Here’s the thing about lying: it works. And that’s the truth.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

“Mr. Senator, you have thirty more seconds,” the moderator says.

Why do they make these podiums so small?  Where are those stupid notes?

“Yes, of course I am for a repeal of the bill,” I begin.  I can’t even remember what bill they are talking about.  Just look at the camera and be bold.

“During my term, we single-handedly fought to keep this bill off of the floor.  It is only because of my opponent’s party,” I answer, pointing in his direction, “that we have this bill and have to waste valuable tax-payer money trying to repeal it in the first place.”

I glimpse to the right of the moderator at Nick, my campaign manager.  He gives me a nod.

The discussion turns to my opponent and I have time to wipe my brow and a take a drink.  I don’t think it’s possible that these blasted lights could be hotter.  Three debates down and three more to go.

I can’t stand debates.

But my solid lead from six years ago is long gone and I’ve got to at least look like I’m putting up a fight.  Nick says it’s unfortunately going to come down to character.

I guess that’s better than worrying about issues.  I think I have my opponent on character.

At least I hope I do.

But even if I don’t, at least I have more experience.

“Mr. Senator,” the moderator says to me again, “you have a minute for rebuttal.”

I take another quick drink.  The lights are getting hotter.

“It would be easy for me to stand here and let my opponent get a free pass on what he just said, but everything he said is just empty promises.  He has nothing to back it up.  How can we know that if he is elected he will do the things he is saying he will do?”

Pause for effect.

“We don’t!  He is inexperienced and we don’t know what his belief system is or what he will fight for.  But I stand here today and promise the people, who I have fought for, that I will continue to fight for them so that there will be a brighter future.”

The moderator interrupts.  “So are you saying, Mr. Senator, that if you are elected, that you can say without question that the people will be better off than if they vote for your opponent?”

Another pause, but not for effect.

A deep breath and a wide smile.

“Yes I can, and that’s the truth.”

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First sentence of this story submitted by Lana K. It received the second most votes for sentences submitted the week of September 10, 2012.  

Please leave comments below on if you liked the direction I took the story, or if you would have personally went a different way.  I would love to know!