Getting a bitter pill to swallow

A prominent Diyawanna politico who is also a highly respected member of the black-coated gentry had received a phone call from a political authority from the highest echelons the other day.

The caller, the high political authority, asked the politico how the response of the people would be if he came forward to contest the upcoming big poll.  “Would it be as good as it was on the 
last occasion?”

The Diyawanna politico in response to this query had made a lengthy analysis of the current political situation.  After listening to this analytical comment that took over one hour, the high authority had again asked him: “If I were to contest, how many votes would I be able to muster?”

The Diyawanna politico had replied: “You can be sure of two votes! If you want, you may add any number of zeros to it!”

The high authority had said: “Is that so?” and rung off.