Chapter 579

After dinner, Abel, Alexander, and Neil sat on the sofa in the living room, drinking coffee and chatting. The two housewives were brewing coffee and chatting about their own female topics.

Mainly Abel and Neil were chatting, and Alexander always looked stuffy when in front of his son.

According to Abel's understanding, after his father entered politics, he only looked passionate when giving speeches and interacting with voters.

At other times, he was nicknamed "Alexander the Taciturn" and "Alexander the Scalper", referring to Alexander's dislike of talking during his political career and his preference for doing things.

Such governance characteristics seem to be at a disadvantage in democratically elected governance with American characteristics.

Being loud enough in every sense of the word is something almost all American regulars have in common.

But in fact, there are many traditional voters and middle-of-the-road voters who would especially appreciate this type of person who does more and talks less.

The problem is, in private Alexander himself actually talks a lot. When he was on the farm, he was a tyrant when he beat, scolded and coached the farm workers.

It's not that he's not used to it when he's in the position of a member of Parliament. But most of Alexander's image comes from the personality created by his team for him.

To put it simply, "taciturn", "old scalper" and "Alexander who only knows how to do practical things" are actually a shell personality created for him by Smith Media's strong publicity capabilities and Alexander's team.

A special personality used to attract voters and please some of the same kind!

This, together with King Maga's bombastic, active, and fond of dancing, George's easy-going love for making friends, O'Hei's image of a gentleman, Zipperton's elite appearance, etc., are actually all characters.

In the United States, players on Capitol Hill are more particular about their personalities than stars in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and they must be better at acting to stay in Washington for a long time.

In comparison, because the characters of Herbert, George, and Jeb are all too stable. Lest voters cast their image over him, Neil is now seen politically as a radical donkey.

His ideas mainly focus on environmental protection and preferential treatment of black people and immigrants.

It is completely different from the image of his brothers and fathers, and it is also different from Alexander's steady and taciturn performance.

After all, Neil's constituency is mainly in California. As a deep blue state that is getting bluer and bluer, people there really like this.

This kind of personality has also made Neil's reputation among blacks and ethnic minorities in the United States getting better and better, especially after the establishment of several funds to support black elites and ethnic minority elites under his leadership. The ticket warehouse is becoming more and more "black" and "ink".

And it just so happens that of these two vote groups, one is the loudest among American voters, and the other is the fastest-growing among American voters.

Judging from the support alone, Neil is now much bigger than Alexander.

It is these people in his vote bank who are really not easy to control. They are not as sensible and long-term as voters in red necks and conservative states. It is easy for them to fall in love with others and vote for other people for some reasons. Not firm enough.

This is the disadvantage of the ticket bank Neil chose.

Where there are disadvantages, there are naturally advantages. The advantage of these two ticket warehouses is that there are enough people and they are easy to fool!

To sum up, in order not to overlap with the image of his brothers, and in order to be more in line with his current image as an advanced member of the Donkey Party, Neil had to choose these two vote banks to create this kind of persona.

Off topic——

The several support funds that Neil presided over and established, after many turnovers, can be found in the Smith Charitable Foundation...

Otherwise, why would the gratuitous money be donated to Neil's voters?

In the American mainstream, this is a very common practice. The only thing that compares is who is more obscure, who is more elaborate, and who can satisfy voters more during the election.

In this regard, whether it is Neil or Alexander, they both have the experience of the Shrub family, coupled with the money of the Smith family, they are now doing as well as anyone else.

That's why both of them were able to become members of Congress this year.

"...Many people in Capitol Hill are privately opposed." Neil's face was a little red. He was very happy tonight. He drank a lot of California red wine and French Burgundy wine. As a result, he is now like this. What a look.

"But they didn't dare to express it directly. Because if they objected directly, they would offend you and Dupont at the same time. This is not something ordinary people dare to do. Only die-hards like Morgan and others dare to say it out loud!"

Abel smiled softly. From eating to now, the most talked about topic has always been his main purpose of coming to Washington this time.

