Wilbur For President (PJW)

"Wilbur For President" is an excerpt from the historical fiction novel A Storm of Swords written by George R.R. Martin. Storm and its prequels and sequels are considered to be supremely historically accurate; while not representing the exact words that occurred in history, they are considered to be incredibly close to the truth.

Wilbur
Another long day awaited Wilbur. It had been two weeks since his controversial ascension to the Oval Office. At least the protesters that remained outside the White House had finally dispersed. But it wasn't just ordinary men and women that disliked him; politicians from across the nation condemned him, and even some of his strongest Democrat allies were turning their backs on him. And Wilbur needed the help. He inherited a mess. As the Nixon administration spiraled downward the White House barely functioned, and that was noted by everyone. Even as local politicians attempted to distance themselves from Nixon and curry favor with the new administration, the North Vietnamese were preparing for some kind of offensive, and refugees from South Korea carried dark tales.

Of course this was the situation Wilbur inherited when he became president. He needed a woman and some liquor. He could solve the second need, at least. While he poured himself a glass, Tommy F. Robinson entered the room.

Wilbur offered the Chief of Staff a glass, but Robinson turned it away. "Have you found any suitable nominees?" Wilbur asked.

Robinson shook his head. "None. You're in a tough spot, Wilbur. The election is less than a year away, none of the major players want to taint their changes of election by becoming your Vice President. And before you ask about minor players - none of them want to risk their future aspirations either." Tommy was always blunt. A high ranking official in Arkansas law enforcement, Tommy had saved Wilbur's life by apprehending a would-be assassin in 1967. The two remained close ever since, with Tommy becoming an important confidante for Wilbur. There was no better choice for Chief of Staff.

Perhaps he should've been my VP, Wilbur thought. "You're right. Election is only a year away. The Vice Presidency can afford to be vacant for a little time."

"Speaking of the election, Wilbur, if you're gonna run, you need to make an announcement soon."

"Run? Run?" Wilbur repeated, then laughed. "I'm the most controversial president since - well, ah Nixon, but you know what I mean. Who would vote for me?"

"Think about it, Wilbur. The Democrat Party is split right now. Humphrey and McCarthy already lost. They're old news. Moderation has been thrown out the window. You think a southern conservative will rally around George 'Hippie' McGovern. And do you think a northern liberal will stand behind Strom Thurmond? The party needs someone to hold it together, or else we lose half of it to independent runs or the Citizens."

"It's a long shot, Tommy. Even if I get past the primaries - which there is still no guarantee - I have to face the Republicans."

"Who are disgraced, with their President and Vice President both resigning and under criminal investigation. And their current front runner is a kid from the Midwest."

Wilbur laughed. "Carlucci is older than you."

"That's besides the point. The point is that this election is wide open, and even someone like Wilbur Mills can make a run at it."

Even someone like Wilbur Mills..."Alright, you got me Tommy. Prepare a statement for tomorrow. Let's win this."