Sabotage by C. G. Cooper

candidate get elected today with our society being intolerant of racial division?"
     
    "I see what you're doing there, Joy,” McKnight wagged a finger at her, “and I'm not taking the bait. The governor is a good person and has conducted herself in an exemplary manner during this election cycle. However, on the topic of racism, you know my record. As a man of Hispanic descent, I've felt the crack of the racist whip. Our job as government officials, elected by the people and for the people, is to stamp out bigotry wherever it rears its ugly head. If I'm lucky enough to be elected president, I'll continue to do the same." McKnight's last words were the obvious end of his commenting on the topic and the hostess took the cue.
     
    "Let's switch to another topic, Congressman. Foreign policy."
     
    McKnight rubbed his hands together, and gestured to the hostess with a give-it-to-me gesture he was ready for the fast ball right down the middle. "Rumors are currently circulating about a Chinese complaint that could soon be sent to the U.N. Security Council. Do you have any knowledge of this, Congressman?"
     
    "I do," McKnight said.
     
    "And would you like to share with our audience what you know about the complaint?"
     
    McKnight smiled. "Why don't you tell me what you know, Joy? Then ask me whatever question you'd like."
     
    The hostess glanced down at her papers and stated, "Our sources confirm the Chinese plan to accuse the United States of industrial espionage and illegal covert operations in and around the Horn of Africa." When McKnight didn't say anything, the hostess continued. "Our sources go on to say that the Djibouti government is prepared to enforce a no-fly zone over their entire country and will soon ask the president to remand all U.S. troops to their current locations in the country of Djibouti. Congressman, were you aware of any covert operations happening in and around Chinese facilities within Djibouti?"
     
    "Joy, I'm sure you and our viewers know that Djibouti is a very important strategic partner in that region. We've recently extended our lease to use Camp Lemonnier and expanded our support services in the region. As far as any specific operations, it's impossible to comment further due to national security protocol."
     
    When it was obvious that McKnight wasn't going to address specific operations, the hostess swerved to the left.
     
    "Would you say that this is an indication of the failed policy of the Zimmer administration with regard to the Chinese?"
     
    "Joy, you really are trying to get under my skin today, aren't you?" But McKnight was smiling like he was enjoying the whole thing.
     
    The hostess gave him a tight smile back. "Congressman, if you would please answer the question. I'm sure America would like to know your take on President Zimmer's diplomatic plans for the People's Republic of China."
     
    “As I've said many times before, President Zimmer and I are very close. I'm proud to be considered a valued member of his inner circle. We've worked together through some very trying times, and I fully support everything he's done regarding China and Djibouti. I'll even go further by saying that some of those very ideas were my own, although I won't tell you which ones because—well—I don't really need credit for that, do I?"
     
    The hostess couldn't help but give him a sarcastic look as if she was saying Are you freaking kidding me?
     
    "But Congressman, this is an election year - a presidential election year. If things continue to go your way, you will more than likely be standing face-to-face with President Zimmer on election day in November.”
     
    "Well, Joy, I really hope you're right and if you've got a crystal ball back in that dressing room of yours, I sure would like to borrow it sometime. As for the election, I would be proud and honored to go toe-to-toe with my good friend, President Brandon Zimmer. I will tell you that it will be a fair and honest contest. I'm sure if you