The Spirit Of Friendship

Last night (Saturday, Pacific Standard Time) after the results came in, I found Barack in the bar at the Las Vegas Tropicana, the hotel where we were both staying. He saw me enter and signaled to the barkeep for two more vodka and lemonades. He was on his third already. He smiled as I sat down next to him...

Barack Obama: At least I shat all over Edwards.

Grant Wyeth: Nevada was always going to be a tough state for you. You got 45% of the vote. That's nothing to be ashamed of. How are you feeling?

BO: I feel alright actually.

GW: I don't need to get my guitar out?

BO: Well, you know I'd love it if you did, but it's not essential anymore.

GW: I'm pleased that you're still upbeat. You need to get out on the court in South Carolina, show them your jump shot.

BO: Are you speaking metaphorically, because you know I don't buy the whole "Black-guy-needs-to-be-good-at-sport-to-earn-respect" thing.

GW: After Iowa you don't need to worry about having people's respect. But I'm serious about getting on the court, your nomination relies on the turnout of young people and any gimmick counts. If young people see you out on the court, Hilary's going to have to play some tenacious defence to deny you.

BO: I always felt I'd be able to run a clean campaign, you know. Nothing manipulative. I guess that was fairly naïve of me. I'll find a court in Charleston to shoot some hoops with some kids. It might be fun! I'm tired of all this talk of politics though, we haven't even caught up yet. How is that 36 year-old Singapore Airlines hostess you've been seeing?

GW: She broke me down. It was pretty harsh. She was having a sexual affair with a pilot...

BO: Pilots are fantastic lovers.

GW: I guess it was hard for her to resist. It hurt me bad though. I invested everything I had in that relationship. This is the adult world, isn't it?

BO: You went in too deep. To become involved with a 36 year-old Singapore Airlines hostess for your first sexual relationship was a fairly risky move. For anyone it's a risky move, but especially for someone as fragile as yourself. I don't want you to be too hard on yourself about this though. You did nothing wrong. I know you had a genuine affection for this woman...

GW: I loved her!

BO:...but you can't let this dampen your spirit. You're in the game now. You're a man. You've crossed the line. I don't want you to give up. This will make you stronger.

GW: I know eventually I'll be better off, but it just hurts so bad at the moment. I don't know how she could have done this to me.

BO: You need to find someone who loves you for who you are. Someone who understands your sensitivities. Someone who will realise what a beautiful flower you are. I know everyone wants a sweet piece of ass, and Singapore Airlines hostesses have some of the sweetest ass around, but you're the type of guy that needs to put the needs of your heart above the needs of your cock.

GW: I know, I know, you're right. I just wanted to have it off with someone who was a real treat. I wanted to explore my sexuality with someone who had sensational body, and with someone who knew what to do with that body.

BO: There's nothing that will prevent you from exploring your sexuality with someone with sensational body in the future, but you have to make sure that their heart and soul are in the right place as well, not just their breasts and ass.

GW: You always know the right thing to say, B. You always know how to make me feel good about myself.

BO: It's the least I can do for the joy that your music brings to me. But besides that, I care about you, man. You're one of my closest friends. I mean, I needed you yesterday and you didn't hesitate to jump on a plane across the Pacific for me. You're here for me and I'm here for you. We love each other.

GW: That we do.

BO: Now you haven't been hitting any tables while you've been here have you?

GW: No, I've been fine.

BO: You promise? I thought it was a bit wrong of me inviting you here, I thought it's the worst place in the world for you to be if you were going to relapse, but I took the risk. I had faith in you.

GW: I can't say I haven't thought about it while I've been here. Hearing the the sound of the roulette wheel spinning when I was checking into my room made me sweat a little, but I resisted. We both remember how fucked up I was when I use to gamble. I don't want to go back to that.

BO: No-one wants you to go back to that. You were in a bad place and it hurt everyone who loves you. I never want to see that again. You know, if you ever feel the urge I'm available to talk.

GW: I know, man. I know I can always come to you. If the desire to gamble ever takes control of me again you'll be the first person I call.

BO: I'm pleased. Now, do you need to get back to Melbourne? I don't want to keep you here if you've got concerns to deal with back home.

GW: I want to make sure you don't need me before I leave. I need you to tell me that truth.

BO: I think I'll be fine. You've done wonders for me. If I need you I can always call, or you can play me a song over Skype. I like to watch you perform as well as listen, you really put on a show.

GW: I always dig a little deeper for you.

BO: So we'll keep in touch throughout the primaries, I know you're going to India at the start of February...

GW: The day after Super-Duper Tuesday, but with the time difference I think I'll be in the air when it's all going down. I won't find out the results until I land in Bombay. I'll be nervous the whole flight.

BO: Well I'll hear from you when I hear from you then.

GW: I'll make sure I'm on the phone as soon as possible. I'm sure it'll be fine though, you'll sweep all 22 states!

BO: That might be a bit optimistic, but I like the way you think. Now, I've got to get some sleep, I'm on the first flight out to South Carolina in the morning.

GW: Yeah, I better get some sleep as well, I'm going to get the early flight to LA. We probably won't see each other in the morning so we should say our goodbyes here.

BO: Thanks for coming out, man. You don't know how much I appreciate it.

GW: Anything for you, man. Anything. I'll be back for the presidential campaign once you win the nomination. But we'll be in touch by phone and email before then.

BO: You're the best. See you soon.

GW: Sleep well, good luck in South Carolina. Remember to show off on the court. The camera will love it.

And with that we retired to our respective rooms. The thought of leaving Barack in the morning made me shed a tear, but he promised me he'd be alright without me and I believe him. He knows Nevada was a tough state and that things will be a little easier for him from here. I wanted to stay awake and catch up on the news, but I was still a bit jet-lagged from the flight. The news would just have to wait until the morning.