Thoughts of a Future Statesman
By Ginny Kinneman
Disclaimer-The usual. Just a little something I came up with while mopping
the kitchen floor this morning.
Why is everyone looking at me weird?
Oh, God.
I just asked Charlie about Abbey twice, I think. Maybe not, I'm not too sure.
I hear someone say 4 minutes and I feel Leo propelling me out the door to the
limo. He's yammering on about the Blue Ribbon commission, trying to convince
me it is a good idea, I know it is a good idea.
I sink back into my seat for a few minutes rest, make that a few seconds
rest, Leo is already on the phone and I have the feeling I am supposed to be
paying attention to what he is saying. I nod and look out the window. It is
a beautiful night out there. The stars are out and the air is crisp.
I looked over at Charlie, sitting across from me. He appears calm and gives
me a look I take to mean, "Are you OK?" I just smile and give him a wink.
I'm OK. I'm more than OK.
I am the most powerful man in the world about to make the biggest speech of
my political career, or so I've been told. I am...
A Statesman.
No, wait, don't I have to be dead 15 years first, oh, never mind.
We're pulling up to the Capitol, time for a few deep breaths.
I get out of the limo and glance at my reflection in the window. Hair looks
OK, I straighten my tie, pat my pocket searching for my glasses, OK, they are
there, button my jacket.
I glance up at the dome on top of the Capitol. It is quite a sight.
Leo is right beside me. "Ready, Mr. President?"
"Yeah"
We quickly enter the building and ascend the few stairs to meet Sam and Toby.
As I reach the top of the stairs, Charlie glances at me and then down at my
feet.
Good grief. I, Josiah Bartlet, leader of the free world, minutes away from
addressing Congress, am about to trip over my shoelace. Now I have to bend
down to tie my shoe in front of an impatient audience.
I bend down and I can feel a few dozen eyes on me. It's like being back in
Sister Marie's kindergarten class all over again. I was the last person in
the class to master shoe tying. It was and is a nightmare. My fingers go
numb on me and I have to try twice. I feel Leo's eyes on the back of my
head. Finally I rise to face Sam and Toby. I just smile, take the folder
and shake their hands.
The crowd erupts into applause as we walk down the hall.
Maybe they were right, maybe this is the biggest speech of my political
career. Charlie keeps staring at me, God, I hope I don't look as nervous as
I feel.
We come up to the door and it's keeper, Mr. Finney.
"Mr. President"
I nod and bow my head in prayer. Out of the corner of my eye I see Charlie
do the same. OK, I think, short prayer, Congress and the nation are waiting.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I cross myself and put my
hand over my heart.
"Amen"
"Amen" I hear Charlie echo over my left shoulder.
Time to take a step forward and speak to Mr. Finney. Deep breath.
"Mr. Finney, would you tell the Speaker I would like to see him"
And the door opens.
"Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States"
I feel a hand on my shoulder as I walk through the door. Leo? Charlie? I
have no idea. Perhaps the imaginary hand of the Presidents who have come and
gone before me.
Quick glance down at my shoe laces. All tied. Deep breath and...
I'm ready.
THE END