Chapter 165: What If Fred Wins?
“What a terrible year.”
According to the convention of previous years, the day before Christmas, there were first the mathematicians’ lectures, followed by the Christmas party.
Although the New York Mathematicians’ Christmas Party had only been held for two years, it had already become a tradition here.
Mathematics departments led by Columbia University and New York University would emphasize New York’s excellent mathematical tradition when recruiting PhDs and professors.
In the past, everyone emphasized New York itself, New York’s environment, and life in the bustling metropolis of New York.
Now there were more things to emphasize; mathematics itself had begun to become a selling point for universities in their promotion, especially in number theory.
Columbia University, in particular, would repeatedly emphasize that Lin Ran was a professor in our mathematics department and would one day return to teach at Columbia University.
Play is play, fuss is fuss, but mathematics is the professor’s home.
In short, this is what Columbia University claimed when recruiting talent.
Both Lin Ran himself and Deep Blue, which was showcased at last year’s Christmas party, added legendary color to this party.
What was the same as in previous years was holding the mathematicians’ party; what was different was experiencing Kennedy’s death and the Warren Commission announcement, and being personally slapped in the face by Robert Kennedy.
Even though they were in New York, mathematicians in the ivory tower, they also felt this extremely unusual atmosphere, which infected every American.
This year’s Mathematician’s Christmas Dinner invited Grothendieck to give a report. He said he was writing “Elements of Algebraic Geometry” and raised some interesting problems around the Randolph Program, including connections between automorphic forms and geometric objects, algebraic geometry interpretations of Galois representations, and other interesting directions.
But at the party that night, no one talked about mathematics; even when chatting with Grothendieck himself, everyone just exchanged a few pleasantries.
Panic appeared on every class and every person.
Lin Ran heard Harvey say this, remained outwardly composed, merely sighing softly, “Yes, Mr. President died too suddenly.
There are too many doubts surrounding this matter.
“Now everyone wants the truth.”
After Lin Ran finished speaking, Harvey nodded heavily and said, “Exactly, what we want is the truth, the real truth, not the so-called truth to appease the public’s anger.”
The video captured by later video equipment is very clear.
clearly recorded that Oswald only fired one shot and then disappeared into the window.
This video is undoubtedly the most fatal blow to Washington’s credibility.
You hold a press conference in Washington, and Robert Kennedy holds a press conference in London right after.
England and America had long-standing grudges, and the London media was like finding a gun, publicizing it extensively.
The camp led by the Soviet Union was even more jubilant, successively publishing editorials accusing America of darkness and filth.
“If the truth is that Hoover did it, I think the turmoil will continue for a long time.” Lin Ran said pointedly, “And no one knows exactly how much detailed on-site information is in V’s hands.
It’s now just like a black box.
The White House dares not to come out and speak easily again.
They were very afraid that their statements would be immediately refuted by V with clear on-site photos.
I know the situation in the White House is very bad right now, and no one has a good idea.
Johnson called me several times in a row, but unfortunately we didn’t come up with any solution.
Lin Ran finally knew why so many people liked pursuing thrills.
He himself is V, and he can go to the White House at any time.
Lyndon Johnson didn’t even resign from Kennedy’s position, let alone him.
If there’s anyone in the White House whose position is the most secure, it would have to be him.
In these turbulent times, someone is needed to stabilize morale. As one of NASA’s actual leaders, Lin Ran is as steady as a rock.
Lyndon Johnson not only consulted the White House on the phone about how to build public confidence, but also consulted about how to find V.
This is the benefit of Lin Ran building his reputation in the past.
After chatting with Harvey, Shiing-Shen Chern walked over to Lin Ran. “Mr. Lin, my teacher received the New Progress in Mathematics with your signature. He is very grateful to you. If you have the opportunity to visit China in the future, he hopes to thank you personally.”
Lin Ran did not answer and said: “It’s a small matter.”
Shiing-Shen Chern’s face also bore a faint look of worry: “I’ve never seen mathematicians not talking about mathematics.
This is truly too rare.
My students under me also had no mind to read articles; everyone was concerned about what new revelations V had.
What other conspiracies about President Kennedy’s death are still buried under the surface and haven’t been uncovered.
“If this situation continues, all parties will suffer very serious impacts.”
Lin Ran nodded silently: “Yeah.”
Such an impact is not only reflected in public opinion.
The Civil Rights Act proposed by Kennedy to reduce racial segregation did not pass, Kennedy was assassinated, and the illegal surveillance operation named COINTELPRO led by Hoover was exposed.
During Christmas, major cities across the country erupted in unprecedented protest marches.
Naturally, this also includes Washington D.C.
The public demands a thorough investigation of Hoover and the BI.
Lin Ran was still in New York yesterday, but today he is already in Washington.
In the early 20th century, the White House had an important New Year’s Day tradition called the White House New Year’s reception, which continued from 1801 until 1932, after which it was canceled when Roosevelt took office.
But for the upcoming campaign, Lyndon Johnson’s wife, that is, the First Lady, organized children’s parties and charity events at the White House.
Lyndon Johnson hopes to talk face-to-face with Lin Ran.
