2016: The Ultimate Election - Concession or not?

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Republican Map So Far

Red-Huckabee
Blue-Christie
Yellow-Rubio

Democrat Primary Map So Far

Green-Schweitzer
Red-Cuomo

[Reaganfan]

Florida...Florida...Florida.

Bush and Rubio criss-cross the state in the final days. Huckabee campaigns heavily in the Panhandle. Jindal touts his record as a "Gulf Coast Governor". Christie campaigns in Jacksonville.

In the end, Florida for the Democrats proves just as pivitol as it does for Republicans. Cuomo, Clinton and Biden are all vying for victory in the state, while Schweitzer tries to pull off another win. Biden has strong appeal in Florida, especially with older and Jewish voters. He is hoping that will deliver for him. Clinton and Cuomo are fighting for the same voting base of liberals, who appeal much more to Cuomo than Clinton.

In the end, the Democratic Primary in Florida is as follows:

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


2ND PLACE - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


3RD PLACE - GOV. ANDREW CUOMO


It's a tremendous victory for Biden, who had yet to win a single victory. He vows to win the nomination and head right for the Oval Office. Governor Schweitzer begins to sound more and more like a frontrunner, hiring new staffers across the country. Clinton ends her campaign, much to the displeasure of her base. She had been unable to raise the same amount of funds she did in 2008, and by 2016, it seemed as though her time had passed. Cuomo, still savoring New Hampshire, hopes to be victorious in other states with Clinton out of the race.

On the Republican side, it is a close result.

WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


2ND PLACE - GOV. JEB BUSH


3RD PLACE - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


Despite a second place showing, Governor Bush still came in a distant second. He decides to stay in the race and fight. Governor Huckabee ends his quest for the Presidency, but refuses to endorse any given candidate right away. Jindal's numbers appear to be dropping nationally and his 5th place Florida finish being a Southern Governor seem to hurt him even more.

So the race for the Republicans is up in the air. Rubio, Christie, Bush and Jindal...with Democrats split between Cuomo, Schweitzer and Biden.

MORE TO COME!

[Reaganfan]

A new slew of polling for potential matchups between the remaining contenders show that anything in this "ultimate" election is possible.

National Polls

Cuomo: 45%
Jindal: 42%

Rubio: 50%
Cuomo: 45%

Christie: 44%
Cuomo: 44%

Rubio: 46%
Biden: 43%

Christie: 51%
Biden: 45%

Biden: 51%
Jindal: 44%

Schweitzer: 47%
Jindal: 43%

Christie: 48%
Schweitzer: 44%

Rubio: 47%
Schweitzer: 45%

Bush: 51%
Cuomo: 44%

Biden: 45%
Bush: 45%

Bush: 48%
Schweitzer: 46%

There are still twelve possible match-ups between the candidates and the races on both sides are still undecided!

[sentinel]

I really can't see Clinton losing. The big names would drown out everyone else.

[Reaganfan]

Nevada's results show a continuation of a very fluid race for both Democrats and Republicans.

NEVADA

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


2ND PLACE - VP. JOE BIDEN


3RD PLACE - GOV. ANDREW CUOMO


Cuomo's poor showing begins to hurt his fund-raising numbers and insiders begin to wonder if Cuomo's campaign will survive. Biden has yet to any state other than Florida, and it seems that his victory in the state gave him momentum going into Nevada.

For the Republicans in Nevada...

WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


2ND PLACE - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


3RD PLACE - GOV. JEB BUSH


Governor Sandoval's dropping out brought many voters to Governor Bush. Nevertheless, the poor showing by both Bush and Jindal begins speculation that both should bow out of the race. Both refuse.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Republican Map So Far

Red-Huckabee
Blue-Christie
Yellow-Rubio

Democrat Primary Map So Far

Green-Schweitzer
Red-Cuomo
Blue-Biden

[Reaganfan]

However, Michigan defines another set of victors and another set of vanquished candidates.

