In a surprise press conference, the President admits to the nation that Russian hacking may have played a decisive role in his election. He then proceeded to give his full endorsement to the Mueller probe. He provided details of a phone conversation with Mr Putin, held earlier in the day, demanding an immediate stop to any interference with the American electoral process. Speculation has run rampant regarding the motives for the President’s about face…
The following day
Washington Post Headline
President Trump says Bye Bye to the Wall
While remaining committed to immigration reform, the President announced that he would not include building the Wall as a priority. ‘We can use the money for education and training of the American work force,’ he said to a stunned crowd in West Virginia. But there were no boos in the arena. Pundits were left puzzled at the move, with some speculating that he is feeling more secure as we head into the mid term elections, with others seeing it as an effort to broaden his support and woo the center. The decision comes right after taking an unexpected tough stance against Russian interference and openly stating that had it not been for the interference, Hillary Clinton may well have been elected President in 2016. The stock market greeted the news with relish and the Dow jumped 581 points to an all time high…
Chapter 17
Washington DC. Park. Evening.
Two men in suits approach. They spot a bench and sit side by side. They pull out their cell phones, turn them off and place them on the bench between them.
1st – Pretty crazy.
2nd – We knew he was full of surprises.
1st – It’s insane. After all we’ve done to provide him with cover.
2nd – I know. He must think we’re a yo-yo.
1st – You think the base will go with him?
2nd – They have a love affair with this guy… I don’t see it.
1st – But there it is. What bugs me is his new talk about bipartisan dialogue. Where did that come from?
2nd – You vote for him?
1st – Holding my nose.
2nd – We all did.
1st – Well, they can’t prove anything so we’ll keep our seats.
2nd – Maybe he had a stroke… one of those silent ones…
1st – Anything is possible.
2nd – Maybe he got hit by lightning… I read about this doctor who got hit during a rainstorm and became a pianist afterwards… he hadn’t been musical before.
1st – I suppose it could go the other way and you become a dope fiend. I’ll tell you this… if he gets the base to stay with him, that’s the rabbit out of the hat trick.
2nd – If he does that, he’ll win the next election.
1st – Bipartisan dialogue… can you believe it? We haven’t done that in so long we don’t know what it sounds like.
2nd – On the other hand… maybe we’ll get something done for a change.
1st – I suppose. I’m up for reelection and my opponent is getting all kinds of donations. Women and immigrants are up in arms.
2nd – You worried?
1st – A little.
They look at each other.
2nd – I’ll hate to miss our chats.
1st – Don’t count me out yet.
A gay couple goes by. They’re holding hands as they talk amorously.
Chapter 18
White House. One week later.
Press conference. Late afternoon.
The President at the lectern, Melania standing near him on one side, Ivanka on the other.
Trump – To all the women whom I have mistreated… I beg your forgiveness… in my fits of narcissism I violated your boundaries… treated you like chattel… thought myself entitled to your bodies to satisfy my carnal desires. Owning up to my transgressions is an acknowledgment of the predator impulse in me… a first step to understand it and to control it… for I have caused emotional injuries that have left you with scars. I have no doubt that… with the assistance of my wife Melania… I will in time conquer that disgraceful flaw in my character… and help me move toward becoming a better human being… and a better man. Thank you.
Reporters jump to their feet with an abundance of questions but the President simply waves to them and exits.
Chapter 19
White House. South Lawn. Midday
Melania is strolling on her own. Trump comes into the garden and calls to her.
Trump – Melania!
(she waves back at him. He approaches and they embrace)
Trump – What did you think?
Melania – It went very well.
Trump – I thought so, too. Will it help us win the election?
Melania – Dee… what will be, will be… and we’ll always have each other.
(they turn and holding hands, start to walk off)
(after a stretch…)
Melania – Have you thought about your tax returns?
Trump – Ah, those… let me think about that one some more.
The End
This play was written in 2018, right after Trump and Putin’s conference in Helsinki.
My intention was to help the president change course and lead the country in a different direction. Events, however, turned out to be quite different.
This work is copyrighted Oscar Valdes. 2018. All Rights Reserved.
Oscarvaldes.net also available in anchor.fm, apple and google podcasts and buzzsprout.
This is a dramatization of events. I do not know Mr Trump, Melania or Mr Putin.
Trump is alone at his desk, staring off. He raises his hands to his temples, then he begins…
Trump – To all the women whom I have mistreated… I beg your forgiveness… in my fits of narcissism I violated your boundaries… treated you like chattel… thought myself entitled to your bodies to satisfy my carnal desires. Owning up to my transgressions is an acknowledgment of the predator impulse in me… a first step to understand it and to control it… for I have caused emotional injuries that have left you with scars. I have no doubt that… with the assistance of my wife, Melania… I will in time conquer that disgraceful flaw in my character… and help me move toward becoming a better human being… and a better man.
(he swivels in his chair to face the window that looks out onto the city)
Trump – I’ve memorized my culpability speech… but will I ever make it public?
(he leans forward, hands clasped, the mood pensive)
Trump – Melania would say that it’s the right thing to do.
(he stands up)
Trump – Will I be mocked? I can see women saying, ‘It’s too late’… questioning my sincerity. Some will try to take me to court… but without any physical evidence, I should be okay. What worries me is what my base will say. They accept me as who I am. A manly guy who loves… but that’s in the past. I’m giving it up. For Melania.
(he turns to walk into the room, hands held in back)
Trump – What will the political fallout be? This finding my higher self… and my emotional depth… has political risks. And then Melania wanting me to be a bipartisan president.
(he stops)
Trump – I’m not saying it’s not possible but it’s a stretch. Still, I have to find that sweet spot in me from where to draw the strength to confront Putin. And I have to find it now. Could it be… that making my culpability speech public… will take me where I have to go?
(he sits by the fireplace)
Trump – Something about owning up to the truth as a source of psychological strength. What would I say to Putin?
(he pauses, then narrowing his eyes leans forward and begins to speak to the imaginary Putin)
Trump – Look man… whatever you have on me, you have on me. I don’t care what it is. I do not care. If you helped me get elected, so be it. That’s right. I owe allegiance to my country, got that? That’s right. I owe allegiance to my people… that means everybody. Native and immigrant. White, Black and Brown and whatever lies in between. Protestant and Catholic, Jew and Muslim. And yes, I’ve taken a vow to protect and nurture the American mind. With whatever wrinkles it may have. So here’s the deal, Vladimir… you have to stop interfering in my country’s elections… or in anything else. Did you get that? By hook or crook, it has fallen to me, a hotel businessman from New York, that great city who survived 9/11, to protect and enhance the American way of life… with all its defects… because we keep learning, buster, did you get that? We keep learning so we can make it better, and if you don’t stop… then I will start piling up sanctions on you… one after the other, until your people are sick of them. And once they get to that point, they’ll come to you and say, ‘what’s the deal, Vladimir? Are you representing us or are you on a power trip? Because we’re the ones getting hurt with the sanctions, not you.’
(he sits back in his chair)
Trump (still addressing the imaginary Putin) – What did you say?
(he leans forward again)
Trump – That your interference in the election was vaster than it’s known? Okay. Then put it out, man. Just put it out. You can’t prove anything. You do not control the American mind. Period. Okay? That’s your delusion. And you do not control my mind. No one does. I am now putting an end to the nightmares, all right? Do you understand? I am in control of my mind. That’s it. Case closed. Dismissed.
(he nods and sits back)
Trump – I like that. It felt good.
(he crosses his legs, now more relaxed)
Trump – You are not Russia, Vladimir, like I am not America. Our nations are greater than us. Better than us. Smarter than us. And if you don’t stop your cyberwarriors, I’m warning you, I will punish you with sanctions ‘til your people are hurting so bad they’ll tell you to go to hell.
(he smiles to himself, a hint of regret)
Trump – I should’ve said something like that in Helsinki but I didn’t. Okay. We get to have second chances in this country. And third ones. I’m taking mine.
(he stands)
Trump – Wow, I feel lighter. This feels good. Melania had a point.
(he stretches his arms over his head)
Trump – I feel great, beautiful. Yes! I liked the part about our countries being better and smarter than us. It just came out. Love it.
(he walks back to the window, looks out)
Trump – Wow… feeling the way I am… I might just… what?
(a thought occurs to him that takes him by surprise. He is astonished)
Trump – Really? I’ll be darned. Who would’ve thought? I should tell Melania. She’s probably asleep, though. But I’ll wake her up, she won’t mind. No… it can wait. No… it shouldn’t wait.
(he crosses to the door to exit but stops. He turns around and looks in the direction of Andrew Jackson’s portrait. He walks over and stands before it.
