"Home of the Brave" - A Cold War US Forum Game

[Korona]

​

Name: John H. Becker
Born: June 15th, 1922; Ann Arbor, Michigan
State: Michigan
Party: Democrat

Biography: John Becker was born to German immigrants, who immigrated to America one year after Germany lost World War One. His father worked at the University of Michigan as a janitor, while John's mother was a seamstress, working from her home. During the Great Depression, John's father joined the CCC, leaving John alone to tend to his mother. When Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7th, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and fought in Guadalcanal Campaign and Operation Cartwheel before being sent back home after getting shot in the knee. John returned to America, and saw that FDR and his Democratic Party restored the US, and strengthened it's economy. After the war ended, John joined the Democratic Party with dreams of making Michigan the greatest state in America.

 

[Firehound15]

PRE-ELECTION
-1952-

-PRESIDENT-

​

Although President Harry S. Truman is not covered under the provisions of the 22nd Amendment, he has exhibited little interest in running for a third term as President. At this point, the Democratic Party has controlled the Presidency for 20 years. Their reputation, however, has partially been tarnished by the Korean War and minor political infighting between New Deal supporters and Southern Democrats. Some voices stirred within the party, although it currently appears that the two most popular choices for the Democratic candidacy are Governor Adlai Stevenson II, of Illinois, and Senator Estes Kefauver, of Tennessee.

Meanwhile, within the Republican Party, there are subtle hints and rumors that General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Senator Robert Taft are considering the candidacy, although the validity of such rumors have yet to be seen as truth. It appears that there may be an additional faction calling for General Douglas MacArthur, but given his recent conflict with President Truman and his current duties in the Pacific, he is seemingly the least likely candidate of all.

-SENATE-

​

The U.S. Senate is currently dominated by the Democratic Party, although- much akin to the situation with the Presidency- popular support for the Democratic Party seems to have dried up in certain regions. Regardless, one-third of all Senate seats are currently open to election. The winners of these Class 1 Senatorships will be elected to serve a 6 year term, at which point they will once again face a new election. The states which have Class 1 seats are those labelled in white on the above map.

-HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-

​

The U.S. House of Representatives is, much like it's Congressional counterpart, currently under the control of the Democratic Party. All 450 seats in the House are under contest as of this election, although some are considered locks for either the Democrats or Republicans, this is yet to be confirmed, although the general prediction from experts is that the Democratic Party will stand to lose seats in this election.

-GOVERNORS-

Earl K. Long, Former Governor of Louisiana
​

A full thirty states are holding elections for governor this year and predictions and estimates appear to buck the trend of Democratic decline in this department, as it is widely believed that the dominant parties in the governments of those respective states are destined to remain in power. These states are Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Louisiana, Texas, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Vermont.

_________________________________________________________

​

((So, with all this in mind, you must now announce your intention to run for office. If the office you are interested in has been mentioned, then it is open game. Certain states have restrictions on running for multiple offices on the same ticket, and while I would love to allow for all sorts of intricacies, that's a bit too much for me, so I will request that you keep your self-nominations to only one office per player.

Also, while I have mentioned some historic characters who may or may not be running for President, you are still allowed to nominate yourself, and, in particular, are encouraged to seek the Vice-Presidency by courting certain candidates (if they announce their intention to run.) These first two Presidential elections will be the only two to feature significant NPC candidates for the office, so after these 4-8 years, we should see a player step in to fill the role.

This declaration period ends at 5 PM EST on Wednesday. CONSIDER RELEVANT IC OPEN. Have fun!))

 

[Ironhide G1]

David James Adams intends to run for a Kanasas seat in the Senate.

 

[Firehound15]

David James Adams intends to run for a Kanasas seat in the Senate.

((As I pointed out with the black and white map, Kansas only has Class 2 and 3 Senators, and as such, will not have a Senate contest this year. You can still run for the House, however.))

