“Yes, just after you returned to Yale, I settled on a guy called Joe Stein. He’s fought two campaigns in the past, and will also bring in the Jewish vote,” said Nat.
“There’s a Jewish vote in Connecticut?” said Tom.
“In America, there’s always a Jewish vote, and on this campus, there are four hundred and eighteen Jews, and I need the support of every one of them.”
“So what’s your considered opinion on the future of the Golan Heights?” asked Tom.
“I don’t even know where the Golan Heights are,” Nat replied.
“Well you’d better find out by this time tomorrow.”
“I wonder what Elliot’s view is on the Golan Heights?”
“That they should always be part of Israel, and not one inch should ever be sacrificed to the Palestinians, would be my bet,” said Tom.
“So what will be his line with the Palestinians?”
“There are probably so few on campus, he won’t have an opinion.”
“That would certainly make the decision easy for him.”
“The next thing you’ll have to consider is your opening address, and where you’re going to deliver it,” said Tom.
“I was thinking of Russell Hall.”
“But that only holds four hundred. Isn’t there anything bigger?”
“Yes,” said Nat, “the Assembly Rooms hold over a thousand, but Elliot made that mistake, because when he gave his opening speech, the place looked half empty. No, I’d rather book the hall and have people sitting on the ledges, hanging from the rafters, even standing on the steps outside unable to get in, which will leave a much better impression with the voters.”
“Then you’d better select a date and reserve the hall immediately, and at the same time get on with putting the rest of your team in place.”
“What else should I be worrying about?” asked Nat.
“The candidate’s bread-and-butter speech, and don’t forget to talk to every student you come across—you remember the routine, ‘Hi, my name is Nat Cartwright, and I’m running for president, and I hope I can rely on your support.’ Then listen to what they have to say, because if they believe you’re interested in their views, you have a far better chance of their support.”
“Anything else?”
“Be ruthless in using Su Ling, and ask her to carry out the same routine with every female student, because she’s bound to be one of the most admired women on campus after her decision to remain at the university. There aren’t many people who turn down Harvard.”
“Don’t remind me,” said Nat. “Is that it, because you seem to have thought of just about everything?”
“Yes, I’ll come back and help you for the last ten days of the term, but I won’t be officially part of your team.”
“Why not?”
“Because Elliot will tell everyone your campaign is being run by an outsider and worse, a millionaire banker’s son from Yale. Try not to forget you would have won your last election if it hadn’t been for Elliot’s deceit, so be prepared for him to come up with something that might derail you.”
“Like what?”
“If I could work that out, I’d be Nixon’s chief of staff.”
“How do I look?” asked Annie, propped up on the front seat of the car, clutching her seatbelt.
“You look fantastic, honey,” said Fletcher, not even glancing across at her.
“No I don’t, I look awful, and it’s going to be such an important occasion.”
“It’s probably only one of his get-togethers for a dozen or so students.”