This story is inspired by Season 1 Scandal, Vermont and the Olitz actors – Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn
NO-Mellie and NO-Joke: Public Service Announcement for any accidental non-Olitz readers
Also very politics-centric
Breaking News…
…We are live at the White House, hours from the start of the first and only debate between the two Presidential candidates, Edison Davis and Sally Langston. Security has been reinforced around here. The Marines and Secret Service are out in full force as you can see around me...
The Democratic Nominee hours before the Debate
"Why can't I go with you? I'm happy to wait in the wings." Natasha stood, making a pouty face as she watched Edison wear his tie.
"I've got strict orders to keep you at least 100 feet away from a camera."
"Why?"
Edison turned away from the mirror. "You want me to ask the guys who'll get me into the White House - 'why'? Honey, if they ask me to jump, all I'm going to say is 'how high'?"
The Republican Nominee hours before the Debate
Sally Langston's new stylist cast a critical eye over the candidate's new $15,000 designer jacket in a pastel floral print.
"I feel like I belong in a doll's house," Sally complained as she sat waiting for her hair to be done in a softer, more 'feminine' look.
"Ma'am, we have to remind voters that you are first and foremost, a woman. My brief is to make sure that women voters – a significant portion of the demographic you wish to attract – are aware that you are a pioneer for their cause of better representation."
"I am not a feminist."
"The voters don't need to know that. You are a woman. Let's leave it at that."
The Undecided Candidate
In the tense silence, Karen leaned into Fitz's side, and murmured, "I wish we could visit Ella, Daddy."
Fitz turned to her, and dropped a kiss on her head. "Yeah, me too. One day, baby, when things settle down, we'll organise a play-date for you and Ella, okay?"
Karen nodded, solemnly, just as Tom left his seat in the back to tell Fitz that Zeke would meet them on the South Lawn.
"I gotta say, the place isn't the same without the Grants." Zeke ushered Fitz into the Oval Office. "The folk around here really missed the fam."
"They missed the kids." Fitz smiled. "I haven't seen Karen since we got here. And Rowan hasn't surfaced since he went off to show the staff, pictures of Teddy and Gracie."
"You'll make a lot of people happy if you run again."
"It's someone else's turn. You'd make a good candidate."
"Hell no. Your wife's convinced the power has gone to my head."
Fitz chuckled. "Yeah, I'm still in the doghouse over the Canadian episode, too."
"Yeah, that." Zeke sidestepped that minefield. "You know, I've held back on making an announcement about the ongoing Davis investigation, at your request. But I've got enough ammo to sink his ship."
Fitz shook his head. "Edison is unpredictable. He'll find a way to wriggle out of that with the DNC's help. They'll put it down to partisan politics. Anything we say we''ll be blamed on our Republican roots."
"I'm still a Republican, bro. You're the guy who flew the coop. As for Edison Davis, you better get that bastard to confess. The world needs to hear the words come right out of his mouth."
"That's a big ask. I'm still trying to figure out how James is going to sneak me into the event."
"He doesn't have to. I said a White House representative would have to moderate if they want this venue. They agreed – 'coz there weren't any other options – but they think the Press Secretary is my pick. They got him to sign a confidentiality clause, then gave him a script for the show. Questions, responses everything."
"You're kidding?"
"Nope. These fuckers aren't joking around. They are trying to make Edison appear like he's the best out of a bad deal. I can't wait to see their faces when you show up."
Breaking News…
…The Democratic Nominee, Edison Davis arrived minutes ago. We managed to get a few words out of him before he was rushed away by his handlers to get prepped for the event.
Reporter: "Mr Davis, how do you feel about being the last-in candidate with the best chance of winning?"
Davis: "I don't have the win in the bag. Mrs Langston is a seasoned politician who's had a shot at being President for 21 days. Not many people liked living in the America she created during those three weeks, but will they feel strongly enough to experience a better world? A world where progressive ideals will be represented? We'll have to wait and see…"
...Republican candidate, Sally Langston, has just arrived with her team of advisors. We asked her response to what Mr Davis had to say earlier tonight.
Reporter: "Mrs Langston, your opponent in tonight's debate and the job of President had this to say… do you have a response?
