When Theodore Roosevelt entered the VIP area, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere. On the faces of Mayor Van Wyck and, more noticeably, Richard Croker, the welcoming smiles seemed to tighten, replaced by expressions bordering on thinly veiled dislike.
The history between Theodore Roosevelt and Tammany Hall was a long and contentious one. Roosevelt, a Republican reformer, had often clashed with the powerful Democratic machine. Tammany Hall, with its deep roots in New York City politics, viewed Roosevelt as an obstacle to their influence and patronage. They had opposed his appointment as Police Commissioner in 1895 and continued to view him with suspicion as he rose through the political ranks, culminating in his election as Governor in 1898, a victory that significantly curtailed Tammany's unchecked power within the state.
Just then, Theodore Roosevelt's gaze swept across the Kingston family, and a broad smile spread across his face. "Well, now, if it isn't John Kingston!" he exclaimed, his voice booming across the reception area. "John Kingston, as I live and breathe! What brings you to the city for this fine celebration?"
"Well, now, if it isn't John Kingston!" Theodore Roosevelt exclaimed, his booming voice cutting through the chatter. "John Kingston, as I live and breathe! I knew you were back in New York, but when did you get in from Texas?"
Mary, Elizabeth, and George exchanged surprised glances. They had no idea John had a connection with the Governor.
John smiled warmly. "Governor Roosevelt, it's been a long time indeed. I know you're incredibly busy with your duties as Governor in Albany, so I didn't want to disturb you."
"Ah, humbug!" Roosevelt laughed heartily, clapping John on the shoulder.
John turned to his family, a smile still on his face. "Everyone, this is Governor Theodore Roosevelt. I used to work on his ranch out in Dakota for about eighteen months many years ago."
"My foreman, he was!" Roosevelt declared, his eyes twinkling. "A fine foreman, too, until the severe winter of '86 and '87 wiped out my herd and over half of my eighty-thousand-dollar investment. Tough luck, that. Ended my ranching life and brought me back to New York."
John nodded. "And Governor Roosevelt was one of the few who gave me a hand back in '96, with a loan based purely on trust. It meant the world to me."
Roosevelt waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense, John, you were worth it. A man of your caliber always lands on his feet."
The Kingston family murmured their gratitude to the Governor for his past kindness to John.
Roosevelt, his gaze sweeping over the well-dressed family, said with genuine pleasure, "I am truly happy to see that you are all thriving now. It seems these are times of great opportunity for those with vision and drive, times where hard work and a bit of daring can truly lead to remarkable success, as you all seem to have found."
The conversation then shifted to the political landscape of the nation. Though the Kingston family wasn't officially affiliated with any particular party, they generally leaned towards the Republican ideals, appreciating their historical stance against slavery and their platform advocating for business growth and a strong national economy (though those policies seemed to have twisted into something quite different and arguably regressive in the early 21st century).
Governor Roosevelt, ever the astute observer of character, turned his attention directly to Michael. "And young man," he asked with a curious smile, "what political leanings do you possess? Are you a staunch Republican like myself, or perhaps a loyal Democrat?"
Michael, without hesitation, replied, "Neither, Governor."
Roosevelt's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. "Neither? May I inquire why?"
"I find, sir," Michael explained thoughtfully, "that I don't put much faith in parties or any large organizations, for that matter. They have a tendency to become… corrupted over time, their initial ideals often shifting or being forgotten. I believe in supporting individuals, be they Democrat or Republican, as long as I believe they are capable of doing their job with honesty and integrity."
Roosevelt, looking genuinely intrigued, stroked his mustache. "A pragmatic view for one so young. But how does one truly trust an individual? Power, as they say, has a way of corrupting even the best of intentions."
Michael shrugged, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps, sir. But I find it a more straightforward endeavor than trusting an entire organization. That way, if things go wrong, I at least know clearly where the fault lies, and whether my initial judgment was correct or not."
Theodore Roosevelt couldn't help but marvel at the way Michael thought at such a young age. He turned to the rest of the family, a wide grin on his face. "And is it you who have instilled such… remarkable insights in him?"
They all laughed. "Oh no, Governor," Mary chuckled. "That's all Michael." Elizabeth and George nodded in agreement, equally amused and impressed by their nephew.
Roosevelt turned back to Michael, his expression shifting to one of genuine respect. He extended his hand. "Then, young man, it seems I haven't formally introduced myself to one of the keenest minds in the room. I am Theodore Roosevelt, and it is a pleasure to finally meet you, Michael."
Michael shook his hand firmly and replied, "Michael Kingston, Governor. The pleasure is mine as well."
Roosevelt gave his hand a final squeeze before moving on to greet other guests, his attention already drawn to another group across the room.
"He seems like a sincere man," Mary observed thoughtfully. Elizabeth and George murmured their agreement.
John, having dealt with Roosevelt in the past, added, "He is that, and more. A direct and assertive personality, that's for sure." He looked at Michael, a curious glint in his eyes. "So, Michael, what do you think of the Governor?"
Michael watched Theodore Roosevelt engaging with the other guests, his dynamic energy filling the space. "He's a winner," Michael stated simply.
A moment of silence hung in the air. His family understood the weight of that word coming from Michael. It implied a trajectory towards greater influence and power. They had mostly associated this 'winner' designation with business ventures, stocks, and land acquisitions.
John, however, wondered if Michael's assessment extended beyond the financial realm. "A winner in what, Michael? In business, or… in his political career?"
Michael laughed, a rare and genuine sound. "How should I know that, Father? My gift doesn't work like reading a crystal ball."
A wave of relieved laughter washed over them, but beneath the amusement, a shared understanding settled in. Perhaps nurturing a closer relationship with Governor Theodore Roosevelt, regardless of the specific path of his future success, was indeed a prudent move.