by Mark Spivak
“I understand completely how you feel. That’s why we should have this conversation again in a couple of weeks.”
“We can have it again anytime you want, but my mind is made up. I want to go back home. I want to spend some time with my grandchildren. I want to work on my golf game, when the weather permits.”
Atalas grinned. “It won’t help.”
“Probably not. But I want you to know I’m serious.”
“I know you’re serious, because you’re calling me Khaleem.” The President stretched his legs. “And I appreciate what you’re telling me. But please do me a favor and wait until you get out of here to finalize your decision.”
“This is between you, me and my wife. And we’ll talk again when I get out, and you can make the announcement when you feel comfortable. But you’ve got some tough days ahead, and you should have someone around who who’s younger and in fighting trim.”
“If you’re talking about the detainees, I’m not worried. I can handle that situation.”
“It’s not just the detainees, although public opinion is turning on that issue, as you know. The midterms are coming up next year. The way it looks now, Democrats will get slaughtered. We’ll end up with even bigger Republican majorities in both houses.”
“I’m not convinced it’ll go that way.”
“The polling says it will. My guess is that you’re not being overwhelmed by requests to campaign for the incumbents, are you?”
“Well,” said the President, “no one’s asking me to stump in Texas or southern California, no.”
“Whether you do or not, you’ll take the blame if it turns into a bloodbath.”
“You know,” mused Atalas, “you were my first pick. No one else even came close. Remember when it leaked to the press that I had asked you if you wanted to be on the ticket, or if you’d rather be Secretary of State if I won? Bethany Hampton went batshit.”
“I’m glad I did it.”
“You’ve done a hell of a job, and I think you still have some fighting days left.”
“Thank you, Khaleem.” Bassen smiled weakly. “But my time is over.”
“Good morning, and welcome to Meet the Press. I’m Chuck Todd. My guest this morning is Representative Jeffrey Barrett, Republican of Texas. Congressman Barrett is chairman of the American Values Caucus, a group of 53 Congressmen devoted to advancing conservative causes. He is also the sponsor of House Resolution 42, known as the Repatriation Act—or more popularly, as the Deportation Act. Congressman, welcome to Meet the Press.”
“Thank you, Chuck. Good to be here.”
“Why don’t you begin by sketching out the intent of this legislation and give us some idea of how it originated.”
“It’s pretty simple stuff, Chuck. On one hand, we’ve got 100,000 illegal immigrants warehoused on the Mexican border. On the other, we’ve got a President who refuses to do anything about it. So a bunch of us were sitting around one day, reading the U.S. Constitution, and we realized we needed to act on this. Somebody’s got to be the responsible adults here, and we think it’s us.”
“As I’m sure you know, President Atalas feels that the detainees are entitled to due process before they’re deported. He believes there may be a number of legitimate asylum seekers in the group, people who would be in danger if they were returned to Mexico, and he wants to make sure those people are protected.”
“We have a term for that where I come from, Chuck, but I can’t say it on the air. As I see it, most of these folks didn’t come here seeking asylum. Here’s my thought process on that: they snuck across the border illegally, and they didn’t head for the nearest immigration office to apply for asylum. If they hadn’t been caught, they would have faded into the woodwork like the other 12 million illegals.”
“Isn’t it true that they were apprehended before they had a chance to do that?”
“Probably so, but here’s what’s also true: they are criminals who are in violation of the laws of the United States. And the 14th Amendment doesn’t guarantee the right of due process to anyone other than an American citizen.”
“I believe the 5th amendment is considerably more vague on that point.”
“Maybe so. But I can tell you that I’ve been to those camps, Chuck, and the conditions are horrendous. You’re talking about facilities that were built to house 8,000 or 10,000 people, and they’re holding nearly 35,000 apiece. I wouldn’t want to see my dog in a place like that. Now, I’m not familiar with the environment these folks came from, but I doubt that it was much worse than where they ended up.”
“So you would have us believe that there’s a humanitarian component to this on your end?”
“I wouldn’t tell you what to believe. But this administration, don’t forget, is supposed to be all about the rights of the downtrodden and the disenfranchised.”
“You don’t like the President much, do you?”
“Actually, Chuck, I have nothing against him on a personal level. Tell you the truth, I find him very charming. But we’re not talking about personalities here. He was elected to enforce the Constitution, and quite honestly, he’s failed to do that. He was elected to lead, and a lot of us can’t see where he’s even begun that task. Under those circumstances, someone has to take up the slack.”
“Tell us a little bit about the American Values Caucus, for the benefit of those viewers who aren’t familiar with it.”
