By Silent Majority

by Robert Buschel

  Peter and Daniel worked furiously into the night. Who knew what? What would be released? All of Peter’s aides were called in at home. Peter ran his investigation strictly like an Intelligence group—highly compartmentalized. No one group knew what the other was doing. Twenty phones were installed next to each other in the three rooms surrounding the Oval Office. Everyone was sitting at a large table in one of the three rooms. None of the top people in the Cabinet were notified in order to prevent premature leakage. No one could be trusted at this point. Peter bounced from one room to the next. Peter was executing his plan to obtain intelligence, but D. C. planned his own strategy. After four hours of work it was 3:00 a.m. Fatigue had set into Peter’s face as he approached the President and closed the door.

  “It was what we expected. I think we should wait until the story is released and then categorically deny it. The election is in a couple of days. There will be enough loyal supporters to just squeak by, then it won’t matter. You can’t be impeached for this. Some of our agenda on health care may fall through,” Peter said.

  “That is a chance I’ll take. I resolved a long time ago that I would come clean if it ever came to be known.”

  “You’re the President. You owe it to this country. You’re the most idealistic man I know. You became President for the country, not for the party, or yourself. We can win this.”

  “I want to win it my way. If I can’t, then this country doesn’t deserve me as President. Call it egotistical. I won’t serve a country that won’t accept me.”

  “Please be reasonable, Daniel! Give me just a few more hours and I’ll be able to figure out how this all started and I’ll squelch it. I’ll make whoever is the responsible person pay.”

  “What if it’s a conspiracy? The Palestinians? The Chinese? The CIA? How are you going to punish them? Start another war? I owe the people honesty, not a fancy story.”

  Peter acutely remembered the feelings he was having at this moment. Another betrayal. His muscles seized up. “Daniel, don’t be an asshole! You’ve worked too hard. You’re twice the man Bratton ever was. I can’t let you do what he did to himself. He fucked it up for himself. Don’t do it Daniel! I’m begging you. For your sake. You can fire me, but I have to say this. Don’t be such a pansy! You have to handle this job with a cloak and a dagger—not diplomacy. You can’t handle the people, here. You can’t persuade the silent majority; they vote in two days! We’re dealing with vicious animals here. You’re in no position to make this decision. Please, this is my area of expertise. You’ve taught me things about dealing with people and being diplomatic. And I know this isn’t the time to be anything like that. I respect your judgment on everything, Daniel. But you must listen to me. You’re too emotionally involved! I will handle it.”

  There was silence. The two friends stared at each other. Then the President spoke in a calm and low tone:

  “Peter, I would never fire you for telling me your feelings, no matter how strong they were.” The President stood and approached Peter. “You’re my closest friend and confidant. But this decision is a me decision, so I will make it. I know it could affect everyone in this country. I’m going to tell them that it doesn’t have to.”

  “You’re being too ambitious,” Peter said softly. “You have too much faith! The Civil War wasn’t won in two days. Desegregation wasn’t won in two days. Pulling out of Vietnam didn’t happen in two days.”

  “Then it will be the last mistake I make as President. Set up an address to the nation, at the end of the day tomorrow. I’ll make a speech from this office. I will write it myself. Notify Directors Stone and Yates and tell him to start an investigation to the cause of the leak. I’ll do that for your sake, okay? That’s all. I’m going to sleep. Goodnight.”

  The Director of Central Intelligence briefs the President, who was briefed by CNN, that violence breaks out in the Middle East. Some Israeli villages on the West Bank, victims of several air strikes.

  What Director Yates knew that CNN didn’t, was that, in effect, this was an Arab response to the news that President Carlson’s days as President were numbered. Assurances would be lost. The Arabs having the perfect opportunity to cause disruption while the President’s career brutally dies. The Director of Central Intelligence, following the President, demands to know why. The President turns to Yates, and said, “You will find out in a matter of moments.”

  It required President Carlson himself to ask the network executives to set aside five minutes of uninterrupted air time for a presidential candidate a day before the election. They wanted to know why. They didn’t want to be seen as partisan. It was a shoe-in for Daniel Carlson, but why should a candidate get presidential time.

  President Carlson sits at the edge of his desk in the Oval Office and he stares into the camera’s eye as the red light turns on. A host of media people and Presidential advisors look on with anticipation to what would be, win or lose, a historic speech given by a President. His future, too, depends on what the cameras see. A director from the White House Press Office points to the President.

  “My fellow Americans. It is my privilege to be invited into each one of your homes on the eve of the nation’s most important election. My faithful companions explained to me that I may need to regain the confidence of the American people, in light of the most recent discovery about my personal life. My true friends have worked tirelessly to neutralize and protect me from the potentially adverse effect that a discovery of this type might have on this administration. Over some objections, I’m speaking to you tonight. I’m going to speak to each of you and share with you the way that I feel. I want each and every one of you to remember that we, as a nation, have been through some bad times, and have overcome them together. Tonight, I know we’ll be able to overcome again.

