The New Valois Gazette is one of Baltusia's most widely circulated newspapers, headquartered in downtown New Valois. Reporting on politics, sports, entertainment, and local goings-on.The three time Presidential candidate of the UDP and one time President of Baltusia, Oliver Farnsworth, has largely been secluded from politics after the 4476 election. Pictured is the "Farnsworth Compound", the former President's residence in Castle Rock, Westbrook, where he spends most of his days.Former President Farnsworth breaks the silence after two unsuccessful bids for the PresidencyCastle Rock, November 17th, 4477
CASTLE ROCK - After seemingly falling into the shadows after the 4476 elections, which saw for the first time a divided leftist presence in the country, Oliver Farnsworth, the former President and subject of constant controversy from within his cabinet, has broken the silence on his seclusion from current politics in an exclusive interview with The New Valois Gazette.
How have you felt since your somewhat spontaneous departure from the political scene?Farnsworth: Oh, frankly, I've been wonderful. I've had time to reflect, spend time with my wife and three sons, and take a good needed vacation. Although my political career, while I'd say is long from being over, has been put on "Mandatory vacation."
You spoke about the continuation of your political career. Does that mean you'll run as President for a fourth time under the UDP?Farnsworth: I think after three consecutive attempts, with one being successful, at least in my opinion, a fourth time would be pushing it. I feel I may have a greater chance of success at running for Senate, the House, or a Governorship.
What are your current thoughts on the religious controversy befalling the Republican Party?Farnsworth: Of course it's the right of every Baltusian to express themselves, especially religious persons, but producing half-baked theories about Indrala's flag depicting Satanail, is just offensive to their people. It's wrong, repulsive, and I'm glad that both the UDP and fellow Republicans have banded together against their comments. The Indralans have a rich history, culture, and have been good friends to Baltusia, both diplomatically and economically for years. I think Vice President Sweetwater did an excellent job in handling the situation.
How have you felt on the expulsion of far-left factions from the UDP?Farnsworth: Now that I'm no longer in public office, I can safely say that I cannot thank Chairperson Hanson for his decision. It was a mistake for our party to have
ever accepted the PLCA and a monumental weight has been lifted from my chest. Of course this means a split leftist vote, but if our party is more stable in the aftermath, that's all that matters.
You have children that are nearing the age to enter political office. Has any one of them expressed interest in such?Funny that you asked that. My eldest, Robert, he's just three years shy of being able to run for Senate, but it seems that politicking runs in the family. He's chomping at the bits. While my first Presidency was one of being stonewalled by communists, it did however give me an excellent learning experience to pass to my children. And Robert definitely took that to heart.
Do you have any plans for retirement in the coming years, or the pursuing of another career?Of course I'll retire. When that will be, I'm unsure of. So long as I'm spry and a well articulated speaker, I figure I'd last quite a bit, maybe even past the typical retirement age. As for another career, that's a mystery to me. Politics is all I've ever known. From being a member of the debate team during my years in college, to time interning for some political offices in Westbrook, I'd say I was just made to be a politician. So long story short, I don't think there's another career out there for me.
When asked about the possibility of running for Governor of his home state of Westbrook, the former President expressed interest at the idea, but was unsure of the success of such a notion, due to the recent split in leftist politics in the country.