Amber Stahl had covered a lot of speeches in Washington over the years, but had never seen or heard anything even remotely like the lambasting Gwen had just delivered to Congress. She struggled to find the appropriate words to do justice to the situation as the cameras switched from the Capitol Building back to the studio. The red light suddenly lit up and Amber was on air.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have just watched the most thorough berating of Congress by a sitting president in my memory, and quite possibly in history. When President Hammer asked to address a joint session of Congress, most members believed she would use the occasion to reverse her stated intention of withdrawing our armed forces to positions held before June. Rumors have been flowing for the past day and a half about a possible impeachment of President Hammer and many thought those rumors might intimidate her into altering her course. Some even suggested that she would resign her office.
"What Congress got was an entirely different story! No one could have predicted this. President Hammer first expressed her disdain for what she termed the 'stench of fear' that permeated the chamber. She went on to berate members of Congress as 'cowards'. She essentially defied them to do their damndest to impeach her.
"President Hammer first stated she has committed no impeachable offenses, and thus, any such attempts would be groundless. Then she proceeded to double down on Congress by telling them that they were too timid and frightened to actively pursue impeachment. The coup de grace was when she flatly pointed out that her husband, Steve Hammer, would politically eviscerate any politician foolhardy enough to malign her honor in any way. Her warrior husband would wield the sword of truth to destroy their careers.
"The stunned chamber remained seated and silent as President Hammer made her way down the aisle and out the door. We have reporters waiting to speak with members of Congress about the blistering rebuke they have just received from the President. We'll break in as soon as any of our people are able to find a member of Congress willing to be interviewed. That in itself maybe considered an interesting commentary on the determination and character of America's legislative branch.
"The President's husband holds no official office or position, other than 'First Husband', or perhaps 'First Gentleman'. Naomi White's nomination as Secretary of State has only delivered to the Senate today. Indications are that the Senate will delay considering any of President Hammer's nominations until they see how well the President handles the potential war our nation faces.
"Even though Naomi White and Steve Hammer have no official position in government at this time, President Hammer has made the decision to follow their advice, rather than heed the opposing opinions of her military advisors, as well as Congress. She has essentially staked her presidency, and many feel the security of the United States on her confidence and faith in her husband and her friend. This couple has been extraordinary in every way since they first gained the public's attention as high school students with their first dance. While many believe that pulling back our forces was a tactical error, few will dare voice it now.
"General Dawson reportedly declared his staunch opposition to the President's decision during a meeting and she immediately relieved him of duty. The public is just beginning to learn that Steve isn't the only Hammer forged from steel."
On screen, viewers could see angry faced politicians filing past the reporters with tight, silent glares. They were constantly asked questions, which they ignored. Not one stopped for an interview as they huffed past the cameras.
"It appears that we will not be getting any interviews this afternoon," observed Amber wryly. "I do however, have former Senator Chatham in the studio with me. Senator, in your three terms in the senate, have you ever seen a president berate Congress the way President Hammer just did?"
"She not only berated them, she challenged and defied them," responded Senator Chatham. "Congress is completely flummoxed by President Hammer's lack of concern for their sensitivities. I am unable to recall any occasion in this nation's history when a sitting president has defied Congress in such forceful terms. This is new territory for these legislators."
"That begs the question. Why is President Hammer so unconcerned about the opinions of the Senate and the House?" quizzed Amber.
"I think it's quite simple. I've known President Hammer for years now. She and her husband do not tolerate fools or cowards. Nor do they put any effort into schmoozing politicians. They have spent years building their power base from the grassroots of America. I would be quite surprised if the average American wasn't still chuckling in admiration at the dressing down she administered to the country's elected representatives.
"When members of Congress tried to exert force on her, she pushed back, and hard. It's my belief that if Congress tries to take on Gwen and Steve Hammer, it will turn out badly for Congress, or at least for many of its members. Recent polls have shown that this couple is admired and respected by an unprecedented 92% of Americans. Congress certainly can't make that claim."
Steve and Naomi were in Berlin at the time Gwen was addressing Congress. They had spent several hours earlier that afternoon trying to convince Chancellor Braun to agree to step down Germany's military placements. Thus far, she remained unconvinced. That evening Naomi, Steve, Hans, Claude, and James sat in amazement as they watched Gwen express her disgust for Congress.
"My God! Gwen really did a number on them," observed Naomi as the broadcast ended. "How will this affect our chances of getting our allies to join us in this effort?"
"Chancellor Braun was concerned about the American Congress countering, or at least weakening President Hammer's position. That was one of the reasons she dared not go along with the American proposal. We cannot afford an ally that waffles on such important matters," pointed out Hans. "I have no idea how this challenge to Congress will affect Chancellor Braun's thinking."
"Maybe Britain's reaction to Gwen's speech will help," suggested James Hawthorne. "I just spoke with Prime Minister Blake. He was extremely impressed with the President's decisive speech to Congress. He told me that Britain will agree to the withdrawal if Germany and France also agree."
"I am certain that France will be willing to do the same," added Claude D'Anjou. "You only have to gain Germany's participation and this part of your mission will be a success."
Steve had been silent during the discussions after Gwen's speech. He nodded approvingly to James and Claude, but seemed detached. After some thought, he picked up his personal phone and keyed a number.
