Chapter 79

He sat at the bar. It appeared to him that the lacquer finish on the Philippine Mahogany counter top was a foot think. He tapped it with his fingernails to test its hardness pinging out the staccato opening to the William Tell Overture perhaps by accident, perhaps not. Embarrassed, he looked quickly both ways to make sure no one was listening to his impromptu performance of a Rossini opera in a Hawaiian bar. No one was.

He remembered his speech from the prior evening. He was put on the spot by the wife of the Ambassador. He had wanted to avoid all talk of the election and politics, but when you travel with the circus, it's hard not to talk to the clowns. She was loud, drunk, right-wing by marriage and beautiful. Their eyes meet several times during cocktails, and he knew danger was knocking at his door. When she announced to the group that she was most interested in hearing his take on the candidates, he knew that if ever there was a time and a place for tact, diplomacy and eloquence, this was it.

"I think it's about attitude", he began, "more so than the issues, more so than the war, more so than the economy. I feel that we need to return to a country who is respected Internationally, trusted and ready to discuss new ideas, ways and means, new paradigms that will allow growth, will welcome new technologies, and at the same time promote human rights and protect the environment and its resources. I feel Americans truly want someone to admire, respect, and trust to lead us through these difficult times. We need a return to accountability from top to bottom and we need a CEO with integrity, tenacity, wisdom and the good sense as to when to use each. We also need a leader with a sense of humor. To tell a joke when the tension is thick. To laugh with our neighbors and to help our friends when help is needed. Character. Attitude. Charisma. I think the people want to be inspired. They want to help but they don't know how. They want to give but don't know where. They want to do for their country what their country has failed to do for them. They want to be united in a common cause. And, personally, so do I."

The room was silent.

Where was Tonto when he needed him?