Those who want to talk with Lin Ran are not only Lyndon Johnson, but also include Nixon.
With the current turmoil, ambitious people instead see it as their opportunity.
Nixon feels that he may not be without a chance.
Therefore, he is restless inside and hopes to receive guidance from fate from Master Lin Ran.
“This is really terrible.” Lin Ran has heard similar openings countless times, and unexpectedly Lyndon Johnson is the same.
However, from the other’s dark circles, Lin Ran confirms that this newly appointed Mr. President has indeed not been doing well.
“Mr. President, it is indeed terrible. We need to quickly quell the public’s anger. The investigation can be delayed, but the public’s fury cannot be delayed any longer,” Lin Ran reminded.
Lyndon Johnson nodded: “Understood, Professor, I understand.”
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is gathering in Washington D.C. at this time.
Lyndon Johnson naturally knows the priorities of the matter.
“Professor, I plan to strongly push the Civil Rights Act through.
Additionally, I have also authorized Hoover to join the Warren Commission to investigate President Kennedy’s assassination.
At the same time, I will authorize Robert Kennedy to establish another investigation commission, with both sides conducting investigations simultaneously.
Right now, the public will only trust Robert Kennedy.
Oh right, and that damn V.
Mentioning V, Lyndon Johnson gritted his teeth.
The recording released by V could at least knock off five percent of his support rate, and the video another ten percent.
What was originally a sure win has been made uncertain by V.
This is an absolute deep-seated grudge.
“Actually, we need to find V as soon as possible, otherwise the investigation results will easily be overturned by V,” Lin Ran reminded.
Lyndon Johnson nodded: “That’s natural. Hoover hates V to death. To find V, I believe Hoover will be willing to give up a lot of interests to the IA, to get the IA side to cooperate with his investigation.
Professor, let’s not talk about that damn V. Let’s talk about something else. In the next four years, that is, before 1968, can we achieve a manned moon landing?”
Lyndon Johnson is very concerned about this, after all, it relates to his election support rate.
These four years count as Kennedy’s term; he just took over midway.
Therefore, if he wins the presidential election next year, he can run again four years later.
He hopes that America’s moon landing can be achieved during his term.
“Increase the budget.” Lin Ran’s few short words made Lyndon Johnson narrow his eyes.
According to the original plan, the moon landing is to be achieved in 1969.
Lyndon Johnson does not want to wait until that time.
What if he doesn’t get elected, and the peach is picked by someone else.
“How much?” he asked.
Lin Ran said: “Six points of the federal budget each year, I guarantee a manned moon landing will be completed before November 1968!”
Lyndon Johnson fell into thought: “I’ll try. Starting next year, the federation will give NASA at least five points of the budget.”
While America’s public, or more accurately, global attention was focused on Kennedy’s death, Lin Ran noticed some interesting small news.
That is, news about the Soviet Union, NASA’s biggest competitor.
At this time, whether the Associated Press or United Press International, they have branches in places like Moscow, Warsaw, and Prague, allowing them to directly obtain news from the Soviet Union and its allies.
Otherwise, how would America’s public have learned about the first satellite Sputnik 1.
In the days of Kennedy’s death, these media reported in very small sections that the Soviet Union had completed its first moon soft landing.
This means the Soviet Union has taken a big step forward toward the moon landing.
There are only two problems in front of the Soviet Union: the rapid development and verification of the N1 rocket and the L3 spacecraft.
Beyond that, nothing else.
The Soviet Union achieving a manned moon landing first is one aspect, but more importantly, if the Soviet Union really completes the moon landing next year, will Nikita still go on vacation in the Black Sea.
If Nikita does not go on vacation in the Black Sea, will the Soviet Union leadership change be delayed or not happen at all?
These are the reasons that make Lin Ran daydream.
“Good, I will also try to complete the manned moon landing within 1968,” Lin Ran said.
Lin Ran continued, “Mr. President, I don’t know if you know that I gave Nixon some advice.”
Based on the premise that Lyndon Johnson would serve out the full four years, he still planned to reveal a bit of information to the other party.
Lyndon Johnson’s expression clearly stiffened. How could I not know about this?
Lin Ran then detailed the advice he gave to Nixon, and after finishing, he added: “Because the situation has changed, Nixon seems dissatisfied with this slow approach toward the goal.
He wants to enter the White House at a faster speed. I guess he might think next year’s presidential election is a good opportunity.”
Lyndon Johnson’s expression became even stiffer.
Despite his 27 years of federal political experience (12 years as congressman, 12 years as senator, 2 years as vice president, and 1 year as president), which was much richer than Nixon’s 14 years of federal political experience (4 years as congressman, 2 years as senator, and 8 years as vice president).
But now, after all, a shocking scandal had emerged in the White House, and he didn’t want to face Nixon at a time like this.
Nixon was certainly unpopular with the media, but his own public image might not be much better now.
“Professor, I think Fred would be a more suitable candidate.” Lyndon Johnson’s response was evasive.
Lin Ran added: “That’s right, Mr. President. What I mean is, do you have anything you need me to convey to Nixon?”
They were all old foxes.