  “As Americans, we know the Bill of Rights ensures us all of certain protections from governmental abuses and the tyranny of a vocal majority. One of these protections is the right to privacy. The government, without just cause, cannot infringe upon our personal lives. This is our right.”

  There is silence. The President looked into his hands folded in his lap. He looks up. The sadness is unmistakable. Through the television, curiosity and empathy swell in the hearts of millions. Most pray that whatever the President is about to say, they and he can overcome with time. With confidence, the President resumed. “I’m an American. Personal privacy is also my right. However, my enemies have picked apart and drilled into my political affairs searching for some evidence of indiscretion. When they could find nothing, they attacked me personally. Certain unsavory characters pressured, through blackmail, a member of the White House domestic staff to add credibility to the personal campaign of destruction. The people involved in this are counting on you, the American people, to condemn me as an American leader. It will work, if we subscribe to their value system.

  “If the Declaration of Independence were written today, the Framers would demand that privacy be included in the list along with fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

  The President takes a deep breath. He runs his fingers through his natural, non-gelled, graying hair.

  “The great philosopher, Plato, gave his most famous speech which was later titled an apology. Traditionally, an apology means that one exercises sorrow for an action—when, in fact, the Greek translation is an explanation. My friends, I do not ask for your forgiveness, I request your understanding as I offer an explanation.” The President took a last deep breath as an undetectable sweat broke out at his hairline.

  “My fellow Americans—I am a homosexual.” There are no other words for the moment. The President stares directly into the camera. The sadness has vanished. He is confident, poised, and calm. He continues to wait as though he knows. He hears the raucous disbelief of millions of Americans in their living rooms. He knows, too, when to continue, his timing, as always, is impeccable.

 
“Now I ask you to examine the implications of such a characterization. You will hear many arguments and justifications. The news media will cite the father of modern psychotherapy, Sigmund Freud, as evidence of a noted psychologist who believed homosexuality to be a psychological abnormality. I encourage you all to research Freud. Listen to those who quote, interpret, and cite him. Read Freud and articles pertaining to his work, philosophies, treatments, and psyche. Then decide how relevant Freud is to today’s issues.

  “Proponents wanting to argue my case will tell you about Abraham Lincoln, his greatness, his achievements, his political accomplishments. Then they will also tell you about his severe bouts with depression and other theories.

  “There will be others from the past who will be analyzed and used to strengthen arguments for both sides. You will hear about William H. Taft’s mannerisms, poor speech, and obesity, about Thomas Jefferson, being a slave owner, and John F. Kennedy’s alleged infidelities. Listen carefully to the arguments and justifications, then seek answers for yourself. These men of history lived through many crisis situations, politically and personally, yet remained leaders who were able to advance our country.”

  The President breathes again and wonders which President would’ve met the Silent Majority’s standards. As the fleeting thought passed with acute resentment, he continued with care, a delicately poised delivery.

  “As you evaluate, consider the man, his performance, his intentions, his motivations, and his commitment to the nation. Do personal choices made in privacy for one’s personal life influence the actions and policies of a political leader? Does human compassion, understanding and tolerance apply to a President?”

  Again, the President’s eyes search the audience as if he is personally speaking to each of his listeners. So unnerving is his visual intensity that, spontaneously, the camera people as well as viewers at home, look away.

  He knows it is time to change the pace and lighten the message. The President stands and places his hands in his pockets. His voice is calm and filled with steady optimism.

  “Serving you as President has been both an honor and a tremendously rewarding experience. I have been blessed with a talented, dedicated, and diverse group of people working together as my staff. We have shared the power of a presidency with each other and with you in order to strengthen the fiber of this country. We are one nation shared by millions. For this reason, I have come to you, before the vultures who are my enemies, spread nasty little secrets with dirty intentions. I hide nothing tonight. And tonight nothing has really changed from this morning other than that you all know of my sexuality before I was married. Yes, before. In the twenty-five years that June and I have been married, I have remained faithful to our vows. My opponents wish to create a scandal from a long-ago past.

  “Homosexuality is not something one cultivates or develops. It’s a part of the whole of who one is. It is a personal part that does not have to cloud one’s professional judgment any more than heterosexuality. I want, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ‘. . .to be judged by the content of my character.’ ”

  “It is my pleasure and honor to serve as your President. I’m proud that the polls have shown that I’m the most popular fourth-year President in history. You’ve given me your trust.

  “One fact most people don’t realize is that all of my cabinet has remained with me throughout my term. I think it’s because I’ve let each and every one of them realize that I appreciate them. Even on the occasions that my cabinet members disagree, their viewpoints are always listened to and considered. If you ask them, they will tell you I’m a man who gives away power rather than collects it. My power serves me, so I can serve you. I’ve never collected power for the sake of collecting it.” The President again pauses for effect.

