Chapter 2

President Gerald White’s third State of the Union address had been unusually long winded, yet grossly entertaining. Ninety minutes into the fiery oration, the vast majority of spectators packing the historic Congressional Chamber floor and balcony continue to rise, clap, and cheer on cue, each time seemingly louder than the last. Senators, Congressman, military officers, Supreme Court Justices and distinguished guests alike sat transfixed on the edges of their seats, waiting for the next moment to launch in response to the President’s call for a grandiose new social program or higher endeavor aimed at “improving the lives of our children, our country, our world.” They didn't have long to wait.

“And this year, I propose not only to put 100,000 new teachers in our schools but, I also propose that we build enough new schools to replace the old ones that are falling down around our students ears.” Pausing, White let his words linger, waiting until the moment was just right before raising his voice an octave and adding “Can we as a nation do that for our children?” Reacting to the call, the ever enthusiastic crowd jumped to its collective feet, showering the popular President with thunderous applause and an uncomfortably long standing ovation. Even the Republican majority could not refuse this request. Standing in unison, the conservative opposition joined their Democratic foes in a massive show of support for the President’s pitch.

Staring directly into the cameras, Gerald White, 45th President of the United States basked in the spotlight. Intuitively knowing that the speech was going extremely well, he confidently played to the crowd. Furrowing his brow and nodding his head, he gave the audience and those watching on t.v. the look that won him the hearts, minds and vast majority of votes in the last election. White’s ageing, yet strikingly handsome visage seemed to say to even the hardest of hearts, “I really do care about you and your family and I'm really doing my best to make a difference."

Luther Stanley, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives quietly sat in stark contrast to the overwhelmingly popular president. Occupying the customary high backed leather chair directly behind the president’s podium, he tried his best to give an imitated version of the president’s patented “I care about you” stare. Unfortunately, his best attempts miserably failed. Looking stiff and rigid in a black suit and red tie, Stanley was completely unable to pass off White’s aura of warmth and compassion. Instead, his demeanor appeared dour and impatient. Several times during the speech, the cameras caught him sneaking a quick glance at his watch. Fighting back an overwhelming urge to puke, he thought “What a crock of crap, all of these lofty promises and proposals make me sick. He knows damn good and well that we’ll be lucky to pass a bill authorizing the senate snack bar to stay open an extra hour.” Still, realizing that the entire world was watching, Stanley tried his best not to scowl and squirm. Standing, he nodded his head in affirmation and loudly clapped in support of the president’s overblown promises. Yelling “Bravo, bravo,” he smiled, doing his utmost best to play the part of loyal follower, the poster boy of bi-partisan cooperation and support.

Raising his hands, President White silenced the crowd and again began to speak. “Now, before I close tonight, I want to talk about another problem facing America today. It’s not a problem of budget or foreign aggression or terrorism, or race or religion. It’s a problem that’s wreaking havoc on our system of government, and it’s a problem that threatens to rupture the very fabric of our society.” White paused, looking around the hall. “However, it’s also a problem that I know we can fix, if we really want to, if we really try.” Gazing directly into the cameras, he flexed his jaw muscles before continuing. “It’s the problem of… divisive politics.” As the stunned crowd roared in appreciation, President White slowly turned and looked over his shoulder, staring for a long, exaggerated moment at an obviously surprised, non-smiling Stanley.

Shocked, Stanley’s mouth dropped wide open and with flash bulbs popping, he quickly closed it, fighting to regain composure. “Holy s**t, ” he thought as the realization of what had just occurred hit him like a ton of bricks. “He just blamed me, with that one glance, he just pinned everything on me, in front of the whole goddamned world.” Red faced and seething, Stanley slowly stood and joining the crowd, clapped as if nothing had happened.

A moment later, White again raised his hands and as the room grew silent, he turned and personally addressed the startled Speaker of the House. “Mr. Speaker, I know we’ve had our share of problems in the past. And I also know there is a great deal of animosity built up between our two parties. And I also know that we can fix these problems which threaten to tear our house asunder, and I truly believe that if we work together, we can heal this great rift and once again get back to doing the only work that really counts, the work of the American people.” With the mob again beginning to stir, he added “Mr. Speaker, I’d like to offer my hand in friendship and cooperation. I promise I’ll do my part, how about you.” As the still standing audience roared its approval, White offered his hand to Stanley, who rose and stiffly returned the grip. With the cameras flashing and roar of non-stop applause near deafening, President White leaned in close and with a casual wink said, “You know I really screwed you tonight Luther.” “Yes, Mr. President,” Stanley yelled back, “I know, I really know!”

Later, alone and seething in a luxurious third story corner office, Stanley watched on a large screen plasma television as Winston Garret, the Senate Majority Leader, gave the traditional Republican party response to the President’s State of the Union Address. With the lights turned low, he poured himself a third Jack and Coke and watched as the charismatic California Senator attempted to steal back the spotlight. Realizing that his own career had already been irreparably damaged, Stanley sighed. “Go on Garret,” he said out loud, “Go get em.” Turning off the television, he sipped his drink, sank back on the couch and picked up the telephone.