That time I got reincarnated as the president of a superpower

The start of a Presidential Race

January 18, 1960.
United States of America, New York City.

I tapped nervously on the desk, and I looked up to Samantha: "How many minutes left?" I asked her for what must have been the fifth time in the past ten minutes: "Geez! There are only a few minutes left. I'll tell you when there's only a single minute left." She said. She looked at me: "Try to calm down sir... We went over the announcement at least ten times, there's nothing to worry about." She gave me a smile that barely calmed me down. "Yea I know... But I've never done this before!" I said as I continued tapping the desk.

"Stop being so nervous, you're turning everyone else nervous as well." Emma said in a cold voice as she crossed her arms. I was too preoccupied with what was about to happen to even be angry at her... "Hey! You shouldn't say that, that'll only make him more nervous!" Samantha intervened, Emma just remained silent. Samantha looked at her for a few more seconds, before just sighing and checking the filming crew again, just to be sure.

Even the cold Emma was a bit different today, even if she would deny it. Everyone was at least a little nervous... I had basically no following in America... I would have to work really hard to even stand a chance as an independent against the two parties... Even if our assassinations actually work out.

"Alright! We're going live in a single minute!" Samantha said loudly as she showed a single finger towards me. I nodded and checked my suit for the last time. Emma looked at me for a few seconds, before she spoke up: "...You'll probably do fine." She said, her face not changing. I looked back at her, and nodded: "I hope so." I said with a chuckle. Samantha then spoke up once more: "Ten seconds left!" When there were only five seconds left, she counted them down with her fingers.

"Five! Four! Three! Two! One! We're live!"

I looked into the Camera, knowing that possibly millions of Americans were looking at me, sitting on the desk.

"My fellow Americans... I, Jim Baker, am announcing my candidacy for president of the United States as an independent." I said as I looked into the camera... For some reason, I did not feel nervous anymore. The words came out almost naturally.

"I have decided to run for president of this great nation because I feel that it could become even greater. Our nation is facing many struggles. The struggles for civil rights." That one was controversial... I basically said I support the civil rights movement with that sentence...

"The struggle against communism. And the biggest struggle of us all, the constant fight for freedom and equality within this nation. I believebelief we have turbulent times ahead for us all, but I believe that I, as president, could steer our nation towards greatness, and to lead the world into the light of liberty. Ladies and gentlemen, there would be no greater honour for me than to serve the United States in its highest office."

That was it... Barely a minute. But it is the start of a campaign for the most powerful position in the free world. I kept sitting, looking at Emma and Samantha: "You did great!" Samantha said as she gave me a thumbs up. I breathed with relief, and leaned back into my chair: "I did? That's a relief." I relaxed for the first time today.

30 October, 1962.
Republic of Cuba, somewhere near Havana.

It was pitch dark by now... Hours ago, my legs had been burning from the pain. By now I barely felt the pain, or my legs. I was relying purely on muscle memory to continue walking. From the sounds of heavy breathing behind me I figured that my platoon was in a similar state to me. We have been walking for what must be almost an entire day now... Perhaps it was better to rest a while.

"Platoon, we're digging foxholes." I said, I looked around myself for a good spot as I grabbed my entrenching tool. Before I started digging, I shot a glance towards the girl and woman. As expected both of them looked as bad, if not worse, than my troops. But they were holding up quite well. Surprisingly the dog was still following them.