Lady in Red Pt. 03 Ch. 08

"I'll be actively working to remove many current members of Congress from office, and I ask that you join me. Lady in Red will support and promote qualified, honest, honorable people for public office. We will encourage the formation of a third political party with ideals steeped in the values that have served America so well in the past. We'll form committees to evaluate each candidate for Federal office and offer recommendations to the voting public, and those committees will be demanding informative answers to tough questions. It will no longer be business as usual in Washington!"

The roar of approval echoed across Washington as soon as Steve finished speaking. He had struck a chord with the American voter! Everyone always talked about changing the climate in Washington, but nothing was ever done. Those listening to Steve had only to hear the determination in his voice and the ferocity in his eyes to know a new day was coming.

"One final thing, if I may," managed Steve once he'd convinced the crowd once again to simmer down and listen. "I am serving notice right here, right now, that I'll do everything in my power to prevent Senator Lancer from being elected to any position, ever again! He chose to make this personal when he attacked Gwen's character and even questioned her sanity. Now it's very personal. The gloves are off!"

Stunned silence followed Steve's declaration before applause and cheers began slowly, then built to a crescendo. Never before had Steve Hammer singled out a politician so pointedly. His dislike for Senator Lancer had already been well known, but he had just declared his intentions very publicly. The gauntlet had been thrown down!

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we've just heard former First Husband Steve Hammer state how life in Washington will change going forward," reported Amber Stahl to her millions of viewers as the cameras switched to show her sitting in the studio. "This has been a day of historical firsts. Gwen Hammer has become the first United States President to be removed from office by the impeachment process.

"In so doing, Congress has unleashed the considerable wrath of her husband, Steve Hammer. This couple has been in the public eye for almost eighteen years. Nothing they have ever done should have led Congress to believe that Steve Hammer would allow this affront to go unanswered. He has pretty much declared political war on almost all the incumbents in the House and Senate. This all occurred after he and his wife walked unarmed, with no security, into an angry crowd to preserve peace and probably to prevent bloodshed on the streets of the city and perhaps even in the halls of, Capitol Hill.

"The unruly mob behavior of o nly an hour or so ago has somehow been transformed by Gwen and Steve Hammer into a celebration. They announced they will be onstage to support President Rosen when he is sworn in as President of the United States. Some sort of ceremony is planned to install Gwen Hammer as the Queen of Peace that so many people around the world consider her to be. Lady in Red will perform yet another concert on the National Mall to commemorate the occasion.

"In the wee hours of this morning, Congress moved to remove Gwen Hammer from the Presidency. Many observers feel this action was motivated by fear of the power and influence that Gwen and Steve Hammer enjoy from the citizens of this country. It's believed that Congress disapproved of how that power only increased during her time in office. It is an opinion held by many that her popularity was the reason Gwen Hammer was removed from office, rather than because of any concern about so-called emoluments, as both houses claimed.

"What Congress has created is far different from anything its members might have expected. This very morning, Gwen and Steve Hammer walked into a huge, angry mob on the streets of our Nation's Capital and took absolute control of the situation! While members of both houses cowered in hallways and offices in fear for their safety, Gwen and Steve Hammer boldly left all protection behind, and seized the moment," reported Amber with strong emotion.

"We have Secretary of Defense Chatham here with us to share her thoughts on today's incredible events," introduced Amber. "Madam Secretary, will you give us your thoughts on this highly unusual political development?"

"I think it's quite clear what's happened. We've just seen the United States Congress try, and fail miserably in its attempt, to curb the power and influence of Gwen and Steve Hammer," declared the Secretary. "As you more or less just pointed out, Amber, this city belongs to the Hammers. They have the love and support of the people of Washington, of the United States, and of the world.

"By removing Gwen from office, Congress has cut Steve Hammer loose, which will surely prove to be the undoing of many of its members. There is no force on earth that will prevent him from defending Gwen, and in the process destroying more than a few political careers. And it appears that Senator Lancer has drawn his ire more than any other political figure."

