Black President Season 2 Collection

by Brenda Hampton

  “The President and I have been working on these issues for a long time with Congress,” she said while standing at the head of the table. “We’ve had plenty of disagreements, but I always knew we could find common ground and get this pushed through. It wasn’t easy, but yet again we did it!”

  She shook her fist in the air and caused every person in the room to cheer with her. I definitely didn’t want to spoil the moment or steal her shine, but I stood there thinking about how much she had rejected all of my proposals. The fight was worth it, and as long as we got to the finish line, I was good.

  “Today is our day,” she continued. “After the Senate votes and the president signs the bill into law, we’re going to party like rock stars!” Everyone cheered again. “So, thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for your hard work and for staying so committed to this, even though I know there were times when you wanted to give up.”

  I nodded and clapped my hands. But just as I got ready to speak, Andrew came into the room and signaled that he needed to speak to me.

  “Just for a few minutes,” he said. “In the Oval Office, if you don’t mind.”

  He and I went to the Oval Office. My Press Secretary, Sam, was there too. He had been gathering information so he could address the press within the hour.

  “I hate to tell you this,” Andrew said, pacing the floor. He wiped sweat from his forehead then looked at me as I sat against the desk stroking my chin. “But a vote is not happening in the Senate today. It might not happen at all, because five senators changed their votes to no. Four Republicans, one Democrat. I thought the Republicans were on board, but I’m not sure what made them change their minds.”

  Sam spoke up before I had a chance to weigh in. “That’s ridiculous. I thought we had way more votes in the Senate than needed. Has the media been made aware of the count yet? If so, that’s a problem. Not only that, but it’s embarrassing because we’ve been reporting that we have the votes.”

  I was pissed, but for now I remained calm. “Yeah, I kind of have a feeling this was done to embarrass me. It makes no sense for the Majority Leader to tell us the votes are there, and then all of a sudden we’re down by five. They know we’re over here celebrating. This is their way of trying to shut us down. I don’t care what the media knows or what they’ve been told. Andrew, set up a meeting with me and those five senators. I want to know what in the hell is going on and I need to know now.”

  Andrew made a suggestion. “Why don’t you go to Capitol Hill and make it appear that you’re there to congratulate the Senate and witness them cross the finish line. I can then set up a meeting with you and the five senators and, hopefully, we can find out what caused them to stall on this and fix it.”

  I looked at Sam who sat on the sofa, disgusted.

  “Hold off on your press conference,” I said. “I have a feeling this may take some time, and if those suckers are making this all about me, shit is about to turn real ugly. There is no way in hell I’m going to tell the women in this country we couldn’t get this done. No way and I promise you that, no matter what you say, Andrew, I won’t be able to maintain my composure, if they don’t get on board.”

  “I know how you feel, sir, but try very hard to work this out with them. The ball is in their court. If you want to get this done, it is imperative that you approach them in the right way. Meaning, a respectable manner.”

  “There is no right way.” I grabbed my suit jacket and put it on. Just as we were about to leave the Oval Office, I saw Raynetta walking down the hallway with Emme. They were talking to each other with smiles on their faces. I had to admit that seeing them smile made me feel good.

  “We were just coming to see you,” Raynetta said, standing in front of me. “Congrats on getting the House to pass that bill. People are really excited about it. I guess you haven’t been watching the news.”

  “I haven’t had time yet, but thanks. It was long overdue. I’m glad we were able to get it done.”

  Raynetta pushed. She sensed that I wasn’t as excited as I should have been. “Are you okay? What . . . Where are you going?”

  “I’m fine. On my way to Capitol Hill to make sure the Senate votes today. I’ll talk to you later when I get back.”

  “Okay. Have fun and don’t hurt yourself over there.”

  She smiled and they walked away. I made my way to Capitol Hill with Andrew right by my side. There was always a big deal when I walked the halls at the Capitol, and to no surprise the media was there in large numbers. I had just passed through the Rotunda with the central dome above it, when several reporters yelled out to me. I ignored them and glanced up at the Apotheosis of Washington surrounded by maidens and painted Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. Couldn’t help but to think about the many slaves, some free, who cut logs, laid stones and baked bricks to build this place.

  “Mr. President, how does it feel to get a bill like this one through the House?” a reporter asked.

  Another questioned me too. “Do you know for sure it will pass the Senate? Rumors are starting to circulate and some are saying numerous senators aren’t on board with the House bill. Do you know why?”

  I just smiled and proceeded down the Senate Wing with a number of friendly politicians surrounding me and Andrew. No question they were there for the photo op. We all waved as if everything was in motion. My demeanor changed when I entered the Majority Leader’s suite on the second floor, and he gave me some insight on why those five senators had backed out. I stood by the door, frustrated, while listening to him speak.

  “For one,” Senator Madison said. “We were told there were a few changes in the House bill. None of us have had a chance to re-read it, but we were willing to take a vote on it. In addition to that, some senators feel like the bill is too generous to women. I totally disagree with that assessment, but you know how some of the senators are.”

