March 10, 1897.
Capitol Theater, Washington D.C.
The Capitol Theater was packed, its grand hall filled with politicians, journalists, and citizens who had traveled from across Amerathia to witness the most anticipated political event of the year.
This was the debate—the moment that would determine the future of Amerathia.
A massive stage had been set up with two podiums, each illuminated by the golden glow of the chandeliers above. The national flag hung high in the backdrop, a symbol of the country both men claimed to fight for.
On one side stood President Matthew Hesh, his expression calm but sharp, his suit crisp, his posture straight. He had weathered political storms before, but this was different. This was not just about politics—this was a battle for Amerathia’s future.
Opposite him stood Charles Alden Royce, exuding confidence, his smirk unwavering. He adjusted his cuffs as he eyed the audience, knowing that tonight, all eyes were on him.
Between them stood moderator Edward Calloway, a veteran journalist known for his sharp questioning and refusal to let candidates dodge issues.
The Rules
Calloway cleared his throat, speaking into the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Great Debate. Tonight, President Matthew Hesh and Mr. Charles Royce will present their visions for Amerathia’s future."
The audience quieted.
"The debate will have three rounds—each candidate will have five minutes to present their stance, followed by a rebuttal. There will be no interruptions, and any attempts to derail the discussion will result in lost speaking time."
Calloway turned to Royce. "Mr. Royce, as per President Hesh’s request, you have chosen the topics for tonight’s debate. Please state them."
Royce smiled, stepping up to his podium.
"The topics will be military strength, economic growth, and national identity."
A murmur rippled through the audience. It was no surprise—Royce had chosen battlegrounds where he could attack Hesh the hardest.
Calloway nodded. "We will begin with military strength. Mr. Royce, you have five minutes."
Round One: Military Strength.
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Royce straightened his back, gripping the podium as he spoke.
"My fellow Amerathians, let’s speak plainly—our military is weaker now than it was four years ago. Under President Hesh, we have lost our standing on the world stage. Our enemies do not fear us, and our allies do not respect us."
The audience murmured as Royce continued.
"Four years ago, we had an opportunity to solidify Amerathia’s dominance—to assert our strength, to expand our influence. Instead, President Hesh hesitated. He spoke of peace when he should have spoken of power. And what has that hesitation cost us?"
He spread his arms dramatically.
"Our military budget has been slashed. Our naval fleet sits idle. Nations that once trembled at our might now mock us."
A smattering of applause erupted from Royce’s supporters.
"We cannot afford another four years of weakness. We need a leader who will restore Amerathia’s military, who will not hesitate to take decisive action. And that is why I stand before you today."
Royce stepped back, smug confidence radiating from him.
Calloway turned to Hesh. "Mr. President, your response?"
Hesh’s Rebuttal.
Matthew took a measured breath, his blue eyes scanning the audience. He did not rush—he let the silence stretch, forcing people to listen.
Then, he spoke.
"Mr. Royce speaks of strength, but let me ask you—what kind of leader defines strength by war?"
A pause.
"I did not weaken Amerathia’s military—I strengthened it where it mattered. Before my presidency, this nation’s military was a tool for conquest, used by corrupt men who sought power, not protection."
The room fell silent.
"I rebuilt the military to defend this country, not to start reckless wars for personal gain. Under my leadership, we modernized our defenses, increased training, and prioritized security over senseless aggression."
A few in the audience nodded.
"Let’s talk facts, Mr. Royce," Hesh continued, his voice level but firm.
"You say I ’cut’ military spending. False. What I did was redirect funding from wasteful, outdated projects into advanced technology, intelligence, and strategic defense systems. Under my leadership, we built fortifications along our borders, strengthened our naval logistics, and improved our intelligence operations."
He leaned forward.
"You talk about expansion, about dominance. But let me ask you this—what is the cost of your vision? How many lives would you throw away in pursuit of an empire?"
Royce’s smirk wavered.
"And let’s not forget," Hesh added, "the war you wanted to start? The one that would have sent thousands of Amerathian soldiers to their deaths for nothing?"
The audience reacted—some murmuring, others outright clapping.
"I did not ’hesitate,’ Mr. Royce. I made a choice. A choice to protect this nation, rather than throw it into an unnecessary conflict."
Matthew stepped back, his point made.
Calloway nodded. "Let’s move to round two—economic growth. Mr. Royce, you may begin."
Round Two: Economic Growth.
Royce recovered quickly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Amerathia’s economy is stagnant. Wages have barely increased, industries are choked by overregulation, and job creation has slowed."
He gestured toward the audience.
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"You feel it. Business owners, factory workers, traders—all of you suffer under the weight of Hesh’s policies."
He turned toward Hesh.
"Your administration promised economic prosperity, yet what have we received? Higher taxes. Stricter regulations. Stagnant trade deals."
Royce smiled, knowing his words were landing.
"If you elect me as your President, I will unleash Amerathia’s full potential. Lower taxes, deregulation, investment in industries that drive progress. I will return this country to its rightful place as an economic superpower."
Loud cheers erupted from his supporters.
Calloway turned to Hesh. "Your response, Mr. President?"
Hesh’s Rebuttal.
Matthew stepped up.
"Mr. Royce calls it ’stagnation.’ I call it rebuilding from corruption."
A pause.
"My administration took on the corrupt institutions that drained Amerathia’s economy for their own profit. We cracked down on monopolies, we ensured workers received fair wages, and we protected Amerathian industries from exploitation."
He folded his arms.
"My opponent wants to undo that progress. He wants to return power to the same elites who bled this nation dry."
The crowd reacted—some clapping, some murmuring.
"I did not slow Amerathia’s economy. I cleaned it. And if given four more years, I will continue to build an economy that benefits everyone, not just the privileged few."
The audience roared in approval.