had hit a national nerve, and her record stood for itself. The polls contained that she was perceived as a role model for both men and women, alike. A rare occurrence for a public figure, Warner mused, and possibly for the first time in the history of America for a female. He hadn’t tampered with any of these numbers, knowing that the data was critical to the correct positioning of Carolyn in the campaign.
Their ad campaign was obviously affecting the polls, Warner thought. They were currently running a series of television spots in which his head and shoulders were superimposed over people and events important to the country. This gave the impression that he was in control of the very issues the viewer witnessed on the screen. He loved the image.
They’d run an ad featuring Carolyn in courtroom settings, emphasizing her background as a prosecutor who’d beaten down every drug lord who’d crossed her path. The ad went on to show her in the political arena, suggesting a battle for tough legislative reform to punish offenders. All the while, Warner was superimposed over the picture, giving the impression that he was directing the fight against these issues.
Warner pretended to peruse the information in front of him. He ran his finger down the page, searching for the data on Carolyn as a potential running mate. He stopped where the numbers took a nosedive. The last study confirmed that, although Carolyn was exceptionally popular, the public was not ready for a husband and wife team in the White House. The idea smacked of a monarchy. He bit back a smile. Before his adjustments, the numbers had reflected negatively. Now they plummeted.
Warner looked up, watching the others as they read through the data and caught up with him. Discreetly, he studied Stan’s reaction.
Stan smiled reassuringly.
Warner’s secret was secure.
When everyone had read the information, Nick began. “We need to speak to Carolyn about this and give a recommendation on who the running mate should be.”
“The numbers show clearly that Senator Young was well received, but that’s not a surprise,” Matt stated. “How’s his son?”
“Bobby’s fine. Kids bounce back quickly,” Warner said.
“If he can commit to the campaign without worrying about his boy, he’d definitely add strength to the ticket,” Ernie chimed in. “His wife, Dixie, is also an asset. They make an attractive couple, and they’re well liked inside and outside of the beltway.”
Young was the obvious choice. Warner had made sure of that. But who was going to tell Carolyn? This was an awkward situation for the consultants. Warner knew that no matter what happened, she wouldn’t back down without a fight.
“This needs to be discussed with Carolyn,” Matt said. “I’m sure she’ll agree when she reads this data. Washman is going to be tough to beat, we need every advantage.”
“When can you speak to her?” Nick asked.
“I’ll speak with Carolyn this afternoon, I guess, but we need to interview Young.”
“I’m sure that will only be a formality.” Nick’s gaze met Warner’s.
Warner was impressed with Nick’s smooth pass to Matt. Without intending to, Matt had caught the job of sacrificial messenger.
“Matt, tell Carolyn we’re setting up a meeting with Young. I’ll take care of it. We’ll try for tomorrow at five o’clock. Warner, you need to stay in Jefferson City. We’ll hold the interview here. Oh, and guys, try to keep it from the press.”
Warner relaxed. Success, he mused, lay in the preparation.
Carolyn scanned the data. “We need to do something – run some ads to spin the idea and educate the public. We can move the perception away from the appearance of a monarchy and reinforce the democratic image.”
Matt took a drink of water. “You’re probably right. It could just be a matter of education, but we don’t have time to find out. It would be a huge risk to put you on the ticket, and as you know, we need to announce the vice presidential candidate before the convention. We wouldn’t have time to find out if an ad campaign was successful before we’d have to commit to your candidacy.”
He set his glass down. “If you want to do it, I’ll back you, but you have to consider the downside. We’ve been focused on our own party in the primaries. Now we have to focus on Washman. He’s no pushover, we’ve got a tough battle ahead. Young brings some serious advantages. The numbers show him in an extremely strong position. Plus, it appears Warner is set on Young as his vice president. We can’t afford to have you two at odds. The campaign just came off life support from Warner’s problems, and this could put us back in intensive care.”
“What about Richard’s son?”
“He’s on the mend. Young can commit to the campaign.”
“The country’s crying out for change.” She looked up at Matt. “But maybe the wife of the president as vice president is too much, too fast.” Carolyn clasped the arms of the chair, struggling for composure.
God, how she wanted the vice presidency! Yet all of her efforts, her popularity, and her strong record would now go to put Warner and Richard in office. Typical, Carolyn thought. Everything boiled down to gender issues. Women throughout history had suffered the same fate. But that reality did nothing to lessen her disappointment.
Be patient, she told herself, your turn will come. She knew that Matt was right – the campaign couldn’t afford to be back on a respirator. She swallowed hard, still trying to choke down the unfairness of it all.
Mart’s cell phone rang, and he took the call.
Young was the best option, she knew, but he was going to be difficult to control.
Matt severed the connection and set aside his phone.
“Young is it, then,” Carolyn said, forcing a confident tone she didn’t feel. “He has no obvious skeletons and a good family image. His family history in politics will help with the Washington insiders. When do we interview him?”
Matt looked perplexed. “You surprise me. How do you know what Young might or might not have to hide?”
She dismissed his question with a flutter of her hand. She’d never admit to hiring Winston Cain.
“I’ll tell Nick to set it up. Would tomorrow afternoon work for you?”
“Fine, let’s get this done.” Carolyn said, preoccupied with her own thoughts. She knew that all of their guns needed to be drawn when they marched into the National Convention and readied themselves for the shoot-out against incumbent President Charles Washman. But first, Richard Young needed to understand that she and Warner were running the campaign. Hence, he would be expected to take a secondary role, a role that never overshadowed Warner, and never compromised her control.
FORTY-TWO
Jack stepped out of the shower. He tossed his towel onto the bathroom floor and stood damp and naked in front of the mirror. “Decision time,” he said to his reflection.
The man who stared back looked frustrated, stifled, housebroken. He’d been following the Lane campaign for weeks and doing little more than regurgitating their rhetoric and contributing to the Lane propaganda machine. He had to follow his instincts, even if it meant war. Jack knew that his employers would be furious, but it was the forces behind the scene that were truly dangerous.
Jack strode into the bedroom, grabbed the phone, and dialed his secretary.
“Maureen, book me to Missouri and then on to the National Convention.”
Missouri, Jack thought, the Show Me State – time to live up to this motto or he’d force the issue. Maureen,
