Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 165 What if Fred wins? (5k)

"What a terrible year."

As is customary in previous years, the day before Christmas begins with lectures by mathematicians, followed by a Christmas party.

Although the New York Mathematicians' Christmas Party has only been held for two years, it has already become a local tradition.

Mathematics departments at Columbia University and New York University, in particular, emphasize New York's strong mathematical tradition when recruiting doctoral students and professors.

In the past, people emphasized New York itself, its environment, and the life of this bustling metropolis.

Now there are more areas to emphasize, and mathematics itself has become a point of promotion for universities, especially in number theory.

Columbia University, for example, repeatedly emphasizes that Lin Ran is a professor in our school's mathematics department and that he will return to Columbia University to teach sooner or later.

Playing around is one thing, but mathematics is a professor's true calling.

In short, that's what Columbia University claims when recruiting talent.

Both Lin Ran himself and the deep blue color showcased at last year's Christmas party added a legendary touch to the event.

This year, like previous years, a mathematicians' evening was held. What was different was the passing of Kennedy and the Warren Commission's announcement, which was personally contradicted by Robert Kennedy.

Even though they were in New York, mathematicians in their ivory tower, they felt this extraordinary atmosphere, an atmosphere that infected every American.

This year's Mathematicians' Christmas party invited Grothendieck to give a lecture. He mentioned that he is writing "Foundations of Algebraic Geometry" and raised some interesting questions related to the Randolph Program, including the relationship between automorphic forms and geometric objects, and the algebraic geometric interpretation of Galois representations.

But at the party that night, no one talked about mathematics. Even when talking to Grothendieck himself, they exchanged only a few pleasantries. Everyone's minds were on Kennedy's death and the various speculations surrounding it.

Anxiety permeated every social class and every individual.

When Lin Ran heard Harvey Cohen say this, he remained outwardly calm, only sighing slightly, "Yes, the president's death was too sudden."

There are too many doubts surrounding this matter.

Everyone wants the truth now.

After Lin Ran finished speaking, Harvey Cohen nodded heavily and said, "That's right, what we want is the truth, the real truth, not the so-called truth to quell public anger."

The video, taken with modern recording equipment, is very clear.

It was clearly recorded that Oswald disappeared through the window after firing only one shot.

This video is undoubtedly a fatal blow to Washington's credibility.

You hold a press conference in Washington, and Robert Kennedy holds one in London.

England and America already had a sordid relationship, and the London media, as if they had found a gun, publicized it extensively.

The Soviet-led camp was overjoyed and published a series of editorials denouncing America's darkness and filth.

“If the truth is that Hoover did it, I think the turmoil will continue for a long time,” Lin Ran said meaningfully. “And nobody knows how much detailed information V actually has about the scene.”

It's like a black box now.

The White House is no longer willing to speak out easily.

They were terrified that their statements would be refuted by V with clear photos from the scene the very next day.

I know the situation at the White House is not good right now, and nobody has a good idea.

Johnson called me several times, but unfortunately we couldn't come up with a solution.

Lin Ran finally understood why so many people like to seek thrills.

He is V himself, and can go to the White House at any time.

Lyndon Johnson didn't even fire Kennedy, let alone him.

If we're talking about who has the most secure position in the White House, then it's him.

In turbulent times, someone is needed to stabilize morale, and Lin Ran, as one of the de facto leaders of NASA, remained as steady as a rock.

During the phone call, Lyndon Johnson not only consulted the White House on how to build public confidence, but also on how to find V.

This is the benefit of Lin Ran's past efforts in building a good reputation.

After finishing his conversation with Harvey Cohen, Chen Xingshen walked over to Lin Ran and said, “Mr. Lin, my teacher received your signed copy of the latest developments in mathematics. He is very grateful to you. If you have the opportunity to visit China in the future, he hopes to thank you in person.”

Lin Ran did not answer the question: "It's nothing."

Chen Xingshen's face also showed a faint worry: "I have never seen a mathematician who doesn't talk about mathematics."

That's incredibly rare.

My students weren't interested in reading the article either; they were all focused on what new revelations V might have.

What other conspiracies surrounding President Kennedy's death remain buried and undiscovered?

If this situation continues, it will have a very serious impact on all aspects.

Lin Ran nodded silently: "Yes."

Such an impact is not only reflected in public opinion.

Kennedy's proposed civil rights bill to reduce racial segregation failed to pass, Kennedy was assassinated, and the illegal wiretapping activities of the Bureau of Intelligence (BI) under Hoover's leadership, known as COINTELPRO, were exposed.

During the Christmas season, unprecedented protests erupted in major cities.

This naturally includes Washington, D.C.

The public is demanding a thorough investigation into Hoover and the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (BI).

Lin Ran was in New York yesterday, and he's already in Washington today.

In the early 20th century, the White House had an important New Year's Day tradition called the White House New Year's Reception, which ran from 1801 to 1932. This event was canceled after Roosevelt took office.

However, in preparation for the upcoming election, Lyndon Johnson's wife, the First Lady, organized children's parties and charity events at the White House.

