POWER

Chapter Eighteen

Preparing for the national debate was deeming more stressful than Faith had previously anticipated. Thoughts of all the worst-case scenarios rushed through her head as her stylist combed and styled her hair. The chances of Faith making a mistake were high as they were to discuss several sensitive topics on live television. Her opponent Tamara was once a new reporter and therefore felt no additional pressure when she heard the words ''live feed'' or ''no five-second delay''. Faith however struggled to sit still as her makeup was applied, she was nervous and was shaking like a leaf.

''Faith, Jason wanted me to tell you they're allowing an additional fifteen minutes for reporters ask questions.''

''More questions? I'm struggling with them as it is in prep. There's to many topics to cover.''

''It's just a formality to prepare for the unprepared. Don't worry, when dad was thinking ahead and booking this thing he said they always ask the same types of questions every year. Oh and I need to ask a favour of you, I'm bringing a friend to the celebrations on the election day. Would you mind talking to her? She's thinking of going to law school, Harvard I think. She's nice, you'll like her.''

''Is she more than just a friend?''

'' Sort of. We haven't been together for long though.''

Once Faith's hair had been straightened, her eyebrows shaped and her heels fitted Faith went to calm her pre-debate nerves. She was on her way down to the hotel's kitchens when she accidentally bumped into someone – Tamara.

''Hey you going to get food too? I'm starving.''

'' No, just a bottle of water for me.''

''Faith if there's one piece of advice I can give you – it's that campaign managers aren't always right. They said don't eat anything in case the nerves make you feel sick right? Yeah, mine too. If you want to eat – eat.'' Tamara was a lot younger than Faith. Ten years younger. She may have been in her mid-thirties but she held herself as though superior to Faith.

''Thanks.'' Said Faith awkwardly. ''I think I've had all the advice I need.''

''Ok. Well keep talking whilst I make myself a sandwich. I'm starving.''

Faith grabbed herself a bottle of water from the fridge as Tamara got something to eat. As much as Tamara wanted to talk and as much as Faith wanted to question her opponent's values – they had a live debate to start.

Both candidates were having final make-up touch ups when they were called up on stage. Hundreds of people watched (both in person and on their televisions) as they walked across the stage, they shook hands and went to stand by their podiums. The interviewer began by reading them all the rules (obviously they had both already been informed of these.) Then he chose the first topic and asked for their opinions on:

The Second Amendment.

The two campaigns both had their set opinions on things like gun control, the debate's purpose was merely to inform voters of these values and beliefs. They went in sections and took turns answering. Tamara was brief but exact and was very effective in arguing for allowing citizens to bearing a firearm. Faith however was arguing against and was struggling to remain within her time limit.

'' My opinion? I want sensible gun laws. This doesn't make me anti guns I just feel they are used more for attacking than for defending. I think...''

Beep! Times up! ''Don't worry Faith'' smiled the interviewer ''you'll have other chances to express your views just, try to keep to the time allowance. The next topic with be allowed longer answers. The topic – outlawing abortion.''