[Chapter 717: The Ultimate Version of Wealth and Willfulness]
The Japanese companies rarely dismissed employees unless it was absolutely necessary. From this perspective, their prolonged struggle to emerge from the quagmire after the bubble economy burst was related to this lifelong employment system.
Throughout American history, there had been numerous economic collapses, yet recovery typically came within a few years. The so-called bankruptcy protection played a significant role in this regard.
After bankruptcy protection, it effectively cut off any further losses. Owners no longer had to risk everything over subsequent losses. Of course, as long as debts remained unpaid, extravagant spending was not an option for them.
Even so, a bankrupt tycoon was still a tycoon. Once they spotted an opportunity, they could bounce back. That's how the whimsical ones made their comebacks -- if they cleared their previous debts, they could return to living large.
"Sir, are you sure you want to do this?"
"It's just a hundred million. I don't like the Donkeys, so I'll help their opponents. I want to see those Donkeys take a massive loss in the midterm elections this year. Of course, it doesn't have to be overt; I'll do it under my foundation's name."
Filson shook his head in a bitter laugh. Sometimes, the boss could be incredibly childish. Given the current situation, with the midterm elections at the end of the year, the donkeys were already facing challenges. If he stirred the pot, they would be in real trouble.
After Roosevelt, Congress was often dominated by the Donkeys. This time, it looked like a significant shift was on the horizon.
"I got it, sir. I bet the Washington boss is going to regret this and want to scream."
"Ha ha, I've seen bullies, but I've never seen one this blatant. You come into office and immediately set flames to my head. Is it because the richest child looks particularly adorable?"
Filson bitterly smiled, unsure how to advise him. The other party's actions were more of a test.
"Haha, I understand, sir. With this experience, I think they'll be a bit more level-headed going forward." Filson actually wanted to say that the boss should be the one to calm down. Some things were just tasks he had to undertake.
Indeed, Clinton was no fool. During his campaign, the White Foundation was a significant donor. If you stick it to your backers right after taking office, who would support you after that?
Although the midterm elections weren't until November, the money raised now was the most precious. Whether it was advertising or securing sponsorships, if they didn't hustle now, they would miss the chance.
Money might not buy victory, but a lack of funds would surely lead to a loss. That's how American elections worked; usually, if your campaign budget was three times that of your opponent -- regardless of whether it was a congressional or presidential race -- the one with more money would ultimately prevail.
Why did people say Clinton was lucky? His campaign funds were nowhere near those of Bush Sr., yet he won in a perplexing manner.
...
"Has he completely lost it?"
"What's wrong?" Bush Sr. lounged back in his chair, enjoying a cigar. After all these years, he could finally take it easy.
"Dad, this midterm election is going to be interesting. William White has become the largest donor to the Republican Party. Haha, he plans to take the Donkeys out in one sweep."
"Ah, the Donkeys will lose, and it'll be a catastrophic loss, but taking them all out is impossible. But this way, those old-timers hiding in the background won't be able to sit still."
In reality, individual donations had their limits. You couldn't get too outrageous, and in any case, they wouldn't dare accept it.
However, nothing was absolute. Direct donations weren't feasible, but weren't there plenty of organizations with diverse names? Those guys were basically professionals in this field.
Previously, William White usually placed bets on both sides. The amounts were limited, just slightly lower than a few consortiums.
This time, William White almost broke all the rules.
If time hadn't been on their side, those Donkeys might have actually lost their minds. Even so, there were many differing opinions emerging internally.
What? You want to confront William White? Fine, but don't drag us into this. If everyone crashes, would you enjoy being left alone?
Some raised concerns about potential legal issues with this approach.
Cough, there were no such worries. You think William White expanded his legal team for no reason? Those guys were specifically hired to take on opponents. If they thought it was alright, then it truly wasn't a problem.
What? Someone's trying to trip up William White?
If someone really did that, it wouldn't just be about re-election anymore.
Let's put it this way: William White could do as he pleased because the money was his. You, on the other hand, had constraints on your power.
...
"William, are you planning to simply throw money at people?"
"George, that's not how it is. Money isn't everything, and I know who's hiding behind the curtain plotting against me."
"Cough, now that you mention it, I suppose you've made a few enemies. Is there anyone among those old-timers who likes you? Just point one out."
William White was curious; young Bush was recovering pretty quickly. On the phone, he sounded quite cheerful.
"Ha, they envy and resent me. When I was their age, they were still toiling away to earn their stripes, or fighting with their families."
Young Bush was very much aware that William White probably knew exactly who it was; he just couldn't be bothered to deal with them. The old timers' tactics were usually to suppress a little first, but if you didn't want to suffer losses, couldn't you talk it out?
The problem now was that William White completely rejected their methods.
Have you figured it out yet? The White family now is no worse than any of yours. So what if they're older? Does that give them the right to be unreasonable? Fine then, let's see who can be more unreasonable. You all keep playing along.
The top boss's hair was standing on end. He had seen bullies before, but not to this extreme -- this was totally disregarding the President.
Ah, it's good to have money; with money, one can act with impunity.
In reality, he was overthinking it. Promising someone is one thing; delivering is another. One clueless person can be terrifying enough, but two clueless people meeting? That could lead to disaster.
...
Having released some pent-up frustration, William White felt exceptionally refreshed. The sky was clear, the ocean was blue, and even the beauty in his arms seemed even fairer.
"Oh my God, Nicole, you seem to have gotten a lot paler again. Is there really no problem if we did it in the sun?" She shot him a look. After all this fuss, he was just now realizing she might get sunburned. What a jerk.
"Hmph, darling, why didn't you want me to film that Mission Impossible? Agents can't be this pale."
"It's not that I didn't want you to film it; I have other plans. Besides, that Tom Cruise looked at you oddly. Let me tell you, I'm a bit jealous."
"Hmph, dream on. Didn't you say he was gay?"
"Not just that, he's a dual pluggable type. Sigh, I have no suitable guys here, but this guy's troubles don't stop there."
"Come on, what else is there that I don't know?" As she shook William White's hand, she found it had a pleasant firmness.
"This guy doesn't believe in God. The cult he joined isn't very reputable," William White didn't want to delve too deep; in his view, anyone could believe whatever faith they wished. At the very least, it had to be normal.
"Really? Why haven't I heard of this before?"
"Do you know how Roman Polanski's wife died?"
"What? Was it those demons?" The pretty girl was startled; the story of Roman Polanski's wife was almost taboo in Hollywood.
"It wasn't them; those guys couldn't get out; they'd definitely die in prison. The one I mentioned before is actually quite formidable."
*****
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