Page 29 of Revisions

Cassidy smiles.

“But I also know I need to be here,” I confess.

“Candace, I hate to state the obvious, but why don’t you have Jameson meet you here?”

“Because that requires planning,” I reply. “Everything requires a plan. I can think of a million reasons to return to DC. None would raise any eyebrows.”

“True.”

“It’s not about protests or boring congressional candidates.”

Cassidy giggles. She has spent enough time campaigning with her ex-husband to know that the company of some people who run for office can be as dull as watching paint dry. I’ve seen far more colorful paint than some of the people I’m set to travel with this week. They’re nice enough. Capable. I can’t help but wonder if they’re the best we have to offer. Two are former prosecutors, and one is a former mayor. On paper, they are highly qualified for the offices they seek. But they’re also largely out of touch with the people they serve. That’s the hardest part of living in the White House for me. Even when I was the governor, I saw everyday people—the ones who elected me. How can I serve their needs when I don’t interact with them? I’m frustrated. Jameson has always been able to bring me back to myself and center me.

“Denver Minor is boring,” Cassidy says.

We’re scheduled to campaign with Denver Minor in—wait for it—Denver tomorrow. It’s sad to admit I think that’s why the party pushed him to run. What a terrific campaign slogan!Denver is Denver.I’m not making that up.

“He’s capable,” I say.

“That’s a ringing endorsement,” Cassidy says lightly.

“DenverisDenver might grab attention, but we need better candidates in two years if I hope to get reelected.”

Cassidy sighs. She has never envisioned herself working in politics, but that doesn’t change the fact that she possesses a keen understanding of how politics works and what types of candidates can excite voters.

“You agree,” I say.

“You know, I agree. Finding candidates who are both capable and able to spark excitement is never easy. Discovering those who also shareyourvalues and vision? That will encounter resistance.”

Here’s a truth that politicians rarely acknowledge: they are perpetually campaigning. Once you reach this level, everyone is either sprinting to be closetoyou or fleeing as fast as they canfromyou. Finding people who share my values may not be as challenging as discovering those who align with my vision. I understand that, and so does Cassidy. I hesitate to resort to a clichéd chess metaphor, but the presidency resembles a massive strategy game. There aren’t many actions I initiate today that will bear fruit in my first term. The consequences of many, if not most, of my policies and decisions won’t be felt in earnest until I’m back living in Schoharie.

Achieving lasting change is not easy. Much of what I believe we should invest in, both at home and abroad, is exactly that: an investment. People want immediate solutions to their problems—and to the world’s. It isn’t that simple.

“Candace,” Cassidy calls out to me. “You need a team that understands your goals, and you need support from people who aren’t afraid to get in the mud with Lawson Klein on your behalf. The moment this election is over, the next cycle begins. We both know that. That’s why you’re missing JD.”

“It’s a big part of the reason,” I admit. “I’ve seen ugly, Cassidy. So have you. Klein’s people don’t have a bottom.”

“There’s something you aren’t saying.”

“Jess called me last night.”

Cassidy nods. Her ex-husband was a New York attorney turned congressman. She has known Jessica since before she met me. Cassidy was also one of the first people to offer her support when I came out as a lesbian. She was extremely popular in New York, and many believedsheshould have run for the seat her husband held.

“You asked Grant to come back, didn’t you?”

“I did. I thought that was the reason for her call. It turns out Jameson calledher.”

Cassidy laughs.

“You’re not surprised,” I observe.

“No. JD knows you, Candace. I realize she isn’t overly fond of politics.”

I groan.

“She loves being part ofyourworld,” Cassidy reminds me.

“I know.”

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