The debate had ended, but the night was far from over.
As per the structure of the event, both candidates now had the opportunity to formally present their policies and platforms to the public. This was where the people would truly judge their plans and decide who would lead Amerathia into the future.
The audience, still buzzing from the heated exchanges of the debate, remained in their seats. Some murmured amongst themselves, others scribbled notes, but everyone was waiting for one thing—a clear vision of the future.
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Moderator Edward Calloway stepped forward, raising his hand to quiet the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "we have heard both President Hesh and Mr. Royce debate key national issues. Now, we will allow each candidate to formally outline their policies and vision for Amerathia should they be elected."
A hush fell over the theater.
Calloway turned toward Royce.
"Mr. Royce, as the challenger, you may begin."
Charles Royce stepped up to the podium, his confidence unshaken. He had come prepared, and he knew exactly what message he needed to send.
"My fellow Amerathians," he began, his voice smooth and powerful, "for too long, this country has been denied its rightful place as the world’s leading power. We have been stagnant, trapped under policies that limit our potential, restrict our industries, and weaken our military."
He gripped the edges of the podium, scanning the audience.
"My presidency will change that."
Royce turned to the first pillar of his platform.
"The Amerathian economy is shackled by government interference. Regulations, taxes, restrictions—all of them prevent businesses from thriving and workers from achieving true prosperity."
A small cheer rose from his supporters.
"My administration will cut unnecessary regulations and lower taxes to allow our industries to grow without limits. Under my leadership, Amerathia will become an economic powerhouse, unchallenged in trade and industrial dominance."
He let the words sink in before moving to his next point.
"As for our military, the world is changing," Royce continued. "Other nations are growing stronger, and yet, our military has been weakened under the current administration."
He took a step forward, his expression sharp.
"We will rebuild our navy, expand our army, and make Amerathia a nation that no foreign power would dare challenge."
More cheers erupted.
Royce then moved on to his final and most controversial point.
"Other nations look at us and see hesitation. They see weakness. This will change under my presidency."
He pointed directly at the audience.
"I will ensure that Amerathia is feared and respected. I will make this country an empire of strength."
A loud applause followed from his supporters, while Hesh’s camp sat in silence.
Royce turned back toward Calloway.
"This is the future I offer—a powerful, wealthy, and unstoppable Amerathia."
He stepped back from the podium, his speech delivered.
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The moderator gave the crowd a moment to settle before turning to President Hesh.
"Mr. President, you may present your platform."
Matthew Hesh stepped up to the podium, calm and composed. He did not radiate the fiery aggression of Royce, but he had something far more important—conviction.
He glanced at Royce for a brief second before addressing the crowd.
"My fellow Amerathians," he began, his tone firm, "tonight you have heard two very different visions for our nation."
He let his words hang for a moment before continuing.
"One based on conquest and unchecked power. The other, my vision, based on progress and stability."
Hesh turned to the first pillar of his platform.
"Amerathia’s economy does not belong only to the elite. It belongs to every citizen."
He gestured toward the audience.
"That means workers, farmers, small business owners, and families who rely on fair wages and protections. My administration has already raised wages, ended corrupt monopolies, and ensured businesses grow without exploitation."
A few nods from the crowd.
"My opponent speaks of deregulation. But we all know what that means—it means handing power back to the same men who tried to rob this nation."
A murmur spread through the audience.
Hesh moved to his next point. The military.
"I have made Amerathia safer than it has ever been."
His words were measured, direct.
"Our borders are secure. Our intelligence has never been stronger. Our defense forces are ready."
He locked eyes with Royce for a brief second.
"But what I will not do is send thousands of our soldiers to die for an empire we do not need."
The crowd was split—some cheered, others remained still.
"If re-elected, I will continue to invest in modern defense, advanced technology, and national security. But I will not waste Amerathian lives for ambition."
The sharp contrast between his and Royce’s vision was clear.
Hesh then moved to his final and most crucial point.
"Amerathia does not need to be feared. It needs to be respected."
His voice rose slightly, commanding attention.
"Power is not found in brutality. It is found in leadership. It is found in our ability to unite, to innovate, to build a nation so great that the world looks to us—not in fear, but in admiration."
He let the words settle before delivering his final statement.
"My opponent promises a future of domination. I promise a future of strength built on justice, prosperity, and stability."
A wave of applause erupted—not as wild as Royce’s, but solid and determined.
As Hesh stepped back, Calloway returned to the center of the stage.
"You have now heard both candidates outline their policies and visions. The choice ahead is clear."
The audience remained divided. Some were electrified by Royce’s promise of power. Others were reassured by Hesh’s commitment to stability.
Calloway allowed the applause to fade before stepping forward once more, his expression serious as he addressed the audience.
"Amerathians, we have now heard the candidates’ visions for the future of our nation. But a leader is not defined only by speeches or promises. A leader must be able to answer the concerns of the people directly."
The room grew silent.
"As such, we will now proceed to the final segment of tonight’s event—the question and answer portion."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Calloway turned to both candidates.
"Mr. Royce, President Hesh—are you ready to be tested?"