Jogging Instead of Running

Journal Asignment:
Write about an incident that could be used against you if you ever ran for political office.

My name is John Amatangelo, and today, I am officially announcing my candidacy for President of the United States of America. It is a long and sincere process of deep questions and answers that has brought me to this point, and I thank my wife and family and all my supporters who have helped me reach this day, and this announcement.

There are many deep questions which I’m sure the voters would like to ask of me, and in the coming weeks and months, as the campaign rolls ahead, you will have many opportunities to do just that. Now, however, there are a few matters which I wish to clear up.

Contrary to what you might have read in the press, I do not believe it is the role of the government to dictate what individuals do in the privacy of their own homes. If the private citizens of these United States decide they want to root for Michigan or for Miami, I do not believe it is the place of an elected government, or an appointed court, to prohibit them from doing so. That I believe such actions to be deplorable, and evidence of a severe lack of character has no bearing on my political views concerning the matter.

Furthermore, I do not believe it is the place of any elected official to have a positive or otherwise optimistic attitude towards the future of this country, or the ability of its citizens to make correct moral choices. To say that I support such behavior, or that I have engaged in any such activities myself, is nothing but a slanderous attempt by the mainstream media to distract the voters from my announcement today.

I apologize for having to turn what should be a reason for celebration – my candidacy – into a public scolding, however, I think that you, the people of this great country, will agree with the need to handle this type of thing as quickly as possible and clear the air, so to speak. With that said, I must make an admission. I am, as has been reported in recent weeks, I do not believe that any of what I just said is true.

I believe it’s wrong to root for Michigan, or for Miami. I also believe that there is a need for greater kindness in this world. I believe that we are in dire need of a more optimistic attitude. We need the support of our fellow citizens, our family, and our friends. Furthermore, I do not believe that I can realize this vision, nor be true to these stated beliefs, and at the same time fulfill my duties as President of the United States, while working with this congress. Therefore, it is with great disappointment and a heavy heart that I hereby withdraw myself from consideration for the office of President. My official candidacy has ended. Once again, I would like to thank my wife and all those who stood by me during this great journey. Thank you, and good night.