Langston: "Well, Mr Davis is right about one thing, I am a seasoned politician. But I was Vice-President longer than I was President. And I admit, I did make mistakes trying to achieve too much in just three weeks as President. I wanted to prove I could get things done, and I did. But I did a poor job of explaining the reasons of why they had to be done. But we learn, we change, we become better at what we do…"
James had asked Fitz to stay out of sight until he gave a signal – a missed call on his cell phone. Karen and Rowan had front row seats in the audience. And the White House Secret Service, monitored by Tom and his men, were screening the crew and participants.
Fitz walked around the Family Dining Room while he waited. Everywhere he looked, a memory of Olivia or the kids took him back in time, until an abrupt knock on the door brought him back to the present.
Fitz turned to see James being ushered in by a member of the Secret Service.
"This brings back memories. Good ones." James smiled after their greeting.
"You know my grievance with Cyrus, had nothing to do with you."
"Yes, Olivia has been diligent in making me aware of that."
Fitz smiled. "Do you still want to go through with this? Olivia tells me you could get fired."
"Some sacrifices are worth it."
"You're a good journalist, James. Much better than I am. You don't have to make this sacrifice, especially if I flub my lines."
"You won't. You know the truth. You know what Edison and Sally did. I don't know if they can face their victim without any qualms. If they can, I'll be even more determined to campaign against them. We have enough psychopaths ruining the world, we don't need one more to join the pack." James paused at the sound of another knock on the door.
"They are looking for you, Mr Novak," An agent advised.
James looked at Fitz. "Ready?"
"Yep."
As James left the room, Fitz felt his phone buzz. Seeing the caller ID, he smiled. "Hi."
"What's happening?"
"I'm chilling in the Dining Room."
"Remembering the good times?"
"Mm…" he sighed. "It feels weird, like we never left."
"Is the Crown Jewel of prisons making you feel right at home?"
Fitz chuckled softly. "How are things at home home?"
"Home home is crazy as usual. The boys are halfway through a bucket of popcorn. Felicia is trying to rock Gracie to sleep but she's staying stubbornly awake. I think she knows Daddy's going to be on TV."
"Better make her sleep before she sees me crash and burn."
"You won't crash and burn." When Fitz didn't respond to that, Olivia asked, "What's going through your mind?"
"Nothing…" he sighed. "Everything. What am I even doing here, Livvie?"
"Do you want Edison to become President? He's the guy who didn't care that Jerry, Karen and Teddy would be left without parents. He didn't care that Gracie would never have come into this world."
"Liv."
"Then there's Sally who believes in gay conversion. Her illegal experiments, trying to turn gay people straight, made her give her husband crazy pills that drove him to murder. But that's not all she did. My favourite Sally moment is when she locked you up in Roswell for wanting a divorce, until you saw the error of your ways."
When he didn't respond, Olivia asked, "Fitz?"
"You've stoked the fires of rage. I was experiencing the burn."
She smiled. "Good."
Fitz gusted a noisy sigh. "What are you doing to me, Olivia?"
"I'm prepping you for a confrontation with two criminals. One of them will become Commander-in-Chief and executive President of the world's only remaining superpower."
Fitz smiled. "I was nervous about this whole thing, but now I'm ready for battle."
"I remembered your first Town Hall meeting."
"You know me," he murmured, huskily.
"I know you," she agreed softly.
Smiling, he listened to her breathe until he heard the alert telling him James had sent the required signal.
"Where's the Press Secretary? He's late."
"He's not going to moderate." James said calmly, to an exasperated man in a suit, glancing at his watch.
"But the White House said you couldn't moderate," said a guy with headphones around his neck. "So who exactly is going to ask the questions?"
"I will."
The three men standing in the middle of the Cross Hall turned to stare at Fitz. The Suit Guy turned to James. "Is this a joke? You are trying to sneak in a Third Party candidate as a moderator?"
"I'm not running." Fitz assured.
The TV crew exchanged a look, then Suit Man slapped his phone to his ear and walked away to speak in private. Head Phone guy stared after him, while James gave Fitz a sneaky thumbs up signal.
Minutes later Suit Guy returned. "James, you're going to have to moderate."
"No." said James.
"No?" Suit Guy frowned at James.
"No. Mr Grant needs to do this. President Zeke made it clear when he provided access to the White House for this forum that his representative would moderate the debate. Mr Grant is his representative. This is President Zeke's house, these are President Zeke's rules."
