Marco Rubio and Joe Biden face off in the 2016 election. Rubio is a freshman senator who seeks to be a fresh, optimistic face for a Republican Party at a crossroads. Joe Biden, the former Vice President, seeks to use his extensive experience and connections to help continue the Obama administration's agenda while dealing with an increasingly uncooperative Congress. Both are competing in a shifting map where both the Sun Belt and Rust Belt provide a path to victory.
How will their campaign play out? Could Rubio be the GOP's answer to Obama? Can Biden secure Democrats a third term in the Oval Office?
\", \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/2016b_cover.png\", \"winning_electoral_vote_number\": 270, \"advisor_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/messina_sullivan.png\", \"has_visits\": 1, \"no_electoral_majority_image\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/no-majority.png\"}}]"); campaignTrail_temp.candidate_json = JSON.parse("[{\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 200, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Marco\", \"last_name\": \"Rubio\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Republican\", \"state\": \"Florida\", \"priority\": 1, \"description\": \"Following a disappointing performance in 2012, the Republican Party sought out candidates who could appeal to the growing Hispanic population and help rebrand the party. Despite unexpected pushback from primary voters in the campaign of Donald Trump, the GOP was able to unify behind Rubio in time to deny Trump the nomination. Rubio must now contend with the dilemma of expanding the Republican base while taking care to not alienate those energized by Trump's campaign.
\", \"color_hex\": \"#FF0000\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#FFA0A0\", \"is_active\": 1, \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/rubio.jpg\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"The future of the GOP is in your hands, as you assume the role of President of the United States and de facto party leader. With a full trifecta in tow, there's no telling how much you can get done over the next four years. It all comes down to you and your abilities as leader of the free world.
\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"Unfortunately, you were not able to bring together a winning electoral coalition. Perhaps it will take more time for demographics to shift in your party's favor. Supporters of Donald Trump don't see it this way, and your loss seems to only validate his message. The direction the Republican Party will take over the next four years remains incredibly uncertain.
You won't be able to return to the Senate, given that you forfeited a re-election campaign in order to run for president. Perhaps somewhere down the line you may have another shot, but for the time being you are a private citizen.
\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"This was always a possibility considering the electoral map, however, that does not make the situation any less concerning. As per the Constitution, it will be up to Congress to determine who the winner is, and its sure to be messy. In an era of hyperpartisanship, there's no telling how far this will drag out.
And even if the Republican-controlled Congress were to deliver you the victory, the resulting outrage is sure to weigh over you for the rest of your term, derailing your ambitions for a redefined GOP.
\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"'\", \"candidate_score\": 1.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 201, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Joe\", \"last_name\": \"Biden\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Democrat\", \"state\": \"Delaware\", \"priority\": 2, \"description\": \"As the former president's second-in-command, Biden faced immense pressure to take up the mantle, especially following concerns over how Hillary Clinton, the other potential front-runner, may fare. He faced a relatively smooth path to the nomination, barring a small but vocal opposition from senator and democratic socialist Bernie Sanders. Biden now has to make the case for four more years of Democratic rule, while fending off attacks from both the left and right.
\", \"color_hex\": \"#0000FF\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#90C0FF\", \"is_active\": 1, \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/biden.jpg\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"Despite the circumstances, you managed to win the 2016 election, scoring a third consecutive win for the Democratic Party. That's quite the accomplishment. Obama is counting on you to continue his legacy, but will your experience and connections be enough to get past Congress? Only time will tell.
\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"Perhaps winning three terms in a row was a bit too much to ask for. Regardless, you put up a respectable fight to the end. Some Democrats, especially supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders, have taken this as a sign that it's time to move on from Obama. Whether or not the Democratic Party will follow that course is something that will be up to the next generation of party leaders to decide.
As for you, you can take it easy, knowing that you've had a long and successful career in politics.
\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"This was always a possibility considering the electoral map, however, that does not make the situation any less concerning. As per the Constitution, it will be up to Congress to determine who the winner is, and its sure to be messy. In an era of hyperpartisanship, there's no telling how far this will drag out.
Congress remains controlled by Republicans, and its doubtful they will be sympathetic to your case for the presidency.
