American Tax Officer

Upon hearing Katherine's words, Obadiah, Donald, and David all looked grim. It seemed that Katherine might have been swayed by Nancy, who got to her first, thus showing little support for their bill now. "Madam Vice President, while your statement that 'existence justifies itself' certainly holds some truth, I don't think changing the status quo is necessarily a bad thing. Look at the Black Tax Bill; it generated hundreds of billions of US dollars in tax revenue shortly after its release. Isn't that a good example?" It was David's turn to step forward. Upon seeing that it was him, Katherine couldn't help but size him up before saying, "Inspector David, your point makes sense, but as the nation's Vice President and the Senate speaker, I don't want to take too many risks, and I have my own judgments and political views." "Does that mean, Madam Vice President, that you are going to cast that decisive vote against the bill?" Faced with David's question, Katherine did not respond directly, but a faint look of acknowledgment crossed her features. "Madam Vice President, what sort of benefits have The Big Three Groups promised you? Could it be the presidency?" "What do you mean!" David's sudden statement made Katherine's expression darken instantly. Obadiah and Donald also paled beside him. Although such things could be speculated, mentioning them so bluntly was not advisable. However, they soon realized that for the sake of the bill, they had already declared war on The Big Three Groups and coerced numerous congressmen; being impolite to a Vice President seemed trivial in comparison. After all, this Vice President was thinking of giving her decisive vote to the Opposition Party; that was absolutely intolerable. Whether it was through threats or coercion, they had to stop her! "It means nothing, Madam Vice President. For the sake of our country, you should not cast your vote for the Opposition!" "That's right, Madam Vice President. If you dare vote for the Opposition, you would be opposing the Internal Revenue Service. Think it over!" Realizing the implications, Obadiah and Donald continued to press her firmly. But this only infuriated Katherine more, and she retorted, "Obadiah, Donald, this is the Naval Observatory Residence Number One, the official residence of the Vice President; not a place for you to behave recklessly!" "We are not being reckless, just issuing a warning." "You..." "Enough, Madam Vice President!" Just as Katherine was about to say more, David interrupted sharply, "Since we've come to this point, let's lay it all on the table!" "I know Nancy approached you on behalf of The Big Three Groups before us, and I believe they offered something tempting, likely the presidency. If I'm not mistaken, they would have supported you for the race in '28, right?" Although the current President does not endorse any of the groups within The Big Three, he is not their enemy at this stage. But before this bill is settled, The Big Three Groups would certainly not dare to support Katherine's rise. Because the current President Biden is clearly seeking reelection. If they support Katherine for a '24 ascent, that would directly offend President Biden, something The Big Three Groups are not foolish enough to do. Therefore, the support they would likely offer to Katherine would be for '28! Upon hearing this, Katherine did not respond but silently gazed at David. "'28, that's still five years from now. As a politician, you should be well aware that the political landscape is ever-changing, especially over such a long period as five years!" "Even if they have given you their commitment now, who can know by then who will be more powerful or influential?" "For example, Church who has gathered significant political capital from drafting this bill. Can you guarantee he won't run for President in '28?" "And past presidents, former Secretaries of State like Hillary, and many others coveting the presidential seat; even if The Big Three Groups give you their utmost support by then, can you be sure you'll defeat those more reputable than yourself for the presidency?" In the political arena of America, it isn't uncommon for a politician or official who holds immense power today to be ousted tomorrow due to a scandal or allegation. David certainly understood this point, and he believed that Katherine did as well. Of course, he did not expect that this alone would convince her; he had a real trump card he believed would certainly make Katherine wavering! "What exactly are you trying to say?" Katherine grew impatient, as if she would stand up and dismiss him if David couldn't make a convincing point next. "What I mean is, instead of risking 28 years, waiting all those years, how would you feel about having the opportunity to ascend to this long-coveted throne now?" Katherine was stunned for a moment, and her expression then darkened, "What are you talking about? What do you mean?" David pulled a document from the inner pocket of his suit and handed it over, saying, "Madam Vice President, please take a look at this!" With a skeptical look, Katherine stared at David for five seconds and finally accepted the document, then started to examine it. As she gradually grasped the content of the document, her expression turned into one of shock. A few minutes later, after finishing the document, she looked at David sharply, "Inspector David, you certainly have a lot of nerve, even daring to collect incriminating information on the President!" David smiled slightly, unafraid, and replied, "In the eyes of our Internal Revenue Service, no matter who is the president or not, anyone who dares to block this bill is an enemy!" Obadiah withdrew his peculiar gaze from David and added, "David is right, we've invested so much effort into this bill, we won't allow anyone to destroy it, not even the President!" "Wait… what does this have to do with me?" "Madam Vice President, think about it, if President Biden were to be impeached and step down, would you say it relates to you?" David's words made Katherine's expression change instantly. According to constitutional provisions, if the President dies in office, then the Vice President shall assume the presidency. If the President is impeached and removed, the Vice President shall still assume the presidency. Previously, if asked which possibility she thought was more likely, Katherine would have certainly chosen the likelihood of the President dying in office! The reason is simple, although Biden's medical team has reported him to be in robust health, he is already in his late seventies. A sudden incident is not impossible. As for the impeachment of a President... Not to mention that in the whole history of America, including former Presidents, only four have faced impeachment proceedings. The probability of a successful impeachment is extremely low. Four Presidents in American history have faced impeachment, and one former President himself set the record with two impeachment attempts, yet he was not removed through impeachment. Among the other three, only Nixon's Watergate scandal was significant enough to result in successful impeachment and removal. It can be said that, in over 200 years of American history, Nixon was the only President who was removed due to impeachment. This probability is even lower than that of a President being assassinated. Historically, ten American Presidents have faced assassination attempts, and four have indeed died from assassinations! And now, was David planning to launch an impeachment against the President? NO! Let's not discuss other aspects, just based on the incriminating information in this document alone, it's definitely not sufficient to bring down the current President Biden!