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I won't bore you with a bunch of introduction crap, rather I will just let the interview stand on it's own. I give you Chocolate McSkittles.

Good to talk to you Choc. Thanks for taking the time to do this interview.

Thanks for thinking I'm worth interviewing :3

HaHa. Ok, so let's jump right into it. So what was your initial reaction when HR (Harrison Richardson) approached you about being his veep?

I'm pretty excited about this whole deal. This is going to be a great learning experience that allows me to hone a lot of my skill sets and get some practice at being a true leader. Obviously there are parts that make me nervous, but the benefits far outweigh those and I really look forward to this new "internship" style vice presidency HR is going to implement if elected.

Is HR being disingenuous when he says he wants to bring younger players into the executive, but the first thing he does is pick someone who is a year old to be his veep?

There seems to be a misconception. By "younger players", HR (and Emerick, Gaius, and everyone else discussing this issue) is talking not about eRepublik age, but experience. There's been a lot of recycled positions in government in which new cabinets are basically reshuffles of the same people, and there is a consensus that we need "new blood" in the leadership structure in America. Previously, I have only slightly engaged in government and politics. I still consider myself a "new guy" to that scene, thus qualify.

If HR does get elected, how do you feel you will best be able to contribute to the success of the eUS?

Thats an interesting question because the role of "vice-president" is only vaguely defined. Here's a taste for some of my goals:

1) Reboot some of our domestic programs. I hear it all the time, that the US has begun to stagnate and I have felt it too. Domestic programs are what I have done with a majority of my time in eRep, so I am perfectly comfortable here.

2) Gain some experience and grow as a leader and as a contibutor to the US government. I've flirted with government positions in the past (have had two cabinet seats, etc) but now I feel like I have come to a point where I want to really boost my activity and take a strong stake in the success of the nation.

3) Do what the VP has historically done and act as the POTUS' chief advisor. HR and myself agree on some points and disagree on others. Having me around provides an alternative perspective on things - one which I think will improve his decision making ability.

What do you think the eUS's highest priorities should be at this point and time?

I feel like America is currently going through an identity crisis and the highest priority should be dealing with it. The most obvious embodiment of this is the foreign affairs debacles that have been going on (EDEN, PHOENIX, 3rd road?), which it very much appears that popular opinion is split. This also shows up in the general feeling that we are wandering aimlessly as a nation, finding pettier things to squabble about every day. I feel that strong leadership can help provide a vision and "verbalise" in a sense what America is and where we want to be (oh god that sounded rhetoric-like).

Now let's move on to some lighter questions. At what point and time did you have the most fun in erep?

Before my hiatus, I took the entirely wrong approach to this game, being all serious like and thinking "winning" made it fun.
Now that I'm taking the time to really get to know some of my peers and develop long term friendships, this game is a lot more fun and...for once...actually feels worth the time investment.

Who do you consider to be your closest friend in erep?

Easiest question yet, Ligtreb! He's a great friend who I have loved working the WC (Welcoming Committee) with and would (and do) trust with anything.

Have you been able to be a pirate yet? And if so, how much gold did you "find"?

YES! Fortunately (or unfortunately) I got my last HW award the day before the treasure maps began so it took about a month of watching everyone else get their maps. As for how much I got, I think one of my shouts says it all:

"REALLY? IT TAKES A MONTH TO GET A TREASURE MAP SO I CAN GET 4.35 GOLD?! ID BETTER BUY SOME GOLD SO THAT LEMNARU CAN AFFORD MORE BUTTER"

HaHa nice. Ok, now were going to do some word association. I'm going to say some names/words and you tell me the first thing that pops in your mind.

Harlot

Badass, yet such a great guy.

Colin Lantrip

Great guy, provided huge support (financial and otherwise) to the WC.

Congress

My mortal enemy!

Militias

There's upsides and downsides. No strong feelings either way as long as the job get's done (making America kickass).

Brolliance

Canada is awesome

Phoenix

PEACE

Lana

Whore

Lol. Last one...v2

Nervous. Complexity has been increased tenfold, which may scare new guys. Bugs too!

Alright, well thanks again Choc. Is there anything you would like to say in closing?

Well, I think this is the point where I write a paragraph about how awesome I am in a shameless grab for votes. But instead, I will just say that I hope voter apathy is at a minimum this election. We have some great candidates running, but with different ideas, so this is a real opportunity for the American people to make a difference. Take the 10 minutes to read up on platforms and make an educated voting decision.

Choc's latest article: http://www.erepublik.com/en/article/lets-have-a-chat--1331249/1/20