The Tyrant Billionaire

Irina selected a few of these questions, which, of course, had also been pre-prepared. Pulling off this kind of manipulation was extremely easy.

Johnson answered the questions perfectly.

The show was a great success, with millions across the nation tuning in to watch Irina's show that night. Johnson's wise and humorous answers significantly improved many people's impressions of him.

Even though there had only been two waves of promotion, the results were outstanding.

Not only did ordinary citizens change their views, but even some congressmen, politicians, and members of his own party gained a new understanding of Johnson.

After appearing on 'The Irina's Tonight Show,' Johnson himself had some thoughts. He told his campaign team, "I've realized that people don't really like the straightforward speech reading approach we used before. You've all seen the results of today's show, people prefer a president who speaks with humor and wit. It makes them feel closer to me."

"From now on, when I give speeches, I've decided to speak without a script. Just prepare the themes for me, and I'll add in some humor and wit."

The campaign team agreed with Johnson's decision.

Shortly afterward, President Johnson held a fundraising dinner at the White House.

The dinner invited all his supporters, including Hardy. During the dinner, President Johnson introduced Hardy to Mrs. Roosevelt. Although Mr. Roosevelt had passed away, the Roosevelt family still held considerable influence.

After Roosevelt's death, Johnson came to power and continued to implement Roosevelt's New Deal policies. The Roosevelt family and Johnson had become natural allies, and in the upcoming election, the Roosevelt family had consistently supported Johnson.

Hardy also met some other businessmen and politicians.

At this dinner, Johnson raised over $6 million in campaign funds, with the largest contribution coming from Hardy.

Two million dollars.

That accounted for a third of the total amount.

Many people looked towards Hardy.

Hardy could be considered a new member of the upper class. He was young, handsome, wealthy, powerful, and in control of the media. Many people were curious about how he had managed to earn so much money and acquire so many businesses in such a short time.

Now, with the help of ABC Television, President Johnson's situation had significantly improved. It was worth noting that before this, not a single major media outlet had supported him. Hardy's media group's support was crucial for Johnson.

With $6 million in campaign funds in hand, Johnson was very pleased. He decided to undertake a "Great Election Expedition," planning to give speeches from the East Coast all the way to the West Coast, promoting his campaign in every city along the way.

What happens at the White House rarely stays secret.

As soon as the dinner ended, the details and guest list were quickly laid out on the desks of major corporations, powerful entities, and political groups.

Hardy's high profile support of President Johnson surprised many. Even within the Democratic Party, many didn't have high hopes for Johnson, and there had been suggestions within the party to nominate someone else for the election.

Hardy's actions were seen by many as a very immature move. To the true elites, Hardy was just a nouveau rich who had made some money through a few clever means.

This time, he was destined to lose miserably, possibly even ruinously.

And just that same night, after Hardy returned to Los Angeles from the dinner, he received a call from Amadeo Giannini, the head of the California Consortium and chairman of Bank of America.

"Hardy, you were too reckless. The California Consortium is backing Dewey in this election; we're aligned with the Republican camp. Yet you went ahead and supported Johnson. Many within the consortium have called me, accusing you of jeopardizing our future." Giannini spoke with evident frustration.

"You should know how high Dewey's approval rating is. In the last poll, he had 68% support, while Johnson only had 32%. Johnson lacks personal charm, and his stubborn nature alienates even his colleagues within the Democratic Party."

"I find it hard to understand why you would support him!"

"There are already voices within the consortium calling for your removal. Hardy, give me a reason, or I may have to reconsider our partnership," Giannini stated sternly.

Facing Giannini's interrogation, Hardy remained calm, as he had anticipated these questions from the start.

Political investments are never child's play, they are a life and death struggle.

"Actually, Mr. Giannini, I was just about to suggest we have a conversation. Some matters are best discussed in person rather than over the phone. I'll be in San Francisco tomorrow, let's meet and discuss this issue in detail," Hardy suggested.

"Fine, I'll be waiting. I hope you can give me a good reason," Giannini replied before hanging up. Continue reading on M V L

Hardy opened his cigar box, took out a cigar, trimmed it with scissors, and lit it, taking a slow puff.

Amid the curling smoke, Hardy gazed forward, contemplating his upcoming meeting with Giannini.

Convincing Giannini wouldn't be difficult he already had his reasons prepared. What occupied his thoughts was how to benefit from this situation.

In a crisis, some people feel worried or fearful.

But Hardy believed that in any situation, there's always an angle to exploit. His job was to steer events in the direction he wanted them to go.

The sound of a hairdryer came from another room.

Irina was blow drying her hair after a bath.

Venture capital.

In a sense, Hardy's investment in Johnson was a form of venture capital high risk, but potentially high reward.

Dewey was currently at the peak of his popularity, full of ambition, and supported by many. Countless people believed he was the next president. Investing in him now was merely adding icing to the cake. Even if the California Consortium supported Dewey, the benefits would be limited, as too many people were vying for a slice of the pie.

But Johnson's situation was different. Hardy's investment, compared to the large sums poured into Dewey by other major consortia, was relatively modest but extraordinarily noticeable. Why? Because no one had faith in Johnson. By supporting him in his most difficult moment, Hardy had become the standout leader in this investment.