Politicate

I've been playing this game I downloaded called "The Political Machine". You get to play as a presidential hopeful, doing the whole campaign deal. Even though I dislike politics, and talk thereof, I've been having a whole load of fun playing this game. I'm actually pretty good at it, too. You know you're busting moves when you get Texas to vote democratic, or pull New England to the Republicans.

I created my own guy "Matthew Lawson" (It took me hours to think up the name), from NC. I should have make my "home state" something besides NC, maybe California, or Ohio. I only say this because you're rating is pretty much untouchable in your home state; unless you really mess up bad, you've pretty much got the electoral votes from your home state locked down. With NC only worth 15 votes, it doesn't give me much of an early advantage. My character has mad "comeliness" (visual appeal), though, so running TV ads in other states does very well to boost my rating abroad. It also helps to pick a running mate like John Edwards, the fact that we both hail from NC spots us an insane amount of charisma, giving us a great amount of power when we give speeches. My character is also high in the intelligence area, giving me better responses when I appear on television.

The game can be tough, though, especially when you play against someone like Arnold schwarzenegger, who has a "home state" of California. (I know he's from Austria, but the game includes him just for fun) Not only does he start with 55 electoral votes, but he has the state where TV ads have the greatest effect (CA) locked down, making it impossible for me to get a following there, he also has a great deal of charisma, making him good during speeches and TV shows. I do my best to manage my money, as my character doesn't have a great deal of fundraising ability, but it's tough, I use money fast.

I'll write more when I get home. Peace.