Suit Guy glared impotently, then snapped. "Give me a minute." He walked away again, then strode back and snapped. "Okay. You win. Get this guy in makeup."
"Mr Grant, this way," James said pointedly, looking in Fitz's direction.
While in the makeup chair, Fitz put a call through to Olivia. "Wish me luck."
"Knock 'em dead."
"Literally?"
"No!"
Fitz chuckled, then seeing the makeup artist move out of earshot, he said softly, "They want me to sign a piece of paper saying I'll stick to the script. I'm to introduce Edison as the Democratic Nominee for President. Sally gets mentioned as the Republican Candidate."
"Subtle."
"They've given me a list of names, and questions - verbatim - that these people are going to ask. I can't deviate from what's on the page."
"Are you going to do a Jerry?"
"What do you think?"
Olivia laughed.
After he was released from the make-up chair, Fitz walked into the East Room looking for Karen and Rowan. Seeing them seated in the front row, he started making his way towards them when he caught the stare of a woman standing nearby.
She said, "You're not—?!"
"Come on, Mom," said the woman next to her, hurrying her back to her seat. "He's not."
Another guy, without anyone to hurry him along, joked, "Hey, get a load of this guy. They've got a Fitzgerald Grant impersonator!" Turning back to Fitz, he grinned broadly. "Howdy, Mr President. I was going to vote for you before you quit. You were doing an ace job, making America great again. Now if you meet the real guy, just pass on that message, will ya?"
"Will do." Fitz smiled. Then paused when a little boy in a sharp grey suit, and blue bowtie crossed his path. "Well, hello there, sir," Fitz crouched down, smiling. "What's your name?"
"Darius Taylor." The little boy told him.
"Can I ask you what your business is here today, sir?"
"I'm here to see the first Black President of America get elected. He's the first guy I seen on TV who looks like me."
"I see." Fitz got to his feet slowly.
The boy's parents, standing right behind Darius, smiled at Fitz. "We're teaching him to be proud of who he is," said his mother.
His father nodded. "We don't want him growing up expecting Superman to save the day, when the guy doesn't look anything like him."
"That's why I'm telling my Mom and Dad to vote for Edison. He's the man."
As Fitz chatted with the family, Karen looked at Rowan. "I think that kid got to dad."
"Your assessment would be correct, Karen." A faint smile touched Rowan's mouth.
"But representation does matters, doesn't it, Grandpa Pope?"
"We know what that man represents, Karen. And to paraphrase Dr Martin Luther King Jr, it's time we judged a man by the content of his character, not the colour of his skin." He glanced down at Karen, his expression softening, "I'll have a word with your father."
"Okay," Karen nodded. She waited until Rowan started walking away, before turning away to inspect the rows of people taking theirs seats, trying to spot a friendly face…
As the Taylors took their seats, Fitz turned at the hand on his elbow, to find Rowan staring at him with a disapproving frown.
"Fitzgerald, a word."
"What's wrong," he murmured, letting Rowan pull him aside. "I feel like I'm about to be grounded."
Rowan didn't smile. "During the debate, there's only one thing you need to keep in mind: representation is not skin deep, you need to focus on core values."
Before Fitz could respond, Head Set guy and Suit Man appeared at their side.
"Have you got the signed agreement?" asked Suit Man.
Fitz took out a piece of paper from his inner pocket and handed it over, but the paper was thrust back at him.
"This is the list of questions. Where's the other document?"
Fitz felt his jacket up and down. "I thought I had it on me." He turned to Rowan. "Did I give it to you?"
Rowan said decisively. "No."
"Get Mr Grant another copy."
"We don't have time," Headphone Guy shook his head. "I'll give a rundown of what is expected."
Suit Man walked away, shaking his head as he made another call.
Fitz and Rowan stood impassively as Head Set Guy droned on about what was expected, until he eventually finished with "…Lastly, after I raise my hand, you have to announce the Democratic Nominee for President, Edison Davis, and Republican Candidate Sally Langston. In that order."
Fitz exchanged a glance with Rowan, then they both stared at the guy like he was speaking a foreign language.
