Josiah for President

by Martha Bolton

  The race was on. Phillips-Kurtzfield, Ledbetter-Harper, and Stoltzfus-Stedman — although the latter would, more often than not, be referred to as the Josiah-Stedman ticket. Now it was up to one of those teams to win the general election.

  Josiah’s first national interview had gone to Emily Watson. Mark had explained to Josiah that he was trying to be a man of his word, and he had made a promise to this reporter. Mark had also explained that Emily was a fair and responsible reporter, and in the end, she did a fine job of making Josiah feel comfortable talking about himself, his hopes and dreams for the country, and his difficult decision to run for national office. To her credit, she also honored his request of only filming him in the shadows.

  Josiah and Elizabeth had come to a decision early on regarding photographs. They would allow photographs from the side or back or from the shadows but preferred not to be photographed close up or straight on. They hoped most people would respect their Amish beliefs, as they generally did in Amish tourist areas. There would, of course, be some who wouldn’t realize the boundaries or care about them. Josiah and Elizabeth had no control over that. But Emily had decided to use artists’ renderings to enhance her report, and Josiah was pleased that the camera was focused on the reporter for much of the interview.

  Other reporters weren’t as accommodating as Emily. They would promise to keep Josiah out of the camera shot and then let the cameras roll as though Josiah were any other presidential candidate.

  According to Mark, news commentator Stanley Kingston fell somewhere in the middle. Every election year, and for the year leading up to an election, Stanley tried to interview as many of the candidates from both parties, as well as Independents, as he could. This Sunday, Stanley’s guest was Josiah Stoltzfus. Stanley’s show was live, but Sunday was the Sabbath according to Amish faith, so a live interview was a no-go for Josiah. His interview was pre-taped Saturday afternoon.

  Mark had assured Josiah that Stanley had a reputation for respecting those he was interviewing. Sure, like any reporter, he tried to scoop the best story possible, but he always tried to be fair. Well known to the public and respected among media peers and politicians alike, Stanley didn’t seem to be packing his own bias every time he interviewed someone, which had been his duty every Sunday morning at nine o’clock for the past twenty years. Sunday World with Stanley Kingston was his program’s name, and on it, Stanley had done a one-on-one with many notable people — world leaders, policy makers, and everyday people who suddenly found themselves thrust into the spotlight for a variety of reasons.

  For the entire week before the interview, Mark prepped Josiah for whatever questions he might face. Stanley was known to be a tough but fair reporter, and Mark told Josiah there was far too much riding on this interview to go into it unprepared.

  “The first question he’s going to ask you is how your Amish faith will affect your governing should you be elected. How will you respond?”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes?”

  “Yes, it will affect it.”

  “You can’t say it like that.”

  “But it’s the truth, Mark. My faith is what motivates me to lead an honest, fair, and disciplined life. I don’t recall any of the presidents in our nation’s history being asked to leave those qualities behind when they moved into the White House, although a few may have forgotten they’d packed them once they got settled in.”

  “All right, then I guess yes is a good answer.”

  “The truth is always a good answer.”

  “Next question — as a non-resistor, how would you handle mounting tension with foreign enemies?”

  “I would pray for them.”

  “Uh … Josiah, listen, you’re really going to need to be, well, a little more politically correct.”

  “But that’s what I’d do.”

  “I know, but the voters want to know what else you would do if our national security were at risk.”

  “Well, while it’s true I would always seek peaceful solutions to any tensions with foreign countries, I would trust the judgment of Congress in these situations.”

  “Good, good. Now you’re catching on.”

  From early morning until late into the evening, Mark prepped Josiah. They stopped only briefly to eat the lunch and dinner Mark ordered from a delivery service. It was intense, but Josiah knew it had to be. Mark had pointed out that this was a national television show with millions of viewers. That translated into millions of votes. And Josiah needed every one of them.

  ACCORDING TO THE NEWS DIRECTOR, JOSIAH NEEDED SOMETHING else on the morning of taping the interview.

  “Makeup!”

  A pretty twenty-year-old makeup artist had suddenly appeared.

  “What’s that?” Josiah asked as she opened her makeup kit and pulled out a few essentials.

  “Just a little pancake foundation for the cameras,” she said.

  “But they told me I wouldn’t be on camera.”

  “You won’t be.”

  “Then why are you wanting to put pancake mix on me?”

  “Your side view will show.”

  “I have a beard.”

  “I know. But I’m only going to put it on your cheekbones and around your eyes.”

  “Why would you want to do that?”

  “The studio lights make everyone look washed out, so we apply a little color to help.”

  Mark, who had accompanied Josiah to the interview, stepped in. “Trust the professionals, Josiah,” he said. “They know about this sort of thing.”

  “No offense,” Josiah said. “But I’ve gotten this far in life without wearing any makeup or pancake mix. I figure I can go the rest of my life without any too.”

  The makeup artist laughed as she put away her makeup kit. “Well, I think you’re charming even without foundation,” she said before walking away.

