human
Never saw anything like it. Never. First ballot and you had it, Jim. I know Texas was going to put up Perez as a favorite son on the first ballot, but they couldn't do anything except jump on the bandwagon by the time the vote reached them. Unanimous on the first ballot.
gpt
Came close not t' being unanimous. The delegate from Alabama looked as though he was going to stick to his 'One vote for Byron Beauregarde Cadwallader' until Cadwallader himself went over to make him change his vote before the first ballot was complete.
human
We're in! he said, with businesslike glee.
gpt
Image, gentlemen! That's what does it: Image! He was a tall, rather bony-faced man in his early forties, and his manner was that of the self-satisfied businessman who is quite certain that he knows all of the answers and all of the questions.
human
Create an image that the public goes for, and you're in!
gpt
Thanks, Horvin, but let's remember that we still have an election to win.
human
We'll win it, Horvin said confidently.
gpt
A properly projected image attracts the public--
human
Oh, crud, said Representative Matson in a growly voice.
gpt
The opposition has just as good a staff of PR men as we do. If we beat 'em, it'll be because we've got a better man, not because we've got better public relations.
human
Of course, said Horvin, unabashed.
gpt
We can project a better image because we've got better material to work with. We--
human
Jim managed to get elected to the Senate without any of your help, and he went in with an avalanche. If there's any 'image projecting' done around here, Jim is the one who does it.
gpt
Exactly. His natural ability plus the scientific application of mass psychology make an unbeatable team.
human
He's right, Ed. We've got to use every weapon we have to win this election. Another four years of the present policies, and the Sino-Russian Bloc will be able to start unilateral disarmament. They won't have to start a war to bury us.
gpt
Uh ... Senator--
human
I know, I know. Our policy during the campaign will be to run down the opposition, not the United States. We are still in a strong position, but _if this goes on_--Don't worry, Horvin; the whole thing will be handled properly.
gpt
Ed, will you get Matthew Fisher on the phone? And the Governor of Pennsylvania and ... let's see ... Senator Hidekai and Joe Vitelli.
human
I didn't even know Fisher was here, Matson said.
gpt
What do you want him for?
human
I just want to talk to him, Ed. Get him up here, with the others, will you?
gpt
Sure, Jim; sure.
human
Well, Senator, now that you're the party's candidate for the Presidency of the United States, who are you going to pick for your running mate? Vollinger was the only one who came even close to giving you a run for your money, and it would be good public relations if you chose him. He's got the kind of personality that would make a good image.