Seeing their expressions, the man said, 'Uh, why don't I get James to make the announcements…"
James Novak: "… Tonight, we thank the Commission on Presidential Debates for sponsoring this event, and we thank President Lucas Zeke and the White House for providing an expedient change of venue under incredibly tragic circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers go to the victims and their families, traumatised by the hostage crisis at the Town Hall a few days ago...
"...Tonight, we stick to a Town Hall format at this historic venue, to give you, our audience, and the hundreds of people who sent online submissions, a chance to have your concerns addressed by the candidates themselves.
"I'm James Novak from the News Network and we welcome you to the White House for the first and only Presidential debate between Edison Davis and Sally Langston."
[Applause]
"… In our quest for truth, we have an experienced moderator who will be on stage with our Presidential candidates. He is a man who knows firsthand the qualities and qualifications needed for the executive Presidency. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Mr Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, the 44th President of the United States."
Backstage...
Sally Langston paused. "Did he just say Fitzgerald Grant would be moderating?"
"Yeah," Edison nodded. "Looks like Grant will crashing the party."
"Did you know about this?" Sally eyed him coldly.
"I was given a heads-up just a few minutes ago."
"I see."
Social Media Storm...
#NeverSally... 'Just in: Ex-President Grant to moderate Debate
#NeverEdison... Fitzgerald Grant is joining the Debate...
#Grant4President... he's baaaack!
There was a hush as Fitz walked onto the stage, then a voice said plaintively, "Didn't I tell you it was him, Pauline, and you thought I forgot my pills."
Laughter rippled through the audience before applause and cheers resounded around the room. When the noise died down, James made a second introduction, "Please welcome on to the stage, the Democratic nominee for president, Edison Davis and Republican nominee, Sally Langston."
There was a pause before the candidates walked on stage. Edison came first, his hand outstretched which Fitz managed to avoid by showing him his seat. Sally Langston came next, looking awkward in a floral printed jacket over a pretty pink dress.
"Sally." Fitz nodded.
"Fitzgerald." Sally acknowledged without meeting his gaze.
They sat down, and there was silence until Fitz saw Heaphone Guy make furious hand signals.
"Oh right, I get to call on members of the audience. My apologies, ladies and gentlemen, it's still a learning curve. So yes, we have Shellyne Mason with our first question for both candidates…"
"Mr Davis, Mrs Langston, if either of you wins, you stand to make history in this great nation of ours. Mr Davis, you would become the first democratically-elected African American leader of the United States of America. Mrs Langston, you will become the first female President. Do you feel your nominations reveal our maturity as a nation?"
"Interesting question. Sally, if you would like to go first."
"It's been a long time coming, but yes, I believe we have matured as a society. I also feel we have achieved minority representation better than we have addressed the gender imbalance in our power structures. Which, in my opinion, is scandalous. Women outnumber men in our population; we have more women attend college than men; and women are more politically engaged than men - women, collectively, vote in greater numbers than men. You would think that with this kind of participation, we'd have something to show for it before now. But we are under-represented in every sphere of influence – in corporate boardrooms, in our law courts, in science and technology, and most importantly in politics. We, women, need more laws made by women for women."
"So where do you stand on abortion, Sally?" Fitz asked, as a spattering of applause broke out.
"You know where I stand, Fitzgerald."
"I know that you have strong religious convictions... Do you think you could represent the needs of all women, when your views on the separation of church and state are blurred?"
"I believe that we must stand by our religious convictions for moral guidance."
"But you do see how your personal beliefs could unfairly disadvantage and discriminate the secular rights of women and the LGBT community?"
"I understand that you are overstepping your bounds as moderator, Fitzgerald."
"Then let me overstep a bit more. What are your thoughts on anthropogenic climate change? Do you believe climate change is manmade and that this crisis is the biggest issue of our time?"
"There is a widely-held belief that the science on global warming is not settled. We have evidence the earth's warming, is part of a natural cycle. My biggest concern, as a candidate for President, is that the climate change bogeyman will be used to stop America's economic and manufacturing advancement; that it will be used to stifle our energy needs while countries like China and India become the powerhouses of industry that we once were. We cannot afford to let that happen."
