Step Aside, Mr. President.

Chapter 8 - The Puppet Master

The grandfather clock in the Oval Office chimed ten times, its resonant tones echoing through the historic chamber. Nicholas Hayes sat behind the Resolute desk, his reading glasses perched on his nose as he reviewed a stack of polling data. The morning sun streamed through the windows, catching the silver in his hair and casting long shadows across the presidential seal woven into the carpet.

"The Vice President has arrived, sir," his secretary announced through the intercom.

Hayes allowed himself the smallest of smiles before pressing the response button. "Send them in, please." As Eleanor entered, he carefully positioned his old dictaphone beneath a stack of papers, pressing record with practiced ease.

Eleanor Montgomery swept into the Oval Office with her characteristic energy, her policy adviser, Marcus Armstrong, trailing behind with an overflowing briefcase. Hayes noted how she automatically moved toward the chair closest to his desk – the power seat, as it was known in Washington circles.

"Thank you for making time, Mr. President," Eleanor said, smoothing her navy blazer as she sat. "With only a hundred and seven days until the election, every minute counts."

"Of course, Eleanor. After all, your success is the administration's success." Hayes leaned back, his expression grandfatherly and warm.

Marcus spread several documents across the coffee table between them. "We've been working on policy positions, sir. The polling shows some concerning trends in key demographics."

"Tell me," Hayes encouraged, folding his hands across his stomach.

Eleanor leaned forward. "We're hemorrhaging support among suburban voters, especially in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The Blue Wall trio, as the media calls them is my most direct way to the Presidency. Our climate agenda is scaring them – they're worried about job losses in traditional energy sectors."

"Ah," Hayes nodded sagely. "The eternal battle between environmental concerns and economic reality. You know, when I was in Congress, I learned something interesting about Midwest voters."

Both Eleanor and Marcus perked up, ready to absorb wisdom from the political veteran.

"They don't actually care about climate change," Hayes continued, his voice carrying absolute conviction. "It's a coastal elite concern. What they care about is their jobs. I'd suggest completely pivoting on this issue. Embrace fracking, promote natural gas. Think of it as... strategic repositioning."

Eleanor's eyes lit up. " That would certainly set me apart from the administration's current stance, but it might also give the impression that I am indecisive on the issue or risk alienating our base."

"Oh no," Hayes shook his head, "you shouldn't separate yourself from the administration at all. Own everything we've done – the good and the bad. It shows loyalty, strength of conviction." He paused, watching the trap spring shut in slow motion. "After all, you've played a key role in every decision we've made. As for concerns about alienating our base, let's remember we only need to win three of the seven swing states—and I carried five of them last time. You've been an incredible source of energy and inspiration for our base and I am sure will definitely improve upon my win."

Marcus scribbled notes frantically as Hayes continued, each suggestion more politically poisonous than the last.

"Social Security is another opportunity," Hayes mused. "The deficit hawks in the Republican party might be persuadable if you show willingness to discuss benefit adjustments. Perhaps even means-testing for recipients under fifty-five."

"You mean cuts?" Eleanor asked, her political instincts momentarily flickering to life.

"Adjustments," Hayes emphasized with a disarming smile. "It's all in the framing. And while we're at it, let's talk education reform. I think you should float the idea of performance-based funding for public schools. Make them compete for federal dollars."