Lyndon Johnson hopes to speak with Lin Ran in person.

Lyndon Johnson wasn't the only one who wanted to talk to Lin Ran; Nixon was also among them.

In times of turmoil, ambitious individuals see it as an opportunity for themselves.

Nixon felt that he might still have a chance.

Therefore, he was eager to receive guidance from Master Lin Ran.

"This is terrible." Lin Ran had heard similar opening lines countless times, but he never expected Lyndon Johnson to do it too.

However, judging from the dark circles under the other person's eyes, Lin Ran confirmed that this newly elected president was indeed not doing very well.

“Mr. President, this is indeed bad. We need to quell the public’s anger as soon as possible. The investigation can be delayed, but the public’s anger cannot be delayed any longer,” Lin Ran reminded him.

Lyndon Johnson nodded: "Understood, Professor, I understand."

People of color across the country are now gathering in Washington, D.C.

Lyndon Johnson naturally knew the priorities of the matter.

"Professor, I intend to push for the passage of the Civil Rights Act."

I also authorized Hoover to join the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy.

At the same time, I will authorize Robert Kennedy to establish another investigative committee, and both committees will conduct investigations simultaneously.

Now, the only person people will believe is Robert Kennedy.

Oh, and that damn V.

Lyndon Johnson gritting his teeth whenever V is mentioned.

The audio recording released by V will reduce his approval rating by at least 5%, and the video recording will reduce it by another 10%.

What was originally a sure win has become unpredictable thanks to V.

This is an absolute and deep-seated hatred.

"We need to find V as soon as possible, otherwise the investigation results could easily be overturned by V," Lin Ran reminded him.

Lyndon Johnson nodded: "Of course. Hoover hates V to death. In order to find V, I believe Hoover would be willing to give up a lot of benefits to the IA and get the IA to cooperate with him in the investigation."

Professor, let's stop talking about that damn V and talk about something else. In the next four years, before 1968, can we achieve a manned lunar landing?

Lyndon Johnson is very concerned about this, as it relates to his election approval rating.

These four years were considered Kennedy's term; he only took over halfway through.

Therefore, if he wins the presidential election next year, he can run again four years later.

He hoped that America's moon landing could be achieved during his term. "Increase the budget." Lin Ran's few words made Lyndon Johnson narrow his eyes.

The original plan was to achieve a lunar landing by 1969.

Lyndon Johnson doesn't want to wait until that time.

What if I don't get selected? Wouldn't it be like someone else has taken the peach?

"How much?" he asked.

Lin Ran said, "With 6 percent of the federal budget each year, I guarantee that we will complete the manned lunar landing before November 1968!"

Lyndon Johnson pondered: "I will try my best to ensure that the federal government allocates at least 5 percent of its budget to NASA starting next year."

While the American people, and indeed the world, were focused on Kennedy's death, Lin Ran noticed some interesting little news stories.

That was news about NASA's biggest competitor, the Soviet Union.

At that time, both the Associated Press and United Press International had bureaus in Moscow, Warsaw, and Prague, enabling them to directly obtain news from Soviet Russia and its allies.

Otherwise, how did the people of America learn about Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite?

In the days following Kennedy's death, these media outlets gave only a brief mention of the Soviet Union's successful first soft landing on the moon.

This means that Soviet Russia has taken another big step toward landing on the moon.

Only two problems remained for the Soviet Union: the rapid development and validation of the N1 rocket and the L3 spacecraft.

Nothing else.

The fact that the Soviet Union and Russia were the first to complete a manned lunar landing is one aspect, but more importantly, if the Soviet Union and Russia really do complete the lunar landing next year, will Nikita still go on vacation to the Black Sea?

If Nikita hadn't gone on vacation to the Black Sea, would the replacement of Soviet personnel have been delayed or simply never happened?
These are all reasons why Lin Ran's imagination ran wild.

“Okay, I will also try my best to complete the manned lunar landing by 1968,” Lin Ran said.

Lin Ran continued, "Mr. President, I don't know if you know that I gave Nixon some advice."

Knowing that Lyndon Johnson would stay for the full four years, he still intended to reveal some information to him.

Lyndon Johnson's face stiffened visibly. How come I didn't know about this?
Lin Ran then went on to explain in detail the idea he had given Nixon, and added, "Because the situation has changed, Nixon seems dissatisfied with this slow approach to the goal."

He wants to get into the White House faster, and I guess he might think next year's presidential election is a good time.

Lyndon Johnson's expression stiffened even more.

尽管他有着长达27年的联邦政治经验（12年众议员、12年参议员、2年副总统和1年总统），比尼克松14年的联邦政治经验（4年众议员、2年参议员和8年副总统）丰富得多。

But now that a shocking scandal has erupted in the White House, he doesn't want to face Nixon at this time.

Nixon was certainly not well-liked by the media, and his public image may not be much better now.

“Professor, I think Fred would be a more suitable candidate,” Lyndon Johnson replied ambiguously.

