Capítulo 261: Chapter 261: The Temptation of Big Business
"Your Excellency, you mentioned there are three teams. Could you tell me who the other two teams are?" Hardy inquired.
Johnson smiled. "One is Rockefeller, and the other is Citibank. They will each form a team."
Hardy was taken aback by the mention of these two names.
The Rockefeller Consortium controls a significant portion of the global oil and finance industries. It is the second-largest consortium in the United States, only behind Morgan, and it has grown even more influential over time.
Kissinger once said: "Whoever controls oil controls countries; whoever controls currency controls the world; who controls food controls mankind!"
The Rockefeller Consortium is deeply entrenched in both oil and finance, and it spans nearly every industry imaginable.
Hardy was initially puzzled as to why Rockefeller was involved instead of Morgan. Traditionally, the Democratic Party is associated with Morgan, while the Republican Party aligns with Rockefeller. Since Johnson is the President from the Democratic Party, it was unexpected for Rockefeller to be included in the European Investment initiative.
However, Hardy quickly resolved this puzzle. Before Johnson, he lacked substantial capital support, leading to his lower approval ratings compared to Dewey, who was bolstered by the consortium's propaganda. With Hardy's support and his successful campaigns against Dewey, Johnson's situation improved significantly. His newfound support from Jewish communities and the Citibank Consortium, linked with Wall Street's Jewish background, had strengthened his position.
The Rockefeller Consortium's involvement signaled a shift in allegiance, suggesting that they might have switched support from Dewey to Johnson.
Large consortium funders do not adhere strictly to political affiliations. They back whoever promises benefits. As Truman put it: "The two-party system in the United States is a two-party cooperation system."
The cooperation between politicians and funders is about mutual benefit rather than control. It is a partnership where each party supports the other, utilizing their strengths for shared goals.
With Johnson granting Hardy a team quota, Hardy had substantial authority to form his team, which provided him with significant influence.
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The following day, Hardy accompanied Johnson to San Francisco, where local dignitaries and business leaders greeted them. The reception included notable figures like Giannini, a significant player in the San Francisco business community.
At the reception, Giannini remarked, "I saw in the newspapers that you gave President Johnson the lowest odds for winning. It seems you're quite confident in his victory."
Hardy replied with a smile, "That's part of the strategy. By setting those odds, we influence public perception to lean towards Johnson's victory. It's about shaping belief."
Giannini nodded, impressed by Hardy's strategic acumen.
"Moreover, I am genuinely optimistic about Johnson. My confidence has only grown," Hardy added.
Giannini was aware of Dewey's issues with foreign political donations, which had hurt his reputation. Hardy had capitalized on this with the "Black Gold" documentary, intensifying Dewey's downfall.
Hardy then mentioned, "Johnson has invited me to join the Marshall Plan's inspection team, which is one of the three teams."
Giannini's eyes widened. The Marshall Plan's European investments presented a huge opportunity. "Tell me more about this," he urged.
Hardy agreed, suggesting they continue their conversation in a more private setting. After the reception, Giannini eagerly took Hardy to his manor. In the study, as they lit cigars, Hardy began detailing the plan.
"You're familiar with the Marshall Plan, right?" Hardy asked.
"Of course. Secretary of State Marshall proposed it to aid European recovery after World War II. It involves 16 countries and aims to help them rebuild," Giannini responded.
Hardy nodded, "Exactly. The U.S. will provide aid, but it won't be enough to meet all needs. Johnson plans to form a non-governmental inspection group to assist with private loans and investments. European countries need materials and infrastructure, and this presents significant opportunities."
Giannini's excitement grew. A $20 billion investment opportunity, even a small slice, could greatly benefit their consortium.
"Who are the other two teams?" Giannini asked, eager for details.
"Rockefeller and Citibank," Hardy replied.
Giannini, processing this information, realized the implications. Johnson's support from Rockefeller and Citibank could lead to significant gains if Johnson is re-elected. Giannini saw the chance to realign his consortium's investment strategy to secure a profitable future with Hardy's guidance.
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