The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 356 - : Internal Enemies

[Chapter 356: Internal Enemies]

In Los Angeles, at an estate in Woodland Hills, campaign manager Mehlman stepped out of the information room and quickly crossed the living room to find George Walker. "Good news, the Democratic Party's support has dropped by 50%!"

George immediately stood up, approached Mehlman, and took the statistical report he held, cheerfully bouncing it in his hand. "We are going to win California!"

Mehlman, well aware that an advantage didn't guarantee victory, replied, "The public sentiment surrounding the Ackerman family incident will likely further diminish the Democratic Party's support over time. However, we need to remain vigilant and continuously pressure the Democrats involved in this matter from both legal and media sides until they completely crumble!"

As the current president, George held the upper hand in this regard. He said, "Let the FBI investigate thoroughly; we can't let up."

...

Mehlman went off to find Andrew Card. George thought for a moment and logged onto Twitter, posting a tweet: "Those who violate the bottom line of society must be severely punished!"

After coming to California, George had not only allied with local forces in Los Angeles but also became an avid user of Twitter. Especially after the Ackerman family incident erupted, every time he raised his voice, he garnered widespread support on Twitter. This time was no exception; after only making a few phone calls, he returned to find his newly posted tweet had over ten thousand likes.

When the opponent faltered, it often buoyed one's spirits.

George contacted Brian.

...

Brian fully complied with Hawke's suggestion, decisively and swiftly ensuring that those corrupt Democrats were thoroughly nailed to America's wall of shame.

The British decided to join the fray as well.

The controversy around the Ackerman Medical Center's problematic blood plasma, with its primary customers being in the UK, was leaked by Fox News. Soon after, The Sun, The Times, and Sky News, all under News Corp, followed suit and reported the news, igniting UK-wide attention.

The scandal regarding Britain importing American contaminated blood plasma exploded, with The Sun obtaining data that showed up to 20,000 British people had contracted HIV and hepatitis B or C due to using American-produced blood products, leading to nearly a thousand deaths.

Blair was forced to publicly apologize and apply diplomatic pressure on America.

This backlash landed squarely on the Ackerman Medical Center and several Democratic politicians in California, capturing media scrutiny and public attention.

...

Every election year, America was never quiet, consistently igniting various scandals and controversies.

In 2004, it erupted particularly fiercely.

Political struggles had always been brutal, essentially a life-or-death game. Outside the Twitter building, security personnel patrolled back and forth, dispersing individuals with backpacks or luggage at least five times.

Since Fox News began reporting the story, all physical mail sent to Twitter was received by designated personnel at the Venice side. Compared to the initial reports from Fox, Twitter sustained significantly less pressure.

News Corp suddenly fell under investigation by the IRS in New York. A female anchor from Fox News suddenly made allegations of sexual harassment against chairman Roger Ailes through the Los Angeles Times. However, this anchor quickly found herself ensnared in an FBI sting operation because the handsome man she had a one-night stand with stuffed money into her wallet.

The anchor was caught selling herself and was arrested by the FBI.

California's political scene and media discourse turned chaotic, with both parties launching almost frenzied attacks on each other.

It was a well-known fact that while external enemies might temporarily shore up relationships, internal enemies were bitter foes.

The Democrats were unwilling to easily relinquish California and, while dispersing media attacks, also sought a centrist to negotiate, buying time and controlling the tempo.

...

With a background in three parties, Donald Trump was thriving in Hollywood and this year's NBC airing of The Apprentice had pulled in a solid viewership. He scheduled a meeting with Brian at a Beverly Hills business club, where Brian called Hawke, who had just returned to Los Angeles.

That afternoon, both sides met in Hawke's long-booked meeting room. Hawke had previously met Mr. Trump once; they were acquainted.

After shaking hands, Mr. Trump boldly introduced himself. "I'm a loyal Twitter user; I registered my account the moment you went online last year and have highly recommended it to friends. Could Twitter give an old friend like me a bit more exposure?"

This business tycoon knew the ins and outs of internet traffic algorithms.

Hawke replied, "Your Apprentice show could completely collaborate with Twitter. If you need, I can give you the phone number of the Market Development Director. I'll have him set up the best partnership terms for you."

Upon hearing he couldn't get something for nothing, Donald's interest dropped significantly, although he maintained a polite smile. "I'll have someone reach out to Twitter then."

He then shifted the conversation back to Brian.

Hawke stopped speaking and listened. This Donald Trump had repeatedly switched allegiances, having joined the Republican Party in the late 1980s, switched to the Reform Party a few years ago, and transformed into a Democrat three years prior; it wouldn't be long before he'd flip back to the Republican Party again.