Trump – Stonewall… I wanted to tell you… right here, today… and God is my witness… that I’m taking a vow to protect and nurture the American Soul.
(Jackson smiles at him)
Trump – Thank you, buddy.
(he returns to the door and exits the office)
Chapter 15
White House. Bedroom Suite. 4 AM
Melania is at the table, writing on her journal. Trump enters.
Trump – Hey, how come you’re up?
Melania – Wanted to wait for you.
Trump – That’s sweet.
(he goes to her and kisses her. He pulls up a chair and sits opposite)
Melania – Something’s on your mind.
Trump – Yes, I was talking to Putin…
Melania – This early…?
Trump – The imaginary Putin…
(she is intrigued)
Trump – … and I told him he had to stop the interference. Period.
Melania – Okay. You’re practicing…
Trump – It’s done. I’m going to do it.
Melania (surprised) – I need to hear this…
Trump – You will. Tonight, for sure. I want to go over it again. But that’s not what I wanted to tell you.
(he takes her hands in his)
Trump – What I wanted to tell you was that it felt great telling Putin to back off or else. I don’t care what he has on me. And feeling great I had this thought I wanted to share with you.
Melania – What?
Trump – You won’t believe it.
Melania – The suspense grows…
Trump – Feeling as good as I felt from my conversation with Putin, I realized…
Melania – Yes…?
Trump – That we don’t have to build the Wall.
(Melania gives a gasp)
Melania – Are you serious?
Trump – Yes, I’m going to walk it back.
Melania – Oh, my god.
Trump – It was a ripple effect from my imaginary talk with Putin. I realized that I could come out as a leader… and that doing so meant telling my base that… after careful consideration…those moneys would be better spent in programs for their education and training to acquire new skills… to help them become a cutting edge work force… and that I still would be keeping my commitment to stop illegal immigration… but that considering all costs and our existing border guards… building a Wall is unnecessary.
Melania (joyously) – I knew you could surprise me!
(she leans over and embraces him)
Trump – I realize it would be a test for my base. They have believed in me… but it’s the right thing to do.
(tears have welled up in Melania’s eyes. She dabs them dry)
Melania – I thought this moment would never come.
Trump – I know, I didn’t either. It surprised me.
(she pulls back slightly)
Melania – And the Mueller investigation?
Trump – I will endorse it as the right thing to do… for the good of the nation… a nation that is better and smarter than I am.
Melania – No more witch hunt?
Trump – No more witch hunt.
(she still doesn’t believe it)
(he gets up, takes a few steps into the room and, going down on one knee, lets himself drop to the ground to lie flat and face the ceiling)
Melania – Please tell me that this isn’t a joke?
Trump – It’s not a joke.
Melania (going to him and lying on the ground next to him) – How did this happen?
Trump – It was the nightmares… I felt so humiliated by them… and I knew I had to push back.
(he takes her hand in his)
Trump – You know what this means, don’t you?
Melania – What?
Trump – My base may not be supportive… they may not go along with me… they may feel betrayed and I may not be nominated in 2020… if I survive the Mueller probe. But I have to do the right thing… or I’ll be running scared and in shame for the rest of my life.
Melania – I love you.
(They turn to face each other, while still on the ground)
Melania – When are you going to tell Putin?
Trump – Tomorrow. And then I’ll hold a press conference.
Melania – Does anybody else know?
Trump – Just you. It will be a surprise. I won’t tell anybody in advance. I will then fully endorse the importance of the Mueller probe.
Melania – What do you think the party will say?
Trump – I don’t care. For some things I don’t consult the party. I’m not a committee.
(she gently caresses his face)
Melania – Have you thought of apologizing to women?
Trump – I have. I’ve memorized that short speech you heard a while back. But I want to wait a few days before I go public. I promise I will.
(they kiss… and make love)
Oscar Valdes oscarvaldes.net available in anchor.fm, apple, google podcasts and buzzsprout
In a WSJ article entitled ‘Russia suggests Military Deployment to Venezuela, Cuba if tensions with US remain high’ and dated 1/13/22, a Russian deputy foreign minister said that since talks with America and its European allies over the Ukrainian situation have stalled, Russia could dispatch ‘military infrastructure to Venezuela and Cuba’ so as to pressure Washington to comply with Russia’s requests.
How interesting.
Putin invents a threat to Russia, sends troops to harass the Ukraine and because the US and Europe have not fallen to their knees, now he wants to instruct Venezuela and Cuba to help him out.
I am sure Putin didn’t consult with Diaz Canel and Maduro, the respective dictators in Cuba and Venezuela. What for? They owe me.
Putin wants NATO to restrict military deployments in territories bordering Russia and now protected by the US – European alliance. The alliance, however, has been put together to deter aggression from Russia. Instead, it has been Putin’s initiative to amass troops on Ukraine’s eastern border. It was Putin who annexed Crimea in 2014.
Putin must be having trouble at home that he’s been busy targeting dissident organizations in his country, labelling them terrorists, persecuting and imprisoning activists, instead of increasing freedom and allowing fair elections.
So he invents that the threat to Russia comes from the outside. Plus he gets his name in the papers and the internet and his dreams of eternal glory are revived.
Russia has a problem, yes, and it’s Putin. Like Cuba has a problem and Venezuela has a problem and it’s their leaders and those who choose to support them.
What Putin didn’t expect, was that America and its European allies would come together as one to present a united front.
What Putin didn’t expect, was that the West would not give in to his threats.
The Western alliance has held together because the threat to Ukraine is a threat to all of them.
And yes, the combined military capacity of the alliance is greater than Russia’s.
And the Biden administration has stated that no decision would be made without Ukraine being at the table. So, good for Biden and his excellent team, and good for our European allies. There are differences between us but there is clarity when it comes to identifying an external aggressor.
Venezuela and Cuba could do their part too by trying to show a little courage. They could ask Putin, ‘how come we don’t have to be asked to support you? You just assume we’ll do whatever you want?’
This is a great time for Russians to protest peacefully, to stand up to their dictator and tell him, ‘you are toxic to our nation. You are willing to sacrifice our soldiers for your dreams of grandeur. It is time that you go.’
Are you taking notes Xi Jinping? Pay attention. The West can unite. You will not divide us.
Oscar Valdes. Oscarvaldes.net. also in anchor.fm, apple and google podcasts and buzzsprout.
Putin is outside with his dog, standing on a little hill by the lake.
Putin – Why do I do it? For the pleasure of it. The pleasure of seeing the dominant nation in the world being tossed about by our actions. The pleasure of seeing them go at each other…. doubting, hating, reviling each other.
(He laughs)
The supposedly dominant nation in the world… electing whom they elected… hating immigrants when they are a nation of immigrants… questioning their values… what is there not to like about that?
(He smiles, picks up a stone and throws it far off and into the lake. His dog gives a start but Putin calms him down)
The more confusion I stir in that land, the weaker their resolve to block any move I make to extend my influence or my territory. I, on this side, Xi Jinping on the other, both enlarging our spheres of influence… squeezing the Americans. And the more divided they are, the more China will continue to insert itself in Latin America… right in their backyard… and in Africa, too. Meanwhile, I strengthen my support for Far Right movements in Italy, Hungary, Poland, even Germany. Let the Americans bicker with the Europeans… the more distracted the better.
(He laughs)
I have time. Oh, the virtues of autocracy. One nation, one man.
(He pets his dog)
Do I need to do it? Out of a sense of self preservation? Yes. But there’s also the satisfaction of having control over the lives of other men and women. Men and women who live under the delusion that they are free.
(He kneels down to speak to his dog)
Right?
(The dog licks Putin’s hand)
Because he made money in his hotels he thinks he can be a leader… ha!
(The dog makes an affectionate sound. Putin stands again)
But we’ll see… for sure, once I get his tax returns. Still, there’s that virus that could spread here… or anywhere… the virus of wanting an open dialogue… the virus of freedom… freedom to criticize… to question authority… to make money… to be all you can be… to dare climb the ladder… but no, I will not have that here in Russia. But I’m not really worried. After all, we’re the land of the Czars… of Stalin… of institutionalized cruelty… the mass killing of dissidents… Russians killing Russians… by the millions… we have a long way to go to heal those wounds… if ever… America has never experienced such abuse as Russians endured… except for Black Americans… but nothing… nothing like we have.
(He turns to his dog)
Our cyberwarriors will take care of things, won’t they, Washington? So we can even out the playing field.
(The dog makes a wimpy sound)
I need to get you something to eat.
(The two start walking down the little hill towards the dacha. In the distance, guards in black garb are posted at various locations)
Chapter 13
A very dark, rectangular room, barely lit, and Trump sitting at one end.
