Chapter 417: Chapter 192: Pittsburgh’s Answer
"It’s because the government has betrayed the people."
"When politicians do nothing but put on a show for the cameras, attacking each other for partisan gain, of course the people will be disappointed."
"The only way to rebuild trust is to get things done."
"To take real action."
"We don’t engage in those empty ideological debates. We don’t care if you’re red or blue, and we don’t care what god you pray to."
"We only care if your roads are smooth, if your water is clean, if your children have schools to attend."
"When the government starts thinking like a public servant instead of a ruler, trust will naturally return."
"This is Pittsburgh’s answer."
Leo delivered his closing remarks.
"We aren’t creating a miracle. We are simply returning to common sense."
"Returning to the common sense that Washington has forgotten: the government exists to make people’s lives better."
"The Hill District is just the beginning."
"We’ve already proven that this model works."
"Now, we need to expand it to the entire city, the entire state, and even the entire United States."
"Senator Murphy is in Washington pushing a new bill, one that will light more of these fires."
"This is the future."
"A new United States that isn’t held hostage by capital, isn’t torn apart by partisan strife, and truly belongs to the people."
The moment Leo finished speaking.
Thundering applause erupted throughout the basketball arena.
Everyone in the audience saw a clear blueprint, an executable plan.
Compared to the empty slogans from Washington, everything here in Pittsburgh felt so real.
After all, the Hill District outside was living proof.
Sanders stood to the side, watching Leo with a gratified smile.
’This showcase model is a success.’
’This young man isn’t just an excellent executor, but a born orator.’
’He hadn’t chosen the wrong person.’
...
After the media briefing ended, the crowd dispersed.
Leo, Sanders, Murphy, along with Ethan and Sarah, returned to the Mayor’s Office in City Hall.
Sanders took off his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and sank into the sofa, completely relaxed.
"Well done, Leo."
"Today’s presentation went very smoothly."
Sanders looked at Leo, his gaze turning profound.
"I’ve already made the arrangements for that two-billion-dollar bill."
"Next Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee will hold its first hearing."
"Murphy, as the bill’s sponsor, you’ll be giving the keynote address at that hearing."
Sanders turned to Murphy.
"You need to prepare well over the next few days. Leo will give you all the material."
"You need to bring out that same fire you had during your campaign."
"You need to tell those old dogs that if this bill doesn’t pass, the United States will lose to its competitors, the supply chain will break, and national security will be threatened."
Murphy nodded, his expression serious.
"Don’t worry, Daniel. I know what to say."
"Good."
Sanders stood up and brushed the wrinkles from his trousers.
"I should be getting back to Washington."
"There’s another tough battle to be fought over there."
"Whether or not this money gets approved doesn’t just concern Pittsburgh; it also affects our Progressives’ standing within the party."
"If we succeed this time, we’ll have the capital to negotiate for bigger terms with the Establishment Faction."
Sanders walked to the door, paused, and looked back at Leo.
"Leo, remember what you said today."
"Don’t let that showcase model become an empty display window."
"If one day the lights go out there,"
"then all our efforts will have been for nothing but a joke."
Leo stood up and nodded solemnly.
"The lights won’t go out, Senator."
"Not as long as I’m here, and not as long as the fire in Pittsburgh is still burning."
"Good."
Sanders pushed the door open and walked out.
Murphy followed him out. He had to see Sanders off at the airport and wanted to discuss the details of the hearing on the way.
Only Leo, Ethan, and Sarah remained in the office.
"Phew—"
Sarah let out a long breath and collapsed into a chair.
"That was so nerve-wracking. I was worried a reporter would ask about the fiscal deficit."
"They wouldn’t dare," Ethan said with a smile. "They’re completely captivated by the grand narrative. In an atmosphere like that—saving America and all—who’s going to care about some pathetic little deficit?"
"Besides, Marcus’s data was flawless."
Ethan tapped the thick folder in his hand.
"Even if they had asked, we had the perfect answer."
Leo walked to the window and looked down at the plaza below.
The media vans were leaving one by one.
The public relations battle had been a resounding success.
Through this meticulously planned inspection and speech, Pittsburgh had successfully established the image of a "pioneer of reform" in the national media landscape.
But to make that grand vision a reality, they still had much more to do.
Comments