NASA's press conference

9 a.m., Washington time.

In the backstage lounge at the venue for NASA's press conference.

Standing before a mirror, Director Carson tightened his tie and straightened his appearance, then abruptly spoke.

"Gerstenmaier, do you believe in God?"

Deputy Director Gerstenmaier, sitting in a chair nearby, was taken aback by the question. After a moment's hesitation, he answered.

"I... sorry, I'm not a believer."

"Are you a materialist?"

"I suppose so." Deputy Director Gerstenmaier shrugged. "After all, when you deal with rockets and satellites every day, even the most devout believer starts questioning his faith."

"Then it seems we're not the same kind of person." Smiling faintly at his reflection, Director Carson said unhurriedly, "I'm an idealist."

"...So you believe in a god?"

"No, what I mean by idealism isn't what you understand it to be. It's a spiritual awakening. How do we make our country great again? The key isn't how to make it great, but how to make our people believe we can do it, and that we're doing it."

He stopped there. Looking at the utterly bewildered Deputy Director Gerstenmaier, Carson pulled back his cuff and checked his watch.

"It's almost time. The reporters are still waiting for us. Let's go."

The lights came on.

Dressed in a formal suit, Director Carson stepped onto the stage. He nodded to the assembled reporters and their cameras, then announced the start of the press conference.

Normally, a dedicated press spokesperson would have handled an event like this. But considering the trouble caused by the spokesperson's poor performance at the previous press conference, Carson thought it would be better to do it himself this time.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend our press conference. Just one week ago, the Congressional Budget