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Her suggestions were formulated on the political situation existing when she offered them, not after
sweeping changes in the public mood made them risky or explosive. No politician wanted to suggest that
his actions were fueled solely by a consultant. It went against the ego and was rationalized away.
As a direct result of misstatements and departures from everything expected of them, both parties were in
deep trouble. Minorities distrusted their own political leaders as stories circulated showing they were
every bit as corrupt as the ruling whites. That made those voters angry and ready for change, just as
similar manipulations had the middle class looking around at the state of the union and voicing their
discontent more stridently than usual.
Franklin Hedgeworth, chairman of the relatively obscure Freedom Party, had never met Mary
Henderson, nor did he even know where her office was. He had to call twice to ask directions. Mary
met him at the door, smiling brightly as though he were an old friend and making him feel immediately
welcome. Her hand was out in greeting.
"Hello, Franklin. Thanks for coming by."
"Thank you for seeing me, Ms. Henderson. I really do appreciate it. I think you should know right up
front, though, that our finances--"
"We'll work something out." She waved him to a comfortable chair in her office and took the opposite
one herself. "If you know my reputation for thoroughness, you also should know I'm well aware of your
finances and everything else pertinent about the Freedom Party."
"Uh, that's great, Ms. Henderson. I do appreciate your interest in us, but frankly I'm puzzled as to why."
The homely face showed his befuddlement as plainly as words.
Poor man! He may be an economic theorist, but he sure isn't a politician. She crossed her legs and
pretended to examine a sheaf of printouts for a moment, then drilled him with one of her famous piercing
stares. She let it linger for a moment to get his full attention, then flashed a combined smile and raised
eyebrow.
"Frank ... may I call you Frank? ... I want us to get on a first name basis, so call me Mary, please. My
reason is that I have this feeling we're going to be working very closely together in the coming months.
Does that suit you?"
"Uh, yes that's fine ... Mary. It's ... I'm grateful."
"Good. Now then, whether you're aware of it or not, the American electorate, including those who don't
bother to vote, are clamoring for some sweeping changes. I've decided to throw all my support to your
party in accomplishing that, with the help of a few friends."
Hedgeworth gaped for all of two seconds, then beamed beatifically. "Why, that's wonderful! Our little
convention already has a good candidate picked to run, although we have to go through the formalities,
of course, but--"
"Frank, Ainsley Canton's not a strong candidate, which you already know. He can't win the presidency,
but there's another who can."
At the mention of the presidency, Hedgeworth started visibly. This time his mouth hung open three times
longer than earlier. He finally closed it, licking his lips while he thought of some reply to the bombshell. It
was time for another of her patented smiles.
"Now, Frank, grant me my expertise in such matters. I'm not going to reveal who I have in mind yet,
simply because I don't want him to be in the public eye long enough to get savaged by the attack ads and
the media. You know that will happen as well as I do." You'd better. "On the other hand, he won't be a
dark horse in the traditional sense, because we'll announce him as our candidate. The difference is in the
timing. We want our public to know him only after the other parties present their platforms. He's going to
get it from both sides eventually, but I'll handle that. Your role is going to be to make sure the Freedom
Party officials do exactly as I say, and say the things I tell them to say, and that includes postponing any
activities until then. You won't need any convention, so save your money. I promise you, the results will
simply astound you." Not quite the way you're envisioning them, though.
The ploy would gain undivided support and trust, only to abuse it at the last moment--while making
everyone in the Freedom Party like it. Ascension to prominent roles in the new order, by some of their
truly competent members, would quickly dispel their sense of betrayal. Her pause was dramatic, with one
palm raised as she again perused her sheaf of papers.
"I have our slogan already picked out, Frank, and I have instructions here on exactly how and when and
with what groups we'll use it, along with some other things our people will do at your direction. I intend
that we win all the marbles. All the marbles, Frank."
"You're donating your time and ... and your astounding expertise ... to my party?"
"Our party, Frank, and the answer is wholeheartedly yes! Our slogan is going to be THE SECOND [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]