Secession: The Storm (30 page)

But Mrs. Clifton still wasn’t convinced, her frown a prophecy of the words that followed. “You want me to announce my support for the secession of Texas? You want me to break our union? Are you insane?”

Aaron nodded, “Before you call for the straight jacket, just hear me out. We already know that the petitions have already started circulating, just in case you win – just a bunch of sore losers calling for Texas to secede. The exact same thing happened after the last presidential election.” The campaign manager was grandstanding, yet timed his presentation well enough to resonate with the duo of political heavyweights. “You know what I am talking about. Eight years ago, it went so far that the governor publically announced that he would support such an initiative.”

He paused after every statement, watching his audience carefully to ensure they were still with him before revealing the nuances of his idea. “Now, I’m not saying we should actually grant Texas its independence; I doubt very seriously that it would ever come to that. But if you declare your willingness to consider the idea, and communicate such a concept in the right way, you’ll pull in a considerable number of votes from the center.”

When Heidi shifted her weight, Aaron realized that she had reached a saturation point of discomfort with his plan. The savvy staffer anticipated her upcoming objection and answered it in advance.

“Stay with me here; I know this idea is a little radical. But historically this is a low risk plan; these things never pan out in favor of secession. Remember what happened when Britain gave support for Scotland to explore the idea of establishing it’s sovereignty? The Scots ran the numbers, looked at all the impediments to independence, huffed and puffed and threatened to pull away from Britain, and in the end voted against secession. I believe this announcement would win the election in the short run and put this Texas independence idea to bed once and for all.”

“And how would I go about flirting with the break-up of the United States of America?”

Aaron produced another report, the multi-page document containing an analysis of dozens of polls, surveys, voter responses. Pausing his sales pitch for a moment, Aaron gave the Cliftons time to scan a few pages. When he began again, his voice was almost a whisper. “The word ‘United’ in our country’s official name has been a misnomer for over two decades. Our federal government has been ineffective for even longer. Our system is broken. In my opinion, as well as the scholars who compiled that report, our country requires drastic measures in order to correct our course. Yet, no one seriously believes we can pull it off in the current political environment. There has to be a bridge between the right and left…. We have to stop fighting each other. I believe the strategy I’ve outlined could be the catalyst to make that happen.”

Heidi had to admit, the report Aaron had provided was shocking. Looking down at a page, she read, “Over 56% of liberal voters believe conservatives are more dangerous to our country than international terrorist organizations. Wow.”

“So let’s turn the tables. This time we scare them,” Aaron continued. “We let this idea of secession run its course. In the meantime, you look like a hero, a president who is willing to work with the right. You’re progressive, open to new ideas, serving in the best interest of all the people, not just the folks who voted for you. My hope is that the threat of splitting our country will draw the extreme elements in both parties a little close to the center.  

Mr. Clifton looked up from his reading and said, “Okay, say Heidi goes along with this – what is the end game?”

“If she wins the election, we can pursue her promise until both sides realize how unrealistic the concept would be to implement. The extreme factions on the left, those who say, ‘Let Texas go and good riddance,’ will see the light – the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. On the other hand, those calling for an independent, conservative paradise will grow to understand they can’t survive as a separate republic. With any luck, both sides will come to the conclusion that working together is by far the better resolution.”

“And if they don’t?” Heidi asked.

“Look at what happened in Canada back in 1995 when Quebec wanted to split off,” Aaron continued. “And of course, Scotland went through the same exercise just a few years ago. In both of those cases, going to the brink resulted in concessions from both sides. There’s no way Texas would ultimately vote to secede.”

“But,” responded Heidi, “central Europe did split into several smaller countries. Slovakia from Czechoslovakia, for example, occurred while I was at the Department of State. It can happen.”

“In the unlikely event that happens, then let Texas go. Without Texas, the Democrats will enjoy control of both the House and Senate. You can pursue your agenda and help our nation thrive while our new neighbor to the south struggles. If they secede, I predict that by the beginning of your second term they’ll want to rejoin the union with a mouth full of humble pie. Hopefully, everyone will have learned a valuable lesson, and we can close the divide that separates our people.”

“It will never get to that point,” the former president stated. “The right will take the argument to the edge… they may even stare into that abyss… but it will never happen.”

Heidi looked at her husband, “So you’re in agreement with this move? You think I should go on national television and state my support for this insane idea?”

Mr. Clifton nodded, a sly smile on his lips. “What do we have to lose? No offense, my dear, but you’re too old to run again in four years. Admit it – this campaign has damned near killed you. Besides, as it stands right now, you are
not
going to win. I think it’s radical, in-your-face politics, and maybe that’s just what the country needs right now. I’ve not heard any better ideas.”