The same shadowy figure with no discernible features, a black suit and a hood over his head, appears at the other end. As before, at the wave of the Man’s hand a chair materializes and he sits facing Trump.
Trump – You again?
(The Man nods slowly)
Man – You’re running out of time. The mid terms are coming up… and the democrats are gaining… so unless Mueller clears you… they will likely move to impeach you.
Trump – On what grounds?
Man – Mueller is scaring some folks.
Trump – Their word against mine. Can you be more specific?
Man – Cannot. But you’re the big fish…
Trump – And a good incentive for someone to flip. But I know that. I’m not worried, though. We’ll keep the House and the Senate, I’m sure about that.
The Man leans forward, arms on his legs.
Trump – Say, how come I can’t see your face?
Man – I don’t have one.
(Trump squirms)
Man – What mistake did you make?
Trump – Mistake?
(Trump looks down at the ground, searchingly)
Man – If you know, you may still have a chance.
(A moment passes. Trump looks up at the Man, still unable to come up with an answer)
Man – Don’t know?
Trump – Melania… she’s talked about the need for dialogue…
(The Man nods slowly)
Trump – … building bridges…
(The Man nods again)
Trump – Finding my higher… self…
Man – And?
Trump – I don’t think it’s in me.
Man – I see.
Trump – What do you see?
Man – Really want my opinion?
Trump – I don’t know… I suppose…
Man – There may not be enough time but here it goes…
Trump sits back, bracing himself, wary of the Man’s answer.
Man – You played the one note… and that’s all.
Trump – The one note?
Man – Same note, again and again… you got lucky that the one note attracted a lot of customers at the start… but you got stuck on it… and here you are, well into your second year and you’re still on the same note.
Trump (puzzled) – One note?
Man – You need more than one note to find your depth as a leader.
(Trump hangs his head for a moment)
Trump (anxiously, quickly) – One note… two notes… three notes… what difference does it make? I keep my promises.
Man (calmly) – The thing is, leading is about much more than that.
Trump – More than keeping your promises?
(The Man slowly reaches forward with his long right arm, and keeping it extended then turns the palm of his hand upwards. Trump draws back)
Man – Touch the soul…
(Trump is tempted to reach out and touch the Man’s hand but is afraid of it)
Trump – Touch the soul? The soul? Ha! Look, I’ve made a lot of decisions in my year and a half…
Man – But have you led?
Trump is disconcerted.
Trump (timidly) – No?
(The Man shakes his head very slowly)
Trump (rousing himself) – What about the stock market, it’s going up and up, and the GDP, the tax cut, the low unemployment… I’m giving people what they want… money…money! Isn’t that what we’re all about, the rest just empty pieties?
(Trump lets out a loud laugh but the Man doesn’t stir, all the while keeping his arm extended, the palm facing up. A somber expression then settles on Trump… fearful that he’s missing out on something but unable to overcome his fear)
Trump (not giving up, rousing himself again) – Remember Liza and Joel in Cabaret… the movie? Money Money Money! Makes the world go round!
The Man lowers his head and pulls back his arm.
Trump – What’s the matter with you, you don’t watch the movies… you too good for them?
(Trump stands up abruptly and is surprised he’s able to do it)
Trump (looking at his wrists) – Hunh…. I thought I’d be held back… like the first time… how come I can move now?
(The Man stands up)
(Trump takes a few determined steps toward the Man but then stops. They look at each other in silence)
Trump (softly, tentatively) – You think I have it in me?
(The Man pauses, then turns and starts to walk away)
Trump – Hey, wait a minute. I asked you a question!
(Trump lunges for the Man but the figure disappears and Trump ends up falling to the ground. Slowly, he sits up and looks around at the dark and empty room. The Man’s chair is still there. Trump gets up and approaches it carefully. He sits on it. Now he hears the disembodied voice of the Man)
Man (voice over) – One note.
(Trump covers his ears, frightened. All is still. He lowers his hands slowly, then, seized by a fit of rage, jumps to his feet)
Trump (shouting full blast) – God dammit! I said goddammit! Do you hear me? God dammit! The hell with everybody! God dammit! Yes, you, god… damn you!
Man (voice over) – One note.
(Trump drops to his knees, head bowed, and starts to cry softly,
A moment passes, then he begins to raise his head… as tears stream down his face… and while extending his arms upwards…)
Trump (pleadingly, anguished) – Can’t I have depth? Can’t I? Please God… give me depth!
White House – Bedroom – 2 AM
(Trump wakes up with a startle. Melania is asleep at his side. He rubs his face, then gets up and crosses to the window. He opens the drapes and pulls up a chair. He sits and looks out into the night.
Melania awakens. She looks at him)
Melania – What happened?
(He shrugs)
Melania – Another dream?
(He nods)
Melania – Want to talk about it?
(He says nothing. She rises and goes to his side, stands beside him and begins to rub his shoulders)
Trump – I have to make some decisions.
(She kisses the crown of his head)
Melania – Just know that I love you.
Oscar Valdes oscarvaldes.net. also on anchor.fm, apple and google podcasts and buzzsprout.
No to Putin inventing the idea that the West wants to invade Russia.
No to Putin’s willingness to sacrifice Russian lives in the conquest of the Ukraine.
Ukrainians will not be intimidated by Putin.
They will fight for the right of their country to choose their path forward
Like Russians themselves should do.
Russians should say ‘thank you’ to Ukrainians for their courage to defy Putin.
This is also the time for Alexei Navalny, still in prison on Putin’s orders, to speak out on the importance of respecting Ukrainians’ wishes. No matter what bonds they may have with the Russian people, Ukrainians have made it clear they are willing to embark on a new path.
Let them be. Respect their choice.
This is the time to say
No to Putin’s blocking free elections in Russia.
No to his barring freedom of speech.
No to Putin’s wanting to stay in charge until 2036.
This is the time for a young leader, man or woman, to emerge in Russia, a fresh voice speaking on behalf of the future of their land, to say loudly that the country needs to step out of its isolation, that the country needs to open up to the world and be part of it, that Russia wants to stand shoulder to shoulder with other cultural, technological and industrial leaders of the world, confident as they should be that they have the brains and competence to do well.
Just imagine for a moment a Russia that is not led by a paranoid and controlling Putin, just imagine a Russia that on opening its borders makes itself attractive to foreign investments, just imagine the increase in productivity and in the standard of living.
There is a yearning in the breast of Russian citizens to be part of a changing world.
Putin stands in the way and uses violence to repress that yearning.
The Russian spirit should not give in.
The Russian mind should not bow to a man consumed with dreams of personal power.
Do not enable him by conforming.
This is the time to say No.
And it can be said peacefully. Just keep saying it.
Again and again. Until he steps down and then the spirit of freedom will sweep into that great land.
Say No to Putin and Yes for Russia to be a part of our new and changing world.
Please join us. The rest of us are waiting for your contributions. We need you and your creativity.
Please step forward and join the forces fighting for progress and against repression.
This is the time.
Oscar Valdes. Oscarvaldes.net – anchor.fm, apple and google podcasts and buzzsprout.
White House – Evening – South Lawn – Three weeks later.
Trump and Melania are walking alongside.
Melania – What was the point of insulting Lebron James, the basketball player?
Trump – It got away from me.
Melania – The man had just helped fund a school for underprivileged children.
Trump – Please stop.
Melania – It is so unbecoming of a President.
They walk in silence.
Melania – And then you keep having those rallies…
Trump – We need to win in November. Both houses. I love my rallies… stirring up their fury…love it… and with every rally I validate them.
Melania – Validate them?
Trump – Sure… that they’ve been treated unfairly, like I have. Clinton’s ‘deplorables’, how could you forget? And by extension, the witch hunt.
Melania – (stopping) By extension?
He stops too.
Melania – Are you linking Hillary and Mueller?
Trump – Put her in jail! they chant, again and again.
Melania – Russian talk about their having damaging emails on Hillary started the investigation… but Mueller’s probe is not about Hillary’s campaign, it’s about yours… and if you link them to stir up your base, then you’re guilty of manipulating their admiration for you and should be ashamed of yourself. Hillary is one thing, the probe quite another… which your own attorney general recused himself from overseeing… and you can’t stop badgering him for… which smells of a clear intent to cover up.
He looks at her, then lowers his head as he pinches the base of his nose.
Trump – (calmly but with an edge to his voice) It’s a witch hunt… a rigged witch hunt… and neither I nor anyone working on my instructions obstructed justice. That’s all you need to know.
Melania – No, it’s not. And you’re not brushing me off.
They stand glaring at each other.
Trump – So I’m guilty?
Melania – You’re acting like it.
Trump – (Irritated) Why don’t you go back to New York and leave me alone?
