In Hanover’s office, the two had discussed strategy, the current state of the political culture, the themes that would move voters, excite donors, and impress editorial writers. They talked for three hours. Hanover, fifty-one years old, was square-faced, with a nose that hooked slightly to his right, and the perfect, disciplined speckled hair of a politician. He was more handsome in person than on television.

Toward the end of the conversation, Addis asked if he could pose a frank question.

“I’m waiting,” Hanover replied with a grin. “And nervous.”

“Everyone who runs for president has his own personal motives for doing so. But, basically, they’re all driven. They all want to run the world, and they all believe they are singularly equipped to do so—”

“Naturally,” Hanover interrupted with a laugh. It was a solid laugh that came straight from his chest. “And a few of us are right.”

“They all want to prove that,” Addis continued. “But why else do you want to be president.”

“The high-minded answer, right?” Hanover said. “How I want to help all Americans better their lives and that of their families, right? Now, who isn’t going to say that? You’re asking for my vision-thing.”

Hanover placed his fingertips together. He’s concentrating his sincerity, Addis thought.

“This country, and the world,” Hanover said, “are entering new and uncertain times. The forces and institutions that are propelling and profiting from this transition do not, by design, have an interest in tempering the changes to ensure that we avoid the harsher consequences. After all, these consequences are born by those whose hands are far from the levers of power: blue-collar workers deindustrialized out of a job; suburban moms who feel they have less control of their children and their communities; minimum-wage workers in Silicon Valley blocked from joining a union; young adults whose first jobs come with no benefits and no security. The global and national changes we must wrestle with are nearly inevitable, and the distribution of power in this nation—and throughout the world—is mostly immutable. But there is room, there is space, for demanding that the concerns of those not at the table when the new order is arranged be considered and be taken into account. Nick, to be honest—and I’d never say this to a class of eighth graders—I doubt that one man can change the world. By that, I mean fundamentally transform it. Not even the President of the United States can stem certain tides. But he can do a helluva lot if he knows when and where to push. I think you and I, maybe with the help of one or two others”—Hanover laughed again—“can figure out where to push. Now, do I pass the audition?”

Hanover was smiling. He has deep eyes, Addis thought.