But seriously, when it comes to things like this. Not to mention that Neil and Alexander are still members of the House of Representatives. Even if they become speaker, party whip, or even commander-in-chief, they actually don't have much say.

The struggle between consortia and consortiums will only involve the direct use of force. Otherwise, except for the plutocrats who are qualified and capable to participate, others in this country, even the generals, can only watch on the sidelines.

General managers and department heads would do well to just watch the battle between major shareholders. If you dare to leave the game, you have to consider what the outcome will be if the bet fails.

"Let's talk about other things. For example, Henry Paulson. I heard that he became the new Treasury Secretary." Abel changed the subject. He didn't want to continue talking about this matter between his father-in-law and his father.

Neil was startled, a little stunned. However, the third eldest son of the Bush family is more flexible than his two brothers.

He smiled and said: "That's true. The appointment has already been made. Poor John Snow can only be the neon messenger. But it is a good job. George has always been very good to his own people."

The U.S. ambassador to the United States is a bad person in the United States. As one of the most docile little brothers in the empire, they are also very fat. If you go there, make good money, there are always tens of millions of dollars a year.

"The fact that Henry Paulson came to power is actually George expressing an attitude to the outside world, a direction from stability to radical fiscal and financial policies. Spring is coming on Wall Street, dear Abel, I believe it will be spring for you too. ." Neil looked at Abel seriously, which was actually one of the reasons why George asked Henry Paulson to come on stage.

Because of Abel's factors, the Shrub family now doesn't have as much influence on Wall Street as it did in the past.

Shrubs are now willing to do things that are good for Wall Street and the financial world. Unlike before, only the interests of the military-industrial complex were considered.

Abel smiled reservedly, acquiescing to the meaning of Neil's words.

The White House's relaxation of restrictions on Wall Street is indeed good news for a man with super financial talent.

"Okay." Abel said warmly: "You and Alexander both drank a little too much. It's time to go and rest. Tomorrow will be very busy."

Neil knew that he didn't want to talk anymore, so he nodded when he saw this. Alexander took the opportunity to stand up and said directly: "It's already so late, just rest here tonight. Your rooms are ready, and the things you left behind last time are still there."

Little Laura's parents both smiled and expressed their gratitude and affirmation. They chose to stay at the Smith Mansion in Washington tonight.

Just like the Smiths, they occasionally spend the night at Neil's residence in Washington. This is a sign of closeness in a family like theirs.

When the Neils, led by Emily and the maid, went to the guest room.

Only the father and son were left in the living room, and Alexander finally spoke:

"It feels like he talks more than his father and brother. I'm not just referring to his style in the Donkey Party, but his own personality."

"It's normal." Abel chuckled: "A father with a serious face, coupled with an unreliable eldest brother and a second brother who also has nothing to say. Growing up in such an environment, the third or fourth child always It will be a little bit better."

"What about us?" Alexander, who was serious in front of outsiders and didn't speak much, chuckled: "Neither Alex nor I are as carefree as you... The original Smith family didn't have this kind of environment."

Abel was shameless: "I'm not doing this for myself, I'm doing this for the Smith family! Look, when you get older, dear Alexander, there will be many, many little Smiths who can inherit your achievements! Unlike Alex, You are the only one who can inherit his farm!"

Alexander could not speak well of his son, and as a father he had always felt that he had no qualifications at all to preach to his son, who was so outstanding that he was a little too good, in every sense of the word.

Shaking his head slightly, the Texas congressman smiled and said: "Anyway, just pay attention to yourself. I can't control you anyway, and Emily and Aria are completely on your side. Alex still thinks you're right to do this. Now that it's been like this, what else can I say?"

Abel also smiled and patted his father, who was a head taller than him, on the shoulder: "Just be your rich son. Your rich son will make everything go smoothly for you!"

"As you and Emily said, write a paper on "My Rich Son"?"

Abel was startled, and then laughed loudly, "Hahahaha——"

"Hehehe——" Alexander was also smiling. The father and son looked at each other and smiled, and the atmosphere was relaxed.

