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Political Rundown of United States, 2124:
Neo-Granger: Agrarianism, moderatism, localism, anti-automation (internal faction)
The late 2080s were a tough time economically, as unemployment soared and the nation was deep in a recession. Many politicians and activists saw it fit to villainize the automation of the workforce for the situation. A relatively fair assessment. Then, there was the glorification of rural life. The final nail(s) in the coffin were the worsening climate crisis and the Arctic Plague epidemic of the 2090s. In response, there was a large urban exodus to the revitalized farmlands out west. Naturally, chaos followed suit, with much strain put on the small towns whose populations suddenly skyrocketed. Since then, however, with the aid of the revived National Grange, the state of the farmlands has settled. Out of it arose the Neo-Grangers.
- Prairie Von Rueden: The aptly named Governor of South Dakota, Von Rueden is a member of the political dynasty that has dominated the state since '66 (her grandfather, Billy Von Rueden, and their political progenitor, has rather a controversial legacy, described by many as a 'warlord'). A member of the moderate faction, by far the largest faction in the party, she has voiced her support for the continuation of the so-called 'Agrarian Consensus', whatever that means. Her charm, though often interwoven with gobbledygook, has satisfied the voters, and she is at the top of the polls as a result.
- Octavio Murrieta: The young firebrand from out California way, representative Octavio is the face of the radical faction within the Neo-Grangers. Labeled a neo-Luddite by his opponents, he has since worn the label with pride.
- Hugh Sprigg Jr.: The gaffe-prone senator from Virginia has been met with, at best, mild amusement and, at worst, accusations of serious mental damage.
Alternative Forum: Democratic confederalism, libertarian socialism, environmentalism, anarcho-communism (internal faction)
Since the Constitutional Convention of 2086 made democratic confederalism viable in the U.S., the ideologies fronted by the Alternative Forum became mainstream.
Faith & Service: Charismatic Christianity, social conservatism
While Pentecostalism and Charismatic Christianity were seeing a period of decline, since the Coup of '65 and the great tribulations that have succeeded it, their numbers have only grown. Despite appearing on the national stage only recently, the political arm of the faith has dominated the South.
- Orenthal Ames: When the Red Brigades rained hellfire upon the remains of New Orleans, it was the young reverend, undoubtedly at the behest of the Holy Spirit, who saved it. Having organized the local militias in its defense, and doing so, Ames was vital to the rebuilding efforts and found himself the face of a movement. While the rest of the country was still reeling with reconstruction, the Louisianians had already reorganized their politics, and Orenthal was quickly thrust into the Governor's seat. In his second term, he founded the Faith & Service Party. But this is only their third attempt for the Presidency, and each time he has been their nominee. Though in his early eighties, Orenthal will win the nomination. However, he, too, recognizes it will likely be his last and, as of yet, has named no successor.
Civic Alliance: Social liberalism, new urbanism
Industrial Rejuvenation: Rust Belt revitalization, single-issue politics
