Bab 270: Chapter 270: The Man Behind the President
Johnson traveled through several cities in Georgia and Alabama for his campaign. As the election approached, the campaign activities officially ceased, and he returned to Washington.
**October 31**
Johnson called Hardy. "Hardy, are you busy in Los Angeles?"
"Not particularly," Hardy replied with a smile.
"Great. I'd like you to come to Washington. On the 2nd, I'm inviting you to play golf," Johnson said.
"Of course. I'll join you to celebrate the election results," Hardy responded.
"No one knows the results until the final moment," Johnson said, acknowledging his own anxiety.
Understanding Johnson's apprehension, Hardy agreed to be there.
The next day, Hardy flew to Washington on his private jet and met with President Johnson at the White House. With the election nearing its end, all the necessary preparations had been made. Hardy spent the evening dining with Johnson and discussing economic matters, such as investment in Europe and future U.S. economic trends. Hardy benefited from these discussions, gaining insights into Johnson's vision which could inform his future business decisions.
In the realm of business, knowing future plans allows for strategic positioning. For instance, if high-tech industries are expected to grow, investing early can be advantageous. Similarly, if real estate is expected to decline, divesting early can mitigate losses.
**November 2, 1948**
Election Day arrived. Johnson and Hardy played golf at a secluded course in the Washington suburbs, away from the campaign noise. The area was quiet, and they enjoyed their game, food, and drink while awaiting the results.
Meanwhile, outside the White House, tens of thousands of supporters gathered, holding signs and chanting for Johnson. Reporters also gathered, hoping for interviews with the President.
On the other side of the ocean, a bald man anxiously awaited the outcome. He had invested in Dewey, who had faced issues due to campaign funds and had offended Johnson. The bald man hoped Dewey would win to mitigate potential backlash from Johnson's administration.
As the day turned to night, Johnson and Hardy enjoyed their time together, discussing Johnson's long-standing goal of universal health insurance. Johnson had promised this during his campaign, but Hardy was skeptical about its feasibility, given the current political climate and Republican dominance in Congress.
"In general, increasing taxes on the rich to fund universal health insurance is likely to face significant opposition," Hardy explained. "It would require Congressional approval, which might be challenging with the Republicans in control."
Johnson's face darkened as he realized the difficulty. "Is there no other way?"
Hardy suggested a more gradual approach. "Consider a limited universal medical insurance plan where the federal and state governments provide partial funding, and individuals pay a portion of the insurance costs. This way, it's more manageable and Congress, insurers, and the wealthy might be more accepting."
Johnson found the proposal reasonable. "I'll have my team study and develop this plan."
The two continued their discussion on other topics until the evening, when they returned to the golf course hotel. Hardy turned on the TV to ABC, which was broadcasting the election results continuously, a historic move as it was the first 24-hour broadcast in TV history.
As the results came in, Johnson led in several states. By 6 a.m., the results were clear: Johnson had won the election with 49.5% of the popular vote and 305 electoral votes, while Dewey had 43.1% and 187 electoral votes.
The victory was decisive. Hardy and Johnson woke up to the news, and Hardy congratulated Johnson on his re-election. Johnson, having faced immense difficulties and skepticism throughout his campaign, appreciated Hardy's support.
Johnson returned to the White House to a crowd of supporters. He smiled and waved to the cheering masses, while the bald man, on the other side of the ocean, prepared for the next phase of his struggle.
**November 2, 2 p.m.**
At a small press conference on the White House lawn, President Johnson addressed the media. This was not his inaugural speech but a moment to express his emotions and connect with the public. The conference was broadcast exclusively by ABC, attracting over 30 million viewers.
Hardy was prominently seated among business dignitaries, his presence noted by many. Despite the high-profile attendees, Hardy stood out, having played a crucial role in Johnson's victory.
Various influential figures, including heads of large consortia, watched Hardy's appearance on TV, recognizing his significance. They understood that with Johnson's re-election, Hardy would have substantial influence and opportunities over the next four years.
