Creating America: My campaign manager was Roosevelt

Chapter 29 Choosing a Side: An Art

Senator Murphy's promise ignited the enthusiasm of the entire audience.

The workers erupted in cheers louder than ever before.

They rushed onto the stage and surrounded Murphy and Leo.

The reporters' flashes captured this historic moment.

A veteran legislator who had struggled in politics for many years and a fledgling young activist shook hands tightly, surrounded by workers.

The photo made the front page of the Pittsburgh Chronicle the very next day.

The headline reads: "Representative Murphy promises to bring new hope back to Pittsburgh."

After the barbecue, Senator Murphy's chief of staff, a middle-aged man named Kevin, approached Leo.

He politely led Leo to a luxury RV parked next to the park, which was Senator Murphy's mobile campaign office.

The car door closed, shutting out all the noise from outside.

Here, there are no media cameras, and no cheers from voters.

The two sides began a real political deal.

Senator Murphy sat on the sofa and unbuttoned the collar of his work shirt, revealing an expensive silk shirt underneath.

The smile on his face had vanished. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and looked at Leo.

"Kid, you did a good job with that act today," Murphy said, his voice low but each word carrying pressure. "You pushed me onto that stage, presented me with a choice I couldn't refuse in front of everyone. Clever, yet also foolish."

He took a sip of whiskey and tapped the table with the bottom of the glass.

"Don't think you can get things done in Washington by posting a few tear-jerking videos online. That might fool voters, but it's worthless in the real arena of power. That's childish tantrums, not politics."

He looked at Leo, his eyes sharpening.

"The reason I'm sitting here talking to you today isn't because I'm moved by your videos, nor because I'm genuinely afraid of those old guys like Frank. I'm simply fulfilling my duty as a legislator to resolve the problems in my district, especially with a young man like you who's adept at creating trouble."

His words were full of admonition and warning.

Roosevelt's voice echoed in Leo's mind.

"He's re-establishing control of the conversation. He's telling you that although he lost face outside today, he's still the one in charge here. Acknowledge his displeasure, but don't apologize for your goals."

Leo leaned forward slightly, his face showing a calmness beyond his years.

"Sir, the situation in the park today was certainly not the most ideal way to communicate. I completely understand your feelings."

Leo said his tone was sincere, sounding like an apology, but the content of his words was not.

"Sometimes, a tightly closed door can't be opened by knocking normally, so we have to use more direct methods to let the people inside hear what's happening outside. What we're doing today is simply to let you hear the real voice of Pittsburgh."

This composed and respectful response softened Senator Murphy's expression somewhat.

"Alright," Murphy said, "Whatever method you used, the result is what it is. Now let's get down to business. You want me to help you get that fund? Fine, but what will I get in return?"

"A YouTube channel's support?" He chuckled. "To be honest, I don't really need it."

Roosevelt's voice echoed in Leo's mind: "Now, show him your worth."

He looked at Senator Murphy.

"Mr. Congressman, I think there might be a misunderstanding between us," Leo said. "Our support is not as simple as a YouTube channel, posting a few videos, or saying a few nice words."

"Oh?" Murphy raised an eyebrow. "What else?"

"Our support comes from Frank Kowalski and his hundreds of loyal union brothers. They can go door-to-door in every working-class community to campaign for you, something your current campaign team can't do."

"Our support comes from Sarah Jenkins and the young voters behind her who are skeptical of you. We can help you rebuild communication with them and let them see that you are still John Murphy, who cares about their future."

"Our support has the power to amplify the impact of today's event a hundredfold. We can make you a hero of the Pittsburgh working class once again."

Leo's words caused Senator Murphy's expression to gradually change from initial disdain to seriousness.

Leo continued, "Our collaboration has a clear premise."

"The only reason we support you is because you have pledged your support for our Pittsburgh Revitalization Plan. This is a collaboration based on specific policies, not an unconditional personal dependency."

"If you break your promises after a successful re-election, the higher we lift you up today, the harder you'll fall tomorrow."

These words already carried a threat.

Leo concluded, "Besides this federal fund, we need another commitment from you."

"If, and I mean if, you succeed in being re-elected with our help, then in return, you need to use the connections you've built up on Capitol Hill over the past two decades to introduce us to a high-ranking ally in the Senate who truly has decision-making power."

"What we want is not just this one-off fund, Mr. Congressman. What we want is a channel that allows us to continuously bring resources back to Pittsburgh, a letter of introduction that can open the door to higher powers."

Leo has finished speaking.

He expressed all the key points Roosevelt had taught him clearly and forcefully in his own words.

His demeanor was calm and experienced, unlike that of a novice who had just entered politics.

Murphy realized that the young man in front of her was far more than just an internet celebrity who could incite public opinion.

He is a born political animal.

Senator Murphy remained silent for a long time.

He finished his whiskey, then stood up and extended his hand to Leo.

"Deal," he said. "Give me your application report. I'll get back to you within a week."

The two parties reached a verbal agreement.

Leo stepped out of the luxurious RV, looked up, and saw the dark sky of Pittsburgh.

Roosevelt's voice echoed in his mind, tinged with a hint of relief.

"Well done, kid."

"You have learned how to turn public opinion into tangible political achievements, and how to invest those achievements in future power."

"Welcome to this dirty, yet fascinating game."

"Now, let's wait and see what our congressman's capabilities are."