Melania – I’m staying right here. I am your wife and there’s something wrong with you. And I’m not about to abandon ship.
He shakes his head slowly.
Melania – And now you’ve started to have those bad dreams…
Trump – I’ve only had three or four…
Melania – How about seven or eight?
Trump – They’re not coming back, I know that.
Melania – You have no control over them.
Trump – Yes, I do.
Melania – What are the dreams about?
Trump – I can’t remember anything.
Melania – Then how the heck can you have control over them?
Trump – I just do.
Melania – Nonsense.
Trump – (angrily) You are not inside my mind! I do not remember my dreams, okay? I do not.
Melania – Then you can’t have control over them.
Trump – Yes, I can.
Melania – How?
Trump – Because after every rally, after I vent my frustrations, I go for at least two or three nights without any nightmares.
Melania – So you’ll need to keep having rally after rally, whipping your base into a rage… so you can sleep better at night… is that it?
Trump – I think they’ll fade.
Melania – You’ll beat down your dreams with the help of your adoring crowds.
Trump – Something like that.
They are quiet for a moment.
Melania – It is madness… pure madness.
Trump – You want me to see a psychiatrist, is that it?
Melania – Why not? You have nothing to lose. You seem unable to reflect on what’s happening even as it’s staring you in the face, even as you’re moving for a head on collision… so maybe… maybe… speaking to someone like that might help you save your presidency.
He just looks at her.
Melania – (gently) Dee… the party won’t do it for you. They’re probably already plotting against you.
Trump – I don’t doubt it, but they won’t get away with it.
She closes in and puts her hands on his shoulders.
Melania – There’s still time to find your higher self… I know it’s in you… reach for it, please… it’s in there. Beneath the hooting and hollering of your adoring crowds… lies a desire for clarity… a yearning for connection with themselves and their fellow human beings… you can lead them there… but you can’t do it if you haven’t found that place in yourself. Do you understand what I’m saying?
He nods uncertainly.
Melania – Doing that… is more important than your presidency.
Trump – (softly, incredulously) What?
Melania – You owe your base complete honesty… they brought you this far… it’s been an incredible ride… you never imagined it would be this rich… they made you president… but dark clouds have gathered over you and you have to answer with honesty… you owe them that… and what will be, will be. They have been disappointed by others that came before you… don’t join in with those… you have a unique chance to do the right thing… and that would be priceless. And no matter what… I’ll stand by you.
Look at me, do you believe me?
Trump – I don’t know… I’ve cheated on you so many times… disrespected you…
Melania – And still I love you… and believe in you.
She takes his hands in hers and kisses them as she looks up at him.
Melania – Dee… I’m here because of you… I’m not a hostage to this glamour.
Trump – Melania… I appreciate what you’re telling me but it’s going to be okay. I’m making money for my people, that’s what really counts.
Melania – No!
She pulls away brusquely and stalks off a few paces before she pivots to face him again.
Melania – You’re leading a nation, not a company! We need more than money, we need a sense that we care for each other… a sense that we share a truth… that we’re a community!
Because it’s not every man for himself, it can’t be… we can’t be the best we can without family… we can’t be the best we can without schools… we can’t be the best we can without the skills of others… we can’t be the best we can without talking and understanding each other… and you have been failing at that. Do you hear me?
He goes to her and embraces her. After a moment of quiet, they start to sway lightly in each other’s arms.
Melania – You have to find and harness the strength of the entire country, not simply the strength of a part of it.
They pull apart as they face each other and hold hands.
Trump – You don’t think I’m being treated unfairly?
Melania – I do not. The Mueller probe is an effort to preserve the nation. You need to respect that.
Trump – I didn’t collude… but maybe… Russia’s interference did throw the election my way.
She looks at him.
Trump – I have to allow for that possibility.
Melania – Did you obstruct justice?
Trump – I did not.
She closes her eyes for a moment.
Melania – If you could say that in public…
Trump – I’ve been saying that I didn’t collude…
Melania – No, the part about you now believing that Russian interference did influence the election in your favor… and that if not, maybe Hillary would’ve been elected.
Trump – What difference would that make?
Melania – A huge difference.
Trump – Even if it can’t be proved?
Melania – Even so. Just that statement would give the nation a sense that we prize fairness… and that you, as our leader, values it most of all… and it would remind us all of how egregious has been the action of another nation to violate our sovereignty, and how we must pull together to defend ourselves and our way of life… and to impose whatever sanctions are needed to put an immediate halt to that kind of interference.
Trump – But I would be putting my legitimacy in question…
Melania – Your legitimacy has been in question… but in the absence of proof you could not be removed from office, and you would have the rest of your term to strengthen us as a country.
Trump – It would raise the likelihood of impeachment…
Melania – Not if you have nothing to hide.
Trump – They could come up with fake evidence…
Melania – That’s your paranoia talking. You have to check that. In the end… if impeachment comes… you have to trust that your own sense of fairness will be repaid.
He shakes his head slowly.
Trump – I’m not as trusting as you are.
Melania – I’ll stand by you.
She takes him by the hand and they walk off toward the White House.
Oscarvaldes.net. also available in anchor.fm, apple and google podcasts and buzzsprout.
Nations divided are stories of misunderstandings and pain. The Ukraine is another example.
Supported by Putin, separatists in the Eastern section have chosen violence to settle their differences and the Russian dictator has been very glad to encourage them.
It fits well with his plan to rebuild the Soviet Union.
But Ukraine should be left for Ukrainians to manage.
The previous Russian leaning president, Viktor Yanukovych, was deposed by popular protests in 2014 and fled to Russia. Now Putin has been amassing troops in the Eastern border and threatens to invade and take over the entire nation. He speaks of common historical bonds between the two countries going back centuries.
That may be so but for one reason or another, the Ukraine constituted itself as a nation and that needs to be respected. Their future should be decided by Ukrainians, not by Russians or Americans.
During the American Civil War there was a huge cost in lives (estimated to have been approximately 1.5 million, a figure that combines casualties from combat and from diseases). Lamentably, there was no effective dialogue between the contending parties to prevent that war.
Does the world need to see another country hemorrhaging its resources? Do we not have enough today with Yemen and Somalia and Syria and Myanmar, Cuba and Venezuela?
Can the world not press hard for a dialogue between feuding Ukrainians, without outside interference from any nation?
How come the Russian people remain in the grip of a man like Putin? Yes, there is a budding internal opposition, but it has yet to gather enough force because the majority are unwilling to openly dissent and choose freedom instead. Today, when it is clear to all the importance of interaction and freedom of thought for individuals to realize their potential, Russians are still choosing to not openly challenge their oppressive government, thus allowing themselves to be misled by a tyrant.
Russians have enormous possibilities as a people, but they have not been willing to claim them. And until they do, they will remain a lesser nation. Regardless of the 4000 nuclear warheads they keep and their capacity to set off a war that would do untold damage to the world.
Russia, with a population of 144 million compared to Germany’s 84 million, falls far below the German economy which has a GDP approximately 2 trillion greater. Even though Russia is far richer in oil and gas. The difference is clearly attributable to the stymying of the people’s opportunities by their political system.
With that history, what kind of example is Russia to Ukraine?
And yet, Putin now wants to invade the nation. He speaks of fearing an attack from the West. But it’s all fiction. The West has no interest in invading Russia. What for?
The talk that he needs to strengthen his borders is talk of a calculating and paranoid man justifying his oppressive hold on his people. He’s been in power since 1999 and a recent referendum makes it possible for him to remain in his post until 2036.
It is up to the Russian people to challenge Putin for he is preventing their full development.
The conquest of Ukraine, his clear intention, counts as another stop in his dream of rebuilding the Soviet Union, an example of economic backwardness.
But the world should say no. Russians should say no.
The world should speak strongly in favor of letting Ukraine’s fate be decided by Ukrainians.
If they are left alone, they may well come to some kind of agreement. Maybe they’ll want to partition the country to avoid bloodshed. Maybe not. But they are entitled to decide their fate without external interference from anyone, Russia or America.
If they choose to partition, this much will be clear with the passing of time. A Ukraine divided into two sections, the Western and the Eastern, will soon enough replicate what happened in Germany at the end of WWII. The Western side will blossom and the Eastern one will atrophy.
Democracy in the West will stir in the people a desire for accomplishment that will be lacking in the East. And soon enough, those in the East, will choose to vote with their feet – as my dear father and namesake used to say – risking their lives to migrate to the West in search of a better life.
Putin, with his grandiosity and deception, has no interest in leaving the fate of Ukraine to their people.
So this is the time for the rest of the world to speak up forcibly.
Oscar Valdes. Oscarvaldes.net. also available in anchor.fm, apple and google podcasts and buzzsprout.
