Chapter 5
Sam opened the door to his home and his jaw dropped to the floor.
“I know you like these sweeping statements, but without hard numbers to back
them up you sound like another politician blowing smoke.” Toby stated as he
walked past Sam into his home.
“Toby?” Sam still stood holding the front door open. “What are you doing
here?”
“I was hired by your campaign manager to write speeches.”
“You’re going to write my campaign speeches?”
“I’ve already started. I’ve got two for primary night; one is for if you win and one-
“
“if I lose, right.” Sam shut the door and walked over to his old friend and
favorite author. “If you do this, it’s going to bring a lot of your…troubles back
on to the front page of newspapers. It’s going to bring it back at a point where
people have finally forgotten about it. Are you sure that’s something you’re
comfortable with?”
“Are you worried about having a pardoned felon on your payroll?” Toby
countered.
“No! That’s not what- Things have been calm and quiet at Columbia for you
and your family. I just want to be sure that you realize how jumping back into
this pond is going to ripple into the rest of your life.”
“Mr. Rose colored glasses is going to lecture me on big picture
consequences?” Toby smirked.
“I’m not wearing rose colored-“
“Yes, you are. You always have, and that’s been part of your appeal out here.
Forbes has had you all over propositions and hot button issues, and that plays
fine in the primary, but you’ve got a bigger picture now. You need a different
narrative.” Toby opined. “So let’s get started on that.”
Toby pulled his laptop out of his carry on bag and placed it on the living room
coffee table. “Take a look at this for your thing tomorrow at the wharf.”
Sam sat down next to Toby and began reading. They were still sitting there
arguing heatedly an hour later when Ainsley and Peyton got back from her
event.
“Hey, how’d it go?” Sam stopped arguing long enough to ask the new arrivals.
‘Ummm…okay.” Ainsley hedged.
“Okay?” Sam asked.
“We may need to do a bit of spin tonight.” Peyton announced and dropped
down into the nearest chair.
“What happened?” Sam probed.
“In all fairness, I would just like to point out that I told you this was a bad idea.”
Ainsley began.
“You say that about every event you go to.” Peyton noted.
“I really meant it this time.” Ainsley tossed back. “Sam, they started in as soon
as I stepped out of the car.”
“There was a counter-rally, organized by Taylor or the RNC. They were loud,
they were obnoxious, and the media got plenty of film” Peyton added.
“Plenty of film showing what?” Toby asked.
“Picture posters of Ainsley stumping for Republicans. Quotes from Ainsley
about Democrats being owned and operated by the teacher’s unions. And lots
of campaign literature outlining Sam’s involvement in every Bartlet and Santos
move that would send right wingers running to Taylor.” Peyton summed up.
“So when you said things went ‘okay’…” Sam stood up and walked to his wife.
“I lied.” Ainsley admitted. “It was awful, Sam. I couldn’t even give the speech.
The representatives from the teachers union spent more time talking to the
media than with me.”
“I guess they’re not waiting for the primary to start lobbing grenades.” Sam said
and pulled Ainsley into his arms.
“This isn’t the RNC.” Toby stated. “That kind of display doesn’t hit independent
or liberal Republican voters; it agitates the Democratic base. The only one that
would benefit from this is the person running second to you in the primary.”
“Neumann.” Ainsley concluded.
“Maybe this is my fault.” Peyton suggested. “I’ve pushed Ainsley front and
center a lot.”
“Why wouldn’t you?” Toby countered. “She’s bright, articulate, attractive, and
has years of Government service on her resume. That’s an advantage no
other candidate has; in either party.”
“That’s what I thought. But is this type of disadvantage worth exploiting for the
advantage?” Peyton asked. “This is why I’ve always stuck to issue campaigns.”
“You’re looking at this all wrong.” Toby insisted. “If they’re targeting Ainsley, it’s
because they perceive her to be a threat they need to neutralize. It’s a good
sign for us and we can turn this around by breakfast.” Toby picked up the
phone and started dialing.
