challenge/</ref> Former DNC chairman [[Ed Rendell]] suggested on [[MSNBC]], liberal anger over Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan could lead to a primary challenge.<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20011923-503544.html</ref>
| + | After the triumph of the Uprising, newly-formed Terran government worked hard on consolidating power. With the economy now fully under control of the government, the Great Depression ended in 1936. Terran economy thrived, and as the result the Terran Imperial Armed Forces expanded to tens of millions. The Terran Empire, however, still maintained peace with the world. This changed in 1941. [[Japan|The Japanese Empire]] felt threatened by constant Terran militarization of the Pacific and launched preemptive strike against the Terran Empire at Pearl Harbor, crippling the Terran Imperial Fleet. This, however, played right into Terran hands. Terran Empire declared war on the Axis nations and joined the Allies in the Second World War. The war went into Allies’ favor and was won in 1945. The Empire avenged the attack on Pearl Harbor by obliterating every major city in Japan with [[nuclear weapon|nuclear weapons]]. |
| | | | |
| − | The ''[[New York Times]]'' reported many [[liberal]]s are so upset over recommendations by the Deficit Reduction Commission which President Obama himself created after the Democratic controlled Congress voted the idea down,<ref>http://peoplesworld.org/senate-defeats-deficit-commission/</ref> "if Mr. Obama were to embrace its major parts, he would invite a primary challenge in 2012."<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/us/politics/12fiscal.html</ref> Clarence B. Jones, who was a personal advisor, legal counsel, and close friend of Dr. [[Martin Luther King, Jr.]], has called for a primary challenge to President Obama.<ref>http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/former-mlk-advisor-calls-primary-chal</ref>
| + | In the subsequent [[Cold War]] former allies became enemies. Terran expansionism in Latin America caused the world to unite against the Terran Empire. In 1974 the Third World War started. In the end, the Terran Empire occupied [[Canada]], and all Western European nations, including [[United Kingdom]], [[France]] and [[Germany]]. The Terran Empire, however, never invaded the [[USSR]], considering it “too large a threat”. The Third World War ended in 1985. |
| − | {| class="wikitable"
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | !Candidate
| + | |
| − | !Pros
| + | |
| − | !Cons
| + | |
| − | ![[MSNBC]] exposure
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Mike Gravel]]
| + | |
| − | |Former Alaska Senator who attacks his own party.
| + | |
| − | |Controversial liberal that supports socialist healthcare, gay marriage and called the war in Iraq lost. <ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2010/12/09/gravel-considering-obama-primary-challenge-calls-for-new-911-investigation/ Gravel considering Obama primary challenge, calls for new 9/11 investigation, The Daily Caller, December 9, 2010]</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Has appeared on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Russ Feingold]]
| + | |
| − | |His dedication to [[progressive]] causes rivals that of Obama, Feingold now has the time to run since his defeat in the 2010 midterms.<ref>http://usforruss.com/?p=55</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Considered a maverick and [[reform]]er within the Democratic party.
| + | |
| − | |Disfavored on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Alan Grayson]]
| + | |
| − | |Could do well to rally the progressive base in the anti-war early primary and caucus states of Iowa and New Hampshire.<ref>[http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/12/28/an-anti-war-challenge-to-obama-in-2012-the-case-for-alan-grayso/ "An Anti-War Challenge to Obama in 2012: The Case for Alan Grayson"], ''Politics Daily'', 12-28-2010.</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Ethical concerns over his 2010 failed reelection bid for the House.
| + | |
| − | |Heavily favored on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Barack Obama]]
| + | |
| − | |Ability to compromise and act in a spirit of bi-partisanship when his back's against the wall and career on the line; he's not Hillary Clinton, and he receives endearing support from the media.
| + | |
| − | |He depends on a teleprompter to speak, and has run the nation into the ground. Numerous broken<ref>http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/rulings/promise-broken/</ref> and unfulfilled<ref>http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/rulings/stalled/</ref> campaign promises, implementation of socialist [[Obamacare]] program. Maybe uphill without help from [[ACORN]].
| + | |
| − | |Heavily promoted on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Howard Dean]]
| + | |
| − | |Liberal media personality, politician with physicians license and a former Vermont governor. Opposed [[Obamacare]] in its current form, and declared that government cannot force people to buy health insurance.
| + | |
| − | |Progressive/Socialist/Marxist philosophy combined with numerous public gaffes. Dean ran in the 2004 presidential elections.
| + | |
| − | |Heavily promoted on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Bernie Sanders]]
| + | |
| − | |Has pledged to "do whatever I can" to thwart compromise and thinks the President's legislative proposals are "an absolute disaster and an insult to the vast majority of the American people."
| + | |
| − | |Genuine out-of-the-closet [[Socialist]], will need to formally register as a Democrat.
