Patricians: Power Politics (2 of 9)

Chapter 19: Mutual Interests

Owl News employees raced around the set, preparing to broadcast tonight's program, The O'Neil Factor. The show was one of the largest draws on the news network. Tonight, President Woods would be under scrutiny by the conservative pundit. William O'Neil stared at the cameras. Across the blue backdrop was the show's name, repeated across the surface. Lights on the cameras notified the host that the broadcast was now live.

"Tonight President Woods has agreed to sit down with me. We're going to get some answers to the questions about his liberal agenda, the war, and the ever-increasing ties between the government and Muse industries. The whole world is in mourning in the wake of the destruction in Russia, and we all deserve answers. President Woods, thanks for agreeing to join me tonight."

Cameras swung into focus on the President sitting across from the host. Exhaustion marked President Woods face and showed in his weary eyes. Owl News had been attacking the President since he took office.

"Thank you, William. It's good to be here with you today." President Woods responded with charisma, but was preparing for what the interview would bring. William O'Neil was a popular Owl News journalist. The whole field of journalism was now stretching the word "journalist", because none of the journalist believed in objective, unbiased, and truthful reporting. Those days were long gone.

"Mr. President, everyone knows the truth--that, for the last three years, there has been no response from the Democrats on the growing terrorism. Everyone knows terrorism is funded by the Islamic Republic of the Middle East. Americans are outraged that Democrats have not acted, and, instead, have waited for both Russia and IRME to prepare for war. Now that those governments have declared war, do you take responsibility for the increased military that will now take good Americans' lives in war?" O'Neil had framed his question in a way that, regardless of the answer, the President would be forced to accept the premises hidden within. Cameras waited to catch any moment of weakness in the form of his doubt. All eyes were on the President, watching for his reaction.

"That is disingenuous to the hardworking American soldiers who fight for our freedoms, William. Not every problem requires military intervention. In fact, during my term, I have increased pay for soldiers, ensured benefits for veterans, and increased the strength of the American military substantially. It is the worst kind of lie to imply that I have allowed these governments to prepare for war. Any political system that desires war only does so because of the people controlling that system."

Figures rolled, showing the Presidents' declining approval rating to the audience. The information was an active form of propaganda.

Owl polls showed that just over half the country blamed the President for the war. William O'Neil was a pivotal figure on Owl News, and critics argued the organization had built their views around this figure. Polls also showed that just under half of the country felt the military was unprepared for the war. That factor offered one opinion: William O'Neil's.

"You can't deny that if American Forces had conducted airstrikes and naval blockades that we would be facing a much weaker force. Many people in the country believe that it was your responsibility, Mr. President, to contain the problem. For over thirty years now, I've reported on terrorism conducted by IRME and the former nations that now comprise this government." William was driving home the point.

Remaining composed, President Woods kept his aura of confidence under the verbal assault.

"Here in America, we govern through cooperation and advisors. Every solution I have enacted has been reached through the advice and information provided by the American Military. The process of collaboration is important to democracy, and I have always believed that only through wise counsel can problems be remedied." Broadcasted information showed evidence of the affiliation between President Woods and Muse. Presenting the information primed the thoughts of the audience of The O'Neil Factor.