Political Deal

"Mr. Wang, I will be representing the Republican Party in the presidential election this year, but there are still some gaps in our campaign funding."

"Although we haven't known each other for long, please forgive my presumption in asking: I wonder if you have confidence in me? If it is convenient, I hope you can provide me with some financial support."

Ronald Reagan proposed his idea very bluntly. Over the years, he had certainly done this many times—approaching financial backers directly for funds—so he was long used to it.

Consequently, the expression on his face appeared very natural, without a hint of embarrassment.

Wang Xiuyuan had been mentally prepared for this for a long time. He had been waiting for Ronald Reagan to bring this up; this was precisely why he had come to this fundraising gala tonight.

The presidential election was still a long way off and was currently in the early preparation stages. Campaign funds donated at this time carried far more weight than those given closer to the voting date.

Wang Xiuyuan's act of investing and placing his bets now was truly a feat of providing timely assistance, marking him as a loyal supporter from the very beginning.

"Let's just call each other by our first names; it's more convenient for communication. Ronald, how much help do you need from me? Just give me a number."

Wang Xiuyuan used practical action to show his confidence in Ronald Reagan, but he didn't state exactly how much he was willing to donate. Instead, he gave Ronald Reagan the opportunity to make the choice.

This didn't mean he would give Ronald Reagan however much he asked for, but rather that he was letting Ronald Reagan choose a reasonable figure himself.

The meaning contained within this gesture was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

To put it bluntly, America's electoral system is a money-driven election. Essentially, whoever has more campaign funds has a greater advantage. Every final winner must accumulate advantages bit by bit at every stage to ultimately achieve victory.

The most important core element throughout is money; every stage of the campaign burns through it.

The winner of the election shares the spoils with their supporters after the victory, and there are many types of post-election distributions.

For example, America has many allied nations around the world. The position of diplomatic ambassador to those politically stable countries is usually appointed to candidates designated by the financial backers.

If one doesn't care for an ambassadorial post, they can choose economic policies. For instance, having legal policies tailored specifically for your enterprise enacted and implemented—mainly tax incentives, government subsidies, or a steady stream of government procurement contracts.

For those with the ability, it's not impossible to be given a cabinet position directly. As long as you are willing, positions such as department secretaries, Chief of Staff, or even Vice president can be given to you, provided your abilities are up to the task.

In any case, this set of rules in America has been played since the country's founding until now, and nothing has ever gone wrong over all these years. It belongs to a kind of political tacit understanding that even opponents wouldn't dare to use as ammunition.

As for whether someone has ever refused to honor their promises or fulfill their debts after taking office?

The answer is, of course, yes. But in the next election, what financial backer would dare to support such a person? Unless absolutely necessary, generally no one would tear up a promise.

However, Wang Xiuyuan's identity and bloodline as a Chinese-American were heavily marginalized among the American upper class. If Ronald Reagan were to break his promise, the backlash he would encounter would certainly be much smaller than in a normal situation.

The meaning of letting Ronald Reagan state the amount himself was clear: the more money Ronald Reagan took, the more benefits he would have to return to Wang Xiuyuan. A situation where he donated more than others but received fewer benefits in the end was absolutely not allowed to happen.

Every presidential candidate has a large pool of supporters behind them, all of whom are donating money to that candidate.

However, the spoils available for distribution after the war are limited. Who gets a larger bite and who gets a smaller one is a headache-inducing problem. Thus, Wang Xiuyuan let Ronald Reagan choose a suitable trophy to promise him.

Ronald Reagan certainly wouldn't feel awkward about something he picked himself. In a situation where both parties were not yet familiar, this was the most decent and secure way to conduct the transaction.

After careful consideration, Ronald Reagan finally stated a figure that wouldn't surprise anyone.

"Three million dollars, Mr. Wang. I would be very happy if you were willing to sponsor me with three million dollars."

Three million dollars. This amount was truly significant in 1980. That year, Ronald Reagan raised a total of 170 million dollars for his presidential campaign; three million accounted for 1.76% of the total.

While the figure and percentage might not seem impressive on their own, this was a presidential election—a grand event in which a vast number of American tycoons and countless American citizens would participate.

These participants would all donate more or less to the candidates they supported. At that time, America had a population of 227 million. Now one can see the weight carried by Wang Xiuyuan's three-million-dollar donation.

At the start of the gala tonight, Wang Xiuyuan had donated two million dollars and fifty police cars to the New York City Police Department. Why was Director Howard dragging Wang Xiuyuan around the room to introduce him to those heavyweight political figures? It was precisely because of his generosity!

Which politician wouldn't want to have such a wealthy and generous financial backer?

Ronald Reagan's request for three million dollars fully took Director Howard's case into account. Firstly, there was a high probability that Wang Xiuyuan wouldn't refuse this amount, ensuring both parties saved face.

Secondly, Wang Xiuyuan had donated nearly three million dollars in cash and materials to the local New York police department. As a presidential candidate, he couldn't ask for less than that amount, or he would lose face; after all, he was the former Governor of California.

Considering the former was a direct donation to the police department, the funds spent would surely yield a corresponding return.

But now, the donation was for his personal election, and the benefits could only be realized after a successful victory. Therefore, the three-million-dollar figure Ronald Reagan proposed was very reasonable.

Wang Xiuyuan's purpose in coming here tonight was to build reliable connections. According to Ronald Reagan's needs, sponsoring his campaign with three million dollars was certainly a good way to go; the two parties could indeed successfully establish a cooperative relationship.

However, this did not achieve Wang Xiuyuan's ideal effect. He had to leave a very deep impression on Ronald Reagan and establish a considerable sense of trust in Ronald Reagan's heart.

Only then would their relationship be firm enough so that when Wang Xiuyuan needed Ronald Reagan in the future, this future president would do his utmost to help him resolve problems.

Therefore, Wang Xiuyuan had to make an extraordinary move.

"Three million dollars. That amount is certainly no problem."

"However, Ronald, I suddenly have a better idea."

"To increase your chances of success in this election, I am now raising this amount to ten million dollars."

"Three million of that is the sponsorship you obtained from me through your personal charm. The extra seven million is because I am particularly optimistic about you, so I am taking the initiative to increase your campaign budget."

"These seven million dollars are to pay for the friendship between us."

(Brothers, just a wave of free stuff is enough, thanks brothers.)

(A wave of free collections, follows, recommendation votes, and monthly tickets, thanks for the support, brothers.)