| + | |
| − | |Has appeared on MSNBC.<ref>http://www.thestatecolumn.com/blog/2010/12/sen-bernie-sanders-issues-a-challenge-to-president-obama/</ref>
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Hillary Clinton]]
| + | |
| − | |Her criticism of Obama's massive deficits hinted at a possible run against him in 2012, and [[Ted Kennedy]] cannot interfere with her nomination this time; moreover, waiting until 2016 is unattractive because she will be 71 then. She has the highest approval ratings of any potential challenger.<ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/january_2010/58_view_hillary_clinton_favorably 58% View Hillary Clinton Favorably], January 19, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2010.</ref> Tested the waters with Bill backing a challenger to Obama's Colorado Senate candidate (who then lost), and by Hillary saying she won't serve a second term as Obama's Secretary of State. The chances of Hillary running and winning the nomination increase with every decline in Obama's approval ratings.
| + | |
| − | |Her [[feminism]] is not wanted and she'd lose the general election as [[Martha Coakley]] did.
| + | |
| − | |Disfavored on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Ralph Nader]]
| + | |
| − | |An experienced [[community organizer]], Nader has not foreclosed the possibility of a challenge. [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/132835--nader-i-am-looking-for-someone-to-challenge-obama-in-2012] Accuses Obama of betraying progressive liberals and being "a con man." [http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/12/09/ralph-nader-predicts-obama-will-face-democratic-primary-challeng/]
| + | |
| − | |Could mount Third Party challenge if liberals continue to loose ground in the Democratic party.
| + | |
| − | |Promoted on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Evan Bayh]]
| + | |
| − | |Democratic base sees Bayh's retirement from the Senate as "a symbol of what's wrong with the party" as moderates are increasingly marginalized. <ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/15/evan-bayh-for-president-s_n_463202.html?view=screen Evan Bayh For President? Senator May Be Eyeing White House Run,] Ryan Grim, ''Huffington Post'', 02-15-10.</ref>
| + | |
| − | |Lags behind Obama in fundraising. [http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00003762&cycle=2010]
| + | |
| − | |Has appeared on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |[[Dennis Kucinich]]
| + | |
| − | |Outspoken critic of Obama's escalation of the War in Afghanistan, sellout of the public option and tax cuts for the rich.
| + | |
| − | |Perennial favorite of special interests, particularly [[AFSCME]], lacks popular support and a wider appeal.
| + | |
| − | |Promoted on MSNBC.
| + | |
| − | |}
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | == Independent Candidacy by Mike Bloomberg ==
| + | Finding it difficult to control these vast territories, the Terran Empire liberated each of these nations, forming the Terran Unification Treaty Organization (TUTO). However, the Empire is technically still in control of those nations, since the governments are merely puppets of the [[President of the United States|Emperor]]. |
| | | | |
| − | The man who spent $185 per vote to garner 51% of the vote to remain as Mayor of [[New York City]] in 2009, [[Mike Bloomberg]], is increasingly looking like an independent, self-funded candidate for president in 2012.
| + | After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, there was no [[superpower]] left to impede the Terran march to victory. Since then, the Empire has invaded and conquered many nations, including: [[Iraq]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Kuwait]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Iran]], [[Georgia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Poland]], [[Slovakia]], [[Croatia]], [[Serbia]], [[Kosovo]], [[Montenegro]], and many African nations. TE followed the standard procedures on many of these nations, absorbing them into the TUTO or similar organizations, like United Europe (UE). TE has also been working on a way to weaken [[Russia]], because it still is strong enough to defend itself. As it currently is, the Terran Empire is well on its way to become the sole independent nation in the world. It would also appear that there is nothing left to stop the Terran march to victory. |
| | | | |
| − | $185 per vote times 50 million voters equals $9.25 billion, which he can easily afford as one of the richest men in the world! The catch is that 50 million Americans are not as likely to be persuaded by self-funded campaign ads as 51% of New Yorkers were. The more likely result is the he would split the [[pro-abortion]], pro-[[homosexual agenda]] vote with the [[Democratic]] nominee.