Trump goes in and sits at his desk. He pushes back on his chair and puts his feet up.
Trump – Annoying as it is sometimes, it’s useful to hear that liberal point of view. Not that she doesn’t have some good ideas. What I said about American women giving me a free pass, at least the ones in my base, that’s true. And I got in. Love them.
How did Melania put it?
Something about women feeling suppressed for so long that they could not bring themselves to choose one of their own. Interesting how that view doesn’t get any press… wonder why?
Maybe their less suppressed sisters being nice and tolerant.
He laughs.
Madeline Albright came up with that line that women who didn’t vote for Hillary deserved a place in Hell. Got you, babe.
The women in my base were being pragmatic… that’s what it was… they knew that what I brought to the table was far more important than my peccadilloes.
He pauses, then glances over his shoulder at the portrait of Andrew Jackson.
What say you, Stonewall?
He gets up and goes to stand in front of the portrait.
Trump (speaking to Jackson) – You held back the British in New Orleans and I will hold back immigration. Stonewall they nicknamed you, and surely they’ll come up with something for me, something to immortalize me… because the Wall goes, brother, I promise you that.
Jackson winks back at him.
Chapter 9
Park in Washington DC. Early Evening.
A middle aged man and a woman, walking side by side, approach an empty bench.
They both wear business suits. They sit, both take out their phones, turn them off and place them between them.
Man – You can smell blood, can’t you?
Woman – There’s that scent.
Man – If we win both Houses we’ll have a chance to impeach him.
Woman – Manafort, Cohen, Gates… the dominoes are falling.
Man – Man going down and he can’t stop himself. How many times have we seen it?
Woman – He made his choices… now he’s got to live with them.
Man – We’ve got to win in November.
Woman – Have to pull all the stops. You think he colluded?
Man – I didn’t think so but, since Helsinki I’ve changed my mind.
A Man with a child in a stroller go by.
Man – Russians want him in… so there’s going to be a massive effort to support him.
Woman – What would you do?
Man – My take… go straight to the people sitting on the fence, tell them, ‘this is who your leader is. A vote against Trump is a vote against Russia’s interference, a vote against Trump is a vote for a sovereign America.’
Woman – You’d concede the base…?
Man – Pretty much. Run the video clip of Helsinki… ‘if he can’t stand up to Putin, will he stand up for you? Brand him an appeaser.’
Woman – ‘Hey John Voter, wake up buddy! Trump’s doing a number on you. He’s given you a platform to rant and rave but who’s listening? You’re going nowhere with the hooting and hollering. He’s cranking you up but where are you headed?’
Man – Go check out the Wall.
Woman – Right.
Man – Where are the programs to get you up to speed with the global economy? Where is the education you need?
Woman – Basic stuff.
They look at each other.
Man – The Street loves him.
Woman – Sure, they got their tax cut and deregulations.
Man – The economy is going strong… can’t take that away from him. You and I are worked up about him but people like to hear that jingle in their pocket… and may be willing to look the other way.
Woman – True.
A young couple in love saunters by.
The Man and the Woman glance at each other and smile.
Man – How’d we get here?
Woman – The debates. Not a single one of them stood up to Trump. Not a single one took him to task. Clinton should’ve made mincemeat out of him but she didn’t. And that was it.
Man – Comey put the last shovel full of dirt on her.
Woman – Unbelievable.
Man (singing) – What a difference a day makes… 24 little hours…
Woman – It’s sad.
Man – Well, it’s payback time. There’s a lot of angry women running for office.
Woman – And they should.
An elderly, frail looking woman walks past with the aid of a cane. She limps a little.
Chapter 10
Trump walks into a large room in the Kremlin. In the center, Vladimir Putin is sitting facing a small table with two bottles of water and an extra chair. Putin now rises to greet the advancing Trump. The two men shake hands. Putin signals for Trump to take a seat. He does.
There are no translators.
Trump – Glad you could make it.
Putin – For you, anytime.
Trump – Thanks
Putin – What can I do for you?
Trump – I’ll get straight to the point.
Putin – Please.
Trump – You interfered with our election in 2016.
Putin – I did.
Trump is surprised.
Trump – You have been denying it all this time.
Putin – We were in public. In private it’s a different matter. That’s the beauty of meeting alone.
Putin smiles.
Trump – You can’t do that.
Putin – I did it.
Trump – Why?
Putin – It was wide open. Low lying fruit, as you Americans say. How could I resist? I’m an old KGB hand. You’re not exactly new to intrigue but, next to me, you’re a newbie.
Trump is disconcerted.
Putin – Look at it this way… real wars are bloody and painful. We both have a long history of it. In WWII alone, Mother Russia lost 20 million people. Hard to imagine, isn’t it? Your country has never suffered a loss of that magnitude. Of course, we would do it again if we needed to, but cyberwarfare is so much cleaner. And more effective.
Trump – What are you after?
Putin smiles warmly.
Trump (pressing) – What are you after?
Putin – Don’t you know?
Trump (impatiently) – I am asking.
Putin – The American mind.
Trump stares at Putin.
Trump (emphatically) – You can’t have it!
Putin nods thoughtfully.
Putin – My cyber warriors will see to it… and I can’t be stopped.
Trump – Can’t be stopped?
Putin – Historical forces beyond my control, and yours, have been set in motion. Believe me, we’re mere pawns.
Trump – Pawns?
Putin – There’s two sides to your famous America, one side that wants education and fairness of opportunity… so the motivated and capable can climb up the ladder… and another side, sitting on top, that wants to knock down the ladder… so no one but their favorites will follow. So you fluctuate between being a meritocracy… very honorable… and a nepotocracy.
Trump – Nepotocracy?
Putin – Ring a bell?
Trump – What?
Putin – That’s the side you and I are with.
Trump rises abruptly.
Trump – I’m not listening to this. I’m leaving.
He turns and stalks to the door. But he finds the door locked and he can’t open it.
Trump – Let me out!
He slams his fist on the door but there’s no response.
Putin, unconcerned with Trump’s pleas but affecting a sympathetic air, rises and takes a few steps toward him.
Putin – Please listen. This is the most important part. The two sides of the American mind have tried to dialogue… and sometimes they’ve succeeded… and when they have the American mind has been brilliant… like in battling the Depression during the 1930s… and in WWII… and the Marshall Plan afterwards… but at other times you’ve been a disaster… like in dealing with racism.
Trump advances toward Putin with determined step and the two men come face to face.
Trump – We defeated you in the Cold War. Our economy left you behind!
Putin – Yes, you did. You crushed us. You were the victor. I accept it.
Trump – Thank you.
Putin (a hint of sadness in his eyes) – My dear and beautiful Soviet Union… broken up into pieces. It was very sad and painful to see it happen. And the whole world stood witness.
Putin turns around and returns to his seat. He resumes speaking, now and then glancing up at Trump who remains standing near him.
Putin – That was the American mind at work… the American mind that does science… and art… and the humanities… the mind that is intoxicated with the pursuit of riches… any and all types of riches… the mind that takes on any challenge… the cradle of Intel and IBM and Boeing and Northrop… and the miracles in food production and medicine… and MIT and JPL… and Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla and Hollywood… the insatiable American mind that wants to dominate and transform the world… devour us all… to impose your culture…
Putin is looking Trump in the eye.
Putin – … The insatiable mind that seduces talent from everywhere…. from Russia too… my dear Russia… immigrants flocking to your country lured by your way of life. Believe me, we lament their leaving… and most of all, lament that they don’t return. Your gains, my dear sir… and our losses.
Trump narrows his eyes, warily.
Putin – Who knows what would’ve happened if Sergey hadn’t left…
Trump – Sergey?
Putin – Sergey Brin. The cofounder of Google, born right here in Moscow.
Trump – He got out. He went to Stanford.
Putin (smiling slyly) – It will take time, of course, but we will do it…
Trump – Do what?
Putin – … with great stealth…
Trump – What?
Putin – … my cyberwarriors will work to steadily erode your values… but it’s for the good of the world, you must understand… so that we create a level playing field… because you’re too much out in front… and the cyberwarriors will do so by targeting your culture… accentuating your differences… minimizing your similarities… so your dialogue will be impoverished… degraded… and finally stopped.
Putin pauses.
Trump – Stop our dialogue?
Putin – The pearl that lies at the center of it all… the light that when shining shows you the way. When it goes out, for it will, I will rejoice as I never have.
Trump – I won’t let you.
Putin – In the chaos that will follow, in the darkness… your people will clamor for autocracy… a wonderful system… vastly underrated… a system where the majority rules… and minorities learn to live with it… suck it up… as you’re fond of saying.