"Do you think Steve Hammer will be able to bring down Senator Lancer?" asked Amber. "Lancer's already formed an exploratory committee as a formality before declaring for the Presidency. He's also built a rather sizable war chest for the primaries and the general election."

"If you're asking whether I'd put my money on Steve Hammer or Senator Lancer, I'll take Steve every time. I'll even give odds," replied Secretary Chatham dryly. "Lancer may as well apply for his pension. His career will not only end badly, but any legacy he had hoped to leave will soon be destroyed. Steve acts within the law, but he takes no prisoners. He truly believes his primary role in this world is to protect his wife and children. He feels Senator Lancer stepped over the line. Once Gwen was removed from her responsibilities and obligations as President of the United States, Steve's path became clear.

"We know the Constitution doesn't allow Vince Rosen to run for President once his current term is over. A four-year term after he serves the remaining three years of his current term would place him over the ten-year limit he's allowed to serve as President of the United States," stated Amber. "That would indicate the field will be wide open in three years. Do you see any front runners at this time, if you don't believe Senator Lancer can withstand the wrath of Steve Hammer?"

"The irony of the situation hasn't escaped me," replied Chatham as she considered the question. "Members of Congress removed Gwen from the presidency out of fear of her increasing power and influence. I think that very move will prove to solidify Gwen's position as the most powerful and influential person in the world, not just in the United States.

"It appears very clear to me that the front runner for the presidency will be whomever Steve Hammer decides it should be. There can be no road to the presidency that doesn't pass through Steve Hammer. He's avoided politics as much as possible in the past, but he's a brilliant tactician, and he's as mentally and physically tough as any person on the planet. He also has unlimited financial resources.

"He's going to dismantle the Washington political machines and create an atmosphere which encourages healthy debate among men and women who have the nation's best interests at heart. The days of personal and party agendas deciding policy will come to an end," predicted Secretary Chatham.

"That would certainly be quite a change," agreed Amber. "But back to my question. If you had to pick the next President of the United States today, who do you believe has the best chance to be elected in three years?"

"Honestly? At this moment in history, I can see only one possible outcome in the next presidential election. This nation has the luxury of having already seen how she can govern and how well she and her advisors combine patriotism with international diplomacy and worldwide respect. Unless she forbids it, Gwen Hammer will be drafted by the populace and elected as President in an historic landslide," predicted Chatham confidently.

"You're telling us that voters will return President Hammer to the White House in three years, even though she is the first United States President ever to have been removed from office through impeachment?" asked a very surprised Amber Stahl. "Wouldn't it seem possible, or even likely, that she would again be impeached and convicted by a fearful Congress?"

"That won't happen," replied Secretary Chatham with a small chuckle. "I've already told you that Gwen's husband is going to reshape the face of Congress. Next fall, every seat in the House of Representatives will be up for election. A third of the Senate will be in that same boat. In three years, during the next presidential election, another third of the Senate and the entire House will again face the electorate. That gives Steve Hammer time to replace two-thirds of the Senate and all of the current members of the House, if he so chooses. You may rest assured that new members of Congress will look far more kindly upon President Gwen Hammer's efforts to govern the United States."

"What about the whole 'Queen' thing?" wondered Amber. "Gwen's going to accept the title and proceed to serve as Queen to millions of people. Would that disqualify her from holding the office?"

"I'm not a Constitutional scholar, but I've never heard of any provisions barring candidates because they're too popular, or because they're loved and respected too much," replied Secretary Chatham wryly.

The events of the day had pushed Congress into complete disarray. At dawn, Senators and Congressmen had watched in fear as a very angry mob had surrounded the Capitol Building. While they had anticipated some negative reactions to their decision to remove President Hammer from office, they had believed the vast majority of the voting public would see the wisdom behind the decision.

The United States had always been a Constitutional Federal Republic, but early that morning most members of Congress had agreed that Gwen Hammer's influence was exceeding what the Constitution intended for a President of the United States. They felt it had become necessary to terminate the upward spiral of power she was enjoying, before she gained absolute control and destroyed the Constitution and all it represented.

