The Tyrant Billionaire

The performances began.

First to take the stage was Ava Gardner, instantly winning countless cheers. Ava sang her most famous song, Scarborough Fair, and the cheers of over 200,000 people resounded through the sky.

Next, the other Judges took the stage to greet the audience, followed by the contestants from this season's Super Idol talent show.

This year's most popular show was undoubtedly Super Idol, and the cheers from the audience were just as loud as those for the judges.

Especially when Marilyn Monroe, America's sweetheart and a captivating sensation, took the stage. The applause was even more enthusiastic. After Monroe sang a song, she stepped down, and several other Hollywood stars took the stage to support the speech.

ABC Television was broadcasting live at this time. It was a Saturday, a day off, and most American families were gathered in their living rooms watching the program. It was a rare opportunity to see so many stars at once; how could anyone miss it?

Many people envied those who could be there in person, knowing they could enjoy free Pepsi.

Finally, President Johnson took the stage.

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Johnson gently waved his arms, his face beaming with a sunny smile, "Hello, people of Los Angeles! I am your President, Johnson."

"Woohoo!" The crowd erupted in cheers.

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President Johnson began his passionate speech, talking about future governance plans, improving people's livelihoods, developing the nation, and international relations.

Regarding international relations, Johnson specifically mentioned the President of China, saying, "Back when we were fighting to defeat fascism, we provided them with a lot of support. But after we achieved victory in World War II, their greedy and corrupt nature became evident."

"I won't continue down a wrong path, so I stopped providing aid in time because that aid belongs to the American people. They realized they couldn't gain benefits from me, so they turned to Dewey. The events that followed, I believe, are known to all of you. I watched that documentary, Black Gold, and it was indeed very compelling."

"Hahaha!" The laughter of hundreds of thousands filled the square.

Johnson couldn't resist taking a jab at his competitor during his speech. However, such tactics are common in presidential elections, and people wouldn't consider Johnson petty or lacking in decorum for it.

The speech concluded amidst thunderous applause.

Rough estimates place the attendance at around 300,000, and the event lasted more than four hours.

Dozens of Hollywood stars came out to support the event, making it more grandiose than any performance.

As soon as the speech ended, reports began pouring in from all sides.

The Global Times wrote, "This was a 'speech of the century.' President Johnson came to Los Angeles, where he was greeted by a crowd lining the streets. Over 300,000 people attended, and President Johnson's speech lasted two hours, receiving dozens of rounds of applause."

The Los Angeles Times reported, "Dozens of stars supported the speech event. The atmosphere was overwhelming, and the people were extremely enthusiastic. According to the latest data from a survey company, President Johnson's support rate has surpassed Dewey's, and now the scales of victory are tipping in Johnson's favor."

The Los Angeles Pictorial stated, "At President Johnson's speech event yesterday, over 500,000 bottles of Pepsi were consumed, all provided free by PepsiCo. One has to say, Pepsi's president is indeed skilled at marketing. Using this opportunity, Pepsi made a big impression on the American public once again."

Back at his residence, President Johnson was still brimming with excitement. When he saw Hardy, he came up and gave him a hug.

"Hardy, do you know? I felt as if I was back three years ago when I first moved into the White House. At that time, my approval rating reached 80%, and the American people loved me because they said I led them out of war," Johnson said with emotion.

"But slowly, as time went on, people seemed to forget my efforts. They no longer liked me and wanted a new president. I had no scandals, so they said I was stubborn, couldn't get along with Congress, and that my foreign policies were failures, among other things.

"Hehe, but today, I felt that love from the people once again," Johnson said, looking at Hardy, giving him another strong hug. "Hardy, I know who has been helping me."

With that, he gave Hardy a firm pat on the shoulder.

The two sat down, and Hardy handed Johnson a drink. Johnson took a sip, calming his excitement, and continued:

"Hardy, on my way here, I instructed the Secretary of State to prepare. I want to completely sever ties with the Chinese. They are trying to align with Dewey, and that is unforgivable. Moreover, from my perspective, they are no longer worth investing in."

Johnson spoke casually, but Hardy felt his anger and determination.

"In the future, I plan to focus on Europe. Hardy, are you familiar with the Marshall Plan?" Johnson asked, looking at Hardy.

"Of course, I know about it."

How could Hardy not know about such a significant matter? In his past life, he even read a book about the Marshall Plan and learned about many things that happened afterward. Currently, the European countries were struggling, and it was precisely because of the Marshall Plan that Europe was able to recover.

Of course, America had its own plans, which involved using aid to gain a foothold in world affairs and compete with Britain and France for the position of world leader.

In the room, with only Johnson and Hardy present, Johnson said, "This April, I officially signed the Marshall Plan, approving the establishment of the Economic Cooperation Administration. Over the next three years, we will provide aid to more than a dozen Western European countries."

"The aid will include funds, industrial goods, technology, equipment, and food, with an annual total of about $4 billion."

"The economic team estimates that those countries, currently in ruins and lacking supplies, will see over 80% of the funds flow back to the U.S., which will then be converted into various goods shipped to Europe."