“Hey, Toby. Welcome to California.” Ainsley told him and saw his lip twitch in
acknowledgment.
***********************************
Josh Lyman was in full political operative mode. He had a cell phone at his ear
while he responded to a text message from Peyton and was bellowing for the
latest numbers in the key districts.
The primary was in a week, but Josh was looking ahead to November. Peyton
was running the primary branch of the operation and Josh had learned to trust
Peyton’s instincts over the past few months. Donna and Ben weren’t coming
out until tomorrow when Josh’s mom, Ruth, could fly out with them.
“Ted, it doesn’t matter whether it’s 4 points or 14; Sam Seaborn is going to be
the Democratic nominee for Governor in 6 more days. The only question you
have to ask yourself now, is whether you want to be celebrating with Sam or
commiserating with Grant when that day comes.”
“Josh, I have my own campaign to worry about. I served with Grant for years
and our support is intertwined.” Ted argued.
“You only think it is.” Josh countered. “I’ve got a whole different set of numbers
to show you. Once we get past this primary the whole electorate will be blown
wide open. Sam’s appeal reaches past our traditional base. You team with him
now, before the primary and you’re going to see support for your campaign you’
ve never even heard from before.”
“I need to…let me call you back, Josh.” Ted responded.
“I’ll look forward to it.” Josh said as he hung up the phone. “Greg!”
“It’s Craig, sir.” The intern assigned to Josh replied.
“Right. These are yesterday’s numbers. I need today’s numbers. And where
are the California and D.C. papers?” Josh shot out.
“We’re ummmm…getting them, sir.” Craig beat hasty retreat.
“And some coffee wouldn’t be completely unwelcome either.” Josh called after
him.
“I see the Lyman reign of terror has begun.” Sam commented as he passed
Craig coming into Josh’s office.
“Greg is worthless, Sam. Just so you know. Why aren’t you on your way to the
forum on immigration?”
“I’ve got some time. Listen, I know President Santos is making a swing out here
in a few weeks to stump for down ticket races; that’s fine. He’s the sitting
President and it’s expected. I’m having second thoughts about having
President Bartlet come.”
Josh’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He set his blackberry down on his desk
and leaned back in his chair. “Why?”
“Let’s set aside the fact that President Bartlet has always…struggled in
California. It feels like too many heavy hitters coming in to do something
because I’m not a strong enough candidate myself.”
“You’ve never held elected office, Sam. Having two men, popular Democrats,
who have lends a lot of credibility to the campaign. I understood why you didn’t
want them here during the primary; too much inside baseball and it creates
party division and bad feelings all around, but now-“
“It’s not what I want, Josh.” Sam said simply and Josh did a mental re-
evaluation.
“It’s going to look strange if he doesn’t come out here for you Sam.” Josh noted.
“Have him come. We can use him for Democratic fundraising and joint
Democratic appearances with down ticket candidates. I just want to do this on
my own…or you know, not.”
“Ah-kay.” Josh picked up his Blackberry and started making notes on a sheet
of paper in front of him.
“That’s it? No argument.”
“I have plenty of arguments, Sam. I’m just not going to waste them over this.
Plus, I think you might have a point.” Josh paused. “It’s your campaign and you
have to feel comfortable with the direction it’s going in or this whole thing is for
nothing.”
“Toby is messing with the speeches for primary night again.” Sam reported.
“With Toby, you are on your own.” Josh washed his hands of it.
“You hired him; without consulting me, I might add.” Sam protested.
“And I can’t believe you haven’t thanked me for that yet.” Josh teased.
“I’m about to.” Sam explained. “We’ve been seeing an influx of resumes lately
and you need an assistant. I think I’ve found the perfect man for the job. He’ll
be here to interview with you in an hour. Try not to fire him before I get back
from the thing.” Sam called over his shoulder as he left.
****************************************
“We’ll be there when we get there, Joshua. I really can’t do anything about a
delayed flight.” Donna explained.
“I know…I just miss you guys.” Josh said quietly into his cell.
