“I want a concise message. If we’re talking tax relief, then let’s be specific. Apply that to the environmental issues as well. I also had a thought about Carolyn’s undefeated record against drug lords and child abusers. As the polls show, her image is tremendously strong, let’s build on that. Maybe coin the phase, the ‘undefeatable team.’” Everyone in the room remained silent.
“Edmund taught me that perception is reality. If we’re perceived as indestructible, then we’ll be unbeatable. The voters want politicians to save them. We need to be superheroes capable of righting all wrongs. Carolyn’s abilities have already been proven. Capitalize on them, and we can ‘leap tall buildings in a single bound.’”
Carolyn flushed under his praise. It surprised her that he cared enough to include her accomplishments in what was clearly his show.
Carolyn watched Warner in a conversation with Nick and savored a glimpse of the man in whom she’d seen so much promise. The man she’d allowed herself to fall in love with; a man who walked the edge of ambition but instinctively kept his balance. His compliments felt good like drops of rain falling on a parched traveler in the middle of the desert. She slammed the brakes on her train of thought. Only fools repeat their mistakes, she scolded herself.
The thought of their defeat during his first reelection campaign and his subsequent behavior was the splash of ice water that kept her focused. She couldn’t afford to forget his history of becoming arrogant and self-destructive when he was on top. Warner’s volatile pattern had been established.
Warner caught up with Carolyn as everyone walked out of the meeting. “I know things have been strained between us lately, but I believe this is our year,” he said. “I’ve given up my bad habits. I’m committed to this, to us. You’re my partner, my teammate. Together we’re indestructible. Shit, our entire lives have been about this goal, and I haven’t lost focus. Together, we’ll make it happen.”
Carolyn wrinkled her nose, his breath projected the bitter smell of alcohol thinly disguised by breath mints. The reminder destroyed the warmth of her earlier thoughts. He’d given up his bad habits? Right, she thought, sadness welling within her. She knew he could be a great man – a man capable of changing history. But he was squandering his talents with self-destructive behavior.
She shook her head, spun on her heel and walked away. It hurt to love a man beyond his faults, and to know that it wasn’t enough. Nothing she did or said could protect him from himself Her challenge lay in damage control. But could she hold him together though this campaign?
THIRTY-SIX
February, 2000 – New Hampshire
They attacked New Hampshire, and the resultant campaign drew copious amounts of blood. Martin Gaston targeted Warner with precision, slicing into his voting record on the hill.
Struggling to stay in the hunt for the White House, Senator Dave Taylor fought for press coverage by spraying the other candidates with a shotgun of issues.
Regardless of the barrage of attacks fired over the helm of the Lane campaign, Warner remained the most charismatic of the candidates. His speeches flowed eloquently, and he charmed the television cameras. News crews clamored for interviews and photo shots of the candidate.
The polls showed that the voters weren’t listening to the negative campaigning strategies of the other candidates. Warner was the clear front-runner.
His message was simple: he was one of them. A hometown boy who was going to take on Washington and change the way government was inn. Warner Lane cared for the people. His motto became “People before business.” The crowds devoured it.
Warner finished a speech at a high school gymnasium in Concord late one evening. The crowd surged to a standing ovation, and he was flying on their energy and enthusiasm as he walked out into the crowd to shake hands.
Matt Carson caught up with him and pulled him aside.
“We’ve got a problem.” Matt whispered. “Our motto. ‘People Before Business.’ is about to be crammed down our throats.”
Warner stopped walking. “What do you mean?”
“The tabloids are releasing a story claiming you own a company that’s using children, in sweatshops, in Haiti to manufacture goods. Tell me this isn’t true.”
Warner stepped back. “Son of a bitch!”
“I take it these accusations are true.”
“No.” Warner shot back. ‘They’re not true. Those are Edmund’s holdings. They have nothing to do with me.“ He felt queasy.
“Well, unfortunately, your father’s business just became our business. This is bad, really bad. When this is released, you’re going to look like a hypocrite. ‘People Before Business.’ will be a national joke.”
This can’t happen now! I’ve come so far. “I don’t need to hear how bad it is, that’s apparent. Tell me how to fix it.” Warner ran his fingers though his graying hair. I’ve got to call Edmund. This was so typical. Edmund had perfected the art of screwing up his life. He’d like to choke the old man with his bare hands.
“We’re working on it.”
“How’s Carolyn taking this?”
“She’s upset, but handling it.”
“Good, good.” Warner said. He’d been afraid that something like this might happen. Edmund didn’t care whom he devastated. This, however, was different. Edmund had a vested interest in Warner attaining the White House.
Oh God! Warner thought again of Carolyn. What if this pushed her beyond her capacity to understand? The thought of children being used in sweatshops would infuriate her.
She’d known that her own agenda could be jeopardized by this family affiliation. If she thought he was finished, it would benefit her to distance herself from the Lane name. They both knew that she could be wounded and still salvage a lesser political career for herself. Fear rose like bile in his throat, the taste caustic. He drew a deep breath, steadying himself and collecting his thoughts.
Minor setback, he reassured himself as they headed for the cars. Matt handed Warner the newspaper article
Lane Abuses Children in Sweatshops
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Warner Hamilton Lane, presidential hopeful, whose motto is “People Before Business,” owns a garment company in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, using child labor in sweatshops. Humanitarian activists are calling him a hypocrite whose motto should be, “the bottom line on the backs of children.”
Many are asking for an investigation into Senator Lane ’s business affairs. Currently, he is ahead in the polls in the race for the party nomination. But will these charges end his hunt for the White House? Insiders tell us that this will destroy his chances.
***
Damn it. Warner thought, they’d slaughtered him like a hog at a rib roast. Could they control the damage? Fortunately, the story broke in a tabloid. They could exploit that aspect and slam the credibility of the rag. The Council employed the resources to manage such situations. Control was key, and they possessed the control, he reassured himself.