MICHIGAN DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


2ND PLACE - GOV. ANDREW CUOMO


3RD PLACE - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


It's Biden second significant victory after Florida. Shortly after Michigan, Biden's polls begin to improve. The Vice President says that he is "in it to win it!"

Cuomo's second place, while a distant second, gives his faltering campaign hope that labor support could help rally his team towards victory. Nonetheless, Biden still holds an advantage with labor union voters.

For the Republicans...

WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


2ND PLACE - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


3RD PLACE - GOV. JEB BUSH


Jindal ends his campaign, nearly broke and falling far behind in the polls. Rubio shows a surprisingly strong second to Christie in Michigan.

NATIONAL POLLS

Democratic Presidential Nomination

Biden: 35%
Schweitzer: 29%
Cuomo: 17%
Undecided: 19%

Republican Presidential Nomination

Rubio: 34%
Christie: 34%
Bush: 12%
Undecided: 20%

Possible Match-ups between contenders

Biden: 48%
Rubio: 45%

Christie: 49%
Biden: 47%

Biden: 51%
Bush: 45%

Rubio: 51%
Cuomo: 44%

Christie: 52%
Cuomo: 44%

Bush: 50%
Cuomo: 46%

Schweitzer: 46%
Bush: 46%

Christie: 48%
Schweitzer: 45%

Rubio: 51%
Schweitzer: 48%

[Reaganfan]

With Super Tuesday on fast approach, the candidates make a mad dash for votes. Governor Bush hopes for a miracle in the Southern primary states, while Governor Christie stumps in New England.

Governor Cuomo is also trying to stay in the race, as Vice President Joe Biden has been gaining big momentum coming out of his Florida and Michigan victories. Governor Schweitzer is hoping to do well out west and in the southern primary states.

ALABAMA

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


ALASKA

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


ARIZONA

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


ARKANSAS

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


CALIFORNIA

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


COLORADO

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


CONNECTICUT

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


DELAWARE

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


GEORGIA

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


IDAHO

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


ILLINOIS

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


KANSAS

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


MASSACHUSETTS

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


MINNESOTA

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


MISSOURI

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


NEW JERSEY

WINNER - GOV. ANDREW CUOMO


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


NEW MEXICO

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


NEW YORK

WINNER - GOV. ANDREW CUOMO


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


NORTH DAKOTA

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


OKLAHOMA

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


TENNESSEE

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


UTAH

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO

[Niemeyerite]

So, Biden is carrying big states like FL, CA, MI and IL, while Schwitzer is beating him in smaller states. I hope Cuomo supports Biden sooner or later

[Reaganfan]

Governor Cuomo delivers a speech the night of Super Tuesday, basking in his home state and New Jersey victory, but clearly momentum is not on his side. The following day, he steps down from the stage but refuses to endorse.



It's clear the race for the Democrats is between Vice President Joe Biden, and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.

Governor Jeb Bush, at a rally in Alabama, ends his campaign with his father and brother, the Presidents, at his side. He too refuses to endorse.

With victories from Missouri to New Jersey to California, Chris Christie gives a speech rallying his supporters, telling them he is on his way to the nomination. Nevertheless, Marco Rubio won 12 out of the 22 races that day, just 10 for Christie. Rubio insists to his supporters that momentum is on his side.

One thing is now clear, four men remain in the race for President of the United States. Joe Biden, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie and Brian Schweitzer. One of these men will be President of the United States.

NATIONWIDE GENERAL ELECTION POLLS

Christie: 48%
Biden: 47%

Christie: 47%
Schweitzer: 47%

Rubio: 51%
Biden: 45%

Schweitzer: 47%
Rubio: 47%

Do you approve of President Barack Obama?

Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 50%

[Reaganfan]

Governor Cuomo comes out in support of Vice President Joe Biden. The endorsement is seen as key for the Biden campaign, with the liberal base of the Democratic Party coalescing around Biden. Indeed, Biden's strength against Rubio or Christie would be very strong in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, whereas a Schweitzer candidacy would be stronger for winning more traditionally red states against Republicans. Much like was the case for Republicans in 2000 and Democrats in 2008, the party out of power, in this case Republicans, have the advantage against the incumbent party.

Senator Rubio makes his case on electability in Washington state, hoping that by carrying a state outside of the south, can show is appeal and defeat Christie for the nomination.

By the week after Super Tuesday, four more states hold their voting.

Louisiana Primary

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


Nebraska Caucus

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - SEN. MARCO RUBIO


Washington Caucus

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


It's victory across the board for Schweitzer, but the Biden 2016 campaign remains certain that they will ultimately prevail. Governor Christie's victory in Washington is solid, but he loses out in Nebraska and Louisiana against Senator Marco Rubio as many former Bush and Jindal voters have moved into the Rubio campaign.

The Maine Caucus shows another win for Christie and Biden.

Maine Caucus

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


Everyone begins to realize that at any moment momentum could switch entirally from one candidate to another. This is critical for all four of the contenders. Indeed, Maryland, Virginia, Hawaii and Wisconsin will be critical for all candidates on both sides.

[Reaganfan]

Everyone begins to realize that at any moment momentum could switch entirely from one candidate to another. This is critical for all four of the contenders. Indeed, Maryland, Virginia, Hawaii and Wisconsin will be critical for all candidates on both sides.

Maryland

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


Virginia

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


Hawaii

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


Wisconsin

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


It is victory across the board for Schweitzer and Christie. Panic begins in the Biden campaign. Schweitzer has the advantage going into the next primaries in Texas and is gaining on Biden in Ohio. Biden campaigns relentlessly in Ohio trying to rally his union support.

Same is true for the Rubio campaign. Marco Rubio knows he has only one shot, and that is to perform well in Ohio and Texas, two states that are too close to call.

Luckily, Governor Bobby Jindal endorses Marco Rubio just before the all important four-state contests. He hopes that this endorsement will give some new life in his campaign.

[Reaganfan]

The Ohio Primary is contested heavily by all four candidates, each needing victory that will be crucial. Vice President Biden rallies union support, Senator Rubio makes stops in Columbus and Cincinnati.

Ohio

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


It's a huge win for Governor Schweitzer. Christie tops Rubio with a 8 point victory. Ohio is considered a battleground state for the general election.

Rhode Island

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


By the slimmest of margins, Governor Schweitzer edges out Vice President Biden. Another blow to a campaign desperate to win. Christie easily takes Rhode Island.

Vermont

WINNER - VP. JOE BIDEN


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


Biden is able to claim victory in Vermont, but that result is also too close to call for the Democratic Primary for much of the night.

Texas

WINNER - GOV. BRIAN SCHWEITZER


WINNER - GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE


In a shocking unexpected twist, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey wins the Texas primary. Christie had made several stops around the state, but Senator Marco Rubio had been hoping for a large Hispanic vote to turnout for his campaign. Biden had been far behind to Schweitzer in polling in Texas, but the night is 3-1 for Schweitzer and Biden begins to sense his campaign imploding.

The same is true for Marco Rubio. Both Joe Biden and Marco Rubio decide to remain in the primaries.

NATIONWIDE POLLING

Christie: 64%
Rubio: 25%
Undecided: 11%

Schweitzer: 65%
Biden: 30%
Undecided: 5%

[Reaganfan]

Following wins by Brian Schweitzer in Wyoming and Mississippi, Vice President Joe Biden ends his campaign for the Presidency.

"We thank all our supporters and all the volunteers who worked so effortlessly on our behalf. I also congratulate Governor Schweitzer on a victorious campaign and wish him luck on his way to the White House."


President Obama endorses Governor Schweitzer the following day.

