The year 1916 is an election year in the United States, and President Wilson is in his office managing affairs while coordinating with his campaign team for the election taking place four months later.
"How are things looking?" Wilson asked his campaign aide.
"Hughes's poll numbers are rising." The aide's voice carried a trace of concern: "His ideas seem more popular, as he believes we are too weak in responding to the Germans' submarine warfare, making the United States appear vulnerable."
Wilson didn't pause from his work, murmuring an affirmation.
Hughes is a smart and formidable opponent, and their poll numbers have always been neck-and-neck.
As the opposition, Hughes has a natural advantage; he can point out what Wilson has done poorly over the past four years and pledge to make improvements.