Lin Ran added, "That's right, Mr. President. What I meant was, is there anything you need me to convey to Nixon?"

They're all ancient foxes.

Lyndon Johnson naturally understood Lin Ran's subtext: If you want to prevent Nixon from joining this election, what political benefits are you willing to offer in exchange? I'll be your lobbyist.

After Lin Ran finished speaking, Lyndon Johnson fell into thought.

To be honest, he really hoped that Fred would be the Elephant Party's candidate.

Especially under the current circumstances.

"Here's what I'll do, Professor. I'm willing to offer him several administrative positions as diplomatic envoys and advisors, which he can then allocate to his allies."

Secondly, if I am elected, I would like to retain McNamara as Secretary of Defense in my cabinet.

Finally, I personally was able to get some California businesses to provide certain conveniences for his law firm.

These are the three points. Firstly, regarding which positions he wants, I'll need you to facilitate communication on his behalf.

After listening, Lin Ran continued, "Mr. President, there's one more thing. Although Fred has won the position of New York City Councilor, he is still quite far from being the Elephant Party candidate."

Lyndon Johnson nodded and said, "Don't worry, if Nixon is willing to compromise, I will make it easier for Fred to be elected as the Elephant Party's presidential candidate."

I can't possibly go against my own presidential election.

Lin Ran smiled, but inwardly he was laughing: Fred, you're incredibly lucky, with two presidents, Lyndon Johnson and Nixon, helping you out.

Another question that arose in his mind was whether Fred really couldn't win. What if Fred did win?
Because of Kennedy's death, fueled by her own actions, the flames will only continue to spread, becoming a constant drain on American society.

The play he's created is only the beginning; Hoover is just a minor boss, and the real big bosses haven't even been revealed yet.

With the unfolding events surrounding Kennedy's death, Fred actually has a real chance of winning.

"Professor, please."

In Washington, D.C., Richard Nixon had his own office.

The office was spacious and dignified, with legal certificates and political memorabilia hanging on the walls, including a photograph of Nixon and Eisenhower.

Nixon sat behind a large table piled with coffee cups and newspapers, with a newspaper above the table prominently titled "The Mystery of Mr. V's Assassination of Kennedy."

In the later film "V for Vendetta," Guy Fawkes' mask and Kennedy's portrait appeared side-by-side on the front page of this newspaper.

This was thanks to Lin Ran leaving another mask on Major Freeman's desk, fearing that protesters of this era might lack code names.

Let this era also see how memes work.

Lin Ran sat opposite Nixon, intently observing the mask images in the newspaper.

“Professor, this is terrible.” Nixon was very reverent in front of his strategist, even though his strategist was not a full-time employee, but only a part-time one.

But it's clear that, thanks to the tailor-made plan Lin Ran provided for him, he has already reversed his public and media image to some extent.

By campaigning for the Elephant Party candidate, not only Fred Nixon's approval rating began to slowly climb, and his reputation among the core Elephant Party supporters also improved.

In Nixon's view, his failure to give up and his political life, like a centipede that dies but does not fall, were largely due to the advice given to him by his professor.

Nixon frowned and tapped his fingers lightly on the table:

"Professor, you know, Kennedy's death changed everything."

Johnson is president now, but he's not Kennedy. During the 1964 election, I thought maybe I should run.

Johnson is not invincible. He's running into trouble in the South, and the Civil Rights Act could very well split the Republican Party. I still have supporters within the Republican Party, especially among conservatives.

I can bridge the divide between moderates and conservatives. I have foreign policy experience.

This was important during the Cold War. Johnson might make a mistake on the Baiyue issue, and I could take advantage of that.

The appearance of V will be a variable.

Lyndon Johnson can't handle this problem well, and if V doesn't solve it, Hoover will continue to cause trouble for Lyndon Johnson as well.

Nixon took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to the window: "Professor, I need your help to clear the fog. I feel that the White House is very tempting, and it keeps drawing me forward."

My core team of advisors all think it's worth a try.

Kennedy's death gave everyone hope.

After pondering for a moment, Lin Ran said, "Nixon, I don't know if you've heard this saying: 'In principle, it's okay, but it's not okay; in principle, it's not okay, but it's okay.'"

The many reasons you gave me actually reflect that you don't really want to participate in this election.

It's just your core team of advisors instigating you, bewitching you, and weaving a beautiful picture for you.

You vaguely sensed something was wrong, but hesitated because the scene was too beautiful.

Before Lin Ran could finish speaking, Nixon had only one thought in his mind: "A master is indeed a master."

"My advice is not to rush. You need the failures of others to highlight your success."

We're just one step away from completion.

"After you've taken this step, I'll recommend you participate in every future presidential election." Lin Ran's voice rang out in the quiet office.

Nixon's eyes flickered: "Professor, you've hit the nail on the head."

I know the method you devised for me is correct.

I also know that next year's presidential election is a pipe dream, and my chances of winning are very low.

The only thing that's making me hesitant is, what if Fred wins?

　There will be another chapter later!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)