 

[Dr.Livingstone]

Elijah T. Williams intends to run for a New York seat in the Senate.

 

[Ironhide G1]

((Oh sorry, couldn't tell whether the black meant it was or wasn't the cycle, my bad. I thought it meant that only the black states were elegible.))

If Dwight D. Esinhower will run for the Executive Office, David James Adams would like to run as his Vice President.

 

[Dadarian]

George Gaston rubbed his face in frustration. Transferred from a much more malleable politician within the Truman administration to this "special case", Gaston originally (and naively) jumped at the cast as he thought he'd get a leg up on the competition for campaign manager for better (and richer) candidates. Little did he know that Elam wasn't a career politician with the typical aspirations of such. Rolling his eyes at the well dressed Cajun, he gave himself one last chance to convince the stubborn prick.

George - "I understand what you are saying Dr. Elam, but please view what I have to say. The Governorship of Louisiana is open, and this is the perfect opportunity for you. It would give you quite a bit of clout nationally as well as becoming the guiding light of the state. Furthermore it would pad your stats and present a viable chance for political advancement in the future. If your administration goes well, we could even have you be a contender as President."

To which Elam only tisked the much younger and much more exacerbated man.

Elam - "I see your points Mr. Gaston. I just don't consider them an option. As governor of Louisiana I would be confined to administering solely the state for four years, while who knows what can be done on the Hill to bring our nation into ruin. No, I cannot let it be. As a member of the House of Representatives, I can take part in a great many committees on a great many issues, most of which out of depth for state governors. You see being Governor as a stepping stone to the Presidency, I see being the Representative for Louisiana fourth as a stepping stone for a better America. Besides, I'm doing Truman a favour even running, so be happy."

George wanted to scream and shout and throw things at the obtuse politician. Nothing can be more powerful then pure, unfettered ambition, which is what Gaston had fed for the last three decades. This man was the antithesis of everything he was, and it was infuriating. However he was a good soldier and did as he was told. The next day it was announced that Doctor Claude H. Elam would be running as the Democratic Party's candidate in the Louisiana 4th.

 

[Sakura_F]

I, James W. Spencer, hereby announce my intention to run for the office of the Governor of Illinois for the Republican Party.

 

[TJDS]

The Boston Guardian​

Boston, March 3rd - The Democrats in Massachusetts have been left in shock after Governor Paul Dever has announced that he will not run in the 1952 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Elections. Sources close to the governor have disclosed to our reporters that the recent unfavorable polls and pressure from party bosses have forced Governor Dever to announce his retirement. The democratic ticket has remained uncontested, however, it is rumored that Dr. T. J. Stam (D), the Mayor of Worcester, will run for Governor of Massachusetts. The New Deal Democrat has recieved popular support from Boston and other urban democrats, on whom he will be expected to relly during the elections and the primaries. His press Secretary has refused to comment on the rumors and stated that Dr. Stam will adress them later this week.

Mark van Buren

((Am I allowed to do this?))

 

[Firehound15]

((States with gubernatorial elections is updated, as I found out that Wikipedia gives about 1/3 the actual number of states with such elections.))

 

[Firehound15]

((Am I allowed to do this?))

((Yeah, that's fine.))

 

[alxeu]

January 1st, 1952

Chinatown, San Francisco
​

"So, Stevie, what's your plan for this year? Dad says you gonna run."

James, Steven's older brother, was his personal campaign financier, so naturally, he was interested in his brother's electoral prospects.

"James, I'm running for the local House position, the 4th District. Mr. Havenner looks to be the loser, so I'm going to capitalize on his party's failures."

James, not too interested in politics that didn't concern his brother replied, "Isn't that Mailliard guy gonna run for the Republicans? How'd you convince him to let you run instead, and why not the Senate?"

