Stern walked to the screen and enlarged the photo of Leo.
"Do you think Leo took that bullet for nothing? Is Pennsylvania the only state in the country with workers?"
Stern let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"To be honest, even I don't get it. I can't figure out how he managed to whip up this level of populist fervor in such a short amount of time."
Stern looked at the President.
"His influence has completely spilled out of Pennsylvania. If he sides with the Republican Party, or even if he just declares neutrality, the anger he's ignited will immediately turn on us."
"We'll lose the entire Midwest for the next decade."
"With the momentum he has now, if he were truly ambitious, he wouldn't be coming to us for a vice presidential nomination. He'd just announce his own run for president. If that were the case, we'd probably be discussing how to pack our bags and get out of this office right now."
The President put down his pen.
"David."