“We miss you too.” Donna replied. “How are Sam and Ainsley doing?”
“They’re doing fine. Caitlin has gotten so big, wait until you see her.” The
wonderment in Josh’s voice made Donna smile. There was a time when Josh
Lyman wouldn’t even notice a baby while he was in campaign mode. He
seemed to have learned some balance.
“Mr. Lyman? Your interview is here.” Craig announced from the doorway and
then came in to quickly drop a resume on his desk.
“Thanks, Greg. Give me a minute and then send him in.” Josh said around the
cell phone.
“Sure, but it’s Craig, sir.” Craig managed before he slunk back out the door
causing Donna to laugh.
“I’ll call you as soon as we land.” Donna promised before she hung up the
phone.
Josh quickly scanned the resume of the 20 something kid who’d just earned a
master’s in Government Studies. It was impressive, but Josh was the former
White House Chief of Staff. It was fair to say that any number of impressive
resumes had crossed his desk.
The young man walked in cautiously and shook the hand Josh held out for him.
“William?” Josh asked.
“Billy, I mean I go by Billy.” He corrected Josh.
“Josh Lyman. Have a seat. Your resume was put on my desk by none other
than Sam Seaborn. How do you suppose you rate that kind of attention?”
“I really couldn’t say, sir. Maybe you should ask Mr. Seaborn.”
“You’ve met Sam?”
“Yes, sir; a couple times. When we spoke last week, he asked if I’d come back
today to interview with you.” Billy noted.
“What are you looking for here?”
“Experience.”
“It’s an election year; the state is chalk full of campaigns. You can get
experience on any one of them.”
“Not with Josh Lyman.” Billy replied without hesitation.
“Looking at your resume, I’m guessing you’ll be looking for a permanent
position in the Governor’s office after the election?”
”Maybe.” Billy answered.
“Maybe?” Josh laughed. “Maybe you’d be interested in the powerful Executive
branch of the State Government?” Josh leaned back in his chair and put his
feet on the desk.
“Actually, Mr. Lyman, isn't it true that the Framers made sure that the
Executive Branch was the weakest of the three branches? Because we were
breaking off from the royalist model that put absolute power in just one place. I
mean, isn't that why they made the Legislative branch-or People's Branch-the
most powerful?” Billy recited and Josh heard rather than felt his shoes fall off
the end of his desk with a thud.
Josh’s eye’s narrowed on Billy before his gaze whipped back to the resume
sitting innocuously on his desk…and there it was at the bottom.
*Winner of Presidential Classroom competition – Junior year
“Fred?” Josh asked in surprise, reassessing the man sitting in front of him.
“Yes, sir.” Billy ducked his head at the nickname Josh had given him on that
long ago tour.
“I’ll be damned.” Josh sat back in his chair again and just stared at Billy like he
was trying to merge the image from long ago with the image in front of him now.
“Mr. Seaborn thought I might be able to give you the kind of assistance you’ll
be needing for the next few months.” Billy said in a rush.
“I’m not so sure about that. It took me years to get rid of the last argumentative,
know it all assistant I had.” Josh pointed out.
“Mr. Seaborn said you married her.” Billy grinned.
“You take your victories where you can, young man.” Josh grinned back and
looked up to see Ainsley in the doorway.
“You requested an audience?” Ainsley asked.
“Yes, Ma’am. Let me see the notes for your thing this afternoon.” Josh replied.
Ainsley pulled her notes for the speech from her pocket and handed them to
Josh.
“I thought you’d already gone over them?” she said puzzled.
“I did. And they bothered me all night before I finally figured out what’s wrong
with them.” Josh explained as he rifled through his drawer. Ainsley handed him
a pen, thinking that was what he was searching for, but Josh shook his head
and kept digging. “It finally came to me this morning.” Josh continued and
smiled when he found the object he had been searching for; a lighter.
He promptly activated the lighter and set the notes on fire before tossing them
into the wastebasket.
