The Tyrant Billionaire

To advance from a congressman to a senator requires not only ability but also publicity to gain voter recognition.

Publicity requires substantial funds.

Election funding, Campaigns, Promotional activities,

Hardly anyone could afford these alone.

Funds mostly come from 'political donations.'

Political donations are legal.

A fund is set up for public donations, used for campaign purposes, but public donations are minimal compared to the vast sums needed, often surpassed by contributions from major benefactors.

Every politician has one or more major benefactors, the higher the level, the more benefactors.

But taking such funds comes with obligations. Benefactors expect returns on their investments.

If you don't deliver, they might stop funding you.

After the Capitol riot in 2021, many large companies, including Citigroup, Marriott, and healthcare firms, decided to halt funding for 147 Republicans who opposed certifying the electoral votes.

Money controls politics transparently.

Hardy is now very wealthy, and a quick check reveals his substantial assets, making him an ideal benefactor.

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Hardy's influence extends beyond money.

HD Security's influence, Playboy magazine's influence, HD Films influence, and now ABC Broadcasting Company.

In California,

Hardy's influence ranks among the top.

It's no wonder Nixon wants to woo him, being a young 34 year old congressman needing to build his network. Hardy, without any apparent leanings, is a prime target.

But Nixon is a contradictory figure, exemplifying a typical politician.

How should Hardy deal with him?

Two days later, Nixon and his aide flew from Sacramento to LA. Upon landing, Nixon noticed several planes in the distance, marked with a golden bird and the letters HD.

"Hall, are these HD marked planes Hardy's property?" Nixon asked.

"Yes, Congressman. Mr. Hardy indeed has an airline, currently in trial operation with 50 planes," the aide said.

"Mr. Jon Hardy has quite an extensive enterprise. I heard he is also a military veteran. Achieving such success in just a few years is impressive. I hope we have a pleasant conversation this time."

Walking out of the airport, a convoy was parked outside, with the letters 'HD' on the vehicles.

"Excuse me, are you congressman Nixon?" asked the person in charge of reception from the security company.

"Yes, that's me," replied Nixon.

"Hello, congressman. I'm here to pick you up. Please get in the car, and I'll take you to HD Security Headquarters," said the reception personnel.

Nixon and his assistant got into the car, which drove all the way to the HD Security Headquarters located in the Hollywood area. After more than a year of construction, HD Security had long ceased to be a toy factory and had become a tightly guarded base.

Before the car entered the gate, the driver picked up the radio and said, "Headquarters, this is car number 15. The guest has been picked up and is entering the base."

"Headquarters received," came the response.

Nixon and his assistant looked at the radio, thinking that HD Security was indeed advanced, even equipped with military radios that the police currently didn't have.

The car stopped under the office building. As Nixon got out of the car, he saw Hardy and Lancer coming out to greet him.

"Hello, congressman. I'm Jon Hardy," said Hardy with a smile as he shook hands with Nixon.

"Mr. Hardy, I've heard your name for a long time. It's finally nice to meet you," Nixon said with a smile.

At that moment, two photographers approached, one with a camera and the other with a video camera, constantly taking pictures of the two men.

"And this is?" asked Nixon, puzzled.

"Hehe, congressman, your visit is such an important event that it naturally needs to be documented. I'll have today's news published in the newspaper with photos to accompany the story," Hardy explained.

Nixon thought Hardy was quite considerate. If he wanted to publish the news, he wouldn't have to send a draft to the newspaper himself.

The two walked into the headquarters building.

Hardy introduced Nixon to various departments: the Business Operations Department, Logistics Support Department, Intelligence Analysis Room, Technical Support Department, and Operations Command Center.

Nixon thought, No wonder HD Security was so impressive. The departments were entirely different from other security companies, modeled after military structures.

After touring the headquarters, Hardy invited Nixon to observe the security team training.

The base spanned thirty acres, including an office building, warehouses, and a training ground where non field team members would exercise.

Obstacle courses, combat training, and weapons shooting practice were all underway. Nixon, having served in World War II, had a deep affection for the military and felt nostalgic watching the HD team train.

"The training seems even more intense than my time in the military, but it looks quite scientific, covering almost every aspect," commented Nixon.

"This training regimen was specifically designed to maximize the soldiers' personal abilities and overall competence," explained Hardy.

When training ended, the team assembled. Over two hundred team members stood there, brimming with energy and exuding a fierce and formidable aura.

Nixon enthusiastically posed for photos with these men, which the photographers captured.

Hardy had previously instructed the photographers not to be stingy with the film, ensuring enough footage was taken. Not only for newspaper publication, as only one photo was needed for that.

Hardy was thinking ahead, envisioning these materials being used in future programs to promote HD Security if Nixon ever became Vice President or President.

If you're going to use me for a show, don't blame me for using you for advertising later.

In Hardy's office, the secretary brought two cups of coffee and left after setting them down, leaving only Nixon and Hardy in the room. Hardy offered Nixon a cigar, and the two smoked and chatted.

"Hardy, I heard your family is from Orange County?" asked Nixon.

"Yes."

"My family is from Yorba Linda, just an hour's drive away," Nixon said with a smile.

"We're practically neighbors," Hardy said, smiling.

"Yes. Which branch of the military did you serve in?" Nixon asked.

"I served in the Marine Corps."

"I was also in the Navy," Nixon said.