Page 118 of Incisive

“Congratulations, Mister President,” he says as he goes in for a handshake, but I pull him in for a hug.

And not just for the photo op, either.

“Start counting down the days,” I whisper in his ear. “In two years, your own slog starts.”

He laughs. “Enjoy this while I can, right?”

“Exactly.” I clap him on the back and release him so I can hug Ilyana, and then their two kids.

They really are like family to me. At least Ciro and Ilyana know part of my secret and still accept me for it.

Before we all head out to the stage, Jordan leans in. “Speech is queued up on the teleprompter, sir.”

I nod and take a deep breath as I walk out onto the stage to thunderous applause and deafening cheers. I take a moment to walk along the front of the stage and acknowledge those in the very front, shaking a few hands before I make my way over to the podium.

“Thank you, thank you.” I hold up my hands to try to quiet them down so I can get this part over with. Jordan wrote all the versions of my speech for tonight—win, lose, or too close to call.

Once the din settles somewhat, I continue. “I just spoke with Governor Chastings and he’s conceded.” Another round of cheers I pause for before plowing ahead. “I want to thank the governor for a race well run, and wish him nothing but good things in his future endeavors.”

Hopefully the old fuck will go retire somewhere. He’s a bigoted Evangelical who cozied up to big corporations and would have been horrible for our environment.

“I’d like to thank my mom and Dad, who couldn’t be here tonight in person, but who are watching at home and here in spirit. My little sister, Stella, who is here.” I don’t turn to acknowledge her. “I’d also like to thank my running mate, Vice President Ciro Bardales, and his wife, Ilyana, and their children, Daniela and Mateo.” I do turn the other way, away from where I know Stella’s standing, and hold out an arm to Ciro and his family, waving them forward.

I’m fully aware that will likely piss off Stella but I don’t care.

“I’d also like to thank several key staffers, both in my office and campaign.” I list them, including Casey-Marie and Declan, and Angie. I couldn’t do this without them.

But Jordan left out two key names, so I go off-book and ad lib. “I’d also like to thank Jordan Walsh and Leo Cruz, and former President ShaeLynn Samuels, her husband Christopher Bruunt, and Kevin Markos, their chief of staff. They’re not just co-workers, or former co-workers, but friends, too.

“And most importantly, I’d like to thank all of you, the American people. You have spoken, and I promise to spend the next four years continuing to work hard for you. I believe we’re in a prosperous time in our history. I believe businesses and workers can both benefit from our strong economy without sacrificing our environment or our climate. I believe every child deserves the chance to get an education to empower them to do whatever it is they want later in life. And I believe every citizen deserves to have health care that won’t bankrupt them.”

The cheers and applause swell again and I pause, resisting the urge to turn and look at Jordan and Leo.

“I will continue the fight I started four years ago when I first took office. I will continue fighting special interests who want to profit off your labor without paying their fair share in return.” That’s a deliberate gig at Stella and Ellis and their cohorts, of course. “I will continue to work with our military to keep our shores safe and protect our interests overseas. I will continue to support our intelligence agencies, who tirelessly work to identify threats to our life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness guaranteed to every citizen in our country.”

This is more like a campaign speech than a victory speech, but I wanted to go this direction because I’m hoping I can win over some of the apathetic non-voters to Ciro’s side four years from now.

That means straddling the center of the road sometimes, even when I really don’t want to and would rather head left.

But the economist in me—and the former Army officer in me—also knows I have to remain realistic.

“We have the chance to continue excellent programs started by President Samuels before me, and which were strengthened during my first term. There’s no reason for people to go hungry in this country. There’s no reason for veterans to go homeless, or lack health care and other services. And there’s no reason for anyone to be left behind who wants to participate peacefully in our American society.

“Some people have accused me of wanting to give hand-outs. No, I believe in hard work. I learned that growing up on a farm in Nebraska. I’ve never shied away from the hard work, the dirty work, the honest work. What I also believe is that we must invest in our country and in our citizens. There will always be the few who refuse to work. Most will choose to work, but wouldn’t it be nice if workers had the power to leave jobs they hate to go work at something they’re good at and enjoy because they won’t have to worry about losing their health care, or being kicked out of their home? To guarantee people a basic living wage so they don’t have to kill themselves working multiple jobs just to scrape by? It is also our responsibility as not just Americans, but as human beings, to make sure we provide for those who physically are unable to work, whether through disability, or vulnerability, or age.”

Jordan drifts me a little into what we know will tug at another demographic. “My Bible tells me it’s my responsibility to help take care of others, of my neighbors. I know for a fact that by helping others we help ourselves as Americans, and make our country and economy stronger as a result. That means ensuringequalityacross the board, not simply giving a hand-out. It means holding law enforcement agencies and local and state governments accountable. It doesn’t mean giving some an unfair advantage; it means stripping away the unfair advantages that still remain for some of the wealthy and large corporations, unfair advantages that the GOP has wielded against you over the decades in a mistaken belief that there’s a finite pie of prosperity.

“Well, prosperity isn’t finite. Infinite possibilities lie ahead for our country and our people by working together. Not everyone wants to go to college. But everyone should have the ability to learn a trade, if they want, so they can make an honest living. By lifting people up out of dangerous poverty, they can reach their full potential. That’s not a hand-out—that’s an investment. And programs that for years the GOP’s lied about and said were hand-outs, and tried to strangle out of existence, are the best way to keep people working and productive and earning a living that not only helps them and their families, but pays forward that prosperity in lower crime rates, improved health, and even by paying income taxes. How is that not a winning formula?”

I could take a sip of water from the sealed bottle Jordan pre-staged for me but I opt to wait out the applause instead. I have the eyes and ears of every network in this moment, including the conservative ones.

I want to make my stand now, while I have the fleetingly limited chance to reach viewers who might not otherwise pay attention to a word I say.

“The proof is what we’ve seen in the past twelve years of Democrats in the White House. I have the jobs numbers to back up what I’m saying. Unemployment is at an all-time low. Housing starts are at an all-time high. Our country is safer than it’s been, and crime is down. We’re working toward turning around the climate crisis, which benefits not just all Americans, but the world at large.

“Together, we are going to continue to make great things happen. Is the country perfect everywhere? No, but we have tangible proof that it’s improving, and we’ll continue fighting for you, whether you live in a small town in the middle of the country, or a large city on the coast.

“I am theAmericanpresident—I’m not the president for only the Democrats or only the Republicans. My job is to help make your lives better, no matter where you sit on the political spectrum. This means I’m not always popular with some corporate interests, but that’s okay. They don’t vote—people do.”