\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"'\", \"candidate_score\": 1.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 202, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Donald\", \"last_name\": \"Trump\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Independent\", \"state\": \"New York\", \"priority\": 3, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#702963\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#AA98A9\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"'\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"Tampering with the game can result in a 30 day ban.\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"'\", \"candidate_score\": 1.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 204, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Scott\", \"last_name\": \"Walker\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Republican\", \"state\": \"Wisconsin\", \"priority\": 5, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#FF0000\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#FFA0A0\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/walker.jpg\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"'\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"Scott Walker is the current governor of Wisconsin, and a rising star within the Republican Party. Throughout his term as governor, he's been able to balance a broad appeal with a conservative agenda, satisfying the demands of both wings of the party. Evidence of this is his electoral success in Wisconsin, a purple state, which could bode well for Rubio's chances in the Midwest.
\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 205, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"John\", \"last_name\": \"Kasich\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Republican\", \"state\": \"Ohio\", \"priority\": 6, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#FF0000\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#FFA0A0\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/kasich.jpg\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"'\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"John Kasich is the current governor of Ohio, and one of your former rivals from the primary. He's built up his brand as a moderate who is interested in restoring civility and bipartisanship. This may anger the conservative wing of the party, but it could also help expand the Republican base. In addition, his presence might help compensate for charges of your own inexperience.
However, he's incredibly reluctant to serve as vice president, so you'll have to convince him that you're willing to renounce the GOP's worst instincts.
\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 208, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Ted\", \"last_name\": \"Cruz\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Republican\", \"state\": \"Texas\", \"priority\": 7, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#FF0000\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#FFA0A0\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/cruz.jpg\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"'\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"Ted Cruz is a Senator from Texas, and one of your former rivals from the primary. He's very popular among the conservative wing of the party, and has a reputation and platform which could appeal to Trump supporters. His presence could serve to counter fears that you're a moderate on issues such as immigration and improve conservative turnout. On the flip-side, he remains unpopular with moderates and is loathed by GOP leadership.
In addition, having two freshmen senators on the ticket will only serve to amplify concerns about your inexperience.
\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 213, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Sherrod\", \"last_name\": \"Brown\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Democrat\", \"state\": \"Ohio\", \"priority\": 9, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#0000FF\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#90C0FF\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/brown.jpg\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"'\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"Sherrod Brown is a Senator from Ohio with a long history in that crucial state. He has generally been on the left wing of the party, but could help Biden compete in the Midwest. Brown is reluctant to serve as a running mate this year, but could be convinced if Biden guarantees him that he will rescind his support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 211, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Jim\", \"last_name\": \"Webb\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Democrat\", \"state\": \"Virginia\", \"priority\": 10, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#0000FF\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#90C0FF\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/webb.jpg\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"'\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"A minor rival of yours during the primary process, Webb remains a rather outspoken advocate for the moderate wing of the party. Some believe his political positions and brash demeanor could help to recreate some of the energy tapped into by Donald Trump, while others believe it will unnecessarily divide the party.
\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 209, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Hillary\", \"last_name\": \"Clinton\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Democrat\", \"state\": \"New York\", \"priority\": 11, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#0000FF\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#90C0FF\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"https://media.tomat0.me/campaigntrail/clinton.jpg\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"'\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"One of the biggest names in the party, Clinton served alongside you in the Obama administration. Her appeal and platform remain the closest to the party's mainstream and she remains trusted by some of the party's most important blocs.
On the flipside, she carries an incredible amount of baggage that the Republicans are more than eager to exploit.
