Throughout the series' run timelines of political events are condensed to simplify plots. Vice President Susan Ross and Mellie Grant are discussing running for president but have not declared their candidacy formally, at what must be around August the year before the election--given that Abby tells Fitz they are "six months from Iowa," meaning the primary caucus typically held in February. August is late for these deliberations to still be taking place, and also for Fitz not to have taken an active role in choosing someone to support. Candidates announce in the spring or early summer, yet lay the groundwork for candidacy long beforehand. Both Mellie and Susan would be on weak footing if they suddenly decide on or announce a run without having courted support, especially since there would be no incumbent running and thus the race would attract very much competition.