  “What am I really asking from you my fellow Americans? What is the real purpose behind my speaking to you tonight? I don’t need the American people to vent my feelings of frustration. I’ve known about my preference for some time. My purpose—to tell you our relationship remains the same. I’m still your President, still your leader, still your representative and friend. In a few weeks is the election. You must cast a vote of confidence for my political abilities. Yes, I want to be reelected so as to continue to actualize the policies, programs, and ideologies that have been the foundation of my campaign and administration. There is a lot of work and growth yet to be accomplished. I want to serve this country and its people.

  I want you to believe the successes of the past four years as proof that your vote for me can mean results. What the others are selling is based on leaked information designed to damage success, a smear campaign of deceit, and intangible rhetoric without policy to bolster the words. You have a say about how this government is run. You have had this power for four years. I am no different now than I was two hours ago or for the four years I have served you thus far. I have the confidence that you will do that which is best for this nation. Do vote. Tomorrow I will thank you, each of you, for your support.” He steps forward, closer to every viewer. “All of you. Good night.”

  As with every other address to the nation, the President steps out into the audience and shakes the hands with the technicians, camera crew, make-up personnel, prompters and news media gathered in the Oval Office. The television cameras remain on until he has made his rounds, then, he exits turning one final time to wave goodnight. The cameras turn off and the few people in the room begin to clap.

  In the private Presidential office quarters on the second floor, Peter Spark slouches down on the family’s couch. His Ralph Lauren pullover is drenched with perspiration and his left ear is crushed to the phone receiver as he listens to the first reports from pollsters.

  “Did you hear what political analysts are calling the Carlson Era at the White House,” the comedian asked his audience. “Well it ain’t Camelot.” Laughter was heard throughout the club. “No, seriously, some noted historian on ‘Nightline’ tonight called the Carlson presidency, the Gay millennium.” Laughter emanated throughout the room. A waitress had to stop in her tracks because she thought she was going to spill her drinks, she was laughing so hard. “I also heard that Paramount just signed Robert Redford to star in a movie based on the life of Daniel Carlson called, All the President’s Men.” Loud applause was heard. The crowd whistled at the shrewd witticisms of the comedian. “I guess by now the guys at the Washington Post realized that Bob Woodward’s contact, Deep Throat, was actually Daniel Carlson.” A ‘bada-bum’ was heard from a drum set in the background. “Goddamn, can you believe it? The Goddamn President, a homosexual. He was a great guy too. I guess Richard Nixon doesn’t seem like such a bad guy after all? Richard Nixon got on television. and said, ‘I’m not a criminal. ‘I thought Carlson was gonna say, ‘I’m not a faggot,’” the comedian said raising his hands and shaking his jowls in a Nixon-like imitation. “Seriously folks, the guy was the most popular President in history. Raise your hands if you voted for him in the last election.” The comedian paused and only saw a couple of hands raised. “Sure, sure, come on folks, it’s not like you’re admitting you’re a communist. I mean this guy did wonderful things for the country. He helped the economy, improved foreign relations. Yes, not everyone realized the President had a good foreign policy agenda. Especially with Greece.” Laughter erupted. “Come on, honey,” the comedian pointed to a girl in the front row who didn’t get the joke. “You don’t get it? The Greeks like it up the ass. She gets it now. I can’t believe it. This girl never heard the one about the Greek quarterback and the scared Center.” The girl was now in tears of uncontrollable laughter. “So now the truth comes out. Now we know why he could pass almost any bill through Congress. I mean every President had closed door sessions, but this guy must have been giving champagne and blow job parties.” The comedian paused. “It’s just the beginning folks. I’m just getting started—”

  A heckler in the audience yelled out, “Hey, that’s the Preside
nt you’re talking about!”

  “You were laughing too, pal.”

  CHAPTER 27

  Rats

  The President felt numb this morning, just going through the motions. Lynn was talking to campaign coordinators on the phone, and tried to keep them motivated. Her makeup couldn’t hide the swelling under her eyes from a night full of tears. She didn’t need an explanation even though Daniel said they would talk after the election.

  The polls, the cameras, were illustrating a decline in Daniel’s approval rating. As Daniel walked by her desk Lynn smiled and waved robustly. She felt he wasn’t feeling very well. He smiled at her, but she could see past the grin, and for that moment could see the world through his eyes. What she saw was a depressed and desperate man. A man she had never seen in Daniel before.

  A whole lifetime goes into making an American leader, it was not just a job. Daniel devoted his life into being the best he could be, honorably. He rode the magic carpet ride of success, now it was being pulled out from under him.

  Daniel looked down at his desk and saw the FYEO (confidential) file from the Director of the FBI. Inside, it contained the name of the person who leaked the information about his homosexuality to the press. Curiosity peaked. He wanted to know who betrayed him. Who made his life a hell?

  Daniel studied the design of his desk. He noticed the book shelves and the pictures of Washington and Jefferson. He saw them peering down at him, as if to say, ‘Now what are you prepared to do?’ He viewed the room like a child whose parents decided to move and he was seeing his childhood home for the last time.