“Our group was formed with an eye toward having a true conservative voice in the House of Representatives. For many of us, you know, the Republican Party is the home team, and it’s the only team we’ve got. But the way we see it, the recent Republican standard-bearers for President haven’t been true conservatives. They’ve been more like Democrat Lite. So what we do is provide a voice for the causes we believe in: fiscal responsibility, personal responsibility, limited government, sanctity of life, and the rights of states to govern themselves. Because if we don’t do it, it looks to us like nobody else will.”
“How many Congressmen caucus with you?”
“There are 53 of us at the present time.”
“Some commentators have noted that a majority of your caucus voted against the Restoration of Democracy Act, the bill that overturned the provisions of the Supreme Court decision in Democracy Unchained. Do you think their votes were influenced by large campaign contributions they might have received?”
“We urge everyone to vote their conscience, Chuck. But if we’re gonna be honest, I think we have to admit that there were excesses on both sides following that decision.”
“Congressman Barrett, where do we go from here? Your bill demanded immediate action by the executive branch, and it also excluded any legal delays. And, of course, you’re aware that President Atalas has directed the Solicitor General to file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court challenging the legality of your bill. Are we heading for a confrontation, sir?”
“We see no problem with the President having his day in court, provided it doesn’t drag on for months while the number of detainees increases, and while their living conditions continue to deteriorate. So if we can get a quick resolution to this from the judiciary, all well and good. But I do need to remind you that until we hear otherwise, the Repatriation Act is black-letter law.”
“The reason I asked you that question, Congressman Barrett, is that there have been rumors swirling around this city for the past week or two about impeachment. Would you care to address that?”
“As I said at the beginning, Chuck, this is a pretty simple situation. This piece of legislation passed both the House and the Senate. It’s now the law of the land, and we expect the President to enforce that law. I believe I also said that he’s entitled to his day in court, and he is—provided that he’s not just stalling us. I happen to think the judicial branch will see this our way. But we’re not going to sit around and watch another 100,000 immigran
ts get stacked up on the border.”
“So what’s the answer to my question? Are some of your fellow members talking impeachment?”
“As a last resort, yes, we’re prepared to go that route. If Khaleem Atalas won’t enforce the laws of this country, there will be serious consequences.”
Chapter 36
Jorge Mendoza walked into the Starbucks in Lorton, Virginia, and glanced around the room. He walked over to the corner table, where a slim man in a dark blue suit fiddled with his cell phone.
“Is this seat taken?”
“I was saving it for César Chávez.” Kevin Lapham looked up at him. “But you’re welcome to keep it warm until he gets here.”
“A fucking comedian,” said Mendoza, pulling up a chair across from him. “Who would have thought?”
“How’d you know it was me?”
“I saw the limo parked outside, so I figured you were here. And I recognized you from a picture I saw in some Neo-Nazi magazine.”
“Okay, we’re even. Thanks for coming.”
“No problem. I always drive twenty miles out to the boondocks to get myself a cappuccino. The journey clears my head.”
“I figured that neither of us needed to be seen in public with each other. My instinct was it wouldn’t play well with our respective constituencies.”
“I suspect you’re right. So tell me, Mr. Lapham, what have I done to deserve this audience? Have the Haft brothers decided to donate a billion dollars to Criollos Unidos?”
“We have some areas of mutual interest. I think we might be able to come to an accommodation.”
“I’m listening.”
“You’ve been quite outspoken recently in your criticism of Khaleem Atalas.”
“I think he’s a great man. If he wasn’t holding a hundred thousand of my people in concentration camps along the Mexican border, I’d nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.”
“As you can imagine, my employers share your disgust for the President. Although their specific reasons are different, of course.”
“To be honest, he double-crossed us. And I do not like to be double-crossed.”
“I think you’re a man of principle, even though I may not agree with many of your convictions. And as I said, we’re not fans of Atalas either. The only difference is that we haven’t been surprised at the way things turned out.”
“Before we join hands and start singing kumbaya, why don’t you tell me why you dragged me down here?”
“I could have sworn you came of your own free will.”
“I have to admit, I was curious.”
“As I said, we find ourselves on the same side of this problem, but for different reasons. I was thinking there might be some way we could work together.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“You are a respected national figure within your community—a community that carries considerable political weight, as you’re fond of pointing out. Listening to you lately, I have the distinct impression that you would like to see Atalas out of the picture.”
“I wouldn’t be heartbroken at this point, no.”
“Neither would we, obviously. So let’s speculate a bit here. You know there are some elements in the House, particularly within the American Values Caucus, who are lobbying behind the scenes for impeachment.”
“I’ve heard the rumors.”
“Imagine what the repercussions might be if a prominent figure such as yourself aligned with them. It would have enormous impact. It would go way beyond a former ally and supporter calling for the President’s removal—many people would see it as the canary dying in the coal mine.”
“Hmm.” Mendoza chuckled. “This is rich.”
“What’s so funny?”
“The concept of someone like me working with the American Values Caucus to oust the President. I agree that it would have a large impact, but you have to admit the thought is amusing.”
