Race of a Life
Chapter Three
“Speech to AARP chapter at 8 a.m., campaign around town from about 10-11:45, then to the American Legion Post at 12:30 for lunch--hamburgers and hot dogs. Smile, you’ll like that--then your wife will meet you for a joint appearance at the YWCA at 2. Don’t forget, women are important, too. Then, at 3:30...” Harriet Jamis, Paul’s campaign manager and chief strategist, read off the list of the day’s events. Harriet was on of the Washington people. She was a top congressional lobbyist for a bustling pro-life group and knew more about the workings of Washington than most. And, on this day, it seemed she knew Birmingham like the back of her hand, as well. Thanks to some quick fundraising, she was able to get some polling data on the pulse of Alabama and was ready to get the state on board for Paul Francis Rumble--but they would have some work ahead of them, but at least they would have the south fairly solidly. It was the Northeast and Midwest that she was most worried about. They’d hit the Iowa Straw Poll in two months and see from there. Harriet’s mind was abuzz with activity as she read the day’s agenda to her candidate.
Paul interrupted with a smile, “Ok, ok. I am not listening anymore. You can tell me the rest of my schedule at the YWCA event.” Paul took a deep breath and readied himself for the busy day. No one said campaigning would be easy. And, Paul wanted to make sure Leo kept an eye on the news today. He fully expected John Jones to announce his candidacy to oppose Paul for the Republican party presidential nominee. He would be a tough opponent. “Harriet, please call Leo and make sure he gets in touch with us with any news.”
“Will do, chief,” the able-bodied, and highly-motivated manager replied.
Paul was sure, however, that he could overcome the challenge. That was the eternal optimism that he had witnessed Ronald Reagan use to sweep the nation off its feet. He hoped he could do the same. They would certainly see.
“Let’s go, Paul,” Harriet woke Paul out of his daydream. No more relaxing today--only pure concentration. Speeches, hand shaking, smiling and pure politicking would fill his day today. Veterans, women and the elderly would be his audience. His message--increased military spending, women’s rights, and Medicare. But most of all, his speeches would be filled with a rhetoric steeped in optimism. That would be the focus message of his campaign. Aside from the issues--the gun control, Medicare, welfare, abortion, the death penalty--the most important thing to him was that America make the shift from what he saw as the eternal negativity of the liberals on the other side to the positivism of Paul Rumble and the Republican party. The patriotism, the accountability, the caring, the compassion. All of the things that Reagan embodied, but with a modern twist. This was the candidate Paul Rumble--and he had to convince the American people they were ready for that. But, it wouldn’t be easy.
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“...You represent the greatest components of the greatest generation of Americans, and we need to take care of you. But, not just ‘we’ as a government, but ‘we’ as a society. Instead of passing the buck from our own pocketbooks and our own minds to those of the government, it is time for those of us who are still able to work hard to support not only ourselves, but those who supported us growing up. For we would not be where we are today without the help and support of you--our mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, friends and foes. You shaped us, molded us, and continue to do so as you age with grace. But, nevertheless, there are still needs that need to be met. And, my friends, I promise to help those needs be met. I pledge to you this day that what you have from the government will not be taken away from you. But, on top of that, I pledge to work my hardest to inspire and incite the younger generations of America to rise up in support of their elders. We will take responsibility. We will take responsibility for ourselves. We will take responsibility for our children, and teach those children to be responsible for themselves. And we will help you keep your own accountability and responsibility. You should be able to make your own decisions about health care. You are certainly more than capable of making your own decisions about medicines. You are able and you have that right--and I will be responsible for making sure you keep that right. Do not lose hope my friends. Help is on the way!”
The appreciative crowd saw the sparkle in his eye and the sweat on his brow, and was wowed by Paul’s sincerity. He didn’t sound like just any other politician. He really wants to help.
Paul smiled and gave the crowd a “thumbs up” as the applause continued. “I would invite you to stay around and ask any questions you have for me. I would be happy to explain to you, in detail, my policies and my beliefs. And, I am counting on you to go spread the word. Share the hope--keep the optimism. May God bless you, and my God bless America!”
As much as he liked saying that phrase, Paul had a feeling he would get tired of it by the end of the week--let alone the campaign. Even worse, though, he worried that it would seem affected soon--not genuine. He’d have to work on that. Make a mental note. He stayed around and had pancakes and orange juice with the retired persons, and talked Medicare until his face turned blue. The attendees seemed to lean Democrat, and they hammered him with questions. But still, there was a sense of mutual respect between the two parties. Respect, and admiration. Despite the opposition he faced, it was of utmost importance, especially with the aged, that he keep his optimism--keep his message of hope and a new sense of accountability in America. Gone are the days, he believed, when Americans should count on a handout from the government. It would be difficult to hammer that concept home, but if anyone could do it, perhaps it was Paul Rumble. Through his example of hard work and dedication, he hoped the feeling would spread like wildfire.
+ + + +
After two hours of hand-shaking, street-walking, grass-roots campaigning, Paul was ready to sit down for a while. He’d had two ice cream cones, two cokes and a huge glass of water during the course of the quasi-event. It was time to talk to the veterans. Finally, a traditionally supportive group. Hopefully they would be an easy sell. He was told it was about a fifteen minute car-ride to the American Legion post, and would he ever enjoy those fifteen minutes. And then, after that, he would get to reunite with his wife.
Rose had several engagements all over the city. First she visited a Home Economics class at a local high school, and taught a lesson on how to bake cookies. Then, she gave a brief policy speech to the faculty, students and parents about the basics of her husband’s plan for improving public education in America. After that, she headed out for a little meeting and greeting of her own--on the opposite end of the city. Paul was thankful that his wife was willing to give so much of herself to help him win, but he worried about her constantly. Through their mobile phones, they kept in contact after every event--each checking in to reassure and reinvigorate the other.
+ + + +
The American Legion speech went well for Paul. He spoke on the work that needed to be done in order to really bring the military back to it’s greatest level. He firmly believed in the power, strength, and importance of the United States military, and his genuine nature came across to the sympathetic veterans. The hot dogs and hamburgers were excellent, and he was able to be the “ceremonial grill lighter”
for the occasion. Of course, Paul was flattered. Ah, the perks and thrills of being a presidential candidate and trying to build grassroots support.
The YMCA event was somewhat different, however. When they pulled up into the parking lot, they were met with a group of upset women protesting Paul’s visit. They held signs advocating pro-choice and extreme women’s rights positions. Of course, in their eyes, Paul was a male chauvinist who didn’t care about women, and Rose was just as bad as he for submitting to him.
Of course, Paul and Rose saw the issue quite differently. They knew their views would sometimes make the campaign trail rough and possibly even dangerous for them. But, in their eyes, it was worth it--it was a matter of faith. A child’s life was at stake in the hot-topic abortion issue. And, despite public opinion polls, Paul was going to defend the child’s life unequivocally. Politically, many analysts said that the abortion issue would sink him, but Paul felt deeply in his heart that America could handle his views and would support him.
Despite the protesters, however, the YWCA speech went well. Much of the time was taken by his wife who gave a stunning endorsement of her husband. Paul knew that Rose would be a great asset to him on the campaign trail. She had a way to connect to people in the ways that sometimes Paul could not. She was dynamite when talking to women, which the Rumble campaign did again after leaving the YWCA, speaking to women at the dinner of The Ladies Circle--a group of women leaders from around the city. Rose wowed them, and Paul helped some, too. She was really able to connect with the women listening to her, and it really helped Paul in the campaign.
Aside from everything else, Rose made Paul smile. And that was the most important thing.
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