Trump (to himself, as if considering the possibility) – A world where the autocrat is the light…
Putin – Yes! Brilliant! Oh, dear man, you’re so much like me… that’s why I like you so… that’s why we’re so fond of each other. Every time you cry out, ‘Fake News!’, my heart leaps with joy.
Trump – It does?
Putin – Yes! Believe me, I’m rooting for you to succeed. You have my full backing.
Putin – Donald, please… I am eager to learn from you, I tape all your rallies.
Trump – You tape my rallies?
Putin – Yes, so I can study them and learn to work a crowd, learn to please it, to excite it, for you are the master, the one and only… oh, how I wish I had your gifts!
Trump (moved) – I am very good.
Putin – An artist.
Trump – Thank you. Did you know I have a star in Hollywood’s Walk of Fame?
Putin – Of course I know. They should add a statue.
Trump frowns, suspicion growing again.
Putin – I owe you more than you owe me.
Trump – I owe you?
Putin – It’s nothing… nothing compared to what you give us, and are giving us…by your example… every day… how you rose from nothing…
Trump – Nothing?
Putin – I mean, from being a distinguished hotelier and shrewd judge of character… Manafort and Gates aside… to beating and smashing the Clinton machine.
Trump – Thank you.
Putin – You’re most welcome. And I’m so sorry, we tried to get you the popular vote, we really did… but it was not possible. I know you wanted it badly. I’m so sorry.
Trump explodes with anger.
Trump – What? How dare you? You did not win me the election! American women did!
Putin – There’s no need to get upset. We will do much better next time, I assure you. We’re already working on it, improving our techniques.
Trump (loudly) – You will not interfere with our elections, do you hear me?
Putin (rising, stepping up to Trump) – Please lower your voice. For your own good, Donald. You’re overweight and out of shape… and I wouldn’t want you to have a heart attack. I’m serious. You’re too valuable an asset.
Trump – Asset?
Fuming, yet controlling his rage, Trump paces off for a stretch, then turns to face Putin again.
Trump – Are we being recorded?
Putin – I record all my conversations.
Trump is incredulous.
Putin – For history’s sake, believe me, because we’re on the right side of history, you and I, don’t you ever doubt it. Would you like a glass of cider, a bit of caviar?
Trump – No!
Putin – Calm down, it will be all right.
Trump stares angrily at Putin.
Putin – We need to be composed when we step out for the press conference,
Trump (panicking) – Press conference?
White House – Bedroom
Abruptly, Trump sits up in his bed, confused and agitated.
Trump (crying out) – Helsinki! Helsinki!
Melania is by his side, holding him.
Melania – You’re here, you’re not in Helsinki! Dee, you’re here with me, in our bedroom!
He gives a shudder and turns to face her.
Trump – What happened?
Melania – It must’ve been a bad dream.
Trump – A dream?
Melania – You’ve been shouting Helsinki! Helsinki!
Trump – A dream… yes… thank god… but it was so real.
Melania – What happened?
Trump – What else did I say?
Melania – Just that.
He falls back down on his bed, immensely relieved, face sweaty with perspiration.
Trump – I didn’t say anything else?
Melania – No, just Helsinki.
She gets up, puts her robe on and crosses to sit at his side. She holds his face in her hands and kisses him.
Melania – I’m so sorry. Why don’t you talk about it?
Trump – I can’t remember anything… did you hear anything else?
Melania – No. Just Helsinki.
He sighs, shakes his head, the expression still strained. He looks at her and takes her hands in his and kisses them.
Trump – Wow. I felt so alone.
Melania – Talk about what you remember, maybe the whole dream will come back.
Trump – I can’t remember anything. What time is it?
Melania – 5 A.M.
Trump – Might as well get up, then.
He does and walks to the table adjacent where he takes a seat, his worries weighing on him.
Melania – What a coincidence…
Trump – What?
Melania – Helsinki is 7 hours ahead… the dream happened about the same time you held that news conference on July 16th.
Trump looks at her, baffled.
Oscar Valdes. Oscarvaldes.net.
also available in anchor.fm, apple and google podcasts and buzzsprout.
Trump and Melania having dinner. They sit next to each other. No one else is in the room.
Melania – You have good ideas.
Trump – What? Did I hear you correctly?
She smiles
Melania – You do. I’ve been following the trade issue. China has been cheating us. Not only stealing our technology through forced transfers but also by heavily subsidizing industries that dump their cheap products onto our markets. You have brought attention to that. That’s good.
Trump – Thank you, Melania, thank you very much.
Melania – But the urgent need is to unite the nation… to help us reach our collective, higher self… which is where our greater riches lie.
Trump nods thoughtfully, then raises his glass of cider for a toast.
Trump – Here’s to my winning the trade war.
Melania (not raising her glass) – Not in favor.
Trump (smiling) – Can’t you just indulge your husband?
Melania – I have my political views.
He drinks
Melania – You’re also combative and feisty, and that has mobilized something deep in the American psyche.
Trump – Thank you.
Melania – The nation was due for a good, internal fight, and we’re having it now. I think that’s why so many people voted for you.
Trump – That’s two compliments in one evening. I’m marking this day in my calendar.
She smiles
Melania – People identified with you because you represent something raw. A will to make money, to push ahead, even if it means you rough up some folks along the way.
Trump – That I’ve done.
Melania – Even your lack of refinement has an appeal.
Trump (taken aback) – I’m not refined?
Melania – Of course not. But that’s part of your charm.
Trump (a dash of regret) – I always wanted to be refined.
Melania – Let it be. It’s not you. Obama, on the other hand, is refined.
Trump (irritated) – What?
Melania – He is. Look at his manner, his intellect, his gift for nuance and oratory.
Trump (stubbornly) – I am smart in my own way.
Melania – Of course you are. And it’s okay not to be on the same level as Obama.
Trump – You’re really coming after me, aren’t you?
Melania – Not at all. I love you. You’re just different.
Trump – Different?
Melania – Yes.
They pause, look at each other.
Melania – Go ahead, say it.
Trump – Say what?
Melania – That you’re different.
Trump – I’m not going to say it.
Melania – It’ll be good for you.
Trump – I’m not saying it.
Melania – Please.
He rubs his face, then smiles devilishly.
Trump – I’m different.
Melania – Good. A lot of people love you just as you are. Raw. Unrefined. And it’s okay. Being who you are touches their hearts. Americans elected Obama twice, because they wanted to be like the man.
Trump – White people wanted to be like him?
Melania – He couldn’t have got elected without White people.
Trump – True.
Melania – White people with prejudices, looked at Obama and said, ‘now, that’s a fellow I want to be like, even if he’s dark.’ And the thought astonished them because they saw how the power of the mind overcame the racial barrier. And why had they not done it before? Why had they overlooked the possibilities of education? Like during Reconstruction after the Civil War?
Trump – Blacks wanted too much… too soon…
Melania – What’s too soon about wanting the White man’s boot off your throat?
Trump – Change takes time.
Melania – Social courage is what went missing. But to my point. It’s hard to be like Obama. Certainly not in just 8 years. It’s going to take a lot longer and some heavy spending on education. It didn’t help that Republicans in both houses, filled with envy, decided to obstruct everything the man wanted to do during his term, as if they had said, ‘how dare the upstart address our structural problems?’
Trump – They did obstruct him, I admit.
Melania – Republicans were dead set against spending because it would raise the deficit and how immoral it would be to burden our children with debt. Spending which, by the way, would have benefitted your base also. Then you come along, cut taxes, the deficit goes through the roof and everyone is cheering, right?
He smiles with satisfaction.
Trump – Very soon, our coffers will be brimming.
Melania – it could go the other way.
Trump – It won’t.
Melania – Let’s hope. The nation was not ready for more Obama and Hillary came close to that.
Trump – Wait a second… Hillary is more refined than me?
Melania – Yes
Trump (slapping the table in exasperation) – No, she’s not!
Melania – In the eyes of the nation, electing a woman was a further refinement in our collective thinking. But it was too much. The psyche of the White American voter had found it difficult, having been governed for 8 years by a refined African American, the mere sight of whom was a reminder that White supremacy is an absurdity, to have him then be followed by a woman. No. Unacceptable. The psyche of the average White American voter needed time to readjust… and in the absence of a visionary candidate… chose to regress.
Trump – Regress?
Melania – Yes.
Trump – So I’m a regression?
Melania – A symbol of it.
Trump – That’s insulting.
Melania – Sadly, it came with a price… the targeting of minorities, the sanctioning of crude behavior against women, the further breakdown in the national dialogue.
Trump – You’re wrong, Melania… very wrong… yes, we needed a good fight… but we did because we were growing weak… and seeing that – which was my great insight – I reached down into our collective unconscious and stirred up the spirit of the frontier… I alone stirred up the feistiness, the greed and the combativeness that had made us great.
