ALL IN: Race for the White House (19 page)

“False markets in energy will be against the law, period.”

Lexi asked, “Senator Canon, you’re saying there is a false demand for oil in this country, and that is driving up the price of oil and hurting our economy?”
 

“Yes, Alexa, my first day in office, I would sign an executive order prohibiting speculation in energy unless intended for sale to end users. Then I would work with Congress to make it the law of the land. Let’s be clear, there are very wealthy people in this country right now that are hoarding large quantities of oil in tanks waiting for a cold snap or shortage so the price will go up, and then they sell. That behavior hurts ordinary Americans. I am here to let Americans in on this activity.
 

“Speculators, even small time investors, many with nothing more than a home computer and a telephone, buy and sell fuel all day long hoping to make as little as a quarter cent a gallon on each trade.
 

“Right now, any number of people will buy because they can unload in seconds with the click of a mouse to other speculators for a profit, or if the price turns, to limit their losses. That’s patently unfair with products that play such an important role in manufacturing, transportation, heating, and other essential services Americans depend on.”

“Well, Senator, let me ask you this. What happens if this false market stops and a buyer has to take delivery?”

“Alexa, imagine a truck pulling up to
your
home and delivering a tanker load of fuel. That’s how the system was designed to work. Believe me, the false demand will evaporate overnight.

“If you’re holding oil and don’t plan to use it yourself, you’re going to be looking to unload well before the Executive order.”

After the debate, Tip, Bud, and I left the building under police escort. Even with cops all around us, getting into the car was slow. By the time I entered the car, without a jacket, I was freezing.
 

Tip called ahead to the driver and arranged with the police to help get us out of there. The crowd was amped up calling Canon… Canon… as we jumped into the car. The cops instructed the driver to pull up along the side street between Faneuil Hall and the parking garage.
 

As soon as I got in the car, I could feel the rush of warmth. I felt good that at least we had some steel separating us from the throngs of people. It was quickly becoming a mob scene as the road filled with onlookers. There were officers in the front and rear of the car. We were creeping along with the cops dispersing the crowd when a guy leaped onto the front hood. I thought I heard him say ‘
help us
,’ before the cops quickly pulled him off and he disappeared into the darkness.
 

Tip said, “We’re going to need a lot more guys.”

Bud was amped, “I had no idea people would react this strongly.”

“Bud, next time we don’t want to have anyone stirring the people up, we probably caused most of this.”

“Jack, I didn’t have anyone whipping up the crowd, the guy I had in mind, couldn’t make it so we concentrated on the posters and the flyers. I didn’t want to bother you with anything on your way into the debate. What we’re seeing is the natural reaction. There is a lot of frustration out there; forty-five million people are unemployed and the rich keep getting richer. People get it rubbed in their faces on television; they deserve better. The pressure’s been building for years. People are fed up and you’re their outlet.”
 

Sarah was calling in on the cell, “Jack, that was wonderful tonight, you did a great job up there. It felt incredible watching on television. The people really responded to you.”

“We’re on our way back to Washington to drop the guys off and then I’ll be flying home tonight. How is Mom doing?”

Sarah said, “There is news. Your mom spoke this afternoon, she was asking for you.”

“Thank God, what did she say?”

She asked where you were. We told her you were up in Boston and she would see you soon.”

“Well, that is what we’ve been praying for; God is good to us. I’m going to stop by the hospital after I land.”

“Are you sure, Jack? You must be exhausted.”

“I’m wide awake and I feel bad that I’ve been away from her. How’s Dad?”

“He’s doing well. Roger brought him to see your mom and they stayed at the hospital most of the day. Jack, speaking of Roger, he called during the debate and wanted me to tell you - he’s thankful for the way you handled the questions about him and the Real Estate mess in Florida; you made him very proud.”
 

During the debate, Brett asked about my brother, Roger, and his walking away from a major residential real estate project. He linked the mess to the closing of a bank by federal regulators. He mentioned the Colonel’s money being involved. I took the question as an obvious attempt to paint my father as one of the super-rich, my brother as irresponsible, and by association these foibles ran in the family.

