"If elected, my government would revisit the question of gay marriage and we would work toward repeal." Cameras flashed as the candidate made his bold promise.
"Does that reflect your stance on gay rights in general?" a reporter asked.
"It reflects our party's position that true marriage is a union only between a man and a woman."
"You've never been known to support gay rights or Pride celebrations in your constituency. Are you anti-gay?"
"The Bible is clear in its condemnation of homosexuality as an abomination." The candidate gave chapter and verse from Leviticus. "I stand with many when I say 'love the sinner and hate the sin'. I support the institutions of conversion therapy as a compassionate cure for this form of mental illness."
At mention of the controversial and debunked conversion therapy, the reporters launched a barrage of new questions.
"Do you really believe homosexuality is an illness?"
"Do you support LGBTQ in the armed forces?"
"Have you seen the evidence that forced conversion therapy doesn't work?"
The candidate continued in the same vein until the press conference turned its attention to the next speaker in the candidates' debate, a liberal who took an opposing position to his rival's entire platform.
The candidate was exhausted. This was the price of leadership. Carrying the weight of the country's welfare on his shoulders, once he was elected, would not be easier.
Sometimes he wanted to just give up control and just follow orders like everyone else, but he could never be seen to do that. He owed it to his country.
But he was under a great deal of stress. Naturally, he had to have an outlet for that stress or it would overwhelm him.
His driver opened the limousine door for him. "Take me to the club, Geoffrey."
"Yes, sir," his driver replied.
After a short drive downtown, the limousine parked in the club's private parking lot, alongside several other high-end cars. The candidate got out of the limo and walked to the exclusive member's entrance, well-hidden from the street and prying eyes. The doorman admitted him upon seeing his credentials. No one entered without being checked. The candidate appreciated this eye to detail and security. He wondered if the doorman could be bought and shuddered. The candidate's privacy was priceless to him.