“Perhaps, but unlikely coalitions happen all the time in politics.”
“You know, I’m not sure if we’d be better off with Curt Bassen. He’s more likeable on a personal level, but all these politicians are weasels.”
“Don’t worry about Bassen. If you read the newspapers, you’re aware he isn’t doing well.”
“I know the man. The only way he leaves the White House is in a box.”
“I’m not so sure that I agree with you. But even if he does take over, which I doubt, he would be free to be his own man. Whoever moves into the big chair is likely to feel empowered—although, if you remember the 22nd amendment, he wouldn’t be eligible to run more than once, since he’d take over with more than two years left in the term.”
“You guys think of all the angles, don’t you?”
“Yes.” Lapham stirred his coffee. “That’s what we do.”
“So tell me, Mr. Lapham: what’s in it for us? Campaigns like these aren’t cheap. It would involve a great deal of outreach, many pieces of direct mail, lots of polling.”
“We’d be pleased to make a donation. Not a billion dollars, certainly, but I’m sure we could work out a reasonable figure. It goes without saying that any amount we might give would be anonymous.”
“And beyond that, what’s in it for me?”
“We’d also be willing to make a contribution to your future financial security.”
“There’d be hell to pay if this got out.”
“In your case, we’re talking about depositing the funds in an offshore account that would be untraceable. We’ve done this before, and we’re not amateurs.”
“Well, well. Perhaps it was worth driving out to the boondocks after all.”
“Give it some thought, Mr. Mendoza.” He scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it over. “Give me a call when you’re ready to discuss the parameters of the situation. This is my secure line.”
“You’ve given me a great deal to think about.” He rose and extended his hand. “Maybe we can work together after all. Stranger things have happened.”
“True,” said Lapham. “Remember, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Vice President Bassen Released From Hospital
Will Work Part-Time Until Fully Recovered
By Kenneth Jablonski, National Editor
October 13: Special to The Washington Post
Vice President Curtis Bassen was released from Walter Reed Army Medical Center yesterday, after a ten-day stay caused by what doctors described as a mild heart attack.
“I’m feeling terrific,” said a smiling Bassen as he was wheeled to his limousine by a team of nurses. “Ready to get back to work, but I might take some time to run a marathon first.”
Bassen was admitted to Walter Reed on October 2 after complaining of chest pains. He was kept in intensive care for several days while doctors performed an exhaustive battery of tests. They eventually determined that the Vice President had suffered a mild heart attack.
Bassen, 69, has had heart problems for most of his adult life. His cardiac issues first surfaced nearly 25 years ago when he was in the Senate. However, his condition was brought under control by diet and medication, and he has had no recurring difficulties until recently.
Some observers have speculated that Bassen’s condition was brought on by the stress of recent events. Shortly after Labor Day, his oldest son was attacked by a gunman as he left the Federal Courthouse in Dayton, where he works as a prosecutor. Curtis Jr. received a gunshot wound to the leg and recovered easily, but insiders say the attack took its toll on the Vice President.
“The Vice President suffered a minor cardiac event,” said Dr. David Connelly, Bassen’s personal physician. “However, we took it very seriously, as we would with all heart problems. His overall health is excellent, and we have no doubt he will make a rapid and complete recovery, although he’s been advised to ma
intain a light work schedule for the next month or so.”
Keeping the Vice President to that light schedule may turn out to be a task in itself. He is known to be a tireless worker who regularly puts in 70 to 80 hours in a typical week, according to aides. Members of his senior staff, some of whom are half his age, reportedly have difficulty keeping up with him.
Later in the day the Vice President made a visit to the White House, an appearance that was largely symbolic and ceremonial. He was greeted on the portico by President Khaleem Atalas, and the two men conferred privately for close to an hour.
“I’m delighted to see the Vice President up and about,” said Atalas later, as the two men posed for a photo session. “I’m also pleased to welcome him back to work. I told him to take some time to relax with his family on a brief vacation, and I expect that he’ll be returning to his old self very shortly.”
From a political perspective, the Vice President’s health issues come at a difficult time for the administration. President Atalas has been plagued by controversy for the past six months over the refugee crisis on the Mexican border. In the wake of the Repatriation Act recently passed by Congress, the President has filed suit in federal court to nullify the legislation. Many pollsters are reporting a sharp drop in the President’s approval numbers, and it is generally believed that the Democrats will incur even further losses in next year’s midterm elections if the immigrant crisis is not resolved quickly.
Chapter 37
D.C. District Court Rules Against
Atalas On Repatriation Act
President Vows Swift Appeal
By Kenneth Jablonski, National Editor
October 20: Special to The Washington Post
In an apparent effort to curb the powers of the executive branch, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has ruled against the Atalas administration in the matter of the Repatriation Act.
