America 1919

The train station in Atlantic City was adorned with fluttering colorful banners and the sound of drums and music filled the air as a sizable crowd of local residents gathered.

If one observed carefully, it would be clear that women were more numerous, and even Elena from the WCTU had arrived.

Standing in stark contrast to these ordinary folk, Donnie and a group of Atlantic City's elite stood in the frontmost row.

As the rumbling of the train resounded, a procession emerged from the station amidst a throng of bodyguards, led by none other than Warren Harding, the current favorite in the Presidential election of the United States. At 55 years old, Harding was dressed in a well-tailored suit, his scholarly demeanor graced with an easy smile.

Yet it was his captivating deep blue eyes that drew the most attention.

Harding waved his hands to the Atlantic City residents who had come to the station to greet him, eliciting cheers from the crowd. However, when the voices of women overshadowed those of the men, the aged yet sharp-looking woman beside Harding scoffed.

At this moment, Harry stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with Harding before leading him to meet Donnie and the others.

"Harding, there's no need to introduce Nucky, as we had a delightful chat last time in Washington."

Harry was the first to introduce Nucky to Harding, but since Nucky had been to Washington previously and met Harding a few times, the two of them were already acquainted.

"Ah, of course!" Harding laughed heartily, "I still cherish the memory of your wit, Nucky!"

Nucky modestly responded, "That's my honor."

Harry then introduced Harding to some of the officials from the Atlantic City Hall, and lastly to Donnie.

"Dear Harding, this is Donnie Block from Starry Entertainment in Atlantic City!"

Harding's gaze toward Donnie was serious as he earnestly said, "On behalf of the American people, I am proud of your performance on the battlefield!"

Donnie replied, "That was our duty."

The two naturally couldn't delve into the topic of radio speeches in such a setting, so after exchanging some brief courtesies, everyone left the station together.

At the Ritz Hotel, Harry announced Harding's itinerary for Atlantic City: First, Harding would meet with business representatives of Atlantic City over dinner that evening.

The next morning, he would deliver a speech on the wooden boardwalk of Atlantic City. Then, in the afternoon during the Miss America city sectional finals, he would address the nation via radio broadcast.

The following evening would be Harding's personal time, and the day after that he would depart from Atlantic City.

For a Presidential candidate already engaged in a national speaking tour, this was quite a luxurious schedule indeed.

That evening, the banquet hall of the Ritz Hotel was ablaze with lights. Tables were arranged neatly throughout the room, with each one hosting formally dressed guests. Among them were members of Harding's campaign team, Atlantic City business representatives, City Hall officials, and legislators from both houses.

Although Harding is often called one of the worst Presidents in American history, it's undeniable that his ascension was very favorable for American capitalists.

After taking office, Harding promptly overturned the anti-trust policies set by his predecessors, allowing corporations to develop freely. His Cabinet comprised representatives from major American financial conglomerates. Under such conditions, the Harding Administration allowed the market to develop freely, leading to rapid expansion of America's major monopolies.

Whether the American public liked Harding or not was uncertain, but American entrepreneurs certainly welcomed him!

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am immensely grateful for your support. America has just endured the trauma of war and is now in a state of rebuilding. I believe the future development of America depends on your support. Only with the growth of business can America's economy rapidly improve, and its people enjoy a better life.

Here, I want to thank you all on behalf of the American people for your contributions!"

Harding's speech was neither rapid nor impassioned but conveyed a comfortable feeling.

When he raised his glass, everyone in the room followed suit.

Such banquets rarely reveal any substantial insights. In the end, Harding's underlying message was that his Presidential campaign needed funding and it was time for those in attendance to show their financial support.

In other regions, this might not stir much sponsorship, but Atlantic City was different.

Atlantic City is part of New Jersey, effectively the backyard of the Republican Party. Harding's victory would mean victory for the Republican Party, so contributions were made eagerly.

However, this introduced other issues. It seemed that for a Presidential election candidate, more campaign funds meant better chances, but contributing money didn't guarantee policy favoritism.

True influence over a candidate's post-election policies, particularly those benefiting financiers, has historically been the prerogative of America's large financial conglomerates and Wall Street magnates.

An ordinary person, even a generous donor, would at best receive a friendly nod from the elected official, for in America, those financial powerhouses and Wall Street moguls have reached a level where no matter who the President is, they are effectively at their service.