America 1919

Donnie and Helen came to meet after having lunch at the White House! By the afternoon, Donnie had a separate meeting with Andrew Mellon, and the two discussed the upcoming cooperation between their two families. It was past five in the afternoon when Donnie and Helen finally got into the car, heading to William Howard Taft's estate on the outskirts of Washington! In fact, Donnie wasn't as nervous as Harding and the others had teased him about for this meeting with William Taft. Indeed, if William Taft had disagreed with his relationship with Helen, she would surely have been taken away by the Taft Family beforehand. Even if she couldn't be taken away, there would have been some action. The absence of action was actually a statement in itself. So when Donnie arrived at the Taft Family estate, he wasn't subjected to any of the targeting or humiliation you might find in melodramatic novels. William Taft didn't talk business, focusing only on the work Helen was doing with WRPA. "More and more women going out to work will surely bring more speaking power to women in the future. Your WRPA is a very good idea, but always operating on a small scale can seem somewhat trivial!" William Taft, at the age of 65, sat on the sofa, speaking in a calm voice. Donnie explained, "At first, I just wanted to use the organization to arrange South Brenton. After the Surf Hotel was established, I thought that if the organization was too high-profile, it would inevitably attract unwanted attention, leading to unfavorable conclusions." William Taft waved his hand, saying unconcernedly, "Don't mind those things, when you do anything, people will have something to say. If you're always worried about such matters, it's impossible to be successful. I'm still in this position, and even if people want to say anything, they must have the right to do so!" Seeing William Taft's confidence, Donnie smiled and said, "When I return to Atlantic City, I will increase the propaganda funding for WRPA in Ohio!" William Taft, hearing Donnie's commitment, showed a rare smile and said, "Robert and Theo are about the same age, and there are bound to be some troubles in the future!" Robert Taft was born in 1889, and Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, both of a similar age, and both already entering American politics. As the hope of the Taft and Roosevelt Families, it could be said that from the moment they stepped into American politics, they had only one goal, President of the United States! Now one is in Ohio, and the other in New York State, with no apparent competition. But when they reach a certain stage, they are bound to become rivals. Even if both are now Republicans, what does that matter? Within the Republican Party, the competition for presidential candidates still exists. After a moment of contemplation, Donnie said, "It can be competition, but it can also be cooperation. There's still a long way to go before that step, and I don't think we need to hurry. As long as we provide the support that should be given, it will ultimately depend on who has more advantage at that time, and it's not for us alone to decide!" This was an evasive answer; Donnie knew William Taft wanted him to fully support Robert Taft. "More investment gives one more control in their own hands?" William Taft commented non-committally. Donnie didn't conceal his agreement, saying, "That's right. The Block Family may seem very strong right now, with deep ties to the White House and cooperation with several conglomerates, but in fact, the strength of the Block Family is like a tower in the air. What really determines the Block Family's strength requires time, and equally, more partners." The situation in American politics has already indicated one thing: the White House is transient, but the political system is enduring. If Donnie truly wants to stand firm in the United States, he needs to have his people in governments at all levels—City Hall, State Government, the Cabinet, and the White House. Only this way can it be ensured that no matter who is in power, they will have to treat Donnie with enough respect. Families like the Rockefellers, Morgans, and DuPonts have been able to stand firm in America for centuries because their roots are actually here. They also have their favored political parties and presidential candidates, but the parties they support cannot always be the ruling party, and their presidential candidates cannot always win. Yet, through the long march of time, no matter how the White House may oppose or support them, they still ensure their status. This is what Donnie currently lacks the most! That's also why Donnie is willing to support Brad Dorn to become the mayor of Atlantic City. "Very well," William Taft looked at Donnie appreciatively and asked, "I heard you have a younger brother studying law at Columbia University. Is that so?" Donnie nodded, "That's right, and he's graduating next year!" William Taft continued, "After he graduates, what are your plans for your brother?" Donnie explained, "I hope he can return to Atlantic City. I will have him work as a lawyer for a while, and after two or three years, run for the New Jersey State Legislature." In these major American families, such arrangements have basically become a standard operation. Some engage in business, accumulating capital, while others engage in politics to facilitate family business!