章 620: Chapter 620: Why Do You Think It Can’t Be Done?
I scrutinized the image of Barack Obama, who looked younger than I remembered.
This is the guy who's going to be the next president? The first Black president in U.S. history, nonetheless.
Despite several weaknesses, he trounced the seasoned Democratic heavyweight, Hillary, in the primaries and clinched victory in the general election.
Just a few decades ago, and even now, America was rife with discrimination against Black people.
Yet, Barack Obama overcame that discrimination to become the president of the world's superpower.
What could be the reason for his victory?
"Are you really the true owner of Dream High?"
Barack Obama asked directly, without any preamble. I couldn't help but smile at his casual approach.
"It's true that I founded the company with my own money, but 'owner' feels like an awkward title. It's James who helped Dream High grow so much."
At my response, his eyes widened. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before cautiously speaking.
"So the rumors were true. The owner of Dream High is still a young Asian?"
"Were the rumors that widespread?"
"Absolutely. The owner of a company as significant as Dream High disappearing into obscurity—Washington would be curious about that for sure."
"But I haven't hidden from anyone. I just prefer staying out of the spotlight. Those who should know already do, especially the core members of the Democratic Party. They are aware of my deep ties to Dream High."
Barack Obama furrowed his brow slightly. It appeared he grasped what I implied.
Currently, the Democratic mainstream is composed of traditional Democrats like Hillary.
I may have circled around the truth, but saying Obama wasn't in the mainstream felt like a direct hit.
The mainstream Democrats have close ties with Wall Street's old guard, after all.
I smiled, observing Barack Obama's expression.
Looks like he's still not great at hiding his feelings.
"When it comes to politics, funding is pretty important, right? Dream High wants to be your sponsor; that's why we're meeting today."
"Sponsor?"
"Yes, sponsor."
"As far as I know, Dream High is a big supporter of the Republican Party. You're one of President Bush's biggest backers, aren't you?"
Whether in politics or business, things can't be so black and white.
I replied, embodying that sentiment.
"Some of it is true, and some isn't."
"What's true and what's not?"
"It's true that I'm one of President Bush's biggest supporters."
"Then what isn't?"
"I don't support the Republican Party. I support President Bush personally. I back whoever I believe is worthy of the title of president. It doesn't matter if they are Republican or Democrat."
Barack Obama flinched as if he had been struck by lightning.
He certainly seems sharp.
"What you mean is…"
"Correct. I believe you could become president. Although… I'm not so sure about this election, I'm confident you'll be the Democratic pick next time around."
Barack Obama stared at me with disbelief, his lips momentarily moving without sound.
It was refreshing to see the genuine reaction of an American president—something I'd only seen in the media made me smile unconsciously.
"Finding out what kind of person I am shouldn't be too difficult. I've successfully predicted the outcomes for two South Korean presidents and also supported President Bush ahead of time. I even backed Russia's czar before he seized power. When someone asks me what my strength is, I would say it's my ability to read people. I don't invest in a company; I invest in the people behind it. That's why we haven't failed to date."
Well, I didn't just guess, I helped shape those outcomes. Still, looking at the results, it's not a lie.
In that moment, Barack Obama shouted,
"So you're saying I can actually be president? You're crazy?!"
I asked, looking at him as he stared at me like I was a lunatic.
"Why do you think it can't be done?"
"Everyone thinks Hillary will obviously be the star of the next election. Who wouldn't know that?"
"Well… where's the obviousness in politics? Politics is like a living organism. Can we really confirm the candidate for the next presidential election five years in advance? No one knows what the future holds. That's why I firmly believe you can become president."
"…You're serious."
After I emphasized my sentiment several times, Barack Obama's eyes trembled as he finally accepted that I meant it.
"Why me? Surely not only I have so many weaknesses. Among them, being a person of color is the biggest issue. Discrimination against people of color still exists in America, knowingly or otherwise. A senator is unlikely; a governor maybe, but president?"
"Why do you see that as a weakness? How many votes do you think people of color have in America right now? No matter how white the mainstream is, they can't trivialize the votes of people of color. As for discrimination… I know it well as an Asian myself."
Sometimes, there were people that couldn't understand why I supported American politicians.
The reason was simple.
The wolves of Wall Street wouldn't sit idly by and watch a Korean control Wall Street.
In the U.S., lobbying is legal, and the old folks of Wall Street can twist politicians around their fingers to pressure us whenever they don't like something.
That's why I became President Bush's top supporter.
He ran the government with great assistance from me for four years without major issues.
Of course, there were pressures here and there, but with the amount I supported, it is undeniable that I faced less pressure.
And once again, as Bush's reelection becomes a certainty, I contributed more than anyone else.
I was now meeting with this man for the sake of when Bush's influence wanes after four years.
"You must be wondering why I chose you instead of Hillary?"
