The Doctor's Dilemma

Chapter 30: Democratic Debates

Tuesday, September 13, 2039
First Democratic Presidential Candidate Debate

Terrence's POV:

"Do you believe your inexperience in the political realm is a critical component of your candidacy?" I questioned, starting the timer as she began her answer.

"Yes, I am not a politician by profession, yet my continued involved on the other side of politics, as a civilian, is the basis of my candidacy. I have experienced the struggles of a middle-class civilian in our country. Living paycheck to paycheck is a growing epidemic in our population, even when others are living luxuriously."

   "But besides economic points, I have grown up in the age of mass shootings. Having lost those I care for in shootings and recently experienced one in my hometown, it has spurred my actions. But coming back, my public inexperience is not the downside to my candidacy, it is the face of my campaign." She finishes just as the timer goes off, startling her.

"Good, but I would summarize the details and add a diversity point since that would make it a good trifecta," I advised as the car came to a stop and turned to her,

"Just be yourself. Your campaign is based on authenticity and connecting with the American people. You'll be great out there, I know it!"

  Squeezing my hand before we got out of the car, she said,

     "Our campaign. I may be the face of it, but I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you and everyone else that works so hard to get where we are."

Vidhi's POV:

Once we were done with the walkthrough and has been miked, given our instructions, I sat in the green room with the other candidates and their debate prep team giving them last minute information on the phone. I thumbed through Priti's research on the various topics we had zoned in on as the minutes passed by.

I was not aware of the shadowy presence beside me until they made themselves known,

   "Vidhi Patel from Jersey right?" Looking up, the tone of this man's words made my skin crawl, wondering why I was being asked this by a random staffer. Nodding, I composed myself and took this as an opportunity to make a campaign connection.

"Hello. Yes, I'm Vidhi Patel and I'm one of the Democratic candidates, but I guess you knew that already. How can I help you?" I extended my hand, waiting for a handshake, but received none.

   Dropping my hand, I awaited a response. With a gleam in his eyes, he told me,

   "You just did. Good luck out there."

Abruptly rising up and leaving as quickly as he had entered, leaving me with more questions and a mental note to ask around the debate. Not soon after the debate was underway...

"Thank you and thank you to the organizers of tonight's debate. I'm Vidhi Patel. I'm the granddaughter of a self-made businessman and the daughter of immigrants. My parents came here for better opportunities for their family and the reason I am able to stand here and contest as a candidate for the highest office in the land. I am a pediatrician by profession and I love my job because I am one of the many minds that will influence the next generations and their well-being. I want the same level of care, compassion, and collaboration for all of our children. Over the past months, after many town halls and calls with people all over our nation, I'm proposing policies that would fix healthcare, invest in infrastructure, focus on combating climate change effects, and raise wages across the country."

    "Personally, this campaign is so that the minorities and women in the country are represented, not only at the local level but nationally as well, as the head of state. To show the young dreamers across the nation that, it doesn't matter what your zip code, racial identity, or gender is; you too can grow up to be president." As I finish, the performing arts center amplified the applause and cheers of the crowd.