Chapter 227: Bill Clinton

That evening, in a car by the roadside, Arthur leaned back in his seat, his hands running through Catherine Zeta-Jones' long hair, looking pleased.

The radio was broadcasting news that Canada, the United States, and Mexico had signed the North American Free Trade Agreement, which would take effect on January 1, 1994.

Arthur exhaled and opened his eyes, realizing this meant the North American Free Trade Area was officially established.

The North American Free Trade Area had a total population in the hundreds of millions, a GDP in the trillions of dollars, and an annual trade volume also in the trillions. Its economic power and market size surpassed the European Community, making it the world's largest regional economic integration organization.

The changes in Eastern Europe, the Gulf War, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and now the crisis affecting the British pound had forced the pound out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. 

The era of the dollar's hegemony had arrived. Before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the dollar was the world currency. Now, with the United States as the sole superpower, the dollar was set to dominate.

"Yes," Catherine Zeta-Jones gasped, lifting her head and leaning into Arthur's arms, her clothes partially undone. "What were you thinking just now?"

Arthur smiled, his hand on her chest, "Nothing much, just thinking about going back to the U.S. I'll miss you."

"Oh, so soon? The Olympics just ended. Can't you stay a few more days?" Catherine said, her hand stroking Arthur's chest.

Arthur shook his head. "Don't worry. It's not hard to meet up."

He had acquired ARM shares, filled up on British pounds in the foreign exchange market, and even stumbled upon a movie project, Four Weddings and a Funeral. This trip to the UK had been very fruitful.

"Oh, if you miss me, you can call me anytime. I'll fly to the U.S.," Catherine said, snuggling closer to Arthur.

"This year, Four Weddings and a Funeral should start filming. Participate well, and once you've gained popularity, I'll arrange for you to be the lead. Let the English rose bloom in Hollywood..."

After leaving the UK, Arthur returned to New York instead of Los Angeles because late August marked the release of Schindler's List.

This black-and-white film, which had been highly anticipated since production began, was finally ready to be shown to audiences.

In Midtown Manhattan, at the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue, Democratic presidential candidate and Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary were hosting a fundraising event.

Arthur attended the fundraising dinner with Jennifer Connelly. Initially, Arthur had planned to attend with Winona Ryder, as they were heading to Washington D.C. for the premiere of Schindler's List. 

However, Winona Ryder had no interest in attending political events and would fly directly to Washington D.C. from Los Angeles.

Because Arthur had previously been a strong supporter of Clinton and given his golden boy status in Hollywood, the Clintons made a point of expressing their gratitude to Arthur.

"Arthur, we'll have a proper drink in Los Angeles later. There are too many guests tonight," Bill Clinton said with a smile.

Arthur nodded. "Of course, Hollywood welcomes like-minded friends!"

"Arthur, perhaps we will develop a deeper friendship in the future," Hillary said ambitiously. Hollywood was a significant asset. Arthur Smith's identity, status, and fame could not be ignored and needed to be seriously courted.

Arthur smiled and nodded. "Hollywood is leaning more towards the Democrats now. It will become even more important in the future!"

Soon, once Hollywood had control over the national TV networks, it would become a staunch Democratic stronghold.

Currently, the three major TV networks were still mainly backed by Republican interests. Hollywood was not yet the Democratic stronghold it would become in the future.

Bill Clinton patted Arthur on the shoulder. "See you in Los Angeles!"

Watching the Clintons leave, Arthur's eyes flickered. California becoming a Democratic stronghold began with the Clinton era.

More accurately, it started after the merger of the Hollywood film group and TV networks. The Hollywood film group was now largely influenced by Jewish interests, who were also the main supporters behind Clinton.

The importance of TV networks could not be overstated. From Reagan to Bush, the power of the media was undeniable.

Arthur valued TV networks for both profit and influence. Clinton, in the face of capital, was just a puppet.

If not for Texas billionaire Ross Perot disrupting the Republican Bush's campaign, Arthur would have supported Bush's re-election. Clinton was nothing more than a scandal-ridden joke.

"Arthur, here comes Clinton's running mate, Vice Presidential nominee and Tennessee Senator Albert Gore," Jennifer Connelly reminded Arthur.

"Hi, Mr. Gore," Arthur said, shaking hands with Albert Gore.

"Arthur, I envy you, having such a young and beautiful lady by your side," Albert Gore said, shaking hands with Jennifer Connelly. "I've seen Once Upon a Time in America, Miss Deborah!"

Jennifer Connelly smiled. "I'll just head to the restroom," she said, excusing herself to give the men space to talk.

"Arthur, Senator Dianne Feinstein conveyed your thoughts to us, aligning with our views to emphasize America's current economic issues as the core of the campaign," Albert Gore said seriously, not underestimating Arthur despite his youth. Achieving so much success at a young age indicated he was far from simple.

Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Many media outlets are focusing on Clinton's character issues, undoubtedly the work of the opposition. They emphasize foreign policy achievements, which are irrefutable. Clinton must stick to economic issues. Bush's broken campaign promise on tax hikes will cost him some conservative support."

Albert Gore smiled wryly. "Even so, Clinton's chances of winning the election aren't very high."

"The winner doesn't need more than half the support, just the highest percentage. Remember, Ross Perot withdrew last month due to criticism. That wasn't good for the Democrats," Arthur pointed out. "To become first, you can either surpass the current first place or bring them down."

Albert Gore understood. "You mean to dilute Bush's votes by bringing Ross Perot back into the race. Will that work?"

Arthur looked at Albert Gore. "Perot's supporters are calling for his return. You just need to fan the flames discreetly. Otherwise, can Clinton's support surpass Bush's?"

Albert Gore nodded. "Many people share your thoughts. It's a strategy..."

*****

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