The studio lights were on at full blast.
At this level of brightness, every pore on a face, every crease in a suit, would be captured by the cameras and magnified onto the television screens of thousands of homes.
The host, seated behind a desk between the two men, finished reading the opening remarks to the camera.
"And now, the debate begins."
Leo and Carter Wright stood at their respective podiums.
Separated by a few meters, they gave each other a polite nod.
Carter Wright stood with his hands resting naturally on the edges of his podium.
His posture was very relaxed, his shoulders low, his center of gravity shifted back.
It was the kind of casual ease unique to those long accustomed to holding power.
He looked at Leo with the patronizing tolerance of an elder looking at a junior. Behind that tolerance lay a deep-seated arrogance and confidence.
