American Tax Officer-Chapter 857 - 429: Pitfall_2

"He even said it like this, everything is my fault!"

"To make up for this debt, it was a moment of impulsion that led me to make such a foolish decision, I am sorry to the people of America..."

At the same time, at the New York Manhattan Branch.

"Heh, our President's performance is really not bad, it's a pity he's not in Hollywood!"

Manson couldn't help but make a sarcastic comment while watching Payden's tearful performance at the press conference.

"Don't joke, it's actually quite effective. At least the pressure on him from the internet has lessened a lot now!"

"It's normal, after all, he is the President. Such an apology, heartfelt and teary in front of the entire nation, invisibly comforts the public psychologically, thus reducing the criticism against him!"

Jerry and Larin also subsequently spoke out.

"Is the third document ready?"

David asked while seated.

"Ready, Chief Inspector."

"Good, send it to Pinkman immediately after our President's 'performance' concludes!"

"Understood!"

...

At the White House, after nearly an hour of Payden's tearful apology, they indeed achieved quite a good effect.

Not only did the media journalists present feel some sympathy for Payden himself.

But many people on the internet felt the same way.

Of course, the reason for such a good outcome was mainly because Payden had indeed 'dug himself into a hole'.

Yes, he pushed all the blame onto his son.

While depicting his son as an incorrigibly frivolous and spoiled brat, he also highlighted his own helplessness as a father, leading to such a result.

Of course, these were merely mistakes born of helplessness, not something he intended to do in the first place; there's a big difference between the two!

"All right, that's all our President has to say for now, let me add a few more words!"

At this point, Wylder stepped onto the stage, took over from Payden, and continued, "As everyone knows, our President is already over eighty years old. At this age, most people are already retired at home, enjoying the company of their family. Yet our President is still here, toiling in this position, striving to secure the welfare of the people of America."

"Of course, as the saying goes, you win some, you lose some. Just as I mentioned before, our President has given all his attention to the nation, inevitably neglecting other things!"

"Like the care for his family, or the discipline of his son!"

"That's what led to the outrage everyone felt. In light of this, I once again earnestly ask everyone to understand our President!"

"Because while he is your President, remember, he is also an old man, a father!"

"That's all I have to say. Thank you to all the media friends who have come here!"

With these words from Wylder, the press conference officially came to an end.

But the discussion on this event shifted slowly in online discourse.

"From this perspective, although President Payden has deceived us, it was an act of helplessness!"

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"Yes, every family has its own difficult scripture to recite. Unfortunately, our President's family happened to have such an unfilial child, it is truly unavoidable."

"Between the nation and his family, our President ultimately chose the nation, and that is something we must empathize with!"

"..."

They say that the best actors are in politics, and Payden's ability to win the presidency clearly demonstrated his acting skills. His tearful speech really moved many citizens.

Additionally, with the guidance from Masonic-owned Facebook and YouTube and other social media platforms, the previously unanimous criticism started to show a significant change in direction.

Of course, not to be overlooked, the professional public relations team at the White House also played a major role.

Back in the Oval Office,

Payden slumped into his chair, exhausted, then turned to his PR chief and asked, "How's the public sentiment now?"

"Mr. President, your emotional apology has paid off. According to our initial public opinion polls, 52 percent of the population are inclined to forgive,"

the head of public relations reported truthfully.

Relieved by this information, Payden finally exhaled in relief.

It looks like such effort had its rewards!

But quickly, as if something crossed his mind, he hastily asked Wylder, "What's happening with the Washington Post now?"

The first article had come out, followed by the second, and he was worried whether there would be a third.

Should there truly be a third one, containing evidence as detrimental to him as the second article, it would spell the end.

"Don't worry, Mr. President, I've sent someone with 'sincerity' to meet with their boss. I think it will have some effect!"

Pinkman was just an editor after all.

So Wylder's plan was simple: find the Washington Post's boss, 'negotiate' properly with him, and see how to prevent any further threats.

"Good."

Payden looked towards Sullivan and said, "We need to take care of the FBI as soon as possible. This way, we won't be so defensive."

If the control over the FBI was still in their hands, they certainly wouldn't have been caught off guard by these two articles.

He believed that they needed to regain control over this institution, and quickly.

"Rest assured, sir, I've already scheduled a meeting with the majority and minority leaders in Congress to discuss their support in getting Newlan into position quickly."

"Then negotiate away!"

...

In the office on the top floor of the Washington Post headquarters,

"Mr. Fofana, this is what the President wishes. Your newspaper has already gained a massive amount of traffic, it's time to stop now. If you cease now...," said the envoy sent by Wylder, leaving his threat unfinished, yet unmistakable.

And sitting opposite him was Fofana Lanson, the boss of the Washington Post.

Upon hearing this threat, Fofana's brow furrowed deeply.

Even though Pinkman had assured him that with this big news, their paper's stature in the industry would rise significantly,

the personal intrusion and threat from the President's envoy was something that couldn't be completely ignored without concern.

"I understand, Mr. Cesar, I'll consider it!"

"But you'd better think it through, Mr. Fofana. It's the 21st century now; incidents like Watergate can't happen again!"

The man known as Cesar knew very well. The Washington Post had taken such a gamble on this news, simply wishing to reclaim the glory of the Watergate days.

So, by directly addressing this, he was issuing a warning!

Indeed, having his thoughts exposed, Fofana was quite displeased but considering that his interlocutor represented the President, he refrained from retorting and merely waved him away with a dismissive gesture.

After Cesar had left, Fofana immediately picked up the desk phone, "Get Pinkman to my office."

"Mr. President, you wanted to see me?"

A few minutes later, a harried Pinkman rushed into the office.

However, his expression seemed rather impatient. Ever since the previous two articles had been released, his reputation had skyrocketed, now making him a household name in the industry.

His social media following had grown from a mere tens of thousands to over a million in a short span, the immense fame and fortune were almost driving him mad with excitement.

Just moments ago, he had received the third set of documents from David and was ready to go all out; however, being interrupted by Mel's summons was naturally irritating.