Conflict of Interest Part 2

"Conflict of Interest Part 2" is the second episode of *Morning Show* (Season Two)*,*a segment of *It's All Been Done Radio Hour,* and the twelfth episode of the series overall. It was performed on March 13th, 2021 as the second segment in Show LXIX. It was released as podcast episode 347.

Written by Jerome Wetzel

Directed by Kristin Green

Previous episode: "Conflict of Interest Part 1"

Next episode: "Conflict of Interest Part 3"

## **The Story**

The episode begins at the former Statehouse in downtown Columbus Ohio, newly rechristened The Executive Building, which houses offices for President Patricia Anderson and many leaders in the executive branch of the federal government. Pat Shock arrives and is met by Steve, a security guard, who asks if he has an appointment. Pat accidentally rubs the guard the wrong way, but before things get out of hand, Shelly Meyers shows up and smooths things over. Pat is surprised, but pleased, to see Shelly so comfortable in the building, since she works down the street. He apologizes for not being in touch, and she says it's fine and they confirm there are no lingering hard feelings between them from Shelly leaving the *Morning Show*.

As they walk to Pat's scheduled interview with chief-of-staff Arie Barkin, Shelly gives Pat tips and instructions. Pat is grateful. She wishes Pat luck and waits outside the room, listening to an audio feed, of which they will send Pat an edited version afterwards. Pat enters and greets Arie, who is already seated.

Pat first asks about the Orange Virus and why we aren't buying the Chinese cure. Arie appreciated him not calling it a 'zombie' virus, and says they need to evaluate the Chinese injection to see if it's safe before purchasing large quantities. Pat points out that Mexico has bought millions of doses, and Arie replies that we can watch them to see how it works. When Pat tries to follow up, Arie tells him to move on. Pat asks why American scientists haven't made much progress on a vaccine. Arie deflects, pointing out how much the country is suffering and the mess President Anderson inherited from the "other guy." Pat asks what their plans are to get things under control. Arie says they've quickly established a new base of operations in Columbus because D.C. had become unworkable. At the same time, she directed funding for the virus, is negotiating with European countries for safe vaccines when they're developed, calmed unrest (which has not followed them to Columbus), and agreed to host an election in January 2021, only a few months later than it would have been pre-disaster.

Pat admits that is an impressive list of accomplishments and asks if Pres. Anderson will be campaigning for re-election. Arie says no, her work will speak for itself, and they don't have time to waste on the campaign trail. Pat says several Republican senators are running to replace her, and Arie says they should be doing their jobs, voters can decide if they agree. Pat brings up that Congress has refused to move to Columbus, and the Supreme Court is still waiting on construction west of the city to move, asking if the spread-out government hurts Pres. Anderson's ability to govern? Arie says she's in touch by phone and internet. The new SCOTUS building has broken ground and the justices hope to move by summer. The federal government is negotiating for further buildings downtown for Congress, including the Convention Center, which would be workable with some renovations. The adjoining hotel could be offices, once new homes and apartments are built to allow government workers to move out of it. Arie says Congress needs to stop using rented conference halls in Virginia and hopes they will get here soon.

Pat then asks Arie about the new healthcare plan. Arie says as soon as the Senate passes the bill (which already has enough support in the House), everyone who wants to can opt-in to Medicare. Regarding the Republicans' charge that the administration is using the crisis to take over an entire sector of private business, Arie says yes, that sector has failed spectacularly, worsened by recent events, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Pat points out this will be an opt-in plan, and Arie says as long as private insurance companies stay in business, the government won't interfere with those that want to choose a crappy plan over the government option; that's capitalism. If a private company can offer better than Medicare, people will choose them. Concerning long wait times, Arie says it's preferable to wait a few months than lose your house over medical bills, and those with serious conditions will be served quickly. 90% of providers says they'll accept the new Medicare. Arie says they need to let government work for the people for once instead of for corporations.

Pat ends by 'asking' "OH?" to which Arie, which a chuckle, responds "IO" before quickly exiting. Shelly meets Pat at the door and chides him for the final question, unsure if it will end up in the edited copy, but praises him for not making his questions seem like softballs but still allowing Arie to get his talking points out. She says the interview might even get picked up by a few national stations, after she sends it to them. Shelly wants to keep the mutually beneficial relationship with Pat going and she'll work on arranging the presidential overview. Pat starts to say something, but Shelly says she has a busy day and they should catch up later, leaving before he can respond.

Back at WUBD, Gus Goodall cheekily makes a big deal when Pat enters. Pat asks how the show went today, and Gus says best it's ever been, he should host alone more often, claiming the sub was beyond dull so it all fell on him. Pat looks forward to listening. At Gus' query, Pat admits he saw Shelly and she seems more comfortable in her job. Gus asks if she asked about him, and Pat says no, but maybe Gus should call her. Gus says he seriously doubts she wants to hear from him; he was just making dumb conversation.

Pat brings up the crush Gus claimed Pat had on Shelly. Pat admits maybe Gus was right, and since he doesn't work with Shelly anymore, maybe he should ask her out. A thrown Gus stammers its Pat's life. Not noticing Gus' reaction, Pat says it felt good to see her again and wishes he could see her more. Gus asks if Pat really wants to see her all the time? If so, go for it. When Pat says thanks, he'll give her a call, Gus tells him not to feel bad if she says no because she's busy. Pat says goodbye and goes to call her.

## **Guest Starring**

* George Pete Caleodis as Arie Barkin
* Ryan Yohe as Steve