Lyndon Johnson naturally understood the subtext of Lin Ran’s words: If you want to stop Nixon from joining this election, what political interests are you willing to offer in exchange? I’ll act as your lobbyist.
After Lin Ran finished speaking, Lyndon Johnson fell into thought.
To be honest, he very much hoped in his heart that the Elephant Party’s candidate would be Fred.
Especially under the current circumstances.
“How about this, Professor. I’m willing to provide him with several administrative positions as diplomatic special envoys and consultants for him to allocate to his allies.
Secondly, if I am elected, I’m willing to continue keeping McNamara in my cabinet as Secretary of Defense.
Finally, personally, I can have some California companies provide certain conveniences for his law firm.
Just these three points. For the first one, whichever positions he wants, you’ll need to handle the communication on that.”
After hearing this, Lin Ran continued: “Mr. President, one more thing: although Fred has now won a New York City councilman position, he is still quite a distance from being the Elephant Party candidate.”
Lyndon Johnson nodded and said: “Don’t worry about that. If Nixon is willing to compromise, I will provide conveniences for Fred to be elected as the Elephant Party presidential candidate.
I wouldn’t sabotage my own presidential election.”
Lin Ran smiled outwardly, but laughed heartily inside: Fred, you really have dog luck. Lyndon Johnson and Nixon, two consecutive presidents, are both boosting you.
Additionally, a bit of curiosity arose in his heart: Could Fred really not win? What if Fred wins?
Because of Kennedy’s death, with his own fanning of the flames, it would only continue to spread, becoming a continuous bleeding point for America society.
The play he had woven was just getting started. Hoover was merely a small BOSS; the big BOSSes hadn’t even been unveiled yet.
Under the continuous development of Kennedy’s death, Fred really had a chance of winning.
“Professor, I leave it to you.”
In Washington D.C., Richard Nixon had his own office here.
The office was spacious and solemn, with law certificates and political memorabilia on the walls, including a group photo of Nixon with Eisenhower.
Nixon sat behind a large desk piled with coffee cups and newspapers. Above the desk, a newspaper’s eye-catching headline read “Kennedy Assassination: The Mystery of Mr. V”.
Among them, the Guy Fox mask from the later V for Vendetta and Kennedy’s portrait were featured side by side on the front page of this newspaper.
This was thanks to Lin Ran leaving another mask on Major Freeman’s desk, lest the protesters of this era lack a symbol.
Letting this era also experience the power of memes.
Lin Ran sat across from Nixon, focused in his chair, appearing to be observing the mask image on the newspaper.
“Professor, this is really terrible.” Nixon was quite earnest. Facing his strategist, even though this strategist was not full-time, only working for him part-time.
But evidently, under the plan Lin Ran had tailored for him, he had already to some extent reversed his impression among the public and the media.
By campaigning for the Elephant Party candidate—not just Fred—Nixon’s support rate began to rise slowly, and his reputation among the Elephant Party’s core supporters had also improved.
In Nixon’s view, his refusal to give up—his political life like a centipede that dies but doesn’t stiffen—was largely due to the professor’s suggestions.
Nixon frowned, his fingers lightly tapping the table:
“Professor, you know, Kennedy’s death changed everything.
Johnson is now president, but he is not Kennedy. For the 1964 election, I’m thinking maybe I should run.
Johnson is not invincible. He’s in trouble in the South; the Civil Rights Act is likely to split the Elephant Party. I still have supporters in the Republican Party, especially the conservatives.
I can bridge the gap between moderates and conservatives. I have foreign policy experience.
That’s very important in the Cold War era. Johnson might make mistakes on the Vietnam issue, and I can exploit that.
Including the emergence of V, which will be a variable.
Lyndon Johnson can’t solve this problem well. If V isn’t resolved, Hoover will continue to cause trouble for Lyndon Johnson.”
Nixon took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to the window: “Professor, I need you to help me clear the fog. I feel the White House is very tempting; it’s constantly drawing me forward.
My core staff team all think it’s worth trying.
Kennedy’s death gave hope to everyone.”
After pondering for a moment, Lin Ran said, “Nixon, I don’t know if you’ve heard this saying: in principle it’s possible means it’s not, and in principle it’s not means it is.
You’ve given me so many reasons why it’s possible, which actually reflects that deep down you don’t want to participate in this presidential election.
It’s just that your core staff team is inciting you, bewitching you, and weaving a beautiful picture for you.
You vaguely sense something is wrong, but hesitate because the picture is too beautiful.”
Before Lin Ran finished speaking, Nixon had only one thought in his mind: “The master is indeed the master.”
“My suggestion is not to rush. You need others’ failure to highlight your success.
You’re just one step away right now.
After taking this step, I suggest you participate in every future presidential election.” Lin Ran’s voice sounded in the quiet office.
Nixon’s gaze flickered: “Professor, you’ve hit right on what I’m thinking.
I know the method you’ve outlined for me is correct.
I also know that next year’s presidential election is a beautiful dream, with a very low probability of me winning.
But the one thing that’s making it hard for me to decide is, what if Fred wins?”
There’s another chapter later!
