“I asked Stan to run some numbers on potential vice presidential running mates.” Warner interjected. “I feel Richard Young would boost our campaign.” He’d already reviewed the numbers in private, and had made a few adjustments to the original figures.
“Has there been discussion with Senator Young?”
Warner sensed the anger in Nick’s question. Nick didn’t like being outside the loop. “Richard and I go way back. Let’s leave it at that.”
“What about Carolyn?” Nick asked.
Warner turned to Stan. “Why don’t we concentrate on the numbers for now?”
Stan handed out additional data sheets illustrating the dial group’s response to various V.P. candidates. The top page showed Carolyn’s profile; the numbers were high. Her national popularity had increased dramatically. Charismatic, gracious, and an eloquent speaker, Carolyn had won over the public. Her one woman war on drugs 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.”