They look at each other for a moment.
Melania – But the world has changed, my dear, these are not the days of the frontier and that is not lost on White Americans. They know they have to change also. They know that in a few decades’ time, they will be a minority in this country.
Trump – We cannot have that.
She smiles.
Melania – It’s beyond you, you know that. White Americans know, that for the nation to remain an engine of growth and a dominant world economy, we need the strong backs of foreigners, be they Mexicans, Latin Americans, Arabs, Africans or Asian. White American women are simply not willing to devote their lives to popping out enough White children to take their places, and they’re not because they’ve discovered the pleasures and challenges of the mind.
He puts his elbows on the table, joining his hands. Staring off, he nods slightly.
Trump – So I’m a transitional figure, so to speak.
Melania – That’s a good way to put it. White America was essential to bringing the country to where it is now… and that achievement is their glory – leaving out the century of slavery and the century of Jim Crow – but they know that to continue to move forward, we need the world. Change is at our core. And part of the genius of the American mind has been to recognize the virtue of being inclusive.
He rises and walks off a few paces.
Melania – China is on our heels… and now, more than ever, we need openness… the belief in the nation’s transformative powers… the powers that nurture us… and which take the immigrant and makes them our brothers and sisters.
He turns around to face Melania who’s still seated at the table.
Trump – Let’s see how China survives the tariffs.
Melania – They stole technology from us but their talents knew how to take it and add value to it. And if they ever need the strong backs of other nations, they will invite them in. They know what isolation is. They paid dearly for it in the past.
He nods thoughtfully.
Trump – You think I’ll get reelected?
Melania – Doubt it.
Trump – How come?
Melania – We’re getting tired of your antics and want to get back to the business of nation building.
Trump – If I build the wall I’ll have a better chance.
Melania stares at him
Trump – Mind you, I know we don’t need a wall… but I’ll give them a wall anyway… a huge and expensive one… the more the better… so that my people can flock over and admire it, touch it, kiss it, climb on it, take selfies with it in the background… and Mexicans will build the wall… our Mexicans… because we need their labor… and at night their cousins and friends will find a way to climb up on top of it and drop down onto our soil… and we’ll catch them and send them back… only so they climb back up once more and do it all over again… because so long as our economy is stronger than theirs, the flow will not cease. I know that. My people know that, too.
Melania – But still you will build it…
Trump (smugly) – I keep my promises.
Melania – Billions of dollars that could go to training programs, for education…
Trump – And they will reelect me.
Melania – Why not give them the money instead?
Trump – They’re all good people, but they’ve been neglected for too long.
Melania – Neglected you say… by whom may I ask?
Trump – Why, by the political class…
Melania -… and the affluent, both of whom happen to be mostly White… so is it fair to point the finger at immigrants and minorities?
He gives her a long look.
Trump – Whoever said life was fair?
Melania – Understood. So maybe you should say that at your rallies, too.
He laughs.
Trump – You know… the democrats have an up and coming socialist wing… you might be interested in joining.
She rises.
Melania – Let’s go for a walk.
They exit and a moment later they’re walking in the White House garden, side by side.
Trump – How do you think Helsinki is playing in the White American psyche?
Melania – Remember Charlottesville?
Trump – August 12th, 2017, how could I forget?
Melania – You equivocated then also.
Trump – Equivocated?
Melania – Both sides were at fault, you said then. Couldn’t commit. Same as in Helsinki.
Trump – So?
Melania – So the White American psyche is wondering… what’s with the waffling?
He stops and so does she. They face each other.
Trump – You have said you believe me when I say I didn’t collude…
Melania – I stand by that.
Trump – But do you think… even if it cannot be proven… that Russia’s interference in the election threw it my way?
Melania – I do.
He grimaces as he studies her expression… then takes a step back.
Trump – I know you’re unhappy, so why are you sticking around?
Melania – Because I still think you can be a good president.
Trump – Melania… I don’t think it’s in me to be a cheerleader for Mueller and his probe… I don’t think it’s in me to be a builder of dialogue between Right and Left… I appreciate your good intentions but that’s not going to happen. I’d rather lose the next election than compromise on what I believe. And I don’t think I’m committing political suicide.
I think we will win and keep control of both Houses… and victory will mean more deregulation and more defense spending… more tax cuts and less welfare, less foreign aid and more restrictive immigration… and that’s what I want to do… and if I go after one term, so be it… but I’m not going out… so I’ll have another term to choose even more supreme court justices, so my legacy will be enduring. I happen to like a bit of chaos in my life, and that’s who I am.
And I happen to think that most Americans want what I want, chaos included. And if down the line, reality tell us that we have to change course, then we’ll do so… but for now we’re doing just fine… breaking down boundaries… pushing the limits.
He pauses.
Trump – Am I being too blunt?
Melania – Not at all. It’s best to know where I stand.
Trump – This is not an act I’m putting on, this is who I am, and the great White American psyche seems to like me. Regression or not. Refinement or not.
She looks at the ground for a moment.
Trump – As far as inequality is concerned, I’m all for it. Some people have more drive than others and more brains than others and more imagination than others… and those people need plenty of rewards so they can keep creating wealth for everybody else… not that we don’t need the less gifted ones, sure we do, and the more educated they are the more they’ll learn to tame their resentments… the more they’ll learn to put up with their unsolved grievances. But most Americans want to be rich… rich like me… not do gooders… even it if means stepping on others as they climb up the ladder. The really smart figure it out, they always have, they get on with it and don’t complain. So It has been for ever and ever, and so it will be, for ever and ever.
She looks him in the eye.
Trump – The trade war is just the beginning… and I will make alliances with the wealthy and creative all over the world… and my people will love me for that… because deep in their hearts and minds, that’s how they see themselves.
Melania – Even if the majority will never get there.
Trump – You die trying.
Melania – I suppose, then, that you have no intention of making a public apology to American women, like you once said you would?
Trump – I’ve gone back and forth on that but I don’t think so.
Melania – Why not?
Trump – Because powerful men have privileges…
Melania – The privilege to harass…?
Trump – If you let me get away with it. And if women don’t like it, then go ahead and bitch, and march and complain and unite and form a political party if you want… and let’s fight it out. I have no idea where that will end… maybe it will end in some kind of new sexual equality… but you have to fight for it. And to be frank, why shouldn’t you win that fight? You’re a greater number that men in this country.
He pauses.
Trump – But something holds you back. Why did Hillary lose? It wasn’t Russian interference… it was because women let themselves down. But nobody’s talking about that. I do not hear women criticizing themselves, lamenting that they didn’t seize the opportunity.
Melania – Excuse me, I was the one that made that point about women.
Trump – You did, and a good one it was, too. Hillary wasn’t perfect, we all know that, but she was a seasoned politician… a woman who had been through some tough fights in her life… and her own kind just blew her off. Instead of saying, ‘Okay, Hillary has some flaws, but she’s a woman’s woman for crying out loud, so let’s go with her’. Instead of doing that, you waffled… and I got in.
He smiles with satisfaction.
Trump – So I owe much to waffling.
Melania – It’s coming back to haunt you.
He walks off a few paces, then turns around to face her again.
Trump – What happened to your Women’s Party, a while back you talked about getting one going?
Melania – I did talk about it… and you asked me not to do it.
Trump – Well, you need to do what you think is right.
Melania – Yes.
She walks over to the window, crossing her arms as she looks out, pensively.
Trump – Go for it. See if women can really unite… not just talk about it and complain about what men do and don’t do.
She pulls open the drapes a bit more. She doesn’t look at him as she speaks.
Melania – Women have never stopped fighting. Nature put the fight in us… not only to struggle to be all we can be but also to take pause at some point during our lifetime… to create human beings and to nurture them… and it is a noble fight indeed… so, no, we’re no stranger to the good fight. We raise and nurture you and all men alike… only to see you then turn around and devalue us… do violence to us, as if you were afraid of your origins. Man’s story is the story of denying us opportunity… denying us access to education, access to the vote, denying us equal pay, denying us control over our bodies… we’ve had to fight for every single one of those gains… and it has gone on and on to this day…
Now turning to him.
… so don’t you dare sing the praises of inequality when you have known nothing but privilege… and know nothing about the treasures hidden in those who have been deemed less gifted. It’s painful to see you stand there and carry on with your drivel… for it speaks loudly of your disconnect with history. And then you justify your crude behavior toward women, and have the audacity to ask us to fight some more… speaking as if you were exempt from examining yourself and finding fault with your own behavior.
There is a profound rift in the nation… and you intend to address it by telling us that putting more money in our pockets is the solution.
She holds her face in her hands and then slowly brushes back her hair.