"Easy James, I didn't. You and your capital are going to fund a smear campaign to make him look bad, and to make me look good. The people around here are interested in a good story, and honest, Republican politicians. If we can convince them that Mailliard is the wrong choice, we can win this! As for the Senate, William Knowland is too strong an opponent, and he is quite powerful in the Republican party. I'd rather be his ally than his enemy."

"I suppose you're right. Good idea, Stevie, I'll get to it. You better remember me in Washington, now, ya hear?"

"Relax brother, we Brooks look after each other."

January 19th, 1952

Local radio studio, San Francisco
​

"Following attacks on my character by less than honorable sources, I must regretfully drop out of this campaign in order to prevent further assassination of my character. Mark my words: those responsible are the lowest of the low, and may they never see success in their lives."

The news on the radio of Mailliard's withdrawal from the race was beautiful words to Steven Brooks' ears. He had successfully slandered William Mailliard and no one associated his name with the accusations. His only younger brother, Tom, who was part of an undesirable group, had seen to that. Steven knew that thus far he had been propelled by family, and while he would never forget their aid, he knew that local ties could only get him so far.


By the time of the Republican primaries for the 4th District of California, only Steven Brooks remained as a viable candidate. He won nomination without a hassle.

((If it isn't clear, I'm running for the 4th District of California.))

 

[99KingHigh]

Arthur Clark Rockefeller gives an oration before a small crowd of Southampton aristocrats and New York City reporters.
​

Ladies and Gentlemen of this finely furnished estate, it falls upon my most *modest* character to give closure to this blissful gathering we have enjoyed this afternoon. In the succeeding moments, many of you will either be pleased, to hear my deliberations on the present political condition, or shall retreat into a quiet yawn. No matter your preference, I urge you to listen with keen interest and combat that languid ignorance of which the Democrats will, no doubt, wish over your eager concerns. Indeed, that party opposite has been most energetic in their florid displays to the public. They have, to not their own guilt, taken the initiative and, for a matter of questionable improvement, changed the very landscape of our Federal form. We must, as reasonable and fiscal folk, not hastily dismiss the bundle of reforms of the preset Democratic coalition without proper analysis. It must be our duty, with scrutiny and patience, to find what programs are authentic and what programs are veneers. For only fools would dismiss themselves from reason and claim that our American democracy is identical in aesthetic and substantive quality as the times preceding that unfortunate depression. Some of the changes, chiefly in social programs, are necessary for the preservation of our civilian weal, which is undermined by those fiscal policies of our failed predecessors. In effect, a dismissal for those New Deal changes are an affront to the very sight of our party, which must be adaptive and flexible. If we are to be, out of the starting gate, malicious to those changes, to the building trades and unions, we will soon find ourselves deprived of power forevermore.

But it is not the attitude of the Republican Party to lay with defeated acquiesce, and allow our opponents to take home the charge. The Party must be fierce in scrutiny, and fiercer still in policy - not less our proud American enterprise and industry fall into the Democrat's inevitable disrepair. Regulation must be conceded, but we should not find ourselves placid to bow to the Socialist tendencies within Mr. Truman's party. For it shall be the next great struggle of our nation, between this party of liberty, and that party of authority, to decide the very ownership of our national enterprise. If we should withdraw, and abandon our corporations and industries to public ownership, the American citizenry will find no cause for incentive but that of Stalinism. Our message must be strong and forceful - there is a fine line between national infrastructure and private enterprise, and thus our patriotic duty to Capitalism shall invigorate our defense from any Federal incursion. The cause of enterprise and prosperity is not lost, though it has been muddled through a web of bureaucracy. It shall be my obsession, to you fine electors, to defend the interests of those that employ, for the benefit of the employed, and all within general comfort of our American citizenry. Our nation, this birthplace of democratic zeal, must now confront an identity under threat of occupation; shall we march forward, determined to succeed, or fall back upon Statist sentiments, and make ourselves feebly comfortable under Socialism? I believe that the choice is clear - our defense of the American spirit, so long as it is extant, will be our primary passion. Let us not be tainted anymore by a party of arcane segregation and inefficacious management.

