“Okay. Here goes: What if she created a dating profile that revealed all sorts of interesting details about her—not for her to get a date for the weekend, but something that shows she wants to have a committed relationship with thecountry.”
“Sort of like, ‘She’s just like us.’ I like it. Go on.”
“We could have her be vulnerable, open. Someone with big dreams and desires. Someone you’d want to get to know—to have as your friend, your neighbor—or even your president.”
“Looking for a long-term relationship?”
“Right. And because a candidate has never done this before—created a dating profile as a campaign push—she’d get a bunch of stories written about her. It could go viral. Well, that would be the goal, but you never know what’s actually going to work.”
“It’s clever.” Mary sat a moment, her lips pressed together as she mused on the idea. “I love that no one has ever done this before. It’s fun and creative. Think she’ll go for it?”
Dot looked out the big picture window toward their backyard, the oak tree lit by the moon, its branches swaying slightly in the wind.
“It’s a risk—but we need to swing for the fences here.”
“Nice baseball reference.”
“Oh, that’s about baseball? I thought it was hockey,” Dot joked, and Mary rolled her eyes.
“Enough. Let’s call it a night.” Mary led the way up to their bedrooms.
As Dot drifted off to sleep, she imagined what she’d write for the candidate the next day.
“This better work,” she thought. “We need a win.”
THE NEXT DAY,Dot sat back on the bar stool at the kitchen counter and twirled a long strand of her hair. She scrolled back through her draft dating profile once more before sending it to Kitty and Fletcher for reaction:
Hi—Reporters atThe New York Timesthink they know something about my personal life that make voters think I don’t have what it takes to be President of the United States. Let me assure you, they don’t.
Instead of responding in the press, I wanted to speak directly to you.
So, here’s my first ever dating app profile—let me know what you think:
Name:Lucy Lopez, 44
Location:Georgia
The first thing you should know about me is...
I love America. I always have. I’m the oldest of three daughters. (Firstborns, represent!) For the last six years, I’ve served as a state senator in Georgia. My legislative track record is all about good-paying jobs, excellent educational opportunities for children, and making sure the American Dream is achievable and affordable for all. I have found my purpose and fulfillment in public service—it suits me perfectly.
A few things about my background...
I grew up in a military and immigrant family. My dad fled Cuba when he was a teen and lived with his aunt and uncle in Atlanta. He never saw his parents again—they were executed by the government after participating in a protest.
My dad joined the Marines at eighteen and retired from the military after serving this country for nearly forty years. My mom’s parents came to America from Puerto Rico when she was a small girl. They didn’t have a lot of money, but they had a lot of love.
My mom graduated from high school and then worked as a hotel housekeeper for years. She was a wonderful mother. Each of her children still thinks they’re her favorite.
My parents’ love story taught me...
My parents met on a blind date when my dad was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. Neither of them wanted to go on that date, but it was love at first sight. They married three months later, and then my dad deployed. I was born while he was away. My favorite photograph is of him holding me on the tarmac when he was home on leave—the first time he met me.
My parents have a great love story. Unfortunately, I have not found my soul mate yet. But I keep my heart open in the belief that one day I, too, will find the love of my life. Just like they did.
While that search continues, I am open to a strong commitment—one with this country. I want a long-term relationship based on mutual trust, respect, patriotism, faith, and joy. I want to fully dedicate myself to America for the next four years.
What makes me different...