1 00:02:40,700 --> 00:02:42,065 Liberty's moving. 2 00:02:42,168 --> 00:02:44,636 The 10:15 event's been moved inside to the Indian Treaty room. 3 00:02:44,704 --> 00:02:46,729 10:15 is American Fisheries? 4 00:02:46,806 --> 00:02:49,434 Yes, sir. They're giving you a 200-pound halibut. 5 00:02:49,509 --> 00:02:51,909 Janie, make a note. We need to schedule more events... 6 00:02:51,978 --> 00:02:54,105 where somebody gives me a really big fish. 7 00:02:54,180 --> 00:02:56,546 - Yes, sir. - Janie, I'm kidding. 8 00:02:56,616 --> 00:02:58,607 - Hey, Cooper. - Morning, Mr. President. 9 00:03:00,520 --> 00:03:03,978 Mr. Rothschild asked to have a moment with you this morning, sir. 10 00:03:04,090 --> 00:03:06,422 Is he upset about the speech last night? 11 00:03:06,493 --> 00:03:08,984 He seemed concerned. 12 00:03:09,095 --> 00:03:11,791 It wouldn't be a Monday morning unless Lewis was concerned... 13 00:03:11,898 --> 00:03:14,298 about something I did Sunday night. 14 00:03:14,401 --> 00:03:17,302 - You skipped a whole paragraph! - And Monday morning it is. 15 00:03:17,337 --> 00:03:20,738 " Americans can no longer afford to pretend they live in a great society... " 16 00:03:20,807 --> 00:03:23,776 And then you dumped the whole handguns paragraph. 17 00:03:23,843 --> 00:03:25,970 This is a time for prudence, Lewis. 18 00:03:26,079 --> 00:03:28,206 But, sir, that was the kick-ass section. 19 00:03:28,281 --> 00:03:30,613 Well, I thought what with being president and all... 20 00:03:30,684 --> 00:03:32,652 I didn't mean to imply... 21 00:03:32,686 --> 00:03:35,154 I thought you'd be turning cartwheels this morning, Lewis. 22 00:03:35,188 --> 00:03:38,157 - 63% job approval. - That is good news, sir. 23 00:03:38,191 --> 00:03:40,489 - Morning, Mr. President. - Morning, Charlie. 24 00:03:40,560 --> 00:03:42,892 Sir, the press is gonna need an explanation. 25 00:03:42,963 --> 00:03:45,955 - For what? - Because you dumped the whole section. 26 00:03:46,066 --> 00:03:50,093 - Now we've got this thing hanging out. - There's this thing hanging out? 27 00:03:50,170 --> 00:03:52,730 " Americans can no longer afford to pretend they live in a great society... " 28 00:03:52,806 --> 00:03:55,536 And then nothing. No explanation, no context. 29 00:03:55,609 --> 00:03:58,772 - It's just this thing. - And it's hanging out? 30 00:03:58,878 --> 00:04:00,277 - Yes, sir. - Maria. 31 00:04:00,380 --> 00:04:02,280 - Good morning, sir. - I'm gonna need... 32 00:04:02,382 --> 00:04:04,282 Overall consumer spending and not just first homes? 33 00:04:04,384 --> 00:04:06,284 - We'll have it for you in 15 minutes. - Thanks. 34 00:04:06,386 --> 00:04:08,149 Mr. President, I really feel... 35 00:04:08,221 --> 00:04:11,452 However much coffee you drink, I want you to reduce it by half. 36 00:04:11,524 --> 00:04:15,324 - I don't drink coffee, sir. - Then hit yourself with a baseball bat. 37 00:04:15,395 --> 00:04:17,329 - Yes, sir. - Happy birthday, Laura. 38 00:04:17,397 --> 00:04:19,331 - Laura, happy birthday. - Thank you, sir. 39 00:04:19,399 --> 00:04:21,560 - I should send her some flowers. - You already did, sir. 40 00:04:21,635 --> 00:04:23,967 - Good morning, Mr. President. - How are you today, Mrs. Chapil? 41 00:04:24,037 --> 00:04:28,167 Fine, sir. Mr. Kodak left a detailed breakdown of the approval poll for you. 42 00:04:28,241 --> 00:04:30,368 He seemed to indicate that it was very good news. 43 00:04:30,443 --> 00:04:32,502 Sixty-three percent of it, at any rate. 44 00:04:32,612 --> 00:04:36,412 Lucy called just a moment ago. You forgot to sign her permission slip. 45 00:04:36,449 --> 00:04:38,417 Ah, the museum trip. I'll go get it, sir. 46 00:04:38,451 --> 00:04:40,442 - What time is she getting home? - 3:20. 47 00:04:40,520 --> 00:04:42,454 - How's my afternoon look? - Very crowded. 48 00:04:42,522 --> 00:04:45,218 Schedule some time at 3:45. 49 00:04:45,925 --> 00:04:48,416 Too-tall McCall! So how was Mexico? 50 00:04:48,528 --> 00:04:50,428 I didn't appreciate it until I came back... 51 00:04:50,530 --> 00:04:52,862 and discovered that America isn't a great society. 52 00:04:52,932 --> 00:04:54,661 He dumped a whole section. 53 00:04:54,734 --> 00:04:56,725 Now there's this thing hanging out? 54 00:04:56,836 --> 00:04:58,565 Not a great society, sir? 55 00:04:58,638 --> 00:05:01,436 With you out of the country, it wasn't. Now that you're back, we're great again. 56 00:05:01,541 --> 00:05:04,840 There's a pressroom full of people saying, " What did he mean by that? " 57 00:05:04,944 --> 00:05:08,573 - A. J., did you get one of these? - The letter from Solomon at the G. D. C? 58 00:05:08,648 --> 00:05:11,242 It appears to be a letter from the entire environmental community. 59 00:05:11,351 --> 00:05:14,286 - These people are out of control. - Well, they're frustrated. 60 00:05:14,387 --> 00:05:16,821 Are they blaming the president for global warming? 61 00:05:16,890 --> 00:05:20,451 They don't think he caused it. I'm on the phone with them twice a week. 62 00:05:20,527 --> 00:05:23,189 I honestly don't know what they want at this point. 63 00:05:23,296 --> 00:05:26,026 They want a 20% reduction in fossil fuel emissions. 64 00:05:26,099 --> 00:05:29,626 - It won't pass at 20%. - Well, we haven't really tried. 65 00:05:29,703 --> 00:05:32,035 McSorley, McClusky and Shane hold too many markers. 66 00:05:32,105 --> 00:05:36,007 If we try to push this through and lose, there will be a very loud thud... 67 00:05:36,109 --> 00:05:38,839 and that's not what you want in an election year. 68 00:05:38,912 --> 00:05:40,777 Talk to the G. D. C. Again. 69 00:05:40,847 --> 00:05:42,838 Tell them the president resents the implication... 70 00:05:42,916 --> 00:05:44,907 he's turned his back on the environment. 71 00:05:45,018 --> 00:05:48,977 I'll send 455 to the floor, but I'll ask for a 10% reduction. 72 00:05:49,055 --> 00:05:51,023 If they want to pull their support, fine. 73 00:05:51,057 --> 00:05:54,618 With a 63% job approval rating, I don't need their help to get a bill passed. 74 00:05:54,728 --> 00:05:57,993 - Good deal. - Let's get going. Where's Leon? 75 00:05:58,064 --> 00:06:00,692 John, call Mr. Kodak and tell him the president's waiting. 76 00:06:01,768 --> 00:06:03,201 Sorry. My fault. 77 00:06:03,269 --> 00:06:05,464 Never mind, John. 78 00:06:06,239 --> 00:06:09,675 Excuse me. Good morning, Mr. President. 79 00:06:09,743 --> 00:06:12,473 - Are you all right? - They keep moving that big ficus plant. 80 00:06:13,980 --> 00:06:16,175 We're all here, Mr. President. 81 00:06:16,249 --> 00:06:18,740 First of all, I wanted to say congratulations. 82 00:06:18,852 --> 00:06:22,652 Three years ago, we were elected by one of the narrowest margins in history... 83 00:06:22,756 --> 00:06:25,020 and today, Kodak tells us... 84 00:06:25,091 --> 00:06:28,060 63% of registered voters think we're doing a good job. 85 00:06:28,094 --> 00:06:31,791 Wait a second. You wanted me to poll registered voters? 86 00:06:31,865 --> 00:06:34,390 The poll also tells us what we already know. 87 00:06:34,467 --> 00:06:36,628 If we don't get our crime bill through Congress... 88 00:06:36,703 --> 00:06:38,728 those numbers are gonna be a memory. 89 00:06:38,805 --> 00:06:41,296 So starting today, we're shifting it into gear. 90 00:06:41,374 --> 00:06:43,706 Can I tell my morning press gaggle that gun control... 91 00:06:43,777 --> 00:06:47,269 " Crime control, " Robin. " Gun control " means we're soft on crime. 92 00:06:47,380 --> 00:06:50,838 Well, hang on. Are we not putting back the handgun restrictions? 93 00:06:50,917 --> 00:06:52,817 No, we're leaving them out. 94 00:06:53,620 --> 00:06:56,316 Mr. President, we campaigned on this issue. 95 00:06:56,389 --> 00:06:59,847 We took them out when we were in the 40s, but we could push it through now. 96 00:06:59,926 --> 00:07:01,826 After the elections, Lewis. 97 00:07:01,895 --> 00:07:04,386 We may never have an opportunity like this again. 98 00:07:04,497 --> 00:07:08,433 Sir, let's take this 63% out for a spin. Let's see what it could do. 99 00:07:08,535 --> 00:07:11,026 We can't take it out for a spin. We need it to get reelected. 100 00:07:11,137 --> 00:07:15,597 For reasons I don't understand, people do not relate guns to gun-related crime. 101 00:07:15,675 --> 00:07:17,700 Robin, you can brief the press this afternoon. 102 00:07:17,777 --> 00:07:21,645 As of today, the crime bill is priority one on the president's domestic agenda. 103 00:07:21,748 --> 00:07:24,046 - Got it. - Leon, you're gonna run the war room. 104 00:07:24,150 --> 00:07:27,711 We'll need projections for all the target districts by the end of the week. 105 00:07:27,787 --> 00:07:30,779 Oh, and don't be the sweet, nice guy from Brooklyn on this one. 106 00:07:30,857 --> 00:07:33,849 - Do what the N. R. A. Does. - Scare the shit out of them? 107 00:07:33,960 --> 00:07:36,087 - Exactly. - I can do that. 108 00:07:36,162 --> 00:07:39,325 We want you to be legislative liaison. You're gonna run the show on the Hill. 109 00:07:39,399 --> 00:07:41,390 Can I just say, to return to the subject for one moment... 110 00:07:41,467 --> 00:07:44,595 that it might be easier to fight drugs if we weren't arming drug dealers? 111 00:07:44,671 --> 00:07:47,071 We gotta fight the fights we can win, Lewis. 112 00:07:47,173 --> 00:07:50,973 - Yes, sir. - We want to announce the crime bill... 113 00:07:51,077 --> 00:07:53,409 at the State of the Union, which is 72 days from today. 114 00:07:53,479 --> 00:07:55,572 Last count put us 18 votes short. 115 00:07:55,682 --> 00:07:59,277 Eighteen votes in 72 days. Thank you, everyone. 116 00:07:59,385 --> 00:08:03,185 - What's next? - Security briefing, sir. 117 00:08:09,295 --> 00:08:11,991 " Global Defense Council " Good morning. Global Defense Council. 118 00:08:12,999 --> 00:08:14,762 You wanted to see me? 119 00:08:14,834 --> 00:08:17,860 - I just spoke with A. J. Maclnerney. - Did the president read the letter? 120 00:08:17,937 --> 00:08:20,804 The president's pissed as hell. That letter was a stupid move. 121 00:08:20,907 --> 00:08:23,535 It was aggressive, and I think we should stand by every word... 122 00:08:23,610 --> 00:08:27,102 This isn't the guy who needed our help. He's incredibly popular. 123 00:08:27,213 --> 00:08:30,512 He's gonna win reelection, and he could give a shit what we stand by! 124 00:08:31,351 --> 00:08:35,151 If the president passes history's most important environmental legislation... 125 00:08:35,221 --> 00:08:38,520 despite our negative endorsement, our future political weight... 126 00:08:38,625 --> 00:08:41,856 will rank somewhere below the Save the Spotted Owl Society. 127 00:08:45,565 --> 00:08:47,123 I'm bringin' in some help. 128 00:08:47,233 --> 00:08:50,532 We don't need another environmental expert to confirm what every other... 129 00:08:50,637 --> 00:08:54,801 Not an environmental expert. A professional political strategist. 130 00:08:54,874 --> 00:08:58,002 We're playing hardball with Andrew Shepherd, and we need a heavy bat. 131 00:08:58,111 --> 00:09:01,103 - Who? - Syndey Ellen Wade. 132 00:09:01,180 --> 00:09:05,412 Christ, Leo! That woman doesn't know anything about the environmental lobby! 133 00:09:05,485 --> 00:09:08,613 She's a closer, Susan. She gets the job done. 134 00:09:08,688 --> 00:09:12,647 - What if I lose this? - Then move this up here. 135 00:09:12,725 --> 00:09:16,456 David Sasser from the Times wants to know what you think is a great society. 136 00:09:16,529 --> 00:09:18,997 - What did you tell him? - That I can't speak for the president... 137 00:09:19,032 --> 00:09:20,863 but for my money, Bermuda. 138 00:09:20,934 --> 00:09:23,596 - Perfect. - Your cousin Judith has the flu... 139 00:09:23,703 --> 00:09:25,603 and won't be able to join you Thursday night. 140 00:09:25,705 --> 00:09:28,196 I'm sorry to hear that. Remind me to call her later today. 141 00:09:28,308 --> 00:09:30,208 - Yes, sir. - You gonna go stag? 142 00:09:30,310 --> 00:09:32,403 - Is that a problem? - No, we've never gone wrong... 143 00:09:32,512 --> 00:09:34,912 parading you around as the lonely widower. 144 00:09:39,552 --> 00:09:43,511 I can't believe I said that. That was an incredibly thoughtless remark. 145 00:09:43,556 --> 00:09:46,582 I would never dream of insulting you with the memory of your wife. 146 00:09:46,659 --> 00:09:49,127 That's okay. Forget it. What time is it? 147 00:09:49,162 --> 00:09:51,153 It's 3:30, sir. 148 00:09:51,230 --> 00:09:53,562 I'm gonna go up and say hi to Lucy. 149 00:09:53,633 --> 00:09:56,659 You have the attorney general at 4:00 and the trade rep at 4:30. 150 00:09:56,736 --> 00:09:59,637 - And you promised N. P. R. Five minutes. - Mr. President? 151 00:09:59,739 --> 00:10:02,731 Robin, don't worry about it. 152 00:10:24,263 --> 00:10:26,993 Don't stop. It sounds great. What is it? 153 00:10:27,066 --> 00:10:29,159 Scales. 154 00:10:29,268 --> 00:10:31,828 Well, you're playing with gusto. 155 00:10:31,904 --> 00:10:34,429 - Are my lips swollen? - Are they supposed to be? 156 00:10:34,507 --> 00:10:36,532 - Yeah. - Well, you're doin' just fine. 157 00:10:36,609 --> 00:10:40,067 - What ya got behind your back? - I have a little surprise for you. 158 00:10:40,179 --> 00:10:43,239 - Is it a dirt bike? - No. 159 00:10:47,020 --> 00:10:49,511 Is it a really old seventh grade textbook of yours... 160 00:10:49,622 --> 00:10:53,319 that you're gonna make me discuss at dinner and drive me crazy... 161 00:10:53,426 --> 00:10:57,829 I'm not comfortable with the " really old " part, but everything else was true. 162 00:10:57,930 --> 00:10:59,830 Understanding the Constitution. 163 00:10:59,932 --> 00:11:04,130 Your social studies teacher said your class will be studying the Constitution. 164 00:11:04,237 --> 00:11:05,727 You talked to Mr. Linder? 165 00:11:05,838 --> 00:11:07,863 Yes. It's called a parent-teacher conference. 166 00:11:07,940 --> 00:11:11,501 Mr. Linder and I were the key players in the discussion. 167 00:11:11,577 --> 00:11:13,704 So why don't you like social studies? 168 00:11:13,780 --> 00:11:15,543 I like it fine, Dad. 169 00:11:15,648 --> 00:11:19,175 All your other teachers say you're happy, enthusiastic. 170 00:11:19,252 --> 00:11:21,743 Mr. Linder says you never participate unless he calls on you... 171 00:11:21,854 --> 00:11:24,345 and even then it's a one-word answer. 172 00:11:25,491 --> 00:11:29,086 I don't know, Dad. I guess I'm just not... 173 00:11:31,064 --> 00:11:32,122 I don't know. 174 00:11:32,198 --> 00:11:35,361 Luce, take a look at this book. 175 00:11:35,468 --> 00:11:41,065 This is exciting stuff. It's about who we are and what we want. 176 00:11:41,174 --> 00:11:43,472 Read what it says on the first page. 177 00:11:44,577 --> 00:11:46,477 " Property of Gilmore Junior High. " 178 00:11:46,579 --> 00:11:48,479 The next page, Luce. 179 00:11:50,783 --> 00:11:54,913 " We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union... " 180 00:11:54,987 --> 00:11:58,150 See what I mean? It grabs you right off the bat. This is a page-turner. 181 00:11:59,492 --> 00:12:01,983 - I can't wait. - Well, good because... 182 00:12:02,095 --> 00:12:03,995 this subject may come up at dinner. 183 00:12:04,097 --> 00:12:06,258 Do you see it as your job to torture me? 184 00:12:06,332 --> 00:12:09,597 No, just one of the perks. See you tonight, honey. 185 00:12:17,910 --> 00:12:20,674 The C-STAD hardware's been in place for a month. 186 00:12:20,746 --> 00:12:25,740 We have 22 instructors from the Army waiting to train the Israelis. 187 00:12:25,818 --> 00:12:29,049 - How soon can you deploy them? - We can airlift them in the morning. 188 00:12:29,122 --> 00:12:31,257 They'll have C-STAD operational in 20 days. 189 00:12:31,424 --> 00:12:32,584 Any security concerns? 190 00:12:32,658 --> 00:12:35,456 If anybody wanted to hit it, they'd have hit it by now. 191 00:12:35,528 --> 00:12:37,928 Okay, let's move on it. Thank you, gentlemen. 192 00:12:38,030 --> 00:12:40,521 - Thank you, Mr. President. - Good night, John. 193 00:12:40,600 --> 00:12:43,194 - Thank you. - Good night, sir. 194 00:12:43,269 --> 00:12:45,931 - Good seeing you. - You too. Good night. 195 00:12:46,005 --> 00:12:49,736 Have a good evening, Mrs. Chapil. Janie, I'll see you tomorrow morning. 196 00:12:49,809 --> 00:12:52,004 - You will, Mr. President. - Good night, Janie, Mrs. Chapil. 197 00:12:52,078 --> 00:12:55,013 - Mr. President, sir. - Thank you. 198 00:12:55,081 --> 00:12:58,608 - Leo Solomon brought in a hired gun. - It's about time. 199 00:12:58,684 --> 00:13:01,346 She's a lawyer from Virginia. Her name is Sydney Ellen Wade. 200 00:13:01,420 --> 00:13:05,288 I know her pretty well. She's had a lot of success getting congressmen elected. 201 00:13:05,324 --> 00:13:07,622 Maybe we should try to steal her. 202 00:13:07,693 --> 00:13:12,153 Ten percent, A. J. Don't let them leave the room till they're clear about that. 203 00:13:13,099 --> 00:13:15,624 If you've got a free second, maybe you could stop in and say hello. 204 00:13:15,701 --> 00:13:19,034 - It might smooth the way. - Mention it to Janie tomorrow. 205 00:13:19,105 --> 00:13:22,506 - Good deal. - And let's focus on the crime bill. 206 00:13:22,542 --> 00:13:26,308 I don't want to just win this one. I want to win by a couple of touchdowns. 207 00:13:26,412 --> 00:13:28,380 We will, Mr. President. 208 00:13:30,449 --> 00:13:35,580 Robin said something to me today, and I know she wouldn't have said it if... 209 00:13:36,856 --> 00:13:39,984 I mean, she wasn't saying it to me, I realize. 210 00:13:43,462 --> 00:13:45,657 Forget it. I'll see you in the morning. 211 00:13:45,731 --> 00:13:47,460 - Good night, Mr. President. - A. J? 212 00:13:47,533 --> 00:13:49,558 - Yes, sir? - When we're out of the office... 