Senator Rubio fights on against Governor Christie. He has some further victories in Wyoming and Mississippi. However, come early April, it's clear that Christie has the upper hand. By mid-April, Rubio officially ends his campaign.

"This was a difficult decision, but I feel it is now necessary to step aside and allow Governor Christie and his team to build a foundation to move towards victory in November."



Thus, by mid-April 2016, the candidates are Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana and Republican Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey.

Indeed, pundits from both the left and right are enthusiastic about this Presidential election. Statewide polling shows virtually the entire nation is up for grabs. Some polls show Governor Schweitzer ahead in West Virginia and Indiana, while others show Governor Christie ahead in Maine and Oregon. Indeed, the entire electoral college will be up for grabs by the time November rolls around.

NATIONWIDE POLL

Christie: 46%
Schweitzer: 46%

Will America end up electing Chris or Brian? The ultimate general election campaign is about to begin...

---------------


COMMENTS WELCOME!

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Democratic Primary Map

Green-Former Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana
Vice-President Joseph R Biden of Delaware
Red-Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

I guess this is what the Republican Primary Map looks like

Blue-Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey
Yellow-Senator Marco Rubio of Florida
Red-Former Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas

[Reaganfan]

Governor Christie begins a massive campaign roll-out as the presumptive Republican nominee. He stumps hard from Atlantic City across the nation to Los Angeles. He speaks on how the size of government has been drastically increased over the last eight years during the Obama administration.

"The time is now my fellow Americans. We must rein in government. We must stop the rhetoric, stop the spending, and stop the stupidity!

Governor Schweitzer begins by heading home to Montana for a large rally celebration. He then travels to Ohio, Virginia and makes a stop in Texas. He campaigns hard but does not speak strongly on far left causes.



"You hear Chris Christie talkin' about all the bad stuff Government does. But you never once hear the Governor acknowledge the good things Government can provide for the people. You never hear him speak about the obligation the Government has for the people. Under the Schweitzer administration, yes, people will be held accountable, but we will never move away from our fundamental roots!"

The national polling shows as June approaches that the race is essentially a tie. Schweitzer and Christie rarely break 46% in any national poll, and pundits say neither man has a clear advantage.

Statewide polling is even more bizarre.

Ohio

Schweitzer: 48%
Christie: 45%

New Jersey

Christie: 51%
Schweitzer: 44%

Texas

Christie: 47%
Schweitzer: 44%

Montana

Schweitzer: 53%
Christie: 43%

Vermont

Schweitzer: 51%
Christie: 47%

Wisconsin

Christie: 50%
Schweitzer: 46%

The race is completely up in the air.

[Vern]

What about States like NC, GA, WV and KY were Governor Schweitzer IMO should do very well with? What do you have them states at?

[Reaganfan]

What about States like NC, GA, WV and KY were Governor Schweitzer IMO should do very well with? What do you have them states at?

As of July 2016

North Carolina

Schweitzer: 48%
Christie: 46%

Georgia

Christie: 48%
Schweitzer: 47%

West Virginia

Schweitzer: 45%
Christie: 44%

Kentucky

Christie: 51%
Schweitzer: 45%

[Reaganfan]

In mid-July, the Democrats and Republicans are abuzz about who will be the running mates for the two major candidates. The short-lists are leaked via a source on the internet, although both campaigns repudiate the lists which casts some doubts on the validity. The short lists are as follows:

Schweitzer Short List

(D-VA) Sen. Mark Warner
(D-WV) Sen. Joe Manchin
(D-NY) Gov. Andrew Cuomo
(D-NM) Sen. Tom Udall
(D-MO) Gov. Jay Nixon

Christie Short List

(R-UT) Sen. Mike Lee
(R-SD) Sen. John Thune
(R-FL) Sen. Marco Rubio
(R-IA) Gov. Terry Branstad
(R-NV) Gov. Brian Sandoval

Polling shows some running mate possibilities would help or hurt the Democratic and Republican tickets in a general election.