But immediately following the public announcement of their actions, there was chaos! As the size and anger of the street mob increased, so did their concern for their own safety. Broadcasts from all the major networks discussed the removal of President Hammer and the ramifications of that course of action. It seemed like the more it played on television, the larger and angrier the mob became.

"There's talk on the networks that the military might restore Gwen Hammer to the Presidency!" worried Senator Dawson. "An action like that would render the Constitution worthless, along with both Houses of Congress. We need to contact the Joint Chiefs and see where they stand on this."

"The sooner Vince Rosen is sworn in as President of the United States the better," insisted Senator Burke. "Technically, he's already the President, but the people need to see him sworn in and taking command!"

"Check this out!" yelled a congressional aid as he pointed at a large TV screen. "The Hammers and the Rosens are leaving the White House on foot to confront the mob! Together! It doesn't look like they even have any security with them. Can you believe this?"

In a very rare occurrence, all conversation came to a halt in the Capitol Building as everyone gathered around various monitors to watch the drama unfold. Many legislators found themselves holding their breath as the Hammers and Rosens were recognized by the mob.

"Christ!" exclaimed New Mexico's junior senator as people began to kneel. "They're actually kneeling down to her! If the Hammers can control that mob, things may get very ugly for us."

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about," rebuked Senator Roberts. "She'll use her influence to calm the crowd and prevent any bloodshed or property damage. You're seeing exactly why I voted against convicting her."

"You're seeing exactly why we had to remove her," countered Senator Lancer. "Even without the Office of the President, she's able to control and manipulate thousands of people at a time. We had to separate that threat from any position of power in the Federal government. The President needs to be grounded in reality. Quite frankly, I think this whole 'Queen' bullshit has gone to her head. She wasn't stable enough to carry on as President."

Reporters stationed in the halls of the Capitol Building recorded the exchange by the senators and reported it, along with appropriate bleeps. Lancer was soon shown arguing his concerns about Gwen's mental stability.

As Gwen and her party made its way to the National Mall and the stage, members of Congress began to relax. The mob that had surrounded Capitol Hill gradually lost its anger and drifted toward the stage.

Once the immediate threat was removed, Senators and Representatives started congratulating each other on their performance of the early hours. The dust would soon settle, and everything would once again go back to how it used to be. They had worked with Vince Rosen before, and were confident he would be much easier to influence than Gwen Hammer had been.

The euphoria members of Congress were experiencing was tempered somewhat by the remarks Gwen Hammer made to the crowd. They were delighted to hear her admit that Congress had acted within its power and that she accepted no longer being the President. She and her husband were even going to be on hand for Vince Rosen's swearing in!

Then Steve Hammer addressed the crowd. As he spoke, murmurs of concern could be heard in the halls of Capitol Hill. When Steve told the crowd he would use his influence and considerable resources to replace many members of Congress, there was no doubt he was referring to those who'd just voted against Gwen Hammer!

Even the representatives and senators that had been in office for decades and had no substantial opposition for re-election felt concerned as Steve Hammer promised to lead Lady in Red into the political arena with the objective of removing them from office.

All eyes turned to Senator Lancer when Steve mentioned him specifically as the person he most wanted to ruin politically. Lancer turned red and huffed a few times.

"That bastard thinks he can meddle in Presidential elections?" snarled Lancer. "If we have to, Congress can address his intentions with some sort of law to prevent extremely wealthy people from spending their money to influence the voters."

"Lots of luck with that," replied Senator Roberts with a grim chuckle. "You've already built up a substantial war chest so you could buy the election. How are you going to spend your own money, yet stop Hammer from doing the same?"

"Mine was raised legally from donations," insisted Lancer. "That's a lot different than just being so rich you can buy enough votes to win an election."