213 00:13:49,635 --> 00:13:52,365 and alone, you can call me Andy. 214 00:13:52,438 --> 00:13:56,067 - I beg your pardon? - You were the best man at my wedding. 215 00:13:56,142 --> 00:13:59,873 - Call me Andy. - Whatever you say, Mr. President. 216 00:13:59,946 --> 00:14:02,608 - Good night, sir. - Good night, A. J. 217 00:14:16,896 --> 00:14:19,421 - Hi, I'm Sydney Ellen Wade. - He just needs your driver's license. 218 00:14:19,498 --> 00:14:21,125 - I'm from Virginia. - He doesn't care. 219 00:14:21,200 --> 00:14:24,226 - I have a meeting with Mr. Maclnerney. - He doesn't need to know. 220 00:14:25,571 --> 00:14:29,029 Forgive me. This is my first time at the White House. 221 00:14:29,108 --> 00:14:31,133 I'm trying to savor the " Capra-esque " quality. 222 00:14:31,244 --> 00:14:33,212 He doesn't know what " Capra-esque " means. 223 00:14:33,246 --> 00:14:36,409 Yeah, I do. Frank Capra, great American director. 224 00:14:36,515 --> 00:14:39,814 It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. 225 00:14:39,919 --> 00:14:43,116 Sydney Ellen Wade of Virginia, knock 'em dead. 226 00:14:43,222 --> 00:14:45,122 Thanks. 227 00:14:46,025 --> 00:14:50,121 ...government subsidizes private schools is when we give up on public education. 228 00:14:50,229 --> 00:14:53,824 The proposal only scratches the surface, but it's the least we can do. 229 00:14:53,933 --> 00:14:56,834 We'll let Harold take a look at this. We'll revisit it next week. 230 00:14:56,936 --> 00:14:59,837 Say hello to Linda, and have a good Thanksgiving holiday. 231 00:14:59,939 --> 00:15:02,772 Thank you, Mr. President. 232 00:15:02,842 --> 00:15:05,777 - So how are we doing? - You're four minutes ahead of schedule. 233 00:15:05,845 --> 00:15:09,303 Ahead? Gee, that's unprecedented. I don't know what to do with myself. 234 00:15:09,382 --> 00:15:13,648 - Mr. Maclnerney asked me to tell you... - Oh, right, the G. D. C. Meeting. 235 00:15:13,753 --> 00:15:16,654 Rest assured, your concerns are not falling on deaf ears. 236 00:15:16,756 --> 00:15:20,749 The environmental lobby has known no greater ally than President Shepherd. 237 00:15:20,860 --> 00:15:23,886 Hardly an impressive distinction, A. J. 238 00:15:23,963 --> 00:15:27,194 Sydney, we should leave Mr. Maclnerney alone now. He's given us... 239 00:15:27,266 --> 00:15:29,666 Mr. Maclnerney doesn't want us to leave him alone... 240 00:15:29,769 --> 00:15:33,500 because Mr. Maclnerney has not yet done what he needs to do today. 241 00:15:34,774 --> 00:15:39,370 Sir, Ms. Wade's been thrown into the deep end of the pool on her first day. 242 00:15:39,478 --> 00:15:43,812 She hasn't even had a chance to read the report of the Quebec Conference. 243 00:15:43,883 --> 00:15:46,044 You're right. I haven't read it. 244 00:15:46,118 --> 00:15:48,746 Yesterday, I'd have told you the Quebec Conference... 245 00:15:48,821 --> 00:15:52,018 was made up of six professional hockey teams. 246 00:15:52,091 --> 00:15:56,289 But what I do know is that it's time for the president to run for reelection. 247 00:15:56,395 --> 00:15:59,694 Leon Kodak is as good as it gets when it comes to electoral strategy... 248 00:15:59,799 --> 00:16:02,267 and I'm sure he's told the president exactly what I'd tell him. 249 00:16:02,335 --> 00:16:06,635 Nail down Michigan and California where they burn plenty of fossil fuels... 250 00:16:06,706 --> 00:16:09,368 but if I'd read these 800 pages, I would have discovered... 251 00:16:09,442 --> 00:16:13,071 that burning fossil fuels is what's mostly responsible for global warming... 252 00:16:13,145 --> 00:16:16,945 and that the recommended 20% reduction is a necessary first step... 253 00:16:17,016 --> 00:16:21,578 toward arresting the greenhouse effect which this administration has ignored. 254 00:16:21,654 --> 00:16:23,747 - It's time for us... - The White House chief of staff... 255 00:16:23,856 --> 00:16:27,656 will not let us leave here until he's broken the bad news. 256 00:16:30,963 --> 00:16:35,024 I'm afraid Sydney's right, although not about Michigan and California. 257 00:16:35,101 --> 00:16:39,094 The president has asked me to tell you that his proposed energy bill... 258 00:16:39,171 --> 00:16:42,698 calls for a ten percent reduction. 259 00:16:42,775 --> 00:16:45,903 The president is willing to go it alone on this, but he's asking for... 260 00:16:45,978 --> 00:16:49,106 and frankly, he's expecting... the full support of the G. D. C. 261 00:16:49,181 --> 00:16:52,116 - Our full support? - Yes, he is. 262 00:16:52,184 --> 00:16:56,211 The president's dreaming, A. J. He has critically misjudged reality. 263 00:16:56,288 --> 00:16:59,689 If he honestly thinks the environmental community is going to whistle happily... 264 00:16:59,725 --> 00:17:04,662 while rallying support around this mockery of environmental leadership... 265 00:17:04,697 --> 00:17:07,962 just because he's a nice guy and he's done better than his predecessors... 266 00:17:08,033 --> 00:17:10,695 then your boss is the chief executive of Fantasyland. 267 00:17:10,803 --> 00:17:12,896 Let's take him out back and beat the shit out of him. 268 00:17:13,005 --> 00:17:15,030 Good morning, Mr. President. How are you today? 269 00:17:15,107 --> 00:17:17,041 Couldn't be better. My apologies for the interruption. 270 00:17:17,109 --> 00:17:20,010 A. J. Suggested I come by and say hello. 271 00:17:20,045 --> 00:17:23,412 You wouldn't be Sydney Ellen Wade by any chance, would you? 272 00:17:24,517 --> 00:17:30,080 Mr. President, I don't know what to say. I'm speechless. 273 00:17:30,156 --> 00:17:32,954 All evidence to the contrary. 274 00:17:33,025 --> 00:17:36,358 Mr. President, I'm Susan Sloan. I used to work with Congressman Myers. 275 00:17:36,429 --> 00:17:40,388 I hope that this incident in no way jeopardizes the good relationship... 276 00:17:40,433 --> 00:17:43,095 - Yes, sir? - Do you have a second? 277 00:17:43,169 --> 00:17:44,966 Of course. 278 00:17:51,043 --> 00:17:55,139 I thought maybe we might talk in private someplace less intimidating. 279 00:17:55,247 --> 00:17:57,147 - Janie? - Yes, sir? 280 00:17:57,249 --> 00:18:01,549 This is Janie Basdin, my personal aide. Would you show Ms. Wade to the rec room? 281 00:18:01,587 --> 00:18:05,045 - This way. - I'll be with you in a second. 282 00:18:25,377 --> 00:18:27,845 - Sorry to keep you waiting. - Mr. President, I... 283 00:18:27,913 --> 00:18:30,143 Is it all right if I call you Sydney? 284 00:18:30,216 --> 00:18:33,708 - Of course. Mr. President... - Have you ever been in the Oval Office? 285 00:18:33,786 --> 00:18:36,584 I've just been on the regular tour. It didn't include... 286 00:18:36,655 --> 00:18:39,146 - I hear it's pretty good. - Mr. President... 287 00:18:39,225 --> 00:18:41,785 what you saw in there was just vanity run amuck. 288 00:18:41,861 --> 00:18:44,659 I was showing off for a colleague who doesn't think very much of me. 289 00:18:44,730 --> 00:18:49,394 It would be an injustice to hold the G. D. C. Accountable for my behavior. 290 00:18:49,468 --> 00:18:54,633 On top of which, I am monumentally sorry for having insulted you like that. 291 00:18:56,041 --> 00:18:59,841 - Do you think I'm mad at you? - Well... 292 00:18:59,912 --> 00:19:02,745 Seldom does a day go by when I'm not burned in effigy. 293 00:19:02,815 --> 00:19:06,808 Not by a professional political operative 30 feet from the Oval Office! 294 00:19:06,886 --> 00:19:08,410 I'll grant you that. 295 00:19:08,487 --> 00:19:12,389 Did you know when the city planners sat down to design Washington, D. C... 296 00:19:12,458 --> 00:19:16,952 their intention was to build a city that would intimidate foreign leaders? 297 00:19:17,029 --> 00:19:19,623 - It's true. - I didn't know that. 298 00:19:19,698 --> 00:19:24,226 The White House is the single greatest home-court advantage in the world. 299 00:19:24,303 --> 00:19:26,931 I learned that one the hard way. 300 00:19:27,006 --> 00:19:28,974 Sydney, this bill is important to me. 301 00:19:29,041 --> 00:19:32,135 Yes, sir. I'll convey your message. 302 00:19:32,211 --> 00:19:36,443 - But you don't believe me. - The G. D. C. Is asking for 20%, sir. 303 00:19:36,515 --> 00:19:39,348 It's not gonna pass at 20%. It's a long shot at ten. 304 00:19:39,418 --> 00:19:42,251 How do you know until you put the weight of the White House behind it? 305 00:19:42,321 --> 00:19:45,313 Sydney, at 20%, we're 34 votes shy in the House. 306 00:19:45,391 --> 00:19:47,222 It can't be done. 307 00:19:48,294 --> 00:19:50,524 But I'll tell you what. 308 00:19:50,596 --> 00:19:52,530 I'll make you a deal. 309 00:19:52,598 --> 00:19:57,558 If you can get 24 votes, I'll get you the last ten. 310 00:19:57,636 --> 00:19:58,660 Twenty-four votes? 311 00:19:58,737 --> 00:20:01,672 If you can swing 24 votes by the State of the Union... 312 00:20:01,740 --> 00:20:04,675 I will promise you full White House support. 313 00:20:04,777 --> 00:20:06,870 Do I have your word on that, sir? 314 00:20:06,979 --> 00:20:08,276 Absolutely. 315 00:20:09,715 --> 00:20:12,775 Listen, are you hungry? 316 00:20:12,851 --> 00:20:16,378 I skipped breakfast. You want to have a doughnut? 317 00:20:16,455 --> 00:20:19,015 Coffee or something? 318 00:20:21,393 --> 00:20:23,953 Sir, I'm a little intimidated by my surroundings... 319 00:20:24,029 --> 00:20:27,521 and yes, I have gotten off to a somewhat stilted beginning... 320 00:20:27,600 --> 00:20:30,228 but don't let that diminish the weight of my message. 321 00:20:30,302 --> 00:20:33,362 The G. D. C. Has been at every president for the last decade and a half. 322 00:20:33,439 --> 00:20:35,930 Global warming is a calamity... 323 00:20:36,008 --> 00:20:38,772 the effects of which will be second only to nuclear war. 324 00:20:38,844 --> 00:20:43,144 The best scientists have given you every reason to take the G. D. C. Seriously... 325 00:20:43,215 --> 00:20:44,944 but I'm gonna give you one more. 326 00:20:45,017 --> 00:20:47,042 If you don't live up to the deal you just made... 327 00:20:47,119 --> 00:20:50,714 we're gonna go shopping for a new candidate. 328 00:20:50,789 --> 00:20:52,416 You can't do that, Sydney. 329 00:20:52,491 --> 00:20:55,790 With all due respect, who's going to stop me? 330 00:20:55,861 --> 00:20:59,422 Well, if you go through that door, the United States Secret Service. 331 00:20:59,498 --> 00:21:00,931 That's my private office. 332 00:21:02,835 --> 00:21:07,499 You have to go out that door over there. 333 00:21:24,056 --> 00:21:26,581 McSorley, McClusky and Shane know that we're making our move on the crime bill. 334 00:21:26,659 --> 00:21:29,321 They're circling the wagons on the assault weapons. 335 00:21:29,395 --> 00:21:33,024 - Should I meet with them? - Let Lewis take a pass at them first. 336 00:21:33,098 --> 00:21:35,032 Two-ball in the side. 337 00:21:38,137 --> 00:21:42,005 - Nice shot, Mr. President. - " Nice shot, Mr. President? " 338 00:21:42,074 --> 00:21:44,872 You won't even call me by my name when we're playing pool? 339 00:21:44,943 --> 00:21:47,571 I will not do it playing pool. I will not do it in a school. 340 00:21:47,646 --> 00:21:50,877 I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam I am. 341 00:21:50,949 --> 00:21:52,382 At ease! 342 00:21:54,486 --> 00:21:57,614 - Would you get away from the pocket? - I beg your pardon, sir. 343 00:21:57,690 --> 00:21:59,658 Nine-ball in the corner. 344 00:22:03,929 --> 00:22:07,695 Leo Solomon phoned. He said he was thrilled with the deal you made. 345 00:22:07,766 --> 00:22:10,860 - I forgot to tell you. - It's a waste of time. 346 00:22:10,936 --> 00:22:14,133 But it's not our time! G. D. C. Makes a big push to get the votes. 347 00:22:14,206 --> 00:22:16,731 When they come up short, we move in with a softer bill. 348 00:22:16,809 --> 00:22:19,334 We get it passed. We're everybody's hero. 349 00:22:19,411 --> 00:22:23,780 - Three-ball in the side. - Also, Sydney Wade called. 350 00:22:25,484 --> 00:22:26,416 Sydney Wade? 351 00:22:26,485 --> 00:22:30,819 She wanted to apologize one more time for her behavior. 352 00:22:30,889 --> 00:22:32,322 Excuse me, sir. 353 00:22:33,859 --> 00:22:35,793 Three in the side. 354 00:22:38,063 --> 00:22:40,623 - Did she say anything about me? - Ms. Wade? 355 00:22:40,699 --> 00:22:43,691 - When she called. - Did she say anything about you? 356 00:22:43,769 --> 00:22:45,964 It's just that we had a nice couple of minutes together. 357 00:22:46,038 --> 00:22:48,097 She threatened me. I patronized her. 358 00:22:48,173 --> 00:22:51,301 We didn't have anything to eat, but I thought there was a connection. 359 00:22:51,910 --> 00:22:53,434 - Excuse me, sir. - Sure. 360 00:22:53,512 --> 00:22:55,139 Thirteen in the corner. 361 00:22:57,716 --> 00:22:59,650 She didn't say anything about me? 362 00:22:59,718 --> 00:23:02,710 Well, no, sir, but I could pass her a note before study hall. 363 00:23:05,057 --> 00:23:08,049 Tell me this. Hypothetically... 364 00:23:08,127 --> 00:23:09,594 I feel a nightmare coming on. 365 00:23:09,661 --> 00:23:13,324 What would happen if I called Sydney Wade and asked her to be my date... 366 00:23:13,398 --> 00:23:15,889 at the state dinner on Thursday evening? 367 00:23:17,336 --> 00:23:20,237 - You're not serious? - Don't I sound serious? 368 00:23:20,305 --> 00:23:22,603 The president can't just go out on a date. 369 00:23:22,674 --> 00:23:25,302 Why not? Jefferson did. Wilson did. 370 00:23:25,377 --> 00:23:28,574 Wilson was widowed during his first term. He met a woman named Edith Galt. 371 00:23:28,647 --> 00:23:30,877 He dated her, courted her and married her. 372 00:23:30,949 --> 00:23:34,146 And somewhere in there he managed to form the League of Nations. 373 00:23:34,219 --> 00:23:37,120 Mr. President, this is an election year. 374 00:23:37,189 --> 00:23:38,986 If you're looking for female companionship... 375 00:23:39,057 --> 00:23:42,220 we can make certain arrangements that'll insure total privacy... 376 00:23:42,294 --> 00:23:45,195 I don't want you to get me a girl! What is this, Vegas? 377 00:23:45,264 --> 00:23:47,027 No, this is the White House. 378 00:23:47,099 --> 00:23:50,262 I'm talking about something that in no way conflicts with my oath of office. 379 00:23:50,335 --> 00:23:54,066 I'm a single adult. I met a woman who I'd like to see again socially. 380 00:23:54,139 --> 00:23:56,232 How is that different from what Wilson did? 381 00:23:56,308 --> 00:23:59,106 The difference is he didn't have to be president on television. 382 00:23:59,178 --> 00:24:01,112 You said it yourself a million times. 383 00:24:01,180 --> 00:24:04,240 If there had been a TV in every living room 60 years ago... 384 00:24:04,316 --> 00:24:07,251 this country does not elect a man in a wheelchair. 385 00:24:08,020 --> 00:24:11,421 - So what are you saying? - I'm saying we'll take a hit. 386 00:24:11,490 --> 00:24:15,221 - How big? - Five points, maybe more. 387 00:24:15,294 --> 00:24:18,491 - We're talking about five points? - It could be more. 388 00:24:18,564 --> 00:24:21,658 I drop five points when Wisconsin doesn't make it to the Rose Bowl. 389 00:24:21,733 --> 00:24:23,166 Five-ball in the corner. 390 00:24:24,903 --> 00:24:28,634 Do you want me to have Kodak put together some numbers? 391 00:24:28,707 --> 00:24:31,699 Yeah... No! I don't want to check a polling sample... 392 00:24:31,777 --> 00:24:36,305 like I'm asking permission to stay out an hour past curfew. 393 00:24:36,381 --> 00:24:38,941 This is not the business of the American people. 394 00:24:39,017 --> 00:24:41,508 With all due respect, the American people have a funny way... 395 00:24:41,587 --> 00:24:44,715 of deciding on their own what is and what is not their business. 396 00:24:47,125 --> 00:24:49,889 I like her, A. J. 397 00:24:52,898 --> 00:24:56,299 Stop being my chief of staff for one minute. 398 00:24:58,070 --> 00:24:59,401 Give her a call. 399 00:25:03,075 --> 00:25:05,100 She didn't say anything about me? 400 00:25:05,177 --> 00:25:08,738 She did say you were taller than she thought you'd be. 401 00:25:08,814 --> 00:25:11,214 Well, that's something. 402 00:25:12,351 --> 00:25:16,310 - Yes, sir? - I need you to find a phone number. 403 00:25:18,223 --> 00:25:21,920 Richard, it wasn't funny. 404 00:25:21,994 --> 00:25:25,157 I acted like a college freshman at a protest rally. 405 00:25:25,230 --> 00:25:27,289 Tell him the part about walking out the wrong door. 406 00:25:27,366 --> 00:25:30,194 Oh, God, I forgot about that. 407 00:25:30,269 --> 00:25:33,796 No, Richard, I don't want to hear your Andrew Shepherd imitation. 408 00:25:33,872 --> 00:25:37,205 - I want to hear it. - I'm hanging up now, Richard. 409 00:25:37,276 --> 00:25:41,178 Tonight I was gonna go to bed early and wake up where there's a new president. 410 00:25:43,548 --> 00:25:45,675 The president must think I'm a third-rate jerk. 411 00:25:45,751 --> 00:25:48,845 If he thinks you're a jerk, I'm sure he thinks you're a first-rate jerk. 412 00:25:48,921 --> 00:25:51,321 I tell you one thing, boy. I regrouped. 413 00:25:51,390 --> 00:25:54,484 You gotta give me that. I pulled it together at the end. 414 00:25:54,559 --> 00:25:57,528 I stood in the middle of the Oval Office and made it absolutely clear... 415 00:25:57,596 --> 00:26:01,623 that he who doesn't take the G. D. C. Seriously, does so at his peril. 416 00:26:01,700 --> 00:26:03,531 And then you walked out the wrong door. 417 00:26:03,602 --> 00:26:06,127 Are you gonna be throwing that back at me the rest of my life? 418 00:26:06,204 --> 00:26:07,967 That's my current plan. 419 00:26:08,874 --> 00:26:12,173 That's gonna be Leo Solomon. He said he'd call at 9:00. 420 00:26:12,244 --> 00:26:15,077 - Hello? - Yeah, hi. Is this Sydney? 