Chapter 36
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Bianca spent much of the summer of 2019 campaigning around the country. She had promised to campaign in all 50 states before January. A part of her really believed that all votes should be factored in. That included democrats in traditional red states, and republican votes in traditional blue states. The other part of Bianca knew it was a bit of a stunt, a way to appeal to potential supporters and energize her base. Miranda didn't accompany her mother on all these trips, she also liked being around her new boyfriend AJ. In August Bianca was scheduled to speak at JStreet's annual conference. There was some concern that congressmen Odonnell and Ali and congresswoman Emily Vancamp, were also invited. Emily Vancamp was a former student of Ryan Odonnell, became a teacher at a homeless shelter. After 9/11, and the subsequent U.S. invasion of Afghanistan Vancamp became a teacher at a newly built american school in Afghanistan. She hoped teaching afghan children good values like democracy, human rights, she could keep at least some from falling in with etremist groups. For her efforts the taliban threw acid in her face, the physical scars were permenant. But she recovered and was eventually elected to congress, serving with her old teacher. Given Ali and Vancamp's support for Odonnell's candidacy, that he was essentially being given three spots. Bianca didn't mind, they were all supporting the same things in the end, peace, diplomacy, the right of Israel to exist, and the right of palestinians to govern themselves. At the conference congressman Odonnell was with Ali, Vancamp, and an elderly gentleman that Bianca didn't recognize. Bianca spoke about her ancestors. Her father told her that one of their ancestors had to flee from Scotland for fighting for independance from England. He came here to America, and to his suprise, scots and english got along fairly well in this new world. America was a land of refugees, people made peace here where it would have been impossible elsewhere. Thus it was up to America to lead the way. The day would come when Israel and Palestine would live side by side in peace. Congresswoman Vancamp spoke next. This suprised Bianca a little, she thought Odonnell was next. Still, Vancamp was good. It soon became clear why she was speaking first. Congressman Odonnell hadn't been found yet. An aide came and whispered something to the congressman. Given the look on her face, Bianca feared it was not good. Indeed it was not. Congressman Odonnell had sufferred a heart attack. Bianca feared her old friend would not survive.