"Williams, I’d like to discuss sothing with Mr. Hardy. Can you help get in touch with him?" President Johnson asked.
"Oh, of course, but may I ask, Mr. President, what do you need to discuss with Mr. Hardy?" Williams inquired.
"I hope that ABC can arrange an exclusive interview program for . I’m wondering if that’s sothing Hardy could facilitate," President Johnson replied.
Major General Williams, having spent a long ti in the political arena, naturally understood the significance of the President’s words. "Mr. President, I’ll contact Mr. Hardy for you right away."
"Thank you. I’ll be waiting for your response."
After hanging up, Major General Williams had many thoughts racing through his mind. He knew that the President’s situation was not good, with a very low approval rating, and that Johnson was seeking supporters everywhere.
But would Hardy support President Johnson?
Williams had no idea what Hardy’s political stance was. However, this call had to be made. He was rely a liaison, the decision would ultimately rest with Hardy.
When Hardy received Major General Williams call, he initially thought Williams was inquiring about the recent sale of surplus materials and said with a smile, "Don’t worry, General. The sales are going well. The second batch of materials has already been shipped."
"Hardy, I’m not calling about that," Major General Williams said.
"Oh, then what’s the matter?"
"It’s President Johnson. He called and asked to help him get in touch with you. He wants to do an exclusive interview on ABC. He asked if you could arrange that," Major General Williams explained.
"President Johnson!"
Hardy was quite surprised by Williams words. He never expected President Johnson to reach out to him directly.
Hardy began to think.
Major General Williams didn’t rush him because he knew that this kind of political investnt was crucial for a businessman, potentially affecting future developnt and even the survival of the enterprise.
For a while, both n remained silent.
Hardy’s mind raced.
He knew about this President Johnson. Apart from his na being different from a certain historical figure’s na, everything else about him was similar. Even his opponent was also nad Dewey.
Currently, Johnson’s approval rating was very low, and there were various reasons for it, both international and dostic. In short, almost no one believed that Johnson could be re-elected, while Dewey had overwhelming support. Historically, even in the final poll, the approval rating of that historical figure was far below his opponent’s.
But in the end, a miracle happened. On election day, there was a dramatic reversal, and that historical figure unexpectedly won.
It shocked countless people.
Many had to pay the price for their failed investnts.
In this world, President Johnson’s situation was similar to that historical figure’s, but could he also pull off a coback? No one could guarantee that.
Supporting Johnson would be a very risky investnt for Hardy.
Hardy belonged to a California based consortium, which naturally aligned with the Republican camp. If he now supported Johnson instead, and Johnson failed, Hardy’s future could beco very difficult. It would be normal for him to face exclusion by Republican politicians, and he might even be kicked out of the California consortium.
Hardy pondered for a full ten minutes.
Major General Williams silently accompanied Hardy in this contemplation.
Finally, Hardy spoke.
"General Williams, I would like to arrange a eting with the President to have a serious discussion," Hardy said.
"Alright, I’ll help you contact the President’s side."
President Johnson received Major General Williams call, and upon hearing that Hardy wanted to talk to him, Johnson felt that an opportunity had arrived. "I would also like to talk with him. Tell Hardy that I’ve arranged for us to play golf at the private course in Washington tomorrow."
...
The Next Day.
Suburbs of Washington, D.C.
At a certain exclusive private golf course, Hardy t President Johnson. Johnson, with his silver hair and glasses, looked more like a financier than a politician. Enjoy new stories from .Côm
"Hello, Hardy," President Johnson extended his hand.
"Good day, Mr. President," Hardy replied with a smile as he shook the President’s hand.
That day’s weather was good and the entire private golf course was deserted, leaving just Hardy and Johnson strolling across the lawn with their golf clubs.
"Hardy, I must say, I didn’t expect you to be so young. You’re only 27 years old and have built such a huge global business in less than three years," President Johnson remarked.
To be honest, when Johnson first received Hardy’s dossier, he was surprised by Hardy’s rapid rise.
It took him only three years to go from nothing to everything.
He was wounded during World War II while serving in the Marine Corps. After he was discharged, he returned ho and quickly began his ascent. He founded a film firm and a security company before venturing into comrcial business and dia, making Barbie dolls and Playboy magazine, which brought him a sizable fortune.
Subsequently, his business interests expanded explosively to television manufacturing, the Hardy Grand Hotel, ABC Television, and The Global Tis. Finally, leveraging the power of the Bank of Arica, he successfully acquired Wells Fargo, establishing the Hardy Group.
Of course, as President, Johnson was also privy to other intelligence.
The largest gang in Los Angeles, "The Los City Gang," is likely deeply connected with Hardy.
Then there’s the Las Vegas casino business.
Two casinos under construction have each received investnts exceeding $100 million. Even in President Johnson’s eyes, these are significant investnts. Most notably, one of the casinos has shareholders from several Mafia families, while the other is backed by a consortium from California.
Through these two casinos, Hardy has managed to gather an exceptionally powerful force.
His HD Security Company now employs over 5,000 veterans, making it the largest security firm in the United States, with contracts with the Los Angeles and San Francisco Police Departnts, supplenting city law enforcent.
HD Security is also a formidable force, ensuring that no one dares to move against Hardy lightly.
On the surface, however, Hardy appears to be a very clean businessman.
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