"If I may cut in, and thank you, Fitzgerald, for helping put forward the Democratic agenda." Edison smiled at Fitz, only to be met with a blank stare. Unfazed, Edison continued, "Ninety-seven per cent of scientists agree that climate change is manmade and excessive levels of carbon dioxide are causing ocean acidification and unseasonal weather. We're seeing an increasing number of hurricanes and tornadoes. Bad storms used to happen 50 or 100 years apart, now we see them every year. It's getting so bad, insurance companies have joined forces to demand that governments of the world take serious action on climate change. That's not going to happen as long as we have people elected to office who believe the science is not settled, or that climate change is a conspiracy by new economies."
"And how do you plan on addressing this issue?"
"The United States of America has to reduce its reliance on coal and other fossil fuels. We have to increase investment in renewables so that we achieve a carbon emissions reduction of 30 per cent by 2030."
"That 30 per cent reduction is based on today's emissions rates or 2005?"
Edison looked at Fitz. Fitz turned to the audience. "The Democrats have been talking a big game of a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. But those figures are based on 2005 emission rates. If you're wondering why that's significant, it's because we're closing nearly a quarter of our coal-fired power plants. We're closing them down because they're too old and too unsafe to operate. This is happening without government intervention, and without any government intervention, more than half of the 30% reduction target has been met. So it's a bit rich for the Democrats to take credit for what is happening behind the scenes."
Edison looked from Fitz to the audience. "The Democrats should be allowed to take credit. It's our progressive agenda that encouraged proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions. We are moving away from our reliance on Big Oil and Big Coal. You can't say the same for the Republicans."
"But the Democrats aren't moving away from Wall Street," Fitz said calmly. "At the start of this decade, Big Banks - like JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Citibank – gave out tens of billions in loans for Big Oil drilling projects. Those projects are a bust but the banks continue to make a profit – underwriting stock options so Big Oil can pay back their old loans. And get this, Big Oil is taking out new loans with the same banks for new drilling projects. You can also bet that Big Oil aren't drilling for wind, solar or hydro energy. They are drilling for coal seam gas and other unpopular fossil fuels. So when the Democrats say they are moving away from Big Oil and Big Coal, they're hiding the fact that Democrat campaign funding from Wall Street comes straight out of Big Oil's boom and bust cycles. "
"I don't tell the banks how to do business," Edison said.
"But the Big Banks can tell you what Federal Government approvals to make, which regulations need to be watered down and where government funding for infrastructure projects should be targeted. During the Global Finance Crisis, Big Banks held taxpayers to ransom as an essential service and demanded bailouts for bad – some would say corrupt - business decisions. So if the Banks are bankrolling your election campaign, you can bet it's not a free ride."
Fitz met Edison's glare calmly, then over his shoulder saw James point towards the audience. "Ah, I see there's gentleman waiting patiently to ask the next question. Sorry to have kept you waiting, sir."
"It's all right, young man. Glad you called me before my knees gave out. BTW, I was going to vote for you before you threw in the towel. Any chance you'd consider returning to the race?"
"That's very kind of you, sir. Is that your question?"
"No, that's not my question but I thought I'd ask it anyways. This is my question to the two candidates we're stuck with – do you have a public and private position on election promises?"
"I don't understand the question," Sally said.
"It's easy enough to understand, missy," the man said testily, "But let me make it real simple: will you say one thing to get elected in front of all us voters, and will you say something different in front of all them big shot, money bag donors you guys run around with?"
Sally sat up. "I'm sure Fitzgerald will agree with me on this – there are many occasions when a politician has to make executive decisions based on reasons that are classified. We cannot share the bigger picture issues with the public due to national security concerns."
"You don't see a problem with that?" Fitz angled a glance at Sally. "You are essentially saying you'll make decisions that affect our citizens but you don't want them to know what you are doing in their name. It kind of goes against the small government agenda of the Republican Party, to keep America from turning into a nanny state. "
"You didn't share the fact that you were going to bomb a Medicine factory in Africa," Edison interjected.
Sally Langston shifted in her seat.
Fitz caught the movement as he replied, "That is an action I deeply regret, and have tried to rectify during my time as President. We make mistakes, and sometimes we make deeply regretable mistakes because we act against good advice with the best of intentions."
"That shows poor judgement," Edison said succinctly.
Fitz clenched his jaw, took a deep breath and said unexpectedly, "Earlier this evening, I spoke to a young man who wants to have a President in office who looks like him. I'd like Darius Taylor to ask the next question tonight."
