Chapter 5
“The people who cast the votes don’t decide an election, the people who count the votes do.”
Rash couldn’t believe his good fortune. The local Dallas Democratic Party organization promoted him to anyone who would listen, including major organizers at Democratic national headquarters and Johnson’s campaign managers.
Molly was excited. She had gotten the ball rolling locally in Dallas, and it looked like it was picking up steam. She heard Rash might be interviewed and actually appear in a TV ad for the campaign. He was Molly’s ticket to get exposure at high levels in the campaign.
The whirlwind came to a screeching halt one afternoon in Dallas. Molly and Rash were at the Johnson re-election headquarters when the city campaign manager, Jim, came into the small office where they were working and closed the door.
“Rash, I’m sorry to tell you this,” he said, “but the staff has decided not to use you and your story for the campaign.”
Molly was first to respond. “Why the hell not? Rash is Muslim, his sister was killed, and he believes the operation was justified. What would be better for the campaign than to tell America this story?”
“Yes, Jim, why the reversal?” Rash asked.
“First, polling on Operation Python’s success is off the charts. The president’s approval ratings have been up ever since. The campaign is afraid that, if we put a personal face and story to the fact that some civilians in Iran were killed, it will hurt the president.”
“Wow, I never thought of it like that,” said Molly.
Jim nodded and continued. “Because of the news blackout from Iran, we haven’t gotten any credible pictures or stories of civilian casualties. If we put Rash on TV, it personalizes the casualties and could actually have a reverse effect. People could be trying to relate to Rash and be asking themselves if they could still support the president after they lost a family member. We want them concentrating on the victory.”
“So you don’t want anyone to know people were actually killed?” asked Rash.
“We all know people died; we just don’t want to personalize it. I know you are both very disappointed, but I do have some good news.”
“Really?” Molly grinned.
“What’s that?” echoed Rash.
“The state Democratic Party has arranged for both of you to be in Chicago for the re-election celebration and the president’s victory speech in Lincoln Park.”
“Oh, my God, are you serious?” yelped Molly.
“Yes, I’m very serious.” Jim smiled at her exuberance. “On top of that, the DNC said they may want access to Rash later, so you both have standing invitations to the inauguration.”
Rash smiled as he realized these two events could give him the opportunity to meet the president.
“You’ll also have all-access passes as part of the re-election campaign to the victory speech. Molly, I’ve got you assigned to the volunteers tent and Rash, I got you assigned to the press corps tent next to the stage.”
“Jim, I love you!” Molly jumped up and hugged him.
Jim turned to Rash. “Rash,” he said sincerely, “I know this doesn’t make up for your loss in any way, but I hope this shows you how much we appreciate your contribution.”
“Thank you, sir. I look forward to the opportunity,” said Rash, his response measured.