In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.

Since the Federal Reserve's regular meeting cannot be held smoothly, the market's predictions of interest rate hikes this cycle cannot be truly realized.

Interest rates remained unchanged, Wall Street stocks rose, oil prices fell, and the dollar rose against most major currencies in New York today.

These are the big news of the week, but none of them compare to the big news happening in Washington!

At about 10:30 a.m., Abel led a dozen think tank members through the rotunda of the Capitol Building, which has three bronze "Columbus Gates" with thick texture and reliefs depicting Columbus's discovery of the New World. The majestic columned porch was immediately surrounded by reporters squatting in the Capitol.

Abel's visit to Washington this time was not just for socializing with the upper class of the empire.

Some financial groups that couldn't bear it mobilized some forces and raised questions on Capitol Hill, questioning Smith Financial Group, Smith Media Group, Pacific Energy Group and many other companies controlled by Abel, and suspected that there were cartels, syndicates, trusts, companies, etc. model of monopolistic behavior.

In accordance with the Anti-Cartel Special Amendment 256 passed by the US Congress in 1939 under the leadership of Master Luo, Congress launched an inquiry against Abel Smith.

This is actually not in line with common sense in the United States today.

Because although companies such as Smith Financial Group and Smith Media Group are indeed very strong in the industry.

But they are far from reaching the level of monopoly, let alone trusts, corporations and the like.

In fact, this is a clarion call for challenge and attack by some people who are afraid that Smith may really succeed in joining forces with DuPont, Cleveland and other consortiums.

Likewise, Abel would not be beaten without fighting back. The Capitol Building will be very lively for some time to come.

Morgan, Rockefeller, First Citigroup, Chicago, and Boston, they all want to come to Capitol Hill... If you want to be disgusted, let's all be disgusted together. This is one of Abel's little counterattacks against them, It's no different than when they asked Abel to come here today!

But, after all, it is not easy to report casually on matters involving the upper echelons of the empire.

The reason Abel appeared in the Capitol, whether it was Congress or himself, was that Smith Intelligence provided consulting services to the Treasury Department and Capitol Hill.

Then several other families used the same excuse.

When it appears in the media, it will be Congress and the Treasury Department asking a group of top American think tanks. People who don't know it think this is what large-scale economic policy changes the White House and Congress want to make!

As for the inside story, it will never appear in any American media, or even on the Internet.

"...Ha, we now have a responsible white house group. I believe that with the support of Congress, George will definitely make the U.S. economy take off again in the future!"

"Storm? The storm is still far away from us. The unemployment rate will not be a big problem and will be solved soon. As for how to solve it... I don't live in a white house. You asked the wrong person!"

"The Pennsylvania wood barn attack? My attitude towards this is very regrettable. As the chairman of the NRA, my philosophy has always been to allow all Americans to have the ability to protect themselves! This is very important. Compared with For others, I believe in myself more. I believe everyone thinks so!"

"Rolls-Royce? Oh, it used to be a British car, and it almost became a German car. But from now on, it will be one of the American car brands. I think the long history will make it more popular in the United States. A different look appears in front of people!"

"..."

Facing major media outlets mainly from the United States, but also from countries around the world, Abel changed his usual indifference and answered some questions selectively. After all, now is a critical period, and it is the perfect time to start using Zuidun to increase its presence and influence. How could he let go of this opportunity.

Although in this turmoil, ordinary people can't really have any influence. But those Americans who are not qualified but still belong to the elite class. Abel needs to let them know where he stands!

If the consortium is the greedy brain of this machine-shaped empire, then the elites from all walks of life are the constituent cells of the human body.

Human tissue cells cannot stop what the brain wants to do, but they can respond passively. What Abel has to do is let these "human tissue cells" know what this part of his brain is supposed to do.

As for ordinary people, at most they are just red blood cells that transport nutrients.

Or even simply themselves, they are just nutrition for the human body.

What's more, Abel has always believed that you must be low-key when making money, but you must be high-key when doing big things. This is one of the mottos that Abel has always implemented!