There was another silence, then the boy jumped up and started talking but no one could hear him. Fitz glanced up to the ceiling and realised the microphone wasn't budging from a woman who was staring open mouthed, while holding firmly onto a piece of paper.
Fitz addressed the boy, "Darius, why don't you come up onstage?"
The boy looked at his parents, who nodded, then he started making his way towards the stage, gaining confidence as people smiled and clapped him on the back. When he got near the stage, Fitz left his seat to help him up.
"Is it true, you were President of the United States?"
"Yes, sir." Fitz nodded.
"Huh." Darius stared at Fitz, then said, "I'm glad you're not President anymore, because now Mr Davis can get to be President." There was another ripple of laughter. Then Darius turned to Edison. "You know I'd vote for you if I could, Mr Davis." Edison chuckled along with the audience, and his smile widened when Darius finally asked his question, "So what you gonna do as President?"
"I like your faith in the system, Darius, but there's no guarantee I'll be the next President of the United States. The best man for the job doesn't always get the vote, so I really wish you were old enough to vote."
There was more laughter.
"But to answer your question, what I'd like to do is achieve a truly post-racial America. A country that the great Dr Martin Luther King had for us all – where a man, or woman, will be judged by the content of his or her character and not the colour of their skin. We can achieve this dream. We have what it takes – the best, the brightest, the dreamers, and the achievers – to make this country a true leader of the free world; an economic powerhouse and a progressive democracy where all our voices are heard. I would like to make America great again."
There was a pause, then someone clapped and others followed.
Then a woman stood up in the audience. "Mr Davis, that's my son with you on stage. As a mother, I worry about him – every day, every minute, every second that he's out of my sight. I worry if he's safe, but mostly I worry if he's alive. It's the same feeling I get when my man leaves the house. Do you feel this is right in today's America, that a suburban wife and mother should worry about her family – like a woman in Iraq or Afghanistan?"
"Any mother, whether here in the United States or in Afghanistan or Iraq, should not live in fear of her life or the lives of her husband and child. That's why I'm running to be your next President, to clean up the mess that's been left behind by past administrations when it comes to issues of law enforcement."
Sally shook her head. "I don't agree that issues of law enforcement are a mess as Edison calls it. The cops have a tough job. Every day, they are on streets fighting an increase in drug crimes, illegal guns, and gang warfare. Our inner-city suburbs were war zones long before we invaded Iraq. That's why the police have the right to protect themselves and the community."
Fitz cleared his throat. "I don't believe anyone, least of all Mrs Taylor, is advocating that we strip cops of their rights to do their job. I believe what the community, and what we - as parents - want, is for cops to do their jobs within the laws they are sworn to uphold. As a civilian if you kill an unarmed man and plant a gun on him, that is a felony. It should not be any less of a felony because the perpetrator wears a uniform and knows how to subvert the rules of evidence. When I spoke with the Mothers for Justice, that was their only demand - that we, as a nation, don't wait and watch as their children are killed by cops, who have a sworn duty to protect the community. We don't allow bullies to rule our schools, we can't let bullies in uniform rule our streets, thinking they are above the law."
Mrs Taylor started clapping, joined by her husband and then by Darius. "If Mr Davis doesn't win, you've got my vote."
"I'm honoured," Fitz chuckled.
There was a pause, as everyone waited for the next question.
"She has a question," Karen waved, until the microphone moved to where she stood, next to a girl in ripped jeans, a Che Guevara T-shirt and a dog collar.
"I like this question," said the girl, chewing gum. "My question is for this kid's dad. Mr Grant, will you be voting for Mr Davis or Mrs Langston?"
Fitz glanced at Edison. "I won't be voting for Edison Davis."
"Thank you, Fitzgerald," Sally Langston said smoothly.
"And I won't be voting for you either, Sally."
"So you're not going to vote?" Darius stared at him. "Is that legal?"
Edison got in first. "The United States does not have compulsory voting, which means Mr Grant has a choice - he can participate in our democracy or sit on the sidelines. As a black man, I feel it's a slap in the face for every man and woman who fought 175 long years for my legal right to vote."
Fitz held up his hand. "If I can interrupt to clarify my actual position – I didn't say I wasn't going to vote. I said, I wouldn't be voting for the candidates presented by the two major political parties."
"Then who you voting for?" Darius eyed him suspiciously.
