Nick looked around to make sure everyone was paying attention.
“And now, for the
Damn, if Edmund and his Council weren’t good, Warner thought. Their reach was far and effective. His attention turned back to Nick.
“Carolyn and Warner shine when they’re together, and the Sears show can only enhance their image. The viewers will see them interact naturally, speak candidly. Both of you will be offended by these accusations and demand an investigation into the charges and the factory itself.”
Nick turned to Carolyn. “This is your forte, and it will highlight the causes you’ve been fighting for all these years. You’ll come off as the heroine demanding that these poor people, and especially the children, be saved. But I have one other request, and I feel it’s imperative.”
Carolyn met his gaze. “The diversion?”
“Exactly.” Nick said. “The country is wondering why you and Warner have no children. Sooner or later, we need to address the question. This is the perfect time to explain.”
Carolyn bit her lower lip. “I have to explain that I’m not able to conceive on national television?”
“Yes. It’ll divert the media’s attention. And right now, we need that diversion. Your honesty will become the next headline. We can rehearse if you feel it’s necessary.”
“No. No rehearsal.” Her face flushed. “If I have to do this, I’ll speak from the heart.” But could she actually do it? This was personal, too personal. “You
“Yes. We need this offense maneuver. And, as I said, eventually the topic has to be addressed. If we do it now, we’re using it to our best advantage.”
“I’m not asking you to lie. I’m just asking you-”
“To exploit a very painful, personal subject on national television.”
“You’re paying me to get Warner into the White House. Strategy’s an inherent part of my job, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t come up with offense planning. We’re in a bad situation. This is my recommendation. And I believe if we handle it correctly, it may help our campaign. The best defense is a good offense.”
Warner knew that Carolyn would agree. Nick’s argument had merit. A diversion, especially an emotional one, was the perfect solution.
Carolyn pulled Nick aside as they left the meeting. Her voice was low and intense. “Do you really believe this can help the campaign?”
“Yes.”
“It’s just so personal. I can’t get comfortable with the idea of discussing it on national television.”
He searched her eyes, witnessing her pain. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t feel strongly about it.”
“Okay.” Carolyn paused. “I always hoped that our childlessness could go unaddressed, but I realize that people want to know every detail about the lives of politicians and their families. I’ll do what’s necessary.”
“Good. It’ll work out. It probably won’t be as hard as you-”
She held up her hand. “Don’t even go there, Nick. I appreciate your sentiment but you have no idea how much this will take out of me.” She lowered her hand. “I’m not complaining. I knew that I’d have to make sacrifices and compromise when I signed on for this campaign, and I’ll follow through.”
He nodded, his respect for her growing. This was probably the strongest woman he’d ever had the good fortune to meet. And she wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of the greater goal, not even her personal pain.
THIRTY-EIGHT
Carolyn squared her shoulders. As the interviewer shifted his focus from Warner and the Haitian sweatshop topic to her, she couldn’t help wonder if he sensed her anxiety.
Barry Sears smiled at her.
Carolyn didn’t feel at all reassured. Studio lights glared intensifying her discomfort. She released a shallow breath, and maintained a thoughtful expression.
“ Mrs. Lane,” the interviewer began.
She said graciously, “Carolyn, please.”
“Carolyn, of course.” he nodded. “Your passion for children is apparent in everything you do professionally. Our audience is well acquainted with your single-handed campaign to rectify the foster care system and fight drug abuse among our youth. And yet, you and your husband don’t have children of your own. I’m confident that I’m not the first person to ask why?”
Carolyn swallowed convulsively. She’d expected this moment to be difficult but she hadn’t expected such excruciating pain to tighten around her chest.
When she didn’t speak, Warner reached over and grasped her hand.
She felt the sting of tears at his unexpected kindness.
“How very painful for both of you.” Barry remarked, his tone inviting more explanation.
Carolyn took his cue. “Coming to terms with my inability to have a child has been the greatest challenge of my life,” she admitted. “I’m comforted by two things. My husband’s compassion, and the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of women around the world who are just like me. I’ve tried very hard, with Warner’s support, to turn the negative into a positive. We’ve spent our lives focusing on the needs of the many children who fall through the cracks in our social services system. And we remain committed to all of the children of America.”
“Hasn’t this situation tested your marriage? How in the world have you survived this as a couple?”
Carolyn looked at Warner. “We’re a team,” she said. Then she gazed into the camera with unshed tears shining in her eyes. “We’re a team.”
The in-studio audience burst into applause.
Warner slipped his arm around Carolyn’s shoulders.
Barry Sears pressed on. “What about adoption?”
Carolyn smiled at her husband. “It’s a very definite possibility.”
The New Hampshire primary turned into a great victory, Carolyn reflected. Their television interview ignited the campaign. Warner received forty-seven percent of the vote, leaving a stunned Martin Gaston to wonder how he’d been defeated so soundly in his home state.
Her openness regarding her inability to have children fueled the flames of Carolyn’s popularity, making her more human and approachable. The public related to her anguish. Everyday she received thousands of letters from fans and supporters, and she personally answered as many as she could. Carolyn had touched the hearts of millions.
Nick’s strategy was flawless, the “Barry Sears Show” the perfect vehicle. In effect the sweatshop story had raised Warner’s national recognition, and people all over the country had tuned in to the interview.
