The Right Wing, starring Mitch, John and Mr. President

Sen. McConnell's office. The Speaker walks in, carrying a book-shaped wrapped package.

"John," says the senator in his offhand bloodhound way. "Have a nice Thanksgiving?"

"Very nice," says John. "Nothing like Thanksgiving in Ohio. We had the President's Italian red with the bird. Mitch, here's an early Christmas present."

"Well, that's a nice surprise," says Mitch, accepting the package. "I have an early gift for you, too," picking up a book-shaped package from his desk and handing it to John. They open the packages and laugh together.

"'Why Romney Lost'! exclaims John, as the two men hold up identical David Frum books, No 13 on the Times' bestseller list.

"Great minds," Mitch chuckles, flipping open the cover, as John does, to find an inscription:

"Mitch – here's a comment from a reader of the book: 'I believe a party that is fiscally responsible, and respects others' social views will resonate with Americans of all sorts. I can't say enough good things about this book. Spot on. Let's hope there is a change in the winds.'
"Merry Christmas! John."

The two men look up and laugh together. "The exact inscription I put in your book!" says Mitch.

"Amazing, sometimes, how alike we are," says John.

Into the office stumbles Martha, the Senator's office manager, still in her overcoat.

"Martha?" says Mitch. "You're late . . ."

"Missed my carpool," she says. "I had a horrible nightmare. Sarah Palin! Hair cut like Pelosi's! Talking like Rachel Maddow! Having lunch with Warren Buffett!"

John smiles, pulls his iPhone from his pocket, lets Martha read a Tweet:

"You read Frumdum's piece of moose pizza?" #Sarah"

Martha relaxes into a sigh. "So she doesn't want to be President of the United States."

"Didn't say that," says John.