#12
View attachment 418462
August, 1981
Terry works for the president. Lou works for Bob Dole. Without preamble, Lou enters Terry’s office and starts the discussion:
“Tell him it’s unacceptable.”
“Hi Lou.”
“Hi Terry. Don’t screw around with us on this one. Tell him it’s unacceptable.”
“Maybe you get paid to talk to the president like that but I’m not sure-”
“Let’s cut the crap, Terry. You know there’s a right answer to this problem. I know there’s a right answer to this problem. Anderson wants to look like a pragmatist so he floats some Democratic names. Okay, fine. I come down here and act like a jerk to show you how serious we are about not screwing around on this nomination. You convey to the administration that we’re not messing around. Then we all get on with our day.”
“Right. You want a shoe shine while you're at it?”
“If we could do this civil, I would be doing it civil. But you put us in this position so I need to be clear.”
“Here’s some clarity: he’s the president. If he wants to spend the political capital he can do it.”
“He doesn’t want a fight on this one, not in the first year. No one was expecting this vacancy and it’s got everyone’s back up.”
“The Senate’s been perfectly willing to cut deals on everything else. You’re telling me the Republican Party is going to fight their own president over a Supreme Court nomination?
“I’m telling you my boss is going to give him a fight. Anderson wants- or at least he should want- a unanimous confirmation, at least from his own party. With our girl, he can have it.”
“What’s wrong with the other two?”
“Jesus, Terry, they’re Democrats!”
“They’re both registered Independent.”
“They were LBJ appointments for chrissakes!”
“But promoted by Nixon.”
“It doesn’t-
[sigh]. Look. You wanted a read, I’m giving you a read. If you want this done quick and easy, go with Door #3.
Terry pauses for a second, shrugs, and continues.
“Well that seems pretty clear, thanks for your candor.”
“I hope you’re not getting pissy, here.”
Terry spreads his hands.
“Lou, come on. I wanted the lay of the land, you gave it to me. The president respects your boss. He’s done a helluva lot for us this year. Even when he’s voted with the opposition he did it in a way that kept them from getting at any red meat. Anderson wants to know what Dole thinks, and now we know. If we want a fight, you’ll hear about it, if we’re on the same page, you’ll hear about it. You know how it goes.”
“Right. Look. I’m not trying to tell you how to do your job here...but you DON’T want a fight on this one. Trust me.”
A hard stare passes between the aids.
“Loud and clear, Lou. Loud and clear.”
----
Two weeks later
Jerry Falwell and entourage step out of the Southwest Gate of the White House where a small gathering of reporters waits.
“Mr. Falwell! Jim Nowak, Washington Star. Did you and the president speak about his choice for the Supreme Court and will you be making any public statement on the nomination?
“The president and I spoke about a great many things, many of which were in my capacity as a spiritual advisor and therefore confidential. I know President Anderson has thought long and hard on his decision and I believe in his mind he has the best interests of the nation at heart. While I might personally wish for another nominee to grace the high court, I am not the president and will respect his process. That’s all, thank you and God bless.”
They continue to pepper him with questions but he remains silent as he walks to the car and is driven away.
----
7th and Euclid
“EXTRY! EXTRY! Read all about it! Sandra Day O’Connor is the newest Supreme! Opposed by 14 Conservatives, unanimous supports from Dems and Reps! EXTRY!”
“Oh by the way, happy birthday.”
“Aw, thanks, Hashim!”
“Here I got you something.”
“Really? You didn’t have to do that...what is...oh, it’s a hat!”
“It’s a newsboy hat. Like the newsboys wear in old photos.”
“That’s real good of you, friend. Thank you.”
“Try it on.”
“Nah, maybe later.”
“What?”
“I don’t really look good in hats. I’m not a hat guy.”
“What, you can’t even pretend? I’m standing right here.”
“Fine, okay.”
“Good.”
“...Hashim...Hashim, this hat is like, it’s way too small.”
“It’s a child’s hat. For a newsboy, like I said.”
“I see.”
“Because you are like a child.”
“I see.”
“When you shout at everyone, you know. It’s juvenile.”
“EXTRY! Reds over Orioles! Reds win it all in five!