The Vances Advance

What if....

Apr 10, 2026

Please join me on another fantasy filled with possibilities and surprises.

”The King is Dead, 48 Ascends”

Part 1:

Friday December 25th, 2026 4:30 AM EST

Usha whispered in JD’s ear: “It happened. Finally, sweetheart. You’re ON!” His eyes popped wide open. For a moment, he thought he couldn’t breathe. Usha gave him a gentle nudge and then a loving slap in the face. “JD! You must talk to the nation at 9:00. This is it. The moment. Let’s get it right. I’m tired of being hated by most Americans. Aren’t you? Come. Let’s get some coffee. I have your speech ready for you.”

Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff, had awakened Usha first to tell her that “47” had passed away in his sleep. She had hoped that Usha would encourage JD to keep her on the job. Usha said: “OK, for now. Thank you.” As perhaps the smartest person in the entire Executive Branch of government, Mrs Vance was going to be careful in navigating the transition from 47 to 48. She wasn’t going to rock the boat or make any more enemies - until the ax fell. Many heads would roll. But until then they were all useful in getting President JD Vance solidly established in office.

Nobody was actually sure why 47 had been found dead in his bed. He lay their sprawled out on his belly, head turned to the side as if he were trying to finish one more “tweet” on Truth Social. His hand still holding his phone. A desperate look in his eye. His bald spot revealed. A half eaten cheeseburger and fries on the table. Not a glamorous exit.

The cause of death was originally reported as a “heart attack” by Kash Patel. But someone pulled him aside and told him it was NOT his his job to jump to conclusions and make premature announcements.

Dr. Barbarella, the Physician to the President, held a press conference at 7:00 AM on Christmas Day. “My fellow Americans, the president is dead. Until a medical examiner can do their work, we can’t say exactly how he passed or why. There will be announcements soon. For now we grieve.” Reporters wondered why he had a slight smile as he spoke. It was explained as nervousness. But still…

The speculations ranged from “choking on a burger” to “Adderall overdose”. And of course, the conspiracy crowd claimed it was an assassination. Was it a coincidence that the prep chef in the WH kitchen had been “hospitalized”? In fact, the press core that went to find him - couldn’t.

Let the stories roll. But for now, the nation gasped. Some with shock and grief. Many with joy. Celebrations were being planned faster than the funeral arrangements. There were bells ringing around the world…

The PBS NewsHour had seen a dramatic increase in viewership over this year as its reputation for actually reporting news was in clear contrast to the drivel provided by the major networks now owned and controlled by the Oligarchs. Judy Woodruff had been preparing for this moment as the rumors of 47’s health challenges had escalated.
In producing her series American at a Crossroads“” she had made many contacts who were anxious to provide reactions to 47’s death.

Marge Jackson of Mississippi:

“Yep, too bad. But if I were Melania, I’d be working hard to hide my excitement. I was ok with his policies, but could you just image being married to that guy? Yuck!”

John Ogilvy of Minneapolis:

”I never wish death or injury on anybody. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say my heart lit up like a Fourth of July fireworks display. Also, is there really a class action suit by over 30 million Americans - demanding their campaign contributions money back? Where do I sign? We didn’t vote for stupid wars!”

Mike Murphy of South Boston:

”I have been an atheist ever since I was abused as an altar boy. But I think I might need to say, without hesitation, Thank You, God!”

While many actually did mourn the loss of 47, millions filled the streets - reveling in the relief. The sheer exhausted, unreal feeling of relief.

When asked how to handle the funeral arrangements Melania responded: “Just bury him next to Ivana on the golf course. Golf. That’s all he ever really wanted to do. And I’ve asked Pastor John Pavlovitz to say a few words at the closed casket ceremony - nobody wants to look at him anymore, right? John has already written the eulogy.”

And then what, Mrs Trump? “Open bar big party at Mar A Lago! One more visit for me and Barron. Then we’re going to live on yacht donated by Jeff Bezos.”

“Can you believe the nonsense in that book?”

JD was sweating bullets. Now what? He had dreamed of this day since his Maw Maw told him he could do anything he wanted. But now that it was actually time to lead, he was frozen. His wife slapped him again. Harder.

Usha Vance had planned for this moment with the precision of an orchestra conductor. Her husband would carefully weave his way through the insane labyrinth of clowns and incompetents now in the White House. She would guide him in finding people who actually knew what they were doing.

The Vances might be even more dangerous than 47. Usha had advantages most people were not aware of. Her relative obscurity would be helpful as she launched her sneak attack on the morons. This first lady would know how to be “the power behind the throne”.

Next up:
Part 2 - “Usha Leads from Behind”

OK, go ahead, say it. Why does Bill write this stuff? Because he is maintaining his mental health by extricating his brain from the morass of modern madness for just a little while early each morning. Personally applied therapy.

Walk Sophie at dawn, give dog treats, drink good coffee, write some positive, sometimes snarky fiction, and a better day lies ahead.

But if you want some realistic proactive thinking from someone I admire, check out Peter Coyotes post: “Put Democrats on Record Now”.

And then, there is always Elle:

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