Who would you vote for?

Christie/Rubio: 52%
Schweitzer/Cuomo: 43%

Schweitzer/Warner: 50%
Christie/Sandoval: 43%

[Vern]

Oh, the EV map is going to look crazy on Election Night.

[Reaganfan]

Oh, the EV map is going to look crazy on Election Night.

You have no idea... HAHA

In all seriousness, I have so many scenarios it is hard to choose one. I'm truly undecided as to who I want to win. Obviously, I love the idea of a Christie Presidency, but to elect a Democratic Cowboy from Montana is oh-so tempting...

Any more thoughts, ideas or comments?

[Reaganfan]

Governor Christie knows that the Republican National Convention in Salt Lake City will be coming up in just a few short weeks and he must make a selection for a running mate.

"With faith in his leadership and optimism in the fact that he can help us bring America back to her glory days, I present to you, the next Vice President of the United States, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida!"


Christie/Rubio rally in State College, PA

Pundits were not at all surprised by the choice of Senator Rubio. It was later determined to have been down to three choices: Marco Rubio, Terry Branstad and Mike Lee. Branstad was very close to being named as a potential running mate, but Rubio always had the edge.

The Christie/Rubio ticket gets a bump in nationwide polling.

NATIONWIDE POLL

Christie/Rubio: 54%
Brian Schweitzer: 43%

Governor Schweitzer is also facing the furnace. He has to select someone who can not only help the ticket regain momentum, but will also help lukewarm liberal supports rallying around him. Many say that if he puts a moderate Democrat on the ticket, he will be much more strongly positioned for victory in the general election against the New Jersey-Florida ticket of Christie and Rubio. However, in doing so, he runs the risk that nearly cost Barack Obama the Presidency in 2012 of alienating liberal voters who might vote for another candidate or decide to stay at home or not vote at all.

Schweitzer decides to announce his selection just days prior to the Republican National Convention in Salt Lake City.

"Folks, it's time to put Americans first. It's time to focus on the needs of everyday ordinary folk. It's time to quit playin' games. My fellow Americans, please join me in welcoming on stage the next Vice President of the United States, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia!"


- Gov. Schweitzer and Sen. Manchin visiting with Former Gov. Christine Gregorie at a stop in Tacoma two days following running mate selection.

The selection of Joe Manchin stuns many political pundits and those in the media who had been anticipating Schweitzer to choose someone such as New York Governor and former Presidential candidate Andrew Cuomo. By selecting Manchin, a more moderate Democrat from West Virginia, Schweitzer seems to be pushing for a better chance at winning traditionally red states including West Virginia and his home state of Montana. In the meantime, statewide polls show the candidates and the running mates helping their ticket in their respective states.

Montana

Schweitzer/Manchin: 54%
Christie/Rubio: 44%

New Jersey

Christie/Rubio: 52%
Schweitzer/Manchin: 42%

West Virginia

Schweitzer/Manchin: 54%
Christie/Rubio: 42%

Florida

Christie/Rubio: 55%
Schweitzer/Manchin: 41%

Pre-RNC NATIONWIDE POLL

Christie/Rubio: 48%
Schweitzer/Manchin: 46%

With a New Jersey/Florida Republican ticket and a Montana/West Virginia Democratic ticket, with red states trending blue and blue states trending red...it seems anything is possible!

[tmthforu94]

An interesting race - I give the edge to Christie/Rubio. They have an advantage that a good portion of Americans may not want 4 more years of Democratic rule. Additionally, I think Christie/Rubio is very pleasing to the base while also appealing to moderates. Schweitzer/Manchin is a great ticket and will do great with moderate voters, but he'll have a very difficult time rallying the base, and without the Democratic machine behind him, I'm not sure if he can pull this out.

Continue!

[FloridaRepublican]

This is really interesting, Reaganfan!