Chapter 170: Ivanka

[Chapter 170: Ivanka]

The year 2002 was right in the midst of midterm elections.

Ian had prepared well for it, backing former Senator Isolt Cherry and Los Angeles City Councillor Reel Brand, both of whom were his chosen candidates. His affiliated media outlets actively rallied behind these individuals, promoting them with enthusiasm.

Furthermore, he had connections in New York, Nevada, and Michigan, and planned to help at least ten people rise in this election cycle. He had even reached out to Arnold Schwarzenegger, supporting his political aspirations.

This group included both Democrats and Republicans. Ian wasn't one to stick neatly to a particular side.

He was his own faction!

Trump, as a Democrat, must have received information ahead of time, which is why he made a point of reaching out to Ian. With Ian's support, there was a strong chance he could become a candidate for the next presidential election.

Ian simply smiled at this thought, "Afghanistan is on the verge of defeat."

Trump paused for a moment.

Ian leisurely sipped his drink, continuing, "You know how much a victorious war can boost a president, right? George W. Bush is very likely to win re-election... I mean, why engage in a campaign that might lead to failure?"

Ivanka immediately chimed in, "Even if it fails, it still has significance."

That was true.

Even candidates who lost established a political foundation. If the loss was close, their chances of becoming a candidate in the future would increase -- after all, the campaign wasn't funded with their own money but with contributions.

Ian softly remarked, "In my opinion, instead of competing for the 2004 presidential nomination, you should aim for 2008."

He didn't exactly say he wasn't supporting Trump; he simply suggested that Trump shouldn't rush it. He had to give him a glimmer of hope.

...

In the 2008 race, Obama's victory was attributed not only to his support from the African American voters but also to the crucial early warning he issued about the impending financial crisis prior to 2008 -- the kind of prediction that, while not unusual, identified a growing concern that many saw coming.

But because his forecasts were successful, it bolstered his public image on economics.

Who wouldn't follow a prophet? If not a prophet, who else could they follow?

Unfortunately, such predictions were often useless.

A mediocre forecaster could only validate what had already been observed, leaving the future a complete mystery.

For Ian, however, the solution was straightforward.

Find a target, encourage a more precise forecast, and directly undercut Obama's brilliance.

He had no intention of allotting that brilliance to Trump unless he spoke to Ian with a bit more humility.

...

However, it was clear Trump lacked this understanding.

He shook his head vigorously, "Ivanka is right; I'm not one to easily concede defeat. Even with a slight chance, I will fight for it. I need your support, Ian Carr!"

His assertive tone suggestively pressed Ian as though he expected him to nod in agreement, much like his habitual negotiation style of extreme pressure.

In that moment, Ian feigned deep contemplation, before nodding, "I can discuss it with my friends."

This was a feigned acceptance. On their first meeting, Trump couldn't expect to assertively rattle Ian's cage and demand, "Just talking isn't enough; we need to ensure support!"

Moreover, the midterm elections hadn't even begun yet.

So, he chuckled, "You're a good friend, Ian Carr; the Trump organization will fully support you."

Purely talk, though.

Why not lower my rent while you're at it?

I'm your prime customer, and you come to me demanding support without offering anything in return?

I've never seen such boldness from an entity towards a client demanding, "You must support me!"

...

Ivanka noted Ian's subtle smile, realizing something. She softly said, "Hollywood's taxes have always been high. Dad acted in Hollywood before, and he finds it unreasonable. Furthermore, Carr Media deserves more access to White House news, with top priority."

It must be said, Ivanka was her father's best asset.

Trump's aggressiveness was completely balanced by her gentle eloquence.

Even Ian found it comforting to listen.

The model was perfectly in her prime... Traveling back to the early 2000s provided more than just two decades of life experience; it granted access to those dazzling beauties who would eventually fade away!

If he had appeared five years earlier, Ian would never have let Julia Roberts slip away!

But all this talk was in vain.

Those legal scripts were tailored to groups, requiring their support.

Why should my singular effort allow a whole group to enjoy the benefits?

What Ian wanted was privilege!!!

Privilege that belonged solely to Ian Carr!

...

Ian nodded gently, "Ivanka, you're wonderfully eloquent. However, there's no rush with all this... By the way, did Mr. Trump come here seeking anything else?"

He casually shifted the topic.

Post-lunch, Ian exchanged contact details with the Trump father-daughter duo and then departed.

...

Back in their office, Trump pondered seriously as he looked at his daughter.

"Do you think he genuinely wants to support me, Ivanka?"

Ivanka sighed softly, "I don't think so."

"Why not?"

"Because he hasn't discussed any conditions with you."

If someone isn't interested enough to negotiate terms, it implies they have no investment in the outcome, and thus no discussion of returns is necessary.

Trump furrowed his brow deeply, "But he's not someone indifferent to politics."

Although young, Ivanka was sharp-minded, educated in politics from an early age due to her father. She smiled, "He maintains close relationships with several congressional candidates. As a media figure, he cannot help but involve himself in this area, but the targets he favors aren't you."

She softly added, "You're too aggressive, Father. I can see that Ian Carr is a very proud person. Nobody would support a domineering figure like you for president; you need to adjust your approach. Your assertiveness should be directed towards your enemies, not your allies!"

Trump frowned.

He was clearly reflecting on their conversation of the day.

After a long pause, he nodded, "You're right, honey; Ian Carr is also a strong individual, I can see it.

Although he appears gentle on the surface, he holds firm opinions. But it seems he is quite interested in you."

Ivanka smiled, raising an eyebrow, "I'm interested in him, too. What girl wouldn't be? Ian Carr, the most famous reporter in America, a hero, and the big boss of Carr Media, he's progressing quickly and wielding more influence than you. If he weren't so young, he could be running for president himself."

Trump chuckled, "You should engage with him more; it would be great if he became my son-in-law."

Ivanka frowned, "I'm not your pawn, father!"

"But you like him, and he seems interested in you, doesn't he?"

Ivanka scoffed, "I don't think he would promise marriage and politics just for my sake, and I'm not ready to abandon my pursuit of true love for those things."

With that, she stormed out, a bit angry.

...

Trump shook his head repeatedly, "You're still young and not mature enough. But that's alright; you'll grow up.

After pondering, he picked up the phone, "Let's arrange for some of our advertising business to go to Carr Media and have Ivanka manage it."

My dear daughter, you can refuse my proposal to ensure you're not a pawn, but your admiration for your idol will ultimately bring you two together.

Most importantly, Ian Carr wouldn't turn down this opportunity; the rumors had it he treated his women quite well!

*****

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