Fitz paused, looking at Darius. "Honestly, the person I'd like to vote for is my wife, Olivia."
In Vermont...
"Woo Hoo! Go, Dad!" Jerry clapped Teddy's hands together. "That's the best thing he's said all night!"
"He's not serious," Olivia said repressively.
"I don't know, Mom. He sounds serious to me."
"He's flustered. That's all."
"Jerry's right, Olivia. Fitz does sound serious." Felicia murmured, stirring her bedtime mug of hot tea.
"He's not," Olivia insisted, then looking down at Gracie who was staring up at her unblinking, she repeated, "He's not."
"Olivia?" Edison frowned.
"Olivia would make a kickass President."
"She's not running." Sally dismissed.
"If I could change that, considering that we have two incredibly unpopular candidates in the race to be America's next President, I would recommend that Olivia join the race. She would be great."
Edison cast a wry glance at the audience, then back at Fitz. "If Olivia were to join the race, hypothetically, what qualifies her to be President; what experience does she have?"
"You're suggesting Olivia should have gone through party ranks to be a professional politician? That's what you and Sally Langston have to offer – your ability to fit into a system that is broken."
"What system are we talking about?" Sally sat forward. "Our system of democracy is working fine. It's actually produced two candidates from key groups that have never come this close to winning the Presidency – women and African Americans."
"If we were choosing a mascot for a football team, figurehead representation would be an achievement," Fitz nodded. "But this is not a game. We are talking about a system of government that mocks the Preamble to our Constitution – 'We, the People, for the People, by the People'. People with different political ideologies, people with good intentions, people who don't have ties to big money have no voice or influence in this system. We need change. We need to strive for greater representation of 'we the people', and for that, we need representatives who are not merely cosmetic."
"I don't just look black, I am black, and I've been black my whole life." Edison turned to the audience. "But even I have a problem with what Fitzgerald Grant is proposing. America has a two-party system, that's what our democracy was built on. Voting for an Independent candidate will be a wasted ballot. It's Duverger's Law."
"Duverge's Law is junk science," Fitz returned. "You know why, because America is the only country to have the perfect two-party system in support of that theory. But even if that theory could be proven, the choice of representation should not be set in stone. Black men couldn't vote until the Fifteenth Amendment passed in 1870. Women couldn't vote until the 19th Amendment in 1920, and even then black women had to fight for their right to vote, especially in the South, until 1960. I don't know how many of you in the audience have seen the movie, Selma? Yeah, many of you have. The character Annie Cooper shows us what black women had to endure to exercise their right to vote. Those attitudes changed, or more accurately, were changed by people who wanted to be included in our democracy. But the democratic process does not end with our right to vote, the choice of who we can vote for is just as important."
"What you are advocating, Fitzgerald, is history repeating itself with the United States Presidential election of 1860 when Abraham Lincoln became President," Sally Langston sniffed. "The reason Lincoln won was because the Democratic Party campaigned separately as the Northern Democrats and the Southern Democrats. That split diluted the vote for one of the major parties, making the other candidate win."
"This almost makes me wish that Grant was running, Sally, that would make my position stronger," Edison smiled, there was polite laughter as Sally twitched what could have been a smile but Fitz didn't respond in kind.
"The Republican party was only six years old when Abraham Lincoln became President, Sally. Lincoln won the 1860 election as a third party candidate, against the Democrats and the Whig Party."
"A lot has changed in America since 1806." Edison interjected. "The same scenario cannot be repeated in the 21st century."
"Yes, the two parties have worked hard to reinforce the concept of a duopoly by setting the Federal Election Commission and electoral colleges." Fitz nodded, "But change doesn't happen by maintaining the status quo. As voters, we have a choice - we can keep voting for people who maintain the system we're not happy with. BTW, that's what Albert Einstein called insanity, doing the same thing again and again, expecting different results. Or we can choose a saner approach, and vote for change."
"To make the former First Lady President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces?" Edison smirked.
Sally pursed her lips primly. "I think a woman is capable of being as good if not better than a man in leading this nation, but I do agree with Edison. Suggesting that someone as inexperienced as Olivia could be head of state, is irresponsible even as a hypothetical proposition."