\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 214, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"William\", \"last_name\": \"Weld\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Libertarian\", \"state\": \"Massachusetts\", \"priority\": 14, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#FFFF00\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#FFFFC0\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"'\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"'\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"'\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate\", \"pk\": 215, \"fields\": {\"first_name\": \"Ajamu\", \"last_name\": \"Baraka\", \"election\": 20, \"party\": \"Green\", \"state\": \"Washington DC\", \"priority\": 15, \"description\": \"'\", \"color_hex\": \"#00C100\", \"secondary_color_hex\": \"#A1FFA1\", \"is_active\": 0, \"image_url\": \"'\", \"electoral_victory_message\": \"'\", \"electoral_loss_message\": \"'\", \"no_electoral_majority_message\": \"'\", \"description_as_running_mate\": \"'\", \"candidate_score\": 0.0}}]"); campaignTrail_temp.running_mate_json = JSON.parse("[{\"model\": \"campaign_trail.running_mate\", \"pk\": 155, \"fields\": {\"candidate\": 201, \"running_mate\": 213}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.running_mate\", \"pk\": 150, \"fields\": {\"candidate\": 200, \"running_mate\": 204}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.running_mate\", \"pk\": 151, \"fields\": {\"candidate\": 200, \"running_mate\": 205}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.running_mate\", \"pk\": 157, \"fields\": {\"candidate\": 201, \"running_mate\": 211}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.running_mate\", \"pk\": 159, \"fields\": {\"candidate\": 201, \"running_mate\": 209}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.running_mate\", \"pk\": 154, \"fields\": {\"candidate\": 200, \"running_mate\": 208}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.running_mate\", \"pk\": 160, \"fields\": {\"candidate\": 202, \"running_mate\": 211}}]"); campaignTrail_temp.opponents_default_json = JSON.parse("[{\"election\": 20, \"candidates\": [201, 200, 202]}]"); campaignTrail_temp.opponents_weighted_json = JSON.parse("[{\"election\": 20, \"candidates\": [201, 200, 202]}]"); campaignTrail_temp.difficulty_level_json = JSON.parse("[{\"model\": \"campaign_trail.difficulty_level\", \"pk\": 1, \"fields\": {\"name\": \"Easy\", \"multiplier\": 1.1}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.difficulty_level\", \"pk\": 3, \"fields\": {\"name\": \"Normal\", \"multiplier\": 0.97}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.difficulty_level\", \"pk\": 4, \"fields\": {\"name\": \"Hard\", \"multiplier\": 0.95}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.difficulty_level\", \"pk\": 5, \"fields\": {\"name\": \"Impossible\", \"multiplier\": 0.9}}]"); campaignTrail_temp.difficulty_level_json = JSON.parse("[{\"model\": \"campaign_trail.difficulty_level\", \"pk\": 1, \"fields\": {\"name\": \"Easy\", \"multiplier\": 1.1}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.difficulty_level\", \"pk\": 3, \"fields\": {\"name\": \"Normal\", \"multiplier\": 0.97}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.difficulty_level\", \"pk\": 4, \"fields\": {\"name\": \"Hard\", \"multiplier\": 0.95}}, {\"model\": \"campaign_trail.difficulty_level\", \"pk\": 5, \"fields\": {\"name\": \"Impossible\", \"multiplier\": 0.9}}]"); campaignTrail_temp.global_parameter_json = JSON.parse("[{\"model\": \"campaign_trail.global_parameter\", \"pk\": 1, \"fields\": {\"vote_variable\": 1.125, \"max_swing\": 0.12, \"start_point\": 0.94, \"candidate_issue_weight\": 10.0, \"running_mate_issue_weight\": 3.0, \"issue_stance_1_max\": -0.71, \"issue_stance_2_max\": -0.3, \"issue_stance_3_max\": -0.125, \"issue_stance_4_max\": 0.125, \"issue_stance_5_max\": 0.3, \"issue_stance_6_max\": 0.71, \"global_variance\": 0.01, \"state_variance\": 0.005, \"question_count\": 19, \"default_map_color_hex\": \"#C9C9C9\", \"no_state_map_color_hex\": \"#999999\"}}]"); campaignTrail_temp.candidate_dropout_json = JSON.parse("[{\"model\": \"campaign_trail.candidate_dropout\", \"pk\": 1, \"fields\": {\"candidate\": 36, \"affected_candidate\": 18, \"probability\": 1.0}}]"); campaignTrail_temp.temp_election_list = [{"id": 20, "year": 2016, "is_premium": 0, "display_year": "2016d"}]; campaignTrail_temp.show_premium = true; campaignTrail_temp.premier_ab_test_version = -1; campaignTrail_temp.credits = 'Tomat0';