The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 363 - : The Hand That Manipulates Online Public Opinion

[Chapter 363: The Hand That Manipulates Online Public Opinion]

Washington, D.C., Hilton Hotel.

This hotel located on Pennsylvania Avenue was one of the preferred venues for the leaders of the Republican Party to gather.

Over twenty years ago, Ronald Reagan was shot here by John Hinckley, who claimed to be a fan of Jodie Foster, hitting Reagan in the lung and earning a spot as a notorious VIP in a mental institution.

George Walker's victory party chose this hotel as the site for celebration.

Tonight, those in attendance were key figures instrumental in the election, and in some regards, it was also a gratitude party.

Hawke and Brian entered the hotel together.

Chief of Staff Andrew Card immediately greeted them, shaking hands and leading them into the banquet hall, specifically saying, "Your seats are in the front row, arranged by George himself."

Hawke politely remarked, "The President is too generous."

Andrew wore a beaming smile, "Because we are allies."

Brian buttoned his suit jacket and commented, "Front row, that's a lot of pressure."

As they entered the banquet hall, campaign manager Mehlman also approached, shook hands with Hawke and Brian, and joined Andrew in escorting them to the front row.

...

Many people were curious about who these two were. They seemed a bit unfamiliar to the crowd.

In the front row, Tom Emmer and his wife Claire Emmer turned towards Hawke and Brian.

The former, knowing the newly elected Mayor of Los Angeles, asked, "Who is the person next to Brian?"

Claire, a businesswoman with connections to Mary Ferguson, responded, "Hawke Osment, the founder and chairman of Twitter, a tech industry new mogul."

Tom Emmer got it, "George Walker calls him the one who controls public opinion online."

"He's also Mary Ferguson's future son-in-law. You know, flipping California this time depended heavily on Hawke and Brian," Claire advised sincerely. "He's excellent at generating and influencing public opinion, and having one of the largest internet media platforms at his disposal, you'd better keep a good relationship with him."

Tom Emmer was now the third highest figure in the party, having allies among both conservatives and establishment figures, serving as the party whip.

In this election, he was one of George Walker's important allies, with the latter having promised that if he could be re-elected, he would appoint him Secretary of State.

At the same time, a Black woman was also eyeing Hawke and Brian.

Someone next to her whispered in her ear.

...

Hawke and Brian settled into their front row seats.

Brian, who had attended the national party convention, greeted the familiar faces in attendance.

Hawke quickly scanned the first two rows and spotted a familiar face, the Black woman he had seen many times in the news, Condoleezza Rice, the second Secretary of State under George.

...

At that moment, the Emmer couple approached and exchanged a few words with Brian.

Brian facilitated the introductions.

Tom Emmer, with a grin akin to a Cheshire cat, remarked, "California's 55 electoral votes solidified George's advantage and became the key to this election."

"We invested a great deal in California to achieve this outcome," Brian noted.

"Yes, California was on the verge of turning deep blue, but you managed to hold onto it," Tom Emmer continued on Brian's point. "Not only did you stop the decline, but you also successfully pulled it back toward red."

He asked, "When can we expect it to completely revert to a red state?"

Brian chuckled, "We are working on it."

Tom Emmer turned to Hawke, stating, "I noticed that young voters are heavily influenced by online media. I've heard many say that Twitter led the charge in online opinion, and you are the one truly at the helm of that power."

Hawke replied, sporting a grin, "I'm a staunch supporter of the red camp, and so is Twitter."

Tom Emmer pointed out, "You must come to the inauguration. George sent invitations to many, did you get yours?"

"We did, thank you," Hawke casually replied.

"Let's chat privately when you have time; Brian knows how to reach me," Tom Emmer suggested.

Hawke was not inclined to do things as Tom suggested, "You can reach me through Brian anytime."

Tom Emmer nodded slightly, returning to his wife.

...

Once the Emmers left, Brian whispered, "This guy helped George win Pennsylvania, and George promised him the Secretary of State position."

Hawke instinctively glanced at the Black woman also sitting in the front row, Condoleezza Rice; unless there were major changes, she was likely to be nominated.

In his previous life, he had seen the tabloid rumors of George and the Black woman being linked romantically.

She was also a significant player in this election, having helped George secure many Black votes.

...

As more guests filled the banquet hall, it gradually quieted down.

George Walker and his wife Laura, along with their daughters Barbara and Jenna, made their entrance, toasting to everyone.

