Naomi Robert - Post Two

Henry Burton begins to realize that Jack Stanton is not the hero he presumed the governor to be. By dealing with the many scandals, Henry looses faith in Stanton, and starts to believe that the campaign is headed down an inescapable path towards failure. I think that Henry continues his support and does not quit the campaign because of his closeness and loyalty to Stanton, and because Henry feels that Stanton has more good qualities than bad – like Stanton’s need to relate to the people and change the country for the better. In growing closer to Stanton family, Henry learns things that allow him to block out the times when Stanton used poor judgment.

In one instance in Chapter 6, some of Stanton’s inner circle staff members travel to Grace Junction to visit Momma. During some alone time with Stanton’s mother, Henry learns about Mabel Brockett’s restaurant, the Florida, and how Stanton helped the restaurant to become busy and well known in the town. The Florida used to only be popular in the black side of town, but after Stanton spent so much time publicizing the good food to his fellow white classmates, Mabel’s restaurant moved to the white side of town. Because of Stanton’s determination for a change in desegregation, integration began in the town. I think that recognizing Stanton’s impact on the people on such a small scale lets Henry believe in the governor’s ability to do the same across the nation.

This is also an example of Henry’s close relationship with the Stanton family, by showing how comfortably Henry has a personal conversation with Momma. After spending so much time through the thick and thin in the campaign trail, I think that Henry even feels obligated to stand by the Stanton family no matter what, because he feels closer to them than his broken, biological family.