  “I do know. That’s why I’m here. Andrew is getting those senators together now, and I really want to know specific details about why they’ve changed their minds. As it pertains to re-reading the bill, how long does it take to read less than five hundred pages? Let’s find out what those changes were to the House bill and discuss it. No one communicated any changes to me, and I’d like to hear about them too. Maybe the House Leadership needs to join us.”

  “Maybe so,” Senator Madison said. “I think we can get this done, but some senators may need more clarification.”

  I had calmed down, until I moved to a hideaway office on the third floor with the five senators who had issues with the bill. There was one change to the bill. It revolved around more money allocated to fund Planned Parenthood. We had previously discussed what the additional funds would be used for, but some senators complained about the amount that would be utilized for women’s health.

  “That’s a big problem for me,” Senator Phillips said. “And to be quite honest, Mr. President, I think this bill covers too much. We need to break it up into several pieces, and then vote on it. You may get a yes from me on part of the bill, but certainly not all of it in its current form.”

  “I concur with Senator Phillips,” Senator Charleston added. “The bill includes too much and we have other issues that are priority, other than women’s rights.”

  “I must say that I agree with both senators,” Senator Stewart said. “I can’t vote yes for this bill, and even though I was considering it, giving more money to Planned Parenthood isn’t something I’m willing to do. Besides, my constituents are totally against it.”

  Senator Blaylock added his two-cents next. “I think we can all get around to voting for this bill, but I haven’t heard VP Bass or you, Mr. President, mention how you intend to meet us halfway on this. My state could really use some extra funding for local projects, and I’m sure you could get some of the other senators to move quickly, if you agree to funding some additional projects in their states too.”

  I released a deep sigh while sitting next to two senators who had already addressed their concer
ns. As I looked around the round table, each of them waited for a response from me. Many words were at the tip of my tongue; I just had to make sure those words flowed out correctly.

  “The hypocrisy here is unbelievable. And one minute you all are deficit hawks, the next minute everyone wants to spend money on pork barrel projects that cost this country billions of dollars each year. Instead of spending the money for women’s health, you all prefer to contribute to wasteful government spending that continues to dig a ditch for taxpayers. I’ll meet everyone halfway by reading half of this bill out loud, and you all can take turns reading the rest. We’re not going to keep building bridges to nowhere anymore. Those days are over. This bill needs to get passed today and on my desk for a signature by midnight. Tell me how we’re going to make that happen. If it’s not going to happen, go out there right now and tell the women in this country that you all have failed them, once again.”

  “Mr. President,” Senator Phillips said. “I’m not sure if you understand how this works. We have every right to ask for additional money for projects in our states and . . . ”

  I hated to cut him off, but I did. “No, that’s how it used to work. And to be honest, it didn’t work then and it’s not going to work now. In case you haven’t noticed, some of the rules around here have changed. And whether we get this done today or next year, it will get done. Simply because I will work hard, very hard, to find replacements for all of you. No one will thwart my agenda, and I regret that it has to be this way. Remember, as I sit here today with a sixty-two percent approval rating, the ball is not in your court. Realistically, it’s in mine.”

  All of the old white men sat calm while looking around the table at each other. Senator Charleston cleared his throat, before speaking up.

  “I don’t think you understand, Mr. President, that your threats continue to make matters worse. If you . . .”

  Unfortunately, I had to cut him off too. “Let’s stop talking about what I don’t understand. I comprehend things very well, so stop utilizing that term. I’m not going to waste much more time with this and I’m looking forward to a vote before midnight. If the bill goes down on the Senate floor, so be it. You all know where I stand, and if any of you think taking a vote on women’s rights issues is difficult, just wait until I start tackling issues pertaining to racism again. I know many of you will stall on that, but be prepared because my proposals are coming soon.”

  I stood and without saying another word, I left the room. Andrew rushed after me, and from a distance, I could see the media quickly gathering to speak to me near several press galleries. I buttoned my suit jacket while moving at a speedy pace. Andrew could barely keep up with me.

  “Mr. President, wait,” he said. “Slow down and let’s talk about this.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about, Andrew. This is a game that Congress has played for too many years. Everybody looking for something, but they aren’t willing to give a damn thing. The American people are suffering and I’m not going to keep sending them a tax bill for these ridiculous pork barrel projects that keep get added to bills. There is no reason for me to agree to add any of those projects, so forget it. The only way forward is to re-read the bill, vote yes or be prepared to pack it up in their fancy, hideaway suites, where all they do is negotiate with lobbyists, and go home at election time.”

  Andrew appeared frustrated with me. Surely, he didn’t think I was going to come to Capitol Hill and cave in, did he? Maybe so, and like always, he tried to convince me to go against my gut and change my mind.

  “If agreeing to add some of those pork barrel projects gets us across the finish line, why not include them in the bill? In your position, you have to listen to others, Mr. President. I think this was a big mistake.”