My answer was plain concerning my father’s wealth. I handled that by saying simply, “I have a unique understanding of the very wealthy. My father would not want to give up anything, but if his income declined slightly, he and those like him would never miss it.”
 

“If one percent of the wealth were spread over the remaining population, the standard of living for ordinary Americans would improve,” I added, “99% of Americans are living on 50% of the National Income while the elite 1% enjoys the rest. For every percent we wrench out of their greedy grasp, your standard of living will improve by 5%. Why should the many suffer because the accident of birth leaves the rich feeling entitled? I know they are no better than you are, and no more deserving than you are. The unfairness has gone on too long.” The room erupted.

Brett tried to settle the crowd, raising his voice to no avail.
 

I spoke over them, “Regarding my brother and his investment in Florida, and to all the others who were taught that Real Estate was a safe investment: you have been hoodwinked by corruption in the financial markets, the likes of which polite society can scarcely imagine!

“The corruption runs so deep that Ordinary Americans didn’t have a chance to make these investments work. The underbelly of this corruption involves the banks and the lack of regulatory oversight. The government fell asleep at the switch and didn’t only allow it to happen; they encouraged it!

“Hear me, America, if you got caught up in this scandal, it is not your fault, you’re not to blame. Homes should never be valued for less than they cost to build. When I am elected, the corruption will be unraveled and those responsible will be brought to justice. Help is on the way! Americans hurting from the mortgage mess will be helped; I guarantee that to you tonight!”

I motioned with my hands for the crowd to settle, “The greedy banks were bailed out to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars: money they were supposed to loan to help Americans. Instead, they used the easy cash to bolster their balance sheets. Loans were extended to banks at zero percent while people hurting from the crippling drop in values had their feet held to the flames.
 

“The people didn’t get bailed out, the people weren’t helped. Instead, they were made to feel ashamed by inept politicians and greedy banks. The system failed you.
 

“I promise you the banks won’t like it! We Can… make this right! We must unwind this mess and provide the relief people need to get their homes and their country back on track.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

After dropping the guys off at Reagan around midnight, I sat back for the flight to Kentucky. I was feeling exhilarated as if electricity was flowing out the ends of my fingertips. I thought— this is what it must be like to leave the stage after a rock concert. Ushered through throngs of people calling out to you, pushing slowly toward a waiting limo, inching down a crowded street, disappearing into the myriad of one-way horse trails turned roadways that is Boston.
 

I saw that Lexi had left a text on my phone, ‘G
reat job tonight, call me if you can
.’ I pressed her number and waited for the phone, three rings, “Hi, Jack, how are you?”
 

“I’m good, I wouldn’t have called so late, but I just got your text.”

“Oh, Jack, I’m so happy for you, that was amazing tonight. It felt more like a football game than a debate.”

“I’m glad you were there to throw some good questions my way.”

“Jack, you sold me that night in Kentucky, but did you see the crowd outside? They’re with you. I had my cinematographer shoot the street scenes after you left. We’re going to use them for a lead story on the evening news.”

“Lexi, you’re what’s right about the media, but that Brett guy is a piece of work.”

“Yeah, he’s made his whole career by tearing at people, he wrote a book about himself and how he clawed his way to the top. That’s his public persona, though. Off camera, he’s the opposite.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, he’s nice to me and he treats the crew well. I went to a birthday for one of his kids and he’s a good dad.”

“So he’s a prick on camera?”

“Pretty much. He’s got good ratings for it; it’s working for him. Brett appeals to the part in people that loves to find fault; seeing others torn down makes them feel better.”

“That’s sad, Lexi. He’s an ass!”

“Don’t worry about him. He told me privately he thought you had the best strategy. I believe it too, Jack. You have that defining issue that will lead like a shield until the New Hampshire Primary. You’ve opened people’s eyes to the inequities in this country and the world. You’ve given them hope that we can turn America around and make their lives better. I think you’re going to win the whole thing and be president and I’m really excited.”