421 00:26:15,147 --> 00:26:18,275 - Leo? - No, this is Andrew Shepherd. 422 00:26:18,350 --> 00:26:22,081 Oh, it's Andrew Shepherd. Yeah, you're hilarious, Richard. 423 00:26:22,154 --> 00:26:24,145 You're just a regular riot. 424 00:26:24,222 --> 00:26:27,157 No, this isn't Richard. This is Andrew Shepherd. 425 00:26:27,225 --> 00:26:29,159 Oh, well, I'm so glad you called... 426 00:26:29,227 --> 00:26:32,663 because I forgot to tell you today what a nice ass you have. 427 00:26:32,731 --> 00:26:37,327 I'm also impressed that you got my number since I don't have a phone. 428 00:26:37,402 --> 00:26:39,700 - Good night, Richard. - This isn't Rich... 429 00:26:42,741 --> 00:26:44,675 This used to be easier. 430 00:26:49,448 --> 00:26:52,110 - I don't believe this. - Do you want me to deal with him? 431 00:26:52,184 --> 00:26:56,951 No. I may choke in front of Shepherd. Richard Reynolds I can handle. Hello? 432 00:26:57,923 --> 00:27:00,357 - Sydney? - Are you learning impaired? 433 00:27:00,425 --> 00:27:02,916 Listen, do me a favor. Hang up the phone. 434 00:27:02,995 --> 00:27:05,259 - What? - Hang up the phone... 435 00:27:05,330 --> 00:27:08,424 then dial 456-1414. 436 00:27:08,500 --> 00:27:10,434 When you get the White House operator... 437 00:27:10,502 --> 00:27:14,063 give her your name and tell her you want to speak to the president. 438 00:27:20,145 --> 00:27:23,706 Oh, my God. This isn't happening to me. 439 00:27:23,782 --> 00:27:24,908 What's going on? 440 00:27:24,983 --> 00:27:28,510 No, it's not possible I did this twice in one day. 441 00:27:35,494 --> 00:27:38,258 Good evening, the White House. Hello? 442 00:27:38,330 --> 00:27:41,857 Hi. My name's Sydney Allen Wade. I'd like to... 443 00:27:41,933 --> 00:27:45,096 The president's expecting your call. I'll put you right through. 444 00:27:48,640 --> 00:27:50,665 - Hello? - Mr. President. 445 00:27:52,477 --> 00:27:55,935 I'm sure there's an appropriate thing to say at this moment. 446 00:27:56,014 --> 00:27:59,745 Probably some formal apology for the nice ass remark would be in order. 447 00:27:59,818 --> 00:28:02,981 I just don't quite know how to word it. 448 00:28:03,055 --> 00:28:05,023 It's my fault. I shouldn't have called you at home. 449 00:28:05,090 --> 00:28:08,992 - Should I call you at the office? - No, of course not. 450 00:28:09,061 --> 00:28:11,825 I mean, yes. You can call me anytime you want. 451 00:28:11,897 --> 00:28:15,594 This is fine. Right now is fine. When I said of course not, I meant... 452 00:28:15,667 --> 00:28:18,727 You know what? The hell with it. I'm moving to another country. 453 00:28:18,804 --> 00:28:21,432 What did you mean when you said that you didn't have a phone? 454 00:28:21,506 --> 00:28:25,374 I just moved to Washington over the weekend, and my apartment isn't ready. 455 00:28:25,444 --> 00:28:29,744 This is my sister's apartment. How did you get this number? 456 00:28:29,815 --> 00:28:32,648 How did I get the number? That's a good question. 457 00:28:32,717 --> 00:28:35,185 I don't know. Probably the FBI. 458 00:28:35,253 --> 00:28:37,244 Oh, the FBI? Sure! 459 00:28:37,322 --> 00:28:41,315 'Cause if you want to find someone and you're the president, you call the FBI. 460 00:28:41,393 --> 00:28:45,193 - You know who else is good at that? - Uh, CIA? 461 00:28:45,263 --> 00:28:48,232 Well, yeah, but I was thinking of the Internal Revenue Service. 462 00:28:48,300 --> 00:28:51,633 You know, they have these computer files that... 463 00:28:51,703 --> 00:28:54,137 Well, I should stop stalling. 464 00:28:54,206 --> 00:28:58,939 As you probably know, the French have elected themselves a new president. 465 00:28:59,010 --> 00:29:01,672 We're having a formal state dinner at the White House... 466 00:29:01,746 --> 00:29:04,874 and I was wondering... and you're under no obligation... 467 00:29:04,950 --> 00:29:09,410 but I thought it might be fun, and I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go... 468 00:29:09,488 --> 00:29:12,355 with me. 469 00:29:12,424 --> 00:29:15,325 That's it. That's why I was calling. 470 00:29:23,869 --> 00:29:27,100 - Congress doesn't take this long. - Mr. President. 471 00:29:29,207 --> 00:29:34,008 You have asked me to join you in representing our country. 472 00:29:34,079 --> 00:29:38,914 I'm honored. I'm equal to the task. I won't let you down, sir. 473 00:29:38,984 --> 00:29:43,444 Sydney, this is just dinner. We're not gonna be doing espionage. 474 00:29:43,522 --> 00:29:45,490 No, of course. 475 00:29:45,557 --> 00:29:47,491 I'm a little... 476 00:29:48,693 --> 00:29:50,627 What do I do? 477 00:29:50,695 --> 00:29:55,189 I mean, where do I go? Will you meet me? 478 00:29:55,267 --> 00:29:59,203 - Should I... - I'll have Marsha Bridgeport call you. 479 00:29:59,271 --> 00:30:03,332 She's the White House social secretary. She'll help you with anything you want. 480 00:30:03,408 --> 00:30:08,038 Now, when she calls you and tells you her name is Marsha Bridgeport... 481 00:30:08,113 --> 00:30:10,377 it'll help if you give her the benefit of the doubt. 482 00:30:11,716 --> 00:30:15,049 - Of course. - I'll see you Thursday night. 483 00:30:15,120 --> 00:30:19,181 Mr. President, thanks for asking me, really. 484 00:30:19,257 --> 00:30:21,191 This is a first for me. 485 00:30:21,259 --> 00:30:22,692 Me too. 486 00:30:29,234 --> 00:30:30,861 Okay, who's on Indiana? 487 00:30:30,936 --> 00:30:34,565 Excuse me. I can't remember your names. Raise your hands if you're on Indiana. 488 00:30:34,639 --> 00:30:37,039 Put your hands down. You're on Illinois. 489 00:30:37,108 --> 00:30:39,201 - We got Jarrett. - What? 490 00:30:39,277 --> 00:30:42,212 George Jarrett. He's ours. Solid yes. 491 00:30:42,280 --> 00:30:44,578 I don't believe it. You, new guy. 492 00:30:44,649 --> 00:30:49,086 Jarrett, democrat, Minnesota. Slide his name on over to yes. 493 00:30:49,154 --> 00:30:53,147 His name was laminated to " undecided. " How'd you get his butt off the fence? 494 00:30:53,225 --> 00:30:56,888 I wish I could take credit for it. He says, " I support the president 100%. " 495 00:30:56,962 --> 00:30:58,657 Not the bill, the president. 496 00:30:58,730 --> 00:31:01,631 We're gonna win this in a walk. You know, it's like a kissing booth. 497 00:31:01,700 --> 00:31:04,669 Give us a vote, get a photo op with number 63. 498 00:31:04,736 --> 00:31:08,172 - We should've gone after the handguns. - We gotta do one thing at a time. 499 00:31:08,240 --> 00:31:11,607 There's no time for one thing at a time. 500 00:31:11,676 --> 00:31:14,611 Hi. It's David in Sydney Wade's office. 501 00:31:14,646 --> 00:31:17,046 Yeah, I'll hold. 502 00:31:17,115 --> 00:31:19,049 It's David in Sydney Wade's office. 503 00:31:19,117 --> 00:31:20,914 I want to confirm her lunch with the congressman. 504 00:31:20,986 --> 00:31:24,285 We could do with a little party leadership. 505 00:31:24,356 --> 00:31:27,484 I mean, is the majority whip taking a break? 506 00:31:27,559 --> 00:31:30,926 Congress is in session, right? I'm not wrong about that? 507 00:31:30,996 --> 00:31:33,829 I just got off with Luther Simons. Brock's on board. 508 00:31:33,898 --> 00:31:36,423 Terrific. 509 00:31:36,501 --> 00:31:39,334 Well, have him get back to me. 510 00:31:39,404 --> 00:31:41,099 You okay, Syd? 511 00:31:42,307 --> 00:31:43,740 Sure. Why? 512 00:31:43,808 --> 00:31:46,140 I don't know. You seem a little tense. 513 00:31:46,211 --> 00:31:48,145 What do you mean? 514 00:31:51,650 --> 00:31:53,242 Big date tonight? 515 00:32:15,940 --> 00:32:20,502 - Senator Rumson, can I have a moment? - Certainly. 516 00:32:20,578 --> 00:32:23,706 I'm standing here with Senate Minority Leader Robert Rumson... 517 00:32:23,782 --> 00:32:26,717 one of the many guests arriving at what, for the next few hours at least... 518 00:32:26,785 --> 00:32:29,015 will be a nonpartisan White House. 519 00:32:29,087 --> 00:32:32,784 Senator, the latest public opinion surveys show the president... 520 00:32:32,857 --> 00:32:36,850 with approval ratings that would make him all but unbeatable come November. 521 00:32:36,928 --> 00:32:40,921 Is there a republican who can mount a serious challenge, and are you him? 522 00:32:40,999 --> 00:32:43,490 Well, Lloyd, it's a long time till next November. 523 00:32:43,568 --> 00:32:47,026 - I'm looking forward to this evening. - Thank you, Senator. 524 00:32:48,573 --> 00:32:50,905 That's a little tight, Luce. 525 00:32:50,975 --> 00:32:54,240 It's supposed to be tight. It's supposed to make you look regal. 526 00:32:54,312 --> 00:32:57,247 Is it supposed to cut off the blood flow to my face? 527 00:32:59,384 --> 00:33:00,817 All done. 528 00:33:04,756 --> 00:33:06,690 Well, that's not bad. 529 00:33:06,758 --> 00:33:09,693 - Where'd you learn how to do that? - Social studies. 530 00:33:09,761 --> 00:33:12,195 Very funny. No, really, where'd you learn that? 531 00:33:12,263 --> 00:33:15,721 I don't know. I guess I just picked it up somewhere. 532 00:33:17,035 --> 00:33:19,560 Sweetie, did Mom teach you how to do that? 533 00:33:19,637 --> 00:33:21,935 Yeah. 534 00:33:24,109 --> 00:33:28,705 Lucy, is this okay? My having dinner with a lady? 535 00:33:28,780 --> 00:33:32,307 - Dad, it's totally okay. - You sure? If you want to talk about... 536 00:33:32,384 --> 00:33:35,512 Dad, it's cool. Just go for it. 537 00:33:40,158 --> 00:33:41,921 I'm a little nervous. 538 00:33:41,993 --> 00:33:43,961 You'll be fine. Just be yourself. 539 00:33:44,028 --> 00:33:45,962 Be myself, huh? 540 00:33:46,030 --> 00:33:49,124 Yeah, and compliment her shoes. 541 00:33:49,200 --> 00:33:53,603 - Her shoes? - Yeah. Girls like that. 542 00:33:55,039 --> 00:33:57,132 Okay. Thanks. 543 00:34:08,253 --> 00:34:10,187 - Thank you. - Miss Wade? 544 00:34:10,255 --> 00:34:13,418 Good evening. The president would like you to join him in the residence. 545 00:34:13,491 --> 00:34:16,153 - May I show you the way? - Of course. 546 00:34:29,507 --> 00:34:31,998 Sydney! Come on in. You look beautiful. 547 00:34:32,076 --> 00:34:34,101 Thanks. I have no idea what I'm doing here. 548 00:34:34,179 --> 00:34:36,545 I promise you, there's no hidden agenda. This is my wife Esther. 549 00:34:36,614 --> 00:34:38,548 Oh, sure. It's nice to see you. 550 00:34:38,616 --> 00:34:43,212 Sydney, Andrew Shepherd. We spoke on the phone. 551 00:34:43,288 --> 00:34:45,654 Yes, sir. I remember. 552 00:34:45,723 --> 00:34:47,350 Excuse me one minute. 553 00:34:47,425 --> 00:34:49,985 The president told me how you two met, Sydney. 554 00:34:50,061 --> 00:34:52,529 - I think it's priceless. - I don't know what happened. 555 00:34:52,597 --> 00:34:55,691 One minute, I was calling him a mockery of an environmental leader. 556 00:34:55,767 --> 00:34:59,635 - The next minute, I had a date. - Men like being insulted by women. 557 00:34:59,704 --> 00:35:02,229 It makes them feel loved. Don't ask me why. 558 00:35:02,307 --> 00:35:04,298 Mr. President, would you allow me to introduce to you... 559 00:35:04,375 --> 00:35:07,435 Sydney Ellen Wade of the commonwealth of Virginia? 560 00:35:07,512 --> 00:35:10,345 Sydney, this is President Rene-Jean D'Astier... 561 00:35:10,415 --> 00:35:13,043 and his wife Monique Danielle D'Astier of France. 562 00:35:13,117 --> 00:35:14,744 A great pleasure to meet you. 563 00:35:14,819 --> 00:35:18,050 - It's an honor to meet you both. - I'm so pleased to meet you. 564 00:35:18,122 --> 00:35:22,183 Mr. President, I'm sorry to interrupt. The receiving line is in place. 565 00:35:22,260 --> 00:35:24,956 Sydney, I think our table's ready. 566 00:35:32,370 --> 00:35:36,136 When we get to the bottom of the stairs, you'll be escorted to... 567 00:35:36,207 --> 00:35:38,835 - They took me through it. - Oh, good. 568 00:35:38,910 --> 00:35:40,878 Do you do this often, sir? 569 00:35:40,945 --> 00:35:43,914 This is actually only our second state dinner. 570 00:35:43,982 --> 00:35:46,075 The first one was for the emperor of Japan. 571 00:35:46,150 --> 00:35:49,085 He died shortly after, so we stopped having them for a while, just in case. 572 00:35:49,153 --> 00:35:52,247 I meant, do you go out on... Do you often... 573 00:35:52,323 --> 00:35:55,622 Do I date a lot? No. How about you? 574 00:35:55,693 --> 00:35:59,754 Me? Well, lately I seem to be going on a lot of first dates. 575 00:35:59,831 --> 00:36:02,766 - Then you're experienced at this. - Oh, yeah. You can ask me anything. 576 00:36:02,834 --> 00:36:05,302 - Well, how are we doing so far? - It's hard to say at this point. 577 00:36:05,370 --> 00:36:08,134 So far, it's just your typical first-date stuff. 578 00:36:09,207 --> 00:36:11,471 Damn. And I wanted to be different from the other guys. 579 00:36:11,543 --> 00:36:15,172 Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States... 580 00:36:15,246 --> 00:36:17,908 - Oh, by the way, nice shoes. - Accompanied by... 581 00:36:17,982 --> 00:36:21,611 the president of France and Madame D'Astier. 582 00:36:56,821 --> 00:37:00,882 Mr. President, the president and Mrs. D'Astier look bored. 583 00:37:01,659 --> 00:37:03,854 They're not talking to anybody. 584 00:37:05,330 --> 00:37:07,321 They're hammered. 585 00:37:07,398 --> 00:37:09,923 - Esther, do you speak French? - Latin. 586 00:37:10,001 --> 00:37:12,993 - I thought you spoke French. - No, Latin. 587 00:37:13,071 --> 00:37:17,007 Great, next time Julius Caesar comes to town, you're our gal. 588 00:37:17,075 --> 00:37:19,009 Sydney, I don't suppose... 589 00:37:27,552 --> 00:37:29,247 That's my date. 590 00:37:40,098 --> 00:37:41,963 Really? 591 00:37:43,935 --> 00:37:46,529 Sydney, you didn't dissolve our trade agreements, did you? 592 00:37:46,604 --> 00:37:49,164 No, I just said we're sitting in this beautiful room... 593 00:37:49,240 --> 00:37:51,834 listening to the music of this wonderful orchestra... 594 00:37:51,909 --> 00:37:53,934 and I wondered why nobody was dancing. 595 00:37:54,012 --> 00:37:56,606 And I informed Miss Wade that in my country... 596 00:37:56,681 --> 00:38:00,208 a guest at the palace of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette... 597 00:38:00,284 --> 00:38:02,479 would soon find their head in a guillotine... 598 00:38:02,553 --> 00:38:05,283 if they made the impertinent gesture of dancing... 599 00:38:05,356 --> 00:38:09,759 without so much as a by-your-leave from the king and the queen. 600 00:38:09,827 --> 00:38:14,059 I'll bet no one accused Louis of being soft on crime. 601 00:38:14,132 --> 00:38:18,000 - There's a lesson there, Mr. President. - More beheadings at the White House. 602 00:38:18,069 --> 00:38:20,094 Bob Rumson would embrace it. 603 00:38:20,171 --> 00:38:22,162 Yes, I'm sure he would. 604 00:38:23,374 --> 00:38:25,638 I have a better idea. 605 00:38:29,313 --> 00:38:31,247 Would you like to dance? 606 00:38:33,017 --> 00:38:34,541 Yeah, I guess. 607 00:38:34,619 --> 00:38:39,147 I mean, yes, sir, I'd love to. 608 00:39:14,058 --> 00:39:16,993 I don't know how you do it. 609 00:39:17,028 --> 00:39:19,997 It's Arthur Murray, six lessons. 610 00:39:20,031 --> 00:39:22,329 That's not what I mean. 611 00:39:22,366 --> 00:39:27,326 Two hundred pairs of eyes are focused on you right now with two questions... 612 00:39:27,371 --> 00:39:31,467 Who's this girl? And why is the president dancing with her? 613 00:39:31,542 --> 00:39:36,002 Well, first of all, the 200 pairs of eyes are not focused on me. 614 00:39:36,080 --> 00:39:38,640 They're focused on you. 615 00:39:38,750 --> 00:39:43,551 And the answers are... Sydney Ellen Wade, because she said yes. 616 00:40:16,821 --> 00:40:18,914 Does this setup work for you? 617 00:40:24,495 --> 00:40:26,986 - Good morning, Mrs. Chapil. - Good morning, Mr. President. 618 00:40:27,098 --> 00:40:30,090 Mr. Rothschild and Miss McCall are in the office, sir. 619 00:40:30,134 --> 00:40:32,125 They need to speak with you before scheduling. 620 00:40:32,236 --> 00:40:34,704 Fine. Janie, can you get me the number of a local florist? 621 00:40:34,772 --> 00:40:36,433 I'll take care of it, sir. 622 00:40:36,541 --> 00:40:39,601 I want to do it myself. I just need the number. 623 00:40:39,677 --> 00:40:41,269 I don't understand. 624 00:40:44,248 --> 00:40:46,978 I want the phone number of a florist. 625 00:40:47,051 --> 00:40:49,076 You just want the phone number? 626 00:40:49,954 --> 00:40:51,444 Yeah. 627 00:40:51,556 --> 00:40:53,456 I don't understand. Is there a problem... 628 00:40:53,558 --> 00:40:56,459 I want to send some flowers. I want to do it myself. 629 00:40:56,561 --> 00:41:00,292 I don't want to issue an executive order. I just want a phone number. 630 00:41:01,065 --> 00:41:03,659 I'll get it for you right away, sir. 631 00:41:04,602 --> 00:41:07,537 - Good morning. - Mr. President, we need five minutes. 632 00:41:07,572 --> 00:41:11,064 I'll be with you in two minutes. I just need to make a call. 633 00:41:11,175 --> 00:41:12,665 Thank you, Janie. 634 00:41:17,281 --> 00:41:18,908 Who are we calling, sir? 635 00:41:18,983 --> 00:41:23,443 I'm calling the organization of the it's none of your damn business. 636 00:41:23,487 --> 00:41:26,115 - I'll be with you in a second. - Yes, sir. 637 00:41:32,029 --> 00:41:35,795 Yeah, hi. Good morning. How do I get an outside line? 638 00:41:37,401 --> 00:41:39,301 That was simple. 639 00:41:41,405 --> 00:41:43,896 - Janie. - Yes? 640 00:41:44,008 --> 00:41:46,306 What's the president doing? 641 00:41:46,344 --> 00:41:50,041 I'm sorry. I'm really not at liberty to say. 642 00:41:50,114 --> 00:41:54,346 Yes, hi. Good morning. Is this Carmen's House of Flowers? 643 00:41:54,418 --> 00:41:57,319 Good. I'd like to order some flowers, please. 644 00:41:58,923 --> 00:42:01,892 Well, tell me, what is the state flower of Virginia? 