  I swung around to address him. “No offense, but I don’t give a damn what you think. I came to Capitol Hill like you asked me to, but never, ever will I operate like a gotdamn puppet. Now, I’ve said all I’m going to say, and if you don’t want to be threatening to resign by this evening, please back off and do not share anymore of your ass-kissing thoughts with me.”

  Andrew shot me a dirty look. He quickly pivoted to walk in another direction. I, however, made my way towards the press with several more senators who were on board with the House bill.

  “We’re going to get this done,” Senator Morris said, patting me on my back. “No worries. Just wait and see.”

  I was willing to do just that, and after I gave thumbs up to the press, I went back to the Oval Office and waited. Andrew was there with me, but he hadn’t said much. Sam was there too and so was VP Bass. Even she was upset about the five senators changing their minds. She kept rambling on and on about what a disappointment it was.

  “My stomach is in knots,” she said while sitting on the sofa. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was in a messy bun. The polka-dot, black and white dress she wore made her look wider and her purple shoes didn’t match a thing. Then again, maybe it matched her bracelet and earrings. “What are we going to say to the American people if this bill goes down on the Senate floor? It’s going to be highly embarrassing and the backlash won’t be pretty.”

  “No it won’t be,” Andrew said in a snippy tone. “We had a chance to secure this, but that didn’t happen. We blew it.”

  I was nervous too and Andrew’s attitude didn’t help one bit. “And I had a chance to put my foot in your ass, but that didn’t happen either.”

  To no surprise, he got up and stormed out of the Oval Office. Sam, VP Bass and me waited. We waited to hear from Senator Madison; his call didn’t come until almost nine o’clock that night. I put the phone on speakerphone so everyone in the Oval Office could hear.

  “Mr. President, this is your call. I don’t think we have the votes to pass the House bill, but this is one of those times when I just don’t know what will happen if I put it up for a vote. Personally, I think we should wait. At least until we know for a fact the votes are there. Maybe we should give it another month or two.”

  “No,” I rushed to say. “Proceed right now and take the vote tonight.”

  “Hell no,” VP Bass said as she stood by my desk. “If you don’t have the votes for sure, don’t do it. We’ll embarrass ourselves and many of us are already disappointed about this whole thing. How could you let something like this happen, Senator Madison? You were confident the numbers were there. Why wait until the House passes the damn bill to tell us the votes aren’t there?”

  “My hands are tied. I can’t seem to get those senators to change their minds, and I’ve done my best this evening to try and convince them to vote for this bill. Mr. President, are you sure you don’t want to reconsider when it comes to meeting them halfway on those projects? I’m sure that getting this done is just as important to you, as it is to others.”

  I made myself clear by raising my voice. “I will not reconsider. Take the vote and let’s get this over with tonight.”

  “But the vice president thinks we should wait too. She’s . . .”

  “The vice president isn’t the president!” I yelled and slammed my hand on the desk. “I am! Vote now, get everyone’s vote recorded and let’s be done with this!”

  I could hear Senator Madison sigh over the speakerphone. “Your call, sir, not mine.”

  He ended the call, and as VP Bass made her way to the door to exit, she turned to bark at me.

  “I’m not taking the blame for this. You will have to tell the American people how and why this happened. And if you think those congressmen are afraid of your threats, you are sadly mistaken. Your threats give them good reason to turn against you and leave you in limbo at times like this.”

  I opened my arms and shrugged. “They’re already against me so what do I have to lose? And people have turned against me and left me in limbo for years. Nothing new, so goodbye and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  She left and it was just me and Sam. Sweat was building on his forehead, wet spots stained the armpits of his white s
hirt and there was no smile on his face. He sat on the sofa with his eyes glued to the TV above the fireplace. Several news anchors had already reported the votes weren’t there. They were anxious to see what would happen and the cameras were locked on what was transpiring on the Senate floor.

  “What is your gut telling you, Mr. President?” Sam asked as he looked at me sitting on the sofa across from him. My palms were sweating; the knot in my stomach had tightened too.

  “I can’t even feel my gut. My stomach is hurting too bad, but I hope like hell they get this right.”

  We both took deep breaths at the same time. Our eyes were zoned in on the TV, where breaking news scrolled at the bottom of the screen. SENATE VOTE EXPECTED SOON was displayed. According to my count, we could only afford to lose two of the five senators who said they wouldn’t vote for the bill.

  “They’d better get it right,” Sam said. “I can’t bear to watch this, and if you don’t mind, I need to go to my office and get some more work done.”

  “I don’t mind,” I said. “Not at all. And thanks, Sam, for everything.”

  He stood and reached out to shake my hand. “No, thank you, Mr. President. No matter how this turns out tonight, I appreciate your efforts.”

  I nodded, and after Sam left, I was so damn nervous that I had to go over to the cabinet and pour myself a drink. There was a bottle of Hennessy I offered to my guests, and after I poured the liquid in a glass, I guzzled some of it down and cleared my throat. My cell phone rang before I could take another swig. I looked to see who it was, it was Raynetta.