Once they arrived at the hotel. Warner hurried to his room and dialed Edmund.
Warner ground his teeth at the reference. The cruel pettiness of the man would never change. “We’ve got a fire here, A big – fucking – fire, and it’s yours.”
“I’m on it already, son. Consider it taken care of.”
“‘Consider it taken care of? Are you out of your mind? This is a mess.”
“Lower your voice. You’ll never amount to anything if you continue to let your emotions get in the way. You’re acting like a woman. Find your balls, and act like a Lane. I don’t give a shit whether or not it’s in your blood. You’re wearing my name, and I expect you to act like a man.”
The desire to pull the phone out of the wall overwhelmed Warner. His knuckles turned white as he slipped the receiver. He swallowed hard, craving a drink. Don’t do anything rash, he told himself. You need this bastard and the Council. Relax.
Edmund must have taken his silence for submission and continued. “Here’s what I want you to do. First
, release a statement to the press that you are not, in any way, connected to my businesses. Then, speak out against it personally, act outraged. Directly address the plight of these people who are abused in sweatshops – say you’re glad this came up, for it’s a great opportunity to help raise awareness of these horrible situations, etcetera, etcetera. You know the routine. Oh, and have Carolyn demand that these charges be investigated. Her sincerity will carry it off.”
“Why the hell couldn’t you have straightened this out before the campaign?”
“Shit, son, this makes things interesting. Quit being such a pussy. Besides, I said I have it handled. Within the week, the conditions at the factory will be exemplary. At which point, you’ll be doing your television interview.”
“What television interview?”
“The one I’ve set up for you and Carolyn. You’ll be hearing from the producer shortly. I’ll let you be surprised by my choice. It’s a top rated show. I’m sure you’ll be pleased. In the meantime, parade that wife of yours around in public. Her popularity will keep you afloat until we can put out the flames.”
“Fine.” Warner switched gears, trying to sound tough. He wasn’t sure why he still tried to please the old man. “What about the Georgia primary? If we pull off New Hampshire, I don’t want to lose our momentum. Call Richard and see if he can persuade Governor Hicks to endorse me.”
“Richard and I have already discussed it. If we need Hick’s pull. Richard can call in a marker. But Warner, if Richard does this favor for you, it locks you into running with him as your vice presidential candidate. Now that his son is recovering, he wants back in.”
“We need the edge, so I’m willing to solidify the deal. Richard will look good on the ticket. He has the strength to carry the south. Shit, he’d probably beat me if he’d been able to run in the primaries.”
“Is Carolyn still set to meet with Governor Hicks?” Edmund asked.
“Yes. Knowing the way she thinks, she’ll also ask Hicks to endorse me.”
“Good. Let her believe it was her success. She can also take the fall if it backfires.”
“I know the drill,” Warner said, and hung up.
THIRTY-SEVEN
They took a late-night flight back to Missouri to escape the press and regroup. The sweatshop story had frazzled everyone’s nerves.
Carolyn convened a meeting in the basement of their home, recently dubbed the “Situation Room.” The location insured privacy. Kentucky Fried Chicken buckets sat on the table. No one ate, except Warner. Quietly, he observed the group between bites.
“How are we going to deal with this?” Ernie finally asked. “Is it even possible to recover?”
“Yes, and we’re going to come out swinging.” Carolyn announced.
Everyone in the room turned to stare at her.
Warner watched cautiously; he wouldn’t mention anything about his conversation with Edmund. As long as Carolyn and Nick headed in the right direction, he’d remain silent. So far, the methods of the Council had yet to be detected, effective as they’d been.
They continued to let Carolyn believe she ran the campaign. This illusion provided an excellent cover for the Council. Warner’s next gift to her would be her belief that she’d convinced the Governor of Georgia to endorse him.
Edmund and Richard had already sealed the deal. Yet, no one knew. And the information wouldn’t be released until Carolyn believed she’d orchestrated the maneuver. He took delight in predicting Carolyn’s future moves and staying ahead of her.
“There are several fronts on which to attack,” Nick said, picking up the gauntlet. “We’ve devised a strategy. First, we issue a press release denying any affiliation on Warner’s part with Edmund Lane ’s companies. This is technically accurate, and we can produce corporate documents proving Warner and Carolyn are not stockholders. When we leave this room, Matt, Ernie, and I will be on the phone, calling every major periodical, television network, and newspaper in the country. Second, we attack the allegation on the basis of credibility. Let’s face it. This is a tabloid reporter we’re talking about. We’ll attack him on that angle. And third, we create a diversion.” Nick looked around to make sure everyone was paying attention.
“And now, for the big news – we’ve just been called by the producer of ‘Barry Sears Live.’ I’m not sure where the break came from, but it’s a Godsend. This is our chance to make an impact. Barry Sears is the epitome of credibility. With him, we can easily fix this mess. Thank God the story broke in the tabloids. The public will be willing to accept it as a lie when they witness Warner and Carolyn’s outrage on a show like Barry’s.”
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 really feel it’s necessary?”
“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.”
God, I’ve become a prostitute, selling my pain to divert the public’s attention. “I don’t like it. If you insist, I’ll do it. But it makes me feel dishonest.”
“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. ‘Barry Sears Live,’ Warner thought, a perfect vehicle to attack any allegation nationally. Too bad he hadn’t thought of it himself
***
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. Oh my God, she thought I’m about to cry on national television. Inhaling deeply, she composed herself. “Warner and I have discovered that I’m not able to have children.” Her voice shook. “Despite how desperately we both want a family, it isn’t possible for us.”
“How very painful for both of you.” Barry remarked, his tone inviting more explanation.
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