With these driven words, I do announce my intention to run for Senator of New York, and transmute the present nature of our political system.

 

[LatinKaiser]

Excerpt from the Boston Globe:

"[...] With rumors regarding potential Democratic candidates still fresh in the air, Charles Paul Granger, the Republican representative of Plymouth's 1st District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, formally announced his candidacy for the governorship, claiming that Massachusetts' citizens deserve "a leader whose political beliefs reflect those of the Massachusetts taxpayer, not those of party bosses." Granger's comments, clearly aimed at the current Democratic political establishment within the state, were seen as typical of an aspiring politician, though not hypocritical, as Granger has not had to kowtow to party backers -- largely because his own wealthy family are some of the Republican Party's biggest financiers in the state. [...]"

((Charles P. Granger is running for the Governorship of Massachusetts.))

 

[Sakura_F]

Excerpt from Chicago Tribune

"... in Spencer's first stop on the campaign trail to become Governor of Illinois, he came to Chicago to take in the local sights of his birthplace. He visited a local veterans hospital and shared some unique experiences on his time in World War II and Korea. He spoke earnestly for the need for 'cooperation between Republicans and Democrats to see to it that our veterans are taken care of. The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 was just one part of the greater need for fully fleshed out support for our veterans. The War in Korea has dragged on too long, and one may only wonder how many more young men are going to leave for Korea and never come home. It is time for a change.'

Spencer also visited the site of his father's murder in 1926, and the cemetery where his father was buried. When asked about how his father's death had influenced him politically, Spencer had this to say. 'My father was murdered by organized crime in Chicago because he was a police officer. The people of Chicago, the people of Illinois, and the people of the United States deserve better than to live under the fear of organized crime bosses dictating their politics, and dictating their lives. My father's death was tragic, and it shaped my life as a young man.'

 

[Ironhide G1]

((Are we allowed to make up previous Senatorial or House experience if it never historically happened for my character? Though it would make sense for my character, as he has been doing politics for 40+ years))

 

[Michaelangelo]

Benjamin Joseph Blake announces his intention to run for the Senate in Washington State for the Democratic Party.

 

[Firehound15]

((Are we allowed to make up previous Senatorial or House experience if it never historically happened for my character? Though it would make sense for my character, as he has been doing politics for 40+ years))

((You can't make up high-level experience. State legislature, undersecretaries, ambassadors, aides, policy advisers, and stuff like that are all wide open, though.))

 

[Fingon888]

Nicholas B. Hausmann announces his intention to run for Governor of Wisconsin as a member of the Socialist Party of America.

 

[EasternBloc]

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

For many years now, I've looked upon this land and these people, and like many others I hold great pride in our wonderful state of Texas. Since our founding the Lone Star State has been a torch bearer of American ideals, and the Texas Democratic Party has been the representative of our interests. The Democratic Party has worked time and time again for the people of Texas, I have no doubt that it is the right choice this November. To quote our beloved Sam Houston: 'Do right and risk the consequences'. I do believe that Texas needs a strong leader in the times, and I am more than willin' to lead the fight for our state's values.

People of Texas, I see a new beginning on the horizon. It is the vision of prosperity, something we all share as a community. Do not be swayed by the cronies of Hoover, as we all have felt the scars of Republican lies and mismanagement. Now, our economy is doing better than we could imagine, we have peace in Europe, and benefit as a world power. Frankly, what more could we ask for from an administration? I speak for the Texan, first and foremost, that we must continue the policies that have benefited us so well in the past few years. Our politics has always been lookin' out for the just and mannered Southern society, rather than the fear-mongering elitists. The Democratic Party has always defended our American values, and I hope to represent those values in my run for the Governorship of Texas as the Democratic candidate. I give my respects to the current Governor, Allan Shivers, for leading the state of Texas, and I hope to succeed him this November and carry the torch in Texan leadership."