"There's no law you'll be able to shove through Congress that won't be obvious as hell. You'll be announcing to the world how you intend to prevent Steve Hammer from exercising his constitutional rights. Besides, he won't have to spend any money to beat your ass! He can just use all the media outlets at his disposal to destroy you without spending a dime," pointed out Senator Roberts.

"Some of you so-called ladies and gentlemen are just beginning to realize what I warned you about. Steve Hammer is emerging from this debacle mad as hell! That anger is going to be directed at those of us that voted against his wife. I'm very glad the record clearly shows I voted against conviction. I just hope it's enough to have him pass me over when he drops a major shit storm on Capitol Hill!"

About that time, Amber's interview with Secretary Chatham was being broadcast, and the Secretary's comments caught everyone's attention. "If you're asking whether I'd put my money on Steve Hammer or Senator Lancer, I'll take Steve every time. I'll even give odds. Lancer may as well apply for his pension. His career will not only end badly, but any legacy he had hoped to leave will soon be destroyed."

"There can be no road to the presidency that doesn't pass through Steve Hammer," was another observation that caused consternation as Lancer turned and stomped off toward his office, but not before hearing Chatham's next statement.

"At this moment in history, I can see only one possible outcome in the next presidential election. This nation has the luxury of having already seen how she can govern and how well she and her advisors combine patriotism with international diplomacy and worldwide respect. Unless she forbids it, Gwen Hammer will be drafted by the populace and elected in an historic landslide!"

"Jesus! She just might be right!" exclaimed Representative McGraw of Maryland. "What have we done?"

Kathy Perrine met with Jordan and Gwen an hour before Gwen's 'coronation' was to begin. "Guys, let me know if I'm asking too much. I was in high school when I watched you host the Academy Awards and perform 'Sharp Dressed Man'. It was the coolest thing I've ever seen. Could we do that song? Could I sing and dance it with you, or is it too risqué?"

"We already have a backdrop set up, so we'd be somewhat shielded from prying eyes, but Gwen now has to consider her image," reminded Jordan. "We were younger and more daring back then."

"Steve! Charlie!" called Gwen to the two men as they stood off to the side preparing for the concert.

By three o'clock, the National Mall was once again packed with a cheering, chanting sea of humanity. Chief Justice Hamilton was onstage to administer the oath of office to Vince Rosen. He solemnly addressed the millions watching on television as well as the incredibly large and well-mannered crowd that was patiently waiting.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the first order of business today will be for President Hammer and Mrs. Jordan Burns to perform our National Anthem," was all the Chief Justice said, as Gwen and Jordan moved forward on the stage.

The ovation was loud and long for the two women as they finished the anthem. Chief Justice Hamilton waited for the cheering to abate before addressing Vince Rosen, who placed his left hand on a Bible held by his wife Cindy.

Vince completed his oath and Gwen and Jordan hugged him tightly once Cindy concluded her long embrace with her husband. There was a loud cheer from those watching, although not as enthusiastic as it might have been.

Jordan then moved forward to address the crowd. "We all know that Congress has deprived us of the honor of having Gwen Hammer continue as our President. It was a foolish and self-serving effort in an attempt to prevent Gwen from fulfilling her destiny. But there's nothing on God's green earth that Congress, or anyone, can do to prevent our love and respect for this woman to nurture and grow.

"I was on site in Hungary when she ordered the rescuers to excavate that old church to save Saint, Steve, and a couple dozen other people! In Cuba, I saw her save that baby on the beach of Havana!"

Jordan smiled as a huge ovation echoed across the National Mall. She smiled and pointed to signs proclaiming Gwen as the Queen of Peace. Then her smile increased as she pointed to a large sign being held by several people to her left with bold print declaring "Our Queen for President!" The large Jumbotron flashed the image across the Mall, and television cameras picked it up as well.

"I personally witnessed the honor and respect people around the world have demonstrated for my dear friend Gwen. Every concert featured huge crowds that willingly kneeled before her, unless they were prevented from doing so by a military presence. Gwen is truly the face and the conscience of Lady in Red. She leads by example and the rest of us follow," shouted Jordan as the crowd began to make more noise.