#102 / A Conversation That Might Have Happened

The editorial in yesterday's New York Times was fairly provocative. It was headlined, "The Law Is Coming, Mr. Trump." The editorial got a lot of attention in the media. Check, for instance, this story in HuffPost.

The editorial may have gotten quite a bit of attention inside the government, too. Here, for instance, is a conversation that might well have happened yesterday:

NSA Surveillance Log Record:

4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018

McConnell-Pence Telephone Call Transcript

McConnell:

“Mike? This is Mitch.”

Pence:

“I can see that on my phone, Mitch. How are you? What can I do for you?”

McConnell:

“I’d like you to meet me in the Senate Cloakroom at 5:30. I’ll clear out anyone who might be there. I need to have a private chat. Can you do that?”

Pence:

“Sure, sure. I’ll be there. See you in an hour.”

...

5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018

U.S. Senate Cloakroom

McConnell-Pence Recorded Conversation Transcript

Pence:

“Hi, Mitch. What’s up?”

McConnell:

“I assume you’ve seen the lead editorial in The New York Times today?”

Pence:

“Of course. Headline: ‘The Law is Coming.’ BB [Big Baby] is going ballistic.”

McConnell:

“I figured. Well, as you know, my wife is serving in the Cabinet [Elaine L. Chao].”

Pence:

“Right. Secretary of Transportation. I don’t get your point.”

McConnell:

“Well, here it is, Mike. Elaine really likes the job, and I like the money.”

Pence:

“And?”

McConnell:

“And if you were the President, Mike, would you be willing to keep her in the Cabinet?”

Pence:

“Oh. Well, of course. No question about it. You have my word.”

McConnell:

“You get the picture, then?”

Pence:

“I do. Yes. Thanks for the heads up.”

McConnell:

“My pleasure. I’ve talked to Ryan. I don’t think it’s going to be long, now, so stand by.”

Pence:

“Definitely, Mitch. And give my regards to Elaine. She’s doing a great job at Transportation.”

Image Credit:

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/mcconnell-sees-pence-as-white-house-liaison