“Joshua! Sam worked for hours on that!” Ainsley protested.
“Then he should give that speech.” Josh responded. “It’s not you; it’s not your
voice, it’s not your tone, and it’s not your beliefs.”
“What am I supposed to do for the speech I’m giving in two hours?” Ainsley
asked, her voice rising in panic.
“Wing it.” Josh smiled back at her.
“Excuse me?” Ainsley’s voice dropped in pitch and intensity.
“The best moments you’ve had on this campaign have come when you’ve been
extemporaneous. That’s when you get a fire in your belly and your rhetoric
gets sharp enough to slice glass. That’s what I want this afternoon at the
innovation conference.”
“You really shouldn’t be smoking crack during work hours, Joshua.” Ainsley
shot back and made both men sitting in the room laugh.
“See? That’s what I’m talking about.” Josh explained. “I’m taking you off the
leash, Ainsley.”
“I’ve been on a leash?” Ainsley clarified.
“Not on purpose.” Josh allowed. “Peyton has put you front and center which is
good, but he keeps putting the wrong words in your mouth. It’s not his fault; he
doesn’t know how to communicate in Republican.” Josh paused. “No, that’s not
entirely true. He can understand Republican, he just can’t speak it very well.”
“Let’s go back to the leash comment.” Ainsley insisted.
“Don’t listen to my phrasing, listen to my meaning. You disagree with Sam on
some things, you should feel free to say so, as long as you reiterate that it’s
Sam running for Governor. You have a different view on the role of
Government and State’s rights; you should say so. And when you stand in front
of the business coalition for innovation today, you’ll be in a unique position to
chastise their lack of innovation up until now. Tell them what you think
businesses responsibility is in this equation.”
“Are you quite finished?” Ainsley asked.
“Uh-huh.” Josh answered.
“I have never heard of such an off the wall, idiotic, excuse for a lack of a real
campaign strategy in my life and I have worked on political campaigns since I
was old enough to sit on my Grandpa’s knee in North Carolina and take pot
shots at any Yankee stupid enough to come up our path and try to shill for a
Democrat!” She told them.
“Wow!” Billy responded.
“See?” Josh turned to Billy. “Tell her why she’s the best thing to ever happen to
Sam Seaborn’s campaign.”
“Because although the State of California has grown increasingly divisive
among the base in each party, there has been an unprecedented number of
voters who refuse to affiliate with either party; specifically citing rancor between
the major parties as the reason for their refusal. In other words, they don’t think
the major parties work together enough to help the people they were elected to
serve. All they care about it their side winning.”
“Yeah, that’s the civics answer. Translate it into this campaign.” Josh prodded.
“Mr. Seaborn has had to, both professionally, in the White House, and
personally, in his own house, learn to communicate with and work with people
who have very different ideology than he does. By bringing those opposing
viewpoints front and center, you’re reminding voters, as least subconsciously,
that Mr. Seaborn factors in the other sides’ arguments every day and has
learned how to find compromise. When Mrs. Hayes-Seaborn publicly states she
disagrees on some issues, she’s telling the electorate that although they don’t
agree on everything, she has faith in his abilities and leadership to do the right
thing for the people of California; just like she trusted President’s Bartlet and
Santos enough to serve in their administrations even though they were
Democrats.”
“What he said.” Josh tossed his head in Billy’s direction.
“You are certifiably insane.” Ainsley told him before she turned on her heel to
go. “And you better put out the fire before the sprinklers go off!”
“Like a little basket fire is going to set off-“ Josh broke off when the sprinklers
turned on and the smoke detectors went off. He managed to rescue his
blackberry before it got fried.
“Well, I think we’re done for now.” Josh declared when they’d both retreated
from the rainshower in his office. “Come back tomorrow at 7 and we’ll see if you
can work your way off that list I put you on.”
“I got the job?” Billy confirmed.
“Welcome aboard.” Josh replied. “See you tomorrow, Fred. Hey,Greg? See if
you can find some towels, will you? My office appears to have sprung a leak.”