Chapter 529: Florida's Money Politics

On October 26, 2009, the annual Thanksgiving Day arrived, and the Thanksgiving game of the NFL regular season took place.

In Miami Gardens, Florida, at Bank of America Stadium, the Miami Dolphins faced off against the New England Patriots at home.

"Charles, I feel like the Miami Dolphins aren't strong enough," Evelyn said as she watched the game with her son in their box.

Charles smiled, "They've improved, but the New England Patriots have won several Super Bowl championships since the millennium. The latest was in 2008."

"That's true. Tom Brady is indeed amazing!" Evelyn nodded.

"Mom, I'm going to meet a friend over there. Let's head back home to celebrate Thanksgiving together after the game," Charles had a task in Miami and coincidentally, it was the NFL Thanksgiving game, giving him a chance to spend the holiday with his mother.

Evelyn nodded, "Go ahead, you probably aren't too interested in the score anyway," she said, waving her hand.

Then, Charles moved to the other side of the box.

"Good evening, Mr. Richard. The game is pretty exciting, isn't it!" Charles greeted Scott Richard, the chairman of Columbia HCA Healthcare Company, whom he had specifically invited.

"Ah, Charles, the game is fantastic. I guess there are about 80,000 people here. The atmosphere is electrifying!" Scott Richard seemed very interested in the NFL game.

"About 80,000 people," Charles said as he sat next to Scott Richard.

"Just call me Scott. Otherwise, I'd have to call you Mr. Capet, and who would dare underestimate the famous Charles Capet?" Scott Richard laughed.

"So, why did you choose me?" Scott Richard, although a chairman of a listed company and a billionaire, could not compare to Charles Capet. Scott asked this because he had announced his candidacy for the 44th Governor of Florida next year.

"Of course, to support your gubernatorial campaign. Your strength isn't weak, and with my support, your chances will increase," Charles was indeed there to discuss next year's Florida gubernatorial election with Scott Richard.

The current governor of Florida was Charlie Crist, who succeeded Jeb Bush in 2007.

Charles' first choice was to support Charlie Crist's re-election, but unfortunately, he received messages from Washington, D.C., indicating that Charlie Crist was planning to switch to the Democratic Party.

Charles ignored Obama's hope that he would support Crist's re-election. Florida's conservative forces were not weak, and the governor was usually a Republican.

If Charlie Crist hadn't run as a Republican in 2007, he wouldn't have had a chance!

In the U.S., presidential elections are winner-takes-all, and many states either support Republicans or Democrats. However, swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin can be contested by both parties.

Obama hoped Florida would continue leaning left and wanted Charles to support this. Charles was angry. After making a few inquiries in the state legislature regarding Disney World, nothing of consequence happened. Did they expect him to take on Florida's Republican forces?

"Charlie Crist's support rate isn't high, but that's due to the financial crisis. He has more experience than I do," Scott Richard seemed lacking in confidence.

Charles scoffed, "What's Florida's biggest issue? Illegal immigration! The illegal immigration problem from Latin America has always troubled local residents. Will the Democrats enact stringent laws? Moreover, Florida is a stronghold of the NRA. Republicans have consistently controlled this state. Isn't it obvious why?"

Scott Richard was a Republican, and his platform included cracking down on illegal immigration, increasing employment rates, and opposing Obama's healthcare reform.

"Implement strict immigration laws to gain the local residents' votes, and even if it offends some legal Latin American immigrants, it won't matter much. Support some gun control laws to gain the support of conservative capital forces. Finally, reduce the unemployment rate by increasing investment in construction. Capet will fully support you, and I will increase the investment in Universal Orlando Resort!"

Charles squinted his eyes as he spoke, "Orlando is mostly swamp land, and the forest parks, swamps, lakes, mountains, and beaches near Universal aren't great either. I need tax breaks and policy support to expand Universal Studios by at least ten times.

Our construction plan is massive. Harry Potter's Wizarding World, a project in collaboration between Universal and Warner Bros., will open next year. Can you imagine how many jobs that will create?

By then, theme parks like water parks, SeaWorld, Marvel Universe, and other Capet Holdings' intellectual properties will create massive job opportunities."

Scott Richard was stunned. The person in front of him was Charles Capet, who controlled NBC TV, Universal Pictures, and the Miami Dolphins.

With Charles Capet's support, Scott Richard's backing would be qualitatively different.

"Charles, the current environment leans a bit left."

"So what?" Charles looked at Scott Richard and smiled, "Regarding immigration, Democratic policies won't work here. This isn't California. Of course, you shouldn't go overboard either. After all, Florida is one of the states with the most chaotic immigration issues. And we both know, what funds American elections?"

Scott Richard smiled, reached out and shook hands with Charles, "Well then, here's to a successful partnership!"

As the CEO of a company valued at over $10 billion, Scott Richard knew this was a game of money.

How could he refuse Charles Capet's olive branch?

A capital giant holding a global media empire entering the fray guaranteed rewards, and the candidate could be changed anytime.

Charles also smiled and shook hands with Scott Richard; the deal was done.

No matter who supported Scott Richard from behind, it didn't matter to Charles. Capet wanted a vast land near Orlando, Orange County, Florida!

But the White House's attitude made Charles uncomfortable. He controlled top capital forces like NBC, Universal Pictures, and Twitter, and they wanted to use him as a consumable in their opposing agenda?

*****

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