Chapter 533

"Goldman Sachs is willing to sell 50% of Universal Studios Osaka for seven hundred million dollars?" Charles sat in his office at Capet Pictures headquarters, listening to Tom Williams' report.

"Did Goldman Sachs change their tune?" Charles rubbed his chin.

"Someone must have lobbied them," Tom guessed.

At that moment, Phyllis Jones came into the office and whispered in Charles' ear, "Boss, Camille sent a message. Senator Gavin Newsom and Mrs. Dianne Feinstein wish to meet with you in Oakland!"

Gavin Newsom and Dianne Feinstein were both California Senators at that time.

Charles instantly understood. It was clear to him that Washington D.C. had put in some effort.

"Tom, you don't need to worry about it anymore. Go ahead and sign the acquisition agreement with Goldman Sachs. Then, replace the management of Universal Studios Osaka as soon as possible; try to find local Japanese management for the park. Enhance the localization of the park's attractions!"

Tom Williams nodded. Acquiring the studio was what mattered; the specifics were less important.

"Make arrangements; we'll head over tonight," Charles instructed Phyllis Jones after Tom Williams left.

He originally planned to visit the San Francisco Bay Area to meet with Bank of America's Chairman Ken Lewis, so it made sense to see these politicians in Oakland as well.

Charles leaned back in his chair. On his desk was a file about Lockheed Martin.

Charles wanted to partner with Bank of America to buy shares in Lockheed Martin, the world's largest arms dealer and a major player in the American military-industrial complex.

Jack Welch, the former chairman of General Electric and Charles' advisor, had suggested it. Investments in finance, technology, and media couldn't compete with energy production and military technology.

During the financial crisis, Charles had injected over a billion dollars into Bank of America, so he had substantial capital.

Owning a three percentage of the shares, Charles was already a board member of Bank of America. But to get into Lockheed Martin, he needed more leverage.

Even though Lockheed Martin's shares were currently undervalued with a market cap of less than $20 billion, acquiring those shares wasn't easy.

Bank of America, Senators, and Hollywood media moguls, it was becoming more interesting.

...

Oakland, the county seat of Alameda County, East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, across the bay from San Francisco, connected by the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

San Francisco on the peninsula, Oakland on the east, and San Jose to the south formed the tech-heavy San Francisco Bay Area (also known as the Silicon Valley).

In the evening, a car drove to a villa by Lake Merritt in Oakland. "This is the place," Camille reminded Charles.

Charles and his assistant Camille entered the villa together.

Gavin Newsom and Dianne Feinstein were already in the study. Charles smiled and shook hands with both.

"Charles, it seems like Capet is getting busier," said Dianne Feinstein, who had long been supported by Charles but kept a low profile and was aging.

"Thanks to NBC and Universal, many tasks have become easier," Charles said as he sat on the sofa.

"Were Goldman Sachs' actions influenced by D.C.?" he asked.

Dianne Feinstein nodded. "Barbara Boxer met with the President. It was just a small issue," she said, indicating for Gavin Newsom to continue.

Gavin Newsom smiled, "The President values your friendship and hopes minor issues won't damage it. Lobbying Goldman Sachs was just to save Capet some time. The President is also planning to invite you to a White House dinner later this month."

Charles nodded. The rift? That had to be about the stuff in Florida.

"I also wish to maintain our friendship with the President. Hollywood is still very supportive of him," Charles responded, knowing what the other side wanted.

Gavin Newsom nodded, considering the matter resolved, before looking back at the uninterested Dianne Feinstein.

He continued, "Charles, there's a growing anti-Semitic sentiment linked to the subprime mortgage crisis and the financial crash. Jewish capital is putting pressure on the President."

Charles remained calm. "It's been like this for a while. This trend started last year, when Jewish financial capital on Wall Street was exposed. People need to vent, and this is a systemic issue. It's better to let it flow than to block it."

Charles knew about the anti-Semitic sentiment from last year and had secretly supported it strongly.

Jewish capital had plenty of baggage, and it didn't take much to ignite the backlash. This year was the peak of anti-Semitic sentiment in America.

If not for this, it wouldn't have been so easy for Capet to acquire NBC and Universal. Capet's top executives had few Jews, especially at the highest levels, with neither Donna Langley nor Michael Lynton being Jewish.

Similarly, those fired from Universal, like Ron Meyer, were Jewish, and Phil Griffin, who replaced Jeff Zucker as NBC Chairman, also wasn't Jewish.

"Hollywood is the main vehicle for cultural dissemination. No one in media beats you guys, and Hollywood has to fulfill its social responsibilities," Gavin Newsom laughed.

"Relax. Economic recovery will soon allow the Jewish-controlled forces to turn the tide again. This pressure won't seriously harm their influence anyway," said Charles, referring to the Jewish capital's enduring power.

"Charles, you know the situation in California. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger seems better suited for Hollywood, don't you think?" Dianne Feinstein suddenly chimed in.

Charles looked at Dianne Feinstein. "High fiscal deficits, lowered credit ratings, and one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. California has become the poorest wealthy state in the U.S. Next year's gubernatorial election will see him step down. That's a given. Can Republicans even compete in the current California climate?"

Dianne Feinstein nodded. "We're planning to have Jerry Brown, former Oakland mayor and current Attorney General of California, run for governor next year."

*****

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