The Tyrant Billionaire

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November 2nd, 1948.

Election Day.

Hardy and President Johnson arrived early at a private golf course on the outskirts of Washington. It was remote, and today, the course wasn't open to anyone else. It was just the two of them.

The place was very quiet.

The two played golf, chatted, and rested when tired, having some drinks and snacks. When they felt sleepy, they headed to the hotel for a nap.

Meanwhile, the outside world was in a state of frenzy.

Thousands of people gathered outside the White House, holding banners in support of Johnson's re-election. They sang songs and demanded that President Johnson come out to meet them.

Reporters crowded at the White House gates, hoping to interview the president.

Similarly, outside Dewey's governor's residence in New York, many people had gathered, shouting slogans in support of Dewey, creating a loud and boisterous atmosphere.

Meanwhile, far across the ocean, the Chinese president anxiously awaited news. He had previously chosen to invest in Dewey, the front runner, hoping for strong support from the new president. However, the campaign funds he provided had landed Dewey in trouble.

It had sparked what was known as the 'Black Gold Scandal.'

This resulted in him offending both Johnson and Dewey. The $5 million he provided was confiscated as well, leaving him in a no win situation.

Moreover, he heard that President Johnson was instructing the Secretary of State to draft the "Flower White Paper," which contained many points indicating a break with him. This made the Chinese guy both furious and terrified. He still hoped for Dewey to win the election.

At least with Dewey in office, there wouldn't be the same fierce retaliation from Johnson.

He even hoped to gain continued support. Recently, the war situation in his country had become dire, with a major defeat in the Northeast that cost him over 500,000 troops. This left the bald figure increasingly fearful, as the enemy grew stronger with the support of the soviets and he sensed the impending danger of complete destruction.

So, he was desperately seeking foreign aid.

Johnson was no longer a hope, and Dewey was a faint glimmer of one.

Night fell.

After dinner, Hardy and Johnson strolled the golf course as the floodlights came on. The weather in November was a bit cold, so both men wore coats as they walked across the grass.

"Hardy, if I manage to win re-election, I want to push for universal healthcare. Do you think it's feasible?" President Johnson asked.

Johnson still had his heart set on universal healthcare.

He had brought it up when he was Vice President, and as President, he continued to push for it. It was also part of his campaign promises.

However, Hardy knew that universal healthcare wouldn't be achieved until a simplified version was introduced much later, during Obama's presidency. Johnson was unlikely to succeed.

"Mr. President, I hate to disappoint you, but this universal healthcare plan is essentially a major tax increase on the wealthy, taking money from their pockets to subsidize the poor. It's bound to face fierce opposition from the wealthy."

"To implement such a massive plan, you'd need it to pass through Congress. Currently, the Republicans hold a majority there, so your plan is unlikely to get through."

Johnson's face darkened.

Indeed, as Hardy had pointed out, the Republicans held the majority in Congress, and the plan harmed many interests, making it difficult to pass.

And beyond that, any other reform bills Johnson proposed in the future would likely face strong Republican opposition.

Even if re-elected, his presidency wouldn't be an easy one.

"Is there no other way?" Johnson frowned.

Hardy shrugged. "I'm not a politician, so my thinking isn't as comprehensive as yours. You don't need to do it all at once. You can take gradual steps. If you can't complete it in this term, lay the groundwork for future presidents."

"What would you suggest?"

"A limited universal healthcare plan. The federal government would cover part of the cost, state governments would provide subsidies, and citizens would pay a portion as insurance premiums. It would be a three-way contribution. Of course, the insurance wouldn't cover everything. It would offer limited reimbursement and have a maximum payout."

"With support from the federal and state governments, citizens would only need to pay a small portion to get limited healthcare coverage. This could solve a large part of the problem. While it wouldn't be perfect, at least small illnesses could be treated. It would be easier to implement, and Congress, insurance companies, and the wealthy would find it more acceptable."

Hearing Hardy's suggestion, President Johnson had an epiphany.

Instead of hitting a wall by pushing too hard, it made sense to take smaller steps and gradually progress. At the very least, the public would benefit.

"Hardy, this is a fantastic suggestion. I'll have someone draft a detailed plan once I return," Johnson said with a smile.

They walked a few more steps. Johnson, taking a puff of his cigar, casually asked, "By the way, does the Hardy Group have an insurance business?"

Hardy immediately understood Johnson's implication.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

This could be a huge opportunity.

If he could secure government contracts for healthcare services, it would be an enormous business deal. Even if Hardy didn't have an insurance company, he would create one.

"Yes, the Hardy Group does have an insurance business," Hardy replied.

President Johnson nodded.

They continued discussing other topics.

Meanwhile, Hardy's mind was already formulating a plan to use this opportunity to maximize his profits.

Wells Fargo had an insurance business, but it wasn't large. Bank of America also had insurance, mainly in auto, life, fire, and commercial sectors.

Security Pacific Insurance was a major professional insurance company, offering comprehensive services across the U.S., including healthcare insurance.

Don't believe healthcare doesn't make money. According to future statistics, the combined annual revenue of the five largest U.S. healthcare insurance companies surpasses that of Apple, Google, Amazon, Netflix, and Facebook combined.

This shows how profitable the healthcare insurance industry can be.

The two returned to the golf course hotel.

Hardy turned on the television.

He tuned into ABC, which was airing its regular entertainment programming. Johnson appeared calm, watching the show with Hardy while discussing amusing topics.