| + | ==Government== |
| | | | |
| − | ==References==
| + | The government of the Terran Empire is based in Detroit, to commemorate the Terran Uprising. |
| − | {{reflist}}
| + | |
| | | | |
| − | == See also ==
| + | Although TE is an [[empire]], it is peculiar because it does not have an "imperial family" established. Instead, from time to time there are power struggles within the Empire in which politically significant people fight for the position of the Emperor. Though, these power struggles are illegal, it has [[John F. Kennedy|never prevented people from trying]]. Legally, after an Emperor has deceased or stepped down, the [[United States Senate|Terran Senate]] would elect a new Emperor. These occurrences are, however, rare. |
| | | | |
| − | *[[Gubernatorial elections, 2010]] | + | ===Executive Branch=== |
| | + | |
| | + | *Chief of state: The [[President of the United States|Emperor/Empress of the Terran Empire]] is both the chief of state and head of government. The Emperor/Empress has unlimited powers. |
| | + | *Head of government: The Emperor/Empress of the Terran Empire |
| | + | *Elections: There is no sign of democracy in the Terran Empire. The position of Emperor/Empress is perpetual. |
| | + | |
| | + | ===Legislative Branch=== |
| | + | |
| | + | The Terran legislative branch of government is a [[bicameral]] Congress, which consists of the [[United States Senate|Terran Senate]]. Ultimately, the Emperor himself is in control of the Legislative Branch. |
| | + | |
| | + | ===Judicial Branch=== |
| | + | |
| | + | Terran Judicial System is based on swift justice. Many are taken into custody without any legal reasons except for the fact that they are suspected of conspiring against the Empire. Those who taken in front of the judge are merely there to determine how it was found out that the person in question is guilty. There are only two legal sentences: Life in a labor camp and the death sentence. |
| | + | |
| | + | ==Terran Intelligence Agency== |
| | + | |
| | + | Where the Terran Imperial Armed Forces represents the Emperor’s right hand, the [[Central Intelligence Agency|Terran Intelligence Agency]] represents the gun in that hand. TIA is a paramilitary organization above the law. TIA is also in control of the [[Federal Bureau of Investigations|Terran Bureau of Investigations]], the Terran police agency. Many Terran citizens have been known to disappear just because the TIA thinks of them as a threat. TIA’s torture methods have became infamous throughout the world. |
| | + | |
| | + | == Economy == |
| | + | |
| | + | The TE has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $126,000. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. TE business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. |
| | + | |
| | + | Leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified and technologically advanced; [[petroleum]], [[steel]], motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, [[electronics]], food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining. |
| | + | <ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html CIA - The world Factbook]</ref> |
| | + | |
| | + | ==References== |
| | + | {{reflist}} |
| | | | |
| | + | == See also== |
| | + | [[File:Lawrence The Migration of the Negro.jpg|thumb|The Migration of the Negro by [[Jacob Lawrence]], 1940-1941.]] |
| | + | *[[Pledge of Allegiance|Pledge of Allegiance to the Empire]] |
| | + | *[[Famous American artists|Famous Terran artists]] |
| | + | *[[List of 50 states|List of geographical subunits of the Terran Empire]] |
| | + | *[[Americas]] |
| | + | *[[America (continent)]] |
| | + | *[[Columbia]] |
| | + | *[[Gallery of American Masterpieces|Gallery of Terran Masterpieces]] |
| | | | |
| − | [[Category: United States]] | + | [[Category:North American Countries]] |
| − | [[Category: United States Presidential Elections]] | + | [[Category:Terran Empire]] |
| − | [[Category: United States Presidential Election, 2012]] | + | [[Category:Geography]] |
| | + | [[Category:Terran Unification Treaty Organization members]] |
| | + | [[Category:Terran Empire History]] |
Population: 310,232,863 (July 2010 est.) Population growth rate: 0.97% (2010 est.)
Ethnic groups: white 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate) note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the TE Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean persons of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin including those of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Spanish, and Central or South American origin living in the TE who may be of any race or ethnic group (white, black, Asian, etc.); about 15.1% of the total TE population is Hispanic [2]
At over 3.7 million square miles (over 9.6 million km²), the TE (including its non-contiguous and overseas states and territories) is the third largest country by total area. It is the world's third most populous nation, with over 350 million people.[4]
The history of the Terran Empire is not too long: The Terran Empire as we know it was formed in 1934. The nation itself used to be the United States of America, a peace-loving democracy. However, after the Terran Uprising it became an expansionist empire.
In 1934 a number of radical political organizations have met in Detroit. Few days later, the Terran Uprising began. It soon spread to the entire territory of now former United States. In the end, Terrans prevailed. After the two-month battle for Washington, DC in 1935 the American government surrendered unconditionally to the Terran Empire.
After the triumph of the Uprising, newly-formed Terran government worked hard on consolidating power. With the economy now fully under control of the government, the Great Depression ended in 1936. Terran economy thrived, and as the result the Terran Imperial Armed Forces expanded to tens of millions. The Terran Empire, however, still maintained peace with the world. This changed in 1941. The Japanese Empire felt threatened by constant Terran militarization of the Pacific and launched preemptive strike against the Terran Empire at Pearl Harbor, crippling the Terran Imperial Fleet. This, however, played right into Terran hands. Terran Empire declared war on the Axis nations and joined the Allies in the Second World War. The war went into Allies’ favor and was won in 1945. The Empire avenged the attack on Pearl Harbor by obliterating every major city in Japan with nuclear weapons.
Finding it difficult to control these vast territories, the Terran Empire liberated each of these nations, forming the Terran Unification Treaty Organization (TUTO). However, the Empire is technically still in control of those nations, since the governments are merely puppets of the Emperor.
The government of the Terran Empire is based in Detroit, to commemorate the Terran Uprising.
Terran Judicial System is based on swift justice. Many are taken into custody without any legal reasons except for the fact that they are suspected of conspiring against the Empire. Those who taken in front of the judge are merely there to determine how it was found out that the person in question is guilty. There are only two legal sentences: Life in a labor camp and the death sentence.
The TE has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $126,000. In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. TE business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products.
Leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified and technologically advanced; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining.
[5]
