WASHINGTON - And so it came to pass that in the Year of Our Lord 2004, in the month of August, the ruler of the land was beset with troubles. The war in Iraq had resulted in mounting American casualties. The economy was an issue. His poll numbers were not great.
The capital city, which had survived a plague of cicadas in the spring, was in a state of high alert for terrorists.
The four-year reign of Bush, the Republican, was nearing a close. Kerry, the Democrat, was determined to deny him a second term. Kerry's followers had gathered in the city of Boston to condemn the sitting ruler, all the while preaching the gospel of the Golden Rule in politics.
Kerry traveled throughout the land telling the people of his plans to conduct wars with sensitivity, help the economy by raising taxes and end dread disease through stem cell research. His words were widely spread by adoring scribes of liberal beliefs.
As the Olympic games began in Greece, Bush was running an uphill race. His counsellor, Rove, came bearing a stern message. "Verily, I say unto you, we need a miracle."
But Bush maintained a demeanor of optimism and confidence. He told the King of CNN, "I will win."
Perhaps he remembered the phophecy of Robertson, the televangelist, who in January spake these words: "I think George Bush is going to win in a walk. I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be like a blowout election in 2004. God's blessing him."
Who could ignore the word of such a mighty oracle?
Yet Bush also recalled how he had come into power only after a difficult struggle in the state of Florida, with the final decision handed down by the highest court in the land. With that in mind, Bush had campaigned heavily in Florida, which so happened to be ruled by his brother.
Kerry, disdainfully declaring that he did not wear his religion on his sleeve, instead wrapped himself in the American flag and went about boasting of his heroism in four months of duty in Vietnam.
As time drew nigh for the Republican nominating convention, storm clouds were gathering off the coast of Florida. And lo, it became a hurricane, and the wise men of weather called it Charley.
And Charley roared into Florida with all its fury and cut a path of terrible destruction across the state. Bush responded to his brother's plea and proclaimed Florida a disaster area, meaning the state would be flooded with millions of dollars in federal aid.
Bush made a personal visit to the stricken areas, which commanded the attention of the nation's scribes. He told them: "This is God's way of telling us that he's almighty and we're mortal."
Kerry, for once, held his silence.
Whether or not the oracle's prophecy was to be fulfilled, Charley did maketh for interesting speculation.

Copyright 2004 Published in The Oklahoman August 20, 2004