Mr. Trump stated, "Having been in the Republican Party, worked with the Reform Party, and now being a Democrat, I understand quite well the partisan struggles. America's system has severe issues; every election leads to significant internal strife. Each time the two parties attack each other, they exacerbate the division and conflict in this country and society!"

Brian shook his head, responding, "The Democrats created this mess, injuring so many Los Angeles citizens. As mayor, I must uphold their rights."

"I agree with everything you're doing, but there's a caveat," Mr. Trump said, quite eloquently. "We cannot harm America's national interests."

He appeared like a true patriot. "Where are America's current enemies? In the Middle East, it is about combating and eliminating terrorism. The internal power struggle should be maintained at a reasonable level to reduce national strife, allowing us to focus more military resources in the Middle East, continuing to uphold America's absolute leadership globally."

His high-minded rhetoric left Brian unable to directly refuse.

Mr. Trump added, "To rephrase, the only way for the slice of America's global interest pie to grow bigger is for both of us to reap greater benefits from it. Endless internal strife damages both sides' mutual interests."

Brian, influenced heavily by Hawke, noted that since the Ferguson family had been oppressed by Democratic forces since 1992, he held no fondness for the Democrats. He stated, "This incident isn't about what I consider, it's about how you all will act."

Mr. Trump had received insinuations from some Democratic figures before arriving: "We will concede interests in California, but media sentiment needs to calm."

Brian passed the buck: "I can't make that decision. The authority isn't in my hands; I can only relay your suggestion."

At this point, it was time to conclude the conversation.

Mr. Trump was ready to take his leave.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

This savvy marketing mogul then turned his attention to Hawke: "For the new season of The Apprentice that I'm preparing to shoot, I'd like to invite a few guests. You are the most successful internet elite right now -- would you be interested in mentoring my apprentices?"

Hawke replied honestly, "Sorry, I don't like appearing on camera."

Mr. Trump reflected for a moment. He indeed rarely saw videos or photos of Hawke in the media. He said, "Let's discuss deeper cooperation sometime."

...

When the other party departed, Brian directly commented to Hawke, "The Democrats really have all sorts of people, even seasoned individuals who have fluctuated between parties like him."

Hawke warned, "He might switch back to the Republicans one day and become our opponent."

Brian wasn't convinced. "Him?"

Hawke returned to the sofa and asked, "What do you think about what he said?"

Brian scoffed, "If we were in a weak position, would they call for a truce?"

"No," Hawke emphasized. "We hold the advantage now, and retreating instead of pressing forward will only make our opponents feel we're weak and invite a fierce counterattack."

He underscored, "To deal with political foes, get a grip on their weaknesses; we need to crush them all. The war has already begun on both sides!"

Brian glanced at the time: "George's schedule here is about to wrap up. I've arranged to meet with him at his temporary residence in Beverly Hills. Shall we head over together?"

Hawke agreed, "Let's go together."

The two exited the Beverly Hills business club and entered the same bulletproof limousine.

Through numerous collaborations, Hawke had significantly influenced Brian, and his position and suggestions aligned with Brian and the Ferguson family's interests.

...

After this meeting, the FBI intensified their investigation into the Ackerman family incident.

Protests spread from Los Angeles and Sacramento, reaching Washington D.C., and even large cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta began to see crowds of protesters.

In every corner of America, far too many children and women went missing each year.

The various reports emerging from the Ackerman family incident undoubtedly struck a nerve with ordinary citizens.

Even numerous women's organizations called for thorough investigations and severe punishment for the perpetrators, as the majority of victims were female.

Los Angeles's feminist organizations had long been the most radical and left-leaning in North America, but they chose to remain silent with the Ackerman family case unfolding.

Leaders like Karen Crowley and Michelle might not have been the sharpest, but they weren't foolish either.

Standing out to pander to the Democrats amid such a contentious issue risked losing their most basic support.

...

Under tremendous media pressure, California Assembly Speaker Nunez announced his resignation, claiming he made a mistake and would cooperate with the FBI's investigation.

Assembly member Miles also declared his resignation.

Willie Brown, having no public office, returned to San Francisco after the incident and remained closed to visitors.

During a new press conference on the case, the FBI stated that they had received relevant permission and would soon initiate a targeted investigation on Willie Brown.

That evening, one of the leaders of the California Democrats and a prominent African American politician collapsed from a sudden heart attack and was admitted to the ICU.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.