645 00:42:01,959 --> 00:42:05,019 Does this have something to do with Sydney Wade? 646 00:42:05,129 --> 00:42:08,030 I'm really not at liberty to say. 647 00:42:08,065 --> 00:42:10,625 Well, is there anybody there who might know? 648 00:42:11,736 --> 00:42:14,796 No, I'm not trying to be difficult. 649 00:42:14,872 --> 00:42:16,464 Hang on, please. 650 00:42:17,975 --> 00:42:20,500 Janie, what is the state flower of Virginia? 651 00:42:20,578 --> 00:42:22,512 Mrs. Chapil, state flower of Virginia? 652 00:42:22,580 --> 00:42:26,710 - The dogwood. - The dogwood, sir. 653 00:42:26,784 --> 00:42:28,217 Thank you. 654 00:42:29,387 --> 00:42:31,355 It's the dogwood. 655 00:42:32,490 --> 00:42:34,481 Really? 656 00:42:34,592 --> 00:42:36,719 Hold on, please. 657 00:42:36,794 --> 00:42:39,763 Janie, the dogwood is a tree. It's not a flower. 658 00:42:39,797 --> 00:42:41,924 Actually, it's a tree and a flower. 659 00:42:41,999 --> 00:42:44,229 - Are you sure? - Yes. What's going on? 660 00:42:44,302 --> 00:42:47,362 Sir, it's a tree and a flower. 661 00:42:49,106 --> 00:42:52,735 It's a tree and a flower. I'd like a dozen, please. 662 00:42:53,911 --> 00:42:56,311 Really? No dogwoods? 663 00:42:56,347 --> 00:42:59,407 How about roses? 664 00:42:59,517 --> 00:43:01,985 Simple. Classic. Two dozen? 665 00:43:02,019 --> 00:43:05,250 Janie, I'm the president's senior domestic policy advisor. 666 00:43:05,323 --> 00:43:07,450 It's important I have a full understanding... 667 00:43:07,525 --> 00:43:10,323 Janie, do you know where my credit cards are? 668 00:43:11,963 --> 00:43:15,922 They're in storage in Wisconsin with your personal items. 669 00:43:15,967 --> 00:43:19,835 Right. Perhaps it would be better if you bill me. 670 00:43:19,870 --> 00:43:23,328 I'm sure it'll be all right with your boss. 671 00:43:23,441 --> 00:43:25,466 Well, I don't know if you recognize my voice... 672 00:43:25,543 --> 00:43:28,512 but this is the president. 673 00:43:28,546 --> 00:43:30,514 Of the United States. 674 00:43:35,853 --> 00:43:38,321 Leo. You wanted to see me? 675 00:43:38,356 --> 00:43:41,484 So there I was thinking, maybe I should give Sydney a call. 676 00:43:41,559 --> 00:43:45,620 She doesn't know many people. Then I picked up the Times. 677 00:43:45,696 --> 00:43:49,063 Leo, it was crazy. He called me at home. 678 00:43:49,100 --> 00:43:51,261 - What's going on? - Nothing. 679 00:43:51,369 --> 00:43:54,930 It was innocent. His cousin got the flu at the last minute. 680 00:43:55,006 --> 00:43:57,201 - Did you sleep with him? - Leo. 681 00:43:57,274 --> 00:44:00,334 - Did you sleep with him? - That's none of your business. 682 00:44:00,411 --> 00:44:04,006 - Yeah, it is, Sydney. - How is my personal life... 683 00:44:04,081 --> 00:44:06,811 Because when it's the president, it's not personal. 684 00:44:06,884 --> 00:44:10,615 I hired your reputation. I hired a pit bull, not a prom queen. 685 00:44:10,721 --> 00:44:14,748 - That's unfair. - It's incredibly unfair! 686 00:44:14,825 --> 00:44:16,793 But you've spent a lot of time over the years... 687 00:44:16,827 --> 00:44:19,125 telling me the trouble with the environmental lobby... 688 00:44:19,163 --> 00:44:22,826 is that we don't understand that politics is perception. 689 00:44:22,933 --> 00:44:24,833 This is a bad time to develop ignorance. 690 00:44:24,935 --> 00:44:27,267 - You're making too much of this. - Am I? 691 00:44:27,338 --> 00:44:32,037 This is your time. You're sitting at the grown-ups' table. 692 00:44:32,143 --> 00:44:34,703 You have a chance to get everything you want... 693 00:44:34,779 --> 00:44:38,579 run a national campaign, be a major player inside the party. 694 00:44:38,649 --> 00:44:41,174 But this relationship had better go all the way... 695 00:44:41,252 --> 00:44:44,949 because with the leader of the free world, there's no halfway. 696 00:44:45,056 --> 00:44:47,217 Politics is perception. 697 00:44:47,291 --> 00:44:51,250 If this doesn't work out, the time it'll take you to go from being a hired gun... 698 00:44:51,295 --> 00:44:54,162 to a cocktail party joke can be clocked with an egg timer. 699 00:44:54,198 --> 00:44:58,464 Leo, there's no relationship. It was one night. It's done. 700 00:44:58,569 --> 00:45:03,006 This was just delivered by White House messenger. It's marked perishable. 701 00:45:03,074 --> 00:45:05,235 The White House sent me something perishable? 702 00:45:05,309 --> 00:45:08,403 - It's for Miss Wade. - Oh, well, here we go. 703 00:45:08,479 --> 00:45:11,141 Relax, Leo. I'm sure it's just a formality. 704 00:45:11,215 --> 00:45:13,410 - It's from him. - Of course it's from him. 705 00:45:13,484 --> 00:45:16,146 So he had some staff flunky send me a fruit basket. 706 00:45:16,220 --> 00:45:19,678 - He wrote the note himself. - I'm sure he didn't take the time to... 707 00:45:19,790 --> 00:45:23,351 The messenger waited for ten minutes while the president wrote the card. 708 00:45:23,427 --> 00:45:25,292 Okay, listen... 709 00:45:26,397 --> 00:45:28,365 It took him ten minutes to write the card? 710 00:45:28,399 --> 00:45:31,368 Apparently, he went through several drafts. 711 00:45:46,917 --> 00:45:49,442 - What is it? - A ham. 712 00:45:51,021 --> 00:45:53,922 He sent me a Virginia ham! 713 00:45:53,958 --> 00:45:56,927 Dig it, Miss Wade. You're the president's girlfriend. 714 00:45:58,028 --> 00:46:00,189 There's never an egg timer around when you need one. 715 00:46:05,302 --> 00:46:06,792 Thanks. 716 00:46:09,306 --> 00:46:11,900 They're going to be pressing today about whether the White House... 717 00:46:11,976 --> 00:46:14,444 is prepared to soften the crime bill. 718 00:46:14,478 --> 00:46:17,447 There's no need to entertain that at this point. 719 00:46:19,383 --> 00:46:21,544 How do you want me to handle the Sydney issue? 720 00:46:23,487 --> 00:46:25,580 " The Sydney issue? " 721 00:46:25,689 --> 00:46:28,886 We should have a consensus on how the White House is gonna handle it. 722 00:46:28,926 --> 00:46:33,886 I certainly hope the Sydney issue refers in some way to a problem with Australia. 723 00:46:33,931 --> 00:46:36,399 - If it's anything other than that... - Mr. President. 724 00:46:36,500 --> 00:46:38,468 Ms. Wade is here to see you. 725 00:46:38,502 --> 00:46:41,494 Have her come in, please. I am finished here. 726 00:46:41,605 --> 00:46:44,699 - Yes, sir. - There is no Sydney issue. 727 00:46:47,511 --> 00:46:48,637 Good morning. 728 00:46:51,549 --> 00:46:53,517 Thanks for seeing me on such short notice. 729 00:46:53,551 --> 00:46:57,749 - No problem. Did you get the ham? - Yes, I got the ham. 730 00:46:57,821 --> 00:47:02,019 I wanted to send you some flowers, but there are some kinks in the system. 731 00:47:02,059 --> 00:47:05,927 I'm so glad you stopped by. I had such a good time last night. 732 00:47:05,963 --> 00:47:08,124 So did I. It's just that... 733 00:47:08,232 --> 00:47:10,223 You have 45 seconds. 734 00:47:10,334 --> 00:47:12,802 I have to deliver a luncheon speech at the governors' conference. 735 00:47:12,870 --> 00:47:15,464 - No, no, of course. - Are you free for dinner tomorrow? 736 00:47:15,539 --> 00:47:18,997 - Dinner? - Casual, without the United Nations. 737 00:47:19,043 --> 00:47:21,568 My daughter will be there, so it may seem like the United Nations. 738 00:47:21,645 --> 00:47:24,944 - I'd love to meet Lucy, but... - I'm sure she'd love to meet you. 739 00:47:24,982 --> 00:47:28,440 - Actually, I have some concerns... - I can't do this. 740 00:47:28,485 --> 00:47:31,045 - Robbins or Stackhouse? - Either one. I have to be in and out. 741 00:47:31,155 --> 00:47:34,215 Governor Stackhouse needs ten minutes. He wants to talk about assault weapons. 742 00:47:34,291 --> 00:47:37,055 Stackhouse wants to talk about grazing rights, trust me. 743 00:47:37,161 --> 00:47:39,061 I'm sorry. You have concerns? 744 00:47:39,163 --> 00:47:43,862 Yes. Not many. A few. One. I have one concern. 745 00:47:43,901 --> 00:47:47,667 This wouldn't have to do with the fact that one of us is president? 746 00:47:47,771 --> 00:47:51,263 - You like to make jokes about this. - I am not mocking you, honest. 747 00:47:51,375 --> 00:47:53,343 I'm just a guy asking a girl over for a meal. 748 00:47:53,410 --> 00:47:56,243 - What's that? - That's my ride. 749 00:47:59,817 --> 00:48:02,479 Leo Solomon has some serious concerns... 750 00:48:02,553 --> 00:48:06,990 about me exploring a social, you know... 751 00:48:07,024 --> 00:48:09,857 scenario with the president of the United States. 752 00:48:09,927 --> 00:48:12,623 When you put it that way, it doesn't sound that good to me either. 753 00:48:12,730 --> 00:48:16,860 Have meat loaf with Lucy and me. How presidential can that be? 754 00:48:16,934 --> 00:48:18,094 7:30? 755 00:48:51,302 --> 00:48:53,896 - Hi. Miss Wade? - Sydney. 756 00:48:53,971 --> 00:48:57,463 - Hi. Lucy Shepherd. Nice to meet you. - Hi. Nice to meet you. 757 00:48:57,574 --> 00:49:03,012 My dad told me to tell you that he's on the phone with his dentist... 758 00:49:03,080 --> 00:49:05,810 and that I should behave myself and entertain you until he gets back. 759 00:49:05,883 --> 00:49:08,443 Oh. Your father's on the phone with his dentist? 760 00:49:08,519 --> 00:49:11,488 No, he told me to tell you he's on the phone with his dentist. 761 00:49:11,588 --> 00:49:13,556 He wants you to think he's a regular guy. 762 00:49:13,624 --> 00:49:15,990 Oh. Well, who's he on the phone with? 763 00:49:16,026 --> 00:49:17,891 The prime minister of Israel. 764 00:49:17,995 --> 00:49:20,555 Oh. They're probably not discussing his teeth. 765 00:49:20,631 --> 00:49:22,656 I hope not. 766 00:49:22,733 --> 00:49:25,600 They're discussing an abbreviation I can never remember. 767 00:49:25,703 --> 00:49:28,900 - Mmm, C-STAD? - Yeah. 768 00:49:29,006 --> 00:49:32,635 - Capricorn Surface-To-Air Defense? - Right. 769 00:49:32,710 --> 00:49:35,611 Okay, let meat loaf night begin. 770 00:49:35,646 --> 00:49:38,274 - Hi. - How's everything with your teeth? 771 00:49:38,349 --> 00:49:40,317 - My teeth? - The dentist. 772 00:49:40,417 --> 00:49:43,978 Oh, right. Yeah, I got a cavity in my upper bicuspid region. 773 00:49:44,054 --> 00:49:47,217 You have a short-range weapons system outside Tel Aviv. 774 00:49:47,291 --> 00:49:50,783 - I think somebody told on me. - Dad! 775 00:50:02,172 --> 00:50:04,470 You're overthinking this. Voters aren't interested... 776 00:50:04,508 --> 00:50:06,976 in how to achieve economic growth. 777 00:50:07,010 --> 00:50:10,173 They don't want to hear our plans to strengthen foreign policy. 778 00:50:10,280 --> 00:50:13,147 - So it comes down to character. - The press like him. 779 00:50:13,183 --> 00:50:15,845 - The networks, the newspapers. - Reporters like him. 780 00:50:15,919 --> 00:50:19,685 Networks and newspapers like ratings and circulation. 781 00:50:19,723 --> 00:50:22,817 For all the bitching we do about liberal bias in the press... 782 00:50:22,893 --> 00:50:25,361 when it comes to a good character debate... 783 00:50:25,396 --> 00:50:28,058 The press is an unwitting accomplice. 784 00:50:28,132 --> 00:50:30,100 The character debate didn't work for us. 785 00:50:30,200 --> 00:50:33,260 Because it couldn't. Our polling told us... 786 00:50:33,337 --> 00:50:36,795 that attacking his character less than a year after he'd lost his wife... 787 00:50:36,840 --> 00:50:39,434 was gonna make people feel sorry for him. 788 00:50:39,510 --> 00:50:43,310 We couldn't run the campaign we wanted because the opponent was a widower. 789 00:50:43,347 --> 00:50:47,283 But he's still a widower. Time's passed, but... 790 00:50:48,318 --> 00:50:51,151 You'll have to forgive my friend here. He's been on a hunting trip. 791 00:50:51,221 --> 00:50:54,384 - He's been cut off from the world. - Why? What's going on? 792 00:51:01,432 --> 00:51:04,701 The president's got a girlfriend. 793 00:51:06,637 --> 00:51:09,265 Your dad says you're studying the Constitutional Convention. 794 00:51:09,339 --> 00:51:11,603 - She's not having any fun, though. - Dad! 795 00:51:11,675 --> 00:51:14,940 - You're not having any fun? - This is a nightmare. 796 00:51:15,012 --> 00:51:17,412 - This is a social studies nightmare. - They're doing a mock congress. 797 00:51:17,481 --> 00:51:20,882 Each kid plays one of the delegates, and they debate the amendments. 798 00:51:20,951 --> 00:51:23,385 - What's not fun about that? - Good night, Dad. 799 00:51:23,454 --> 00:51:25,388 Good night, sweetheart. 800 00:51:26,890 --> 00:51:29,723 - It was nice meeting you, Sydney. - Thanks. It was nice to meet you. 801 00:51:29,793 --> 00:51:31,522 - Good night. - Sleep well. I love you. 802 00:51:31,595 --> 00:51:33,529 Love you too, Dad. 803 00:51:33,597 --> 00:51:37,624 - She's wonderful. - She's her mother. 804 00:51:38,836 --> 00:51:40,235 She's you. 805 00:51:45,576 --> 00:51:47,635 Would you like the 25-cent tour? 806 00:51:53,217 --> 00:51:56,152 I thought C-STAD wasn't gonna be operational until January. 807 00:51:56,220 --> 00:52:00,384 It was ready ahead of schedule. We've just been waiting for the personnel. 808 00:52:00,457 --> 00:52:02,391 - The Israelis? - No, our guys. 809 00:52:02,459 --> 00:52:05,053 We sent a team of army instructors to train the Israelis. 810 00:52:05,128 --> 00:52:08,894 Good evening. I think... 811 00:52:08,966 --> 00:52:11,434 Yeah, this is the Dish Room. 812 00:52:13,003 --> 00:52:16,530 - It's not the Dish Room. - It's the room with all the dishes. 813 00:52:16,607 --> 00:52:20,907 - It's the China Room. - I'm more of a west wing president. 814 00:52:20,978 --> 00:52:24,539 If you're curious about the mansion, I'm sure there's a book you can get. 815 00:52:24,615 --> 00:52:28,449 There are about 7,000. I'll get one for you. 816 00:52:47,137 --> 00:52:49,833 Mr. President, have you ever noticed how similar... 817 00:52:49,907 --> 00:52:53,536 the Van Buren flatware is to the Buchanan flatware? 818 00:52:57,881 --> 00:53:00,873 Do you think there'll ever be a time... 819 00:53:00,951 --> 00:53:03,886 when you can stand in a room with me... 820 00:53:03,954 --> 00:53:06,422 and not think of me as the president? 821 00:53:07,791 --> 00:53:12,785 This isn't a state of mind. You are the president. 822 00:53:12,863 --> 00:53:17,857 And when I'm in a room with you... oval or any other shape... 823 00:53:17,935 --> 00:53:23,066 I'm always gonna be a lobbyist and you're always gonna be the president. 824 00:53:23,140 --> 00:53:25,973 I have news for you, Sydney. 825 00:53:26,043 --> 00:53:27,977 As a lobbyist... 826 00:53:28,078 --> 00:53:32,879 you'd never be alone in a room with the president. 827 00:53:40,657 --> 00:53:42,852 Do you think this is a good idea? 828 00:53:46,063 --> 00:53:47,826 Probably not. 829 00:53:59,042 --> 00:54:01,476 We have a secure call from the sit room. 830 00:54:04,214 --> 00:54:06,011 Excuse me. 831 00:54:11,922 --> 00:54:14,618 - I'm sorry, ma'am. - Oh, no. Of course not. 832 00:54:20,697 --> 00:54:25,430 We're gonna have to cut our night short. The Libyans have just bombed C-STAD. 833 00:54:25,502 --> 00:54:28,562 I'll try to call you in the morning. Please show Miss Wade out. 834 00:54:31,108 --> 00:54:33,235 The response scenario's in place. 835 00:54:33,310 --> 00:54:37,041 The F-18s are fired up on the Nimitz and the Kitty Hawk. 836 00:54:37,114 --> 00:54:40,015 They're just waiting for your attack order, Mr. President. 837 00:54:41,351 --> 00:54:43,842 And we're gonna hit Libyan Intelligence Headquarters? 838 00:54:43,920 --> 00:54:47,253 The NSA confirmed they're the ones who planned the bombing. 839 00:54:47,324 --> 00:54:50,555 - And what's the estimate? - We'll level the building. 840 00:54:51,628 --> 00:54:56,088 The Libyan I. H. Q. Is in the center of Tripoli. What else are we gonna hit? 841 00:54:56,166 --> 00:54:59,067 Nothing, unless we miss. 842 00:54:59,136 --> 00:55:02,230 - Are we gonna miss? - No, sir. 843 00:55:05,042 --> 00:55:08,205 - How many people work in the building? - We've been through this. 844 00:55:08,278 --> 00:55:10,246 How many people work in the damn building? 845 00:55:10,313 --> 00:55:14,044 I have the numbers here, Mr. President. There are three shifts. 846 00:55:14,117 --> 00:55:17,086 What shift has the fewest people? The night shift, right? 847 00:55:17,120 --> 00:55:20,089 By far, sir. Mostly custodial staff. 848 00:55:20,123 --> 00:55:22,284 What time does the night shift start? 849 00:55:23,060 --> 00:55:24,755 They're on now, sir. 850 00:55:33,670 --> 00:55:38,107 Sir, it's immediate, it's decisive, it's low risk... 851 00:55:38,175 --> 00:55:40,109 and it's a proportional response. 852 00:55:40,177 --> 00:55:45,114 Someday someone's gonna have to explain the virtue of a proportional response. 853 00:55:48,351 --> 00:55:51,582 - Mr. President? - Attack. 854 00:55:53,857 --> 00:55:56,917 As soon as our planes have cleared Libyan airspace, call the press... 855 00:55:56,993 --> 00:55:59,621 but I don't know what time we'll have the full B. D. A. 856 00:55:59,696 --> 00:56:02,859 - General Rork says around 0800. - 0800. 857 00:56:02,933 --> 00:56:05,629 Sir, what do you think about a national address? 858 00:56:06,470 --> 00:56:09,633 Last thing I want to do is put the Libyans center stage. 859 00:56:09,706 --> 00:56:11,469 I think it's a great idea, sir. 860 00:56:11,541 --> 00:56:15,170 You know Rumson's gonna be talking about your lack of military service. 861 00:56:15,245 --> 00:56:17,179 It's not about Rumson. 862 00:56:17,247 --> 00:56:20,375 What I did tonight was not about political gain. 863 00:56:20,450 --> 00:56:25,183 But it can be, sir. What you did tonight was very presidential. 864 00:56:26,323 --> 00:56:29,815 Leon, somewhere in Libya right now... 865 00:56:29,893 --> 00:56:33,158 a janitor is working the night shift at the Libyan Intelligence Headquarters. 