Heidi evaluated her husband’s words, saddened by the realization that as things stood, all of the money, effort, time, and energy she’d invested was about to be for naught. Her mind flashed images of the volunteers, those idealistic, young faces who had pledged their hearts and souls to see her in the Oval Office.

But what bothered her the most was the frightening image of a Republican president who controlled the House and Senate. She believed the people would suffer terribly under such rule, and that troubled her greatly.

“Let’s do it,” she calmly announced. “Somebody write me a speech.”

Aaron reached inside his briefcase, producing a laptop. “I took the liberty of creating a draft, ma’am. It’s on this machine. I’ll be happy to work with you on any changes you see fit.”

It had been easy to draw the national media. With the virtual feast of fast-moving news events of the last few days, the insatiable appetite of the 24x7-news cycle was still ready, willing, and able to gorge even further.

When Aaron had used the phrase, “The most important event in American history since Roosevelt’s request for a declaration of war against the Japanese after Pearl Harbor,” many in the press had rolled their eyes. Heidi Clifton wouldn’t be the first campaigner to oversell an announcement, especially given that her lead had evaporated in less than 48 hours.

The soiree was scheduled at the National Press Club, programmed for prime time television and the source of continuous speculation and rumor.

The fact that Heidi was holding such an event on the eve of a national presidential election sparked even more intrigue. Normally, presidential candidates spent the last few days visiting contested hotspots and trying to woo those last few undecided voters.

With a rousing introduction by the chairperson of the Democratic Party, Heidi took the stage in a conservative blue pantsuit, white silk blouse and the all-important American flag pinned to her lapel. Her arm-sling was adorned with numerous small elephants, a detail that sparked laughter from the applauding crowd as she waved and smiled.

Ascending to the podium, her demeanor could only be described as optimistic, her eyes genuine. 

“My fellow Americans,” she began, “Over the last few days, we have seen an unprecedented series of events unfold. I, like many of you, have cried, prayed, cursed, and pondered the seemingly endless stream of headlines that has subjugated our lives as of late.”

Making sure she stared directly into the cameras, Heidi continued. “But most of all, my mind has been focused on the reasons why these events have occurred. I’ve spent many hours talking to experts, interacting with the people, and most importantly, searching my soul for the root source of these troubles.”

“But the ‘why’ isn’t enough anymore. I’ve been seeking a solution... a fix… a course to steer our great nation on a path of justice, prosperity, and liberty for all.”

Heidi took a deep breath, a pause to emphasize the importance of her next sentence. “And I’m pleased to announce to the nation tonight, that my staff and I have crafted what we believe is a revolutionary track that will resolve our political gridlock. I stand before you this evening, full of resolve and confidence, to communicate that I believe the crippling political divisions hamstringing your elected officials can be bridged.”

Scanning the audience, Heidi noted a mixture of boredom and frustration through the ranks of the press corps.
I’ll fix that
, she thought.

“I don’t hate conservatives,” she began. “I don’t despise, belittle, or ignore their point of view. They are as important to America and any political persuasion or philosophy. And yet, our people have become so divided, so encamped in silos of heartfelt beliefs that our government no longer functions.”

A lackluster round of applause rose from the crowd, Heidi deftly waiting for the support to fade.

“Each side of the aisle has become expert at sabotaging the other. Our two-party system has become a two-
warring
-party system.”

Again, a bit more enthusiastic response arose from the hundreds of seated attendees.

“I have a message for the progressive citizens listening tonight – your conservative friends and neighbors aren’t going to go away. You’re not going to change their minds. Those of us on the left have long pushed for tolerance, an understanding that not everyone looks like we do, speaks the same dialect, or worships the same God. Yet, for all of our humanity, we will bare our teeth and attack the right without mercy – just because they think differently than we do. This, my fellow progressives, is hypercritical and destructive.

“And I have the same message for those who think more conservatively. Liberals aren’t going away either. We have our beliefs and ideals. You aren’t going to beat us down or convince us by argument or debate. We don’t need your salvation.”

A chorus of clapping filled the hall, a few members of the press beginning to show more interest.

“So how do we fix this?” Heidi asked the audience. “How do we address the social divide that grips our country, a chasm so deep and wide that it renders our great democracy ineffective?”

Pausing as if she expected an answer, Mrs. Clifton scanned the room with a twinkle in her eye. “My proposal is simple, historically successful, and should satisfy the most ardent on both sides of the political spectrum.”

“Throughout the development of mankind, when there was a political, religious or ethnic division of the population, the people separated, the predominant groupings establishing their own homeland, kingdom, or country. Even the United Nations, as late as 1948, saw fit to establish a sanctuary for those of the Jewish faith – Israel.”