The television, in Speaker Boehner's office.
Interviewer: "Will Paul Ryan emerge as a leader in the House?"
Speaker Boehner, offhandedly: "Paul Ryan is a policy wonk."
Mitch, watching the television: "Good sound bite on Paul, John."
"Thanks," says John, taking a breath. "This isn't going to be easy, you know."
"It's all in the timing, my friend. And your timing was great! When an interviewer gives you an opening, take it! Much more effective than just coming out and saying Paul Ryan is a stiff in the new scheme of things. It's not our purpose to start a civil war in the party."
The telephone rings. "Speaker Boehner, it's Karl. We need to – "
"Karl! Look at the time! Gotta run!" John hangs up the phone, picks up cold coffee, pours it on the phone. "Lucretia!" he yells.
"Yes sir?" says Lucretia, appearing in the doorway.
"I spilled coffee on my phone. Get it replaced. And while you're at it, change all the phone numbers."
"Yes, sir, Mr. Speaker," says Lucretia, grinning. Lucretia is nobody's fool.
"John," says Mitch, watching approvingly. "When the time comes, would you consider being the candidate?"
John's eyes moisten. "Hell, Mitch, I can't even bring myself to say, 'Where Obamacare is Americare.' Hey!!!"
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