[Chapter 71: Sharing Advisor]
Hillary Clinton and several key members of the Democratic Party didn't stay long. They basically said their goodbyes around eleven after the speeches and fundraising wrapped up. The rest of the guests naturally lingered on.
The party only truly kicked off at night, following the increasingly popular buffet format. People raised their glasses, mingling -- some networking, some just socializing. Deals were struck, secrets exchanged, alliances formed, and rivalries born in such gatherings.
The atmosphere was typical of a high-profile party.
Madonna, glowing with the flush of drink, took a seat right next to Orlando. She said, "I honestly didn't expect you to get involved with Mrs. Clinton. I can tell she really admires you! So, you're the MILF magnet, huh? First Daisy Cuomo, then me, and now Mrs. Clinton! And hey, we're all older than you -- haha, my little man, don't tell me you have a thing for older women?"
"I don't! And don't say that." Orlando frowned slightly. "Mrs. Clinton and I just exchanged a few words. If you spread these rumors and Mr. Clinton hears about them, it won't be good."
"Are you still worried about this?" Madonna asked with a laugh.
"Alright." Lowering her voice with a conspiratorial look, she said, "Look, since you pleased me last night, I'll let you in on something quietly. In reality, the Clintons were like most big-shot political couples -- each doing their own thing. Especially Bill Clinton, who had quite the reputation back in Arkansas. Rumor had it that even the cleaning staff at his office had been involved with him. Mrs. Clinton had been heartbroken about it. If you seriously got involved with them... well, I don't think there'd be much to worry about."
"I swear! I'm not lying!" Madonna's voice got louder again.
Orlando just smirked and held up his hand without responding.
With his telepathic ability, Madonna's thoughts were no secret to him. The pop diva really believed what she was thinking now.
Much of her knowledge and gossip about the couple were essentially public information to Orlando through her intel channels.
The Arkansas governor and his wife were certainly playing their own games. Combining what he'd learned in his previous life about this couple, Orlando was pretty certain these rumors were true.
Even in films and TV shows, the Clintons' reputation for infidelity and scandal was often joked about.
But to be honest, he had no intention of pursuing anything with Mrs. Clinton personally, despite her youthful appearance -- looking more like she was in her early thirties rather than her forties, far from the worn-out, old-school political matriarch stereotype.
Really, he just saw her as a powerful contact to cultivate, a potential political patron for the future.
Sure, riding her coattails might be dangerous -- possibly life-threatening in the long run. But over the next decade or two, he could gain strong political protection.
Given that his background pretty much barred him from Republican favor, it only made sense to align early with a Democrat who could realistically hold power for the next decade or so.
Whether as early protection or later as an ally, it was necessary.
Without considering the risks, this couple was perfect for that.
Madonna knew about some of his special talents and was also aware of the Clintons' secrets, so she naturally jumped to conclusions.
Orlando had his own doubts but didn't dare act rashly because he wasn't sure if he could win over her.
He chatted with Madonna then, telling her she must have been pretty drunk to say such things! As for what was to come -- well, that could wait.
Looking at the tipsy, stunning Madonna, Orlando asked, "So, what do you think I should do?"
"Do what?" she replied.
"Like, how should I build a good relationship with them?"
"You're serious about this?"
"Yes. Even George Morgenthau suggested that I get close to him and his wife."
"You should ask your political adviser. He's getting paid for this, and I heard he's more expensive than my own adviser, Bob."
"That's true. But unfortunately, I can't completely trust him on this because he's from the New York faction of the Democrats -- the moderate wing. The Clintons are more left-wing liberals."
Madonna let out a mock sigh, looking at her "little man" seriously. "I can't really answer this for you because politics isn't my strong suit."
Bob was also at the party, a nonpartisan -- or at least currently independent -- political adviser. "Want me to call him over to give you some pointers?"
"Is there a consultation fee?"
"Tsk... little man, go a little harder tonight; this one's on me!"
---
Later, in a corner of the party, Madonna's political advisers were deep in discussion with Orlando. Madonna had stepped away.
After the Clintons and other key Democrats left, Madonna had become the central figure of the event. She couldn't stay in one place; she had to be everywhere.
Madonna had three advisers; tonight, only two showed up: Bob, and an experienced Democrat strategist. The third adviser, who was from the Republican side, hadn't arrived.
Following Madonna's directives, and looking at Orlando, who could afford to pay George Morgenthau a million to work for him, Bob was happy to help and gave an attentive analysis.
What if this young superstar in front of him was so happy that he gave him a political consulting contract?
Orlando learned even more about the Clintons. For example, Hillary Clinton, who wasn't just a governor's wife but was increasingly influential on a national level, especially in children's welfare and education equality.
During the midterm elections, Hillary gave multiple speeches at Democratic fundraisers and frequently met with heavyweight donors in Manhattan.
The New York elite, especially in Manhattan, knew her as a Yale-educated lawyer active in the Children's Defense Fund and other children's causes.
She was widely regarded as extremely intelligent, capable, ambitious, and progressive, with a keen political mind that could help Bill Clinton, governor of a smaller southern state, break onto the national stage.
As for Bill Clinton himself, New Yorkers knew less about him. He was a young (44-year-old), charming, eloquent progressive Democrat who had success in the South.
His wife's frequent appearances in New York for fundraising and speaking engagements showed their intent to court big-money liberal donors in the Northeast.
Bob analyzed this as likely aiming toward a Democratic presidential bid for 1992.
Criticism of Bill Clinton in the media included his over-reliance on his wife in Arkansas affairs, as well as rumors about the handsome governor allegedly seeing dozens of mistresses on a daily basis.
In this regard, Orlando felt he didn't measure up -- he currently had fewer than five.
"At the Fifth Avenue breakfast where she wore Armani and debated legislative amendments more intensely than the latest fashion trends, Mrs. Clinton impressed insiders with her sharpness and earned respect from charity circles for her work at the Children's Defense Fund," Bob explained.
"But old-school policymakers also saw her as someone extremely ambitious -- let's say a little ruthless. That's exactly what you can leverage," he added.
Orlando immediately asked, "How so?"
Unlike George Morgenthau, who came from a privileged background and was a bit pretentious, Bob, a middle-class expert who'd worked with both parties and was now independent, clearly aimed to be helpful -- assuming you had the money to hire him.
Orlando obviously met those conditions.
Bob said, "There's a good entry point right now. She was recently elected chair of the national Children's Defense Fund board. She's pushing legislation on adoption, immigrant children's rights, and special education. You might be able to get involved..."
"So, what exactly should I do?"
Bob shrugged, "There's a lot you could do. It depends on what you want. My advice? You could publicly support her cause, or organize a big fundraiser and donate to her foundation. You're a celebrity, just like Ms. Ciccone -- maybe you could even spin some publicity and get her more involved. There are lots of options; it's up to you."
Orlando nodded slightly.
Clearly, Bob held back some ideas -- he didn't reveal everything. That was normal since he hoped to get hired as Orlando's full-time adviser. If he let it all out at once, that chance might disappear.
In reality, thanks to telepathy, Orlando knew Bob's great ideas without paying a dime.
But Orlando wouldn't steal them -- it was too small-time.
"As long as Ms. Ciccone does not mind," Orlando smiled, "Bob, I also hope to give you a contract."
Bob said nothing, but was clearly pleased.
Before he could say more, Madonna interrupted from the side, "I definitely don't mind, honey -- hell, I'd even share a bed with you, let alone this!"
"Well, then it's settled." Orlando reached out to shake Bob's hand. "Here's to a great partnership ahead!"
"Cheers!"
*****
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