The political arena, they realized, was less about conflict and more about relationships and strategy. The presidents and managers of Hardy's companies saw this as a promising sign for their future.
Marilyn Monroe, reflecting on her own encounters with Hardy, felt a shiver as she considered the implications of his power. Hardy had become known as the influential figure behind the President, his influence extending far beyond mere support.
Bab 271: Chapter 271: The True Godfather of This World
The White House Lawn Press Conference concluded, followed by an elegant White House Cocktail Party where everyone wore a smile.
Hardy took this opportunity to mingle and make connections with various influential figures.
Among the attendees were prominent families such as the Roosevelts, the Adamses, the Harrisons, the Rockefellers, the Morgans, the Rothschilds, the Hills, and the Stillmans. Notable business leaders from Citibank, First National Bank, Morgan Trust, Hanover, and New York National Commercial Bank were also present.
The atmosphere was vibrant as even those who had initially supported Dewey now sought to build a relationship with the victorious Johnson. For them, it was merely a matter of adjusting their investments.
Hardy, now recognized as a major supporter of Johnson, used this event to solidify his connections. At 27, he had transitioned from a newcomer to a significant player in the business world. Despite being relatively new compared to these old families, his success with Johnson's campaign had earned him respect.
Giannini and high-ranking officials from Bank of America also attended, sharing in the success. The California consortium, which Hardy was now a crucial part of, saw this as a strategic victory, likely shifting more influence towards Hardy in the consortium's future dealings.
After the reception, Hardy returned to San Francisco with the California consortium.
**Giannini Manor**
Hardy, Giannini, and the chairman of Safe Pacific Insurance gathered in the study. Hardy outlined his proposal for a 'limited universal health insurance' plan, a pragmatic alternative to Johnson's idealistic vision.
"Johnson's universal medical insurance plan faced significant resistance, particularly from the rich and their allies. My proposal involves a more feasible solution: federal and state government funding combined with a contribution from individuals. Insurance would cover only a percentage of costs with a cap on reimbursements."
The proposal was well-received. The plan struck a balance between providing benefits and maintaining profitability. Giannini and the Safe Pacific chairman were particularly interested.
Hardy suggested two options: either Wells Fargo Bank's insurance division could oversee the plan and subcontract to Bank of America and Safe Pacific, or they could jointly create a new company with equal investment.
The second option was preferred. They agreed to form a new company, each contributing $100 million. Wells Fargo would hold 40% of the shares, with Bank of America and Safe Pacific holding 30% each. Hardy's role as the key architect of the deal justified his larger share.
With the new company set to take shape, Hardy headed to Las Vegas.
Before the election, Hardy had arranged for the casino to take bets on the election outcome. With Johnson's victory, the casino made a substantial profit of $15.68 million. Hardy's share, while not solely his, still represented a significant sum due to his stake in the casino.
Hardy also received a call from the old godfather, who was now focused on high society and politics, paving the way for his son Mike. The godfather requested Hardy to be the godfather of Mike's first child, a role Hardy accepted with pleasure.
The notion of being the 'godfather' of this world amused Hardy. He reflected on his unusual position in this new world, where he had emerged as a significant influence.
Meanwhile, Hardy's casino thrived, drawing in tens of thousands of visitors daily. The success of his ventures had polarized Las Vegas—those who invested in his casinos anticipated prosperity, while those who didn't began shifting their focus elsewhere.
The growing business in Las Vegas contrasted with other investments, such as the ventures in Cuba led by Basini. Hardy foresaw troubles ahead for these investments, anticipating challenges that would make them unviable in the near future.
Hardy's post-war material sales company also had operations in Cuba. Reports indicated that local factions were stockpiling weapons, signaling impending unrest.
Bill, now in Las Vegas, reported the success of the proxy investment company. The business had expanded significantly, with over 2,000 operators involved. The legalization of TV lottery proxy investment had stimulated national interest, proving to be a highly lucrative endeavor.
Hardy's ventures continued to flourish, marking his evolution from a business upstart to a powerful figure with far-reaching influence.
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