He walks over to stand by her side.
Trump – I didn’t mean to offend you.
Melania – You did. You paint yourself as the great fighter… but tell me… was that you fighting Putin in Helsinki?
Trump – Putin is part of the elite of this world… like it or not. He’s sitting on top of a lot of gas and oil and a pile of nuclear weapons… and like him or not… he’s managed to convince a lot of Russians to cheer him on. And he has growing fans in other nations as well. That’s reality.
Melania – So you give him a pass?
Trump – He’s got nothing on me. Even if he’s lying and did know of the interference in our election… or directed it… I got in on my own… and I couldn’t have done it without American women.
She nods slowly.
Trump – I you ever get it together on the idea of the Women’s Party… that should be up there on the agenda to discuss.
Melania – Feeling pretty confident, aren’t you?
Trump – Why shouldn’t I? GDP went over 4 percent, bull market is going strong… NATO members are paying up on defense… I’m renegotiating NAFTA… we’ll give it another name… unemployment is low… and people have more money in their pockets. America is finding itself again.
He goes to her, gives her a kiss on the forehead.
Trump – I’ll be at the office for a while.
And he exits.
Oscar Valdes. Oscarvaldes.net. Podcasts in Anchor.fm, apple, google and buzzsprout.
This play was published as a book in 2018. It is available on Amazon.
The Chairman and supreme leader of China is sitting in his office by himself. It is early evening and he’s just had supper.
‘Deng was right. We had to wait. Had to bide our time. And we did. Our strength was our market power. Our numbers. And then the party came in and imposed their will. We promised our citizens a better world and we are delivering. We have invented a new system of government and it has been a success.
And the world is envious. America is envious. Europe is envious. Russia is envious. Envious of our discipline, of our creativity and commitment to being at the top. Envious of our ability to resolve disputes.
Some will say that we have sacrificed freedom, but that is a small price to pay for our rise to the top. And my fellow citizens have been willing to trust the party. It is their hour of greatness and they know there’s more to come.
He stands and goes to the window. A grand view of Beijing lies before him.
‘Yes, the West has helped us, but through our shrewdness we are on the way to dominate the world. It is only a matter of time. With our market power we enticed tech enterprises and all manner of businesses to come to us and share their knowhow. And our genius has taken all of it and made it our own. That is our triumph. No one has done what we have done on this scale.
To do so we needed discipline and the party imposed it. Without the rule of the Communist Party this grand leap forward would not have been possible.
Here in our land there is no free for all, no chaos and disruption like there is in America and the West.
Discipline. Vision. Commitment.
If the Uyghurs think they can have it their own way, we discipline them. We do whatever we must to make them Chinese. They have no alternative.
I learn every day from the chaos in America. It confirms how right we are. Children shooting other children at school. And it happens again and again. What is that? Do they not learn from it?
Is that freedom? No, it is not. It is a perversion of freedom.
And they still can’t pass laws to ban firearms.
We have no such problem in China.
And then there’s the coronavirus pandemic. Why isn’t everyone in America vaccinated by now? Why is anyone allowed to refuse when getting vaccinated is in the best interest of the nation? But still they refuse and more and more Americans die.
Is that freedom? No, it is not. It is a perversion of freedom.
Nearly 800,000 Americans have died, so far. And now they will have to contend with the Omicron variant. And yet, some people will still not vaccinate.
We have no such problem in China. We haven’t vaccinated everyone but if we say vaccinate, then you vaccinate.
They have too many gods in America. A god that says having guns is right, another that says no guns is right, a god that says having an abortion is right, another that says not having an abortion is right, a god that says democrats are right, another that says republicans are right.
Meanwhile they’re killing each other.
Here in China there is only one god. The Communist Party. Me.
You obey, and you’re free to make money, within limits. Don’t obey and we step in.
That has been our genius. The recognition that the human spirit is naturally unruly and fractious. Therefore, to get anything meaningful done, we must enforce discipline.
He turns to pull up a chair and sits in front of the window, looking out, enjoying the view.
‘There is despair in America… and I like it. With our rise to becoming a superpower, they see us threatening their dominance, and yet their businesses still are coming here because of the size of our market, even if the result will be to strengthen a foe of their nation.
Someone once said that capitalists will sell you the rope with which they will be hanged.
Lenin, probably.
Take electric vehicles, for instance. We got Tesla to come over and share their knowledge. They were very willing and understood the bargain which was, we make you rich but you hand over your expertise. Of course, we then take the expertise, subsidize new Chinese companies, and spread all over the world to rival Tesla. When the time comes, I will ask Tesla to leave our market. It is up to us. Up to me, to choose the date and time for their departure. One of the great benefits of our system. We don’t have to deal with any lawyers from Tesla saying that it’s unfair to do so.
And the word gets around.
The other day, an American banker, whom we have allowed to do business here because we can learn from them while making them rich – same bargain as Tesla – joked that their bank would outlast our system. Someone from his bank reminded him of the disrespect and he quickly apologized. He knew better. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
So there’s despair in America. Despair because their incentives, profits at any cost, often runs counter to the national interest and yet their government is not free to check them. They have to contend with the US Chamber of commerce, public opinion, political donors and an army of lawyers and lobbyists. Freedom to dissent, they call it.
We have no such obstacles in China. What the party says, goes. And since I run the party, what I say, goes.
He runs his hands past the sides of his head and laces his fingers on the back of his neck.
‘It’s not like they’re not seeing the problem, it’s that they’re not doing much about it.
Biden sees it, though. But they’ve been so critical of him that with all the noise, his views are devalued.
Take Afghanistan, for instance. He was right to pull out but the criticism he got was brutal. His critics went on and on about how messy the pull-out had been. But how can you have a clean pull-out from a nation in such confusion? Stay and sacrifice more American lives? No. Pull out. Just pull out.
All of his critics in Afghanistan forgot to take account of the state of things in their own nation. Racism, inequality, poor education for the lower classes, shootings, killings, people not getting vaccinated and an assault on the Capitol by Trump supporters. All of that going on and still you want a tidy pull-out?
Biden is right, too, to take my global ambitions seriously. He’s trying to rebuild infrastructure, protect vital industries, strengthen defense and renew America’s relationship with Europe, but business interests there, too, will fight him and work against his plans, for they also want to come to China to make money.
I don’t think he’ll get reelected… which is better for us.
He now stands and starts to walk around his office.
‘The more chaos in America, the better for me. The more divided the better. And the reality is, I don’t really have to help that process. Americans by themselves will make sure they stay divided. It seems they just can’t help it.
It is sad to see a nation like that slowly lose their power. We all owe much to them. If it weren’t for them in World War II, we would all be speaking German. And Japanese. But they can’t help themselves.
Surely tomorrow I’ll wake up to the news of yet another school shooting. And the NRA saying, don’t take away our freedom!
What a disaster.
He stops for a moment, then resumes walking.
‘Which brings me to Putin and his intentions in Ukraine. Will he invade to annex the nation? Good question. If he does, it will make for a tense moment in the world. But Putin likes to be in the spotlight, with everyone guessing what he’ll do next. He may see his threat to invade as a way to stir up nationalism and counter internal resistance – the Navalny led movement. An invasion carries risks, of course. The Ukrainians will fight back and it will get bloody. And it could spark an insurrection in neighboring Belarus which will complicate matters.
If there are many Russian casualties, that won’t play well at home, and may fuel the internal resistance he seeks to defuse.
Hmm.
On the other hand, the global preoccupation with the pandemic offers a unique opportunity. And yet Putin wants the World Health Organization to approve his Sputnik vaccine. I think they will.
Yes… he could still make the move. A quick grab. Pow! Overnight. Like in Crimea. A blitzkrieg. Right in your face, like the Americans like to say… and Europeans will wake up thinking of themselves as smaller and weaker, with Russia sharing a border with Poland and Hungary and Romania.
He has the power.
I could learn a thing or two from Vladimir.
As for us… I could… maybe… synchronize efforts… he moves on Ukraine… I move on Taiwan… yes… it’s a thought… but…
He stops, rubs his face.
‘… No… it doesn’t feel right for me. Not now. It would take more preparation. Lots more. Bide your time, said Deng. Bide your time. I need to consolidate my power… so, no… Taiwan must wait. Anyway… America is likely to get weaker, not stronger, as time goes by.
What I’m certain of is that one day we will seize Taiwan. Like it or not. And America will just watch… divided as ever… wondering why they didn’t learn to talk to each other… and then return to burying their heads in Tik Tok. Or whatever game we can make interesting for them.
He smiles to himself.
Oscar Valdes. Oscarvaldes.net. Available as a podcast in anchor.fm, apple, google and buzzsprout.
Oscar Valdes 