866 00:56:33,230 --> 00:56:36,199 He's going about doing his job... 867 00:56:36,266 --> 00:56:41,329 'cause he has no idea in about an hour he's gonna die in a massive explosion. 868 00:56:44,775 --> 00:56:49,872 He's just going about his job 'cause he has no idea that about an hour ago... 869 00:56:49,946 --> 00:56:52,414 I gave an order to have him killed. 870 00:56:54,484 --> 00:56:57,510 You've just seen me do the least presidential thing I do. 871 00:57:01,658 --> 00:57:02,920 Mary. 872 00:57:02,993 --> 00:57:05,257 Is there anything at all about the C-STAD weapons system... 873 00:57:05,328 --> 00:57:07,387 that could have been mistaken by Libyan Intelligence... 874 00:57:07,464 --> 00:57:09,728 as offensive rather than defensive? 875 00:57:09,800 --> 00:57:12,268 No, we did everything but show them the blueprints. 876 00:57:12,335 --> 00:57:16,294 The hardware had been sitting in an airplane hangar for over a month. 877 00:57:16,373 --> 00:57:18,967 They didn't hit it until the American personnel arrived. Leslie? 878 00:57:19,042 --> 00:57:23,570 Sir, you were reportedly with Sydney Wade when you heard of the attack. 879 00:57:23,647 --> 00:57:25,581 - Can you comment? - Yes, we had just finished dinner. 880 00:57:25,649 --> 00:57:27,742 - Get him off. - Last question. 881 00:57:27,818 --> 00:57:31,083 Sir, would you care to comment on the status of your relationship? 882 00:57:31,154 --> 00:57:34,715 We don't have a relationship. We just had dinner. Thank you. 883 00:57:34,791 --> 00:57:36,952 Tell us if she spent the night at the White House. 884 00:57:37,027 --> 00:57:39,791 A lot of people were killed last night. 885 00:57:39,863 --> 00:57:42,957 Let's try to keep our eye on the ball, okay? Thank you. 886 00:57:45,502 --> 00:57:47,493 That was my fault. We should have prepped you. 887 00:57:47,571 --> 00:57:49,630 It's nothing that needs prepping. 888 00:57:49,706 --> 00:57:52,732 Let's meet with the leadership after we meet with the Security Council. 889 00:57:52,809 --> 00:57:55,334 Newsweek is begging for any ten minutes you got. 890 00:57:55,412 --> 00:57:57,346 Nobody gets ten minutes today. 891 00:57:57,414 --> 00:58:00,406 Lewis, tell the speaker to wait. I want to talk to him. 892 00:58:00,483 --> 00:58:02,678 No, I'll be right down. 893 00:58:02,752 --> 00:58:06,119 Last night the cost of those liberal programs... 894 00:58:06,189 --> 00:58:09,454 was raised to include the blood of 22 American soldiers. 895 00:58:09,526 --> 00:58:11,892 Now, Mr. Shepherd's read a lot of books... 896 00:58:11,962 --> 00:58:16,194 but it doesn't take a Harvard degree to see this one coming a mile away. 897 00:58:16,266 --> 00:58:18,200 I went to Stanford, you blowhole. 898 00:58:18,268 --> 00:58:21,533 Commander in chief has never served one day in uniform... 899 00:58:23,373 --> 00:58:28,310 This box just says " miscellaneous. " Is it bedroom or kitchen miscellaneous? 900 00:58:32,849 --> 00:58:34,783 Why did I have to kiss him? 901 00:58:35,719 --> 00:58:37,744 - You kissed him? - Yeah. 902 00:58:39,723 --> 00:58:41,588 - You didn't tell me that. - I kissed him. 903 00:58:41,658 --> 00:58:43,649 - Where? - On the mouth. 904 00:58:43,727 --> 00:58:46,855 - Where in the White House? - In the Dish Room. 905 00:58:46,930 --> 00:58:50,024 - The Dish Room? - The China Room. 906 00:58:50,100 --> 00:58:53,797 - And then what happened? - He had to go and attack Libya. 907 00:58:53,870 --> 00:58:55,804 It's always something. 908 00:58:55,872 --> 00:58:59,467 I gotta nip this in the bud. This has catastrophe written all over it. 909 00:58:59,542 --> 00:59:03,706 In what language? Sydney, the man is the leader of the free world. 910 00:59:03,813 --> 00:59:07,510 He's brilliant. He's funny. He's handsome. He's an above average dancer. 911 00:59:07,584 --> 00:59:11,577 Isn't it possible our standards are just a tad high? 912 00:59:18,228 --> 00:59:20,162 - Answer the phone. - It's him. 913 00:59:20,230 --> 00:59:22,255 - Answer the phone. - He'll ask me to come over there. 914 00:59:22,332 --> 00:59:25,062 - Answer the phone! - I don't want to go over there! 915 00:59:25,135 --> 00:59:27,729 All right, but I'm gonna end it on the phone. 916 00:59:29,940 --> 00:59:32,807 I just came over to tell you why I can't see you anymore. 917 00:59:34,444 --> 00:59:36,036 Come on in. Thanks, Coop. 918 00:59:40,283 --> 00:59:42,547 I know you've had a tough day... 919 00:59:42,619 --> 00:59:45,645 Not as tough as some. Like a drink? Let me take your coat. 920 00:59:45,722 --> 00:59:48,122 Mr. President, this isn't gonna work. 921 00:59:48,191 --> 00:59:50,785 Sure it will. You button the top button... 922 00:59:50,860 --> 00:59:53,260 - That's not what I mean. - I didn't think it was. 923 00:59:53,330 --> 00:59:58,233 I enjoyed the time we've spent together, but this has catastrophe written on it. 924 00:59:58,301 --> 01:00:02,101 Please, Mr. President, don't pursue me outside the political arena. 925 01:00:02,172 --> 01:00:05,164 I have no intention of pursuing you inside the political arena... 926 01:00:05,241 --> 01:00:08,267 and that leaves everything out, and that's unacceptable. 927 01:00:08,345 --> 01:00:12,304 If I were on your staff, I would tell you that the worst thing you can do... 928 01:00:12,382 --> 01:00:16,011 coming into an election year is to open yourself up to character attacks. 929 01:00:16,086 --> 01:00:19,749 The quickest way to do that is to prance like the playboy of the western world. 930 01:00:19,823 --> 01:00:21,848 Let's clear up a couple things. 931 01:00:21,925 --> 01:00:24,416 Number one: I seldom prance. 932 01:00:24,494 --> 01:00:27,554 Number two: I have no intention of engaging in a character debate. 933 01:00:27,630 --> 01:00:29,621 Number three: You're not on my staff. 934 01:00:29,699 --> 01:00:34,295 - Yes, but if you'll follow... - Why is that, by the way? Please. 935 01:00:34,371 --> 01:00:37,499 - Why is what? - Why aren't you on my staff? 936 01:00:37,574 --> 01:00:40,441 - You can't afford me. - How much do you make? 937 01:00:40,510 --> 01:00:44,708 - More than you do, Mr. President. - The name is Andy. How much? 938 01:00:44,781 --> 01:00:46,806 What does it matter how much I make? 939 01:00:46,883 --> 01:00:48,817 Raise your voice to the president? 940 01:00:48,885 --> 01:00:51,649 I'm only thinking about your presidency. 941 01:00:51,721 --> 01:00:54,849 This morning's press conference isn't gonna be the end of this. 942 01:00:54,924 --> 01:00:56,858 Bob Rumson's gotta be drooling over this. 943 01:00:56,926 --> 01:00:59,360 Are you attracted to me? 944 01:00:59,429 --> 01:01:01,397 I beg your pardon? 945 01:01:01,464 --> 01:01:05,696 - I asked if you were attracted to me. - That's not the issue. 946 01:01:05,769 --> 01:01:09,569 Tell you what. Let's make it the issue. Let's try something new. 947 01:01:09,639 --> 01:01:12,767 Most couples when they first get together are inclined... 948 01:01:12,842 --> 01:01:16,676 to slam on the brakes because they're concerned about Bob Rumson's drool. 949 01:01:16,746 --> 01:01:19,442 - You're not most people. - You know what your problem is? 950 01:01:19,516 --> 01:01:23,452 - What's my problem? - Sex and nervousness. 951 01:01:23,520 --> 01:01:26,956 - Sex and nervousness is my problem? - Yes. 952 01:01:27,023 --> 01:01:30,356 Last night when we were looking at those place settings... 953 01:01:30,427 --> 01:01:33,624 I realized that those place settings were provided by the first ladies. 954 01:01:33,696 --> 01:01:36,290 And I'll bet none of those first ladies... 955 01:01:36,366 --> 01:01:40,666 were nervous about having sex with their president husbands. 956 01:01:40,737 --> 01:01:44,935 - And do you know why? - No, but you'll explain it to me. 957 01:01:45,008 --> 01:01:49,411 I will. Because they weren't presidents when they first met them. 958 01:01:49,479 --> 01:01:51,413 That's not the case here. 959 01:01:52,982 --> 01:01:55,746 - You see what I'm getting at? - Yes. 960 01:01:57,720 --> 01:02:01,247 - May I use your bathroom? - Go through there, right behind you. 961 01:02:01,324 --> 01:02:03,849 I just want to freshen up. 962 01:02:03,927 --> 01:02:06,725 As you pass through, you'll see a large closet. 963 01:02:06,796 --> 01:02:09,060 If you feel comfortable, hang up your coat. 964 01:02:09,132 --> 01:02:11,066 When you come back, I'll have fixed us a drink. 965 01:02:11,134 --> 01:02:14,331 We'll sit on the couch and I will explain to you my plan. 966 01:02:14,404 --> 01:02:17,567 You got a plan? Don't make me wait. You're on a roll. 967 01:02:17,640 --> 01:02:22,543 You're attracted to me, but the idea of physical intimacy is uncomfortable... 968 01:02:22,612 --> 01:02:25,445 because you only know me as the president. 969 01:02:25,515 --> 01:02:27,745 But it's not always gonna be that way. 970 01:02:27,817 --> 01:02:31,253 The reason I know that is there was a moment last night... 971 01:02:31,321 --> 01:02:34,813 when you were with me and not the president. 972 01:02:34,891 --> 01:02:38,452 And I know what a big step that was for you. 973 01:02:38,528 --> 01:02:42,589 So, Sydney, I'm in no rush. Here's my plan. 974 01:02:42,665 --> 01:02:44,462 We're gonna slow down... 975 01:02:44,534 --> 01:02:47,731 and when you're comfortable, that's when it's gonna happen. 976 01:02:58,448 --> 01:03:02,350 Perhaps I didn't properly explain the fundamentals of the slow-down plan. 977 01:03:02,418 --> 01:03:04,750 No, you explained it great. 978 01:03:07,724 --> 01:03:09,157 Are you nervous? 979 01:03:10,927 --> 01:03:13,521 - No. - Good. 980 01:03:13,596 --> 01:03:16,656 My nervousness exists on several levels. 981 01:03:16,733 --> 01:03:20,464 Number one... and this is in no particular order... 982 01:03:20,537 --> 01:03:23,472 I haven't done this in a pretty long time. 983 01:03:23,540 --> 01:03:26,839 Number two, any... 984 01:03:26,910 --> 01:03:30,869 expectations that you might have given that I'm, you know... 985 01:03:30,947 --> 01:03:34,280 - The most powerful man in the world? - Exactly. Thank you. 986 01:03:34,350 --> 01:03:36,978 I think it's important you remember that's a political distinction... 987 01:03:37,053 --> 01:03:40,022 that comes with the office. 988 01:03:40,089 --> 01:03:43,058 If Eisenhower were here instead of me, he'd be dead by now. 989 01:03:43,126 --> 01:03:45,185 - Number three... - Andy. 990 01:03:46,729 --> 01:03:49,721 Does New Hampshire want traditional American values... 991 01:03:49,799 --> 01:03:51,733 back in the White House? 992 01:03:55,538 --> 01:03:58,632 Does New Hampshire want the pride back? 993 01:04:01,177 --> 01:04:05,705 My name is Bob Rumson, and I'm running for president. 994 01:04:23,199 --> 01:04:25,224 Put him through. 995 01:04:25,301 --> 01:04:29,362 Lewis, it is 5:00 a. m. You've gotta get yourself a life, man. 996 01:04:32,976 --> 01:04:34,944 All right. 997 01:04:44,287 --> 01:04:47,848 - Hi! - What are you doin'? 998 01:04:47,924 --> 01:04:52,224 I wanted to leave the building before the press corps got here. 999 01:04:52,295 --> 01:04:56,322 I have those same thoughts every day of my life. 1000 01:04:56,399 --> 01:04:58,299 You know Lewis Rothschild, don't you? 1001 01:04:58,368 --> 01:05:01,735 Sure. Lewis would go nuts if he knew I spent the night. 1002 01:05:01,804 --> 01:05:04,796 - Well, he's on his way up. - What? 1003 01:05:04,874 --> 01:05:06,739 Come on in, Lewis. 1004 01:05:06,809 --> 01:05:08,902 Morning, Mr. President. Hi, Sydney. 1005 01:05:08,978 --> 01:05:11,811 Hi, Lewis. Well, Mr. President... 1006 01:05:13,650 --> 01:05:16,881 thanks for taking the time to go over those fossil fuel numbers. 1007 01:05:16,953 --> 01:05:19,751 I'll just get my coat, be on my way. 1008 01:05:19,822 --> 01:05:23,019 - So what's the situation? - Camped out at every exit. 1009 01:05:23,092 --> 01:05:25,356 - Who's camped out? - The press. 1010 01:05:25,428 --> 01:05:28,625 - The press is camped out? - You should have taken a cab. 1011 01:05:28,698 --> 01:05:31,428 - They know my car? - Good morning, Mr. President, Sydney. 1012 01:05:31,501 --> 01:05:33,628 - I came as soon as Lewis called. - Thank God. 1013 01:05:33,703 --> 01:05:35,637 The important thing is not to look like we're panicking. 1014 01:05:35,705 --> 01:05:39,038 I think the important thing is actually not to be panicking. 1015 01:05:40,209 --> 01:05:42,143 - Morning, Mr. President. - Morning. 1016 01:05:42,211 --> 01:05:45,738 Morning, Ms. Wade. I see everyone's getting an early start today. 1017 01:05:45,815 --> 01:05:50,653 How do we exit Sydney from the building and what do we say to the press? 1018 01:05:50,787 --> 01:05:51,617 - We need a diversion. - A diversion? 1019 01:05:51,654 --> 01:05:54,589 I'm not suggesting that we burn down the White House. 1020 01:05:54,624 --> 01:05:57,092 - Please, let's do. - Let me state clearly. 1021 01:05:57,160 --> 01:05:59,993 - I can't be party to anything illegal. - Good for you, Lewis. 1022 01:06:00,063 --> 01:06:04,932 It's always the guy in my job who ends up doing 18 months in Danbury Prison. 1023 01:06:05,001 --> 01:06:07,936 Rest easy. We're not gonna create a diversion. 1024 01:06:08,004 --> 01:06:10,734 - We're having somebody take you home. - Esther's in my office. 1025 01:06:10,807 --> 01:06:14,573 - She has the station wagon. - Good. Now, press statement. 1026 01:06:14,644 --> 01:06:17,010 Sydney, when you leave here... 1027 01:06:17,080 --> 01:06:19,548 you're gonna run into reporters and photographers. 1028 01:06:19,615 --> 01:06:21,674 They're gonna take your picture every day. 1029 01:06:21,751 --> 01:06:23,878 They're gonna ask you questions every day. 1030 01:06:23,953 --> 01:06:27,548 Answer them. Don't answer them. It's entirely up to you. 1031 01:06:27,657 --> 01:06:31,218 The White House has no official position... 1032 01:06:31,294 --> 01:06:34,195 - except to say, " No comment. " - No comment? 1033 01:06:34,263 --> 01:06:37,460 The White House does not comment on the president's personal life. 1034 01:06:37,533 --> 01:06:39,262 We can't just leave it at that. 1035 01:06:39,335 --> 01:06:42,270 - Lewis, we just did. - But, sir... 1036 01:06:42,305 --> 01:06:44,830 Thank you very much. Come, friends. Let us away. 1037 01:06:44,907 --> 01:06:48,240 Thank you, Mr. President. 1038 01:06:48,311 --> 01:06:50,370 Sydney, Esther will be in my office. 1039 01:06:50,446 --> 01:06:52,880 - Take your time. - Thanks, A. J. 1040 01:06:56,652 --> 01:06:59,985 I'm sorry about this. 1041 01:07:00,056 --> 01:07:01,990 We'll do it better next time. 1042 01:07:02,058 --> 01:07:05,050 I'm no expert, but we did it pretty good this time. 1043 01:07:05,128 --> 01:07:08,655 - No, I didn't mean that. - I know. 1044 01:07:08,731 --> 01:07:11,222 I had a good time. 1045 01:07:11,300 --> 01:07:14,167 Me too. I'll call you. 1046 01:07:14,237 --> 01:07:16,501 I'll be in Panama, but I'll call you. 1047 01:07:16,572 --> 01:07:18,164 I'd like that. 1048 01:07:20,676 --> 01:07:22,268 Bye. 1049 01:07:32,388 --> 01:07:35,846 All right. Okay. This is good. 1050 01:07:35,958 --> 01:07:38,950 David, what about an incentive program? 1051 01:07:39,028 --> 01:07:41,519 Sydney Ellen Wade, the political strategist... 1052 01:07:41,597 --> 01:07:44,691 who accompanied President Shepherd to last week's state dinner... 1053 01:07:44,767 --> 01:07:47,930 reportedly spent the night at the White House as the president's guest. 1054 01:07:48,004 --> 01:07:50,632 The president returned from Panama this evening... 1055 01:07:50,706 --> 01:07:53,504 after a three-day tour through Central America. 1056 01:07:53,576 --> 01:07:55,510 His first order of business: 1057 01:07:55,578 --> 01:07:59,275 An intimate dinner with Sydney Wade at a romantic Georgetown bistro. 1058 01:07:59,348 --> 01:08:01,612 Conservative and religious family organizations... 1059 01:08:01,684 --> 01:08:04,118 are starting to smell blood in the water... 1060 01:08:04,187 --> 01:08:08,146 as the polling numbers of the president are dropping. 1061 01:08:08,191 --> 01:08:12,025 Showbiz Weekly was in Hollywood for the star-studded gala. 1062 01:08:12,094 --> 01:08:16,360 Also on tonight's program: Day 15 of the Sydney watch. 1063 01:08:16,432 --> 01:08:19,595 Is the world's most eligible bachelor off the market? 1064 01:08:19,669 --> 01:08:21,762 Next caller, you're on the air. 1065 01:08:21,838 --> 01:08:25,797 What about Lucy Shepherd? Is anyone concerned about this little girl? 1066 01:08:25,842 --> 01:08:29,369 Can we now, finally, have a serious debate about family values? 1067 01:08:30,646 --> 01:08:32,375 Political polling analyst, Ed Earl. 1068 01:08:32,448 --> 01:08:35,110 With the president's job approval taking an eight-point dip... 1069 01:08:35,184 --> 01:08:38,017 from his personal best of 63 percent three weeks ago... 1070 01:08:38,087 --> 01:08:41,022 should the White House be concerned that the girlfriend factor... 1071 01:08:41,090 --> 01:08:43,650 has left Shepherd vulnerable to the character questions... 1072 01:08:43,726 --> 01:08:45,853 he was able to avoid three years ago? 1073 01:08:45,928 --> 01:08:47,919 If they're not concerned, they oughta be. 1074 01:08:47,964 --> 01:08:50,432 Columnist Cynthia Skyler, how will this new wrinkle... 1075 01:08:50,500 --> 01:08:52,991 affect his ability to put together a win on his crime bill? 1076 01:08:53,069 --> 01:08:55,003 When we come back... 1077 01:08:55,071 --> 01:08:57,835 we're gonna meet a junior high school classmate of Sydney Wade's... 1078 01:08:57,907 --> 01:08:59,588 who has some intimate details to share. 1079 01:08:59,623 --> 01:09:01,270 Who has some intimate details to share. 1080 01:09:01,344 --> 01:09:03,835 I agree with you 110 percent, Mrs. Harper. 