Episode 1: Politics Worse Impulses
A recap of Episode 1 of Nazi America: The Campaign.
Episode One Blog: Politics Worse Impulses.
Welcome to the very first blog post for the very first episode of Nazi America: The Campaign. This series is a prequel to my novel Nazi America: The Election, and Episode One sets the stage for everything to come.
Setting the Stage
Two years before the events of The Election, a television star and Texas oil baron named Daniel Thompson emerges as a presidential contender. Charismatic but dangerous, Daniel has built a fiercely loyal following and is poised to upend America’s political landscape.
By this point, the United States has splintered into three major political parties:
Democrats
Republicans (barely hanging on)
American Now Party (the rising force)
Many Republicans have defected to the American Now Party, leaving their old party on life support.
Meet the Commentators
This episode also introduces our three key news commentators — each representing a different slice of America:
Sara Bradley (Liberal) – A tough, no-nonsense journalist worried about the dark turn in American politics. She’s partnered with Mark Isper.
Gregory Slotkins (Moderate) – The “Walter Cronkite” of this world, embodying old-school journalism. His backstory and trauma will be revealed in Election and Conspiracy.
Sean Spicer (Conservative) – A die-hard supporter of Daniel Thompson, working for the “Conservative News Network” (ironically abbreviated as CNN).
Sara and Gregory are friendly; both distrust Sean. This dynamic will only deepen as the story progresses.
Inside Daniel Thompson’s World
While our commentators prepare for Daniel’s announcement, we get a behind-the-scenes look at Daniel and his wife Morgan Thompson. Both are manipulative, image-obsessed, and dismissive of ordinary Americans.
Daniel’s speech — the centerpiece of Episode One — is steeped in hatred and vengeance. He promises to “Make America Pure” while threatening opponents and feeding his crowd’s rage. Supporters chant violent slogans, including “Hang Sanchez,” directed at the current Mexican-American president.
Afterward, only Sean praises Daniel’s performance. Ordinary Americans are divided: a young mother fears for the country while an American Now supporter cheers, “’Bout time we have a real man in the White House.”
The Dark Reveal
The episode ends with a bombshell: Daniel confesses to a sexual assault, recorded secretly by Constance Utter — the wife of Daniel’s right-hand man. Her motives are mysterious, but her hatred for Daniel is unmistakable. In Election, this tape will resurface at a pivotal moment.
Why It Matters
Daniel Thompson is not just a character; he’s a composite of the worst impulses in politics — ambition, greed, and contempt for the very people he courts. Like many real-world despots, he thrives on loyalty and blind devotion.
Sean Spicer’s portrayal of Daniel as a “Christian values” candidate — despite Daniel’s five children by four marriages — highlights the hypocrisy of those who enable demagogues for power.
As a writer, this episode was difficult to create. Daniel’s speech made me “throw up inside.” Sean’s misogyny came from real-world examples of the “barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen” mindset — a belief I personally reject.
Questions for Readers
I want Nazi America: The Campaign to be more than a story — I want it to spark conversation.
Which parts of this episode unsettled you the most?
If a modern-day politician gave a speech like Daniel’s, would Americans recognize the warning signs? Would they care?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.