Percy took a deep breath as he entered the party. He knew he belonged there, his name did that for him, but with his recent move into the internship office of Senator Sanford, he’d been feeling uneasy, on edge, stretched thinner than he had expected to be. This new reality, one where someone actually recognized him for the hard work he did - wasn’t something he was used to, and it was... well... different. But this party was different. He knew this party was back to the glitz and glamour of his father’s last name, a party where he’d just be daddy’s money again. He wanted to shrug it off, but it wouldn’t shake. He walked up to the casual bar, gently, asking for his politician-esque signauture, a glass of Prosecco to impress whomever came up to him. He thanked the bartender for the drink, slipped a five into the tip jar and turned around, glass in hand. “Fourth of July - red, white and blue at its finest...”
Esther took a sip of her champagne, browsing around the room. The White House Correspondents Dinner - nothing new for her this year, but by God did she love events like this. Events where people knew her name, where she could float like a princess on a cloud of tulle and charm people with her snakelike smile. She wasn’t going to pretend she wasn’t disappointed when she heard neither William Bell nor Silas Sanford were to be at the party tonight, but she shrugged it off and made sure the rest of the night was more than worth it.
“A lovely night... don’t you think? Everywhere you look... It’s picturesque,” she mused gently to the person standing next to her. “Events like this are simply.... spectacular,” she sighed.
Media outlets the next day will speculate about how the Second Gentleman’s lack of a fully formal suit-and-tie look correlates to Oliver Zafar’s nouveau leftist politics that are all about breaking the mold, but the fact is that Vir just happened to spill pen ink on his button-up shirt right before they arrived and this was the only white shirt he had in the trunk.
At promptly 8:00PM EDT on July 4th, the Bell campaign sends out a press release and accompanying video to formally announce Bell’s choice of running mate - slightly delayed from usual announcement protocols, but purposefully so to coincide with the holiday.
He has chosen Senator Silas Sanford of Alabama ( @silassanford ).
Thanks to the more or less instantaneous nature of technology, the news is quickly picked up by a number of outlets and notifications sent out to news platforms and apps nationwide in a matter of minutes. Outlets such as the Associated Press and Reuters send out notifications quickly. Social media only serves to heighten the speed of the news spreading.
The news quickly attracts the attention of partygoers at the White House, especially as it’s no secret that both Bell and Sanford are in attendance, and word of mouth travels fast.
One version of the report can be found below:
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William Bell, the Republican nominee for President, has officially named Senator Silas Sanford of Alabama as his running mate, according to a press release and pre-recorded address released by the Bell campaign late Saturday evening.
Presidential running mates are usually announced in the days prior to the party’s national convention, but Bell’s speech in the video indicated his desire to use the unusual timing and coincide with Independence Day to celebrate his campaign’s connection to American values.
Read the full transcript from Bell and Sanford’s recorded joint address below:
Bell: Good evening. My fellow Americans - it is an honor to take this opportunity to say a few words in celebration of our nation’s anniversary of independence. This day is one set aside to celebrate the freedoms that we hold dear, and the sacrifices made by generations before us to protect those freedoms, for all of us and our families. Today, and every day, is a great day to celebrate all that so many great Americans have done for us.
I began this campaign just about a year ago because I felt that those freedoms were in need of a champion - and the support that my campaign has been blessed with shows that I’m far from alone. I again want to share how grateful I am for that continued support of our campaign’s goals - and for the support of my wife, my children, and my friends.
I’m speaking to you tonight, July 4th, to share with you that now that I have accepted the nomination for President, I have chosen a running mate to stand alongside me. He’s a man who holds the same values just as faithfully as I do, and has made a long career of standing up for the rights of the American people. Without any further ado, I would like to introduce our Vice Presidential candidate, the incredible Senator from Alabama, Mr. Silas Sanford.
Sanford: I thank William Bell for the faith he has placed in me and I accept the honor of serving with him as his vice president. Over these many months, I have listened to him speak about his vision for this nation with a sincerity and determination that could come only from a man who has selflessly served this nation and kept our country safe for decades as a highly respected member of the naval forces. William Bell wants more than just to win an election. He wants to make sure that our country is safe from domestic and international threats. I know that he has the courage to lead America and that he is the only man that can protect this nation. Together, we will fight for a stronger and safer America for everyone.
I want to thank my son who is standing by my side today for his love and support, and willingness to join me in this campaign. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mr. Bell’s family for the sacrifices they are making as they support this great man in his endeavor to do right by the American people as its president.
As tradition goes, every year the White House hosts military families and guests for their 4th of July celebrations. The party takes place outside, on the White House lawns, with a start time of 3PM. For the afternoon the party consists of outdoor activities with cocktails, marching bands, and games. At 7PM, there will be a concert followed by celebratory fireworks (Around 9PM). The party ends at around 10:30PM.
OOC info:
You can expect a plot drop to happen mid-event.
There will be some suspension of disbelief throughout this event. So that everyone can participate, all characters are invited to attend, even if they realistically wouldn’t be invited. We ask members to consider that as it should not be ‘weird’ that some unlikely guests are there. We just want to make sure everyone can take part, regardless of who they play.
Suggested challenge: share on the dash what your character is wearing to the party! Dress code is casual summer chic, patriotism welcome and encouraged.
The event will tentatively last a week — ending on April 3rd. This might be subject to change according to how things go, and any changes can be discussed on discord if needed be.
Keep it simple, keep it chill. White button down, casual slacks, sunglasses. An American flag ribbon pin because Republican patriotism. Also included: a very sexy watch and (theoretically hidden on a chain, under his shirt) a very sexy engagement ring.
Edit: Yes he still has his beard, and that too is sexy.
Gabrielle is wearing a light jumpsuit with a design reminiscent of sparklers - somewhat playing into the holiday spirit. Short heeled sandals and some red, white and blue earrings that are only slightly tacky add a little flair.
Rory Moskowitz | 2020 White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Rory attends wearing a Sonia Rykiel velvet jumpsuit, paired with matching heels - minimal jewelry, save for her usual collection of rings and ear piercings. Hair down, partially to whip Bell in the face as she sashay’s away (pity he can’t come, bed is at six). Most importantly, her outfit has been paired to match her girlfriend Gabrielle Coleman’s - her beautiful, stunning date. Gay stuff!