1081 01:09:03,880 --> 01:09:07,338 That's why I'm up here in the winter talkin' about it with you folks. 1082 01:09:07,416 --> 01:09:09,850 That's very generous of you, ma'am. 1083 01:09:09,919 --> 01:09:12,854 I'll be taking that money off your hands right now. 1084 01:09:12,889 --> 01:09:14,481 What do you got? 1085 01:09:14,557 --> 01:09:17,720 Call me Santa Claus, Senator. She's got an FBI file. 1086 01:09:17,793 --> 01:09:20,762 Oh, shit, Stu! My mother's got an FBI file. 1087 01:09:20,796 --> 01:09:23,287 Yeah, but I got art. 1088 01:09:25,501 --> 01:09:28,197 It's a demonstration outside the Department of Commerce. 1089 01:09:28,271 --> 01:09:31,707 The picture's old and some faces are obscured by the fire... 1090 01:09:31,774 --> 01:09:34,572 but that's a burning flag... 1091 01:09:34,644 --> 01:09:38,080 and that's Sydney Ellen Wade right there in front. 1092 01:09:38,114 --> 01:09:43,746 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 1093 01:09:43,819 --> 01:09:45,480 Harry... 1094 01:09:48,057 --> 01:09:49,991 Think like a father for a second. 1095 01:09:50,059 --> 01:09:53,495 Wouldn't you like your kids to be able to take a deep breath when they're 30? 1096 01:09:55,565 --> 01:09:59,729 Thank you! You're doing the right thing. 1097 01:10:01,137 --> 01:10:04,937 - Tote board's heavy. - How's this? 1098 01:10:07,276 --> 01:10:09,369 Terrill, North Carolina. 1099 01:10:09,478 --> 01:10:14,381 Syd, I saw on your schedule you're gonna meet with McSorley, McCluskey and Shane? 1100 01:10:14,450 --> 01:10:18,614 Yeah. The Motown Three said they'd give me 30 minutes next week. 1101 01:10:18,688 --> 01:10:22,749 These are people who represent people who make cars for a living. 1102 01:10:22,825 --> 01:10:26,591 - Yeah. - Cars, you understand, run on gasoline. 1103 01:10:26,662 --> 01:10:29,096 I know it's a long shot... 1104 01:10:29,165 --> 01:10:32,328 but if I can get one of them, it's a huge payoff in visibility. 1105 01:10:32,401 --> 01:10:35,393 If we're gonna try, we should prep. You wanna order in? 1106 01:10:35,471 --> 01:10:39,100 I can't. I'm having dinner at the White House. 1107 01:10:39,175 --> 01:10:41,837 So let's start early tomorrow morning. Say, 7:30? 1108 01:10:41,911 --> 01:10:43,879 I'm having lunch at the Kremlin... 1109 01:10:43,946 --> 01:10:46,506 so we'll have to start even earlier than that. 1110 01:10:46,582 --> 01:10:49,278 - Good night, David. - In order to catch the plane to Moscow. 1111 01:10:49,352 --> 01:10:51,252 Good night, David. 1112 01:10:53,889 --> 01:10:58,656 Douglas, does the N. R. A. Have videotapes of you playing golf with Satan? 1113 01:10:58,728 --> 01:11:00,855 We've already softened the assault weapons. 1114 01:11:00,930 --> 01:11:05,162 We're leaving the S. K. S., the Mini 14 and 250 other types on the street. 1115 01:11:05,234 --> 01:11:07,725 How much pull can one lobby have? 1116 01:11:09,038 --> 01:11:12,599 We're gonna continue this conversation tomorrow. I'm late for the fund-raiser. 1117 01:11:12,675 --> 01:11:15,974 And, Douglas, I'll put in a good word for you. 1118 01:11:16,045 --> 01:11:18,172 - You're incredibly late. - Excuse me. 1119 01:11:18,247 --> 01:11:20,715 I just got off the phone with the federal mediator in St. Louis. 1120 01:11:20,783 --> 01:11:23,752 Management just walked. The baggage handlers, pilots... 1121 01:11:23,819 --> 01:11:26,447 and flight attendants are gettin' set to walk in 48 hours. 1122 01:11:26,522 --> 01:11:30,322 I studied under a Nobel Prize-winning economist. Know what he taught me? 1123 01:11:30,393 --> 01:11:32,327 Never have an airline strike at Christmas? 1124 01:11:32,395 --> 01:11:36,058 - I'm going to St. Louis. - Leave straight from the fund-raiser. 1125 01:11:36,132 --> 01:11:38,657 - Thanks, A. J. - Good luck, Mr. President. 1126 01:11:40,202 --> 01:11:42,170 Liberty's moving. 1127 01:11:44,740 --> 01:11:47,402 - Mr. President, can we have a moment? - He's incredibly late. 1128 01:11:47,476 --> 01:11:50,104 Hop in. We'll talk in the car. 1129 01:11:51,514 --> 01:11:53,709 - What is it? - We have a small problem. 1130 01:11:53,783 --> 01:11:56,274 It could've been small. Now it's a nightmare. 1131 01:11:56,352 --> 01:11:59,515 - I see it as an opportunity. - If we'd caught it. 1132 01:11:59,588 --> 01:12:02,250 - We caught it. - 5:45 doesn't do me any good. 1133 01:12:02,324 --> 01:12:05,487 - 5:45, network news is in make-up. - You have 12 people working for you. 1134 01:12:05,561 --> 01:12:08,428 Guys, do I have to be here for this meeting? 1135 01:12:08,497 --> 01:12:10,897 Sorry, sir. It's on the evening news. 1136 01:12:10,966 --> 01:12:13,833 - It's buried as the third story. - It's got a bullet. 1137 01:12:13,903 --> 01:12:17,100 Sydney was at a protest rally. They burned a flag. 1138 01:12:17,173 --> 01:12:19,937 - Today? - About 13 years ago. 1139 01:12:20,009 --> 01:12:22,136 At the Department of Commerce. Anti-apartheid. 1140 01:12:23,779 --> 01:12:27,738 Let me see if I got this. The third story on the news tonight... 1141 01:12:27,817 --> 01:12:30,980 was that someone I didn't know 13 years ago, when I wasn't president... 1142 01:12:31,053 --> 01:12:34,352 participated in a demonstration where no laws were being broken... 1143 01:12:34,423 --> 01:12:37,017 in protest of something that so many people were against... 1144 01:12:37,093 --> 01:12:39,618 it doesn't exist anymore? 1145 01:12:39,695 --> 01:12:42,289 Just out of curiosity, what was the fourth story? 1146 01:12:42,364 --> 01:12:45,333 Right. I think it's important when we deal with it... 1147 01:12:45,401 --> 01:12:47,801 - Don't deal with it. - Excuse me? 1148 01:12:47,870 --> 01:12:52,170 They're trying to get us to swing at a pitch in the dirt. It'll go away. 1149 01:12:55,311 --> 01:12:58,303 - I'm not sure that's the wisest course. - Ah, hell! 1150 01:12:58,380 --> 01:13:01,144 See? It's already distracting you. Let us put together... 1151 01:13:01,217 --> 01:13:04,584 You reminded me I'm supposed to have dinner with Sydney. 1152 01:13:05,788 --> 01:13:08,450 It's terrific, Beth. I love it. 1153 01:13:08,524 --> 01:13:10,492 I can't believe I'm loaning you clothes. 1154 01:13:10,559 --> 01:13:13,255 I thought you owned every piece of clothing there was. 1155 01:13:13,329 --> 01:13:15,991 Work clothes. I always have dinner at the White House wearing a suit. 1156 01:13:16,065 --> 01:13:19,398 - I thought a dress would be nice. - Go ahead, try it on. 1157 01:13:19,468 --> 01:13:21,402 I brought earrings too. 1158 01:13:23,672 --> 01:13:27,005 - Hi. What are you doing? - Just trying on dresses. 1159 01:13:27,076 --> 01:13:30,102 I feel terrible, but I'm going to have to cancel our date tonight. 1160 01:13:30,179 --> 01:13:32,010 Another woman? 1161 01:13:32,081 --> 01:13:35,073 I've gotta go to St. Louis to avert a massive airline strike. 1162 01:13:35,117 --> 01:13:37,483 If I had a nickel for every time I heard that one. 1163 01:13:37,553 --> 01:13:41,353 Thanks for understanding, and I'll call you later this evening. 1164 01:13:42,691 --> 01:13:45,285 I hate doing that. She was tryin' on dresses. 1165 01:13:45,361 --> 01:13:48,387 I tell any girl I'm going out with that all plans are soft... 1166 01:13:48,464 --> 01:13:51,991 until she receives confirmation from me 30 minutes beforehand. 1167 01:13:52,067 --> 01:13:55,594 - And they find this romantic? - I say it with a great deal of charm. 1168 01:13:55,671 --> 01:13:58,697 Look! There it is! Carmen's House of Flowers. 1169 01:13:58,774 --> 01:14:00,708 - We gotta stop. - What? 1170 01:14:00,776 --> 01:14:03,176 - I gotta get her some flowers. - Here? 1171 01:14:03,245 --> 01:14:05,179 That's what men do when they break a date. 1172 01:14:05,247 --> 01:14:07,579 I know no men who do that. 1173 01:14:07,650 --> 01:14:09,880 Coop, I'm gonna hop out at the flower shop. 1174 01:14:09,952 --> 01:14:13,547 - You're gonna hop out, sir? - No, he's not. No hopping, sir. 1175 01:14:13,622 --> 01:14:17,353 - I'll get the flowers. - Then it's not personal. 1176 01:14:17,426 --> 01:14:20,452 Let the agents do a security sweep. We don't know who's in there. 1177 01:14:20,529 --> 01:14:23,054 You think there's a florist planning an assassination... 1178 01:14:23,132 --> 01:14:25,191 on the off-chance I might be stopping by? 1179 01:14:25,267 --> 01:14:26,791 It's possible. 1180 01:14:29,738 --> 01:14:32,764 You're not hearing me. Listen to what I'm saying. 1181 01:14:32,842 --> 01:14:36,278 - It was at the basketball game. - Excuse me. 1182 01:14:36,345 --> 01:14:39,508 No, at the game. Kiki wasn't even there. 1183 01:14:39,582 --> 01:14:41,948 - Excuse me. - Hold on. 1184 01:14:42,017 --> 01:14:44,713 I will be right with you. 1185 01:14:44,787 --> 01:14:47,915 I don't know if you're the one that I talked to on the phone. 1186 01:14:47,990 --> 01:14:51,153 Virginia, Dogwood, President. 1187 01:14:51,227 --> 01:14:54,424 Does any of this ring a bell? 1188 01:14:54,496 --> 01:14:56,896 Same girl. She remembered me. 1189 01:14:57,032 --> 01:15:00,490 I'm glad to see that the president has a girlfriend. 1190 01:15:00,536 --> 01:15:03,835 Never mind that she's the hired gun... 1191 01:15:03,906 --> 01:15:06,841 of an ultra-liberal political action committee. 1192 01:15:08,911 --> 01:15:13,177 Never mind that the president takes the Fifth... 1193 01:15:13,249 --> 01:15:17,879 any time a reporter has the temerity to ask him a question about a woman... 1194 01:15:17,953 --> 01:15:21,218 in a position to exert enormous influence... 1195 01:15:21,290 --> 01:15:23,918 over a huge range of issues. 1196 01:15:26,228 --> 01:15:30,164 Never mind that this woman's idea of how to unwind at the end of a tough day... 1197 01:15:30,232 --> 01:15:34,931 is to get together with her ACLU pals and to set American flags on fire. 1198 01:15:37,506 --> 01:15:41,374 No reaction from the White House. 1199 01:15:41,443 --> 01:15:44,207 Because it doesn't need to be dignified with a response. 1200 01:15:44,280 --> 01:15:46,373 There's no up side. I'm leaving it alone. 1201 01:15:46,448 --> 01:15:48,678 What do Lewis and Robin think? 1202 01:15:48,751 --> 01:15:53,313 Brutus and Cassius? They want me to get into a character debate and mix it up. 1203 01:15:53,389 --> 01:15:55,823 Lewis and Robin are very smart. 1204 01:15:55,891 --> 01:15:58,883 - Sydney says you guys are really stupid. - I didn't say that. 1205 01:15:58,961 --> 01:16:02,397 - She's questioning your loyalty. - I question it all the time. 1206 01:16:02,464 --> 01:16:05,331 Wait a minute. Here comes my favorite part. 1207 01:16:05,401 --> 01:16:09,804 My name is Bob Rumson, and I'm running for president. 1208 01:16:09,838 --> 01:16:14,434 Glad he cleared that up, because they were about to buy some Amway products. 1209 01:16:14,510 --> 01:16:16,444 His numbers are climbing. 1210 01:16:16,512 --> 01:16:21,211 - His numbers have nowhere to go but up. - What about yours? 1211 01:16:21,283 --> 01:16:24,775 We'll be in the 60s once I get the votes for the crime bill. 1212 01:16:24,853 --> 01:16:29,256 - What are you doin' this weekend? - I got some work. Why? 1213 01:16:29,325 --> 01:16:31,259 Negotiations are going well. 1214 01:16:31,327 --> 01:16:34,421 Looks like the nation's gonna keep on flying. 1215 01:16:34,496 --> 01:16:36,964 Lucy's spending Saturday night at a friend's house. 1216 01:16:37,032 --> 01:16:38,693 What'd you have in mind? 1217 01:16:41,804 --> 01:16:43,738 Ever been to Camp David? 1218 01:16:45,574 --> 01:16:50,602 Sure. I used to go there all the time, but then they changed chefs and I... 1219 01:16:50,679 --> 01:16:53,773 It's sass, right? You're sassing me. 1220 01:16:53,849 --> 01:16:55,544 Yes. 1221 01:16:55,617 --> 01:16:58,450 I'm gonna have somebody pick you up on Saturday morning. 1222 01:16:58,520 --> 01:17:00,818 Okay. Bye. 1223 01:17:16,839 --> 01:17:19,501 - Good God. - What? 1224 01:17:19,575 --> 01:17:22,772 I'm looking at your college transcripts. This isn't human. 1225 01:17:22,845 --> 01:17:27,111 Nobody gets this many A's. You were like a Stepford student. 1226 01:17:27,182 --> 01:17:29,377 Are you still reading that ridiculous biography? 1227 01:17:29,451 --> 01:17:32,318 No, I finished Andrew Shepherd: Road to the White House. 1228 01:17:32,354 --> 01:17:34,515 Now I'm on to Shepherd: The Early Years. 1229 01:17:34,556 --> 01:17:37,457 Seven trillion dollar communications system at my disposal... 1230 01:17:37,526 --> 01:17:39,858 and I can't find out if the Packers won. 1231 01:17:39,928 --> 01:17:43,159 Oh, Andy. C- minus in women's studies? 1232 01:17:43,232 --> 01:17:46,690 That course wasn't about what I thought it was gonna be about. 1233 01:17:46,769 --> 01:17:49,397 President Shepherd was in Maryland this week... 1234 01:17:49,471 --> 01:17:51,871 for his routine physical exam. 1235 01:17:51,940 --> 01:17:56,570 Doctors at Bethesda Naval Hospital pronounced him in excellent health. 1236 01:17:56,645 --> 01:18:00,706 Who cares! Just give us the scores! 1237 01:18:00,783 --> 01:18:03,251 While the president spent the day at Camp David... 1238 01:18:03,318 --> 01:18:06,116 GOP presidential hopeful Robert Rumson... 1239 01:18:06,188 --> 01:18:09,351 continued his attacks on President Shepherd's character. 1240 01:18:09,425 --> 01:18:13,623 During the Saturday news program, Capital Review With Kenneth Michaels... 1241 01:18:13,695 --> 01:18:18,723 Senator Rumson suggested that G. D. C. Political director, Sydney Ellen Wade... 1242 01:18:18,801 --> 01:18:21,235 whose close personal relationship with the president... 1243 01:18:21,303 --> 01:18:24,704 has been causing the White House headaches over the past two months... 1244 01:18:24,773 --> 01:18:26,832 may have traded sexual favors... 1245 01:18:26,909 --> 01:18:29,605 for key votes in the Virginia State Legislature... 1246 01:18:29,678 --> 01:18:32,772 while lobbying for the Virginia Teachers Association. 1247 01:18:32,848 --> 01:18:36,682 Wait a minute, Senator. That's a heck of an accusation to make. 1248 01:18:36,752 --> 01:18:40,051 Let me be very clear about this. I am not making an accusation. 1249 01:18:40,122 --> 01:18:43,114 I am saying, when you hear one thing, you dismiss it. 1250 01:18:43,192 --> 01:18:45,888 You hear two, you dismiss it, but when several... 1251 01:18:45,961 --> 01:18:48,521 several well-respected members... 1252 01:18:48,597 --> 01:18:51,361 and former members of the Virginia State Legislature... 1253 01:18:51,433 --> 01:18:53,492 - Can you give us names? - My God. 1254 01:18:53,569 --> 01:18:56,561 - He's making this up as he goes along. - I'm so sorry, Sydney. 1255 01:18:56,638 --> 01:18:59,232 I don't know what we call her. The First Mistress? 1256 01:18:59,308 --> 01:19:02,436 Oh, man. My father heard that. 1257 01:19:02,511 --> 01:19:04,809 He's just gonna have to turn a deaf ear. 1258 01:19:04,880 --> 01:19:08,077 My father doesn't have a deaf ear. He hears fine out of both. 1259 01:19:08,150 --> 01:19:12,314 So do I, my sister and my friends. You're the only one who seems to... 1260 01:19:12,387 --> 01:19:16,721 I can't challenge the school bully because he picks on my girlfriend. 1261 01:19:16,892 --> 01:19:19,087 I'm not asking you to. I can take care of myself. 1262 01:19:19,161 --> 01:19:23,063 This isn't about me. How can you keep quiet? 1263 01:19:23,132 --> 01:19:25,828 How do you have patience for people who claim they love America... 1264 01:19:25,901 --> 01:19:27,960 but clearly can't stand Americans? 1265 01:19:29,571 --> 01:19:31,266 I have one election left. 1266 01:19:31,340 --> 01:19:34,468 I don't have the luxury of losing my patience. 1267 01:19:37,446 --> 01:19:39,971 I want to say something to you... 1268 01:19:40,048 --> 01:19:42,448 but I'm gonna fumble it a little bit... 1269 01:19:42,518 --> 01:19:46,352 so please just wait till I'm done before you respond. 1270 01:19:47,689 --> 01:19:49,680 I am in love with you. 1271 01:19:49,791 --> 01:19:54,660 I'm certain of it, and I want to be with you more than anything. 1272 01:19:54,730 --> 01:19:58,928 But maybe things would be better for you if I just disappeared for a while. 1273 01:20:00,836 --> 01:20:04,294 Things will be better when I pass the crime bill. 1274 01:20:04,406 --> 01:20:08,308 And if you disappeared, I'd find you. 1275 01:20:17,386 --> 01:20:19,081 - Hi, Gill. - Mr. President. 1276 01:20:19,154 --> 01:20:23,090 Militant women are out to destroy college football in this country. 1277 01:20:23,158 --> 01:20:24,591 - Is that a fact? - Yes. 1278 01:20:24,660 --> 01:20:28,528 Have you been following the situation down in Atlanta? 1279 01:20:28,597 --> 01:20:30,827 These women want parity... 1280 01:20:30,899 --> 01:20:33,424 for girls' softball, volleyball, field hockey... 1281 01:20:33,502 --> 01:20:37,495 If I'm not mistaken, Gill, the courts ruled on Title 9 about 20 years ago. 1282 01:20:37,573 --> 01:20:40,974 Yes, sir, but now these women want that law enforced. 1283 01:20:41,043 --> 01:20:44,206 - It's a world gone mad. - Gill, merry Christmas. 1284 01:20:44,279 --> 01:20:46,509 - Merry Christmas. - Come meet some people. 1285 01:20:46,582 --> 01:20:50,712 - You see, the country has mood swings. - Mood swings? 1286 01:20:50,786 --> 01:20:52,754 Nineteen postgraduate degrees in mathematics... 1287 01:20:52,821 --> 01:20:56,917 and your best explanation of going from a 63 to a 46 percent approval rating... 1288 01:20:56,992 --> 01:20:59,460 in five weeks is mood swings. 1289 01:20:59,561 --> 01:21:03,361 I could explain it better, but I need charts, graphs and an easel. 1290 01:21:03,432 --> 01:21:05,730 Fellas, we haven't slept in three years. 1291 01:21:05,801 --> 01:21:09,635 Can't we forget work for one night and enjoy each other as friends? 1292 01:21:09,705 --> 01:21:11,730 - It's Christmas. - It's Christmas? 