Barack Obama nodded instead of answering.
It was a reasonable question for him to have, especially considering the current atmosphere pointed towards Hillary being the frontrunner for the next election.
"She's already surrounded by the old wolves of Wall Street. No matter how hard Dream High tries, we can't collaborate when it comes to them. It's like a whole fish needing to be split among many plates."
When Barack Obama takes office, an economic crisis will hit hard.
During that time, I planned to tackle the aging wolves of Wall Street.
I would strip every last piece of flesh left clinging to their bones.
Barack Obama isn't fond of Wall Street either.
Of course, Dream High isn't any different… but.
If I invested ahead of time when no one was paying attention to interest rates, then later on, Obama wouldn't be able to press us too hard.
In America, politicians can't afford to ignore their sponsors.
If they betray a sponsor, no one will support them again.
It's no wonder that the allocation of White House positions is often based on sponsorship amounts.
"So that's why you chose me?"
"Exactly. Because right now there's no one around you. I intend to make you the next president."
It might've sounded outlandish.
Even I thought it was a rather arrogant claim.
An ordinary businessman declaring he would make the president of the world's strongest country the next one.
However, I understood the future and recognized Barack Obama's potential.
Despite having the disadvantage of being a person of color, he was elected twice and led America for eight years.
"You're quite arrogant."
"Don't you believe me?"
"Of course, it's absurd. I see you for the first time today. And you say I'm someone who will be president, hence you want to invest? Who would believe that?"
Seeing Barack Obama's reaction, I couldn't help smirking.
Did he think I was mocking him? Barack Obama got angry.
"What is this? Are you mocking me right now?"
"Not at all. It was just as I expected. You haven't been in the game long enough yet, huh?"
"What?! Don't joke with me, Charlie!"
Obama raised his voice once again, but I leaned over the table with my hands clasped together, pulling myself toward him.
I wiped the smile off my face and said in a firm voice.
"You say you're seeing me for the first time today. No one has ever said these words to you before. Dream High isn't some corner store; it's a company well-known on Wall Street for successful investments. Do you think such a legendary company would be playing a joke on a nameless senator? Senator, do you have any idea how many people want to meet me? I'm carving out precious time from my busy schedule to meet you; do you really think I'd waste it joking around?"
"That's…"
Barack Obama seemed to have an inkling of Dream High's legendary investments, as his lips twitched.
I didn't wait for Barack Obama's response before continuing.
"Think about it. While no one sees your value, I'm recognizing it and attempting to invest early. If I say I'll support you, what further explanation would you need? There's nothing to gain from this approach unless you become president. Am I wrong?"
"…"
Indeed, this investment was based on believing in Barack Obama's future.
If he didn't become president, it would be worse than throwing money on the ground.
"I'm simply making an offer. If you don't like it, feel free to rise. I'm an investor, after all. I'm the type who would sell his soul for profit. I won't say I'm investing out of good faith without any benefits. But I won't press you for a seat at the White House like those old wolves on Wall Street."
This was the truth. There was no reason for me to cram someone into the White House.
The deeper I got involved, the harder it would be to untangle myself.
However, it seemed those words only heightened Barack Obama's suspicion, as he narrowed his eyes and scrutinized me.
"Is that true? You won't demand anything in return?"
"Yes. Just treat me the same as everyone else. Just promise you won't disadvantage us. Unless it contradicts the national interest of the U.S., of course."
"…Are you running a charity? No one on Wall Street runs support like that. No demands, just ask to be treated equally?"
Barack Obama seemed incredulous about this situation, uttering words of disbelief.
"No way. A charity worker? Don't even say something that terrible. Dream High's first principle is to never spend money on ventures that won't generate profit. I, no, we will use any means necessary to make you president."
Originally, Obama would be someone who rose to be the Democratic candidate without any assistance.
He would defeat the Republican opponent without needing anyone's help.
But imagine, what if I, who knew the future, provided a little assistance…?
He could achieve higher approval ratings than President Bush while in his prime.
If this man rejected my offer, I'd have no choice but to back someone else.
And if someone else became president as a result, that would lead to a future I completely didn't know.
Many things had already changed because of me, so it wasn't something to fret over.
Yet the thought of the U.S. president changing was something that struck some fear within me. After all, that would affect the entire world.
'It's incomparable to the mere changing of a North Korean leader.'
While my expression remained stoic, my mind was racing with thoughts.
Whatever the thoughts, they all led to a single conclusion. I hoped this man would accept my proposal.
"So, what will it be? Will you accept my proposal and walk with me towards the 2008 presidential election? Or will you walk away right now, Senator Barack Obama?"
Barack Obama didn't respond immediately and instead fixed his gaze on me.
I didn't shy away from his stare.
For a long while, we locked eyes, engaged in a silent battle.
After what felt like an eternity, Barack Obama finally opened his mouth.
His response was…
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