  The cameramen got into position as one of the show staff led Josiah to his seat across the desk from Stanley. Josiah was more fascinated with his surroundings than he was nervous about the interview. He was dressed in his church clothes — dark trousers with suspenders, a dark, lapel-less jacket with hooks instead of buttons, and a broad-brimmed black felt hat.

  “Here we go,” the director said. “Five, four, three, two, and …”

  The director motioned toward Stanley, and Stanley began talking.

  “My next guest has turned conventional wisdom on its head,” the commentator spoke into the camera. “He only began his campaign a few months ago, and he is running neck and neck with the two lead candidates in every poll. What’s even more incredible — his name isn’t even on the ballot!

  “He’s breaking all kinds of political records, and due to his surging popularity, he will be included in next Thursday’s debate. Out of respect for his Amish ways, we have agreed to film this guest only from the side. Welcome, candidate Josiah Stoltzfus.”

  Josiah nodded a friendly greeting toward Stanley.

  “Josiah, sir, I’ll get right to the point. Some people are labeling you a spoiler, saying your campaign will simply take votes away from both parties, or worse, that your candidacy is some kind of practical joke that someone is playing on the country. What say you?”

  “Well, sometimes a spoiler is a gut thing, jah? Shaking things up a bit, making people think,” Josiah said. “But I can assure you, sir. I have sacrificed much to run for this office. My campaign is no joke.”

  “Sir, people are wondering that if by some miracle — and I’m sure you would agree it is a long shot — you become the first presidential write-in candidate to ever win the White House in the history of our nation, will you be bringing your Amish ways to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?”

  “Let me put an end to that speculation right now,” Josiah answered. “The Amish ways are what I know. And even though I am going against accepted Amish practices by running for national office, I still, and always will, consider myself Amish in my heart. My answer, then, would be yes. I will be bringing my Amish ways
with me.”

  “So are you planning to, say, go without electricity in the White House?”

  “It’s how the White House was originally built, jah?”

  “Well, yes, I suppose it is.”

  “Imagine what that alone will save the country after four years!”

  “So in other words, you are the ultimate green candidate?” Stanley said with a slight grin.

  “Green?”

  “It means that you’re interested in preserving the earth.”

  “I’m a farmer. I take very good care of the earth.”

  “I noticed, too, sir, that you said four years. If elected, you’d only serve one term? You wouldn’t run for reelection?”

  “I would serve my term and then go back home. Wouldn’t want to wear out my welcome.”

  “Josiah,” Stanley continued, “on issues of national security, it’s a known fact, is it not, that the Amish are pacifists?”

  “We are nonresisters,” Josiah explained. “Our goal is to live in peace with all people.”

  “But what if someone doesn’t want to live in peace with us? Do we sit back and do nothing, knowing that weakness will only embolden our enemies? Or worse, the terrorists?”

  “While it’s true we Amish are peace-loving, we do not tolerate evil. And though I would never declare war, I would not stand in the way of Congress if they felt it was the only way to handle a situation that threatened our national security.”

  “And what are your thoughts on capital punishment, sir?”

  “The Amish believe that God is the ultimate judge. Personally, I could not in good conscience take another person’s life for any reason. But I also realize our legal system is in place for a reason. The people and the lawmakers have the right to vote their conscience on such matters.”

  “But what about ‘an eye for an eye’?”

  “It’s what’s inside a person that must be healed.”

  “So you would forgive someone who has killed, say, one of your own children? Hypothetically speaking, of course.”

  Josiah didn’t blink. “I already have, sir,” he said.

  Josiah realized that he was a candidate unlike any other presidential candidate the nation had ever seen before, and he hoped his beliefs were becoming quite clear to Stanley Kingston and his viewers. Josiah had no agenda, no spin, and no desperation. He was simply answering each question as honestly and clearly as he could, whether it was a popular answer or not.

  After the interview, Mark and Josiah stopped by an outdoor café to grab a bite to eat.

  “A home run!” Mark said ecstatically. “You hit it out of the park, my friend!”

  “You think so?” Josiah said.

  “Are you kidding me? You were great! Sincere and honest, passionate about your vision for our country. I think that’s what’s resonating with the people. They know you’re more than a bumper sticker.”

  “You don’t see a lot of bumper stickers on buggies.”

  “Well, whatever it is you’re doing, keep it up! We’re surpassing everyone’s expectations in the polls. We just might win this election after all!”

  Josiah still wasn’t sure what he’d gotten himself into, but Mark seemed to be satisfied with the way things were going so far.

  “We’re reaping what you’ve sown, Josiah. Your good choices, as well as your restraint,” Mark said.

  “Never thought I was sowing seed to run for president one day,” Josiah said. “But then, I never saw your car wreck in my future either.”

  AFTER THE KINGSTON INTERVIEW, THE PHONES AT CAMPAIGN headquarters exploded with requests for interviews and appointments, as well as speaking invitations. But with the debate just days away, Mark and Josiah concentrated all their time and attention on preparing for the event.

  “Hang on to your hat!” Mark told Josiah when they both looked at the latest poll, which showed the Amish farmer closing in on the front-runner.

  “I always have.” Josiah laughed.