1293 01:21:11,807 --> 01:21:13,866 Yeah. You didn't get the memo? 1294 01:21:18,146 --> 01:21:20,273 Sydney. Merry Christmas. 1295 01:21:20,349 --> 01:21:22,874 - Hi, Esther. - Hello, Sydney. 1296 01:21:22,951 --> 01:21:25,419 - Merry Christmas, A. J. - Merry Christmas to you. 1297 01:21:25,487 --> 01:21:29,856 - Where you been? - I got stuck on Du Pont Circle. 1298 01:21:29,925 --> 01:21:33,793 I can never remember which lane I'm supposed to take. 1299 01:21:33,862 --> 01:21:38,128 Then I got cut off by this idiot cab driver who starts screaming at me. 1300 01:21:38,200 --> 01:21:40,464 - Sydney, it's Christmas. - Hiya, Syd. 1301 01:21:40,535 --> 01:21:43,766 Did you get stuck on Du Pont Circle again? 1302 01:21:43,839 --> 01:21:45,704 It's not funny. I hate that place. 1303 01:21:45,774 --> 01:21:49,141 - Declare it a federal disaster area. - I'll look into it. 1304 01:21:49,211 --> 01:21:51,304 What were you doing up on the Hill anyway? 1305 01:21:51,380 --> 01:21:53,940 I had a terrible meeting today. 1306 01:21:54,016 --> 01:21:57,110 I totally lost my cool with McSorley, McCluskey and Shane. 1307 01:21:57,185 --> 01:22:00,712 - You went up to see the Motown Three? - I pitched them the bill. 1308 01:22:00,789 --> 01:22:03,349 - On its merits? - The woman has no fear. 1309 01:22:03,425 --> 01:22:06,861 She'd lobby the Carolinas to the American Lung Association. 1310 01:22:06,962 --> 01:22:09,123 - It was a disaster. - You're in good company. 1311 01:22:09,197 --> 01:22:12,462 A week ago they said there was nothing on the president's domestic agenda... 1312 01:22:12,534 --> 01:22:15,731 they were more committed to defeating than the crime bill. 1313 01:22:15,804 --> 01:22:17,738 Congratulations. You're out of the cellar. 1314 01:22:17,806 --> 01:22:20,900 McSorley told me that the only thing on the president's domestic agenda... 1315 01:22:20,976 --> 01:22:23,240 that they were more committed to defeating than the crime bill... 1316 01:22:23,312 --> 01:22:25,246 was the fossil fuel package. 1317 01:22:25,314 --> 01:22:27,908 - You're kidding. - No, I'm not kidding. 1318 01:22:27,983 --> 01:22:30,247 It's funny that he used the same words. 1319 01:22:30,319 --> 01:22:32,651 The Pep Boys don't know too many words. 1320 01:22:32,721 --> 01:22:34,655 I'm gonna get a drink and shake this off. 1321 01:22:34,723 --> 01:22:38,090 When I come back, I'll have some Christmas spirit. 1322 01:22:39,094 --> 01:22:43,053 - Are you okay? - I'm fine, yeah. 1323 01:22:43,131 --> 01:22:45,565 - I'll lead the way. - Thank you. 1324 01:22:45,634 --> 01:22:49,536 - Merry Christmas, Mr. President. - Happy holidays, Bob. 1325 01:22:49,604 --> 01:22:51,970 Did what I think just happened, just happen? 1326 01:22:52,040 --> 01:22:55,703 Did the G. D. C.'s political director just tell the president and chief of staff... 1327 01:22:55,777 --> 01:22:58,769 that there are three votes on the crime bill that can be bought... 1328 01:22:58,847 --> 01:23:01,281 by sticking the fossil fuel package in a drawer? 1329 01:23:01,350 --> 01:23:03,875 The G. D. C.'s political director didn't tell us anything. 1330 01:23:03,952 --> 01:23:07,979 Sydney Wade told her boyfriend and his best friend that she had a lousy day. 1331 01:23:08,056 --> 01:23:10,115 It doesn't change the facts, Mr. President. 1332 01:23:10,192 --> 01:23:14,925 If Sydney gets her 24 votes and we're three votes shy, we need to maneuver. 1333 01:23:14,996 --> 01:23:16,725 - I made a promise. - You made a deal. 1334 01:23:16,798 --> 01:23:18,993 - I made it with Sydney. - You made it with the G. D. C. 1335 01:23:19,067 --> 01:23:22,434 It's all academic anyway. We're not gonna need those three votes. 1336 01:23:22,504 --> 01:23:24,870 If your approval rating continues to drop... 1337 01:23:24,940 --> 01:23:27,807 things are gonna get tight. 1338 01:23:30,545 --> 01:23:33,981 I'm hearing rumors that your boss is wavering on the crime bill. 1339 01:23:34,049 --> 01:23:36,244 I wouldn't listen to rumors. You know this town. 1340 01:23:36,318 --> 01:23:38,343 That's what I wanted to hear. 1341 01:23:38,420 --> 01:23:42,015 I'll tell you, though, my boss is startin' to waver on the crime bill. 1342 01:23:42,090 --> 01:23:46,288 Sydney, everybody cares about the environment during a phone survey. 1343 01:23:46,361 --> 01:23:48,329 On election day, nobody gives a damn. 1344 01:23:48,397 --> 01:23:51,491 That's why you have a job. 1345 01:23:51,566 --> 01:23:56,265 Pennybaker, on election day, people give a damn about what I tell them. 1346 01:23:56,338 --> 01:23:57,771 That's why I have a job. 1347 01:23:58,507 --> 01:24:00,441 She got Pennybaker. 1348 01:24:02,844 --> 01:24:05,369 Congressman, it was our understanding we had your support. 1349 01:24:05,447 --> 01:24:08,177 Look, I like your boy. Always have. 1350 01:24:08,250 --> 01:24:11,447 But for God's sake, kid, does the woman have to spend the night? 1351 01:24:11,520 --> 01:24:14,455 We've got the full backing of the White House, Catherine. 1352 01:24:14,523 --> 01:24:16,514 Yes, at 20 percent. 1353 01:24:16,591 --> 01:24:19,526 Three more votes, the president sends it to the Hill. 1354 01:24:20,629 --> 01:24:23,359 Katie, ten years from now... 1355 01:24:23,432 --> 01:24:26,799 any car with an internal combustion engine is a collector's item. 1356 01:24:26,868 --> 01:24:29,200 Come on board. We'll make your Volvo a classic. 1357 01:24:29,271 --> 01:24:31,432 Congressman, the assault weapons are gone. 1358 01:24:31,506 --> 01:24:36,136 - The bill is priced to move. - The bill isn't the issue. 1359 01:24:36,211 --> 01:24:39,237 I'm facing a serious challenge in November... 1360 01:24:39,314 --> 01:24:41,578 and the president's coattails aren't what they used to be. 1361 01:24:41,650 --> 01:24:45,643 The president's coattails are gonna have room for you. Leave that to us. 1362 01:24:45,720 --> 01:24:48,518 We left that to you, and now the president's in a free-fall. 1363 01:24:48,590 --> 01:24:51,525 - I wouldn't say he's in a free-fall. - Fellas. 1364 01:24:51,593 --> 01:24:54,061 I just can't give you my vote. 1365 01:24:54,129 --> 01:24:57,758 The well is dryin' up. The president's gotta make a move, or we're gonna die. 1366 01:24:57,833 --> 01:25:00,267 What if I do a new poll, detailed public opinion? 1367 01:25:00,335 --> 01:25:03,736 - And we put Sydney in the new model. - Right. 1368 01:25:03,805 --> 01:25:06,899 A. J., it's meaningless unless we ask him about Sydney. 1369 01:25:09,478 --> 01:25:11,503 All right, fine. Let's do it. 1370 01:25:33,368 --> 01:25:35,836 It's delicious. Thank you. 1371 01:25:35,904 --> 01:25:39,567 - Is there any more? - Tons. I didn't think you liked it. 1372 01:25:39,641 --> 01:25:41,939 You kidding? Of course I did. 1373 01:25:42,010 --> 01:25:44,911 It's not for me. The agent who checked the food thought it was delicious. 1374 01:25:44,980 --> 01:25:47,448 I told him I'd bring him some if there was any left. 1375 01:25:47,516 --> 01:25:50,383 - So you didn't like it. - No, I loved it. 1376 01:25:50,452 --> 01:25:52,079 - You're lying. - No, I'm not. 1377 01:25:52,153 --> 01:25:55,680 You are. I can tell. You do a thing with your face. 1378 01:25:55,757 --> 01:25:58,487 When have you ever seen me do a thing with my face? 1379 01:25:58,560 --> 01:26:00,494 Two days before I met you... 1380 01:26:00,562 --> 01:26:03,725 you were giving a speech for the Daughters of the American Revolution. 1381 01:26:03,798 --> 01:26:05,732 - I was there. - You were? 1382 01:26:05,800 --> 01:26:07,995 - You remember the speech? - Vaguely. 1383 01:26:08,069 --> 01:26:12,665 " Americans can no longer afford to pretend they live in a great society. " 1384 01:26:12,741 --> 01:26:14,868 There was supposed to be something after that. 1385 01:26:14,943 --> 01:26:19,107 - How did you know that? - I told you. The face. 1386 01:26:23,218 --> 01:26:24,480 Cheers. 1387 01:26:28,089 --> 01:26:31,547 Oh, wow! What's the occasion? 1388 01:26:31,626 --> 01:26:34,891 You're lookin' at a lady who's two votes shy of the promised land. 1389 01:26:34,963 --> 01:26:37,329 - Two votes? - I got Pennybaker. 1390 01:26:37,399 --> 01:26:40,664 - That got me Cass and Zimmer. - That's great work, Sydney. 1391 01:26:40,735 --> 01:26:43,135 I'm not there yet. 1392 01:26:43,204 --> 01:26:45,968 No matter what happens, you have every reason to be proud of yourself. 1393 01:26:46,041 --> 01:26:48,669 I'll be proud when I see you sign the bill. 1394 01:26:48,743 --> 01:26:50,677 Well, yeah. 1395 01:26:51,980 --> 01:26:55,347 Andy? You're doing that thing with your face. 1396 01:27:00,088 --> 01:27:02,852 - How are the numbers? - Bad. 1397 01:27:02,924 --> 01:27:04,687 - How bad? - Forty-one. 1398 01:27:04,759 --> 01:27:07,922 - Character across the board. - George, don't tell me that! 1399 01:27:07,996 --> 01:27:10,556 - Who is Lewis on with? - Jarrett. 1400 01:27:10,632 --> 01:27:12,566 He's trying to keep his fingers in the dam. 1401 01:27:12,634 --> 01:27:15,535 You're supposed to be a United States Congressman! 1402 01:27:16,404 --> 01:27:20,602 But we're not gonna stay at 41. The numbers are gonna go back up. 1403 01:27:20,675 --> 01:27:22,609 But they're gonna go back up. 1404 01:27:22,677 --> 01:27:25,475 All right, George. Congressman... 1405 01:27:25,547 --> 01:27:27,515 Congressman Jarrett. 1406 01:27:27,582 --> 01:27:30,779 George, listen to me. It's crunch time. 1407 01:27:30,852 --> 01:27:33,548 It's personal. This is one of those moments. 1408 01:27:33,622 --> 01:27:37,388 It's just you and the president. Now what's it gonna be? 1409 01:27:40,095 --> 01:27:41,562 Yeah. 1410 01:27:43,198 --> 01:27:46,326 Yeah, all right, George. Can I tell you something? 1411 01:27:46,401 --> 01:27:49,131 We're gonna win this thing. We're gonna get the votes. 1412 01:27:49,204 --> 01:27:53,732 And that very night I'm gonna go to Sam & Harry's, order a big steak... 1413 01:27:53,808 --> 01:27:56,800 and I'm gonna make a list of everybody who tried to fuck us this week! 1414 01:27:56,878 --> 01:28:00,678 Just vote your conscience, you chickenshit lame-ass! 1415 01:28:03,251 --> 01:28:05,811 - We lost Jarrett. - I hope so. 1416 01:28:05,887 --> 01:28:09,482 Because if that was an undecided, we need to work on our people skills. 1417 01:28:09,557 --> 01:28:14,085 Hi, Karen, it's Lewis. I need you to find Congressman Quincy for me. 1418 01:28:17,832 --> 01:28:19,629 We lost Quincy too. 1419 01:28:22,704 --> 01:28:24,365 Did he give a reason? 1420 01:28:24,439 --> 01:28:27,499 Yeah. He thinks your numbers aren't likely to rebound. 1421 01:28:29,577 --> 01:28:33,104 We're three votes down again, sir. 1422 01:28:33,181 --> 01:28:37,777 Mr. President, as of this morning Sydney only needed one more vote. 1423 01:28:37,852 --> 01:28:39,877 The Motown Three have gotta be scared blind. 1424 01:28:39,921 --> 01:28:42,685 I don't think there'll be a better opportunity. 1425 01:28:42,724 --> 01:28:46,455 The press expects an announcement on the crime bill by the State of the Union. 1426 01:28:46,528 --> 01:28:49,497 If you stick 455 in a drawer until after elections... 1427 01:28:49,564 --> 01:28:53,000 - they'll give you the three votes. - And we declare victory. 1428 01:28:55,036 --> 01:28:57,504 We said as a last resort. 1429 01:28:57,572 --> 01:29:00,439 We're there, sir. The State of the Union is 48 hours away. 1430 01:29:00,508 --> 01:29:03,170 - There's gotta be three votes someplace! - There isn't. 1431 01:29:03,244 --> 01:29:06,179 - Bullshit! There's gotta be somebody! - There isn't. 1432 01:29:06,247 --> 01:29:08,181 - I beg your pardon? - What about Storch? 1433 01:29:08,249 --> 01:29:11,480 - Storch is a no. - Mr. President. 1434 01:29:11,553 --> 01:29:13,020 - Wagner? - No. 1435 01:29:13,121 --> 01:29:15,089 Sobel? Clark? 1436 01:29:15,156 --> 01:29:18,751 - Not that Clark! The one from Indiana. - That one too, sir. 1437 01:29:18,827 --> 01:29:21,057 Mr. President, I think we have to do this. 1438 01:29:21,129 --> 01:29:24,257 A. J., she is one vote away. 1439 01:29:24,332 --> 01:29:28,325 It's important legislation that for the first time has a legitimate chance. 1440 01:29:28,403 --> 01:29:31,395 - She deserves every opportunity... - She? 1441 01:29:31,473 --> 01:29:33,941 You meant " it, " didn't you, sir? 1442 01:29:34,042 --> 01:29:36,977 You meant the important legislation deserves every opportunity. 1443 01:29:37,045 --> 01:29:40,037 - Lewis, shut up. - You have something to say to me? 1444 01:29:40,115 --> 01:29:44,814 Respectfully, sir, we should examine the new poll... 1445 01:29:44,886 --> 01:29:47,116 They don't like that I'm going out with Sydney. 1446 01:29:47,188 --> 01:29:49,452 It's not that simple. 1447 01:29:49,524 --> 01:29:52,584 This poll brings a murky problem into specific relief. 1448 01:29:52,660 --> 01:29:57,495 Whose problem we talking about, yours? You worried about losing your job? 1449 01:29:57,565 --> 01:30:00,557 Because this poll isn't talking about my presidency! 1450 01:30:00,668 --> 01:30:03,102 This poll is talking about my life! 1451 01:30:03,171 --> 01:30:05,366 264 million people... 1452 01:30:05,440 --> 01:30:09,740 They don't give a damn about your life! They give a damn about their own! 1453 01:30:09,811 --> 01:30:12,279 All right! That's enough! 1454 01:30:12,380 --> 01:30:15,975 Mr. President, you've raised a daughter... 1455 01:30:16,050 --> 01:30:20,146 almost entirely on your own, and she's terrific. 1456 01:30:20,221 --> 01:30:23,190 So what does it say to you that in the past seven weeks... 1457 01:30:23,291 --> 01:30:27,318 fifty-nine percent of this country has begun to question your family values? 1458 01:30:27,395 --> 01:30:29,295 The president doesn't answer to you. 1459 01:30:29,364 --> 01:30:32,891 Oh, yes, he does. I'm a citizen. This is my president. 1460 01:30:32,967 --> 01:30:35,868 In this country, it is not only permissible to question our leaders... 1461 01:30:35,937 --> 01:30:38,030 it's our responsibility. 1462 01:30:38,106 --> 01:30:41,132 But you already know that, don't you, Mr. President? 1463 01:30:41,209 --> 01:30:45,145 You have a deeper love of this country than any man I've ever known... 1464 01:30:45,213 --> 01:30:48,910 and I want to know what it says to you that in the past seven weeks... 1465 01:30:48,983 --> 01:30:52,111 fifty-nine percent of Americans have begun to question your patriotism? 1466 01:30:52,187 --> 01:30:55,156 - If people want to listen to Bob... - They don't have a choice! 1467 01:30:55,256 --> 01:30:58,089 Bob Rumson is the only one doing the talking. 1468 01:30:58,159 --> 01:31:01,822 People want leadership, and in the absence of genuine leadership... 1469 01:31:01,896 --> 01:31:04,592 they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. 1470 01:31:04,666 --> 01:31:07,464 They want leadership. 1471 01:31:07,535 --> 01:31:10,333 They're so thirsty for it, they'll crawl toward a mirage. 1472 01:31:10,405 --> 01:31:13,431 And when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand. 1473 01:31:15,677 --> 01:31:18,942 Lewis, we have had presidents who were beloved... 1474 01:31:19,013 --> 01:31:23,347 who couldn't find a coherent sentence with two hands and a flashlight. 1475 01:31:24,652 --> 01:31:27,917 People don't drink the sand because they're thirsty. 1476 01:31:27,989 --> 01:31:32,517 They drink the sand because they don't know the difference. 1477 01:31:40,268 --> 01:31:44,068 Mr. President, what do you want to do about 455? 1478 01:31:47,976 --> 01:31:51,036 - Make the deal. - Yes, sir. 1479 01:31:53,314 --> 01:31:55,407 I just want to go on record... 1480 01:31:55,483 --> 01:31:58,714 and apologize for my attitude towards you since your arrival. 1481 01:31:58,786 --> 01:32:00,720 I didn't notice. Was there an attitude? 1482 01:32:00,788 --> 01:32:05,452 Well, I think that I have a lot of pent-up hostility. 1483 01:32:05,526 --> 01:32:07,585 I'm wondering who I can blame. 1484 01:32:07,662 --> 01:32:09,596 I'm not really qualified... 1485 01:32:09,664 --> 01:32:14,567 I've been blaming it on my mother and my ex-husband, but that doesn't work. 1486 01:32:14,636 --> 01:32:17,127 Syd, Leo needs to see you. 1487 01:32:17,238 --> 01:32:19,331 Tell him to get in here. It's a party. 1488 01:32:19,407 --> 01:32:22,774 - He needs to see you in his office. - It can't wait? 1489 01:32:22,844 --> 01:32:26,007 He just got off the phone with Maclnerney. There's been a development. 1490 01:32:32,053 --> 01:32:33,782 Good evening. 1491 01:32:46,434 --> 01:32:47,867 Sounds good. 1492 01:32:47,936 --> 01:32:50,234 - It's progressive. - I'll say. 1493 01:32:50,305 --> 01:32:52,865 What's wrong with Sydney? Did you fight? 1494 01:32:52,941 --> 01:32:55,501 - What do you mean? - She seemed pretty mad. 1495 01:32:55,576 --> 01:32:57,703 - You saw her? - Yeah. She's here. 1496 01:32:57,779 --> 01:32:59,371 - Where? - In your room. 1497 01:32:59,447 --> 01:33:03,042 - Why is she mad? - Don't worry about it, honey. 1498 01:33:03,117 --> 01:33:06,109 - Were you a dork? - Practice your music. 1499 01:33:06,220 --> 01:33:10,316 If you were a dork, you should say you're sorry. Girls like that. 1500 01:33:12,827 --> 01:33:14,761 Have you seen a grey cable knit sweater? 1501 01:33:14,829 --> 01:33:17,593 A grey sweater? No. I called you today. 1502 01:33:17,665 --> 01:33:20,634 It's Beth's. I didn't want to leave it. 1503 01:33:20,735 --> 01:33:22,600 Where you going? 1504 01:33:22,670 --> 01:33:25,639 - I'm going home, then to Hartford. - Connecticut? 1505 01:33:25,707 --> 01:33:29,040 - Yes. Was it sent with your cleaning? - What's in Connecticut? 