Applause erupted in the banquet hall, with congratulations ringing out.

On stage, George Walker delivered yet another speech.

...

Looking at George's daughters, who were in their early twenties, Hawke asked, "Among those we made alliances with, it wouldn't be one of them marrying your cousin, would it?"

"No," Brian, still applauding, replied in a low voice. "It's another granddaughter of old George, their cousin, named Lauren, a model and honorary spokesperson for the United Nations' anti-hunger program, who has been rumored to have a fling with Leonardo."

Hawke felt certain of one thing: "She must be more attractive than George's two daughters."

Brian agreed, "Absolutely, we can doubt Leonardo's character, but we must trust his eye for beauty."

...

As George Walker finished his speech, the party quickly transformed into a free-flowing cocktail affair.

Brian was drawn away by his future father-in-law, Mr. Huey.

...

George Walker and his wife Laura then approached Hawke, saying, "You should stay in Washington; the atmosphere here suits you better, and you'll be able to showcase your talents."

The capital felt like hell to Hawke at the moment; he wasn't strong enough yet: "Twitter has over a thousand employees who need me; abandoning them in Los Angeles would be irresponsible."

The two exchanged pleasantries until someone approached.

...

George Walker introduced, "This is Henry Paulson, CEO of Goldman Sachs, who will be my next Secretary of the Treasury."

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Hawke shook hands with him and said, "Congratulations."

Henry had a classic balding middle-aged look and remarked, "I haven't agreed to George yet; the work at Goldman Sachs is more fitting for me."

"You all chat," George Walker excused himself to another area.

Henry said directly, "The wildfires in Los Angeles and this election have shown the immense power of social media; last time Goldman Sachs was slow to react and missed the opportunity to invest in Twitter. Next time you're raising funds, make sure to notify Goldman Sachs."

Hawke didn't shy away from partnerships with other companies, saying, "One thing I need to make clear is that Twitter operates under a dual-class share structure."

Henry understood immediately, stating, "Goldman Sachs doesn't typically seek controlling interest." He added, "If Twitter needs it, Goldman can help facilitate your IPO."

Hawke appeared to be considering.

Henry continued, "Goldman Sachs has evaluated Twitter; with the right partners, it could be worth $100 billion within five to six years."

Hawke pondered, "The next Twitter board meeting will focus on discussing the public financing plan for next year. Once we confirm the timing and methods, we'll be in touch with Goldman Sachs."

Hearing the word public, Henry knew Twitter aimed to maximize returns.

But Goldman Sachs had conducted an assessment, and getting in at this stage was a guaranteed profit.

...

Not far away, a woman in a gold-red evening gown was watching Hawke from a distance.

She had been waiting for her chance.

But the crowd kept growing around Hawke, including the Black woman Rice and George's deputy Cheney.

These politicians continued to prove the significance of media platforms through their actions.

Finally, when the crowd thinned out, the red-haired woman swiftly approached Hawke.

She came before him and introduced herself, "Elizabeth Carter, a strategic planner."

Hawke quickly sized her up -- high heels and a sleek black evening gown that highlighted her pale skin, with bold red lips and sharp eyes.

This woman appeared relatively young but possessed an air of sophistication and maturity.

Elizabeth caused a stir with her words: "You're Hawke Osment; I've heard there are plans in Washington to do you harm. Be careful of women, especially pretty ones."

Hawke intentionally took two steps back, saying, "That couldn't possibly be you, could it?"

Elizabeth shook her head, "I'm not pretty."

Though unsure of whether she was truthful or not, Hawke politely said, "Thank you."

Elizabeth continued, "This matter concerns California."

Hawke feigned confusion.

"I'm the strategic planner for this election. California wasn't originally in my scope, yet suddenly two incredible events erupted there," noted Elizabeth, recognizing that while some politicians might not be intelligent, strategists were always sharp. "Then, we merely mobilized some media and political resources, and won California."

She looked at Hawke: "Brian may not be a fool, but he doesn't excel in this area; you initially worked in crisis management and strategic planning -- could this possibly relate to you?"

Hawke certainly wouldn't admit to anything, instead quipping seriously, "I'm a businessman, I don't do anything that's unrelated to my interests."

Elizabeth dropped the topic, moving on to Twitter: "Washington, especially those directly involved in the election, knows you are the one controlling the online narrative; you hold one of the most significant and influential media platforms in America, and if you want the wind to blow a certain way, it will."

*****

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