The voters, however, were disillusioned by Washman’s lack of concern about the sluggish economy. Even though people respected his foreign policy, the data showed that they no longer cared about world affairs. Their concerns had shifted to their own economic needs and job security.

The voters wanted change; they no longer had faith that the current administration could improve their lives. Thank God for the bad economy, Warner thought. It was the best front on which to attack the other party.

“Well,” Nick said taking charge as usual, “my sense is that we can kick the pants off Washman if we stick to economic reform by virtue of tax relief. This recession is killing his approval ratings. We emphasize supply side economics and stimulate the marketplace by cutting taxes, both individual and corporate. Simple concepts, just hit the highlights, include the environment, and keep Carolyn in the limelight with her war on drugs. Focus on her consistent record against drug dealers.”

“Let’s hear it for the recession,” Matt cheered. The group laughed.

Warner sat back, gauging the interaction. He allowed them to run the meeting as long as his agenda dominated.

Nick continued. “Washman’s camp will keep trying to replay his foreign policy successes. The only way to address that is to demonstrate that we’re more concerned with the people in this country than the plight of others around the world. Stress domestic issues. Change versus more of the same.”

Everyone was quiet; some were taking notes.

“What else do you have?” Nick asked, looking over at Stan.

“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.”

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.