1506 01:33:29,110 --> 01:33:32,102 Richard Reynolds' campaign. He may give me a job. 1507 01:33:32,180 --> 01:33:34,114 When did you decide to get a new job? 1508 01:33:34,182 --> 01:33:37,049 Not long after Leo Solomon fired me from my old one. 1509 01:33:37,118 --> 01:33:40,383 - Beth's gonna kill me. - Why did he fire you? 1510 01:33:40,455 --> 01:33:44,391 Total failure to achieve any of the objectives for which I was hired. 1511 01:33:44,459 --> 01:33:46,518 I told him he was being unreasonable. 1512 01:33:46,594 --> 01:33:48,619 After all, I did get to dance with the president... 1513 01:33:48,696 --> 01:33:51,130 and ride in Air Force One a couple of times. 1514 01:33:51,199 --> 01:33:54,293 But you know those environmentalists. It's always gotta be something. 1515 01:33:54,369 --> 01:33:56,633 If it's not clean air, then it's clean water. 1516 01:33:56,704 --> 01:33:58,865 It's not good enough that I'm on the cover of People magazine. 1517 01:33:58,940 --> 01:34:00,908 I'll call him. 1518 01:34:00,975 --> 01:34:03,773 You mean you'll call him yourself, personally? 1519 01:34:03,845 --> 01:34:05,779 It'll come from the president? 1520 01:34:05,847 --> 01:34:08,873 That's a great idea. You should call Leo and make a deal. 1521 01:34:08,983 --> 01:34:11,417 He hires me back for, say, 72 days. 1522 01:34:11,486 --> 01:34:13,511 I go around scaring Congress... 1523 01:34:13,621 --> 01:34:17,523 making them think the president's about to drive through a very costly bill. 1524 01:34:17,592 --> 01:34:21,153 They'll believe me, right? Because I'm the president's Friday night girl. 1525 01:34:21,229 --> 01:34:25,529 I don't know if you can dip into that well twice since I've lost credibility. 1526 01:34:25,600 --> 01:34:28,694 But you never know. I might pull it off again. 1527 01:34:28,770 --> 01:34:30,704 I might give you just the leverage you need... 1528 01:34:30,772 --> 01:34:33,639 to pass some ground-breaking piece of crime legislation... 1529 01:34:33,708 --> 01:34:37,804 like a mandatory 3-day waiting period before a five-year-old can buy an Uzi. 1530 01:34:37,879 --> 01:34:41,042 Fuck the sweater! She'll have to live with disappointment. 1531 01:34:41,115 --> 01:34:44,016 What do you think went on here today? 1532 01:34:44,085 --> 01:34:48,044 I know exactly what went on here today. I got screwed! 1533 01:34:48,156 --> 01:34:52,889 You saw the poll, needed the bill, couldn't get it, so I got screwed! 1534 01:34:52,960 --> 01:34:57,192 The environment got screwed, Sydney. Nothing happened to you. 1535 01:34:57,265 --> 01:34:59,665 Governing is choosing. Governing is prioritizing. 1536 01:34:59,734 --> 01:35:03,431 I made no secret of the fact the crime bill was my top priority. 1537 01:35:03,504 --> 01:35:05,301 Well, congratulations. 1538 01:35:05,373 --> 01:35:07,466 It's only taken you three years to put together... 1539 01:35:07,575 --> 01:35:11,067 crime prevention legislation that has no hope of preventing crime. 1540 01:35:11,145 --> 01:35:13,238 Syd, please. 1541 01:35:13,314 --> 01:35:15,874 I don't want to lose you over this. 1542 01:35:15,950 --> 01:35:19,716 Mr. President, you got bigger problems than losing me. 1543 01:35:21,289 --> 01:35:23,450 You just lost my vote. 1544 01:35:31,599 --> 01:35:33,089 What's in Hartford? 1545 01:35:33,201 --> 01:35:36,364 Richard Reynolds' district office. She's thinking of running his campaign. 1546 01:35:36,437 --> 01:35:38,132 Twelve in the corner. 1547 01:35:38,206 --> 01:35:42,165 Hartford... insurance capital of the world. 1548 01:35:42,243 --> 01:35:44,711 Have a good time, Syd. 1549 01:35:44,812 --> 01:35:48,543 Listen, I'm gonna have Janie clear your schedule for the weekend. 1550 01:35:48,616 --> 01:35:50,550 - You need rest. - You handling me? 1551 01:35:50,618 --> 01:35:52,051 - No. - Good. 1552 01:35:52,120 --> 01:35:55,578 But I will if you don't start taking your head out of your ass. 1553 01:35:55,656 --> 01:35:57,920 Excuse me? 1554 01:35:57,992 --> 01:36:00,392 Lewis is right. Go after this guy. 1555 01:36:02,497 --> 01:36:04,658 - Has he lied? - What? 1556 01:36:04,732 --> 01:36:08,668 - Has Rumson lied in the past 7 weeks? - Has he lied? 1557 01:36:08,736 --> 01:36:11,000 Other than not knowing the difference between Harvard and Stanford... 1558 01:36:11,072 --> 01:36:14,439 has he said something that isn't true? 1559 01:36:14,509 --> 01:36:17,478 Am I not a commander in chief who's never served in the military? 1560 01:36:17,545 --> 01:36:21,914 Am I not opposed to a constitutional amendment banning flag burning? 1561 01:36:21,983 --> 01:36:24,918 Am I not an unmarried father who shared a bed with a liberal lobbyist... 1562 01:36:24,986 --> 01:36:26,977 down the hall from his 12-year-old daughter? 1563 01:36:27,054 --> 01:36:28,521 And you think you're wrong? 1564 01:36:28,589 --> 01:36:31,786 You don't win elections by telling people that they are! 1565 01:36:31,859 --> 01:36:35,795 We fight the fights we can win. You fight the fights that need fighting! 1566 01:36:35,897 --> 01:36:38,889 Is the view pretty good from the cheap seats, A. J? 1567 01:36:39,000 --> 01:36:41,662 - I beg your pardon? - Because it occurs to me... 1568 01:36:41,736 --> 01:36:44,705 that in 25 years, I've never seen your name on a ballot. 1569 01:36:44,772 --> 01:36:47,969 Why are you always one step behind me? 1570 01:36:48,042 --> 01:36:49,509 Because if I wasn't... 1571 01:36:49,610 --> 01:36:53,102 you'd be the most popular professor at the University of Wisconsin. 1572 01:36:53,681 --> 01:36:55,512 Fuck you! 1573 01:37:00,488 --> 01:37:03,480 Have Lewis put the final draft of the State of the Union... 1574 01:37:03,558 --> 01:37:05,719 on my desk in the morning. 1575 01:37:05,793 --> 01:37:08,284 Yes, sir. 1576 01:37:17,638 --> 01:37:20,129 If Mary hadn't died... 1577 01:37:21,709 --> 01:37:24,337 would we have won three years ago? 1578 01:37:26,113 --> 01:37:28,308 Would we have won? 1579 01:37:28,382 --> 01:37:32,751 If we had to go through a character debate three years ago... 1580 01:37:32,820 --> 01:37:34,754 would we have won? 1581 01:37:34,822 --> 01:37:36,915 I don't know. 1582 01:37:38,859 --> 01:37:41,760 But I would have liked that campaign. 1583 01:37:41,829 --> 01:37:44,354 If my friend Andy Shepherd had shown up... 1584 01:37:44,465 --> 01:37:47,093 I would have liked that campaign very much. 1585 01:38:48,663 --> 01:38:50,927 Because the president feels there's no value... 1586 01:38:50,998 --> 01:38:52,966 in this kind of character debate. 1587 01:38:53,067 --> 01:38:54,864 Will the president ever respond to... 1588 01:38:54,935 --> 01:38:58,063 Rumson's question about being a member of the American Civil Liberties Union? 1589 01:38:58,139 --> 01:39:00,539 Yes, he will. Good morning. 1590 01:39:00,608 --> 01:39:03,042 Please keep your seats. Good morning. 1591 01:39:10,785 --> 01:39:13,652 For the last couple of months, Senator Rumson has suggested... 1592 01:39:13,721 --> 01:39:18,181 that being president was, to a certain extent, about character. 1593 01:39:18,259 --> 01:39:22,525 Although I have not been willing to engage in his attacks on me... 1594 01:39:22,596 --> 01:39:26,498 I've been here three years and three days... 1595 01:39:26,567 --> 01:39:29,934 and I can tell you, without hesitation... 1596 01:39:30,004 --> 01:39:32,973 being president of this country... 1597 01:39:33,040 --> 01:39:36,237 is entirely about character. 1598 01:39:36,310 --> 01:39:38,244 For the record: 1599 01:39:38,312 --> 01:39:42,112 Yes, I am a card-carrying member of the ACLU. 1600 01:39:42,183 --> 01:39:45,584 But the more important question is, why aren't you, Bob? 1601 01:39:45,653 --> 01:39:47,587 Now, this is an organization... 1602 01:39:47,655 --> 01:39:50,647 whose sole purpose is to defend the Bill of Rights. 1603 01:39:50,725 --> 01:39:52,716 So it begs the question: 1604 01:39:52,793 --> 01:39:56,251 Why would a senator... his party's most powerful spokesman... 1605 01:39:56,364 --> 01:40:01,324 and a candidate for president... choose to reject upholding the Constitution? 1606 01:40:01,402 --> 01:40:04,030 If you can answer that question, you're smarter than I am... 1607 01:40:04,105 --> 01:40:08,701 because I didn't understand it until a few hours ago. 1608 01:40:10,311 --> 01:40:12,779 America isn't easy. 1609 01:40:14,115 --> 01:40:16,640 America is advanced citizenship. 1610 01:40:16,717 --> 01:40:20,676 You've gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. 1611 01:40:20,755 --> 01:40:23,280 It's gonna say, " You want free speech? " 1612 01:40:23,357 --> 01:40:26,520 Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil... 1613 01:40:26,594 --> 01:40:30,291 who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs... 1614 01:40:30,364 --> 01:40:34,130 that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. 1615 01:40:34,201 --> 01:40:36,692 You want to claim this land as the land of the free? 1616 01:40:36,804 --> 01:40:40,399 Then the symbol of your country cannot just be a flag! 1617 01:40:40,474 --> 01:40:45,070 The symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right... 1618 01:40:45,146 --> 01:40:47,410 to burn that flag in protest. 1619 01:40:47,481 --> 01:40:51,349 Now, show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. 1620 01:40:51,419 --> 01:40:55,116 Then you can stand up and sing about the land of the free. 1621 01:40:55,189 --> 01:40:59,182 I've known Bob Rumson for years, and I've operated under the assumption... 1622 01:40:59,260 --> 01:41:02,957 that the reason Bob devotes so much energy to shouting at the rain... 1623 01:41:03,030 --> 01:41:05,430 was that he simply didn't get it. 1624 01:41:05,499 --> 01:41:08,696 Well, I was wrong. Bob's problem isn't that he doesn't get it. 1625 01:41:08,769 --> 01:41:11,237 Bob's problem is that he can't sell it. 1626 01:41:12,807 --> 01:41:15,105 We have serious problems to solve... 1627 01:41:15,176 --> 01:41:17,906 and we need serious people to solve them. 1628 01:41:17,978 --> 01:41:21,607 Whatever your particular problem is, I promise you... 1629 01:41:21,682 --> 01:41:25,948 Bob Rumson's not the least bit interested in solving it. 1630 01:41:26,020 --> 01:41:29,956 He is interested in two things, and two things only: 1631 01:41:30,057 --> 01:41:33,220 Making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it. 1632 01:41:33,294 --> 01:41:36,263 That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections. 1633 01:41:36,363 --> 01:41:39,958 You gather a group of middle-age, middle-class, middle-income voters... 1634 01:41:40,034 --> 01:41:43,231 who remember with longing an easier time... 1635 01:41:43,304 --> 01:41:46,569 and you talk to them about family and American values and character. 1636 01:41:46,640 --> 01:41:49,108 You wave an old photo of the president's girlfriend... 1637 01:41:49,210 --> 01:41:51,474 and you scream about patriotism and you tell them... 1638 01:41:51,545 --> 01:41:54,173 " She's to blame for their lot in life. " 1639 01:41:54,248 --> 01:41:56,614 And you go on television... 1640 01:41:56,684 --> 01:41:59,676 and you call her a whore. 1641 01:41:59,753 --> 01:42:02,517 Sydney Ellen Wade has done nothing to you, Bob. 1642 01:42:02,590 --> 01:42:05,923 She has done nothing but put herself through school... 1643 01:42:05,993 --> 01:42:08,587 represent the interests of public school teachers... 1644 01:42:08,662 --> 01:42:11,392 and lobby for the safety of our natural resources. 1645 01:42:11,465 --> 01:42:15,265 You want a character debate, Bob, you better stick with me. 1646 01:42:15,336 --> 01:42:18,897 'Cause Sydney Ellen Wade is way out of your league. 1647 01:42:26,113 --> 01:42:29,344 I've loved two women in my life. 1648 01:42:29,416 --> 01:42:32,544 I lost one to cancer. 1649 01:42:32,620 --> 01:42:35,953 And I lost the other 'cause I was so busy keeping my job... 1650 01:42:36,023 --> 01:42:38,457 I forgot to do my job. 1651 01:42:39,793 --> 01:42:41,920 Well, that ends right now. 1652 01:42:41,996 --> 01:42:45,159 Tomorrow morning, the White House is sending a bill... 1653 01:42:45,232 --> 01:42:47,928 to Congress for its consideration. 1654 01:42:48,002 --> 01:42:50,470 It's White House Resolution 455... 1655 01:42:50,571 --> 01:42:54,234 an energy bill requiring a 20% reduction... 1656 01:42:54,308 --> 01:42:57,766 of the emission of fossil fuels over the next ten years. 1657 01:42:57,845 --> 01:43:01,941 It is, by far, the most aggressive stride ever taken... 1658 01:43:02,016 --> 01:43:04,917 in the fight to reverse the effects of global warming. 1659 01:43:04,985 --> 01:43:07,920 The other piece of legislation is the crime bill. 1660 01:43:09,523 --> 01:43:14,460 As of today, it no longer exists. I'm throwing it out. 1661 01:43:14,528 --> 01:43:18,760 I'm throwing it out and writing a law that makes sense. 1662 01:43:18,832 --> 01:43:20,959 You cannot address crime prevention... 1663 01:43:21,035 --> 01:43:24,004 without getting rid of assault weapons and handguns. 1664 01:43:24,071 --> 01:43:27,302 I consider them a threat to national security... 1665 01:43:27,374 --> 01:43:29,399 and I will go door to door if I have to... 1666 01:43:29,476 --> 01:43:33,572 but I'm gonna convince Americans that I'm right, and I'm gonna get the guns. 1667 01:43:34,982 --> 01:43:39,385 We've got serious problems, and we need serious people. 1668 01:43:39,453 --> 01:43:41,648 If you want to talk about character, Bob... 1669 01:43:41,722 --> 01:43:45,214 you better come at me with more than a burning flag and a membership card. 1670 01:43:45,292 --> 01:43:49,126 If you want to talk about character and American values, fine. 1671 01:43:49,196 --> 01:43:52,097 Just tell me where and when, and I'll show up. 1672 01:43:52,166 --> 01:43:56,364 This is a time for serious people, Bob, and your 15 minutes are up. 1673 01:43:56,437 --> 01:43:59,634 My name is Andrew Shepherd, and I am the president. 1674 01:44:08,916 --> 01:44:10,611 You don't see that every day. 1675 01:44:10,684 --> 01:44:13,676 He's got the press corps asking how to spell " erudite. " 1676 01:44:13,787 --> 01:44:17,390 - Better call the printer. - Gotta rewrite the State of the Union. 1677 01:44:17,425 --> 01:44:20,993 Every word. It's a whole new ball game. You have exactly 35 minutes. 1678 01:44:21,061 --> 01:44:24,462 Oh, good. I thought I was gonna be rushed. 1679 01:44:24,531 --> 01:44:26,795 I don't want a limousine. I don't want an escort. 1680 01:44:26,867 --> 01:44:30,701 I want a plain, ordinary, non-bulletproof automobile. 1681 01:44:30,771 --> 01:44:33,865 Somebody around here must have a Chevy I can borrow. 1682 01:44:33,941 --> 01:44:37,809 Find one and have it outside the west wing entrance in five minutes. 1683 01:44:37,878 --> 01:44:39,812 Excuse me, sir. Where are you going? 1684 01:44:39,880 --> 01:44:43,816 I'm going over to her house, stand outside her door until she lets me in. 1685 01:44:43,884 --> 01:44:47,820 - I'm not leaving until I get her back. - How are you gonna do that? 1686 01:44:47,888 --> 01:44:51,915 I haven't worked that out, but I'm sure groveling will be involved. 1687 01:44:51,992 --> 01:44:53,619 You're just gonna drive over? 1688 01:44:53,694 --> 01:44:56,629 I'm commander in chief of the most powerful army in the world. 1689 01:44:56,697 --> 01:44:59,325 You don't think I can drive ten blocks? 1690 01:44:59,400 --> 01:45:03,928 Just stay away from Du Pont Circle. I hear it's murder this time of day. 1691 01:45:09,877 --> 01:45:11,367 Hi, A. J. 1692 01:45:11,478 --> 01:45:14,447 Nice to see you, Ms. Wade. 1693 01:45:20,254 --> 01:45:24,088 Well, if anyone needs me, I'll be in the Roosevelt Room... 1694 01:45:24,191 --> 01:45:27,058 giving Lewis oxygen. 1695 01:45:30,297 --> 01:45:32,663 I heard your speech. 1696 01:45:35,369 --> 01:45:37,564 I was in my car. 1697 01:45:39,139 --> 01:45:41,630 It just kind of steered its way over here. 1698 01:45:43,977 --> 01:45:45,604 I'm glad. 1699 01:45:55,589 --> 01:45:59,992 I didn't decide to send 455 to the floor to get you back. 1700 01:46:00,060 --> 01:46:04,520 And I didn't come back because you sent 455 to the floor. 1701 01:46:10,971 --> 01:46:13,303 Mr. President, you might want to... 1702 01:46:14,441 --> 01:46:15,965 Hi, Sydney. 1703 01:46:19,680 --> 01:46:21,614 I moved Social Security up front. 1704 01:46:21,682 --> 01:46:25,209 Mr. President, Mr. Leventhal at the Treasury wants two minutes. Hi, Sydney. 1705 01:46:25,285 --> 01:46:29,847 Mr. President... Excuse me, Ms. Wade. Miss McCall is on her way over. 1706 01:46:31,391 --> 01:46:34,554 I got some things to do. 1707 01:46:35,763 --> 01:46:37,196 Yes, you do. 1708 01:46:39,032 --> 01:46:41,125 We're only a moment away from the arrival... 1709 01:46:41,201 --> 01:46:43,567 of President Shepherd and his State of the Union address. 1710 01:46:43,637 --> 01:46:46,435 George, you've served on several past administrations. 1711 01:46:46,507 --> 01:46:50,967 What kind of last-minute activity is the president engaged in right now? 1712 01:46:56,817 --> 01:47:00,253 There's something I wanted to give you since our first date. 1713 01:47:00,320 --> 01:47:02,618 I've tried to do it a number of times... 1714 01:47:02,689 --> 01:47:05,886 but somehow I've always managed to trip over my job. 1715 01:47:05,959 --> 01:47:08,393 But here. 1716 01:47:08,462 --> 01:47:10,396 These are for you. 1717 01:47:13,167 --> 01:47:15,135 They're beautiful. 1718 01:47:18,872 --> 01:47:22,205 - Mr. President? - Well, I've gotta go. 1719 01:47:22,276 --> 01:47:24,437 Should I stay here? 1720 01:47:25,813 --> 01:47:27,747 Walk with me. 1721 01:47:32,085 --> 01:47:35,851 - How'd you finally do it? - Do what? 1722 01:47:35,923 --> 01:47:39,723 Manage to give a woman flowers and be president at the same time. 1723 01:47:39,793 --> 01:47:43,024 Well, it turns out I've got a rose garden. 1724 01:47:45,632 --> 01:47:47,463 Mr. Speaker... 1725 01:47:47,534 --> 01:47:50,560 the president of the United States!