“Well, no matter what happens, I’m glad I got to be your friend and I’m grateful for your questions, you helped me to frame my thoughts during the debate.”
 

“I loved that you said you’d call on school kids to plant gardens and learn about new energy sources. Change the way people think - get everyone involved in some small way - because we are all in this together. Jack, do you ever worry about retaliation from the rich? You’re calling out some pretty powerful people and it’s striking a nerve with the public. I was worried we’d have a riot on our hands before the end of the night.”

“You don’t have to worry about that in Boston; the cops will do whatever they have to keep the peace. The people know that up there. The big players will scheme to take over the energy markets with the help of the U.S. Government to do all the legwork. The result will be: America will no longer bow to the King of Saudi Arabia. Lexi, there hasn’t been an investment this exciting ever, and we’re going to make it a no-lose proposition by subsidizing it. The one percent is used to having the playing field stacked in their favor and this doesn’t feel any different.”

“I loved what you said about using surgical strikes instead of boots on the ground to accomplish military objectives.”

“Lexi, now you’re baiting me. Listen, I’ve had a thought.”

“What, Jack?”

“Why don’t you set up an interview in South Carolina? I’m going to add two more ideas to the platform, and what better way to bring them to a national audience than through you, my favorite reporter?”

“Any hints?”

“Set it up; you won’t be disappointed. It has to do with jobs and taxes, but keep a lid on it until after Tuesday.”

“Okay, Jack, I’ll get it ready.”

“Lexi, there is one thing that I’m going to tell you that I heard about the Saudis, this is definitely under the radar so you’ll have to dig around.”

“You’ve got my attention. What is it?”

“A little birdie told me that the King is looking to buy F-16’s.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone, “Did you hear me?”

“Jack, how did you find…”

Cutting her off, “You know I can’t tell you that, but you have to wonder with so many friends over there what they might need with 30 billion in warplanes.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

I arrived at Mom’s hospital room about two in the morning. The hall was quiet except for a nurse sitting at the desk, none of the usual activity happening. I walked into the room and saw Mom sleeping, with a nurse sitting in a nearby chair. The nurse looked my way, “I’m her son.” I whispered.

“I know you, you’re the senator everyone’s talking about. I’m Karen,” she spoke in a hushed tone.

“How’s my mom?”

“She was awake earlier when I started at 7 p.m. Your family was here; I met your wife Sarah and your daughters.”

“Has she been eating?”

“No, that’s her dinner right there,” nurse Karen motioned toward the rolling tray that passes for a table. We have her on IV Fluids; she was pretty dehydrated when she came in.”

“We’ve got to get her to eat; that’s the only way she will regain her strength,” I said, “otherwise she will waste away in here.”

“It’s really up to her at this point. If the doctor puts her on a feeding tube it will only be a matter of time before her organs shut down,” she said.
 

I told Karen, “I’ve seen how they keep people in bed at the VA Hospitals until their legs get so weak they can’t walk; it only takes about two weeks at this age. I don’t want that to happen to Mom. What is the doctor doing to try to get her up? Is she getting any therapy for her legs to keep them moving?”

“You’ll have to speak with the doctor in the morning, Senator. I’m sorry, I don’t know quite what to say.”

“Oh please, call me Jack,” I moved over and gave Karen a one-arm hug around the shoulders. “I know you’re kind, and I appreciate you being here with my mom.”

“I’ve been watching you on the news and I gotta tell you, I agree with everything you’re saying,” she said, whispering, “My husband, Joe, has been out of work for over a year.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. What is his field?”

“He had his own construction company; we were doing well. I kept my hand in nursing a couple of nights a week so I could have my days off to raise my girls. I’ve gone back to work full time to try to make ends meet. My husband had trucks, equipment, and men working for him. His company built about 5 or 6 custom homes per year, but that’s all gone now.”