The Tyrant Billionaire

Hardy's eyes lit up, immediately realizing the enormous business opportunities involved.

"Now, the Marshall Plan is just beginning, but I've noticed some issues. Relying solely on government power seems insufficient, so I'm planning to organize a private commercial delegation, led by the government, to tour various parts of Europe."

"The members of the delegation could have funds and might offer loans to those countries. They could have products to sell to them or technologies for potential collaboration. Those countries have also promised to open some projects. If members of the delegation see potential in these projects, they could consider investing this would definitely be a win win situation."

Hardy looked at President Johnson and thought to himself, "As expected of a seasoned politician, this strategy will likely attract numerous financial groups."

Of course, Given Hardy's relationship with Johnson, there would surely be a piece of this cake for him.

"Hardy, I'm planning to set up three teams for the first delegation. You can organize one of the teams," Johnson said.

The investment in Johnson was starting to pay off. And as a part of the first delegation, those who get in first get the meat, those who come later will likely only find bones left to pick.

"President, you just mentioned that there are three teams. Who are the other two?" Hardy asked.

Johnson smiled, "One is Rockefeller, and the other is Citibank. They will each form a team."

Hearing these names, Hardy was slightly startled.

The Rockefeller Group controls the oil economy not only in the United States but globally. It is the second largest consortium in the U.S., only after Morgan, and at one point, it even surpassed Morgan.

What surprised Hardy was why it was Rockefeller and not Morgan. Isn't there a saying that the Democratic Party belongs to Morgan and the Republican Party to Rockefeller? Johnson is a Democratic president, yet he lets Rockefeller join the European investment train.

However, Hardy quickly figured it out.

Previously, Johnson did not have any major capital backing him, which made him, as a sitting president, have lower approval ratings than candidate Dewey. This was largely due to the propaganda orchestrated by the consortia.

Then Hardy appeared, providing him with support. In truth, Johnson had a solid foundation after all, he was the current president and had performed well during his term, with no reason compelling enough to abandon him.

Following that was the matter of supporting the Jewish state, which won him the support of the Jewish people. The Citibank consortium, with deep ties to Jewish interests on Wall Street, was likely one of the forces backing Johnson.

As for the Rockefeller Group, they were previously supporters of Dewey and had requested Giannini to mediate with Hardy to let go of Dewey. Now, however, Rockefeller was joining the Marshall Plan.

What does this suggest? It suggests they might have abandoned Dewey and shifted their support to Johnson.

This is a very interesting signal.

However, Hardy also understood that for large financial backers, there was never any fixed political affiliation as perceived by the outside world. Who says Rockefeller can only support the Republican Party? They are the financiers. The real 'fathers.' They support whomever they want, whoever brings them profit. As the rule makers. They play however they like.

Former U.S. President Truman once publicly described it vividly: "The American two party system is actually a two party cooperation system."

Though there may be disputes among consortia, they are conflicts of interest that can always be negotiated at the table, never escalating into violent conflicts to the death. Enjoy new stories from empire

The same applies to making money.

It could be applied to everything else.

In fact, winning over Rockefeller demonstrates Johnson's impressive political acumen. Initially, he had no support, but he gradually strategized with the power in his hands, using the plan for the establishment of a Jewish state to win over Jewish support. Now, he's pulling Rockefeller in with the Marshall Plan for European investment.

Of course, Hardy's contributions are paramount to his current high approval rating, stepping heavily over Dewey.

This is why Hardy has a spot in the first phase of the European reconstruction plan.

Because all three of these forces are incredibly significant for Johnson.

Some people might understand the relationship between a consortium and those they invest in as one of control, but that's not entirely accurate—it's more of a collaboration.

Politicians aren't fools, they aren't puppets controlled by financiers.

Their alliances are formed for mutual benefit, neither completely controls the other. It's a mutually supportive, utilitarian relationship.

There will be cooperation and communication, but also differences and disputes. No investment is a one and done deal, and in future collaborations, it isn't a matter of financiers ordering politicians around but of mutual negotiation and progression.

There have been breakups.

Quite a few, in fact. And, of course, a number of casualties.

Now, Johnson has granted Hardy a team slot, allowing him to form his own team to go over. This essentially gives Hardy considerable power.

He decides who to bring and who not to bring.

The two then shifted their discussion to the election campaign. Now that Johnson has entered September, with less than two months until the election, everything he does focuses on the campaign.

"Hardy, my next stop is San Francisco, followed by some southern cities. I plan to visit every city I can, regardless of size. Although my approval ratings have increased significantly, I can't afford to relax," Johnson said.

He truly is diligent; such high intensity campaigning would be exhausting for anyone.

"I've already made arrangements in San Francisco, and the scale won't be small there. If there are other cities where you need support, just let me know," Hardy replied with a smile.

Johnson laughed and patted Hardy on the arm.

The next day, Johnson left Los Angeles for San Francisco.

Hardy followed along.

Many prominent figures came to greet Johnson in San Francisco, including city officials, social elites, and many big business owners.