"I would not say my wife is a novice in matters of state. I know for a fact that both you and Edison have had the benefit of Olivia's professional expertise in relation to your political careers. She's dealt with dictators, the Mafia, hate groups and a kid holding my daughter hostage. Olivia fixes problems. Even when the person calling her for help, does not – in my opinion – deserve her help, my wife puts aside her personal feelings to help those who ask for it. That's a professional. A professional who is smart, dedicated, compassionate and above all, determined to fix things. Like I said before, Olivia would be great as President."
There was a small silence, then someone clapped, and a few more people joined but were quickly hushed by the people sitting around them.
"Edison Davis, you quoted Dr Martin Luther King." A voice spoke from the audience. And the camera and lights scrambled to find the speaker, finally settling on Professor Rowan Pope. "Dr King was our greatest Civil Rights Leader. He was murdered because the establishment didn't like his message of equality and progress. Now you have been invited to be part of that establishment. Who will you kill to maintain the status quo?"
Gasps could be heard in the audience. After a long pause, Edison responded, "Professor Pope, that's a loaded question, and defamatory. I don't have to kill anyone to maintain the status quo. Dr King advocated non-violence and I believe change is possible when we work together in peace. You and I both know that blacks in this country have been running a different race. We've been running an obstacle race with shackles on our feet, while the rest of the country has been doing the 100m sprint. I intend to make sure we are all running the same race. And.. and…" Edison hastened as Rowan started speaking. "You, Professor Pope, you are an educated man who has tenure in one of the best Ivy League colleges in this nation. You, more than anyone I know, have shown what a hardworking, black man can achieve if we are given opportunities to succeed. Those opportunities that you have benefited from should be made available to us all – black, white, brown, anyone and everyone who chooses to call America home."
Sally Langston glanced at Fitz who had a fixed grim stare on Edison, and said slowly, "Edison, it sounds like you want to repeal Affirmative Action? That in my opinion, is timely. The Supreme Court concluded that we live in a post-racial society when it struck down section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act as unconstitutional."
"I have to disagree you on that point," Edison replied. "When I spoke about a post-racial society I wasn't talking about systematic injustices which were addressed by legislation like the Voting Rights Act and Affirmative Action. When I spoke of a merit-based society, I meant we need to create opportunities so people of talent can succeed. The Supreme Court was wrong when it ruled on Shelby v Holder, that we live in a Post-Racial Society. That ruling ignored the reality that in 2012, at least 20 states across this nation tried to suppress voting rights of African Americans, the poor, elderly and people with disabilities. Fifteen states succeeded. We don't live in a post-racial society, but we are closer now, than we have ever been in our history, for minorities to achieve and succeed at making Dr King's dream a reality."
"And what is the price you will pay to succeed, Edison?" Rowan called out, causing whispers among the audience.
"I believe I have already answered your question, Professor Pope."
"Not to my satisfaction," came the quick retort. "In quoting Dr King, you have associated your candidacy for President as the achievement of Dr King's Dream. Do you feel you are a worthy model for Hope and Change? Or will you, in your ambition to succeed, sacrifice your principles to commit the worst crimes known to humanity?"
Before Edison could respond, Fitz got to his feet, lifting Darius up in his arms. The audience watched in silence as he approached the Taylors, handing over the little boy to his father, then watched as, after a few whispered words, the family left the East Room.
Once the doors had closed behind them, Fitz turned to Edison. "Now you can answer the question."
Edison stared steadily back at Fitz. "Like I told you father-in-law, I believe that we have come far as a nation to judge a man on what he does, not what he says. Honesty is an important function of government, as is morality. I believe if you have been dishonest in your relationships, if you have sinned in the eyes of God, then you cannot in good conscience lead this great country of ours to greatness."
A muscle bunched in Fitz's jaw, then he spat the words that had been stewing in his mouth. "Do you feel your conscience is clear on matters of morality?"
"I didn't cheat on my wife with another man's fiancée."
"Let me get this straight, you think infidelity is a greater sin in the eyes of God than attempted murder?"
This time the response wasn't so quick out of Edison's mouth. "… What are you getting at?"
Karen, standing next to Rowan, immediately jumped on her seat and shouted, "You can't be President, Mr Davis, because we know you tried to kill my Mom and Dad and my little baby sister!"
A/N: I have two more chapters to edit and a few more to write... back to the drafts