Just like the fact that he is the first in donations and taxes has always been exaggerated very loudly.

Get rid of the reporters and leave the Capitol.

Abel, who got into the car, leaned forward, straightened his suit and then leaned lazily on the car seat. He glanced at the reporters shouting outside the car window with a smile on his face, and turned his head. Looking at David in the driver's seat ahead, "DuPont and Cleveland people, what's their attitude now?"

"Dupont is very urgent. He is not far away now and wants to meet you. The people in Cleveland seem to have an ambiguous attitude and they are divided internally." David said concisely and concisely.

This consortium annexation incident is not only important to Abel personally. In fact, it is very important to everyone in the entire joint consortium.

If successful, the United Consortium will suddenly become one of the two poles of the United States alongside Morgan and Rockefeller, and become one of the two real masters of the empire!

For these people below Abel, this is also an opportunity for one person to get a chicken or a dog and ascend to heaven.

To David, that was the difference between the steward of a Celtic king and the steward of a Roman emperor!

Putting it in ancient China, it is the contrast between the concierge of the prime minister of the small country of Annan and the concierge of the prime minister of the Celestial Dynasty.

The essence is no different, but the status is completely different.

"Oh, people in Cleveland are always like this! If they had accepted Boston's invitation to merge, they wouldn't have been infiltrated by Morgan into this situation now! Now that we're extending an olive branch, do they want to repeat what happened back then?"

Abel sneered, "Tell Allen and the others to ignore the Cleveland people for the time being. Also, go see Du Pont now. I believe that Eugene Du Pont's descendants will be more courageous!"

Half an hour later, a fancy restaurant near Capitol Hill.

Pierre-Eugene Dupont and Abel were chatting and laughing, "Ha! At that time, my eyesight was still very good. I didn't need to wear glasses, and I knocked down the African lion in one wooden barn! Oh my God, when I weighed it afterwards, it It actually weighs 631.5 pounds! That's almost five times as much as me! So gunpowder is really one of mankind's greatest inventions. They give us the ability to kill or fight against those large beasts with our own strength!"

"I envy you, Pierre. I haven't been to Africa yet. And even though I'm a Texan, the biggest prey I've ever hunted was just a few Texas gray wolves. And African lions Compared to that, it's nothing." Abel said with a smile.

The two people who were chatting and laughing did not talk about the cooperation between DuPont and the United Consortium.

But at this time, around the two of them, important members of the DuPont family and think tanks had been engaged in a long-term verbal war with more than a dozen important members of Smith Intelligence Company.

In essence, there is no industrial conflict or cooperation between the joint consortium and the DuPont companies.

It can make the negotiators from both sides confront each other so fiercely. The reason is naturally Pierre Eugene Dupont, who just now had a verbal cooperation agreement with Abel.

To put it simply, DuPont already has the idea of ​​​​merging with the United Consortium in principle. As long as the conditions are right, the long-weak DuPont family is willing to introduce powerful Texans within the DuPont Group to fight against the equally powerful Morgan family.

In terms of teaming up, Dupont chose Smith this time. It's just that they can't even fully control the DuPont Group, so at most it can only be said that half of the DuPont Group chose to cooperate with the United Group.

The negotiators from both parties are currently discussing various matters and details regarding the "cooperation" between the two parties.

As for the two core members, they will naturally not intervene unless there is too intense a conflict between the two negotiating teams that requires arbitration between the two of them.

So at this moment, Abel and Pierre were talking about hunting.

Pierre is an old NAR member and is still a member of the Board of Directors. He goes to Africa three or four times a year to conduct what many environmental media call "dark hunting."

With money, one can openly open wooden warehouses in national nature reserves in some African countries to shoot and kill various protected animals, including but not limited to African lions, African elephants, hyenas and other ferocious wild animals.

It just so happens that Abel is also a Texan and a farmer. One of the stereotypes of this kind of people in the United States is that they also like to hunt with wooden barns.

It is normal for DuPont to choose this topic to communicate with Abel.