  THE FIRST DEBATE BETWEEN THE TOP THREE CONTENDERS — Harley Phillips and Karen Ledbetter, each representing their own political party, and Josiah Stoltzfus as the leading Independent candidate — was taking place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. It was a much-anticipated event, because for the first time, America would see and hear the Amish candidate debate. The press, as well as party officials, played up the fact that Congressman Stedman had “abandoned his party,” but Mark assured Josiah that he was focused on the bigger picture — winning the election.

  This was also Josiah’s first trip to the Big Apple. Never before had the Plain man seen so many people heading to so many different places in such a hurry. At least in California, most folks were laid back. In New York, however, there was a different energy. The city was crowded, but everyone still moved quickly. Taxis darted in and out of traffic, walls of pedestrians seemed to move together toward oncoming walls of pedestrians, somehow integrating at the last possible second and then moving on in their respective directions.

  “Where’s the Statue of Liberty?” Josiah asked Mark as the limo passed through Manhattan.

  “It’s not far from the hotel. Would you like to see it?”

  “I would, yes. I surely would. My grandparents used to tell me about her, about how beautiful she was when they first saw her in the harbor on their way to Ellis Island. Wouldn’t mind seeing her for myself.”

  Mark asked their limo driver to take them down to the harbor, where Josiah could get a look at France’s gift. The driver nodded and maneuvered his way through the streets, turning into the parking area of Battery Park.

  “There she is,” the driver said, pointing across the water.

  Josiah turned and saw her, Lady Liberty, standing as tall and inviting as he had always imagined her — her torch held high and tight in her hand as she reached toward the heavens.

  “That’s what this is all about, Josiah,” Mark said. “Us not letting her down.”

  “Whether we win or lose, Mark, she will still be here.”

  “I hope so.”

  MARK AND SEVERAL OTHER CAMPAIGN STRATEGISTS HAD BEEN prepping Josiah on what he might face once the lights came on and the debate began. Josiah didn’t really understand the necessity of all the preparation, nor did he understand the enormous importance of the event.

  “Can’t I just answer the questions honestly? If what I’m saying is true, why do I have to rehearse it?” he had asked.

  “It would be nice if it were that easy,” Mark had replied. “But it’s not all about honesty or answering from your heart. It’s about keying in on what the people want to hear and delivering it to them.”

  “But what if what the people want to hear isn’t what’s good for the country?”

  “Trust me on this,” Mark had assured him. “Give the wrong answer now, and you’ll never get the chance to do what’s good for the country. You’ll be out, and Phillips or Ledbetter will be sworn in. Do you want that?”

  “No, I don’t suppose so,” Josiah had said, though he wasn’t convinced.

  “In a debate, even an honest answer can be skewered and misinterpreted,” Mark had insisted. “That’s why we prep.”

  The evening of the debate, Josiah looked out at the crowd from where he stood on stage. They looked friendly enough. He wondered whether all that preparation had really been necessary.

  Connie Hawkins, the reporter chosen to be the moderator for the Radio City Music Hall debate, began her questioning that evening with the one question that most folks were understandably concerned about: How would an Amish president handle foreign affairs?

  When the question came up, Harley couldn’t seem to resist “ad-libbing” a strategically placed, well-rehearsed jab: “My opponent thinks foreign affairs is whatever happens outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania,” he said.

  There was a small ripple of laughter, but because the audience had been told ahead of time not to respond, most of them honored the rule and remained quiet.

  “I would seek a d
iplomatic answer to most foreign-affairs issues,” Josiah said. “But if a peaceful solution could not be reached, I would defer to Congress regarding any escalation in America’s response.”

  “But you personally would be against going to war in any circumstance?” the moderator asked.

  “I would be, yes.”

  “Mr. Stoltzfus,” Connie said, “how could our country protect herself if her enemies know ahead of time that we will not fight back?”

  “Being fully capable of responding yet restraining your power is living peacefully, is it not?”

  “With all due respect to my opponent,” Harley interjected. “I believe it’s called living in denial. Sometimes you have to respond so that a bullying nation cannot rob the rest of us from living in peace. When a nation becomes an aggressor, innocent people suffer. Which is the greater goal then — living in peace with the bully or making the bully live in peace with everyone else?”

  “Any response, Mr. Stoltzfus?”

  “My opponent makes a good point. And if you’ve seen his latest campaign ad against me, he could very well be considered America’s leading expert on bullying.”

  Despite the admonition to hold applause and laughter, the room now erupted in both.

  IT WAS HARD TO KNOW WHO WON THE FIRST DEBATE FOR THE general election. Some news analysts said that Harley had gotten in enough good jabs to be declared the victor, while others leaned toward either Josiah or Governor Ledbetter. The experts, though, declared it was Josiah who had won. But two more debates were to come. The race for president was far from over.

  Unfortunately for Governor Karen Ledbetter, an allegation of inappropriate fund-raising had caused enough controversy to leave her sorely trailing in the polls. As hard as she tried, and as innocent as she may have been, she never seemed to be able to recover from the damage. By all estimations, her run for the White House was all but over.

  Josiah was the number-two candidate now, but there was still a wide gap between the Stoltzfus-Stedman ticket and the Phillips-Kurtzfield ticket.